Tight contest goes the way of the visitors

Two outstanding finishes proved the difference in an even game where there wasn't much between the two sides.

On a blustery morning, South Gloucestershire RTC showed their composure from the outset whilst City took a bit more time to settle - perhaps some rustiness from this being their first game since the end of November during which period their opponents had picked up two victories and a concession to take them to the top of the league.

Both sides battled to get on top with the home midfield showing up well - Harry Stone displaying no ill effects from his recent injury lay-off, captain Archie Thurston industrious as ever and Guy Collett looking to unlock the opposing defence. However there were no clear-cut chances until the last minute of the first quarter when home keeper Josh Reed-Jones dived and pushed out a strong hand to divert a cross-shot from danger.

South Glos seized the initiative in Q2 but not until after they had missed a glorious chance when, from a corner, their player span on a sixpence but shot wide from eight yards.

It wasn't long though before the visitors were rewarded for their quality on the ball when their player cut in from the left, skipped several challenges and steered beautifully home into the top corner.

The same part of the net was rattled soon after with an even better goal as City's defence was split with an incisive through ball which was skilfully stroked home by the player with the outside of the foot.

The home team remained determined and Billy Owen came close to getting them back into the game but, after doing well to work an opportunity for himself on the left wing, his spectacular shot just went over the bar.

Like their opponents, the hosts enjoyed their best passages of play kicking into the wind - Q3 beginning with Harry Rebbeck forcing a good diving save from the keeper and then providing a decent cross that South Glos eventually scrambled away with no City player unable to pounce. At the other end, South Glos created more danger from a corner which was diverted onto a post and cleared off the line.

City continued to press in the final quarter - Owen delivering a delicious cross that just eluded Will Cottell and then seeing another shot flash across goal. South Glos were foiled from extending their winning margin when Reed-Jones blocked well with his legs although another goal would have been harsh on the home back line where centre-backs Oli Sheahan and Alex Fenn impressed.

Indeed credit to both defences which were well-marshalled throughout the second half to prevent any further scoring - typified by a brilliant, perfectly-timed last-ditch sliding tackle by a South Glos defender as Cottell broke through with City's final chance.

Much like the away fixture, which finished goalless, it was only the finishing that separated the teams but City can certainly be encouraged by a very hard-working display after several weeks without a game.