Hockey (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hockey

Gloucester Ladies 2nds 2 1 Cirencester

Cirencester's slim promotion hopes were dashed on Saturday after defeat at Gloucester.

The home side started strongly, forcing several defensive errors and allowing them to take the lead after 15 minutes. Despite several players being out of position, as injury and illness reduced Cirencester to a bare eleven, this seemed to spur Cirencester on and the midfield began to control the game.

There were a number of flowing moves and passing sequences, and the equaliser seemed inevitable. It came from a well worked short corner, finished by Alex Tomlinson. Cirencester continued to dominate for the rest of the half creating a number of chances, but were unable to add to the score.

After the break Gloucester pressed forward to crowd the midfield denying Cirencester space. The game became a fierce physical contest as both sides tackled aggressively, and there were a number of bruising encounters, one of which led to Cirencester being temporarily reduced to ten players.

Eventually the pressure told and Gloucester retook the lead through a short corner. Cirencester fought hard to the final whistle, and again created chances, but time and luck ran out.

The firsts have a break this week before playing host to Newent on February 23rd.