United Reserves FC are enjoying a splendid run (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

United Reserves FC are enjoying a splendid run

WHILE Cirencester Utd FC 1st XI were earning a point in a 1-1 home draw against Shrivenham, their Reserves followed up their previous week's win with a comfortable 4-0 away victory against lowly Middle Barton.

For Saturday's game, United Reserves player-manager Les Davies had to make several changes to his line-up.

Among them were Phil Ponting, returning from first team duty, Dan Paris making his debut on loan from Corinium and Antony Wilkinson who was back following a lengthy absence through injury.

United dominated a goal-less first half, but after the break their keeper Matt Keslake was made to work harder.

For Middle Barton broke away on several occasions to bring the best out of the United custodian.

But the half barely ten minutes old, United scored twice to put the game beyond their now disorientated rivals.

Adam O'Bree bagged their first with a shot that went in to the top of the net with the home keeper under pressure from Rich Barry. The second was a header from close range while the third was cracked home by Paris playing well below his standard in junior football. Mark Edwards completed the scoring with a sweet, left-foot shot.

A week or so earlier, when playing their first fixture since December 21, the Reserves beat the then top-of-the-table Milton United and followed this up with the 3-1 defeat of current table toppers Hook Norton Reserves in similar fashion.

However, on this occasion the goals were scored by three players rather than the one - a Les Davies' hat-trick.

Adam O'Bree opened the scoring when he went on a mazy run.

After drifting past three defenders, the fourth got in a good tackle, but the ball broke to Davies who squared back for O'Bree to side-foot home from close in.

Hooky responded, but were kept at bay by the solid back three of Paul Richings, Aidy Smith, and a Julian Reeves returning to action following a long injury lay-off.

When the defence was breached, Matt Keslake produced some incredible saves that, despite the claims of O'Bree, earned him the man of the match accolade.

Davies pounced shortly after half-time to drill home the second goal.

Nonetheless, the visitors responded by forcing Keslake to make probably his best save of the game when diving to his right and getting a strong hand to a goal-bound shot

Although he forced it out for a corner, the visiting centre-half rose above the home defence from the flag-kick to head home just under the crossbar.

Rich Barry cracked home soon after to dispel any hopes of a come back by the visitors.

There were generally good performances all round, despite the long lay-off, especially from Sean Pocock and Kirb.

And after shaky starts, both Lee Rowlands and Mark Edwards contributed greatly.