Centurions are safely over first hurdle of a major cup (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Centurions are safely over first hurdle of a major cup

HAVING defeated their Yate hosts in last weekend's thrilling preliminary tie, Cirencester are through to the next round of the FA Cup when they face local rivals Swindon Supermarine on Saturday week.

It was a game that started brilliantly for the visitors, although they were made to cling on for long periods to ensure their name was left in the draw.

The game was only four minutes old when Cirencester gained a free kick 35 yards out on the left.

And Richard Kear, in his first start this season, fired over a perfect cross for Jody Bevan to get in a powerful header which flew into the top corner that gave the Lodge Road keeper Shay Mitchell no chance.

The Centurions double their tally five minutes later when, from another free kick, Kear stepped up to fire a tremendous shot from 25 yards which flew into the top left-hand corner.

But the Bristol side responded and got into the game and Mike Wyatt's low shot was saved at full stretch by Town custodian Paul Thompson.

Shortly after, Mike Davis had to get in a vital challenge on Tony Bennett when he was through on goal.

Cirencester, though, should have increased their lead midway through the half.

Kear laid a perfect through ball for Scott Griffin to get behind the defence, but his attempted lob flew inches past the far post.

The Bluebells countered with a quick break and Thompson did well to save Paul Methringham's first-time effort.

Chances were being created at both ends and Scott Griffin twice came close for Cirencester.

But the home side were unlucky when a move started by Dave Elsey finished with a great cross from Andy Neal and Methringham's shot bounce back off the post for Andy Minturn to clear the danger.

Just before half-time, Town thought they had earned a penalty when Griffin was brought down in the box.

Although the referee initially seemed to point to the spot when his assistant flagged for the offence, all that Cirencester got was a dropped ball 25 yards out.

In the last throes of the first half it was end-to-end action. Bevan shot wide when well positioned and, at the other end, Davis did well to clear off the line.

First a low shot from Bennett and then a Methringham header came back off a post and Davis was again well positioned to clear.

The second half started as brightly as the first half. Griffin created a chance for Kear and keeper Mitchell did well to get a leg to his low shot.

After ten minutes, the hosts finally opened their account when a free kick just outside the box had to be retaken for encroachment on the first attempt.

On the second, Elsey laid the ball down the line for Wyatt to cross into the six-yard box for Gary Powell to slot home.

Chances were being created at both ends and keeper Mitchell did well to cut out crosses from Davis and Fitch while, at the other end, Dave Lee tested Thompson with a terrific shot.

In a hectic final five minutes, Yate pushed everyone forward and it was panic stations at the other end.

And it needed two vital tackles from Gary Wotton to ensure that Cirencester went through into the next round.