Leaky defence means no points for Town FC (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Leaky defence means no points for Town FC

WITH Cirencester still leaking goals in periods when they appear to be in total control, it was visiting Bedworth who seized the points in Saturday's Dr Martens League, Western Division game at the Corinium Stadium.

Bedworth were limited to four attacks in the first half, but they went in at the break three goals in front.

Although the home side probably feel they deserve at least a draw for their second-half performance, they had to contend with the superb form of Bedworth keeper McCaulay Iyayi who pulled off a string of saves in both halves.

Introduced their new signings, Alan Bird and Marc Richards, the Corinium Stadium side came closest early in the game.

From a Michael Davis cross, Jody Bevan's diving header was only just wide.

In Town's next build-up, Gareth Hopkins laid the ball into the path of Richard Kear and his angled shot was brilliantly saved by Iyayi while, shortly after, a Bevan first-time shot flashed the wrong side of a post.

It was slightly against the run of play when the visitors took the lead on 33 minutes.

Paul White latched on to a Martin Crowley clearance to beat the offside trap, powering home a tremendous shot from 25 yards.

Four minutes later, they made it two when White got to the byline to fire in a perfect cross for Anthony Robison to head home.

With half-time approaching, the Centurions' defences were caught napping and Robinson was allowed to get in a cross from the right for Darren Massingham to find the back of the net from six yards.

Cirencester started the second half much brighter and, on 55 minutes, got a goal back.

Ben Fitch, who had replaced Andy Minturn in a changed line- up, fired over a great cross for Hopkins to slot home at the far post.

Now pushing extra men forward, Town had their rivals under a great deal of pressure.

But when they did manage to get behind the defence, they found Iyayi in commanding form, tipping over the bar a blocked challenge from Hopkins.

It was not until two minutes from the end that Cirencester finally made the breakthrough.

A Keith O'Halloran free kick was headed back across goal by Gary Wotton and Bevan chested the ball over the line.

The closing stages were somewhat hectic with Cirencester pushing everyone forward including keeper Paul Thompson on the set moves. Frustratingly, Bedworth stood fast to return home with maximum points.

Cirencester Town: Thompson, Bird, McEntegart, Richards, Minturn (Fitch 45) Wotton, Davis (McCabe 75), O'Halloran, Hopkins, Kear (Griffin 85), Bevan. Subs: Mayo, Hughes. Referee G A Aston (West Midlands), attendance 132.