Fairford take 2-1 first-leg lead in the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford take 2-1 first-leg lead in the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup

FAIRFORD Town go into the second leg of the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup with a one-goal lead after a 70th-minute strike from Neil Matthews ensured Mark Webb's men a 2-1 winning start.

In last week's Wednesday evening tie at Cinder Lane, new signing Phil Corcoran put Town ahead on 44 minutes as he turned in a corner from Lovegrove.

Emerging ahead after the break, Town pushed United back but could not convert chances into goals.

But Gloucester drew level from a corner as Ojukwu, who had proved a handful all game, turned the ball home.

With 20 minutes left, Matthews made home advantage count as he struck the ball into the net after a good cross from Lee Stoddart.

In the other semi-final first-leg tie, played on on the same evening, Slimbridge were handed a 1-0 lead by their Bishops Cleeve hosts with an own goal on 73 minutes.

Fairford then earned three points in a difficult home league match against Pewsey Vale on Saturday.

It was a goal two minutes from time by Hughes that gave his side a slender 1-0 win.

And Fairford continued a winning run with a 2-0 league victory at Chipping Norton Town on Tuesday evening. Corcoran and Matthews were their two scorers.

This Saturday, Fairford Town are home to Shortwood United, 3pm ko.