United Reserves overcome a double blow to earn a point (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

United Reserves overcome a double blow to earn a point

WITH manager Les Davies called away on an urgent matter and goalkeeper Stuart Page injuring his hand during the pre-match warm-up, it proved a double blow for the hopes of Cirencester United Reserves in Saturday's home league game against Cheltenham Saracens.

But with their first team without a fixture, United were fortunate in having the services of Matt Keslake who deputised between the sticks.

Although the home side were 0-2 behind at half-time, which became 0-3 after the break, they were never outplayed.

Indeed, at times they carried the game to the visitors who were a strong and confident outfit.

However, United did waste a lot of good possession through either a wayward shot or pass.

With a back three playing together for the first time, United were caught, stretched and confused when trying to play offside.

And their failings allowed Saras to score through Tanner, Dyer and Jezzard.

After Chris Underhill came off the bench at half-time, he was soon joined by Mark Giles and both made telling contributions.

Not long after Cheltenham had scored a third goal, Mark Edwards struck a marvellous left-footed shot into the top corner, a great way to open his account for Cirencester this season.

United were now well on top and Matt Hanks headed home a ball played into him by Anthony Wilkinson in his second game following a long injury absence.

Wilkinson is now looking the kind of player he was before injury curtailed his time at Supermarine.

Saras made two substitutions trying to stem the tide, but United equalised when Underhill found time and space to fire home a goal to match that of Edwards' earlier strike.

Although the home side looked most likely to go on and win the game, it was Saras who found the net again.

This time, though, the offside trap worked and the goal was ruled out to leave the score level when referee Paul Middlecote, who had a good game, blew the final whistle.