Victory over Bedford elevates Cirencester Town to fifth spot (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Victory over Bedford elevates Cirencester Town to fifth spot

ANOTHER solid display in a 3-0 home win over Bedford has elevated Cirencester to fifth place in Southern Premier and within striking distance of the two top teams.

In fact, Saturday's victory also saw the Centurions overtaking Bedford in the table after recording three league successes on the bounce.

It was the visitors who started the brightest when Derwayne Stupple found Paul Fewings in space and his shot was only just wide.

The hosts countered when Neil Arndale tried his luck from 30 yards with a powerful shot which was wide of the mark.

In the home side's next build- up, Nick Stanley won a corner. From Ben Fitch's cross, Darren Robison's volley was deflected only as far as Gareth Hopkins whose first-time effort was only just wide.

From a long throw by Arndale, Jody Bevan flicked on and, although Hopkins' shot was blocked, Fitch's low effort was only just wide.

But Bedford always looked dangerous on the break and home keeper Mark Bryant had to come a long way off his line to save with his legs to deny Fewings.

On 20 minutes, the Corinium Stadium side were forced to reorganise their line-up when Marc Richards had to leave the field with a head injury and was replaced by Michael Jackson.

Cirencester were now creating openings and a fierce drive by Hopkins brought a great save from Andrew Stevens. It was no surprise when, on 26 minutes, Cirencester opened the scoring.

Kevin Halliday, who broke with a superb run down the left to get past two defenders, saw his dipping, low cross come off James Taylor from three yards out to find the back of the net.

This goal gave the local side a boost and, from a Fitch cross, Adam Howarth's powerful header was only inches wide.

Bedford still looked dangerous on the break and Chris Dillow worked his way past two defenders to despatch a powerful, low shot just past the far post.

It was just before half-time when Cirencester got their second goal. From a corner, Shaun Wimble's cross caused chaos in the box and Bevan and Hopkins both had shots blocked.

Nonetheless, Howarth latched on to the loose ball to find the back of the net from five yards.

Though Bedford came out strongly in the second half, their opponents put the game beyond doubt when a Jackson through ball was headed on by Bevan.

Right on cue, Hopkins found the back of the net with a superb, angled volley from 15 yards. In response, Bedford were unlucky with a free kick 25 yards out when Steve Jackman's fierce shot cannoned back off the bar.

Shortly after, the same player came close with another free kick which was only just wide of the mark. Just before the final whistle, a great run from Nick Stanley took him to the byline, but his dangerous looking cross was missed everybody.

Cirencester Town: Bryant, Arndale, Halliday, Wimble, Richards (Jackson 20) Howarth, Robison, Stanley, Hopkins, Bevan (Corcoran 80) Fitch. Subs: Wotton, Griffin, Fraser. Referee J Cox (Evesham), attendance 207. l At the Corinium Stadium on Tuesday night, Cirencester beat a young Swindon Town XI 3-2. More on this story next week.