Cirencester Football League round-up

Tenacious in midfield and sharp in attack, Cerney struck three times in the first half with some decisive counter-attacking football.

The visitors’ position was further worsened when they lost their goalkeeper at half-time due to injury. They battled strongly in the second period to get back into the game, but the home defence and goalkeeper held firm, with CHQ missing a late penalty to gain a consolation.

Poulton ran out comfortable winners at Real Fairford with a 4-1 success, and Bibury Reserves also had a good 5-1 victory over visitors Oaksey, making them the early leaders of Division One.

In the other top-flight game, newly-promoted Siddington Sports were held to a 1-1 draw by The Beeches.

In Division Two, The Beeches Reserves head the table after they gave visitors Minety a rude awakening to the league by inflicting a heavy 8-0 defeat.

Lechlade Reserves comfortably beat visitors Down Ampney 4-1, but the other two games in the division were close affairs.

Kingshill Sports edged a tight contest at CHQ Reserves, winning 3-2, and South Cerney Reserves got the better of their visit to Tetbury III with the only goal of the game.

Two teams in each division will start their campaigns this Saturday.

In Division One, Lechlade FC 87 entertain CHQ who will be smarting from their opening-day defeat. Lechlade were title contenders for most of last season, but fell away in the spring due to their County Cup run and injuries.

They eventually finished third and will be looking to make a more sustained challenge this term. Newly-promoted Stratton Utd, who will perhaps be looking for a period of consolidation, start with a home game against Poulton.

In Division Two, a new-look Ashton Keynes side start with a visit to neighbours Minety who will surely be looking to tighten up their defending after their opening-day setback. Siddington Sports Veterans will visit Hatherop Park to play CHQ Reserves, in a tough looking start for the visitors.