CIRENCESTER TOWN'S development team suffered an unwarranted defeat on their return to Division One of the Hellenic League.

Uhlsport Hellenic Div One West

Carterton 4

Cirencester Town Development Team 2

Fielding a team short on numbers due to first-team call-ups and the overlapping cricket season, Cirencester nonetheless created early chances for Tom Blackford, Tim Bond and Max Lloyd before the experienced Ian McSherry latched on to a through ball from Jack Smith to make it 1-0.

Liam O'Brien was then unlucky not to double the lead when his header came back off the bar. However, on 33 minutes, three chances to clear were squandered and Carterton were able to equalise.

Danny Gudger and McSherry continued to cause problems for Carterton in the second half without hitting the target.

On 59 minutes, Ciren were awarded a penalty for handball and Tom Luce stepped up to make it 2-1 before the visitors wasted further chances to extend their lead.

In the 74th minute, Carterton were awarded a hotly-disputed penalty against the run of play and though keeper Reece Cass managed to save the first shot he was unable to keep out the follow-up.

A suddenly confident Carterton made it three when the Ciren boys felt there had been a foul in the build-up to the goal.

Despite more Ciren pressure, Carterton made the final score 4-2 with a breakaway goal.

MoM: Tom Luce.