FOOTBALL: Cirencester continue fine run with win over Winchester (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester go second after putting three past play-off rivals Winchester

1:50pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in Sport

Evo-Stik League Southern Div 1 S&W.

Cirencester Town 3 Winchester City 1.

CIRENCESTER moved into second place in the league with an emphatic victory over their play-off rivals Winchester.

It was a good all-round performance from Town, with youngsters Joe Shepherd and Nathan Hawkins putting up fine displays in place of injured first-team regulars Ben Wells and Chris Thompson.

Ciren started brightly and were ahead in the ninth minute after they were awarded a penalty for hand ball. Scott Griffin converted an excellent spot kick into the corner of the net, giving Rory Anderson little chance.

In the 13th minute, Ciren were 2-0 ahead thanks to a superb 20-yard half-volley into the top corner from Aiden Bennett.

Ciren continued to dominate, causing Winchester lots of problems. However, in only their second serious attack of the half, the visitors pulled a goal back when Michael Charles headed home a cross.

Ciren worked hard to get a third goal that would have killed the game off in the second period with Jamie Reid, Sam Collier and Bennett all going close.

In the 66th minute, Griffin found himself with a great chance after a pouncing on a miscued clearance from James McGowan, but his powerful right foot shot cleared the Winchester bar.

A minute later, Ciren did seal the points. A Bennett shot was cleared but only as far as Shepherd, who picked his spot with confidence.

Town's best chance of extending their lead came in the 80th minute when a Mortimer-Jones free kick was cleverly played to Griffin, who blasted over the bar from eight yards.

Cirencester Town: Bath, Allard, Dunton, Sysum (capt), Shepherd (Bailey, 92), Hawkins, Reid, Mortimer-Jones, Collier (Bumphrey, 70), Griffin (Packer, 84), Bennett.

Attendance: 79. Four Pillars Hotel MoM: Aiden Bennett.