Stroud & District Div Four

Avonvale Utd Reserves 2 Cotswold Rangers 3

AVONVALE Reserves were unlucky not to come away with any points in a hard-fought contest which could have gone either way.

Rangers started the game brightly and forced Vale to defend whole-heartedly until a well struck free kick from the edge of the box pierced their wall to put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes.

Rangers' lead lasted no more than 10 minutes with Dan Dingwall notching his first goal in an Vale shirt to even up the scores thanks to a powerful looping cross.

Rangers again took the lead just before half time with a close-range effort.

Vale started the second half on the front foot with George Kent, Luke Freeman and Fran Eddolls all to the fore.

However, against the run of play, Rangers extended their lead when a mishit shot found the bottom corner.

Vale rallied hard and with 20 minutes remaining Luke Freeman got his first senior goal in only his third game, rifling home a terrific shot from the edge of the area.

Vale continued to play attractive football but could not come up with the equaliser.