Cinderford Town 1

Cirencester Town 1

Evo-Stik Southern League

Division 1 South

Cirencester Town snatched a late equaliser to return from The Forest of Dean with a point after a competitive encounter with Cinderford Town on Saturday writes Dave Pyzer. 

The Foresters took the three points at The Corinium Stadium in the second game of the season with a goal five minutes into added-time so this was always going to be a hard fought contest and so it proved.

In a game of the proverbial ‘two halves’ Cirencester had the better of the possession in the first period but were unable to make it pay whilst their hosts were more threatening after the break and with less than ten scheduled minutes remaining Cinderford finally broke the deadlock.

With both defences in defiant mood, there were few clear chances created and it was a free kick that led to the opening goal when, following an aerial challenge, James Harding latched onto the ball as it dropped inside the Cirencester penalty area to round Mat Wieczorek as he advanced and slot into the vacant net.

Despite this setback Cirencester stuck to their task to level in the 89th minute when Ben Whitehead delivered a cross from the right flank to Alan Griffin, just outside the six yard box, and he produced a deft header that dropped inside the left post to salvage a late point.

The result ensured Cirencester remained in fourth and inside the play-off places. They are seven points behind league leaders Blackfield & Langley.

Cirencester boss Charlie Griffin felt his side were rewarded for their efforts and was pleased to come away with a point in the end.

He said: "I thought we deserved something out of the game. The lads showed great character and worked very hard today.

"That's four wins and a draw in the last five games, so we're right in the mix."

The Centurions host table toppers Blackfield & Langley in a huge game at the Corinium next Saturday.