BetVictor Southern League

Division 1 South

Paulton Rovers 0

Cirencester Town 1

REJUVENATED Cirencester Town are now five points shy of the play-offs after Will Tunnicliff's goal proved decisive for John Brough's side, writes Dave Pyzer.

Cirencester included midfielder Joe Turley, signed from Cinderford Town.

Earlier, with the advantage of the slope and wind, the home side pressed from the off and veteran keeper Kevin Sawyer had to be alert to push an early free-kick over his bar after a wicked bounce, but gradually Cirencester began to counter down their flanks for Tunnicliff and Nick Hancock to threaten the Paulton goal.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Paulton worked the ball forward for David O’Hare to test Sawyer and as the interval loomed they had a series of corner kicks, but Cirencester were determined not to concede and nearly opened their account in added-time as a Tommy Anderson header was pushed away at full-stretch.

After the break Cirencester pressed regularly with Hancock firing a couple of efforts off target and Josh Nelmes heading a free-kick wide of the left post.

Shortly after the mid-point they finally opened their account as Tunnicliff headed a corner kick from the right into the top right corner.

With only a one goal advantage the home side were still dangerous on the counter, but Cirencester kept them on the back-foot as they pressed to the final whistle.

CIRENCESTER TOWN: Kev Sawyer, Jordan Morris, Will Tunnicliff, Joe Turley, Josh Nelmes, Will Wellon, Tommy Anderson (Jack Freeman 89), Mike Pook ©, Lewis Thompson (Levi Irving 55), Nick Hancock, John Dennis (Ross Gabriel 71).

Unused Subs:- James Mortimer-Jones.

Cirencester welcome Moneyfields on Saturday, 3pm.

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