Bristol Manor Farm 0 – 2 Cirencester Town

The long wait for the new league season was finally over as Cirencester made the comparatively short trip to Bristol (when compared to Tuesday’s trip to Cornwall in the FA Cup) to face Bristol Manor Farm, writes Dave Pyzer.

The home side kicked off the new season in bright sunshine and dominated possession for the first 20 minutes without really causing the Centurions defence too many problems.

Slowly the visitors began to work their way into the game and around the half hour mark created a couple of chances as crosses were whipped into the penalty area.

As the interval loomed Cirencester were pressing forward with Brad Gray and Josh Parsons Dennis drawing saves from ‘keeper Ben John but the half ended goal-less.

During the break Cirencester introduced Roger James and with his first touch he opened the scoring as he darted forward to poke home from 10 yards.

Five minutes later Roger James scored again, off the inside of the far-left post, after being played in by Josh Parsons.

On the hour Ciren keeper Dan Lawrence prevented the ‘Farm’ from getting a foothold in the game as he dived to his right to save a penalty.

Shortly after a low cross from Tyler Ashmead was cleared from near his goal-line by Tom Handley as the home side rallied but Cirencester were soon pressing forward again to create a few more chances.

Into the final quarter and the home side were reduced to ten men when ‘keeper Ben John was dismissed after charging from his area to wipe-out Josh Parsons - who left the pitch on a stretcher.

With the man advantage Cirencester continued to press and stand-in ‘keeper Steve Kingdon was called upon to make a couple of fine saves to keep them out.

Cirencester Town: Dan Lawrence, Tom Handley, Jordan Morris, Archie Brennan, Shayne Anson, Josh Nelmes, Tommy Anderson, Joe Turley, Brad Gray (Roger James 45), Josh Parsons (Ross Gabriel 71), John Dennis (Aidan Bennett 82)

Next up: Cirencester Town travel to Saltash United in the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Tuesday.