Leamington vs Gloucester - Match Report

The Brakes succumbed to a disappointing 0-1 loss at the hands of Gloucester City, in a game devoid of quality throughout. It wasn't until the 94th minute that either team showed a bit of composure in front of goal, when young striker Scott Wilson finished coolly after getting in behind the Leamington defence. It was only due to their profligacy in the final third that The Brakes did not take at least a point, if not three.

Leamington started brightly and had some chances early on, as Lee Moore fired over from close range. Long range shots from Mace and Daly shortly followed, the latter forcing a smart stop from City 'keeper Mike Green.

They were also denied what seemed a stone-wall penalty. Dodd was brought down on the right hand side of the box, but the referee waved the claims away. He had used his pace to get round the outside of his full-back, but had his shirt pulled when he got into the box. No penalty given. 

Gloucester weren't just sitting back in the first half - Breeden did well to keep out Mullings' powerful half volley, but they struggled to create chances, with Daly a commanding figure at the heart of the Leamington defence.

Leamington continued to press for a goal with Sandy only able to find Green with his header. A lovely move down the left for The Brakes culminated in a fantastic chance for Stefan Moore at the near post, but his shot rebounded off the legs of Mike Green. This was the first sight of goal for the ex-Villa striker, and one he will feel he should have done better with. 

Matt Dodd came close to scoring twice, first forcing a save from Green before having an effort cleared off the line by Rowlands. Scott Wilson came off the bench for City and looked bright. They started coming back into the game, with Mullings planting his header into the side netting before Edwards dragged his shot just wide, after neat work from Edge.

In an unusual moment, goalkeeper Breedan launched a kick upfield, which took one bounce before clipping the bar on it's way over. Green was stranded, and his relief was clear to see as the ball didn't find it's way in. Leamington still plowed forward, but it was a sign of things to come. In the best chance of the second half, Stefan Moore fired over from just outside the six-yard box. He controlled a clever free-kick before sidestepping the City defender. With the goal at his mercy, Moore fired the ball over the bar.

There was still time for Breedan to make a terrific save from Hogg, where it looked for all the world he had scored. Breedan dived low to his left to push Hogg's header away. Late on however, Scott Wilson was played through and raced away from the Leamington defence. He however showed composure that Moore didn't, steering the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.