Old Richians and Wotton Rovers unable to force breakthrough in goalless draw
\Old Richians and Wotton Rovers played out a battling 0-0 draw in Stroud League Division One with both sides having the better of each half.
The visitors had the best of the first 45 minutes, with chances through Oli Norris and Korbin Walker – before the second half saw Old Richians have the majority of the ball and pump the Wotton box with a number of set pieces and long throw ins.
Both sides will be looking to get back to winning ways next weekend with Richians heading to Stroud United and Wotton at home to Gala Wilton Reserves.
Saturday’s game started with Wotton on the front foot and creating a chance for Tamas Tomcsanyi, who had a shot blocked after good work from Norris, whilst Jobie Morris fired wide moments later.
Wotton should have taken the lead on 17 minutes, but after great work from Norris to win the ball and lay right to Walker, the winger squared a moment or two too early and Norris fired straight at Richians keeper Alex Millard.
Will Matthews had Richians’ first real shot of the game, as his dipping volley flew wide from 20 yards.
As the half wore on, the more Wotton were in control, with Walker winning the ball on the edge of the box but driving straight at Millard.
Sam Sysum and Ryan Symonds combined well before the break as the hosts tried to find any sort of rhythm, but Nick Bird made a great last ditch block.
Norris and Walker between them looked the most likely to score in the first half, with the two combining once again and the latter curling straight at Millard twice in as many minutes.
Right on half time the visitors struck the foot of the post after Tomcsanyi’s scuffed effort fell for Rio Tomlin and he beat Millard with his effort.
The second half started slower than the first, with the hosts seeing more of the ball and settling quicker out of the two.
Curtis Oldroyd won a number of 50/50s in midfield and with his long throw in an option, his tenacity helped his side improve their rhythm.
Will Matthews squandered a wonderful chance for the hosts 10 minutes into the half, curling over from just inside the box.
Jake Lowe, who was quiet in the first half, was able to get onto the ball more after the break and he curled straight at Gardiner just before the hour mark, before forcing Taylor Gardiner into a smart stop low to his right.
Ben Smith came on for the hosts and acted as a focal point for set pieces and Oldroyd’s throw-ins, including sending a header just wide with under 15 minutes to go.
Sam Sysum tested Gardiner again, before Sam Batham tried to loft an effort over Gardiner, but the keeper held well.
Aaron Lowe looped an effort towards goal with five minutes left, but once again Gardiner held on well as time began to run out.
Batham had the final chance of the game, firing into the side netting from 18 yards and the points were shared.
Old Richians: Millard, Oldroyd, Harris, Gibson, Dunn, Barry, Matthews, Kelly, J Lowe, Sysum, Symonds
Subs: R Lowe, Smith, Batham
Wotton Rovers: Gardiner, C Jenkins, Tomcsanyi, Kemper, Bird, Shaw, Morris, Tomlin, Norris, Walker, Caldwell
Subs: Stones, Nelmes, Joseph, M Jenkins
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Tamas Tomcsanyi (Wotton Roverss) & Curtis Oldroyd (Old Richians)
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s results in and around Gloucestershire right here
