Centurions extend unbeaten run with victory over Tuffley

Goals from Scott, Price, and Jeremy helped Cirencester Town over the line as they edged Tuffley Rovers 3-0 at The Talent Hire Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

Having bowed out of the UHL Challenge Cup last week, Cirencester turned their focus back to league action, aiming to extend their six-game unbeaten run against visitors Tuffley Rovers. The away side were winless in their last five matches, including a 2-0 defeat against today’s opposition back in October.

The visitors started the more aggressive side in the opening exchanges of the match, with Callum McGuirk missing a good chance to put Tuffley 1-0 up with a free header at the back post.

But Ciren slowly grew into the game, with a couple of chances falling to Harlie Price on 20 minutes. His first flashed across the Tuffley goal, before his second effort deflected comfortably into the hands of Alex Hammond.

Theo Jeremy had a shot from range five minutes later that once again deflected kindly into Hammond, as the hosts continued to grow in confidence.

On 36 minutes, Cirencester opened the scoring. A well-worked set-piece routine saw Jack Horrell’s low corner find its way to the back post, where Jeremy was there to neatly curl home and put the hosts ahead.

Just three minutes later, Tuffley were denied an equaliser thanks to some determined defending from Ed Scott. Karnell Chambers did brilliantly well to set up Kieran Alder who looked certain to put the away side level — but Scott was on the line to deny the Rovers skipper.

The hosts were a goal to the good at half-time courtesy of that Jeremy goal, with Tuffley needing a response after the break.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/mortgageadvicegloucestershire for your financial planning needs

Price had a great opportunity to give Ciren some daylight five minutes into the second half after Jonty Welch’s flick-on found the forward — but his snap-shot sailed over the bar.

Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead. Another Horrell corner caused problems for Tuffley as they failed to clear their lines; allowing Scott to steer into the net from close range.

In the 59th minute Horrell created yet another chance from a corner —this time finding Kyle Pitts, whose header floated wide of the post.

Just moments later, Tuffley conceded a penalty. A clever flick from Finley Bell allowed Price to make his way into the box. It was Callum McLean who brought him down, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.

Having won the penalty, Price stepped up and finished emphatically, giving the home side a 3-0 lead on 60 minutes.

Aidan Bennett nearly put Ciren four up after Fraser Bell’s cross found the substitute, but the ball spun off his foot to send it wide of the post.

Harley Mustoe of Tuffley had a couple of efforts to pull one back for the visitors on 79 minutes. The first of which rattled the bar after some good work from Preston Mason, with the second trickling wide of Ronnie Newbery’s goal.

Three minutes remained when Tuffley hit the woodwork yet again. This time it was Brad Bevan who struck from range, only to find the instep of the near post.

But it was too little too late, and the referee’s whistle signaled the three points for Cirencester, making it seven unbeaten in the league.

Tuesday night brings GFA Challenge Cup action for both sides — Cirencester welcoming Stonehouse Town to the Corinium, and Tuffley making the short journey to Cheltenham Saracens for their re-scheduled fixture.

The focus then shifts back to league matters next weekend, as Tuffley return home to take on Highworth Town and Cirencester hit the road to face Cribbs.

Subs: N. Peare (80’), Bennett (62’), Rose (78’), Freeman (70’), G. Peare (70’).

Subs: Valenti (62’), Herbert (45’), Bevan (82’), Walters (82’), Mustoe (62’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Ed Scott (Cirencester Town)