Centurions Unbeaten Run Comes To an End At The Hand of Pershore

Cirencester Town were edged out 2-0 by Pershore Town at the Corinium Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

After being held to a draw at Lydney Town last week, Cirencester were looking to extend their four game unbeaten run as they hosted a struggling Pershore side, whose last league victory came all the way back in October. A win for the home side could potentially see them occupy a play-off spot by the end of the day.

Pershore had the first chance of the afternoon inside two minutes, when the ball fell to Kyle Clayton whose effort from close-range stung the palms of Ronnie Newbery.

The hosts’ first chance fell on 14 minutes after a Fraser Bell corner caused Pershore some problems. The ball eventually fell to Jack Horrell, but his strike was well-saved by Joe Cunneen in the Pershore goal.

It was a first half of little quality, with both sides struggling to get a foot-hold and create any clear-cut chances.

But six minutes before the break, Theo Jeremy flashed a ball across the opposition box to Harlie Price, who could only poke it wide of the post — Ciren’s best move of the half.

Just a few minutes later the ball dropped nicely for Horrell outside the area, but his oncoming half-volley sailed over the bar, signalling the end of the half.

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The visitors threatened first again in the opening exchanges of the second half, with Leo Pinches finding himself in behind the Ciren back-line, only to be met with the out-stretched figure of Newbery.

The deadlock was finally broken on 68 minutes as the visitors opened the scoring. Pinches delivered a floated free-kick into the home penalty area, and the ball eventually found its way to Jamie Lucas, who applied the faintest of touches to flick it home and put Pershore ahead.

Nick Peare nearly levelled for the hosts minutes later when his strike almost evaded Cunneen, but the keeper did well to keep him out. Price’s rebound was shovelled into the side-netting.

With ten minutes remaining, the away side doubled their lead. A mis-hap at the back from Ciren allowed Tino Shumba in-behind, who took the opportunity well and slotted home.

It went from bad to worse for the home side, with Ed Scott talking himself into a red card in the dying embers of the game.

But Pershore held firm to claim a deserved clean sheet and maximum points, leaving Cirencester to reflect on a disappointing display.

Back-to-back home games await the Plums, with Slimbridge the visitors next week before hosting Tuffley Rovers the following Saturday. Ciren face a trip to Corsham Town before a week’s rest sees them welcome Worcester Raiders on the 21st in a vital match at the top of the table.

Subs: Freeman (78’), Horrell (13’), G.Peare (90’), Dias (72’), Stalley (84’).

Subs: Hanson (76’), Muir (90’), Porter, Dyde (90’), Bowley.

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Kyle Pitts (Cirencester Town)