Baidoo on target as City come out victors in top of the table clash

Gloucester City came from behind to beat Poole Town after a quick first-half turnaround at New Meadow Park on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

After Monday night’s victory at Bracknell Town, Gloucester City were looking to make it seven games unbeaten after their strong start to the season. The visitors, Poole Town, trailed just two points behind the hosts prior to kick-off.

A 2nd vs 3rd clash this early in the season made it a pivotal fixture for two sides with promotion in their sights.

Just five minutes in, the away side were awarded a penalty. Striker Shaquille Gwengwe was caught by Harry Emmett, and the referee pointed to the spot. Jared Thompson got a hand to Gwengwe’s penalty, but couldn’t keep it out — and the visitors led after five minutes.

But it didn’t take long for Gloucester to respond. After a melee in the Poole box, the ball fell kindly for captain Joe Hanks who was never going to miss. 13 minutes in, and it was 1-1.

Two minutes later, the hosts went ahead. Hanks latched on to a loose ball in midfield and drove forward to tee up Aaron Wildig, who lashed the ball home from 18 yards.

King Baidoo had a brilliant opportunity to make it three just moments later when his prodded effort forced a good stop out of Poole keeper Adam Parkes — the home side had reacted brilliantly to going a goal down.

Antonio Diaz was unlucky not to equalise for the visitors on 28 minutes after Selim Saied found him nicely with a clipped ball over the top of the Gloucester defence. Emmett did well to get himself in and deny Diaz’s attempt off the line.

On 34 minutes Ellis Watts worked himself a bit of room on the edge of the box, but his whipped effort could only find the side-netting.

Four minutes remained of the half when Hanks was denied a second after meeting Watts’ cross — bringing a good save out of Parkes.

After a scintillating five-minute turnover from the Tigers, the hosts went into the break with a 2-1 lead.

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A big chance fell the way of Hanks once again eight minutes into the second half when Baidoo’s cut-back fell to the captain, who couldn’t connect cleanly enough to test Parkes.

But City finally found their cushion, making it 3–1 on 58 minutes through Baidoo. Ed Williams picked him out brilliantly with a cross-field pass, and Baidoo’s first touch set himself perfectly to finish emphatically.

Saied had half a chance to get Poole back in the game moments later, but slightly dragged his attempt — making it a comfortable stop for Thompson.

Watts had a go from range in the 63rd minute that heavily wrong-footed Parkes, but he adjusted well to deny Gloucester a fourth.

Poole made things interesting with seven minutes remaining when substitute Henry Spalding unleashed a strike from range that deflected past Thompson, making it 3-2.

Though it was a nervous end to the game, the hosts held their nerve to defend their lead — and collected all three points.

Back-to-back home games await The Tigers, the first of which starting on Tuesday night when they host Berkhamsted in the league; before taking on Havant & Waterlooville in FA Trophy next Saturday.

Poole are also in FA Trophy action next week, travelling to Plymouth Parkway after their midweek trip to Taunton Town on Wednesday evening.

Gloucester City: J. Thompson; Jones, O’Regan, Williams, Wildig, Watts, Hanks ©, Richards-Everton, Pinchard, Emmett, Baidoo

Subs: C.Thompson, Morgan (65’), Obieri (45’), Phillips (82’), Roberts (78’).

Subs: McCormick (61’), Davis (61’), Hill (45’), Ayo, Spalding (61’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – King Baidoo (Gloucester City)