Sam’s Section: GNSL title race heats up and ex-Bristol City boss takes Rovers hot seat
Another week and another round of mouth-watering fixtures to delve into across Gloucestershire as the leagues start to really hot up.
And with the news of Durley Town’s, Aaron Nash, being a finalist for the People’s Puskas Award where better to start than the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.
If you’ve been hidden under a rock for the past month or so and haven’t seen Nash’s award worthy finish, why not watch it now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri3_5l3-9E8 – Nash’s goal vs Lydney Town Reserves (via Dursley Town AFC YouTube)
The GNSL is the tightest we’ve seen it for a while with the top three teams, Tredworth Tigers, Longlevens Reserves and Dursley Town all separated by just a single point.
Tredworth returned to the summit following their 5-2 win over Tewkesbury Town last weekend but were also helped out by Dursley and Longlevens’ 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Dursley relinquished a hold on the top spot following three successive draws and also remain without a win since late November.
Longlevens, as always, are lingering around the top spot largely helped by having one of the best defences in the league conceding just 14 goals across the entire season so far.
All three will be looking for standout players to help them keep pushing in their bids for the GNSL title and possible promotions to the Gloucestershire County League.
Dursley have Puskas finalist Nash and top scorer Ben Dolbear to help boost their chances, but Tredworth take the crown with Lee Smith who has managed 25 goals in all competitions (32% of Tredworth’s goals this season).
This weekend see’s all three title contenders play out home fixtures as Dursley host Stonehouse Town Reserves, Longlevens take on FC Lakeside and Tredworth welcome Lydney Town Reserves.
But the title contenders will need to check their shoulders if any slip ups occur as Brockworth Albion remain within six points of the league leaders and five off the chasing pack.
Dursley Town vs Stonehouse Town Reserves
Longlevens Reserves v FC Lakeside
Tredworth Tigers vs Lydney Town Reserves
Saturday 27 January – 14:00 kick offs
Now a quick look at League Two where after a turbulent time last week, Forest Green Rovers are looking to kick on in their fight for survival.
Former Bristol City and Cheltenham Town manager, Steve Cotterill, was today named as the new Forest Green manager.
A statement appointment from the side bottom of League Two, with his first game in charge coming in front of a home crowd on Saturday as Rovers take on Accrington Stanley at The New Lawn.
Rovers will be looking for more of the same from Saturday’s well-earned point away to Gillingham which saw Dan Connor take interim charge for the first time.
An outstanding audition for Connor who looked at home in the dugout and led his side to a unified and positive performance that also saw Callum Jones superbly bag his first Forest Green goal.
Forest Green Rovers welcome Accrington Stanley to The New Lawn on Saturday for their League Two clash with kick-off at 15:00
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter @SJY_Journo for more
READ MORE: Check out this Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
READ MORE: Check out this Sunday’s Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
