Warrington shines as Tuffley come from behind to claim first opening day win for nine seasons
Corey Warrington put in a Man of the Match display as Tuffley Rovers came from behind to beat Cribbs 2-1, securing their first opening day win since 2016.
Rovers were playing at home on the first league match for the first time since the 2017/18 season and second half goals from Harley Mustoe and Karnell Chambers saw them start the 2025/26 campaign in the best way possible.
Tuffley were undeservedly behind at the break, with Ryan Crouch’s header the difference, but the feeling was always there that if Rovers could equalise then they would be the side most likely to win the game.
Warrington, Mustoe and Callum McGuirk were superb as a midfield three, with Warrington in particular driving Rovers forward and causing Cribbs all sorts of problems during the match.
The hosts had early chances to break the deadlock, with Oli Barnes having a free kick saved, before Chambers had an effort deflected wide and another flashing straight across goal.
Then, with their first meaningful attack, Cribbs pinched the lead.
After winning a corner, the ball was perfectly whipped onto Ryan Crouch’s head and he sent a bullet header past Merchant, who was rooted to his line.
Rovers looked pretty assured for the most part, with set pieces looking the most likely to be their weakness.
Tuffley continued to play patiently and it nearly paid dividend, but Mustoe scuffed wide from 18 yards and then Warrington skied an effort after being found by a clever reverse pass from Chambers.
Neil Mustoe’s side were playing some really nice stuff and should have equalised 10 minutes before half time, but after Warrington had an effort blocked, Ellis Clifford’s cross fell for Brad Bevan, but his effort was saved superbly by Olek Yakymchuck.
Cribbs came close to doubling their lead right on half time, as Joe Davis curled a beautiful effort towards the top corner, only for Luke Merchant to spring across to his right and keep his side within one at the interval.
Rovers continued their neat, patient play in and around the Cribbs box after the restart, with Yakymchuck saving well from Oli Barnes, before his defence smothered away the loose ball.
Tensions began to rise moments later when Warrington wiped out substitute Archie Lock, with the Rovers midfielder booked for the tackle and Cribbs defender Ash Kendall booked for his reaction.
Moments later the visitors were left furious when their calls for a penalty were dismissed by the referee.
After Spike Weaver worked a yard of space on the right side of the box, his effort was spilled by Merchant and as Davis followed up, he was muscled off the ball.
Inevitably within seconds, Tuffley were level.
Warrington won a free kick on the edge of the box and after Barnes’ free kick was turned away, Eli Simpson recycled the ball and his cross was headed home by Harley Mustoe.
Chambers went close to a second for Rovers moments later, but his effort was deflected over.
But Chambers wouldn’t have to wait too long to open his account for the season, as a cross from the right deflected up to the back post with twenty minutes left.
Chambers showed his technique by watching the ball perfectly onto his right foot and his volley flew in off the post.
The final 15 minutes of the game saw Rovers caught in two minds between trying to see the game out and going for a third to kill the game -n with Neil Mustoe growing visibly frustrated in injury time at a couple of moments of naivety that saw Rovers give the ball away when trying to play balls into the box.
As the clock ticked into injury time, Harley Mustoe nearly sealed the deal, but his effort crashed back off the crossbar, but Rovers did enough to warrant the victory and end a nine year wait for an opening day win.
Tuffley are on the road in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday when they head to Hartpury University, before they travel to Lydney Town next Tuesday night (5th August).
Tuffley Rovers: Merchant, McLean, Clifford, Simpson, Herbert, McGuirk, Warrington, Mustoe, Chambers, Barnes, Bevan
Subs: Pritchett, Lynden, Creed, Walters, Yarmolenko
Cribbs: Yakymchuck, Farrow, Kendall, Smith, K Clayton, Crouch, Davis, Sullivan, Weaver, Kellow, Crossley-John
Subs: Lock, Constable, L Clayton, Dunleavey, Ponsillo
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Corey Warrington (Tuffley Rovers)
READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
