Broadwell 1

Cinderford Town 4

OF the two managers, Broadwell's Mark Allen was probably the happier on Saturday evening.

Broadwell looked the better side in the first half with Craig Lewis demonstrating his passing ability, knocking balls from left to right.

Asa Wassell provided the midfield energy, showing no respect for his opponents and making several timely tackles.

Broadwell took full advantage of the space given to them and it was ex-Cinderford player Steve Belfitt who created the first goal.

He robbed Danny Haines of the ball near the halfway line and delivered a perfect cross to Danny Latham, who drilled a left-footed shot past the stranded Ben John.

Half-time saw Town manager Steve Peters deliver a rocket to his players. He made wholesale changes too, introducing Lee Smith, Lewis Sommers, Geraint Bater, Dale Evans, Nick Hancock and Sam O'Sullivan to stem the Broadwell tide.

Within minutes, Lee Smith equalised. He ran past three defenders before being brought down in the box. Smith got up to convert the spot-kick himself.

With the home team tiring, Cinderford began to control the game. Two further goals from Dale Evans and one from Geraint Bater sealed victory.

Ross Gabriel went close to scoring a second for Broadwell, but his powerful diving header from a Neil Bailey cross skimmed the bar.

Cinderford's new signing Dave Bird played the full 90 minutes to get some match fitness under his belt before this Saturday's opening Southern League encounter at home to Paulton Rovers (3pm).