Northern Senior League

Division One

Gala Wilton 1

Broadwell 2

GLOUCESTER club Gala Wilton worked hard to ensure this game went ahead on December 29. It was the only game played in the Northern Senior League on that day.

Top of the table with nine wins out of nine, Gala must have fancied their chances against third from bottom Broadwell.

However, Mark Allen was able to field a strong Broadwell starting 11 for the first time this season with Craig Lewis and Steve Belfitt returning from injury, along with goalkeeper Josh Loade, recovering from glandular fever.

Broadwell warmed up for a good half-hour before the game. The hosts took to the field just 10 minutes before kick-off.

The pitch was predictably heavy and there was a strong wind across the field.

The game became a midfield battle with Paul Manns and Craig Lewis outstanding for the visitors.

Steve Belfitt played just behind the front two, Ross Gabriel and Danny Latham, and was a handful for the home team all afternoon, chasing every loose ball.

A Paul Manns shot from outside the area was well saved by home keeper Wilson and no one was on hand to get to the rebound. At the other end Andy Green and Scott Albon kept the Gala strikers at bay.

Just three minutes in the second half Broadwell took the lead.

A corner kick bounced inside the six-yard box and the alert Craig Lewis slammed it home.

Gala tried to rally by pumping long balls forward, but Green and Albon continued to cope with everything directed at them.

Pushing forward, the home team left gaps in their defence which Danny Latham exploited. He beat his marker to the ball and crossed to the lurking Ross Gabriel, who headed in his side's second goal.

Gala pulled a goal back eight minutes from time with a tremendous shot from outside the area. Broadwell soaked up a lot of pressure in the final minutes to hold on to their lead.

Aaron Goddard made some timely tackles, helping out his defensive team-mates.

This week, Broadwell play their rearranged home derby with Lydbrook Athletic (2pm).

Broadwell: Josh Loade, Adam Fowler, Neil Bailey, Andy Green, Scott Albon, Craig Lewis, Aaron Goddard, Paul Manns, Steve Belfitt, Ross Gabriel, Danny Latham. Subs: Cain Penkethman, Mark Allen, Adam Smith.