League: Bristol Corinthians League
Red Star 35s vs Filton Ath 35s
After several postponements Red Star made a welcome return to the hallowed turf of BAWA. Despite a small match-day squad the first XI started brightly, but an early deflected cross/shot from Filton which found the top corner threatened to take the wind out of the Red Star sails. Undeterred Red Star pressed on and a superb long-range from Gareth Thomas began the fight-back. Some high pressing presented more opportunities – Tom Sewell fired into the top corner from distance and Martin Bolton cut in from the left-flank to convert a cross in at the near post. A calmly-taken fourth from Ed Cheney saw Red Star trot in at half-time in control. The second half was a much-more even affair as Filton pressed higher in search of goals. They nicked a second but Red Star were able to break into the spaces left at the back to ease the pressure and ultimately claim a hard-earned victory. Thanks to Filton’s manager Gary and a couple of Filton players for reinforcing the Corinthian spirit, and overall the game was played in the right way.
Plaudits to Matt Dall who made an excellent Red Star debut at left-back, and Alan Dennis for keeping goal.
Lyde Green Vets vs Banjo Munchenbadback
Banjo fell to another defeat at the hands of Lyde after conceding some sloppy first half goals to go in at 0 v 3. However, Banjo improved second half and took the game to their hosts creating a number of chances and maintaining possession “down the slope”. Eventually Cooky hit a fine goal to reduce the deficit and put further pressure on the home side. Lyde however were always dangerous and scored a fourth to secure the result.
