Quedgeley came out of this tie with all 3 points although they once again just scrapped through against a resilient Matchplay side.

The game was pretty even although Quedgeley failed to get going through the first half. With the expectation of an easy win, it seemed the home side sat back thinking that the game was won and Matchplay took advantage with the first goal of the game. The ball finding the net from an ambitious effort from outside the box.

Quedgeley failed to find any sort of rhythm and although they had plenty of possession, none of it was in the final third. Will Park hit the bar from close range but both strikers were frustrated with the lack of service. However they found an equaliser midway through the first half, Matt Hutchins kick was flicked on by Pete Bull, and Chris Rigby by ran from deep to smash the ball across the goalkeeper. Quedgeley had a frustrating half but finished it with the lead with a goal just before half time, Chris Gooch’s corner was flicked on my Pete Bull and Dean Hankins shot fell to Rigby to tap in from a few yards out. Quedgeley didn’t deserve the lead, but somehow went into the break 2- 1 up.

Wanderers started the second half in the same style as the first, a lot of possession but little creativity or chances in the final third. Matchplay began to get on top and found an equaliser 5 minutes in. Quedgeley caught with the ball in their own half as Matchplay punished them on the counter attack.

With the match finely balanced, Quedgeley won a penalty as Dean Hankins header on goal was deemed to of been handled in the box. Chris Rigby stepped up and missed the penalty, but put home the rebound to claim his hat trick and give Quedgeley a 3 – 2 lead. However Quedgeley did not learn their lesson and got caught with possession in their own half once again, and a player brought down in the box gave Matchplay a penalty of their own which they scored to bring the scores level once again with 20 minutes to go.

Quedgeley became desperate for a winner and went all out attack, more chances came and went and Quedgeley grabbed the lead with 10 minutes to go. With a replica of the second goal, Chris Rigby tapped home Bull’s corner which was headed goal wards by Liam Kay. And in the final minutes Wanderers got a fifth, Hankins found the run of Tom Hughes who crossed brilliantly for Chris Gooch to score and seal the win.

Overall it was below par performance, but Quedgeley got through it and must learn their lesson before next week’s game against Avonvale.

MOTM: Chris Rigby

Team:

GK – S. Moroney
LB – A. McCatty
CB – J. Lawes
CB – L. Kay
RB – A. Young
RM – C. Rigby
CM – P. Bull
CM – J. Rouse
LM – W. Park
ST – C. Gooch
ST – D. Hankins

Subs

T. Hughes (Park 65’)