It's a tale of two super spotkicks (From Gazette Series)

It's a tale of two super spotkicks

Tuffley Rovers 1 Slimbridge 1

A FAIR result on the balance of play as Tuffley and Slimbridge had only a penalty apiece to show for a keenly fought contest, although either side could have snatched a late winner.

Craig Cole gave Slimbridge the lead in the fourth minute from the spot after Ross Casey was adjudged to have been impeded when chasing a long Mike Green free-kick into the penalty area.

On eight minutes Tendai Madume spurned a half chance for the home side after good work by Jonny Meadows, before Ryan Chandler in goal was tested from 30 yards by Meadows, but gathered well.

A lot of midfield play then ensued before on 36 minutes Matt Green looked to be set up with a quick flick-on from Cole, but somehow directed his shot wide from close range.

The first half ended after a sustained spell of attacking from the visitors with efforts from Ashley Thomas and Steve Badham just over the bar and an Andy Pritchett free-kick causing flutters in the Tuffley defence. Tuffley came out for the second half in more determined mood, with plenty of possession in the first ten minutes, but failed to create any clear-cut openings.

The cycle of Tuffley pressure was broken on 56 minutes when Cole made good ground down the left, and, after a deflected touch from Julian Freeman, the ball came into the path of Fred Ward whose well struck shot was brilliantly turned round a post by Scott Rose between the sticks.

Badham then fired over for the visitors who were relying more and more on quick breaks as Tuffley pushed up looking for an equaliser.

Allen Tatton controlled a good cross-field pass from substitute Colin Peacey on 81 minutes and put in a good cross but Danny Moore shot just over when seemingly well placed.

Three minutes later and the home side were deservedly level. Some pushing and shoving in the Slimbridge box resulted in the second penalty awarded in the match, and Meadows stepped up to convert handsomely, a low drive to the right of Chandler that flashed inside the post.

A minute later and Madume volleyed over the visitors' bar from close range after being set up by Meadows, for the miss of the match.

In the closing stages a late rally from Slimbridge saw Ross Casey fire a low shot wide from distance and finally another wonderful diving save from Rose denied Jon Embling from 25 yards.

Men of the match were undoubtedly Rose for Tuffley and Cole for Slimbridge who never gave up chasing almost lost causes, keeping the Tuffley defence on their toes.

Slimbridge line-up: R Chandler, L Sterling, Matt Green (G Marshall 70), A Pritchett, A Thomas, Mike Green (J Embling 88), E Ward, R Casey, J Freeman, C Cole, S Badham. Sub not used: W Hill.