Gee, what a winner! (From Gazette Series)

Gee, what a winner!

Wotton-under-Edge II 3 Cheltenham III 2

DANIEL Gee's second half goal was the difference between the two sides as Wotton defeated league leaders Cheltenham at Stratford Park last Saturday.

Cheltenham's position at the top of the table looked entirely justified as their early possession denied Wotton any opportunities to make progress.

The visitors' initial lead was deserved, albeit achieved in fortunate fashion when a shot going wide rebounded off Davis' knee into the goal.

Wotton worked hard down their left flank to get back on terms, with Darren Pearce's parried shot giving the industrious Masten Bouckley just reward for his first half efforts. Pearce was denied again soon after when his deflection hit the keeper's visor.

1-1 at the break would have been a fair reflection on the game but conceding a spirit-sapping second goal on the stroke of half-time left the home side 2-1 down. 1-2 Lifting themselves for the second half against a now buoyant Cheltenham was a stern test of character for this young team and they responded magnificently. The game was now developing into a bruising, end-to-end encounter in which Wotton more than held their own.

Credit should also go to umpires Byford and Munn for the way they marshalled the game without reaching for their cards.

Stuart Emms' short corner strike brought Wotton back on terms and they now looked to be just shading the game. Wotton, however, had to dig deep as Cheltenham pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing minutes.

Man of the match Simon Fell produced an inspired performance in midfield to keep Wotton going but two other players stood out. In goal, Fraser Newport turned in a much-improved performance while Neil Curtis played with great maturity pressed into service as an emergency left back - the reward being a hard-earned three points for the team.

l Wotton-under-Edge II face Gloucester City III tomorrow. Meet at Chipping at 12.30pm (squad TBC).