Kingswood miss out on final after first half shocker (From Gazette Series)

Kingswood miss out on final after first half shocker

Reg Davis Memorial Cup Semi Final Bishops Cleeve Res 6 Kingswood 1

KINGSWOOD allowed their dreams of a cup final appearance to drain away after a lacklustre first half at Bishops Cleeve.

After beating fellow promoted teams Brimscombe & Thrupp and Tetbury Town in the earlier rounds, Kingswood let things slip against lower division opposition.

Losing influential defender Shaun Dix with a broken arm after just 15 minutes did not help but the manner in which they allowed their opponents to cruise into a 4-0 interval lead was very disappointing for their band of followers.

A defence under siege should have been entitled to more support but all too often midfield players were unable to get back in time to assist.

Martin Bleaken and Keith Spill read the riot act at the break and there was certainly more urgency shown in the second half.

Cleeve went further ahead midway through the half but shortly afterwards Barrie Dibden struck a great shot that finally beat the home keeper and got his side on the scoresheet.

More pressure on the home goal followed but the only other goal was scored by Cleeve right at the end.

Kingswood chairman Dave Birt told the Gazette: "This should serve as a wake up call for Kingswood. A more disciplined approach to individual and team responsibilities by everyone will be essential to compete at this level."