Monumental victory (From Gazette Series)

Monumental victory

Stroud League Division Four Uley Res 2 North Nibley 9

ROB HARROLD and Ben Evans hit hat-tricks as North Nibley enjoyed their short trip to Uley Reserves.

Indeed, the victory margin could have been even greater but for numerous missed chances and a fine goalkeeping performance from Andy Arkwell.

The first ten minutes were fairly even, although Evans and Harrold both threatened the Uley goal.

Just short of the 20-minute mark, Nibley went into the lead when Harrold fired home after a good period of possession by his team.

Evans then made it 2-0 soon afterwards and then Paul Kendall added a third.

Uley briefly rallied through a Justin Troy goal but the three-goal advantage was restored by half-time as James Drennen scored from the penalty spot after Evans had been hauled down.

The visitors settled down to play some attractive football after the interval and scored five more goals.

Evans and Harrold scored two more each to complete their hat-tricks, the pick of the goals being Harrold's curling shot into the top corner after good build up play from Wayne Whitlock and Alex Hobbs.

An own goal completed the nine-goal tally for Nibley, while Dan Walton scored a good consolation goal for the home side.

Both sides praised Tony Smee for his refereeing of the game.