Uley 1 Thornbury Town Reserves 2

Stroud League

WITH Thornbury Town first team without a game on Saturday, as their scheduled opponents Hardwicke were involved in County Cup action, the focus switched to the Reserve team who started the New Year with a deserved win.

Kicking up the slope in the first half on a wet pitch, they found it hard to make much impression against the home side.

Whilst Uley enjoyed the greater possession they struggled to break down the Thorns defence and had few clearcut chances, although Archie Griffiths did come to Town’s rescue clearing one effort off the line.

Thorns Jake Budd had a goal disallowed and both he and Josh Reed had goalbound efforts well saved by the home keeper.

Five minutes into the second half Town almost took the lead when Matt Constable and Jake Budd both had shots saved in a goalmouth melee, but immediately Uley broke upfield and were awarded a penalty when one of their strikers was brought down.

James Lewis was given no chance from the resultant spot kick.

However Town equalised five minutes later when Luke Franklin, who has just returned to the club unleashed a rocket from the edge of the penalty area that gave the Uley keeper no chance.

The game looked to be heading for a draw, with Henry Roebuck clearing another Uley effort off the line but with just two minutes remaining.

Thorns were awarded a penalty of their own when Matt Constable was brought down in the penalty area.

Ben Summerfield made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The win lifts Town Reserves up into fifth place and they will be looking for another win this Saturday at home to Whitminster, kick off at the Mundys 2:00pm.

Meanwhile the first team get back to County League action when they make the short journey to Kingswood.