Football: Kingswood win for Mike Rodman (From Gazette Series)

Stroud & District League Division Two: Kingswood Reserves 4 Ramblers Reserves 1

6:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Gloucestershire Sport

KINGSWOOD showed the mental attitude and effort that would’ve done Mike Rodman proud in their first game since the tragic death of their player-manager.

This was always going to be a tough game for Kingswood, but they took the lead when a James Blackwell corner was volleyed at goal by Kris Pritlove and Jim Crossfield tapped in from three yards.

Ramblers were a difficult team to break down and created a few chances but the back five of Rob West, Blackwell, Ben Vale, Joe Jones and Paul Spill stood strong.

Kingswood started to get more of a foothold on the game and man of the match Adam Eldridge scored an absolute screamer from 35 yards, catching the keeper stranded.

Tim Hodgson took the half time team talk and got the players geared up as he did before the game, reminding them of how they should be working for each other tirelessly to get the result for Mike.

Kingswood went 3-0 up when a delightful Eldridge pass found Dan Griffiths, who calmly slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper. Ramblers were awarded a lifeline when Kelvin Mann conceded a penalty, allowing them to pull a goal back from the spot.

Paul Cleary, Ricky Bezar and Jordan Sims came on and added some fresh legs with Jordan Sims looking bright up front. Kingswood then won a penalty for themselves when Pritlove was brought down and Dave Parslow added to his goal tally for the season.

This was fitting display from Kingswood and a reminder that you need to enjoy every minute with friends and work for each other.