BETVICTOR Southern League

Division 1 South

Cinderford Town 3

Cirencester Town 1

CIRENCESTER opened the season with a defeat at Cinderford Town, writes Dave Pyzer.

Charlie Griffin's side started brightly- Michael Pook scoring from the spot after striker Josh Parsons had been tripped.

During an evenly contested half, Cirencester created a number of chances but the home side came the nearest to scoring when Ethan Moore headed against the bar.

Shortly afterwards a glancing header from Alan Griffin looked destined for the top right corner until keeper Andrew Hannah pushed it round the post for a corner kick.

During the break Cirencester made a couple of enforced changes and from the re-start Cinderford pressed forward and just before the hour-mark James Harding struck the post leading to a goalmouth scramble and a corner kick that Andy Lewis headed home to level the score.

The goal encouraged Cinderford and with Cirencester backing off and conceding ground, the home side increased the pressure and once again a corner kick led to a goalmouth scramble before Moore eventually found the back of the net to give his side the lead.

As the game entered the final quarter-hour, Moore turned provider as his cross reached the far left post where Matt MacDonald slipped it to Harding who finished from close range.

Cirencester welcome Melksham Town tonight, 7.45pm. On Saturday they entertain North Greenford United in the FA Cup preliminary round, 3pm.