Cirencester Town v. CITY

City scraped another unconvincing cup victory having failed to put away their chances against a poor Cirencester side. The Southern division team made the Tigers pay for missed chances when their late equaliser forced the match into extra time, only for Webb to seal the match with a well taken brace.

City took the opportunity to field several squad players, and Rosenior's decision to watch forthcoming opponents Atherstone rather than oversee this game seemed to state clearly how much importance the Tigers attach to this competition. Even so it's always nice to win, and for the likes of Bennet, Steadman and Lambert it gave a chance to remind the management of the depth of City's squad.

However the danger of extra games was shown when Rutter limped off after a heavy challenge, again injuring his ankle. However Rutter's loss was Steve Bennett's gain and the youngster was once again impressive. It was his shot that gave Gloucester an early lead, although Gary Thorne will claim the goal after it deflected off him on its way past the Ciren keeper.

The match was punctuated by the odd heavy challenge which seemed to go against the general spirit of the game. Both Steadman and Kemp picked up foolish bookings, Steadman committing his foul deep in the opposition half. The Cirencester keeper struggled with his kicks and several times gave chances to Mings and Bennett, but neither could capitalise on the poor clearances. The second half saw several more City opportunities, Mings especially guilty of wastefulness after good passing between Wyatt and Webb had set him clear.

Cirencester had offered little in the way of attack but got a last minute equaliser through Scott Griffin as City failed to clear a Boyland cross. That sent the game into extra time but Gloucester were clearly the fitter side and coasted through the extra half hour. Webb got the crucial goal, poking home a low Mings cross. That seemed to finish the home team and Gloucester could have added a couple more before Mings and Webb exchanged passes on the edge of the area, leaving Webb to round the keeper to seal the tie.