This was rightly billed as a major test for the Tigers. Tiverton are much fancied in the league and have just started to hit form. Gloucester's tame performance at home to Warwick in midweek put a few jitters into the hearts of even the staunchest supporters.

A free-kick hitting the back of the net is always something to be
celebrated, Baylo's effort was much in the Shearer style, powered in from
just outside the box, but it was no more than a much improved City deserved.

That would have fairly reflected the first half, but a bad back-pass and
some nifty poaching by Rawlins on the stroke of half time meant that the
lead was 2 - something of a comfort, knowing what Tiverton are capable of.

And in the second half, they showed it. The City goal was somewhat
besieged - Gannaway, Steadman and Dicks all performed heroics, but nothing could stop the inevitable Tiverton score. City had the odd attack, but were struggling to stay ahead. Defending like this would have saved us several league points had we been doing it all season.

Just as the nails were disappearing, City launched a final attack - Cox was
put through into the box. He seemed to be tripped, but the referee didn't
see it. Much flag waving from the linesman alerted her to the infringement and the Tiverton no. 7 stormed off the pitch throwing his shirt away in anticipation of the red card and penalty.

Bayliss made no mistake from the spot and City were in the hat for the 4th Qualifying round. Another superb FA Cup display - memories of home defeat to Warwick almost banished, but the inevitable question asked : Why can't we play like this in the league?

Alternative Report