Gloucester City returned to the winning column with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tiverton Town on Saturday. Manager Daf Williams described the result as “a positive platform to move forward with” after a match that ended a four-game winless streak for the Tigers.
The home side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within 22 minutes, Marcus Day put Gloucester ahead with a finely executed finish, one that required no touch after a pin-point cross found the far corner of the net.
City continued to control the game, and in the 78th minute, their sustained pressure paid off again. Debutant Morgan Lewis made a crucial run behind the defense before assisting Joe Hanks, who calmly converted to extend the lead. Just five minutes later, Kieran Phillips showcased impressive hold-up play to set up fellow newcomer Rylie Siddall, whose cutback laid the foundation for Phillips to seal the win.
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Despite a generally solid performance, Gloucester conceded a late consolation goal from a free kick by Tiverton’s Hutchinson, a moment Williams admitted was disappointing. “We wanted a clean sheet, so conceding right at the end was frustrating,” said the manager. Yet, he stressed the overall goal was achieved: “The absolute priority was to win the game and give us a positive platform to move forward.”
The match also marked debuts for three recent loan signings: Rylie Siddall, Jamal Mohammed, and Morgan Lewis. Williams praised their immediate impact, affirming, “That’s exactly what this group needs right now—a little bit of a freshen-up. I’m not bringing in players who don’t meet our standards, so seeing them perform well was very pleasing.”
Looking ahead, Gloucester City face a crucial fixture away against league leaders Walton & Hersham, who hold a ten-point advantage. Williams expressed optimism: “We’re really looking forward to it. Today’s win helps restart our season and hopefully sets a strong foundation.”
Attendance for the match was 1,212, with referee Zak Demetriades officiating.
Gloucester City Starting XI: Thompson; Lewis (sub Siddall 82), O’Regan, Williams (sub Spence 79), Wildig (sub Baidoo 57); Phillips, Hanks, Richard’s-Everton, Day, Pinchard, Mohammed.
Tiverton Town Starting XI: Wonnacott; Wilkins, Wood (sub Hutchinson 65), Down, Wellington; Hall (sub Coulibaly 83), Billington, Swann, Jagger Cane, Keates, Koita.