Gloucester City manager Daf Williams was left frustrated by what he described as “comical” goals after his team, reduced to 10 men, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Evesham United in a Southern League Premier South match on Monday evening.
The game took a difficult turn early on when goalkeeper Jared Thompson was sent off after just 19 minutes, forcing midfielder Joe Hanks to don the gloves for the remainder of the match.
Evesham took the lead from the penalty spot, courtesy of former Gloucester City loanee and ex-Cheltenham Town midfielder Brandon Liggett. The home side extended their advantage to 2-0 when Daniel Leadbitter’s effort resulted in an own goal, beating the makeshift goalkeeper Hanks.
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Despite Captain Kieran Thomas pulling a goal back for Gloucester City on the hour mark, the team could not find an equaliser. The defeat means City have only recorded one victory in their opening six games and currently sit 19th in the league with five points.
Williams issued an apology to the supporters and emphasised the need to resolve defensive issues, particularly conceding soft goals. “One win in six isn’t good enough for our standards and levels,” he stated. “We can’t continue to concede such rubbish goals; it’s simply not good enough.”
The manager highlighted that despite playing with 10 men, Gloucester City dominated the match and created numerous chances, but their defensive frailties let them down. “We battered them for the whole game, even with ten men. We created an abundance of chances but when we are that soft and naive defensively, it becomes irrelevant.”
Williams reflected on the setbacks following a positive run, noting, “I felt we were in a really good place going into the game after two away draws and a win, but this result has set us back. There’s a lot we need to address, especially in defence.”
Regarding specific goals conceded, he described the penalty as “almost comical” and refrained from elaborating on the own goal given the circumstances with Hanks in goal.
He continued, “We knew Evesham would look to counterattack, and despite setting up to prevent it, we got caught a couple of times, which was disappointing. Even being down to ten men, the lads created many opportunities but failed to convert them.”
Williams also commented on the team’s resilience after the red card: “The game didn’t change much after we went down to ten. We were on top before and continued to be afterwards. Evesham didn’t adjust their tactics much, and we played some good football, getting the ball into dangerous areas but couldn’t finish.”
Adding to City’s woes was an injury to key midfielder James Waite, who was forced off in the first half. Williams said, “James Waite had come back strong from injury, but a block tackle affected his previously injured knee. It’s a big blow as he’s a key player for us.”
Williams also indicated some squad fatigue, noting that Jack Clarke should return next weekend and that the team would assess injuries ahead of their upcoming FA Cup tie. “We have difficult decisions to make with tired bodies and knocks after two games in three days, but defensive concerns remain our priority.”
Gloucester City team: Thompson, Thomas, O’Regan, Leadbitter, Lewis (Emmett 80), E Williams (Cross 73), Owen-Evans (H Williams 54), Hanks, Waite (Evans 32), Dunbar (Nugent 88), Hemmings.