Gloucester City manager Daf Williams expressed his frustration after his team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Evesham United in a Southern League Premier South clash on Monday, despite being reduced to ten men early on. Goalkeeper Jared Thompson was sent off after just 19 minutes, with midfielder Joe Hanks stepping in to take over in goal.
Evesham took the lead from the penalty spot through former City loanee and ex-Cheltenham Town midfielder Brandon Liggett. The lead doubled shortly afterwards when Daniel Leadbitter inadvertently scored an own goal past Hanks.
City’s captain, Kieran Thomas, pulled a goal back on the hour mark, but Gloucester were unable to find an equaliser. This defeat leaves City with just one win from their first six league games, sitting 19th in the table with five points.
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Williams apologised to the supporters and acknowledged the need to address the team’s defensive frailties, particularly the concession of avoidable goals. “One win in six isn’t acceptable for the standards we set,” he stated. “We have to stop conceding such soft goals and avoid giving away cheap opportunities.”
He elaborated on the team’s performance: “Even down to ten men, we dominated the match and created numerous chances, but our defensive lapses undermined our efforts. If we’d won today, it would have been a significant step forward following draws and a win away from home. Unfortunately, this result sets us back.”
Williams described the first goal as “almost comical,” referencing similar mistakes that had cost the team in previous matches. He acknowledged that while they expected to be caught on the counterattack occasionally, the team was well prepared defensively. “Evesham didn’t change their approach, and we continued to play some good football and create chances, but we failed to convert them.”
Adding to the team’s woes, midfielder James Waite was forced off injured in the first half. Williams remarked: “It’s frustrating-James was coming back strongly from a previous injury only to suffer a setback from a tackle. He’s a vital player for us.”
Looking ahead, Williams noted that Jack Clarke should return for the upcoming FA Cup fixture, but the squad faces a challenge with injuries and fatigue after two games in three days.
Gloucester City lineup: 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.