Gloucester City advanced comfortably to the first round proper of the FA Trophy following a convincing 4-0 victory against Stafford Rangers at the KMM Energy Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Manager Daf Williams expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance but emphasised the importance of maintaining focus moving forward.
“We are pleased with the result and the performance, particularly keeping a clean sheet against a strong opponent who were aggressive and intense in their play,” Williams said. “Some might have expected this to be a tough match to bounce back from Tuesday’s disappointment, but the players really stood up. We’ve got to build on this, though as always, actions speak louder than words.”
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The Tigers started the game strongly, with Evander Grubb forcing a clearance off the line just five minutes in after an audacious chip over the goalkeeper.
City took the lead on 14 minutes when Ashley Hemmings cut in from the right flank and curled a precise shot into the far corner of the net.
The match then settled for a period until Kian Hill broke the deadlock, spinning past a defender and firing an effort against the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Stafford Rangers suffered a setback late in the first half when Harvey Washington was sent off for a last-man foul, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
From the resulting penalty, Hemmings doubled Gloucester City’s lead, calmly slotting the ball to the left of the keeper, who could only get a hand to it.
Williams praised Hemmings' versatility and leadership qualities.
“Hemmings contributes in various attacking roles and consistently delivers. He’s a leader on and off the pitch, which was a key reason for bringing him in. Scoring the opening goal today was no surprise; he’s made a career of doing just that. His work ethic and determination are exemplary. I’m thrilled for him today.”
Hemmings narrowly missed completing a hat-trick moments later when a shot that appeared to cross the line was ruled out by the linesman despite protests from the home side.
Gloucester City extended their lead further when Ethan Dunbar converted a second penalty ten minutes from time.
In injury time, substitute Tom Owen-Evans sealed the victory, capitalising on a spilled save from the goalkeeper to tap in from close range.
Williams remains hopeful that the team can build momentum ahead of Tuesday’s league fixture against leaders Plymouth Parkway.
“We haven’t had all the positive results we desired lately, with some strong performances overshadowed by poorer ones. The league position must improve, and that is our focus. We asked the players today to show character, and they did so. We expect them to do the same on Tuesday.”
The first round proper of the FA Trophy is scheduled for Saturday, 24 October.
Gloucester City line-up: Kane; Nugent, O’Regan, E. Williams (Clarke 67); Hemmings (Evans 76), Grubb (Dunbar 54); Thomas (c), Emmett (Lewis 76); Keyes, H. Williams (Owen-Evans 76), Hill.
Stafford Rangers line-up: Phillips; Gomes, Dunne, Ferrier, Burns (c); Zaknoune (Tonks 45), Sambor (Thompson 77); Mason (DaSilva 84), Webster (Bakkor 45); Washington, Efunnuga.
Referee: James Thompson.
Attendance: 533.