Gloucester City manager Daf Williams expressed frustration after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Wimborne Town at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday, with a last-gasp equaliser denying his team a much-needed win.
This result means Gloucester remain winless after three Southern League Premier South matches, currently sitting 20th in the early league standings ahead of their home fixture against Hanwell Town on Saturday.
Ashley Hemmings opened his City account by scoring a penalty shortly after the hour mark. However, the visitors conceded a dramatic leveller in the final minute of the nine minutes of added time when Charlie Wooding capitalised on a knockdown from substitute goalkeeper Billy Walker to secure the equaliser.
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Williams said: “Unfortunately that feels like another defeat. I am devastated, especially given the difficult position we find ourselves in. I was disappointed both by our performance and the result at Bracknell earlier in the week, but I cannot fault the players’ commitment today in terms of basics – fighting, running, and tackling.”
He added: “While we probably did not create enough chances, this was primarily a game about keeping a clean sheet and taking our moments when they came. We had a few chances that we didn’t convert. The penalty decision was close; we believed the ball had crossed the line beforehand. Regardless, it feels like a defeat but we must bounce back.”
The first half was cagey, with few clear-cut opportunities for either side. Max Bustamante had a goal-bound volley deflected for a corner, and Wimborne’s debutant goalkeeper Harry Whitworth made a point-blank save from Ashley Hemmings.
Wimborne rarely troubled Gloucester keeper Jared Thompson in the opening 45 minutes, and City began the second half on the offensive. Shortly after the hour, a corner delivered from the right was cleared off the line by Josh McQuoid. Shortly afterwards, referee awarded Gloucester a penalty when Whitworth collided with defender Ben Nugent and was forced to leave the field. Centre-back Billy Walker took over goalkeeping duties but was unable to stop Hemmings’ penalty.
In added time, with Gloucester defending their slender lead, Wimborne pushed forward relentlessly. Bustamante launched a long throw into the box and Walker, who had moved upfield, was quickest to react, nodding the ball down for Wooding to score the equaliser.
Williams reflected: “We asked for a gritty, resilient performance, which is essential at Wimborne. After our poor start to the season, the lads responded well in training midweek. We aimed for a defensive solidity and simplicity in our play, which I believe we showed for 99 minutes.”
He continued: “It’s disappointing to concede so late, but the scoreline is what ultimately matters. We must analyse a few aspects to secure our first win at home against Hanwell this weekend. No one will work harder than myself, the players, and staff to give us the best chance.”
In related news, Gloucester City have confirmed that striker Kieran Phillips has left the club to take a break from football due to personal reasons. The club released a statement saying: “Kieran leaves with our full support and best wishes. We thank him for his efforts during his time here and respect his decision to step away at this time.”
Gloucester City starting XI: Thompson; Leadbitter, Lewis, Nugent, O’Regan; E Williams, Evans, Owen-Evans (Hanks 60); Thomas (Emmett 60), Dunbar (Cross 87), Hemmings (H Williams 87). Substitute not used: Keyes.