Gloucester City manager Daf Williams has made an impassioned plea to the club’s fans, urging them to turn out in force and create a vibrant atmosphere for Monday’s vital Southern League Premier South play-off semi-final against Taunton Town at the KMM Energy Stadium.
The team secured their place in the play-offs with a resilient 2-1 victory over Hanwell Town on Good Friday, thanks to second-half goals from Elis Watts and Kieran Phillips. With league leaders Walton & Hersham out of reach, Gloucester are now focused on finishing second in the table to gain home advantage for both the semi-final and potential final.
Williams expressed his desire for a sizeable, vocal home crowd ahead of the upcoming fixture against Gary Johnson’s Peacocks, who recently stunned Walton & Hersham with a 3-0 win and are fighting to avoid relegation.
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“I was a bit disappointed with the atmosphere last weekend despite a 3-0 win over Plymouth Parkway,” Williams admitted. “I know our club and fanbase can generate so much more energy. The supporters showed their passion away at Hanwell by turning up in numbers and making loads of noise. Now, can we do that here at home on Monday? Can we fill the stadium and cheer the team on?”
Williams emphasized the importance of unity and overcoming adversity. “The lads are giving it their all, and they deserve a strong, vocal backing. I want to see everyone pulling together, hearing that roar from the stands.”
Injuries have tested Gloucester’s squad depth, with striker Kane Simpson sidelined and a last-minute injury to Jamal Mohammed forced a lineup change. King Baidoo was drafted in, with Kieran Thomas shifting to centre-half alongside Michael O’Regan. Despite conceding early to Henry Snee’s goal, the team showed resilience to fight back.
Williams praised his squad’s character, noting, “Hanwell is one of the toughest away fixtures in this league. They have an unbeaten home run stretching eight games and have beaten some top teams. To come here and claim three points after going behind was a huge testament to the team’s grit and determination.”
Williams dismissed concerns that last-minute changes affected the team’s sluggish start, highlighting the adaptability of his players. “Kingy slotted in well, and Kieran Thomas did a fantastic job. We had to change things at halftime to shift the momentum.”
Throughout the season, Gloucester has faced numerous setbacks including injuries and suspensions. Williams lauded the squad’s resilience: “When you think you might get a run without issues, something else happens. But the players maintain their standards and keep performing.”
Both goals came from players coming off the bench, with Watts scoring in the 65th minute and Phillips clinching the 78th-minute winner. Williams was particularly pleased for Phillips, who has battled through recent injuries.
“He wasn’t in the squad last week, so to come back and score is fantastic. We want a competitive, united squad as we head into these final crucial games, and KP embodies that spirit.”
The manager also praised standout performances from Kieran Thomas, Michael O’Regan, and goalkeeper Jared Thompson, along with the midfield and attacking efforts that saw Gloucester overcome their opponents on a challenging pitch.
With play-offs underway, Williams is counting on his supporters to help fuel the team’s quest for promotion. “This is a proper team performance, and with the fans behind us, we can take this club forward. Let’s make sure the players feel that support loud and clear against Taunton.”
Gloucester City Lineup: Thompson; Baidoo (Cross 87), Thomas, O’Regan, Lewis; Waite, Williams, Spence (Phillips 67), Watts; Spence, Siddall (Leadbitter 46), Hanks. Subs: Stretton, Mitchell.