Gloucester City manager Daf Williams expressed his disappointment following a lackluster 2-2 draw at home against Evesham United on Saturday afternoon.
The first half was largely uneventful, with both teams failing to create clear chances, although Gloucester dominated possession. However, the second half saw a surprising turn of events when Evesham’s Ethan Dunbar capitalized on two swift counter-attacks, scoring in the 58th and 73rd minutes to stun the home crowd.
These goals finally sparked Gloucester City into action. Their persistent pressure paid off when Michael O’Regan scored after a cross from Ed Williams. Shortly after, Ben Richards-Everton equalized with a powerful header from another well-delivered cross. Despite the Tigers’ late surge to find a winning goal, the match ended in a stalemate.
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Reflecting on the performance, Williams admitted, “Really disappointing, I don’t think we were at the races. We were too slow and too passive in the first half. Their first goal was a punch we should have seen coming. We had moments where we could have been hurt and unfortunately got what we deserved. The lads’ reaction was superb, but the tempo and intensity only picked up after their second goal, which was too late to turn it around. It was a poor day all round.”
The New Year’s fixture attracted an impressive crowd of 1,577, and Williams expressed gratitude as well as an apology to the supporters. “Outstanding, thank you very much for that support. They were in full voice. I haven’t had to apologise much recently because the lads have usually been good, but today’s lack of intensity isn’t what we want for these fantastic fans. I felt like we let them down. The reaction was brilliant, but we should never have been in that position to begin with.”
Looking ahead, Gloucester City face Marine in the FA Trophy next Saturday, with hopes of continuing their cup run. “We want to give the supporters and this football club a bit of history,” Williams said. “That element of enjoyment in a cup competition is important, and we’ve already done well off the back of Worthing. It will be great to take that next step, but the league remains our priority.”
Gloucester City starting eleven: J Thompson, Jones, Roberts (Emmett 60), O’Regan, Williams, Wildig (Phillips 60), Spence, Richards-Everton, Day, Baidoo, Simpson.
Evesham United starting lineup: Harris, Hutt (Middleton 81), Foye, Barlow, Richards, Awadh (McConnell 84), Wright (Steele 70), Bojang, Dunbar, Walters, Churchley (Heap 70).
Referee: Thomas Berry
Attendance: 1,577