North Gloucester League
Newnham United Res 2
Whitecroft A 5
AN injury and a sending off knocked the stuffing out of Newnham's reserve team and let Whitecroft in for a surprise win.
Pre-match, Newnham had high hopes on maintaining their challenge for promotion but those hopes were dented by this defeat at the Forest of Dean College ground.
"All credit to Whitecroft for taking their chances when they were offered," said Newnham's manager Roger Parish.
Roger, aged 57, became a player-manager on Saturday.
"Unfortunately we lost our goalkeeper with a nasty cut so I had to come off the touchline to play for the first time in two years. I know all about it today," said Roger.
"Dave Dallow went into goal and did a really good job and with 10 minutes to go we were all square at 2-2. But then we had a defender sent off and Whitecroft turned the screw to score three quick goals," he said.
Roger's appearance in Newnham colours enabled him to link up with son Barney, 27, to become one of those unique father-son soccer team combinations.
"We've played together before but I didn't think it would happen again and I will not be selecting myself for next week," he said.
Roger still believes his team – who missed out on promotion by one place last season – could be in with a shout come April.
"Ruspidge and Mitcheldean Reserves are well clear at the moment but at full strength we can still end up in the chase,"
he said.