Geo Sandoe Cup, 2nd round

Newnham Reserves 1, Lydbrook 'A' 0

Newnham Reserves won the F.J. Pope Cup last season and so had to step up a notch this term to compete in the Sandoe Cup. They expected a big test and had to be at their best to account for Lydbrook 'A', clinching victory with a goal early in the second half.

"There were not many chances for either side. It was a very close game and the strong wind was a big factor," said Newnham's player manager Roger Parrish.

Newnham pinched the winner three minutes after the break. Paul Hutchinson was the scorer but the goal was made by Steve Hall.

"Steve has had a good season. He has come back really well after disappointing form last season and he did well to lay on the goal for Paul. It swung the game our way but it was a very close thing," said Parrish.

Like their Lydbrook counterparts, Newnham Reserves often have to adjust to answer injury calls, but Parrish is reasonably happy with their form in North Gloucester League Division Three.

"We didn't start so well but thing have improved. We are just below midtable in the league with five wins from nine games," he said.

Parrish was delighted to get the cup win against a team playing in NGL Division Two and with two games in hand on the league leaders.

"They had a young side and at times looked very sharp. The game could easily have gone in their favour but in the end we just shaved it," he said.