North Gloucestershire League
Division 1
Wednesday 23rd April 2024
Kick Off 18.30 On Time!
Soudley 1 Longhope 0, attendance 76
26’ 1-0
@ Soudley Recreation Ground
Lower Road
Soudley
GL14 2TZ
No Admission or Programme.
An early afternoon confirmation from the home club secretary, that the game was going ahead okay, saw me head to the Forest of Dean, for a game at the top end of what is the second level in this league. Longhope were already crowned champions, whilst Soudley required two points from their last two games in order to pip Redmarley & Tibberton United to the runners up spot and with it, promotion to the Premier Division for next season. Even if they hadn’t got a favourable result tonight, they would surely beat already relegated Ross Juniors in their final game, but you never know.
It was an excellent game, that was in the balance right up to the final whistle. Both teams went at it with 100% commitment throughout. It was surprising that it only produced the one goal, as there were plenty of chances at both ends. Longhope hit the post in the first quarter of an hour, but the decisive goal came after twenty six minutes, when a ball in from on the right was finished with a looping header at the far post to give Soudley the lead and they hung on to deservedly take the win they needed. Full credit to Longhope, as despite not really having anything to play for, certainly didn’t take the game lightly. They pressed hard for an equaliser, but just couldn’t get through a resolute home defence and they finished the game with ten men, when they had a player sent off in the last minute for a second yellow card offence.
Home to Soudley is the recreation ground in the village. The changing rooms are in the building behind the goal, which also acts as the village hall. The pitch is tightly enclosed and has a pair of dugouts on the far side, that are constructed with a small area of cover in between, which would fit about half a dozen people. Another trouble free journey in both directions too, rounding off a decent trip.
