Slick City pass physical to tame Tigers

City completed their home pre-season campaign this evening with an impressive 2-0 win over Gloucester City at Twerton Park. The National League North side provided a physical test from which City never shirked. The Romans also showed considerable attacking quality that could easily have seen them run out even more comfortable winners. The opening goal arrived after just 13 minutes when the ball broke to Tom Smith to turn and fire a low shot into the net from 10 yards. Two spectacular efforts from Joe Raynes in the space of five minutes nearly extended this lead, as an overhead kick was superbly turned over the bar by the Gloucester keeper then an equally athletic volley crashed against the bar. City continued to dominate the game with Jordan Thomas (twice) and Scott Wilson both going close to adding to the scoring before the interval. The visitors began the second half looking more lively and it took great blocks from Kieran Parselle and Raynes in the 49th minute to maintain City’s lead. Just past the hour mark a great tackle by Ben Morgan denied his former side an equaliser but City soon began to gain the upper hand again. Jordan Thomas’ great run almost lead to a second goal on 72 minutes but City only had to wait another four minutes as Ewan Clark’s cross was powerfully headed home by Dan Hayfield. Hayfield also saw a late effort cleared off the line as City finished the game strongly.