Stroud League Division One
Kingswood 2 Minchinhampton 2
A goalkeeping masterclass from Kingswood’s captain, Tyler Hopkins helped his side share the spoils against Minchinhampton in this Stroud League Clash Division One Clash.
Earlier, bottom of the table Kingswood raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to a Harrison Jackson brace until Marley Churchill reduced the deficit before the break. Minch netted parity thanks to Tom Beard who nodded home a Phil Ruthers corner. Minch looked for a winner but were denied by the outstanding Hopkins in goal for Kingswood.
Minchinhampton chairman Mark Cox said: “At the moment Minch just can’t buy a win and after dominating the early stages of this match gave Kingswood a two-goal lead.
“We went on looking for a winner, which didn’t come largely due to the very impressive performance by the Kingswood keeper.”
Kingswood’s Ben Foxwell added: “I thought we started brightly, and generally had more of the game in the first half. Fortunately for us a couple of Minchinhampton defensive errors led to our goals, the first with Harrison finding himself with an empty net just 12 yards out, and the second being an own goal from a well taken free kick from Rory Thomas.
“However, Minch quickly got one back from a defensive mistake of our own and going in at half time 2-1 up was a good position, although letting the two goal cushion slip so easily was a bit disappointing.
“All credit to Minch who came out the better side in the second half. They pulled another goal back and had more of the ball. Special mention to our MOTM Tyler Hopkins for some excellent goalkeeping, with three or four top-drawer saves. In the end, it was probably a fair result with a point each, and thanks to Minch for coming back for a beer.”
Pictures by Matt Bigwood
