Sars take the points in close encounter.
Trowbridge returned from Gloucestershire with nothing for their efforts in a very close match that could have gone either way. Saracens started well and the Trowbridge defence had to be alert in the early stages to deny the home forwards any shots on target. The first chance though, came at the other end. In the 14th minute, Gavin Eyre swung a corner across goal and Luke Smith at the back post would have scored but for an excellent point blank save by Betteridge, the Saracens goal-keeper. Five minutes later Matt Cooper turned a defender well to set up a chance for Adam Nunn but this time Betteridge saved comfortably. Both sides attacked but in many cases the final ball just failed and the defences were able to clear. Just before the half hour mark, Saracens very nearly broke the deadlock. A nice through pass to the right side of the penalty area created a chance for Macey but his shot crashed against the underside of the crossbar with Craig Guthrie beaten and Steve Bryant was able to clear. The score line remained goalless at half time but could just as easily have been 1-1.
Saracens started well in the second half and earned themselves a free kick just outside the penalty area. The subsequent shot was well saved by Guthrie, pushing the ball over for a corner. Six minutes later Guthrie was called into action again with a dive to his left to push the ball round the post for another corner. Trowbridge attacked well on both wings but couldn't seem to find a way through. The final pass either went astray or a timely tackle would cause the move to break down. Saracens defender Tovey had a fine game at left back and on the occasions when Trowbridge did get the ball into the area, Betteridge confidently took any loose balls. The winning goal came 10 minutes from time. Steve Bryant tried to head away the ball away as it came through the centre but it fell for Saracens substitute Ross Constantine and he made no mistake with a looping shot, which gave Guthrie no chance. Overall the Cheltenham side just had the edge on the day and held on for 3 hard earned points.
Report by Robin Sims
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