In understandably high spirits after three excellent pre-season victories, Ross Men's 1st XI approached Saturday's opening game in the Gloucester and Hereford League Division Two with confidence. Away to Cheltenham D, Ross took the game to the home side from the off, winning a succession of short corners and creating a number of clear chances with Phil Evans, Andy Cross, Kristian Franklin, Wilem Haagen and Richard Harbottle all going close. However, if a goal proved elusive, the constant pressure clearly frayed the nerves of a number of Cheltenham players. After both sides were asked to cool the atmosphere, a Cheltenham midfield player was sent off for a wood-chopping tackle on Ross captain Tom Walton right in front of the umpire. Nonetheless, even numerical advantage did not enable Ross to score before half-time. Sensing that it was only a matter of time before they took the lead, Ross continued to plug away in the second period. Eventually, Adrian Williams scored the first of his two goals with a clean strike from the edge of the 'D' with Sam Warner also slotting home from close range to give Ross a 3-0 advantage. Briefly, Cheltenham rallied as the Ross midfield relaxed. Not sufficiently, though to achieve a single shot or short corner, with the pace and grace of Brian Clare, Edward Peck and Tim Jones dominating the home team's attackers. Goalkeeper Andy Ridgway's contribution was limited to making a couple of spectacular kicks out of his own 'D'. When James 'Poodle' Brown used his lightning speed to pick up a loose ball and stab it home, Cheltenham faded and Ross cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory. Ross will face better teams than this one over the forthcoming months, but a determined and accomplished performance has got their season off to a flying start. Adrian Williams was voted Brabo Man of the Match for his persistence in reminding his colleagues who was currently top scorer.
