IT proved a frustrating afternoon for Redbrook Rovers as a depleted squad, with no substitutes available, lost out 6-5 at Soudley in an 11-goal thriller that could have gone either way.

With three forced changes to the side that had beaten the same opponents the previous week to lift the West Dean Charity Cup, Redbrook made a positive start and deservedly took the lead after nine minutes through Ieuan Frost.

Soudley responded almost immediately though before taking the lead through some sloppy defending from a corner.

Redbrook showed character to level the game again through a second Frost strike, but Soudley’s right winger Billy Taylor then produced two moments of real individual quality to put the hosts 4-2 ahead.

Madi Cox produced an excellent last-man tackle to deny Soudley’s winger his hat-trick before half-time however.

The second half saw a much stronger Redbrook performance despite having no fresh legs on the bench, as they fought their way back to level the score 4-4, with Frost grabbing his first hat-trick of the season.

Cox was again crucial, producing an excellent goal-line clearance to prevent Soudley from retaking the lead.

And with just 15 minutes remaining, Joe Reeves looked to have completed the turnaround, rising superbly to head Redbrook into a 5-4 lead.

But just two minutes later, Soudley were awarded a dubious penalty, the spot kick dispatched superbly for 5-5.

And still reeling from the penalty decision, Redbrook conceded again another two minutes later, the ball being scrambled over the line for 6–5.

There was also a first-team debut for Cameron Barklam, who received a very late call-up and stepped straight into the side.

It was a tough afternoon to make your debut, but credit to him for stepping up when called upon.

The result leaves Redbrook fifth in North Gloucestershire Premier, with Staunton & Corse at home this Saturday (October 10).