Avonmouth today continued their quest for promotion with a visit to Bradley Stoke United, a team they had beaten 6 – 2 earlier in the season. The away side immediately started on the attack & got their first goal after only 3 minutes. Mitch Harris collected the ball on the left hand side & from outside of the box unleashed a powerful shot high into the net giving the keeper no chance. On 6 minutes, Stoke almost equalised but were denied when keeper Callum Davis was quick of his line & managed a brave save at the foot of the incoming striker - the following loose ball, was then cleared from danger by Jack Hewlett. Within a further 6 minutes Avonmouth were 2 up when a clearance downfield by Hewlett gave Harris the chance to brush past his marker & expertly fire his shot wide of the keeper & into the net. Despite being 2 down Stoke were not out of it at this stage & after a good cross from the right Davis had to make another good save at the back post. On 20 minutes Stoke again pushed forward but after a good tackle by Haydn Curtis the ball fell to Sam Reynolds who then produced a perfect pass for Harris to run onto & shoot low into the corner of the net & complete a great hat trick. A few minutes later another Reynolds pass again found Harris but this time the striker shot wide of the post. It seemed harsh on Stoke to be 3 down but shortly before half time Avonmouth got their fourth when a pinpoint Josh Beecham corner found Reynolds who comfortably put the ball into the net from close in.
Half Time: Bradley Stoke United 0 Avonmouth 4
The second half started with Avonmouth looking for more goals & on 43 minutes the next one arrived. After a great run out of defence by Hewlett the ball came out to Charlie Parker on the left hand side. He managed to beat a defender & then sent in a lovely cross, which was met by Harris who planted a great header high past the keeper. Avonmouth now again began to dominate possession & despite the windy conditions tried to play good neat passing football. Further shots by Parker, Reynolds, Hewlett & Harris failed to find the net however after 62 the next goal dually arrived. Mitch Day went on another marauding run down on the left hand side & sent over another good cross. The ball landed to Beecham whose volley was hard enough to beat the diving & despairing keeper who could not quite stop the ball from going over the line. With the final whistle approaching Stoke had 1 final chance to score but a great free kick produced another good save by Davis in the Avonmouth goal.
In windy conditions Avonmouth were not at their best today however they were still good enough to win by a very comfortable margin – to win when not playing well is always a good sign. Bradley Stoke fought well & did have chances to score but again overall the Avonmouth defence & goalkeeper stood firm & a clean sheet is always welcome. The push for promotion to division 1 remains firmly on track.
Full Time: Bradley Stoke United 0 Avonmouth 6
