Coopers Edge FC Meteors newly formed reserve squad began life in the Gloucester and Stroud District Sunday League division 4 under the guidance of Luke Riley.
A confident start from the Hoops saw some promising attacking movement in the early stages of the match.
But on 15 minutes, Redmarley won an aerial challenge and with some hopeful forward headers allowed the attacker to slide the ball through into the net.
The Meteors responded well, but on 25 minutes the visitors doubled their advantage with an inventive ball from the right and a cool lofted finish. After a short spell of pressure, a misjudged defensive clearance saw the ball loop helplessly over the keeper and into the net to make it 3-0 to the visitors. Determined to find a foothold in the game, the hoops broke out at pace, but a misplaced pass saw Redmarley again cut back through the midfield. Another well placed pass, a step forward and a powerful 25 yard strike into the top corner all but ended any hopes of salvaging a point. Hoops went in 4-0 down at the break.
Moments into the second half, the Meteors demonstrated their character with some crisp interplay allowing Tom Fraser to open his tally for the season with an absolute screamer, Jamie Makepeace with the assist. The hoops remained a much more focussed and resolute unit throughout the second half but found it difficult to penetrate the visitors’ stubborn defence. An unfortunate misunderstanding in midfield allowed Redmarley through on goal once more with even the keeper expecting a whistle for offside that never came. 5-1
A heavy defeat for the home side and perhaps a harsh score line on reflection. A plucky and determined second half performance showed that despite some mistakes, the Hoops have the character to bounce back after a disappointing start to the season.
