Bristol United FC 1st Secure 5-2 Win Over Reserves At Imperial Ground

Bristol United FC 1st welcomed their own Reserves side to the Imperial Sports Ground on 25 October 2025 for a friendly kick-off at 2:00pm. The first team emerged victorious in an entertaining 11-a-side contest, running out 5-2 winners after 90 minutes of action.

The hosts lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, deploying four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. Paul Cameron took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, shielded by a back four consisting of Daniel Little at right back, James Rayner and Sam Morgan as central defenders, and Jack Gilborson on the left flank. The midfield quartet featured Kwasi Tuffour on the right wing, Calum Rowan and Joe Gardner centrally, with Devon Walsh operating on the left. Upfront, the striking partnership was formed by Billy Gilborson on the right and Tom Blake on the left. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The 4-4-2 setup promised width and balance, with full-backs expected to support attacks and midfielders tasked with both defensive cover and creative supply to the forwards. The two strikers would look to combine and capitalise on chances created from wide areas and central midfield threading passes.

The match burst into life early on when Billy Gilborson opened the scoring in the 9th minute, expertly finishing after a precise assist from Tom Blake. This early goal set the tone for Bristol United FC 1st’s attacking intent. As the first half progressed, Devon Walsh doubled the lead in the 30th minute, showcasing his threat from the left midfield position.

However, the Reserves fought back before the break, pulling a goal back in the 35th minute to reduce the deficit. They then found an equaliser just before half time in the 42nd minute, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense finale to the first half. Just before the interval, Billy Gilborson restored the first team’s advantage with another clinical finish, again assisted by Tom Blake, to send the sides in at 3-2.

The second half saw Bristol United FC 1st regain control, with Gilborson completing his hat-trick in the 57th minute, once more benefiting from Blake’s creative pass. This third goal for the right forward was a testament to the effective partnership between the two forwards and the supply from midfield.

As the match wore on, Joe Gardner’s influence in central midfield became increasingly apparent. His vision and passing unlocked the Reserves’ defence, culminating in an assist for Kwasi Tuffour’s goal in the 78th minute. Tuffour’s strike extended the lead to 5-2, effectively sealing the victory for the first team.

Joe Gardner’s commanding midfield display earned him the player of the match accolade, his ability to dictate play and create opportunities proving decisive in Bristol United FC 1st’s comprehensive win.

In summary, Bristol United FC 1st’s 4-4-2 formation delivered a potent attacking performance, with the wide players and forwards combining effectively. The defensive unit, while conceding twice, held firm enough to secure a comfortable victory at the Imperial Sports Ground. The match provided a valuable opportunity for the first team to assert their quality over the Reserves in a spirited friendly encounter.