Stroud United Firsts Triumph Over Sherston Town In Friendly

Stroud United Firsts secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Sherston Town in a friendly match held at Sherston Playing Fields on 16 August 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm. The match showcased Stroud's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.

Stroud United lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to balance defensive stability with attacking flair. Adam Masson took his place in goal, while the back four consisted of Curt Florek on the right, Malique Cooke and Jamie Snell as central defenders, and Josh Fisher on the left. In midfield, Josh George and Jake Gardiner operated as central midfielders, with Jack Liddacot positioned just ahead of them as the attacking midfielder. The front three featured Rene Nistor on the right, Lewis Slinn as the central striker, and Harvey Masson on the left. This setup allowed for fluid transitions between defence and attack, with the midfielders expected to support both the defence and the forwards.

The lone substitute for Stroud was Marshall Stokes, who would later make an impact in the second half.

The match began with Stroud asserting their dominance early on. In the 12th minute, Jake Gardiner opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort, a true 'screamer' that left the Sherston goalkeeper with no chance. The visitors continued to press, and just ten minutes later, Malique Cooke doubled their lead. Cooke's goal came directly from a corner kick taken by Gardiner, showcasing the team's set-piece prowess and tactical awareness.

As the first half drew to a close, Stroud maintained their 2-0 advantage, and at the 45-minute mark, Lewis Slinn was substituted off for Marshall Stokes, a tactical change aimed at bolstering the team's performance in the second half.

The second half saw Sherston come out with renewed energy, and they managed to pull a goal back, through a penalty in the 70th minute, giving them a glimmer of hope. However, Stroud responded well to the pressure. In the 84th minute, Josh George restored the two-goal cushion, scoring with an assist from Marshall Stokes, who had made an immediate impact since coming on.

The match concluded with Stroud celebrating a well-deserved 3-1 victory, highlighting their attacking capabilities and solid teamwork. Jake Gardiner's standout performance earned him the title of Player of the Match, reflecting his crucial contributions in both scoring and assisting. This friendly served as an encouraging sign for Stroud United as they look ahead to their competitive fixtures.