Recap

Another tough afternoon was promised with a closely fought fixture between two ambitious sides. The two sides were very evenly matched last year with the points being shared at The SEM Stadium and the Quarrymen edging to a close victory at The Taxtful Southbank. Corsham where again without some key players ahead of the match, Neikell Plummer was away, James Rusby and Alex Hallett were missed out to suspensions and Dan Demkiv and Matt Swan both recovering from injuries.
The match started lively with both sides threatening although neither keeper was seriously tested. Corsham had the best chance on 19’ when the Fairford keeper made a great save to deny us from close range following a goalmouth scrabble.
A few minutes late, skipper, Mark Cooper was booked for a high foot in the box, a bit harsh to say the least. Spurred on by the injustice, on 28’ the ball is played in, knocked across the gaol and Cooper heads home at the far post 1-0.
An awful tackle a few minutes after the goal from the Fairford number 8 caused a large melee on the far side of the pitch. It was difficult to see what went on following the foul, and after a lengthy delay, as the referee had numerous discussions with his assistants, the Fairford player was sent off and the Corsham Town physio was also dismissed for something. The Fairford bench also saw two yellow cards.
Following the red cards, Corsham went off the boil and Alfie Kelsey was needed to push a decent long-range effort around the post.
Corsham started the second half looking dangerous, Kye Simpson was unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line and Brandon Mundy shot high and wide. A great exchange of passes between Hobbsy and Kane released Shaq but his effort was blasted wide.
On 72’ Kye chipped the onrushing Fairford keeper finding the net but the linesman adjudged him to be offside, it looked very close.
A few minutes later a nasty collision between Kelsey and debutant Archie Milne left the Fairford forward free to run on goal but the referee quite rightly stopped the game for head injuries and both physios were needed during a lengthy delay.
As the game wore on Corsham started to struggle and it wasn’t much of a surprise when Fairford equalised with. A wonder goal from the left winger, who found himself free and from a tight angle smashed the ball into the top corner of the Corsham net.
Ryan Bath came on in the dying minutes to try and regain the lead and Corsham piled on the pressure. Fairford where further reduced to nine men following a sin bin offence but held out for what ended as a frustrating afternoon for the Reds. A battling performance from Fairford who deserved a share of the points, but if you don’t put your chances away you know what to expect.

Man of the Match: Archie Milne