Stroud United Firsts hosted Brimscombe & Thrupp Res at Stratford Court, Stroud on 9th August 2025, in a friendly encounter that saw the home side dominate with a resounding 5-1 victory. The match kicked off at 3:00 PM and showcased a flurry of attacking football from Stroud, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace throughout the match.
Stroud United adopted a 4-2-1-3 formation, which allowed them to establish a solid defensive base while providing ample support for their attacking players. Adam Masson was stationed in goal, with a back four comprising Bram Bax-Pratt on the right, Jamie Snell and Malique Cooke in central defence, and Jake Gardiner on the left. The midfield duo of Jack Liddacot and Nathan Green provided stability and creativity, while Elliot James operated as the attacking midfielder. Up front, the trio of Jordan Measures on the right, Marshall Stokes in the central striker role, and Harvey Masson on the left were tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Stroud included Curt Florek, Sam Counter, Rene Nistor, and Lewis Slinn, all of whom would play a role as the match progressed.
The opening moments of the match saw Stroud United immediately on the offensive, with Marshall Stokes testing the Brimscombe goalkeeper within the first minute, though his effort was saved. Stokes continued to be a threat, but his shot in the fifth minute went wide of the target. Harvey Masson joined the attack shortly after, but his attempt in the sixth minute also failed to find the net, drifting wide.
Defensively, Jamie Snell made an important tackle in the 11th minute to thwart a Brimscombe advance, showcasing Stroud's commitment to maintaining their defensive shape. Harvey Masson again came close to scoring in the 12th minute, but his shot was saved, and moments later, Malique Cooke struck the crossbar with a powerful effort, signalling Stroud's growing dominance.
The breakthrough finally came in the 14th minute when Jordan Measures scored a stunning goal, assisted by Marshall Stokes, sending the home crowd into raptures. Just two minutes later, Stokes himself found the net, courtesy of an assist from Bram Bax-Pratt, doubling Stroud's lead to 2-0.
As the first half progressed, Harvey Masson continued to threaten, but his shot in the 23rd minute was saved. Jamie Snell was again called into action defensively, using his head to clear danger in the 25th minute. Elliot James had an opportunity to extend the lead in the 26th minute, but his shot was also saved.
Stroud's goalkeeper, Adam Masson, made a crucial point-blank reaction save in the 28th minute, preserving his side's two-goal cushion. Harvey Masson had yet another attempt saved shortly thereafter, but the relentless pressure paid off when Jordan Measures scored his second goal of the match in the 29th minute, this time with a long-range strike, making it 3-0.
Marshall Stokes completed the first-half scoring in the 42nd minute, netting his second goal of the game with an assist from Jake Gardiner, leaving the score at 4-0 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half began with a flurry of substitutions for Stroud, as Lewis Slinn, Rene Nistor, Curt Florek, and Sam Counter all entered the fray. The fresh legs continued to apply pressure, with Jack Liddacot making a defensive block in the 52nd minute, ensuring the clean sheet remained intact.
Adam Masson showcased his goalkeeping skills again in the 54th minute with a catch, while Bram Bax-Pratt made an interception to maintain Stroud's dominance. However, in the 57th minute, Brimscombe managed to pull one back, scoring their only goal of the match, which momentarily disrupted Stroud's rhythm.
Stroud quickly regained control, with Jake Gardiner scoring a direct free-kick in the 61st minute, restoring the four-goal advantage. As the match progressed, the substitutes continued to make their mark, with Florek and Counter both contributing defensively.
In the closing stages, Stroud's defence held firm, with multiple blocks and clearances from Florek, Cooke, and Counter, ensuring that Brimscombe could not find a way back into the match. Despite a late surge from the visitors, Masson was called into action once more, making a point-blank save in the 89th minute to seal a comprehensive victory for Stroud United.
The match concluded with a scoreline of 5-1, a testament to Stroud United's attacking prowess and solid defensive display, with Malique Cooke earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his commanding performance at the back.
