Stroud United Firsts travelled to Cheltenham Civil Service Sports Ground on 27 September 2025 for a 2:30pm kick-off in a crucial cup away fixture against Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves. The visitors produced a commanding display to secure a convincing 5-1 victory after 90 minutes plus added time.
Deploying a classic 4-4-2 formation, Stroud United lined up with Sam Counter in goal, backed by a defensive line of Brooke Jenner at left back, central defenders Jamie Snell and Curt Florek, and Ollie Osbourne-Shill on the right. The midfield quartet consisted of Jake Gardiner on the right, central midfielders Josh George and Nathan Green, and Elliot James on the left. Up front, Marshall Stokes operated as the right forward alongside Jordan Measures on the left. This setup promised a balanced approach, with full-backs expected to support wide midfielders, central midfielders tasked with both defensive cover and creative supply, and the two forwards aiming to stretch the opposition defence and convert chances. Jack Liddacot was named among the substitutes.
From the outset, Stroud United’s defensive solidity was evident. Within two minutes, Curt Florek intercepted a Cheltenham attack while Elliot James cleared a header, setting the tone for a disciplined defensive effort. The early pressure paid dividends almost immediately as Jordan Measures opened the scoring in the third minute, expertly finishing a move orchestrated by Nathan Green’s assist.
The visitors’ defence remained resolute in the opening ten minutes, with Brooke Jenner clearing danger and Curt Florek winning headers to quell Cheltenham’s attempts to respond. Jamie Snell contributed with timely blocks and headers, while Elliot James and Nathan Green combined defensive tackles and clearances to maintain control. This defensive resilience was crucial in preventing Cheltenham from gaining any foothold early on.
Stroud United’s attacking threat continued to flourish. At 13 minutes, Jake Gardiner doubled the lead, converting a chance created by Elliot James. The midfield and forward lines worked in unison to maintain pressure, with Nathan Green and Jamie Snell making further crucial tackles and blocks to stifle any Cheltenham advances. Sam Counter was alert in goal, catching crosses and making key clearances to keep the clean sheet intact during the first half.
Jordan Measures remained a constant menace, testing the Cheltenham goalkeeper with attempts at 27 and 30 minutes, the latter saved but indicative of his growing influence. Defensive duties were shared efficiently, with Jamie Snell and Brooke Jenner clearing threats and Curt Florek intercepting passes to break up play. Despite Stroud United’s dominance, Cheltenham managed to pull one back in the 35th minute, briefly halting the visitors’ momentum.
However, Stroud United’s defensive unit quickly regained composure. Jamie Snell and Curt Florek continued to thwart attacks with headers, tackles, and clearances, while Josh George and Elliot James provided additional midfield protection. The half closed with Sam Counter confidently catching crosses and Brooke Jenner clearing headers, ensuring Stroud United maintained a 2-1 advantage at the break.
The second half began with continued defensive vigilance. Jamie Snell and Ollie Osbourne-Shill were prominent in aerial duels, while Elliot James blocked attempts and Jake Gardiner cleared danger. Sam Counter was substituted at 58 minutes, after picking up an injury, this meant a reshuffle with Ollie Osborne-Shill going in goal, Jake Gardiner popping back into defence and Jack Liddacot, coming onto the field in midfield.
Stroud United’s attacking intent remained high, with Marshall Stokes forcing a save at 60 minutes and Jordan Measures narrowly missing the target at 67. Defensive efforts from Brooke Jenner, Jamie Snell, and Curt Florek ensured Cheltenham’s attacks were consistently repelled. Ollie Osbourne-Shill making a crucial diving save at 76 minutes, showcasing his versatility and commitment.
The visitors then turned the screw in the final quarter. Jordan Measures scored his second goal at 80 minutes, assisted by Marshall Stokes, before adding a spectacular screamer just two minutes later to put the game beyond doubt. Curt Florek and Jamie Snell continued to clear threats, maintaining the defensive fortress.
Despite Cheltenham’s attempts to rally, Ollie Osbourne-Shill made further saves at 86 minutes, including a full-stretch stop and a decisive punch. Stroud United’s attacking pressure persisted with attempts from Jake Gardiner and Jordan Measures late on, though both went wide.
In stoppage time, the scoring was not finished. Jordan Measures provided the assist for Marshall Stokes to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory in the 95th minute, capping off a dominant performance.
Jordan Measures was deservedly named player of the match, his hat-trick proving decisive in Stroud United’s emphatic cup triumph. The team’s blend of defensive discipline and attacking prowess ensured a memorable win on the road, setting them up well for the next round.
