On a warm evening at Longford Park on 23 July 2025, Stroud United Firsts faced Longlevens Reserves from GNSL Division 1, in a friendly match that ended with a scoreline of 1-2 in favour of the hosts. The match kicked off at 6:45pm, with a modest attendance of 60 spectators witnessing a competitive encounter.
Stroud United lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, aiming to establish a solid defensive base while allowing their attacking players the freedom to create chances. Chay Jones took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Curt Florek and Jamie Snell as the right and left defenders respectively, with Sam Counter and Jake Gardiner forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Josh George and Nathan Green operated as central midfielders, providing both defensive cover and support to the attack, while Elliot James played in a more advanced role as the attacking midfielder. Up front, Jordan Measures and Lewis Slinn occupied the right and left forward positions, with Marshall Stokes leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Casey Carter and Ben Abbott.
The match began with an early offside call against Marshall Stokes in the third minute, signalling Stroud's attacking intent. However, it was Jamie Snell who made his presence felt shortly after, executing a crucial block in the sixth minute to deny Longlevens a clear opportunity. Stroud United began to find their rhythm, with Josh George attempting a shot in the ninth minute, though it went wide of the target.
Chay Jones showcased his goalkeeping skills in the 11th minute by intercepting a dangerous cross, demonstrating his command of the area. Nathan Green followed suit with an attempt of his own in the 14th minute, but his effort also missed the mark. The defensive unit of Stroud was tested frequently, with Curt Florek making a vital block in the 20th minute, further solidifying the backline.
As the first half progressed, Jones was called into action again, catching a cross in the 22nd minute, while Jordan Measures was penalised for a foul in the 25th minute, indicating the physical nature of the contest. Florek continued to impress defensively, making a tackle in the 26th minute and an interception shortly after in the 28th minute. Jake Gardiner also contributed to the defensive efforts with a well-timed tackle in the 34th minute.
Marshall Stokes had a chance to put Stroud ahead in the 35th minute, but his shot sailed high over the bar. Unfortunately for Stroud, Longlevens struck first in the 42nd minute, scoring the opening goal just before half-time. Stokes attempted to respond immediately, but his shot was saved in the 43rd minute, leaving Stroud trailing 0-1 at the break.
The second half saw Stroud make a tactical change, with Casey Carter coming on for Lewis Slinn at the start of the half. Chay Jones remained alert, making a catch in the 48th minute. However, Stokes was again involved in a foul in the 51st minute, which disrupted Stroud's momentum. Josh George made a defensive header in the 52nd minute, but Carter's attempt shortly after was saved, highlighting Stroud's struggle to find the back of the net.
Jones continued to be a key figure for Stroud, diving at the feet of an opponent in the 72nd minute, but Longlevens doubled their lead with a second goal just moments later. In response, Stroud made another substitution, bringing on Ben Abbott for Sam Counter in the 73rd minute.
Stroud finally found their breakthrough in the 75th minute when Marshall Stokes scored directly from a corner kick, assisted by Jake Gardiner, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, despite further attempts from Elliot James and Nathan Green, both of which went wide and high respectively, Stroud could not find an equaliser.
As the match drew to a close, Jamie Snell made a crucial interception in the 87th minute, while Ben Abbott capped off Stroud's defensive efforts with a tackle in the 90th minute. Ultimately, Stroud United Firsts fell short, succumbing to Longlevens Reserves with a final score of 1-2, a result that reflected the competitive nature of the friendly encounter.