Stroud United Firsts faced Marlborough Town FC in a gripping cup tie at Stratford Court, Stroud, on 20 August 2025. The match kicked off at 6:30pm and ended with Stroud succumbing to a 2-1 defeat, despite a bright start that saw them take an early lead.
Stroud United lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to provide a solid foundation while allowing for attacking flair. Adam Masson took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Curt Florek on the right, Malique Cooke and Ollie Shill in central defence, and Josh Fisher on the left. The midfield duo of Nathan Green and Josh George were tasked with controlling the centre, while Elliot James played just ahead of them as an attacking midfielder. Up front, Jordan Measures and Jack Gardner occupied the right and left forward positions respectively, with Marshall Stokes leading the line as the central striker.
The substitutes for Stroud included Liam Gale, Jai Underwood, Ryan Sims, and Harvey Masson, who would be called upon as the match progressed.
The match began with an electric atmosphere, and Stroud United quickly seized the initiative. Just six minutes in, Jack Gardner found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Josh George. This early goal sent the home crowd into raptures, as Stroud took a 1-0 lead.
However, the joy was short-lived. Marlborough Town responded with determination, equalising in the 20th minute. The visitors capitalised on a moment of uncertainty in the Stroud defence, bringing the score to 1-1 and shifting the momentum in their favour.
As the first half drew to a close, Stroud made a couple of tactical changes. At half-time, Liam Gale replaced Elliot James, while Jai Underwood came on for Ollie Shill, indicating a shift in strategy as they aimed to regain control of the match.
The second half commenced with Stroud looking to assert themselves once more, but disaster struck shortly after the restart. Just one minute into the half, Marlborough Town took advantage of a defensive mistake, scoring their second goal and putting Stroud on the back foot at 2-1.
Stroud attempted to rally, and in the 60th minute, Ryan Sims was introduced in place of Nathan Green, followed shortly by Elliot James returning to the fray, replacing Josh George. These substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield and attack.
As the match wore on, Stroud struggled to find a way through a resolute Marlborough defence. In the 70th minute, Harvey Masson came on for Marshall Stokes, as Stroud sought to bolster their attacking options in a bid to level the score.
As the game approached its climax, tensions rose, and the referee brandished yellow cards to both Jack Gardner and Jai Underwood in the 84th minute, indicating the increasing intensity of the contest.
Despite their best efforts, Stroud United could not find an equaliser, and the match ended with Marlborough Town celebrating their hard-fought victory. Jack Gardner’s early goal was a highlight for Stroud, but the defensive lapses proved costly, leaving them to reflect on what could have been in this cup encounter. Man of the match Jack Gardner
