Stroud United Reserves delivered a resolute performance against Cheltenham premier league side Cheltenham United, securing a 0-0 draw in a friendly match held at Stratford Court, Stroud on 19 July 2025. The match kicked off at 1:00pm, showcasing the resilience and tactical discipline of both teams.
Stroud United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a setup designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking width. Marshall Stokes occupied the goalkeeping position, while the back four consisted of Harrison Brain and Max Dyer as right and left defenders respectively, with Alex White and Ben Abbott forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Ben Brown operated on the right, Jamie Marriott took up a central role, and Chay Jones played on the left. Up front, Tom Fisher and Rio Kerr flanked striker Casey Carter, who was expected to lead the line with pace and finishing ability.
The substitutes for Stroud United included Tom Ticehirst, Tom Florek, Malique Cooke, Jason Wright, and Oscar Fairfax, providing the manager with a variety of options to change the game as needed.
The match began with an early scare for Cheltenham as Casey Carter was flagged offside in the fourth minute, a warning sign that the attacking intent was present. Just three minutes later, Tom Fisher came close to breaking the deadlock, striking the crossbar with a powerful effort that left the crowd gasping.
As the game progressed, Marshall Stokes showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a point-blank reaction save in the 14th minute, denying Cheltenham United a certain goal. Stroud United continued to press, with Chay Jones testing the opposition goalkeeper in the 21st minute, but his shot was saved.
Defensively, Chay Jones was also active, making a crucial tackle in the 23rd minute to thwart a Cheltenham attack. Jamie Marriott then had a chance to put Stroud ahead in the 24th minute, but his effort went wide of the target. Stokes was called into action again in the 26th minute, making another impressive save before catching a cross in the 29th minute, demonstrating his command of the area.
In the 29th minute, Stroud made their first substitution, bringing on Tom Ticehirst for Casey Carter. Ticehirst quickly made his presence felt, although his attempt in the 32nd minute went wide. Rio Kerr also had a chance shortly after, but his shot was too high, reflecting the frustration of the Stroud forwards.
Ben Abbott continued to be a defensive stalwart, making a vital tackle in the 34th minute to maintain the clean sheet. The first half concluded with Stokes making another catch just before the whistle, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The second half saw immediate changes for Stroud United, with Malique Cooke and Jason Wright coming on for Alex White and Harrison Brain respectively. The substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the team. Just two minutes into the half, Tom Florek had a chance but his shot sailed high over the bar.
In the 47th minute, Casey Carter returned to the pitch, replacing Chay Jones, as Stroud looked to bolster their attacking options. Max Dyer made a crucial interception shortly after, showcasing the defensive discipline that had characterised Stroud's performance.
Further substitutions followed, with Harrison Brain and Chay Jones re-entering the fray, as Stroud continued to rotate their squad. Jason Wright made an important interception in the 57th minute, maintaining the pressure on Cheltenham.
As the match wore on, Oscar Fairfax had a shot saved in the 67th minute, while Casey Carter also tested the Cheltenham goalkeeper shortly after, but to no avail. Ben Abbott's attempt in the 68th minute went high, reflecting the mounting frustration as Stroud sought to break the deadlock.
Marshall Stokes remained a key figure, catching a cross in the 71st minute, ensuring that Cheltenham could not find a way through. Tom Florek had another opportunity in the 73rd minute, but his shot was also high, as Stroud continued to push for a goal.
In the closing stages, Stroud made their final substitutions, bringing back Tom Fisher and Rio Kerr for Casey Carter and Tom Florek. Fisher had two attempts in quick succession, both of which went high, as Stroud searched for a late winner.
As the match drew to a close, Harrison Brain made a crucial block in the 87th minute, ensuring that Cheltenham could not find a late breakthrough. The match ended in a stalemate, with both teams unable to find the net, but Stroud United will take heart from their performance, particularly in defence and the creativity shown in attack.
Man of the match - Jamie Marriott ????
