Stroud United Res travelled to the Recreation Ground, Lower Road, Soudley on 20 September 2025 for a 2:30pm kick-off in their cup tie against Soudley Res. The visitors emerged comfortable 5-1 winners after a commanding display over the 90 minutes plus injury time.
Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Stroud United Res set up with Kenny Smith in goal, protected by a back four comprising Vinny Rees at right back, Ben Brown and Ben Abbott as central defenders, and Max Dyer at left back. Chay Jones operated as the holding central midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, Jack Wells took up the right attacking midfield role while Jamie Marriott occupied the left attacking midfield position, both expected to support the front three. The attacking trio featured Tom Ticehirst on the right wing, Rio Kerr leading the line as striker, and Tom Florek on the left wing, all charged with providing width and goal threat.
On the bench, Stroud United Res had Alex White, Josh Fletcher, Alex Castle, Caine Hopkins, and Ben Mutlow ready to make an impact if called upon.
The match burst into life early as Jamie Marriott opened the scoring in the 10th minute, showcasing his attacking instincts from the left attacking midfield position. Ten minutes later, Marriott doubled the lead, confirming his influence on the game and giving Stroud United Res a commanding advantage inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, a double event unfolded. Max Dyer was replaced by Alex White at left back, signalling a tactical tweak. Almost immediately, Tom Ticehirst extended the lead with a goal that underlined his role on the right wing as a key attacking outlet.
The first half concluded with Stroud United Res firmly in control at 3-0, having executed their 4-1-2-3 system effectively both in defence and attack.
Early in the second half, Soudley Res pulled a goal back in the 50th minute, providing a glimmer of hope for the home side, but this was short lived as Caine Hopkins found the net in the 70th minute, reinforcing the visitors’ dominance and restoring a three-goal cushion. Five minutes later, Tom Florek, scored in the 75th minute, further extending the lead to 5-1.
Throughout the match, goalkeeper Kenny Smith was a commanding presence between the sticks, making crucial saves and organising the defence, earning him the player of the match accolade.
Stroud United Res’ disciplined 4-1-2-3 formation allowed them to control midfield through Chay Jones while their attacking midfielders and forwards combined fluidly to dismantle Soudley Res’ resistance. The tactical substitutions in the second half ensured the team maintained their attacking threat and closed out the game emphatically.
In summary, Stroud United Res delivered a comprehensive and clinical performance away from home, securing a 5-1 victory that will surely boost their confidence as they progress further in the cup competition.
