Stroud League Division 3 Kingswood Reserves 8 Wickwar Wanderers 0 Kingswood achieved a fantastic home record feat with this emphatic win against local rivals Wickwar.
Kingswood Reserves have not lost at home since December 17, 2005, which has included 29 wins and one draw in all competitions during this two year period - a record to be proud of at any level of the game.
Although it was indeed Wickwar who carved out the first chance of the game early on, as Paul Bath steered his header against an upright from a rare foray into the home box.
However, once the home side got into their stride it became one-way traffic, as Gary Simmons continued his recent good form, with pace and guile foxing the visitors' defence. It was Simmons' trickery which earned a free kick wide, from which Scott Harvey's delivery produced an opportunity for Higgins to head home on 31 minutes, which was quickly followed by a piece of Dan Griffiths footwork which bamboozled the visitors before he picked out Simmons to side foot home in the box for 2-0.
Just minutes later Simmons again ran at the static Wickwar defence before picking his spot for 3-0. With the break calling, Simmons again won the ball in midfield before finding Higgins, who in turn put in Griffiths to give the home side a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break.
Kingswood's half-time talk was all about not getting complacent - this was clearly taken on baord as they came out and destroyed their opponents for the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Firstly man-of-the-match Paul Boeater found a sublime pass for Tom Higgins to score, which was quickly followed by a super finish from Dan Griffiths, and then Simmons ensured Boeater got on the score sheet with a lovely visionary pass for 7-0.
The home side introduced their bench at this stage with three substitutions, which took a few minutes to settle. The visitors upped their game and played for their pride, however the final goal of the game was created by Higgins who released wide man Tony Berry who rammed home the eighth from 18 yards.
This was Kingswood Reserves at their best in places and Kingswood stalwart Mr Wilkes commented: "To go two years undefeated at home is magnificent and something this group of players should be proud of.
"As supporters we have enjoyed every game, and many congratulations to Scott Harvey and his team."
Everyone at Kingswood would like to wish players, supporters and committee members a great Christmas and a fantastic 2008.
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