28/09/2026
UNITED PUSH CLIFTON ALL THE WAY IN LEVEL 7 RETURN
Cinderford United produced a spirited second-half fightback in their first league outing following promotion, battling back to within two points of Clifton before a final-play score gave the hosts a 33–24 victory.
United were back at Level 7 and faced a strong Clifton side in an opening league contest which provided plenty of encouragement, but also left the visitors reflecting on opportunities that had gone begging.
United made the perfect start when Will Day crossed for the opening try to put United 5–0 ahead.
Clifton responded with a converted try to edge in front 7–5 and began to take control of the scoreboard, adding two further tries — one converted — to establish a 19–5 advantage.
United needed a response and found one through Tom Reynolds, whose try reduced the deficit to 19–10.
Clifton struck again before the interval, however, adding a converted try to send the hosts into half-time with a 26–10 lead.
United emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and produced their best spell of the afternoon.
Max Rendall crossed for Cinderford's third try, with Matt Tinker adding the conversion to bring United back to 26–17.
The momentum was now with the visitors and another try followed, this time through JJ Horrobin. Tinker was again successful from the tee and suddenly a 16-point half-time deficit had been reduced to just two.
At 26–24, with around 20 minutes remaining, United were firmly back in the contest and pushing for a victory that had looked unlikely at the interval.
But despite creating opportunities, Cinderford couldn't find the score that would take them in front.
The contest remained in the balance until the closing stages when Clifton crossed with the final play of the game. The conversion took the final score to 33–24, giving the hosts the victory and leaving United to reflect on how close they had come after an impressive fightback.
POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
United Manager Paul Morris saw plenty of positives from his side's return to Level 7, while acknowledging that missed opportunities ultimately proved costly.
“It was a very competitive first league outing for the United back at Level 7 against a good Clifton side. However, it was a curious afternoon with highs and lows.
“We started well with the first try and then struggled as Clifton scored three tries. We fell foul of some non-stop penalties which halted any chance of building up momentum. We scrummaged well but this was not rewarded.
“Our best period was the third quarter and with twenty minutes to go we’d reduced the arrears to 26–24 and looked the most likely side to win.
“Our failure to go on and win the game is down to our own failings and we have to accept that and learn from it. We missed multiple opportunities.
“Clifton’s last-play try and conversion was a kick in the teeth we probably didn’t deserve, but that’s rugby and we need to respond next Saturday at home to Old Bristolians.”
There was disappointment at the final whistle, but United can take plenty from their first test back at Level 7. Their second-half response showed what they are capable of, while the experience also highlighted where opportunities will need to be taken as they adjust to the step up.
Attention now turns to next Saturday and a return to Bell Sports & Rugby Park, where United welcome Old Bristolians for their first home league fixture of the new campaign.
FULL TIME: Clifton 33 – Cinderford United 24
Cinderford United scorers:
Tries: Will Day, Tom Reynolds, Max Rendall, JJ Horrobin.
Conversions: Matt Tinker (2).
A big thank you to everyone who travelled to support United on their return to league action.
ONE BADGE. ONE COMMUNITY.
