Gloucester City got back to winning ways on Saturday in the form of a 3-1 home win over Tiverton Town, after four consecutive games without a win, with the run including three losses.
“It’s a good result, we could’ve probably played better, with the standards that we’ve set ourselves, but it stopped a bit of a rut so we’re happy about that,” said City player Kieran Phillips.
“The message going into today was to just win, we’re obviously disappointed with the goal at the end but we just needed three points to get ourselves going again.”
It was an unorthodox game for the Tiger’s number ‘9’, as he started in an unfamiliar position at right-wing-back, before ending the game up top, where he managed to net City’s third of the afternoon.
All Photography Courtesy of Emily Robinson
Saturday saw Phillips’ first league start following his return from a short-term loan spell at Larkhall Athletic, where he scored eight goals in seven games.
“The gaffer pulled me a few times in the week and said he was thinking of trying me at wing-back, and I felt I took to it well, then I was pushed back up front, but there were spaces in the middle where I was dropping in and helping out the team.
“I’ve needed a goal, since I’ve come back I’ve wanted to get that first one and get going, I’m happy with how I’m playing personally and I’m happy to help the team.”
Phillips left the KMM Energy Stadium in mid-November after scoring just two goals during the start of the campaign, with the loan move a big boost for his fitness and confidence.
KP IS BACK!🚨
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) December 31, 2025
Kieran Phillips has been recalled one game early from his loan spell at @LarkhallAFC after scoring 8⃣ goals in 7⃣ games.
Our 9 will be available for this Saturday's clash with Evesham United & for upcoming fixtures.
📰https://t.co/PAZtPPGMw6#GCAFC pic.twitter.com/RlUuYL8R9U
“The gaffer and I had an honest chat about me needing to go and get fit, and I had a slow start to the season.
“A lot went on last season that people don’t really see, and it probably affected me at the start of this season, so it was good to go and get games, get fit, and come back to do what I need to do.”
City will need Phillips to be on his A game, as they were without striker Kane Simpson on Saturday, whilst nine Soporuchukwu Obieri has returned to his parent club Cheltenham Town, after his loan deal with the Tigers concluded.
It’s another tough test for the third-placed Gloucestershire outfit tomorrow night as they travel to top-of-the-table Walton & Hersham, who they trail by 10 points.
However, the fixture couldn’t have come at a better time for City, as the Swans continued their dismal run on Saturday, with a 3-1 home defeat to second-placed Poole Town making it their third straight loss.
“It’s a massive game, we’ll go there and try to get three points, and push ourselves up the league.”
After another great home attendance on Saturday saw 1212 people at the KMM Energy Stadium, City will hope to see some of their fans join them in Surrey for the vital clash.
“We hope you can get there and support us, you’ve been brilliant all season.”
