Cirencester Town manager, James Mortimer-Jones is delighted that star man, Finley Bell returned to action for The Centurions last night against Malmesbury Victoria Fc.
“It’s worked out perfectly for us to get him back involved, we’ve looked a bit unsure in the final third so it was ideal timing for that.”
The Cirencester fans thought they said there goodbye’s in his last game against Royal Wootton Bassett Town before moving to the United States of America to pursue his football career. Mortimer-Jones explained that Bell has a break over in the USA, being the reason he’s returned back home.
‘Super’ Finn bell now departs to take up a scholarship in the USA
— Cirencester Town FC (@CirenTownFC) February 26, 2025
it’s been a pleasure to have you with us this season both on and off the pitch and good luck in the US!
We look forward to following your football career.
Thanks for all your efforts Finn! 🔟🔴⚫️#Centurions pic.twitter.com/0O4a4aGi8t
The attacking midfielder played a big part in the 2-0 away win at The Flying Monk Ground to secure the club a place in the semi-final of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup.
“We’ve got ourselves in a position in the league where we can have a full strength go at it (the cup) if we like.
The youngsters are still being involved and we’re delighted to get it over the line and through to the semi-finals.”
Cirencester will face Westfields in the semi-final in a few weeks time (date to be confirmed) with the winner of that fixture playing either Mangotsfield United or Roman Glass St George in the final.
The first half consisted of both sides having chances to break the deadlock but wasted chances cost the home side the most.
The second 45 was full of controversial decisions from the man in the middle, missing handballs, penalty shouts and a strike from Cirencester winger Harrison Reeves which hit the bar and looked like it bounced over the line but the referee denied the call.
63’ | Reeves’ hits the bar and the ball looks like it’s over the line but the referee says no! 🤔
— Cirencester Town FC (@CirenTownFC) March 11, 2025
[0-0]#Centurions
Five minutes later, Malmesbury’s right-back brought down Bell inside the area, the penalty was awarded but substitute Ross Gabriel was saved by the Forest Green Rovers loanee goalkeeper.
The following corner from the penalty save was crossed in by Bell and poked in by defender Kyle Pitts after a bit of pinball around the box.
Pitts doubled the lead in the 77th minute with a left footed strike which took a horrible bounce over the Malmesbury keeper.
77’ | HE’S DONE IT AGAINNNN
— Cirencester Town FC (@CirenTownFC) March 11, 2025
[0-2]#Centurions pic.twitter.com/pi9RiCemK2
“This is our last cup competition so we really want to do well in that now and yeah i’m really looking forward to the semi-final and hopefully we can push on.”
Mortimer-Jones explained how injuries have been a big problem for his side recently with Andy Lewis and Jack Freeman missing out on the quarter-final clash.
“We’ve still got two or three missing, Jack Freeman with illness and Lewis will be out for two to three weeks and there’s still two or three who are carrying some sort of knocks but they’re putting a shift in for the team at the moment.”
Cirencester return to The Talent Hire Stadium on the weekend as they face Longlevens in the Hellenic League Premier Division, but Mortimer-Jones doesn’t know who will be available for Saturday.
“We’ll take a look on Thursday, we’ve got the physio in so we’ll go off their recommendations are, I know two or three will just want to play but we’ve got to look after them long term and yeah couple I would say Saturday might be a bit soon for them.”
