Gloucester City  

Trivia buffs will be delighted to learn that Gloucester City  first ever match against Eastville (now Bristol Rovers) was refereed  by none other than sporting legend WG Grace.   

Though Gloucester City were formed way back in 1883 it wasn’t until after the Second World War that they played in Senior NonLeague Football though they did take part in the scaled down Southern League which operated during the war years.   

Since 1946/47 Gloucester City have played every season in the Southern League with three promotions and two relegations throughout the years, the latest of which, 2003/04 saw City on once again promoted to the Premier Division.   

Whilst their league form was mediocre following the war Gloucester twice reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup before 1950 though it would be another forty years before City once again reached the First Round.   

The Tigers league form was equally unspectacular until 1968/69 when a third place finish in the Southern League First Division was enough to earn the club promotion to the Premier Division.  Unfortunately, top-flight status lasted only two seasons before City picked up the wooden spoon and slipped back into Division One North.   

The early 1980s saw Gloucester City promoted (because of restructuring) and relegated as well as the club relocating to their present Meadow Park stadium.   

1988 saw Gloucester appoint Brian Godfrey as manager; an appointment which was to bring great success to Meadow Park.  The Southern League Midlands Division was won in 1989 with ace striker Chris Townsend knocking in 30 goals as City won the title with 92 points.  The following season saw The Tigers create history with their best ever run in the FA Cup.   

Beginning the competition in the First Qualifying Round victories over Mangotsfield, Barry, Worcester and Folkestone saw them paired with Dorchester in the First Round Proper.   

A 1-0 victory earned City a trip to Cardiff in the Second Round.  2-0 up with five minutes to go a shock looked odds-on but Cardiff hit-back with two late goals before winning the replay 2-0. 

1990/91 was a season to remember, and forget, as Gloucester City were denied promotion to the Conference on the final day of the season finishing runners-up to Farnborough Town.   

It wasn’t until 2003/04 that City finally won promotion but the club received a huge kick in the teeth in 2007 with flooding at Meadow Park forcing them into a ground-share with Forest Green Rovers.