Rugby United pulled themselves back into contention after a bad start and then defensively fell apart to record their worst result since the 6-0 defeat at Grantham Town back in October 2001.

Going into the game Valley had played for almost seven hours without conceding a goal. But, with only three minutes on the clock Gloucester caught them napping when Dave Wilkinson nipped in front of goalkeeper Mike Payne to bundle Tom Webb's cross over the line.

Robbie Beard, set up by Rory Squire, wasted a good opportunity to pull the scores level by blasting over the bar, before the home side won a 17th minute corner as Payne pushed away a drive from Lee Smith at full stretch.

City doubled their advantage when the unfortunate keeper punched Neil Mustoe's flag kick into his own net.

Smith shaved the United post, and on the half hour Rugby striker Justin Marsden went close and Gloucester goalkeeper Matt Bath saved from Beard.

With half time approaching Payne stood up well at his near post to deny Jimmy Cox.
Payne then reacted first to smother another effort from Smith that came back off the inside of the post after rolling across the face of goal. With the United defence all at sea, Smith shot just over the bar.

United Manager Tony Dobson brought on Steve Evans and Dave Pearson for Craig Herbert and Marsden at the start of the second half.

Within a minute Pearson won a challenge on the corner of the Gloucester six-yard box.

The ball rolled out into the path of Squire who was tripped by City player/manager Chris Burns, referee Cox having no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Beard powered home from the spot. Spurred on by the goal, United pressed hard for the equaliser. Squire found Pearson in space who drove straight at Bath.

And, following a cross by Evans, Beard's attempt from a tight angle was kept out by the keeper with his legs.

The visitors were given a wake up call when Payne had to race off his line to gather at the feet of Cox after a poor back header by Adam Hart.

However, the warning went unheeded as Daryl Addis was allowed the time and space to angle City's third past Payne in the 54th minute.

The disappointed travelling Valley fans at least expected their side to show some desire and determination to set the foundation for another challenge. As it turned out there was nothing left in the tank. Payne parried away from Smith, before United failed to clear a 61st minute corner and Addis helped himself to Gloucester's fourth from close range.

Substitute Keith Knight made it five with an unstoppable looping effort over Payne from 20 yards. A minute from time substitute Eddie Rimmer slotted the sixth after dancing past three United defenders.

While the goals were going in at the other end, Rugby had chances to make the scoreline more respectable.

Wilkinson headed Andy Commander's sweetly struck drive off the line and Pearson and Gary Moran both had shots on target blocked. In the 83rd minute substitute Jon Douglas grazed the top of the crossbar with a free header from a corner taken by Evans.

Dobson was upset at the way his side had thrown in the towel. He said: "We presented them with two goals early on and then pulled one back. For five minutes or so I thought we could get something out of the game.

"When the third went in our heads dropped big time. Noboby wanted to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. We just gave up. Defensively we were poor all over the pitch.
"Our next league game isn't for two weeks so we have time to take stock and see how we can turn things round."