Saturday 13th December
FA County Youth Cup Round 3
Leicestershire & Rutland FA 2 Gloucestershire FA 1

On the overall balance of play, Gloucestershire can count themselves as somewhat unfortunate to have lost this 3rd round tie at Leicestershire, credit must however go to the hosts who were ruthless in front of goal to win the game in the last 15 minutes.

After a positive start for the visitors, Rhys Hodgson (Bristol Manor Farm) was on hand to calmly finish when put through on goal from an excellent pass from Harry Churchley (Gloucester City) to put Gloucestershire ahead.

Following the goal, Leicestershire got themselves further into the game and carried a real threat from set pieces, with several efforts being scrambled away by the Gloucestershire defence. Despite an increase in pressure, the back 4 of Jack Holmes (Forest Green Rovers), Liam Wright (Forest Green Rovers), Jack Dancy (Hartpury College) and Hayden Turner (Hartpury College) stood firm and defended well.

As the game opened up and became stretched, Gloucestershire couldn’t capitalise on their good territory to take advantage and get what would have been a crucial second goal. Just before the interval, the Leicestershire Goalkeeper made a spectacular save from an Ollie Knight (Forest Green Rovers) penalty to keep the lead at only 1 goal.

Gloucestershire remained in control of the game at the start of the second period, playing some quick football and looking dangerous on the counter attack. Similar to the first half, they were unable to convert a chance which ensured the tie remained very much in the balance.

After Goalkeeper Josh Langley was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the box, Leicestershire expertly converted the 18 yard free kick to bring the game and hosts alive on 73 minutes.

As Leicestershire grew in confidence they went 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute with a close range finish from a corner kick to set up a frantic finish.

In the last moments, Leicestershire remained compact and solid in defence and effectively cleared some late Gloucestershire pressure to progress to the Quarter Finals to host Liverpool County FA.

We would like to thank Leicestershire & Rutland FA for their hospitality and wish them every success in the Quarter Finals.

Team:

1. Josh Langley (Cirencester Academy)
2. Jack Holmes (Forest Green Rovers)
3. Hayden Turner (Hartpury College)
4. Callum Wands (Hartpury College) (Captain)
5. Jack Dancy (Hartpury College)
6. Liam Wright (Forest Green Rovers)
7. Jordan Molyneaux (Gloucester City)
8. Harry Churchley (Gloucester City)
9. Sam Gilchrist (Yate Town)
10. Rhys Hodgson (Bristol Manor Farm)
11. Ollie Knight (Forest Green Rovers)
12. Harley Warren (Yate Town) replaced 8 (25 Minutes)
14. Ryan Williams (Tuffley Rovers) replaced 7 (80 minutes)