Harlie Price has described scoring the winning goal for Cirencester Town in their FA Cup victory at Farnham Town as the best feeling he has experienced on a football pitch. The striker netted late in the first half to level the game at 1-1, cancelling out Daryl Sanders’ earlier 15th-minute strike for the National League South side.
Price then secured the victory with a second goal in the 90th minute, heading in Jayden Stratford’s cross to complete one of the most memorable results in Cirencester’s history. The club, under James Mortimer-Jones, defeated a team three divisions above them and will now face Truro City in the third qualifying round.
“It was easily the best feeling I’ve had on a football pitch,” said club captain Price. “It was like an out-of-body experience. I’d been visualising it all day, and for it to happen was truly special. This has to be my number one moment personally. The FA Cup is a remarkable competition, and I hadn’t really achieved much in it before. Last night’s result was definitely the best for me.”
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He also expressed gratitude towards his fiancée, family and friends, adding: “They always stick by me. Non-league football can be challenging, but that win was for them. I’m bursting with pride and can’t wait for the next round.”
Reflecting on the celebrations following the match in Surrey, Price described them as “insane”. “Sharing the moment with the fans was incredible. They came out in force, singing throughout the evening, which made a real difference. The changing room atmosphere was electric. It’s a night everyone involved will remember for a long time.”
Price, who previously played for Cheltenham Saracens, Bishop’s Cleeve, Malvern Town and Brimscombe & Thrupp, is enjoying his time at Cirencester Town, a Hellenic League Premier Division club that reached the play-offs last season. “The club is professionally run from top to bottom,” he commented. “The facilities exceed the current level we play at, and the aim is to return to the Southern League. That ambition aligns perfectly with my own football goals. Non-league football relies heavily on the people behind the scenes, and this club is supported by some fantastic individuals.”
Truro City, who competed in the National League last season and now play in the National League South, eliminated Merthyr Town in their second qualifying round. Price said Cirencester are eager to take on the challenge of facing a higher-level side in the upcoming match. “It doesn’t get much tougher at this stage of the competition, but that’s exactly what we want. You’re never going to win the FA Cup at this level, but playing against bigger teams is the goal. Getting drawn away also gives our fans something to look forward to. We will give it our best shot again.”