Cheltenham Town have advanced to the semi-finals of the GFA Senior Challenge Cup following a solid 2-0 win against Hartpury FC at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium on Tuesday. First-half goals from Sopuruchukwu Obieri, currently on loan at Gloucester City, and Ieuan Bailey ensured the Robins' progression, setting up a semi-final clash at home against Bishop’s Cleeve.
From the opening whistle, Cheltenham imposed pressure; Obieri’s early shot was brilliantly blocked by George Sims. The visitors maintained dominance, with Charlie Caple narrowly missing a header shortly after. Hartpury’s Ethan Vaughan tested keeper Mamadou Diallo with a bending shot, but it was Obieri who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, expertly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Joshua Sawyers. Two minutes later, Bailey impressed with a thunderous 20-yard strike that ricocheted off the post and into the net.
Hartpury responded vigorously in the second half, with O’Rian Reid’s powerful drive saved by Diallo and a penalty effort from Tomos Shyamapant striking the crossbar. Despite late efforts from both sides—including a corner from Caple hitting the post and a couple of long-range shots—they couldn’t find the net again. Forest Green Rovers also moved into the last four and await the winner between Yate Town and Bristol Manor Farm.
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In a thrilling Southern League Division One South encounter, Bishop’s Cleeve and Larkhall Athletic played out a 4-4 draw. After trailing 2-0 early on, Bishop’s Cleeve staged a comeback to lead 4-3 until Sam Boulton’s injury-time strike earned Larkhall a share of the spoils. The Mitres currently sit just outside the play-off positions but with two games in hand.
Hartpury showed defensive resilience in a 0-0 draw with high-flying Winchester City, thanks to two remarkable late saves from goalkeeper Seth Locke, securing their fourth unbeaten match.
Elsewhere, Evesham United celebrated a 3-0 win over Taunton Town with goals from Josh Barlow, Levi Steele, and Liam Hutt. Slimbridge advanced to the FA Vase last 32 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Amesbury Town, courtesy of Joe Shutt’s decisive goal.
In managerial news, Cinderford Town appointed Steve Cleal as their new manager following Matt Driscoll’s departure. Cleal’s leadership begins as Cinderford look to climb the table after a recent 3-2 defeat to Cirencester Town.
The County League saw Tewkesbury Town ascend to second place after an emphatic 8-0 victory against Cribbs Reserves, highlighting Scott Jordan and Dan Beasley’s brace performances. Frampton United and Bishop’s Cleeve Development also secured vital wins in their respective fixtures.
In Northern Senior League action, Bredon edged Lydney Town Reserves 2-1, while Cheltenham Civil Service and Falcons posted wins against Tredworth Tigers and Stonehouse Town Reserves respectively. Hardwicke strengthened their lead in Division Two following a convincing 6-0 triumph at Mitcheldean.
Turning to women’s football, Forest Green Rovers remain third in the South West Women’s League Premier Division, securing a 2-0 win over leaders Sherborne Town. Gloucester City fought to a 2-2 draw with Pucklechurch Sports but remain near the bottom with games in hand. Cirencester Town dominated with a 5-0 win against Stockwood Wanderers, fueled by Lani Dickinson’s hat-trick.
The County Women’s League featured high-scoring draws and decisive victories, such as Cheltenham Civil Service’s 2-0 win over Newent Town and Bishop’s Cleeve Development maintaining top spot in Division Three with a 4-1 victory. Notable individual performances included hat-tricks from Lily Ryan and Sam Judge, while multiple teams demonstrated strong form ahead of their next fixtures.