Bishop’s Cleeve punched their ticket to the Gloucestershire FA Senior Challenge Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cheltenham Town Reserves at Kayte Lane on Tuesday evening.
Paul Collicutt, former Cheltenham Town captain and now manager of Bishop’s Cleeve, acknowledged that his team benefitted from a bit of fortune. “Cheltenham played really well,” he said. “The key factor was that we made some changes, giving players who hadn’t featured much recently a chance to shine. Cheltenham worked hard, but we scored two goals in the final 15 minutes, so we have to be happy with that.”
The scoring opened in the second half when Cheltenham’s Sopuruchukwu Obieri fired a brilliant shot into the bottom left corner, putting the Robins ahead. However, Bishop’s Cleeve responded quickly. Noah Rubio curled a precise pass to captain Ross Langworthy, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Mamadou Diallo to equalize.
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The winning moment came late from former Cheltenham professional Jake Lee, who headed home a Toby Holland corner to send Cleeve into the final. Lee’s decisive goal underscored his impact and proved the difference.
Cheltenham had early chances to take the lead, with Ieuan Bailey twice hitting the woodwork, frustrating the young attacker. Fred King showcased his playmaking skills with a quick through ball leading to these close attempts. Throughout the match, goalkeeper Sam Gilder was pivotal for Bishop’s Cleeve, making crucial saves and applying pressure to Cheltenham’s forwards.
The result marks another milestone for Bishop’s Cleeve, who will now prepare to face either Yate Town or Forest Green in the final. They also have an important league fixture away at Bristol Manor Farm this weekend, aiming to maintain their position in the play-off places.
Bishop’s Cleeve lineup: Sam Gilder, Joe Selman (Steve Davies, 83), Will Turner, Jake Lee, Mat Liddiard, Reegan Messenger, Zack Kotwica (Ben Mclean, 45), Noah Rubio, Devanti McInerney (Jay Malshanskyj, 67), Ross Langworthy, Harry Williams (Toby Holland, 45).
Cheltenham Town Reserves lineup: Mamadou Diallo, George McNamee, Ethan Hardy (Tyler Wainwright, 59), Jack Robinson, Cameron Walters, Fred King, Charlie Caple, Noah Carter (Brook Williams, 75), Sopuruchukwu Obieri, Archie Hill, Ieuan Bailey.