Gloucester City manager Daf Williams praised his team’s grit and determination after they edged past Worthing in a dramatic FA Trophy encounter that ended 3-3 after regular time, with Gloucester prevailing 5-3 in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.
Worthing started strongly, dominating possession and applying pressure on Gloucester’s defense throughout the first half. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Teddy Jenks finished a slick team move to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.
The second half saw more of the same early on, with Worthing continuing to press. However, Gloucester fought back with resilience. A fierce challenge by Harry Emmett high up the pitch allowed Elis Watts to seize the ball and score a stunning equalizer. Just 90 seconds later, Gloucester’s Joe Hanks capitalized on another turnover to put his side ahead 2-1.
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The game intensified quickly after that. Five minutes later, a foul by Watts in the penalty area gifted Worthing a spot-kick, which Jack Sprong confidently converted to level the score once more. But Gloucester regained the advantage in the 76th minute with a swift counter-attack. Sion Spence broke through on goal and calmly slotted home to make it 3-2.
Worthing responded quickly, with Sprong scoring again, his deflected shot looping over keeper Jared Thompson, bringing the match to 3-3 and forcing penalties.
In the shoot-out, Gloucester’s Joe Hanks opened the scoring, matched by Sprong for Worthing. Spence and Brad Dolaghan traded successful penalties, followed by Harry Pinchard and Sam Packham. Harry Emmett’s confident strike restored Gloucester’s lead before Thompson made a crucial save against Razzaq De-Graft. Marcus Day initially missed but was allowed a retake due to the opposing keeper’s movement, and he calmly converted to seal Gloucester’s passage into the fourth round.
Williams expressed his pride: “I’m delighted. The lads showed immense character and resilience. We had to adapt our approach today and they embraced it magnificently. Even when we were behind, they stayed in the game and fought back. That determination is exactly what we want for this club.”
Gloucester now advance to the FA Trophy fourth round for the first time in 24 years—a feat Williams hopes his team can build on. “Let’s be the group that wins four games in this competition. It doesn’t matter who we face next; the focus is on progressing.”
Team line-ups:
Gloucester City: J Thompson, Jones, Roberts, O’Regan, Williams (Day 35), Spence, Watts, Hanks, Richards-Everton, Pinchard, Emmett.
Worthing: Jeffries, Colbran, Jordan (Odokonyero 78), Cook, Ransom, Byron, Odei, Frimpong (De-Graft 67), Spong, Jenks (Packham 78), King (Dologhan 55).
Attendance: 549
Referee: Steven Swan