Cleeve made to work for three points by makeshift Swans

Bishops Cleeve u18s earned a hard thought 2-0 victory over a heavily changed Slimbridge u18s’ side at Thornhill Park on Tuesday night, writes Sam Yapp.

It took a stunning effort to put Cleeve in front when Jack Green found the top left corner from 25-yards on 25 minutes.

Cleeve’s lead doubled just before the break when a stretching Devon Morgan turned a Tommy Bond cross into his own net.

Cleeve returned to winning ways and extended their lead at the top of the Floodlit Split Division One to 11 points.

Tom Reed’s Swans ended their campaign with a first defeat in four games but could be proud of their efforts as a result of the mass rotation ahead of this game.

The Swans rested almost every regular starter ahead of their GFA Youth Shield Final on Thursday night which saw nine first year players given a rare start.

Cleeve, as expected, dominated the early proceedings almost taking the lead inside five minutes, but Bond’s close ranged effort was straight at stand in goalkeeper, Will Tainton.

The Swans grew in confidence and on the half hour mark had their first effort when Zak Jones low effort from 18-yard was pushed behind by Charlie Wolfendale.

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The visitors started the second half fast and could have extended their lead five minutes in, but Marcus Cornwall’s close ranged effort was smothered by Tainton.

Reed’s side had a flurry of chances in the final 10 minutes all coming to Alex Stratford, but he was only able to send a low effort at Wolfendale or loop a header over the bar.

Cleeve have one final league game remaining which sees them travel to Longlevens u18s on Monday evening.

The Swans conclude their season with a chance of silverware on Thursday night as they take on Hallen u18s at the Gloucestershire FA, Almondsbury.

Speaking after the game, Slimbridge’s Head of Youth Development Kevin Russell said:

“We are really proud of our performance out there. We showed great discipline and structure in what we wanted to do but full credit to Cleeve as they deserved the win.

“For us having nine first year players involved, the attitude and effort they showed, there is a lot to be positive about and look forward to next season.”

Slimbridge U18s: Tainton (GK), Nickleson, Morgan, Thomas, Wainwright, Gardiner, Pennant, Dean, Browne, Askari, Jones

Subs: Jagger, Porch, Low, Stratford

Bishops Cleeve U18s: Wolfendale (GK), Hodgins, Day-Tsegah, Green, Williams, Danter, Tucker, Cornwall, Bond, N. Parker, Walker

Subs: Bean, Callaghan, Balchin, K. Palmer

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match- Marcus Cornwall (Bishops Cleeve 18s)