Longlevens lift Floodlit Cup after dominant second half display against Hungerford Town Reserves
Four second half goals saw Longlevens come from behind to lift the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup, beating Hungerford Town Reserves 4-1 in Tuesday night’s final.
A brace from Cam Williams, a header from Jay Wells and close range Brad Martin effort secured the trophy for the Hellenic Premier side, who were behind at the break.
Callum Ginger had given Hungerford the lead midway through the first half, but the introduction of Martin on the hour saw Levens score two goals in six minutes to turn the tie on it’s head.
Buster Davies & Pete Boyle’s turned the screw from there and ran out comfortable winners in the end to start celebrations.
There is a quick turnaround for Longlevens, who now host Fairford Town on Thursday night and Cribbs on Saturday in back to back league fixtures.
Levens then return to the scene of their Floodlit Cup victory, the Ben’s Takeaway Stadium, to take on Stonehouse Town in the Semi Final of the GFA Challenge Trophy.
They still have eleven league games to play within the next month, with the abandoned game against Corsham Town yet to be slotted into the schedule.
Longlevens had the first opening of the final, with Jack Beardsell’s cross just too high for Alex Knight as he arrived at the back post.
But Hungerford had the first chance of the game on 18 minutes, but Drew Brei saved well from James Tomlinson, palming the striker’s effort onto the foot of the post.
On 25 minutes, Hungerford took the lead when Callum Ginger beat the offside trap and slotted past Brei to give his side the lead.
Levens should have been level instantly, but Knight side footed over from Lewis Driscoll’s in swinging ball in.
Driscoll began to see a lot more of the ball and he switched to Beardsell on half an hour, with the winger’s effort flying just wide.
Driscoll had the best chance of the half for Levens, as he spun in the box after Shaun O’Connor’s cut back, before seeing his effort saved by Alex Braidwood.
Brad Martin came off the bench 10 minutes into the second half and immediately made an impact, flicking on a long throw for Cam Williams to drill into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Martin flicked another header towards goal moments later, only for Braidwood to make a superb stop to palm out of the top corner.
But Braidwood could do nothing as he was rooted to his line as Jay Wells headed home a Williams corner on 67 minutes to swing momentum fully in the Hellenic Prem side’s direction.
Brei made a crucial save within minutes as a Hungerford corner was headed towards goal, with the American stopper catching the ball from point blank range.
And with just over 15 minutes remaining, the tie was all but sealed as Martin held the ball up on the edge of the box before laying it back for Driscoll.
Driscoll’s effort was spilled by Braidwood and Williams was on hand to convert the follow up.
Martin added the cherry on the icing on the cake with five minutes left, forcing the ball home after his initial header came back off the bar.
It was a devasting final half an hour or so from Longlevens who were worthy winners on the night and if they can go onto to secure a top 10 finish in the Hellenic Premier, Davies & Boyle would have had an unbelievable first season in management.
Longlevens: Brei, Roddis, Byard, Long, Wells, O’Connor, Williams, Beardsell, Lodge, Driscoll, Knight
Subs: Spencer, Sherchan, Martin, Hyett, Holmes
Hungerford Town Reserves: Braidwood, Buckwell, Blackford, Ginger, Luckett, Dopson, Passey, Tomlinson, Squires, Thorp, Howes
Subs: Cooper, Barrett, Greensides, Seymour, Atkins
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Brad Martin (Longlevens)
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