Sam’s Section: 2024 football wrapped reflecting on ups and downs, impressive teams and unforgettable moments

For one last time in 2024, it’s time for Sam’s Section and what better way to sign off the year than reflect on what went on in the footballing world around Gloucestershire.

By the end of 2024 I will have incredibly either worked at, covered or enjoyed as a spectator 92 games, something I could have only dream of in the past.

So today, I’ll be looking at some of the standout moments, ups, downs and how the 2024/25 season is shaping up so far.

UPS AND DOWNS

So let’s start right towards the beginning of 2024 where there was a struggle for all of Gloucestershire’s top teams as Cheltenham Town, Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City all tasted relegations.

But fast forward to now and all three sides are in hot form in their respective campaigns with Cheltenham sitting 13th in League Two, five points off the play-offs and Rovers occupy third in the National League losing just one of their last 13 games in all competitions.

Gloucester, hoping for an instant return to the National League North/South, and are in a good position to do so sitting third in the Southern League Premier after losing just twice in their opening 19 league games.

Down in the Hellenic League Premier, Cinderford Town earned promotion, at the first time of asking, back to the Southern League Div One South back in May after suffering relegation the season prior.

An excellent end to the season lead to a stunning play-off run beating favourites to go up, Corsham Town before defeating Royal Wootton Bassett in the final 4-0.

However, it’s been a struggle for the Foresters this season as they currently sit bottom of the league, nine points from safety, hoping for more success in 2025.

STANDOUT SIDES

Gloucestershire boast some impressive teams but none more so than these three teams that have caught my eye in 2024.

Starting with Hartpury University who have been formidable in 2024 easing to promotion as champions of the Hellenic League Division One accumulating 92 points.

That impressive run has continued with ease in their first ever Hellenic Premier campaign as they sit top of the league, nine points clear, losing just one of their last 20 games.

Next up is Southern League Div One side, Bishops Cleeve, primarily for their incredible FA Cup run this season.

Cleeve reached the Third Qualifying round for the first time since the 2009/10 season with a memorable victory over National League South side, Torquay United.

After beating Torquay 3-0 in the Second Qualifying round, Cleeve set up a tie with another National League South side in Chesham United.

A draw at Kayte Lane earnt Cleeve a replay at Chesham but they unfortunately bowed out of the competition suffering a 4-0 defeat.

And finally Slimbridge u18s backed up last year’s double winning success with a County Cup trophy at the beginning of the year.

The young Swans came up short in the Cheltenham Youth Floodlit League but have made Thornhill Park a fortress this year losing just once at home during the calendar year.

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GAMES OF THE YEAR

There has been plenty of unforgettable fixtures this year but two that will stay long in my memory are a classic derby between Slimbridge u18s and Dursley Town u18s alongside Forest Green picking up a long awaited win.

Slimbridge and Dursley produced a stunning seven-goal thriller with the Swans coming out 4-3 winners thanks to brothers Will and James Tainton.

Both netted braces in the game that saw Will Tainton score his 37th goal of the season at that point, the most scored by any player in the Floodlit League since its formation in 2019.The game saw Dursley reduced to ten men, a frantic 60 seconds that had Slimbridge’s 3-2 lead quickly pegged back but it will be mostly remembered for James Tainton’s second half impact from the bench.

James was a half time substitution and within that 45 minutes bagged his brace before grabbing an assist for his brother Will who headed home the winner.

My second unforgettable game of the season was whilst working with Forest Green, on a long Tuesday night away game at Barrow in April, Rovers picked up a first league win since October 2023.

Goals, either side of a Cole Stockton distance strike for Barrow, from Kyle McAllister and Emmanuel Osadebe saw Rovers pick up their first three points under Steve Cotterill.

The efforts of travelling fans was rewarded and it was a night to remember for involved making the 472-mile round trip all worth it.

And that brings an end to Sam’s Section in 2024! I’ll be back for more in 2025 but for now it’s a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to everyone!

Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter (X) @SJY_Journo for more

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