Sam’s Section: Marsh Challenge Cup action sees Hellenic Premier sides enter with Tuffley hosting all Gloucestershire tie

With 2025 in full swing and Sam’s Section back up and running it’s time to look ahead to some cup action around Gloucestershire this weekend.

The third round of the Marsh Challenge Cup plays out this weekend which sees the Hellenic League Premier sides added into the mix creating some tasty encounters.

The current holders Corsham Town, who defeated Worcester City on penalties in last seasons final, host Thornbury Town on Saturday at the Southbank.

Corsham Town v Thornbury Town (14:00 kick off)

There is just one all Gloucestershire tie in the competition this round as Tuffley Rovers host Hellenic League Division One high flyers, Shortwood United.

Shortwood advanced this far needing penalties to get past rivals Stonehouse Town following a 1-1 draw but are currently 6^th in their league and are quarter-finalists in the Challenge Trophy as well.

Tuffley are also Challenge Trophy quart-finalists but have picked up just one win their last four games in all competitions.

Tuffley Rovers v Shortwood United

Elsewhere, there is just one Gloucestershire team at home in the Challenge Cup as a much improved Lydney Town host Hellenic Div One side, Clanfield 85.

Lydney are currently on a three game winning streak confidently defeating teams such as, Highworth Town, Slimbridge and Malmesbury Victoria seeing them jump out of the relegation spots in the Hellenic Premier.

Lydney Town v Clanfield 85

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In the other games involving Gloucestershire teams, Longlevens make the trip to Abingdon United, Cirencester Town travel to Highworth, Slimbridge meet with Ludlow Town, Fairford Town face Mangotsfield United and Brimscombe & Thrupp take on Pershore Town.

Fairford and Slimbridge are both also Challenge Trophy quarter-finalists whilst the other clubs will looking to enjoy a cup run in this competition.

The other ties involving Gloucestershire sides are below:

Abingdon United v Longlevens

Highworth Town v Cirencester Town

Ludlow Town v Slimbridge

Mangotsfield United v Fairford Town

Pershore Town v Brimscombe & Thrupp

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Cover photo taken by and copyright to Brian Rossiter. Check out his Flickr account for all of his pictures by clicking here