LISTEN: Slimbridge edge out Gloucester City to advance in FA Youth Cup

Slimbridge u18s secured a spot in the next round of the FA Youth Cup edging out Gloucester City u18s 3-2 in their Preliminary Round tie at Thornhill Park on Thursday, writes Sam Yapp.

In a game that was tightly contested throughout it was the Swans who made the perfect start scoring just 21 seconds into the game thanks to a low strike across goal from Kieran Bennett.

Gloucester grew into the game and 15 minutes in made the most of well worked corner as Jamie Creed flicked a header towards the back post which was met by Christian Oliver who headed in off the bar.

The visitors took control after levelling and midway through the first period stole the lead with a second Oliver header which he beautifully floated over a stranded Korsten Lewis from 12-yards.

But the Swans went into the break level after a Frank Parker-Delves cross was turned home at the back post by Marley Johnson, who was playing he second 90 minutes in two days.

The Swans confirmed their victory within the opening minutes of the second period after Gloucester failed to clear the ball inside the six-yard box allowing James Tainton to bundle it over the line.

The Swans will find out their First Qualifying Round opponents on Monday when the draw is conducted.

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Despite falling to defeat Gloucester had two golden opportunities to potentially force a penalty shootout late in the game first coming through Morgan who rounded Lewis, but lost composure sliced his effort wide.

Minutes later David Henderson was in the right place when a ball across the box fell to him unpressured but lifted his effort over the bar from just inside the area.

Attention for both sides now turns to their opening Cheltenham Youth Floodlit Leagues as Slimbridge travel to Tuffley Rovers in the south section on Tuesday 10 September, whilst Gloucester travel to Lydney Town in the north section on Thursday 12 September.

Slimbridge u18s: Lewis (GK), Thomas, Parker-Delves, Barclay, Djiaha-Nsangou, Jagger ©, Johnson, Wasley, Bennett, Tainton, Harris

Bench: Fowler, Fisher, Anderson, Wayman, King, Howarth, Winstone (GK)

Gloucester City u18s: Chovanec (GK), Giles, Chance, Sulivan, Warren, Thomas-Phillips, Oliver, Kposowa, Creed, Pinchard, Francis

Bench: Bradburn, Carpenter, Henderson, Kenneh, Meek, Morgan, Williams

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Shamar Thomas (Slimbridge u18s)