Cup final joy for Fairford and Lechlade YFC as two teams made it through to the North Wilts Cup Finals to be held at the County Ground, home of Swindon Town.

It’s the first time in the clubs history that we have had two teams reach the League Cup Final in the same season. The Under 18s overcame their opponents Ashton Keynes in emphatic style with a 5-0 victory. Goals from Charlie Bailey (2), Lawrie Merrington (2), and Oliver Le Bon saw the boys safely through and who will now meet Chippenham in the final.

The Under 12 Celts had a much more dramatic finale to their encounter against local rivals Cirencester Town. Having gone behind to two early goals from corners the boys edged their way back into the game and pulled a goal back after their inspirational Captain Wil Lloyd danced his way past two defenders to cross to Ollie Potter to slam in from close range.

The Celts had the better of the second half with Cirencester keeping the advantage with some last ditch defending and excellent goalkeeping. Fairford and Lechlade striker Ethan Nicolaas who was giving the Ciren defenders a torrid time was hauled down in the box but the referee gave a free kick just outside. The resultant free-kick from Dan Howard was heading for the top corner but was clawed behind for a corner kick. Justice was served as from the corner the ball was headed in by Joe Warrington.

The game entered into extra time and remained stalemate with neither team able to get the decisive breakthrough.

So penalties it was and memories of last season’s semi-final came to mind. The boys lost out in a penalty shoot out then to deny them a spot in last seasons final and only two weeks ago lost out on penalties in the Gloucestershire County cup semi-final to Bristol Central. The first penalty from Dan Howard slammed off the inside of the left hand post and it seemed the boys would be destined to be the bridesmaids yet again. However, Teddy Andrews the produced two fantastic saves leaving Gabe Birch with the job of putting Fairford and Lechlade into the final which he did firing the ball high into the net to ecstatic scenes.

A thoroughly deserved win and the boys can now enjoy a day at the County Ground no matter what happens.

Players- Ted Andrews, James Hewlett, Gabe Birch, Wil Lloyd, Harrison Hemmings, Dan Howard, Joe Warrington, Luke Carroll, Ollie Potter, Ethan Nicolaas, Josh Watkins.