Cirencester College storm into a cup semi-final (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester College storm into a cup semi-final

A TREMENDOUS 3-1 quarter-final win has taken the Cirencester College Football Academy team into the penultimate stage of a prestigious national competition - the ESFA U18 Colleges Trophy.

In last week's tie played at the Corinium Stadium, the hosts took the lead on 35 seconds when Lewis Ringham tapped the ball into an empty net after the visitors' full-back had headed the ball past his own advancing goalkeeper.

The Academy continued to attack and increased their lead after ten minutes with an excellent header by striker Tom Valentine via a tremendous cross by Lewis Ringham.

At this stage, Cirencester were dominating the game and increased their lead in the 19th minute, Lee Salter hitting an unstoppable shot from ten yards after a desperate clearance off the Mancat goal-line.

The second half saw Mancat desperately trying to get back into the game.

But it took them until the 70th minute before they reduced the deficit with a fine goal by Stuart McGill.

However, Cirencester held firm and will now face holders Southgate College at home in the semi-finals on a date yet to be confirmed.