College's Academy side set for an ESFA Trophy final (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

College's Academy side set for an ESFA Trophy final

HAVING won the ESFA Colleges Trophy on four previous occasions, Cirencester College Football Academy team will be looking to lift it for a fifth time when they face Middlesbrough College in next Monday's final at Chesterfield FC, 1.30pm ko.

In their recent semi-final tie, played at the Corinium Stadium, Cirencester beat the current holders, Southgate, 2-0.

The hosts dominated from the start with midfielder Lee Salter outstanding and they had several opportunities to take the lead.

After a fine move, the impressive Marcus Hall crossed to the near post for midfielder Dean Stow to flick the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead to Cirencester going into the interval.

Having made all five substitutions during the second period, Southgate tried desperately to apply pressure on the home defence.

But the Cirencester defence held firm, restricting their opponents to long crosses and shots from outside the 18-yard box.

Cirencester's Ryan Blanche thought he had scored when he side-footed the ball into the net at the far post, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul throw.

Nonetheless, minutes later Marcus Hall increased the local side's lead with a goal scored at the far post after the ball had been headed on by Matthew Green to secure his team's place in this years final.