GFA County Intermediate Cup

McCadam 3

Avonvale United 1

AVONVALE were knocked out of the GFA County Intermediate Cup on Saturday by McCadam who play a division above in the Stroud and District Div Three.

Vale were without key players while the Gloucester side were bolstered by the inclusion of former Cirencester Town striker Jody Bevan playing as a holding midfielder.

The hosts began the game on the front foot and had good chances to get the opener inside the opening 15 minutes but Vale were resilient in keeping them out and their determination paid dividends when they opened the scoring midway through the half.

A well-worked passage of play earned them a corner and from the resulting set piece Kieran Witchard turned his marker on the edge of the box and curled a left-footed shot right into the top corner.

Witchard's strike is an early contender for goal of the season.

Vale couldn't hold their lead for long and just before the break, the taller and more physical McCadam side scored two quickfire goals to lead 2-1 at the interval.

McCadam started the second half positively but Vale again withstood the pressure before creating chances of their own through Conrad Goodenough and Jack Johnson.

The best chances, however, both fell to the persistent and determined Richard Wood – one was saved by the 'keeper and the other whistled past the post.

Vale just couldn't find the equaliser and while chasing the game they left themselves open at the back, with McCadam able to kill off their rivals near the end.

A good delivery from the left flank was smashed home by the big McCadam number nine to make it 3-1.

Avonvale MoM: Dan Boulton.