Bishop’s Cleeve under-8s were seeing double yesterday after they walked off with two trophies at Hardwicke.

They won the Severn Valley Youth Football League under-8 cup and plate in thrilling style, overcoming Quedgeley Reds 3-1 in the cup and defeating Hardwicke Rangers Blues 4-3 on penalties in the plate after the match had ended 2-2.

Two goals by Gennaro Bilfuco, one from the penalty spot, and one by captain George Murphy earned Bishop’s Cleeve Rovers the victory but they were pushed all the way by a battling Quedgeley side.

“I’m chuffed to bits,” said Cleeve boss Neil Howchin. “It was a really hard game. Two goal-line clearances by Louis Gaonach and Kyle Price typified what this side are all about.”

Goalkeeper Marcus Glaudot was the hero in Bishop’s Cleeve Colts’ plate win, making the decisive save in the shootout.

Jamie Liley got their two goals in normal time and he, skipper Dylan Baker and Jack Evans all had strong games.

Mark Holleron, who took over as manager of the Colts midway through the season and is assisted by Scott Baker, said: “I can’t believe it. This team have come such a long way in a short time.”

The two Cleeve teams will be competing in the Cheltenham Youth League next season and Howchin said: “We’re moving for geographical reasons and because Cleeve as a club have had a long association with the Cheltenham Youth League.

“The Severn Valley League has been great for us. It’s a good set-up and is run by good people.”

Cleeve will be playing 7-a-side matches next season instead of the current 5-a-side at under-8s level and Howchin added: “That will allow us to give more game exposure to more players.”

Cleeve will have two teams at under-9 level next season and Howchin is on the lookout for players. Anyone who is interested should email: neil_howchin@yahoo.co.uk.

Elsewhere, Gala Wilton under-13s had their shooting boots on as they defeated Stonehouse 8-2.

Gala Wilton’s under-15s didn’t fare quite so well as they lost 3-0 to Charfield Blues, while Tuffley Rovers under-16s edged out Quedgeley Wanderers by the odd goal in three.

Results:
Under-8 plate: Bishop’s Cleeve Colts 2-2 Hardwicke Rangers Blues (4-3 on pens)
Under-8 cup: Bishop’s Cleeve Rovers 3-1 Quedgeley Reds
Under 13 cup: Gala Wilton 8-2 Stonehouse
Under-15 cup: Charfield Blues 3-0 Gala Wilton
Under-16 cup: Quedgeley Wanderers 1-2 Tuffley Rovers

Fixtures:
Sunday 14th May (all at Longlevens Primary School)
Under-11 cup: Longlevens Infants v Gloucester City (10.00am)
Under-12 cup: Gala Wilton v FC St Leonards (12.00noon)

Tuesday 16th May
Under-14 cup: Ashley Down v Kings Stanley (at GFA headquarters, Almondsbury, 7.00pm)