A stunning goal by central attacking midfielder Jamie Tolley lit up the GFA Minor Cup North final at Bishop’s Cleeve last night.

It was the first goal of the game and helped Blockley to their first ever County Cup success as they defeated Barnwood United Reserves 3-1.

“He picked up the ball from Ben Burdock on the edge of the centre circle,” said Blockley manager Tom Lydon.

“He beat a couple of players and drove into the box before chipping the keeper with his left foot, he's a really, really good player.”

That goal came midway through the first half and within five minutes Blockley had doubled their lead when a Burdock cross-shot sailed into the net.

Barnwood Reserves, who are midtable in Division 4 (N) of the Stroud League, rallied at the start of the second half and pulled a goal back 10 minutes after the break through Aldi Kaci but with 20 minutes to go Blockley restored their two-goal advantage when overlapping left-back Adam White smashed the ball into the roof of the net from out wide.

“We kept our heads when they scored their goal,” said Lydon, who has been manager for three years. “We kept playing our game, we didn’t panic.

“We like to play football, we like to knock it about although we can mix it up when we want to, the team have played together for quite a while.”

One of the key players in their success is captain Max Tourell and Lydon is hoping that the central midfielder will be leading more celebrations before the season finishes.

The club play in Division Two of the Banbury District and Lord Jersey League – they are third – and Lydon said: “The aim is to win promotion. We’re on the up and we’ve got a good bunch of lads, that would make it a very good season.”

Indeed it would although it will take a lot to surpass last night’s success.

“It was very special, it means a lot,” said Blockley-born Lydon, who is 42. “It’s the biggest moment of my managerial career, we’d never got to a County Cup final before.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors Paxford Garage and 360 Fit.”