Ever wondered what it feels like to get through to a County Cup final?

Well, just take a look at the photo that accompanies this story, a photo that was sent to The Local Answer by Dean Rudge, the founder of Gloucester Athletic Football Club.

It was taken just moments after the Cheltenham League Division Two club had booked their place in the County Minor Cup North final with a 2-1 win over Mushet and Coalwey Reserves, and the delight on the winners’ faces is clear to see.

A goal in each half by attacking midfielder Ash Bath, the first a penalty, means they will now face Down Ampney, who are mid-table in Division One of the Swindon and District League, in the final at a venue and on a date to be arranged.

What makes Gloucester Athletic’s achievement all the more impressive is that this is their first season and Rudge said: “It’s been amazing, this season has exceeded all our expectations.

“We’re on top of the world right now, it’s just wow, this is the best moment so far.”

And there could be a lot more good moments to come over the next few weeks because the County Cup is not the only competition in which they retain a big interest.

Just like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the club that Rudge supports, Gloucester Athletic are chasing success on four fronts because they are in the quarter-finals of the Cheltenham League Senior Charities Cup, the last four of the Minor Charities Cup and they are chasing promotion to Division One.

The top two in Division Two are guaranteed promotion with the second automatic spot likely to be between Gloucester Athletic and Generation Next, with leaders Kempsey Corinthians Exiles well clear.

The Cheltenham League is being reorganised for 2022/23 with the top six from each of the current Division One North and Division One South making up a Premier Division.

Those outside the top six in each division will then form Division One, along with the top two from Division Two, plus any others who may be needed to backfill.

Third-placed Gloucester Athletic currently trail Generation Next by three points but have played a game fewer so there is certainly all to play for. 

It’s going to be a very exciting end to the season!