Late heartache (From Gazette Series)

Late heartache

Hellenic League Challenge Cup Semi-Final Second Leg Slimbridge 1 Didcot Town 1 (Didcot win 3-2 on aggregate)

AN AGGREGATE winner just two minutes from time ended unlucky Slimbridge's hopes of reaching the Hellenic League Cup Final.

The Wisloe Road side came close to causing an upset against current FA Vase holders Didcot Town but fell to a Stuart Beavon strike two minutes from the end.

This, after Robbie Colwell's early goal had levelled the tie on aggregate after six minutes.

Starting the second leg 2-1 down, the home side managed the perfect start when Ashley Thomas's clearance down the right saw Will Morford run on to it and pull the ball back from the byline and Colwell sidefooted into the net past startled goalkeeper Chris Webb.

It was end-to-end stuff for most of the match but excellent defending from both sides generally kept goalmouth action to a premium.

Midway through the half came Didcot's first effort on goal, a looping volley from Jack King that dropped over Adam Thomas's bar.

Their best chance of the half though, saw Matty Jack volley over an open goal from ten yards following a long corner that evaded everyone else in the Slimbridge box.

Some exquisite football saw Didcot in the ascendancy as the second half began, but again no clear-cut chances were forged.

Slowly, Slimbridge got their own passing game going and it was now Didcot's turn to defend with Morford and Colwell providing plenty of food for thought to the Town back line.

Colwell brought a good save from Webb at full stretch before Morford went close, winning a corner with a shot that nearly crept into the net.

At the other end, danger man Beavon's rushed shot was dragged wide after the ball fell kindly for him.

The game looked to be heading for extra-time after another Beavon effort was turned round the post by Thomas.

Beavon was not to be denied though and two minutes from the end he was quick to seize on a through ball and left defenders in his wake to calmly slot past the exposed Thomas.

To match arguably one of the best sides at this level was no mean feat and it was a worthy draw on the night but it was the travelling support who were celebrating at the final whistle