REAL Thornbury recorded their second GFA Cup win in three years following a hard fought victory over talented Bristol Church League side Woodlands Rangers.

The match was played in front of a 100-plus crowd under the lights at the GFA Headquarters, Oaklands Park.

Real started the match brightly with strikers Sam Taylor and Mike Barton combining well with elusive wide man Andy Rice and midfield playmaker Sammy Taylor.

Real had the first notable effort as Rice’s well struck effort, which was destined for the back of the net, was cruelly deflected onto the Woodlands bar.

However, the Rats were not to be denied the opening goal as Sammy Taylor drove forward on the counter attack and played a well timed pass into his namesake’s path. The unstoppable forward powered clear of the Woodlands defence and produced a devastating finish into the corner of the goal.

Soon afterwards Tommy Miller produced a trademark lung bursting run into the Woodlands half and unleashed a powerful effort which was expertly kept out by Woodlands goalkeeper Ash Joyner.

Real continued to look dangerous, and Sam Taylor was unfortunate not to double his tally as he dragged his shot wide.

As the half came to a close Real again hit the woodwork as centre half Tom Perry produced a devastating cross to pick out Sam Taylor, whose well placed header clipped the outside of the post.

Real goalkeeper Tom Barlow was called into action on the hour mark as he made a top drawer save to deny Ben Mitchell an equaliser, diving backwards to expertly flick the ball over his crossbar.

Barton was desperately unlucky not to extend Real’s lead after he was played in by striker Taylor.

Minutes later Barton returned the favour by picking out his strike partner with a fine cross into the box, but luck was not with the powerhouse striker as his downward header was kept out by Joyner.

Mitchell missed a good opportunity to level the match as he blazed over the bar.

Thornbury extended their lead on 80 minutes as Sammy Taylor crashed in a truly stunning strike into the net from 35 yards.

The celebrations had barely finished as Real scored their third with a delightful chipped effort from substitute Rowan Cartlidge which sealed the win.

The win, which was built on a great team effort and second-to-none team spirit, means that the club are on course for a historic league and cup double, having already secured promotion to Bristol and District League Division Three with 18 wins from 19 games.