TOM WARREN said being part of Yate’s run to the first round of the FA Cup was one of the best experiences of his life.

The Bluebells won five games in the famous old competition and knocked out Blue Square Premier leaders Newport County – where Warren’s brother Gary played for three years before joining Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer – before losing 3-0 at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Warren grew up in the nearby South Gloucestershire village of Olveston, where he still lives, and the full back knows more than most what the club’s exploits means to people in the area.

“It’s probably been the best thing I’ve ever experienced and Saturday topped it - it was magnificent,” said Warren, who was cheered on by his girlfriend, relatives and “about 20 mates” at the Abbey Business Stadium.

“The atmosphere is something I’ll probably never experience again and the Yate fans got behind us loads.”

Warren, 25, was making his return to Cheltenham having spent two years as a scholarship player there, making several appearances for their youth team and playing twice for the reserves.

He said: “Before the game I didn’t know what to expect. With about ten minutes to go I was excited, I had a bit of a point to prove in my performance and I felt we did alright.

“The early goal was a bad one to give away, it was sloppy defending, but we regrouped and I think if we’d have scored our belief would’ve grown and we would’ve got something.”