Vice-captain Adam Smith believes University of Gloucestershire Men’s football fully deserved their victory over St Mary’s 1’s.
Nassim Chehmani’s shootout save saw UoG reach the next round of the National Trophy, after Jimmy Faulks’ last-minute equaliser took the game to penalties after a 1-1 at Plock Court.
Oakley James, Alan Mindock, Jimmy Faulks, Jax Hunt and Callum Bridge all successfully converted to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
“It was a tough match. We went 1-0 down, which was a pretty sloppy goal on our part, but I think we dominated for large parts of the game and deserved to win or at least get something out of it.”
That determination and resilience was rewarded in the final minute when the home side found the equaliser before keeping their cool to win on penalties.
“To score in the last minute was what we deserved, then to win on pens is always a nice feeling.”
The win for Ivor Gumm’s side was particularly impressive given the physical demands placed on the squad.
Having played two cup rounds in 48 hours, fatigue was inevitably an issue, with some players having featured in three games across three days.
Having won a cup competition last season, UoG are now competing in a different tournament against higher-standard opposition, making these recent performances even more encouraging.
“Today was an unbelievable effort. We’ve gone through both rounds on pens, but I think the boys are feeling it.
“The performance levels weren’t always going to be there because of that, but the boys showed unbelievable character to stay in the game and win on penalties.”
Away from university football, Adam has also been enjoying an encouraging season for Kidlington FC, where they have recovered from a challenging start to establish themselves in the league play-off positions in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North.
After losing their opening three matches, Kidlington have responded with an impressive 12-game unbeaten run, transforming their early-season fortunes and giving themselves a strong foundation for the remainder of the season.
“We had a bit of a shacky start; we lost the first three but then went on a 12-game unbeaten run.
“We’re just about in the play-offs now, and that’s our aim, we want to try and stay in the play-offs.”
With a similar group of players to last season, there is confidence that the squad can try and continue its form and seal a place in the play-offs come May.
The midfield talent started his football journey through his father, who regularly took him to watch Oxford United.
After starting out in Sunday league football, he was scouted by Oxford at seven and joined the academy at nine.
He then remained at the club until the age of 16, describing his time there as an important part of his development.
“I loved my time there. I met some of my friends that I still speak to now, and I’ve got some friends that have actually made it into the first team.”
Following his release, he then moved on into non-league football, joining an under 18’s side before progressing into men’s football with Kidlington.
Now balancing university football with his club commitments, his journey highlights the different pathways available for young players following academy football.
With Gloucestershire showing cup-winning character and Kidlington chasing a play-offs finish, there is plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.
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