“Every year we like to get into a cup final” is the mantra set by Cheltenham Saracens U18 manager Beckem Foley, speaking after his side’s 4-1 win against Lydney Town.
Cheltenham Saracens U18 advanced to the next round of the Severn Sport Floodlit Cup after winning the second round tie.
A free kick goal from Henry Miles and a Brad Roberts finish gave the home side the early advantage.
Lydney managed to pull a goal back before half-time, but two Saracens goals in the second half ensured them smooth passage.
“The first half was very good from us,” Foley said. “Good intensity, we got two quick goals, really would’ve liked a third, but I’ll take what we can get at the moment. Second half wasn’t the prettiest, but we managed to, manage the game in the end and get two more goals.
The cup has played a huge role in Foley’s time at the club, with his side having made a final in every year that he has been at the club. Last year they lost out to Bishops Cleeve in the final of the competition.
“That’s massive for us,” Foley added on being in the next round. “I’m more of a cup person than anything else, every year we like to get into a cup final and so far, as long as I’ve been here, we’ve done that, so we’re doing something right.”
Henry Miles picked up two goals in the fixture, the first came in the 4th minute with a curled free kick followed by a late goal at the death. Miles has featured in some first team action this season in the Hellenic Division One.
“Henry is brilliant,” Foley said. “He’s done fantastic today, he goes and does a job for you anywhere and he’s been asked to do a couple of positions tonight, so then to pop up with two goals as well so a real captain’s performance.”
Cheltenham Saracens took an early lead, in the fourth minute, when Miles’ free kick from 25 yards curled into goal past the outstretched Lydney goalkeeper.
By the 12th minute it was two, Miles was once again involved with his shot from the edge forcing a save, but the Lydney defence could only watch as Roberts tapped home the rebound.
The next two big chances as Miles had a header from a Harvey Berrow corner which went wide, followed by a Josh Parker header that looped for an easy save.
The home side continued their pressure throughout the first half with Luca Harrocks’ cross just too far away from Parker, which made the finish difficult as he shot wide.
Just before half time, Lydney were able to pull a goal back with a wonder strike from the edge of the box that flew past Corey Iddon.
They could’ve equalised only a minute later but a touch from Iddon allowed Max Rose to clear off the line.
Miles could’ve restored the two goal lead seconds before the whistle but his effort from 16 yards went wide.
To start the second half, Saracens continued to be in control of the tie, both sides had chances early including substitute Jay Wells firing past the post from distance.
It could’ve been three for the home side midway through the second half, when Miles was played in behind the defence but he shot over.
Finally they made the pressure count through Mason Stokes’ header which nestled into the bottom corner from Roberts’ cross.
In late added time, Miles got his second of the match and the home side’s fourth with a curled strike which looped over the goalkeeper.
Onto the next round 👊#CSFC 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/L4ECtS789P
— Cheltenham Saracens FC (@SaracensFC) November 14, 2024
Saracens Starting XI: Iddon, Voyce, Harrocks, Stokes, Rose, Brooks, Parker, Berrow, Roberts, Miles, Holmes. Subs: Vincent, Williams, Scott, Wells, Frew.
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