Gloucestershire were still well represented in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend, despite the absence of the county’s two professional clubs Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town.
Former Gloucester City man Akwasi Asante made headlines as he found the net for Chesterfield in the 5-1 loss to reigning European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Asante scored eight goals in nine games for National League North’s Gloucester City in 2020, spending six months at the club and joining Chesterfield in November 2020. Another Gloucester City man was Jojo Wollacott who featured in goal for Swindon Town against Manchester City. Bristol born Wollacott is currently away with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.
Former Cheltenham Town player Russell Penn was a part of cup history as his Kidderminster Harriers side overcame Championship side Reading at Aggborough Stadium. Penn made over one hundred appearances for Cheltenham between 2011 and 2014 and has managed Harriers since 2019, leading them to fifth in the National League North with four games in hand over top team Brackley Town. 2015/16 National League champion Amari Morgan-Smith was on the scoresheet versus Reading, scoring the winner with eight minutes to go, as the former Robin converted a late corner.
Report: Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Colchester United
Another Cheltenham champion to feature was League Two winner Reuben Reid, who came off the bench in Yeovil Town’s 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, while fellow champion Tom Sang got the assist for Cardiff City’s extra time win over Preston North End. Sang’s team on Sunday featured other former Robins with National League winner Dillon Phillips starting in goal and Marlon Pack starting in midfield.
Another former player and now manager combination was at Hull City, as Grant McCann and Jacob Greaves went out to Everton. Academy player Luke Thomas featured for Bristol Rovers and development player and later loanee Cameron Pring went out with Bristol Rovers.
Former Forest Green Rovers shot stopper Robert Sanchez was on the bench for Brighton and Hove Albion in their 2-1 win over West Brom.
