Bishop’s Cleeve Development manager Alex Cheal believes his side are capable of competing in Hellenic Division One, despite narrowly missing out on promotion in the play-offs.
Cleeve were defeated 2-0 by Swindon Supermarine Development in one of the Hellenic Division Two semi-finals, missing out on promotion to Step Six. It was a game in which manager Cheal felt his side didn’t do themselves justice.
“We just didn’t show up. We came into the game full of confidence but unforunately let ourselves down on the day.
“Supermarine were good value for their win and fortuantely for us we had another play off route we knew we would be participate in.”
Cleeve Development are now currently involved in a fascinating three team play off for promotion to the Gloucestershire County League.
Having seen a team drop out of the play offs, this left a unique sitaution for Cleeve alongside Tewkesbury Town FC and Winterbourne United FC.
The three teams are involved in a round robin play offs, with the top two gaining promotion to the Gloucestershire County League (Step 7).
Cleeve overcame a dangerous Winterbourne side in the opening fixture 4-1, putting in a ruthless display to see off the Bristol-based side.
Depleted, overheated, and absolutely incredible.
— Bishops Cleeve Development (@CleeveDev) May 11, 2025
Goals from George Cuzner, Tommy Bond, and Victor Balitski saw us beat Bristol Premier Combination League champions Winterbourne United 4-1 in yesterday’s Gloucestershire County League play-off!
We now wait…
🟢⚪️ | #TheMitres pic.twitter.com/lOxBlSB2k6
“It was a resilient display. They started the game better us and went a goal ahead. As the half went on we grew into the game and deservedly got an equaliser through Tommy (Bond),” said Cheal.
“The second half started like the first but we weathered their early pressure and took control for the remainder of the half, scoring three good goals and taking the game away from Winterborne.
“It is now a waiting game to see if we will need to play again or if that result will be enough to get the promotion we deserve.”
A crucial player in Cleeve’s starting eleven this year has been young midfielder Henry Danter-Welch.
Danter-Welch has been a consistent performer throughout the season and Cheal could not praise the 19-year-old enough.
“He’s been brilliant. For such a younger player is game awareness on and off the ball is so impressive. He was made vice-captain at the start of the season and captained the team for the play off game on Saturday.
“He is someone I would love to keep for next season but being a development side, our main aim is the progression to improve players so if that means he can go and play at a higher level we would not stand in his way.”
