Report: Bristol City Under-23s 1-1 Bristol Rovers U23s

The goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks to take Luke Williams’ side through at the expense of City’s local rivals.

The tie had finished 1-1 after normal time, with Rory Holden’s penalty being cancelled out by Kenan Dunwald for the Gas.

The match was played out in foggy conditions at the GFA Headquarters, Oaklands Park.

Rhys Kavanagh should have given Rovers the lead in the opening minutes after robbing Aaron Parsons of possession but Sesay made a smart stop.

At the other end Antoine Semenyo and Holden both saw shots saved by Rovers keeper Andre Alexis.

City opened the scoring in the 64th minute as Semenyo was brought crashing to the ground. Holden stepped up confidently to dispatch the penalty, sending Alexis the wrong way.

But Rovers were level just nine minutes later as City failed to clear a free kick and Dunwald pounced to smash the ball home.

Jayden Ali had to be smart to clear off his own goal-line at the death, ensuring the tie would head to penalty kicks.

Tom Richards gave City the perfect start from 12 yards, followed quickly by Sesay’s save to keep out Dunwald’s attempt.

James Morton scored next, as did Michael Smith for Rovers.

When City slipped up – Semenyo seeing his kick saved by Alexis – Rovers followed suit, with Sesay producing another superb denial.

Kel Akpobire and Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist both scored to take the score to 3-2 in City’s favour, allowing Holden to stride and slot home the decisive kick.

Holders City now move into the semis, with the draw yet to be made.

City Under-23s: Sesay, Turner-Williams, Ali, Morton, Parsons, Spark (Turner), Akpobire, Richards, Semenyo, Z.Smith (Rees), Holden Subs not used: Robertson, Allen.