Report: Cirencester Town 3-2 Bristol City Under-23s

The young Robins fought back from two goals down to bring the scores level with strikes from Sebastien Palmer-Houlden and Tommy Backwell.

But a goal just five minutes from time by Ben Whitehead - his second of the game - took the hosts through at City’s expense.

THE BACKGROUND

This was the first match for the young Robins since drawing 1-1 against Millwall over a month ago after the last two games were postponed.

And it was a first run-out of the season for defender Robbie Cundy following a long-term injury. 

WHAT HAPPENED

City were at it right from the first whistle with Sam Pearson’s 20-yard strike saved by Alex Harris in the Ciren goal.

And it was the hosts who took the lead when Whitehead scored from a corner on 13 minutes.

Cirencester then doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark with Ross Gabriel getting on the scoresheet.

The young Robins were able to get one back before half time when Palmer-Houlden got on the end of a Barney Soady cross.

City were back on level terms after a thunderous strike outside the box from Backwell and fought to go ahead for the first time in the match.

But the Cup dream was over as Whitehead got his second late on to send the home team through to the semi-finals.

THE TEAM

Wiles-Richards (GK), Knight-Lebel, Soady, Taylor-Clarke (Owusu-Antwi 70), Allen, Cundy (c) (Williams 45), Pearson, Kadji, Henry (Hutton 60), Palmer-Houlden, Backwell.

Report by Lawrence Stanley