Dursley U18s are champions of the Cheltenham Youth Floodlit League South after a gritty 1-0 win over Slimbridge at Thornhill Park.
Managed by Brad Price and assistant Olly Billings, Dursley also recruited former Forest Green, Cheltenham Town and Gloucester City striker Danny Wright, who added a wealth of experience which proved invaluable to the young fledglings.
A delighted Dursley boss Price told Stroud Times: “I couldn’t be prouder of this group. We’re the only club in this league with our senior team in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, so we don’t have the draw of Hellenic League football or the FA Youth Cup to entice players, but what we do have is a club that truly values its young players.
“We make sure these lads know they belong, that they matter, and that we will always advocate for them. We don’t just throw them into a team and hope for the best. We give them real opportunities to play at a good level and to make a genuine impact. That’s what this season has been about, developing them as players and as people and this title win is the reward for their hard work.”
On the victory that handed Town the title, Price said: “We knew going into this game that a point would be enough, but that’s not how we wanted to do it. We wanted to go out there and prove why we’ve been the best team in the league this season. It wasn’t an easy game, Slimbridge are a good side and have had some cracking results this year but the lads dug deep, played as a unit, and found the moment of quality needed to win it.”
Price heaped praise on his midfield, who he felt bossed the game, he added: “Our midfield dictated the game, Alfie Poskett was outstanding again, and James Tainton tested their keeper early on with a strong strike. Defensively, we were rock solid with captain Billy Mann leading by example at the back, and Matt Adkins in goal kept us in control whenever Slimbridge tried to push forward.”
Dursley’s winner arrived deep into the second-half with hot-shot Joey Spill gaining the plaudits for a prolific season, much to the delight of Price: “The goal came in the 71st minute, and it was exactly what I want from my centre-forward. A perfectly timed run and a composed finish into the bottom corner, classic Joey Spill. Joey’s now on 28 goals this season, which is an incredible achievement. He took some convincing to join us in the summer, but I’m sure now he knows he made the right decision and I know we’re glad he did! He turns up, works hard, and leads the line brilliantly.”
The correct ethos at Dursley has been the key component of a memorable season, Price explained: “We aren’t a club that just looks at youth football as a stepping stone, we make sure our lads are genuinely part of something, that they have a place here, and that they get the chances they deserve. A good number of these players have already stepped up to the first team this season, and they’re not just making up the numbers, they’re making a real difference. That’s what this club is about, and that’s why this title is so special.”
With the season drawing to a close, Dursley can complete their campaign by landing the double, and Price is hoping his side can finish the season on a high: “We’ve got one more league game to go against Fairford Town U18s next Thursday and the County Cup Final on 28th April, and we’ll be looking to finish on a high. This team has been brilliant all season, and I couldn’t be prouder. This title is for them, they deserve it.”
All this success has been supplemented with unstinting support from the Dursley business community: “We would like to thank the Immersa team for sponsoring our kit and pitch hire, Dil Raj for the sharp tracksuits, and Dursley Kebab House for keeping the boys well-fed after the game. Their support goes far beyond the kit and the food, it helps build community, confidence, and unforgettable memories for our young players. We’re truly grateful.”
