Taverners booked their place in the final of the GFA Junior Cup North final after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cheltenham League outfit Winchcombe Town.
With the game locked at 2-2, penalties were on the horizon, but the lively Tyler Jaggers stood up a cross for Charlie Daniels to nod through a plethora of players to send Mark Harsant’s side into a County final for the first time in 22 years.
Earlier, at a windy Owen Harris Memorial Ground, it was Stroud League outfit Taverners who took the lead when Josh Blunt nodded in from a Louis Wilkins cross. However, a deflected strike and a clinical Ed Major goal saw the Magpies lead at the break.
Taverners responded after the break when Jaggers netted parity from outside the box. With top scorer Harley Hudd introduced from the bench, his impressive presence helped Tavs turn the screw.
Finally, in the dying embers of the game Daniels struck to send Harsant’s side through to the final where they will face Tetbury Town on April 23rd, 7.45pm at a venue to be confirmed.
A pleased Harsant said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the lads. First County Cup final for the club in 22 years, great achievement for such a young group of players and kudos to all 16 members of the squad.
“We showed great character to turn around a 2-1 deficit at half-time. We had several chances second half to get our noses in front and it felt like the game was destined for penalties until Charlie (Daniels) popped up with his nicely placed header.”
Mark Harsant, Taverners’ manager
“Credit to Winchcombe, they are a strong side and no surprise they are top of the Cheltenham Premier League and I wish them all the luck for the rest of the season.
“We have the league cup semi final to look forward to against Chalford Res on March 9th and challenging for the league title.
“It’s an exciting time at Tavs, and I’m really happy the committee, players and fans have a cup final to look forward to.”
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