Joe Hance gave Cheltenham Town fans a glimpse of a bright future as the Robins got their FA Youth Cup campaign up and running with a 6-0 victory over New College Swindon.
The preliminary round tie pitted two former Cheltenham left-backs against each other, with the Robins managed by Jamie Victory and Ian Howell in charge at New College Swindon.
FA Youth Cup
Preliminary round
Monday 7 September 2015
Hance was a constant thorn in the College’s side, scoring a first-half double – including a rasping 30-yard strike – before going close to completing his hat-trick on several occasions.
Lewis Thompson opened the scoring for the hosts and Luke Thomas also curled in from range on an evening of superb efforts to hand Cheltenham a 4-0 lead at half-time.
James McCarthy – on his birthday – smashed home from 25 yards moments after the restart before Jordan Lymm, who had been involved in much of Cheltenham’s good play, made it six 10 minutes before full-time.
Cheltenham’s near neighbours Forest Green Rovers also sailed into the next round, Giancarlo Gabbiadini inspiring a 3-1 win against Bristol Manor Farm.
The winger notched a double while Elliot Ripley also found the net before half-time, but to their credit the visitors rallied in the second period and scored a consolation.
And Ben Osei is a name AFC Telford United supporters would do well to remember after he grabbed a treble – including opening the scoring in the first minute – in a 6-0 triumph over Sutton Coldfield Town.
Captain Reis Mahey added the third before Osei popped up for his third before Joe Daley rounded off the scoring in the first half and substitute Tom Kenny’s chip made it six.
But Nantwich Town were made to work hard for a 2-1 victory, as Padiham threatened a comeback before Kieran Smith’s goal proved decisive.
Smith lashed an effort from 12 yards after Max Parry had capitalised on a stray backpass to open the scoring, but a Padiham strike in the 82nd minute made things nervy for the hosts.
Elsewhere Dan Sweeney impressed for Kidderminster, soaring to a first-half hat-trick as Evesham United were beaten 7-0.
And Histon came back from behind to beat Walsham le Willows, who could have sprung a shock if not for a succession of missed chances.
Thomas Robinson got the visitors in front within seven minutes, but Histon’s Jos Gwynne almost levelled immediately after and Karim Ourty bagged a superb 70th-minute winner.
Elsewhere Jordan Clement and Sam Ford secured a 2-0 victory for Coleshill Town at Malvern Town, East Thurrock United fired six past Romford, and there were 13 goals at Rothwell Corinthians as Kettering Town won a frantic match 9-4.
