United’s U18s hit seven goals to defeat Cirencester on Saturday, as they made it through to the final of the Gary Else Memorial League Cup.
It was the visitors who took the lead inside the first ten minutes, as a right-footed cross from the left caught out United’s retreating backline, allowing the Cirencester striker the time to take a touch, before sending a spectacular volley over his head, and past Gulls goalkeeper Lloyd Marshall.
Despite continuing to boss proceedings for the next twenty minutes, the lads in yellow were repeatedly thwarted by an overworked Cirencester defence.
Callum Thomas came closest to restoring parity during that frustrating period, as he met Brandon Quinn’s free-kick with a thumping header – only to see it cannon off the near post.
Moments though, The Young Gulls found themselves back on level terms, although there was an element of good fortune involved. With Tom Chastey forced wide of goal, the forward’s cut-back into the six-yard box was sent too close to Hugo George in the Cirencester goal, however with the glovesman unable to prevent the ball from spilling over his goal line, the officials were well-placed to award Chastey the goal.
Just short of the half-hour mark, Ryan Dickson’s side had turned the match on its head, as they went ahead via the penalty spot.
With Ben Aldous’ dart into the left-hand side of the box ended by a mistimed sliding tackle, Quinn was charged with the responsibility of putting his side in front. It was a task he delivered in style, as he coolly sent George the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Torquay made – and missed – several opportunities to extend their advantage before the interval, however only one goal separated the two sides at the halfway stage.
The second period though, was a much more one-sided affair, as Dickson’s charges made their territorial advantage pay.
Leading scorer Aldous made up for any first-half frustrations by taking matters into his hands with a well-taken hat-trick, whilst Kai Swann also got in on the act to stretch United’s lead to 6-1.
Cirencester did manage a response of their own, as they temporarily reduced the arrears via the penalty spot, however that was to prove only a brief reprieve, as Chastey finished what he had started by restoring his side’s five-goal margin at 7-2.
Dickson’s side are now just one win from emulating last season’s success.
UNITED: Lloyd Marshall, Calvin Thomas, Harvey Field, Charlie Wills, Mason Elliot, Sam Bishop, George Collins, Kai Swann, Ben Aldous, Tom Chastey, Brandon Quinn.
SUBS: Jayden Gilbert, Jack Kennell, Taylor McNally, Noah Al-Sedani, Will Brennan.
CIRENCESTER: Hugo George, Jacob Herbert, Louie Boot, Will Lloyd, Riley McGregor, Tim Barber, Riley Reynolds, Joe Warrington, Phil Kaye, Dan Howard, Abdur Hamzat.
SUBS: Jonty O’Leary, Takunda Matema.