MATCH REPORT | Derby win in the Cup.

Longlevens faced up to local rivals Tuffley Rovers in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup, for what was the first of a week double header for the two sides, facing up again on Tuesday night in the Hellenic Premier.

Longlevens welcomed Donald Soloman into the squad for the first time since his signing from Tytherington Rocks. He went straight into the side at Centre Half. Nick Bradley and Jack Byard were handed starts and a chance to impress by boss Mark Moore. Jonty Welch returned to the starting line up after missing the last 4 weeks through injury.

The first half was an even affair, rovers Shayne Bradley causing Soloman and Kavanagh some issues, showing his high calibre of experience flicking the ball on at will for James and Williams.

It wasn't until the last 20 minutes however when the game came to life. Tuffley went ahead when Longlevens failed to clear a Sam Hill cross and substitute Chris Manners pocked the ball home at the front post.

Longlevens then went onto the front foot, Brad Vanstone beating his full back at will. Forward Nick Bradley and winger Jack Byard both had chances to equalise and will be disappointed not to have worked Dave Evans in the Tuffley goal.

Vanstone got his reward on 70 minutes, when he found space in the box and flicked the ball home to level the scores at 1-1.

Levens had the luxury of making three second half substitutes bringing on; Brad Martin, Dave Merrick and Shaun O'Connor and the three combined to give Longlevens the lead.

Merricks ball into the box found Martin whose turn and shot was parried by Evans, only into the path of O'Connor who had a simple tap in to give Longlevens the lead and eventual win into the next round of the cup.

They will now face Thatcham Town in the next round.

The teams will meet again at Glevum Park on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kick off in what is sure to be another hard fought #Elglossio derby.

Longlevens: Wintle, Dunn, Soloman, Kavanagh (c), Sausman, Byard (O'Connor 75), Welch (Merrick 75), Long, Turner, Vanstone, Turner, Bradley (Martin 70).

Updated 16:55 - 1 Sep 2019 by LUKE KAVANAGH