In a gripping encounter at Stratford Court on 9th July 2025, Stroud United Res faced off against Swindon Rangers FC Mens in a cup match that ended in a nail-biting 15-14 defeat after a penalty shootout. The match kicked off at 6:45pm and saw both teams display remarkable resilience and skill, culminating in a dramatic finish that will be remembered by the 30 spectators in attendance.
Stroud United Res lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Kurt Oakes took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Joel Hobbs on the right, Alex White and Joey HP in central defence, and Vinny Rees on the left. The midfield trio featured Chay Jones on the right, Tom Ticehirst centrally, and Luke Bartlett on the left, while the attacking front three consisted of Tom Florek on the right, Casey Carter as the central striker, and Jack Wells on the left. The substitutes for the match included Rio Kerr, Ben Abbott, and Marcus Humphrey.
The match began with Swindon Rangers FC Mens taking an early lead in the 10th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Stroud United Res. However, the home side responded swiftly, with Rio Kerr equalising just nine minutes later after coming on for Tom Ticehirst. The momentum shifted as Stroud United Res began to assert themselves, with Oakes demonstrating his goalkeeping prowess by catching a cross in the 22nd minute.
Despite their efforts, Stroud United Res found themselves trailing again in the 28th minute as Swindon Rangers FC Mens scored their second goal. The home side made a tactical change in the 35th minute, bringing on Ben Abbott for Joey HP, aiming to bolster their defence. Oakes continued to shine, making a full-stretch save in the 37th minute, followed by a point-blank reaction save just two minutes later, keeping Stroud United Res in the contest.
As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 2-1 in favour of Swindon Rangers FC Mens. The second half commenced with Stroud United Res looking to turn the tide. Alex White made a crucial clearance in the 48th minute, showcasing the team's determination to defend their goal. The introduction of Marcus Humphrey for Rio Kerr in the 54th minute aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
The breakthrough for Stroud United Res came in the 59th minute when Casey Carter scored a stunning goal from outside the area, levelling the match at 2-2. Just three minutes later, Carter struck again, this time finding the net from inside the box, giving Stroud United Res a 3-2 lead. The home side's joy was extended, when Rio Kerr scored a tap-in in the 66th minute, extending their lead to 4-2.
In a twist of fate, injury forced another substitution in the 70th minute, with Joey HP returning to the pitch in place of the injured Kerr. As the match progressed, Stroud United Res faced a resurgence from Swindon Rangers FC Mens, who capitalised on defensive mistakes to score two goals in quick succession, bringing the score to 4-4.
As the match entered its final moments, Oakes was called into action once more, making a parry in the 90th minute to keep the scores level. The match ended 4-4 and a penalty shootout awaited. Stroud United Res had their chances, with Tom Florek, Alex White and Ben Abbott missing penalties, while Oakes also stepped up to take one, showcasing his versatility.
In a dramatic finale, the penalty shootout concluded with Swindon Rangers FC Mens edging out Stroud United Res 11-10, sealing a hard-fought victory. Despite the disappointment, Chay Jones was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance throughout the game, including a crucial block and a double penalty conversion during the shootout. The match will undoubtedly be remembered for its intensity and the sheer determination displayed by both teams.
