REDBROOK Rovers lifted the West Dean Charities Intermediate Cup for the second time in three seasons with a win over Soudley.

The 3-1 win on Sunday (September 27) was at The Hawthorns, the home of Broadwell, and the same venue as Rovers’ 2024 triumph.

The Wye Valley side immediately stamped their authority on the game with two goals in the first 10 minutes.

Rovers had shown attacking intent from the kick-off and paid off when Joe Reeves opened the scoring with a stunner.

With Soudley keeperAndrew Fawke off his line, Reeves sent in a perfectly-judged chip from 35 yards.

Rovers maintained the momentum and just a few minutes later Jayden Makandora doubled the advantage.

He took the ball into the area and lobbed the advancing Fawke to make it 2-0.

Soudley refused to accept that the game was over and began to press their opponents.

They got their reward when a direct free kick by Carl Hyett was drilled in from near the left hand touchline which gave Theo Bowen in the Redbrook goal no chance.

Soudley were back into the game but Cai Hawkins restored the two goal advantage for Rovers midway through the half.

Cai Dorrington got his head to the ball from a corner by Makandora.

Redbrook had an opportunity to extend the lead when they were given a penalty before the break.

Fawke anticipated Ieuan Frost’s spot kick well and parried the ball around the left post.

Both side pressed in the second half but neither could hit the target.

The trophy and medals were presented by Adie Shilston of the Forest of Dean Referees Society.

He also presented medals to referee Paul Tucker, linesmen Terry O’Nions and Mike Howells and fourth official Shane Howells.

Roger Sansom of the West Dean Charities thanked the officials not just for the final but for all they do for the game.

He said he was pleased that all three Charities’ Cup finals had fully qualified referees and linesmen this year.

Between them, the three cups, Senior, Intermediate and Junior had raised nearly £1,200 for the West Dean Charities which will go to assist local organisations.

He also thanked the spectators for turning out, particularly as they and the players had to contend with heavy showers for much of the game.

Both sides had been in action 24 hours earlier with many of the players involved in both games.

Rovers, who were second in the North Gloucestershire League Premier Division, hosted leaders Westbury.

Soudley were at home to Cam Bulldogs in the Gloucestershire FA Junior Cup.

The league game ended 5-5 with

Scott Windley, Jake Teague, Joe Stephens, Cai Dorrington and Gareth Clarke-Williams scoring for Rovers.

Pierce Clarkson got a hat-trick for Westbury with Harry Howells and Jason Littleton also scoring.

Josh Sladen got Soudley’s goal as they lost 1-6.

Elsewhere in the cup, Woolaston lost 6-5 on penalties to Rising Star, Milkwall lost 3-1 at Sharpness Reserves, Harrow Hill Reserves lost 5-1 at Lakeside and Longhope went down 5-3 at Barnwood Reserves.