May 11th, 2012 
Webmaster 
Against all the odds, The unstoppable Bristol Athletic Under 18′s lifted the League Plate after a 2-0 victory against Gloucester’s Tuffley Rovers last night.
Tuffley Rovers 0 – 2 BAFC U18′s
Following Last Sundays postponement the cup final took place at Tuffley’s own ground in Gloucester and Athletic it seemed had a hard job after Tuffley had beaten Brislington 1-0 the previous Sunday in the GFA Cup Final.
Things looked even more unlikely when the referee sent off Jordan Dowe after just two minutes for what to everyone else looked like a clash of legs with no intention !
Without even consultation with his linesman who had a perfect view, the referee brandished a red card to the astonishment of the crowd and everyone else in the stadium.
Athletic though have for years been fighting against the odds and manager Andres Hart quickly re-arranged things with an unlikely right back replacement in Isaac Kahar. It was if the night was meant to be for Athletic as they rolled up their sleeves and battled for every ball despite the near unplayable surface. Kieran Sargent lobbed the keeper with an audatious effort that sent the travelling BAFC supporters crazy…It was justice despite them being a man down.
Stand in keeper Diella Singh was outstanding as he stopped everything that Tuffley could throw at him, and that’s if they managed to get past the impressive partnership in defence led by Yomi Opokiti, in reality though from Adao Hart , Gus Bangura, Evrim Tekin, Jye Allen and Goalscorer Kieran Sargent, the team were more than impressive with a work rate that said everything about what Manager Andres Hart has instilled into them.
Strength through Unity is the Bristol Athletic motto and the Under 18′s side have continued in the clubs tradition of strength through their diversity and respect for each other. A real credit to them, their families and of course both Andres and Abs who have worked with them.
Despite possibly the worst refereeing decision we have experienced in over 20 years, the lads came through and deserve every bit of credit heaped upon them.
Chairman Patrick Hart said “ I would like to thank the parents and supporters who drove to Gloucester in the terrible weather to come & support our youngsters, their managers, parents and especially the players are an absolute credit to this club, they follow in a great tradition of victories here at Bristol Athletic and I hope many of the boys will stay with this great club over the coming years.”
“Finally I would like to thank everyone at Tuffley Rovers who showed a great respect and welcome to our players, officials & supporters ! They’re a great club and we wish them every success in the future”
We hope to have pictures and a full match report online soon !
