Taverners went out of the GFA Trophy at the hands of a good Bishops Cleeve side. The Cheltenham side started the better of the two teams as Tavs adjusted to a change in system, with Cleeve hitting the base of the post and shooting narrowly wide in the first ten minutes. Tavs came into the game and although not dominating possession began to create the clearer cut chances. Mark Harsant had a good chance but shot just wide of the target and when a good cross came in and the young Cleeve keeper caught Tom Stubbs and not the ball, Tavs claimed a penalty but the referee waved aside the protests.

The second half continued in the same fashion with Cleeve enjoying good possession but Tavs creating the chances. A chance beckoned for Stubbs but he delayed his shot and was forced wide and could only find the side netting. In the 75th minute the game was decided in a minute which summed up Tavs season to date. Tavs attacked with Cleeve clearing but only to Craig Roberts whose shot was blocked into the path of Harsant and with just the keeper to beat he blasted his effort over the crossbar. From Cleeve's next attack Tavs failed to win the ball in midfield with the ball helped on for a Cleeve substitute to place the ball past the stranded Duane Portlock. Tavs now found it hard to gain any momentum and Cleeve were able to see out the game without really being threatened and frustrate a Tavs team who gave a very good display against one of the stronger sides they have played this season with captain Tom Burridge their man off the match.

This Saturday Tavs make the short trip to Brimscombe KO 3pm