Cinderford Town have been removed from the final of the GFA Senior Challenge Cup for the second consecutive season, with manager Matthew Driscoll left “disappointed.”
This is the second consecutive season this has happened for the Foresters, as last year they took home a 5-2 victory over Cheltenham Saracens in the semi-final. However, were disqualified due to an ineligible player with the Sarries reinstated in their place when they took on Mangotsfield United.
They were removed from the competition due to fielding an ineligible player in the semi-final against Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday, February 18.
Come on Foresters!!! 💚#TheForesters pic.twitter.com/sMAF2EfUwF
— Cinderford Town AFC (@Cinderford_Town) February 18, 2025
Manor Farm will now be reinstated and take their place, playing Bishop’s Cleeve in the final this month.
Driscoll expressed, “I’m disappointed that it’s happened again, all the best to Manor Farm.”
“It would have been nice to be in the cup final but we are still unbeaten in the cup!;” he smiled.
Despite this issue, the 44-year-old went on to explain where the club’s focus remains now:
“It’s upsetting, but our focus and priority remains on the League;” he insisted.
Alongside this, the club also announced this morning on the official website the resignation of their chair, Sara Legge with her decision to step down from her position due to “personal reasons”.
CLUB STATEMENT📝
— Cinderford Town AFC (@Cinderford_Town) March 12, 2025
A full statement from the club has been published on the official website which can be accessed below 👇https://t.co/uvXrBQthxd#TheForesters pic.twitter.com/vceTOarPI7
Legge has been at the club since September last year and has followed the club home and away supporting them.
In the club’s statement this morning, Legge said; “I’m stepping down as chair however I will continue to support the club.
“I’ve enjoyed being the figurehead, especially being a female chair, it’s been a pleasure;” she admitted.
“I give the club my best wishes for their future.”
