lineup

mike payne

gary moran

jamie williams

adam hart

andy commander

gary redgate

michael hegarty

craig dutton

robbie beard

justin marsden

dave pearson

subs used

steve evans

Rugby United celebrated some long awaited cup cheer, when they returned with a 1-0 victory from their F.A.Trophy replay at Clevedon.

It was a battling performance from the team at the Hand Stadium, and their reward is a Second Round home tie against another Southern League Western Division club Yate Town on November 27th.

United manager Tony Dobson - returning from holiday - made two changes from Saturday's 2-2 draw in the original match between the two sides, recalling both Gary Redgate and Robbie Beard after their one-match suspension.  Redgate replaced the injured club captain Craig Herbert, whilst Beard came back for Rory Squire - giving United an adventurous three pronged attack.

However it was the Somerset side that started the brighter, with Redgate forced to make an impressive headed clearance after just two minutes from a dangerous ball into the penalty box.  Just three minutes later United keeper Mike Payne was forced to make a diving save from Tom Jacobs.

United slowly began to work their way back into the match, with their best chance of the half falling to Craig Dutton - who brought a fine save from Scott Corderoy.

In additon to this, Dave Pearson failed to capitalise on a couple of half chances, and Beard - who was his usual threat throughout - also had a couple of opportunities to break the deadlock, but was unable to test the keeper to any great extent.

Rugby took control of the second half, and on 77 minutes - following a string a chances - they eventually took the lead.  Fine work down the left hand side by Pearson led to a dangerous cross, which the Clevedon defence were unable to clear, and after a defelection, Beard was on hand to steer the ball past the diving Corderoy.

United managed to hold onto the lead, despite a late scare in injury time when Mike Regan scooped the ball over the bar from just 10 yards out - when it had looked easier to score.

For United, Justin Marsden continued his fine run of form with another skilful performance up-front, and centre half Andy Commander was a dominant force at the heart of the defence throughout the ninety minutes.