Come back in the Brunel Shield!

Bristol United FC faced off against Seymour United in a gripping cup encounter at the Somerdale Pavilion with the match concluding in a dramatic 3-2 victory for United. The game was a showcase of resilience and skill, with Bristol United overcoming a two-goal deficit to secure their place in the next round.

Bristol United lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions to attack. Harvey Parsons took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jack Summers and Ben Jeffrey as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Muhideen Aguda and Mike Gilborson forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Jack Gilborson and Luke Brooks operated on the right and left flanks, while Joe Gardner and Calum Rowan occupied the central roles, tasked with linking play and supporting the forwards. Up front, Billy Gilborson and Tom Blake were the two strikers, expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.

The substitutes for Bristol United included Ryan Davis and Ahmed Mohamed, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.

The first half saw Seymour United take the lead in the 30th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from Bristol United. The visitors' goal sent a wave of concern through United, but they remained determined to respond before the break. Despite their efforts, the first half concluded with Seymour United holding a slender 1-0 advantage.

As the second half commenced, Bristol United faced an uphill battle, and things took a turn for the worse when Seymour United doubled their lead in the 60th minute with a stunning long-range strike that left Parsons with little chance. With the score at 2-0, Bristol United needed to rally quickly to avoid an exit from the cup.

In the 65th minute, a crucial substitution was made as Ryan Davis replaced the injured Joe Gardner, bringing fresh energy to the midfield. Shortly after, in the 68th minute, Ahmed Mohamed came on for Jack Gilborson, a tactical switch aimed at increasing attacking options.

The tide began to turn in the 70th minute when Billy Gilborson found the net, converting a short pass from Ahmed Mohamed inside the box. This goal ignited the home side and brought them back into contention, now trailing 2-1. Just six minutes later, in the 76th minute, Gilborson struck again, this time with a fantastic header from a corner delivered by Davis, levelling the score at 2-2 and sending the home fans into raptures.

However, the match took a chaotic turn in the 82nd minute when both Tom Blake and Ryan Davis received sin bins for dissent following a disallowed goal, leaving Bristol United with nine men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bristol United continued to press forward, demonstrating remarkable spirit and determination.

In a thrilling climax, Billy Gilborson completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute, scoring another close-range effort with the assist coming from Ben Jeffrey. This late goal sealed a remarkable comeback for Bristol United, who now led 3-2.

The final whistle confirmed Bristol United's victory, a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit in the face of adversity. The match will be remembered not only for the thrilling goals but also for the dramatic events that unfolded, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cup football. It’s the quarter finals next for United with a very tough game coming up against Longwell Green FC.