TWO of the Mid-Wilts Youth League's strongest forces met in two epic cup semi-finals last week, with honours ending even.
Trowbridge Wanderers and Swindon's Green Baize both boast unbeaten records in the under 11 division and the two clashed in a terrific cup double header.
Something had to give, and as it turned out, both lost their unblemished records over the course of the two games.
Green Baize were victorious in the league cup semi-final last Wednesday, with Jordan Brown's goal enough to secure a 1-0 win and a place in the final.
Trowbridge had started well at Corsham's Southbank Ground, and Green Baize keeper Adam Bedwell was forced to make several early stops.
But Green Baize gradually found their feet and Brown netted the decisive goal before the break, finishing a well-rehearsed free-kick at the back post.
Trowbridge keeper Chris Foley then pulled off a series of fine saves to keep his side in the game before the break.
Wanderers pressed hard for an equaliser after the interval, but further heroics from Bedwell ended Trowbridge's hopes of completing the league and cup double.
The two clubs met again in the last four of the County Cup on Sunday, with the Wanderers desperate for revenge.
Further silverware looked to be slipping away as Green Baize stormed into a 2-0 lead deep into the second half.
But a stunning Trowbridge comeback saw the hosts hit a trio of late goals to win 3-2 and book their place in Wiltshire's end of season socccer showpiece.
Billy Bodin son of former Swindon star Paul gave Green Baize a 1-0 lead before the break with an exquisite chip.
A superb team goal rounded off by Marcus Welch handed the visitors a seemingly unassailable 2-0 advantage.
Trowbidge piled forward in a bid to rescue the tie, but Bedwell was in inspired form again in the Green Baize goal.
The away keeper's resistance was finally ended by a Declan Harrison header and the same player finished a seven-pass move to level the scores.
The stage was set for Jason Henley to make himself a hero, smashing home Joe Stradling's cross six minutes from time to make it 3-2.
Incredibly, the two heavyweights meet again in a crucial league match this weekend.
The winning team on this occasion will claim overall victory in the epic trilogy and gain the upper hand in a thrilling title race.
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