FA CUP: HIGHWORTH'S FA cup run came to an end when they were beaten 3-2 by Cinderford Town in an exciting tie at the Elms.

The game attracted another large crowd and they certainly got their money's worth with a fast flowing end-to-end tie.

Highworth keeper Tom King and his Cinderford counterpart Andy Fisher were both kept busy in a hectic first 45 minutes.

King made some excellent saves from Scott Griffin, James Hammond and Jason Donovan, while Fisher denied Tate Hulbert and Tony Joyce.

On the stroke of half -time Highworth were unlucky to concede the opening goal of the game.

Lee Relish struck a low ball into the box that hit Jamie Mills and flew into the net to give the Forest of Dean side an interval lead.

The game continued at a frantic pace after the break and Highworth suffered a further setback on 53 minutes when Ross Adams was adjudged to have brought down Scott Griffin in the box, Griffin getting to his feet to score from the penalty spot.

Play continued to switch from end to end and on 62 minutes Mills made amends for the own goal by shooting low past the outstretched arm of keeper Fisher from 18 yards to pull a goal back.

Highworth then suffered another blow when they lost Mark Belcher, who was sent off for a second bookable offence.

But the home side kept pushing forward and with seven minutes remaining Tate Hulbert levelled the scores with a fiercely struck, dipping shot from just outside the area.

With the Highworth faithful looking forward to a midweek trip to the Forest, the visitors' player -manager Tony Hopkins left Highworth keeper King helpless with a cracking 30-yard left footer to snatch victory.

Highworth boss John Fisher said after the game: "If I were to be honest I think Cinderford just edged it. But after getting back to 2-2 with a few minutes left I was disappointed to have been beaten.

"I was very pleased with the way we played, I think they were awarded a dubious penalty, and we had a good appeal turned down. We have all enjoyed the cup run obviously we were never going to win the cup but nevertheless we have made a few bob."