Gunter and Smith clinch surprise win for Kempsey in Charity final

AFC Kempsey caused an upset by defeating Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves 2-1 to lift the Cheltenham League Senior Charity Cup at the Jonny-rocks Stadium.

Kempsey, of Division Three, opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Aston Gunter and Ryan Smith.

Division One North champions Service replied through Jamie Moore 10 minutes before half-time, but Dan Midwinter’s side could not find a leveller.

Service missed the first big chance in the seventh minute when Sam Johnson set up Sam Smith-hutchinson, but his shot looped over the bar.

Kempsey opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Gunter finished a slick passing move involving Ryan Smith and Jacob Ward.

It was 2-0 in the 25th minute when the lively Smith slotted into the bottom right corner.

Moore’s reply was a neat finish at the far post after a superb cross from Johnson on the right.

Service pushed in the second half, but Josh Goodhall was denied by Craig Smith’s near post save in the 67th minute and Patryk Imfeld volleyed wide 10 minutes later.

Substitute Charlie Swift’s long throw-ins caused trouble for Kempsey’s defence, but they managed to hold out and Rob Jones had to fly to his right to keep out Ryan Smith’s shot as the Worcestershire side nearly added a third in time added on.

Having lost to Wotton Rovers in the Junior County Cup final, Service have one more chance to complete their league and cup double as they take on Whaddon United in the Junior Charity Cup final at Bishop’s Cleeve’s Kayte Lane ground on May 13.

Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves: Jones, Costerton, Brady, Goodhall, Mansell, Greenwood, Smith-hutchinson, Cole, Johnson, Edginton, Moore. Subs: Campbell, Swift, Scott, Imfeld.

AFC Kempsey: C Smith, T Ward, Lucas, Slater, Jacob Ward, Bloore, Passaro, R Smith, Gunter, Cochrane. Subs: Duffett, James Ward, H Smith.