Hungerford Town came from behind to beat Slimbridge AFC 3-1 on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in an FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Thornhill Park. After conceding early, the visitors took control of the contest and produced a professional second-half display to secure their place in the next round.

Match overview

Slimbridge AFC made the brighter start and stunned their opponents with a ninth-minute opener from Charlie Norman, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box. The home crowd sensed an upset, but Hungerford Town responded with composure rather than panic. Ollie Bailey equalised in the 27th minute, finishing neatly after a patient move down the left, and from that point the visitors looked the more likely side to score again.

The second half was largely controlled by Hungerford. Bailey struck again in the 63rd minute, converting a cross from close range, before Ethan Moore sealed the win in the 88th minute with a low finish on the counter. Slimbridge pushed forward in search of a way back into the tie, but Hungerford's defensive discipline and game management saw them through.

Key moments

• 9' — Slimbridge AFC 1-0: Charlie Norman scored from close range after a scramble.
• 27' — Slimbridge AFC 1-1: Ollie Bailey equalised with a composed finish.
• 63' — Slimbridge AFC 1-2: Bailey grabbed his second from a dangerous cross.
• 88' — Slimbridge AFC 1-3: Ethan Moore sealed the victory on the break.

Tactical story

Slimbridge's early goal came from their willingness to press high and crowd the penalty area, but once Hungerford settled, the visitors' superior control in midfield began to tell. Hungerford used their wide players effectively, stretching Slimbridge's back line and creating space for Bailey to attack between the full-back and centre-back. Their equaliser was a reward for patient build-up, and their second came from a similar pattern of play.

After taking the lead, Hungerford dropped slightly deeper and invited Slimbridge to chase the game. That created space for counter-attacks, and the third goal arrived exactly that way. Slimbridge worked hard and never stopped trying, but they lacked the final pass to break down a well-organised defence in the closing stages.

Standout players

Ollie Bailey was the difference-maker for Hungerford Town, scoring twice and constantly threatening with his movement. Ethan Moore added energy and a crucial late goal, while the midfield trio kept the game under control after the early setback. For Slimbridge AFC, Charlie Norman took his goal well and was a bright spark in attack, but the team could not sustain their promising start.

What the result means

Hungerford Town progress to the next qualifying round with a confident away win and a performance that suggests they can handle the demands of cup football. The comeback also highlighted their resilience, an important quality in knockout competition. Slimbridge AFC exit with disappointment, but their early goal and battling display will give them encouragement for the league campaign ahead.