CIRENCESTER Town came from a goal down to beat Forest Green Rovers U23s and progress into the quarter-finals of the Gloucestershire Senior Cup.

Rovers' first-team player Jahmari Clarke put the hosts ahead inside the opening few minutes but Nick Peare draw Cirencester level before half-time.

It was an end-to-end encounter but Reegan Messenger thumped a finish home to put the Centurions ahead in the second-half. 

Cirencester progress to face Bristol City U23s in the last eight. 

The Centurions travelled to the home of Melksham Town for the First Round fixture against Forest Green's youngsters.

And it was they who started brightest and took the lead when Clarks darted forwards before tucking his shot inside the left post.

Jordan Morris fired narrowly wide as the visitors searched for a route back into the game. 

And then just before the interval, Peare levelled with a stooping header at the near post after Morris' inswinging corner kick.

The game was then set-up for Rovers to dominate possession whilst Cirencester tried to hit their opponentson the counter-attack.

Rovers were pressing to retake the lead but the Cirencester defenders kept them out.

And it was that brave attitude that saw the visitors go ahead for the first time as Messenger produced two brave tackles back-to-back before the ball bounced up into his path, and he hammered the ball inside the left post from the edge of the box.

Rovers continued to press and probe but the Cirencester defence stood firm as the game became stretched in the final 15 minutes.

Cirencester did actually score a third goal but Aidan Bennett's effort was ruled out for offside. 

Forest Green Rovers had plenty of possession and produced some neat touches and passing football but Cirencester were in determined mood and battled to the end to be rewarded with a place in the Quarter Finals and an away match against Bristol City U23’s.