Just days after the heartache of missing out on a place in the FA Vase final, Hartpury University FC roared back in emphatic style to clinch the Hellenic League Premier Division title with a 2-0 victory over Roman Glass St George. This is the second Hellenic League title for the team in two years, having been Division One champions in 2024.
On a Wednesday evening under the lights at Oaklands Park, Hartpury showed resilience and determination, banishing the disappointment of their semi-final exit with a performance that showcased everything that has made them a force to be reckoned with all season – discipline, flair, and unity.
From the first whistle, Hartpury played like champions-in-waiting, and while they needed only a point to seal the deal, Prifti’s close ranged strike and Kone’s delicate finish meant the Acorns secured a second successive title with a win.
It was Roman Glass who started brighter, with former Slimbridge forward Jack Smith forcing an early intervention from Hartpury goalkeeper Stephen Sarkodie in the 9th minute after being played through on goal. Sarkodie stayed sharp and was called into action twice more shortly after – first getting gown low to deny Chris Lines on 13 minutes, then pulling off a superb reflex save to tip Kye Simpson’s fierce strike over the bar following a corner.
Hartpury took some time to settle but finally registered their first attempt in the 29th minute when Louis Manning fired from distance, only for a Roman Glass defender to deflect the ball narrowly over the crossbar. Despite a late push from Hartpury before the break – Luke Salter’s driven shot from the edge of the box drifting just wide – the sides went in level at halftime, with Roman Glass having had the better of the opening 45 minutes.
The second half began with renewed intensity from the visitors. Nathan Jenkins tested Joel Manning-Butler with a low strike on 52 minutes before Laurent Davis-Wilson responded immediately at the other end, bending an effort just past the far post.
The breakthrough came on 61 minutes, and it was worth the wait. Manning weaved past two defenders before squaring the ball for Prifti, who calmly slotted it into the bottom corner – sending the travelling support into celebration, knowing the title was within reach.
Salter went close again in the 73rd minute with a curling shot that missed the target by inches, but the result was put beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. A defensive error from the hosts gifted possession to Hartpury, and Kone showed great composure to lift the ball delicately over the advancing keeper to make it 2-0.
With the title now secured, Hartpury return home on Saturday to face SC Inkberrow at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium with Vodafone. Celebrations will follow and reflect on what has been a truly memorable campaign for the Acorns.
As head coach Dr Martin Longworth said post-match: “We’ve shown what belief and honest hard work can do. The lads have been incredible, and to bounce back from the Vase semi-final like that – it's what champions are made of. I’m so proud of the group”
