A HEREFORDSHIRE teenager played the biggest match of his young career live on Saturday night television.

Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, aged 19, was in goal for Cheltenham Town against Manchester City in their FA Cup fourth round match.

"It was a good day for myself and Cheltenham," said Griffiths despite his side eventually losing 3-1.

"It was a great experience playing against those sorts of players.

"I've trained with West Brom but it's the first time on a competitive level I've met the likes of Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez.

"Before the game I was excited because the chance to play against them doesn't come around too often.

"You just have to go out there and show what you can do.

"I tried to make it as normal of a game as I could. I focused on it being just a football match and not who we were playing or who was watching.

"It was just another game against 11 players. I didn't think about it during the game but before I had hundreds of people texting me wishing me luck."

League two side Cheltenham almost caused an FA Cup upset when Alfie May gave them a 59th minute lead.

However, their Premier League visitors rallied late on with Phil Foden equalising nine minutes from time before Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres netted late to seal the victory.

"I knew the quality that they have is world class," added Griffiths.

"Everybody had to be switched on for 95 minutes as they are relentless.

"I was a bit surprised when we went 1-0 up and we were only 10 minutes away from a massive upset.

"But when we tired in them last 10 minutes they had enough.

"I was happy with my performance and it was nice to make a few saves."

The teenager, from Ledbury, is currently on loan at Cheltenham from parent club West Bromwich Albion.

This season the young goalkeeper has made 22 starts for Cheltenham who are hoping for promotion.

"It has been the best thing to do as a young player," added Griffiths.

"To play competitive games where three points is on the line every week and the games are relentless playing Saturday and Tuesday each week.

"Scott Flinders has been the number one at Cheltenham for a long time but has been struggling with injuries which is when I came in.

"He has come back so now I've got to keep my place in the team.

"Max Harris is also here pushing me for a place in the team."

"Last season I was travelling with the West Bromwich Albion first team along with playing under-23 games.

"This season has been the best thing that I could get on the CV at 19, it has been brilliant.

"I've got to thank Cheltenham for having faith in me."