Welly Reserves spring a surprise to reach cup final (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Welly Reserves spring a surprise to reach cup final

4:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By Peter Raynbird

A SHOCK at Brighton Hill saw Basingstoke and District Saturday League Premier Division table-toppers Basingstoke Royals knocked out in the semi-final of the Basingstoke A Cup by Division One Welly Reserves.

Royals have lost just once in the Premier Division all season, while Welly went into the game beaten in their last six matches.

No surprise then when Royals went into a second-minute lead, Mark Horton’s shot from the right going in off the post. Further chances fell to Wayne Finn and Steven Horton but Welly’s defence held until the 55th minute, when Scott Harvey’s header went in off Brian Cook to make it 2-0.

As the second-half went on, Welly pressed, with Stuart Murfitt’s long throws putting the Royals back four in trouble. With seven minutes left his throw was knocked back across goal by Charley Smith and Gus Reiss headed in an easy chance.

The equaliser came with two minutes left, Murfitt netting with a powerful header from Smith’s cross and the game went to a penalty shoot-out, with Cook’s successful kick proving decisive.

Baughurst beat Kingsclere on penalties to reach the final of the North Hants May Cup, while Tron Reserves will contest the final of the North Hants Junior Cup, by FC Censo suffered defeat in the North Hants Intermediate Cup.

See The Monday Gazette for all of the action from Saturday's games.