A HAT-TRICK from Dan Houseman saw Overton United through to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup with a 4-1 win away at Bournemouth League outfit Sway on Saturday.

Titch Bloomfield’s team will host either Cadnam United or Hamble, who are due to meet on Saturday, in the last four after a comfortable win on the south coast.

Despite the wet weather, Sway’s pitch was in good shape, but it was visiting Overton who opened the scoring after just 20 minutes, Houseman finding the net from close range after good play by Dave Parry down the right.

They could have had a penalty when Houseman seemed to be fouled in the area but the referee waved play on and the visitors defended strongly to lead by one goal at half-time.

More chances followed after the break and the visitors doubled their lead on the hour, Houseman heading home powerfully from Alex Jupp’s corner.

The striker completed his hat-trick five minutes later. The Sway goalkeeper was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off after handling outside his area, being shown only a yellow card – but Houseman made him pay from the resulting free-kick.

A fantastic strike saw Houseman find the top corner to extend the lead and Chris Lavisher rounded the goalkeeper to make it four with 10 minutes left.

Sway netted a consolation from a right-wing cross in the final minute but it is Overton who progressed to the last four.

A delighted Bloomfied said: “Everyone is buzzing at the moment. To get to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Cup is a great achievement and it’s really good for the club.

“It was a really pleasing performance. We really took the bull by the horns and went for it. Everyone played their part and I could not have asked for more.”

Overton, who sit second in the Hampshire Premier League, have the chance to reach another semi-final this Saturday, when they travel to Paulsgrove in last eight of the Hampshire Premier League Cup.

“It will be a tough game down there,” Bloomfield said. “They are a physical team but if we can keep grinding out results then we have as good a chance as anyone to claim some silverware this season.”