WHITCHURCH United cruised through to the semi-finals of the Andover Open Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win over Kingsclere at Longmeadow last night.

The hosts started the game well but were unable to break down a solid Kingsclere defence until 25 minutes in, Nic Turpin firing in a good volley.

A second goal followed very soon after, Tom Lockyer heading home a Luke Walker corner to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Shane Lock made it three on the hour, latching on to substitute Adam Pearson’s ball over the top, while Walker added a fourth 20 minutes from time.

Kingsclere pulled a goal back late on, taking advantage of a mistake in the Whitchurch defence, but it is the hosts who progress to their third semi-final of the season.

The Jam Boys will play in the final of the North Hants Senior Cup, following the withdrawal of last four opposition Stockbridge, while they face Petersfield Town in the semi-finals of the Wessex League Cup on March 11.

Before that, Whitchurch face a visit from Wessex League Division One leaders Winchester City on Saturday, while they travel to Folland Sports on Tuesday night.

Manager Jim Macey has signed experienced central defender Matt Scott from Winchester for the busy end-of-season period and is looking for a repeat of the victory they enjoyed over the table-toppers earlier in the season.

“We have beaten them once this season so you never know,” he said. “It’s been a good season so far and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Also last night, Basingstoke and District Saturday League side New Inn reached the final of the North Hants Intermediate Cup with a 3-0 win away at Andover Lions.

James Arris gave New Inn the lead on 12 minutes and added a second from Nick Jupp's cross on the half-hour.

Lee Chambers completed the scoring with 20 minutes to go, volleying home from Matt Bennett's free-kick.

New Inn will face Winchester Castle Reserves in the final, which will take place at Andover New Street's ground on March 18.