SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2022
THE SPRING CUP – SPONSORED BY GOODING ACCOUNTS LTD – SEMI FINALS
The Duke FC will face Heytesbury FC in the final of The Spring Cup – sponsored by Gooding Accounts Ltd after the semi-finals were played this weekend.
WESTBURY UNITED RESERVES 0 THE DUKE FC 3
DUKE BREEZE INTO SPRING CUP FINAL
Trowbridge Windows sponsored Trowbridge & District League, Division champions The Duke FC will have the opportunity to add the Gooding Accounts sponsored Spring Cup to their trophy cabinet after a 3-0 victory over fierce rivals Westbury United Reserves set up a Cup Final meeting with top flight stable mates Heytesbury.
Westbury suffered an early setback when they lost Joe Wilkins following a crunching Matt Mead challenge with the game less than a minute old and that seemed to set the scene for the remainder of the half as Westbury were unable to get a foothold in the game.
Ashley Easton went close to giving the Duke the lead on 4 minutes, but his effort sailed just over the bar.
Westbury were inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 8th minute when Todd Pearce thumped a great strike against the post, within seconds the ball was in the back of the Westbury net as Ashley Easton’s excellent through ball found Sam McQueen, his effort across the face of goal looked to be heading out of play, but the speedy Billal Karmouni arrived unmarked at the far post lash the ball home and give Duke the lead.
Duke got lucky midway through the half when Louis Wilkins broke clear and only some desperate last gasp defending ensured that Duke held onto their lead.
Westbury fell 2-0 behind on 30 minutes, an excellent Jack Hayward cross picked out Gary Tugwell who rifled in off the post to double the Duke’s lead.
It was 3-0 and game over in the 39th minute, Matt Mead driving home a long-range stunner to put Duke in total control and on their way to the final.
Westbury were a lot better in the second half but despite Max Bishop hitting the side netting shortly after the restart and a couple of half chances from Louis Wilkins and Kieron Edwards they never really tested Duke keeper Ben Cooper.
The Duke’s Tom Blackman did have a great opportunity to add a fourth but fluffed his lines and failed to hit the target from close range when he really should have tested keeper Ryan Stevens, but by that stage it didn’t matter as the game was all but over and the Duke were heading for a return to Meadow Lane on Saturday 7th May.
POTTERNE FC 1 HEYTESBURY FC 2
WELCH DOUBLE SENDS HEYTESBURY INTO FINAL
An Adam Welch double sent Heytesbury into the final of The Spring Cup –
sponsored by Gooding Accounts Ltd as they beat Potterne 2 – 1 in the semi-final.
With both teams bidding to reach a second final this season it was the Division One side that came out on top to earn the right to meet The Duke at Meadow Lane, Westbury on 7th May.
Welch scored both his goals in an entertaining first half to give Heytesbury a vital advantage at the break.
In the second half, Potterne fought back and reduced the deficit through Darren Lewis but try as they might couldn’t break down the Heytesbury defence again.
Heytesbury will be back in action again on Tuesday evening, 26th in the first stage of a possible double winning season when they face Seend United in the final of The A & B Cup – sponsored by AM Print & Copy, kick-off 7.45pm at Meadow Lane, Westbury.
Potterne will dust themselves down from this disappointment and prepare for the final of The Knockout Cup – sponsored by Chantry Digital Ltd where they will also face Seend United, also at Meadow Lane, Westbury on 3rd May with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The entrance fee will be £3, please be aware this will be CASH ONLY at the gate.