GEO SANDOE CUP

SEMI-FINAL

SECOND LEG

Whitecroft Reserves 3

marley Rovers 1

WHITECROFT came out on top in this second leg tie on Saturday and will now play St Briavels in the final at Harrow Hill on Good Friday, April 13.

Having shared the honours 1 - 1 in the first leg, Whitecroft made full use of their home advantage but still had to work hard to achieve success.

They were stunned when Marley's Chris Nicol scored after only two minutes. But the fightback grew in strength and Whitecroft's power in front of goal was rewarded when from a corner Brian Davies headed in the equaliser.

Close to half-time another corner rebounded off the bar and James Mason slammed in the crucial goal. Twenty minutes into the second period Mark Jones scored number three.

To Marley's credit they came back strongly and dominated possession in the closing stages but Whitecroft's steady defence remained unshaken and they held on to book their place against St Briavels.

Whitecroft secretary Roland Elsmore is hoping the cup final will make up for an early season error which cost his team four points. Whitecroft had fielded a player who owed match fees to another club and were deducted four points.

"I don't think it would have given us the league title and we should still gain promotion to North Gloucester League division one, but a win in the cup final will give the boys a big lift," he said.

It has been a good season for Whitecroft and all three teams are in the shake-up to move up the leagues. The First X1 Could jump up to division one of the Northern Senior League and the 'A' team to North Gloucester League division two.