LANGHAM UTD 0

DUCKPOND FC 0

(Duckpond won 4-0 after extra-time)

Charles Hewitt Memorial Knockout Cup

DUCKPOND turned up the heat in extra-time to book their place in the final.

The two semi-finals were played side by side at Shrub End, in a gale-force wind on a dustbowl of a pitch.

That made it difficult for all four teams to play decent football and both matches finished goal-less.

In extra-time, Duckpond began to exert serious pressure on Langham’s defence.

But it was not until the second period that they really hit top gear, with a four-goal blitz in eight minutes.

First, Michael Hammond’s free-kick found Matt Geen, at the far post, and he volleyed home.

Then a 35-yard free-kick from skipper Phil Taylor was inch-perfect, nestling in the top corner.

A great move saw Dom Warren find John Duly, whose perfect touch sent Geen through.

He rounded the keeper and fired into an empty net.

The fourth goal saw Geen complete his hat-trick from the spot, after Hammond was bundled over.

On the adjacent pitch, AFC Pegusus and FC Byair fought out a draw and the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

FC Byair won 5-4 and now meet Duckpond FC in the final, at Alresford Colne Rangers’ ground on May 10.

This Sunday, Duckpond are again in cup action, in the Wally Castle Trophy at Shrub End against City Saints.