Cow Res To Fly The Flag...

Dun Cow Reserves made their second Herts Intermediate Cup Final in three years at the expense of fellow Stevenage side MBDA, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

With an afternoon kick-off agreed, a large group of people converged on Barclay School to see the encounter between Division One leaders Dun Cow Reserves and their hosts, Division Two side MBDA, managed by yours truly.

Cow took the lead when the evergreen Mark Phillips fired a low shot across Andy Gibb into the far corner. The lead was doubled when Nigel Tingey stumbled and allowed Pete Brewster in. MBDA rallied and with their normal football game not being evident, a long ball from Alan Kenney saw Ashley Kersey go through the 30 goal mark for the season when he beat ‘keeper Tony Harvey to the ball to head home. Moments later, Ross Walker’s superb pass saw Kersey onto it again, this time he was baulked in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Sam Harwood levelled the scores with only half-an-hour on the clock. Cow retried the lead just before half-time, Phillips broke the offside trap, rounded the ‘keeper and rolled the ball home. Less than 30 seconds of the second-half had elapsed when an un-marked Keith Coughlin volleyed home well at the back post to restore the early two-goal lead. Mainly midfield play ensued until MBDA set up a tense finish when Harwood headed home Sam Williams’ cross, but an equaliser was never on and Cow progressed. Fair play to Cow, who, despite being able to invoke a crazy rule which allowed them to use up to three first-team players, Adam Furness and Shaun Marshall were un-used substitutes. They’ll meet Mill End Sports from Rickmansworth in the final on Sunday 25th April.

Athletico Peartree secured their second Premier Division giant-killing as they made the KLM Challenge Cup semi-finals. However, Bedwell Athletic couldn't have wished for a better start when they took the lead inside ten minutes with a neat finish from Joel Mason. Their Division Three opponents showed good character and got back on level terms. Terry Lock struck the post before Lewis White's effort from the rebound was turned into his own net by a defender. They were awarded a penalty in extra-time and Lock stepped up to put them in front. He had another chance from the spot in the second period but the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save. However, Lock sealed the win in great style late on as he beat the last man on the half-way line before driving to the area and slotting home to book a tie with Mallard.