Bexhill book place in final

The Sussex Division Three leaders will now take on another East Sussex Premier side in Peche Hill Select on a date to be announced.

"It's a real bonus for us," said Bexhill manager Bill Trivett. "It's not something we set out with at the front of our minds and I do feel we've had quite a hard run (they've also played fellow Sussex Division Three high-riders Wadhurst United and Sussex Reserve Section East leaders Rye & Iden United)."

They contrived to make this semi-final hard by conceding two goals in the final 10 minutes having earlier breezed into a three goal lead.

"It was a little bit of a nervy ending," Trivett continued, "but I don't think the scoreline was a fair reflection of what was going on. We kept possession very well and I felt as though we were in control of the game. We made a lot of chances and, on another day, we probably would have scored seven or eight of them to be honest.

Three were taken, but the post and crossbar were also struck and the ball didn't run for Bexhill in several other goalmouth scrambles.

It didn't take United long to break through. The previous week's last minute equalising hero Alex Page, promoted to the starting line-up, latched onto a signature diagonal ball from McPherson & Partners man of the match Steve Mote to open the scoring within three minutes.

Dave Carey made it 2-0 on the half hour, rounding two players and the goalkeeper after picking the ball up just outside the penalty area before Tim Funnell scrambled a second half third. Ian Burt struck twice for Saints.

Peche Hill, who are managed by former Sidley United defensive rock Wayne Farrier and have former Bexhill boys Tim and Dominic Bigg plus Benjie Symes among their playing staff, saw off Bodiam 3-1 in the other last four tie.

Ben Ferguson, Dan Kendrick and an own goal made up the Select tally, whilst Ben Ridgeway replied.