Cup derby: Wonder strike sends Brockenhurst into final

Bournemouth Senior Cup Semi-Final: Lymington Town 1-2 Brockenhurst FC

BROCKENHURST FC edged past local rivals Lymington Town to reach the final of the Bournemouth Senior Cup after a dominant second-half performance – but it took a spectacular goal by Toby Bailey in the first minute of stoppage time to secure the victory.

Victorious manager Pat MacManus said Brock’s win was fully deserved, especially since his side had to recover from conceding a goal 90 seconds into the contest.

“I felt we gradually got better across the course of the first half but there was still plenty of room for improvement,” he said. “We were much better second half and were certainly in the ascendancy before and after equalising on the hour mark.

“Despite an excellent penalty save by Ross Casey, I thought Toby Bailey’s spectacular long-range volley in added time was absolutely deserved.”

Sam House’s early strike after he was fed through came as Lymo made a fast start, but once the game settled down it became a hard-fought midfield battle, and both sides claimed they should have been awarded a penalty towards the end of the first period.

In the second half, the Badgers asserted themselves, James Shorey firing just over before the equaliser – which saw Tickle’s trademark run and pinpoint cross converted by Mitchell Speechley-Price.

Lymo’s Dom Falco could have put the hosts back in the lead before Brock spurned a golden opportunity to take the spoils in missing a penalty.

Awarded after Dylan Manafour was brought down during a scramble, Jude Nwachukwu’s kick brought a fantastic save by Ross Casey.

However, just as the contest seemed destined for penalties Brock were awarded a free kick out on the right and Tickle’s centre was headed to Bailey, whose 25-yard hit took a slight deflection before nestling in the net.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game, let alone a semi-final.