Blackfield bound for final after victory over Bashley

Southampton Senior Cup semi-final: Blackfield & Langley 3-0 Bashley FC

BASHLEY FC found Southern Premier South opponents Blackfield & Langley a bridge too far in the Southampton Senior Cup semi-final.

Played on the neutral ground of AFC Totton, Bashley found themselves a goal down after just three minutes when speedy winger Shaquille Gwengwe drifted inside to blast home.

Unperturbed, Bashley fought back, and a shot from Conor Whiteley was scrambled around the post by keeper Lewis Noice. Bash fell further behind when Luke Rae was left with time and space to score from close range.

Just before half-time, the irrepressible Bunce had the ball in the net, but the goal was flagged offside.

The hopes of Bashley disappeared when, within minutes of the restart, confusion in the Bash defence ended with keeper Dan Kempson taking out a player as well as the ball. Patrick Suraci made no mistake from the spot.

To their credit, Bash took this in their stride and continued to press, and Harry McGrath made the bar shake when meeting a hard goalmouth cross from Bunce.

Bashley continued to press forward until the end. Lewis Aimson had a long shot well saved, Lewis Ross drove forward but scuffed his shot, and Jamie Webber, on as a late substitute, saw his shot go wide after cutting in from the right.

Bash’s forward press also meant breakaway chances for the razor-sharp Watersiders, but Kempson was solid and spectacular in keeping the door shut.

Bashley fought hard in a display well appreciated by their number of travelling supporters present, but the hurdle was too high, and Blackfield were worthy winners.