Russell Cotes Cup semi-finals: Lymington Town make final as Christchurch knocked out on penalties

LYMINGTON Town booked their place in the Russell Cotes Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Alton, while Christchurch FC lost a penalty shoot-out 4-5 after a goalless draw with Sholing.

The Russell Cotes Cup competition is being played now after it was stopped last season due to the pandemic.

Lymington Town started the match well and created chances, with Dom Falco and new signing Craig McAllister both putting early chances over the crossbar. In the 35th minute, McAllister converted from close range to deservedly put his side in the lead.

Lymington made several substitutions in the second half, but it was Alton that seemed to gather momentum.

However, keeper Ross Casey and his fellow defenders fought resolutely to book their side’s place in the Russell Cotes Cup final.

In the other semi-final, Sholing and Christchurch played out a dismal 90 minutes. The majority of the match was spent in the middle of the pitch with both sides feeling the pressure.

The main talking point came in the 44th minute when Sholing appealed after the Christchurch keeper Lewis slid in to collect the ball on the edge of his area. Referee Paul Barber waved play on.

The first three penalties were all converted before the Sholing keeper dived low to his right to deny Christchurch. The remaining penalties were all scored to dump Christchurch out of the cup.

Lymington Town will face Sholing in the final. The date and venue are yet to be announced.