Southampton Senior Cup semi-final football: AFC Totton seal final spot

Southampton Senior Cup semi-final

Brockenhurst FC 0

AFC Totton 5

BROCKENHURST came off second best against a ruthless AFC Totton – who play two leagues higher – who fired home five goals to march into the Southampton Senior Cup final.

The match held a significant moment for Brockenhurst’s long-serving manager, Patrick McManus, as it marked his final game with the club after an impressive tenure of 11 years and over 500 games in charge.

The Stags came into the contest as heavy favourites, but the Badgers gave it a fantastic effort, arriving at half-time with just one goal conceded.

However, in a blistering second 45, Ethan Taylor, Matty Burrows, and a brace from skipper Scott Rendell all added to Tony Lee’s 44th-minute strike.

Brock keeper Amad Skrzyniarz had to make a couple of decent stops, but his side’s organisation seemed to be holding the Stags at bay until Lee lined up a free-kick from 25 yards out. His low, fizzing effort skimmed across the surface and sneaked in.

After the break, Brockenhurst struggled to get going, and the second goal didn’t take long to arrive.

With 55 minutes played, Leon Maloney’s disguised pass found Taylor, who finished with the most delicate chip over the goalkeeper.

After winning a rare corner, Brock’s Harry Bunce, lurking on the edge of the area, flashed a half-volley wide of the near post, but that was his side’s best chance.

Burrows made it 3-0 after an intelligent short corner routine, unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the far corner before Rendell nodded in a fourth then tucked home a fifth to secure a cup final spot.

The clean sheet was Stags’ keeper Lewis Noice’s 50th for the club, and probably his easiest, as he did not have a save to make all game.

After the match, outgoing Brockenhurst manager Patrick McManus said: “Congratulations to AFC Totton and all the best in the final on Saturday – quality opponents, quality staff, gracious in victory – exactly how it should be.”

He added: “That’s it for me and Brockenhurst.

“I’ve met some great people who have become friends for life, lost some great people, played for four chairmen, worked with some great players, been helped by some great volunteers, and had and spoiled plenty of parties. Thank you all.”