Brave Rowde go down fighting

4:18pm Monday 31st March 2008

First Division Frome Town Sports beat a gallant Third Division Rowde Sports 1-0 to reach the final of the Pied Piper Promotions-sponsored A and B Cup.

Frome threw everything at Rowde in a wind-swept first half but could not break down a resilient defence.

The second half was much the same for Frome as they dominated large periods of play without any reward, but with ten minutes left and extra-time looming a Frank Alexander shot beat the defiant Rowde goalkeeper to send Frome through to the final.

Westbury United A 2, Lavington 5

THIS second semi-final guaranteed a Division Two team in the final as Westbury United A played hosts to Lavington.

It was Lavington who struck the early blow as Myles Hickton slotted home from close range. Westbury pulled a goal back through Jamie Howse ten minutes later, but Lavington were not pegged back for too long as Hickton scored his second of the match to restore their lead.

With the first half coming to an end Westbury had a chance to go in level but Dale Rowland contrived to miss from the penalty spot.

The second half saw Lavington step up a gear and their 2-1 lead became 3-1 as Hickton completed his hat-trick.

Westbury then started to rally and came back into the match as Mark Pearce scored to make it 3-2. The last ten minutes saw both teams continue to press for goals but it was Lavington who succeeded as Jamie Bayes netted to make it 4-2 and then an own goal sealed it as Lavington ran out 5-2 winners.