Harold Hill were competing in their second cup semi-final in the space of a week on Sunday.

After the previous week's success in the Senior League Divisional Cup, Harold Hill faced Essex Arms, a team from division two, but were coming into the match on an unbeaten run of 15 games, and they are also finalists in their divisional cup and the Essex Junior Cup.

The game started with Essex Arms taking an early advantage through Andy Patterson's goal.

Harold Hill kept the pressure on and went close on several occasions through their strike force of Lucas and Smith.

Smith eventually took his chance after being put through by Negus and beat the advancing goalkeeper to slot the ball home.

Harold Hill should have increased their lead when Smith crossed for Lucas to head the ball goalwards, but the ball thundered against the crossbar and out to safety.

As Hill pushed forward again Smith was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and John Doyle stepped up to despatch the ball in the bottom of the net giving the Essex goalkeeper no chance.

The second half saw Essex put up a spirited performance but the outstanding Paul Golby marshalled the Hill defence with a superb display, including some crunching tackles.

Just as it looked as if Hill would hold out to proceed to their second final in consecutive weeks a mix up in defence allowed Essex's Steve Webster to level the scores with just two minutes left.

The first half of extra time continued to see play switch from end to end and Hill again Hill failing to take advantage.

Essex, having made substitutions, continued to press forward with some good midfield play but were caught when Mark Hatfull raced into the box to cross for top scorer Smith to power the ball home to make the score 3-2.

Harold Hill defended well for the last few minutes to end the match and Essex Arms unbeaten record.

Hill will now meet either Havering Nalgo or Byron Red Star 'A' in the final of the Spall Knockout Cup at Billericay Town on May 8 (7.30 pm kick off).

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