by TERRY FRANCIS

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 0

LITTLE OAKLEY 5

Thurlow Nunn League

Division One Cup semi-final

THERE was disappointment for Harwich but jubilation for Oakley as the Acorns won through to the cup final, which will be against March Town United.

There was another good crowd for this derby and, despite the recent bad weather, the groundstaff had worked hard to get the pitch in good condition.

The first half was goalless, with everything to play for after the break.

Oakley took the lead five minutes after the restart, when Greg Rodger's shot rebounded and the alert Luke Mayhew fired into the net.

Harwich's cause was not helped when Ryan McGibbon was sent off and, in the 60th minute, the Shrimpers defence was outpaced. From an angle, Rodger cut the ball in for the Acorns' second.

Oakley were on top now and, with their supporters roaring them on, Harry Mann scored with a super shot from outside the area that left goalkeeper Sam Felgate rooted to the spot.

The Shrimpers were well beaten now and Oakley's fourth goal came form their set-piece specialists when, from Sean Kioussis' free-kick, Lewis Wood rose to net with an excellent header.

In the closing stages, Felgate made a great double save but, as the Acorns pressed relentlessly, substitute Tom Dunningham netted their fifth goal.

It was an excellent display from Oakley, which bodes well for their jubilant players' chances in the final.