BELLE Vue Social have reached the coveted Essex Junior Cup Final, writes JOHN CAMPANY.

Having already won through five rounds, they beat Hashtag United Reserves 3-2 after extra-time in their semi-final.

They will play Catholic United Reserves in the final, which will take place on April 6 at Concord Rangers FC.

There were well over 90 in attendance to watch an exciting hard-fought cup-tie.

Social twice led but were pulled back by the Essex Olympian side within a minute of scoring each goal.

The tie went into extra-time, after the score finished level at 2-2, after 90 minutes.

In the extended period Hashtag missed a penalty and were punished when the Border League side scored the decisive goal.

Jack Irwin and Jack Webb scored during the opening 90 minutes, but the hero of the hour was Dillon Francis who netted a late goal that created a bit of history for the Social Club.

There were two midweek matches in the premier division, with Tiptree Heath and Dunmow Town gaining maximum points. Coupled with their respective Saturday results, this enabled a six-point haul to boost their league positions.

Tiptree consolidated their fourth position, six points behind Chelmsford City Reserves with three games in hand.

Dunmow moved into eighth after a somewhat indifferent season, but enjoyed a welcome six points.

Joe Chester was at the forefront of Tiptree’s 5-3 win at Brantham Athletic scoring a fine hat-trick, with one each from Cameron Ward and Kieran Michaels.

This was followed with a fine 3-1 win at Chelmsford City Reserves, with Charlie Green's brace and Ryan Knill-Jones' strike.

It put pressure on City, who were beaten for the eighth time in the league.

Dunmow followed up their midweek success with a good 3-0 home win over Alresford Colne Rangers

Stanway Pegasus thrashed Barnston 6-1.

Max Booth bagged a hat-trick with one each from Elliott Aves, Callum Griffiths, and Aaron Collier.

Second placed West Bergholt had a hard-fought v3-2 victory over fifth-placed Colne Athletic at Strangers Corner, with Jamie Beecham, Lewis Blanchett and Lee Townrow on the scoresheet.

They are looking increasingly likely to claim the runners-up spot at the expense of inconsistent Chelmsford City.

The bubble finally burst for in-form Earls Colne when they lost 2-1 at Brantham Athletic Reserves, but are positioned in a healthy sixth place. James Couzens netted for Colne.

White Notley won 3-1 at Dedham Old Boys whilst there was success for plucky Gas Recreation, who after a poor run of results overcame Felixstowe & Walton U23s 2-1 at Bromley Road.

Jay West and Jamie Cant scored the goals.

Lowly Lawford Lads beat Sudbury Sports 3-0 with Oliver Mann bagging a double and Aden Mansfield completing the scoring, at School Lane.

The Lads need a good finish to avoid a place in the bottom two, but vitally have games in hand.

In the firs division, Silver End are making a late challenge for promotion following their 8-1 win at West Bergholt Reserves.

Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division, results: Brantham Athletic Reserves 2 Earls Colne 1, Chelmsford City Res 1 Tiptree Heath 3, Colne Athletic 2 West Bergholt 3, Dedham Old Boys 1 White Notley 3, Dunmow Town 3 Alresford Colne Rangers 0, Gas Recreation 2 Felixstowe & Walton U23s 1, Lawford Lads 3 Sudbury Sports 0, Stanway Pegasus 6 Barnston 1.

Essex Junior Cup semi-finals: Belle Vue Social 3 Hashtag United Res 2 (after extra-time), Wormingford Wanderers 0 Catholic United Res 3.