West Herts progressed to the semi-finals of the EH Mixed Hockey Trophy with a 7-3 win over Horsham.

The win means West Herts have booked their place at the finals weekend in Sheffield on May 31 and June 1 for the third successive year.

A frenetic first ten minutes saw West Herts take an early lead, lose it and then regain it, with the pick of the goals coming from Shea O’Sullivan, pictured, who found the roof of the net from a tight angle.

The Stags’ cause was aided midway through the first half as Horsham were reduced to ten players for overhead play.

Both teams were intent on attack but while the West Herts defence held firm, the visitors’ was pierced repeatedly. The Stags were not quite as clinical as they would have liked and only managed to score once more before the break.

Ahead 3-1 at half-time, a Dan Webster penalty flick added to the score but there were some nervy moments to come as 4-1 soon became 4-3 – due largely to an efficient Horsham short corner routine.

Max Webster eased the nerves with a tap-in fifth goal for West Herts and two more goals before the final whistle made the scoreline a little flattering to the home side.

The Stags will now take on Sheffield Hallam in the semi-finals.