Chairman’s Cup Semi-Final

Roundbush achieved what is probably the result of the season with 3-2 win after extra-time against Meriden yesterday.

Bush, who are the league’s longest-serving club having joined as Post Office Counters FC back in 1994, can now look forward to a first ever cup final appearance against South Oxhey Labour Reserves.

Nothing should take away from an excellent performance from the Roundbush team, but they were helped by the over-confidence of their opponents following their 3-0 league win when the two sides met seven days previously.

Roundbush started the better but found themselves a goal behind after 22 minutes when Tom Dettmer turned and fired home. But the lead lasted only 11 minutes as Liam Wigg saw his long-range effort go though the body of goalkeeper Stuart Shepard.

Meriden regained the lead four minutes into the second half thanks to a very lucky goal when Aarron Crawford’s shot deflected off the heels of Bush defender Dan Nott and into the net.

Despite going behind it was Bush who upped up their performance and with 17 minutes left they deservedly drew level for a second time with David Flannery headed home from close range following a cross from the right.

Bush continued to be the more progressive of the sides in extra-time, but the game looked destined for a penalty shoot-out until, with four minutes left, Flannery scored what was almost a carbon copy for his first goal when he headed home at the far post, despite the best efforts of two Meriden players on the line who failed to keep it out.

Birkdale Challenge Cup Semi-Final

Oxhey Hall Stars are through to their second cup final after they beat Old Danes Athletic 5-4 on penalties in what was a dress rehearsal for their showdown in the President’s Cup.

The tie had finished 4-4 following extra-time after Kieran Nelhams gave Oxhey an early lead before goals from Colin Spooner and Marc Brownsall put Old Danes ahead.

It was Oxhey’s turn to come from behind after the break thanks to goals from Rod Ladmore and Paul Kenwright before Spooner equalised with his second of the game to take the contest to extra-time.

Craig Bennett headed Danes in front three minutes into the additional half-an-hour, but they could only hold the upper hand for just over five minutes when Matt Byrne equalised.

Both sides missed good chances in the second period before spot-kicks were decided by Spooner’s miss for Old Danes, with the other nine all converted.

Premier Division

Nathan Pooley was the star man for Nascot Arms as he struck a hat-trick in the 4-1 defeat of Prince George.

Pooley’s treble was supported by a single from Joe Manfredini, with Dale Cummins netting the Prince George consolation.

Bedmond and Hertfordshire Lions shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Jordan Davies put Bedmond ahead in the first half but Lions scored twice in the second period through Sam Crafts and Dennis Fraser. However, Bedmond secured a point when Harvey Dorboize scored the equaliser.

Division One

AFC Green Machine moved up to third place in the table after taking maximum points from their two games against bottom-placed Watford Labour Club.

The first game was won 2-0 thanks to goals from Darryl Robertson and Sam Hailey.

In the second part of the double header Green Machine went one goal better through a Robertson double and a third from Jonny Compton Wright.

South Oxhey Labour Club Reserves defeated Inter 4-1 thanks primarily to three goals in nine first-half minutes.

Each team found the net once after the break, with Dan Kenna on target for Inter.