Down ensures Netherton United remain on the up, rare defeat for Yaxley, Holbeach United lose out on county final to a last-gasp goal

Netherton United before their Peterborough Senior Cup semi-final win over Long Sutton, (back) Andy Sharpe, Carl Jackson, Patryk Huczko, Jason Dunn, Jacob Smitheringale, Zack Fisher, Ross Ingram, Kenneth Wheatland, Michael Fox, Robbie Ellis, Jon Harrison. (front) Janette Jarvis, Fraser Sturgess, Chris Down, Mark Baines, Richard Baines, Tommy Randall, Bogdan Masnita, Connor Barker.

And they’ve done it the hard way by beating a higher level team in every round. Step five side Arlesey Town - that’s two levels above Netherton - were the semi-final victims as a solitary Chris Down strike from a free kick in the first half secured victory in Bedfordshire.

The hosts had a man sent off in the first-half.

Netherton will play either Peterborough Northern Star, Stotfold or holders Godmanchester in the final at the end of the season.

Peterborough Premier Division title favourites Netherton also reached the Peterborough Senior Cup Final at the weekend and they are the first team to win through to the quarter-finals of the new Peterborough League Cup as they chase four trophies in the same season for the second time in three seasons.

Yaxley suffered a first defeat in eight Southern League Division One matches when crashing 5-0 at Halesowen Town last night, a result that enabled the winners to move top of the table.

Holbeach United lost their Lincs Senior Trophy semi-final to a last gasp goal at United Counties Premier Division rivals Boston Town. Michael Frew had earlier equalised for the Tigers.

RESULTS

Tuesday, February 18

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Division One Central: Halesowen Town 5, Yaxley 0

LINCS SENIOR TROPHY

Semi-final: Boston Town 2, Holbeach United 1 (Frew).

HINCHINBROOKE CUP

Semi-final: Arlesey Town 0, Netherton Utd 1 (Down).