BRIXTON ROVERS made it to their first ever semi-final with a nervy 4-3 victory over Reed Rangers in the Arlon Printers-sponsored Chairman's Cup.

Rovers raced into a four-goal half-time lead as Neal Cockeral chose this game to open his account for the season.

He scored after just ten seconds and then added two more before Rob Bulter completed an emphatic opening period's play.

However, it was a complete reversal of the first as Rangers stormed forward to reduce the lead to one.

Their pressure was such that Brixton keeper Barry Shone lived up to his name to take the man of the match award after a string of fine saves preserved a narrow win.

Bushey Rangers relied heavily on their defensive qualities as they held on to a 2-1 score-line against Abbotts Langley. Lee Smith put Abbotts Langley ahead before Marlon McLeod and Paul Litchfield gave their team a lead to protect.

Meanwhile in the Birkdale Cup quarter finals, a commanding performance by Lee Tammer in the heart of midfield inspired William Morris to a narrow 2-1 victory over Gayton Wanderers. Paul Farmer added to Mark Newman's earlier effort to fire in an 80th minute winner.

November 7, 2001 14:28