Michelmersh & Timsbury   1   Folland Sports    1   (M&T won 6-5 on penalties)

Michelmersh & Timsbury caused a big upset when they reached the final of the Southampton FA Veterans Cup at the expense of favourites Folland Sports. 

Despite their moderate league form, the 'Marsh have really excelled in this competition and have already taken several notable scalps en route to reaching this stage for the first time. 

From the outset, they gave it their all and soon showed 'the Planemakers' that they were in for a tough game. In a tense affair, there was little to separate the teams in a goalless first half. 

The second half saw play open up, with half-chances falling at both ends. Buoyed on by plenty of vociferous support, Michelmersh began to look the more dangerous and they broke the deadlock on 70 minutes when striker Adam Sherman fired home. As expected, Follands responded strongly, but found centre-backs Jon Cook and Stuart Curtis both giving little away, and when they did they were then denied by inform goalkeeper Pete Allinson who made some crucial saves. It looked like they were going to hold on, but Follands finally grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser, and the game then ended in stalemate - meaning that penalties would be required.

Both sides missed from the spot before Simon Higgins calmly converted to force sudden death, and after further nail-biting Gavin Hodder held his nerve to score what proved to be the winning goal and send the 'Marsh through, sparking wild celebrations. 

This will be their first final since 2009 when the 1st XI reached the Hampshire League Trophyman Cup final - ironically there are four players from that squad who played in this famous victory!