KNOCKOUT CUP SEMI FINAL: Second division heavyweights Pheasant FC and Hullavington went to head to head on the Melksham Town ground on Sunday as they battled it out to become the first side to make it into the final of this season’s Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup.

The reebrooks-sponsored cup competition was played in glorious sunshine at the Conigre and the match never really lived up to its pre match hype as Pheasant edged a cagey game 2-1 courtesy of a late wonder goal from Paul Poiner.

With Pheasant having won the league match between the sides 4-1 just a few weeks ago, both team knew what to expect from each other and although Hullavington welcomed back Ed Wilkins, George Crotty and Ben Wright who had missed that defeat they were without goal keeper Gary Waldron and were forced to use influential midfielder Jif Wilkins as his replacement.

After a goalless first half where both teams cancelled each other out Ben Highmore who was on for the injured Joe Forester gave Pheasant the lead.

Hullavington made a game of it when Ed Wilkins got them back on level terms and with the game looking as it had extra time written all over it Paul Poiner produced a moment of pure genius when he drilled home an awesome strike from 20 yards out that earned Pheasant a victory that leaves them waiting to see if it will be Corsham Centre A or Westbury Rangers A who they will face in April’s final.