FORDINGBRIDGE under-11s pulled off a shock win to reach the final of the Testway Youth League Cup at the weekend.

The division 2 side – the only non top flight team left in the competition at the semi final stage – defeated Braishfield Bees 3-1 on penalties to book a final date against Whitchurch.

The sides had drawn 1-1 after an hour’s action at the Burgate School in Fordingbridge.

Bees went ahead in the first half but left back Jack Cunningham levelled shortly into the second half with a shot that was deflected past the keeper.

Stand-in Fordingbridge keeper Adam Harding – normally a midfielder but playing in between the sticks as regular No 1 Jack Thorne is injured – then emerged as the star of the penalty shoot-out.

Harding saved two Bees penalties and saw another effort smack against a post, as spot-kicks from Ollie Bayliss and Harding put their side 2-1 up.

Sam Penton – son of team boss Mike – then struck home the winning penalty.

Whitchurch caused a shock of their own as they beat newly-crowned Division 1 champions Barton Stacey 3-1.

The final will now be played at Andover on April 27.

Fordingbridge are also in the second automatic promotion spot in Division 2, having completed their games.

But Tidworth will be promoted along with champions West Harnham if they avoid defeat in their remaining game against Braishfield Hornets, which was postponed last weekend.

Fordingbridge (v Braishfield Bees): Adam Harding, Rob Bailey, Ted Wright, Jack Cunningham, Sam Penton, Ben Carter, Ollie Bayliss, Rian Artingstall, Charlie Dawkins, Adam Stompidissel.

See this Thursday's Journal for more youth football news.