PREMIER FIRST DIVISION CUP SEMI-FINAL

Dundry Athletic 0, Bridgwater Town Reserves 2

BRIDGWATER Town Reserves manager Luke Buckingham praised the character and potential of his side after they booked their place in the final of the Premier/First Division Cup with a battling victory.

Matthew Hurley netted twice for Town in breezy conditions – and Buckingham said the workrate of his players was ‘fantastic’ after a difficult week for his side.

He said: “It was a difficult game today and Dundry were full of confidence having had a great season.

“The pitch and the wind made it difficult to play our usual freeflowing game but the workrate throughout the team was fantastic.

“And we dealt with their direct and aggressive approach well, having learnt some tough lessons in recent weeks.

“This group of players have totally bought in to what we have been trying to achieve from day one, and it's been a pleasure to see how much each of them have developed over the season.

“We have already achieved the highest league points total this team has had for five years, which is with the youngest squad in the club’s history, and to reach a cup final as well is a reflection of the potential these players.”

Shortly before the interval, Bridgwater took a deserved lead when the impressive Hurley linked well with Owen Sellick, Hurley slotting home from close range.

Bridgwater doubled their advantage 55 minutes in when the ball fell to Hurley on the edge of the box and his powerful half volley left the home keeper with no chance.

Bridgwater dominated the closing stages of the game as the battling Dundry side began to tire and Bridgwater held on comfortably to seal a spot in the Somerset County league cup final.

They will face current Premier Division league leaders Shirehampton in the final at Street FC on May 14 (kick-off 7.30pm).