Boss Grant aiming to end Paulsgrove’s search for first ever Hampshire Premier League Cup triumph

The Grove boss believes the competition can provide a welcome distraction from league matters.

Moulay Ousman got the only goal against a Silchester side lying third in Division 1, extending Grove’s unbeaten start to seven games.

Grant feels his side are in with a realistic chance of winning the HPL Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

They now host divisional rivals Locks Heath - the only team they have not beaten this season - in the second round.

Completing a good day for Grove, Jimmy Hird struck twice as Paulsgrove’s reserves - also depleted - beat Alton 4-0 in the Hampshire Combination.

'We had injuries, holidays and we worked out between both teams we had 17 players missing,' said Grant.

'It was nice to get through (at Silchester).

‘I said before we went there it was just a case of getting the job done.

‘It didn’t matter what the score was - you don’t get any bonuses for scoring lots of goals - it was important just to be in the next round.

‘The league is the priority but it’s a cup that we’ve got to be one of the top five favourites in it.

‘Realistically, it’s a cup we can win.

‘Sometimes it can be a nice distraction from looking at the league table constantly, it can be nice to have a cup run and break the monotony of the league up.'

Grove have twice reached the HPL Cup final - losing 5-1 to AFC Stoneham in 2009/10 and 2-1 to Liphook in 2011/12.

They have also reached the semi-finals in 2017/18 and 2015/16.

Fourth-placed Grove return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Clanfield.

It will be the hosts' first home fixture on the Hawks' new 3G surface - where they are groundsharing this season.