Moneyfields’ Hampshire Senior Cup final dream dashed by AFC Bournemouth youngsters

Joe Briggs, left, netted as Moneyfields were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth Under-21s in the semi-final of the Hampshire Senior Cup. Pic: Martyn White.

The hosts had to work hard at times to stay in the contest against a young, slick Cherries under-21 side.

Second half goals from Steve Hutchings and substitute Joe Briggs kept them in the tie but the visitors managed to keep their noses in front.

In an entertaining encounter, in front of a sizeable crowd, both sides could have scored more.

Moneys boss Dave Carter praised his team for their battling qualities.

'I felt we gave a good account of ourselves,' he said.

'Bournemouth were a quality side full of young professionals.

'At times we had to work our socks off to get possession, particularly in the first half.

'Apart from our early lapse I felt we kept our defensive shape well.

'Marley Ridge had a few good chances before the break.

'In the second half we showed a lot of determination but Bournemouth continued to move the ball well.

'Not many teams at our level would get as close to them as we did.'

Bournemouth showed their quality within two minutes to catch Moneyfields napping.

Christian Saydee lofted a ball over the top and Jake Scrimshaw took the ball past stranded goalkeeper Jake Hallett before firing into the unguarded net.

Within three minutes Hallett saved with his legs to deny striker Jaidon Anthony.

In the early stages the home side found it impossible to get out of their own territory.

They had no answer to Gavin Kilkenny who was running the show in midfield.

At this stage it was men against boys with the latter providing all the silky football skills.

Kilkenny was rewarded for his efforts on 33 minutes, scoring with a fine drive after the ball was pulled back to him from the byline.

Before the break Moneyfields began to get a greater foothold in the contest and twice Ridge forced low saves from goalkeeper Cameron Plain.

The home side made the perfect start to the second period when ex-Cherries striker Hutchings poked home a deflected ball from Briggs.

Within eight minutes, though, the Cherries hit back with the goal of the game.

Saydee used his strength to ride two tackles before sending the ball out wide to Ryan Glover. The striker ran on to powerfully volley in Glover's measured cross.

Moneyfields refused to throw in the towel and gave themselves a lifeline on 64 minutes with a cross-cum-shot from Briggs which ended up in the net.

Hallett produced two fantastic saves to keep his side’s hopes alive.

In the end, though, Moneys couldn't find an equaliser and the Cherries progressed into the final against either Southampton Under-23s or Eastleigh.

Moneyfields: Hallett, Sanders, Lafleur (Giddens77), Raine (Jatta 89), De Costa, Pearce, Dinsmore, Ridge, Roberts, Hutchings, Barker (Briggs 46).