Joe Lennon Memorial Cup semi final:

Milford United 5-1 Milford Athletic

THE Robins will meet Hakin in this Friday’s Joe Lennon Cup final after easily disposing of arch rivals Athletic at The Obs on Monday night.

A hat trick from striker Chris Thompson, and goals from Martyn Carroll and Liam Fawcett, gave Adrian Hutchings’ side a 5-1 win, and the chance to claim the trophy they last won in the inaugural 2011 tournament.

The newly promoted Division 1 side dominated the early stages, and after Ryan Wilson curled a shot wide, Fawcett jinked into the area and was brought down by Josh Navarrette.

Thompson made no mistake with the subsequent penalty, sending Athletic keeper David Hawkins the wrong way.

But Athletic levelled almost immediately in comical circumstances, when Nathan Daines struck a seemingly tame free kick that appeared to catch a divot and loop over United keeper Andrew Fairbairn and into the net.

However, Thompson restored his side’s lead from close range following good work by Fawcett, before Hawkins twice denied Wilson, and James McCarthy headed narrowly over the bar.

But Athletic showed more attacking intent after the break and Herbie striker Shane Walsh, helping out his old club in what was technically a friendly fixture, had a free kick parried by Fairbairn into the path of Jack Daines, who crashed his shot against the post.

The Robins then made it 3-1 when Carroll volleyed home from close range, and impressive 16-year-old debutant Ieuan Rutherford then weaved his way into the Athletic area, but hesitated at the crucial moment.

However, Thompson sealed the win, and his treble, with a neat finish from inside the area, before turning provider as his corner was flicked by Fawcett at the near post.

Fawcett and Scott Griffiths then both miscued from close range late on, but it mattered little as the Robins set up a repeat of the 2014 final.

That game will kick off at 6.15pm at The Obs.

Milford United: Andrew Fairbairn, James McCarthy, William Goodall, Scott Griffiths, Tom Llewellyn, Martyn Carroll, Liam Fawcett, Ieuan Rutherford, Liam Parr, Ryan Wilson, Chris Thompson. Subs: Luke Hart, Tom Davies, Steffan Williams, Matthew Salter.

Milford Athletic: David Hawkins, Kyle Fairbairn, Connor Garten, John Navarrette, Kai Jones, Aidan Swan, Jack Daines, Gareth Quirk, Nico George, Nathan Daines, Liam Duffield. Subs: Shane Walsh, Barry Finn, Kyle Davies, Jordan Daines.