Cardea Reserves (4-2-3-1): Andrew Yeomans; Travis Brown, Rich Kay (c), Lee Jacobs, Junior Jones-Eyre; Phil Butler, Sam Ekins; James Roberts, Kieran Hart, Chris Arnold; Charlie Bosett. Subs: Bradley Quinn, Ryan Bradley, Andrew James, Adam Stacey.

Cardea FC (3-5-1-1): Gav Sampson; Stuart Yaxley (c), Michael Williams, Dale Moore; Anthony Kiernan, Kynan Bereznyckyj, Gav Earl, Aaron Yeoman John Reddell; Shane Cooke; Luke Penman. Subs: Ryan Moore, Michael Creek, Alex Goymour, Rob Ames, Tom Staggs.

The first few minutes of the game was relatively even with both teams settling into the big match but the breakthrough came 11 minutes in and it was the first team who scored it.

Yeoman sent a free kick into the area but it was fumbled by keeper Yeomans and Bereznyckyj was on hand to nod into the net for a rare headed goal.

The first team doubled their lead 2 minutes later. Reddell sent a searching ball down the middle into the area and Yeomans couldn't claim it allowing Penman to tap into the net.

The first team were playing some good football and were enjoying the majority of possession but were lucky to still have 10 men on the pitch after a horror challenge from Earl on Arnold was punished by a free kick only!

Cardea Reserves thought they had a way back into the game midway through the half when Butler played in Bosett who prodded the ball in but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Cardea first team added a third 30 minutes in from a corner. Yeoman sent a low ball in and it beat several players at the near post and was met by Yaxley who smashed the ball high into the net.

At half time it was contrasting team talks for the two Robinson's as Craig called for more of the same, Matt wanted to see better in the second half.

It was Craig who got his wish as Bereznyckyj won Cardea first team a penalty 10 minutes after the restart. Yeoman stepped up only to see Yeomans save the spot kick but the rebound went straight back to the taker who slotted in under pressure from Kay.

The first team went 5-0 up on the hour mark. Following a scramble in the reserves box after a corner the ball came out to Williams who lofted it to the back post and Penman took advantage of a defensive mix up to tap in his second of the game.

Bosett nearly pulled a goal back 5 minutes later when he plucked a ball out of the air but his 25 yard shot forced a great save out of Sampson who tipped over.

The reserves did pull a goal back on 70 minutes as they caught the first team on the break. Stacey broke down the right and his ball across the box beat the first team defence and Hart struck the ball against the post but headed in the rebound.

Yeomans pulled off some great saves at the other end to keep the score at 5 as the game entered it's final stages including a superb double save to deny Goymour and Ames.

The game finished 5-1 and Cardea first team progress to the Hunts Cup final on 20th April against either Hemmingford Juniors or Farcet FC.

The game marked the end of a great cup run for the reserves who exceeding all expectations to reach a semi final of a county cup.

After the game a delighted Craig Robinson said: "It was a big game and a big performance, we dictated the pace and possession for the majority of the game. We were very confident with the ball especially the back 3.

"Cup final baby! Well done! Man of the match was Yaxley - won everything, beast mode for 90 mins!"

He added: "Credit to the reserves they played their part in a good game and deserve credit for getting this far. Matt's doing a very good job there and him and his players deserve a lot of credit."

Kev Webster said: "I would like to say a big thanks to everyone that came down to watch and all the lads that took part. The game was played like a proper cup tie and the score line certainly does flatter the first team. Well done to the reserves for getting this far and an even bigger well done to the first team for reaching the first Cardea cup final.

"We have been nearly men on two different occasions. Well done boys enjoy this feeling and let's hope we lift the cup. I'll be going on a scouting mission next week to watch the other semi final."

Reserve team manager Matt Robinson said: "Unlucky today boys, I thought in open play we fought hard and battled well but ultimately set pieces killed us again.

"I think we can be pleased that we got this far and that we beat some very good teams. 5-1 flattered the firsts but they took their chances and deserve the chance to go on and win the cup!

"Motm for me was Rich today - I thought he made some good blocks and kept the firsts at bay.

We need to work out bollocks off next game, be brave, press high and go for it! We still have the league and one other cup to play for!"

Next week Cardea first's are in Hereward Cup action against AFC Allbright at Werrington, while the reserves have a week off.