BEMERTON Heath Harlequins go into next Tuesday's Sydenhams Wessex League cup semi-final second leg (7.45pm) knowing that they are tantalisingly close to a possible final with FA Vase semi-finalists Winchester City.
They hold a surprise advantage from the first game at AFC Totton, having won 2-1 with two excellent strikes from substitute Stuart Findlay. Mark Daubney missed a chance at 0-0 when he shot straight at the keeper, and Totton took the lead through Clive Ventham. But Harlequins fought back strongly with Findlay's goals and could even have had a third when Jason Ahmet hit the bar.
They will be guarding against complacency though, because their record against the Hampshire side has been mixed this season. They lost the league game 2-0 at Western Way in December, and drew 1-1 at Testwood Park in September.
On the same night, Winchester take on Brockenhurst in the second leg of the other semi-final.
The first game finished 1-1, with Steve Tate giving Winchester the lead on 20 minutes by finishing off Liam Green's cross.
However, a mistake by goalkeeper Ollie Rastall allowed Dominic Bryan to grab an equaliser and leave the tie in the balance.
Bemerton have not won this trophy before so it would be a pleasing end to a slightly disappointing league season, although Totton are the holders and will not give it up easily.
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