NADDER VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE: THIS was the fourth year running that these two teams had met in the WC Stokes Cup semi-final.

The game was highly charged and started at a fast pace with the Oak creating several early chances however, Gary Shears was on fine form between the sticks for Harnham.

Harnham soaked up the pressure and moved the ball around well to create chances but Ritchie Barnet was equal to them in goal for the Oak.

The deadlock was finally broken when a poorly cleared ball fell to Steve Rogers on the edge of the area. His curling effort went straight into the top corner to give the Oak the lead.

Despite this set back Harnham continued to play positively and were creating chances again.

The scores were level when Mike Brownless skipped past Brian Blake and rifled his shot into the bottom corner.

The game was always competitive and sometimes physical and when Luke Kerley was dismissed late in the first half for his second yellow card, things looked to have swung Harnham's way.

But the fact that the Oak only had ten men didn't stop them looking dangerous and creating plenty of chances. But Harnham soaked up the pressure and took the lead when Brownless crossed straight into the top corner.

Harnham extended their lead when Paul Wickham robbed the ball from an Oak defender and headed straight for goal, and with Ritchie Barnet advancing, coolly slotted home.

The Oak were not out just yet and had a great chance to get back. But the swirling wind pushed Nick Jones' lob just wide of the target.

Late on Mike Brownless completed his hat-trick in style with a long distance thunderbolt.