Mullen double takes Borough into cup final

Second-placed Worksop Borough came out on top, defeating leaders St Joseph’s 3-2 at home to claim their place in the final.

Thomas Mullen was their hero with two goals, including a late winner.

The competition showpiece will be played at Sandy Lane, the home of Worksop Town, on 30th April. A week earlier the Tigers will host the league’s Challenge Cup final.

Sunday’s semi-final was always going to be a tight affair, despite both sides missing key players.

St Joseph’s started the brightest with a gusting wind behind them as Andrew Guest hustled the Borough defence.

St Joseph’s took the lead as one of Luke Pickering’s long throws was headed home.

Borough hit back and started to play attractive football with Chris Lovett and Mullen causing the St Joseph’s defence problems.

After good work down the left the ball fell to Matthew Thompson, who hit an unstoppable shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner to level.

For the rest of the half there were few clear cut chances as an excellent battle for midfield control developed between Thompson and John Storey and Pickering and Dean Bonser.

Borough continued to search for a second goal after half-time with St Joseph’s dangerous on the counter-attack.

Midway through the half Mullen’s 35-yard free kick nestled in the bottom corner as Borough took the lead.

Fifteen minutes from time, however, they were pegged back with Nathan Ellis and Stephen Scott on the scoresheet for St Joseph’s at 2-2.

As the semi-final looked to be heading for extra time, Borough substitute Thomas Durrant was upended on the edge of the box by Pickering, who was dismissed for receiving a second yellow card.

Mullen then used his experience to find the top corner from the setpiece and send the home side through to the final with his second goal.

The two sides will clash again in the final game of the season, which could be a repeat of last year’s title decider.

The other Benevolent Cup semi-final is between Greendale Oak and Kilton Rovers this week.

In Divison One league matches, Greendale Oak concluded their programme with a 1-1 draw at Shireoaks Sports.

Josh Sweetnam opened the scoring after 16 minutes for the hosts. Both sides then hit the woodwork before Greendale levelled with 14 minutes remaining as two substitutes combined — Chris Kirk crossing for Scott Connell to head home.

Kilton Rovers and Langold OBs shared six goals.

In Division Two, Rhodesia were beaten 6-1 at home by leaders and Challenge Cup finalists Todwick Villa.

Woodsetts Welfare defeated title-chasing Langold Lakeside 1-0.