AFC TOTTON hope to reach the final of the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time in a decade – but know they are up against it in the semi-finals, with the Stags hosting Eastleigh tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
It will be the first competitive meeting between the two historical rivals since Totton last reached the final of the county’s showpiece competition, with Eastleigh beating the Stags 2-0 at Saints’ St Mary’s stadium in 2012.
Totton actually reached three finals in a row, lifting the trophy in 2010 and 2011, whilst Eastleigh reached last season’s final – losing on penalties to Championship side AFC Bournemouth after a 2-2 draw.
After a last-gasp defeat at home to Larkhall at the weekend, Dan Sackman’s side will be looking to bounce-back immediately on Tuesday against National League opposition.
Meanwhile at Eastleigh, new boss Lee Bradbury steered his side to their first win in twelve games in his first game in charge.
Eastleigh comfortably beat strugglers Wealdstone 4-1, with goals from Danny Whitehall, Ryan Hill, Tom Broadbent and Danny Hollands more than enough for the Spitfires to pick up three points in the league for the first time since the start of January.
Totton reached the semi-final stage courtesy of a walkover after Southern League rivals Lymington failed to field a side for the quarter-final tie.
Totton have already beaten higher league opposition during their cup campaign, with the Stags edging past Gosport Borough in the second round, after beginning their quest for the cup by beating 2013 winners Alresford in the first round.
The Spitfires edged past Wessex League opposition in the quarter-finals, narrowly beating Andover Town 2-1.
Previously they defeated National South side Havant & Waterlooville, whilst beating Isle of Wight side East Cowes Victoria.
Whoever wins tomorrow’s derby will play either Southern Premier Farnborough or Wessex Prem side AFC Portchester in the final.
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