THE Benevolent Cup semi-final was billed as a family affair, with the managers of Underwood A and B sides being brothers, and players on opposite sides related to each other.

But 120 minutes of football couldn't separate them and it took a penalty shoot-out to propel Underwood Social Club B into the Cup Final due to take place on Friday 1st May.

Underwood A's boss Sean Johnson was gracious in defeat. "The best team won, they had a lot more hunger and desire than us, and deserved it," he said.

"Both defences were solid and we could have played for days with the same result. Everyone involved with the club will be supporting them in the final."

The winning manager said being the underdogs took pressure off his players.

"They played exceptionally well and I could not have asked for a better performance," Craig Johnson said.

"We are the underdogs in this cup, but we proved we can beat anyone. It was a nervous penalty shootout with two of our penalties missed but I was always confident.

"Our keeper Will Hobbs made some cracking saves to give us the advantage and Rob Williams scored the winning penalty."

Underwood will meet Sudbrook CC A in the final, but before then, there's a little matter of the Division 1 title to take care of.

Leaders Sudbrook must win or draw their final match, at home to Underwood SC A on Saturday 4th April, to take the title and the promotion slot in the Gwent County League.

But if Underwood win, Sudbrook can only watch and hope their rivals slip up in their final four matches – against Tintern Abbey (away), Chepstow Athletic (home), Undy Athletic (home) and Severn Tunnel (home).

Unlike their rivals, Sudbrook go into the game on the back of a 2-1 cup semi-final victory at Severn Tunnel to book a clash with Underwood B.

Tunnel only had 11 players available but led at the break thanks to Ethan Addis' goal. Sudbrook boss Daryl Cann made changes in the second half though and two Richard Lund goals gave them the lead.

"Tunnel were unlucky not to take the game to extra time right at the end," Cann said. "But I thought the result was fair in the end."

To round off a good day for the club, a race night in aid of club funds raised almost £1,000.

"I'd like to thank everyone who attended the race night, especially to all the people who helped organise a great evening," Cann added.

In other matches, Chepstow Town A beat Undy Athletic 5-3, and Thornwell Red & White triumphed 4-2 against visiting Caldicot Castle A.

In Division 2 Severn Bridge won 4-2 (Chris Hooper 2, Luke Johnson, Harry Shepherd) at home to Chepstow Town B (Nick Owen, Jamie Goddard) and Sudbrook CC B lost 3-1 at home to Severn Tunnel B.