HAMWORTHY Recreation manager Steve Manuel believes his side thrives on the big occasions, after they stunned Portland United to reach the Dorset Premier League Cup Final.

Mike Notley struck seven minutes into extra time to hand Rec a 2-1 triumph on the Island and inflict the league leaders' first home loss of the season.

Chris Rigler put the visitors in the driver's seat after just four minutes but Portland levelled on 25.

Both sides enjoyed their purple patches, with the Islanders dominating the first half and Rec bossing the second.

But it was the underdogs who reigned supreme and the DPL Cup holders can now look forward to facing Westland Sports in the final on April 29.

With the Dorset Premier title far out of reach, Manuel claims his team's love of playing on the grand stage has kept their campaign alive.

He said: "I know that on our day, we are as good as anyone in the league. That's why we have done well in the cup because we can raise our game on the big occasions.

"We had never tasted victory at Portland's new stadium - we won when we played at their old ground. But I told the lads there had to be a first time for everything and we deserved it on Saturday.

"We have so many league games left and it could have been a real slog to get through to the end of the season. Now we have something to look forward to.

"All the lads are up for it and they want to retain the trophy."

In the other semi-final, title-chasers Gillingham Town were upset by Westland Sports, who also triumphed 2-1 after extra time.

Meanwhile, in league action, 16-year-old sensations Sam Hall and Ben Sullivan gave Holt United a 2-0 victory at Bridport.

Hall opened the scoring after 15 minutes, before Sullivan added the second on the half hour.

Poole Borough also tasted glory, after they snatched a dramatic 3-2 triumph at Sturminster Newton. James Adel put the hosts in front after five minutes but the Hornets turned the match around with strikes from Mariusz Iglewski on 44 minutes and Ross Edwards on 63.

Robbie Proctor levelled for Newton but their manager Neil Coates must have thought the referee's watch had stopped, when Paul Honeybun stole the points seven minutes into stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Swanage continued their recent revival with a 2-1 win over Sturminster Marshall.

Dan Lane put the visitors in the ascendancy after 10 minutes.

But Kevin Bowmer's men shot themselves in the foot, when Lloyd Bird turned Jacob Harrop's cross into his own net on 55.

Super striker Ben Briscoe then secured victory with a stunning volley after 70 minutes.

Blandford were denied maximum points for the second weekend running, as they were held 1-1 by Cranborne.

Jamie Haylock put them ahead after 21 minutes but James Antell netted a controversial equaliser on the half hour.

Despite goalkeeper Shane Hannam appearing to have both hands on the ball, the referee let Antell's sliding challenge stand and allowed the goal.

In the day's other game, Gary Williams and Josh Reaunall-Muete netted for Hamworthy United in their 5-2 loss at Wincanton Town.