Wilkinson hits winner for Holt as Merley fall on their sword

Wilkinson settled in the Bulls' favour an absorbing contest at Merley Park when he fired home the decider from the edge of the box just three minutes from time.

His finely-taken goal added to Mike Haskell's equaliser as Holt were forced to come from behind to run out 2-1 victors after Lee Wilkins had drawn first blood for the hosts.

Merley showed their intent in the early stages, although it was the visitors who fashioned the first chance when goalkeeper Aaron Drayton smothered at the feet of Nathan Saxby.

Wilkins's acrobatic overhead kick just cleared the crossbar before Alan Marsh went through one-on-one, only to be thwarted by a fine save from Holt goalkeeper Chris Lynch.

Josh Pickering's timely intervention prevented Haskell from taking aim before Merley opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when Wilkins prodded home from close range after Steve Gilbert had headed a Jamie Moores free-kick into the danger zone.

Haskell seized on a defensive mix-up to restore parity in the 58th minute, the Southampton-supporting striker showing his heroes from St Mary's the way to goal.

Gilbert's 30-yard piledriver came crashing back off the underside of the crossbar as Merley looked to regain the lead before Wilkinson popped up to seal victory for Holt in the closing stages.

The Bulls will meet either Westland Sports reserves or Poole Town Development who face-off on Saturday in the second semi-final.

Mark Ford netted twice in Blandford United's 4-1 win over Wareham Rangers in the Dorset Premier League. Charles Cullingford and Kyle Linford were also on target for the Royals, while Aaron Merredew opened the scoring for Rangers.

Parley Sports returned from their long trip to Mere Town with a share of the points after battling out a 1-1 draw. A Joe Patterson header had put the hosts ahead before Matt Newbery's excellent solo goal restored parity.