GRANGE Athletic ended Poole Town’s remarkable run of scoring in 79 consecutive games to book their place in the Bournemouth Cup final.

Aidan Shepherd’s first-half goal was enough to settle a tight tussle between two of the top teams at under-13 level.

Poole Town Youth, who are through to this year’s Dorset Cup final, won the treble last season.

“It is the first time a team has stopped us scoring for almost three years,” said Poole boss Steve Randall.

“I felt we had more possession but didn’t take our chances, which is so often the case in football. But you have to give credit to Grange for keeping a clean sheet against us.”

League leaders Grange Athletic’s only BYFL Division Seven defeat this season was a 5-3 reverse to Poole, who have won all six of their matches.

Grange manager Darren Shepherd said: “It was always going to be a tough semi-final against two evenly-matched teams who were both fully committed.

“Both teams tried to play football in the strong wind. There were quite a few chances created but, ironically, only one scored.

“The game showed what good talent is about and both teams should feel proud of their efforts and performances.”

Grange will meet Hordle Spurs in the under-13s final (Peter Stevenson Challenge Cup) in April.

Grange Athletic: James Mayo, Patrick Rogerson, Levi Collings, Adam Muncaster, Sam Heselden, Oliver Osborne, Bayley Smith, Jake Carswell, Jayden Taylor, Daniel Tourh, Aidan Shepherd, Max Manning, Rowan Ford.

Poole Town Youth: Shane Cooper, Louis Braggington, Bailey Allen, Louis MacArthur, Morgan Oliver, Luke Randall, Toby Lawrence, Ben Lake, Jamie Arnold, Callum Macken, Christopher Ford, Arron Gabriel, Daniel Fairbairn, Steffan Spiller, Lewis House.