HOT-SHOT Alfie Matthews fired a quickfire double to spark Poole Town Wessex’s Dorset Cup semi-final success over Longfleet Lions.

Matthews netted the first two goals for the Bournemouth Youth League team at Sherborne Crescent, Canford Heath.

Their Dorset Mini League opponents reduced the deficit with a strike from Jack Morris before Celo Purnell restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage.

And Poole looked to have secured their place in the final when Christie Ward scored their fourth goal early in the second half.

But the Lions were not going to give up without a fight and went close to forcing extra time with goals from Harley Bloomfield-Smith and their man-of-the-match Joe Smith.

The visitors’ second-half fightback, however, ran out of steam as Poole held on to secure their final showdown.

Delighted Poole boss Paul Ridley said: “I’m so pleased for the boys as they work so hard each week to improve as players.

“They now have a chance to show their outstanding talents in the final.”

Rival manager Jimmy Howie, meanwhile, was proud of his team’s effort in such a closely-contested match.

“The game was a great advert for youth football,” said Howie. “The boys can feel really proud of their performance. They worked so hard and gave absolutely everything.

“There were a few tears at the end of the game and on the balance of play I felt we were a touch unfortunate, but once we’re back in training it will be all smiles again.

“We’ll look to continue this good form in the league and wish good luck to Poole in the final.”

Poole Town Wessex: Harrison Guscott, Cassius Lister, Luke Bourton, Charlie Hartnell, Alfie Matthews, Ben Cooper, Tommy Ridley, Christie Ward, Kyle Smith, Celo Purnell.

Longfleet Lions: William Bladon-Whittam, Liam Blakeley, Travis Lightbown-Smith, Sid Hawkins, Jack Morris, Haidan Brown, Fynn Howie, Harley Bloomfield-Smith, Joe Smith.