BRANKSOME United completed the first leg of a possible cup double with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Dorset Division One side Bridport Youth at King George V Playing Fields.

Bradley Cherrett headed the only goal of the game from an Edward Chapman corner shortly after the interval.

“It was a great achievement for the team,” said Branksome boss Andy Cherrett. “We’ve had a thin squad of players all season that have turned in some very good performances despite their lack of numbers.

“The lads dealt well with Bridport’s direct style of play and had to dig deep for victory.”

The county cup success, Brank-some’s second in three years, helped erase the disappointment of losing last year’s final 2-1 against Corfe Mullen.

Branksome reached this year’s Dorset Cup final with victories over Weymouth Wizards (6-0), Weymouth Youth (5-0), Corfe Mullen United (1-0) and Shaftesbury Rockies (4-2).

The reigning Bournemouth League champions now turn their attentions to next Sunday’s town cup final against Greenfields at the same Ferndown venue.

Branksome have won the league title for the past four years.

Branksome United under-14s: Jake Pointer, Harrison Kemp, Cameron Doe, Jack Audrain, Thomas Reynolds, Tom Cooper, David Price, Bradley Cherrett, Jack Bradley, Edward Chapman, Joseph Ramsey, Luis Brooks, Drew Campbell.

To view all Dorset Cup final pictures visit: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/youth_sport/dorsetcup2014/