Needham Market left it late before securing their place in this season’s Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final last night, seeing off Ipswich Town's U18s 4-2.
They trailed Town's youngsters 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining in their semi-final at Hadleigh United FC, before scoring three times to secure the victory.
READ MORE: Stuart Watson's verdict on wild Rotherham win
Jamie McGrath had put the holders ahead after 11 minutes, but captain Tom Taylor equalised for the academy side in the 25th minute.
Ipswich then took the lead just before the interval through Jesse Nwabueze - a lead they held until the 72nd minute when Tevan Allen restored parity.
Osman Foyo, who had been influential in the Ipswich midfield, received a straight red card for an off-the-ball altercation three minutes later.
Needham, who fielded a virtual full-strength side, got their noses in front through Seth Chambers after 79 minutes and the striker added his second and Needham’s fourth in stoppage time.
Chambers maintained his record of scoring in every round and has now netted ten times in this season’s competition.
READ MORE: Mark Heath's Town player ratings from 4-3 win over Rotherham
He scored twice as a substitute in their 4-2 victory over Bury Town and once in the 3-2 victory at Long Melford, before finding the net five times in the 7-0 demolition of Stowmarket Town in the quarter-finals.
Needham Market, who have won the competition in each of the past three completed seasons, will face either Felixstowe & Walton United or Leiston in this season’s final. They meet in the second semi-final at Ipswich Wanderers FC on Tuesday, March 12th.
Needham manager Kevin Horlock said: “I thought Ipswich played really well first half. They passed it around well. They showed good strength, quite direct, and they landed on the ball in advanced areas.
“They were running at us, but I just thought we possibly showed them a little bit too much respect. We didn't really put ourselves on the game and show our strength. So, we addressed that at half-time.
“I thought the second half was a really good performance. We created lots of chances and could have scored more.
"I know Marcus made saves first half, but second half, we were pretty comfortable and obviously the sending off helps. But I think by that stage, it was pretty clear that we were probably going to go on and win it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here