HAMWORTHY Recreation manager Steve Manuel breathed a sigh of relief after his charges reached the Dorset Premier League Cup Final.

Manuel's men triumphed 3-1 over visitors Swanage Town and Herston - but not before they were given a major scare.

Following an even first period, Swans stunned the home side on 56 minutes as Simon Lander put them ahead.

Having gone down 2-1 at Gillingham the previous weekend, Rec's virtuoso form appeared to be deserting them when they needed it most.

But the Magna Road club hit back with a Cris Rigler penalty on 65, after Swans' Jacob Harrop failed to clear his lines.

One from Wayne Hole and another from Rigler sealed the tie and Manuel hailed the mental strength, which turned the tide in Rec's favour.

He said: "We started the second half very well and for me, their goal came against the run of play.

"Our boys showed great character though to come back and get the result.

"I was worried - no doubt about it.

"We went through to the semi-finals last season and lost it in extra time, so I was thinking here we go again'.

"But we showed some real mental strength and were back level within five minutes.

"And from there, there was only one side in it and we finished them off with two beautifully taken goals."

Rec can now look forward to a date against either Blandford United or Portland United in the final.

Their semi finished 0-0 after extra time on Saturday and both sides head to New Grove Corner this Saturday for a replay.

Underdogs Blandford edged a tight cup contest but were unable to convert the chances needed to cause an upset.

Meanwhile, in league action, Bournemouth Sports narrowly missed out on a famous point against leaders Westland Sports.

The Yeovil-based visitors went in front midway through the first half, only for Martin Edwards to level matters with a 50th minute penalty.

But Westland broke Bournemouth hearts with two minutes remaining, casting the home team four points adrift at the bottom.

Sturminster Newton enjoyed better fortunes though, as they recorded a fantastic 4-0 home win over Hamworthy United.

Simon Freak starred for Newton, notching an impressive hat-trick to add to Ashley Clarke's effort.

Cobham Sports did not manage such a comfortable victory though, as Poole Borough gave them a late fright at Turlin Moor.

The away team notched up a 3-0 lead inside 32 minutes, courtesy of Chris Mawer's brace and one from Paul Tucker.

But James Strickland's goal on 44 and Adam Nash's 86th minute strike made the score 3-2 and ensured a tense finale.

Meanwhile, Sturminster Marshall won at canter, claiming a 3-0 triumph over Bridport at St Mary's Field.

Ross Humphries netted after 10 minutes, before Darrell Williams and Sam Mason's efforts either side of half time secured the points.

Second placed Holt United continued their championship push with a 2-0 victory at Cranborne.

Graham Antell's sending off for the Cranes turned the clash in Holt's favour.

And despite leaving it late, Dan Pidgley's penalty and an injury time goal from Dave Perry settled matters.

In the day's other game, Dorchester Town lowered Gillingham Town's colours 1-0 at the Avenue Stadium.