Coundon reach Semis

	6 May 2007
	VIDEO: Coundon Conservative v Lebeq Tavern Courage
	Watch the action from an action packed Final as Coundon Conservative hit Lebeq for five to lift The Sunday Cup.

FA Sunday Cup holders Coundon Conservative remain on course to retain their crown after beating St Joseph’s (Luton) FC 2-1 in their quarter-final clash.

The Durham-based side won last year’s competition after beating Lebeq Tavern Courage 5-0 at Anfield in the final and Andy Thompson, who scored twice in that game, was again the hero with the winner in Sunday’s clash.

And assistant manager Derek Cooper was satisfied with the outcome: “We were happy to go through; I thought we were the better side throughout,” he explained.

“We went two goals ahead through Kevin Bromley and Thompson, and we did very well at closing them down and restricting them to few chances, which wasn’t easy as they are a very good side.”

He continued: “Of course we want to retain the trophy. We just take every game as it comes and we are really looking forward to the semi-final draw.”

But Cooper’s bright mood was in direct contrast to that of Denis Reeson, landlord of The Magnet Tavern pub, whose side of the same name had just lost 2-1at home to Brantham Athletic FC.

And Reeson felt that the age of his side against younger opponents was key.

“We took the lead early on but they came back into the game and equalised before grabbing a winner with about 15 minutes to go,” said Reeson.

“We were the better side for long spells and their goalkeeper was the man of the match but, although we had bags of experience, we possibly lacked the legs and they were still going at the end, while we were struggling.

“It’s a disappointment but now we all have to start thinking about next season to make sure we come back.”