Tenbury United 13 Shobdon Reserves 0

THE injured Aaron Morris admits tougher challenges await Tenbury United who have set up a clash with Orleton Colts after roaring into the semi-finals of the Leintwardine Cup.

Mike Foster snapped up four goals and Ian Patterson fired in a hat-trick after lower-graded Shobdon Reserves collapsed despite strong resistance in the opening 35 minutes.

The only disappointment for United was an injury to the lively Kurt Pardoe, who spraining an ankle.

“Last Saturday’s tie was our first home since early December and there between 40 and 50 people watching us,” said joint-manager Morris, who is out of action for four weeks with a leg injury.

“Shobdon Reserves play two leagues below us and, unfortunately, they were not very good and we ran out very comfortable winners at the final whistle.

“Orleton will be hard match for us in the semi-finals. They are one of the best sides we have come across this season. Orleton have some good players and are very hard to beat on their own pitch.”

New-signing Toby Gittens and the returning Dale Withers both bagged doubles against Shobdon while Ryan Morris also got on the scoresheet and there was an own goal.

United remain six points clear at the top of Herefordshire League Division One and travel to eighth-placed Hinton Reserves this Saturday.

United have eight league matches remaining and this weekend will be without Ryan Morris, who is on a first aid course.

Aaron Morris said: “The trip to Hinton will be a tough test for us. I think that we need to win three more league matches from eight games to take the league title.

“Playing in the Premier Division would be a bit tougher for the team next year but the good thing is that a lot of the young lads have now had a season’s experience of senior football.”