TENBURY Town secured bragging rights by beating their higher-graded town rivals 4-3 in a thrilling cup tie.

The Herefordshire Football League Division Two outfit shocked Tenbury United, who ply their trade two divisions higher, as they came from 2-0 down to progress to the final of the Worcestershire Minor Cup.

The meeting was the first clash between the sides which attracted a bumper crowd of almost 200.

"It was probably the toughest game we have ever had," said Town's two goal hero, Mark Boucker.

"I think as soon as Patto (Chris Patton) got the first goal we knew we could get back into it.

"I was so happy to get two goals and for Patto to get the other two but it wasn't just the goals that won us the game. All the lads fought for each other and we knew that there was a place in a cup final at stake regardless of who we were playing."

United started the game brightly, taking the lead just three minutes in when Lee Millichip lashed home after Town keeper James Powell dropped the ball at the striker's feet.

And on six minutes, United looked to be running away with it as Aaron Morris flicked on a corner kick at the near post that sailed into the top corner.

Town were understandably shell-shocked but they gradually got a foothold in the game.

They halved the deficit when Patton ran on to a through ball before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Bright was pushed in the box.

Boucker calmly despatched the penalty to ensure the sides were level at the break.

Seventeen year-old Town goalkeeper made a superb save with 15 minutes left. Shortly after, Town went ahead for the first time when Boucker raced down the left and hooked in a right foot cross shot that looped into the net.

Town extended the lead on 85 minutes when a speculative punt into the box was fumbled by the United keeper allowing Patton to pounce.

However, the drama didn't finish there. Town centre half Kieran Fish was sent off for a deliberate handball with Morris scoring the resulting penalty.

Town had to defend several corners late on but they held on for victory.

They will now face AFC Worcester Olympic in the final.

United joint manager Nick Stocker said: "I would like to congratulate Tenbury Town on a great performance and win and really hope they now go on and win the cup.

"The pace of Alex Bright and Chris Patton was the killer for us. Our defence couldn’t handle them, although for me Man of the Match was Ashley Bottwood who ran the game from centre midfield.

"I'd like to thank all the supporters who came down and made such a great atmosphere. It just goes to show how much the two teams mean to so many people."