JOINT-boss Nick Stocker is desperate for Tenbury United to settle an old score after waltzing into the Worcestershire Minor Cup final.

Chris Patton’s hat-trick, a penalty from Aaron Morris and Ryan Morris’s strike helped United to wallop Badsey Rangers 5-1 in Saturday's last-four tie.

And having endured a chastening 4-0 defeat in the county’s Junior Cup final against Littleton nine years ago, Stocker has his heart set on banishing that memory against Hanley Swan on April 8.

Stocker told the Tenbury Advertiser: “We’re over the moon. When the season started, this was the one we set out to win.

“I remember us getting to that final, it was a few years ago but we got thumped by Littleton and it was not the sort of experience you forget. I’ve wanted a chance to put that right ever since and now we have earned it.

“The boys were fantastic. We knew Badsey would be a decent side after they had beaten Tenbury Town in an earlier round and they started the game really well but once we got in front, we never looked like losing.

“Chris Patton was awesome up front, his pace was electric and he deserved his goals. He has been in and out this season due to work but when he plays, he is deadly.”

Badsey made a bright start, dictating the play during the opening 20 minutes and they were denied an opener by an offside flag.

United took the lead against the run of play when Stocker played through Patton to finish neatly with his left foot and that knocked the stuffing out of Rangers.

Aaron Morris made it two before half-time, blasting home from 12 yards after his initial shot in open play had been handled and substitute Gavin Podmore made a quick impact after the interval, beating two defenders on the right before crossing for Patton to volley home a decisive third.

Almost immediately, Patton completed his treble from a Ryan Morris centre, who later netted number five before Badsey netted a late consolation.

The joy was somewhat tempered by muscle injuries for Matt Kurkus and Gareth Edwards and both will both miss Saturday’s return to league action at Orleton Colts (2pm).

“They will be missed and Gaz’s injury in particular looked bad,” added Stocker. “We expect him to be out until the new year.

“We know we will be in for a major test at Orleton. We watched them against Hinton a fortnight ago and they were unlucky not to beat the leaders.

“But hopefully, we will have Sam Williams and Dale Withers back. With Mike Foster and Gavin Podmore now fit enough to be in contention for starts we should be okay.”