THRILLED Graham Kemp dedicated Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ shock semi-final victory away at high-flying Moneyfields to “the lads that have been loyal and not jumped ship during a difficult period”.

The head coach engineered a 3-1 win over the Sydenhams Wessex Premier leaders to book their place in the final of the Russell Cotes Cup.

And they did it after falling behind at Moneyfields Sports Ground on Tuesday night.

Conor Bailey gave the hosts an early lead. But Bemerton hit back through forwards Jake Rawkins, Sam Griffin and Jake

Burgess.

The victory ended a rotten run of five straight defeats in

February.

“The players deserve all the credit,” beamed Kemp. “We had 11 fit men in the squad. It’s a reward for the lads that have been loyal and not jumped ship during a difficult period.

“We have beaten Moneyfields away twice now this season and deserved both of the victories.

“Hopefully, we can start picking up some points now. I’m really pleased for the club in what has been a difficult season.”

In the final, Bemerton will face either Gosport Borough or AFC Portchester, who they coincidentally face on Saturday (3pm) when they look to change their league fortunes.

They go searching for a first three-points haul since the end of January.