A GRITTY Laverstock and Ford advanced to the semi-finals of the Salisbury Hospital Cup at the expense of big guns Salisbury FC.

The Sydenhams Wessex Premier leaders suffered elimination from the charity competition after a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday night courtesy of a late winner by Ollie Hoare.

Lavvy took the lead when Lewis Wykes met a corner with a bullet header.

Claudio Herbert skimmed the crossbar in the second half before Jack Vallis saw a header cleared off the line.

But Vallis got his just rewards 20 minutes from time. Tom Whelan's corner was met by the towering central defender for the equaliser.

There was more drama to come and the tie was won in the 81st minute by the hosts.

Whites failed to clear their lines and a full-on scramble was bundled over the line, with Hoare stabbing home.

Winning manager Robbie Lakeman said: "We were superb again defensively all over the pitch which we knew we would have to be against a top quality side.

"We missed a couple of chances late on but held on to what we had and showed real grit and determination. The pleasing thing is that we have real depth in our squad at the moment and no matter who plays we will always create chances and if we need to defend for long periods then we will do."

The winner of last night's clash, involving Amesbury Town and Downton FC, will also be in the last-four draw.

BEMERTON Heath Harlequins are in the quarter-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup after beating Chippenham Park 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

However, they bowed out of the Hampshire FA Russell-Cotes Cup on Tuesday night following a 4-0 defeat at Blackfield and Langley.