SARKY KEEPS UNI BOYS IN THE HUNT

GOALS from Nathan Jeche and skipper Finn O'Mara handed Whitstable the advantage at the midway point of this semi-final contest - but the margin would have been so much more had it not been for Hartpury keeper Stephen Sarkodie.

- By David Lawrence

The long-serving player, who has racked up more than 100 games for the Students, turned in a man-of-the-match display to earn the praise of both managers.

The hosts, cheered on by a record crowd of 2.905, started at a lightning pace, Ronald Sithole putting a shot just wide after 45 seconds before Sarkodie pushed a Harvey Smith header around the post for a corner.

The opener came on 12 minutes when former QPR youngster Jeche latched on to Connor Wilkins' ball over the Hartpury defence before steering his shot just inside the left-hand upright.

Whitstable continued to press but Dapo Olugbodi had an effort scrambled onto the post, Jeche lifted a shot over the target and Smith drilled one straight at Sarkodie.

And although the visitors came more into the game as the half wore on, it needed another save to deny Jeche on the stroke of half-time while home keeper Dan Colmer was a mere spectator.