Morrells of Oxford Sunday League: The Nelson upset the odds as the Division 2 champions reached their second successive League Cup final with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Premier Division outfit Highfield.
But they did it the hard way, coming from behind after Wayne Blossom, who also plays for Dr Martens Eastern Division side Banbury United, had fired Highfield, who are in fourth in the league, in front.
After the break, Nelson came out the more determined side and equalised when a long throw-in from Matthew Hambridge caused panic in the Highfield area, allowing Steve Haines to find the back of the net as he sent the tie into extra time.
Nelson just got stronger as the game progressed, with Liam Gurdev scoring his first goal for the club with a spectacular strike to them 2-1 up.
And they sealed their place in the final with Keiron Powell slotting home goal No 3.
Nelson will now meet Rose Hill after they also fought back to defeat Blackbird Leys Sunday 3-2 in a fiercely-fought contest.
Blackbirds took a first-half lead through Dave Jennings, though they were grateful to keeper Jason Malone for pulling off a string of fine saves.
After the break, ex-Oxford City player John McMahon levelled, before Justin Ford headed them in front.
Blackbirds didn't give up and were rewarded when another Oxford City old boy, Chris Fontaine, netted from the penalty spot.
As extra time loomed, Martin Smy fired home Rose Hill's winner.
In the league, Lee Keyes kept up his brilliant scoring record, slamming a four-timer as Star Wanderers ended their Premier Division relegation worries with a 7-1 crushing of fellow strugglers Morris Motors.
Jamie Hodges, Pete Osbourne, and Pete Higgins also found the net, with Denis Williams replying for Motors.
Aaron Hall smashed a hat-trick as Northway secured third spot in Division 1 with the 6-2 thrashing of Star Wanderers Res.
Rich Walker, Nicky Bayliss, the ex-Abingdon United striker, and Adam Cook were the Northway marksmen.
Dale Cox and Jimmy Rositer netted for Star.
In Division 2, Marston Village secured the runners-up spot with a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Chalgrove.
The home side were made to work for the points thanks to some determined defending by the visitors.
And it wasn't until midway through the second half that the deadlock was broken, with a strike from Simon Cullen.
With Chalgrove going close after a rare attack, it was left to substitute Adam Thompson to settle Marston's nerves with their second goal in the last minute with a delicate chip over the keeper.
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