SHOLING are a step closer to St Mary’s after booking their passage to the semi-finals of the Southampton Senior Cup.

Two goals in the first 15 minutes boosted the Boatmen as they overcame Sydenhams Premier rivals Alresford Town 3-1 at the Universal Stadium this evening.

Alresford were architects of their own downfall with eight minutes gone when a short back pass allowed Barry Mason to nip in and score.

Mason quickly struck again, following up after a good stop from Magpies 'keeper Dan Kempson.

Nine minutes later Sholing pulled further clear with a deflected Lee Wort strike, leaving Alresford with only an 88th-minute consolation.

Andover Town were the night’s other winners, beating Bournemouth Poppies 4-1 in the Sydenhams Premier Division courtesy of Alex Dockree, Zach Glasspool, Shane Lock and Adam Grange.

Dave Ewen’s penalty had briefly pulled Poppies back to 2-1.