STOCKBRIDGE reached the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history by knocking out higher-ranked opponents Christchurch at the Rec on Saturday.

The home side's tactics were based on shutting Christchurch down and preventing dangerous striker Paul Rideout from doing too much damage.

The plan worked well, with Dave Allen particularly impressive in a disciplined holding role in front of the home defence.

Stocks boosted their confidence by taking the lead midway through the first half. Lewis Bain was the scorer, looping his cross-cum-shot over the visiting keeper and in off the far post.

Christchurch had a good shout for a penalty turned down at the end of the first half when Mark Vowles appeared to clip an opponent, but Lady Luck - and the referee - smiled on the home side, who duly took their lead into the break.

In the second half Christchurch rallied for a while, home keeper Alan Ralph bringing off a fine save low down to his left to deny them an equaliser.

Stocks then took the upper hand. They doubled their lead when the talented Ryan Boare skipped away down the left, cut in and scored a fine individual goal.

Stocks' reward is a tough one - they've been drawn at home to Wessex League champions and FA Vase holders Winchester City in the quarter-final. But as lowest-ranked side left in the competition anything they achieve from now on will be a bonus.