ISLE of Wight teenager Glenn Howes made a telling second-half contribution as Basingstoke Town reached the Hampshire Senior Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons last night.
Coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Steve Winter, the 17-year-old midfield prodigy scored with his very first touch and went on to add another in a 4-0 win over Fareham Town at chilly Cams Alders.
The Ryman League Premier Division side led 2-0 at half-time thanks to a hooked half-volley from Sean Gorman and a sweeping finish by Ian Mancey from Winter's low cut-back.
Howes's introduction had an immediate impact when he produced a neat finish at keeper Lee Webber's near post and then made the most of Lee Chudy's 78th-minute assist which followed a cheeky back-heel by Mancey.
The result sets Stoke up for a two-legged semi-final against either Aldershot or AFC Totton who clash at the Recreation Ground on February 29 (7.45).
Basingstoke's under-16s are just 90 minutes away from a trip to Fulham's Craven Cottage home in the regional semi-final of the Lions Cup. Alan Munday's side roared on with a 6-3 win over Wareham at the Camrose Ground and now face either Letchworth or Milton Keynes.
John Rowley scored twice as Blackfield & Langley moved three points clear at roof of the Hampshire League Premier Division with a 4-1 win over AFC Basingstoke.
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