SAINTS missed the chance to book a Servio Senior Cup final against AFC Totton after a 3-1 defeat at AFC Portchester. 

A young under-18s side opened the scoring through Josh Pitts to take a one-goal lead into the break. 

However, AFC Portchester began the second half fired up and levelled the game through a Harrison Brook penalty.

A brace from substitute Kane O’Keefe settled the tie for the hosts, who secured their progression to the final.

Saints fielded a majority under-18s side, with just Pitts, Tommy Dobson-Ventura, and Thierry Rohart-Brown keeping their place from the quarter-final.

Alejandro Gomes-Rodriguez was one of several 16 year olds to play, having impressed up the age groups this season.

It was an interesting tactical test for Adam Asghar's charges, with the under-21s boss taking the team as cover for under-18s Calum MacFarlane. 

AFC Portchester set out their stall in the first half with a low block and limited pressure on the ball until Saints advanced up the pitch.

This contributed to a slow affair but Pitts livened up proceedings with a side-footed finish from inside the box.

The young goalscorer allowed a ball in from the left to travel across his body before guiding it into the back of the net in the PO postcode.

Saints had a couple of chances to extend their lead, including one pass across an open from Pitts cut out at the vital moment. 

AFC Portchester were much the better side following the break, firstly slotting home a penalty conceded by Abdulhalim Okonola-Matthews. 

That came just minutes after Portchester had a goal ruled out following a lengthy consultation between the officials for a foul inside the area.

O'Keefe scored two headers from close range to complete the turnaround when Saints failed to defend their six-yard box adequately. 

It means Portchester will face Totton in the Aldershot final after the New Forest side eliminated AFC Bournemouth's academy in the other semi.

Saints: Mohamed, Okonola-Matthews (Oyekunle 61), Moore, Dobson-Ventura, Fry, Daley, Gomes-Rodriguez (Sillah Dibaga 80), Rohart-Brown, Pitts, Lett, Ehibhatiomhan.

Unused subs: Upstell, Sheaf, Martin.

Goals: Pitts 34.

Booked: Dobson-Ventura 81.

Attendance: 320