IT’S been a tough season in the Southern League for Sholing, but no one can knock their cup pedigree.

After lifting the FA Vase at Wembley last May, the Boatmen now have another big date to look forward to against Gosport Borough in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final at Fratton Park, provisionally booked for Tuesday, May 5.

Sholing secured their ticket to Portsmouth with a disciplined 1-0 semi-final victory over AFC Bournemouth’s development squad at the Silverlake Arena earlier tonight.

Fittingly, it was two of their Wembley heroes, Kev Brewster and Barry Mason, who were involved in the 35th-minute penalty winner.

Full-back Brewster was tripped by Jack Simpson as he skipped into the area and up stepped Mason to fire the spot kick into the bottom corner.

Mo Coulibaly, the only first-team player in the Cherries squad, went close in each half, but it was Sholing who created the better chances with Tobi Adekunle firing just over and Byron Mason having a header well saved before hitting the outside of the post from a tight angle.

“We played really well,” said proud Sholing boss Dave Diaper. “Bournemouth had a lot of possession, but I told the lads to drop off, get bodies behind the ball and stay disciplined. Above all I said don’t give silly free kicks away because these guys are full-time and they practise free-kicks all day long.

“We conceded one free-kick first half and one second-half. That’s what wins you games like this. We kept our shape and discipline really well.

“After the season we’ve had, I’m really pleased for the guys. It’s a tremendous feat and we came of age tonight.”

Sholing will be hoping to make it third time lucky in the county final having lost to Fleet Town and AFC Totton in their previous two appearances.

Sholing: Matt Brown, Kevin Brewster, Joe Griggs, TJ Cuthbertson, Dan Miller, Jack Smith (Les Mwenze, 88), Marvin McLean, Alex Sawyer, Barry Mason (Dan Mason, 71), Byron Mason, Tobi Adekunle (Nick Watts, 69). Subs (not used): Sam Olaofe, Rory Anderson.

Attendance: 190