FC DORCAN manager Jimmy Horwood says his side’s progression to the final of the Swindon Advertiser Cup has saved their season.

Currently sitting third from bottom in the Swindon & District League Premier Division, despite narrowly losing out on the title last season, Dorcan earned a second cup final appearance in as many years thanks to a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Blunsdon after a 2-2 draw in their weekend semi-final.

After a goalless first 45 minutes, Jake Kitchens broke the deadlock for Dorcan, only for a cross to find its way into the net for Blunsdon’s equaliser to force extra time.

Blunsdon took the lead in the additional half-hour, but a long-range effort from Finn Wilkinson salvaged the game for Dorcan and meant penalties were required to determine a winner.

Blunsdon missed their second spot-kick, while Dorcan converted all five to finally separate two competitive teams after 120 minutes.

Recalling a full-blooded effort from both teams, Horwood said: “There was a moment where two players slid in for a 50-50 tackle, knowing they’d both gone in as hard as they could, and they got up and gave each other a fist bump because they appreciated the effort that both teams were putting in.

“Once the game had gone to extra time and Finn scored a world-class goal, that completely turned the momentum and we thought we were going to win it.”

Horwood expressed relief at not seeing his team lose out on penalties, while explaining what it means for Dorcan – who will be known as Nalgo from next season – to play one of their last competitive fixtures with the chance to win silverware on the lin.

He said: “Getting to the final is really good for us because we’ve had such a poor season in the league.

“We’re third bottom when we almost won the title last season, so getting to the final has really saved our season.”

In the other semi-final, the team that are second from bottom in Division Two, Bassett Bulldogs, convincingly beat Premier Division side Ashton Keynes 3-0 to book their spot in next month’s final.

Meanwhile, the semi-finals in the George Thomas Cup also took place at the weekend.

Wheatsheaf Stratton beat North Swindon WMC 3-0, while Lower Stratton saw off Swindon AFC 2-0.

In the only league fixture to take place across all three divisions, undefeated Division One leaders Kintbury Rangers Reserves saw off bottom side Swindon Centurions 7-1.