Holders Eaton Socon overcame their ‘bogey team’ to move a step closer to a second successive Hunts Intermediate Cup crown.

Mark Spavins’ side beat fellow Kershaw Premier Division side Brampton 3-1 at the quarter-final stage last Saturday.

Eaton Socon fell behind to a spectacular early strike from Chris Newton, but they turned the contest before the break. Luke Swain levelled before Shane Fox put them ahead in a moment of controversy.

The assistant referee – provided by Brampton - initially flagged for the ball going out of play before Rhys Thorpe delivered a cross for Fox, but then put his flag down. The goal was allowed to stand following a discussion with the referee.

Thorpe then sealed victory when striking midway through the second half to set up a semi-final showdown against fellow Premier Division side Hemingfords United in January.

“We always seem to struggle against Brampton,” said Spavins. “They are something of a bogey team for us so it was nice to get past them.

“We fell behind to what I would class as one of the top five goals I have ever seen in local football. Thankfully we got ourselves level very quickly and went on to win the game.

“If I’d have been asked a few weeks go, I would probably have said we were favourites to lift the trophy again, but I don’t think that’s the case any more.

“Hemingfords have been in terrific form in the league of late and held us to a draw a few weeks ago. We’re playing well ourselves but we’ll need to be at our best in that game. It will be one hell of a semi-final.”

Eaton Socon enjoyed a county cup double last season when their reserve side also lifted the Hunts Junior Cup.

They are through to the semi-finals of that competition again and a treble could even be possible this term with the young Eaton Socon ‘A’ team involved in a Hunts Lower Junior Cup quarter-final this Saturday.

* In-form Hemingfords booked their Hunts Intermediate Cup last-four berth with a 3-1 victory against Peterborough outfit ICA Sports – and just like Eaton Socon they also had to come from behind.

Will Greatorex restored parity before Andy Blackmore eased the locals into the lead before half-time. Substitute Jake Asby climbed off the bench to grab a third goal in the second period.

Huntingdon United entertain Somersham Town in the other semi-final.

United thumped Ramsey 17-0 in their qurter-final clash while Somersham triumphed by a solitary goal at Bluntisham Rangers.