PAT Tynan's right knee will forever hold a special place in the affections of everybody connected with Capel Plough.It was this part of his body that fortuitously converted a controversial - but highly significant - first goal in this Alliance Outsourcing Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final at a freezing Woodbridge Town.

By Elvin King

PAT Tynan's right knee will forever hold a special place in the affections of everybody connected with Capel Plough.

It was this part of his body that fortuitously converted a controversial - but highly significant - first goal in this Alliance Outsourcing Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final at a freezing Woodbridge Town.

Once the ball rolled slowly but surely over the line, Framlingham's resistance disappeared, and a second Capel goal for impressive teenager Rick Thurlow was no surprise.

Unfashionable Capel will now look to become the first Metaltec SIL to lift this trophy for six years when they play Ridgeons League Walsham-le-Willows in the final at Portman Road.

On paper they stand little chance, and on the evidence of this rather scrappy affair there is a big gulf between leagues.

But Capel have conceded just one goal in their cup run, and they had the measure of a Framlingham side that had beaten two Ridgeons League sides to get to the last four.

It all swung, however, on the 55th minute opening goal. Nigel Bradford, like Kevin Godbold and Miles Donovan a previous Senior Cup winner, did well down the left side before pulling a low ball into the six-yard box.

Louis Johnson dived to collect at the near post under pressure from Tynan - and the ball found its way into the goal.

Johnson needed time to recover from treatment while freshers Capel - with no senior trophies to their credit - celebrated in style.

A failure to find the net has been their down fall this season, having assembled a well-balanced and competitive side.

They knew the value of this goal - and were proved right.

Framlingham, bottom of the SIL Senior Division, were unable to raise themselves and failed to have a serious shot on goal.

When Capel broke in the 66th minute, it was Tynan who fed Thurlow, and the number ten brushed aside Jamie Pretty to score across the stretching fingers of Johnson.

Miles Donovan stood out at the back, while makeshift defender Godbold also caught the eye. Bradford man-marked Matt Mayfield when Framlingham brought on their substitute with 20 minutes left.

Despite having wind advantage, Framlingham never looked like taking their fourth consecutive Senior Cup tie into extra-time in a match where efficient referee Geoff Grimwood did not have to make one booking.

The Plough pub may have closed in Capel many moons ago, but the legacy lives on with the glittering stage at Portman Road now awaiting the battling footballers from the village.

Capel Plough: Hunt, Horsfall, Godbold, Bradford, Stevens, M Donovan, Vince, K Donovan (sub M Jorgenson 85 mins), Tynan, Thurlow, Fuller (Mayhew 33).

Framlingham Town: Johnson, Payne (Bayfield 70), Pretty, Whatling, Cooke, Sedge, Gray, Kelly, Jarvie, Cattermole (Chamberlain 78), Chmiel (Hudson (78).

Referee: Mr G Grimwood (Bury St Edmunds).