ROSS Weatherstone hailed Woodcote Stoke Row's clinical finishing after they progressed to the last four with a 6-2 victory at home to Marlow United, writes Richard Ashton.

The Dillon twins were to the fore with Frank putting the home side in front just before the break with a superb 25-yard drive into the bottom right-hand corner, before brother Jake's cross was turned in by a defender to make it 2-0 on 53 minutes.

Frank extended the lead with another wonder-strike shortly afterwards, and the goal blitz continued as his corner was then nodded home by Sam Green to put WSR 4-0 up.

Substitute Sudariu Catalin pulled a goal back for United with a cracking effort into the top corner, but Woodcote Stoke Row replied immediately as a superb lob from Andy Bullett nestled in the back of the net.

The Dillons combined to put their side 6-1 in front when Frank's free-kick was flicked in via Jake's head, and although James Namyslak scored a second for Marlow, they never threatened to force a comeback.

A delighted Weatherstone admitted the scoreline may have flattered his side, but was pleased to be one step away from a Madejski Stadium final appearance.

He told the Chronicle: "The difference was we were more clinical in the final third than they were.

"When you look at some of the chances they had early on, they didn’t take advantage of them.

"It doesn’t matter what level of football you play at, goals change games. We scored at good times, just before half time and just after, and that was a momentum-killer for them."

He continued: "They’re a top side and sometimes scorelines don’t genuinely reflect what the game has been about – it was a tough battle, but I’m proud of everyone of our players.

"When you look at the cup run we’ve had, Newbury were an unbelievably tough side, Marlow as well. In years gone by, we’ve never had it easy, but to win any cup competition you’ve got to beat the top sides."

Woodcote Stoke Row are currently eight points clear at the top of the Thames Valley League Premier Division, although the reigning champions sit 12 points behind with seven games in hand. The pair still have to meet each other twice.

And Weatherstone said: "Confidence is high, but we need to make sure we aren’t complacent. The players will get out what they put in week-in, week-out.

"It’s an exciting end to the season and it’s YM’s title to lose. Mathematically it’s their title even if we were to win every game to the end of the season, if they do the same they win the league.

"All we can do is continue to try and keep the momentum going and keep the results strong."