TWO GOALS in eight minutes either side of half-time paved the way for Alresford Town to win the Southampton Senior Cup in style at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Magpies nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute against Sydenhams Wessex League Division 1 side Stoneham when Lukas McCartney’s effort hit the post.

Lerone Plummer was next to go close when his effort was kept out by Stoneham goalkeeper Luke Eaton.

The deadlock was finally broken when Steve Hall rose highest to head home the opener from Liam Hibberd’s cross on 40 minutes.

Lerone Plummer then stunned Stoneham in the 48th minute by applying the finish to a lightning counter-attack.

Despite being 2-0 up Alresford refused to rest on their laurels, and the Magpies continued to press for more goals.

Paul Coventry’s fierce effort was well tipped over the bar by Eaton.

Plummer was next to try his luck, but his effort was kept out by Eaton, who blocked it with his legs.

And substitute Luke Rae put the result beyond doubt on 76 minutes when he turned and fired past the keeper after good work from Plummer.

Alresford comfortably saw out the rest of the match to win the Southampton Senior Cup.

The cup win at the home of Premier League Southampton proved a real tonic for the Magpies after a rollercoaster season which has seen them finish mid-table in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division.