Dodd’s double takes Rebels past Shoreham into final

Rebels will now meet Horsham, who beat Three Bridges 2-0, in the final at Woodside Road on May 3.

Shoreham started the game well and had two excellent opportunities to take the lead. Skipper Dan Jordan saw a header from a Lee Eastman free kick unluckily bounce back into play off the inside of a post, before Charlie Walker was denied by Rebels keeper Tony Di Bernardo and then defender Charlie Farmer when he looked set to knock home the rebound.

Those misses seemed to wake Rebels up and Sam Mannings shot over from close range, Tom Manton had a low drive well saved by Mussels keeper Tony Wyatt, Callum Saunders toe-poked just wide and Dodd had another effort saved by Wyatt.

Worthing took the lead four minutes into the second half with an excellent individual effort from Dodd. After his first shot was blocked, he raced on to the ball and volleyed home from 14 yards.

Mike Huckett, Tom Lawley and John Lansdale all went close to a quick second, while Shoreham were unable to create any equalising chances, despite going three up front in the closing stages, and Rebels sealed their win in the last minute.

Dodd beat a couple of challenges and fired past Wyatt into the far corner for his 20th goal of the season.