DAVENTRY Town eventually overcame a hard-working Woodford United in the quarter finals of the Northamptonshire Hillier Cup by 3-0.
Woodford created chances in the first-half. A fine shot from winger Ghokan Ulker from outside the Daventry penalty area was turned over the crossbar by Daventry keeper Richard Morris in spectacular fashion to prevent Woodford taking an early lead.
Jamie Gould then hit the Woodford bar with a cracking shot from outside the area. Long shots appeared to be in the game plan for both sides in the first-half, with a number of shots being hit from distance.
Daventry forward Ashley Robinson, clean through on goal, was brought down by the Woodford centre-back Ryan Merrey.
The free-kick resulted in a Josh Blake header straight at the keeper. Adam Confue also fired his shot wide of the far post when running through on the Woodford goal.
Ashley Robinson also came close when his free-kick went narrowly over the crossbar.
And a shot from former Northern Ireland International Michael Bryan – making his Daventry Town debut – was deflected on to the crossbar for a corner.
Daventry Town were creating chances but it was not until the second-half that they turned opportunities into goals with the introduction of top striker Scott Cross, on for Ashley Robinson, and Ross Oulton for Adam Confue.
The substitutions changed the game.
Scott Cross hit a tremendous volley which was saved by Jamie Brassington, the Woodford keeper.
And a minute later Cross turned swiftly and hammered a shot at goal which was superbly turned round the post for a corner.
Daventry were beginning to take control of the game with wave after wave of attacks on the Woodford goal. Scott Cross led the charge with several attempts, ably assisted by Josh Blake and Neil King.
Former Woodford United player Nat Liburd was clearly up for the game against his old club.
He scored the first goal after good work from Scott Cross on the right, from a corner, crossing the ball for Liburd to put Daventry into a deserved lead in the 69th minute, after all their pressure in the second-half.
Scott Cross was involved in the second goal too, crossing the ball for Josh Blake to rise high and direct his header past the beaten Brassington in the 73rd minute.
Josh Blake has only recently returned from a loan spell at Woodford where he played games to build up his fitness.
The final goal inevitably came from Scott Cross.
A great run on the wing was followed by a fine cross into the penalty area. This found Cross with the ball at his feet for an easy tap in to make the final score 3-0 to Town in this derby encounter.
Daventry could have scored several more goals in the last five minutes but for the keeper Jamie Brassington, who prevented a heavier defeat for Woodford.
Daventry Town now play the winners of the Kettering Town versus Wellingborough Town match, which is due to take place next week, for a place in the final of this competition, later in the season.