Forget the FA Cup semis, Goldhill Vets are already through to a national cup final!

A LOCAL side will compete in a nationwide cup final next Sunday - a rare event for South Bucks football.

Goldhill Baptist will compete for the National Christian Veteran's Cup at Carshalton FC (3pm), managed by Mark Thomas, at 23, roughly half the age of most of his side.

Thomas, a former Chalfont St Peter CoE Middle School and Dr Challoners pupil, took over the side of over 35s this year and they are now on the trail of an unprecedented treble of trophies.

After Saturday's 4-2 win over St Mary's in the Chiltern Church League's Second Division, Goldhill are competing for league, cup and National Cup titles and Thomas said: "There are three trophies up for grabs, and I really want to go and try to get all of them.

"I feel privileged and very lucky to have such a committed core of players available to me. I know other managers in the league are struggling to put out teams, but for me it's very rare that I won't have a full squad of 14 for a game. The guys should be proud of what I already consider a very successful season."

Inspired by pint-sized Paul Morris at full-back and spearheaded by giant centre-forward James Cansdale up front, the Goldhill Vets side boasts an average age of around 48 - but they haven't lost in any competition since November.

Any villagers wishing to attend the final next Sunday should email ghfcvets@googlemail.com. It promises to be a cracker against Molesey Community Church, last year's finalists.

Picture, taken at Rushden FC last season when they lost in the semis: (back row from left): Ian Benning, Don Bradley, Dave Walsh, Simon Dodd, David Hetherington, Bruce Nutman, James Cansdale. Front row: Brian Riddell, Mark Mugglestone, Neal Collins, Tony Prokopiou, Nigel Williams and Paul Morris.

Full address for Sunday's final (3pm): Carshalton Athletic F.C., War Memorial Sports Ground, Colston Ave, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PW. Team leaves Goldhill Baptist Church in Chalfont St Peter at 1pm.