Poppies and Diamonds to collide in Hillier Cup final

All the details from tonight's football action

Both clubs came through their respective semi-finals tonight (Tuesday) with the Poppies claiming a 2-0 win at ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division side Rothwell Corinthians while Diamonds saw off Vanarama National League North outfit Brackley Town 2-1 at the Dog & Duck.

It means the two local rivals will clash for the first time since Diamonds were reformed as a fans-owned club with the final to be staged in April.

Kettering needed two late goals to end Corinthians’ resistance at Sergeants Lawn.

And, not for the first time, Brett Solkhon was the hero as he fired the Poppies ahead with 10 minutes to go before completing the win even later.

At the Dog & Duck, two first-half goals were enough for Diamonds.

Tom Lorraine headed them in front after a mis-kick from Brackley goalkeeper Sam Hornby before Jon Stevenson made it 2-0 before the break.

David Moyo pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half but Diamonds held on.

Diamonds confirmed after their win that the final will be played at Northampton Town’s Sixfields home on Tuesday, April 12.

Don’t miss more reaction in Thursday’s Northamptonshire Telegraph