MUSHET & Coalway United are flying the flag for the Forest after reaching their first ever County Cup final.

The club’s first team defeated Cirencester side The Beeches 4-2 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out after drawing 2-2 in their Minor Cup North semi final.

On a heavy and difficult surface, which was only just passed fit to play minutes before kick-off, Mushet opened the scoring when Jack Halson got his head to a fine Liam Jones cross.

Sam Jessop scored Mushet & Coalway’s second goal with a fine right-footed effort from outside the area which gave the goalkeeper no chance of saving.

Mushet were playing some resolute football and were unfortunate when five minutes before half-time a somewhat fortunate goal from the home team brought them back into this semi final.

With their tails up and some enterprising attacking play The Beeches scored again right on the half-time whistle.

In a tense second half both teams strived hard for a winning goal but to no avail.

Mushet were first to take their penalty and Jessop confidently put the ball into the bottom corner.

Jake Thomas in the Mushet goal pulled off a fine save to keep the Forest side ahead, before Paul Akers scored.

Both sides scored, with Jones taking it to 3-2 before Kyran Hale hit the decisive penalty.

Mitcheldean fell in the Junior Cup North at the same semi final hurdle, losing 3-1 at Stroud Harriers despite Damon Beaumont’s superb lob.

Worrall Hill also lost away from home, going down 3-0 at South Cerney Reserves in the Primary Cup North.