Barcelos at the double as Puritans take big lead

That will only happen if the Puritans go up and Saints are relegated from the Vanarama National League North.

But United could meet Brackley Town Saints this season, in the final of the Buckingham Charity Cup, after both clubs took commanding first-leg leads in their respective semi-finals.

The Puritans beat Old Bradwell United 4-0 at Spencer Stadium while the young Saints won 3-0 at Buckingham Town.

A much changed United side, with Bradley House making his debut in place of Jack Harding, went close when Leam Howards beat Aaron Bhasin and lobbed the advancing Dan Willett only to see his effort go wide. Old Bradwell competed well as the half developed before they made the breakthrough in the 34th minute when Darius Browne’s low was met by Jacob Blackstock and his shot was chested into the net by Howards.

United doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart when Browne’s cross saw Willett come for the ball but he failed to get there ahead substitute Felipe Barcelos who headed home.

Five minutes later a fierce 25 yard shot from Mark Bell was too hot for Willett to hold and he could only parry the ball out to the incoming Blackstock who struck home from six yards.

United completed the scoring in the 85th minute when Browne got his third assist of the tie, his long pass for Barcelos was met by Willett who got to the ball first but his clearance was charged down by the Brazilian who knocked the ball into the empty net.

The second leg takes place at Newport Pagnell Town on Tuesday, April 5 but the Puritans can surely start looking forward to a place in the final.