PROUD Little Oakley manager Matt Carmichael is remaining fully focused on his side's promotion goal - but admits it is a "massive bonus" to reach a cup final.

The Acorns are through to the First Division Knockout Cup final after winning 5-0 at rivals Harwich and Parkeston on Wednesday night.

Luke Mayhew, Greg Rodger, Harry Mann, Lewis Wood and Tom Dunningham scored their goals in what became a one-sided semi-final at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak.

Oakley now play Thurlow Nunn League first division north high-fliers March Town United in the final, after the Cambridgeshire side's 2-0 victory against Lakenheath.

"We were very good," said a delighted Carmichael, whose side are third in first division south, heading into tomorrow's match at Newbury Forest.

"Our gameplan worked and it was a night when everything came together, especially after making a few tweaks at half-time.

"We were professional and disciplined in everything we did and, after taking the lead in the second half, it looked like there was only going to be one winner.

"As I said to the boys before the game, the cup tie was never going to define our season.

"Our goal is promotion, just as it has been since day one.

"Reaching a cup final is a massive bonus, though, and now we have an opportunity to win some silverware.

"To finish with a trophy would be fantastic.

"March are obviously doing very well in their division, although we don't know much more about them.

"It'll boil down to whoever's better on the day."

The final will take place at Diss Town's Brewers Green Lane ground on April 22 but before switching their attention to March, Oakley have some important league games - starting with tomorrow's trip to Newbury Forest.

They then host May and Baker before three consecutive away games, against Wivenhoe Town, Hackney Wick and Coggeshall United.

They finish their league campaign with fixtures against Halstead Town, Holland FC, Harwich, Lopes Tavares and Barkingside.

"It's a cliche but we have 11 cup finals left, not just one, and we're not looking beyond our next league game, against Newbury Forest," added Carmichael.

"The league has always been our priority and there are so many teams within touching distance.

"It's probably going to be four from six or seven teams and we have to give ourselves the best possible chance."