ONE of next month's cup semi-finals promises to be a real family affair with brothers and cousins facing each other on and off the field.

The Benevolent Cup semi-finals draw on Sunday evening (1st February) saw Underwood Social Club A, managed by Sean Johnson, destined to take on Underwood Social Club B which is managed by Craig Johnson.

Many hoped the teams would be drawn apart with the possibility of the two sides meeting in the final but the only consolation is that at least one Underwood team will line up in the final,

Sean Johnson's side are currently chasing leaders Sudbrook CC, but last weekend the emphasis shifted from gaining points to gaining a semi-final place and they did that in style, beating Caldicot Castle B 7-0 thanks to goals from Josh Downing (3), James McManus (2), Matthew Seabourne and David Rees.

Meanwhile, Craig Johnson's team were booking their semi-final place with a 4-2 victory over Undy Athletic through goals by Jamie Richardson, Jermaine Allen and Taylor Gregory,

Apart from the Johnson brothers, the A and B teams are likely to feature brothers Kyle and Keiron Gettings and cousins Lee and Ashley Ryder so the semi-final will bring good – and bad – news for a few families with loyalties split.

Either way, both managers have mixed feelings on the draw.

"I would rather have met the A team in the final," said Craig Johnson.

"It's the draw the boys wanted and I'm sure they will relish the challenge of beating our first team."

Meanwhile, brother Sean said it would have been nice to have avoided their club-mates in the semi so both teams had a chance to meet in the final.

"It will be a fiercely-contested game with both teams doing all they can to win," he said.

"As a club we are lucky to have the strength in depth to have both teams competing late on in the cup competitions.

"The result will depend on who wants it the most on the day!"