TOM Jackson scored a hat-trick as Rawcliffe beat York RI 4-0 at Wigginton to reach the York FA Acaster Steel Junior Cup final.

There they will play Haxby 'A' who beat Poppleton 2-0 at New Lane in the other semi-final.

Adam Scorefield opened the scoring for Rawcliffe, netting from the penalty spot after Jackson had been brought down. Jackson scored his first goal before the interval.

In the second half Scorefield had a penalty kick saved by RI goalkeeper Robert Hodgson, who was injured in the process. Rawcliffe continued to be the stronger side and two Jackson goals completed his treble.

Mike Bryan went close for Haxby in the first half of the other semi-final. Poppleton came more into the game in the second half, but it was Haxby who took the lead through Gavin Minton.

Poppleton then produced their best period of play, but Haxby's defence held firm, with man of the match Dean Lisles outstanding. With seven minutes remaining a through ball out of Haxby's defence found Marco Shepherd, who slotted the ball past Poppleton's 'keeper.

Meanwhile, two goals by Danny Coult gave Thorpe United victory over Easingwold 'A' at Riccall for a place in the York FA Junior Minor final, in which they will play Pickering Town, who beat Heworth 1-0 at Huby.

Coult opened the scoring after nine minutes, squeezing the ball into the net by the near post. Lawrence Hamzat equalised four minutes later.

Ten minutes into the second half a long ball over Easingwold's defence was met by Coult for his second goal.

In the other semi-final the only goal came early on when Neil Bowling's spot-kick was saved by Heworth's 'keeper but he netted the rebound.

Updated: 10:55 Friday, March 12, 2004