​LEATHERHEAD have made it through to the Isthmian League Cup final with a stunning victory over Aveley on Thursday night.

It is the first time in 31 years that the Fetcham Grove outfit have reached a senior cup final and they got there courtesy of a penalty shootout victory over the form team in the Ryman Premier Division.

It was difficult to determine who was the Ryman Premier side and who was from the Ryman South in the first half as the Tanners dominated their supposedly superior opponents.

And they perhaps should have gone into the break more than one goal in front as chances came and went.

As it was, captain Chris Boulter nodded them in front three minutes before the interval, though he got a huge helping hand from keeper Rhys Madden who fumbled it across the line.

Leatherhead's gruelling schedule took its toll in the second half as Aveley ploughed forward and they were made to rue missed chances when six minutes from time, substitute Martin Tuohy hooked in.

Extra-time was the last thing the brave Tanners needed, but they hung on brilliantly, and even hit the visitors on the break with a few superb moves.

With no further breakthrough, the lottery of penalties was required.

After three perfect penalties each, goal hero Tuohy missed for Aveley opening the door for Leatherhead.

But a tired looking Rob Hill missed straight afterwards  and the scores remained level.

Che Studhart took the visitors' fifth, but he struck the post, leaving substitute Michael Corbett the task of sending his side through to the final.

He stepped up and lashed the penalty home, sparking a pitch invasion at the Grove.

Leatherhead will play either Croydon Athletic or Wealdstone in the final.

Before that they have a league match away at league leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday, followed by a home game with Fleet Town on Tuesday night.

For a full report of the semi-final victory and extensive reaction to reaching the first final in 31 years, pick up a copy of Thursday's Leatherhead Advertiser.