Somerset Trojans won the battle of the bragging rights against cross-town rivals Somerset Eagles to reach the First Division Dudley Eve final.

Adrian Burrows was the chief beneficiary of some sloppy Eagles defending midway through the first half with the striker sliding the ball past Eagles' stopper Tahj Bell to set up a showdown against St. George's next Tuesday.

Yet it could have been a very different story with Kenny Thompson's Eagles enjoying the superior swathes of possession at a blustery Lords ground yesterday but ultimately lacking a cutting edge in attack.

"I felt we controlled the match for long periods just as we had done against St. George's earlier in the tournament," bemoaned Thompson, who started fit-again marksman Darin Dowling on the substitutes bench.

"But we lacked power, speed and technique in attack – that was our problem.

"It's always disappointing to lose a semi-final and I was also disappointed with the goal we conceded – it was sloppy and our defence got caught out of position. But we're still in an excellent position in the league and promotion has always been our primary focus."

Genuine goalscoring chances were at a premium during a cagey first period with the best Eagles opportunity falling to Troy Tucker who skewed a volley from inside the box over the crossbar, while Trojans skipper Jelani Scott could not find a finish to complement his enterprising dribble through the Eagles backline with his shot flying wide.

After the break the game opened up with efficient midfielder Shannon Morrisey controlling the middle ground for Eagles who were beginning to move the ball with conviction.

Eagles striker Tucker pulled a shot wide when in a goalscoring position and then Anthony Hunter lifted the ball over the bar from a tight angle following a free-flowing move which cut through the heart of Trojans' defence.

Thompson then introduced dangerman Dowling in the knowledge his team's cup final aspirations were fading away and the striker very nearly answered his coach's prayers when he found space in the box before dragging his effort wide of Timmy Figureido's right-hand post.

Despite Eagles having the better of the chances Trojans 'keeper Figureido was rarely troubled with Dennis Brown's men holding firm to preserve their narrow lead.

Trojan's captain Scott said he was delighted with his team's victory over their near neighbours and vowed to "turn the tables" on St. George's who beat them earlier in the festive competition.

"Adrian Burrows showed good composure with his goal and was confident they would then go and win the game – our defence played very well," he said. "Of course it's always nice to beat Eagles and now we will look to turn the tables on St. George's who we lost to earlier on in the Dudley Eve when we meet them in the final. "

Somerset Eagles

T. Bell, M. Dill, D. Seymour, T. Davis, A. Lambert, S. Morrisey, A. Hunter, R. Brangman, S. Dread, T. Tucker, R. Wilson

Subs: J. Davis, W. Tucker, D. Dowling, J. Bather, T. Fubler

Somerset Trojans

T. Figureido, D. Lister III, T. Ming, D. Minors, D. Benjamin, J. Scott, M. Thomas, J. Butterfield, A. Burrows, D. Basden, T. Wade

Subs: C. Robinson, K. Showers, G. Smith, V. Blanchette, Z. Iris

Referee: C. Richardson

Booked: T. Tucker (Trojans) T. Ming (Eagles)

Man-of-the-match: S. Morrisey (Eagles)