Crane Sports, seeking their first SIL Senior title in 40 years, were emphatic winners with an impressive performance over Thurlow Nunn Division One outfit Woodbridge Town, and joined league rivals Ipswich Valley Rangers in the Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final draw.

Cranes’ manager Iain Radnor had a full strength squad at his disposal while the Woodpeckers’ player-manager Jamie Scales made two changes from the side that gained a creditable draw at Saffron Walden last week, goalkeeper Ryan Garnham a notable returnee.

A crowd of 138 saw the SIL leaders take a fifth-minute lead that set the tone for the afternoon.

Nathan Woolard released Mo Fike wide on the right and his ensuing cross was met by Melvyn Clarke whose diving header gave Garnham no chance.

Cranes gained momentum with their expansive football and neat approach play and the visitors had difficulty dealing with the pace of Tye Webb and the impressive Fike.

It was the latter who played in Ross Rands, whose cross was headed wide by Danny George for the next chance, before Joe Langfield did well to foil Webb in front of goal.

At the other end, Armani Scharr threatened but Chris Pratt made a timely tackle and then George Mrozek fired well wide.

In the 28th minute Woodbridge were given a lifeline when Ben Miller fouled Reece Turner and referee Paul Moss awarded a penalty, but crucially Sam Cole’s spot kick was well saved by Kevin Holland low to his left.

Six minutes later the penalty miss proved significant as George and Webb combined well on the edge of the box for Cranes, culminating in George prodding the ball beyond Garnham to extend the lead.

With the home side well in command, Fike dispatched a powerful half-volley narrowly over and Webb, on the left moving at pace, pulled the ball back to George whose driven shot was superbly blocked by Jamie Scales.

Woodbridge introduced James Harbut after the break and enjoyed more possession but found difficulty in finding a penetrative pass beyond the excellent central pairing of Mark Roper and Pratt.

Cranes made it 3-0 on 70 minutes when George released Webb into the box who was tripped, leaving Woolard to calmly slot home the ensuing spot kick.

Woodbridge went close when a free kick touched on by Reece Turner was received by substitute Jerome Haynes who unleashed a terrific shot that shaded Holland’s bar.

Cranes went further ahead in the 75th minute, emphasising their experience and quality, when, following a throw-in, substitute Ross White touched on to Webb who drilled a powerful effort from 22 yards that flew into the roof of the net.

The scoring was completed four minutes later when substitute Ashley Smith crossed from the left in to the path of George who sent a sublime lob over the stranded Garnham.

Cranes: Holland; Rands, Miller, Roper, Pratt (Smith 75), Froud, Woolard, Clarke, (Rumens 72) Fike (White 73), Webb, George.

Woodbridge: Garnham; Nwoso, Moss (Harbutt 46), Scales (Green), Langfield, Seccombe, Scharr, Cole (Haynes 60), Turner, Cole, Mrozer.