Albion Reserves eased into the final of the Sussex Senior Cup with a 5-0 win over Hastings United.

The Seagulls will now face Bognor in the County FA’s showpiece match at Priory Lane on Bank Holiday Monday.

With Hastings still involved in the push for the Ryman premier play-offs, it was a vastly under strength side that took on Albion in the semi-final at the home of Eastbourne Town.

The Hastings goal led something of a charmed life early on as James Smith fired wide, Dean Cox was denied by a Lee Carey header off the line and Leon Redwood struck the foot of a post.

The opening goal arrived on 19 minutes when Conor Wilkins’ driven cross was palmed out by Greg Nessling and George Barker made no mistake with a clinical finish.

Hastings went on to enjoy a decent spell of pressure but, other than a shot from Carey, they struggled to create a clear-cut chance.

Albion doubled their lead five minutes before half time courtesy of Wilkins, whose well-struck drive from 30 yards flashed through a crowd of players and bounced beyond the dive of Nessling.

Cox made it 3-0 12 minutes into the second half with a clever nutmeg and thumping shot inside the near post.

Conor Hider, a first half substitute for Gary Hart, also got on the scoresheet by netting from close range before Cox wrapped up the win with a diving header after good work by Redwood down the right wing.

Hastings had their moments in the second period and Josh Jirbandy was desperately unlucky to see his lob come back off a post.