Paulus Rolls Back The Years

Mallard were one of two sides in action in the Herts Senior Cup, and went through with ease, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

It was a good result considering they had a bare eleven men, but they went two-up early on against Berkhamsted Tornadoes. Andy Pilgrim deflected in a Perry Phillips shot and a neat finish from Craig Reynolds doubled the lead. Despite losing a man, a good team move resulted in the experienced play-maker Gary Paulus sliding home from eight yards out to put Mallard into the last 32.

Dun Cow also went through despite falling two behind to Hollybush Characters inside twenty minutes. Ryan Skeggs pulled one back with a great 20-yard strike before Adam Furness levelled at the break before putting them in front by heading home Sam Gittings’ cross. He completed his hat-trick before Dave Kiddie’s deflected shot made it five.

Bottles, Probuild and Unity Nirakari’s ties were off. The latter’s FA Sunday Cup game was also postponed for the third time, they’ll try again tonight (Thursday).

In the KLM Challenge Cup, Hartham Press only started with nine men and promptly fell two behind. They conceded again when they got their full quota, but then made a much better game of it and a Nath Bowden brace brought them right back in it. Bedwell Athletic extended the lead again, Joel Mason (two), Dean Wylie and Andy Kelly were on target for them, before a consolation at the end from Andy Parrish.

Revised 2nd Round Draw: MH Goldsmith v Ath Peartree, Probuild Res or Bottles v Bedwell Ath, ProCladd or Mallard v Probuild, King Pin Utd v MBDA, Putterills v Coopers, Unity Nirankari v Dun Cow Res, SCS v Shephall Artois, Highwayman v Fox.