League Action...

Premier Division:
Having conceded ten against the same opposition in their previous meeting, Almond Tree United were delighted to secure a draw thanks to an all-round good team performance. They took the lead mid-way through the second-half when Nick Collins curled the ball around defender and ‘keeper from eight yards. However, Dun Cow drew level moments later through Marc Holmes which set up a tense final fifteen minutes where Tree had to call upon inspired defending and goalkeeping.

With Bottles’ expulsion from the league at Monday night’s Meeting, Dun Cow’s two dropped points in their early season clash will be reclaimed. Almond Tree will be happier, having dropped five points over two meetings.

Division 1:
Coopers were always on top in this clash and secured their second place berth in the table. Josh Bronti opened the scoring with neat finish before Ben Smith put a penalty away. Bronti grabbed another three, whilst Sean Soards and Gary Chambers kept the neat passing going for Richard Griffiths to tumble the ball over the line for the sixth. SCS’ reply was an audacious effort from the kick-off from Elliott Bunn which caught the ‘keeper off his line.

Stevenage Fencing are hot on their heels after Joe Delasalle grabbed all four in their win over Stevenage Colts. Sam Stephenson grabbed a consolation.

Broadhall Reserves grabbed a much-needed three points in their battle to avoid relegation as they saw off Marquis of Lorne. Mark Chalkley hit the first and with the first-team not in action, John Johnston took up the chance of some action with the second.

A second team expelled at the meeting were Shephall Artois. They fell short of playing the required 75% of their fixtures by just half-a-game, so ten games will be removed from the records. Fencing are probably the biggest beneficiaries, a hammering they suffered will be wiped. At the other end, SCS were beaten twice by them.

Division 2:
Top met bottom and with half an hour in it was FC Squirrel who took the lead against the odds, but not against the run of play as Ryan Hodgkiss half-volleyed home at the far post. TC United came back with a quick-fire double, Terry Lock first converted a Jon Dunne through-ball and then headed home Richard Minnis' cross to put them in front. The game was only settled ten minutes from time when Lock’s 33rd goal of the season saw him complete his hat-trick with another header, this time courtesy of the hard work of brother Jimmy Lock.

Stevenage Leisure Limited are hot on their heels after battering Hartham Press. Joe Chilton hit a hat-trick, whilst Carl Smith (two), Dean McCullagh (two) and Darren Bickell were also on target.

Hermit of Redcoats leapfrogged their victims with a last minute Anthony Lanni strike. A Si Wagstaff own goal had given them the lead before Mallard Old Boys equalised through Si Jervis.

A1 Trophies were looking to avenge a cup defeat by the same opponents from the previous week and after a good start, finally got the breakthrough on the half-hour. Greg Bradbury it was who struck a half-volley from 20 yards to lob the unsuspecting ‘keeper. Putterills came into the game and had some chances, but ‘keeper Matt Stanton was in fine form. A great ball by Reece Munford on a counter-attack saw Bradbury slot home his second after turning the defender and slotting the ball home and the game was wrapped up with ten minutes to go when James Harrod finished a nicely worked move.

Division 3:
Leaders Broadhall A maintained their unbeaten league run with a patiently carved out win over Timebridge AFC Res. Despite creating most of the chances, they fell behind, it wasn’t until the second-half when Matt Henning's shot from Andy Lee's pass brought the equaliser. Three minutes later a lovely through-ball from Phil Stevens found Gary Hillard, who scored with a very tidy finish. It was soon three as Rob Stevenson diverted Hillard's effort home. A great ball from Hillard found Lee, who scored with a cracking cross shot and the fifth came as a result of more unselfish work from Hillard as Stevenson grabbed his second.

Chequers are still making a good run for the title after Steve Koop bagged a hat-trick. Carl Thompson (two), Olly Barnett, Alan Collins, Steve Burton and Mark Brennan also hit the net. ABC Taxis replied through John Saunders, Aaron Watson and an own goal.

Odyssey edged out Bedwell Rangers by the odd goal in five thanks to Dave Sell, Will Cubitt and Louis Gilbert. Dean Bacon and Jacob Dawson replied.

Division 4:
Danny Jefferies who gave Breachwood Lions the warm feeling on a cold morning by breaking the deadlock with a well taken goal in this top-of-the-table clash. After the break, Ali Collins showed great skill out on the wing to produce a great cross for Ollie Mason to squeeze home at the far post for a second. Fifteen minutes from time Crooked Billet Boro got a goal back from a set piece, with the ball being bundled over the line courtesy of an own goal, although James Marshall claimed it. Lions saw it out and leapfrogged their victims to go top.

Granby started out well, grabbing an early goal from Sam Bickerstaff, but were soon under pressure. Jaiden Irish extended the lead in the second-half before Proverbial pulled a goal back through Laurie Wilson. However, Irish netted his second before Jon Butler made an appearance on the scoresheet to sew up a comfortable win. Irish was denied a hat-trick from the penalty-spot by the ‘keeper, who had a good game.

Roebuck Gate stayed second after Icon Onederers were beaten by Lewis Collins and an Ian Levy penalty.

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