Three Reach County Quarters...

It was a terrific day for our three teams in County Cups action on Sunday, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

Senior Cup 4th Round:
Following up their success the previous week, Marquis United have set up a tough quarter-final next week against Ashwell after disposing of Offley Moat. Despite a poor league position, two from Barry Hazelton, a great strike from Andy Pilgrim, another good finish from Theo Swaine and a cheeky backheel from Glen Lamacraft saw them 5-1 up. Offley scored three times to set up a tense finish.

Intermediate Cup 5th Round:
Nirankari Stevenage Res took on a tough Hadley Green side but their free-flowing football proved too strong. Manager Dean Greenough had a full squad at his disposal and Gary Pomfret intercepted a pass, laid on Lee Allinson, who slid in Joel Mason to smash them in front early on. This was followed up with strikes from David Iweduino and Allinson. The pick of the latter’s four was via a corner to the near post which he crashed home on the volley into the top corner. Mason continued to run riot and got his second when he cut inside and curled the ball round the ‘keeper. Substitute Terry Pateman wrapped things up when he beat the offside trap and hit the ball into the bottom corner. They host Watford Irish Centre in the last eight.

Stevenage Fencing were involved in a hard game with Phoenix Res, but extra-time saw them show their class. The first of a Dave Hailey hat-trick came from a Craig Gilbert through-ball before Luke Gumble lobbed home from 30 yards after the away side had gone in front. Andy Jackson was between the sticks and had made a couple of excellent saves. Garry Smith drilled home the third before Craig Braine’s skill found Hailey in extra-time, who rounded the ‘keeper to score before he grabbed his third. Billy-Joe Sewell got in on the act with a late brace, the first a lob from the centre-circle. They now host United or Haileybury.