Nirankari Through At Sixth Attempt

Unity Nirankari made it through to the next round of the FA National Sunday Cup after five postponements, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

A comfortable win over Club Lewsey thanks to Ricky Case (two), Ben L'honore and David Iweduino set up a visit to Wycombe Town this week in round three. Their run of no league games since September is likely to continue for another month. Twin Foxes remain the only Stevenage side to make the final, losing finalists in both 1980 and 1982.

Elsewhere, a few of our sides attempted to make the last 16 of the three County Cup competitions.

In the Herts Senior Cup, Bottles had a convincing display against a rather weak Bar Amigo side in Hitchin. Piers Le-Grand, James Selby and Rob Verdia all bagged two apiece, with Darren Welton and a Justin Brown penalty completing the scoring. They now travel to holders Oakview.

Probuild went a goal behind early on in their tie at Skew Bridge, but turned the tie on its head when when Rich Hall rounded the ‘keeper to slot home before striking again. Sam Spencer cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable 30 yard strike to put them further in front. Following a home goal, Spencer also netted his second after beating two men and lobbing the ‘keeper. They were reduced to ten men for the last quarter as substitute Michael Bunker was sent-off. Despite another consolation, club captain Adam MacKenzie - making his comeback after two months out injured - finished the game off after bringing down a long ball from Hall and calmly slotting home. They’ll host S&N Fairway in round four.

Unity Nirankari are the other side remaining, their tie with Welwyn Peartree is in the new year for the right to play St Josephs (South Oxhey).

The Herts Intermediate Cup saw Dun Cow Reserves come away from Wanderers victorious thanks to a Danny Huggins brace. They now host Onnett.

A tight game turned for MBDA shortly before half-time when Enfield side Apoel Reserves had a man sent-off for handling Kyle Watson’s shot on the line. Alan Kenney tucked away the penalty and there was only one side in it from then. Sam Harwood put away number two before the break. The away side pulled one back when deputising ‘keeper Liam Boon repeated his trick of a week earlier, palming a cross into the net. He did make up for it tipping a low shot onto the post. Ross Walker capped a man of the match display by lashing home off the crossbar, Harwood grabbed his second, Ashley Kersey headed home and Craig Sutherill scored with an outrageous 40-yard lob. They’ll host Flamstead End.

An excellent double strike from Dale Chester and a 90th minute equaliser from Danny Lingwood brought King Pin United level against Green Dragon. However, with extra-time looming, straight from the kick-off, a Dragon player produced a magnificent solo run, beating four players before releasing the ball for their striker to deliver the killer blow.

Stevenage Fencing were eliminated as the Herts FA suspended them for administration reasons, so their tie at Miami Penguins didn’t go ahead.

Athletico Peartree made it through in the Herts Junior Cup with a solid win over Black Boy from Hemel Hempstead. It took until the hour mark for the deadlock to be broken as Terry Lock beat two players and fired in at the near post. He sealed the victory ten minutes from time, sending the 'keeper the wrong way from the spot after being brought down. The defence was solid throughout and the midfield muscle of Ben Sheldrake and Chris Benton ensured they didn't concede. They now travel to King Harry/Hare and Hounds, which is one side.

SCS made it through, Dean Chadderton (two), Sam Bickerstaff, Jonros Perren and an own goal saw them victorious at Hedgehog. They’ll host Oaks Reserves.

Coopers were hammered at FC Potters Bar. They were up against a very good team that scored four before the break and bettered it by one after.

The penultimate KLM Challenge Cup first round tie saw a comfortable win for Mallard as they set up a crunch clash with Probuild. Andy Pilgrim (four), Jim Bywater, Glen Lamacraft and Bobby Dance were on target against ProCladd. George Rowe netted from a corner, whilst the other consolation came courtesy of Darren Krogh from outside the area.