Divisions 2&3...

Division Two leaders Nirankari Timebridge once again had the goals of Joel Mason to thank. The first-half saw a couple of chances for each side, notably when Breachwood Lions’ Dan Jefferies rattled the crossbar with an audacious attempt from just outside the centre-circle. Early in the second-half, the ball fell behind defender Adam Jefferies into the path of Mason to run onto and slot home. However, Dan Dye's exquisite pass to Richard Taaffe saw him beat the offside trap and go one-on-one with Nirankari ‘keeper Kyal Currey, his composure saw him level. Mason regained the lead when his outstretched foot lifted the ball over the ‘keeper before Max Anderson was unable to fully hold onto the ball, allowing Mason a tap-in for his hat-trick. Lions made it 3-2 when a determined Ed Wharton scored his first goal for the club from close range.

Chequers kept up their challenge in a tight game. Marcus Morton’s back post header from a corner put them up before Rileys Athletic squandered the chance to level, Ben Warman spooning a penalty over the bar. Gaz Gibson doubled the lead when his cross-cum-shot went in, but Tom Bowgett and Alex Perry levelled the game. Steve Teale was the match-winner five minutes from time, curling home from the edge of the box for 3-2.

Emperors Head went in front after twenty minutes Stuart Smilie pounced on a rebound to tap into an empty net. Another close-range goal followed from Joe Whittaker before A1 Trophies hit back to level by half-time. Lewis Essam forced a good save from A1 ‘keeper Matt Stanton, who tipped the ball onto the bar. However, Ashley Sealy netted through the near post from the edge of the box. A1 stormed back with three goals to lead 5-3, Greg Bradbury (two), Si Longman from his own half, Trevor Long and Dan Pinkerton on target. A corner from Damian Hadlow found the head of Essam, whose bullet header flew in for 5-4 before the big talking point. Essam chased down a lost cause when he bore down on a ‘keeper dribbling back into his box, he got a foot on the ball before he got two hands on it and slotted home from the tightest of angles to level with A1 claiming Stanton had it. Five minutes from the end came the winner, a corner from Sealy looked to be going out of play at the far post when James Batchelor whipped it back across goal with the ball hitting unexpecting captain Mark Pickard and going in for Emperors’ winner.

After not winning a game in their opening eight, Crooked Billet Boro have won four-on-the-bounce. The first goal was scored by Robert Smith with a classy finish from an Andy North goal-kick, the second came midway through the second-half as again North’s long kick found a team-mate, this time it was chased down by Mark Hemmings, who calmly finished through the ‘keepers legs. Things were made interesting with fifteen minutes to go as Paul Jevon saw red and left his team to hold on with ten men. Things could have got even nervier but a Broadhall Athletic player missed a penalty with a couple of minutes left.

Gaz Baker hit a hat-trick as Pear Tree beat Hartham Press 3-1. David Mower scored the consolation.

After last week’s shock defeat, Division Three leaders Broadhall Icon were back in the groove and took an early lead thanks to a great cross from Aaron Penfound, which Chris Bunker headed home. Proverbial United equalised midway through the first-half, Penfound then helped Jack Izzard’s shot into his own net. Icon were then reduced to ten men when manager Dan O'Brien punched the ball on the halfway line after mis-judging the bounce, he was deemed to be the last man. The ten men regained the lead within a few minutes of the break from a Steve Skinner header. An unbelievable volley from thirty yards made it 3-1, unfortunately it was a Proverbial player, then a great strike from Tony Waters sealed the game.

Old Barclavians remain unbeaten as they brushed aside Granby 5-0. The scoring started early as Nick Wellings scored twice in succession within ten minutes of kick-off after some excellent work down the flank from Jamie Hucker. The third goal was a shot from outside the box by Callum Rowe that beat the ‘keeper, who was fantastic on the day, saving brilliantly on three occasions. Bradley Vooght scored a superb solo effort as he turned defenders inside out and then finished accurately in the top corner and the fifth was a great team effort that ended with Carl Swendell lashing home.

View Point Wanderers were suspended for non-payment of fees, so ABC Taxis picked up the three points.