Job Done By Mallard’s Bare XI Despite treacherous conditions at most venues, there’s plenty to talk about and it was a good day for our big boys in County Cup action, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

A depleted Mallard side saw a bare eleven travel to Bishop Stortford. They sewed up the game in the first-half with goals from Andy Pilgrim (two) and Craig Reynolds.

An excellent start from Probuild saw them take the lead after a good move was finished by Tel Pateman. They looked in control until ‘keeper Graham Wraight misjudged his opposite number’s goal-kick and it bounced over his head for an equaliser for AC Finchley B. Joy turned to pain for the visiting stopper though as he was sent-off for abusive language towards the referee. Kaan Fehmi, Rich Hall and Lee Allinson wrapped the game up for a well deserved victory.

David Iweduino (two), Andrew Iweduino and Luke Croll were on target as Unity Nirankari hammered Inter.

Bottles were already through after White Hart Hemel’s forfeit some weeks ago.

Steve Teale and John Hughes were on the mark for MH Goldsmith, but AC Daniels spoiled the party to win by the odd goal in five.

Dun Cow’s game in St Albans against Vision was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They’ll have to try again this week.

Five more KLM Challenge Cup first round games were played and two Division Three sides were beaten by sides from the bottom division.

Mallard Old Boys were rocked by a second defeat in as many weeks. They even took the lead when Tom Younger combined with Jamie Campany for the latter to poke his shot past the ‘keeper. Despite several chances to extend the lead, they were caught out on the hour mark with an equaliser by Coopers as Dan Bowey hit a superb 20 yard volley home. Gav Bowler’s cross was diverted home by a defender to restore the Old Boys’ lead before a second equaliser by Ben Smith from three yards. With extra-time beckoning, Richard Emery put Coopers through.

After a close and physical first-half, Dave Pateman broke the deadlock on the hour for Highwayman when his endless running was rewarded with a cool finish. Substitute Ben Gumble doubled the lead, Pateman the provider. Scott Waters was solid between the sticks and kept Chequers out before the goal of the game came from Dan Downham, a 35-yard screamer that was top corner bound as soon as it left his boot.

Sam Bickerstaff hit a hat-trick for the second week running as SCS overran Crooked Billet Boro. Leslie Chappell, Ricky Kielkowski, Dean Chadderton and Jason Aldridge were also on target. Marvin Miller hit a consolation.

Danny Lane bagged four as Dun Cow Reserves went through. Pete Brewster, James Dillnutt and Mick Simpson also scored, whilst Highview replied through Simon Vooght (two) and John Vooght.

David Banks went better than anybody on the day, bagging five for Putterills. Peter Morrison (two), Karl Williamson, James Anderson and Louis Bullock meant they reached double-figures. Emperors Head bagged five in reply through Lewis Essam (two), James Batchelor (two) and Lewis Sealy.