Peartree Upset The Odd’s...

There was a massive shock in the semi-finals of the KLM Challenge Cup.

Often a side in the lower leagues might be in a false position. However, Athletico Peartree’s season was going nowhere until Sunday, it’s even possible they won’t even finish in the top half of the Division Three table. However, the shock of the season was on when they got the perfect start when Jimmy Lock pounced on a loose ball and fired home. The rest of the half belonged to Premier Division side Mallard as they first equalised ten minutes later through Glen Lamacraft and then went in front via a neat turn and finish on the edge of the box from Craig Reynolds. Peartree dug deep, and their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the second-half. Terry Lock stepped up, but saw his effort come back off the inside off the post and his side’s hopes looked to have been fading. But five minutes later, Lock made amends when he fired across the advancing 'keeper for level the scores. The returning Leeroy Odd became the hero as, with seven minutes to, play his curling effort from the wing went in via the post to spark wild celebrations from the players and fans. A magnificent result against all the odds.

Ben Bouchnak (hat-trick), Andrew Levy (two), Leeroy Williams, Liam Errington, Darren Sarll and Andrew Iweduino saw Unity Nirankari to a much more comfortable route to the final against their own Division Three opponents, SCS. Could Peartree beat a fourth Premier side?

Carl Lingwood struck from the edge of the box to give King Pin United the lead, and despite hitting both posts in the first-half, they could not extend it. They were made to pay as Nick Wellings and John Vooght sent Highview through to the Division One Cup Final.

Probuild Reserves are through to meet Stevenage Fencing in the Division Two Cup Final this Sunday, but only just. A1 Trophies had a glorious chance to win it in the last minute of normal time, but ‘keeper Stu Howard made a terrific tip over the bar. A1 did take the lead in the first-half through a Greg Bradbury penalty. The equaliser came when a Jay Drackford throw-in was flicked on by Gary Pomfret for Dean Allen to smash into the roof of the net. Their fitness told in extra-time and Drackford headed home when Ian Woodfield chipped the ball over A1 ‘keeper Richard Bowskill before Allen lobbed his second.

Stevenage Fencing's chances of taking the Division Two title took a huge knock when they suffered a second-half comeback, despite a comfortable win against the same opponents in the cup just a week earlier. Stevenage Leisure Ltd took the lead when Alex Lucy converted Carl Smith's cross. However, two headed goals from corners by Joe Delasalle and Tom Hillard and a third before the break from David Hailey seemed to put Fencing in command. Sav Fatania and another Smith wonder strike gave SLL a hard fought point.

Ross Walker netted his first hat-trick in MBDA colours, and it came against his former side, Fox. Two opportunist strikes in the first-half and a belter after it were added to by centre-half Jake Tyler.

(Tuesday saw Probuild Reserves stay top in the three-horse-race as Hartham Press failed to field a side).

Broadhall Reserves took a step further towards the title as Steve Fahey bagged all four goals against Mallard Old Boys. Daz Wilson bagged both in reply. The title could’ve been concluded last night.

An amazing twelve-goal thriller saw Lewis Sealy (four), Joe Whittaker, Stephen Whittaker and own goal on target for Emperors Head. The North Herts Celtic reply came from Dan Burley (two), Michael Turner (two) and Brad Oliver.

Adam McAndrew, James French and Luke Hardy were on target as Stevenage Colts Old Boys Reserves saw off Breachwood Lions.

Chequers could only manage a goalless draw against a nine-man Roebuck Gate.

Coopers enjoyed a comfortable win over Crooked Billet Boro, for whom Mark Hemmings was on target. Gary Chambers (hat-trick), Adam Stevens (two) and Martin Rayner bagged the goals for the champions.

Dave Pateman went nap and hit five as he strived for the Golden Boot. His Highwayman side fell one short of double-figures against White Lion Walkern (Marc Stobart). Cory Cooper also bagged a hat-trick, whilst Ben Gumble nabbed the other.