Another Meeting In County Cup... The top two in Division Two will meet in the last 16 of the Herts Intermediate Cup on 22nd January, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info).

Chequers made a slow start and Carl Thompson was called into action early on with a good save. Cuffley soon took the lead with a well taken free-kick, but Gary Gibson replied 15 minutes later with a superbly taken chip over the oncoming goalkeeper. An own goal gave Chequers a fortunate half-time lead. They were more positive after the break and Ollie Barnett made it 3-1. However, a strong away side rallied and pulled one back and then Thompson was called into action again making an amazing save, but couldn’t prevent an equaliser. With just 5 minutes remaining, Steve Teale stroked home a free-kick from 20 yards into the corner to send them through 4-3. It was his 18th goal of the season and came two days before his 27th birthday.

Nirankari Timebridge faced The Association in Bishops Stortford. The game started frantically, culminating in Andy Kelly being sent-off for a wayward tackle after a mere 90 seconds. However, 5 minutes later, the 10 men were in front when they were awarded a penalty after some good work by Dave Pateman, Joel Mason converted. Dean Greenough marshalled the resilient defence to keep the home side at bay before they too were reduced to 10 men after a challenge on Mason led to the ‘keeper being sent-off. He missed the spot-kick this time. However, a neat finish saw him make it 2-1 soon after. More drama saw Timebridge awarded a third penalty, which Mike Travis tucked away. Rich Hall netted from 25 yards before things got worse for the home side as they had their second ‘keeper sent-off for handling outside the box. The resultant free-kick was netted by Mason. It was the 26th goal of the season for the Arlesey Town striker. Terry Pateman was dominating the midfield but it was unfamiliar striker Bobby Sambridge who played in Mason for his fourth of the day to set up the intriguing clash.