Broadhall End Cow Run... Dun Cow’s 100 percent record finally went as Broadhall nicked a point, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info).

In the Herts Senior Cup, FC Nirankari failed to set up an all-CSSFL quarter-final this week against Dun Cow as Comets Sports Club came to town and returned with a 3-0 victory.

CSSFL Challenge Cup action saw a keenly contested first-half where Putterills utilised their long throw-ins and took the lead through Allan Johnston. However, Premier Division side MBDA woke up and a push in the box resulted in a penalty, but Sam Harwood’s kick was brilliantly saved. The equaliser came almost immediately after the break through some brilliant passing and a cool finish from Kyle Watson. MBDA then got a grip on the game and the attacks were relentless. Ashley Kersey broke through, struck the post and Ross Walker tapped in the rebound to put them in front. Watson grabbed his second after cutting inside the defender and seeing his shot roll under the ‘keepers body before Kersey got on the score sheet when he shook off the defender and rounded the ‘keeper. Si George and Walker both saw efforts saved well by the ‘keeper and a goal bound Louis Hare effort was blocked by team mate George. The fifth goal and final goal saw Kersey show delightful control from a ball forward, he then curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 5-1. They now face FC Nirankari or Hartham Press in the last 16.

With a place in the quarter-finals at place against Real Stevenage, both teams seemed motivated for this game, and the game started at a quick pace. A number of chances went by for both sides, with both ‘keepers performing well. A1 Trophies finally found the break-through around the half-hour mark when Trevor Long found himself on the edge of the area to chip home. A pivotal moment of the game came just before half-time when Granby were awarded a penalty. However, Chris Essam made a good save from the kick and recovered to make a brilliant second save from the rebound. Jaiden Irish did level the scores on the hour, but the deciding goal came with 15 minutes to go when the ball broke to Simon Longman, who unleashed a powerful drive to beat a helpless ‘keeper.

In the Premier Division Cup, both teams had chances before St Nicholas took the lead. However, immediately after the re-start, Danny Lingwood scored with a belter from the edge of the box to draw Almond Tree United level. The second-half saw the lead regained only for Dave Holmes to equalise for Tree after good work from Bradley Vooght. Extra time came and after Tree squandered several chances, St Nicholas struck twice on the counter-attack and will now face FC Nirankari or Arena-Group in the semi-finals. James Tyrer hit a hat-trick and Paul Clarke netted the other.

Premier Division leaders Dun Cow lost their 100% record despite Broadhall having a depleted team with five centre-halves missing. Despite John Johnston playing at the back as he cover, he struck as did Declan McMahon from a 35 yard free-kick. Cow’s goals came from Scott Mahoney and Ian Thorne.

Lez Chappell (two) and Andy Yates netted as new boys Real Stevenage moved into mid-table. Arena-Group responded through Piers Le-Grand.