Cup Action...

There were plenty of talking points as the cup competitions got into full swing, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

Unity Nirankari made light work of a potential banana-skin as Ben Bouchnak (two), Leeroy Williams, Leon Palma, Andrew Levy and Bobby Dhillon netted against Coopers (Ben Smith) to make the KLM Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Shaun Marshall (two), Adam Furness (two), Dave Kiddie, Sam Gittings and Ian Thorne were on target as Dun Cow thrashed Bottles in the Premier Division Cup. Their opponents’ consolation was also scored by Cow.

MH Goldsmith were three-up against ten-man Mallard after half-an-hour, but a goal from Jim Bywater just before the break was timely. Andy Pilgrim pulled another back before Perry Phillips levelled things up with ten minutes to go. With extra-time looming, Bywater squared to Pilgrim to notch the winner.

In the Division One Cup, King Pin United took a deserved lead albeit through a fortuitous cross-come shot by Jamie Kellett which looped over ‘keeper Kevin Childs. AFC Crooked Billet were level on the hour when a long throw-in found Chris Chalat, who curled the ball into the far corner. United rallied and after James Wyatt was tripped by George Bradshaw inside the box, Carl Lingwood despatched the penalty with ease to send them through to the last four.

John Johnston’s goal wasn’t enough for Broadhall as Dun Cow Reserves went through thanks to Danny Huggins and James Dillnutt.

John Vooght continued his goal glut of late with a hat-trick – 15 for the month, David Morbin (two), Adam Wombwell and Simon Vooght were also on target as Highview turned over ProCladd.

Birthday boy Dave Johnston was the hat-trick hero for Shephall Artois in an eight-goal thriller. He did receive a card too, but it was yellow. Ricky Banks also bagged a brace as he made it five-in-three since his return to the league. Stevenage Colts Old Boys replied through Adam Wisker, Robbie Freeman and Peter Lane.

The big game in the Division Two Cup saw Probuild Reserves beat MBDA courtesy of a solitary 21st goal of the season from Ian Woodfield in the first five minutes after the first two efforts had struck the post and bar. Jason Drackford also hit the bar twice for them, whilst Phil Fisher did likewise in the last minute for MBDA as they went out of a third cup in successive weeks.

A1 Trophies’ recent upturn in form continued despite being level at the break. Rob Duckworth (two), Lewis Benn (two), Greg Bradbury (two), Richard Claydon and Tallem Dennis netted in their rout over Old Town Wetherspoons, for whom Gary Baker replied with his 20th of an impressive season.

Liam McQueen, Joe Delasalle and Lee Kitching were on the mark as Stevenage Fencing edged out Marquis of Lorne. Dan Reid and Frazer Triggs responded.

Stevenage Leisure Ltd dominated the first-half, but only had a Carl Smith strike to show for it. It was more even after the break and Times Club levelled through Perry Faulkner from long range. However, it was Smith who grabbed the winner ten minutes from time when his well placed shot found the bottom corner.

Mallard Old Boys took the lead in their Division Three Cup tie when Si Jervis stole a march on Luke Brackenbury to score before Athletico Peartree were level ten minutes from time when Richard Minnis' pull back found Jimmy Lock, who converted from close range. Minutes later came the game’s talking point when Ross Skipper netted after a melee in the area and after giving the goal, the man in black pulled play back to award a free-kick to Mallard after lenghtly treatment to injured goalkeeper Ian Mann. The Old Boys then rubbed salt into the woud by progressing to the last four with only four minutes to play when a free-kick sliced open the defence and Jamie Campany slotted past Richard Edwards.

Leslie Chappell (two) and Scott Seals scored as SCS beat Stevenage Colts Old Boys Reserves after extra-time. Dean Page and James French were the Colts marksmen.

Lewis Essam (two) and Ben Collins sent Emperors Head through against North Herts Celtic (Darren Curry).

Carl Thompson (two) and Gary Gibson netted for Chequers, whilst Roebuck Gate didn’t quite do enough through Warren Ratcliffe and Ben Broadbent.