MBDA, Fencing and Pin Fly The Flag

It was another mixed day for our boys in County Cup action, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

MBDA travelled to Bishops Stortford to take on unbeaten league leaders Grange United Reserves and pulled off a terrific result. With captain Louis Hare and striker Phil Fisher pulling out ill at short notice, the latter’s cousin Glen Fisher was forced to start, and became the club’s first player to be sent-off in three years after half-an-hour when he lost his rag. By this time Kyle Watson and Sam Harwood had put them two up. A magnificent fifty yard run and cheeky finish by Harwood made it three on the hour before the home side pulled one back with seven minutes remaining. Despite an injury leaving them with nine men, Ashley Kersey struck his 18th of the season to finish matters.

Stevenage Fencing also made the last 32 after a good win in Hertford. Liam McQueen curled the first from 25 yards out before Declan McMahon flicked on to Dave Hailey for the second. Hailey then grabbed his second when he saw the ‘keeper off his line and lobbed him from fully 40 yards. Bury Rangers’ goal was a mere consolation.

James Wyatt prodded home the rebound after the Park Rangers keeper failed to hold onto Callum Rowe's shot to put King Pin United in front. It was then Rowe's turn when he quickly pounced on the rebound after his penalty was saved. The home side pulled one back and then equalised in the dying seconds to force extra-time. Steve Buckley restored the lead with an excellent strike from the edge of the box but parity was restored again. Big central-defender Derek McGivern struck the winning goal with a bullet header from Wyatt's corner.

Dun Cow Reserves’ game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, they’ll replay with Three Hammers this week in an attempt to make it four-from-eight for the CSSFL sides.

ProCladd were level at full-time thanks to Barry Mullaney, but the first-half of extra-time saw Phoenix score their second to win the tie.

Sean Grainger and Jason Lovelock were on target as Marquis of Lorne were beaten by Old Albanian.

Ryan Chilcott’s strike wasn’t enough as Broadhall fell to Black Berry Jack.

Putterills were easily beaten at Herald United.

Sunday also saw the first action in the divisional cups. In the Division Three effort, Carl Thompson returned to the strike-force as basement side Chequers stunned their unbeaten opponents as he struck four times. Big John Mikiel scored the other. Broadhall Reserves’ reply came from Hayden McColm (two) and Tom Kelly.

Ian Levy, Steve Bland, Mark Hollis and an own goal saw Roebuck Gate through against Breachwood Lions, for whom Ali Collins bagged a brace.

In the Division Four Cup, Coopers maintained their 100 percent start in all competitions, but it took extra-time to decide the tie. They took a third minute lead when Danny Bowey lost his marker on the back post to head in from a free-kick. Undeterred, a good Broadhall ‘A’ move culminated with Michael Emmings' pass for Paul Hancock, whose lovely finish with the outside of his foot levelled matters. Emmings (ankle) and Matt Dimond (cut head) were both on their way to Lister Hospital at half-time and Coopers took advantage to retake the lead on the hour through Dan Auld’s penalty. A second equaliser came when Rob Stevenson's free-kick somehow found its way into the net with only two minutes remaining. The game was decided five minutes into extra-time with a good strike into the bottom corner by Gary Chambers.

A second surprise saw Marquis Rangers turn over the league leaders thanks to Darren Athinis, Jason Tait and an own goal. Bedwell Rangers’ consolation was from Nick Thomas.