Challenge Cup Shocks... All three games in the league’s riband competition saw victories for sides against teams in a higher division, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info).

In the first round of the CSSFL Challenge Cup, Division One leaders MBDA finally got something out of their Premier Division opponents Dun Cow, and how. After being roundly beaten in their seven meetings over the previous two seasons, they came back from being second best in the first twenty minutes and went in front with a quality goal from Phil Fisher after some one-touch passing. Top scorer Ashley Kersey made it 2-0 before half-time. They were on top at the start of the second-half and Kyle Watson netted with a great header from a superb cross from Craig Sutherill, who then scored himself five minutes later for number four. Cow were wounded and set about to make their mark on the game in an over-physical manner. They pulled one back when Andy Gibb pushed Scott Mahoney’s free-kick into the roof of the net. However, with five minutes to go, Charlie Lawson managed to toe the ball to Ross Walker, who ran on and drove home a trademark finish across ‘keeper Shaun Marshall and into the far corner for 5-1. They will meet Coach and Horses for a place in the quarter-finals.

Division Three strugglers TC Wanderers travelled to face Breachwood Lions from Division One. They started very brightly and Sam Poulton rose un-marked at the back post to head home a corner after 15 minutes for their opener. They doubled their lead just before half-time when Michael Phelan does what he does best, smashing home emphatically. Lions upped their game after the break and they pulled one back through John Griffin. TC then made a change with Jimmy Lock coming on making a nuisance of himself with constant running. A Jason Haze through-ball released Phelan down the wing, he pulled the ball back across the box and Lock pounced with the easiest goal he'll ever score. Lock then provided Poulton, who headed home his second to make it 4-1 and they now look forward to JML Plumbing and Heating Athletic in the next round.

Division Two side Benington beat their Division One opponents MKS Carpentry 2-1 after extra-time. Will Cubitt and Simon Flecknell were on the mark, Josh Timmins replied. They now meet Brackas.

Ricky Case (two) and Joel Mason were on target as Olympic Nirankari beat King Pin United 3-2 in the Premier Division. Dan Hartland and Carl Lingwood replied.

The Division One form book went out of the window as AJS Tyres Broadhall inflicted a heavy defeat on second placed Lifestyles; a team that had previously won every game against teams below them. They took the lead on 20 minutes as Joe Lee pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box to fire home. The defining moments of the game came in the minutes either side of the break. First, AJS' Matt Jackson made a brilliant last ditch goal saving tackle. Shortly, after AJS’ stand-in ‘keeper Mike Emmings was rounded, but he pulled off an amazing save that he had no right to. The second goal came when Warren Ratcliffe's cross was headed down by Liam Castle for Michael Carter to finish well into the corner. After the break, AJS made it three when Phil Stevens superbly turned in Rob Stevenson's driven near post cross before Stevenson clinched the win with an unbelievably powerful free-kick from 25 yards. Lifestyles gave themselves some hope with a Ryan Ellis penalty with just under half-an-hour to go. However, AJS were not to be denied and Andy Lee's persistence saw him accept another great Stevenson though ball for a tidy finish to clinch an excellent 5-1 win.

Ross Murphy, Luke Smith and Nick Thomas netted as promotion hopefuls Bedwell Rangers beat Coopers United 3-1. Dave Brown replied.

Chequers and Coach and Horses played out a goalless draw.

Division Two leaders Broadhall Icon beat Crooked Billet Boro 2-0 thanks to Dan Gregory and an own goal.

Lee Falanga and Joe Marshall-Zeal netted as Old Barclavians bounced back with a 2-0 win over Roebuck Gate.

Lewis Osborne (two), Tom Gallagher, Jon Dunn and an own goal saw JML Plumbing & Heating Athletic to a comfortable 5-0 win over Hartham Press.

Broadhall Athletic kept a grip on the Division Three title race despite a patchy display. Skipper Mark Chalkley fired them into a tenth minute lead with an unstoppable shot from fully 30 yards. However, a defensive mix-up saw Brackas level through Alex Goodson before they went on to create several more chances. Athletic stepped it up after the break and the ever dependable Gary Hillard crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar and apparently over the line. The Referee wasn’t able to see, but the honest Brackas official running the line signalled it’d gone over, what a moment of fair play, which Broadhall FC have since wanted to highlight. Tom Hillard’s serene finish into the top corner made it 3-1 before Theo Griffith pulled another one back. Finally, Hadley Grazette made it 4-2 with a calm finish from ten yards.

View Point Wanderers kept up the pressure on the leaders with a hard earned win over A1 Trophies. Scott Taylor should’ve put them in front, but his early penalty was saved. Shortly after, they were in front as a Charley Blackham corner was delivered with such pace and bend that it beat everyone and ended up in the back of the net. Wanderers were then thankful for an excellent low save by the Lee Hollingsworth before they finally clinched the game when Taylor side-stepped his marker and hit a stunning drive into the top corner for 2-0.

Although still unbeaten, Proverbial United dropped crucial points against a struggling ABC Taxis side, despite a Sam Stephenson brace. Karl Cleverdon and Jeff Slingsby netted for ABC as they earned a 2-2 draw.

Almond Tree La Coruna were in front after some great build up play between Stephen Clibbon and Darren Gray ending with the latter teeing up Rhys Flavell, who fluked the ball over the ‘keeper and into the top corner. Stevenage Old Town equalised after the break through Gary Linehan’s calm finish. Flavell fired wide before Scott Taylor’s dangerous cross saw Stephen Moss place a header into the corner of the net for 2-1. Clibbon almost produced a third, but for a solid challenge from the centre back.