Eight-Man Almond Tree Through... Most of the divisional cup last eight ties were played on Sunday, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info).

In the Division One Cup, a formality was expected as runaway leaders MBDA met AJS Tyres Broadhall, who they’d put 19 past without reply in their two league meetings. However, it was a closely contested game and provided them with one of their biggest tests of the season. AJS were also without regular ‘keeper Perry Thompson, but Mike Emmings was absolutely superb throughout, his early double save was top drawer. MBDA were looking to top scorer Ashley Kersey as their outlet, but they were well marshalled by Brad Westall and Matt Dimond. However, just as it looked to be a scoreless first-half, the pivotal moment of the game saw Kersey seize on a loose ball to fire a fizzing volley past an unsighted Emmings. They had chances to increase it after the break, but 1-0 was enough.

Despite high-scoring games between the sides recently, it was a tight first-half and Breachwood Lions came closest when Richard Taaffe hit the outside of the post from the edge of the box. Carl Thompson in the Chequers goal pulled off a couple of close range saves from Martin Rees and Sam Canham, but the deadlock was broken just seven minutes from time when Ali Collins fired a low shot home. The game looked won, but two minutes later, the dangerous Gary Gibson was able to find the space to shoot pass Brendan Hansen, who’d replaced the injured Andy Fildes. Extra-time it was, and Lions benefitted from the fresh legs of John Griffin in midfield. Just as the game looked like it was going to penalties, an uncontested ball in the air enabled Taaffe to turn and pull off an acrobatic to score the winner and send Lions through 2-1 and a semi-final with MBDA.

Coach and Horses were able to field their strongest side of the season, but might be having a re-think as Lifestyles tore them apart. Four-up after just 15 minutes, they eased off before the break. Coach kept the spirit going, but after four more in their net, they did get one back through Lewis Littlechild. A late penalty kick was given to the old boy of the team, Colin Littlechild, but his shot hit the bar so sum up their day. Kieran Ellis (hat-trick), John Chilton, Michael Difford, Stewart Smith, Ryan Woolhead and Jack Worbey were on target in the 8-1 win. They now await the winners of the Bedwell Rangers v Coopers United tie.

The Division Two Cup saw leaders Broadhall Icon ease through to a last four meeting with Hartham Press or Old Barclavians. They took the lead within the first minute when Dean Allen latched onto a through ball from Dan Gregory to finish. JML Plumbing & Heating matched them for the rest of the break, but neither team added to the score-line. Michael Bunker’s long pass on the hour mark put Gregory through on goal, but he was upended in the box, he stepped up himself to make it 2-0.

Crooked Billet Boro went through to a semi-final meeting with Benington after a deserved win, yet flattering score-line against Roebuck Gate. The two mid-table sides produced an excellent first-half, but two rarities occured. Firstly, a Ben Snowden header, followed by a James Marshall goal. Chris Wotton made it three before the break. Gate came right back into it after the break, but were eventually hit with a sucker punch from Collins Nwanazia to kill the game off at 4-0.

An eight man Almond Tree La Coruna made it to the semi-final of the Division Three Cup against TC Wanderers or A1 Trophies. The first chance fell to opponents Brackas, when a volley from the edge of the box was pushed away by ‘keeper Scott Taylor, who then miraculously got a strong hand to another shot to push the ball over the bar. At the other end, Rhys Flavell headed over from six yards out. The only goal came when Flavell fed Darren Gray, who coolly slotted home at the near post. Their formation of 3-3-1 was working a treat with them limiting Brackas to long range efforts. The three man advantage started to show as the game went on, but they held on to the 1-0 lead on what proved to be a fantastic day for the club.

Dave Pateman (two) and Jamie Campany netted as Proverbial United edged a close game 3-2 against ABC Taxis. Sacha Ferguson and Adam Payne responded, but United go through.

Craig Gilbert hit a hat-trick to earn Broadhall Athletic a meeting with Proverbial in an interesting semi-final after a 4-3 win over Stevenage Old Town. Andy McCracken netted the other, whilst SOT replied through Lee Kingham (two) and Jason Boggis.

In the League Phase of the Frank Neville Memorial Cup, Benington made light work of the 1-0 handicap start to beat View Point Wanderers 4-1 overall. Louis Gilbert (hat-trick) and a first goal in many years from Dan Barnes saw them home.

The Council have called off all Fixtures on their pitches for Sunday 20th January, a couple remain on private pitches at time of going to press. See website for updates.

Results (Sunday 13th January):

Division One Cup Quarter-Finals: Bedwell Rangers P Coopers United P, Chequers 1 Breachwood Lions 2 (aet), Coach & Horses 1 Lifestyles 8, MBDA 1 AJS Tyres Broadhall 0.
Division Two Cup Quarter-Finals: Broadhall Icon 2 JML Plumbing & Heating 0, Hartham Press P Old Barclavians P, Roebuck Gate 0 Crooked Billet Boro 4.
Division Three Cup Quarter-Finals: ABC Taxis 2 Proverbial United 3, Brackas 0 Almond Tree La Coruna 1, Broadhall Athletic 4 Stevenage Old Town 3, TC Wanderers P A1 Trophies P.
Frank Neville Memorial Cup (League Phase): MKS Carpentry P Emperors Head P, View Point Wanderers 1 Benington 4.

Fixtures (Sunday 20th January):

CSSFL Challenge Cup First Round: Benington v MKS Carpentry (Benington Rec), Breachwood Lions v TC Wanderers (Breachwood Green).
Division Three: View Point Wanderers v Brackas (Alleynes School).