Nirankari and Proverbial take trophies...

As the season spilled into May, more trophies were won, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info).

CSSFL Challenge Cup Final (sponsored by TrophyUK.net):
On a lovely sunny morning at the Stevenage FC’s Lamex Stadium, Premier Division leaders Olympic Nirankari took on lowly Division One side AJS Tyres Broadhall. As expected, Nirankari were the dominate side from the off, taking the lead after eight minutes with their second chance. AJS ‘keeper Perry Thompson parried away an awkward shot, but it fell into the path of 17 year-old striker Brandon Finlay, who could not miss. A great move and finish five minutes later saw Rhys Hoenes double the lead. Undeterred, AJS continued to match their rivals and a couple of half chances for Andy Lee and Rob Stevenson went begging. They then had a massive penalty shout, as Stevenson appeared to be brought down, but nothing doing. A brilliant long distance strike by Danny Payne made it three just after the half-hour, which just about settled any doubts about the result. AJS started the second-half well and a great move between Lee and Mike Emmings saw the cross fall to Stevenson, who somehow shot over the bar. Soon after, Adam MacKenzie added the fourth, but sadly departed moments later with a broken foot. Josh Dance finally got himself on the score sheet before a poor effort from AJS's keeper saw him credited with an own goal for a sixth. At no time did AJS give up, they competed and superb performances came from the likes of Michael Carter, Matt Jackson, Warren Ratcliffe and Matt Dimond. The final score was 6-0, with the game played in great spirit at the home of local football.

Division One:
Nick Thomas fired a hat-trick as Bedwell Rangers beat Breachwood Lions 4-3. In the process, they leapfrogged Lifestyles into second place in their final game, leaving the latter requiring a win at Breachwood themselves to re-claim it. Lions took the lead when they capitalised on their flourishing start and Iaian Turkentine's through ball allowed Richard Taaffe to beat the last defender and finish. They went further ahead when Turkentine’s cross again found Taaffe to net at the back post. Bedwell came back into the game and when opposing ‘keeper James Drury was unable to fully hold a high ball, the pulled one back. They squared it at 2-2 before the break. Adding to Thomas’ treble was one for Dan Brownlie as they went 4-2 up. With time running out, a determined Sam Canham pulled one back for the Lions.

Division Two:
Richard Veness and Sam Ridings each netted twice as Benington saw off Hartham Press 6-2 in the battle to avoid bottom place. Ryan Palmer and Ross Smith also netted, whilst Dave Mower got both of Hartham’s.

Division Three:
Proverbial United clinched an exciting title ahead of Broadhall Athletic with a goal-crazy 10-4 win over TC Wanderers. Goals came from Ricki Dowse (two), Benn Evans (two), Brendon Moulton (two), Jamie Campany, Steve Peary, Sam Stephenson and Josh Stock. TC’s response came from Michael Phelan (two), Daniel Court and Alan Gifford.

Results (Wednesday 1st May):

Division Three: TC Wanderers 0 Almond Tree La Coruna 3

Results (Sunday 5th May):

CSSFL Challenge Cup Final: Olympic Nirankari 6 AJS Tyres Broadhall 0.
Division One: Bedwell Rangers 4 Breachwood Lions 3.
Division Two: Hartham Press 2 Benington 6.
Division Three: TC Wanderers 4 Proverbial United 10.

Results (Wednesday 8th May):

Division Two: Benington L JML Plumbing and Heating Ath L.
Division Three: TC Wanderers L Brackas L.
(see website)

Fixtures (Friday 10th May):

Premier Division Cup Final: Broadhall v Olympic Nirankari (Hitchin Town FC, 7.30).

Fixtures (Sunday 12th May):

Premier Division: Olympic Nirankari v Dun Cow (Double-Header, Alleynes School).
Division One: AJS Tyres Broadhall v Coopers United (Peartree Park), Breachwood Lions v Lifestyles (Breachwood Green), MBDA v MKS Carpentry (Meadway Park, 10:00).
Division Two: Emperors Head v JML Plumbing & Heating Ath (Peartree Park).
Division Three: TC Wanderers v Broadhall Athletic (Alleynes School)
(Kick-offs 10:15 unless otherwise stated)