Broadhall Looking To Dominate Finals... Three sides already through to finals, Broadhall’s other side are 90 minutes away from a clean sweep, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info).

CSSFL Challenge Cup:
Division One sides AJS Tyres Broadhall and Lifestyles met in the last eight. AJS started brightly, despite being under-strength and Warren Ratcliffe came closest to scoring as his swirling free-kick was finger-tipped onto the crossbar. Limited chances after the break saw the game go into extra-time goalless. Rob Stevenson almost won it at the death for AJS as his free-kick was brilliantly tipped away at full stretch by the Lifestyles ‘keeper. A penalty shoot-out ensued, AJS ‘keeper Perry Thompson superbly saved Lifestyles' first and fourth kicks, with AJS' Mike Emmings, Stevenson and Ratcliffe successfully converting theirs. Although Joe Lee blazed over his effort, Michael Carter confidently tucked away the deciding kick to put AJS through 4-3 and a semi-final tie against Division Two side JML Plumbing & Heating Athletic.

Josh Dance (two), David Iwediuno, Joel Mason and an own goal saw Premier Division Olympic Nirankari through 5-0 at Division Two outfit Benington.

Premier Division side King Pin United were on the back foot early on against their Division Two opponents Broadhall Icon, but then took the lead through a Dan Hartland penalty after Craig Reynolds was brought down after a good turn. They then took hold of the game after the break with goals from Luke Bennett and Hartland again, after more good work from Reynolds. Hartland completed his hat-trick with another clinical penalty before Dave Holmes got in on the act from another Reynolds assist. James Wyatt rounded off the scoring for Pin before a late Broadhall consolation from Tony Waters. It finished 6-1 and they now face Olympic Nirankari in the last four.

Division One Cup:
With a bare XI, Breachwood Lions started the better of the two sides, with the wind advantage, and almost made the perfect start when Ali Collins beat the offside trap, but shot over the bar. MBDA started to settle into the game and took the lead with a well-worked team goal. Starting from Andy Gibb throwing the ball out to Alan Kenney, the ball was played into Louis Hare, who passed to Si George, Phil Fisher then played a one-two with Craig Sutherill, who crossed the ball for Gary Hodgson to slot past the Lions ‘keeper. Lions responded well and within five minutes were level, a long throw was allowed to bounce in the box and right through to the backpost, where Ollie Mason headed back across goal and into the corner. MBDA then pressed the ball and a cross into the box was not cleared enough and it fell to Ross Walker to make it 2-1 before half-time. MBDA showed their superiority after the break, Hodgson went on to net twice more to complete a hat-trick and they should’ve had more. Final score was 4-1 and they await the winners of this week’s other semi-final.

- MBDA v Bedwell Rangers or Lifestyles will take place at Hitchin Town FC on Friday 26th April with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Premier Division:
Ryan Chilcott and Tonoka Chitote each netted a brace as Broadhall hammered Dun Cow 5-2. Jordan Davis scored their other.

Division One:
Bedwell Rangers needed three points in their pursuit for the runners-up spot, but despite creating most of the chances in the first half, they found themselves one down to MKS Carpentry after twenty minutes as a long ball over the top was slotted home by Shawn Comber. In truth, they could have been further in front had they taken two more golden opportunities. It was not until late in the first-half when two goals in as many minutes swung the game Bedwell’s way. Firstly, James Reeves latched on to a near post cross to net and then Nick Thomas slotted home from close range to give them the half-time lead. Ross Murphy then curled home a shot in from the edge of the box for number three. Not to be outdone, Luke Smith netted a brace to make the final score 5-1, but he also missed the chance of a hat-trick from the penalty spot when he slipped as he struck the ball and put it over the bar.

With their first league win of the season last week behind them, Coopers United started the game in high sprits and were in front after ten minutes when Dave Brown slotted home from inside the box. Chequers turned the game around to lead before Brown headed Coopers level before half-time. They led again when Craig Vincent headed a Sam Jamerson cross home. Just when things were going their way, Danny Hillard was sent-off for a second yellow card and Chequers levelled. Gary Gibson, Carl Thompson and Ricky Wilson were on target for them. However, ten-man Coopers went on the win the game with just a couple of minutes left when Brown netted from the penalty spot for his hat trick and his seventh goal in three games.

Division Two:
Collins Nwanazia, Chris Williams and Tom Younger were on target as Crooked Billet Boro beat Emperors Head 3-2 in a mid-table clash. Wayne Richards and Joe Whittaker replied.

Division Three:
Ricky Reynolds (two), Tom Hillard and Craig Gilbert were on the scoresheet as Broadhall Athletic beat ABC Taxis 4-1 to make them favourites for the title. Lewis McClean scored a consolation.

A brace from Brackas striker Theo Griffith dealt a blow to Proverbial United’s title hopes. Despite still being unbeaten, it was United’s fifth draw of the season, Ryan Scarrott and Sam Stephenson were on target as the game finished 2-2.

A1 Trophies leapt into third and give themselves an outside chance of promotion as Dean Dolby (two), Tallem Dennis and Si Longman netted in the 4-1 win over View Point Wanderers. This ended Wanderers’ title-tilt in the process.

A very dreary affair saw an eight-man Almond Tree La Coruna make if very difficult for TC Wanderers to break them down. Both sides had a goal ruled out before TC scored the only goal of the game when Jimmy Lock got the ball on the edge of the box and took a shot from a standing position and scored via the underside of the crossbar.