Nirankari, AJS, Icon first teams into Last Eight...Nowhere near the same drama in the Challenge Cup this week, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info).

Olympic Nirankari beat Coopers United 9-3 in the CSSFL Challenge Cup thanks to Ricky Case (hat-trick), Joel Mason (two), Rhys Hoenes, Andrew Iwediuno, Adam MacKenzie and a Craig Vincent own goal. Following the latter, Wayne Hall netted direct from the resulting kick-off. Hall also netted a second and Christian Goodyear was also on the scoresheet. They now play Benington or Brackas.
Further good news for Olympic Nirankari saw them re-instated into the Herts Senior Cup on Tuesday after a three-month appeal. They’ll meet Oxhey Estates on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. The finalists, AFC Boars, await their opponents on 7th April.
A resurgent AJS Tyres Broadhall continued their good form by unexpectedly knocking out fellow Division One rivals Bedwell Rangers. Rangers weren’t at their strongest, with players away or carrying knocks, but they came closest to breaking a first-half deadlock. Luke Smith rounded the ‘keeper, only to get the ball caught between his feet and see it cleared by Matt Dimond. With time running out and extra-time looming, AJS made a breakthrough. Bedwell defender Daryl Thorpe was first to an AJS through ball, but under hit his back pass, which allowed Andy Lee to nip in and square the ball to Rob Stevenson to score past Aaron Austin from very close range. They continued to attack and deep into added time, Phil Stevens was fouled on the edge of the area. From the free-kick, Stevenson smashed the ball into the corner to clinch a deserved 2-0 win and a quarter final tie with Lifestyles, who went through as Broadhall Athletic failed to raise a side.
Piers Le Grand (two), Michael Bunker (two) and Ricky Phillips were on the mark as Broadhall Icon beat Emperors Head 5-2. Ieuen Lewis and Stuart Smillie replied. Icon will now meet King Pin United or Broadhall.