League action...big boys come good in the end...

Premier Division:
The top two left it late before sewing up their matches comprehensively. Leaders Nirankari Stevenage led through a solitary David Iwediuno overhead kick at half-time, but he grabbed a second, before brother Andrew Iwediuno, Martin Young (two) and Joe Finn netted after the break. MBDA substitute Kyle Watson netted a brace in three minutes to briefly rattle their opponents, but defensively they were all at sea.

Dun Cow were finding it hard to break down Broadhall and the opener came on 65 minutes when Scott Mahoney’s free-kick found the head of James Dillnutt. Adam Furness made it two with a powerful low strike and the third came from Ian Thorne. Mahoney put away a penalty he won before a neat finish from Ryan Skeggs finished it off.

Marquis United’s miserable title defence continued despite taking a two-goal lead with strikes from the promising Theo Swaine and yet another from Barry Hazleton. However, in the second-half, Bottles battled back to be worthy winners thanks to Liam Castle (two) and Lee Wilson.

Division 1:
Nirankari Stevenage Res continued their faultless start to the season despite Coopers taking the lead through a Dan Auld penalty. Ricky Case won the game in style, notching four times. Terry Pateman (two), Rich Hall and Steve Teale grabbed the others. Coopers replied when Rich Griffths scored a lovely solo effort and Ben Slater scored from 25 yards.

Shephall Artois are second after a resounding win over Stevenage Fencing. Alex Welch (two), Colin Field and Liam McQueen against his former club were the marksmen.

Scott Durham and last season’s Golden Boot winner Steve Fahey were on target in Broadhall Res’ win over SCS. Dean Chadderton hit a consolation.

Ross Jackson and Martin Rees netted as Marquis of Lorne beat Stevenage Colts. Luke Bennett replied.

Division 2:
Hartham Press started well against the leaders and went ahead thanks to a wonder goal from James Khakpour-Smith, who volleyed a flick-on from a throw in into the top corner from half way inside the opponents’ half. However, Hermit of Redcoats took control, beginning with a fabulous 30-yard screamer from Graham Akers and a goal from Jack Wynn before the break. Josh Dance went close on a number of occasions, including a missed penalty before a well worked free-kick saw Anthony Lanni score from close range. Dance scored after the break before David Mower gave them the jitters by netting at the other end from an Andy Parrish knock-down. However, Akers’ second finished it off.

TC United are chasing hard and secured a win in dominant fashion as they hit an avalanche past FC Squirrel. The pick of the goals were Craig Joy's spectacular 35-yard drive into the top corner and Ben Sheldrake's rasping volley. Terry Lock and Ben Collins each scored two with Jon Dunne, Alan Gifford and Joe Lucy completing a fine team performance.

Timebridge AFC took the lead through Dave Pateman with a well worked opening goal. However, Stevenage Leisure Limited levelled through a deflected Carl Smith free-kick. The lead was restored by Tom Younger before Smith popped up again before brother Stewart Smith scored with a terrific lob before the break to put them in front. Smith's hat-trick goal, followed by Tom Wisson and Alex Lucy strikes put them out of sight, despite Tony Waters’ late consolation.

Si Parnell hit a brace, once from the spot and Dan Welch the other as Mallard Old Boys beat A1 Trophies to make it two-wins-from-two after a poor start to the season.

Division 3:
There was a rare goalless draw between ABC Taxis and Times Club.

cheers, Darren “Statto” Jones, statto@cssfl.info, www.cssfl.info