Challenge Cup Is Underway...

With the holders in National Cup action, the Challenge Cup took centre-stage on Sunday, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

FA National Sunday Cup:
Nirankari Stevenage received a bye to the second round, so a win would see them emulate last season’s run. Essex side Torrun United took the lead following a long ball over the top. However, an equaliser came almost immediately through a well-worked George Brinkman goal and they took the lead before half-time when Leon Gutzmore finished well in the box. Mark Duckett finished the game off with some neat touches before curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. They now face Belstone away on 21st November.

KLM Challenge Cup Preliminary Round:
Stevenage Old Town enjoyed one of the shock results of the day despite Dave Banks giving Putterills an early lead. Richard Stewart then made space for himself on the wing before curling the ball towards the back post and it looped over the ‘keeper. Gary Linehan collected the ball to knock it home from Paul Smith’s long ball forward before they extended the lead to two when Smith burst through the defence and cut the ball back for Billy Reedman to cheekily tap the ball in through his own legs and past the ‘keeper. Pete Morrison set up a tense finale, but they deservedly held on.

A 100% start to the season for Broadhall A came to a halt in the cruellest of ways at Benington Rec. They took the lead after ten minutes, as Rob Stevenson's free-kick was headed in by Joe Lee. Odyssey then enjoyed a purple patch where they scored three inside ten minutes, the third being a wonder strike. Just before half-time, Phil Stevens took Matt Henning's pass and scored with a brilliant strike into the corner. The second half was one-way traffic, as Broadhall created chance after chance, but could not convert. One save from Lee's volley was out of this world. With 10 minutes to go Stevens flicked on Brad Westall's long throw and Gary Hillard climbed at the back post to head an overdue and deserved equaliser. They couldn’t win it before extra-time, but suffered a cruel blow as the home side broke forward to create their only worthwhile chance of the half, which was volleyed in to the net to snatch an unlikely winner. Ryan Palmer and Richard Veness each scored a brace in the win.

Marquis of Lorne recorded their fourth straight win with an impressive nine without return against FC Squirrel. Captain Frazer Triggs was dropped as punishment for arriving late, which meant Ross Jackson took over the armband and led by example, scoring two. Martin Rees netted a hat-trick, followed by the goals of the game. Firstly Jamie Robertson lobbed the keeper from 25 yards, then Tony Malocco beat the offside trap and smashed the ball into the top corner, giving the ‘keeper no chance. Jamie Campany and Triggs netted late on.

Barry Hazleton was in the goals yet again as Marquis United enjoyed a break from some poor league form to beat Granby. Andy Pilgrim, Theo Swaine and Glen Lamacraft also netted, whilst Chris Lyle’s double made it six-in-two for him.

A John Johnston hat-trick saw Broadhall half-way to a comfortable win over Icon Onederers. Andrew Davis, Ryan Murphy and Martin Thomas grabbed the others.

Steve Gibbons (two), Brad Vooght and Dave Morbin were on the mark in Highview’s win over Shephall Artois, Colin Field replied.

Matt Evans (hat-trick), Tom Gallagher, Paul Brickell, Jake Garwood and Chris Hinch were on the mark as Rileys Athletic won a ten-goal-thriller against Timebridge AFC Reserves. Josh Stock (two) and Ben Gumble replied.

Goals from Lee Falanga and Callum Gardiner saw Stevenage Colts Reserves through against Proverbial.

Sam Jones (two), Robbie Freeman, Paul King and Mark Thompson were on target as Stevenage Colts knocked out Roebuck Gate, for whom Shaun Skutela and an own goal came by way of reply.

An Asa Common brace saw Walkern Construction home against Crooked Billet Boro. Steve Bush netted the consolation.