KLM Challenge Cup and League action...

KLM Challenge Cup Preliminary Round:
Emperors Head took the lead after a minute through Joe Whittaker, but an excellent strike by Carl Lingwood after fifteen minutes restored parity for Almond Tree United. Dale Chester put them in front before skipper Danny Lingwood made it three at half-time. Carl Lingwood and Ricky Lawrence (two) took it to six before Dave Holmes deservedly got in on the scoresheet. Manager Kieran Bowden then inexplicably turned one into his own net before carrying the ball sixty yards unchallenged to set up Steve Buckley at the other end. They then benefitted from an own goal of their own.

Nirankari Stevenage annihilated Times Club. David Iwediuno (two), Martin Young (two), Tony Ward (two), Leon Palma (two), Andrew Iwediuno (two), Jahmell Mullings, Mark Duckett, Tom Montague and Ricky Bridge netted.

Premier Division:
Marquis United stopped the rot to earn an unlikely point against Dun Cow. Barry Hazleton’s amazing scoring run goes on, whilst Theo Swaine and Andy Pilgrim also netted. Ryan Jenner, James Dillnutt and Shaun Marshall were on target for the Cow.

Scott Durham grabbed a hat-trick as Broadhall hammered Highview. Richards and Steve Schumann also netted.

Division 1:
Colin Field bagged a hat-trick as Shephall Artois beat SCS to consolidate second place. Steve Walsh also netted, whilst Aaron Reed bagged a reply.

Division 2:
Si Parnell and Dave Hollands goals saw Mallard Old Boys complete the double over A1 Trophies.

FC Squirrel got their first win after a seven-goal-thriller. They started brightly and quick-thinking by Scott Taylor saw him fire home from thirty-five yards when he spotted the ‘keeper well off his line. Gaz Baker quickly doubled the lead with a good finish from just inside the box before Putterills came back into it through Pete Morrison and Steve Smith to level at the break. Baker latched on to a though-ball and coolly slotted home before he completed a fine hat-trick as he ran clear and slid the ball under the ‘keeper. Jack Mitchell pulled back a late consolation.

Division 3:
Rileys Athletic are top of the pile after a draw with Bedwell Rangers, for whom Jacob Dawson and Luke Smith were on target. Tom Rydeheard and Tom Gallagher netted for the leaders.

Louis Gilbert and Gary Henniker netted as Odyssey moved to a point behind the leaders. ABC Taxis’ consolation came from Gary Henderson-Thynne.

Stevenage Colts Reserves were two up when Ryan Bareham scored a quick-fire brace. On their way to their first point of the season, Timebridge AFC Reserves stormed back to take the lead courtesy of a Josh Stock brace and an Aaron Collins penalty. However, they were pegged back once more after a flick header from Alan Herbert fell to Carl Green. Stock’s hat-trick goal put Timebridge in front again, despite protestations he controlled the ball with an arm. However, Colts shared the points when captain Lee Falanga scored via a corner.

Division 4:
Roebuck Gate took top spot after brushing aside fellow-unbeaten Breachwood Lions with arguably the teams finest performance ever. The victory came courtesy of a fine hat trick from Dave Morton and goals from Ben Broadbent, Ian Levy, Lewis Collins and Mark Blankley. The closest Lions came was when Ollie Mason converted the rebound from a penalty, but it’d come off the woodwork, so he wasn’t able to touch the ball again.

Stevenage Old Town are sitting nicely two points off the lead after a stunning comeback. Walkern Construction took the lead thanks to a good finish from Michael Bunker before Lee Kitching worked himself into a good position and placed the ball into the far corner of the net from the edge of the area. Chris Bunker then failed to extend the lead when his penalty hit the post. However, it was three at the break when some good build up play from Matt Lawless, Michael Bunker and Olly Roberts saw the latter net with a nice finish. SOT pulled one back through Billy Reedman, running onto a through-ball and lifting the ball over the ‘keeper. It was game on when Gary Linehan pulled one back and then grabbed his second for the equaliser with a powerful strike from the corner of the six yard box into the roof of the net. Linehan was denied a hat-trick, but his shot was parried by the ‘keeper straight to the feet of Paul Smith, who calmly passed the ball into the net for a dramatic winner with five minutes left.

Steve Bush (hat-trick), Christian Goodyear (two) and Rob Smith netted as Crooked Billet Boro won an exciting game against Proverbial. Theo Griffiths, Joe Marshall Zeal and Laurie Bambridge replied.

Chris Lyle made it eight goals in three games for the normally goal-shy player, but Granby had to share the points with Lorne Rangers. Ryan Gregory and Anthony Rowe replied.