Junior Joy...

It was a good day in the Herts Junior Cup as our clubs began the County Cup journey, writes Darren “Statto” Jones (statto@cssfl.info).

Herts Intermediate Cup 1st Round:
In a game brought forward a week, Broadhall Athletic were beaten by a solitary AFC Welwyn goal.

Herts Junior Cup 1st Round:
Churchill Knight came to Stevenage and started well and it took a block from Dave Morgan to deny them. He was injured in the process and was replaced by Aaron Reed, he had a immediate impact when a through ball from Dean Chadderton found him to put Pear Tree in front. Rich Edwards preserved the lead at the break with a good save. An inch-perfect cross from Charlie Blackham found Glen Collins to head home number two and Gaz Baker smashed home another after Chadderton’s shot was blocked. Baker netted again from Collins’ pass before Edwards was finally beaten after a succession of saves late on for 4-1.

Stevenage Old Town opened the scoring through Billy Reedman, who at the second attempt blasted the ball into the net. Visitors SLM equalised when a mix-up at the back allowed their striker to sprint through and slot past ‘keeper Michael Townhill. Reedman volleyed home a brilliant goal from 25 yards out before Dale Chester broke down the wing and cut the ball back to Gary Linehan to smash into the roof of the net before half-time. SLM pulled another back with a powerful finish from the edge of the box before Callum Kendrick flicked the ball into the path of Linehan to slot home his second before he completed his hat-trick with a low drive from just outside the box.

Broadhall Icon beat Zenit St Whetstone 3-1. Michael Bunker, Chris Bunker and Dave Clements put them through.

ABC Taxis also won 3-1, at FC Cestrehunt. Billy-Joe Sewell, Lewis McClean and John Saunders on target.

Roebuck Gate went through as The Bull Athletic withdrew.

It took extra-time for the only defeat amongst our Clubs. Marquis of Granby went in front in Harpenden before View Point Wanderers hit them with a quickfire brace through Lee Hollingsworth’s header and a smart Mike Coombes finish. The home side came roaring back and were 4-2 up on the hour. The fightback was on again, a stunning hit from 20 yards by Steve Stapleton gave them hope before John Wilson drilled home to level. However, they went to sleep early in extra-time and conceded what turned out to be the winner.