Great Performance in County Cup...

It was a superb day in the County Cup for our lower division sides, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

Sunday Junior Cup 2nd Round:
Biggest winners were Lorne Rangers. They fell just one short of double-figures against Harpenden Arms. Ross Murphy (hat-trick), Ryan Gregory (hat-trick), Ben Thompson, Kieran Webb and Dean Shakespeare scored.

Two sides won by eight without reply. Walkern Construction saw off Inter Hemel Sunday with Asa Common (hat-trick), Lee Kitching (hat-trick) and Callum Freeman (two) netting, whilst Jamie Fannon-Hill (hat-trick), Darryl Thorpe (two), Jamie Morris (two) and James Reeves were on target in Bedwell Rangers’ hammering of Tolmers.

Breachwood Lions hit a magnificent seven against Gadeside Rangers, again without reply. Danny Jefferies opened the scoring after ten minutes with a delightful chip from the edge of the area and again with a header. He then assisted in Ollie Mason's goal before Ali Collins made it four at half-time. After hitting one post with a long range pass early in the second half, Iaian Turkentine scored with a shot off the other post. Charlie Anderson scored from the edge of the box before another from Collins with a half volley.

Chris Lyle bagged four goals as Granby thrashed Goffs Oak Comrades. Sam Bickerstaff and Gary Haze also netted.

Gareth Woods opened the scoring for Proverbial within five minutes, before Jo Marshall’s fine strike into the bottom corner and Theo Griffith’s finish made it three at the break. Jay Smith had two goals ruled out before calmly slotting home before home side Phoenix ‘A’ pulled one back. However, Woods’ 35-yard cross-cum-shot and Griffith’s fierce strike from 20 yards killed the game off.

Tom Gallagher (two) and Chitalu Chitondo netted in Rileys Athletic’s comfortable win over Oxhey Estates.

Stevenage Colts Reserves dominated the opening exchanges with slick passing and movement off the ball, this produced the opening goal which fell to Dean Page at the edge of the box, who rifled into the top corner. A defensive mix-up saw Marshalswick Rovers level before Ryan Bareham netted a hat-trick in the next half-hour, the last a superb strike from outside the box. Not to be outdone, the visitors stormed back to level the tie. However, with extra-time looming, Callum Gardiner thundered home to put Colts through.

Broadhall 'A' came up against good opposition in Berkhamsted Tornadoes but took the lead after five minutes when a great run and cross from Gary Hillard was smashed into the net by Terry Lee. Two minutes later the scores were level, but almost immediately, Lee played in Michael Emmings to score with a fierce cross shot that took a slight deflection. They were hit with two goals in as many minutes on the half-hour mark to go behind and Emmings also missed a penalty. They got their heads up and a minute after the break, Emmings' pass was collected by Hillard and a really classy finish into the bottom corner tied the game up again. There was good fortune about the winner as Matt Jackson's corner was turned into his own net by a defender.

There were two all-Stevenage clashes, Emperors Head took the lead when a well worked move culminated in Damian Hadlow crossing the ball into the danger area for Lewis Sealy to smash home the opener. Sealy then doubled the lead after he headed in from a Lewis Essam throw-in. Dan Downham then took a free-kick from his own half and saw it bounce over the keeper’s head. Crooked Billet Boro pulled one back through Adam Buckingham before Mick Green netted with Emperors with an awesome overhead-kick before Michael Hemmings went all the way on his own and picked out the top corner. Robert Smith scored a further consolation.

Chequers saw off Odyssey with two in the second period of extra-time. With eight goals shared after 90 minutes, it was a Carl Thompson hat-trick which eventually saw them home. Ricky Wilson (two) and John Mikiel grabbed the others. Louis Gilbert (hat-trick) and Steve Flecknell replied.

Timebridge AFC Res had a walkover against West Herts Social.

Just two sides were beaten by opponents from outside of the league. Icon Onederers were hammered by FC Hedgehog 2010, whilst Apoel Res came to town and did a number on Stevenage Old Town, whose consolation came from Gary Lineham.