League action...

Shaun Marshall hit a hat-trick as Dun Cow maintained their perfect start at the top of the Premier Division. Adam Furness and Ian Thorne were also on target against St Nicholas, for whom Carl Fletcher replied.

John Johnston and Ryan Chilcott each bagged a brace as last season’s runners-up Broadhall move into third with a 5-0 win over Stevenage Leisure Limited. Steve Schumann was also on target.

A bitty game which saw fourth place Almond Tree United ’keeper Andrew Palfreyman make a string of top class saves to keep his side in the match, but was helpless when Real Stevenage took the lead just before half-time through Ryan Ellis. The Tree came out strongly and secured a point when Nick Collins tucked away a chance from close range after good work from Dave Holmes.

FC Nirankari are now mid-table as Theo Swaine hit a hat-trick against MBDA. Daniel Levy and Khouri Facey also scored in the 5-2 win, in which Ashley Kersey replied with both, including his 20th of the season.

Division One leaders Marquis of Lorne have obviously frightened their opponents as MKS Carpentry joined last week’s opponents in not being able to field a side, handing them the points. They then had the added bonus of finding out their closest challengers were beaten.

Bedwell Rangers finally got the win that recent performances deserved against second-placed Putterills. This was all despite going 2-0 down early on through Allan Johnston. A defence splitting past fell to Jamie Morriss to coolly chip the on rushing ‘keeper to halve the deficit before the two-goal lead was restored by Greg Collins. Bedwell dug in and continued to play expansive football and found themselves level at half-time thanks to two fine headers from Nick Thomas. Ethan Draper latched onto a throw-in to hit a blinding effort that found the top corner before Morriss scored his second when he found himself through after a sublime pass from James Reeves to make it 5-3. They exploited inevitable spaces at the back and Jacob Dawson leapt to meet a cross and his powerful header whizzed past the outstretched ‘keeper before Luke Smith added their seventh in the ten-goal thriller.

After a goalless first-half, third-placed FC Mallard took the lead through Rob Barton’s composed finish. TC United levelled things up in a highly competitive match with twenty minutes to play, Vince Kernaghan's cross-cum-shot snuck in at the near post.

AJS Tyres Broadhall started the game in determined fashion, but their recent failings in front of goal were apparent again. Odyssey got into the game and took the lead on 15 minutes as Ryan Palmer lost his marker at the back post to head in a free-kick from close range. Broadhall dominated and the Odyssey ‘keeper pulled off a number of good saves and when he denied a late goalbound effort from Phil Stevens it looked like they were going to hold on to their lead. With time running out, new signing Liam Castle hammered home a 20 yard free kick to set up an exciting finish. Either team could have won it at the death, with ‘keeper Perry Thompson pulling off a couple of excellent saves at the other end as the bottom two played out a 1-1 stalemate.

With Division Two’s top three out of action, Pear Tree took advantage to bag a 4-2 win over Crooked Billet Boro. Gary Baker, Richard Gemmell, Reece Munford and new signing Adam Rush were on the mark. Dan Hartland replied with a brace.

Trevor Long (two) and Lee Clarke netted in A1 Trophies’ 3-2 win over Hartham Press, for whom David Mower netted both.

Broadhall Athletic have hung in there and finally got their first league win over the season at the 11th attempt in some style. Garry Smith (two), James McCracken, Mark Chalkley and Dale Griffiths were on target in the 6-2 win, Alex Elmes also celebrated his 26th birthday a few hours early with another. Emperors Head replied through Lewis Sealy and an own goal.

Granby upset the Division Three leaders Broadhall Icon with a 3-2 win. Jaiden Irish (two) and Toby Willis did the damage, whilst Dave Clements netted both for Icon.

Old Barclavians lost their unbeaten record as Roebuck Gate stunned them with two goals in the first ten minutes and led 4-0 at half-time. Dave Morton (two), Stuart Rowe and Kieran James scored, whilst Lee Falanga netted a consolation after the break.

Karl Rickaby bagged a hat-trick as The Old Post Office beat Proverbial United, Theo Griffith and Jason Smith were also on target for TOPO, Cory Cooper and Josh Stock replied.

Stevenage Old Town took an early lead through Gary Linehan when he showed good footwork on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner past Phil Wallis. A goalkeeping error from Callum Kendrick allowed a Paul Hodgson free-kick to squirm home for the equaliser for ABC Taxis before Lewis McClean put them in front before half-time. SOT levelled when a Dale Chester shot was blocked and Billy Reedman smashed in the rebound. They went in front again when Sean Gumble tried his luck from 30 yards and his shot flew over the ‘keeper and just under the bar. The game was secured when Linehan flicked on a goal-kick for Reedman to run clear and take a shot which the ‘keeper failed to keep out, despite a hand.

View Point Wanderers were again suspended for non-payment of fees, so TC Wanderers picked up the three points.