Bedwell Into Last Four

County Cup action on Sunday saw another good day for our league, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

Herts Junior Cup Quarter-Final:
Bedwell Rangers continued their excellent run after a hard fought victory against Bricklayers Arms from Bishops Stortford at Peartree Park. The first-half was a tense affair with both sides failing to take the few opportunities that came their way, but the deadlock was broken half-way through as Jacob Dawson met a Jamie Morriss corner to give Bedwell the lead. They started the better after the break, but it wasn't until 20 minutes from time that they made their pressure count when Nick Thomas struck from just inside the box. The away side continued to push forward to get back into the game but Daryl Thorpe hit a third with only five minutes of the game remaining. Arms managed to bag a consolation from the penalty spot in the last minute but it was not enough. They’d played some fantastic football and duly got the win that they deserved against strong opposition. Next up are FC Hedgehog 2010 from Welwyn Garden City in the semi-final on the 13th March, again at home.

KLM Challenge Cup Round 1:
Sam Stephenson hit all five as Stevenage Colts hammered Odyssey.

Division 2 Cup Quarter-Final:
A cracking game began with Marc Dunn making a great save from Terry Lock after his control and volley on the edge of the box. However, Jimmy Lock did manage to beat him despite him making every effort to keep it out and TC United were in front. Mallard Old Boys levelled the scores when Dan Welch held the ball up in the area to set up Dave Hollands to finish well into the bottom corner. The scores weren't level for long as Gav Bowler’s hooked clearance only found Dan Carroll, whose curling shot found the net to restore the lead for the side top of the league at kick-off. The Old Boys kept going and a second equaliser came when a through-ball to Si Parnell saw him coolly finish. Extra-time it was and a defensive mix-up saw TC go in front for a third time as Jon Dunne slotted home and Terry Lock crashed a shot against the bar as they looked to pull away. Not to be denied, penalties were forced when after a goalmouth scramble, Parnell's shot was parried and Si Jervis finished sweetly. Mallard it was who were victorious, capitalising on Terry Lock hitting the bar again from the first kick and they netted all four through Glen Storey, Si Wagstaff, Tom Hobson and Parnell. It doesn’t get any easier as they now tackle new leaders, Stevenage Leisure Limited, for a place in the final.