Blackberry Jack record first win in Premier Division

Premier Division

A brace from Tyrone Phipps fired Blackberry Jack to their first Premier Division win as they overcame London Road 3-2. Phipps, making his first start in twelve months repaid manager Derek Rodford’s faith with a goal either side of half-time and a Road strike. The Jacks defence blotted out attacks well with Paul Bremner and Darren Gower anchoring the midfield commendably. Brad Gorman, involved in all three goals unselfishly centred a ball for Antony Burns to make the points safe, but there was a nervous finish after Road scored a scrappy second. Road’s goals came from Jon Sebry and Winston Taylor. Sam McCord was Road’s outstanding player.

League leaders AFC Rangers recorded their second win, defeating Skew Bridge 2-0 with goals by Olly Clegg and Chris Dew.

A hard opening game for newly promoted Hogs Blacksmiths against the pacy Nicholas Breakspear OB side that didn’t let-up throughout the 90 minutes. Hogs looked to have got a foot hold after a well taken Tony Arnold goal levelled the score at 1-1. But by half time Breakspear had forced four more mistakes that all lead to goals. Dene Lewis took his chance to pull the score back to 5-2, too little too late as Breakspear ran out 7-2 winners. Breakspear goals came from Richard Cooke 2, James Juggins 2, Charlie Robinson, Cain Davey and David Parkinson. Ashley Aimakhu

Champions Queens Head Sandridge were pushed all the way for their 3-2 victory against Vision, a late penalty securing the points. Queens goals came from Jo Gibson, Ricky Perks and Phil Turner.

Division 1

Midfielder David Keenleyside produced another virtuoso performance after opening the scoring and providing two assists as Harpenden Colts Old Boys cruised to a 5-1 lead over FC Potters Bar with further goals by Matt Richardson, Tom Dyball and a brace by James Warner before a lack of concentration gifted Potters Bar two late goals in a 5-3 victory. Matt Richardson was outstanding leading the front line for Colts. Jason Mac, Matt Locherie and Kevin Metivier scored for Potters Bar.

Church End started brightly and created a couple of chances before finally taking the lead through Nicky Hanly. Verulam Arms turned the game on its head with some direct play taking a 3-1 lead into half time, including a goal direct from a corner and a Shaun Hoyte own goal.

Church End again started on the front foot creating and wasting numerous chances to draw level with the game eventually finishing 5-2 with Tom Blackman scoring Church’s second.

Brookmans Park scraped a 1-1 draw against Maylands with a late goal from Trevor Smith to cancell out an early second half Mayland goal.

Two goals from Mark Coombes plus Sam Margerrison and Dean Shuttleworth singles and an own goal let to verulam Arms defeating Church End 5-2 Nicky Hanly and tom Blackman replied for Church End.

Table toppers Phoenix continued their winning start but were made to work hard by a well organised Six Bells. Despite dominating possession, especially in the opening 30 minutes, the game wasn’t decided until Liam Addlesee scored his second goal late in the game. Scott Moore also scored two goals in the 4-2 win.

AFC Rangers Res proved too good for Old Albanians, running out 6-1 winners. Daniel Thurlby proved too hot for the Albanians defence, netting a hat-trick, ably assisted by singles from Martin King, Ant Warren and Mark Haywood.

Division 2

Colney Heath Rangers came from behind to record their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Icarus. Both sides had chances in the first half but the game remained goalless at half time. Mid-way through the second half Icarus took the lead through Rich Brankin, but this only inspired Colney Heath to up their game and were rewarded with two goals in the final 20 minutes. The first came from Seb Launden after a good run and fine finish into the bottom corner and the second with five minutes to go by Craig Ashurst.

A powerful all round team performance saw Hare & Hounds totally dominate when beating Oaklands 6-0 and only a string of fine saves from the outstanding Oaklands keeper kept the score from going into double figures. With players back, manager Eddie Pollard had almost a full squad to choose from and the players responded with a dominant attacking display, midfielder Danny Kevin was in fine form and veteran left back Brett Harrison even found time to get himself over the half way line for the first time in 2 years. Man of the Match Adam fowler scored twice, as did Chris Cutmore, Andy Wray and a deft header from Jimmy Manfre completed the scoring.

One of the fancied sides in the division R�al Mail defeated Phoenix Res 5-1 with two goals by Russell Twigg and Daniel Armes and Michael Cattermole singles plus an own goal. Seb Thomas replied for Phoenix.

Beaver Travel got their season back on track when they overcame a very hardworking Three Hammers side 4-2. In a well contested match Beaver got off to a good start when they opened the scoring through Tim Corcoran. But beaver fell back into their old ways and trailed 2-1 after two defensive lapses. Beaver recovered their composure and drew level through Darren Bassill. Beaver then took control to add two further goals from Simon Phillips and a fine free kick by Tim Corcoran, his second of the game. Hammers goals came from Paul Chunn and Craig Taylor.

Footy Pants proved too good for Brookmans Park Res when running out 7-0 winners.

Division 3

Lifted Music took all three points in a close affair with Nicholas Breakspear OB Reserves at Folly Fields. The away side had the better of the first half but couldn’t get past Lifted keeper Alex Hill who pulled off two excellent saves to deny them. Lifted started the second half a lot stronger and Dave Horslen put the home side one nil up after a cracking strike from Tom Roberts came off the post. Nicholas Breakspear searched for an equaliser but were once again denied by Hill in goal, and the points were decided when Tom Middleditch crossed for Matt Albone to score and make it 2-0. Mike Devine was Breakspear’s Man of the Match.

O’Neills Celtic were two goals ahead in the opening minutes against Camp Albanians when cruising to a 10-1 win. Leading the way was Eddie Chisenwa with four goals.l Two goals apiece came from Christian Armah and Sam Galway plus Luke Wright and Chris Lewis singles. Albanians had the satifaction of netting the last goal.

Oaks and Wheathampstead shared the spoiles in a 3-3 draw. Scott Sherman, Harry Hunt and an own goal netted for Oaks. Wheathampstead goals came from Duncan Gray, Chris McEllicott and an own goal. Steve Dorer was Oaks outstanding player.

Bar 62 stormed back from a two goal deficit to overhaul Vision res 7-3. Craig baxter and Chris Anderson bagged two goals apiece with Kyron Staines, Matt Flower and Owen Jones adding singles.

Newcomers Gold Lion made a fine start with a 2-1 win against Kings Head. Kristian Kiss put the Lion ahead then got the “assist” for Aiden Glennon’s headed goal from a corner. Kings Head managed to get a goal back late on but couldn’t break down the Lions fine defence with Joseph Peter Cole picking up their Man of the Match tag.

Division 4

Sandridge Harvesters Sports surprisingly dominated against Marshalswick Rovers from start to finish with singles from Phil Hulks, Tim Shaw, new signing Matt Irons and a hat-trick from Chris Wickens. Man of the match for Sports was Peter Edwards in a strong team performance

A Fantastic performance from two-goal Christian Garzarolli up front was the springboard for Skew Bridge Res 5-1 win against Insurance Store. With Nathan Dawes and Ollie Galea continuing their goalscoring form, new signing Sean Harry also scored his first goal of the season after some great build up play from Beazley and Dawes. Cesar Da Silva replied for the Store side who had Greg Pearson they outstanding player.

Although Marquis of Granby defeated Harpenden Arms 6-4, they were continually pegged back after leading by three goals. Jason Slough was their star player netting a fine hat-trick. Alex Vaughan (2) and Paul Wright completed their scoring.

After throwing away a three-goal lead last week Caledon Thistle picked up their first three points of the season in a 4-3 win over Radlett Village. Dom Lynch brought his season tally to five goals with a brace followed by singles from Sunday League stalwarts steve Young and Rob Flanagan. A fine victory for Thistle that saw their confidence sky high.

Old Albanians Res kept up their fine start to the season with an impressive 4-0 win against Brookmans Park A.

Division Five

Dukes put in their best performance for many a season when defeating Oaks Res 8-2. Dukes ended their first half four goals ahead with goals from Danny Murphy, Cieron Ford, Antony Brown and a penalty from Nathan Connolly. Two further second half goals from Antony Brown to complete his hat-trick, one more from Cieron Ford and a blockbuster from Dean Baker. A superb team performance from Dukes. Jon Hart replied with both Oaks goals.

St Albans IFC scored three goals in each half to overcome Sandridge Sports Harvesters Sports Res 6-0. Matt Sumpter opened the scoring followed by a Anthony Roche volley from corner and a Spencer Clarke-Mardel dribble from halfway. Matt Sumpter took over the second half with a fine hat-trick bringing his tally to four. Despite the scoreline Connor Dunbar-Taylor was in fine form for Sports side.

Harpenden Colts Old Boys Reserves maintained their unbeaten start with a rugged 2-2 draw against Greenwood Park with goals from Steven Easterbrook and Sam Lewis but they twice let their hosts back on terms when Nick Fanshaw and Rob Barron took advantage when the Old Boys failed to defend decisively under pressure. Sam Lewis was outstanding for Colts in central defence and Jamie Gunson worked hard in Colts Midfield. Matt Thorn was Park’s outstanding player.

A fine performance by hat-trick man James Watts plus goals from Barry Ahern, Mark Pearson and Ross Williams gave AFC Crown a fine 6-1 win over Alt Quat Republique.

Cottonmill scored a last minute goal through a James Brookman lob to give Cottonmill a 3-2 win over Phoenix A. Adam White and Pat Nayamangunoa scored Mill’s other goals. But they had thank keeper Chris Johnson for a brilliant display in goal, but he was helpless to stop Tony Gale and Ben Rosen scoring for Phoenix.