Herts Sunday League round-up

Division One

After being told he would never play football again, Queens Head’s ledgend Sam Ledger made a welcome return to the starting line-up in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Blackberry Jack.

However, the fairytale got off to a bad start with Blackberry Jacks taking an early lead through Anthony Burns. Queens deservedly got back into the game when Phil Turner equalised with a sublime finish before Matt Corran made it 2-1 after a goalmouth scramble.

In the second half a pinpoint cross from Tommy Esom found the head of Turner who powered his header home. Blackberry scored their second through Bradley Gorman.

Late goals were the order of the day as Brookmans Park beat Bradmore Rovers 3-1. A goal down with a late first-half goal, Park played much better in the second half and equalised with 15 minutes to go and then two goals in the last five minutes saw off the opposition. Park’s goals came from Adam Davies (two) and Darren Chillingworth.

Harpenden Arms defeated Six Bells 5-2, with James Pegrum scoring twice for Bells.

Herts Senior Sunday Cup

In a battle of table-toppers from the St Albans and Watford Sunday leagues, Skew dispatched Bushey AFC with ease 5-0 to progress into the third round. Ben Warren scored a hat-trick while Dave Keenleyside and Mark Hitchcock grabbed singles.

Premier Division champions Nicholas Breakspear recorded a 3-2 win against Flaunden, with goals from Sam Clark, Cain Davey, and Rob Browell. Paul Doonan was Breakspear’s star man.

AFC Rangers super-sub Martin King scored a hat-trick (two from penalties) to smash CCFC 6-1. Man of the Match Billy Smith was outstanding with a goal and two assists.

Herts Advertiser Intermediate Cup

In a competitive cup tie spanning two divisions Skew Bridge Reserves defeated Dukes 4-2 with goals from Simon Beazley (two) and Adam Fitton (two). Chris Barry and Nathan Connolly were on target for Dukes.

AFC Mymms defeated Cottonmill 4-2. Mymms’ goals came from Stephen Havard, Simon Skeggs, Dan Boucher, John Kirkbridge while Cottonmill’s goals came from Nathan Ringel and Peter Hulland.

Despite missing six first teamers and going two goals down against PSV, Precision never gave up and ended up wining 3-2. Matty Day and debutant Matty Newman rolled back the years to combine for Newman to score a first, before Chris Wickens got The Seeds on level terms.

Newman then produced an unbelievable overhead kick that the keeper couldn’t hold and Wickens capped a remarkable comeback to book The Seeds into the next round. Owen Jones and Cliff Taverner scored PSV’s goals

After a slow start St Albans IFC took control against Marquis of Granby who put in a good performance. Cal Fowler opened the scoring with a free-kick, before Matt Sumpter doubled the lead after a long dribble forward.

Mario Concialdi notched the third with a 30-yarder before Sam Coote scored his first ever goal for IFC for a fine 4-0 win.

Herts Advertiser Junior Cup

A great team display by The Ridge saw them defeat Herts Athletic 3-1. A goal each by strikers Chris Draddy and Robbie Pullman saw them go into half time with a 2-0 lead. Herts then pulled one back through Derick Cleary before The Ridge killed the game with in-form striker Chris Draddy netting The Ridge’s third goal.

An outstanding performance by James Wheeler plus goals from Ben Haines (two), Jack Gajjar and Tom Gajjer gave Nicholas Breakspear OB Res a 4-1 against Raiders United.

Herts Advertiser Reserve Cup

A Greg Taberner hat-trick, singles for Nick Oddy, Jamie Cunnington and a first club goal for Liam Garrett gave White Horse Res a 6-3 win against Phoenix A. Matt Drinkall was superb in midfield and earned the White Horse Man of the Match award.

Division Two

Church End’s winning streak came to an end with a 3-2 defeat to Victoria.

Billy Barnes headed Church ahead but Victoria hit back to lead 3-1 with goals from Russell Gallagher, Ben Conrad and Micheal Langton. Two disallowed goals frustration Church before Harry Blackman pulled one back. Phil Byrne was Victoria’s Man of the Match.

A lacklustre performance by Herts Mauritian FC saw them lose 3-1 against Wheathampstead Icarus. Their only goal came from substitute Nishan Senanayake.

Division Three

Wheathampstead recorded their biggest win for many years when overwhelming Queens Head Sandridge Res 12-0. Leading the rout was James Lynch with five goals.

Aaron Delaney helped himself to a hat-trick, Lee Bennet scored a brace along with singles from Alan Russell and Steve Horsefield.

Brookmans Park Res found their form with a comfortable 4-0 defeat of Colney Heath Rangers Res, for their second win in the league. Park’s goals came from Ryan Painter (two), Luke Watling and Martin Flamery.

Old Albanians won their first league game of the season with a fine 2-1 success against Blacksmiths Arms. Man of the Match James Elson and Stephen Brewer scored the goals. Olly Franks replied for the Arms.

Division Four

Oaks Res overcame St Albans Royals 2-1, with both of Oaks’ goals coming from Steve Conroy. Royals, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half, scored through Matt Brand. Ian Shaw picked up the Oaks Man of the Match tag.

In a thriller of a game, Marshalswick Rovers defeated Vision Res 5-3. Both sides in turn took the lead, but it was in the last 10 minutes that Rovers fought back with three goals to snatch their third league victory. Rovers’ goalscorers were Alastair Bart (two), Michael Emmett, Gary Hitchen and Paul Thoms.

Harpenden Colts OB and Brookmans Park A served up a 1-1 draw, with Toby Hanlon giving Park the lead before Man of the Match Ross Payton levelled for Colts.

Cheng He and Chris Newcombe put in solid performances in an otherwise lacklustre showing by the Old Boys.

Division Five

Wheathampstead Res recorded their first league win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Athletico Quat. Scott Rolls hit a brace and Ben Harris a single. Ken Fox was the Quat outstanding player.

IFC Reserves matched Jersey Farm’s workrate and used their extra quality to win 4-0. Greg Irving opened the scoring with a superb finish from a tight angle before doubling the lead. John Thompson then smashed home two from close range to seal the win as Jersey Farm failed to turn their possession in goals.

The George Redbourn dominated the game from the start against Bricket Wood, chalking up an 11-0 scoreline. Leading the rout was dual strike-force of Jimmy Lacey with five goals and Aaron King with a hat-trick. Other goals came from Casey Pearce (two) and Rory Pearce. Man of the match for George was Liam Picton.

Camp KBK hit back from two goals down against Bradmore Rovers Res to win 3-2 with goals from the outstanding Dean Jones, Jack Crawley and Jamie Peters.