St Albans IFC left-back inspires Junior Cup tie victory

Herts Sunday Junior Cup

St Albans IFC made the trip up the A1 to crush the County Cup dreams of a young Royston Heath team in an easy 8-3 win.

With conditions underfoot tricky Royston made the stronger start until IFC took control. Jason Nicolaou started the rout with a neat finish, and doubled the lead with a thumping header from a Harry Honeywood corner. Matt Sumpter made it 3-0 before half-time with a dipping half volley over the goalkeeper.

The second half saw more of the same with a couple of delightful chipped finishes from Spencer Clarke-Mardel and Sumpter to make it five, before Honeywood and Mario Concialdi benefitted from some poor goalkeeping to make it six then seven.

At this stage IFC went hunting for more and didn’t bother defending for a five minute spell in which Royston pulled back three goals. IFC pulled themselves together and scored the last goal of the game, a penalty from Sumpter to complete his hat-trick – not bad for a left back.

Marshalswick Rovers failed to find the back of the net when going down 5-0 away to Riverside Corinthians.

Blacksmiths Arms put in one of their best performances of the season, defeating Hadham Villa 3-2.

A superb performance by Man of the Match Tim Attwood and goals by Aidan Golds and Kieran Johnson edged Arms into the next round.

Herts Advertiser Intermediate Cup

Division Five side Raiders United caused a cup upset when defeating Division Two outfit Insurance Store 5-2. Store’s goals came from their Man of the Match Cesar da Silva and David Boswell.

Division One

Oaks moved into second position in the table when taking their fourth point from Queens Head Sandridge in a 6-3 win. Harry Hunt brought his goals haul to 13 with a Man of the Match performance and two goals. Other goals came from Adam Fowler, Adam Hull, James Hull and Tommy Hunt.

Division Two

Wheathampstead Icarus returned to winning ways, winning their fifth league game in a fine 4-1 result against Beaver Travel. A brace from striker Jon Pitman secured the points.

Man of the Match Adam Winchester and Trigwell also found the net in a great all-round display, moving them up into second place in the division.

Division Five

In a hard-fought game Jersey Farm went ahead against Bricket Wood following some great play for Adam Phillips to open the scoring.

But Bricket Wood shortly equalised before Lee Westrope came off the bench to score the decisive winner for their fourth league success of the season. Dan Beswick was the Jersey Farm outstanding player.

Bradmore Rovers Res’ new signing Jay Welch made an instant inpact with his team-mates, netting a hat-trick in a fine 5-1 win against Wheathampstead Res, moving them up the table into second position. Other goals came from Glenn Mair and top marksman Paul Newton. Matt Harris scored for the village side.