Hammerton's hat-trick inspires Broadway to victory

BROADWAY had to twice come from two goals down to take all three points and maintain their five-point lead at the top of the table.

A lacklustre first half saw United two goals behind within the first 15 minutes. The visitors had to field a changed team due to absentees and goalkeeper James Bishop became a makeshift striker following a shoulder injury which saw central defender Luis Sone in goal.

He was the busier of the two keepers with Broadway finding it difficult to get any rhythm going. They did. however, pull a goal back with Alex Hammerton's shot going in off the crossbar.

It wasn't long before Lakeside regained their two-goal advantage just before the break and Broadway nearly went three goals behind at the start of the second half when the ball struck a post and Harry Parker cleared well under pressure.

It was the kick Broadway needed and they began passing the ball around, using width and they finally began to believe in themselves.

A superb turn and shot from Jacob Knight halved the deficit and it wasn't long before Alex Hammerton equalised with another well- taken goal, quickly followed by his hat-trick with an exquisite lob.

Lakeside didn't know what had hit them and Bishop got his side's fifth goal following more good build-up play.

Broadway had chances to increase their lead but settled for the 5-3 win which, at half-time, looked a long way off.

The winners travel to Prestbury Park in Cheltenham on Sunday to face Cheltenham Saracens (2.30pm).

Witney Vikings Yth 0, Hook Norton U-9 1

A CLOSE-FOUGHT match was decided by a late goal from Danny Molyneux.

There were chances at both ends and Vikings deserved a draw but Hooky hung on to win a match played in a great spirit.

Moreton Rgrs U-10 0, Chipping Norton Tn Swifts 1

EVERYONE knew it would be a fiercely contested match and the players from both teams didn't disappoint.

Kaleb Cooper kept Chippy in the game in the first half with a superb reaction save.

The visitors stepped up a gear in the second half and, with some quality crosses into the box by Dan Newman and Matty Lewis, Chippy did everything but score.

Another great save from Cooper saved Chippy's blushes before a combination of passes involving Dan Newman and Jack Williams-Sharkey allowed captain Dan Newman to send a blistering shot into the top corner.

Chippy's player of the match award was shared by Newman and Cooper.

Peopleton U-12 3, Ilmington 2

LUCIAN Keegan fired in a superb late winner to give Peopleton a welcome win George Fletcher had earlier given the hosts the lead but, after both goalkeepers had made good stops, Ilmington netted twice to take the interval lead.

Will Clarke made it 2-2 after the restart from Jack Hancock's cross before Keegan's late clincher.

Peopleton 1, Evesham Utd U-11 1

BOTH sides were awarded early penalties in a dramatic opening eight minutes.

Skipper Billy Stokes fired in well for Evesham but an equally emphatic finish at the other end left the sides chasing a winner.

Defences were on top with Tom Fensome and Charlie Green shining for Evesham who had the best chances but a draw was a fair result.

Evesham Utd U-14 6, Alcester 2000 0

EVESHAM maintained their unbeaten sequence in the Ambassador League and keeper James Taylor kept yet another clean sheet.

Adam Boycott opened the scoring and provider Andy Powell then made it 2-0 from a fine pass by Matt Fellows.

Fellows then set up Henry Woods to make it 3-0 at the start of the second half and the substitute soon doubled his tally after good work from captain Tom Evans.

Pedro Bernardo made it 5-0 from a Powell corner before Elliot Grady completed the scoring with a penalty after he had been fouled in the box.

Evesham Utd U-14 4, Newtown Spts 0

DESPITE their lowly position in the Mercian League, Sports proved difficult opponents as Evesham continue in their pursuit of championship honours.

James Bearcroft set up Andy Powell for the game's opener and the scorer then provided Elliot Grady to make it 2-0.

Newtown's keeper produced three top-class saves but was helpless to prevent the hosts doubling their total in the second period when Grady and Joel Haycock found the net.

Shipston Excelsior 3, Pershore Utd U-9 4

TWO evenly-matches sides produced a cracking contest that was only decided late on when Jordan Cox netted to complete his hat-trick.

George Way cleared a Shipston shot off the line early on but the hosts took the lead with a cool finish.

This stung Pershore into action and Cox produced a confident finish for 1-1.

United then conceded again but again Cox levelled before the break after good work from Alex Stayte.

The home side led for a third time only to be pegged back when Alex Stayte fired in leaving hat-trick hero Cox to find the net with a near post header from Stayte's corner and earn the visitors victory.