Reading Chronicle | Sport | Twyford ease relegation fears

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Friday, 2nd May, 2008 12:00

Twyford ease relegation fears

After a goalless first half Paul Hawkins fired them ahead while Paul Carson-Long took the score to 2-0 after good work from man of the match Dave Harris.

Ruscombe clinched promotion after outgunning 116 Exiles 5-4.

Exiles dominated the early exchanges and took a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Justin Plank and Ben Callow.

Craig Garstang pulled a goal back for Ruscombe but Plank took the score to 3-1 with his second goal of the game, his 22nd of the season.

However, Ruscombe rallied and Mark Oldfield reduced the deficit before the impressive Craig Garstang levelled the scores at 3-3.

Oldfield added another two to complete his hat-trick and put his side 5-3 ahead. But with the Ruscombe keeper still celebrating Exiles struck again when Chris Horne let fly with a speculative effort from the halfway line that sailed over the stranded Ruscombe keeper.

Runners-up Woodley Hammers Res tried out a new keeper against Woodlands when retiring manager Dan Tilson put on the No1 jersey in his testimonial game.

He was keen to make his mark and after two minutes he did just that, confidently calling for a long ball only to see it sail straight past him to give Woodlands a 1-0 win.

Division 2 East

Rifle Volunteer clinched the runners-up spot but they were made to work hard for their 3-2 victory over DC Steamers.

Basement outfit Steamers got off to a wonderful start and deservedly took a 2-0 lead. However, Charles Maw pulled a goal back before the break while Liam Eagle equalised 10 minutes into the second half.

Then in the last minute of the contest Rob Maw pounced to snatch a late winner.

Division 3 East

AFC Southfield collected the title after second placed Loxwood Park Rangers failed to beat Warwick Arms in their final game of the season.

Loxwood needed a victory to clinch the title but were held to a goalless draw as they failed to break down the stubborn Warwick defence.

Despite dominating the game, Rangers couldn’t find a way through with Jason Harris and Jason Ivil both hitting the bar while Ivil saw two other efforts sail inches wide of the post.

Warwick skipper and centre-back Aidie Merchant was rock solid at the heart of the defence and he marshalled his back four with great authority to deny Loxwood the victory they desired.

Division 3 Central

Champions FC Ole beat Mapledurham Cavalier Colts 4-1 while Purley Res edged out neighbours Purley Social 2-1.

Spread Eagle outgunned basement outfit Park Villa 7-2 in the other game.

Division 3 West

Runners-up Burghfield beat RSCAA 4-2 while champions Fox and Hounds romped home 6-1 against Leadcraft thanks to goals from Bobby Tong (3), Stuart Davis, Danny Walls and Adam Hands.

Cup scene

Senior Division champions Stevie B’s clinched the double after beating Dee Road Rangers 2-0 in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup Final at Abingdon Utd.

The B’s settled quickly and passed the ball around with confidence and flair.

Meanwhile, Rangers missed the influence of injured Shayne Small-King although they began to enjoy more possession as the first half progressed.

However, the B’s struck close to half-time when the talented Richard Witt slotted home to give his side the edge at the interval. Rangers pushed forward at every opportunity but they fell further behind when following a quick break, Alex Leacock put through his own net.

Rangers suffered a further set-back 10 minutes later when defender Leacock was dismissed after picking up a second booking for pulling down Danny Isaiew. Rangers hit the bar and created a couple of half chances but the B’s were the better side on the day and deserved their victory.

Dee Road Rangers now face their second final in a week when they take on Whitley Tavern at the Madejski Stadium tonight (Thursday) in the Tilehurst Charity Cup Final (7pm).

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