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Cross Rifles have not attracted much attention so far this season largely due to the fact that they have played the least number of top flight games and have been tucked away in mid-table as a result. However, the fact remains that they are the only remaining unbeaten side in the Uxella League's first division and that run continued in style this weekend as they won 5-2 away to start-of-day leaders Quantock Pride after two goals from Richard Jones and further strikes from James Bell, Phil Court and from skipper Jason Stephenson.
Pride's defeat means that the league has new leaders in the form of Maxwells 37 Club who ran out 4-0 home winners over Grasshoppers '04. Maxwells took an early lead thanks to a rare goal from John Parnell but the game remained a closely contested affair for long periods with both sides pushing for a goal. The breakthrough came ten minutes from the end when Maxwells scored a crucial second through Wayne Spencer. This effectively killed off the Hoppers' hopes of salvaging something from the game and they then suffered something of a late collapse as two strikes from Ed Habberfield made the scoreline more decisive still.
Tiger Old Boys go third in the table after putting last week's defeat to Railway Club behind them to edge a tight affair with Red Tile largely thanks to their dogged determination and experience. Two strikes from Jamie Chillingworth and one each from Nick Kierle and from super-sub Justin Lewis, who scored with his first touch, gave them a 4-2 victory but credit must also go to Ian Bellinger whose tireless work-rate helped to create the opportunities.
Reigning champions Woolavington climb to fourth after a 6-4 home win over Maltshovel. The visitors took a deserved lead through Gareth Monaghan and also led 3-1 at one point after further strikes from Andy Barnett and Jordan Meaker but Woolavington also used their experience to turn the game around and a hat-trick from Matt Blackmore and further goals from Danny Mira, Simon Caddy and Matt Fursland sealed the three points. Simon Dodden responded with a late fourth for Maltshovel.
Despite a famous victory over great rivals Tiger Old Boys last time out, Railway Club surprisingly went down 3-1 to Ashcott on this occasion despite another strike from new signing Robert Trice.
There were plenty of goals in the game between Pawlett United and Flag Old Boys with Flag eventually emerging as 5-3 victors after two-a-piece from Jamie Stewart and Lee White plus a further goal from Lee Turner.
It remains a fascinating battle at the top of the second division which also has new leaders in the shape of Admirals who ascended to the summit on goal difference after a 1-1 away draw at Blake Old Boys. Kev Andrews scored their goal and Karl Jasinski was their man-of-the-match with a superb performance as stand-in right-back.
Admirals were able to go top because previous leaders Cannington went down 2-1 at home to the young Bower United side. The prolific Steve Hall scored both of Bower's goals while veteran striker Darryl Taylor was again on target for Cannington by way of reply. The result puts Bower in third place on equal points with leaders Admirals and second-placed Cannington but crucially Bower have a game in hand on both of the teams above them.
The two other sides in the mix at the top of the second division table were also victorious.
Bridgwater Wanderers won 5-1 at home to Ramblers while Woolavington Reserves ran out 2-0 away winners over Huntspill Crowns after goals from Sam Weston and Steve Harris.
The lower half of the division two table sees a set of teams some way back from the leading pack in terms of points.
Of these sides, Coxley Rovers would be on far a higher total had it not been for the deduction of six points following non-fulfillment of fixtures at the beginning of the campaign. Coxley have won five of their six games and this trend continued with a 6-3 victory this time around at home to L & G.
Despite a poor start to the season Abbey Moor now climb to eighth after recording their third win in their last four outings with a 4-0 victory over Pawlett Reserves. Shea Speakman and Jason Birch both scored twice to secure the win for the Glastonbury-based side.
In the remaining game in the second division bottom side Grasshoppers '05 gave visitors Sportsman a close game, with the scoreline level at 1-1 at the interval, before Sportsman went on to win 4-2 in the second half via a Steve Addicott hat-trick and a Hoppers own goal. 54-year-old Scotsman Bob Kippen was yet again on target for Grasshoppers '05 and Andy Passco hit their second.
(Story First Published: 28.10.07) |
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| | | | | | | | Div 1 Table Summary
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| Team |
Pts |
| Maltshovel | 30 | | Red Tile | 27 | | Tiger Old Boys | 19 | | Quantock Pride | 17 | | Cannington | 16 | | Abbey Moor | 15 | | Blake OB | 14 | | Flag Old Boys | 10 | | Middlezoy | 9 | | | | |
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| | | | | | Div 2 Table Summary
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| Team |
Pts |
| Highburn | 44 | | Grasshoppers | 41 | | New Foresters | 36 | | NM Sports | 34 | | R.O.F. | 34 | | Puriton | 33 | | Huntspill | 22 | | Knowle | 16 | | Admirals | 14 | | Q. Pride Res. | 10 | | Ramblers | 8 | | North Petherton | 4 | | | | |
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