Peter Raynbird Reviews League Matches played on 12th March 2016

Division One

There was a 13 goal thriller at Brighton Hill where Sherborne St John FC emerged 7-6 winners against Basingstoke Labour Club FC, who after five league defeats in a row have slipped into the danger zone, while Sherborne remain second in the table. These two teams have a record of high scoring games this season, for back in October Labour won 6-5 against Sherborne at Sherborne. It was Sherborne setting the pace in this encounter when they went into a three goal lead, two for Kobe Judd and Ibrahim Warheed with a penalty kick. Goals flowed as Sherborne extended their lead to 7-2 by half time, their goals coming from John Uezzell, Alex Izzo and Judd completing his hat trick, with Cameron George twice on target for Labour. Changes from Manager Dan Poulter at the break saw a change of keeper and the introduction of veteran Wayne Barlow, who had a hand in most of the goals. Matt Kelly scoring three times and George completed his hattrick, his fifth hattrick this season, with his final goal coming three minutes from time with Sherborne hanging on.

Hampshire Irons FC had to cancel their arranged match against Twentyten FC due to lack of players. The points are now likely to be awarded to their opponents.

Division Two.
Basingstoke United FC look firmly on track to lift the Division Two championship with a 2-0 win against Winklebury Wizards FC. Wizards are no pushover as they have proved lately by winning their last three matches and they had a good first half when only a fantastic save from James Sallows prevented Connor Stratton scoring from a 20 yard hot shot and Dom Stephens hit the post as they pressed. It was in the 61st minute when United went in front when Tom Hartley took a pass from Joe Cook, turned his man and beat keeper Darren Gillbanks. Wizards were again unlucky not to equalise when first Adam Bartlett hit the post and also the woodwork stopped Dan Costen scoring. It was in the 70th when United scored their second. James Lucas the scorer, beating Gillbanks with a header from a Gus Reis cross.

Herriard Sports FC continue their excellent season by beating AFC Berg 10-1 to keep in touch with the leaders. Only last month in the cup, Herriard made hard work in getting through to the final of the league cup competition against Berg, but this time they started well with a goal from Adam Francis in the 3rd minute and never looked back. Chris Dobbie made it 2-0 from a Alex Roberts pass and he made it 3-0 by the 32nd from a free kick. Sam Weber set up Francis for the third and then laid on the fifth for Roberts. Into the second half and Roberts soon had them 6-0 ahead, a header from a cross by Adam Nelson. Dobbie then scored his second to see his side 7-0 up before Shane West scored for Berg. Dobbie soon completed his hat trick, as did Roberts. Player Manager Craig Lewington made it double figures before time.

Without their regular keeper TDI Group FC had to play outfield player James Brown in goal. In the first half he kept well enough, but was unfortunately beaten in the 30th minute when Kevin Flain netted following good play by Vinny Kennedy and Brad Nicholson. Their second came five minutes later through Ash Jones following a corner kick. Mark Smith took over from Brown at the break, who came out to play up front and in the second half it certainly improved things with Brown and Richie Budd both going close. In the end it was three points for Aldermaston who now move into fourth position.

Bounty United remains a point behind the leaders after beating Overton United B 6-2 at Castle Fields, but it will be a big achievement if they win the title as the leaders have two matches in hand. They held a 3-0 lead at half time and although Overton did pull a goal back in the 50th when Paul Eldridge played through for Jamal Rose to score, there was two more from Bounty before sub Brodie Good scored the second for the visitors after an assist by Liam Randall. Four of the goals were scored by Matt Love, with singles for Andy Darmody and Jordon Willis.

Basingstoke Junior ‘B’ Challenge Cup Final
The first of the Basingstoke Football League Finals is being played the Winklebury Football Complex on Saturday evening. Kick Off 6.30 p.m. It will be Tron FC unbeaten in all competitions this season against Herriard Sports, the holders of this cup, who won the last year by beating Basingstoke Athletic FC in the Final.