A Bad Few Days For Nirankari

Another total white-out on Sunday as the first heavy snow fell for…exactly two weeks since the last lot, and this is April! This all meant the fixtures have now piled up as much as they possibly can, before they fall over. The Council are said to be treating some of the pitches after this weekend, which has left us with limited pitches available for the tight run-in.

One game did go ahead as the Herts Junior Cup Final was an afternoon kick-off at the Herts FA HQ in Letchworth, as the snow had cleared by midday. Nirankari Sports Sabha Res’ Russell Bull blew a first minute chance and their opponents Nicholas Breakspear Old Boys never looked back and were comfortable two goals to nil victors. Pete Duffy was also sent-off after handling on the line for the first of two penalties for their opponents, one of which they missed.

Last Thursday saw an earlier-than-usual start of midweek games and Nirankari Sports Sabha start to play catch-up on Mallard at the top of the Premier Division. They were three-up at the break thanks to two from young Leeroy Williams, one a fantastic 20 yard strike, whilst Russell Bull was also in on the act. In a spirited second-half by Broadhall, Allan Collins pulled one back.

However, on Tuesday night, a fiery game at Shephalbury Park saw Mallard given real hope again as Nirankari Sports Sabha were beaten by Dun Cow. Some excellent work by Ryan Jenner saw him create the opener for Sam Gittings, before Boro’ legend Martin saw his boy add a decisive second later on in the 70 minute game.

Pied Piper took another step towards the Division One title as they annihilated Times Club (Mark Brennan) on Thursday. They spread out their scorers, Lee Kitching (two), Kologo Richards (two), Shaun Skutela (two), Steve Teale (two), Michael Beeton, Chris Bunker, Daniel Harvey, Andrew Davis and Luke Mitchell.

In a game that was pretty even throughout, Pin Green took the lead with a powerful header from Dave Baldwin. Just before the break a hopeful punt from Chris Stidston was fumbled by the ‘keeper and Joe Chilton took advantage to grab the Emperors Head equaliser. A mazy run and finish from Gary Mallett put Pin back in front, before Steve Harris nodded home another equaliser on the hour. They took the lead for the first time with just five minutes remaining when a corner from Chris Chalat was met by Martin Barrett, who headed powerfully into the roof of the net. However, with virtually the last kick of the match, the unmarked Tommy Wilkinson levelled matters again.

Three days later, Pin Green picked up another point against Putterills, for whom James Anderson was on target.

Danny McIver (two), Jason Drackford (two), Mark Phillips and James Dillnutt were on the mark as Dun Cow Res went a long way towards the Division Two title on Thursday with a comfortable-looking win against Morecambe Wanderers (Riki Dance).

Matt Arlick netted for Fox, but Dave Pateman hit a brace to win the points for Royal Oak.

In a tight match, Old Social managed a win by the odd goal in five thanks to another two from the ever-reliable Stuart Archer and a penalty from Mike Coombes. Bottles Res replied through John Saunders and Dave Locke.

On Tuesday, Dun Cow Res went top as they thrashed Marquis of Lorne. Danny Lane (hat-trick), McIver, James Erwood, Danny Huggins and Peter Brewster were on the mark.

Division Three saw A1 Trophies consolidate second-place on Thursday after Greg Bradbury gave them the half-time lead. Simon Longman had a one-on-one saved by Scotty Taylor before adding the second. Dave New pulled one back for MC Racing.

Three days later, King Pin Utd kept their own feint hopes of second alive with a comfortable win. Twin Foxes broke the deadlock through Manjit Singh. The Pin then rallied and levelled when a corner fed out to the edge of the box and Carl Lingwood's shot bounced into the ground but into the path of Nick Collins, who slotted home. The second-half was all one way traffic as the Pin secured all three points. Lingwood's blistering run from the right was brought to an abrupt halt inside the box and brother Danny Lingwood slotted home the spot-kick. Robbie Duckworth’s shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection on the way in for number three before the game was dead and buried when Collins fired home his second.

In Division Four on Thursday, Rileys won thanks to Luke Askins, Tom Karney, Chris Simpson and a strike from Dan Barnes, which saw him become the only player to score in all six seasons since the Club’s formation (previously as Newman and Crown). Woolmer Green Foxes replied through Chris Jefferys.

Tuesday night saw Nirankari Sports Sabha Res’ stroll to victory over Yorkshire Grey. Lee Wilson (four), Pete Duffy (two), Bruce Bass and Russell Bull found the net.

Terry Lock grabbed a hat-trick as Athletico Timebridge beat Coach and Horses, Danny Carroll and Jim Hamilton got the others. Steve Cornwell replied with a brace.