Two matches abandoned

Weather permitted a full Colchester Sunday League programme, the first for several weeks but two matches however had to be abandoned. The first was just before half-time with the tragic incident when the Telecomms goalkeeper Campbell McClean collapsed and died.

The second match was the cup clash between Severalls and Rose & Crown. Referee Peter Andrews seriously injured his leg and with Severalls leading had to call it a day, as the two teams could not agree on a replacement.

Elsewhere, Elmstead equalised with four minutes to go and went on to win in extra time by the odd goal against Woods. Steve Sharman (2) and Dave Lamont were on target for Elmstead with Jimmy Minter and Jamie Tomkinson replying for Woods.

Prettygate overcame Bugle Horn by the odd goal in seven and scored through Bain, Dines, Clarke and Neish with Halajko, Houghton and Harrington replying for Bugle. A brace by B.Reed and a goal by Dave Austin was sufficient to see Layer Fox into the next round against Mersea Legionnaires. Three goals in extra-time saw Kent Blaxill beat Tartan House. Kent Blaxills goals came through G.McKenzie, A.Boreham and T.Manning. In the league a goal in the last seconds by Barry Graygoose gave Marquis a point against Gaslights who scored through Alan Greenleaf.

Two goals by Peter Goding gave Cambridge Arms a win over Arclight to keep up their challenge at the top of division two.

Division four : Betts beat Stanway Swan 4-0 with goals from Steve Richardson (2), Ian Richardson and Dick Lee and Mile End beat lloyds 2-0. Jim Humfryes and an own goal were on the score sheet. Lloyds and Middlewick both lost and Flagstaff dropped a point against Tey Lion.

In division five a shock withdrawal from the league by Coggeshall Res this week, means that Flying Fox, after beating Mersea Legionnaires Res 4-1 with goals from Tony Turner (3) and Tommy Shales now have only two matches to win to take the title. S.Poole scored four for CAV in their 5-2 win over Mistley, K.Taylor getting the other.

ALAN BURTON.

Woods ....... 2
Harlequins .. 1

Woods wasted no time in staking their claim for a place in the last eight of the Essex Sunday Junior Cup at Braiswick.

Two goals from Mick Stephenson in the opening minutes effectively settled this group one final and proved too big a hurdle for the spirited Harlequins to climb.

The Clacton team who claimed Woods second goal was offside managed to reduce the arrears when a home defender deflected a corner into his own net under ressure from John Duffey in the 56th minute.

But with both attacks hampered by injuries to key forwards on the heavy surface, it was Woods - for whom Minter and Tomkinson were always prominent - who shared the honours.

ROBIN FROST







Standard photographer DES BLAKE captures the action as Woods beat Harlequins 2-1 to go through the last eight of the Essex Sunday Junior Cup at Braiswick on Sunday.

The remaining matches in the third round of the league cup were finally played last Sunday. Ian Richardson got the only goal of the match in Betts' win over Supremos.

Moler swamped Stanway Swan 8-0 with goals from Graham Powell (3), Dave Sawkins (2), Clive Fincham (2) and Mark Laver.

Severalls had to return to Dedham after last week's match was abandoned and returned with an impressive 6-1 win over Rose & Crown.

The draw for the quarter-finals due to be played this Sunday is Elmstead v Moler, Severalls v QB, Layer Fox v Betts and Prettygate v Kent Blaxill.

Division two leaders Bugle Horn had a grand win ove Arclight, A.Read (2), C.Harrington and E.Higgs being on the score sheet. Cambridge Arms also had a fine win over Eight Ash Green by 6-1. John Bennett and P.Gooding getting a brace apiece with Bob Salmon and Gerry Manning getting one each. This Sunday sees Bugle Horn and Cambridge clash at Tiptree in what could be the championship decider.

Tartan House had a 5-1 win over fellow strugglers Royal London in division three. Andy Lay-Flurrie got a hat-trick for the winners with A.Jones & S.Emsden getting one apiece. M.Wood scored for Royal London.

Division four leaders Mile End had a good win over Flagstaff with Mark Headford (2) and John Rampton on target. Molly Bethel receieved his marching orders after being involved in a scuffle. Fountain Dynamos continued their improvement with a 4-1 win over George Ewer. R.Perkins (2), D.Turner and K.Turner being the scorers.

Flying Fox now need just to win their last game this Sunday to take division five after their 10-0 win over Caters. Dave Lipscombe and Tony Turner both got hat-tricks, Mi.Milner (2), K.Dadds & T.Shailes were the other scorers.

Royal Oak shared the points with Rangers in a three all draw. S.Humphries, C.Todd and T.Scott being on target for the Oak. This let Kent Blaxill strengthen their position at the top of division six. G.McKenzie and B.Manning being the scorers in their 2-0 win over Mile End Reserves.

A.BUNTE

Elmstead and Severalls picked up easy points at the weekend when Brantham were unable to reaise a side against Elmstead and Gaslights failed to make an appearance at Severalls. Moler got a point through a Mick Laver goal in the closing stages of their match at Coggeshall. Stuart Shaw scored Coggeshall's goals.

Layer Fox picked up two good points against St Martins. D.Austin and B.Reed getting two goals apiece for Layer. Steve Bloomfield (2) and Jimmy Meason were also on target in Bergholt's 3-0 win over Eight Ash Green.

In division three, leaders Prettygate managed to salvage a point against Langham after being 4-1 down at one stage. Goals by Kershaw, Scott, K.Bain and A.Bain saw Prettygate gain a point.

In division four Betts were the only side in the top five to pick up maximum points with an easy win over Birch Reserves. D.Lee (2), G.Vandevord (2), I.Richardson and S.Richardson were on target in their 6-0 win. Mile End and Middlewick shared the points in their clash, Walsh scoring for Middlewick with Headford replying. Flagstaff lost by the odd goal in three against Supremos whilst Rose and Crown Reserves beat Lloyds by the same score.

With Flying Fox having already won division five, CAV did well to take two points from Elmstead Reserves. L.Gould (2) and I.Robinson scoring the goals. Royal Oak continue to be amongst the goals getting nine this week against Mile End. Hat-tricks for A.Banyard and M.Fletcher, C.Todd (2) and G.Todd being the other scorers. Rangers, also in division six, continue to win and a good 3-1 win over Newtown with goals from R.Woodcock (2) and M.Oliver should ensure them promotion.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Inter-League home match against Clacton due to be played this Sunday - has now been cancelled and will be played on April 9 instead.

ALAN BURTON

Rangers ......... 3
Newtown Rovers .. 1

R.Woodcock scored in the opening minutes for Rangers but Newtown equalised within two minutes through K.Davis.

This made Rangers tighten their game and they settled down to play good football, with S.Darby and P.Bayzand outstanding. Rangers' presssure was finally rewarded with a goal from M.Oliver and another for R.Woodcock.

A special mention must be made of the Newtown keeper who had a great game.