Second-placed Sandman inflicted the season's first defeat on Autotype UTV Division 1 leaders Milton United, thrashing them 6-1 in their own back yard.

Kev Deane hit a hat-trick for the Abingdon-based side, but the drubbing should ultimately prove little more than a blip in Milton's otherwise serene progress to retaining their title.

It was goalless after an hour, but the deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion with three goals in ten minutes from the visitors.

Deane grabbed the first when a Dave Collett strike came back off the woodwork, before brothers Dave and Mark Humphries found the back of the net.

Barry James snatched one back for Milton in the 75th minute, but Deane went on to complete his treble, either side of a strike from his brother, Andy.

The result leaves Sandman just one point behind United, but the leaders have four games in hand.

Elsewhere in Division 1, East Hendred won 3-1 against third-placed Berinsfield United.

Hendred's goals came during a six-minute spell in the first half from Robbie Barron, Mark Hendry and Barry Fisher.

Andrew Wilson made it 3-1 in the second half with a deflected free-kick.

Brewery Tap dropped two valuable points with a 1-1 draw at bottom club Brightwell.

Kevin Secker put Tap ahead, but Brightwell, without a league win this term, equalised with a volley from Steve Weaver in the 85th minute.

In the second division, Standlake Garage went down 6-2 at leaders Brewery Tap Res.

They were 4-0 adrift in the first 14 minutes to goals from Gary Walker, Adam Brooks, Steve Hendy and Simon Ward.

Garage fought back to 4-2 in the second half, but Paul Matthews and Steve Madge sealed a comfortable win.

Long Wittenham stayed on the pace with a 5-1 victory at JET.

Keith Vincent gave the scientists an early lead, but Nigel Cook quickly dragged Wittenham back into the game, and further strikes from Andy Dix (2), Tom Young and Andy Burton sealed the points.

In Division 3B, leaders George & Dragon Upton slipped to their first league defeat, going down 3-2 at home to Benson Harts despite strikes from John Mackle and Nic Guiry. Harts replied with goals from David Smith (2) and Steve Norris.

After conceding over 100 goals in 15 league games, Chilton Casuals claimed their first point with a 2-2 draw at Wallingford side Dolphin.