GROVE Rangers kicked off 2020 with a 2-1 win against leaders Long Wittenham Res in North Berks League Division 2, writes RICHARD UNDERWOOD.

Long Wittenham drew first blood on the half-hour mark when Billy Baker latched on to a long ball and crossed for Tim Barton to convert.

Grove levelled just before the break when a long throw from Jonny James picked out Adam Bruce at the far post to fire home.

An even second half burst into life in the last five minutes.

First, Wittenham’s Cian Harper saw his cross-shot go just wide, before Grove snatched the winner as Bradley Ritchie pounced to curl home.

Wittenham’s Shaun Harris was then shown a red card following an incident after the Grove celebrations.

Saxton Rovers Res moved within one point of the leaders with a 3-2 win over Dorchester.

Josh Harper, Paul Churchouse and Connor Spraggs hit the target, while Dorchester replied through Chris Winstone and Adam Fairhurst.

In Division 1, Hagbourne United joined Berinsfield at the top with a narrow 2-1 win over Long Wittenham, thanks to goals from Joe Parish and Ross McDonald.

Callum Bowler responded.

Watlington Town saw off Cholsey United 3-0, with goals from Kevin Hudson, Darren Outten and Marin Williams.

A rare Frankie Haines hat-trick helped Saxton Rovers to a 4-1 win over Drayton. George Miles also found the net, with Callum Stewart replying.

Steventon beat Lambourn Sports 3-1 thanks to two goals from Jon Green and a Lewis Camm strike.

Luke Phillips replied for Lambourn.

In Division 3, Watlington Town went five points clear after a 2-0 win over Sutton Courtenay, Tom Bowden and Andy Gray scoring the goals.

Matthew Stephens hit four in Drayton Res’s 5-0 win over Berinsfield Res, Gaz Small scoring the other.

OTHER SCORERS

Div 2: Wantage Tn A 0, Faringdon Tn Res 4 (R Evans 3, D Harrington); East Hendred Res 2 (B Eltham, J Parrott), Marcham 2 (J Saulter 2); Kingston Colts 2 (T Larman 2), Lambourn Sports Res 2 (M Jones, J Stevens).

Div 3: Uffington 1 (Z Sawford), Hanney 66 Club 5 (H Timms 3, E Goatley, S McKay); Steventon Res 1 (D Taylor), N Oxford Res 6 (J Beaton 2, K Njorge, M Oxendale, V Eastman, H Ismail).