North Berks League

Underdogs Stanford in the Vale and Botley United both overcame higher-league opposition to reach the final of the War Memorial Cup, writes Andy Wells.

Stanford survived a late scare to beat Benson Lions 3-2 and reach the final at Wantage Town on April 24.

They took the lead through Mike Van De Mortel, but Alex Smallsman levelled from the penalty spot.

Jason Evans regained Stanford the lead before half-time and Steve Holder soon made it 3-1 .

With 12 minutes left, Holder inexplicably handled in the area and Smallsman converted his second penalty, but Lions could not find an equaliser.

In the other semi-final, favourites Marcham went down 3-1 to Botley.

After a goalless first half, the decisive moment of the game came after 52 minutes, when Marcham keeper Tristan Barrett dropped a cross from Dan Hill, allowing Mark Nicholls to put Botley ahead.

Botley went 2-0 up on the hour thanks to Darren Wichall’s 20-yard free-kick.

The game came alive in stoppage time when Wes Costar scored a penalty for Marcham.

With Marcham throwing caution to the wind, Wichall sealed the result with his second goal.

Saxton Rovers increased their lead in Division 1 with a 4-1 win at AFC Wallingford thanks to goals from Tom Aldsworth, Kevin Secker, Danny Parry and an own goal.

Wayne Howard replied for the home side.

In Division 2, Benson AFC fell behind to a first-half goal from Didcot Casuals’ Johnny Pearce, but they found an equaliser in the second period through David Polley.

A fine display by keeper Tyrone McGill could not prevent East Hendred losing 2-1 to Lambourn Sports Res. Phil Taylor scored for Hendred on his final appearance for the club.

In Division 3, Childrey United won 6-2 at Wootton & Dry Sandford Res to keep up the pressure on the leaders Botley.

Warren Ireson and Nick Ridge netted for Wootton, but Childrey showed their strength with goals from Danny Hogan (2), Alan Haines, James Wilkins, Tom Weeks and Chris Pettis.

Drayton Res won 3-1 to end the unbeaten run of promotion hopefuls Shrivenham A, with goals from Ben Toboada, Ian Oram and Kevin Kogel. while Danny Pratt netted for Shrivenham.

Long Wittenham Athletic, playing their first league game for four weeks, drew 1-1 at Blewbury Res.

Martin Luker bagged Blewbury’s goal on his return to the club, while Tim Barton scored for the visitors.

In a basement battle, Ardington & Lockinge Res beat Grove Rangers Res 2-1, thanks to two goals from Luke Wilkins.

OTHER SCORERS

Div 4: Hagbourne Utd 2 (C Burns, L Jones), Benson Res 3 (L Edmonds, T Rodriguez, K Ray); Didcot Casuals Reserves 2 (G Cole 2), Faringdon Tn A 1; Marcham Reserves 1 (S Crowley), East Hendred Reserves 0; Uffington Utd 1 (M Alves), Steventon Reserves 3 (T Holloway 2, D Pettifer).

Div 5: Coleshill Utd A 4 (L Regan 2, S Clark 2), Uffington Utd Reserves 4 (R Rigley, I Moore, D Bryan, K Edwards); Hanney Reserves 2 (D Laye, K Clements), Sutton Courtenay Reserves 4 (J Ivey, P Clark, K Russell, P Matthews); Kennington Reserves 3 (C Collis, M Long, T Scott), Didcot Casuals A 2 (A Small 2).