FOLLOWING last Sunday's games in The Soccer Site Malvern League, the championship contest for both divisions is very close with three teams in contention for both titles.
In division one, Dynamo Ledbury made the most of their game in hand to move up to second-place on goal difference following a convincing 6-1 victory away at Bell Inn 98.
Dynamo Ledbury took the lead when Mitch Preedy surprised everyone as he raced through from midfield, following his 30-yard run he slotted the ball home. Tom Hurrell then made it 2-0 when he beat four players in a mazy run inside the box before calmly finishing with a low shot into the net.
Bell Inn 98 pulled a goal back when Chris Grubb scored from the penalty spot. Hurrell then made it 3-1 just before half-time with a shot from the edge of the area.
Tom Hurrell completed his hat-trick with a close range effort before Adam Thomas made it 5-1 from the penalty spot. Hurrell then netted his fourth goal when he chipped over the keeper to make it 6-1.
Age took its toll on the Bell side against much younger opponents and despite their best efforts, they were unable to pull anything back and Dynamo took the points.
Dynamo Ledbury face league leaders Bishops Frome this Sunday with Oak Allstars being the other side in contention.
In division two, Belmont Keys went top of the table following a 5-2 victory at Ganglands. Belmont Keys took the lead when Matt Doveton headed home a long throw from Matt Pearce.
Gordon Mansell equalised for Ganglands with a fine volley before Darren Pearce decided that anything his brother could do, he could do as well when he launched a long throw, which again found Matt Doveton who netted with ease.
Dave Perera then made it 3-1 when he shrugged-off challenges as he raced fully 30 yards to fire home.
Early in the second-half, it became 4-1 when a good passing move between Matt Pearce and Rob Jones saw the ball threaded through to Dave Perera, whose first time shot hit the back of the net.
Belmont then had a penalty, which saw their keeper Dean Minter thwarted by Ganglands keeper Dean Watson, who made a good save from his spot-kick. Ganglands were then given a ray of hope when Gordon Mansell tapped-in at the far post to pull a goal back and when they were awarded a penalty it appeared they would pull even closer. Stewart Preece's first effort found the back of the net but the effort was disallowed and a retake was ordered, which was saved by Minter.
Joe Gillett then made the game safe for Belmont Keys when he was put through by a Matt Pearce flick- on from a Darren Pearce cross and slotted home.
Keyz 04 saw their chances of the title shaken when they visited Fromes Hill and surprisingly went down 1-4 to a vastly improved home team.
Keyz 04 seemed on course when they took the lead with a chip from 45 yards by Graham Lowen, but Fromes Hill have been showing much better form of late and Ross Sweetman equalised from a Shaun Taylor cross. Steve Evans made it 2-1 at half-time with a close range tap-in following a corner.
Shaun Taylor then crashed home a shot from 35 yards to make it 3-1 and then sent in a cross for Ross Sweetman to net the fourth. Fromes Hill gave a good all-round team performance with Dave Eaton and Paul Stubbs performing well at the heart of their defence.
The other team with a chance of the title and perhaps slight favourites are Perowne Park Rangers who did not have a game.
In the division's other game Dilligaf United and visitors All Stars Misfits had a good contest with All Stars Misfits winning 3-1. Man-of-the-match I Hanko netted two for the visitors with G Hathaway scoring the third after Nick Evans had given Dilligaf the lead when he latched on to a Karl Lancett flick.
Cross Keys bowed out of the Evesham Hospital Cup when they went down 4-1 after extra-time to Bewdley Town. Having to play 50 minutes with 10 men took its toll after John Shirley was sent off for two yellow card offences in the 70th minute.
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