HIGH flying Areley Kings lined up against a weakened Welland team but instead of an easy afternoon in Hanley Swan, the Areley boys found themselves up against a Welland side determined to fight for every ball.

WELLAND JUNIORS 1, ARELEY KINGS 6

With better finishing Welland could have scored at least four goals - and that, combined with a couple of uncharacteristic errors from Welland's fast improving goalkeeper, Nick Garth, and captain Joe Taylor's injury reducing the team to ten men - all served to create a score line that flattered Areley. Welland, consequently, can look forward to the return game - providing there's a full squad available - with some confidence.

Man of the match was Steve Page.

NEWTOWN SPORTS 4, EVESHAM UNITED 2

THIS Mercian Elgar U13's League fixture again provided good entertainment and Newtown missed several chances before Nick Zikking played a good through ball for David Reynolds to knock in a rebounded shot but Evesham equalised before the break from a penalty.

The second half was again all Newtown and David Reynolds chipped the Evesham goalie with only three minutes gone and not long after Mathew Lakey converted a spot kick. With ten minutes remaining came the move of the game when Craig Philpotts battled well for possession then side stepped a defender, passing to Lee Jenkins whose cross was hammered into the net by David Reynolds. Evesham scored a consolation goal with seconds left.

Man of the match was Matthew Lakey.

WELLAND U13s 4, MICKLETON 1

WELLAND'S preparations for this important Mercian Elgar U13s League game were hampered by two late withdrawals, but the team gave one of their best performances of the season and in the end they were worthy winners.

The first half, as expected, was very even with chances at both ends. The defences were on top and the interval was reached goalless due to fine work by both keepers.

Five minutes into the second half Welland broke the deadlock when Richard Pitt scored. Josh Kirby hit the post but then Mickleton broke away and equalised. Welland restored their lead when Russell Alderson scored and grabbed a third goal by Martyn Smith. It was no surprise when Josh Kirby scored just before the final whistle to seal a fine victory.

The three points see Welland join the teams in the middle of the league.

The man of the match award, this week sponsored by Andy Smith, went to Richard Pitt.

NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U11s 2, NEWTOWN SPORTS BOYS 2

ON a cold and murky morning Newtown Sports Colts hosted Newtown Sports Boys in the this Mercian U11 league game.

The Boys started brightly playing some good close controlled passing, while the Colts midfield of Jamie Caffull, Tom Hale and James Gath slowly got themselves into the game.

The Colts opened the scoring when Tom Hale finished off a strong run with a fine shot. The Colts experienced their best part of the match and forced several corners, however, it was following one of these that the Boys counter-attacked to devastating affect. Mark Twinberrow found Lee Mason who rode several tackles and shot past the brave David Rowley in goal, who was injured in the collision, to level the scores. The Boys edged into the lead when a smartly taken free-kick found an unmarked James Crane who finished coolly. The Colts came straight back and equalised, Tom Hale fought his way through the middle, and his deflected shot was adjudged to have crossed the line before an unlucky Stuart Johnson could retrieve the ball.

In the second-half the defences came out on top, with David Roskams and Max Elmes playing well for the Colts and Ian Puffet for the Boys. Tom Hale nearly got his hat-trick right at the end when another terrific shot hit the post, but the draw was a fair result.

Colts are sponsored by Cotteswold Dairies.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 6, WELLAND JUNIORS 1

THIS was a strongly contested match in the Mercian Elgar Under 12's Junior league.

It was not until well into the second half when playing down the slope, Wanderers' speed and skill saw them clear of Welland's robust physical tackling.

Paul Jordan scored first for Wanderers when he moved onto an excellent pass from Luke Butler. Max White took a free kick from outside the area and placed it well out of the reach of the Welland keeper. Welland fought back well with several break-outs and A Richard scored with a shot over the head of Lewis Hooper in the Wanderers' goal, he was afterwards quick off his line to snuff out any danger. James Lush then bustling in from the left got another goal for Wanderers.

Paul Jordan bagged another on in the second half and Wanderers ended the game in fine style with two goals from Jack Higgs.

WASELEY RANGERS 0, NEWTOWN JUNIORS 8

NEWTOWN travelled to Rubery for this Mercian Elgar U11's League match and took the points after a fine performance.

Newtown started brightly with Josh Butler having two shots which crept agonisingly past the post. Newtown then took the lead fortunately when Lee Gittins' cross crept in at the far post. Josh Butler then scored two goals in two minutes before half time to kill off a spirited Waseley Rangers.

The second half started with James McCann coming on for Josh Butler in attack and Juniors soon made it 4-0 with a fine cross from Lee Gittins, James McCann making a brilliant diving header to give the keeper no chance. James McCann then added two more goals for his hat-trick which he completed in five minutes. Tom Clack made it 7-0 with a fierce drive from the edge of the box. Josh Butler then came back on to complete the scoring and his hat trick. Waseley had two chances late on but good goal keeping from Richard Doyle and a goal line clearance from Craig Preece ensured Juniors kept a clean sheet for the second week running.

Juniors man of the match was Craig Preece.

Newtown Juniors are sponsored by Midland Communications.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 4, DROITWICH SPA COBRAS 1

AN outstanding performance by Josh Ball in the heart of the defence enabled Wanderers to gain victory over their hard working opponents in this Mercian Elgar U10's League fixture.

Wanderers were unusually lethargic and Josh Ball kept them in the match with a number of excellent clearances. It was no surprise however that Droitwich took the lead when William Cocker beat keeper Ben Wheeler with a well taken goal. This provided the wake up call that Malvern needed. Adam Mayo and Jack Bottomley began to threaten and the home team equalised shortly before half time when a superb pass from Natalie Chadney found Josh Asquith, whose shot beat the visitor's keeper.

The second half saw the introduction of Douglas Howie and Bobs Mackichan for Wanderers, who took the lead when Josh Asquith's fierce drive found the back of the net. Josh Ball was unlucky not to score when his powerful header crashed against the post. Douglas Howie increased the lead with an excellent goal before Jack Bottomley set up Alex Wren to score Wanderers' fourth. The winning margin would have been greater but for a fine display by the visitor's Emma Green.

NEWTOWN SPORTS 4, MARTLEY 0

NEWTOWN Sports made it six Mercian Elgar U9's League wins out of six thanks to a second half hat-trick by Matt Turner.

The first half was an even affair and ended in stalemate.

Martley were forced to switch goal keepers at half time with their influential midfielder donning the gloves, whilst Newtown rotated their players. Their impact was instant as Wren fed the ball to Adam Loader and the Newtown striker found the bottom corner. Martley pressed forward but Rock, Crews and Carlen negated any threat. Matt Turner was set free and bore down on goal before rifling the ball into the net. It was all Newtown now and Turner reacted quickest in the area to notch Newtown's third and he completed his hat-trick when Parker slid the ball into his path and his instant snap shot found the net as Newtown eased to their sixth victory of the season.

Man of the match was Matt Turner.