WITH the first of numerous evening games being played last Thursday in thesoccersite.co.uk Malvern League, Oak Allstars are back on top of the table.

They took full advantage of their game in hand, securing a 5-0 home victory over Talbot Head.

Neil Gardiner opened the scoring with a crashing 30-yard shot from wide on the left, this was followed by goals from Mark Toman and Jamie James, with James Dean netting two to complete the scoring.

Cross Keys kept up the pressure on the top two when they visited local rivals Keyz 04 and won 5-1. Keyz 04 actually took the lead with a John Cullick goal before Cross Keys got into their stride, equalising through James Badham and then taking the lead with a spectacular goal from Rob Cullen. An own- goal from Phil Lancett made it 3-1 and then Rob Cullen completed his hat-trick with the last kick of the match.

Ganglands visited Fromes Hill Reserves and won 4-2, with goals from Tom Bethell, Ian Hill and two from Gordon Mansell. Fromes' scorers were Aaron Richards and John Gittings.

Sunday's games found the top three in real goal-scoring mood as they netted 33 between them.

Oak Allstars maintained their lead at the top when they notched up a 13-0 victory over fellow Oak side Misfits, with goals from Adrian Jones, Jamie James, two from Anthony Bradford a hat-trick from Martin Loveridge and six for James Dean.

The game was also notable for the return in goal for Oak Allstars of Andy Lancett, who was playing his first game since the tragic loss of an eye. He made one spectacular diving save from a Clinton Thick effort which seemed destined for the corner of the net, bringing applause from all the spectators and players.

Bell Inn 98 retained second place with a victory at Ganglands by 9-2. In a robust encounter, Bell Inn had the better of the play in the early stages and took an early lead through Dan Herbert. Lee Hooper then scored twice before having to leave the field after being on the end of several heavy tackles, with the injury making him a doubt for this Sunday's President's Cup final. Chris Grubb then scored the best goal of the game with a cheeky back-heel finishing off a fine five-man move.

Dan Herbert notched his second before Ganglands pulled a goal back with Gordon Mansell claiming what looked suspiciously like a Chris O'Neil own-goal.

Dave Bundred made it 6-1 with a great strike from the edge of the area and then Ashley Jones made it seven before a speculative lob from long range by Ganglands' Scott Philpotts ended up in the back of the net. Chris Grubb netted his second before Dan Herbert completed his hat-trick to end the scoring. Another blow to Bell Inn's cup hopes was the loss after only five minutes of veteran defender Jim Argent with a muscle injury, which makes him extremely doubtful for the cup final.

Cross Keys were not to be outshone in the goals department. In a local derby, they beat a game Keys Victoria side 11-1 with goals from Damian Lloyd, Andrew Fletcher, Adam Derrington, Rob Cullen, Craig Humphries, Andrew Hurrell, an own goal, two from James Badham and Mike Cole. Keys Victoria's response came from Dan Foskett.

Morgan Aero 8 bounced back after being on the end of two defeats by the odd goal in very tight games, this time they came from behind to win 4-3 at Keyz 04 with goals from James Argent, a Richard Bird penalty and two from Dave Lawrence.

Talbot Head got back to winning ways at Belmont Keys with a 3-1 victory with goals from David Schooling, Tom Hofton and Andy Rogers. Rob Jones was on target for Belmont Keys.

Fromes Hill came out on top in the battle of the Fromes as they beat Fromes Hill Reserves 3-0 with goals from Shaun Taylor, Steve Evans and Wayne Davies.

There was an entertaining game at Ross Road where visitors Dynamo Ledbury warmed up for their appearance in the President's Cup final on Sunday with a 10-6 victory against Oak Academy.

Dynamo's goals came from Lee Jones, Mitch Preedy, Richard Punt, three from Matt Gray and four from Pete Boyle with the home side's goals coming from Steve Davies, Luke Hathaway, Ady Hodges, Thomas Gardiner, Steve Roberts and Wayne Wilband.

Tuesday night saw Dynamo Ledbury entertain local rivals Ledbury Rangers and in a direct contrast to Sunday's 16-goal bonanza, this game was settled by a solitary goal following a very tight game. Dynamo Ledbury's Mitch Preedy headed home a Pete Boyle corner in the 20th minute.