INKBERROW EAGLES U15s 1,

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U15s 2

MALVERN Town Wanderers visited Inkberrow Eagles to play their last away fixture in the Mercian Festival League and battled hard to leave with all three points.

The first-half saw Inkberrow take an early lead on four minutes and stand-in goalie Paul Jordan had to make a rapid double save soon after. Wanderers pressurised the opposition goal with Joe Blain, Chris Wynne, Luke Butler and Ben White all going close but unable to convert the chances. Just before half-time an Inkberrow shot skimmed across the goal-mouth.

The second-half started with a controversial drop-ball in the Inkberrow goal-mouth in the fifth minute after the ball had hit a power line. Joe Blain pounced on to level the score for Wanderers. Wanderers stepped up a gear and fine play from Ryan Mansbridge and James Lush saw them battling had to take the lead. On 56 minutes Ollie Mason fired them ahead after good play once again from Ryan Mansbridge. Wanderers continued to pepper the Inkberrow goal including a fine shot just over the bar by Paul Jordan, but the final score remained 1-2.

OLDBURY PARK TIGERS 0, NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U14S 8

NEWTOWN Sport Colts turned in their best performance for while against Oldbury Park Tigers at Howard Road.

After a tentative start, the midfield of Edwards, Powell, Jaye, Allison and White got to grips with the game. With Buckle and Crane making intelligent runs and causing Oldbury all sorts of problems, it was no surprise when Newtown took the lead. The ball fell to Jaye who advanced to the edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Crane added a second following great work by Powell and White. Buckle then grabbed a terrific third, finishing off a flowing move involving Edwards and Crane.

In the second half, Newtown were again slow starters, with Elmes, Scullion and Roskams having to be on top form to prevent Oldbury from pressurising Johnson in goal. Crane then scored two goals in quick succession to bag a smart hat-trick. Hale and Newell came on for Newtown, and it was Hale who added to his tally for the season. Not to be out done, Allison wrapped up the game with two goals which owed much to the persistence of Powell and Hale. This was a smashing performance by Newtown, who had struggled in recent weeks to show the quality that they are capable of.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U12s 1,

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U12s 11

NEWTOWN Sports Juniors became the Mercian League U12 champions with this emphatic victory over the Wanderers.

Needing only a point to secure the title, Newtown set about this match totally focused and enjoyed every moment. They took the lead with their first attack when left back Scott Rogers drilled home from short range. The impressive Mallett tormented the defence with his trickery and when his fierce shot came back off the keeper, Bannister tapped home. Rock snaffled a third and when Bridges was brought down Bannister slotted home the penalty. Just before half-time, the Juniors had gone nap when a rasping Watling drive was well-saved but Bannister notched his hat-trick with a neat follow up.

The second half was more of the same as the Juniors free flowing football opened up the defence time after time. Roskams benefited from some fine build up play and had the easiest of tap-ins. Roskams then turned provider with a well-floated cross that Rock neatly headed home. With everything going their way Newtown switched off allowing Wanderers to press and Freeman was called upon to make a great save but Newtown paid the price minutes later allowing Chris Watling two bites at a chance and he scored a consolation.

Newtown roared back and Matt Turner raced from the half-way line beating defenders before cutting inside to notch a fine goal. Will Watling showed calm and poise with a delicate chip to score the ninth. When awarded another penalty Juniors keeper Chris Freeman took the opportunity to register a goal and slotted home with aplomb. It was fitting that the Juniors captain Chris Parker should score the final goal of the game when set up by Watling to see the Juniors home and become the league champions.

Man-of-the-match was Joe Mallett.