A GOAL from Stuart Boyd could prove a crucial strike as Ilmington Revolution stayed firmly in the race for the Journal Premier Division crown in the Stratford Alliance.

Boyd's winner at Henley Forest leaves the table toppers level on points with Halfords who had a brace from Steve Boradge to thank for a 3-1 success at Badsey United.

Neighbours Rangers were on the wrong end of a shock scoreline at Southam where the hosts' 3-1 win was their first of the season.

Bidford moved level at the top of Herald Division One after a 5-2 win at FISSC on an afternoon when leaders Alcester Lions were without a game.

Cubbington showed no mercy against hapless Tysoe as their 9-1 win leaves them just a point behind the top two. Law-rance Peach and Rob Reading both bagged trebles for the winners.

Marc Thomas and Gary Sheridan scored the goals against Henley Reserves that keep Broadway United firmly in the title picture - two points behind the leaders with a game in hand.

A 4-0 defeat of Shipston keeps Studley Nags Head on the fringe of the championship pack with Scott Berisford scoring twice for the hosts.

Long Compton moved five points clear in Cutler Division Two after a narrow 4-3 success at Ilmington where Phil Smith netted twice for the winners.

Dog and Pheasant remain six points adrift with two matches in hand after Rich Skan was again the catalyst for another easy win as the prolific striker's four-timer helped see off Red Alert 7-2.

Shaun Stanley scored twice as Blockley Sports won for the seventh time in 12 league outings but their five defeats make it improbable that they can have a say in the title race.

Terry Santry and Tom Bow-ater were the other scorers in a 4-2 win at Park Tavern, who remain third bottom after Bidford's 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Badsey Rangers Reserves.

Results

Journal Premier Division: Badsey Utd 1, Halfords 11; Henley Forest 0, Ilmington 1; Quinton 5, FISSC 0; Southam 3, Badsey Rgrs 1.

Herald Division One: Broadway 2, Henley Res 1; FISSC Res 2, Bidford 5; Shipston 0, Studley NH 4; Tysoe 1, Cubbington 9.

Cutler Division Two: Bidford Res 0, Badsey Rgrs Res 2; Dog & Pheasant 7, Red Alert 2; Ilmington Res 3, Long Compton 4; Park Tavern 2, Blockley 4.

Fixtures for Saturday

Journal Premier Division: Southam Utd v Badsey Utd.

Herald Division One: Henley Forest Res v Littleton.

Cutler Division Two: Park Tavern v Halfords Res. Knockout Cup preliminary round: FISSC Res v Bidford.

Edwards of Stratford Cup first round: Halfords v Quinton.

Fixtures for Saturday, January 8

R M Smith Cup: Alcester Lions v Badsey Utd Res, Badsey Rgrs v Strat-ford Spartak, Bidford Res v Littleton, Blockley v FISSC, Bodrum v Dog & Pheasant, Cubbington v Red Alert, FISSC REs v Ilmington Res, Halfords v Ilmington, Halfords Res v Kenilworth Tn B, Park Tavern v Long Compton, Quinton v Tysoe Utd, Shipston v Henley Forest, Southam Utd v Badsey Utd, Studley Nags Head v Badsey Rgrs Res, Welford v Broadway.

Cutler Division Two: Henley Forest Res v Bidford.