WELLAND came into this cup game on the back of a number of disappointing results and their lack of confidence was reflected in their early play.

WELLAND U14s 2, PERSHORE U14s 3

The visitors took full advantage and were two goals to the good by half time making the mood in the home team camp as miserable as the weather.

Changes were made to the home team at half time and despite going a further goal behind Welland began to fight hard and play some flowing football. Some solid defending by the back four combined with some great midfield play began to pay dividends and Welland began to dominate the game culminating in two well taken goals by Russell Alderson.

Wellands' industrious captain, Richard Pitt, Russell Alderson and Joe Waldron all went close and typified the home sides increasing confidence but it was not to be on this occasion.

Wellands' man of the match was midfielder Josh Fernie.

MALVERN UNITED U14 3,

MICKLETON RANGERS COLTS U14s 7

MALVERN United stood in the pouring rain waiting for the visitors to turn up for the first round of this cup match played at 'The Lakes' formally known as Sling Lane playing fields.

United started well and in the first minute Nik Zikking crossed from the line for Liam Harford to slot home, only for it to be denied by the linesman on the far side of the pitch ruling the ball had gone out of play. Not to be outdone, Nik Zikking crossed again in the 10th minute for Liam Harford to head home emphatically. Seven minutes later and Nik Zikking found Lee Jenkins whose clinical finishing gave the Mickleton keeper no chance.

After the break and United's traditional switch from cruising to snoozing kicked in with spectacular results. Mickleton's relentless pressure coupled with the farcical conditions left United dazed as goal after goal went in at regular intervals.

Dave Reynolds got one back for United but there was no way back and Mickleton went through to the next round.

Man of the match shared by Jim Lonsdale and Craig Baker for bravely waiting to go on but not given the chance.

DRAKES BROUGHTON RANGERS U13s 2, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U13s 7

ALTHOUGH conceding two late goals Wanderers eased themselves through the first round of the Mercian Elgar League Cup.

The Rangers started well with a series of attacks but found the Wanderers' defence with Ted Grizzell and Ollie Mason in commanding form. In the first quarter Wanderers could only break out twice but each time the goal hungry Calum Campbell was too quick for his opponents and beat the keeper with ease. By now Luke Butler and Max White were controlling the midfield with impressive mastery and Ryan Mansbridge was able to add two more goals before half time, the first a long shot and the second a magnificent header from a great Luke Borton corner.

In the second half Wanderers' substitute forwards Matt Hopkinson and Daniel Stimson both rifled in unstoppable shots and while regular goalie Lewis Hooper was able to rampage upfield and score, his rookie understudy unfortunately let in two against the run of play.

WELLAND U12s 0, LYPPARD RANGERS 2

A BRAVE and skilful performance by the Welland team was not enough to stop league leaders Lyppard Rangers taking all the points.

Lyppard took the lead in the first few minutes from a powerful long distance shot. Welland's troubles deepened when they lost captain Andrew Jones with an eye injury. A strong recovery by the inexperienced Welland team saw Barton Mathews, Josh Lewis and Tom Pugh all go close to equalising. However the half ended in the same way as it had started, Lyppard grabbing a second goal when an excellent corner kick was only partially cleared.

The second half was very even with both sides creating and missing chances. Gradually Welland got on top and pushed hard for the goal that would bring them back into the game. Rob Graney was outstanding in defence with James Allen and Tom Pugh also excelling. There was however to be no way past the inspired Lyppard goal keeper and despite all their best efforts Welland ended the game empty handed.

Man of the match was Rob Graney.

FECKENHAM JUNIORS U12s 2 ,

NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS 6

NEWTOWN Sports Colts travelled to Redditch to play Central Warwickshire Youth League side Feckenham in a friendly match.

The Colts started brightly with the midfield linking well with the forwards, so it was no surprise when Twinberrow opened the scorning for the Colts. Allison soon made it two when he converted a dubious penalty. After such early domination, the Colts relaxed and let Feckenham right back into the game. A defence lapse let in a Feckenham striker to pull one back, then a couple of minutes later a poor clearance could only find a Feckenham player whose cross-shot found the top corner, leaving Johnson the Colts keeper with no chance. The Colts rallied and managed to scored a third shortly before half-time. Edwards broke down the Colts right a delivered a terrific cross which was turned in by a Feckenham defender. In the second half, the Colts dominated the game. Gath increased the Colts lead then, Allison grabbed a quick brace to complete his hat-trick and the scoring. This was a good run-out for the Colts before they return to league action next week.

The Colts are sponsored by Alan Gath Entertainments.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U11s 4,

HADLEY RANGERS FC U11s 3

HADLEY Rangers U11s pushed Malvern Town Wanderers U11s all the way in this pulsating first round tie of the Philip Jeynes Memorial Cup on Saturday.

The home side took the lead early on in the first half when Adam Mayo and Douglas Howie interchanged passes before Adam Mayo continued his impressive scoring run with another excellent finish. Alex Wren adapted well to his less customary role in defence and he and Josh Ball limited the visitor's attacks and at the other end were both unlucky not to score from set pieces. Jack Bottomley's foraging runs were a constant threat and further goals from Douglas Howie and Josh Asquith coupled with a superb save from keeper Ben Wheeler gave Wanderers a convincing lead at half time.

In the second half Rangers came out with renewed determination and reduced the deficit almost e immediately with a goal from Shane Oldham. Despite clever play from Harry Blood and heroic defending form Bobs Mackichan, Joe Grove scored for Rangers before Jake Ford's superb goal brought the scores level and set up a nail biting finish. Straight from the kick off Josh Asquith's hopeful lob was sent towards the goal by Alex Wren's shot which deflected off a defender to Douglas Howie whose clinical finish sent Wanderers through to the next round.

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U9'S 6,

MALVERN PARISH 1

NEWTOWN started the game well and after six minutes took the lead with a well taken goal from George Parsons after good work and a fine cross from Rowan Standish-Hayes down the right flank.

This sparked Parish into action and they put the Newtown defence under pressure but Sam Parsons was performing well in the Newtown goal and produced a string of fine saves to deny Parish. However Parish's pressure was rewarded with an equaliser after 10 minutes. Newtown responded well and just before half time restored their lead through Alex McDonald.

The second half started with Newtown in fine form and Zac Buckle was having a fine game on the left of midfield. Newtown increased their lead with a powerful header by Standish-Hayes from a corner. Newtown were now playing some great football and it came as no surprise when they extended their lead further with goals from Zac Buckle, Rowan Standish-Hayes and George Parsons.This was a fine team performance from Newtown.

Zac Buckle was the Newtown man of the match.

Newtown Sports Juniors U9s are sponsored by Parsons Dentists.