MERCIAN Elgar Under 15's Junior Football League Cup quarter finals and from the first whistle Welland threw themselves into the attack, determined not to let Pershore settle.

WELLAND JUNIORS 3, PERSHORE TOWN 0

After only five minutes, Welland's direct approach paid off - Tom Holland picking up a clearance and flighting a perfect shot into the net from fully 25 yards. Pershore then forced Welland to defend desperately but failed to break through.

The second half was more evenly balanced, Welland's stand-in goalkeeper James Smith denying Pershore with two superb saves. Smith, together with a back four of Hynds, Page, Lacey and Forrester all played above themselves and were rewarded when Gerald Chance finally broke through to make it 2-0 and moments later Chance scored again.

Man of the match was Steve Page.

Welland urgently require an Under 15's goalkeeper - call Steve on (01684) 583721 for info.

WELLAND JUNIORS U13s 2, NEWTOWN SPORTS BOYS 0

FOR the second week Welland U13s faced rivals Newtown Sports Boys, this time in the quarter-finals of the Mercian Cup.

Welland lost at this stage last year and were fired up for the game against opposition who had beaten them in the league earlier in the season. The first half saw Welland create several good chances and it was Russell Alderson who opened the scoring after 15 minutes. This goal was the fiftieth scored by the team this season. Welland created several more chances but were foiled by good saves by Tom Soley.

Early in the second half Welland had to reorganise when Oli Smith was injured but, inspired by Liam Harford in midfield, they continued to create chances and Russell Alderson scored his second. Welland remained in control until the final whistle and they celebrated a rare win over their visitors.

The man of the match award, this week sponsored by Ian and Jane Forrester, went to Russell Alderson.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 9, BREDON COLTS 0

CUP fever swept Sling Lane as Wanderers took on Bredon in the Mercian Elgar U13's League Cup quarter final.

The home side finally broke down a resolute Bredon defence in the 27th minute when a Matt Hopwood corner was only partially cleared and the alert Zach Blood was on hand to cash in from close range. Two minutes later Michael Pearson played in Matt Hopwood whose pin point cross fell to Luke Arnold, whose thunderbolt shot took the pegs from the net.

Nine minutes into the second half it was three as Zach Blood followed up a parry from the keeper to claim his second. A minute later the busy Bruce Rogers sent winger Matt Hopwood to swing in an accurate cross for Zach Blood to head in his hat trick finish. Scorer became provider as Zach Blood played in substitute Michael Dicapita to fire in from close range to make it five. Wanderers were now well on top and more goals came from Matt Hopwood, two, Michael Dicapita and an own goal.

Man of the match was Zach Blood.

WORCESTER JUNIORS 2, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 8

THE score line flattered Malvern Wanderers in the quarter-finals of the Mercian Elgar U12's Junior League Cup.

In the first half they were awful, the defence uncoordinated, the midfield desperate. They were lucky only to concede one goal. Towards half time they improved, an excellent cross from Luke Borton on the right wing found Ryan Mansbridge following up well to tap it in. Ryan's second goal was much classier - an excellent run and a fine shot. The third came from a Max White free kick, which went in off the Mansbridge head.

Wanderers were fortunate to turn round 3-1 up and when they promptly gave away another goal the match looked in the balance. However, Luke Butler brought skill and subtlety to the midfield, Jack Higgs and Chris Bowen ran well at the defence and more goals came. Ryan Mansbridge raced clear of his cover to pick up two more, Chris Bowen got his with an excellent run and drive and the last one came when a desperate clearance off the goal line bounced back in off the back of Paul Jordan's head. It somehow summed up the match.

NEWTOWN JUNIORS 3, CLAINES 0

NEWTOWN Juniors entertained Claines in their first Mercian Elgar Under 11's Junior League match of the new year.

After a sluggish opening five minutes, Newtown got into their stride and opened the scoring when Lee Gittins latched onto a loose ball at the far post following a cross from Dan Robinson. Juniors gained their second after a fine individual run by Craig Preece saw him lash home the ball with his left foot.

In the second half Juniors continued to play some impressive football with Jack Kyte pushing on from defence to link up with the attacking play. Kyte and Butler went close to scoring before James McCann added a third with a fierce drive from close range. Strong defending from Richard Doyle and Tom Clack and safe handling from keeper Chris Spicer made sure Juniors kept their third clean sheet in a row.

Man of the match was Craig Preece.

Juniors are sponsored by Midland Communications.

NEWTOWN SPORTS BOYS 3, LYPPARD RANGERS JUNIORS 1

NEWTOWN Sports Boys played hosts to the top of the table side in this Mercian Elgar U11's Junior League match.

Newtown took the lead from a corner which Ollie Lean took, resulting in Lee Mason's shot being blocked and deflecting out for striker Marc Twinberrow to rifle home. Lyppard levelled the score when a long ball from defence caught Newtown short allowing Lyppard striker Lewis Brown to drive the ball home. Constant Newtown pressure saw their lead restored when a Steve May corner was flicked on for Ollie Lean to coolly finish.

The second half started in the same manner with Newtown keeping Lyppard on the back foot, who again tried to hit back on the counter attack but Ian Puffet made a series of solid tackles. The points were sealed with ten minutes remaining when a surging run and passing play from midfielder Lee Mason saw him beat the advancing keeper.

Newtown Sports Boys are sponsored by Premier Letting.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS COLTS 0, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 5

DERBIES don't get any more local than this with both of these Mercian Elgar U10's League teams well known to each other.

Immediately from kick off the Colts found themselves under early pressure and Adam Mayo soon latched on to the ball in the penalty area to put the Wanderers one up. The Colts got into their stride and probing runs from Alex Scullion and Max Whittle pushed defenders Bobs Mackichan and Natalie Chadney onto the back foot. On the counter Wanderers were too strong and Alex Wren increased the lead with a fine shot.

In the second half both teams reorganised and Alex Bakothanasis moved up front and caused a few jitters in the Wanderers' ranks. Soon though the newly introduced Josh Asquith began to influence the game for Wanderers and his run and pass set up Alex Wren to score their third goal. The favour was soon returned as an Alex Wren pass to Josh Asquith was converted for the fourth goal. Victory was sealed late on when Alex Wren claimed a well deserved hat-trick.

LYPPARD RANGERS 0, NEWTOWN SPORTS 5

NEWTOWN Sports returned home with all the points in this Mercian Elgar U9s Junior League match.

Lyppard dominated early play as they played three men up front and stretched Newtown's defence. Morton in the Newtown goal made two brave saves whilst Carlen and Crews made timely tackles. Newtown suddenly burst into life and a fine interchange of passes released Matt Wren and his first time shot found the back of the net. The final two minutes of the half saw Newtown take firm control after Chris Parker rifled the ball into the roof of the net. Seconds later Newtown earned a corner and Parker' kick went straight into the net.

The second half was again an even contest. Morton almost opened his Newtown account, he burst through from midfield but the Lyppard defender got back to block his shot. Newtown put the game beyond doubt with further goals from Joe Mallett and the impressive Matt Wren to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.