Ashley doubles up as United tame the Lions
CTS United maintained their impressive debut season form by marching into the last four of the Beacon Sunday League’s flagship competition.
The Paycare Development Division second tier pacesetters visited main championship side Beacon Lions and ran out 3-0 victors to set up a Lester Charity Cup semi-final clash against Trysull Tigers, when and if the season resumes, writes Dave McLean.
A late first-half effort gave United the breakthrough, before they added a second goal immediately after the interval. A third midway through the second half clinched matters for United. Sam Astley (two) and Luke Hickman were the men on target.
In addition to their Lester Charity Cup and league exploits, CTS have progressed to the knockout stages of the Clinton Cup.
Five fixtures beat the weather on the Beacon League front and, in the Paycare Development Division, Dudley Rangers United won 5-3 at Gornal Rangers. Joe Snipe was again among the goals with a treble, well supported by Scott Fisher and Sam Collier. Replying for Gornal, who trailed 3-0 at the break, were Jack Cooper and Liam Hall.
In The Sports Shop Kingswinford Clinton Cup, FC Premier 2014 are now favourites to join CTS United, Sedgley Rangers and AFC Sporting Gornal in the knockout stages.
Premier ran out emphatic 13-1 winners over 10-man Essington AFC and now only require a point in their final qualifier against Cannock United to clinch their place in the last four.
After going behind, Essington were hit by an avalanche of goals from Dan Meredith (five), Jermelle Banner (four), Dan Westley (two), Mason Heard and Ugo Iroegbunam.
Lee Hickingbottom netted the sole response.
In the Challenge Trophy over-30s competition, Orton Vale and AFC Dormston boosted their hopes of a cup final spot with respective victories over East Park (5-4) and AFC Codsall (6-1).
The former edged home to make it three qualifying group wins thanks to Graham Shaw and Graham Brown (both two), also Ash Burd. Keeping things close in this encounter were Andy Turvey (three) and Luke Picken.
Hat-trick hero Andy Arnold led the charge for Dormston with three and it was six of the best thanks to a 30-yard lob over the leeper from James Cooke, Pete Yardley and a fierce 25-yard Jon Wilson drive.
