PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL | WEEKEND REVIEW

Plenty of action

There was plenty of action in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central on Saturday.

Waltham Abbey went to AFC Dunstable and came home with a 5-2 win, helped by a fantastic four-goal haul from Sam Shaban (pictured), who set them on their way with two quick-fire goals around the quarter-hour mark. After Ben Baker had put them three goals ahead, Shaban completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time and it took him just ten minutes after the restart to add another. Rio Deall and Cameron Cook pulled goals back for the hosts.

Also hitting five were Hertford Town as they beat Thame United 5-1 after coming from behind as Benjamin Kakembo opened the scoring. A hat-trick from Sudayisi Sendege helped them on their way as Ryan Palomeque Bernal and Brian Garzon also got their names on the scoresheet.

The impressive form of North Leigh continues as they swept aside fellow high-flyers, Kings Langley. Lance Williams opened the scoring before Owen James and Daniel West put them well in control by the break. West added a fourth early in the second half before Rayan Clarke pulled a goal back late on as it finished 4-1.

Kempston Rovers finally got into winning ways with an excellent 3-1 away win at Leighton Town. Samuel Ezenwaka gave them a first half lead before Joshua Keane Quinlivan doubled their advantage. Jake Watkinson made it a nervy ending as he pulled a goal back for the home side with just over ten minutes to play only for Arel Amu to seal the victory.

Leaders, Bedford Town disposed of Cirencester Town by three goals to one thanks to a brace from Louis Walsh. It was Walsh who opened the scoring but Felix Miles levelled matters and that’s how it remained until just after the hour-mark when Walsh popped up again. Ryan Blake completed the scoring.

There were away wins for Hadley, who went to Aylesbury United and came home with a 3-2 success, and Biggleswade, who took the points with a 2-1 triumph at Barton Rovers, whilst Biggleswade Town secured a 3-1 home victory over Kidlington, who took the lead early on through Jacob Joseph. However, three goals in the final 20 minutes from Jon Clements, who bagged a brace, and Luke Andrews gave them the win.

The day’s other game ended with honours even as Ware and Stotfold played out a 1-1 draw.