Ashton Boys end Bitton's run in cup cracker

UNSTOPPABLE Ashton Boys cruised to a superb 7-2 victory over previously-unbeaten Bitton in the Avon Youth League Under-12 Cup.

They took the lead when neat wing play by Dan Payne left Elliot Gardner with a simple tap-in.

Bitton battled back and equalised when Ashton failed to deal with a cross, only for Ashton's star man Alfie Clarke to restore their advantage when he drove a free-kick into the corner of the net. Bitton drew level again following a defensive mix-up, but that was as good as it got for them as Ashton took control after the break. Jack Prescott, Kelvin Kalungi, Gardner, Payne and Clarke, who sealed a fantastic performance by rifling home from outside the box, were all on the scoresheet.

Bromley Heath Under-12s followed up the previous week's win over Bristol City JSC by knocking previously unbeaten Warmley Rangers Colts out of the competition.

For the second week running, keeper Brad Pike emerged as the hero, not only saving a penalty during normal time but brilliantly saving three spot-kicks in the shoot-out.

The game finished 1-1 after extra-time thanks to Josh Hardie's spot-kick for Bromley and a superb finish by Warmley Rangers from outside the box.

Bromley won the shoot-out 4-1 as Josh Hardie, Josh Johnson, Mason Davies and Jake Haile put away some very well-taken penalties.

Hallen Under-12s came away from Mangotsfield United comfortable 3-0 winners.

They went into the break a goal up thanks to a great Luke Henderson finish after good play by Jacob Dumble, and it took some outstanding saves from the Field keeper to prevent further goals.

Hallen doubled their advantage early in the second half as star man Salar Namin turned his marker to slot home from Edward Wilson's corner,

More terrific saves by the Mangos keeper kept the score down, but the outcome was settled when Alfie Taylor slipped in Wilson to net the third goal.

Ashton Boys Juniors moved into the semi-finals of the Under-12 Plate after a convincing 4-0 home win over Henbury Colts.

All Ashton's goals came in the first half, with Archie Jefferies grabbing a hat-trick and Milan Tamaraker getting the other.

Henbury had their chances, but could not beat Ashton keeper Tom Haugel, who was well protected by a solid back-four.

The second half was a closer affair, but Ashton held on comfortably enough.

St Nicholas reached the semi-finals of the Under-14 Cup, overcoming a resolute Winterbourne United team 2-0 with a workmanlike performance.

Dec Frost's two well-taken first-half goals settled the tie, while Saints' stand-in keeper Ben Newman was superbly protected by his back four, ensuring he enjoyed a quiet game.

With captain Tom Wingent leading by example in midfield, the visitors controlled the game and only a number of fine saves by Ben Slade in the United goal stopped Saints adding to their score.

Coalpit Heath Under-15s produced an impressive performance to pip Keynsham Town 3-2 on the road in an enthralling tie.

Town took the lead when a corner was headed home, but Heath hit back with two brilliant strikes. First, Luke Burman smashed a superb 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner of the net and Conor Heal followed up by rifling home a stunning free-kick for the second.

Frankie Vaughan and Hayden Watkins went close to increasing Heath's advantage, but Keysham equalised in the final minute to take the match into extra-time.

Watkins proved Coalpit's matchwinner, latching on to a through ball to fire home and book his team a place in the semi-finals.

Bitton Under-15s progressed to the quarter-finals, scoring five goals without reply against Avon Athletic.

First-half efforts from Sam Bressington and Jamie Noble gave Bitton a 2-0 lead. Vinicius Pinto added a third after the break before strikes from George Watts and Billy Arnold completed the scoring.

Bitton Under-16s moved comfortably into the semi-finals with a 4-1 win over Ashton Boys.

Jake Garnett side-footed a cross from Jack Rhys-Jones into the net for the opener and Joe Osborne added a second two minutes into the second half, beating his marker well and drilling the ball past the keeper.

Minutes later, Jack Boughton delivered a great cross into the box which an Ashton defender divertedinto his own net, and the final goal came when Aaron McKenna-Burnell headed on to Osborne, who showed great determination before rolling the ball under the advancing keeper.