BigFreeBet-com Challenge Cup Round-Up

Tuesday night saw several ties battle through the rain and produce something of a goal bonanza.

Top of the scorers were Evo-Stik League South Premier side Royston Town, who hammered South, East side Kempston Rovers 6-1 at Garden Walk with goals from Ryan Ingrey with two, Scott Thomas, James Potton, Gus Scott-Morris and Scott Bridges – Michael Lyon replying for the Walnut Boys 5 minutes from time.

Moneyfields are enjoying a fabulous first season in the Evo Stik League South, East but were dumped out of the cup by visiting Evo- Stik League South Premier side Basingstoke Town, who triumphed 4-1 in which Callum Bunting helped himself to a second half hat-trick after Sam Smart had opened their account in the first half.

Basingstoke`s league rivals Hitchin Town also hit four away from home as they came through 4-2 at fellow League rivals Kings Langley.

Kings led through Jorell Johnson`s 20th minute opener, but Callum Donnelly equalised straight after half-time and then Dan Webb, Connor Vincent and Patrick Tshikala made it 4-1 before Michael King added a second for the hosts.

Chesham United also hosted a fellow Premier side in strugglers Dunstable Town and went through by the same scoreline, thanks to Giuseppe Iaciofano, Ben Crilley, a Dave Hutton penalty and a second from the ex-Spurs man from open play, with Bill Morgan and Ryan Frater replying.

In an all Evo-Stik League South South, West tie at Barnstaple Town, a below-strength Taunton Town side swept into the third round by also recording a 4-2 win.

Barnstaple took the lead with a goal by Jed Harper-Pitman in the 8th minute but Taunton hit back with three goals in 14 minutes through Omar Simpson, Ross Staley and Chris McGrath.

Shane White added a fourth for the Peacocks, before Jordan Walton netted a consolation effort for the home side in the 72nd minute.

It was Taunton’s eleventh game without defeat and they have not lost an away game this season to date.

In an all-Premier tie, Redditch United saw off Stratford Town 3-0 at the Valley Stadium with goals from Zaqib Hussain, Orrin Pendley and a Spencer Weir-Daley penalty.

Another Premier side to progress on Tuesday were Biggleswade Town, who beat South East outfit Cambridge City 2-1 at the Carlsberg Stadium, coming back from a 12th minute Mason Spence goal down to win, courtesy of Liam Brooks after 49 minutes and Tony Burnett 7 minutes later.

Wednesday night saw Premier side Frome Town go through at home to South West newcomers Bristol Manor Farm.

Two goals in 4 minutes midway through the first half from Jon Davies and Jake Jackson proved enough for the Somerset hosts, despite Jordan Metters replying 2 minutes from time.

And the all-South West tie between neighbours Kidlington and Didcot Town saw the only penalty shoot-out of the week after a 1-1 draw in which Anaclet Odhiambo`s 23rd minute opener was cancelled out by the Railwaymen`s Felipe Barcelos just before half-time.

Didcot went on to win the shoot-out 3-2.

By Steve Whitney