Smiths at the double to give Bear a knock-out semi place (From Cotswold Journal)

Smiths at the double to give Bear a knock-out semi place

7:30am Saturday 12th January 2013 in Sport

BEAR reached the Evesham Mechanical Services Knockout Cup last four with a 4-1 victory at Gardeners Arms.

The Evesham side continued their excellent season thanks to doubles from Joey Smith and L Smith with Malin netting for Gardeners.

Bear’s opponents will be Honeybourne Gate Inn who romped home 7-3 at Broadway United with goals from Layton (2), Tomes, Brookes, Dan Sherry, Conor Sherry and Ward. Broadway replied through Magee (2) and Craig.

Holders Bretforton Old Boys advanced at Lenches Lions 6-2 thanks to Jamie Clarke who came off the bench to hit a second-half hat-trick.

In the outstanding thirdround tie, WMK defeated Alcester Town 5-1 with Sklenaar scoring all five goals for the Tewkesbury outfit.

In the Express-Funding Mick Godwin Cup first round, top-flight Mickleton Rangers needed a penalty shoot-out to defeat Division Four outfit Elmley Castle after the teams shared six goals.

The prolific Mike Bellamy hit four as Pinvin United won 7-1 at Fairfield, while Sun Inn won an entertaining match 5-4 at Ashton with goals from Taylor (2), Holmes, Collins and Ed Major. Ashton replied through White (2), James and Bernardo.

Jack Godson (3) and Dunsbee (2) were among the scorers for Stour Excelsior as they came from two down to overcome Cheltenham Saints 6-4 after extra-time.

Evesham WMC took the bragging rights over neighbours Ambassador 5-2 with goals from White (2), Rowley, Colston and Grady.

Ambassador scored through Stevens and Marshall.

Offenham Rovers hit 12 without reply at Campden/ Ebrington United with Nick Burrows (4) and Griffiths (2) among the scorers.

Eckington defeated Defford/ Besford United for the second week running in Division One, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Clifton, McIlroy and Mather.

Cider Mill earned a muchneeded win in Division Two against Alderton with Bullock (3), Ballard and Faulkner scoring in a 5-2 success.

Kinder and Greaves replied.

Tewkesbury Town took a huge stride towards promotion in Division Three with a 4-3 victory at leaders Pershore High Old Boys.

Town scored through Petitt (2), Jordan and Halling with Ridings, Taylor and Wyatt pulling goals back.

A first-half Lennox strike earned Ecosamba the points against Salford Priors.

Division Four leaders Anchor Harriers made it 10 wins from as many league games, winning 10-3 at Bengeworth. Heritage (3) and Quantrell (4) were among the scorers.

Dragons remain second as a strong second-half performance overcame Ambi Allsports 7-3 with Sinden (3), Guoite, Mullins, Gisbourne and Rossiter on target.

Ebanks and Jackson scored for Allsports.

Stour Excelsior Reserves won 3-2 at Vale Wanderers with Dudfield netting a brace for the Shipston side.