Pinchbeck United’s difficult United Counties League run brought no cup respite as Northampton Sileby Rangers progressed from Eslaforde Park with a 2-0 Knockout Cup victory.
The Knights were competitive against the Premier Division visitors and created several good chances, but two goals before half-time ultimately decided the tie. Sileby struck after 14 minutes and again after 29 minutes to secure their passage.
Two first-half goals settle the contest
Pinchbeck gave as good as they got during a battling performance, keeping Northampton Sileby Rangers under pressure despite falling behind. The hosts could not convert their opportunities, however, and the visitors protected their advantage after the interval.
The match was played at Eslaforde Park in front of an attendance of 44. Pinchbeck’s starting line-up was Cox, Porter, Dale, Panton, Cranfield, Huggins, Callaby, Young, Garner, Hussein and Ward. King, Tarvers and Waby were listed among the substitutes.
Although the result continued Pinchbeck’s struggles in United Counties League competition, the performance meant Northampton Sileby Rangers had to work for their cup progress. The Knights were unable to force a comeback after the visitors’ early double.
Long Sutton climb to fourth after two wins
Long Sutton Athletic enjoyed a strong week in the Peterborough League after securing victories over Whaplode Drove Rovers and Moulton Harrox.
The Premier Division newcomers began with a 5-1 win against Whaplode Drove last Wednesday. Edward Barnes put Drove ahead, but Jordan Woods levelled shortly before the break. Long Sutton then took control in the second half, with George Stainfield, Jordan Oliver, Jordan Keeble and Stachys Scott all scoring.
Keeble was on target again in the 2-0 win at Moulton Harrox on Saturday. Jack Fowler had given Sutton an early lead in that match before Keeble added the second.
The two results leave Long Sutton fourth in the table. The club has suffered just one defeat in the five matches it has played since promotion, giving the Premier Division new boys an encouraging early record.
Crowland second after another win
Crowland Town are second in the Peterborough League following a 3-0 victory away to Stamford Reserves. Adam Blackbird, Harry Grigas and Klyden Lleshi scored as Crowland claimed a fourth win in five games.
Whaplode Drove, meanwhile, suffered a second heavy defeat within four days. Ramsey Town won 7-0 at Drove, who played much of the match with 10 men after Jamie Allen was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 26th minute.
Spalding United Women respond in style
Spalding United Women produced a decisive response to their opening-day result in the East Midlands Women’s League, Division One South.
After losing 8-0 at home to Leicester City, Spalding won 5-1 away at Stanground Cardea Sports. Codie Steward and Antonina Such each scored twice, while Nicola Krajewska also found the net.
The result provided Spalding United with an emphatic first response after the heavy opening defeat, while the weekend’s wider results included strong starts for Long Sutton and Crowland alongside Pinchbeck United’s cup exit.
