IT WAS third versus second at Culver Close where Bradford United Reserves, who started the day two points adrift of the Fleece, were looking to extend their unbeaten run in Division Three to five games.

Bradford showed why they are now serious promotions hopefuls as a 3-0 success took them ahead of their guests and into second spot, albeit some 11 points off runaway leaders Westwood News.

After a goalless first 45 minutes, Bradford got their noses in front through Phil Radwell. Marc Taylor’s bullet header made it 2-0 before a spectacular 40 yard drive from Scott Mitchell put the icing on the cake for the hosts whose rise up the standings shows little sign of dropping off as they approach the business end of the season.

Lacock FC 8 The Stiffs 1

FLLOWING on from their first win since January 2012, The Stiffs, who beat Polenez 1-0 last weekend, travelled to Stanley Park to take on a Lacock side who have played just two games since the end of last November, the last of which saw them beat first division Freshford United 3-1 in the Knockut Cup.

Lacock, who were far the better side throughout, ran out 8-1 victors as they played some excellent football, but their attitude to the referee and the Stiffs linesman left a lot to be desired and it was a surprise that they ended the game with an 11 players on the park.

A first-half double from Jamie Murphy along with Adie Webb’s single gave them a 3-0 lead before Simon Lunt replied for the Stiffs.

The second half saw Stuart Tutty bag a hat-trick and with a goal each from Simon Gray and Liam Shipman it gave Joe Martin’s side for who midfielder Sam Sibbick had an excellent game a comfortable victory.

Polenez Westbury 2 Westwood News 8

PLAYING their first game since the start of January, leaders Westwood Social Club visited Leighton Sports Centre for their second meeting of the season with Polenez Westbury, the first back in October seeing Westwood awarded the game after Polenez walked off the pitch after 25 minutes.

There were no such drama in the reverse fixture as Westwood who trailed 2-1 at one stage triumphed 8-2 to take their winning run to 11 games and open up an 11-point lead on the chasing pack.

Ben Cowdrey saw his opener for Westwood cancelled out by Przemek Pogorzolsli and Polenez stunned Mark Hurkett’s side when Miroslav Uszpelkat netted a second within a minute to put them in front.

Westwood restored parity through Josh Maguire and they regained the lead prior to the break thanks to Ashley Styles.

After the interval it was all Westwood as Tom Rooney made it 4-2 before Richard Jones added number five.

Substitutes Jonny Andrews and Ben Ludwell came off the bench and had an impact as they got their names on the score sheet, Ludwell scoring twice and Andrews once to make up Westwood’s eight for the afternoon.

United FC 4 Trowbridge Rangers 3

WITH Trowbridge Town Reserves unable to use their Woodmarsh pitch, their opponents Trowbridge Rangers were paired up with United FC, who were desperate for a return to action after their A&B Cup mauling at the hands of Melksham Town Reserves last weekend.

When the sides met on the opening day of the season honours were shared as they fought out a 2-2 draw, things were close again but on this occasion the Stiffs came out on top as they edge a thriller 4-3 to claim their first win in five games.

A stunning individual effort from Lucaz Bareja who beat three players put United ahead, Dan Moore squared things up for Rangers only for Mariusz Jackiewic to regain the lead for United.

Back came Rangers and Steve Corbin got them back on level terms before half time.

A second from Mariusz Jackiewic gave United the lead for a third time and they seemed to take control of things before a mistake allowed Rangers to make it 3-3, Dan Moore profiting for a lapse of concentration in defence.

Another game looked to be heading for a draw but with time running out United conjured up a winner, Marcin Kaminski netting their all important fourth of an entertaining contest between the local rivals.

MATCH OFF: Trowbridge Town Reserves v Trowbridge Rangers

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