DAVE Akpara was the star of the show for Bassett Bulldogs as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Swindon & District League’s Swindon Advertiser Cup on Saturday, scoring all of his side’s goals in a 4-1 win at home to Sportz Central in the second round.

The victory was Bassett’s eighth from 10 games in all competitions this season – and sixth in a row in a superb sequence dating back to early October.

Bulldogs boss Wayne Mathews hailed the performance of cup hero Akpara, although reckons all of the Bassett players turned in a strong shift to ensure they beat Sportz.

Mathews said: “Dave was fantastic on Saturday. It was great to watch him cause Sports so many problems.

“He joined us in the summer. He came to us as a new player and we’re thrilled to have him. He has been unbelievable for us this season.

“To be fair to the squad, everyone played well on Saturday – and that has been the case all season.

“They have really stepped it up and we’ve been in great form so far.”

Five of Bassett’s victories have come in league matches, and they sit fourth in the Division One table on 16 points from seven games.

That is four behind early leaders Chiseldon, although the Bulldogs do have two games in hand.

Mathews added: “Last season we got to a cup final but finished second bottom in the league, so we just want a bit more consistency this season.

“Everyone wants a good cup run but focusing on the league has to been the main priority. We are pleased with the start we have made.

“I think a lot of teams are evenly matched and there isn’t much between them.

“Consistency is so important. If you can keep picking up results every week, then you’re going to be up there in with a shout towards the end of the season.”

All other matches over the weekend were in the league, with The Globe keeping hold of top spot in the Premier Division following a 4-0 victory away at Paragon.

Ruby Removals are their nearest challenges, four points back, after they won 4-2 at home to Ashton Keynes.

The biggest winners on the day were third-placed Blunsdon, who roared to a dominant 9-0 success away at Wheatsheaf Stratton.

Redhouse edged to a 2-1 win at Nalgo Sports Club, while the final top-flight game produced a 10-goal thriller.

However, it was a case of honours even as Wroughton Reserves’ home clash against Swindon Supermarine Development ended in a 5-5 draw.

In Division One, Swindon Centurians missed the chance to climb to the top of the table after slipping to a 7-3 loss at home to Moredon.

Centurians remain a point behind leaders Chiseldon, who had no game at the weekend.

North Swindon edged to a 3-2 victory at home to Spectrum, while Marlborough Town Reserves saw off visitors Ramsbury 2-0.