Desford win again to climb up league table

IN the Everards Brewery Premier Division Desford continued their climb with a 3-1 win at home to Highfield Rangers, Daniel Portch giving them the lead in the eighth minute, before Macauley Parnell doubled their lead four minutes later, and Mitchell Dublin made it three just after the half-hour. Mustapha Drammeh scored from the spot for Rangers in the second half, but Desford secured the points, and moved up into the top half of the table for the first time this term.

At the top of the table, Thurnby Rangers requested a free weekend, leaving Glenfield United on the sidelines. Magna 73 replaced them in the top four, with a 1-0 smash-andgrab win at Hathern, Pearce Fox scoring with a 25-yard shot midway through the first half.

In Everards Brewery Division One, Birstall United Reserves pulled further away from the drop zone with a 6-1 thrashing of bottom side Loughborough FC, scoring four times in the first half. Chris Larter’s four led the way, with James Pearce and Charlie Seager rounding off the scoring, Jack Crabtree providing a consolation for Luffs, five points adrift of Kibworth, and still searching a League win this term.

In mid-table, Earl Shilton Albion and Ingles Reserves shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw, Conor Beasley and Neil Cowdrey for Albion, Connor Bennett and Josh Coomber for Ingles. At the top remain Kirby Muxloe Reserves and Asfordby, neither of whom played this weekend.

In Everards Brewery Division Two, Desford Reserves also remain winless, but did climb off the bottom with a 1-1 draw at St Andrews Reserves. It looked like they might be getting all the points when first-half sub Neil Valand gave them the lead, but Dave Fisher’s equaliser for the hosts in the second period saw it finish level. Cottesmore Development fall to the bottom spot after a 4-0 defeat at Sileby Town Reserves, Joe Hetterley (2), Joe ButcherSmith and Connor Packwood the scorers in a comfortable win. It remains as tight as a miser’s wallet at the bottom though. Considering that only 12 sides have actually started the season, it’s remarkable that just two points cover the bottom five in the division.