MacLeod makes his mark in final

Val helen division 1 league cup final prolific striker hits hat-trick at homelands as kennington triumph premier division

Kennington skipper Mike Hodges lifted the cup after leading his side to a 5-1 victory over title rivals Stanhope & Beaver Rangers at Homelands on Sunday afternoon.

Carlum MacLeod’s hat-trick and further goals from Lewis Horne and Steve Johnson sealed a memorable win for Keith Rice’s team, who warmed up for this weekend’s Charity Trophy final against Market Hotel at the same venue.

Most of the talk before the game surrounded the off-field problems of original finalists Shepway Spartans, who withdrew from the fixture just 24 hours before kick-off.

Stanhope’s lack of preparation time showed early on as Kennington went 1-0 ahead after just 90 seconds when MacLeod raced clear of the Rangers defence to put his side ahead.

Kennington missed a series of chances to go further ahead and it was Stanhope who scored next, equalising through Charlie Jupp just before half-time.

However, Kennington re-took the lead on th stroke of half-time – Lewis Horne getting the slightest of touches to deflect in a Lee Milton free-kick.

Further goals for Kennington followed in the second half. Steve Johnson made it 3-1 and MacLeod completed his treble with two more goals. Dale Horton hit a treble for Mersham. Steve Warren scored twice to help Charing Sunday to a 3-0 win over Mersham Sports. Gary Turner hit the other goal. above their opponents into top spot.

Further goals from Matt Shearman, Aaron Cook, Chris Arnold and Jon Brisley completed the scoring for White Horse, with Stephen Cowell grabbing Aldington’s only consolation goal.

Bromley Green came back from going 3-0 behind to beat Troggs Reserves 4-3 at Waterside.

Troggs went three goals ahead thanks to two Ben Allen strikes and one from Andy Underdown.

But Bromley Green battled their way back with two Ryan Ford strikes, before Ashley Webster’s double sealed the comeback.

Craig Mannering and Ross Struthers both scored twice as Fox Sunday extended their unbeaten sequence to three games with a 6-3 win at home to Ashford United Colts.

Further goals from Stuart Margetson and top goal scorer Tom Wilmshurst completed the scoring for Fox, with Brad Freund, Alfie Dryland and Tom Robinson replying for the Colts.