Burns strikes to settle tight tussle with Patchway

LEADERS Cribbs Reserves gained a vital three points with a 1-0 victory over a battling Patchway Town whose performance belied their lowly status in the league.

The only goal came in the 51st minute when Tom Burns met an inswinging corner from Aaron Coleman to head powerfully past the impressive Sam Burgess in the visitors’ goal.

After gaining a good midweek win, third-placed Rockleaze Rangers lost 1-0 at Little Stoke.

The hosts started quickly with Luke Meacham forcing a good save by Jordan Dunning. Meacham wasn’t to be denied when, after only eight minutes, Jordan Yeo’s cross found Mike Hardiman, whose shot was well blocked only for Meacham to be first to the rebound swivelling to fire a low shot home.

Both teams were reduced to 10 two minutes from time and Little Stoke took a well-contested encounter 1-0.

Quedgeley Wanderers did their hopes of escaping the drop a power of good with three points from a 2-1 win at home to Stoke Gifford United.

The hosts took a 24th-minute lead when Rory Hunt found Ollie Curtis, whose shot was saved but Ryan Hunt latched on to the rebound, rounded a defender and finished at the near post.

On 55 minutes, the equaliser came when Spike Weaver slotted past Nathan Charnock. Opportunities for both sides to score came and went until Quedgeley took an 84th-minute lead when Rory Hunt beat three defenders and fired home. An injury-hit Bromley Heath United stayed second with a 3-1 home win against Cheltenham Civil Service.

Bromley went two up inside 32 minutes through strikes from Aiden Noble and Trai Elliston-Sackett.

Jamie Lewis pulled a goal back early in the second half with a a tremendous 20-yard strike.

The game was settled right at the end when Noble was brought down in the box and Nathan Rose converted the penalty.

At the Bell Field, Frampton United overcame a spirited Henbury side who looked far from a bottom of the table side.

Tom Mangan’s header gave Frampton a 16th-minute lead, and Harvey Long side-footed h9oome the second in the 65th minute. Rhys Iles p[ulled a goal back in the 78th mimnute.

In a mid-table game, Wick battled out a goalless draw at home to Ruardean Hill Rangers.

Aaron Underwood, the Rangers goalkeeper, was in great form to deny Wick, which included a fine double save 15 minutes from time.