Stags make progress but Breaks and Lion lose out
THREE teams played in the second round of The Sentinel Sunday Cup at the weekend.
Breaks Athletic entertained Staffs Bull from the Stafford and District League Division One. The game was even for 35 minutes, but Gavin Clews (38) broke the deadlock for Staffs from a short corner routine, with Steve Mcgann doubling the lead on half-time.
Athletic improved in the second half until a Scott Hunter goal on the hour dented hopes of a comeback and further goals from Corey Heath (72) and Harry Richards (83) made for a convincing win for the away side. Buxton Stags keep up their good form with a 3-0 win over Uttoxeter and District Division One outfit Sudbury FC. Stags started slowly and nearly fell behind but for a good save from Mike Heathcote.
Joe Burgess (24) opened for Stags and Andy Swanson (36) headed home from a Dan Gilbride corner to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. The second half was pretty comfortable for the Stags and it was Gillbride (75) who put the game to bed with a curling free-kick from out on the right hand side.
Meanwhile, leaders Golden Lion had tougher opposition at home to AFC Dolphin. It was even for 20 minutes until Connor Dabs put the visitors ahead, only for Aaron Walker to level on the half-hour mark. Luke Mcclintock (65) restored Dolphins’ lead and Dabs (75) secured a good away win.
In the League, Prince of Wales caught up with Golden Lion on points with a game in hand by beating Waterhouses 5-1. Waterhouses matched them in the first half as the game was goalless at the interval. Edwin Ellis (50) opened for Prince, but Lee Buxton levelled on the hour. Prince moved up a gear in the final 20 minutes as Greg Johnson (70) and Mark Timothy (72) hit singles with Ellis (85 and 88) having the final say to complete his hattrick.
Breaks FC were devastated to lose a thrilling game at Birchall by the odd goal in five against Vale Hoppers. They reached the interval well in control with goals from Tom Woolley (20) and Andy Meyer (35). Jordan Morris reduced the arrears six minutes into the second half and pulled them level in the 76th minute, and just as Breaks thought they had earned a point, Ash Burton grabbed the winner for the Hoppers with seconds remaining.
Close by, Dyers played an improved Breaks United who have been on the wrong end of some big scores in recent weeks. United were going well until they conceded a penalty and Adam Stubbs (35) stepped up to convert to give Dyers the lead at the interval. United remained resilient for a further 25 minutes, but Dom Grindey (70 and 85) bagged a brace for the Dyers to make sure of the points.