Unbeaten AS Plant clinch MAA title early

AS Plant FC secured the Midland Amateur Alliance Premier Division title with a resounding 6-1 victory over Rainworth Rangers on Saturday.

James McCann was in top form, hitting the net on four occasions, with James Thorpe also on the scoresheet for the home side.

Plant have been unbeaten throughout the season and with just three games remaining in the league and 61 points from 21 games are worthy championship winners.

Bestwood MW Sports Club keep up their challenge for runners-up with a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Hosiery Mills.

Connor Scott scored from the penalty spot in the first half and Ricky Hodgson added to the total midway through the second half.

Woodborough United’s good form continued with a 5-1 victory over Southwell City III.

Good football was played by both teams, but the experience of the Woodborough players was too much for the youngsters from Southwell and a brace of goals for the home side by Derryl Clayton followed by efforts from Mathew Penfold, Graham Crowe and Ant Mcpherson gave United a comfortable victory.

Old Elizabethans were too strong for AFC Farnsfield with a 6-1 away victory.

But FC Coopers were the highest scorers of the day with an 8-1 victory over Kirkby Athletic.

On the scoresheet for the home team were Daniel Morgan (2), Glen Doyle (2), Lee Daykin, Aden Thomas, Anton Lavender and Mark Armitage. The consolation goal for Kirkby came from Jake Cantrill.

The Division One title race is hotting up with leaders AFC South Wingfield 93 being held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Sutton Travellers, who were the home team.

Goals for Sutton were scored in the first half by Ian Roe and Chris Draycott. But they were unable to hold on as South Wingfield scored twice in the second half to level the scores.

Derbyshire Amateurs, who are second in the table, picked up all the points against bottom club Steelers.

However, it was midway through the second half before Sam Alfred opened the scoring for the home side with a well taken penalty.

Steelers equalised a few minutes later before the home side added four late goals with Mark Alfred, Dale Blackburn, Elliot Perry and Grant Strickson securing what became a comfortable victory. Ashfield FC took the lead after 10 minutes against Wollaton III with a well taken goal by Rob Bradley.

However, the visitors soon responded, scoring four times for a comfortable victory.

Alvaston Utd and visiting Old Elizabethans AA drew 3-3 thanks to a fightback by the home team, who were losing 2-1 at half-time. Tommy Rutter (2) and Karl Clifford scored for the home side.

In the MAA Minor Cup preliminary round, Old Bemrosians were 6-2 winners against Bridon FC.

A hat-trick from Brad Richardson and goals by Gavin Etches, Lee Hickling and Karl Smith added to the home scoreline.