Peterborough and District Football League round-up
A hat-trick from Kieron McConnell helped South Lincs Swifts close the gap at the top of the Peterborough League Division Three table with a vital victory on Saturday.
McConnell netted a treble as Swifts secured a 4-0 home win over Stanground Cardea Sports Reserves at Monks House Lane.
Dawid Gos was also on target as Swifts scored four times in the final 29 minutes to cut the deficit on league leaders Stamford AFC Reserves to one point with three games in hand.
After a goalless opening half, McConnell curled home a sublime free-kick to put Swifts ahead just after the hour mark.
He then headed home from close range to double the lead from Jordan Olive's pass before completing his hat-trick with another superb set piece finish after Jack Watson had been fouled on the edge of the area.
Gos completed the scoring in the final minute after converting a fine pass from Dan Taylor.
Reece Precious scored the goal for Elsea Park Eagles in their 1-1 draw at Sawtry Reserves.
The all-Deeping clash in the Premier Division saw Rangers' Reserves run out 6-1 winners against United at Elsea Park with Steve Jucikas scoring the consolation for the hosts.
Holbeach United Reserves went down to a narrow 1-0 home loss against Whittlesey Reserves and remain eight points adrift at the foot of the top flight table.
Danny Firth fired two of the goals as Whaplode Drove ran out 4-0 winners against Long Sutton Athletic in Division One.
Ryan Ellwood and Connor Stevenson also scored for fourth-placed Rovers against their bottom of the table visitors.
Alfie Woodward scored both of the goals for Bourne Town Reserves in their home victory over Tydd in Division Two.
The young Wakes started well against an experienced, street-wise Tydd team who had enjoyed success in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.
James Ferrow, at centre forward, was the focal point with an excellent work ethic, holding the ball up well and laying off neatly to players in support.
At the other end, George Harding - the club's Under 18 keeper making only his second appearance of the season - was a confident presence in the Bourne goal.
He was expertly protected by Darren Halliday and Jake Dilley all afternoon both having good games, breaking up potential goalmouth threats.
On the day there was too many loose passes and not the fluidity of passing play that the Bourne team are capable of, limiting clear cut chances on the opposition goal.
Also, it was very clear energy levels and tempo was nowhere near the levels of the previous week. Subsequently, the physical levels of Tydd became a key factor in the game.
From set pieces Tydd were a clear threat, poor marking allowed a couple of free headers, that posed a test to the young Bourne keeper.
A through ball from the Tydd striker, resulted in Harding staying big, saving well and preventing a goal deficit.
At the other end a neat piece of play resulted in Dan Henson making a run in the box from the left back position.
It looked as though he was bundled over but was adjudged to be a fair challenge.
There were other neat passages of play but the ball in the final third wasn't composed and often wasteful after good build up in a goalless first half.
The second half was pretty similar to the first - not the most entertaining for a very loyal Bourne crowd.
For the second time in the game, Harding stood big when faced with a Tydd striker heading towards his goal and saving well.
The game came to life in the latter part.
The energy levels of Sam Webster and Callum Beveridge from the substitutes' bench clearly having an impact.
From a ball into the box, Woodward headed in from a few yards out.
Then, from a great through ball from Beveridge, Woodward scored the team's and his second of the game.
The young Wakes deserve huge credit for their resilience on the day but Tydd may feel they deserved a bit more for their efforts.
Sutton Bridge were 2-1 away winners at Thorney after goals from Sam Cooper and Mark Garner.
Pinchbeck United Development bowed out of the Boston League's Willoughby Cup competition after a 6-1 home loss to Fishtoft with Tom King scoring their goal.
Ex-Pinchbeck first team player Ben Johnson scored four times for the visitors.
Holbeach Bank defied two dismissals to progress after extra-time in the Willoughby Shield.
They had Alex Faulkner and Brandon Hall red-carded in their home first round clash with Heckington United.
However, goals from Warren Hebblethwaite and Ryan Murray secured their place in the next round after a 2-1 success.