DIVISION 3 side Grove Rangers pushed their Division 2 opponents East Hendred all the way in the semi-finals of the North Berks League’s War Memorial Cup, but fell to a 3-0 defeat late in extra time, writes PHIL ANNETS.

Goals in the last ten minutes by Ben Sutton, Liam McCullough and Mike Farrelly eventually sent the visitors through to the final for the second time in as many years.

They will face either Burghclere or Newbury Res.

In Division 1, David Murphy and Luke Saunders struck a hat-trick apiece for Berinsfield in their 6-0 win at Drayton, bringing them to within four points of league leaders Kintbury.

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Wallingford Town remain in third place despite being held to a goalless draw by bottom side Watlington Town.

The point moved the visitors off the bottom of the table, but they missed the chance to claim all three points after hitting the woodwork twice.

Goals from Robbie Cattell and Danny Cox gave Abingdon Town a 2-1 home win over Ardington & Lockinge.

James Wilkins replied for Ardington.

Seventh-placed Dorchester came from two goals down to beat Saxton Rovers 3-2, courtesy of a Josh Nicholls double and a Tom Nicholls strike.

A double from Wayne Waldron had put the visitors in charge, but they couldn’t hang on as they returned to the foot of the table.

Long Wittenham Athletic’s six-match winning streak came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw at mid-table Faringdon Town.

Joe Murphy and Matt Saunders scored for Wittenham, but goals from Dan Oyston and Christian Wills secured a point for the home side.

Marcham won 4-1 at Westminster to move level on points with their opponents in Division 2.

Two goals from Stuart Armstrong and one each for Jonny Lloyd and Tom Larman won it for the visitors, with Josh Bourton scoring in vain for fourth-placed Westminster.

Sutton Courtenay went down to a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Burghclere.

Alex Smith netted three times for the hosts, alongside Jamie Gannon and John Taylor efforts.

Things got even worse for bottom side Saxton Rovers Res, as they were thumped 9-0 at home to Kintbury Rangers Res.

Luke Johnson caused all sorts of problems and hit a four-timer.

Luke Conner scored twice and Josh Way, Dee Rowswell and Dan Crane were also on the scoresheet in a one-sided affair.

Abingdon Town Res finally picked up their first Division 3 points of the season at the 14th attempt.

Niall Hodgkins scored the only goal of the game to earn his side a narrow 1-0 win over Hungerford Town Swifts.

Blewbury were hammered 12-0 at league leaders Turnpike Sports.

Gary Dredge netted four times and Rich Meikle hit a hat-trick.

Rob Lunnon grabbed two and Ashley Beckett, Martin Amor and Jonathan Fox also scored.

Harwell Village threw away a three-goal half-time lead to lose 5-3 at Newbury Res.

Gareth Fenton (2) and Matt Aplin put the visitors firmly in charge.

But they were undone thanks to Colby Rutter (2), Craig Hill, Callum Willmoth and an own goal.