Late treble strike carries Hallen Reserves into second round

GFA SENIOR AMATEUR CUP: THREE goals in the closing stages sealed a convincing 6-2 home victory for holders Hallen Reserves against Shaftesbury Crusade in the first round of the GFA Senior Amateur Cup.

Paul Griffiths and Alex Tierney both struck twice for the hosts, whose tally was completed by Matt Knight and Ben McKenna. The Crusaders hit back through Wayne Fierra and Simon O'Reilly, with a free-kick.

Last season's beaten finalists Henbury Reserves bowed out after losing 1-0 at Brimsham Green. Andy Hellen converted Louis Davey's cross in the 15th minute to settle the outcome, while the home defence stood firm under late pressure.

Joe Loft slotted in the only goal from the penalty spot in the last minute for Cadbury Heath Reserves at home to Almondsbury Town Reserves, while Nicholas Wanderers were also 1-0 winners against Totterdown United thanks to Shalto Blackwell's second-minute strike.

South Bristol Central twice came from behind in a 4-4 extra-time draw at St Philips MAS, who were beaten 4-2 on penalties, with the visitors' goalkeeper Steve Keen saving two spot-kicks in the shoot-out.

Dazel Young and James Shipman put Saints 2-0 up at the break before John Miles netted twice to level the scores. Shipman and Ivor Anderson gave the hosts the lead again, only for Matt Sweet to bag a brace in reply.

Ridings High trailed to a goal from Alan Boulton at half-time at Severn Beach but bounced back to win 3-1 through Ryan Weeks, whose double included a penalty, and Jack Chapman.

Mike Hodge grabbed a last-gasp decider for Stoke Glifford in the 2-1 home victory against Lawrence Weston after Mike Bartley had opened the scoring with a header.

Mike Lee hit a consolation goal for Fishponds OB in a 3-1 home defeat by Sneyd Park, whose marksmen, all in the first half, were Gareth Browning, Liam Bailey and Matt Tribe.

Tytherington Reserves were left regretting the switch of their home tie to the Warmley pitch of Fishponds Athletic after slumping to a 4-2 defeat. Joe Galsworthy (2), David Morbey and veteran striker Ali Stewart hit the Fishponds goals.

Dan Elson completed his double with a penalty for Highridge Reserves, who won 3-2 at Greyfriars after extra-time.

Terry Hancock was Highridge's other scorer, also with a spot-kick, with Ed Beirods and Jeff Clee on the mark for Greyfriars.

Denny Chapman was twice on target from Luke Mathison's passes in the second half for Lawrence Rovers, who beat Bristol Telephones 2-0, while second-half goals from Paul Evans, one from the penalty spot, clinched Patchway Reserves' 2-0 home success against Portland OB.

Former winners St Aldhelms cruised to a 2-0 victory at Seymour United, who were sunk by an early brace from Richard Griffiths.

"They were the better team in the first half but we had a few chances later on," said Seymour manager Neil Coles.

Bristol Athletic came from behind to beat Glenside 5 OB 2-1 after trailing to a first-half strike by Ian Johnson. Paul Rea grabbed the equaliser and went on to hit the winner.

Ross Davidson, Nathan Kelly and Dean Patterson fired Lockleaze to a 3-1 success at Little Stoke, for whom Matt Bernard replied, while Joe Mitchell netted for Winford PH, who lost by the same score at Olveston.

With regular goalkeeper John Mealing unavailable for Hillfields OB, full-back Ben Sellick proved a capable deputy by saving two penalties in the 4-2 shoot-out success against Bristol North West. Jordan Rickman levelled the scores for the Old Boys in the 1-1 draw.

Winterbourne Reserves received a walkover because Pucklechurch were unable to raise a team for the trip to Parkside Avenue.