St Peters 1 Buntingford Town 6 TOWN progressed to the second round of the Aubrey (League) Cup after comfortably overcoming Division One side St Peters on Saturday. The difference in status was more than apparent for long stages of the game, especially in

St Peters 1

Buntingford Town 6

TOWN progressed to the second round of the Aubrey (League) Cup after comfortably overcoming Division One side St Peters on Saturday.

The difference in status was more than apparent for long stages of the game, especially in the second half and the final score line was richly deserved and could have been a lot higher but for some fine goalkeeping.

Surprisingly in was the home team, without a win to date this season, that started the better with Town a little complacent in the opening stages.

With Paul Attfield welcoming back the experienced Chris Hardy and Duncan Easley into the heart of defence for a much needed run out and the Town boss also intent in giving youth team players a rest before their FA Youth Cup game this week, there was once again a chance to rotate the large squad at his disposal.

The visitors were sloppy in possession of the ball too often and with St Peters really battling for every loose ball and in every tackle Town looked uncomfortable and never threatened going forward.

Despite the brisk opening from the home side any neat, vibrant approach play was broken up in front of Town's back line and keeper Damion Williamson only had one long range effort to catch on 11 minutes.

Town settled, and took the lead in the 16 minute. A long ball from the back eluded the home back line and Ashley Townsend ran clear to slot past the advancing keeper.

The lead was doubled 10 minutes after with a similar goal. Easley this time headed a clearance over the home defence, and Gary Christie rounded the keeper before clipping home from a tight angle.

The remaining time of the first half was frustrating for the visitors as they worked hard for good possession but constantly gave the ball away and the half petered out as a tedious spectacle.

The second half was a completely different story as Town returned with a spring in their step, playing some excellent controlled football, and it was only a matter of how many the visitors would score.

The third goal arrived on 47 minutes when a fine bit of skill and a cross on the left from Townsend was crashed home by Tom Malins at the far post.

Dean Chaffey then replaced the injured Carl Simmonds and with his first run and touch crossed for Matt Turl to angle a 10 yard drive home again unmarked at the far post.

Town then had a plethora of opportunities to extend their lead further with some near misses and a trio of fine saves by youngster Jerome Paul in the home goal. Gary Christie, Chris Hardy and Malins were all thwarted by some excellent stops.

Completely against the run of play St Peters scored a scrappy consolation with 10 minutes remaining wen Town failed to deal with a simple cross and Darren Shea scuffed a shot wide of Williamson from eight yards.

Town though continued to attack and rewarded with two goals in the last seven minutes when first Jan Stephens crossed for Christie to head home and Malins completed the rout when he tapped home another Chaffey cross from close range.

In the second round, Town will host either Premier Division side Elliot Star or Division One team Lemsford.

Town: D Williamson, J Babbage (L Endacott), C Simmonds (D Chaffey), C Hardy, D Easley, M Turl, M Smith, T Malins, G Christie, A Townsend (D Cain), J Stephens. Unused subs : W Turl, L Robins

With Town in cup action, Sandridge went top of the Herts County League with a 3-1 victory against Codicote.

Town return to league action on Saturday when they face fellow high-flyers Hatfield Town at The Bury, kick off 3pm.

Buntingford Town Youth 3 Newmarket Town 0

BUNTINGFORD opened their Eastern Junior Alliance campaign with a good victory against Newmarket.

Both sides found the exceedingly hot conditions difficult to come to terms with but the home side looked the more vibrant in the first half without creating many chances.

Despite some good set play situations Buntingford failed to test the visiting defence until the 30th minute when Josh Bronti ran on to a loose ball and fired a 12 yard strike high into the net.

The game was finished off within 10 minutes after the restart. First Will Turl powered home a header from a Conor De Lacy corner and a minute later De Lacy's free kick was flicked in by Lewis Endacott.

A number of substitutions and positional changes did effect Buntingford's rhythm in the latter stages of the game although Sam Chester brought a fine block from the visiting keeper.

Newmarket worked themselves into some decent positions late in the game but failed to test home keeper Robbie Cook and there was no further addition to the scoresheet.

Town: R Cook, J Shaughnessy, J Tyler, L Endacott (D Jones), W Turl, C De lacy, J Bronti, D Apostolos (C Babbage), C Mortimer, S Chester, J Morriss (N Williamson)