James Drinkwater's first-half strike fires Stratford Alliance title hopefuls Shipston Excelsior to narrow win over AFC Bromsgrove

SHIPSTON Excelsior closed the gap at the top of the Stratford Alliance Aquaid Division One table to just one point after edging second-placed AFC Bromsgrove 1-0.

James Drinkwater’s first-half strike was enough to hand third-placed Excelsior all three points on Saturday.

The result means Excelsior are just one point behind joint leaders Central Ajax Reserves and Bromsgrove.

Reigning champions FC Wickhamford remain well in the hunt for another league crown as they got back to winning ways with a 6-3 victory at Bretforton Old Boys, thanks to goals from James White (2), Jake Andrews, Sam Ford, Joel Haylock and substitute Jamie Lee.

Daryl Mitchell (2) and Sam Beddoes were on target for Old Boys.

Walls & Ceilings Division Two leaders FISSC Reserves saw their 11-game unbeaten run come to and as second-placed Shottery United ran out 2-0 winners to inflict a first defeat of the campaign on table-toppers.

Claverdon Reserves ran out comfortable 5-0 winners at bottom-of-the-table Bearley United while goals from Alexander McBriar, Harry Spencer and Daniel Wood guided third-placed AFC Stratford to a 3-0 home win over Tysoe United.

Shipston Excelsior Reserves moved up to third as Owen Clarke’s treble – taking his tally to nine for the season – helped them to a 3-2 win at home to Blockley. Elsewhere, Blockley United drew 2-2 with Inkberrow Academy.

Javan Nurse bagged both of Blockley’s goals while Shae McNally and Calum Peterson got on the scoresheet for Inkberrow.