Shipston Excelsior sink AFC Alcester Town to get Stratford Alliance title charge back on track

SHIPSTON Excelsior returned to winning ways with a 4-2 victory over basement boys AFC Alcester Town to get their Stratford Alliance Aquaid Division One title charge back on track.

James Drinkwater, Jamie Haines, Scott Rogers and substitute Patrick Ross got the goals for third-placed Excelsior who have games in hand on the teams directly above them.

Michael Dyde and William Gorski were on target for an Alcester side that has lost all 12 of their fixtures so far.

Central Ajax Reserves cemented their place at the top of the table after edging out a spirited Bretforton Old Boys outfit 3-2. Chris Stringer (2) and Dave Jones got the goals for Ajax.

Meanwhile, AFC Bromsgrove take a share of top spot on goal difference as they put in a superb showing to beat reigning champions FC Wickhamford 4-1.

Brigen Beqi, James Callaghan, Oliver Grace and substitute Alfie Taylor scored for Bromsgrove, while Louis Brown bagged a consolation for Wickhamford.

In Walls & Ceilings Division Two, a hat-trick from Paul Rowe and a goal from Sam Roberts inspired unbeaten leaders FISSC Reserves to a comfortable 4-0 away win over Blockley United.

Stratford Town Colts moved up to third following their 5-0 demolition of Badsey Rangers while Inkberrow Academy ran out 3-0 winners at Tysoe United thanks to a Shae McNally double and strike from namesake Adrian.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Bearley United claimed their first league win at the 12th time of asking after goals from Rob Hordern, Joseph Mason and Sam Arnold fired them to a 3-0 success over Shipston Excelsior Reserves.