Premier Comb’n Boco’s title charge held up by draw against Bedminster

AEK Boco Reserves are in freescoring form and continuing to push leaders Old Sodbury hard, loitering with intent second in the Division One standings and only two points adrift of summit status.

- Simon PARKINSON

Boco haven't quite had it all their own way, despite a splendid start to their second-tier undertakings following the disappointment of relegation after finishing bottom of last season's Premier Division pack.

Bedminster Down, new to the league last term and securing an admirable fourth-spot finish for their efforts, demonstrated they're no mugs this season either, as two Connor Bodnarazek goals and a Cameron Phipps contribution earned them a 3-3 Greenbank Road draw at the expense of Boco hosts who responded through Harry Hussey, William Saunders and Seb Davis strikes.

Old Sodbury aren’t relenting either, holding firm to pole position for now with six wins and only one defeat from their seven outings.

There were bragging rights to enjoy, too, from their latest appearance, as goals for Lewis Bryan and Charlie Davis saw them to a 2-0 Ridings victory over local rivals Chipping Sodbury Town Reserves, who themselves are enjoying a reasonable campaign in third place to date.

Meanwhile, away from a depleted Division One programme, it was always going to be a tall order for Hambrook & Brimsham United as they faced Gloucestershire County League side Henbury & Rockleaze in the third round of the GFA Senior Amateur Cup on their Arnall Drive travels.

So it proved, as the higher-status hosts emerged 6-0 victors to clinch a fourth-round berth at home against fellow County Leaguers Tytherington Rocks on Saturday, December 13.