Thames Valley Church Football League 2011/12

Ellis Hat-trick Shoots Kerith into Cup Final

A Jonathan Ellis treble helped Kerith Community Church to a 6-1 semi-final victory over Bethel United on Saturday, and booked their place in their third consecutive Philmar Cup final.  Further goals from James Kirby, Adam Fay and Rob Dangerfield secured the win during a dominant display over their opponents, whose solitary consolation came from Craig Hutt.  The Bracknell side will face current league leaders Tilehurst Albion, who overcame a tough Wycliffe Wanderers side 5-2. Goals from Neil Healy and Chris Jex had seen Wycliffe hold a 2-1 advantage before Albion equalised on the stroke of half time.  In the second half, Wycliffe hit the post before Tilehurst sprang into life and finally moved into something approaching top gear.  In the end their slicker passing game saw them ease into their first league cup final, the goals coming from Lewis Wigginton, Josh Baines (2), Danny Lawrence and Richard Delecia.  In the league, basement side Vineyard FC finally put points on the board thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over fellow strugglers Real World Corinthians.  Bryan Barrie and Mark Healen each hit doubles, and the clean sheet capped a fine all-round performance.  Reading Saints secured their second win in successive games, beating Greyfriars FC 3-0 at Woodford Park, although the away side started the brighter.  However, a first half penalty emphatically scored by Dave Kemp settled the home side's nerves and Jack Melling's thunderous free kick before half term put Saints on top.  Early in the second half Matt Blake capped a match-winning performance with the goal that sealed his side's win.  Towards the top of the table, an entertaining match between Brookside Saint Lawrence and Warfield FC ended in a 2-2 draw that won't help either side's title aspirations.  Mark Winning put the visitors in front, only for Ollie Chambers to equalise.  The home side were generally on top but fell behind to another Winning effort before Courtenay Isaacs earned his side a point with a penalty in the last minute of the match.