BOUNTY United gained ground on their rivals in the Basingstoke and District Saturday League Division Three title race with a 3-2 win over Herriard Sports, writes Peter Raynbird.

Matt Love opened the scoring for Bounty after Craig Williamson saw his shot cannon back off the crossbar. The same player doubled the lead just after the break, converting Mitchell Stokes’ pass, with Stokes adding a third five minutes later.

Goals from Martin Miles and Craig Lewington got Herriard back in with a shout – and they could have got something out of the game. Lewington was denied by a goal-line clearance, while Bounty goalkeeper Szymon Duszynski made some excellent saves.

Bounty’s title hopes were further improved as Basingstoke Labour Club and Basingstoke Athletic, the top two, drew 2-2.

Matt Button converted Tobie Hyde’s pass to put Athletic ahead and Nathan Read doubled the lead on 65 minutes, but Labour hit back, with Natt Read and Cameron George finding the net to earn their side a point.

Winklebury Wizards’ title hopes look all but over after they were held 3-3 by AFC Aldermaston A.

An early own goal had Aldermaston ahead at the break, with Tom Cooper doubling the lead early in the second half. Dean Scott headed home a corner to reduce the deficit on 75 minutes, with Ben Clark levelling the game soon after, but Aldermaston went back in front on 82 minutes, Kevin Flain scoring from the penalty spot.

However, Wizards refused to give up and scored a late equaliser, Ryan Watts firing home to end a scramble in the Aldermaston penalty area.

Sherborne St John Reserves held Overton United B to a 2-2 draw. James Price and Dave Purt both scored from the penalty spot for Sherborne, with John Holder and Tita Martins replying for hosts Overton.

Rob Stait scored two and created another as Preston Candover beat AFC Berg 3-1.

Stait converted Mickie Fuller’s pass to open the scoring, before setting up the second, scored by Tom Green. Stait’s second goal came after the break, with Kevin Beaumont scoring direct from a corner to grab a late consolation goal for Berg.