THE remaining place in the Basingstoke Kelvin Cup to face Andover’s Arms SMB was settled by a closely contested match last Sunday, after Bramley United beat Hampshire Irons 2-1,

It was the hosts Bramley United who were fastest on the draw, however, chalking up the opening goal in the first five minutes.

Stuart Leddy crossed from the left and Colin Bell headed home.

They held that lead until the sides changed ends. Hampshire Irons levelled thanks to a cross by James Arnold to James Macintosh, who netted with a looping header which left the goalkeeper stranded 1-1.

With the bit between their teeth Irons pushed and enjoyed a good spell of play but went behind again after Adam Bartlett got Bramley’s second following good work by Bell and Leddy.

Irons pushed up again and Darren Heath in the United goal had to make some good saves to retain the advantage and 2-1 victory.

In Division One Oakley travelled to out-of-form reigning champions Soldiers Return, needing a win to close the gap on the runaway leaders Republic of Chineham.

Soldiers also needed a boost after going five games without a victory.

The game was close throughout, with Soldiers just edging the second half when, with 20 minutes to go the match was decided by a set piece.

Sub Warren Hill delivered the perfect cross from the corner flag to the head of Freddie Cloke, who scored the only goal of the game for Soldiers Return.

After a long lean spell, hosts Chineham were the form side with two wins under their elastic and visitors Eastrop Eagles wanting something on their travels after three straight home reverses.

It was the hosts who set the early pace, and this brought dividends when Terry Collingridge switched play from right to left wing and Kevin Ridyard crossed for Matt Kempson, who found room to control and finish in the corner of the net.

After all that good work, Chineham then shot themselves in the foot, a back pass was left short and wanting, and the visitors levelled through Keith Davies and the score remained 1-1 at the break. In the second half, Chineham’s training ground set pieces worked well but they couldn’t get that elusive winner.

The Thursday before the Division Two match between Team FC and Chineham Reserves ended 0-0. But Team FC made up for it on Sunday, banging 11 goals without reply against Kempshott.

Basingstoke Saints had most of the play at home but UWS did a thorough smash and grab job on them, grabbing the lead after 20 minutes when a Jake Gorman free-kick hit the bar and Scott Marchant was the first to react to net the loose ball.

Saints continued to build and create chances but their form in the last third of the pitch deserted them.

On 70 minutes Mikey Davies broke away to assist Ashley Howlett to tuck away UWS’s second to win 2-0 to keep UWS in the crowd of several clubs with realistic chances of silverware.

North Warnborough Reserves still lead Division Two but put themselves under the cosh when a fourth minute penalty was well saved by the Overton United goalkeeper.

With their tails up, the visitors won a free kick on 25 minutes, and Luke Skinner headed Overton into the lead.

Around the half-hour mark Dan Mellors picked out Henry Ransley to equalise 1-1, which was maintained until the interval.

Overton restored their lead 15 minutes into the second half with a Ritchie Budd header.

Jamie Larkin, the Boro substitute, sent Ryan Thorpe away to level 2-2 with 20 minutes to go and make up for his penalty miss.

It was a tight and competitive game throughout and was settled in the most dramatic way possible, with a last minute winner by Overton's Warren Clark.

They are now just two points behind Boro with two games in hand and Boro left with only one game in the locker.

Fixtures: Division 1: Hampshire Irons v Soldiers Return, North Warnborough v Bramley, Oakley v Rep of Chineham.

Division 2: Basingstoke Saints v Chineham Ath, Camrose Social v North Warnborough Res, Chineham Res v Swallow End, Team Fc v Overton Utd.

Tuesday Fixtures: Division 1: Bramley Utd v Hampshire Irons, North Warnborough v Oakley.