Wonder-strike gives Crickets second win, while Diamond hit seven in Newbury Sunday League

Plough on the Green hosted The Crickets AFC in a hard fought contest in Newbury Sunday League.

It was a wonder strike from Leo Long which made the breakthrough for the visitors, as he picked up a loose ball 25 yards from goal.

With no one quick enough to close him down, Long released a looping shot from range which sailed into the top corner.

This was enough to seal the Man of the Match award and a 1-0 victory for The Crickets, their second win this season.

Elsewhere, Diamond FC beat AFC Aldermaston 7-2 in the shadows of AWE.

A competitive match saw Diamond equalise twice through Jack Blackmon and Connor Buckland, before Blackmon grabbed his second to put the visitors in front for the first time.

Buckland made it a brace for 4-2, before Tom Young and Journey Waters made it six.

Buckland completed his hat-trick to seal a 7-2 victory and strengthen his side’s hold on third place.

They sit nine points ahead of Tornadoes, Frilsham, Plough on the Green and The Crickets, who all have six points to their name. Aldermaston remain without a win for now.

Kingsclere took full advantage of NWX’s BBFA Sunday Cup involvement to go top of Newbury Sunday League.

They travelled to face Frilsham, sealing a 3-0 victory which puts them top on goal difference having played one more game than their rivals.

NWX’s cup adventure was cut short too, as they suffered an uncharacteristic 5-0 loss to Reading-based Give Back FC.

The side was set up in 2020 and aims to provide opportunities for people to connect with their local community and sit third in Reading & District Sunday League’s top tier.

Thatcham Tornadoes were also in cup action, but suffered a similar fate.

They lost 5-1 at home to Tilehurst El Patrons, who sit mid-table in the Premier Division of Reading Sunday League.