STAPLEGROVE capped an excellent few days by moving up to fourth in Division Two of the Taunton and District Saturday League with a 4-2 win at Woolavington Predators on Tuesday.

Darren Rice (2), Kirk Reece and Lucas Ozminowski were on target for ’Grove, who reached the club’s third cup final of the season on Saturday (see below).

They also have plenty of games in hand over the sides above in the league. Their keeper Nick Feetenby also saved a penalty while Lee Oparowski (pen) and Adam Kinsey netted for Predators.

Nether Stowey closed the gap on leaders Sampford with a 10-1 win over Norton Fitzwarren. Matt Stevenson led the way with six goals.

In Division One, Two goals from Mark Oram helped Dulverton to a 2-1 win at bottom-side Hulan and up to second in the table. Lee Welch scored for Hulan.

Marketeers helped their relegation battle with a 3-2 home win over Porlock who are now only one point ahead of the drop zone.

In Division Three, North Petherton defeated Sydenham Rangers 5-3 with Craig Wright hitting a hat trick.

In Division Four, Highbridge Town Reserves had a convincing 8-3 home win over Stogursey, Middlezoy Reserves won 4-1 at Dulverton’s second string, whose goal came from Gary Nicholas.

STAPLEGROVE will be represented in all three Taunton League cup finals after the first team defeated Middlezoy 3-1 in the last four of the KO Cup on Saturday.

Damien Polcznski, Jack Porter and Kirk Reece netted for ’Grove, while Luke Manley was on target for higher-division Middlezoy.

Staplegrove also defeated Middlezoy on their way to the Rowbarton Cup final, while their Reserves are in the Seward final.

In the day’s quarter-final tie, Taverners defeated second division outfit Woolavington Predators 7-5 in a remarkable match.

Predators led 4-0 after 15 minutes but Taverners fought back in the quarter of an hour to force extra-time. Taverners went 6-4 ahead and, after Predators had pulled on back, they scored again to set up a meeting with Alcombe Rovers.

Tom Wadham hit a hat-trick while Matt Jordan and Sam Wilkinson scored two apiece. Shane Thompson (2), Michael Organ, Justin Lewis and Lee Oparowski (penalty) netted for Predators.

Division One leaders Bridgwater Sports proved too strong for lowly Hulan as goals from Scott Sealey, Rich Smith, Jake Chidgey, Josh Bennett, James Hamilton and Matt Fursland (2) have them a 7-0 win.

Alcombe missed the opportunity to go second with a 1-1 draw away at Porlock. Lee Smyth scored for Porlock, while Alcombe’s keeper and ex-Porlock player Dave Sowden scored from the penalty spot. Locomotives had a convincing 5-0 win over Marketeers with Henry Cox and Jay Cross scoring two each, James Weaver adding the fifth. In the late kick-off Highbridge, who can still win the league, beat Dulverton 4-0 with Will Bailey hitting two.

In Division Two, the top three sides all won. Sampford Blues beat Westonzoyland 2-1 with strikes from Aaron Braddick and Chris May, while Matt Stevenson scored both Nether Stowey goals in their 2-0 win over Spaxton.

Bishops Lydeard Reserves defeated Norton Fitzwarren 7-0 with Lee Heller hitting five and Andrew Wood adding a brace. Wembdon are just one point away from securing at least second place and probable promotion after a 2-1 away win at Watchet Reserves, whose goal came from Aaron Deeks.

A depleted Staplegrove Reserves went down 5-0 to Alcombe Rovers Reserves while Josh Speed got both Sydenham Rangers goals in their 2-0 win over Old Inn All Stars.

Division Four leaders Appletree were without a game as their their opponents Staplegrove Colts weren’t able to raise a side.

Exmoor Rangers did their promotion hopes a boost with a 3-0 win at Dulverton – Robin Howe scored two and Mike Matravers one. Norton Fitzwarren Reserves had a big 6-1 home win over Westonzoyland Reserves thanks to efforts from Liam Cooksley (2), Dave Buckingham, Liam Bleeks, Stephen Fletcher and Dom Cavil.