SECOND round Gardner cup action took centre stage in the latest Keyline Taunton Sunday League round of games, writes Dave Whelan.

The tie of the round brought together Hosts Ash Rangers against Royal Rangers. The Royals beat Ash only last week and another close game was expected.

After an even opening Ash struck the opening goal, an audacious lob from Joe Greenwood over an unsuspecting keeper. 

By half time, though, Royals were ahead, Mark Kmita and Dale Stevens capitalising on some poor defending to finish the half deservedly on top.

Ash started the second half with a really positive burst and Ali Poole levelled the game after a great move.

Joe Greenwood then scored his second to put Ash back in front.

The game settled down again and a penalty converted by Terry Mckiernan seemed to have given Ash the win.

This proved to be the case but not before the visitors scored a third through a neat finish from Ryan Hassel, though Ash held on to secure a good 4-3 win and set up a third round  tie against Bathpool.

James Gerard scored both goals for Bathpool as they saw off a determined Old Inn, Sam Hallet scored the Inn goal.

Churchinford pulled off a shock as they won 3-2 in the Ford derby, at first division Cotford.

Joe Crean, Josh Horler and Wael-Rach Pocock-Kahla scored the goals for Churchinford, with Simon Dennehy and Shaun Laverton netting for Cotford.

Mariners FC sizzling start to the season continued, they travelled to Carhampton and eased to a 8-0 win.

Ian Salter scored three, Jacob Smith and Scott Page hit braces and there was also one for James Rowley.

Williton Rockets had a rare away success, winning 2-1 at Shepherds Rest.

Daniel Batten and Andrew Davey scored scored for the Rockets, with Richard Collard on target for the hosts.

Phoenix FC must have feared the worst when they were drawn to face Tiger Old Boys.

And their worst fears came to the fore as the Old Boys blitzed them 19-0.

It was another remarkable day for Ian Bellinger, who scored 11, while Carl Jones' double hat-trick was equally impressive. Cory Mckay and Josh Harvey also scored.

Staplegrove won 8-2 at White Hart Albion as Alec Jones, Gary Mckiernan and Lee Pope all scored two and Jamie Biddiscombe and Miles Quick added the others.

In an outstanding first round tie Hamilton won 2-0 at North Curry. After a goalless first half, Adam Smith and Jamie Fleet struck the goals to help Hamilton through to a second round tie with Taunton Warriors.

In Division 2, Tom Scarlett hit a hat trick for Sophies Ferrets but ended up on the losing side.

Hardly struck five times to gain a good away win as Mark Valentino and Joe Vallance both scored two and there was one from Liam Hooper.

Trinity Rangers made it three from three in Division 3 as they beat Norton 2-0, Lewis Coward and Josh Moore scoring.

Taunton Warriors, meanwhile, won their first ever game. A 2-1 win over Dunster came courtesy of goals by Giuseppe Fraschini and Ben Henson.