FREDDY MURPHY slotted home a hat-trick as FC Stratford A recorded a third win in successive weeks against Welford.
Having completed a Stratford Alliance league double over Welford in the previous weeks, Murphy’s treble secured a 7-2 victory in Saturday’s Alan Rees Trophy contest between the two Division Two sides at the Home Guard Club in Tiddington.
James McMillan raced away to take Robert Strain’s long ball and fire home the opening goal for FC Stratford and then Murphy netted the rebound when Sam Davis’ shot was parried.
Maison O’Donnell made it 3-0 before Murphy scampered through the defence to blast home from a narrow angle.
Nick Priest headed home a Mark O’Hare cross and substitute Matt Steadman finished smartly from O’Donnell’s superb pass before Murphy converted a penalty for 7-0 after Priest was fouled.
Welford grabbed two late replies through Stefano Vernaschi and substitute Oliver Clark.
FC Stratford will now head to Bretforton Old Boys in the quarter-finals on a date to be arranged.
Claverdon AFC stepped up their challenge for the Aquaid Division One title by denting the hopes of another contender with a 5-1 win at FISSC.
The result leaves third placed Claverdon five points behind leaders Alcester Town Reserves with three games in hand, while second placed FISSC are four points behind the leaders having played one game more.
Claverdon, who wasted little time in grabbing three early goals, eased home through strikes from Liam Reynolds, Thomas Williams, James Bramwell, Danny Chinn and substitute Steve Nollett. Tom Gardner was on target for Farmers.
In the only other game to beat the weather, Bretforton Old Boys moved level with leaders Inkberrow A in Division Three after a 3-1 win at basement side Blockley Sports. Josh Keen scored for Sports.
