VARIOUS cup issues were decided over the Easter interval involving sides from the M4 Karting Cirencester & District League.

Sadly, Poulton could not overcome the final hurdle as they lost 4-1 to Alkerton Rangers of the Stroud League in their County Minor Cup final played at Tuffley Rovers' ground last week.

Poulton were undone by a sharper and more physical outfit on the night, but deserve great credit for having got to the final. Poulton's consolation goal was scored by the prolific Steve Andrews.

The Beeches reached two cup finals over the weekend, and will therefore defend both the Arthur Shipway and Senior Charities Cups, which they won last season.

On Thursday night , they beat Lechlade 2-1 after extra-time in a close encounter that could have gone either way.

Danny Gudger gave The Beeches an early lead with a powerful shot which appeared to be misjudged by the keeper, but Ashley Andrews' flicked header restored parity before the interval. Andrews missed a vital penalty in the second half, and with both keepers making important saves, the game went into an extra 30 minutes.

Five minutes from time, Kevin O'Malley's header sent Beeches through.

On Easter Monday, it was a much more comfortable victory as they overcame Siddington Sports 5-0 and now look forward to their two finals, both to be played against CHQ United at the Corinium Stadium.

In the Junior Charities Cup semi final, which was also played last week, Kingshill Sports beat Lechlade Reserves 2-1 thanks to goals from Scott Reynolds and Mark Hardy.

With CHQ United being inactive again due to their scheduled opponents Lechlade proving unable to raise a side, Bibury Reserves took advantage by beating Sherston 5-0 and now lead the Division One league table by two points.

CHQ have three games in hand, but now face a hectic end to the season, with two cup finals also to be played.

Bibury's scorers were Jack Ayres (2), Archie Day, Kevin Horton and Nathan Brunton.

Poulton still maintain an outside chance of clinching the title as they won 6-1 at Oaksey with Steve Andrews hitting four goals. Poulton's other strikes came from Rob Paget and Andrew Pritchett, with Jordan Kimber getting Oaksey's consolation.

In Division Two, Siddington Sports Veterans continue to apply pressure on leaders Kingshill Sports, gaining a comfortable 3-1 win over bottom-of-the-table Minety.

The visitors have sadly been rooted to the table for most of the season, but they have played with good spirit and sportsmanship.

In the only other Division Two game played, South Cerney Reserves beat Lechlade Reserves 4-3 in a mid-table encounter.