THE BEECHES’ hopes of avoiding relegation from Division One of the M4 Karting Cirencester & District League are fading fast.

On Saturday, they suffered another defeat, this time away at Poulton where they went down 6-2 despite putting in a good performance.

Luke Richards and Dean Woolgar both scored twice for the victors, with further goals coming from Dan Read and John Dawson.

A Jodie Lawrence penalty and a Dave Andrews own goal were The Beeches’ response.

Minchinhampton Town remain in the bottom two after they lost 2-0 at home to Siddington Sports.

Lechlade sit just above them on goal difference after they lost 4-1 at home to reigning champions CHQ United.

The leaders South Cerney maintained their quest for the title with a 2-0 home win over Highworth Town Development to remain ten points clear of CHQ who have just two games in hand.

The pressure is all on the champions at this stage of the season.

With the leaders Wroughton Town Reserves’ game against Minety postponed, Down Ampney and Siddington Sports Veterans took advantage to reduce the gap at the top of Division Two.

Down Ampney are only three points behind but have played a game more than the leaders.

Siddington Sports Vets have several games in hand, but their chance of league glory will surely suffer as a result of their cup exploits as they try to catch up on their fixtures. Down Ampney won 3-1 at home to Blunsdon FC and Siddington Vets beat Sherston by the same score.

Despite two good goals from Dan Schofield, Lechlade Reserves lost 3-2 at County Cup finalists CHQ United Reserves, and Oaksey Reserves dismantled basement side Tetbury Town Thirds with a 5-0 away win.

The prolific Gareth Jones was again among the Oaksey scorers with a hat-trick and there were further strikes from Adam Topping and Joe Strange.

The second Arthur Shipway Cup semi final was played last week and CHQ United avenged their Senior Charities Cup exit at the hands of Oaksey, by beating them 4-2 at Fairford Town`s ground to reach the final where they will play Intel FC.

League newcomers Blunsdon beat Oaksey Reserves 3-1 in Monday night’s Mills Roberts Cup semi final Fairford Town’s Cinder Lane ground.

They will meet the winners of Wednesday’s night’s second semi final between Siddington Sports Vets and Wroughton Town Reserves.