Cotswold Churches League Trophy – Plate
Cirencester Pilgrims 9
Cornerstone United Reserves 4
AN emphatic 9-4 victory over Cotswold Churches' rivals Cornerstone United Reserves extended Cirencester Pilgrims' lead at the top of CCL Trophy Group A to three points on Saturday.

Despite losing goalkeeper Gary Morris to injury in the opening minute, Pilgrims were ahead after 15 minutes thanks to midfielder Chris Linnell, before a Danny Bishop double extended the hosts' advantage to three by the half-hour mark.

From a seemingly unassailable lead, the Pilgrims conspired to allow their opponents back into the game, conceding three goals in quick succession.

However, moments before half-time, Bishop stepped up to restore the home side's primacy, completing his third hat-trick of the 2017/18 season.

The Pilgrims asserted their dominance throughout the second period, courtesy of goals from Tom Cox, Dave Seales and Charlie Savage, while Pete Vallance grabbed his second brace in as many games.

This proved more than enough to get them over the line, despite Cornerstone's best attempts to get themselves back into the game – which included a fourth goal.

Left winger Cox proved crucial to the hosts success going forward – he earned himself four assists on the day – while defender Liam Archer put in a noteworthy performance, impressing with his efforts at the back.