THE Division One title race in the M4 Karting Cirencester & District League has for several weeks concerned just current leaders South Cerney or reigning champions CHQ United, and the latter reduced the gap to seven points after they beat visitors Malmesbury Vics Reserves 7-1 on Saturday.

The scoreline was somewhat surprising after the previous two encounters between them had been very close affairs.

The battle to gain a respectable third place finish in the league looks set to be won by Poulton, after they won 4-0 away at Minchinhampton Town – their closest rivals Oaksey and Intel FC both lost.

Poulton's goalscorers were Blain Parker-Close, Luke Richards, Chris Mulcock and an Arrun Smith own goal.

By half-time Oaksey were 5-0 down at Stroud FC where goals from Rhys Lewis (2), Lee Worgan (2) and Robert Lees put the home side firmly in control, before Oaksey rallied with strikes from Phil Hall and Adam Lane.

Intel lost 3-1 at Bibury Reserves with John Horgan getting the consolation goal.

South Cerney and Oaksey will meet in the final of this year`s Alexcars-sponsored Senior Charities Cup, as both won their respective semi final ties in midweek, but both in very closely fought encounters.

Cerney beat Intel 2-1 with Steve Andrews and Ian McSherry scoring the goals, while John Horgan was on target for Intel.

Oaksey beat Lechlade by the same scoreline with Liam Moor`s goal not enough for Lechlade as they were beaten by goals from Phil Hall and Jake Pegler.

In Division Two, table toppers Wroughton Town Reserves were again not in action, therefore allowing Down Ampney and Siddington Sports Veterans to close the gap at the top.

Down Ampney beat CHQ United Reserves 5-1, and Siddington beat Lechlade Reserves 3-1. Dan Schofield was Lechlade`s scorer.

Ashton Keynes remain among the leaders after they beat Oaksey Reserves 2-1 but realistically third or fourth spot is the best that they can hope for. Gareth Jones got on the scoresheet again for Oaksey.

Both Blunsdon FC and Stratton United consolidated their mid-table placings with comfortable victories. Blunsdon won 3-0 at Minety with goals from Lee Baden(2) and Leon Reason, and Stratton United hammered luckless Tetbury Town Thirds 10-0. These results leave both defeated sides firmly rooted at the bottom of the table.