HOTSHOT Charlie Arnold hit four goals to help give FC Banterlona their third league victory of the campaign as they played hosts to Eastfield in the Beacon League.

In a solid defensive performance by the home team, Arnold scored almost straight from the off after a fumbled start by Eastfield.

Thirty minutes later Robert James doubled Banterlona’s lead by finishing a back heeled ball to go in 2-0 up at the break.

The second half saw Eastfield create several chances, but they were held in check by the efforts of veteran Banterlona keeper Wayne Harrison. Arnold scored three further goals for Banterlona for a 5-0 home win.

Division One leaders Ellowes Hall continue to add to their points tally with a 2-0 home win over Randall Rangers.

The first half saw few chances for either side, with Rangers making few challenges on the Ellowes goal, and the teams went in 0-0 at half time.

The deadlock was broken on 55 minutes when an Ellowes player was pulled down in the box and spot kick was awarded. Reuben Smith coolly slotted the ball home to put Ellowes 1-0 up. Twenty minutes later Matt Hindmarsh crossed the ball to Tom Stanaway who hit the back of the net putting Ellowes 2-0 up securing all three points.

In a good game for the neutral fan, Leon Williams scored first to put BNG FC Handsworth ahead away to Springvale Steelers Cougars.

Shortly afterwards Pedro Nhera put the ball over the keeper’s head to give BNG a 2-0 lead going into the break.

The second half saw Cougars pushing to get back into the match and Matthew Wenlock scored from a Hayden Hughes free kick to reduce the deficit. It took until 15 minutes from time for Cougars found an equaliser courtesy of Nathan Gutteridge. BNG were not done a Makhi Mandi goal restored BNG’s lead before the side gave away a penalty three minutes before time. Hayden Hughes levelled from the spot for the points to be shared in a 3-3 draw.

The first place in the Beacon Cup Final was claimed by Pensnett Panthers in a 3-0 home win over Sandwell Action.

The second final place was decided in a tie between Sedgley Phoenix and Springvale Steelers Academy. The deadlock was broken by Ryan O’Brien for Academy as he flicked the ball over the Phoenix keeper’s head before hitting the bar and the goal was awarded for a 1-0 lead which Academy held on to until half time.

The second half saw Phoenix rise to the promise of a Cup Final and two goals from Josh Darby in 11 eleven minutes put Phoenix ahead. Tom Nicholls further increased Phoenix’s lead to 3-1 before Alex Williams gave away a penalty for Academy. O’Brien stepped up to convert the spot kick and reduce the deficit to 3-2 but Phoenix held on and bagged their place in this year’s final.

It took extra time to determine the outcome in the Birmingham County FA Sunday Vase semi-final between Sportsman and Olympic Sports.

Sportsmen eventually won 3-2 to secure a final spot.

In a game of two halves, Cottage Spring Castle played away from home against Punchbowl Old Boys as they battled for the remaining final spot in the Sunday Vase.

Castle, who lost out at this stage last year, were battling against a side that had so far not lost this season. On 25 minutes, Lee Blake scored form a corner to put Castle ahead. Mark Edwards doubled Castle’s lead a minute before half time for a 2-0 lead going into the break.

The second half saw Punchbowl enjoy the better chances and press for a way back into the game. Their break came on 65 minutes as they scored to reduce the deficit. They continued to look for an equaliser but were reduced to ten men on 89 minutes and Castle held on to secure an all Beacon League final when they will face Sportsman.