A FREDDIE Barron goal helped Finchampstead to a 1-0 home win against Shrivenham in the third round of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup, writes Richard Ashton.

The home side had an early chance when Greg Alexander shot wide, but they did take the lead when Barron’s low effort beat Will Henry in the Shrivenham goal on 15 minutes.

Dan Blatchford came close to doubling the advantage, but Shrivenham began to come back into the contest and goalkeeper Tom Bryant had to be alert when the ball headed goalwards following a Blatchford tackle.

He then dealt with a Joe Grant effort before Alexander tested Henry from a free-kick.

Bryant then had to save with his legs, but with Luke Axton-Hall defending well and captain Adam Barnard commanding the midfield, Finch deserved their half-time lead.

Chances came and went at both ends during the second half, with Harry Swabey’s fizzing shot past the far post the nearest either side came.

Finchampstead return to Hellenic League Division One East action this coming Saturday, when they welcome Bicester Town to the Memorial Ground.

EVERSLEY & California went top of the Combined Counties League Division One table with a 2-0 home win against Dorking on Saturday.

The visitors made a bright start and looked dangerous, however Eversley gradually worked their way into the game and on 37 minutes a free-kick from Simieon Howells dropped in the box where Adam Voller kept a cool head to flick the ball into the net.

Eversley started the second half strongly and Matt Griffiths scored a second when the Dorking keeper let the ball slip from his grasp.

The home side continued to control the game with few scares, and as hard as Dorking tried, they failed to trouble Adrian Giles in the Eversley goal.

The Boars had previously beaten rivals Sandhurst Town 5-2 on Tuesday of last week.

Sandhurst took the lead when Ben Pyle chipped the advancing Giles, and the Fizzers could have added to their lead before Eversley hit back with three goals in five minutes from Lorenzo Medford – his first for the club – Brad Smith and Griffiths.

Immediately after the break Medford added a fourth to put the game beyond Sandhurst and Griffiths maintained his recent hot streak with the fifth.

Sandhurst fought bravely and scored a second goal when Mark Thomas netted with a free-kick from the edge of the box after James Osler was sent off for bringing down the goalscorer.

Eversley & California visit South Park Reserves on Saturday (3pm) and Dorking next Tuesday (7.45pm).

SANDHURST Town crashed out of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup following a 2-0 loss to Westwood United.

The Fizzers were due to play Horsley last night, before hosting Ash United on Saturday (3pm).