PREMIER Division leaders Woodcote Stoke Row saw off a spirited Berks County with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Defences were on top throughout the contest with a penalty in each half enough to secure the win for Woodcote.

Woodcote had their water-tight defence to thank on the day, with Darren Russell superb at centre-back and young keeper Sonny Wheeler impressive between the sticks.

Berks County were quick out of the blocks as they disrupted Woodcote’s rhythm.

But the home side took the lead in the 21st minute through a Mike Davies spot-kick after Jake Dillon had been tripped in the box.

Suddenly, there were chances at both ends that saw both goalkeepers tested.

But Woodcote kept their noses in front and extended their lead 10 minutes from time, this time Dillon converting from the penalty spot after a foul on Ryan Corbett.

And Woodcote almost added a third in the closing stages when Dillon was denied by a sensational save following a slick move involving substitute James Worsfold and Corbett.

The win saw Woodcote extend their lead to 11 points as second-placed Westwood United could only draw 2-2 at Cookham Dean, Joseph Newman and Jack Stokes netting for the hosts.

Woodcote’s biggest title-challenge will inevitably come from third-placed Reading YMCA, who hammered Wraysbury Village 6-1 away from home. Mike Wilson grabbed a consolation for the hosts.

The win leaves Young Men 15 points behind Woodcote but with eight games in hand, and they are now unbeaten in an incredible 48 league matches.

Sixth-placed Marlow United showed no mercy on bottom club Taplow United in a huge 7-2 away victory. Surdariu Catalin and Liam Bushay both scored twice, with James Namyslak, Jordan Trumpet and an own goal completing the rout. Jordan Jawandha and James Oldham replied for Taplow.

FC Imann Lions cemented their place at the top of Division One with a 4-0 victory Hurst. Aadil Asghar, Sabeel Asghar, Aqeel Butt and Kamran Khan grabbed their goals.

Burghfield remain in the hunt as a 1-0 home win against Frilsham & Yattendon left them three points behind but with two games in hand.

A John Willmont brace was not enough for third-placed Richings Park as they were beaten 4-2 at home by Westwood United Reserves.

An incredible 10 goals were shared between Eldon Celtic and mid-table rivals Finchampstead in a thrilling 5-5 draw.

In Division Two, goals from Stefan Allen and Danny Seaward fired third-placed Mortimer Reserves to a 2-1 home win against fourth-placed AFC Corinthians.

Woodcote Stoke Row Reserves clinched a much-needed 5-1 win at Marlow United Reserves to ease their relegation worries.

Craig Ancliffe converted a Dan Offley cross to put Woodcote in front then Offley added the second from a Ben Rusher assist.

Offley continued to be a threat and grabbed his second of the day after good play from Elliott Harper in the build up.

Mike Higley also hit the post with a header before half time, but Rusher soon made it 4-0 when he beat two men before blasting home off the underside of the bar.

Marlow refused to give in and pulled on back on the hour when Olly Flint fired home from a free kick.

But the hosts were also out of luck as they saw two goals ruled out for offside by the officials in quick succession.

To compound Marlow’s frustration, Woodcote wrapped things up with a fifth goal from Matt Turnbull.

Brimpton Athletic won 2-1 at Harchester Hawks.

Wargrave maintained their Division Three title challenge with a 5-1 home win against Woodley United A. Luke Blakebrough grabbed a late consolation for the losers.

A brace from James Gregory saw Braybrooke win 2-0 at Taplow United Reserves.

Division Four leaders Twyford & Ruscombe romped to 6-3 victory at basement club Farnham Royal Mavericks. Taran Bansal, Gabriel Dennis and Ravi Makwana scored for Mavericks.

In cup matches, Reading YMCA won 3-1 at home against Maidenhead Town last week to reach the next round of the Maidenhead Norfolkians Senior Cup.

But Reading YMCA Rapids are out of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup after a 1-0 home defeat to Penn & Tylers Green Reserves.

However, South Reading won 4-2 at Maidenhead Town Reserves to book their place in the next round. Anthony Lane and Gary Moore scored for the hosts.

Henley Town Reserves beat Benson Lions 3-0 away to reach the next round of the Reading Jubilee Cup with goals from Nico Cheeseman, Arron Finch and Owen Darani.

Cintra Park Rovers defeated Taplow United A 4-2 after extra time in the Berkshire Trophy Centre Junior Cup. Taplow’s goals came from Harry Bennett and substitute Seamus Stapleton, who was also sent off for two bookings.

In the same competition, Goring United Reserves lost 2-1 Berks County Rovers after seeing Daniel Reynolds red carded in the first half. Mark Pearson pulled one back for Goring but it wasn’t enough.