CRICKLADE moved into the next round of the under 14 League Cup after a 2-0 win over visiting Beeches.

The decision to move commanding central defender Sam Walton into midfield paid dividends as he opened the scoring on six minutes with his first goal in three seasons at the club.

Walton's shot took a deflection off a Beeches' boot and looped over the keeper.

The visitors almost levelled when Paul Cooper hit a post on 15 minutes.

Another goal-bound effort was then cleared off the line as Beeches increased the pressure.

The decisive second goal arrived 30 minutes into the second half.

A quick throw from Walton found Daniel Thompson, who crossed into the box for James Lally to net from six yards.

Back in the league, Highworth and Lydiard Boys shared eight goals in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

A more one-sided encounter at Oaksey saw the hosts lose 13-2 to Eldene, and Wroughton triumphed 5-3 at Kingsdown.

Malmesbury lost ground on leaders Purton in the under 15 Division, after scraping a 2-2 draw at Croft.

It could have been worse but for a late equaliser from Jack Ward which salvaged a point.

Malmesbury took the lead with a goal from Jake Miles, but Croft levelled 10 minutes before the break and then took the lead midway through the second half with a well -taken strike.

But Ward struck with 10 minutes to go to keep the visitors in championship contention.

Managerless Eldene Colts produced their best display of the season to register a convincing 10-1 win over Malmesbury in the under 13 Division.

Top scorer Jamie Hamill added another four goals to his seasonal tally. Two from second-half substitute Christian Ellis put Eldene in total control, and one each from Luke Robinson, Joseph Retter, Chris Price and Robbie James completed the rout.

Highworth Colts ran out comfortable 7-0 winners at Ashton Keynes.

Liam Wright (2), Santino Tileggi (2), Tom Gardner, Joe Genticole and John Santos scored.

Elsewhere, Cirencester Juniors romped to a 15-1 win at Cricklade.

In the under 11/12 section, Cirencester Juniors (under 11) were beaten 4-1 at home by their Rodborough counterparts, and Malmesbury (under 12) defeated Brunel Boys 3-1, with Connor Doble scoring for Brunel.