Joker beaten – now it’s serious for Jacks

The Wolverhampton Sunday League outfit booked a place in the last 16 of the prestigious national competition thanks to a hard-fought victory over their visitors from Rotherham.

The game was a tense affair, with neither team wanting to make any errors.

Jacks had more of the early possession but squandered a chance to take the lead when they missed a penalty.

But they recovered from that setback to nose in front in stunning fashion on 37 minutes. Nicky Dodds was the man on target with a 30-yard screamer.

Joker came out fired up for the second half and were back on level terms five minutes after the restart.

There was little to choose between the sides, but it was Jacks who grabbed the all-important third goal of the day.

They were awarded another penalty in the 73rd minute and, this time, captain David Meese stepped up and confidently slotted home into the bottom corner.

The hosts then stood firm to keep Joker at bay and secure a fourth round trip to Liverpool on January 19 to face Melling Victoria.

On the local scene, a solitary goal from Zak Wilkes saw Essington WMC beat Belgrade in the Vin Boden Cup.

Punjab United Sports are also through to round two after beating Azaad Sports 2-0.

GSA Lions edged out Black Country Fusion in the Mac Webb Cup.

Harnek Bahia scored the only goal of the game to settle the first round tie.

In the Birmingham FA Sunday Amateur Cup, Dynamo 50 Stile lost 8-3 at home to FC Sportsman.

Premier Suite were also beaten, 3-2 by visiting Football Futures 2013.

But there was success for Wolverhampton Sunday League sides in the Staffs FA Sam Kimberley Trophy.

Two goals from Matthew Greenaway and one from Chris Bennett saw AFC Perton to a 3-2 win at FC Premier Suite.

AFC Bentlands emerged victorious from a goal-laden clash at Wyrley Sundays.

Alex Trout led the way with a hat-trick as Bentlands won 7-5. Jack Burgwin (two), Josh Annakin and Dan Burgwin added their other goals.

FC Academy Boys continue to blaze a trail at the top of Division One after extending their perfect record to nine wins.

Their latest success saw them sweep aside hosts Bradmore Social 6-1.

Luke Whitehouse (two), Jamie Fox, James Bowen, Aaron Hickman and Shaun Steventon hit the net for the leaders, with Sam Pursall grabbing Social’s consolation.

Barley Mow Wanderers also hit six, and kept a clean sheet in their clash with Connaught United.

United didn’t help their cause by having two players sent off in the opening half.

John O’Keeffe and Simon Nunn has put the hosts 2-0 at half-time and they upped the ante after the break as Nunn completed his hat-trick and Stuart Mincher and Lewis Siverns also netted.

Concero and UTC Collins battled out a 1-1 draw.

Churchill Royal Oak fired out a title warning in Division Two by downing fellow high-fliers Pilot.

The Churchill boys hit top form to claim an emphatic 8-3 victory and leapfrog their opponents into pole position.

Josh Jones bagged a hat-trick while Jon Brown and Calum Rowley both cored twice and Jack Smith once.

ECC Sports are third following a 2-1 home win against Royal George – Clayton Peddie and Lewis Poston notched for the winners.

Tettenhall Royal Oak edged out RG FC 3-2 thanks to a double from Reece Perry and a strike from Jermaine Bowen.

Simon Sharma and Nathan Jackson replied for the visitors.

Dudley United climbed up to fifth on the back of a 7-3 triumph at KT Rangers.

Ryan’s Rhinos ran riot against Sporting Phoenix in Division Three with three of their players hitting the net three times.

Dan Hopson, Craig Radford and Robbie Webb were the hat-trick heroes in the 12-1 success. Warren Beards, Dylan Hyde and Tom Hough completed the scoring as Rhinos went level on points with leaders Sandwell Athletic.

Coseley Tavern Athletic and Russell Athletic enjoyed away-day wins, 7-2 at Kings Arms and 4-1 at Saint Michael Sunday respectively.

The top-of-the- table showdown in Division Four saw Golden Lion win 2-1 at Balls to Cancer.

Kyle Mathews scored both goals for leaders Lions, who are now three points clear of BTC but having played a game more.

WV Punjab are third following a 4-1 home win against ECC United.

United’s goal came from the evergreen Paddy O’Shea who is still turning out at the age of 50.

Wednesfield Conservative ran out resounding 16-0 winners in their basement battle at Health Direct.