THE DERBY DAY bragging rights went to Warwick in the Midlands Division One clash with Stratford last weekend.
Sixth-placed Warwick were 4-1 winners, closing the gap to fifth-placed Stratford to two points.
Prior to the encounter, it was announced that four promotion places will now become available at the season end, news which appeared to spur the hosts on.
Tim Williams-Ellis was the man to break the deadlock, as the Warwick captain swept home a blistering strike through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Henry Frost and Martyn Stickley combined for the second goal, with the latter receiving from his teammate to double Warwick’s lead.
Next to score was Frost, who was provided the space to crash home a ferocious strike and give the hosts a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.
Stratford reduced the arrears with 20 minutes remaining, but were rebuffed in their comeback attempt by a fourth Warwick goal from Charlie Perkins.
Warwick Fifths also claimed an impressive result, putting Market Harborough Thirds to the sword in a 3-0 win in South East Division Three.
Ben Scares got the scoring underway, followed by strikes from Killian Ashe and Kelvin Morris in the second half.
Warwick remain eighth.
The promotion hopes of Warwick’s Ladies are well and truly alive after a 4-0 drubbing of Atherstone in Division One of the Warwickshire League.
Top scorer Alex Fillmore broke the deadlock, opening the floodgates for Clare Noad and Katie Joints (2) to add to the scoring.
Sitting six points behind the leaders Khalsa Leamington Seconds, but with two games in hand and a better goal difference, Warwick will be confident of overtaking their rivals at the top of the tree.
Division Three leaders Warwick Thirds navigated a tough test in Barford Tigers to win 3-2.
Liz Holding settled the nerves after a frantic opening to put her side in front, only for Barford to draw level.
Lucy Archer restored the hosts’ lead by meeting Celine Duijzers far-post centre, prior to a second equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
But when Anna Young dispatched from another Duijzers cross, there was to be no response as Warwick stay three points clear at the top with a game in hand.
