LOCOMOTIVES swept aside Sampford Blues 8-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Taunton and district league’s Knock Out Cup.

Sampford are only five points behind Locos in the Division 1 table but were sunk by goals from Tom Edwards (3), Joe Wilkinson (2), James Weaver, Ed Framton and Matt Pounde.

Jack Vile got both Sampford goals in a match played in a howling gale.

Seward Cup Quarter Final Ash Rangers were just too strong for Galmington Dragons reserves, and winning 7-1 after leading 4-1 at the break.

Galmington battled hard in the second period but still conceded another three.

But even in the face of overwhelming odds they kept trying to play and battled until the final whistle showing real spirit, their goal scored by Nathan Wilson.

Harvey Puddy netted four for Rangers, Callum Hardy, Lewis Scutt and Jack Wheeler all added one each.

In the other game Division Three side Bridgwater Sports reserves were too strong for newcomers North Curry who lost 5-0. Somerset Intermediate Cup, fourth round Westonzoyland are through to the quarter-finals having dispatched Ashcott reserves 4-0. James Millard got a hat trick and Andrew Evans added the fourth. Minehead reserves didn’t fair so well, losing by the same score to Castle Cary reserves.

Division One Locomotives closed the gap on Bridgwater Sports to just five points with three games in hand by beating Bishops Lydeard reserves 6-1. Kirk Poulson put Lydeard in front which they held until half time.

Locos then up their game with two goals from Tom Edwards, and one each from James Weaver, Dean Quinn, Ryan Vickery and Jay Cross with a bullet header in off the bar. Wyvern Rangers beat Staple-grove Reserves 3-1 on the 3G pitch at Castle School. Grove started slowly and went behind midway through the first half from a Tom Melhuish strike but levelled it up not long after with a Scott Reynolds header.

In the second half Grove conceded early with a great volley again from Melhuish, who was left unmarked at the back post.

Grove then gave away a penalty which was converted by Melhuish for his hat trick. Staplegrove tried to get back into the game but were shut out by a solid Wyvern defence.

Division Two New leaders Alcombe Rovers won again to stay to stay top with a 3-2 defeat of Milverton Rangers. Rovers went 2-0 up through Dave Sowdena and Aaron Ireton. Milverton came back level with strikes from Brien Cosgrove and Craig Plumridge but within minutes Rovers got back in front when Rangers went to sleep with a Lee Todd goal.

It ended 1-1 between Wembdon and Dulverton. After a half of few clear chances, the half time whistle blew with the deadlock yet to be broken.

In the second period two goals in quick succession settled the game, with both teams cancelling each other out.

First Dulverton took the lead with a Toby Cottrell goal then Wembdon went straight up the other end and equalised, courtesy of a lovely glancing header from Tim Richards.

Division Three Tone Youth reserves move up to second after their 5-3 victory over local rivals Galmington Dragons.

Dragons drew first blood with a great goal from Josh Fish.

Tone started to play after the setback and levelled through debutant Alexi Giradin but were soon behind again due to a freak goal which missed everyone and went in.

Tone levelled again via a fantastic solo goal from Simon Hudson who started his run from left back.

The third was a routine Mike Kearley finish which made it 3-2.

Dragons equalised with a Chris Tucker goal but Tone soon made it 4-3 via Nathan Darlington and there was enough time for Mike Kearley to add to his tally with a great finish.

After a goal-less first half between Norton Fitzwarren and Redgate, with loads of chances for both teams, Redgate took the lead with a Dan Russell goal but 43-year-old right back Jason Earl scored with a rocket of a shot.

Steve Low headed in to make it 2-1 to Norton but Russell scored again for Redgate to leave the final score 2-2.

Division Four Leaders Creech Cougars suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 8-2 to Porlock Reserves.

But they can consider themselves unlucky as the Porlock first team game was postponed and the three scorers were making their reserves debuts having played 26 first team games between them previously this season. Martin Hawkins scored five times, Adam Langdon twice and Leigh Knowles once. Ashley Grist got both Creech goals.

Wiveliscombe beat Bridgwater Grasshoppers 4-2 with Ollie Pryce Bates netting two and Ash Roberts and Todd Chappell one each. Dan Saunders got both Grasshopper goals.

Division Five Only three games survived the wet pitches in this division but they saw a remarkable 44 goals.

The biggest win saw The Gallery reserves beat Norton Fitzwarren reserves 22-0 after hitting six goals in the first 15 minutes. Jake Croker scored eight.

The Howes boys of Bridgwater Sports Colts had a good afternoon at Fivehead where Gary scored four and Ed got three to give their side a 7v1 away win.

Bishops Lydeard Colts beat Hamilton Athletic Foxes 10-4.

Shane Hills lead the way with six goals, Jack Addicott added two, while Joel Durkin and Andrew Springer all got one each.

Replying for Hamilton were Kieran Shevlin with two, Chris McKee with one and the goal of the game from 43-year-old skipper Andy Simmons with a 25 yard screamer from his unfavoured right foot.