Stroud League Division 3 Kingswood Reserves 7 Alkerton 0 KINGSWOOD Reserves provided another emphatic home win against lowly Alkerton to maintain top spot in Division Three.

The writing was on the wall as early as the fifth minute as Gary Simmons set off on a jinking run breezing past defenders, only to see his shot rebound back from the far post to safety.

The home side opened the scoring after 18 minutes when James Blackwell hit the ball long, which was met by the head of Dan Griffiths, his knock down set up Anthony Spill who coolly rounded the goalkeeper before scoring.

It was 2-0 soon after, as a Scott Harvey corner was despatched through a crowded penalty area by Simmons. Higgins was adjudged to be fouled within the penalty area, and the referee awarded the appropriate kick, only for a strange decision of an indirect free kick to the visitors to be given after Higgins had converted the kick, a decision the official later apologised for as an error on his part.

This incident only temporarily distracted the home side who went on to score again through Dan Griffiths after his strike partner Tom Higgins had played him in.

With the pitch playing remarkably well after the efforts of the home committee's preparation, the players rewarded their efforts with further second-half goals from Higgins who completed his hat-trick and a second goal for Dan Griffiths.

To their credit Alkerton battled to the end and were only denied a late consolation by Simmons as he came to the aid of his goalkeeper, clearing a goal-bound effort over the bar.

Kingswood secretary Bob White commented: "It's great to see the lads enjoying their football, and scoring so many goals, especially at home."