Telegraph & Argus League table-toppers Bradford Arms not only took the three points on offer but also did their goal difference the power of good when they beat Sporting Athletic 7-1.

In a closely contested first half, with Mudge Malik causing havoc to the visitors’ defence, he helped the leaders go in front with strikes by Tariq Malik, Taefel Ahmed, Liam Charles and Peter Henson.

In the second half, Malik was again causing problems and it took an outstanding display of goalkeeping through the visitors’ shot-stopper Ross Wilson to keep the score down and he deservedly got the man of the match award.

But even Wilson’s heroic display couldn’t stop the home team adding further goals from Ryan Metcalfe (2) and Charles with a late penalty.

Second-placed Thornbury Youth had to struggle to gain a 1-0 victory at Abundant Life, with central defender Shaheed Ahmed in commanding form for the hosts.

Phil Smith scored his fifth goal of the season in the early stages of the first half to put the cup holders in front but Ahmed’s performance in defence inspired his team to pressurise the visitors’ defence.

However, excellent defending and bad finishing, plus a bit of bad luck, kept the visitors’ goal intact.