Nine-goal statement of intent by champions Mattersey

Currently sitting second in the First Division table, Mattersey might have expected a rough ride away to third-placed Rose And Crown. But instead, they returned home with a 9-0 victory which sent a clear message that they intend to retain the title they snatched so dramatically on the final day of last season.

The romp extended their 100% record this term to eight matches and lifted them to within a point of tabletopping BRSA, who have played two games more.

In mid-table, Kings Arms have hit a rich vein of form and followed up two eight-goal sprees by hammering BFC Clumber 7-1. The other scheduled match in the top flight, between East Markham and Tuxford Working Men’s Club, was one of two in the league postponed.

In Division Two, the somewhat inconsistent Misterton United had one of their better days when defeating fellow mid-tablers Horse and Jockey 5-2.

Smiffys United are another side that, on their day, will give any team in the division a tough game, but they do blow hot and cold, Sunday proved to be one of their hot days, resulting in a convincing 6-2 defeat of Kings Arms Reserves that lifted them into second place in the table, albeit nine points behind the runaway leaders, Rose And Crown Reserves. Meanwhile the game between Northern and Friendship was postponed.

The closest contest for honours is taking place in Division Three, where the top three teams are separated by only six points after all registered convincing wins. Walkeringham continue to set the pace after outclassing lowly Ropery Inn to the tune of 11-0, making it tens wins from 11 games this season. But they still haven’t shaken off the chasing pack, who are headed by Albertos, 5-1 victors at home to Crooked Billet. Third-placed Owston Ferry licked Stanwood Engineering 4-0, while two other games saw Ping and Leverton United Reserves share a 2-2 draw and Morton win 5-1 at Ropery Rangers.