BISHOPS Lydeard Reserves celebrated winning the Division 1 title in the Invest SouthWest Taunton Saturday League after Bridgwater Sports lost at Alcombe Rovers to hand Lydeard the honours, writes Matt Whelan.

It has been only a matter of time for Lydeard’s dream of landing the silverware to come true, as they have been frontrunners almost all season.

Bridgwater Sports had impressively beaten third place rivals Wembdon in a midweek catch-up game, 2-1, to keep their slim title hopes intact.

Brad Walford and Kieran Marks netted for Sports, with Callum Winnall halving the deficit for Wembdon.

Sports’ hopes were ended on Saturday, however, as they suffered a surprise 2-1 loss at bottom half Alcombe Rovers, for whom Stephen Lynch and Paul Smyth scored.

Liam Gilbert scored in vain, and the final whistle no doubt produced wild scenes in the Lydeard camp.

Alcombe couldn’t repeat the trick against Wembdon on Tuesday night, though, losing 3-1.

Redgate are guaranteed a top half finish after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Creech Cougars.

Alli Poole hit two for Creech, who are on course to finish in eighth, with Jordan Cozens also striking; Matt Gibson, Cam Wilkinson and Mark Witchell got Redgate’s goals.

North Petherton strolled past Porlock 6-1, with Senna Clapp notching four times to become the league’s top scorer with 21 goals; Cam Street and Sam Turner’s efforts completed the rout.

In Division 2, Stogursey’s 7-3 success at Norton Fitzwarren means they currently sit top of the table.

Josh Tapp bagged a hat-trick for Stogursey, with Jack Reed, Chris Young, Mike Watts and Brad Baker also converting.

Liam Bleeks, Steven Low and Josh Moore netted for Norton.

Stogursey, who finish the season one goal shy of 100, will have to wait until May 11 to see if they are champions.

FC Castlemoat, though, will be favourites to win their last game at Butlins FC, and if they do so they will leapfrog Stogursey on goal difference.

THERE has been plenty of action in Division 3 of the Taunton Saturday League in the last week, with several teams playing three matches.

The top two sides, Wembdon Reserves and Staplegrove Crusaders, have won all their games since they drew against each last month.

Wembdon won both their latest games easily, 6-0 at Morganians Reserves and 7-1 against Porlock Reserves.

Dan Spencer scored a hat-trick against Morganians, with Brendan Pope achieving the same feat against Porlock.

Staplegrove Crusaders had to dig deep to keep up, with a 2-1 triumph over Porlock Reserves and a nail-biting 1-0 win against Nether Stowey.

Lewis Coward found the target in both games, to take him onto an incredible landmark of 50 goals for the campaign.

But having just about stayed in touch, Crusaders then ran riot on Tuesday night to move two points clear (albeit having played a game more), winning 7-0 at Wyvern United.

Miles Quick (3), Alec Jones (2) and Jason Quick all found the net.

Fourth-placed Wellington A are just one point behind Wyvern, after a 2-2 draw at Minehead AFC Colts.

Ellis Bone bagged both for Minehead, with Bradley Holmans and Matt Holmes replying.

FC Castlemoat Reserves’ 3-2 victory at Bridgwater Sports Colts puts them well on course to finish fifth – Terry Gibbs and Daniel Forward among the goals for them.

Morganians Reserves claimed a 2-1 win over Galmington Dragons Reserves to climb up a place to 13th.

Bottom club Norton Fitzwarren Reserves secured a fourth win of the season, 3-1 over North Petherton Reserves, but they were unable to repeat that success as they lost 5-1 at Exmoor Rangers.

FC Castlemoat, meanwhile, followed up last week’s Seward Cup final win with a 6-1 thrashing of Butlins FC in a Rowbarton Charity Cup semi-final clash.

Ben Evett and Charlie Wilson both bagged a brace for Moat.

In the Gardner Security Trophy, Nether Stowey will play Wyvern United in the final after Stowey saw off challengers FC Castlemoat Reserves 4-3.

Tom Andrew was the hero for Stowey, his hat-trick sinking the opposition.

Tuesday night saw the West Somerset Rose Bowl final end 2-2 between Creech Cougars and North Petherton; Pethy won 4-3 on penalties.

Bridgwater Sports face FC Castlemoat tonight in the Rowbarton Cup final at Bishops Lydeard AFC (7.30pm).