When Athletico Indaline keeper Richard Underwood was injured in their Devenney Cup third round clash with Sandman, player-manager Nick King picked up the gloves.

With the sides drawing 1-1 after extra time, King went on to star in the penalty shoot-out, saving twice and then stepping up to hit his team's fifth and winning spot-kick.

Underwood fell badly in the 30th minute. Losing his footing on the frozen ground, he injured his knee. King quickly picked the ball out of his net when Dave Humphreys scored Sandman's opener.

But, in the 80th minute, Craig Hillier headed the equaliser for Indaline to force extra time.

With no further goals added, the teams lined up for the shoot-out.

Visitors Athletico scored through Kevin Barnes, but King saved from Paul Tassel and Pete Arbuthnott to see his team through.

They now face Division 1 outfit Chilton, who had to come from behind to beat Division 3 opponents Forest Hill.

Andy Rowland gave Forest an early lead, but Chilton moved up a gear in the second half with strikes from Bob Saunders, Martin Parsons and Ron Harris to win 3-1.

King Alfred's Head triumphed 4-1 in their Ridgeway Cup first round replay at OUP Wanderers.

Alfred's took a 2-0 lead through Danny Peace's header and left back Jon Buchanan's goal.

Chris Roche added a third in the second half before substitute Kevin James replied for Wanderers. But Wayne Hogan made it safe with a rare headed strike.

In Division 2, Brewery Tap Res moved to the top with a 5-2 win at JET. Tap's marksmen were Steve Hendy (2), Gary Walker, Adam Brooks and Paul Matthews, with replies coming from Jon Wright and Glen Thistle- thwaite.

In Division 3A, third-placed Buckland moved above Crown by beating them 5-2. Steve Holder gave Buckland a second-minute lead while his brother, Adie, added a second before the break.

Morgan and Steve Holder made it 4-0 in the second half before Phil Jeacock and Tristan Barratt pulled a couple back. Captain Roger Podbury wrapped it up with Buckland's fifth at the death.

Four goals each from Steve Bayliss and Danny Parry helped Medisense to a 9-1 win over Oxford Instruments. Danny Crabb struck the ninth and Mark Dasilva replied for Instruments.

**Stalwart Smart dies aged 78

It was with much sadness that the players and officials of the league heard of the recent death of vice-president Ernie Smart at the age of 78.

Mr Smart, a well known figure in the Wantage area was associated with the league from its early days.

He also gave more than 40 years service to Wantage Town FC and was president of the Wantage Royal Naval Association.