Bartestree Res 1 Skenfrith United 2

SKENFRITH'S up and down season continued at the weekend with a 2-1 Burghill Cup quarter final win at Bartestree.

Defending cup-holders Skenfrith, who took home three trophies last season, are struggling in the league but remain on course for another cup title haul in 2006 having made the last four of three competitions.

And Skenny's impressive victory on Saturday was even more sweet with Darren Bontej struggling for players due to injuries, suspensions and holidays.

But he was understandably pleased with the way his makeshift eleven battled to turn in a very hard fought victory over a tricky Bartestree side. Skenny took the lead in the 34th minute through Byron, who latched on to a bouncing ball in the box after good work from Tynan and man-of-the-match Brendan Oliver.

Continued periods of Skenny pressure either side of half time followed but the hosts were offered a lifeline when the referee awarded a disputed spot kick.

Skenfrith not only claimed the infringement on the Bartestree striker was a mistimed tackle outside of the box, but also that the home side had played the ball through with a hand. But the protests were ignored and Bartestree converted from 12 yards to level the tie.

But justice was perhaps done when, on 65 minutes, Skenfrith were awarded a penalty of their own.

Bontej reflected: "I think the referee made another strange decision with the first penalty still in his mind. It was a very lame push on Byron." But Byron rifled home the winning kick and Skenfrith continued to fight and hassle on the sticky pitch with a couple of further chances to stretch the lead but failed to convert.

Bontej added: "Overall we are starting to gel now with the majority of players playing week in week out, unlike earlier in the season.

"This could not have come at a better time with the three semi-finals coming up and a very hard end to the league campaign to stay in the first division."

Skenfrith United would also like to thank Mr Mike Oxford for sponsoring a new football for the club.