Tipton St John Reserves 1, Fluxton 5 Nonplussed by Saturday’s brushing aside of league-leaders Halwill, Fluxton’s manager made seven changes to his starting line-up, welcoming back long term injury victim - and leading scorer - Rich Rapps, among others, as his side extended their winning run to seven, writes Alex Paget.

Only Sercombe jnr, Paget snr, Burgess and Long, who brought up his 2,000th minute of the season, were there to tell Saturday’s tale.

The tone of the game was set and maintained by a pair of Rolls-Royce centre backs; Burgess and Gorman.

Breaking up play and seamlessly instigating counter-attacks via ferreting full-backs Long and Fisher, Fluxton’s shape, solidarity and possession was assured.

It wasn’t long before Ali Buchan hit a crisp drive to make it one nil.

No one took much notice when the brave Tiptonians equalised and Bott nodded home a Paget long throw at the far post to take a lead into the break as the descending sun dipped behind the condemned Ash trees at the Western End.

James Santer has a real nose for goal. He sniffed out Fluxton’s third and fourth in quick succession; Tom Rapps providing the irresistible scent on both occasions.

There’s a chance goal difference could decide the title and so Fluxton persisted despite the bagged points.

It wasn’t until the final kick of the game that the fifth arrived, another Buchan strike from 20-yards.

The referee for the game, Peter Greenwood, is most worthy of mention, not only did he have a fine game, but all season long his match fees have been donated to a charity promoting football for underprivileged kids.