PENSNETT Panthers claimed a 5-3 win over BNG FC Handsworth in Group A of the Beacon League's Beacon Cup last Sunday.

Three minutes after the kick off, Martins Cingulis opened the scoring to put BNG ahead. The lead proved to be short lived as the Panthers roared into life and struck back twice for a 2-1 half time lead. After the break BNG managed to level again thanks to Cingulis' second before Panthers took the game by the scruff of the neck and hit two more goals.

Cingulis managed to pull back a third goal to complete his hat-trick and keep BNG’s hopes alive, but a fifth goal for Panthers proved too much for the visitors to match.

On target for Panthers were Ste Jeavons with a hat-trick and Sam Lee with a brace.

Hayden Hughes and Ryan Read put Springvale Steelers Cougars ahead at home in their Group B match against Sandwell Action. After a fine first 15 minute display, Cougars were riding high, but Sandwell Action seemed to spring into life and step up to the Cougars challenge.

Despite their slow start, Sandwell managed to pull a goal back before the break as the teams went in 2-1 at half time. The second half saw Sandwell continue to dominate and after ten minutes they found the back of the net again to level the score at 2-2. Still firmly in command, a third goal for Sandwell Action saw them take the lead for the first time in the match, a lead they continued to hold until the final whistle. The Sandwell goalscorers were Joseph Noel, Hira Dadra and Manesh Patel.

Despite taking the lead through a scrambled goal from Nathan Phillips, Ellowes Hall lost their Group B match to FC Banterlona.

Banterlona were unlucky early on in the half as a good penalty shout was denied, before Ellowes went ahead. Before the break, Banterlona managed to level the game thanks to a goal from Charlie Arnold as the teams went in 1-1 at the break. The second half saw a fantastic strike again from Arnold for Banterlona go 2-1 ahead. Arnold completed his hat-trick and put the game beyond Ellowes’ reach as FC Banterlona enjoyed a fine 3-1 victory.

A missed penalty saw Hilton lose their first game of the season in a Group C match at home to Springvale Steelers Academy.

Academy took the lead before Chris Price levelled for the home team.

However, Hilton then failed to convert from the spot. The second half saw Hilton pressing for a winner, but deep into the second half their defence dropped deep and Academy stole the match on 89 minutes for a fine away victory leaving Hilton empty handed.

In Group B of the Premier Cup, Bushbury beat West Park Rangers 7-2.

Meanwhile, in round two of the Birmingham FA Sunday Vase, Sportsmen defeated Coventry Cedars 7-1 thanks to goals from Chris Brown (2), Leon Brown (2), Matt Horton and Dave Griffiths. The victory was wrapped up when Sportsmen keeper Dale Holloway stepped up and slotted home from the spot.