NEW boys Bloxwich Rangers U21s moved within striking distance of their first piece of Beacon Sunday League silverware this week.

The Paycare Development Division second tier pacesetters chalked up their 11th league success of the campaign, 4-2 at Penn Rovers, to open up a nine point advantage over their nearest rivals, writes Dave McLean.

Bloxwich, who have only lost one league game in 14, have two matches remaining, but the chasing duo of FC Premier U21s and Trysull Tigers have games in hand.

Prolific marksman Reece Berry led the way for Bloxwich, hitting a hat trick, with Ben Keats bagging the fourth.

Rovers pushed Bloxwich all the way and at one stage cut a three goal deficit to one with replies from Reece Simmonds and Connor Marson.

Bloxwich suffered a late blow in the match when one of their players required hospital treatment after suffering a suspected broken leg. The game was abandoned early, but both camps agreed the result should stand.

FC Premier U21s, who have played two games less than Bloxwich, took over second spot after sinking basement outfit Norton Canes 8-1.

This clash was all over by the break with Premier seven goals to the good. Kasen Peace was in top form with three, well supported by Curtis Bullock, Ajani Allen (both two) and Luke Arkinstall-Shore. Tom Lawford hit Norton's consolation goal.

Only one other Beacon fixture went ahead due to the league committee granting open dates to several other teams on Wolves big FA Cup day at Bristol City.

The remaining clash was played in the Redbox Signmakers Beacon Championship and Fiveways Inn secured only their second league win of the season, emerging 2-1 victors over visiting Beacon Lions.

Fiveways led 1-0 at the interval through Nathan Phillips before Reece Dabbs levelled early in the second half.

Beacon had a player sent off in second half and Fiveways took full advantage, securing maximum points with a late, well taken free kick from Nathan Maxwell.