ENGLISH Bicknor Reserves returned to the top of North Gloucestershire League Division Three with a hard-earned win at Alvington Star.

Bicknor took advantage of previous leaders Ruardean Hill Rangers A being in FJ Pope action.

Alvington, who are at the other end of the table, held the promotion-chasers to 0-0 at half-time.

Both sides were forced to make changes because of injury.

First Bicknor midfielder Harry Griffiths went to hospital with a suspected broken wrist after falling awkwardly.

Alvington keeper Alex Litton went off with a leg injury.

Three goals early in the second half gave Bicknor the points.

Niall Ravenhill, James Blackwell and Dominic Garnett got the goals before Star substitute Markus Dearden pulled one back from the spot.

Blackwell put the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside before adding Bicknor’s fourth.

Third-placed Lydbrook Athletic A kept their promotion hopes on track with a 2-0 win over Harrow Hill B.

Carl Stevens and Jamie Hosford scored to make it three wins on the trot for Athletic.

In the other Division Three match, Shane Abel and Joshua Brickley scored as Westbury Utd beat Broadwell A 2-1.

In the FJ Pope Cup Ruardean Hill progressed at the expense of Redbrook Rovers Reserves.

Luke Johnson scored twice in the 2-1 win with Connor Morgan on target for Redbrook.

Blakeney Reserves are also through after a 3-1 win over Staunton & Corse A.

Christian Cox, Owen Fox and Carl James got Blakeney’s goals with Isaac Cambridge getting one for the visitors.

Wins for leaders Blakeney and second-placed kept the margins tight in the Premier.

Luke Roberts got the goal at Ellwood which keeps Blakeney two points ahead of Huntley.

Huntley were 0-3 winners at third-placed Howle Hill with two goals from Lee James and one from Josh Jeffrey.

Woolaston moved into fifth on goal difference with a 4-0 win over Soudley.

Adam Giles scored twice with one each for Paul Crook and Lewis Taylor.

A hat-trick by Rich May gave Longhope their fourth home win in a row.

They beat Lydney Town A 3-2 with Oliver Bynon and Jacob Freeman getting the goals for the visitors.

Whitecroft, in the relegation zone, took a 25th-minute lead through Felix Rose against fourth-placed Milkwall.

Milkwall equalised through a Liam Jacques penalty six minutes later after a Whitecroft hand ball.

Whitecroft keeper Charlie Bethall was looking to add to his tally of penalty saves but was unable to parry the powerful shot.

A Jacques goal midway through the second half gave Milkwall the win.

Whitecroft manager Konrad Breese said: “We fought really hard for this one and it was great to get the support of the crowd and give them something to cheer about.

“I must thank the Whitecroft community first. It was a good feeling taking the lead and the atmosphere was a step-change from previous matches I've been involved in.

“We linked up well considering we had to replace many of our usual starters however I was impressed how we took responsibility.”

Westbury Utd are through to the final of the JO Roberts Cup after beating Harrow Hill Reserves 1-3.

Ackeen Wright scored twice with the other coming from Pierce Clarkson. Alfie Macmillan got Hill’s goal.

Staunton & Corse Reserves won the Geo. Sandoe Cup semi-final tie against Mushet & Coalway Reserves.

Substitute Levi Duff got the goal for Mushet.