Hardwicke proved too strong for lowly Southmead CS Athletic in the County League, making home advantage count as they recorded a 3-1 win.

They were ahead after just five minutes when a James Ratcliffe corner was turned in by Pat Vernall. Kieron Bryce-Ingles then forced a very good save from Southmead keeper Alvin Quaye while Rob Hine missed a great chance to increase the lead when he headed wide from Matthews’ cross.

Two minutes into the second half the home side did make it 2-0 when a James Ratcliffe free-kick went through the wall and past Quaye.

Eight minutes later it was 3-0 when Kieron Bryce-Ingles fired home after a great ball from Will Higgins.

A red card then reduced Hardwicke to 10 men and Southmead grabbed a consolation goal through Reece Evans.

Second-placed Frampton United maintained the pressure on leaders Lebeq United with a 2-1 win at Henbury even though the home side went ahead after five minutes.

It took 32 minutes for Frampton to pull level when a corner to the back post was headed in by Sean Lawson.

And it was Lawson who sealed the points five minutes into the second half with his second of the game.

Bottom-of-the table Gala Wilton went down 4-2 at Wick despite two goals for Dan Creed.

The home side started brightly and Gala keeper Lewis Skyers had already made two good saves when they went ahead through Sam Thomas.

But Gala hit back almost immediately when Creed’s free-kick went through the home wall. Martin Colley almost put Gala ahead soon after but it was Wick who were ahead at the break thanks to goals by Dan Stephens and Charlie Stevens.

Joe Thomas made it four in the second half and it would have been worse for Gala but for a fine penalty save by Skyers to deny Stevens.

Ten minutes from time Gala were awarded a penalty of their own and Creed made no mistake from 12 yards.

Other results: Broadwell Amateurs 3 AEK Boco 1; Hanham Ath 0 Patchway T 3; Rockleaze R 3 Little Stoke 4.