BETHEL United kept up the pressure on the top two of the Thames Valley Church League with a 5-0 thrashing of West Reading.

Sid Abu netted a brace, while Sean Griffiths, Stephan Boyce and Scott Shepherd were all on target as Bethel stayed three points behind Tilehurst Albion with three games in hand.

Albion retained top spot with a hard fought 1-0 win over Greyfriars, Charlie Baines scoring the only goal of the game.

YMCA Newbury took all three points with a hard fought 3-1 win over Beacon.

Alex Wood, twice, and Karim Gaye scored for Newbury, while Rich Lyons was on target for the visitors, but Lyons' goal was not enough for Beacon as they fell to defeat for just the second time this season.

Barkham Athletic have their title defence out of their own hands now, but returned to winning ways with a convincing 6-2 win over Brookside St Laurence.

Dom Howard netted a hat-trick, with Jon Allen (2) and Hardy Marbell-Ahrendts also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Harry Parker and Jack Perrett were on target for Brookside.

Norreys ran out convincing 5-0 winners over YMCA United, and arguably should have been out of sight by half-time.

Goals from Adam Toft and Matty Loxton gave the home side a 2-0 lead at half time, before an own goal from Jacob Potter's corner and a Dan Searle brace saw Norreys bounce back from their defeat last week.

Wycliffe Wanderers earned their second win of the season with a crucial 2-1 win over Reading Saints.

Michael Roberts and Dave McCormick were on target for Wanderers, while Luke Walker netted for Saints.