A STRONG second-half performance carried Bear through to the Evesham Mechanical Services Knockout Cup final with a 5-2 victory at Fladbury Athletic.

The star of the show was Matt Staley, who hit a hat-trick with further goals from Davis and Smith, while Fladbury replied with first-half strikes from Nightingale and Andy Clements.

Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League Division One leaders Pinvin United moved seven points clear as their nearest rivals slipped up.

Pinvin won 3-2 at Mickleton Rangers through Izod, Bellamy and Bulford with Moore and Foster pulling goals back.

Second-placed Pershore High Old Boys lost 2-1 at Evesham WMC, who netted through Scott and White.

Bretforton Old Boys were held 4-4 at home by Broadway United as Gilbert (3) and Brown scored for the hosts with Cooper (2), Burtenshaw and Jason Horsburgh replying.

Eckington hit five second-half goals to record a convincing 7-1 win over Honeybourne Gate Inn as Danny Bostock (2), Carter (2), Charman, Jack Bostock and McElroy scored. Lee Brookes bagged a consolation.

WMK moved level at the top of Division Two with an 8-2 victory over AC Olympia with the prolific Sklennar netting a treble alongside goals from Jeal (2), Nasser, Pritchard and Beckingham.

Third-placed Stour Excelsior won 4-1 at Evesham United Harriers with Pearson, Carr, Godson and Shurmer on target, while Gary Dyke replied.

A first-half Rowland strike earned Alderton the points at Tesco United and Bredon won 5-2 at Cidermill. Twine (2), Diamond (2) and Gibbs scored and the hosts hit back through a Heritage double.

Fairfield earned a 2-1 win over Anchor Harriers to close the gap at the top of Division Three. Shoots scored for Harriers before Turley and Corr gave Fairfield the points.

Inkberrow remained fourth as goals from Steele and Allcock defeated Ashton 2-0 and Elmley Castle eased their relegation worries, defeating Dragons 2-0 through Marsden and Smaylen.

Badsey Recreation produced a convincing performance to win 6-1 at Broadway United Reserves as Attwood (2), Bishop (2), Hatch and Frascano scored with Wes Parker netting a consolation.

In Division Four, Sun Inn won the promotion clash 3-2 at Ambassador with goals from Comfort, Steger and Parry. Shepherd and Keay scored for the hosts.

Tewkesbury Town Reserves and Pebworth shared 12 goals in an entertaining match. Matt Tarling hit four for Town but a Lane double helped Pebworth fight back and earn a point.

Stour Excelsior Reserves picked up much-needed points at the expense of Bengeworth with a 3-1 success. Millichap, Pratt and Grace scored for Stour with Jelfs replying.