SPORTING ACADEMICS’ under-18s roared into a six-point lead in Division I on Sunday morning.

Putting the disappoint of the previous week’s Tregear Cup exit well and truly behind them, they convincingly beat their nearest challengers for the title, Jersey Wanderers, 3-0 at Les Quennevais.

Their performance delighted coach Bob Doran: ‘They all played to their strengths this week – there was such a big difference from the last game.

I’m really pleased.

We’ve just one more game before Christmas and if we keep it going we’ll soon hit the finishing straight.’ Accies wasted no time in getting their cup disappointment, a defeat against St Paul’s, out of their system, scoring through Sean Ganley in the opening minute.

And when Sean Doran fired in an excellent free-kick just before the break, Accies were really in the driving seat.

Even though Accies lost goalkeeper David Clark to concussion midway through the second half there was little threat to the leaders’ goal.

Paul Dingle, a prolific goalscorer from midfield this season, wrapped matters up with a cracking header just before the final whistle.

Both the President’s Trophy semi-finals, for U18 Division II sides, went to extra time, with away teams St Clement and St Martin/SCF eventually winning through to the final after 2-2 ties at the end of normal time.

St Clement beat hosts St Ouen 4-2, with goals from James Gully, Jason dos Santos, Kirk Hacon and Matt Rawlings cancelling out a double from Saints’ Kyle Hampshire.

St Martin/SCF had even more trouble shaking off eastern neighbours Grouville, 5-3.

David Streets hit four goals to secure a final at Springfield, with the other score coming via the penalty spot from long distance athlete Ryan Hodgson.

Leon Nightingale struck twice for Grouville, with Matthew Lyttle getting their other goal.

At U12 level, the Blue Group featured wins for St Clement B and St John.

St Clement beat St Ouen 4-1 with Sean Mitchell, Michael Rodrigues, Bradley Rowland and Jason Brown on target.

David Kelly grabbed the westerners’ consolation.

Hugo Powell and Harrison McLinton hit the net in St John’s 2-1 home win over Grouville.

In the Red Group First Tower beat St Paul’s 6-1, with doubles for Calvin Weir, Charlie Petulla and Nick Carpenter.

Tower even managed to score St Paul’s goal!