MERCIAN League leaders Church Stretton had to go in search of two match balls after hotshot Dean Richards plundered all of the goals in a 6-0 win at Wrockwardine Wood.

The bumper haul, which included one from Sam Bowen’s through ball, a free-kick, a wonder strike and a penalty, saw Richards move to the top of the Premier Division scoring charts with 22 strikes in 16 games in all competitions.

More importantly, the result against the division’s bottom club saw Stretton make it five league wins in a row and nine unbeaten. They hold a four-point advantage over Oakengates Athletic who have two games in hand.

Clee Hill United were not in action and got pushed down to third courtesy of Oakengates winning 4-2 at Shifnal United 97.

The League Cup quarter-finals take priority on Saturday with Stretton and Oakengates facing off at Russells Meadow and Clee Hill travelling to AFC Bridgnorth reserves (both 2pm).

In Division One, Ryan Lewis and Joel Jackson struck for Craven Arms Town in a 2-2 draw with Newport Town reserves. The visitors bagged their share of the spoils through Graeme Robertson’s brace.

The result ended a four-match winning streak in which Craven Arms had scored 42 goals but protected an unbeaten record that dates back to November 12.

Saturday sees Craven Arms travel to third-placed Stoke Heath, while Brown Clee return to action with a home clash against Albrighton (both 2pm).

Bishop’s Castle keep winning in the Montgomeryshire League Division Two. Llangedwyn became their latest victims as Martyn Ziemann’s hat-trick was backed up by strikes for Toby Siviter, Ben Phillips and George Mellor in a 6-2 victory for Dan Dawson’s men.

In the Mid Wales League South, Newcastle played out a 3-3 draw with Knighton Town reserves.