After a four-hour journey to Witham Town, a 5-0 defeat to the strong Essex Intermediate League was harsh reward for a depleted North Berks representative squad in the FA National League System Cup.

Players drawn mainly from Marcham, Blewbury, East Hendred and Faringdon Town can take credit for the effort and pride shown.

Essex took the lead after only four minutes from close range but the first half was even, with Matthew Leach cracking a shot against the crossbar and Matt Launchbury bringing the best from the home keeper with a header.

North Berks were caught cold at the start of the second half, with Mike Kelly not quite able to keep out a low shot and then a questionable offside decision allowing an Essex forward to run on to score a third. In between, Kelly made two other fine saves but it was all over and Essex added two more before the finish.

Other notable displays came from Dave Richardson, Johnny Pearce, Vinnie Cooper and Will Westall for the North Berks.

The only Division 4 game saw leaders Benson Lions overcome improving Uffington United by 3-0 with goals from Ceri Davies (2) and John Kennedy.

Ardington & Lockinge Reserves got back to winning ways in Division 5 with a 2-0 win over Faringdon Town A but it was not one of their best performances.

Dave Curtis (penalty) and Chris Hogan found the back of the net for Ardington.

In the War Memorial Cup, Challow United saw off the challenge of higher division Hanney United by 2-1 with goals from Martin Turnbull and Darren Zavala. David Archer on target for Hanney, while Steventon overcame Coleshill United 4-2, thanks to doubles from Neil Smith and Danny McArdle.

In the Nairne Paul Cup, Marcham Reserves thrashed Stanford Reserves 7-1.

All Division 1 games were called off at the weekend.