RILEY Smith has explained that Lynchpin will focus on cup competitions for the rest of the season, believing the title is now out of their reach.

Lynchpin were beaten at Penn & Tylers Green Reserves two weeks ago, leaving them 14 points behind leaders Chalvey Sports.

“We’ve blown any chance we had in the league,” Lynchpin boss Smith told the Observer. “It’s between Chalvey and Oxford City Development now, so our focus needs to be on the cups.

“We’ve had a good run in the cups in the last four years. We’ve done the double at least in every season so far.

“We’re still in three cups this season and have league games to play, so I just hope we have strength in depth as we approach the summer.”

Lynchpin progressed in the Chairmans’ Reserves Challenge Cup with a 1-0 win away at Sandhurst Town Reserves on Saturday. Alex Simmonds scored the only goal of the game to take them into the next round.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Alex Simmonds scored the only goal of the game as Lynchpin beat Sandhurst Town Reserves 1-0.

“It was a good result to be honest and we deserved the win for sure,” said Smith. “The conditions weren’t great but it was a result we deserved. Their best player was the keeper.

“It was a really good game of football because we made a few changes. We played people in different positions but they responded and stuck to the task well. I hope to continue that this Saturday.”

Lynchpin return to league action with a trip to Oxford (3pm) and Smith knows his side will need to be at their best.

“They’re a good side, probably the best we’ve played this season,” he said. “They like to play football so we will need to be at our best.

“We lost to them last time and they were the superior team. We need to be on it from the first whistle and I just hope we have the personnel to do it.”

Chalvey Sports extended their lead at the top of Hellenic Division Two East to four points with a 5-1 win at Stokenchurch on Saturday.

Sports had to recover from falling a goal behind on a snow-covered pitch, but they did so in style with Ryan Hazell scoring all five goals.

Chalvey turn their attention to the Challenge Cup this Saturday at Brimscombe & Thrupp.