It has taken 18 games for Cherry Knights to be beaten in the league this season and it came in their dress rehearsal for this season's Amateur Cup final which will take place on April 22.

Ivy Tavern became the only side who Cherry Knights have failed to overcome this season with their previous encounter back in September finishing 3-3 and seeing the only home points dropped this season by the new league champions.

On the latest occasion Ivy Tavern collected their first league win in four games, winning 5-4.

Star of the day for them was defender Darren Walker who bagged a hat-trick, with Billy Munro and Rick Robinson getting the others.

The top scorer in the league, Paul Nicholson, scored two for Cherry, taking his total to 34. Also on target was Danny Kent (his 27th) and Joe Fisher.

Victory for the city side has left them an outside bet for the runners-up spot with both they and Waddington United hoping second-placed FC Rustons United slip up in their final game.

For more of this story see today's Lincolnshire Echo.