Two friends who are in their first season in management have put Doddington United in contention for a league and cup double.

For Ashley Taylor and Oliver Salter-Boyden, who took over in the summer, things could not be going much better - their side is five points clear in Cambs League 1B having dropped two points all season.

And on Saturday, a goal from James Harness saw them progress to the semi-final of the Cambs Junior Cup with a 1-0 win over March Rangers.

Joint boss Taylor said: “Oliver (Salter-Boyden) and I knew we had a talented bunch of players but we did not expect to be doing so well.

“We are in the last four of the cup as well so we could not have asked for much more.”

Doddington have not just been grinding out wins - they have been racking up big scores most weeks.

In their 11 league games, they have scored 45 goals, an average of more than four per game.

Taylor praised his prolific strike force of Craig Gillies, James Harness and Gary Smith.

He said: “We brought in Craig (Gillies), who had been studying in Blackpool, in the summer and he has built up a good connection with Gary (Smith) and James (Harness).

“As a trio they are very dangerous and score a lot of goals.”

Godmanchester Rovers Reserves’ shock loss to Bottisham & Lode on Saturday means Doddington have a healthy cushion at the top of the league, but Taylor still believes there is a long way to go in the title race.

He said: “Some people are saying we should win the league easily but they don’t understand the amount of hard work Oliver, myself and the players are putting in.

“Godmanchester’s loss helps us but we will not get over-confident. We have got a chance but we will take it one game at a time.”

Doddington’s next game is at home to fourth place Bar Hill Saturday on Saturday.