League News
Following a number of underachieving performances Jeff Stocking has decided to step down as Joint Manager of Shepshed Dynamo. Chairman Mick Sloan said "I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank Jeff for all he's done at the club since joining us and I hope to see him stay on in some capacity." John Folwell will remain at the club and will now be in sole charge. Coton Green are seeking applications for their vacant First Team Managers position. Please send all applications to:
paulbarnes@cotongreenfc.com
Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday October 10th
Bromsgrove Sporting 3 Pershore Town 0
Non League Day and one of the four chosen games highlighting Fans for Diversity is at The Victoria Ground. With a gate in excess of 550, Sporting definitely embraced the day and it was great to see so many youngsters at the game. The visitors were determined to be the party poopers and they started brightly with Joe Walsh prominent early on. Against the run of play, Bromsgrove took the lead in the 15th minute with Simon Fitter curling a direct free-kick past the despairing dive of Andrew Yarnold. The goal settled the home side but the game remained an even contest. The home side should have doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Yarnold completely missed a corner but somehow Ricardo Richards blazed over the bar when it was easier to score. The Rouslers grabbed their second just before half time. Richards’ was blocked by Yarnold and Ryan Spink made no mistake from the rebound. At the start of the second half, Bromsgrove were indebted to keeper Josh Moreton who made a fine save from a Dan Carter effort. Bromsgrove were not going to allow a Pershore comeback and it was only the efforts of Yarnold which kept the visitors in it, pulling off superb saves to thwart Fitter and Spink. Substitute Josh McKenzie was guilty of another glaring miss for the home side in the 78 the minute, given a free-header in front of goal and missing the ball completely. Deep into stoppage time, Bromsgrove finally got their 3rd with Sean Brain making no mistake with a crisp finish. A great afternoon to celebrate Non League Day and hats off to both sides for the entertainment provided.
Tuesday October 13th
Rocester 4 Lichfield City 2
Winter is a coming folks as the temperature dropped at Hillsfield for a pulsating league Cup tie. Both sides set out with the intention of playing attacking football and this did not let up for 90 minutes. After a poor miss from City’s Tom Evans, the Romans took the lead from the penalty spot. Karl Demidh making no mistake after he was tripped in the area. Lichfield were level in the 16th minute with a well crafted goal. A cross from the right was headed down by Evans into the path of Martin Crawford who made no mistake. Parity lasted barely 6 minutes as Rocester regained the lead, Nick Ward finishing at the second attempt. Rocester increased their lead 7 minutes before the break, a superb header by the impressive Rob Ritchie-Smith. Lichfield were not done yet and they pulled a goal back just after the break with the equally impressive Evans supplying the finish. Back came the home side and they restored the 2 goal cushion when Dan Brown tapped home after Andrew Mottershead had done well to reach the ball at the far post. Both sides continued to threaten but it was Rocester that progressed to the next round. An excellent game on yet another enjoyable visit to Hillsfield.
Wednesday October 14th
Nuneaton Griff 7 Southam United 0
My first visit to the Pingles Stadium and another goal filled evening for the league’s leading scorers. Griff took the lead inside 2 minutes when Callum Regan put the ball into his own net. Griff kept on pressing and doubled their lead in the 7th minute with a simple finish from Danny Edmond. Despite being up against it, The Saints responded in positive mode without causing the Griff defence too many problems. The third goal came in the 35th minute with a superb finish from leading scorer Luke Shorthouse, firing home a shot on the turn. The visitors continued to work hard to keep Griff out and it took the home side until the 64th minute to score number 4. Kieron Brehon went on a direct run through the Southam defence and his shot went in off the keeper. We were then treated to a rare hat-trick for a substitute inside 7 minutes. An excellent cross from Dave Barnett was tapped in by Aden Moore with his first touch of the game. The second came courtesy of a mistake by Southam keeper Nathan Carro who dropped the ball at the feet of the waiting Moore. Goal number three for Moore and seven for Griff was from yet another Barnett cross and a simple tap-in. Nuneaton could and should perhaps have had more but that would have been hard on a hard working Southam side who battled to the end. A cracking night’s entertainment at a really welcoming club I will be back. Review
FA Cup
The end of a marvellous cup run for Coleshill Town who found the three league difference too hot to handle against National North favourites AFC Fylde. The Coasters ran out 9-0 winners with hat-tricks for Matty Hughes and Danny Rowe. After seeing off the challenge of 3 higher ranked sides, Coleshill can be proud of their FA Cup achievements this season. Sporting Khalsa live to fight another day after drawing with Spalding United in front of a bumper Aspray Arena crowd of 425. David Meese was Khalsa’s hero slotting home a stoppage time penalty to send the game to a replay. A trip to Spalding was never going to be easy in midweek but Khalsa continue to fly the flag for the Midland Football League after a 2-1 victory. Craig Bannister drew Khalsa level just before half time but it was Simeon Townsend who was the hero with a winner 12 minutes from time. Khalsa now entertain FC United of Manchester in the final qualifying round. In front of what promises to be a bumper crowd.
Premier Division
Hereford are back on top of the table courtesy of a single goal victory over Long Eaton United at Edgar Street. John Mills took his season goals tally to 21 with the only goal of the game in the 9th minute. Nine wins on the trot has catapulted Alvechurch into second place. New signing Jordan Nadat scored a second half hat-trick as the Church beat visitors Dunkirk 4-0. Previous leaders Heanor Town were surprisingly beaten 3-1 at home by Westfields despite taking an early lead through Nick Hall. New signing for Westfields, Sam Gwynne scored the third. Highgate United are 4th following a 2-0 win over Continental Star, Lei Brown again on target. Stourport Swifts poor run of form continued with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Loughborough University. Lowly Brocton travelled to Leicestershire and shocked Shepshed Dynamo, coming home with a 4-1 win courtesy of a Gary Fife hat-trick. AFC Wulfrunians kept themselves in the chasing pack with a dramatic late winner against Boldmere St Michaels at Castlecroft. A topsy turvy game was settled by a Jake Sedgemore penalty three minutes from time. A Dan Griffiths double helped Walsall Wood to a 3-2 victory at Lye Town. Rocester lifted themselves above Coventry Sphinx in the league table with a Rob Ritchie-Smith penalty the only goal of the game. Bardon Hill moved above Quorn with a 2-1 home victory Rich Hanslow with the winner. In midweek Shepshed Dynamo moved up to 9th with a single goal victory over Loughborough University, Michael Reeve with the all important goal.
Division 1
With the top two not in action, Littleton closed the gap with a 1-0 win over Racing Club Warwick, Jamie Clarke on target. Bromsgrove Sporting are 4th and within touching distance after a 3-0 win over Pershore Town in front of a bumper 551 gate. Down at the bottom, Bolehall Swifts lost their 9th game in 10, going down 3-0 at home to Studley. Heather St Johns continue to struggle. Pilkington XXX going home with all the points after a comfortable 5-0 win, Craig Oldfield with 2. In midweek, Hinckley AFC went nap with a 5 goal win over Bolehall Swifts. The game was a feisty affair with three red cards. Nuneaton Griff are breathing down the necks of leaders Coventry United after another goal filled evening at Pingles Stadium. Griff beat Southam United 7-0 with Aden Moore scoring a 7 minute hat-trick.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
Plenty of excitement in the league cup in midweek with no shocks but plenty of goals. Heanor Town raced into a 3 goal lead at Dunkirk within the first 5 minutes and eventually ran out 6-1 winners, Andre Johnson with a hat-trick. Littleton were 5-1 winners at Racing Club Warwick with a couple for Luke Rowlands. Rocester beat Lichfield City 4-2 at Hillsfield and Walsall Wood saw off the challenge of Continental Star with a 4-1 victory. Cadbury Athletic eased past Pilkington XXX while Quorn needed penalties to progress over Leicester Road.
Division 2
Chelmsley Town maintained their 4 point lead at the top of the table courtesy of a 3-1 win over Fairfield Villa, Chris Lloyd scoring his 14th of the season. Alvis Sporting Club remain second with a 100% record but they were pushed all the way by Barnt Green Spartak, Aaron Cooke with the only goal of the game in the 20th minute. Earlswood Town gained their first point of the season with a draw at Austrey Rangers. There was a 7 goal thriller at the Entaco as Feckenham beat Coton Green 4-3 with Jack Brimmell (Feckenham) and Clint Andrews (Coton Green) scoring 2 apiece. A big non league day crowd at Paget Rangers as 80 witnessed visitors Knowle take the points with a 3-1 win. Sutton United are moving up the table as they beat Hampton 2-1
Division 3
The top three in Division 3 went goal crazy away from home this week. Leaders Smithswood Firs were the highest scores beating Alcester Town 8-1, Lee Sayer with two late goals. Second placed Barton United won 6-1 at Perrywood with a hat-trick from Peter Martin taking him to 15 for the season. Third placed Redditch Borough inflicted further misery on league new boys AFC Solihull with a 7-1 victory, both Jak Albutt and Jason Cowley with hat-tricks. Badsey Rangers are 4th after a 3-1 away win at Inkberrow. Coventrians are thriving in the Midland Football League and a 2-1 victory over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons sees them occupy 10th place. Burntwood Town and Northfield Town fought out a 2-02 draw at Ravenhill Park.
Les James Challenge Cup
No shock in the Les James Shield this week as Division 2 Droitwich Spa eased past Division 3 Shipston Excelsior 2-1.
County Cups
In the Staffordshire Vase, Stafford Town and Pelsall Villa were dumped out of the competition by Leek CSOB and Wolstanton United respectively. Heath Hayes and Rostance Edwards made progress beating Shenstone Pathfinder and Redgate Clayton respectively. In the Coventry Charity Cup, All three MFL clubs were knocked out with defeats for FC Stratford, Southam United and Leamington Hibernian at the hands of Folly Lane, Triumph Athletic and Hawksmill Sports. Coleshill Town bounced back from their FA Cup exit by knocking National North Hednesford Town out of the Birmingham Senior Cup. Danico Johnson scored 4 in a 5-2 victory. In the Walsall senior Cup, two late goals put a gloss on a Walsall victory over Boldmere St Michaels. A superb crowd of 563 saw the Herefordshire Challenge Cup game at Edgar Street between Hereford and Hinton. The Bulls had seven different scorers in a 7-0 victory. AFC Wulfrunians went one better in the JW Hunt Cup with an 8-0 victory over Hawkins Sports. Jamie King scored 4 and Kyle Brady two as Wulfs progressed. Alvechurch needed penalties to beat WMRL Wednesfield in the JW Hunt after being held 2-2 at full time. In the Worcestershire Senior Urn, Bromsgrove Sporting gained bragging rights over premier Division Lye Town with a 3-1 victory.
Reserve Division
Biggest winners in the reserve division were Cadbury Athletic, 6-1 away to Brocton. Solihull Moors are up to 2nd after a 4-3 victory over now 3rd placed Rocester. Coventry United are 4th but they were held 2-2 at Lichfield City. Continental Star are in mid table after a 2-1 win over Sutton United while in the Trophy, Romulus were 3-2 winners at Gresley.
Under 21 Divisions
Bedworth United are top of U21S following a 6-2 win at Kings Heath Concorde, Nathan McGarrity helping himself to 4 goals. Bromsgrove Sporting move up to 3rd with a 2-1 win at West Midlands Football Academy. H.O.W. Academy leapfrog visitors Leamington after a 4-1 victory. In the Bowl, 2nd placed U21S Stourport Swifts lost 3-1 at U21N bottom side Anstey Nomads with U21S Gornal
Athletic losing 3-1 at U21N Heath Hayes. In the only U21N league game, Tipton Town picked up their first points of the season with a 3-1 win over Paget Rangers
Weekend preview
Premier Division
League leaders Hereford travel to Brocton who will be buoyed by last week’s victory at Shepshed Dynamo. The Bulls will be looking for their eight consecutive league win to maintain the pressure at the top of the table. 2nd placed Alvechurch are after their 10th consecutive league win when they travel to Loughborough University. A big game in Derbyshire sees 5th placed Long Eaton United host 3rd placed Heanor Town with both sides eager to regain the winning habit. Highgate United have quietly gone about their business to sit in 4th place but they have what looks like a difficult game away to AFC Wulfrunians. Sporting Khalsa are in a strong position in the league and they can begin to challenge the leaders should they beat Boldmere St Michaels at the Aspray Arena. Continental Star remain rooted to the bottom of the table and they travel to Leicestershire to face inconsistent Shepshed Dynamo. Two sides with poor recent form meet at the Ron Steel Sports ground as Dunkirk host Stourport Swifts. After their FA cup exploits Coleshill Town are back in league action with a tough assignment away to Lye Town. Westfields shocked the league leaders at Heanor last week and will hope to build on that when they host Bardon Hill. Walsall Wood and Quorn have similar scoring records and are separated by only 3 points. A difficult one to call as they meet at Oak Park.
Division 1
League leaders Coventry United welcome Cadbury Athletic to Sphinx Drive eager to continue their superb start to the season. Nuneaton Griff are hot on their heels and the league’s leading scorers are at home to Studley. There is a top of the table clash at Leicester Road with 3rd placed Littleton in town in what is the match of the day. Bromsgrove Sporting have only suffered defeat once in the league this season and they take that record to Heath Hayes. Bolehall Swifts remain at the bottom of the table but their improved recent form gives them a good chance of adding to their tally when they host Racing Club Warwick at Rene Road. Likewise, Heather St Johns have had a torrid time of late but they have the opportunity to climb above visitors Stafford Town with a win. Pershore Town have slipped down the table of late and they face a difficult task at home to Hinckley AFC. Atherstone Town have started to climb the table and a win over Lichfield City will put them level of points with the visitors. Pilkington XXX bagged 5 last week and will cement their top 6 place with a home win over Southam United while Coventry Copsewood can move into the top half of the table with victory over Pelsall Villa.
Division 2
League leaders Chelmsley Town travel to Paget Rangers intent on maintaining their four point lead at the top of the table. 2nd placed Alvis Sporting Club take their 100% record to Hampton who have lost their last three. Droitwich Spa and Rostance Edwards fill the next two places with solitary defeats this season. They are both on the road to Coton Green and Earlswood Town respectively. Knowle had a good away win last week and they are on the road again at Sutton united. Feckenham edged a 7 goal thriller last weekend and they travel to Fairfield Villa looking to move into the middle of the pack. Mid table is where Barnt Green Spartak and Austrey Rangers reside and they meet at The Coppice.
Division 3
With the top two in cup action, Redditch Borough can go second with a win at The Valley against Coventrians. Badsey Rangers will expect to close the gap at the top with a win over lowly Perrywood. FC Stratford are still unbeaten but that record will be tested at Northfield Town. There are three games when the sides are equally matched on paper and as per the league table. Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons host Burntwood Town, Enville Athletic host Shipston Excelsior and Leamington Hibernian welcome Inkberrow.
Reserve Division
It’s top v bottom at Packmeadow as unbeaten Coleshill Town entertain Gresley. 2nd placed Solihull Moors will be expecting to stay close to the leaders when 10th placed Brocton visit The Beehive. 3rd meets 4th at Hillsfield as Coventry United travel to Rocester. If its goals you want, there has been average of over 4 goals per game involving Romulus and Sutton United and they meet at Lindridge Road. Elsewhere Cadbury Athletic play Evesham and Lichfield City play Continental Star.
Under 21 Divisions
In the Challenge Bowl, early season pacesetters BeBedworth United from the South entertain Basford United from the North. Northern league leaders Tamworth travel to Garden Walk Stadium to tackle Gornal Athletic. In the league, game of the week is in the South division where Stourport Swifts face H.O.W. Academy at Walshes Meadow. There are also games at Bromsgrove Sporting, Paget Rangers and Newcastle Town. A reminder that all games kick off at 10.30