League News
Droitwich Spa Football Club is delighted to announce that Peter Lemon has been appointed as its new Chairman. Peter's appointment is part of the wider process of strengthening the leadership team which began last year with the appointment of joint managers Wayne Oliver and Mark Owen.
Peter Lemon added: "I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman. During the past year the club has achieved a great deal and there is a real buzz surrounding the team. I truly believe that the club is in a very strong position to continue improving in all aspects both on and off the pitch."
Departing club Chairman Ben Pheasant added: “I am sad to be stepping down but felt the time was right and I’m very proud of having helped move the club into a much stronger position. I met with
Peter to discuss the future of the club, and I know he will do a fantastic job."
Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday November 14th
Bardon Hill 0 Hereford 2
My first ever visit to Bardon Hill and I certainly chose the right day for it weather wise, NOT. The rain had started before I left the Black Country and the nearer I got to Bardon the worse it got. With visions of a late postponement, it was with a sense of trepidation that I entered the ground. Thankfully, the pitch seemed to be holding up but I also send that an awful lot of people would get a soaking today. Normally, on a match day, I partake of the hospitality offered by the host club and enjoy catching up with officials from both sides as we look forward to the game. On this occasion, and I apologise to my friends at both Bardon hill and Hereford, I decided to get myself a seat in the stand and to stay there. With the weather deteriorating and the fans streaming into the ground, I was rather glad I took that decision. The conditions with a gale force wind, driving rain and a heavy pitch looked as though this would be a real test of Hereford’s title credentials, and we weren’t to be disappointed. Following an impeccably observed one minute silence following the Paris terroristattacks the game got under way. Hereford dominated the early stages with two inswinging corners causing panic in the Bardon Hill defence. Pablo Haysham had a decent chance for the Bulls but cleared the crossbar with his effort. Leading scorer John Mills was finding the underfoot conditions to be something of a challenge as he knocked the ball past Bardon Keeper Tom Gutteridge but the ball ran away from him. Mike Symons showed some nice control but the end shot was saved by the keeper. It was all Hereford, and Joel Edwards fired over the bar before Haysham saw another effort saved. Bardon Hill first real attemptcame from Dean Withers whose shot was blocked and then Rich Hanslow forced a comfortable save from Harvey Rivers. Just before the break, Symons teed up Rob
Purdie but he placed his shot wide and the sides went into the break level. With the wind now at their backs, more was expected from Bardon Hill in the second half. In fact, it was Hereford who got the breakthrough in the 51stminute. Seconds after missing the target with another effort, Mills latched onto a long ball from Rob Green andslid it past Gutteridgeto the delight of the large travellingsupport. Green almost undid the good work by missing the ball allowing Kyle Fowkes through on goal. Fowkes should have done better but blasted the chance over. A low cross from Rob Mulonga took a deflectionand landed on top of the Hereford crossbar as Bardon strived for an equaliser. The decisivegoal came 10 minutes from time when Max Kontic-Coveney’s cross was bundled in by Symons to double the Bulls lead. Hereford comfortably saw out the clock to record their 13thconsecutive league win and their 9thconsecutive clean sheet. In filthy conditions, both teams served up a full blooded game of football. Hereford will see this as a signal to the rest that they can mix it in the worsening winter conditions. Consideringthe weather, a great turn out of supporters from both sides and a good advert for the Midland Football League.
Tuesday November 17th
Walsall Wood 0 Sporting Khalsa 0 (Abandoned after 29 minutes)
Storm Barney hits the country and high winds are causing chaos everywhere. Walking into the ML Safety Stadium it is obvious that conditions will be difficult. Khalsa had the ‘advantage’ of the gale force wind behind their back as we kicked off and it was very clear that controlling passes was going to be nigh onimpossible. Khalsa leading scorer Craig Bannister hit the post with a 25 yard effort and adopted a shoot on sight policy to take advantage of the conditions. In the 18thminute, Mike Nelson’s cross come shot hit deceived Lee Evans and bounced back off thebar. Carlo Franco’sfollow up was well saved. Franco then saw another shot saved as The Wood were struggling to get the ball out of their half. When they did, excellent workfrom Joey Butlin saw Max Black’s effort blocked by the Khalsa defence. We then witnessed a clearance from The Wood defence bend like a boomerang and go careering towards their own goal. The referee had seen enough and called both managers over. Players from both sides had been complaining about the wind and he said the correct decision was to abandon the game. The managers shook hands and we departed the main stand for safety! The game promised a lot but the conditions gave the officials no choice.
Review
Premier Division
League leaders Herefordwere made to work all the way to earn their 13thsuccessive league win at a wet and windy Bardon Hill. Two second half goals from John Mills and Mike Symons maintained Hereford’s lead at the top.2ndplaced Heanor Townhammered Boldmere St Michaels7-2 at the
Town Ground. Highlight for the Lions was a hat-trick inside 7 minutes in the second half for Alex
Brown. 3rd placed Alvechurchkept up the pressure on the leaders with an impressive 4-1 win over Shepshed Dynamo, with 3 goals in 5 first half minutes turning the game their way. Highgate Unitedstay 4thafter a comfortable 4-0 win over Quorn, Ricardo Richards with a couple. Sporting Khalsabeat Lye Town1-0 in the Black Country derby courtesy of Craig Bannister’s 25h of the season. AFC Wulfruniansare up to 6thafter Kyle Brady scored all 4 in a 4-1 win over Long Eaton Unitedat
Castlecroft. The big game at the bottom went the way of Dunkirkas they won 4-1 at Continental
Star who are now 6 points adrift at the bottom. Coventry Sphinxmove up two places following a 21 win at Stourport Swifts. Broctondrop to 19thwhen a Dan Griffiths goal 4 minutes from time gave Walsall Woodall 3 points. Rocesterare17thfollowing a 4-1 defeat at Coleshill Town, Reece Leek scoring the first two for the home side. It’s been a bad week for Loughborough Universitywho suffered another heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Westfields. Westfields ran out 4-0 winners with Craig Jones bagging a double including a trademark free-kick. Alvechurchkept up the pressure on the top two with a 3-0win in midweek over Westfields. It was all square with 13 minutes left but goals from Connor Deards, Leigh Downing and Karl Edwards gave the points to the Church. Highgate Unitedlost touch with the top 3 as a Luke Barlone double, the winner 4 minutes into stoppage time, gave all the points to Coleshill Town.
Division 1
In the game of the day, leaders Coventry Unitedcame back from a goal down to beat Bromsgrove Sporting3-2 and extend their lead to 4 points. Leicester Roadwhere the day’s big winners, 7-3 at home to Racing Club Warwick, Jake Holt on the mark with a couple. Pilkington XXXare level on points with Leicester Roadafter a 1-0 winover Littleton, their 7thsuccessive league victory. Bolehall Swiftsare off the bottom after a remarkable game against Pelsall Villa. Villa had eased into a 2-0 lead before Swifts replied with 4 goals to move up to 19thplace. Stafford Townreplace them at the bottom after a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Studley, despite taking an early lead through Ryan Baxter. Agood win near the bottom of the table for Heather St Johnswith a single goal all that was required to beat Cadbury Athletic. Southam United’sslide down the table continued with a 51 home defeat at the hands of Coventry Copsewood. In the A5 derby, Hinckley AFCwon 2-0 at Atherstone Town, Sean Williams and Nathan Walker with the goals. In midweek, 7thand 8thfought out a 1-1 draw at St Johns Park as Hinckley AFChosted Littleton.
Division 2
Only one game in Division 2 and for the second week running DroitwichSpa were amongst the goals. Bottom club Earlswood Townwere their victims as Spa ran out 9-1 winners, James Lemon remarkably getting a double hat-trick.
Division 3
The encounter between the bottomtwo went the way of visitors Perrywoodwith a 2-0 victory at AFC Solihull. Barton Unitedmissed the opportunity to go top as they were held 1-1 by FC Stratford. Badsey Rangersare up to 4thplace after a 3-1 win over Shipston Excelsior. At RavenhillPark, Burntwood Townand Inkberrowshared the points in a 6-goal thriller.
Les James Challenge Cup
Feckenhamare through to the quart final after a 2-1 win over Coventriansat the Entaco.
County Cups
Last Saturday saw plenty of fixtures in the Birmingham Saturday Vase. Northfield Town, Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons, Hampton, Smithswood Firs, Chelmsley Town, Coton Greenand Knowleall made progress. Unfortunately, there will be no cup success for Redditch Borough, Enville Athletic, Leamington Hibernian, Alcester Town, Austrey Rangersand Sutton Unitedwho all bowed out of the competition. In the Staffordshire Vase, there was success for Rostance Edwards, Lichfield Cityand Heath Hayeswith a 100% success for the MFL. Alvis Sporting Clubcontinued their fine season with a 4-1 victory over Triumph Athletic in the Coventry Charity Cup. In the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup both Barnt Green Spartak(at Blackheath) and Paget Rangers(at home to Fairfield Villa)booked their place in the next round. Paget Rangersracked up 8 goals without conceding against Red Star Amlain the JW Hunt Cup. In the Leicestershire Challenge Cup, Shepshed Dynamo made progress with a 2-0 win at Kirby Muxloebut Bardon Hillare out, losing 2-0 at neighboursCoalville Town.
Reserve Division
The top two both scored 5 goals away from home.Leaders Coleshill Townwon 5-1 at Coventry
Unitedwhile second place Solihull Moorswon 5-0 at Sutton United. There were also away wins for Lichfield City, at Cadbury Athletic,and for Romulusat Rocester. The only side to win at home were Broctonwho beat Evesham United3-2.
Under 21 Divisions
In the only league game played, Bromsgrove Sportingwere beaten 2-1 at home by West Midlands Football Academy. In the Bowl, H.O.W. Academywon 3-0 at Kings Heath Concordewhile Sutton Coldfield Townand Leamingtondrew 1-1.
Weekend preview
FA Vase
This weekend sees the 2ndround of the FA Vase and 15 of our clubs remain in the competition. The Midland Football League is guaranteed4 teams through to the next roundbut will expect a lot more. Of the four all Midland League ties, there is an intriguing game at the Pingles Stadium. Division 1 high flyers Nuneaton Griffwelcome Premier Division promotion chasers Highgate Unitedin what promises to be an entertaining clash. There are three all Premier Division ties andthey are all difficultto call. Inconsistent Coleshill Townwelcome Dunkirkto Pack Meadow. Both teams come into the game on the back of good away victories but the form book is definitelyon the side of the home team. Coventry Sphinxand Broctonare both at the wrong end of the table and a good run in the Vase could be just the moralebooster they need. They meet at Sphinx Drive and this is a game that could go eitherway. AFC Wulfrunianshave hit a rich vein of form and they travel to Quornwith some confidence of progress. Quorn have struggled of late but home advantage could count. Another tight one. A big game with two sides in great form at the top of their respective divisions takes place at The Town Ground as HeanorTownwelcome Leicester Nirvana. Nirvana have lost just the once in the league this season and theyhave a healthy lead at the top of the United Counties League. Heanor have been in tremendous goalscoring form of late and I expect their support to be the twelfth man to get through to the 3rdround.Premier Division leagueleaders Herefordwelcome West Midlands League 2ndplaced Haughmondto Edgar Street in what could be a tricky tie. Hereford are on such a fantastic run of form that it is hard to see anything other than a home win. Alvechurchare another premier Division side in great form and they have a winnable tie at WMRL 4thplaced AFC Bridgnorth. Crown Meadow is a difficultpace to visit and Bridgnorth are in decent form themselves but I expect Alvechurch to have too much firepower. There could be another tight game at the ML Safety Stadium when renowned FA Vase competitors Walsall Woodwelcome UCL side Holbeach United. Holbeach have already beaten MFL opposition this season knocking Stourport Swifts out of the FA Cup and cannot be taken lightly. This is a game that has extra time written all over it.Long Eaton Unitedhave a home tie against Pinxtonand the difference in league status points to a home win. Division 1 Racing Club Warwickface the long trip to CleethorpesTownand the draw couldn’t have been much more difficult. With Cleethorpes flying high in the NECL, a Racing Club win would be a major giantkilling. One FA Vase game on Sunday sees Division 1 leaders Coventry Unitedwelcome Uttoxeter Townto Sphinx Drive. Both clubs were giantkillers in the previous round but United hold all the aces and should progress.
Premier Division
With so many sides in FA Vase action, Sporting Khalsahave the opportunity to close the gap on the leaders when they welcomeRocesterto Aspray Arena. At the bottom, basement side Continental Starentertain 20thplaced Boldmere St Michaelsin a huge game for both sides. A win for Star closes the gap on Dunkirk while a win for the Mikes could see them jump three places. Shepshed Dynamohave had a poor run of results and they will want to arrest the slide when they travel to Lye Town, themselves in a decent run of form. Bardon Hilland Westfieldsare both too close to the drop zone for comfort so there is a lot at stake when the two meet in Leicestershire.
Division 1
With the top two on FA Vase duty. 3rdplaced Leicester Roadcan close the gap but what a game to choose to do it, away to Hinckley AFC. This is a really tasty localderby and there will be no ground given in the battle forsupremacy. 5thplaced LichfieldCitycan go 4thwith a win at 7thplaced Littleton. A home win sees the places reversed. Bromsgrove Sportingare looking for a higher place and will expect to beat Atherstone Townat The VictoriaGround. At the bottom, changes on and off the pitchhas seen Bolehall Swiftsclimb off the bottom of the table. They can move further away from bottom spot with a win at fellow strugglers Pershore Town. Bolehall’s rise has seen Stafford Towntake over last placeand they have a tough localderby with Heath Hayesat Evans Park this week.Heather St Johnshave been in the bottom threefor some time but recent form gives them some encouragement as they travel to another struggling side, PelsallVilla. The other games seestwo mid table sides lock horns as Cadbury Athleticentertain Studley.
Division 2
The endless round of cup ties continue with just three games in Division 2. In the last two weeks,Droitwich Spahave scored 15 goals at home without reply so it may not be the best time for Knowleto be visiting.2ndbottom Feckenhamhost Hamptonknowing a win would take them 9 points clear of basement side Earlswood Town. Fairfield Villaare one place ahead of Feckenhamand a win at home to Coton Greencouldtake them 3 places higher.
Division 3
Leaders Smithswood Firsare back in league action and they travel to mid table Shipston Excelsior. Depending on results elsewhere,Leamington Hiberniancould go top if they beat Burntwood Townat home. Badsey Rangerscan keep the heat on the top three with a win at lowly Perrywoodwhile Enville Athleticwelcome Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons, a win for either side moving them away from the bottom
Les James Challenge Cup
Inkberrowhost Redditch Boroughwith a place in thequarter finals at stake,
Presidents Cup
Quarter final of the Presidents Cup as Austrey Rangershost Division 2 leaders Chelmsley Town, in what could be a very close encounter.
Reserve Division
Coventry United v Evesham UnitedSutton United v BroctonGresley v Lichfield CitySolihull Moors v Continental StarRomulus v Coleshill Town (Trophy)
Under 21 Divisions
Kings Heath Concorde v Bromsgrove Sporting (U21S)Stourport Swifts v Leamington (U21S)Anstey Nomads v TiptonTown (U21N)Heath Hayes v Tamworth (Bowl)Basford united v Sutton Coldfield Town (Bowl)