League News
Westfields Chief Executive, Andrew Morris, was guest of the BBC at the Live FA Cup Round 1 draw in Manchester on Monday. Andy did his club proud as he was interviewed in front of the watching millions. Westfields reward for beating Leiston is another home time in the 1st Round proper against National North Curzon Ashton. The Nash, as they are known, are only 5 places higher than Leiston in the pyramid so Westfields will not be overawed as they battle to reach the 2nd round.
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It is with great sadness that Stourport Swifts announce the passing of former secretary and long-standing club stalwart John McDonald. All at the MFL pass on our sincere condolences to family and friends.
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The draw has been made for the 3rd round of the Polymac packaging League Cup
Rocester or Heanor Town vs Nuneaton Griff or Brocton
Lichfield City or Long Eaton United vs Coventry Copsewood or St Andrews
Coleshill Town or Hinckley AFC vs Bolehall Swifts or Boldmere St Michaels
Heather St Johns or Leicester Road vs Loughborough University
Stourport Swifts or Highgate United vs Pershore Town or Cadbury Athletic
AFC Wulfrunians or Shawbury United vs Tividale or Walsall Wood
Alvechurch or Westfields vs Lye Town or Heath Hayes
Sporting Khalsa or Pelsall Villa vs Chelmsley Town or Littleton
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Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 15th October
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round (25)
Westfields 2 Leiston 1
The biggest day in Westfields 50-year history begins with the FA Cup on display for fans, players and officials to have their photos taken. Visitors to Allpay Park are unbeaten Ryman Premier League leaders Leston who are based in deepest Suffolk. Leiston could have made a dream start wjen Byron Lawrence had a shot on target after just 6 seconds! Christy Finch raced theough on goal inside the first minute but he was foiled with a superb challenge from Kane Kahaki. The first Westfields opportunity came it the 5th minute with Dan Polan’s shot blocked. Joe Jefford headed wide for Leiston as the visitors dominated possession. Patrick Brothers was off target for the visitors in the 20th minute before Westfields went close at the other end. After Richard Greaves’ shot was blocked, Dylan Bonella curled a shot that skimmed the bar. Leon Ottley-Gooch heade wide agin for Leiston after a good cross from Seb Dunbar. Kieron Blackburn made a fine sabe on the half hour to thwart Finch. Ottley-Gooch wasted another chance for Leiston as the visitors pressed forward. Just before the break, Sirdic Grant skipped through the Leiston defence but his shot was weak and easily saved. In stoppage time, Ottley-Gooch had another decent chance but his header hit Phil Glover and the sends went into the break on level terms
Ottley-Gooch continued to waste chances for Leiston, off target twice in the first three minutes of the second half. This seemed to spur on Westfields who began to impose themsleves on their higher ranked visitors. A good rin and cross from Aidan thomas was heade wide by Greaves. A rare mistake from Kahaki, let in Joe Francis but Kahaki recovered the siutuation with a fine challenge. Franic was on target with a stinging shot which Blackburn held. In the 57th minute, the home supporters were in dream land as Westfields took the lead. Jones floated a free-kick into the box where Glover gort the faintest of touches to take it past Danny Potter. Back came Lieston and Lawrence’s effort was well saved by Blackburn. Space was opening up for Westfields as Leiston pushed for the equaliser and Jones was narrowly off target with a dcent effort. In the 65th minute, Leiston should have scored but Finch sidefooted the ball past the post. Grant forced a save from Potter but the visitors levelled in the 73rd minute. Excellent approach play from Brothers ended with a low cross which was turned in by substitute Tim Winter. Jones again went close for Westfields as neither side was settling for a replay. In the 87th minute, Westfields scored what was to be the winner. Great work by Ben Miller saw the ball played into the box and when it ran loose, Greaves was on hand to finish from 12 yards. The nerves jangled in more than 6 minutes of stoppage time but Westfields were not to be denied and they take their place in the 1st round proper. A wonderful, wonderful day for Westfields and for the Midland Football League. They rode their luck at times but they can now dream of a glamour tie and maybe the TV cameras!
Review
FA Cup
What a day! Westfields are through to the 1st round proper of the FA Cup after a thrilling and sometimes nerve wracking over Ryman Premier league leaders Leiston at Allpay Park. With fans queuing to have their photo taken with the FA Cup, there was a carnival atmosphere for the game. With three minutes left it looked like a long midweek trip to Suffolk but hitman Richard Greaves settled the tie with a clinical finish to create history for Westfields.
Premier Division
Coleshill Town closed the gap at the top to just three points with a 2-1 home win against 10 man Highgate United. Dean Rathbone was the hero for the Colemen scoring both. Alvechurch are third but they had to fight all the way to beat Loughborough University at Lye Meadow coming back from 2-1 down to win 3-2. A Ben Jevons goal 5 minutes from time gave Lye Town all three points against St Andrews to maintain their 4th position. Substitute Simeon Townsend grabbed the winner for Sporting Khalsa over Shepshed Dynamo, 3-2 the final score. Coventry United continued their climb up the table with a 2-0 home win over Shawbury United. Mykel Beckley and Kai Williams scored in the last 15 minutes to move Coventry up to 8th. At the bottom of the table, Tividale moved off the foot with a 2-1 win at Quorn, Matt Jones and Joe Hull with the goals. Boldmere St Michaels drop into the bottom three following a goalless draw at Stourport Swifts. AFC Wulfrunians move up to 18th with a 2-0 win at Castlecroft over Heanor Town, another game that was settled with goals in the last 15 minutes. Rocester’s good run continued with Rob Ritchie-Smith getting the only goal of the game at Long Eaton United. There was an excellent win on the road for Coventry Sphinx as they overcame Walsall Wood 3-1 at Oak Park.
Alvechurch put an end to Westfields winning run as they secured a 2-0 win at Lye Meadow to close the gap at the top to just 1 point. Lye Town join Alvechurch just a point behind the leaders as they came from a goal behind to win 2-1 at Coventry United. It’s been a good week for AFC Wulfrunians. They made it two wins on the bounce with an excellent 2-1 victory at St Andrews.
Two goals from Nathan Benger helped Heanor Town to a 3-1 win over Walsall Wood and moves the Lions into the top half of the table.
Division 1
We have new leaders again in Division 1 as Lichfield City return to the summit following a tight 2-1 win over Heath Hayes. Nuneaton Griff are second following a 6-0 win over Studley, Matt Brennan scoring twice. Previous leaders Bromsgrove Sporting drop to third following a 2-2 draw at Uttoxeter Town who twice came from behind to grab the point. In-form Leicester Road are only 3 points off the summit, their latest victory, courtesy of two early goals, coming at Cadbury Athletic. Atherstone Town are level on points with Leicester Road and they maintained their push for the top with a 4-1 win over Chelmsley Town, Alex Naughton adding two more to his impressive season’s tally. Hinckley AFC are a further point back but their recent goalscoring exploits continued with a 6-0 defeat of Pelsall Villa – Sam Agar with a hat-trick and Ryan Seal with a brace. Stafford Town are off the bottom after picking up their first win of the season, 3-0 at Southam United. Coventry Copsewood slip into the bottom three despite picking up a point at Racing Club Warwick thanks to a double from Lawrence Rawlings. Heather St Johns move up to 7th in the table following a 2-2 draw at Pershore Town. Littleton picked up their third win of the season beating Bolehall Swifts 2-1 at Rene Road.
Bromsgrove Sporting return to the top of the league following a 2-0 win at The Victoria Ground against Littleton. Racing Club Warwick move up to 7th after they beat Pelsall Villa 2-0 at Townsend Meadow. A goal from Joe Lewis gave Uttoxeter Town all 3 points at Chelmsley Town.
Division 2
Droitwich Spa missed the chance to go top as they were held 3-3 by Feckenham for whom Ben Cox scored twice. A Connor Collins goal 12 minutes from time gave Fairfield Villa all three points at Bloxwich Town.
Division 3
There was a shock result in the only game in Division 3 with second place Montpellier being beaten at home, 2-0, by Inkberrow.
Challenge Vase
Division 3 leaders NKF Burbage are through to an away quarter final with Enville Athletic after a comprehensive 6-1 win over FC Stratford at Kirkby Road.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
A goal from Joe Broachie 5 minutes from the end of extra time gave Loughborough University a 2-1 win over Quorn at Farley Way.
Other Cups
BIRMINGHAM VASE ROUND 1
AFC SOLIHULL 0 v 2 KNOWLE
AMBLESIDE SPORTS 2 v 1 LEAMINGTON HIBERNIAN
BARNT GREEN SPARTAK 3 v 2 WRENS NEST
BOLDMERE S & S 0 1p4 0 JET BLADES
C P A 2 3p4 2 ALCESTER TOWN
CASTLE VALE TOWN 1 v 2 AEI RUGBY
CHRIST THE KING 3 v 1 SUTTON UNITED
CONTINENTAL STAR 2 v 5 ALVIS SPORTING
COTON GREEN 4 v 2 WEST BROMWICH UNITED
CRUSADERS 0 v 5 PAGET RANGERS
EMERALD ATHLETIC 0 v 1 ENVILLE ATHLETIC
FC PREMIER 0 v 3 SMITHSWOOD FIRS
FOLLY LANE O.B. 1 v 2 COVENTRIANS
HENLEY FOREST 2 v 1 FC STRATFORD
JAGUAR-DAIMLER 1 v 2 EARLSWOOD TOWN
MOORS ACADEMY 5 v 1 BARTON UNITED
REDDITCH BOROUGH 6 v 2 OLD HILL
VILLAGE 1 v 3 NORTHFIELD TOWN
WAKE GREEN AMATEURS 0 v 2 HAMPTON
WHITNASH TOWN 5 v 2 SHIPSTON EXCELSIOR
Highlights in the Birmingham Vase included Josh Singleton scoring all four goals for Coton Green in their victory over West Bromwich United. Jak Albutt scored a hat-trick for Redditch Borough in their 6-2 win at home to Old Hill. Myles Phipps scored twice as Division 2 leaders Paget Rangers won 5-0 at Crusaders. Charlie Cook scored twice for Alvis Sporting Club in a 5-2 victory at Continental Star. Ainsley Selvwright scored both goals for Hampton in their 2-0 win at Wake Green Amateurs.
Shepshed Dynamo made progress in the Leicestershire Westerby Cup beating Kirby Muxloe 2-0. Highgate United were involved in a 7 goal thriller at the Coppice as they beat Wolverhampton Casuals 4-3 in the JW Hunt Cup. Shawbury United progressed through to the second round of the Shropshire Premier Cup following a 6-1 win at Wem Sports Ground over St Martins with Nathan Hodge helping himself to a hat-trick.
Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
BROCTON 0 v 2 GRESLEY
Group "B"
CADBURY ATHLETIC 6 v 2 TIPTON TOWN
RESERVE DIVISION
ROCESTER 2 v 6 LICHFIELD CITY
ROMULUS 5 v 2 COTON GREEN
Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK 4 v 4 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN
GORNAL ATHLETIC 1 v 2 ALVECHURCH
KETTERING TOWN 0 v 5 COVENTRY UNITED
Group "B"
HEATH HAYES 5 v 1 KINGS HEATH CONCORDE
BEDWORTH UNITED 1 v 3 TAMWORTH
Group "C"
COLESHILL TOWN 4 v 2 WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY
LEEK TOWN 0 v 3 BROMSGROVE SPORTING
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 6 v 1 DROITWICH SPA G & B
HIGHGATE UNITED 2 v 0 H O W ACADEMY
Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 14
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 14
Josh March Alvechurch 14
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 12
Jack Till Lye Town 12
Richard Greaves Westfields 12
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 20
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 16
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 14
Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 11
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 11
Joe Hartshorne Heath Hayes 10
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 10
Division 2
Thomas Craine Knowle 16
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 12
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 10
Division 3
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 8
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 8
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 7
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 7
Preview
FA Vase
Bromsgrove Sporting vs Cadbury Athletic
Division 1 leaders Bromsgrove face local rivals mid-table Cadbury Athletic at The Victoria Ground. The Rouslers are unbeaten in the league and a big crowd will be on hand as they anticipate a home win.
Coventry Copsewood vs Holbeach United
Copsewood have had a big upturn in form in recent weeks but they will need it against Holbeach United who lie 5th in the United Counties League (Step5). Holbeach have lost 3 of their last 5 games but will go into the game as clear favourites
Handsworth Parramore vs Shepshed Dynamo
Shepshed Dynamo face a tough trip to Sandy Lane, Worksop to face Handsworth Parramore who sit 4th in the Northern Counties East football League. Both of these sides score plenty of goals and this promises to be one of the games of the round.
Heanor Town vs Blidworth Welfare
Heanor will start as very strong favourites at home to Blidworth Welfare who are struggling near the foot of the Central Midlands League South (Step 7). The Lions have had a mixed season but have reserved some of their better performances for cup competitions.
Hinckley AFC vs Wolverhamnpton Sporting Community
Unbeaten West Midlands Regional League pacesetters, Wolverhampton Sporting Community travel to St Johns Park to face in-form Hinckley. The visitors leading scorer, Daniel Westwood has 23 goals to his name already this season while the home side have Ryan Seal and Sam Agar with 27 goals between them. Don’t expect a goalless draw.
Lichfield City vs Shawbury United
Division 1 hosts Premier Division at the McDonalds Community Stadium. Visitors Shawbury had a difficult start to the season but have found their MFL legs while Lichfield have maintained a place in the top three of Division 1 all season. A tough one to call and it promises to be a closely fought tie.
Long Eaton United vs Coventry United
An all Premier Division tie at Grange Park with the visitors shoeing the better recent form. Long Eaton’s last victory was in the previous round of the FA Vase so they will think they are long overdue. Coventry will start as the narrowest of favourites but it should be close.
Rocester vs Oakham United
Unbeaten in 8 and with 5 wins on the trot, Rocester will head into the tie full of confidence. Visitors Oakham play in the United Counties League Division 1 (step 6) and are without a win in their last 6 games. Form favours a victory for the Romans.
St Andrews vs Paget Rangers
A fantastic game for the MFL with Premier Division St Andrews hosting Division 2 leaders Paget Rangers. A two step difference would seem to favour the home side however Paget have been in fine form this season . Six wins on the spin and plenty of goals for Daniel Carter and Mark Bellingham signifies that Paget should not be underestimated.
Shifnal Town vs Quorn
There is an intruiging tie in Shropshire as mid-table West Midlands Regional League Shifnal Town host Premier Division Quorn, who have slipped down the table in recent weeks. Shifnal knocked out MFL1 Bolehall Swifts in the previous round and could prove a handful for Quorn.
Sporting Khalsa vs Hanley Town
A repeat of the FA Cup tie between the two sides which Khalsa won in a replay in the Potteries. Both sides come into the game in form, Khalsa 5th in the Premier Division and Hanley 6th in the Hallmark Security League. In Dan Cope, Hanley have a goalscorer in form with 14 goals this season while Khalsa’s David Meese has 12. A good game in prospect.
Uttoxeter Town vs Leicester Road
An all Division 1 tie with visitors Leicester Road on a run of seven consecutive victories in all competitions. Uttoxeter are unbeaten in four and a 3-0 win over Wellington Amateurs in the previous round will give them a confidence.
Westfields vs Walsall Wood
FA Cup heroes Westfields are at home in a cup competition again this time against fellow Premier Division side Walsall Wood. Westfields lost their 100% record on Tuesday at Alvechurch but their cup record this season has been sensational. Walsall Wood have had a mixed season and you never quite know which Wood will turn up. On their day, they are a match for anyone. Should be a cracker.
Wolverhampton Casuals vs Chelmsley Town
A trip to Brinsford Lane for Division 1 Chelmsley as they face West Midlands regional League Casuals. Cassies are mid table in the league and were involved in a seven goal thriller at Highgate in midweek in the JW Hunt Cup. Chelmsley were giantkillers in the previous round knocking out Premier Division Brocton at Silkmore Lane. Three defeats on the trot has not helped their league position and this could be a tough test.
Premier Division
Only one Premier Division this week but it could result in new leaders as 2nd place Alvechurch host 4th placed Coleshill Town. A win for Church would take them top while a win for the Colemen would see them draw level with Westfields. Two in-form sides with everything to play for.
Division 1
A shortened programme this week due to the FA Vase. Atherstone Town could go second if they can win well at 17th placed Stafford Town. Southam United are still looking for their first win of the campaign and this week they are on the road to Littleton. Studley host Pershore Town and could move out of the relegation zone with a victory. Heath Hayes and Bolehall Swifts sit in 10th and 9th respectively and a win for either at The Coppice will push them up the table
Division 2
3rd meets 2nd this week with the winners guaranteed top spot. Alvis Sporting Club are the hosts with Droitwich Spa the visitors in what is an important game at the top of the table. 4th placed Barnt Green Spartak could go top with a win at Fairfield Villa and a draw at Alvis, such is the top of Division 2. Basement club Leamington Hibernian travel to free scoring Feckenham in what looks like another goal filled afternoon. Bloxwich Town and Hampton are level on 7 points just one off the bottom and they meet at The Old Red Lion Ground. Smithswood Firs and Sutton United are two points better off on 9 points and a win would take the victors into the top half of the table.
Division 3
It’s bottom versus top this week with pointless AFC Solihull at home to NKF Burbage who possess the league’s remaining 100% record. Coventrians and Castle Vale Town are the two sides immediately above AFC Solihull and they meet at Holbrooks Park. Enville Athletic have put together a decent run of results and they can continue their rise up the table if they can beat FC Stratford at Hall Drive. Northfield can go joint 2nd if they can beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons at home.
Les James Challenge Cup Round 2
In the 2nd round of the Les James Challenge Cup, 3rd Division Montpellier will be hoping to be giantkillers as they travel to 2nd Division Earlswood Town. 2nd Division Knowle have made a strong start in the league and they will be strong favourites to defeat 3rd Division Alcester Town at The Robins Nest. 3rd Division takes on 2nd Division at London Road as Shipston Excelsior entertain Redditch Borough.
Other Cups
WORCESTERSHIRE SENIOR URN ROUND 2
LYE TOWN v HIGHGATE UNITED 3.00
Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
GRESLEY P v P BROCTON
Group "B"
TIPTON TOWN v CADBURY ATHLETIC
RESERVE DIVISION
CONTINENTAL STAR v ROCESTER
COTON GREEN v WALSALL WOOD
ROMULUS v GRESLEY
Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
ALVECHURCH v HIGHGATE UNITED 10.30
COVENTRY UNITED v KETTERING TOWN 10.30
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN v AYLESTONE PARK 10.30
Group "B"
DROITWICH SPA G & B v HEATH HAYES 10.30
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v BROCTON 10.30
TAMWORTH v BEDWORTH UNITED 10.30
Group "C"
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 11.00
H O W ACADEMY v WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 10.30
LEEK TOWN v COLESHILL TOWN 10.30