League News
Cup Final dates are as follows: Tuesday 26th April - Challenge Trophy - Coleshill Town v Solihull Moors at Studley FC, kick off 7.30pm Monday 9th May - Presidents Cup – Alvis Sporting v Droitwich Spa at Coton Green FC, kick off 7.30pm Tuesday 10th May – Polymac Packaging League Cup – Stourport Swifts or Hereford v Walsall Wood or Lye Town at Solihull Moors FC, Kick off 7.30pm Wednesday 11th May – Les James Challenge Cup – Alvis Sporting v Paget Rangers or Smithswood Firs at Bromsgrove Sporting FC, kick off 7.30pm Tba – Challenge Vase – Redditch Borough v Northfield Town Tba - Challenge Bowl Tba – Under 21 Division Play Off Final ------- A look at what is happening behind the scenes at Long Eaton United FC on and off the pitch. Three years ago the Club’s Management formulated plans to significantly enhance all aspects of Long Eaton United Football Club. Those plans involved the integration of all areas of the Club including our Youth, Ladies & Senior Sections. Underpinning all of our ambitions for the Club was the significant improvement of the Facilities at Grange Park for all associated with the Club - without Facilities to be proud of it would have been impossible to improve our commercial prospects and create a stable financial platform. Working closely with the Derbyshire FA we achieved FA Charter Standard Community Club status - which, as well as helping us create a Youth Section second to none in the Region, has also enabled us to work with Sport England, the Football Foundation and the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund to secure significant grant funding. Over the period we have relaid our Astro Courts, reclaimed wasteland to create a superb new full-size pitch, completely refurbished our Clubhouse and made significant improvements to the main Stadium. At the same time, we have purchased our own maintenance equipment so the Club is now totally self sufficient. With further planned work to our Car park and pitches over the summer, a combination of Board funding, Grant income, and Sponsor support will have resulted in £500,000 of investment in our Facilities. Our improved facilities have enabled us to create successful sides at many levels with our Ladies close to being crowned League Champions and achieving FA Women's Premier League status for the first time in our history as well as being in 2 Cup Finals - the first of which is this Sunday in the DFA County Cup Final against Derby County. From the outset, our plans have included establishing a Men's Senior side capable of competing for a place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. We were clear though that we needed facilities at least equal to if not better than Clubs competing at that level. We now have the facilities we planned for and the Ground grading for promotion. Having secured the Facilities we were also clear that we wanted to appoint a Senior Section management team that shared our “One Club” ethos and who have experience of and access to players from the League we have the ambition to join. We feel that our new Senior Section management team tick those boxes and we are working closely with them to build a playing squad and support that gives us a genuine chance of achieving our ambitions. We have already secured a fantastic set of pre-season friendlies which we hope will create real excitement for all involved at the Club in its 60th Anniversary Year. Whilst success on the pitch can never be guaranteed, “Behind the Scenes” we are confident that Long Eaton United Football Club is in excellent shape and the further initiatives we have planned for the next 3 years will ensure the Club continues to excel. Finally, it would be remiss of us not to recognise the fantastic work done by Shaun Rickford, Adam Barber, and their support team during the season. It is never easy to take over the reins of a First Team mid-season but Shaun and Adam have conducted themselves admirably and have been a credit to themselves and the Club. We are sure that they will have a big part to play in the Clubs future. ------- Knowle FC are looking to appoint a manager for their new reserve team for the 2016/17 season. The role will be voluntary and would suit someone with experience of the Midland Football League, although we would be happy to give an opportunity to someone with youth team experience as we aim to build an exciting and thriving player pathway to enhance the clubs reputation and match our ambitions off the pitch. We are currently improving our facilities including the installation of floodlights during the 2016/17 season and exciting plans in place to potentially relocate to a new purpose-built stadium and leisure complex in the near future. The successful candidate will have previous management experience and have appropriate qualifications, minimum FA Level 2. The candidate will also have a management team to support them and contacts to bring in players to help improve our current senior squad set up. We also have a large number of u16-18 players we are looking to nurture and bring into the adult set up at some point Applications by Monday 16th May to Chris Knott [email protected] Please attach a football CV. Interviews w/c Monday 23rd May Travels of the Press Officer Thursday 14th April Stafford Town 0 Coventry United 5 With fixtures being re-arranged to get the season concluded by 30th April, there is a vital game at the top and bottom of Division 1 at Evans Park. Stafford Town have been in and around the bottom three or four all season, however, victory at Cadbury Athletic on Tuesday opened up a three-point gap on 2nd bottom Pelsall Villa. Coventry United, on the other hand, have been in the top three all season and have looked likely Champions for most parts. Three wins in the past 6 days has closed the gap on Bromsgrove Sporting and given them serious momentum as we enter the last two weeks of the season. When I arrived at the ground, it was a pleasant Spring evening but that was to change by kick-off. Heavy rain welcomed the two sides onto the park and the visitors started off on the attack. Town, fielding a severely weakened side, created the first clear opening but Dan Nowell failed to control the cross from Tom Vaughan. Josh O’Grady forced a fine save from Dale Reaney and then was off target after he had brilliantly created an opening. O’Grady had another effort saved by Reaney before Josh Blake also tested the home keeper. In the 17th minute, a cross from O’Grady was turned goalwards by Blake but Reaney made the block. The opening goal came int eh 18th minute and it was no surprise that it was O’Grady that scored the goal, finished well after cutting inside onto hisd left foot. Matt Brown ran through on goal but was foiled by Reaney diving at his feet. In the 26th minute, Blake raced through on goal, his shot rattling the crossbar. As the weather deteriorated, the game became scrappy although all the attacking came from the visitors. Muzzy Nduna forced a fine save from Reaney and then O’Grady beat 3 defenders before finding Reaney in inspired form, the keeper making yet another save. Just before the break, Blake’s header was cleared off the line and the only surprise at the half-time whistle was that we had seen only 1 goal. The rain did not relent at half-time with water lying on the surface. There was a concern about whether the game would continue but the referee conducted a cursory inspection, a couple of steps onto the pitch and a nod of his head, and the game continued. To be honest, if this had been earlier in the season, we may have seen an abandonment. Coventry were certainly looking for goals and O’Grady was again the man on target forcing a save from Reaney. Goal number two came in the 51st minute. A Rob Prinzel free-kick into the Town penalty area was headed home by Gift Mussa. It should have been three two minutes later but United were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. The third goal wasn’t long in coming and in the 56th minute, O’Grady skipped round Reaney and slid the ball home for his 31st goal of the season. On a rare Town attack, centre-back Joel Mills fired his shot into the side-netting. A corner from O’Grady was met by the head of Brian Ndlovu but he failed to keep it down and it cleared the bar. In the 65th minute, the same two players combined and Ndlovu this time bundled the ball home from the O’Grady corner. Things got worse for the home side in the 68th minute when star man Reaney went down injured and had to be replaced by centre-back Kirk Lowe in goal. With an outfield player in goal, against a rampant opposition, the floodgates were expected to open but it never materialised. Coventry did score a fifth in the 76th minute when Blake finished off a Kai Williams cross. Williams himself went close in the 83rd minute but after wrongfooting Lowe, his shot was inches wide. Credit to both sides for their attitude and performance in atrocious conditions. The officials could so easily have called the game off and hats off to them for letting the game finish. Tuesday 19th April Sporting Khalsa 0 Hereford 3 Another big game at the top of the Premier Division with 3rd hosting the leaders. The Hereford fans had travelled in huge numbers in what many saw as a pivotal match in the destination of the title. A victory at the Aspray Arena would surely mean they had one hand firmly gripping the trophy. As a sideline, we also had the battle of the two leading scorers in the league with John Mills and Craig Bannister amassing 90 goals between them! It was the visitors that started the game very much on the front foot with the pace of Sidric Grant causing problems down the Hereford right. An early volley just over the bar from Aaron Birch signalled the Bulls intentions. They opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Grant outmuscled Tim Jackson and his low cross was scrambled away by Mihai Gherasim into the path of Pablo Haysham who needed no second invitation as the ball nestled in the Khalsa net. Both sides struggled to create any clear opportunities with defences well marshalled by Ryan Green and Tesfa Robinson. Khalsa’s first opening came in the 31st minute when Marvin Nisbett beat Jamie Willetts but before Matt Martin could get onto the ball, Jimmy Oates was on hand to clear. Hereford perhaps should have done better when a Mike Symons cross flew across the face of goal just needing a touch. The Bull should have doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Grant again skipped into the are, playing the ball inside to Haysham who in turn found Joe Tumelty unmarked in the area. Tumelty had to score but his weak effort went harmlessly wide. On the stroke of half-time, the impressive Grant volleyed over the bar. Hereford continued where they left off, well and truly on the offensive. Grant was unlucky with an acrobatic overhead kick which was just off target. The Bulls doubled their lead in the 58th minute. Tumelty found space and his a stinging drive which was well saved by Gherasim but Symons was on hand to head the ball into the net. Symons was foiled twice in a minute, his shot on the turn saved by Gherasim and then a point-blank header scrambled away. In the 72nd minute, Grant raced through on the right but his shot was straight at Gherasim. In the 82nd minute, Hereford put the game to bed. Grant ran into the penalty area and was upended by Gherasim, the referee having no option other than to award a penalty. Rob Purdie stepped up and made no mistake from the spot. Haysham thought he had made it four three minutes from time but his shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by John Hill. Despite more than 5 minutes of added on time, there were no scares for the Bulls as they maintained their 10 point lead at the top of the table. An excellent performance by Hereford who are now just 5 points away from the league title. A lot has been said about the Bulls firepower but the defence again showed their worth keeping Craig Bannister quiet which few teams this season have managed. On the day, Khalsa couldn’t make any inroads and Hereford were comfortable at the end. A busy end to the season for both with silverware up for grabs, the highest league position in their history for Khalsa and Wembley glory for the Bulls. Review Premier Division On Thursday evening, Highgate United and Stourport Swifts fought out a 1-1 draw at The Coppice with both goals coming in the second half. The result leaves Highgate in 9th and Swifts in 12th. Hereford extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points with a 2-0 win at Quorn. Seven more points from their last four games will give the Bulls the title. Dunkirk kept alive their faint hopes of avoiding relegation with an excellent 2-1 win at Westfields. Coventry Sphinx have opened up an 8 point gap over Bardon hill in the battle to keep out of the bottom three. Faisal Koriya scored three times in the last 13 minutes as Sphinx beat Rocester 6-0 at Sphinx Drive. Continental Star are guaranteed to finish in bottom place following their 5-1 defeat at Lye Town for whom Ryan Rowe scored a hat-trick. Coleshill Town are one place ahead of Lye in the league table in 6th place and they scored six goals for the third time in 5 games at Boldmere St Michaels. The final score was 6-1 with Simeon Cobourne scoring a hat-trick. Shepshed Dynamo remain in 5th place despite going down to a 3-2 defeat at Loughborough University. Two goals from Ash Jackson gave Walsall Wood a 2-1 win at Long Eaton United, the winner coming in stoppage time. On Monday evening, Coleshill Town moved into 4th place with a 3-2 win at Coventry Sphinx. Two goals from Mykel Beckley sent Coleshill on their way with Sphinx still not safe from relegation. Stourport Swifts beat Highgate United 1-0 at Walshes Meadow, Jack Bailey with the goal on the stroke of half-time. Hereford are just 5 points away from the league title following an impressive 3-0 win away at 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa. Alvechurch are clinging on to the Bulls by their fingernails and despite yet another missed penalty, they ran out 2-0 winners over Brocton at Lye Meadow. Dunkirk are doing everything they can to avoid the drop and a 1-0 win at Shepshed Dynamo, the goal from Bruno Holden, means they are 7 points adrift of Coventry Sphinx with three to play. Bardon Hill have 6 huge games remaining to preserve their premier division status. A Luke Edwards goal 5 minutes from time salvaged a point at home to AFC Wulfrunians, 3-3 the final score. The second game in two days for Highgate United and a 1-0 win over Loughborough University at The coppice, courtesy of a 55thminute goal from Nathan Corry. Rocester are clear in 10th place following a 2-0 win at Continental Star. Division 1 In terrible conditions, Coventry United closed the gap at the top to just two points with a 5-0 win at Stafford Town. Josh O’Grady scored twice as United managed to beat the weather scoring their 21st goal in three games. Coventry Copsewood left it late to grab a point at home to Racing Club Warwick. Trailing 2-1 into stoppage time, Copsewood equalised in the 95th minute meaning they are still one point and one place behind the Racers. There was another late equaliser at the TSA Sports Ground with Daniel Douse scoring in the 92nd minute for Pilkington XXX – the game with Lichfield City ending 2-2. Coventry United moved to the top of Division 1, coming from behind to beat Lichfield City 2-1 at The McDonalds Community Stadium. Kai Williams was the hero coming off the bench to score twice. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff lost ground on the leaders being held 2-2 at Coventry Copsewood. Alex Naughton scored twice for Griff but missed a second-half penalty which ultimately cost Griff two points. No denying the result of the day as 5th placed Hinckley AFC beat Stafford Town 9-0 at St Johns Park. Former Town striker Sam Agar scored 5 including a hat-trick inside the first 11 minutes as Hinckley notched up 100 league goals for the season. A 1-1 draw between Cadbury Athletic and Pershore Town is probably enough for both sides not to get dragged into the relegation battle. Atherstone Town and Pilkington XXX couldn’t find a goal between in a 0-0 draw at Sheepy Road. Coventry United moved four points clear at the top of the table with a 2-0 win at Pilkington XXX. Nuneaton Griff kept alive their faint hopes of the title with a 3-0 win at Atherstone Town, Ryan Millerchip with a brace. Hinckley AFC went goal crazy again making it 30 goals in 3 games. Studley were the victims at The Beehive as Hinckley ran out 8-0 winners with hat-tricks fro Sam Agar and Ryan Seal. Pershore Town were also amongst the goals, a 7-1 win at Pelsall Villa putting the hosts in deeper trouble at the bottom of the table. Kallum Powell scored three and Pawel Tomczak two for Pershore. Leicester Road drop to fifth after they were beaten 2-1 at in-form Racing Club Warwick, Wade Malley with the winner late on. Littleton move up to 8th after a fine 1-0 win at Heath Hayes. Two sides still on the fringe of the relegation battle shared the points on Wednesday with Cadbury Athletic and Bolehall Swifts drawing 2-2. Division 2 The game between Hampton and Feckenham ended in a 1-1 draw at the Hampton Sports Club. The result leaves both clubs desperate for points to avoid the drop. Chelmsley Town closed the gap at the top to 5 points with a 5-1 win over Austrey Rangers on the 3G at Coleshill Town, the prolific Chris Lloyd with two more. Hampton jumped three places in the table and are now 9th after a 2-1 win at Earlswood Town. On Monday, Chelmsley Town closed the gap to just two points with a 3-1 win at Austrey Rangers. Paget Rangers closed in on the top 4 with an excellent 2-0 win over 3rd placed Droitwich Spa, who are now 6 points adrift of second having played a game more. Knowle lifted themselves to 8th place with a 3-2 home win over Feckenham. Alvis Sporting Club opened up a 5 point gap on Wednesday with a 3-1 win at Barnt Green Spartak. Division 3 Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons moved up to 11th position following a 3-0 home win over Enville Athletic. Redditch United moved to within two points of leaders Leamington Hibernian with a dramatic 4-3 win over Alcester Town. There were hat-tricks for Redditch’s Jason Cowley and Alcester’s Matt Layton in a game that had everything. Smithswood Firs kept in the title race with a 2-0 win at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Polymac Packaging League Cup The first leg of the first semi-final ended all square at Stourbridge Road. Lye Town took a first half lead but Walsall Wood scored twice in 5 minutes to take a 2-1 lead. Back came Lye and equaliser from Nick Pugh sets up an intriguing second leg. Les James Challenge Cup Semi Final Smithswood Firs are through to the final where they will meet Alvis Sporting Club. Firs pulled off a giant-killing beating 2nd Division Paget Rangers 3-1 with Daniel Charlton scoring twice. County Cups Lichfield City are through to the Walsall Senior Cup final following a 2-1 win over Walsall Wood. Tyron Smith scored the vital goal in a 2-1 win sending Lichfield to the Bescot Stadium where they will play the winners of Rushall Olympic and Sporting Khalsa. Three goals in the last 10 minutes sent Bromsgrove Sporting through to the final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup at The Victoria ground. Northfield Town were leading 2-1 with 8 minutes remaining but The Rouslers eventually won 4-2. There was heartbreak for FC Stratford who missed out on an appearance at the Ricoh Stadium, losing 2-0 in the semi-final of the Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup to Woodlands WMC. Reserves Results Cadbury Athletic 1 Brocton 6 Gresley 1 Sutton United 2 Rocester 3 Evesham United 1 Gresley 1 Rocester 6 Under 21s Results Tamworth 4 H.O.W. Academy 3 (Bowl) Leamington 3 West Midlands Football Academy 0 (U21S) Walsall Wood 2 Sutton Coldfield Town 1 (U21N) Leading Scorers Premier Division John Mills Hereford 48 Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42 Lei Brown Highgate United 30 Jamie Cuss Westfields 29 Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 28 Karl Edwards Alvechurch 26 Pablo Haysham Hereford 25 Division 1 Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 38 Tony Clarke Lichfield City 37 Josh O’Grady Coventry United 32 Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 32 Division 2 Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 41 James Lemon Droitwich Spa 40 Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 32 Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 27 Division 3 Matt Layton Alcester Town 34 Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 32 Peter Martin Barton United 31 Jason Cowley Redditch Borough 25 Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23 Preview Premier Division Games are coming thick and fast as we approach the end of the season. On Thursday evening, the focus of attention is on the battle to avoid the drop. Bardon Hill face in-form Lye Town at Bardon Close knowing that a win is vital if they are to overtake Coventry Sphinx. Coventry Sphinx welcome Long Eaton United to Sphinx Drive where a win would relegate Dunkirk and close the gap on 18th placed Quorn. Quorn host Shepshed Dynamo knowing that three points would mean they are mathematically safe from relegation. At the other end of the table, Heanor Town can regain fourth place should they win at Walsall Wood. On Friday evening, the eagerly awaited game between Sporting Khalsa and Alvechurch takes place with Khalsa facing the second of three games in three days. Not ideal preparation but both sides will be giving it their all in the game between 3rd and 2nd. A win for Alvechurch will close the gap to Hereford to seven points with one game in hand. On Saturday, leaders Hereford will welcome Heanor Town to a packed Edgar Street with the home fans hoping that they will be crowned champions on the day. Heanor have been excellent this season and I’m sure will have something to say about that. As will 2nd placed Alvechurch who welcome lowly Bardon Hill to Lye Meadow. This is a vital game for both sides for contrasting reasons with the advantage very much with the Church. 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa play their 3rd game in three days and it couldn’t be more difficult – away to Coleshill Town who have climbed the table rapidly in recent weeks on the back of a mountain of goals. At the foot of the table, depending on Thursday results, Dunkirk at home to Coventry Sphinx is a game which could seal the fate of the home side or give them fresh incentive with a couple of games to go. Lye Town have finished the season strongly and they will hope for another win on the road at Long Eaton United. Basement side, Continental Star have had a season to forget and they travel to Silkmore Lane to face Brocton. Rocester are in a solid 10th position and they welcome Boldmere St Michaels to Hillsfield. Shepshed Dynamo are still hoping for a top four finish but will need to beat Westfields at home to give them a chance of achieving their goal. Walsall Wood and Highgate United are on for top 10 finishes and they meet at Oak Park. Quorn may still need points to confirm their place in the Premier Division for next season and they welcome AFC Wulfrunians to Farley Way. Loughborough University have had a steady season and they welcome Stourport Swifts to Hollywell for their final home game of the season. Division 1 On Thursday evening, there are three league games all vital for either promotion or relegation. Leaders Coventry United travel to second bottom Pelsall Villa needing 11 points to clinch the title from the final 5 matches. 2nd placed Bromsgrove Sporting must keep winning to keep up the pressure on United and they face a tough fixture away to in-form Racing Club Warwick. Bottom club Southam United are 11 points away from safety and need a victory at home to Studley to give themselves a chance of escaping. On Saturday, Coventry United face a stern test of their title credentials when they welcome a resurgent Bolehall Swifts to Sphinx Drive. Bromsgrove Sporting have an equally tricky encounter when Heath Hayes visit the Victoria Ground. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff are still in with an outside chance and Racing Club Warwick are the visitors to the Pingles Stadium. What odds one or more of the title challengers slipping up at home? At the bottom, two if the bottom four meet at Evans park with Stafford Town at home to Heather St Johns. A win for either is likely to guarantee safety. Hinckley AFC have scored 30 goals in their last three games and Coventry Copsewood are next in the firing line at St Johns Park. Leicester Road dropped out of the top four in midweek and they will be hoping for three points at Pershore Town to keep the pressure on Hinckley. Lichfield City probably need two wins to finish in the top 6 and they welcome Cadbury Athletic to the McDonalds Community Stadium in the first of these games. Littleton have had another solid season and they travel to Sheepy Road to face Atherstone Town. Pilkington XXX are sitting in the top half of the table and a win at home to Studley should cement that place. Division 2 League leaders Alvis Sporting Club have still only dropped two points this season and they take their remarkable record to Austrey Rangers. Game of the day sees 3rd placed Droitwich Spa host 2nd placed Chelmsley Town and a home win is vital if Droitwich are to break into the top two. Paget Rangers are rapidly closing in on 4th place and a win over Fairfield Villa at Church Road could see them take 4th spot. Rostance Edwards are the side that are currently in 4th but four defeats on the trot has seen them slip out of the title race. They will hope to put an end to the poor run when they travel to Hampton. A big game at the foot of the table sees the bottom two go head to head at the Entaco with Feckenham at home to Earlswood Town. Barnt Green Spartak welcome Sutton United to The Coppice in a game between 11th and 6th. Division 3 On Thursday evening, Coventrians host Barton United who would go fourth with a victory. Three wins in their last three games will give Leamington Hibernian the title but they face a tough fixture on Saturday when they travel to 4th placed Barton United. 2nd placed Redditch Borough have been in excellent goalscoring form of late and visitors Inkberrow will do well to keep them quiet. Smithswood Firs still have seven to play but a good run could yet see them promoted. FC Stratford are the visitors in the first of those games. Alcester Town can move back into the top 6 if they can pick up three points at Badsey Rangers. 13th meet 14th with Coventrians at home to Enville Athletic. 2nd bottom Perrywood could move level on points with Enville should they win away at Burntwood Town. Northfield Town get back to league action after cup heartbreak in midweek as they host Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Polymac Packaging League Cup On Thursday evening, Stourport Swifts and Hereford meet in the 1st leg of the league cup final. Hereford will ring the changes following their 3-0 win at Sporting Khalsa on Tuesday and with a Wembley final to look forward to, expect those players coming in to want to show their manager that they should be in the starting line-up. Swifts beat Hereford at Walshes Meadow at the start of the season – how much would they like to take a lead to Edgar Street for the second leg next week? Midland Football League Newsletter
13th April 2016 League News Gornal Athletic are looking for an U21 manager for next season to continue the progression of the current squad playing in Midland Football League U21 south on Saturdays. Any interest please email. [email protected] in the first instance. We are looking to make an appointment before the last couple of games of this season so you can get to know the lads. ------- Travels of the Press Officer Thursday 7th April Coventry United 3 Nuneaton Griff 2 Two big promotion battles to choose from tonight and my decision was made with me having to be Essex for a meeting at half past midnight (yes, that’s right)! Coventry United have 11 games to play in 23 days and could face no more difficult opponents than 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff, who with Bromsgrove Sporting, are making the quest for promotion from Division 1 a real three-horse race. With manager Edwin Greaves relieved of his duties, this was United’s first game of the new era. They couldn’t have made a better start when Josh O’Grady spun and shot into the corner in the 3rd minute. Richard Blythe had another effort for United well saved by George Woodward. Dave Barnett shot into the side netting but should have done better for Griff in the 8th minute when he decided to pass when he really should have hit the target. Woodward was called into action to make a fine save from an O’Grady free-kick. Midway through the half, Griff wasted another goods chance when Kieron Brehon missed the target. Chances were coming at both ends and Josh Blake failed to control a cross from Blythe when well placed. Luke Shorthuose hit a snapshot just over the bar before Griff levelled in the 34th minute. A quick break by the visitors saw the ball played into Alex Naughton and he fires past Rich Morris despite a valiant attempt by the United keeper. As the half drew to a close both Naughton and Blake were off target. Griff started the second half the better with Brehon going close before Barnett was well off target. Shorthouse forced a save from Morris and at the other end Woodward made a comfortable save from an O’Grady free-kick. Josh Ruff was causing panic in the United defence and he ran through the backline before tripping himself up as he reached the penalty area. Griff deservedly took the lead in the 71st minute. Danny Harris delivered a deep free-kick which Ryan Millerchip headed on to the waiting Barnett who volleyed into the net. It should have been three 5 minutes later. More good work by Ruff gave Naughton the chance, and with the goal at his mercy, he managed to hit the ball against the defender rather than steering the ball into the empty net. Naughton again missed a gilt-edged chance in the 82nd minute after being set up by Shorthouse. You always felt that Griff may rue the missed chances and with two minutes on the clock Rob Prinzel headed home from a corner. Griff had another chance on 90 minutes when Millerchip headed Ruff’s free-kick on the bar. United were not finished yet and in the 93rd minute, O’Grady wriggled into the box where he was tripped by Anton Astley . The referee had no choice other than to award a spot-kick which Chris Cox despatched with power. With the home fans going wild, Astley received a second yellow for a foul on Matt Brown. At the final whistle, United had closed the gap on leaders Bromsgrove Sporting with the title still up for grabs for all three sides. Saturday 9th April Hereford 4 Brocton 1 Following their win on Thursday at Alvechurch, Hereford came into the match on top of the pile. With the news that the Alvechurch pitch had failed an inspection, the opportunity was there to open up a four-point lead. Standing in their way were Brocton who were on a great run of results away from home. Cheered on by another 3,000+ crowd, the Bulls started in breathtaking fashion. In the 3rd minute, Mike Symons created an opening for Mustapha Bundu but he inexplicably missed the target. Brocton keeper Callum Barrett was in for a busy afternoon and he did well to stop Symons in his tracks, no mean feat in itself. Bundu was proving to be a real threat and after he cut inside, his shot was too high to trouble Barrett. Aaron Birch was next to waste an opportunity for Hereford, sidefooting wide after being teed up by Jimmy Oates. In the 11th minute, Bundu confused the Brocton defense with a stepover but Barrett was alive to save his shot. Pablo Haysahm was next to test Barrett, and Gary Fife did well to clear away the danger for Brocton. The opening goal came in the 14th minute when Bundu shot in off the crossbar. Barrett again saved Brocton, palming away a header from Symons. Against the run of play, Brocton levelled midway through the half. A cross from Dave berks found Jack Edwards at the far post. Edwards beat Oates, turned and curled his shot past Martin Horsell. Brocton almost took the lead in the 29th minute when a Berks free-kick was headed past his own goal by Jamie Laird. A minute later and the battle between the Bulls and Barrett continued with the Badgers keeper making a marvellous save from Bundu. The chances kept coming for Hereford and Oates should have done better with a header from a Rob Purdie corner. In the 39th minute, the Brocton goal somehow remained intact after Sirdic Grant his the post and then Barrett, who else, foiled Bundu. The second half commenced as the first had finished with Hereford on the attack. Bundu skipped past Charlie Jones down the left and his cross was volleyed wide by Haysham. Purdie had a snap shot saved by Barrett, standing firm under all the pressure. In the 51st minute, Hereford were awarded a penalty when Ed Booth was all over Grant and brought him down in the area. There were no complaints from Brocton and Bundu made them pay with an excellent spot-kick. The goal relaxed the team and the fans and a great combination between grant and Bundu saw the latter fire over. Grant again set-up Bundu and again the striker fired over before the duo combined for Grant to fire wide. The third Hereford goal came in the 69th minute following the introduction of Joe Tumelty. With his first touch from the by-line, his cross was tapped in by Symons from inside the 6-yard box. Tumelty almost grabbed a goal for himself but Barrett made another fine save. In the 77th minute, John Mills missed a sitter for Hereford, failing to connect with a Rob Purdie corner. However, goal number four wasn’t long in coming as Tumelty’s low cross was turned in by Laird at the far post. Grant should have made it 5 just before full time but he completely miss-kicked in front of goal. All in all, a commanding performance by the Bulls who look a certainty to take the title. Monday 11th April Heath Hayes 4 Lichfield City 0 (Staffordshire Vase Final) Another wet and miserable evening but thankfully, the improved playing surface at Stafford Rangers FC means tonight’s Staffordshire Vase final goes ahead. Two MFL Division 1 sides have reached the final, and with only one place separating them in the league table, a closely fought cup tie is expected. A decent crowd, most of which sit in the main stand at Marston Road, had braved the elements to see some silverware. The first effort of the game came from Hayes’ Liam Degville but his shot was off target. Joe Pickering swung in a free-kick for Hayes and although Jack Arrowsmith got his head to the ball it was easy for City keeper Sherdon Martinez. Lichfield’s first attempt came from Michael Taylor – his shot on the turn deflected for a corner. Another free-kick from Pickering caused problems in the City defence but Dimitri Dunkley couldn’t divert it towards goal. Hayes continued to press and a low hard cross from Pickering evaded everyone. Heath hayes deservedly took the lead in the 27th minute and it was an excellent individual goal from Dunkley. He rode a strong challenge, ran purposefully into the box and shot into the bottom corner. Lichfield could hvae been level within three minutes. Dexter Ravenhill delivered a free-kick into the area but Taylor was off target with his header. A quick break by Lichfuield sent Taylor clear but his shot cannoned back off the post with Mark Wiggins beaten. At the other end, Heath hayes came close to a second when Degville’s shot was cleared off the line. Lichfield’s leading scorer Tony Clarke had been kept very quiet but a fine piece of skill from the striker, controlling, spinning and shooting in one fluid movement, forced a fine save from Wiggins. Lichfield went close again when Ravenhill’s cross was diverted over his own bar by Alex Scott. In first half stoppage time, Martin Crawford was off target for Lichfield who had finished the half strongly. The second half started with Heath hayes on the offensive. England Under 18 International, Joe Hartshorne won the ball but over ran it as he was closed down by three defenders and Lichfield managed to hack it away from danger. Heath Hayes doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Another excellent Pickering free-kick was headed into the corner by Arrowsmith, the ball delivered with such pace that a decent flick was ll that was required. Things got even better for Heath hayes two minutes later and it was a goal to grace any occasion but particularly a cup-final. Jack Partridge received the ball some 30 yards from goal and curled his shot into the top corner past the despairing dive of Martinez. It was now pretty much one-way traffic and Dunkley again forced a save from Martinez. Joe Haines had a chance for Lichfield but his header was straight at Wiggins. Degville was off target again for Heath Hayes after he had created space in the middle of the park. Heath Hayes were now playing some superb football and from one flowing move Pickering cleared the crossbar with this shot. Heath Hayes’ fourth was a wonderful team goal. Starting at the back, they passed it eventually to full back Harry Phillips rampaging down the right. His cross found the feet of Pickering on the edge of the area and his left-foot shot was perfect. Martinez made a fine double save to thwart Pickering and then Arrowsmith but it was Heath hayes who celebrated a fine victory at the final whistle. An excellent game of football played in horrible conditions. The passing football produced by heath Hayes was a joy to behold and Lichfield had no answer to them on the night. Tuesday 12th April AFC Wulfrunians 2 Sporting Khalsa 2 These two sides had served up a couple of crackers already this season with Wulfs winning in the league and Khalsa in the FA Cup, both by 3-2 margins. Thankfully, yesterday’s rain had relented to allow the game to go ahead albeit on a heavy pitch. Wulfs shocked their high-flying neighbours by taking the lead in the 5th minute. Jake Sedgemore whipped in a free-kick which was headed home by centre-back Matt Hunt. Craig Bannister was unlucky in the 8th minute when his shot was deflected for a corner. Jamie King created an opening for himself but the Wulfs striker fired well wide and a minute later he burst into the area but allowed the Khalsa defenders time to clear. In the 25th minute it was the home side again that threatened, a quick break down the right and Craig Gregg’s shot was saved. A minute later, Khalsa went close when Marvin Nisbett’s close range effort was saved by Josh Moreton. The game was being played at a good pace and Wulfs went close with David Howells headers saved by Mihai Gherasim. Gregg was very busy in the home midfield and in the 31st minute he forced another save from Gherasim. Khalsa equalised int erh35th minute. Bannister delivered a free-kick into the box, Tes Robinson headed it back and David Meese poached inside the 6-yard box and steered it home. Khalsa should have been in front three minutes but the ver reliable Bannister beat the post after creating the space and deceiving Moreton. On the stroke of half-time, a challenge on Brad Lawley sparked a melée but both sets of players retreated to the dressing room. The start of the second half was delayed while the referee brandished a red card to Nathan Rose-Laing. Whether this was for his involvement in the contretemps at the end of the first half, whether it was something he said or what, no-one knew. Suffice to say, it did not go down well with the home side. Now down to 10 men, you would expect Khalsa to overpower the home side. Although they had plenty of possession they rarely posed a threat to Moreton’s goal and Wulfs grew more and more comfortable as the half wore on. The game was drifting to its conclusion when Khalsa sub Callum Cooper changed the complexion of the game with a stunning shot from 25 yards which went in off the crossbar. With only three minutes remaining, surely Khalsa had done enough to pick up all three points. Don’t you bet on it? Three minutes into time added on, Jake Sedgemore’s free-kick was scramble in at the far post by Ben Jevons to give the 10 men an unlikely equaliser and an unlikely point. A very enjoyable game of football between two committed sides. On another day, with a different referee, the number of cards of both colours may well have been higher – in some ways this would have been preferred by the officials of both clubs. Wednesday 13th April Continental Star 1 Hereford 5 A bottom versus top clash and a chance for the Bulls of Hereford to move 7 points clear in the battle for promotion. Hereford fans, as per normal, turned up in number expecting to cheer their side on to an improved goal difference with the home side already relegated. As expected, Hereford attached from the off but Aaron Birch was wide with his 3rd minute effort. Mustapha Bundu forced a fine save from Jordan Ellis, the first of many from the Continental Star keeper. In the 7th minute, Sidric Grant;s low shot was well saved. From the resulting corner. Jamie Willetts saw two shots blocked on the line. Star were really putting in a huge effort to keep out Hereford and Mike Symons was next to have s hot blocked by the home defence. John Mills blasted wide when in a decent position. Excellent work by Grant teed up Mills and his goalbound effort was somehow kept out by the excellent Ellis. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead. A corner from the right was poorly defended and Franklin Hazell hooked the ball home to silence the crowd. Ellis made another fine save after a James Bowen long throw flicked off a Star defender, the keeper tipping it over the bar. Rob Purdie was inches wide with a free-kick and Mills was off target with another header. The equaliser came on the stroke of half-time. Bundu flicked on the ball and Mills, spotting the keeper off his line, lifted it over him and into the net. At the start of the second half, Mills blasted another shot over but the second goal wasn’t long in coming. A corner from the right was nodded into the box by Willetts and Bundu steered it home. Hereford claims for a penalty for handball were waved away by the referee as Herford pressed for more goals.Bundu was on target with a free-kick but Ellis made a comfortable save. Hereford scored a third in the 71st minute. A quick break from the back involving Bundu and Grant finished with Bundu playing the ball into the path of Anthony Robbins and he made no mistake. With the Continental Star defence tiring, it was now a case of how many more goals could Hereford score. Ellis was again on hand to thwart Bundu but he could no nothing about goal number 4 with fifteen minutes remaining. A cross came in from the left-hand side and Mills planted his header into the corner. Hereford continued to drive forward and the fifth and final goal came 3 minutes into stoppage time when Ross Staley beat the keeper and finished with aplomb. Continental Star gave everything but were simply overpowered in the end by a side that look like league champions. While not at their best, Hereford continue to carve out chances and converting even a small percentage led to 5 goals. Review Premier Division On Thursday evening, Hereford returned to the top of the Premier Division with a 2-1 win at previous leaders Alvechurch. In front of a mammoth Lye Meadow crowd of 1600+, the Bulls raced into a 2-0 lead before Church came back. Church’s penalty woes continued as Jordan Nadat’s spot-kick was saved by Martin Horsell to give the visitors all three points and the advantage in the title race. With the game at Alvechurch postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, Hereford took full advantage and opened up a 4 point lead at the top thanks to a 4-1 win over Brocton. The sides were level at the break but a penalty from Mustapha Bundu, his second goal of the game, sent them on their way. Third-placed Sporting Khalsa are 12 points behind and realistically out of the race after being held 1-1 by Quorn. Heanor Town move up to 4th after a 7-0 win over already relegated Continental Star. Nick Hall and Matt Harris both scored twice with three goals coming in the last 5 minutes. Shepshed Dynamo slip back a place after being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Coleshill Town, Simeon Cobourne equalising for the visitors two minutes into time added on. Walsall Wood drop down to 7th after a surprising heavy defeat at Rocester. The Romans won the game 5-0 with Oliver Roome scoring twice. At the bottom, Dunkirk’s plight is looking more and more ominous as they went down to a solitary Paul Hurrell goal at Stourport Swifts. Likewise, Bardon Hill are in deep trouble. 5 points behind Coventry Sphinx with only one game in hand and their goal difference was not improved with a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Westfields, Jamie Cuss scored twice for Fields while Dunkirk had two players red carded. Lye Town have run into a rich vein of form and that continued with a 1-0 victory at AFC Wulfrunians. A Harry Howard goal for Boldmere St Michaels dented Highgate United’s hopes of a top 6 finish as the Mikes won 1-0 at The Coppice. On Tuesday evening, there was a dramatic end to the game between AFC Wulfrunians and Sporting Khalsa at Castlecroft. Khalsa took the lead in the 87th minute but Wulfs, playing with 10 men for the whole of the second half, drew level in the 3rd minute of stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw. Dunkirk’s battle against relegation is almost over as they went down 4-0 at Quorn, Jacob Lever scoring twice. Bardon Hill surrendered home advantage to Loughborough University due to the weather and the students thanked them by inflicting a 7-0 defeat. Ben Ward-Cochrane grabbed as a hat-trick as Bardon concede their 100th league goal of the season. Lye Town’s excellent end to the season continued with a 3-2 win at Stourport Swifts which moves them up to 7th in the table. Highgate United suffered their fourth successive defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Rocester at The Coppice. Hereford extended their lead at the top of the table to 7 points but had to come from behind to beat Continental Star 5-1, John Mills adding two more to his tally. Long Eaton United and Boldmere St Michaels shared the points and six goals in a 3-3 draw at Grange Park. Division 1 On Thursday evening, the teams in 3rd and 2nd met at Sphinx Drive and it was 3rd placed Coventry United that came out on top in a dramatic encounter. United took an early lead through Josh O’Grady but Nuneaton Griff came back to take the lead midway through the second half. They really should have out the game to bed missing two glorious chances before the home side grabbed an equaliser two minutes from time. The home fans were sent wild 3 minutes into stoppage time when Chris Cox converted a penalty to shake up the title race even more. Big winners of the day in Division 1 were Hinckley AFC who scored thirteen times without reply at bottom club Southam United. Southam had lost a number of players during the week and started the game with ten men. For Hinckley, Ryan Seal scored 4, Sam Agar 3 and Darius Darkin 2 as they move up to 5th in the table. Coventry United also racked up a double figure score beating 2nd bottom Pelsall Villa 11-0 at Sphinx Drive. Both Richard Blythe and Josh Blake scored hat-tricks with doubles for Josh O’Grady and Matt Brown. Leaders Bromsgrove Sporting had to come from behind to beat Coventry Copsewood at The Victoria ground. A crowd of 431 witnessed a second half hat-trick for Will Tibbetts as the Rouslers stay 5 points clear. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff bounced back from their defeat at Coventry United to edge past Lichfield City 2-1. At the bottom Stafford Town remain level with Pelsall Villa following a 2-1 defeat at Pershore Town. Bolehall Swifts recent good run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Rene Road by Littleton. Leicester Road stay 4th following a 3-0 win over Cadbury Athletic, Matthew Stenson with a brace. Heath Hayes travelled to the Beehive and were well and truly stung as Studley took all 3 points with a 3-1 win. A Wade Malley goal ensured that Racing Club Warwick are in the top half of the table with a 1-0 win at Pilkington XXX. Coventry United closed the gap at the top to 5 points with three games in hand with an emphatic 5-0 derby win at Coventry Copsewood, Josh O’Grady scoring twice. Stafford Town did their survival chances a power of good with a 3-2 win at Cadbury Athletic. Spencer Gunnell was on target twice for the reds who move above Heather St johns with the win. A James Hicks goal late on gave Leicester Road all 3 points at Studley which strengthens their hold on 4th place in the table. Division 2 On Thursday evening, the juggernaut that is Alvis Sporting Club took over top spot with a 7-2 win over Sutton United. Kiam Galdins helped himself to a hat-trick and Dildale Linton added two more to his impressive tally as Alvis lead Chelmsley Town by two points with the two sides meeting on Saturday. The game between the top two at the Pavilion went the way of Alvis Sporting Club with a 4-0 win over Chelmsley Town. Alvis now hold a five-point lead with games in hand and it will take a monumental effort to stop them winning the league. Droitwich Spa held a 2 goal lead at Knowle but the home side came back and snatched an equaliser in stoppage time through Tom Craine, his second of the game, to dent Droitwich’s promotion push. A 90th-minute goal from Joe Casley meant back to back wins for Earlswood Town as they beat Fairfield Villa 1-0. Hampton improved their chances of staying out of the bottom two with a tremendous 5-1 win at Coton Green, Steve Joynes with a hat-trick. Paget Rangers closed the gap on 4th placed Rostance Edwards with a 2-0 win over the Eddies. Alvis Sporting Club increased their lead at the top of the table with win 17 out of 18 beating Knowle 3-2 at The Robins Nest. Alex Knight scored twice for Knowle but it wasn’t enough to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the leaders. Division 3 Loads of goals in Division 3 with 7 or more in four of the fixtures. Promotion chasing Smithswood Firs were involved in an amazing game at Perrywood. 3-1 down and then 4-3 in front only for Perrywood to equalise in the 89th minute to seal a 4-4 draw. Shipston Excelsior made it seven wins out of seven with a dramatic fightback at Northfield Town. 3-1 down with four minutes left, Shipston took all three points with a 4-3 win, Patrick Fetherston with a brace. Leaders, Leamington Hibernian hold a 7 point lead after they beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons 4-2, two goals each for Will Pendred and Alister Wrist Barton United are up to 5th after beating Alcester Town 2-1, George Stack with the winner in the 90th minute. Enville Athletic were the high scorers on the day, beating AFC Solihull 6-1 at Hall Drive with braces for Tim Parry and Adam Wooldridge. There were another 7 goals at Inkberrow who beat Burntwood Town 5-2, Josh Walker with a couple. FC Stratford are back up to 4th place with a 3-1 win at Coventrians. Smithswood Firs closed the gap on the top two with a narrow 3-2 win over Northfield Town at The Mackadown Stadium. County Cups Heath Hayes lifted the Staffordshire Vase with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Lichfield City at Stafford Rangers FC. The goals were shared around with the pick being a 30-yard effort from Jack Partridge. Alvechurch lifted the Worcestershire Senior Urn beating Bromsgrove Sporting 3-0 at Evesham United FC. Reserves Results Cadbury Athletic 0 Romulus 2 Coleshill Town 3 Brocton 1 Coventry United 2 Rocester 2 Lichfield City 3 Gresley 1 Gresley 2 Lichfield City 4 Under 21s Results Anstey Nomads 1 Basford United 6 (U21N) Heath Hayes 3 H.O.W. Academy 0 (Bowl) Tamworth 2 Anstey Nomads 1 Leading Scorers Premier Division Joel Mills Hereford 48 Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42 Lei Brown Highgate United 30 Jamie Cuss Westfields 29 Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 28 Karl Edwards Alvechurch 26 Division 1 Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 37 Tony Clarke Lichfield City 36 Josh O’Grady Coventry United 30 Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 27 Division 2 James Lemon Droitwich Spa 40 Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 39 Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 32 Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 27 Division 3 Matt Layton Alcester Town 31 Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 31 Peter Martin Barton United 31 Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23 Preview Premier Division One game on Thursday sees a mid-table clash between Highgate United and Stourport Swifts. Current form favours Swifts but expect it t be tight either way. Leaders Hereford travel to Quorn on Saturday with the league title getting ever nearer. The Bulls are in excellent form and will expect to pick up all 3 points. There is a huge battle at the Aspray Arena as 3rd entertain 2nd. Sporting Khalsa will still believe they can take the runner-up spot while Alvechurch need to win every game if they are to overtake Hereford and clinch the title. With two of the more intense managers in opposition, this could be tasty on the pitch and in the technical area. 4th placed Heanor Town can pretty much cement a top 6 finish with a win away at relegation threatened Bardon Hill. A couple of wins for Coventry Sphinx has given them real hope in avoiding relegation. They face mid-table Rocester at Sphinx Drive with a chance for a much-needed victory. Dunkirk’s Premier Division stay is almost done and nothing short of a win at Westfields will suffice for the Boatmen. The last thing you need after having relegation confirmed is to meet the two in-form sides in the Division. This is the fate for Continental Star who follow up Wednesday’s home game against Hereford with a daunting trip to Lye Town. Coleshill Town are rapidly closing in on 100 league goals for the season and they take their goalscoring prowess to Boldmere St Michaels. There is a local derby to savour at Hollywell where Shepshed Dynamo are the visitors to Loughborough University. Walsall Wood have a chance of a top 6 finish but will need all 3 points from their trip to Long Eaton United to aid their cause. Highgate United are also hoping to squeeze into the top 6 but recent results have undermined this. They welcome Brocton to The Coppice with the Badgers comfortable in the middle of the pack. At Walshes Meadow, Stourport Swifts face the second of three games in 5 days with AFC Wulfrunians the visitors. Division 1 Three games on Thursday evening with the big game featuring sides at both ends of the table. Stafford Town had an excellent win on Tuesday evening to move three points clear of the relegation zone but they face a tough task at Evans park as title chasers Coventry United are in town. Coventry have scored 19 goals in their last three games and a win will put them within two points of leaders Bromsgrove Sporting. It’s 11th versus 10th as in-form Racing Club Warwick make the short journey to Coventry Copsewood. A good end to the season could see Pilkington XXX move into the top 6 however they will need to start with a victory at home to Lichfield City. Game of the day on Saturday is at Townsend Meadow where two in-form sides go head to head. Bromsgrove Sporting remain top of the pile but with Coventry United breathing down their necks they cannot afford to drop points. Racing Club Warwick will provide a stern test and this could be a goal fest. Coventry United are also on their travels and face a tough encounter at Lichfield City, who have been in and around the top 6 all season. Nuneaton Griff are still in the race for promotion but cannot afford any more dropped points and they face a local derby at Coventry Copsewood. At the bottom, it is looking bleak for Southam United who are 11 points adrift of safety. They welcome high-flying Leicester Road to Banbury Road in what could be another difficult afternoon. Pelsall Villa are in the bottom two and they face Studley at the Bush, the reverse fixture last month ending in a 3-0 win for the Bees. Heather St Johns have only three games remaining to get the points required to stay up, the first of these away to Littleton. Stafford Town face two of their relegation rivals in their final two games so anything they gain from a trip to Hinckley AFC will be seen as a bonus. Cadbury Athletic have been dragged into the relegation dogfight and they have a must win game at home to Pershore Town. Pilkington XXX could squeeze into the top 6 with a good end to the season and they face an awkward looking trip to Atherstone Town, who won the reverse fixture 3-2. Division 2 One game on Thursday affecting the bottom of the table with Feckenham at home to Hampton, the game being played at Hampton due to the weather. Alvis Sporting Club have opened up a big lead at the top of the table and they play host to Rostance Edwards who have slipped away in recent weeks. 2nd placed Droitwich Spa are back in league action needing all 3 points in their game at Sutton united to maintain any sort of pressure on the sides around them. Chelmsley Town are the realistic nearest challengers to Alvis and they will expect all 3 points at home to Austrey Rangers. Bottom club Earlswood Town have had back to back wins and could make it three on the trot when they face lowly Hampton at The Pavilions. Feckenham have suffered with the weather more than most and they will hope to welcome Barnt Green Spartak to the Entaco and gain three points to move them towards safety. Division 3 Leaders Leamington Hibernian can extend their lead at the top of the table with victory over 2nd bottom Perrywood. In-form Shipston Excelsior, after 7 straight wins, could go 4th if they can beat FC Stratford at London Road. Barton United are another side that could move into the top four as they travel to basement side AFC Solihull. Enville Athletic had an excellent win last weekend and victory at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons would move them above their hosts. Alcester Town have slipped to 7th place but they too could move into the top four with a win at Burntwood Town. Northfield Town have seven games to play but are too far adrift to break into the top three but a win over Badsey Rangers should move them into the top half. Inkberrow are 8th and have picked 13 points in the last 5 games. They entertain Coventrians – when the two sides met a fortnight ago, Inkberrow won by the odd goal in 5. Polymac Packaging League Cup On Thursday, the first semi-final of the League Cup gets underway with in-form Lye Town welcoming Walsall Wood to Stourbridge Road. Lye have racked up some impressive victories in recent weeks and Walsall Wood will want to keep it tight for the second leg next week. Les James Challenge Cup Semi-Final An intriguing semi-final between two sides in good form from different divisions. Smithswood Firs from Division 3 have home advantage over Division 2 Paget Rangers with Division 2 leaders Alvis Sporting Club awaiting the winners in the final. This has all the hallmarks of a great cup tie. Reserves Cadbury Athletic Reserves v Brocton Reserves Coventry United Reserves v Solihull Moors Reserves Gresley Reserves v Sutton United Reserves Rocester Reserves v Evesham United Reserves Under 21 Kings Heath Concorde U21 v Stourport Swifts U21 Leamington U21 v Bedworth United U21 Tamworth U21 v H.O.W. Academy U21 Walsall Wood U21 v Tipton Town U21 |
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July 2024
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