With the Premier League and Division One North already settled, attention is focussed on the Division One South title race and, after Fleet lost for the third time in five, it's now going down to the wire. Havant still sit top, four points clear, but have completed their fixtures. Fleet have two left and need to win them both. A tense few weeks for both Fleet and The Hawks. 
In the Premier League, Ascot completed an unbeaten league season by defeating AFC Portchester in their final game. Penn & Tylers Green got back to winning ways at Kidlington with second place now firmly in their sights.

​Ascot United 3-2 AFC Portchester
Ascot rounded off their title winning season with a hard-earned win that leaves them unbeaten in the campaign. However, Portchester made them fight all the way. Nat Bavister gave the visitors the lead after 19 minutes, only for Beth Lloyd to level six minutes later. Kate Fox made it 2-1 to Ascot in the 37th minute, but Brooke Marshall sent the teams in level with 45th minute equaliser. Beth Lloyd then edged the hosts back in front just past the hour and, this time, Portchy couldn't find a way back. You can read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot web site.

Oxford City 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers
There was always a chance that this game would produce goals and that's exactly what happened. Ellie White gave City an early lead, cancelled out by league top-scorer Kayla Potter. However, White looked to have given the hosts a half-time lead when she grabbed a second close to the break. That was until Danielle Puddefoot levelled it up again with practically the last kick. After the break Ellie White netted her hat-trick to put Oxford back in front only for Kayla Potter to square it up again in the closing minutes. Clicking on the Wycombe player names will take you to a video of the goal.

Sholing 1-2 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers took an early lead through Lydia Moulding's first goal of the season, in the fifth minute. However, Sholing were level just before the half-hour through captain Freya Phillips-Foreman's deflected free-kick. Annie Northwood restored Winchester's lead in the 68th minute after Ellie Parker had made some good stops to keep Sholing out.

​Abingdon United Development 4-0 Milton United
A double from both Beth Hawtin and Anaya Grey helped Abingdon to leapfrog Tilehurst into fifth spot. There is now two points between the teams, who meet in the final game of their respective seasons on May 4th. That game is four days ahead of Abingdon's date with Oxford City in the Chairman's Cup Final

Beaconsfield Town P-P Caversham United

Kidlington Youth 3-4 Penn & Tylers Green
After a couple of heavy defeats, Kidlington produced a performance to be proud of despite eventually going down by the odd goal in seven. Penn can no longer win the league, but they will want to end the season as runners-up. Two goals from Tara Woodward and further strikes from Amber Cattell and Ammara Qureshi saw Penn take the points. Kidlington scorers were Courtney Sumner, Keira Isaac and Grace Craven.

Fleet Town 0-2 AFC Stoneham
Stoneham may already be out of the title race, but they've put a cat amongst the pigeons with this result. Two goals from top scorer Mia House sealed the points for the visitors. Fleet's third defeat in their last five league games now means that, effectively, they need to win their remaining two matches to overtake Havant & Waterlooville. They welcome Wimborne Town on Sunday with Bursledon being the final visitors on May 4th. Check out the match photos from James Prickett.

SDFA Semi-Final
AFC Stoneham v Bursledon
Stoneham look to reach the SDFA Cup Final for the second consecutive season as they face up to Bursledon who, coincidentally, will also be the visitors to Stoneham Lane for the final league game of the season on May 11th. Stoneham won 1-0 at Toynbee School earlier in the season.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

​Slough Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn require one more win from their final two games to secure second spot over Ascot United reserves. However, Slough can also climb up the table by at least one place, should they get three points. Two goals from Ellie Ludgate-Williams helped Penn to a 6-0 win in the reverse fixture.
​Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​Fleet Town v Wimborne Town
The Division One South title race has come down to the final two games for Fleet. Having looked to be cruising toward the title, three defeats in five have left Town four points adrift of Havant (who have finished their games), with two to play. A vastly inferior goal difference effectively means that Fleet have to win both, starting with Wimborne on Sunday. The teams met in the reverse fixture under a month ago, with Fleet winning 5-0 thanks largely to a Lily Martin hat-trick.
​Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

QK Southampton v Burlsedon
Burseldon's quest to finish the highest of the newly-promoted teams means they need to take two points from their remaining three games. They can also have a big effect on the title as they face Fleet in the Town's last game. QK are already resigned to bottom spot. However, they only lost 1-0 at Burseldon earlier in the season, where a 70th minute Kirby Anderson goal secured the points for The Dons.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Winchester City Flyers v Ascot United
After securing the title and promotion to the National League, Ascot face up to Winchester in search of the double. Flyers already have silverware this season after beating Andover New Street in the NHDFA Cup Final in March. Ascot did the double over Flyers in the league, winning 4-0 at the Charters and being awarded a home win in the reverse fixture.
​​The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

Oxford City v Kidlington Youth
Last years beaten finalist, Oxford City, attempt to go one better this season. BotP was at their first rouind tie when they beat East Oxford 12-2. Since then, they have beaten Barton United 7-0 and Easington Sports by the same score in the semi-final. Kidlington beat Longford Park 6-0 in Round 1, won 2-1 at Headington in the quarter-final and then defeated Thame United 6-1 in the semi-final.
ASM Stadium, Tythrop Way, Thame,​ OX9 3RN

The race for the North Bucks Premier League title has been hotting up recently. A three-horse race between current leaders Stewkley, MK United and Great Horwood. Before the start of play Stewkley held a three point lead over MK and were a further three clear of Great Horwood. All three had played 17 of their 22 league games. Both MK and Great Horwood were in midweek action, with Stewkley having a rest. A win for MK, against mid-table AFC Carpathians would see them climb above Stewkley on goal difference. Great Horwood were away at bottom side Newport Pagnell Athletic, also looking to reduce the deficit at the top.
Having been at Stewkley for their home encounter with Twyford United 10 days ago (Three Points Closer), I decided to head for Milton Keynes and take in the MK United versus AFC Carpathians game. Back in late January, MK had already travelled to Brooklands and returned with a resounding 6-0 defeat of the Wolves thanks to two goals from Dom Lawless and one each from Sean Barker, Nathan Chapman, Daniel Silver and Luke Little. However, The Wolves had won three of their last four league games scoring 18 goals and conceding 13. So, no lack of entertainment in those games. United had not lost a league game since a 2-1 defeat at Stewkley way back in October. They too had been on a recent scoring spree in the league, scoring 16 and conceding 3 in their last three games. They had, however, lost an Interdivisional Trophy semi-final at home to Intermediate Division side Silverstone 10 days ago.
Arriving at Worrelle Avenue 20 minutes before kick-off, the weather was not looking too good. The rain was just beginning and the sky was already beginning to darken. I bumped into match referee Joe Major who, very kindly, returned to the changing room to let me photograph the team sheets. Thank you Joe. Much appreciated. We chatted about the game on the way over to the pitch. He was very keen to kick-off on time, if not sooner. With the light fading, it was going to be a race against time to get the match completed, especially as, with 10 minutes to kick-off, the away team were still awaiting the arrival of a couple of players.

​However, we did kick-off on time. In fact, one minute early by my watch. The rain, by now, was coming down hard and I had my doubts that a full 90-minutes would be possible.
Despite an early half-chance for James Kpolley, which was put well over. MK began to settle into the game and pressed Wolves backwards. Ten minutes in, Luke Little had a sight of goal from a narrow angle, driving into the side netting. Then, two minutes later, a left-wing cross from the lively Sean Barker was met at the far post by Dom Lawless, who was unlucky to see his strike come back off Dumitru Voicu's crossbar. Shane Lothian then had another half-chance, sending his effort into the same side-netting that Little hit earlier.
It was pretty much one-way traffic at this point. United probing away, looking for the opening, Wolves sitting fairly deep and defending solidly, but posing no real threat at the other end. When they did break, they found the offside flag raise don a couple of occasions, much to the ire of Kpolley. To be fair, I was in line with a couple of the decisions and it was very difficult to say if they were on or off. At this level, with assistant's provided by the clubs, and 50/50 decision is going to go in favour of the assistant's team. It happened on both sides today, as it does in the majority of games. It's just part of the game.
However, if Kpolley was riled by the decisions, he as soon smiling. On 27 minutes, out of the blue, Carpathians took the lead with their first strike on target. MK were their own worst enemy, losing possession deep inside their own half. Wolves needed no second invitation, feeding the ball inside to Claudio Mitu who drove it unerringly low past Dercacz's left hand. 0-1
The goal prompted a response from United, who went up the other end and created an opening for Lawless who hit the target with his header only for Voicu to make a good save. Then, with 9 minutes remaining in the half, MK were stunned again. Nathan Chapman got caught under a long ball down the Wolves left, only managing to head the ball into the air. Illovan won the heading duel, nodding the ball down for James Kpolley, who outmuscled Joe Sames before striking the ball low past Derkacz for 0-2. Two shots on target, two goals for Carpathians.
United tried to respond before the break, but Wolves shut up shop and went into half-time somehow two goals to the good.

HT MK United 0 AFC Carpathians 2. One of the strangest halves of football I've ever seen. MK dominated play for the entire half, had numerous half-chances, but didn't score. They took their eye off the ball twice and were punished clinically on both occasions. You have to admire the finishing of the Carpathian strikers. Two chances. Two goals.

​Thankfully the rain had stopped during the first half and, although we had a few more sprinklings, the light seemed better than it had at kick-off. It was certainly brighter than the mood in the home camp. They were now kicking down the slight slope in the second half, but had a lot to do if they wanted to rescue the game. Remember, they needed to win if they wanted to leapfrog Stewkley.
With four minutes of the second half on the clock, Carpathians almost did it again when Mitu was left unmarked inside the box. Luckily for United, Mike Derkacz was alert enough to pull off a good save and keep his team in the hunt. They responded by visibly stepping up the pace. Luke Little dragged a 51st minute shot wide, but the move was encouraging for the home tram and, four minutes later, they got a goal back. After something of a scramble inside the 18-yard box, Dom Lawless was fed the ball on the right hand side before sending a low effort into the opposite corner. 1-2. Surely, that was the start of the turnaround? MK were dominating the ball and it felt like only a matter of time until they equalised. 
That looked even more likely when, on the hour, Claudio Mitu was sent to the sin-bin for getting too vociferous with his complaints to the referee after a free-kick award. This game, however, was not obeying any rules and, sure enough, they went out of the window again on 63 minutes. Voicu launched the ball long out to the left wing, Ilovan  cushioned the ball first time into the path of James Kpolley some 30 yards out. Derkacz, caught out by the speed of the attack, was out of position, allowing Kpolley to fire in from distance. 1-3.
So, as quickly as they had reduced the deficit, MK found themselves two behind again. However, they are near the top for a reason, and they showed their resolve quickly. Only two minutes later, they won a throw-in on the left, some 25 yards out. Captain Joe Sames launched the ball into the box where Nathan Chapman got in front of his marker to send a looping header, backwards, over Voicu into the far corner. 2-3
It was really game on now. Only a goal in it and the visitors still down to ten. United took complete advantage of the numbers just three minutes later. Jordan Spruce, out on the right, delivered a peach of a cross which found Cole Rawson, unmarked at the back. He brought the ball under control and slipped it under the advancing Voicu for 3-3.

​Carpathians were now back to full strength, but under constant pressure from United, who sensed a winner. They had claims for a penalty on 70 minutes when full-back Nate Dimes looked to have been bundled over inside the box. Nothing doing as far as the referee was concerned. It was one of those challenges that could have gone either way. The players were shoulder to shoulder and the referee saw it as a fair coming together.
Despite Unite pressing forward at every opportunity they could easily have lost the game in the final five minutes. A rare Wolves break saw the ball sent across goal from the left flank. Wolves captain Shoniwa Perseus met it on the stretch at the far post, but couldn't keep the effort down. That only left just enough time for United substitute Reece Amoroso to get sin-binned in stoppage time, before Referee Major blew to end the game. Miraculously, given the weather and light at kick-off, we had managed to play a full 90 minutes plus a little added time.

FT MK United 3 AFC Carpathians 3. A fantastic game for a neutral to watch. Thank you to both teams for putting on a great evening of entertainment in tough conditions. MK's failure to win hands an advantage to Stewkley in the title chase. It's now out of MK's hands, although the teams face each other on May 6th
At the weekend MK play host to Wing Village in the semi-final of the Premier Division Challenge Trophy. United beat Wing 5-1 in the home league encounter back in late August. Meanwhile, AFC Carpathians are at home to Willen in a league encounter. The Wolves won 5-4 at Willen just a couple of weeks ago.
The title race is likely to still have some twists and turns yet.

MK United: 1.Derkacz, 19.Chapman , 2.Dimes, 15.Spruce, 16.Sames(c), 17.Ainsley, 10.Little, 11.Parker, 3.Barker, 14.Lawless, 12.Lothian. Subs: 9.Rawson, 7.Amoroso, 18.Daubney, 20.Bletchley, 4.Crossley
AFC Carpathians(squad): 1.Voicu, 4.Choudry, 5.Perseus(c), 6.Betelie, 9.Ilova, 10.Wright, 14.Malik, 15.Gheorghe, 8.Oifoh, 20.Bivol, 21.Petrea, 27.Mitu, 17.Kpolley, 30.Popa, 7.Cuna, 29.Alexandru

The Ground
Modern day Milton Keynes is getting bigger but, back in the 19th century, it was just a village and the area that is now known as Middleton was once Milton Keynes Village. This is where MK call home (or at least one of their homes). Milton Keynes Pavilion sits on an open area used for both football and cricket, opposite Milton Keynes Village Hall. The pavilion houses the changing areas for players and official and also has a good-sized bar area. There's a patio out front, with tables and chairs, overlooking the cricket pitch. MK's main pitch is the furthest of three pitches on the opposite side of the car parks from the pavilion. There's no spectator cover apart from some trees behind the left-hand goals (which is where I stood during the worst of the rain). The pitch slopes slightly down from the Worrelle Avenue end.


Ground Number: 447
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Beaconsfield Town became the second of three to claim a league title as they won 3-1 at Abingdon to take Division One North. Only the South remains to be decided now. Stoneham slipped out of that race with defeat at Havant & Waterlooville, who have set a target for Fleet Town to achieve in their final three games. In the first of these, Stoneham are the visitors to Crookham Road on Sunday.

​AFC Portchester 2-0 Reading
A double from Millie Bradbury before the half-hour, saw Portchester move to within two points of second placed Wycombe, with a game in hand. The season ends in defeat for The Royals, but it's still be a remarkable effort considering they were rock bottom with zero points as late as January 18th. Four wind and a draw in ten games has seen them finish ten points clear of second-bottom Badshot Lea.

Winchester City Flyers 3-3 Oxford City
A tale of two Cities as Winchester and Oxford served up a six-goal thriller. Libby Wilkinson put Flyers a goal up after 14 minutes only for Ellie White to level the scores. Just before the hour Lavinia Nkomo made it 2-1 to Winchester. Lucy White then squared the game again before Ellie White put the visitors ahead for the first time. However, a later 30-yard screamer from Libby Wilkson made it 3-3.

Woodley United 1-5 Ascot United
In their first game since lifting the title, Ascot were given a guard of honour by Woodley prior to the game. On the pitch, Ascot continued the form that has seen them go unbeaten in the league. Leah Robertson put them a goal in front before Leah Littlechild made it two. Robertson then got her second before Beth Lloyd made it 4-0. Chloe Melton did get a goal back after the break before the hosts were reduced to 10 through injury. A Kate Fox goal then made it 5-1 to The Yellawomen. Woodley then played out the last 10 minutes or so with nine after another injury. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site and check out the match action photos from Andy Wicks.

​Abingdon United Development 1-3 Beaconsfield Town
A scrappy first half, in which Beaconsfield had the majority of the possession but didn't dominate, saw the teams go into the break all-square at 0-0. The Rams were out early for the second after clearly being read the riot act by their manager. A couple of changes to the formation and line-up saw them take a firm grip through a Katie Riddington penalty and a Freya Harris goal. However. United pulled one back through Ellie Owen only for a precise passing move to set up Riddington for her second and Town's third. Beaconsfield take the title with a game to spare and are still unbeaten in the league. A fabulous achievement.
Read the BotP match blog here - Rams Take A Step up and listen to post-match the thoughts of manager Brian Harris.

Ascot United Reserves 8-0 Kidlington Youth
Stephanie Ferreira and Keren Banduka both hit hat-tricks with Danielle Kjaer and Laura Rodriguez also on the score sheet, as Ascot rounded off their season is some style. The Yellas will now face a wait to see if Penn collect four or more points from their remaining three games, to see if they finish second or third. Kidlington will have a big say in that as they face Penn twice. In between they have a Chairman's Cup Final against Oxford City to look forward to.

Tilehurst Panthers 0-1 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn kept their end of the bargain, but ultimately Beaconsfield's win at Abingdon gave the Rams the title. Megan Brockwell scored the only goal of the game in the second half. Penn now need four more points from their last three games to take the runners-up spot.

Bursledon 4-0 AFC Varsity
Bursledon moved into prime position to win the battle of the promoted clubs with a big victory over AFC Varsity. The Dons are now two points behind Varsity, who have finished their league campaign, with three games remaining. Poppie Weekes helped herself to a hat-trick and Zoe Bache scored the other Dons goal.

Havant & Waterlooville 4-0 AFC Stoneham
The Hawks killed off any lasting title hopes Stoneham may have had with an excellent 4-0 win at Westleigh Park. In doing so, they completed their games for the season and have set Fleet Town a target of five points from their there remaining games, one of which comes against Stoneham next week. Town then face Wimborne Town and Bursledon. Sophie Lee opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, and the same player doubled the lead just before the hour. Chelsie Hay added a third on 70 minutes before she also added the fourth eight minutes later.

​Ascot United v AFC Portchester
Strictly speaking, there's not too much to play for in this one, until you remember that Portchester can still finish second and Ascot can go through the entire season unbeaten in the league. Portchy will also be looking to avenge the 5-1 home defeat inflicted by Ascot back in early September. 
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Oxford City v Wycombe Wanderers
City can't change their league position, either up or down. However, Wanderers can consolidate their runners-up spot with a win, making it necessary for Portchester to win both of their remaining games to overtake them. Two from Kayla Potter and one each from Jess Watkins and Danielle Puddefoot helped The Chairgirls to a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Sholing v Winchester City Flyers
With absolutely nothing riding on this game, both sides can relax and enjoy the final game of the season. Sholing will be looking to avenge their earlier 3-0 defeat at Winchester, when Annie Northwood, Libby Wilkinson and Charlie Snelling were on the mark for Flyers. Sholing will need to be on guard against Northwood and Wilkinson, who have 47 goals between them this season.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

​Abingdon United Development v Milton United
A local derby to end the season. So, although there's not too much riding on it league-wise, there'll still be plenty of local bragging rights to fuel the game. The reverse fixture, back in November, was an incredible twelve goal blockbuster, with Abingdon coming away with 7-5 victory. Milton led 4-2 at the break, went behind, squared it up and lost it again.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Beaconsfield Town v Caversham United
Having secured the title and promotion to the Premier league, Beaconsfield return to Holloways Park for what will be a celebration day with their supporters. For Caversham, it's an entirely different outcome to the season. Firmly anchored to the bottom and seemingly looking at a return to the Thames Valley League next season. The reverse fixture ended 6-0 to The Rams, who also put twelve past Caversham in the League Cup. A season to forget for The Goats.
​Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Kidlington Youth v Penn & Tylers Green
Although they can no longer win the league, Penn will be determined to end the season as runners-up. They need at least four points from their remaining three games, two of which are against Kidlington. The Greens, for their part, will be looking to retain the current seventh place spot, although they could sink as low as ninth should Milton and Slough win their final outings. Kidlington may well be more focused on the forthcoming Chairman's Cup Final with Oxford City.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

​Fleet Town v AFC Stoneham
The Purps lost at Havant last weekend and, in doing so, ended their hopes of taking the title. Fleet have also slipped recently and now need to pick up five points from their remaining three games to overtake The Hawks. Fleet won 7-3 at Stoneham Lane back in October.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

This Sunday BotP made the short trip down the A34 to The Northcourt where home side Abingdon United Development were taking on champions-elect Beaconsfield Town, in a game that could well seal the Division One North title. Regardless of Penn & Tylers Green's result at Tilehurst, Beaconsfield just needed to avoid defeat to make the title their own. They'd already seen off Abingdon in the reverse fixture back in September where second half goals from Nicole Brown, Dominique Carrington and Violet Kingston-Wheeler had seen them come away with a 3-0 win. However, United were coming into the game on a run of six without defeat, including the excellent Chairman's Cup semi-final win at AFC Stoneham last weekend. Today's Abingdon squad was much-changed from that game at Stoneham though, with only six of the starting eleven remaining.
As always, great to meet up and chat with Beaconsfield marketing manager Craig Anderson prior to kick-off. Thanks for posting your team sheet and helping me get to see the Abingdon one. Much appreciated.

​Beaconsfield opened the game at a very fast pace but were very soon quietened by an Abingdon side that were clearly determined to make a fight of it. This was not going to go like clockwork for The Rams, they would have to work hard for the point they needed.
The game settled into something of a scrappy affair. Beaconsfield had more of the ball, but neither side unduly worried their opposite goalkeeper until the 17th minute when Sarah Davern's in swinging corner caused Georgie Hartley to palm the ball down into the path of Dominique Carrington who had to take it first time and couldn't keep the effort down. A few minutes later a flick on from Lydia Vettese gave Katie Riddington a sight of goal but her attempted lob didn't clear Hartley.
Just before the half-hour mark, Abingdon engineered an opportunity for Ellie Owen, who was played in on the left side of the box. However, Lisa Phillips was out quickly and, when Owen tried to cut back onto her right, the chance was gone.
Dom Carrington and Lucy Casey combined well on the right just past the half-hour, but once again Georgie Hartley got down sharply to cut out the low ball across the box. Then with five minutes to go before the break, a powerful run from Riddington forced another Town corner which Davern went across to take. Once again the midfielder swung in a dangerous looking ball that fell to Carrington at the far post. The winger must have thought her stab goalward was destined for the net, but didn't count on some excellent defending from Evie Pearce, who cleared the ball off the line much to the relief of her team-mates.

HT Abingdon United Development 0 Beaconsfield Town 0. No doubt that Beaconsfield were on top but they weren't their normal, fluent self. Abingdon, to be fair, dug in well and were making it very hard for their visitors despite not really giving Lisa Phillips anything to worry about.

​Beaconsfield coach Brian Harris was back in his dug out very early after the half-time break, and clearly not best pleased with the first-half performance. The team were out soon afterwards and a few changes had been made to the line-up. Henna Hussain was now leading the line with Mollie Carter sitting in the 10 role.
The changes seemed to unsettle the home defence. Whilst Lucy Casey is a very effective and pacy striker, the physical presence of Hussain completely changed the game and while the Abingdon central defence were worrying about her, space was opening up for other players to exploit. That's exactly what happened in the 53rd minute when Freya Harris found space to burst into the box, before being bundled to the ground. Penalty! and no real complaints from the home team. Katie Riddington stepped up, calmly sending Hartley the wrong way to make it 0-1.
The Rams had one hand on the trophy now, and just past the hour, they took an even former grip. Mollie Carter played an exquisite through ball for Freya Harris to run onto, holding off a challenge before sliding a shot across Hartley, which came back off the inside of the far post. The ball rebounded across the face of goal and it was Harris who was quickest to react, forcing the ball over the line at the second attempt. 0-2.
Two up with under half an hour to go, Beaconsfield  maybe took their eye off the game for a minute and they paid the price when, four minutes later, Ellie Owen struck to get a goal back for Abingdon. 1-2
However, the Beaconsfield lapse lasted just two minutes. Stunned back into action they produced a glorious move to get their two goal margin back. Carter was the instigator once again, slipping a precision pass inside the full-back for Henna Hussain. Looking up, she saw Katie Riddington making the run into the box and, in turn, supplied the perfect low ball across the six-yard line for a relatively easy tap-in. 1-3
That was pretty much game over and title in the bag. Abingdon were not going to score three in the final 20 minutes, even if Beaconsfield concentration did wane again. In fact, it was Beaconsfield who almost scored again the 75 minute, when Mia Thomson got on the end of a ball into the box, only to see he stabbed effort collected well by Hartley who, despite conceding there, had performed admirably between the Abingdon sticks.
With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, there was a nasty incident when Lydia Vettese landed heavily on her shoulder. There was a fairly long delay before, after being replaced, she was able to walk around the pitch back to the dugout, the injury seemingly not as bad as it first looked.
That just left Gemma Whitchurch to give us the pass of the game in the 91st minute. Bursting out of the back four again, as she had done frequently, the centre-half spotted the run of Henna Hussain before curling a defence-splitting pass, with the outside of her boot, perfectly into the strikers path. Unfortunately for Beaconsfield, Georgie Hartley had also spotted the run, and was off her line to narrow the angle well enough to force Hussain to shoot wide.
And that was it. Game over. Beaconsfield were champions of Division One North.

FT Abingdon United Development 1 Beaconsfield Town 3. A much better performance from Beaconsfield in the second half where the produced a few moments of magic that proved too much for a determined Abingdon team. United played their part in this game without really posing too much of a threat up front. It will be very interesting to see how they fare against Oxford City in the Chairman's Cup Final.
For Beaconsfield there's one more league game to complete, a home tie with bottom side Caversham United next weekend. Then they can start the preparations for next season in the Premier League.

Abingdon United Development: Hartley, Biddle, Pearce, Southey, Ives, Sadler, Hughes, Godfrey, Owen, Grey, Ward. Subs: Lopez-Catalan, Dellar
Beaconsfield Town: Phillips(c), R.Harris, Smith, Vettese, Whitchurch, Hill, Carrington, Davern, Casey, Riddington, Kingston-Wheeler. Subs: Thomson, Carter, F.Harris, Hussain, Lance

Ground Number: Re-visit
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This Tuesday I decided to stay fairly close to home, but try something a little different. my destination for the evening was Northamptonshire, the village of Crick to be exact. The home side, Crick Athletic, were taking on very local rivals, West Haddon Albion in an end of season Northants Combination Division One match. With both teams safe from relegation or promotion, the game had nothing resting on it apart from local pride. What made it so different was that neither side, as far as I could ascertain prior to kick-off, used any of the social media platforms that I normally relied on to get the message out, namely X or Facebook. West Haddon do have a Facebook page, but it hasn't been updated since late last year. My goal was to see how much traction I could get for the blog, without being able to directly connect with either club, something I'd never tried before.
With less than four miles between the respective grounds, this really is a local derby. There was also not too much between the teams in terms of league placing either. Prior to kick-off West Haddon sat sixth on 30 points, whilst Crick were four places lower but just six points behind. Both had played 21 of their 26 league games. The reverse fixture only took place a month ago, Crick leaving Northampton Road with all three points following a 3-1 victory. Their goals came from Mackinley Carlton, Alec Shrimpton and Max Alford. Zac Buckmaster scoring for Albion.
Many thanks to both teams for sharing photos of the team sheets prior to the game. Apologies if I have any names incorrect in the blog, some of the numbers on the sheets didn't match actual shirt number, so I had to listen for names being called during the game and try to match them up. Hopefully, the majority are correct, but I'll happily edit later if necessary.

​Kicking off five minutes late, the game got off to a slow start. Neither team posed a particular threat to their opposite goal in the opening 15 minutes or so. If anything, it was West Haddon who looked the more dangerous of the teams, but despite having more possession, they did not stretch Martim Piedade in the home goal.
The first big chance of the game came in the 18th minute. Piedade's attempted clearance of a long ball ricocheted off a combination of Alec Shrimpton and the chasing attacker, Michael Reesby. With the goalkeeper out of position, Reesby attempted to send the loose ball goalward only for Shrimpton to recover quickly enough to make a good block. Good defending from the home captain.
At the other end, Thoumass Stephanou was having a relatively quiet time of it until close to the half hour mark, when he had to back-peddle in order to tip an errant cross over his bar.
With the clock ticking down towards half-time a long ball saw Crick's Diesel Binding burst through with a seemingly clear path to goal. However, as he was about to pull the trigger he was thwarted by a superb tackle from Elsio Peixoto, who had made up a huge amount of ground to get back. Two minutes later, in the final seconds of normal time, Sam Anczarski saw his effort well blocked after great work down the right from Charlie Gilroy. After being on the backfoot for a while, Crick looked to be ending the half on the front foot, but then got caught out in the fourth minute of added time. West Haddon won a free-kick way out on the right flank. Zak Buckmaster took it, swinging the ball in towards the back post. A cluster of players went for the ball, but none made contact, as the in swinging delivery bypassed everyone to nestle in the bottom corner. 0-1

HT Crick Athletic 0 West Haddon Albion 1. The visitors ahead with the final kick of the half. Just about deserved on the balance of play in a game that hasn't seen too many goalmouth incidents so far. The combination of the late start and added time means that the sunlight is rapidly fading even before the second half kicks off.

​Athletic looked for an early response in the second half, presumably stung into action by the late goal. However, aside from Anczarski almost latching onto a low cross from the left, there are few moment of concern for Stephanou.
Asin the first half, chances for both teams are at a premium. Defences are certainly on top and the majority of play is restricted to the central third. Despite being a local derby, there's not the sort of edge that you commonly get on these occasions. Possibly because it's a late season game with nothing riding on it apart from bragging rights.
Into the final twenty minutes and the light faded even more. From my vantage point midway between the halfway line and one of the goals, it was actually difficult to make out the action at the opposite end of the pitch. West Haddon were using every opportunity to break up the game and disrupt play, launching clearances over the clubhouse or into the bushes on the opposite side of the pitch. Given that they were leading and that it was getting increasingly dark, this seems like a strange tactic. If the game was delayed much longer, they could have risked an abandonment.
Crick were pushing harder for an equaliser but still failing to stress Stephanou and, as they pushed up, they were risking getting caught out by a quick break. This almost happened in side the final five minutes. A long ball caused Piedade to come out of his box to make a clearance. Not dissimilar to the first-half incident, the loose ball was latched onto by Freesby, who once again tried to return the ball past the stranded keeper. Tshi time he did beat the covering defender, but also saw his effort drift wide of the post.
That was the last significant action of the game, as the referee finally signalled an end to the game.

FT Crick Athletic 0 West Haddon Albion 1. Not the greatest of games but still good to be out watching live football. Overall, from a neutral perspective, Albion deserved to take the points. One thing that the game did highlight was that midweek games at this time of year need to kick-off as early as possible at grounds without floodlights. It's understandable that kick-off is as late as possible to give players time to get from their day jobs, but post 8 o'clock at this time of year, it is too dark. However, it did allow me to get a Stranglers reference into the blog title, so not all bad.
Whilst neither of today's teams have title ambitions this season, they both have games coming up that could play a part in the title race. Next up for West Haddon Albion is the visit of third placed AFC Towcester on Saturday. Then, following a midweek trip to Harpole Reserves, Crick take on fifth placed Wootton St George on the 19th. The same day, West Haddon play hosts to second placed Thrapston Venturas.

Crick Athletic: Piedade, Power-Wright, Carlton, Shrimpton(c), Townsend, Maxwell, Young, S.Anczarski, Gilroy, A.Anczarski, Binding. Subs: Barlow, Coulson, Bennett, Gibson, Bowles
West Haddon Albion(squad): Stephanou, Facer, Mazzone, Green, Peixoto, A.Burnell, N.Burnell(c), Z.Buckmaster, J.Buckmaster, Sage, Frater, Smallwood, Reesby, Garrard, Kibblewhite

The Ground
Crick Sports Field is sitated just to the North of the village of Crick. There's a good-sized car park and what looks to be a relatively new pavilion. Aside from the main pitch, there are also a couple of small-sided pitches and a five-a-side artificial surface cage. The main pitch has a white plastic fence running down the pavilion side. The dugouts, which also look quite new, are on this side of the pitch too. The opposite side is backed by trees and bushes as is the far end of the pitch. The playing surface slopes down slightly from the Yelvertoft Road end and appeared a little on the bumpy side, which is not that surprising after a long season and given the recent dry weather.

Ground Number: 446
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After taking the runners-up slot for the last two seasons, Ascot United finally went one better, securing the Premier League title with a resounding 7-0 defeat of Selsey. Massive congratulations to all concerned at Ascot United. The table doesn't lie. Only two points dropped in 16 games, a 100% home record so far and only six goals conceded. The title secured with two games remaining. No-one could argue that it isn't completely deserved.
IN the North, Beaconsfield Town could soon be stepping up into the Premier League. One more point is all that is require, which could be secured at Abingdon this coming Sunday. In the South, however, it's all to play for after Fleet lost for the second time in four games, but still have the title in their own hands. The big game in that division this weekend is the clash between Fleet two title rivals, Havant & Waterlooville versus AFC Stoneham.

​Ascot United 7-0 Selsey
The Yellawomen clinched the Premier League title in some style, putting seven past bottom side Selsey. Leah Littlechild settled any early nerves with a goal after 12 minutes, but they had to wait until the 37th minute before Leah Robertson made it two. Erin Huntley made the game almost safe in first half added time. Beth Lloyd then got her first of the afternoon on 50 minutes, followed by her second on 72 minutes. Just before the end, Olivia Glover grabbed the sixth before, in added time, Beth Lloyd collected her hat-trick. Neal Jeffs captured all the action in his match report.

Reading 6-2 Badshot Lea
This game remained goalless for the best part of half an hour, before Teyla Poulter put the Baggies in front. However, Reading captain Lucy Bolitho quickly levelled it up before Mia Bradley put the Royals in front. Right on the stroke of half time, Bolitho notched her second to give Reading a two goal advantage, which was immediately reduced to one by Shellie Irvine. Just past the hour Bolitho celebrated her hat-trick. Mia Bradley then added her second and Reading's fifth before Lucy Bolitho made it six with her fourth of the game.

Woodley United 1-2 AFC Portchester
Woodley's penultimate home game ended in a narrow defeat as an early goal from Sam Jennings put Portchester one up at the break. Woodley drew level but an Eilidh Currie penalty, just past the hour, secured the points for the visitors. Once again we are grateful to Andy Wicks for capturing the match action for us.

Wycombe Wanderers 4-4 Winchester City Flyers
What a game at Burnham. Eight goals, both teams coming from behind at some point, a very late equaliser and an even later red card. Flyers got off to a flyer, two up after 31 minutes through Libby Wilkinson and Kayleigh Tonks. However, Kayla Potter and Jessica Watkins levelled it up by the 38th minute, only for Vinnie Nkomo to put Winchester back in front before the break. Potter the scored her second to level it again, and this time Wycombe went in front, through Jessica Watkins after 73 minutes. It looked like they would take all of the points but, 3 minutes into added time Vinnie Nkomo made it 4-4 before, three minutes later, collecting a straight red. Clicking on the Wycombe goal-scorers will link you to short videos of each goal.

​Penn & Tylers Green 12-0 Caversham United
The season probably can't end soon enough for Caversham. Time to rest, re-group and plan for 2025-26 after another heavy defeat. Penn did what they could to keep the pressure on Beaconsfield, who only need one more point to make the title safe. Tara Woodward and Ammara Qureshi scored four apiece, Ellie Lovelock notched a brace, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Emma Gentle also on the score sheet.

Tilehurst Panthers 7-1 Kidlington Youth
It took Tilehurst seven attempts to finally win at home, now they can't stop. Sunday saw them take maximum points at Scours Lane for the third consecutive game. Georgia Hayes helped herself to a first half hat-trick, Leah Why added two more, with Abbie Why and Deanna Cane also getting their names in lights. Courtney Sumner with her seventh of the season, replied for Kidlington.

​Fleet Town 1-2 AFC Varsity
There's not too many who would have put a bet on this result, although Varsity's away record is very good this season. Even so, Fleet, odds-on to win the league and with their 100% home record, would have been looking for a maximum from this game. Vicky Nicola Jones in the first half and Bethany Maxwell in the second, had other ideas as Varsity clocked up their fifth away win of the season.

QK Southampton 0-7 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks took full advantage of Fleet's slip-up to leapfrog them into top spot. Two goals each for Laurie Potvin, Chelsie Hay and Tia Hooper, plus another from captain Emma-Jane May, eased Havant to a 7-0 victory at The Hive.

AFC Stoneham 2-3 Abingdon United Development
An extraordinary turn of events at Stoneham Lane. The home side raced into a two goal lead through Mia House and Lucy Bicknell, taking the advantage into the break. Abingdon, through injuries, were then forced to play the second half with only 10 players.  However, Liv Ward cut the deficit in the 51st minute before Mimi Hodges levelled the scores with twenty minutes to go. Then, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, captain Beth Hawtin (click name to watch the goal) converted from the spot to complete an incredible Yellows comeback. You can read the match report on the Abingdon web site and watch to captain Beth Hawtin and manager Paul Biddle's post-match interview.
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Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 Oxford City
Sports managed to quell free-scoring City but were undone by a fourth minute Emily Harris goal. Both teams gave everything they had, but it was The Hoops who got through to face Abingdon United Development in the final, to add to their forthcoming county cup final against Kidlington Youth. You can read the match report on the Oxford City web site.

​AFC Portchester v Reading
Reading's final game of a season that has improved immeasurably in the last few months. three wins and a draw in their last six league games has seen them climb above the danger zone. However, when they do lose, they lose heavily. Portchester still have a very good chance to end their first Premier League season as runners-up to Ascot United, which would be an incredible achievement. Portchy won the reverse fixture 4-1. A similar score would see them close to within a point of second-placed Wycombe, with a game in hand.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Winchester City Flyers v Oxford City
Two sides with identical form over the past six matches, but six points between City, in fourth, and fifth placed Flyers. The reverse fixture was a tight affair that Oxford won 2-1. Flyers were reduced to ten when Libby Wilkinson saw red. A win for City would guarantee at least fifth and would give them a chance of fourth. A victory for City could take then into third spot, depending on Portchester's result.
Charters Community Stadium, Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

Woodley United v Ascot United
Last season Bournemouth Sports won the league at Woodley. This season, Woodley welcome the newly crowned champions to Bulmershe Pavilion. Woodley could still climb above Winchester with a win, but are completely safe in sixth spot. Having already met Ascot three times this season, and lost on all three occasions, Woodley will be looking to finish the season on a high. Ascot, meanwhile, have two games left to claim an unbeaten league campaign and a League Cup Final to look forward to.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Abingdon United Development v Beaconsfield Town
Following their fantastic Chairman's Cup semi-final fightback at the weekend, Abingdon have to steel themselves for the visit of champions-elect Beaconsfield Town. The Rams need just one point to secure the title, regardless of Penn's result The reverse fixture, back in September, ended 3-0 to Beaconsfield with goals from Nicole Brown, Dom Carrington and Violet Kingston-Wheeler.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Kidlington Youth
Ascot remain in second and will want to give themselves a chance of staying there by wining their final game. However, Kidlington will be stinging from their heavy defeat at Tilehurst last weekend, and will want to avenge their 2-1 home defeat by Ascot earlier in the season when a late Danielle Kjaer goal sealed the points for the visitors.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Tilehurst Panthers v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn need to win all of their remaining games, significantly improve their goal difference and hope that Beaconsfield lose their last two. Unlikely, but they'll keep pushing until the title is mathematically beyond them, no doubt. However, Panthers are finishing the season strongly themselves and are on a run of four straight victories. Penn won the reverse fixture 5-1 back in October.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​Bursledon v AFC Varsity
Varsity's excellent win at Fleet last weekend consolidated their position as top promoted club from last season. They are five points ahead of Bursledon but the Dons have three games in hand. Bursledon, with four games remaining, could yet have a big say in the title chase, with games against Fleet and Stoneham to come. The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Bursledon.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Stoneham
This could well be the game of the weekend. Fleet's recent wobble in form has given both of these teams a glimpse of the title. The Hawks, for whom this is the last game of the season, are a point clear at the top. Stoneham, who have three to play, are four points behind Havant, three behind Fleet, who also have three to play. Effectively, this is a must win for both teams. If Havant lose, they would almost certainly be out of the race, even though they would remain top. Stoneham, however, still have to go to Fleet on April 20th.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​I was still in two minds about my choice of game this Saturday until the very last minute. I eventually settled on a North Bucks Premier League clash between current leaders Stewkley and sixth placed Twyford United. Prior to kick off, with the season rapidly coming to a conclusion, Stewkley held a three point gap at the summit, with six games to play. In second were MK United who also had six remaining. Third placed Old Bradwell United Development were a further four points adrift but, with only two games left, they were out of the title race. Fourth placed Great Horwood, however, were seven points behind Stewkley with a game in hand. Today's visitors also only had two games to play and were out of the running, although they could have a big say in the title run-in. Their final game is against MK United.
In the reverse fixture a single Kieran Roadnight goal had given Stewkley the points. Coincidentally, both teams had played the same opponents, bottom side Newport Pagnell Athletic in their previous league outings. Two weeks ago Twyford had beaten the basement boys 4-1. Last weekend, a further weakened Athletic side had gone down 11-0 at home to Stewkley.
Arriving early, I set about looking for the team sheets and was fortunate enough to come across referee Anthony Woodley who was also taking a few minutes to enjoy the weather before kick-off. Not only did he share the team sheets with me, we also had a pleasant chat about football in general. Both sets of coaches and a number of players from both sides came past, all of whom greeted the referee, who is clearly a popular figure in the league.

With their closest rivals in cup action today, Stewkley had the opportunity to open up some breathing space at the top of the table and they started the game quite well. Neither side managed to create any major chances in the opening 10 minutes, but Stewkley did come close shortly afterwards. A free-kick delivered into the box from way out on the left flank got caught by the gusty wind, deceiving visiting goalkeeper Chris Stapleton. The ball sailed over his grasp before bouncing near the far post where Antonio Iannelli was arriving. He managed to get a head to the ball but could only divert it narrowly wide. However, three minutes later the home side did take the lead. When a clearance fell to Luke Alligan some 25 yards out, he took a touch before firing a low drive past Stapleton's right-hand into the corner of the net. 1-0
Stewkley were on top without completely dominating. Albie Whittemore headed a half-chance over the bar before, on 25 minutes, Pat Okolie, who had scored four last weekend, scuffed a chance straight to a grateful Stapleton, from inside the six-yard box. That should have been the second goal.
Twyford's opportunities at goal had been very limited to this point, with home keeper Will Essex barely troubled. Their best chance came in the 34th minute when Matt Bradbury rose at the far post to get a head onto a right-wing cross. However, under good pressure from the defence, he wasn't able to get it on target.
Just before the break Stewkley had another golden opportunity to go in two up when, after great work of the left from Dan Carter, Kieran Roadnight was unable to keep his left-foot volley below the bar.

HT Stewkley 1 Twyford United 0. Gusty wind and a hard, bumpy pitch not helping either team. Stewkley should be further in front. Twyford have the wind behind them in the second half, so it's far from over.

​As expected, with the conditions now in their favour, Twyford started the second half in a much more positive vein. An early James Jackman burst saw the left-sided player get beyond the Stewkley defence, but Will Essex was off his line quickly forcing the strike to go wide of the mark. Twyford clearly thought the keeper had made the save, but the referee gave a goal kick much to their displeasure.
An interesting incident then happened at the opposite end of the pitch. Stewkley broke quickly, creating a three on two situation. The ball was fed across to Dan Carter who looked to be clipped by the defender. However, Carter stayed on his feet, cutting back onto his right foot before sending an effort over the bar. The question is, was he too honest? If he had gone down at the first contact, it would have been hard for the referee not to have pointed to the spot.
A few minutes later, Pat Okolie was sent through on goal but, as he was about to pull the trigger, Matt Ginger got back to make a superb, last-ditch intervention. Excellent defending from the centre-back. back up the other end, just past the hour, Jackman was again a little unlucky when he unleashed an absolute piledriver that flashed across the face of Essex's goal.
Alligan then came close to doubling his tally when his crisp drive was well saved by Stapleton. Inside the final twenty minutes, the home side should once again have doubled their lead. Carter broke down the left, beat his man before driving to the by-line and cutting back for Okolie. His effort was well blocked and when the ball dropped to 
Jamie Hardings, he fired over the bar. Stapleton was then called into action once again, saving well from Xavier Kirchin's header.
That was the last of the real goalmouth action before referee Woodley drew a close to the action.

FT Stewkley 1 Twyford United 0. Not prettiest of games, but three more points on the board for Stewkley, who deserved the points on the balance of play. Twyford, however, pushed them all the way and were never out of the game, despite riding their luck at times. Whilst MK United were in cup action, Great Horwood drew 1-1 at home to Willen, meaning that Stewkley's lead at the top increased to five points, although MK United have a game in hand now, as do Great Horwood, three points further back.
Next week Twyford host MK United whilst Stewkley don't have a game. In fact they don't play until April 26th when they face Old Bradwell United Development in the semi final of the Premier Division Challenge Cup.

Stewkley: Essex, H.Reeves, Scrivener, Budgen, Iannelli, Whittemore, K.Roadnight, Alligan, Okolie, Hardings, Carter. Subs: Wagner, Kirchin, Cristofoli, Gray, K.Bailey
Twyford United: Stapleton, Curtis, Jackman, King(c), Ginger, Bailey, Best-Martinez, Palokwar, Bradbury, Dalton, Best. Subs: McLaughlin, Bannerman, Bunyan, Wall

The Ground
Stewkley play at Stewkley Recreation Ground, just off the main throughfare of the village. There is a small car park, but plenty of parking is available on Soulbury Road if this is full. There's a pavilion next to the car park, with a few tables and benches outside. The facing wall of the pavilion also feature a blackboard sign that, at one time in the past, was clearly used for notifying the public of the forthcoming games. Clearly no longer in use, but a great little nod to the past. This looks out over the cricket field and a few small-sided football pitches. The main football pitch is accessed by walking across the cricket field, through a wide gap in the trees. This then opens into another field, containing more small-sided pitches and the main full-size playing area. There are also a few benches spread around the perimeter of this field, which some spectators took advantage of. The pitch does not have any slope but did look a little bumpy and dry, following the recent better weather.

Ground Number: 444
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A last minute change of plan on Wednesday saw me making the relatively short trip into Northamptonshire for a third visit to Station Road, Long Buckby. This evening's game was a Spartan South Midlands Division One clash with title-chasing Desborough Town coming to town. Prior to kick-off, Desborough sat in second spot, five points adrift of AFC Welwyn but with two games in hand. Long Buckby were in 13th, out of reach of the top but well clear of danger. The reverse fixture at Waterworks Fields was only played two weeks previously. On that evening four second half goals had seen Desborough take all three points with a 4-0 victory. Another victory this evening would keep their destiny firmly in their own hands, with a visit to Herns Way to come on April 12th.
The title race could well go to the wire, although looking at the fixtures, Welwyn do appear to have a slightly easier run-in on paper. That game at Welwyn could well be the decider.
Not a great deal seems to have changed at Station Road since my last visit in 2019. It's still a friendly ground to visit, from the guy on the gate to the people behind the counter in the snack bar. All seem genuinely pleased to welcome visitors to the ground, and there were certainly a few from Desborough this evening, as well as a number of ground-hoppers. One fantastic addition at the ground is the whiteboard showing the team sheets. This is so much easier than trying to flag down anyone who looks official and asking if they have the teams sheets, something I don't like doing on match days. Most club officials have more than enough to do before a game.

​Kicking up the slope towards the Watson Road end, Desborough got off to a dream start. With only just over a minute on the clock, Josh Drain did well on the right, driving to the by-line before sending over a cross that found Faruq Usman with enough time to take a touch before drilling the ball home from 8 yards. 0-1
The confidence was flowing throughout the ranks of the visitors, and they set about trying to increase their lead, aided by a home side who were struggling to find any rhythm. However, despite having plenty of the ball, Desborough failed to add to their tally. Usman headed another right-wing cross over when he probably should have hit the target and Kye Little was unlucky to see his powerful header, from an Aidan Bradshaw cross, flash narrowly wide of Sean Wilson's left-hand post.
The chances were all at one end of the pitch, but Town still needed to be aware of the potential for Long Buckby to hurt them. Just before the half-hour mark, that almost happened when Cooke, pushing up from left wing-back, unleashed an effort that whistled just past Adam Honour's left upright. A reminder that one goal may well not be enough for Desborough. 
Pace and trickery on both flanks for Desborough, Usman on the left and Drain on the right, were constant causes for Long Buckby concern. After 34 minutes, Drain once again beat his man, shrugging off a challenge before cutting the ball back for Little to strike first time. Just over the bar.
Bucks then had their best period of pressure, forcing a series of corners, one of which almost saw them equalise when Dan Carter's goal-bound strike was blocked almost on the line. A minute later Sam Jackson, who was becoming increasingly influential on the right, struck a drive that had Honour worries, only for the ball to fly just wide.
Straight up the other end, Usman found a yard or two to get a vicious left-foot strike off that whistled over the bar. Then, just as it looked like a single goal would separate the sides at half-time, Desborough top scorer Iain Blaikie, showed just why he has over 20 goals this season. Having been kept quiet for most of the half, he received the ball on the right-hand edge of the penalty area, back to goal. A sharp half-turn and a delightfully shaped left-foot strike left Wilson motionless as the ball curled into the far corner of the net. 0-2. The home keeper was annoyed but, in all fairness, there was nothing he could have done. That was precision finishing.

HT Long Buckby 0 Desborough Town 2. At 0-1 it was still anyone's game. Desborough had dominated possession but were always under threat from a Long Buckby side who had showed intent at times. The late second goal, however, put an entirely different slant on the game.

​As if the late goal in the first half wasn't enough, Desborough added a third with their first attack of the second period. Josh Drain, fed in on the right-hand side of the box, struck a low drive across Wilson and in off the far post. 0-3. The points looked to be in the bag and Desborough noticeably took their foot off the pedal, almost immediately, much to the dismay of their bench.
Twice Long Buckby slipped balls into the Desborough box which were inches too far ahead of D'lanie James. They were warnings that the visitors didn't heed.
Just past the hour, a sloppy clearance fell to a Buckby player in midfield. With the defence out of position, the ball was fed to Jackson inside the right-hand side of the box. His powerful strike hit the side-netting from a narrow angle. Another warning for Desborough.
Possesion-wise the game had swung into the favour of the home team now, although Josh Drain almost punished them further after 70 minutes when his angled strike hit the inside of the post before flying across the box to safety. That attempt was followed immediately by a huge chance for Long Buckby to get back into it. James was sent free of the defence but, with Honour quickly out to narrow the angle, the striker slid his shot wide of the mark.
Eleven minutes later, as we entered that last 10 minutes, The Bucks did finally spoil Honour's clean sheet and, to be fair, it was no more than they deserved in the second half. The threat came from the right and when the ball was played into the box Jackson chested it down into the path of D'lanie James, who hammered it past Honour. 1-3.
The home side were scenting blood now, but time was against them. It was strange how the game had changed so much. Anyone arriving at the game now would think that Long Buckby were the team 3-1 up, rather than Desborough. However, the visitors defence held firm. That was until deep into added time when some good work out on the left saw the ball played across the six-yard box to the unmarked James, who had the simple ask of tapping home for 2-3.
If that second goal had come five minutes earlier, Desborough could have been in trouble, so much had the game swung. However, there was barely time for the restart before the referee drew a close to proceedings.

FT Long Buckby 2 Desborough Town 3. At 3-0 up, Desborough were cruising and could easily have been further ahead. However, they sat back which gave the home side the confidence to have a real go in the second half. It was a spirited display from The Bucks that only just fell short of rescuing a point. That said, job done for Desborough. At this stage of the season, it's all about the result and they would be more than happy to take three points from this one. Desborough move to within two points of the leaders and still have a game in hand.
Long Buckby can still have a say in the title race, as they travel to leaders AFC Welwyn on Saturday. Welwyn won 2-1 at Station Road on the opening day of the season. Desborough, meanwhile, are at home to Stotfold Reserves who they beat 4-1 at New Roker Park earlier in the season.

Long Buckby: Wilson, Jackson, J.Cooke, Carter, Thompson, J.Cooke, James, Merrill, Blythe, Reeve(c), Shaw. Subs: Mullen, Barby, Weekes, Hanley, Birchenall
Desborough Town: Honour, Bradshaw, Anderson, Boath, Randall(c), Stratford, Drain, Kennedy, Blaikie, Little, Usman. Subs: Shepherd, Magee, Cassidy, Cawkill-Robins, Ledgeway

The Programme
Each time I have visited Long Buckby they have had a programme available. The 2024/25 programme is a 16-page, colour magazine priced at £1.00. Features include a club honours list, club history, visitors history, league table and results, plus a rather nice detailed stats view of the last two games. There is, of course, also a list of the evening's squads and match officials. 

Ground Number: Re-visit
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Entrance: £6.00
Programme: £1.00

There were plenty of Mother's Day fixtures across the leagues last Sunday. In the Premier League, Wycombe continued to keep Ascot honest at the top, whilst Oxford City went wild in the second half of their game with Reading, scoring nine times. In the North, Penn got back to winning ways and will continue to make Beaconsfield keep the champagne on ice for at least another week. Tilehurst won at home for the second time. There's no stopping them now. In the South, Fleet went top of the table with a 5-0 win at Wimborne, and are odds-on to take the title.

Badshot Lea 1-6 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers produced six goals to send The Baggies crashing in their final home game. Badshot Lea now have to ensure that they equal or better Selsey's result in the last match of the season, to avoid bottom place. Libby Wilkinson put Flyers ahead early on with Charlie Snelling doubling it before the break. Soon afterwards Sharna Capel-Watson and an own goal gave Winchester a four goal cushion. Eliza Eaton made it five before The Baggies pulled one back, only for Laura da Silva to complete the scoring in added time. Watch Winchester's coach, Emma Pearmine's, post-match comments.
 
Oxford City 10-0 Reading
An Emma Donohoe goal, direct from a corner, had City 1-0 up at the break. However, the Hoops went goal crazy in the second half, adding nine more goals in front of a bumper 328 Mother's Day crowd. Ellie White hit a hat-trick, Lucy White and Isobel Bradley added two each. Kaitlyn Crouch and Ellie Walecki with the other two Oxford goals. You can read the match report on the Oxford City web site.

Woodley United P-P Ascot United

Selsey 1-3 AFC Portchester
Goals from Mia Adaway, Milie Bradbury and Gemma Hillier gave Portchester all three points at the Seal Bay Stadium. Maisie Guymer did get a consolation for Selsey, but they now have to better Badshot Lea's result on the final day to avoid finishing bottom of the pile.

Wycombe Wanderers 5-1 Sholing
The Chairgirls produced another five-star performance to stay on the tail of Ascot United, despite an early Sholing goal from Ella Wilson. Kayla Potter scored twice, numbers 29 and 30 of a tremendous season, Danielle Puddefoot also got her name on the sheet twice, and Emma Kern scored her first of the season. Watch the goals on the Wycombe X Feed. Puddefoot's penalty, Puddefoot's free-kick, Potter's first, Kern's volley, Potter's thirtieth of the season.

Ascot United Reserves 1-0 Slough Town
A Stephanie Ferreira goal put seven points between Ascot, in second, and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers u23.  Slough remain in 9th spot, but are well clear of danger and can look forward to a second campaign in the Southern Region League.

Kidlington Youth 1-1 Abingdon United Development
Keira Isaac scored her ninth of the season to put Kidlington in front. However, Lorena Lopez-Catalan scored on her debut for Abingdon, giving them a share of the points at Exeter Park.

Penn & Tylers Green 4-1 Milton United
Penn got back to winning ways, doing all they can do to maintain a semblance of pressure on the leaders. Tara Woodward struck a hat-trick, with Ellie Ludgate-Williams also scoring, her seventh of the season. April England, with her 11th of the season, hit Milton's consolation. Penn are now just three points behind Wycombe Wanderers u23 in third, ten off Ascot and 15 behind Beaconsfield, with six games remaining.

Tilehurst Panthers 3-2 Chesham United Development
Defeat in their final game leaves Chesham facing an anxious wait. Caversham are three points behind with two left to play. However, the Goats' vastly worse goal difference means that they, effectively, need to pick up four points to leapfrog Chesham. As both games are away from home against the two of the teams left in the title chase, it's an unlikely scenario. Deanna Cane opened the scoring for Panthers. A brace for Leah Why in the second half sealed the points.

Wimborne Town 0-5 Fleet Town
Fleet lifted themselves to the top of the table, and a two point lead with four games to play.

Ascot United v Selsey
There's an outside chance that Ascot could secure the title on Sunday, with three games to go. It would require a home win combined with Wycombe losing to Winchester. Selsey, meanwhile, are fighting for their Premier League status. They have to better Badshot Lea's result at Reading in order to lift themselves off the bottom. The omens are not good for Selsey, who lost the reverse fixture 4-0 back in December.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Reading v Badshot Lea
Following their heavy defeat at Oxford, Reading will be keen to make amends this weekend. Badshot Lea, meanwhile, just need to ensure they match or better Selsey's result at Asco to avoid slipping to the bottom of the table. The teams met just a few weeks ago at The Operatix Community Ground, a game that Reading won 1-0 thanks to a Zuzanna Gajzler goal. BotP had the pleasure to be their to witness the game (And Then There Were Two).
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Woodley United v AFC Portchester
Portchester could still mathematically snatch the title, but it would require Ascot to lose their remaining four games, one of which is at home to Portchester. In reality, Portchy's main aim is the possibility of ending their first season in the Premier League as runners-up. The reverse fixture, two weeks ago, ended 2-0 to Portchester thanks to a brace from Charlotte Keenan.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Winchester City Flyers
The Chairgirls are on a roll of six consecutive Premier League wins. They are two points adrift of Ascot, who have two games in hand. So, all they can do is keep winning and hope that Ascot have a major slip-up. Flyers are also on a good run. Four consecutive wins in all competitions, including the League Cup semi-final win and the NHDFA Cup Final victory. They'll be keen to avenge the 4-0 defeat suffered in the reverse fixture last November, in which Eman Kassem hit a hat-trick.
​18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

Penn & Tylers Green v Caversham United
After last week's damaging home defeat to Beaconsfield, all Penn can do is keep winning, keep the pressure on The Rams, and hope that they slip up in their final few games. Meanwhile, The Goats need to somehow claw back four points from their final two games to survive. Penn won 4-0 at Mapeldurham earlier in the season.
French School Meadow Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Tilehurst Panthers v Kidlington Youth
Both of these teams are safe from the drop and well outside the promotion race, so only pride and final positions are at stake. Kidlington currently trail their hosts by five points, but have a game in hand. However, earlier in the season, Panthers won 6-3 at Exeter Park with a stunning second half performance in which Leah Why struck four goals.
​The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

Fleet Town v AFC Varsity
Fleet hit top spot last weekend and will now be looking to stay there until the end of the season. Two pints clear with two games in hand on Havant, they are in pole position to take the title and have a 100% home record. The omens are not good for Varsity. However, they won at Wimborne last time out and haven't conceded a goal in the last 270 minutes. In the reverse fixture an Isabella Moffett hat-trick helped Fleet to a 6-1 victory back in November.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

QK Southampton v Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks can only try to take full points from their remining two games and hope that Fleet have a massive wobble. They make the trip to bottom side QK two points behind the leaders, having played two games more, so a win is absolutely imperative. QK are already certain to finish bottom but have continued to battle away and won their first game of the season in their last league home game. They did, however, suffer a heavy defeat in the reverse fixture back in September.
​The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

AFC Stoneham v Abingdon United Development
Division One South versus Division One North. Stoneham have already disposed of Abingdon's league rivals, Kidlington, in this competition. They've also seen off Premier League side Badshot Lea. With home advantage too, they'll be favourites for this one. However, Abingdon are unbeaten in five and have yet to concede a goal in this competition, scoring a whopping 19 themselves in two games. Stoneham also still have one eye on reigning in Fleet at the top of the table, whereas Abingdon have nothing left to play for in the league. It should make for an interesting contest.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Oxford City
A very tough task for Sports, up against the last remaining Premier League side and a team that is bang in form too. After a promising start, the season went South for Sports. However, they showed great spirit to push Fleet close in their last league game and followed that up with a solid defeat of Burlsedon in the last round of this competition. City are top scorers in the Premier League and have scored seven or more in five of their last eight gams in all competitions.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

This Saturday I headed back over to Bedfordshire for another County Premier League game. A few weeks ago I had seen Queens Park Crescents narrowly lose a Senior Trophy semi-final at Stotfold (Eagles Put Crescents Straight). After the game I had a brief correspondence with their social media admin and had resolved to get to one of their home games at some point. The opportunity presented itself this weekend. Crescents were at home to Riseley Sports, giving me the opportunity to get to a new ground and watch a team I hadn't seen before.
Both teams have become permanent fixtures in the Premier League after gaining promotion in back-to-back seasons. Crescents came up in 2017 with Sports following the next season. Since then, including the meeting at Riseley earlier this season, they have met 11 times, Crescents winning 6, Riseley 4, and 1 game has been drawn. Although Crescents have a slightly better record, the game earlier this season was won 3-1 by Riseley.
Today's game, with the end of the season fast approaching, probably held more significance for Queens Park than Riseley. The visitors came into the game in 9th position, reasonably safe from danger but not within striking distance of the top. Crescents started the day in 5th spot, 10 points behind leaders AFC Oakley. However, they still had 10 games, including today's, left to play and had two games in hand on the leaders. With a visit to Oakley scheduled for April 19th, Crescents could not be counted out of the title race. Consequently, three points today was imperative for them.

​Scrappy is the only way to describe the opening 30 minutes. The wind didn't help at all, gusting unpredictably across the pitch. Crescents had the wind behind them in the first half, but it didn't appear to be much of an advantage, making through balls almost impossible to judge. If anything, Riseley had the better of the opening encounters, stringing a few passes together, but not managing to pose any serious threat on goal.
In fact, neither goalkeeper was unduly stressed until the 36th minute when, following a half-clearance from a Crescents attack, the ball fell to Towheed Sharafuddin some 25 yards out. The diminutive winger steadied himself before unleashing a fizzing, low strike that looked destined for the bottom corner. However, visiting goalkeeper George Austin had other ideas, throwing himself full-length to his right to get the merest of fingertips to the ball, sending it against the foot of the upright. An excellent save.
That was as close as either team managed in the first-half. James Cooke sent a looping header a few feet over the home bar in the closing minutes of the half, but referee Luke Damon closed proceedings with the game still scoreless.

HT Queens Park Crescents 0 Riseley Sports 0. A very disjointed half of football, with little goalmouth action. The conditions weren't helping either team, who appeared to be very evenly matched. It was hard to call which way the game would go after the break.

​Crescents set about their task with renewed vigour after the break and, within a minute of the restart, got their noses in front. Captain Fabio Sattar, after seeing one effort blocked, drilled a shot on target that Austin got a hand to but couldn't keep out. 1-0. The shot was hit well enough but the visitor's keeper will probably feel her should have done better.
It was just what the home side needed and they immediately set about consolidating their advantage. However, Riseley dug in, making it difficult for them. One goal never looked to be enough and, although Riseley weren't posing too much threat, they had already shown that they had the ability to punish Crescents given the opportunity.
It was, however, the home side who looked the more potent now. Vinay Sidar cut in from the left just past the hour, but failed to control his strike, sending it high and wide. Then goal-scorer Sattar sent a skidding left-foot effort narrowly wide of Austin's left-hand post, as the home team began to wind up the pressure on Sports.
With 20 minutes remaining Crescents were presented with the opportunity to seal the points when the referee blew for a spot-kick following a foul on Sharafuddin. The visitors were not convinced and, I have to say, from my vantage point (admittedly 80 yards away) it did look to be a harsh decision. Nevertheless, referee Damon had a much closer and clearer view. Penalty it was, and Haseeb Fariad made no mistake from 12 yards. 2-0
A few minutes later, with confidence now flowing, Crescents produced their best move of the game, cutting through the visitors with a series of passes, only for Mohammed Omar's curling effort to fly just over the bar.
Inside the final 10 minutes homer keeper Mohammed Abbass came out of his area to clear a long ball but only succeeded in sending it straight to Josh Poole on the halfway line. With the keeper well out of his ground, Poole attempted to send the ball straight back over the keeper but, unfortunately for Sports, the effort also cleared the home crossbar. Well worth an effort though. Then, in the closing minutes, Sports came as close as they had all match when Matt Smith's tempting cross was met by the head of substitute James Oates, who was unlucky to see is attempt come back off the bar.

FT Queens Park Crescents 2 Riseley Sports 0. Certainly not the prettiest game of football but, at this point in the season, the three points are that really matter. Crescents remain in fifth and 10 points adrift of the leaders, after Oakley won 9-2 at Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. With at least four teams still in the running, the title race could go down to the wire. Riseley drop to 11th spot but still have a six-point advantage on second-bottom Biggleswade Reserves. On Wednesday evening Crescents welcome bottom side Flitwick Town to Allen Park, having already won 1-0 at Flitwick back in February. On Saturday they are also at home as 6th placed Elstow Abbey come to town. Crescents won 4-2 at Elstow in early February. Meanwhile, Riseley visit Totternhoe Reserves, who are one place and one point above them, next weekend. Riseley won the reverse fixture 5-0.

Queens Park Crescents: 1.Abbass, 15. Aqeeb, 22.Sharafuddin, 5.Rakhman, 16.Zahar, 6.F.Sattar(c), 7.Iqbal, 4.Fariad, 2.Yousaf, 12.S.Sattar, 8.Boxall. Subs: 11.Sidar, 24.Amadi, 9.Omar
Riseley Sports: 1.Austin, 2.Keech, 4.Cooper, 3.Hislop, 7.Willett, 8.Simmons, 15.Crook(c), 5.Poole, 10.Taylor, 17.Cooke, 11.Smith. Subs: 12.Oates, 18.Curry, 16.Griffiths, 6.Copley

The Ground
Allen Park is a large multi-sport complex situated to the West of Bedford town centre, in the Queens Park district, a wonderfully diverse, multi-cultural area. Aside from the football pitches, the park is also the home to two cricket squares, tennis courts and a children's play area. Just to the North of the park is the Bedford Sports & Hockey Centre which has a number of grass and all-weather pitches. There appear to be two car park, one the North and ne to the South of the park. However, it was hard to ascertain if the one to the North was purely for the Hockey club. There are a few "private parking" notices scattered around. However, the one to the South, on Old Ford End Road, is free and has the advantage of being alongside the Crescent's first team pitch.
There is a pavilion that houses the changing areas for players and officials. This looks out on both main pitches, one lengthways north to south and the other at 90 degrees, in front of the car park. The main pitch doesn't have a slope but, as a community space, did look to be a little bumpy in places. That's no fault of the club, just a downside to playing in a public space. The upside, however, is that the pitch is part of the community and that was certainly a feeling that came across at Allen Park.
I'll go back to this ground at some point, no doubt. It had a good feel to it. There was a decent turnout of support, including lots of youngsters, which should mean a thriving future for the club. Good to see.

Ground Number: 444
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