Saturday morning started with a hard frost across most of the country. My girl's team away game in Oxford was deemed on and then, just as we were about to set off, called off because the pitch was too hard to play safely. Having already decided that I was going to try to get to a game in the afternoon, I was them waiting on pitch inspections to see where I was heading. Top of the list was the local derby in the posh end of Brum, Hampton v Knowle. I had tried to get to this game previously but it had twice been postponed. However, after an 11am pitch inspection, the game was on. Many thanks to both club's Twitter admins for keeping the supporters informed. 
This would be my first visit to Hampton but I have seen Knowle play before in the 2019 Les James Challenge Final at the Banks's Stadium (Quickfire Borough Thwart Robins).

The Ground
Hampton play at The Boggery, a strange name for a football ground but there is a good reason for it. The Boggery was actually the name of a Folk Club opened by local comedian and long-suffering Birmingham City director and fan Bob Davies, better known as Jasper Carrot. The club had three different venues in its lifetime, the second of which, opened in 1974, was the Old Moseleyans Clubhouse on Lugtrout Lane in Solihull. I can't find any reference to Old Moselyans now but the current clubhouse that is used by Hampton FC is on the junction of Lugtrout Lane and Field Lane. That can't be a coincidence. Is this, in fact, the former folk club? 
The Boggery forms part of a very large football complex. Aside from the main pitch there is another full sized pitch and numerous small-sided pitches that seem to stretch for as far as the eye can see, although some of the ones in the distance are part of an adjoining site called The Glades Football Cetre. It's clearly a big football area because, on the opposite side of Field Lane is Coldland Colts FC which also has an array of small-sided youth pitchs.
The Boggery has a fairly large car park, big enough to cope even on a local derby day. The first team pitch is situated on the opposite side of the clubhouse, accessed by a small path on which a man is stationed to take your entrance fee. Having more than one pitch certainly came to their rescue today because, I was told, the top part of their normal home pitch was still too hard to play on, which meant the game was switched to the other full sized pitch adjacent to the car park. Whilst it was great that the game could go ahead, it was a bit of a shame that the game wasn't played on the main pitch, which is quite an impressive set-up for this level, having two covered spectator stands along the Field Lane side. The pitch we were on today does have a couple of dugouts on the Lugtrout Lane side but does not have any spectator cover. Instead a respect barrier had been set up along the opposite side of the pitch. The main thing was, we were going to see a game of football after this fixture had already been postponed twice, once for a waterlogged pitch and once for Covid in the Knowle camp.

​The Background
Thgis game is very much a local derby. Only just over three miles and the M42 separates The Boggery from Robins' Nest. The sides have also been in the same division now for over a decade, so plenty of local rivalry has had time to build up. Looking at recent history also points to the sides being quite closely matched. In the last eleven meetings, including one in the abandoned 2019-20 season, Hampton have won four, Knowle three and there have been four draws. Six of those games have taken place at The Boggery and, again, it is even-steven, two home wins, two away wins and two draws. Knowle have current bragging rights in light of their 2-0 win at The Boggery in the last meeting on Boxing Day 2019. Goals from Brandon Hague and Zak Harbon sealing victory.
This season Knowle have also had the upper hand in terms of league position, although this would be the first meeting of the teams. Prior to kick-off Hampton were sitting fourth from bottom with 15 points from their 16 games and had not won in the league since a 3-0 victory at Bolehall Swifts in late October. During this time they had also suffered a couple of damaging results against teams also in the bottom half, losing 1-0 at home to Barnt Green Spartak and only drawing at home with bottom side Bolehall. Knowle, meanwhile, were very nicely placed in second spot, seven points shy of leaders Cadbury Athletic but with a game in hand. However, after a run of four wins on the bounce they lot last time out, 1-0 at home to Fairfield Villa. Even so, all pointers would suggest an away win but you never know, especially in a local derby.

​The Game
If Knowle started the game expecting to cruise to victory they had a shock in store as early as the 3rd minute. Kori Edinborough drove forward and tried a speculative effort from outside the box. The shot was mis-cued but fell perfectly for Hamza Siddique who made no mistake to give the hosts the lead. 1-0
Knowle tried to recover from the early setback and on 11 minutes produced a lovely flowing move which was only ended when Matt Allely rushed off his line to smother the ball. Good save from the home stopper. His efforts were doubly rewarded when, after 19 minutes, his team went two in front. Winning a free-kick way out on the left side, the ball was pumped into the mix in the Knowle penalty area. It was not cleared properly and the home side managed to slide the ball out to Will Simons who guided it past Tregartha. 2-0
The goal was a signal for Knowle to final work out that they were in a game and they started to show some of the form that had seen them into such a lofty league position. Just past the 20 minute mark they were unlucky when Jay Payne's 20 yard free kick had Allely sweating as the ball went narrowly over his bar. On 32 minutes the visitors had a massive chance to pull a goal back. A superb crossfield ball setting Nathan Corry free on goal. He bore down on Allely but slid his shot narrowly wide of the near post.
Four minutes later Knowle shoudl have been made to pay even more when Tom Parnaby was put clean through but shanked his effort wide of the mark. It was end to end stuff at this point with KNowle almost immediately breaking up the other end and winning a penalty. It looked a clear cut foul from my angle, despite the protestations form the home defenders. Penalty given. Zak Ahrbon, who scored in the team's previous meeting, stepped up but his spot kick was saved well by Allelly diving to his left. It was at a good heght for the keeper, but credit to the save, keeping his team two up. The first-half action was not finished though. With a couple of minutes remaining Hampton won a free kick some 30 yards out and to the right of the goal. The ball was swung in by Luke benham, looking for someone to get a touch. Neither striker or defender coudl get on the end of it forcing Jack Tregartha to throw himself full length at the last second to divert the ball around the post.

HT Hampton 2 Knowle 0. Something of a strange half in some ways. The visitors certainly had more of the ball them their hosts but lacked that killer final ball and were punished by two clinical finishes from Hampton.

The half-time break was an opportunity to sit in the car with the heater on full blast, trying to store up enough residual heat to face up to the second half on such a chilly day. It really was quite bitter on the side-lines, although the earlier mist had cleared a little by this time, noticeable by the fact that you could now see the planes taking off from nearby Birmingham Airport, rather than just hear them as was the case at the start of the first period.
When the match restarted it was clear from the very start that Knowle had been given the hairdryer treatment at half-time. Their play showed an increased urgency and they looked sharper across the entire pitch. Their reward for the quick start was not long in coming. 48 minutes were on the clock when Nathan Corry made up for his first-half miss. Collecting the ball some 25 yards out he hit a superb dipping drive which left Allely almost motionless as it crashed in, clipping the underside of the bar on its way. 2-1 and game well and truly on. Knowle were now full of confidence and looked as they would get the equaliser in quick fashion as they pushed their hosts back. Thomas Cullen saw a shot well saved by Allely on 56 minutes as the visitors went for the jugular. However, as was the case in the first period, their final ball was letting them down time and again.
Hampton did well to ride the wave of Knowle pressure at the start of the half. They gradually steadied the ship and, as we approached the last 15 minutes, started to look a little more confident themselves. That was when potential disaster struck for the hoists. A rash challenge from Parnaby seeing him pick up his second yellow. Now it really was backs against the wall for Hampton. Knowle smelled blood and were pretty much pinning Hampton in the own half. Still they could not find a goal. A combination of solid defending, good goalkeeping, untidy finishing and, it has to be said, a dose of luck, served to keep Knowle at bay. The Robins' cause was not helped when substitute Ethan Galloway was sin-binned in the final minute.

FT Hampton 2 Knowle 1. The hosts held strong in the face of almost constant second-half pressure. I'm not sure even they know how they managed to hang on, but hang on they did and you have to take your hat off to their resilience. Knowle maybe took the game for granted in the first half, thinking three pounts were in the bag. In the second half, however, they showed why they are pushing the top teams as they strung move after move together. On a different day they would probably have had four or five goals. Overall though, a cracking game for a neutral to watch.
If you would like to catch either of these teams in action, both face away games next weekend. Knowle travel to mid-table Alcester Town while Hampton face a six-pointer at Barnt Green Spartak. Both have the potential to be excellent games, so why not go along to one of them?
Best wishes to both Hampton and Knowle for the remainder of the season and apologies to Knowle who I have now seen lost 2-1 twice. When I get me moped back on the road, I'll be back.


Hampton: Allely, Considine, Chapman, Wyatt, Morris(c), Benham, Connaire, Simons, Parnaby, Edinborough, Siddique. Subs: Knight, Fletcher, McGrath, Mitchell
Knowle: Tregartha, Fox, Payne, Regan, Cosgrove(c), Delaney, Harbon, Andrews, Hague, Cullen, Corry. Subs: Bennett, Galloway, Arthur, Seeley


Ground Number: 301
Att: 72
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A

Footnote: If the former West Brom season ticket holder, with whom I had a conversation in the second half, is reading this. We could have cleaned up at the bookies between us. I seem to remember me saying "This has 1-0 to QPR written all over it" and you said "Charlie Austin to come on and score the winner". There's years of bitter Albion experience and disappointment in those comments, we've seen it all before.

After last week's complete washout let's hope that all three of our favourites can get a game under their belts this Sunday. All three are scheduled to be in action, so fingers crossed. As always, we start the preview with Swindon's finest as they look to get their title challenge back on track.

Jovial Monk
By the time Sunday comes round it will be over a month since the Monks graced the turf and over 2 months, before we had even heard of Omicron, since they last won a game. As luck would have it, this Sunday they take on Chiseldon, the last team they beat, back in November. That game at Lambourn saw both Jono Peachey-Score and Mitch Sutton grab hat-tricks with goals from Anthony Collett and Kris Redford rounding off an 8-0 thrashing. Chisledon have only played once since that day, a 6-0 defeat at Casuals. A good win for Monk could put them right back in contention, depending upon other results and, with two of the teams above them playing each other, the prospects are good.
Chiseldon v Jovial Monk
KO 10:30. Chiseldon Recreation Ground, SN4 0LE

Caversham United
There's no doubt about it. The Goats need a lift. Second from bottom and winless since October (albeit with three draws in that time), a three-pointer is really needed. Consequently, the visit of unbeaten Give Back FC may not be the fixture they would have chosen this weekend. However, we know that goats love to climb mountains, so here is the chance for them to prove it. The sides met on the second weekend of the season with Give Back running out 6-3 after Caversham played the majority of the second half with 10 men after Oliver Frost's red card. Give Back have been busy in cup action recently and have not played a league game since the November 3-2 win over Emmer Green which only came one week after Caversham had drawn 1-1 at Emmer Green.
Caversham United v Give Back FC
KO 10:30. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD

Caversham United Women
Caversham Women face a trip to Buckinghamshire where they take on mid-table Long Crendon Ladies. The Goats sit third from bottom at the start of play but with Penn & Tylers Green not in action and Wargrave away at second placed Tilehurst, a  good result for them could see them jump into a mid-table slot themselves. They are in a pretty good run of form, albeit mainly in cup matches, with only one defeat in their last five games. Back in October Long Crendon left Reading licking their wounds after two from Rosie Page-Smith and a Caitlin Levy goal saw Caversham cruise to a 3-1 victory. More of the same required for the Goats this weekend.
Long Crendon Ladies v Caversham United Women
KO 14:00. Long Crendon Rec. HP18 9AW

​Ground 300. Not a massive number in comparison to some people I know but, nevertheless, it is a small milestone. It did look as if the chance to clock up 300 was going to pass me by this week. A couple of games that I had pencilled in for Tuesday were washed out but things looked a little brighter on Wednesday and I was very happy to find out that the Midland Division One clash between Bilston Town ad Cradley Town looked as if it was going to survive. I have driven past Bilston's Queen Street ground on many occasions. It seemed like a good choice to be heading back to the Midlands and especially to a town that I had some historical connection to. In the 60s and 70s my Dad worked as an upholsterer for H. Beach & Sons, based in Bilston High Street. As a small boy I went to their workshop many times and sometimes travelled out to jobs during the Summer holidays, something I have mentioned in a previous blog (Step Six Sanitised). I also have a vague memory of Wolverhampton & District Sunday League away games against a team called Lunt, coincidentally the area of Bilston that is home to Bilston Town. I believe Lunt played in a green kit (possibly most of their players were Irish too) but, a glance at the current League tables suggests they don't exist any more. Another team, that seems to now be defunct, from that era of Sunday league was Bantock Park from nearby Wolverhampton. I mention this because Bilston Town spent a short time playing on Bantock Park a few years back, during a period when their ground was deemed unsafe after a period of vandalism. Anyway, I digress. The game was one, so it was time to head up the M40 in time for kick-off.

​The Ground
Bilston Town have played at Queen Street since 1919. It features what I would say is an iconic orange cage-style fence around about a third of the ground, presumably to prevent stray balls landing in the middle of the adjacent, busy Black Country Route. This is the reason I use the word iconic. Anyone who has driven between Dudley and the M6 will have seen the structure, you can't miss it. I'm pretty certain it is a unique feature of a football ground. (Maybe the power of the internet will prove me wrong?). The ground is situated to the East of Bilston town centre in the Lunt district. Access into the ground is through a double gate which allows both pedestrian and vehicle access. Cars can be parked inside the ground but there is also plenty of parking on the surrounding streets. In fact, you can park immediately outside the ground on a match day. The main stand, which straddles the halfway line on the Queen Street side of the ground, is pretty large by Step 6 standards, a throwback to when the club played a little higher up the pyramid and, of course, to days of bigger crowds. The ground attendance record is a colossal 8,000 for a friendly against Wolves in 1953. Alongside the main stand is the clubhouse which also houses has a tea/snack bar. The players and officials changing facilities are part of the main stand accessed via a rarity at this level, a tunnel. At either end of the ground, behind both goals, there are also small covered spectator areas. The one at the town end is labelled Turners End (named after a supporter perhaps?). Opposite the main stand, on the Black Country Route side, there is no cover but plenty of hard standing in front of the parking area which is directly under the orange fencing. What I really like about this ground is the character. yes, it's a bit rickety in places and the main stand has, I'm sur, seen better days, but it's not one of these new style grounds that all look identical. It has seen football for over a century. It has history and I love it. If you haven't been, you should take a visit. It's well worth it.

​The Background
Both Bilston and Cradley are in the first season in Midland League Division One after coming over from the West Midlands (Regional) premier during the Summer reorganisation. However, they have shared a division now for almost a decade. During that time neither have really threatened the league leaders and, in most cases, they have finished in mid-table. Cradley have probably had slightly the better record overall but there's not a great deal in it. This season, however, it has been a different case. Coming into the game Bilston were sitting in 7th spot with 33 points from their 22 games, whereas Cradley were only just above the drop zone with 20 points from 21 games. Recent form for Bilston had been a bit up and down. they had collected 7 points from their last 6 outings which had included a 6-0 win and a 6-1 defeat. Cradley, meanwhile, were coming into the game on a really poor run of form having lost their last five league outings. This included two potentially damaging defeats, 3-1 at home to Khalsa FF and 5-0 at AFC Bridgnorth, both sides just below them in the league table. Earlier in the season the sides had met at The Beeches with A Casey Collins strike not being enough for Cradley as goals from Adam Garmson and Jake Healy gave The Steelmen a 2-1 victory. So, although history was just about on the side of The Hammers, recent form seemed to suggest we would not be hearing the phrase "'ommer 'um Cradley" this evening. Of course, football has a strange habit of throwing up unexpected results.

​The Game
After a slightly later than scheduled kick-off, we finally got under way with Bilston, in their home kit of all orange, defending the goal at Turners End. However after a fairly even first 15 minutes, it was Cradley in their change kit of blue shirts with a black chevron and black shorts, who hit the front. Following a corner that was cleared, Cradley won the ball back. Following some good work down the right flank a low cross was played in where captain Darren Whitley, who had stayed up following the corner, was on hand to finish off the move with a simple tap-in. 0-1.
The goal prompted action from the home side and they only took five minutes to get back to parity. Again it was an attack that was partially cleared by the defending team. The time, however, the ball ended at the feet of Adam Garmson who fired a low effort into the near post where it evaded bot goalkeeper Ethan Hawkes and a covering defender. 1-1
The action was now coming so thick and fats that I was still tweeting about the equaliser when Cradley went straight up the other end and won a penalty. I must admit I didn't see the incident but there weren't any complaints from the home side. It was taken by Jordan Bladen, but he saw home keeper Matt Ballard throw himself to his left and make a very good save. Still 1-1 with 24 minutes gone.
Five minutes later and the visitors were really rueing the penalty miss as The Steelmen went in front with a superb piece of individual skill. The ball was pinged, at a fair rate of knots, into Garmson around waist height. His control was instant, pulling the ball out of the air before juggling a couple of times and smashing a dipping volley over Hakes from all of 25 yards. 2-1. There were some claims of offside from the Cradley defence but, I have to say, Garmson looked on from my vantage point. What a strike too. The best goal I have seen so far this season.
The Bilston joy did not last long at all though. On 32 minutes Casey Collins, who's pace and willingness to run had caused huge problems to the home defence, set off in pursuit of what looked like another lost cause. he managed to chase down a through ball, pressuring the defender into a mistake before using his pace to just about get to the loose ball before Ballard and then slide it into the net. 2-2. Not as spectacular as Garmson's effort but a great goal in its own right made completely by the tenacity, pace and determination of Collins.
That ended the scoring in the first half as both teams needed to take stock and steady themselves after 16 minutes of non-stop incident.

HT Bilston Town 2 Cradley Town 2. On overall play all-square at the break was the right score line in what was a very even but well contested game of football.

Both teams were out ahead of the officials for the second half, clearly keen to get on with proceedings. It was clear from the restart that Cradley had been given instruction to up their game and go flat out for the win. They were immediately quicker to every ball and sharper in the tackle as they tried to rock their hosts back. Only five minutes in, the new approach paid dividends. A quick throw-in just on the halfway line released Collins and caught out the home defence, leaving the Cradley striker one on one with his marker. He shrugged off the challenge before blasting the ball past the keeper. 2-3.
Cradley did not try to sit back and defend their lead, quite the opposite, they continued to keep up their higher tempo. The big question was, could they keep it up. The game became increasingly spread and was pretty much end to end for a period in the middle of the half. As time ran on Cradley definitely started to wilt a little, the pressing and pace starting to get to them, despite making a couple of substitutions. Bilston pressed and pressed. As we approached the end of the game the ball definitely spent more time in the Cradley half but still the home side could not find an equaliser. The referee found quite a lot of added time but it wasn't enough for Bilston.

FT Bilston Town 2 Cradley Town 3. A really top game of football as far as a neutral was concerned. I've been very fortunate lately, seeing some really good games and this was up there with them all. Both sides clearly wanted to win the game. Great credit to Cradley for their second half display. The way they took the game to Bilson at the start of the second half changed the game and the hosts struggled to contain them for a while. I honestly didn't think they were going to be able to hang on but that is exactly what they did despite Bilston desperately trying to find a way back into the game.
If you want to catch either of these teams, they are both back in action away from home on Saturday. Bilston face a tricky looking trip North to take on second placed Stapenhill, victors by 3-1 at Queen Street in October, whilst Cradley have a trip to the Pingles Stadium where they face 8th placed Nuneaton Griff who won 4-0 at The beeches in late August.
Best of luck to both sides for the remainder of the season.

Bilston Town: Ballard, Sappleton-Williams, Short, Weston(c), Harper-Bailey, Davies, Barnett, Pierpoint, Montague, Garmson, Dunkley. Subs: Babs, Skeldon, Mohammed, Ogugua
Cradley Town: Hawkes, Bibb, Umoh, Whitley(c), Gould, Bladen, Dimmock, Calmis, Bladen, Collins, Crackett. Subs: Buchanan, Tomlinson, Bewick, Hangero-Cham, Craddock

Ground Number: 300
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

​Footnote:
In the process of writing this blog I remembered another connection to the town of Bilston Some 30 years ago, at the same time that I worked at local newspaper the Express & Star,  I played in a band that recorded a 4 track cassette (who remembers cassettes?) at a studio in Bilston. We knew it as Blind Mart's (yes, it was owned by a blind guy called Mart) but it may well have had an official name that I have forgotten over time. The fact that I still work in IT and write non-league football blogs probably tells you all you need to know about the quality of the recording. Does anyone remember the studio? The entrance was down an alleyway I think but I can't remember whereabout it was in the town.

​The postponment of my girl's team fixture on Friday, due to a waterlogged pitch, left me with a free Saturday morning but was also a portent to what was to come on Saturday. The apptern started to set in from around 10am, pitch inspection followed by match postponed notices all across the country. Like most, I had already got a list of games with a 3G in there as a backup. One by one, they all started to show a P-P and I was down to my last two grass pitch games before I spotted a Tweet from Watlington Town in response to a question regarding a pitch inspection. The magic words "No inspection required. Game on." Perfect. Only half an hour down the M40 and a 14:15 kick-off, giving me plenty of time to get home to prepare dinner (Korean Bibimbap in case you are interested). Not only that, Watlington had been on my list for over a year, so this was a great opportunity to tick off another ground, number 299 as it happens.

The Ground
Town play at the Watlington Recreation Ground just outside the village on the North-Eastern perimeter on . There is a fair sized car park set back from the main road which is adjacent to a clubhouse in the Watlington Pavilion. I didn't go in but I saw people coming out with hot drinks, so I gather there are refreshments available. The pitch is situated alongside the main road with one of goals backing onto the service road leading to the pavilion. It is also possible to park just off the service road or, as I did, in the next street along, Love Lane, which has another entrance to the Recreation Ground through a small pathway. First view of the ground are very good. There are also many small-sided pitches and goals spread around the Recreation ground. The club offers football to all ages from 4+. Great to see a thriving community club like this. The playing area is surrounded by a white plastic barrier fence. There are dugouts on the main road side of the pitch and, given the recent weather, the pitch looked to be in fair shape (although, it did start to cut up later). All in all, a very tidy looking ground, well worth a visit.

​The Background
Before the start of play Watlington sat at the top of the table on 32 points, two points clear of nearest rivals Woodcote but having played two more games. Holmer Green Dev. sat in 8th spot on 22 points but having played more games than anyone in the league (16). However, that didn't tell the whole story. Top they may be but Town had hit a slight wobble of late, losing 4-0 to Penn & Tylers Green reserves and drawing 1-1 with Chalfont Wasps in the last two home games. Holmer Green, in contrast, came to the game on the back of four wins in their last five games, including a 2-0 win over third placed Thame United A. Since Watlington re-joined the Hellenic structure in 2020, there have been two meeting between the sides, both won by Town. In last season's truncated campaign the sides had met in Watlington with the home side victorious by 3-2 and on the opening day of this season Watlington came back from Buckinghamshire with a 2-0 win courtesy of John Clarke and Adam Holloway goals.

​The Game
It was a lively start from the visitors and a bit of a sluggish opening from Watlington. However, after a few minutes the home side seemed to get to grips with the conditions and the game which led to a much more even contest. Despite this, however, it is fair to say that when the opening goal came on 16 minutes it was slightly against the run of play. It went to the home side. Holmer Green lost the ball in midfield allowing Watlington's speedy Ashley Stevens to break down the right. His low cross evaded both defender and goalkeeper before finding Adam Holloway, unmarked, to slot into an unguarded net. 1-0
Watlington, buoyed by the goal, almost doubled their advantage a couple of minutes later. Once more it was a cross from the dangerous  Stevens, this time right into the centre of the six yard box where a Holmer Green defender was forced to head the ball narrowly over his own bar under pressure from a Watlington striker.
Just before the half hour mark Holmer Green hit back with a little bit of luck on their side. A speculative shot from Jamie Mitchell squirmed out of the home keeper's grasp and, with multiple players from both sides lunging for it, the ball slid over the line. 1-1
As with Watlington earlier, the goal sparked Holmer Green into more action and they came close to taking the lead almost immediately. Only a combination of some good last ditch defending and a save from Ben Little kept out Green's Kudazi Chunga

​
HT Watlington Town 1 Holmer Green Dev. 1. A slow start from the home side but, once they got into their stride, the game was fairly even. Both sides noticeably grew in confidence immediately after scoring. The late downpour added to an an already wet pitch which became quite heavy in the centre. It could be a sapping second 45 minutes for both sides.

​It was Holmer Green who struck first in what was to become a manic second-half. Only four minutes had passed after the break when some good work down the left was finished neatly by Denis Pepelyarski. 1-2.
The visitor's joy did not last too long. Six minutes later the fourth goal of the game arrived. Ashley Stevens' low skidding effort catching out Jack Vaughan who couldn't get enough grip on the slippery surface to get across his goal and prevent the ball flashing into the corner of his net. 2-2.
Right on the hour mark Town were awarded a free-kick out on the left flanks after a long ball was chased down by Ben O'Connor. Green's keeper jack Vaughan sprinted out of his area but was a little too late, clattering the Town player and earning himself a yellow card in the process. Luckily O'Connor was soon on his feet after the heavy challenge. Vaughan's punishment was not over however because when the free-kick was played into the area a group of players challenged for it with the final touch coming off a defender. 3-2.
The action kept coming thick and fast. Two minutes later Holmer Green substitute Jethro Odumosu was completely taken out as he tried to weave his way into the box. The Green player made the mistake of immediately jumping up to confront his assailant, earning himself a yellow card that was to come back to haunt him shortly afterwards. I didn't see any card handed to the Watlington player which, considering the challenge, seemed a little odd. However, I was at the opposite end of the ground, so maybe it looked worse than it was?
The card did not affect the visitors too much and on 70 minutes they, once again, drew level. Centre-half Reece McKenzie climbing well to power home a header from a  left-wing cross. 3-3.
Six minutes after regaining parity it seemed as if the visitors had shot themselves in the foot when Odumuso, chasing down the same player who had fouled him (I believe), got the tackle all wrong and received his second yellow. At this point most of the crowd would have put money on Town going on to win the game but the reduction in numbers did not seem to deter Holmer Green too much as both sides went for the winner.
It duly came in the last minute of normal time but not for the home side. Instead the game was won by a superb piece of individual skill from Green's Alex Dimitrijevic. Picking the ball up near the halfway line and out on the flank, the left-winger used his pace to outstrip his marker, driving for the by-line before stepping inside another defender and firing past Little from an acute angle. 3-4 and cue scenes from the Green players and bench.
Even in this game of twists and turns, there was never going to be enough time for Watlington to come back again before referee David Evans called an end to proceedings.

FT Watlington Town 3 Holmer Green Dev. 4. The first thing to be said is that the amount of effort expended by both teams was exemplary, especially given the conditions that worsened quite quickly after the first-half downpour. Both sides wanted to win the game. There was no sitting back, especially in the second half. When the visitors went down to 10, mine and a lot of other spectator's, money would have been on Watlington to go on and win the game. However, Holmer Green showed great resilience and determination to not just stay in the game but to find a winner themselves.
Once again though, massive congratulations to the Watlington staff for getting the game on in the first place. Best of luck to both sides for the rest of the season. If you want to catch either team in action soon, Watlington make the short journey to third-placed Thame United A on Tuesday evening, in what is a potential cracker of a game at The ASM Stadium. Then, on Friday evening at Watchet Lane, Holmer Green Dev. host Taplow United looking to continue their current winning streak, whilst Watlington welcome AFC Aldermaston Reserves to the recreation Ground. 

Watlington Town: B.Little(c), Carrigan, J.Little, O'Connor, N.Little, Carter-Knight, Cox, Tyson, Burton, Holloway, Stevens. Subs: Butler, Saulter, Cavill, Selwood
Holmer Green Development: Vaughan, Page, Morgan, Ryll, McKenzie, Tyler, Mitchell, Dimitrijevic, While, Pepelyarski, Chunga. Subs: Odumosu, Limar, Barnes, Folker, Browne

Ground Number: 299
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Happy New Year Sunday football fans! All three of our favourite teams are in action this weekend, weather and Covid permitting of course.

Jovial Monk
Monk take to the pitch for the first time since the 2-0 defeat to Gorsehill on December 12th when they welcome sixth placed Mario's FC to Lambourn. The sides met back in September when Mario's were sitting second in the league. Bondy put Monk one up before the break only for Mario's to equalise and then miss a penalty in the second half. Jono then put Monk back in front before a defensive lapse let Mario's back in to equalise again with just a few minutes remaining. In a division where the top six, down to Mario's, are only separated by six points, every game is a six pointer in itself. A big win for Mario's would see them jump above their hosts, whereas a win for Monk could see them go level on points at the top, depending on other results.
Jovial Monk v Mario's FC
KO 10:30. Lambourn Sports Club, RG17 8PS

Caversham United
The Goats begin 2022 with a very tricky looking trip to league leaders Burghfield Reserves. Caversham have not won in the league since the October 4-3 win at Loxwood but will take some heart from the fact that Burghfield have lost their last two outings, 3-1 against Wayback Wanderers and a 4-0 cup defeat to Emmer Green. 2021 didn't end too well for The Goats, an abandoned game and the announcement that manager Ben Foster had left on New Year's Eve. 2022 can only get better.
Interesting note: Burghfield have the largest list of registered players I think I have ever seen on Full-Time. (157?). If they all turned up that would be an average Step 4 crowd.
Burghfield Reserves v Caversham United
KO 10:30. Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, RG7 3EN

Caversham United Women
The Lady Goats, like the men, also face a tough away game at the league leaders. In their case the opponents in question are Badshot Lea, top of the league and with a 100% record. The sides met earlier in the season where a Holly Swan goal was not enough to prevent the Baggies clocking up a 6-1 victory. This brings together the league's joint top-scorers, Holly Swan for Caversham and Nicola Moore from Badshot Lea. Both have 12 goals to their names with the Baggies hot-shot just edging the stats by means of having played 2 fewer games. Unsurprisingly Badshot Lea are also the overall top scorers in the league with 31 goals in their 8 games.
Badshot Lea Ladies v Caversham United Women
KO 14:00. Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham, GU10 4PF

​Just three days into the New year but I was already preparing for my second game of 2022 after watching an absolute cracker between Kidlington and Wantage on New Year's Day. I was, I admit, originally planning to take in the Solihull derby between Knowle and Hampton after the reverse fixture a week or so ago got washed out. However, Covid in the Knowle ranks put paid to that one. Nevertheless, I had already got a game on standby which promised to be equally intriguing, a Midland League Division Three top of the table, local derby, between AFC Coventry Rangers and Coventrians. Not only that, it was an early kick-off (Noon) which meant I could get to the game and still be home in daylight to attend to a few things around the house and, as it turned out, have a game of netball with my daughter. The perfect combination of football and family but also the reason I don't call myself a groundhopper. Whilst a lot of people raced for the cars at full-time, hurrying to get to a second game of the day, I was heading home to play netball. I think that safely revokes any groundhopper credentials.

​The Ground
AFC play their home games at Coventry Technical Rugby Club. The football ground, just off Mitchell Avenue, is at the far end of the rugby club grounds with its own car park and club house. Parking at the ground is, under normal conditions, most likely quite adequate. However with the early kick-off attracting a few groundhoppers as well as a sizeable local crowd, it had already filled up when I got there, some 40 minutes before kick-off. Luckily the leisure centre on the opposite side of Mitchell Avenue has a large car park just a couple of minutes walk to the ground. Entrance to the ground is through a gate where a table had been set up to collect the entry money and sell programmes (they were limited but I did manage to get one), something of a rarity at this level. All of the facilities are in the clubhouse block, including the players and officials areas. There is also a small club shop selling scarves pin badges etc. On the clubhouse side there the two dugouts, labelled home and away, as well as few benches between the car park and the playing surface. There are no stands or covered spectator areas (this is Step 8 after all) but there is a bank beyond the far goal which gives a good view across the pitch. The pitch itself was unsurprisingly quite heavy and slops a little across the pitch up towards the clubhouse. All in all, this is a very good facility which appears to be run in the right way. The Twitter account replied to my query about any further pitch inspections this morning, they produced a good programme, they have club merchandise and club logos at the ground and signage outside. This club is going places.

​The Background
I have to admit that I didn't know a lot about either of these teams before today. Possibly not that surprising since neither have been around for too long. Coventrians were founded in 2007, Rangers not until 2020. Prior to kick-off they formed two of the top three in the Midland league Division Three table. Rangers sitting top of the tree with 43 points from their 16 games, Coventrians some nine points back in third place. Rangers, in their first season at Step 8, have been a revelation. They had already scored 90 goals and only conceded 15. Their home form, especially, was formidable to say the least. Played nine, won nine, scored 49 conceded 6. That being said, Coventrians away form was nothing to be sniffed at with seven wins from their nine outings. The sides could also boats the top two scorers in the division. Nathan McGarrity for Coventrians was second in the chart, with 20 goals to his name but way out in front was AFC's Connoll Farrell who had amassed a colossal 31 in the league already. Combining all that with the fact that only the city centre (less than 6 miles) separating the clubs, a noon kick-of attracting a bigger than normal crowd, and a slippery pitch, I was expecting a a good game. I was not to be disappointed.
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​The Game
It was the visitors from the North of Coventry who took the early initiative. Just two minutes in they won a free-kick way out on the left. When the ball was played into the box no one was a able to vet a touch on it but it nearly deceived Allen in the home goal. His last second dive to palm the ball away averted an early setback. AFC soon settled, however, and the game became quite open, with play switching from end to end but neither side manufacturing too many clear cut chances. On 17 minutes the home side came close when a Rory Turnbull cross beat the visiting keeper but skimmed the top of the bar before going out for a goal kick. The visitors keeper was called into action four minutes later, proving his worth as he saved well from Connoll Farrell, Jordan Powell's follow-up was too good for him but was scrambled off the line by some very good covering defensive play.
The home side were beginning to edge the game on possession but Coventrians reminded them they were in a game on 23 minutes when top scorer Nathan McGarrity unleashed an effort from the edge of the box that whistled narrowly wide of Allen's left post. We had a real game on our hands now, end to end an some thunderous challenges going in on the slippery surface. One such challenge on Joe Gardner left the Rangers midfielder in a heap and earned a yellow card for Nathan Cadby. At first it seemed as if the tackle had done damage to the ankle of the Rangers player but he was up after treatment but holding his shoulder. Then, a few minutes later, after another hefty challenge on the same player, he signalled to be replaced. The shoulder injury from the awkward fall being the culprit it seemed. There was an ambulance in attendance at the ground later. Hopefully, the injury is not too serious.
Just past the half hour mark the home side went in front. Superb work down the flank from right-back Gomes who beat a couple of players, rode a challenge and then fed a lovely pass into the path of captain Powell who duly applied an assured finish. 1-0. Plenty of calls for offside from the visitors but nothing given.
The home side had their tails up now and were clearly on top. Coventrians, once again, had their keeper to thank on 38 minutes when he produced two very good saves within a few seconds to keep his side in the game. Four minutes after that, however, even he could do nothing as Rangers struck again. Once more the damage was done down the right. This time Farrell did the donkey work and then played a cross in to Powell who controlled and finished with some style. 2-0
The half was not done though. Right on the stroke of half-time Coventrians produced a lovely move. Effortlessly interchanging passes and only a very brave save from Allen, diving at the feet of the attacker, prevented them from getting a goal back. So close to the whistle, that could well prove to be a decisive moment which would certainly have changed the half time team talks on both sides.

HT AFC Coventry Rangers 2 Coventrians 0. A very good game to watch. End to end at times. Uncompromising tackling and plenty of chances at both ends. The home side may have take a two goal advantage into the break but the visitors were by no means out of the contest.

​It was definitely getting colder as the two teams made their way back for the second half. They were keen to get on with it, but had to wait around for a couple of minutes until the officials reappeared. When they did, it was the away side who were then caught cold early on in the second period. Only 4 minutes had passed when Rangers went route one. A long ball from inside their own half caught out the Coventrians defenders, who all called for offside. Sub Liam Doyle didn't wait to see if there was a flag though. He latched onto the ball before sliding it across the box to lay it on a plate for the fast-arriving Connoll Farrell to stroke home. 3-0
The visitor's complaints about the possible offside continued even after the ball was in the net. So much so that Dan Hume managed to earn himself a 10 minute rest when the referee sin-binned him for dissent. From my vantage point it was impossible to tell if it was offside or not but, judging by the level of incredulity from the visitor's defence and bench, when the flag did not go up, I am guessing it may have been off. Ah well, no VAR at this level (and long may that last).
Just on the hour mark, and with the visitors still down to 10, AFC made the advantage count. A fast and incisive break this time. From defending inside their own half, two or three passes took them to the edge of the visitor's box, Doyle was again set loose and, again, slid in Farrell to get his second. 4-0
Coventrians were now back to a full complement but the game was already lost for them. Not that they were about to throw in the towel in however, and a combination of their determination and the home side relaxing a little meant that the visitors had a better period of possession than they had since midway through the first half. They kept pushing but were up against a defence and goalkeeper who clearly value clean sheets. As I tweeted during the second half, I don't think Curtis Cutts lost a heading duel in the entire game but, to be fair, the entire Rangers back-line was superb, well-drilled and strong.
On 89 minutes, top scorer Farrell decided it was time to put the icing on the cake, embarking on a solo effort that saw him cut in from the left and slot home his hat-trick and AFC's fifth. 5-0.

FT AFC Coventry Rangers 5 Coventrians 0. A great game to watch as a neutral. Despite the seemingly one-sided score line, the game was not that uneven. Coventrians gave as good as they got for much of the game. The big difference was the clinical home finishing combined with their extremely efficient and solid defence. Rangers retain their six point lead over Sutton United, who also won 5-0 against Castle Vale today. AFC Solihull's 3-0 win at Leamington Hibernian sees them leapfrog Coventrians into third. Next up, AFC entertain seventh placed Upton Town whilst Coventrians welcome fourth from bottom Hibernians.
The very best of luck to both sides for the remainder of the season.

AFC Coventry Rangers: Allen, Gomes, Curran, Whitelaw, Swain, Cutts, Fagbemi, Gardner, Farrell, Powell(c), Turnbull. Subs: Comasky, McAndrews, Chesters, Doyle, Davis
Coventrians: Connolly, Hall, Hassan, Kearns, Muhammad, Hume, Donaldson(c), Mason, McGarrity, Cadby, Gibbs. Subs: Heeley, Allen, Dumbleton, Butler, Brandish



Ground Number: 298
Att: 193
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: £1.00

First off, Happy New Year to one and all. Let's hope that 2022 has better times in store.
I wasn't really expecting to get to see a game on the opening day of the year but, as luck would have it, opportunity presented itself when my wife and daughter decided to head off for a bit of retail therapy. No point sitting in the house on my own, especially when there was a local derby kicking off just 20 minutes down the road. So, a quick check to ensure it was still on (a sign of the times) and off I went down the A34, destination Yarnton Road, Kidlington.

The Ground
I don't think Yarnton Road has changed that much since my last visit in October 2017 (has it really been that long?), a 3-0 League Cup defeat of Swindon Supermarine. There is plenty of cover, both seating and standing, with three stands in total, two on the Yarnton Road side and one behind the goal at the car park end. I've said it before but, if you haven't been to Kidlington, you should. It's a great ground to watch football.

The Background
This season has been a bit of a struggle for both sides. At the start of play, Wantage sat in the relegation spots two points above bottom side Colney Heath and six points from safety. Kidlington, seven points better off than their opponents, sat fourth from bottom. Both sides really needed three points from the game and both were coming into the game on the back of derby day defeats over Christmas. Wantage went down 1-0 at home to Didcot Town whilst Kidlington crashed to a 7-0 defeat at North Leigh.
This would be the seventh time I had seen Kidlington play, either at Yarnton Road or on their travels. In that time I have never seen them lose, winning five and drawing one. At Yarnton Road they have won every game I have witnessed so far. Good omens for the Greens (apologies in advance to Wantage). The list of previous games (click on them for the match blog):
Kidlington 3 Abingdon United 0
Brackley Town Saints 2 Kidlington 2
Thatcham Town 0 Kidlington 1 (possibly the decisive game in the campaign that saw The Greens gain promotion to Step 4)
Kidlington 3 Marlow 0
Kidlington 2 Royston Town 1
Kidlington 3 Swindon Supermarine 0

​The Game
The last game I went to in 2021 started with a bang, a penalty within the first minute. This one, whilst not quite as dramatic, wasn't too far off for incidents early on. Only two minutes into the game Kidlington came very close to scoring, stopped only by a superb one-handed tip over the bar from Joe Gorman in the Freds goal. A minute later they saw an effort come back off the post and within the first five minutes had a very big penalty shout when Luke Stokoe went over Gorman in the box. Nothing given but it could easily have been a spot kick. Then, for all Kidlington's opening dominance, it was only their keeper Harry Way who prevented them from going behind in the seventh minute. Breathless stuff to start the year.
The game settled a little after that opening mad 7 or 8 minutes, but was still an entertaining affair with the home side keeping their foot on the gas and looking the more likely to get a goal. This they duly did, but had to wait until the 23rd minute before they could celebrate. A left-wing corner caused some confusion in the Wantage box and Tom Griffiths was on hand to stab the ball over the line. 1-0. The Greens were well on top at this point and only another very good Gorman save on 36 minutes prevented them from extending their lead.

HT Kidlington 1 Wantage Town 0. Good half from The Greens. Wantage go into the break thankful to their keeper for three or four very good saves that kept them in the game.

​The big Freds stopper could do nothing after 54 minutes though, when Kidlington doubled their advantage. The damage was a gain caused by a corner. this time Wantage half-cleared the ball but it was immediately put back into the mix where substitute Harry Hoareau (who I last saw easing Pewsey Vale to a 5-0 win over Marlborough back in August - V For Vale) was on hand to apply the finishing touch. 2-0
I'll be honest, at this point I thought the game was done and dusted and, if they were true to themselves, I suggest Wantage fans may have felt them same. Although The Freds had never been completely out of the game, they had not done much to show that they could claw back a two goal deficit. Added to that, Kidlington looked comfortable on the ball and had everything under control at the back.
However, football is nothing if not unpredictable. Just past the hour mark Wantage got a goal back out of the blue. James Hammond latched onto a ball in the box and made no mistake. 2-1. Just like that the tables turned. Not only did Wantage gain strength from the goal but Kidlington looked like their confidence had been shot to pieces. Wantage were suddenly first to every ball. Every player wanted to get on the ball and panic seemed to set in at the back for Kidlington, hurried clearances just being picked off by Wantage players and more attacks being launched.
On 67 minutes there was a big let off for the home side. Way misjudged a long through ball, missing his kick, leaving a straight race between Tyriq Hunte and a Kidlington defender, who just did enough to make the big striker slightly off target with his effort. The ball came back off the foot of the post. Huge chance. However, it was only six more minutes before The Freds got themselves level and, to be fair, it had been coming as Shaquille Ishmael cut in from the left and slotted the ball past Way. 2-2
It was completely one way traffic now. Wantage looking for a winner, Kidlington hanging on for a point. Or so we thought but this game had plenty more in store for the 148 in attendance.
With seven minutes left on the clock Kidlington won a free-kick just inside the Wantage half and way out on the left flank. The ball was lofted into the box where Wantage stopper Joe Gorman came to collect amongst a throng of players from both sides. The ball seemed to slip through his fingers, bounced once and then rolled agonisingly (for Wantage) over the line. 3-2 (The goal was credited to Harry Whitehead although I thought it may well have been an own goal). Cue scenes from both sides. As the Kidlington players celebrated the Wantage players, especially keeper Gorman, were incensed, believing there was a foul on the keeper as he tried to catch the ball. Gorman's protest clearly went too far and the referee issued a second yellow to the Wantage stopper. After much confusion, involving an outfield player and the substitute goalkeeper stepping between the sticks, we were able to get on with the game.
To be fair to Wantage, even a player light, tried as best they could to take the game to Kidlington for the remaining few minutes but it was not to be for them.

FT Kidlington 3 Wantage Town 2. My 100% home record watching Kidlington continues. It's only a matter of time before they start to project a BotP logo into the night sky every time they are need of three points. On a serious note though, what a great game to watch as a neutral. Both sides gave it everything. Kidlington looked home and hosed after an hour but Wantage showed fantastic spirit to get themselves back into it. Next up for Kidlington is a tricky looking trip to high-flying AFC Dunstable. The Freds travel to another team in the top half, Thame United.
Best of luck to both teams for the remainder of the season.

Kidlington: Way, Griffith, Flanagan, Gilbert, Hercules, Creed, Mattimore, Markham(c), Knight, Whitehead, L. Stokoe. Subs: Creed,  Rogan, Hoareau
Wantage Town: Gorman, Quarterman, Horwood, Crosbie, Alexander(c), Hammond, Lodge, Scholes, Hunte, Pemberton, Ishmael. Subs: Zebroski, Novakovic, Keller, Wells, Fragata

Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 148
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: £1.50

It's that time of year again. As Christmas approaches and December draws to an end, time to reflect on the footballing side of 2021. It's been quite an odd one, with no football at all until April. However, despite not going to a game until almost a quarter of the year had passed by, I still managed to get to 48 games, which for me, is quite a lot in a calendar year. Many groundhoppers out there will be thinking it's a low number but, I don't see myself as a groundhopper. Yes, I like to see new grounds and watch different teams but I normally restrict myself to one game per week (this year was a little different) and the majority of those are Tuesday or Wednesday evening, meaning I am not going to be travelling a huge distance from Oxfordshire.
This year I thought I would change the end of year review a little. Listed below are all the games I went to and a link to the blog associated with that game (with the exception of 1 game where I didn't write a blog). Why not look for your favourite team and take a look?

There is one aspect of 2021 I would like to mention, however. The Cricklade Supreme Trophy & Shield (#CSTP21). This was a tournament organised by Cricklade Town (mainly their chairman Richard Austen and their then 1st team manager Craig Kent) to give 32 teams the opportunity to play some football. It was organised on a World Cup style group and knockout basis with the top two in each group going into the Trophy, the bottom two into the Shield, giving as much game time to each team as possible. I was lucky to get involved in a small way, providing a web site to keep track of scores and tables. I also managed to get to a number of games, meeting a number of people along the way and getting acquainted with some fantastic clubs. In addition to Richard and Craig, some special mentions for Jovial Monk, who I now follow on a weekly basis and write am ongoing season-long blog about (see below), Minety FC for my mug, Swindon AFC (who won the Shield) and Chesterton FC (who won the Trophy). Also, many thanks to "The only ref in Swindon" (I know he isn't), Andrew Lincoln, who always seemed to be around to supply team sheets before games. Top bloke and top referee. The #CSTP21 gave me a great opportunity to explore some real grassroots football and was an absolute saviour after months of sitting at home. I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone who participated, officiated, or watched #CSTP21 games, when I say a massive thank you to Cricklade Town, Richard and Craig.

Of the 48 games, 22 ended in home wins, 18 away wins and 8 draws (4 cup games decided on penalties). Not including penalties, 122 goals were scored by home teams and 105 by away teams. A total of 227 goals, 4.7 per game. The biggest home win was Stratton United's 8-0 victory over Kingswood Reserves in #CSTP21. Biggest away win, and highest aggregate score, was Wroxton Sports' 8-3 victory at Hardwick Sports in the Banbury District & Lord Jersey Premier League. The team I have seen play the most often is Swindon AFC, a total of four times, two wins and two defeats.

On the back of #CSTP21 I also got to know Swindon Sunday League side Jovial Monk. Just before the season began I suggested to their manager, Shaun Smith, that we should chronicle a season in Sunday League. This sparked a regular blog piece called A Sunday In Swindon. A list of episodes and links so far is also included at the bottom of this article.

2021 Games and Blog Links
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A Sunday In Swindon - The Story So Far
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Is it just me or does everyone else struggle to remember what day it is over the Christmas period? This feeling is not helped this year by the way it has fallen over a weekend meaning that the traditional Boxing Day fixtures have been effectively spread across 2 or 3 days. This Tuesday, 28th December, was an example. A local derby, a traditional Boxing Day fixture, but being played on a Tuesday afternoon (not even an evening kick off). Nevertheless, it was a good chance to get out and watch a game, especially as all my planned games on Monday were washed out. So, Totternhoe versus The 61FC it was then. Less than an hour's drive and a 2pm kick off. Perfect to get back home at a reasonable hour.

The Ground
Totternhoe play their home games at the Totternhoe Recreation Ground on the Eastern edge of the village heading towards Dunstable. There is a fair sized car park behind the club house and plenty of parking in the surrounding streets if necessary. The clubhouse block also incorporates the players and official's changing areas and is situated behind the Dunstable Road end goal. There is covered standing in front of the clubhouse block, known as the Jim Basterfield Stand, named after the Totternhoe legend who stepped down as Club Secretary in June 2020 after 60 years with the club. There are dugouts on the far side of the ground, which appear to be removeable and are put in place before each game. On the Dunstable Road side, where there is also a children's playground, and behind the far goal, the playing area is ring-fenced by a white post and bar barrier. The pitch has a slight slope back towards the car park end and, following the recent weather, was heavy but in better condition than I expected to see (especially as so many games had been postponed in the last couple of days).

The Background
This game was very much a local derby being only just over 5 miles apart. A little bit of research also showed that, effectively, the two grounds are on the same road, Dunstable Road.
Both of these clubs are founder members of the Spartan South Midlands Senior Division and, since the 2004-05 season, have both played in the same division every season, Division Two. Since that time, overall, it is Totternhoe who have the more consistent form having finished in the top half more often than not. However, it is The 61FC who can boast of winning the division, a feat achieved in the 2008-09 season (they also won Division 1 back in the 1980-81 season). Totternhoe have also won Division One, back in 1961-62
Looking back over recent results, Totternhoe certainly hold sway, without a defeat in the last nine league meetings going back to the 2015-16 season. During that period Totts have won seven times with two games ending in a stalemate. The most recent meeting, in the abandoned 2019-20 season, finished The 61FC 0 Totternhoe 2, although the visitors finished the game with 10 men after Dereece O'Callaghan was sent off.
Coming into the game Totternhoe sat in 45th spot, with 29 points from their 16 outings. The 61 were down in 13th spot with 12 points from their 17 games. However, last time out, they did manage a very good 2-1 victory over Risborough Rangers Dev. with goals from Temitayo Akerele and Elijah Babalola. Totternhoe also came into the game on the back of a 2-1 win, away at bottom side Tring Corinthians. This came on the back of consecutive defeats to high-flying Eynesbury United, 2-0 away and 2-1 at home.

The Game
This game started with an absolute bang. Only just over 30 seconds had gone when the visitors keeper was forced to race off his line in an attempt to get to a ball into the box first. He failed, catching the Totternhoe striker and sending him sprawling in the box. Penalty to Totternhoe but, luckily for the visitors, the ball was far enough wide of the goal to not be classed as preventing a clear goal scoring opportunity. Callum Horgan, who was himself to have a very interesting and mixed game, stepped up and slotted the ball home. 1-0
Almost immediately after the restart Totternhoe had the ball back again, breaking down the right. A searching ball into the penalty area found the rampaging left-back Riley Keeble who met it on the volley, stroking the ball just wide of the post. Two minutes later only the intervention of The 61's number 2, heading off the line, prevented Totternhoe from increasing their lead. The home side could easily have been three to the good within the opening 5 or 6 minutes. However, urged on by their captain, The 61 began to steady the ship and stemmed the flow of home attacks. So much so that, in the 12th minute, they were back on level terms. Aron Griffin rode a couple of challenges, burst into the box and slid the ball past Palmer to make it 1-1.
What a start to the game but, as so often happens, neither could sustain the end to end action. Maybe both sides wanted to steady themselves but the game did fizzle out a little with neither side able to gain the upper hand. 

HT Totternhoe 1 The 61FC 1. A blistering start from the home side but they ran out of ideas a little once the visitors woke up. The majority of the half was a fairly even contest on a pitch that started to cut up especially in the centre where most of the action took place.

​Totternhoe's start to the second half was not quite a rapid as their first half effort but it wasn't too far off. Five minutes had ticked by when Ryan Adams struck a wicked drive goalward which was just about kept out by a combination of the goalkeeper and the woodwork. However, the visitor's relief was short-lived when the corner was whipped in for an unmarked, stooping Matt Woolaway to head into the bottom corner. 2-1

​Totternhoe were forced to take Horgan out of the action quite early in the second half after he seemed to hold back a visiting player, preventing a break away. The referee showed some leniency in not showing a second yellow (even though he appeared to reach for his pocket at one point).
Just before the hour mark the 61 keeper was called into action again when a long ball evaded all defenders and ran into the path of Nic Palmer. His dipping drive was palmed away by the keeper, although it may have just been creeping wide anyway. Just past the hour mark it was the turn of Totternhoe keeper Tom Palmer to show his skills, stretching his frame well to tip over a looping effort that may well have just dropped in below the bar. Five minutes later the hosts increased their led and, once again, it was a corner form the left that did the damage. This time the ball was not cleared and captain Johnny Butler was on hand to swivel and fire a left-foot effort past the keeper. 3-1.
Inside the final 20 minutes Totternhoe produced the most fluid move of the game, two or three one-touch passes resulting in Woolaway bursting into the box and lifting the ball over the advancing keeper only to see his effort strike the upright and stay out. There was a moment of hesitation from both the keeper and covering defender before the keeper gratefully dropped on the loose ball before any attackers could react. If that move had resulted in a goal it would certainly have killed the game off. However, three minutes after almost going 4-1 down The 61 produced a good move of their own to pull one back. The ball eventually threaded through to Kaleem Lewis who slotted under the keeper calmly. 3-2

From that point onwards, The 61 threw everything they had at Totternhoe, despite not having any substitutes on the bench and the pitch being heavy, they gave it all they had. In the final minute they won a free-kick just outside the box to the right of the goal. Even their keeper was pushed up. Then all hell broke loose in the box. The home keeper made one close range save, the ball seemed to be scrambled off the line as it pinballed around with pretty much every player seemingly inside the 6 yard box. Finally the referee blew his whistle and signalled a free-kick awards for a foul on the home keeper and that was it. Game over.

FT Totternhoe 3 The 61FC 2. A very hard-earned three points for the home side but, as I said my tweet at the time, even the most hardened Totternhoe supporter must have been full of admiration for the way the visitors kept going today. They had no substitutes, went behind inside a minute, could easily have been 3 down after 6 minutes and then went 3-1 down with 20 minutes to go. A lot of teams would have crumbled but The 61 were still pushing for an equaliser in the very last seconds of the game. Impressive. Next  up for Totternhoe is another local derby as they welcome Pitstone & Ivinghoe  on Monday. It's a longer break for The 61 who don't have a game scheduled until the visit of Tring Corinthians on the 15th.

Note that a couple of the photos included in this blog were not taken by myself. They are the fine work of Leyah Maddix. You can see a selection of her other photos on Flickr (click to link to her albums) or follow her on Instagram: @maddxsp. Many thanks to Leyah for allowing me to use a couple of her shots on this blog.

Totternhoe: T.Palmer, Kent, Keeble, Loasby, Horgan, Butler(c), Taylor, Connolly, Woolaway, Capehorn, Adam. Suns: Alexander, N.Palmer, Beary
The 61FC: Akerele, Bintuuka, Debola, Griffin, Lewis, Boffah, Posso, Reinsford, Rourke, Sahif, Sharpe

Ground Number: 297
Att: 71
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

No game for my girl's team this Saturday so, after wrapping up the last of the Christmas shopping early on, I was given the green light from my wife and daughter to catch another game. Judging by the rise in infection, the number of games getting called off and the latest SAGE recommendations, it might be as well. It is looking as if we will get a break in play soon and, whisper it quietly, the prospect of yet another truncated season. So, after a quick look through The Football Traveller, I decided on a short journey West to the market town of Woodstock for the Hellenic Division Two North match-up between Woodstock Town and Chinnor.
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The Ground
New Road has long been on my list of grounds to visit but, being close to home, I have repeatedly kept it in reserve for a rainy day when travelling further afield was out of the question. Today was not that rainy but I did make my decision to go to a game quite late, so I needed a reasonably close ground and New Road fitted the bill perfectly. The ground is situated in the heart of the town, within walking distance of the town centre, not a million miles from Blenheim Palace and pretty much surrounded by residential areas. There is a car park at the ground along with some parking on grass just off the car park.

​However, I was quite late arriving and had to park on one of the surrounding roads, of which there are plenty to choose from. Adjacent to the car park on the New Road side of the ground, there is a clubhouse which also houses the changing areas just behind it. The clubhouse has a covered standing area attached to the front of it. opposite are the dugouts which back onto another, smaller pitch. The ground does not have floodlights, possibly due to the proximity of the residential areas, and this has been a problem to the club in the past, restricting them from promotion and then, a few years back when the ground requirements changed, earning them a demotion to Step 7, where they currently reside. Whilst I understand the need for minimum ground requirements, in this case it does seem to be a shame because the ground itself is of a decent standard. I was particularly impressed with the offer of a free mince pie to go with my pre-match cup of tea. A very nice touch at this time of year.

The Background
This was very much a mid-table clash. At the start of play Chinnor sat in sixth spot on 19 points from their 10 games. One place below them, on 17 points but having played three games more, were Woodstock. They met in the revers fixture on the opening day of the season with Woodstock coming back from Station Road with all three points after a 1-0 win. Woodstock finished the game with 10 men after Mason Horwood saw red, Ben Strong getting the winner. This remains Chinnor's only home league defeat of the season.
The visitors had been on a good run in the league. Since they lost 2-0 to Adderbury Park at the end of October, they had won four on the bounce scoring 23 and conceding 4. Conversely, Woodstock came into the game on the back of four consecutive defeats, two of which came against Buckingham Athletic Development, who two weeks ago rattled in eight at Stratford Fields.

​The Game
I managed to get sight of the Woodstock team sheet before kick off but didn't see the Chinnor sheet, so apologies that I only have shirt numbers. I will gladly edit if/when I have the names.
It was the visitors who started the better, getting their noses ahead as early as the fifth minute when Number 11 produced some good work down the left, getting to the by line and cutting get ball back. Number 9, bursting in to the box, drilled the ball emphatically past Gareth Walker to put Chinnor in front. 0-1
The goal clearly woke Woodstock up and they responded accordingly, pushing Chinnor backwards almost immediately. The equaliser did not take long to transpire either. Elliott Powell just about getting to the ball first to power a left-foot drive past the goalkeeper just as he was tackled. 1-1
It was now the turn of the home side to take the upper hand, moving the ball about well to create a few chances. Chinnor had something of a lucky escape on 16 minutes when what looked like a clear case of hand to ball was not punished by the officials. To be fair, I couldn't see if it was in or out of the area but it did look to be a clear handball from my vantage point. Eight minutes later the home side were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area and to the left of the goal as the looked at it. With the goalkeeper and defence expecting a ball towards the far post Jason Trinder went for goal, catching the keeper out and beating him at the near post. 2-1.
With the home side now in front and looking the more likely to get another goal, it really looked like it may be a long afternoon for Chinnor, especially when they conceded another free-kick just outside the box. This time, however, Trinder curled his effort just over the bar. Credit to Chinnor though, they steadied the ship somewhat and began to make a few inroads themselves. Four minutes before half-time it appeared they had been rewarded for their hard work and would go in level at the break. A pinpoint cross from Sam Tanner just eluded the covering defender but was perfect for Chinnor's Number 9 who gratefully nodded the ball home. 2-2
Maybe the visitors relaxed a little too soon, however, because they had hardly stopped celebrating when they were behind again. A ball threaded up the left flank was flicked on despite the home player being fouled from behind. The referee played advantage, allowing Harris Kilburn to run onto the loose ball, drive into the box and place a perfect shot into the far corner. 3-2

HT Woodstock Town 3 Chinnor 2. An entertaining half with both sides looking capable of grabbing more goals.

Both sides looked up for it at the start of the second half. The strangest thing about the second period was the fact that it took 17 minutes for us to get another goal. When it came it was yet another Chinnor equaliser. A free-kick from way out on the left was not cleared properly and Chinnor's Number 6 drilled the ball home from 10 yards. 3-3
Once again though Chinnor almost got caught cold after scoring. Only three minutes later they had their keeper to thank for keeping them level, making a good save with his feet when Powell looked odds-on to put Town back in front. At this point the game could have gone either way. Both sides looked capable of scoring and both looked capable of conceding. With fifteen left on the clock and piece of individual magic from Matheus Medeiros almost got the hosts in front. The midfielder weaved his way into the penalty area, leaving two or three defenders in his wake before unleashing a powerful drive from 8 yards which the visitor's keeper did brilliantly to block. I'm not sure he knew that much about it and may even have blocked it with his face, but it was one hell of a stop. The keeper needed a little treatment when play stopped, presumably from taking the full force of the shot. It was the start of 10 minutes of play that the visitor's keeper would be heavily involved in. Not too long after Medeiros had ben denied the same player  was on hand at the edge of the area to fire in a low, left-footed drive which this time did beat the keeper. 4-3.
​I'm not too sure what sparked the Chinnor complaints but, whatever it was, the keeper clearly went too far with his protestations and was sin-binned by the referee. Since  sin-binning was brought it, I have seen a few, but this was the first time I had seen a keeper dismissed and, in this case, it was as good as a dismissal because with under 10 minutes to go, the keeper was not going to get chance to re-join play. Consequently, Chinnor were down to 10 men and had an outfield player in goal for the final 7 minutes plus stoppage time.
Into injury time, with Chinnor trying to push up for an equaliser, they made the mistake of leaving Marcello Guilherme unmarked inside the box and substitute punished them by sliding home the fifth goal from close range. 5-3

FT Woodstock Town 5 Chinnor 3. A good game for a neutral to enjoy. Plenty of incident, eight goals, quite a few comments flying backwards and forwards between locals and rival players and a few contentious refereeing decisions to fuel the unrest. Quality entertainment with no entry fee. You really can't knock it. No games for wother side over Christmas but they will both, hopefully, resume on January 8th, both with away games. Woodstock at second-bottom Long Crendon Reserves and Chinnor back in Oxfordshire to face Heyford Athletic, who are just above both Chinnor and Woodstock in fifth spot.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all at both Woodstock Town and Chinnor FC.

Woodstock Town: Gareth Walker, Trinder, Parsons, Mays(c), Dawson, Cavalcante, Medeiros, Kilburn, Powell, Carlisle, Morton. Subs: Basham, Horwood, George Walker, Guilherme


Ground Number: 296
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A