​This Sunday's chosen live game always looked like it would be tight and it certainly proved to be the case. At the start of play hosts Wallingford and Crowmarsh sat in fifth spot with nine points from their four games. Flackwell Heath sat one place above  but only on goal difference. Their tally of +6 being four better than their hosts. The visitors had not scored fewer than four goals in a game all season, notching up a total of 16 goals but also conceding 10. Walling ford, meanwhile, had scored exactly half as many but had only conceded six times in their four games. To make things more interesting, Wallingford had a 100% home record and Flackwell a 100% away record, so something had to give this afternoon.

To be honest, I knew very little about the home side before today's game apart  from the fact that seven of their goals this season had come from a combination of Megan Osborne (2) and Sadie Timbs (5). I was, however, a little more familiar with Flackwell Heath's goalscoring duet. Prior to kick-off eleven of their goals had come from former Denham United striker, Pia Davis (6) and ex Penn & Tylers Green and Beaconsfield Town forward, Henna Hussain (5)

​The game swung from end to end early on, but it was the home side who got the first couple of strikes on target, both from captain Edit Garrett. Neither troubled Rebecca Tobin too much, but it was a sign of intent. At the other end, although not stressing our Mia Caulcrick quite yet, the pace of Pia Davis down the left wing, was causing some concerns for Wallingford.

Megan Osborne than had a golden chance to open the scoring, through on the left of the box, but couldn't shape her effort into the opposite corner, with Tobin beaten. Just past the quarter hour the hoem side came within inches of going in front when Eleanora LA Gumina's freekick took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Tobin but coming back off the foot of the post.

Garrett then had another shot well held by Tobin before, just about at the midway point, the visitors took the lead slightly against the run of play. A ball through the heart of the home defence allowed Pia Davis to use her pace to run clear before calmly slipping the ball past an advancing goalkeeper. 0-1
Wally's response was another effort from Garrett, this time flying narrowly wide of the post, as Wallingford looked to get back on level terms. They continued to look the more likely to score, but were always under the threat of a Heathens breakaway, such as in the 41st minute, when Davis came within a few inches of dipping one over Caulcrick.

However, a minute after that the home side did finally draw level when Megan Osborne got the ball out wide on the left, cut inside her marker into the box and fired the ball low and hard into the far corner. 1-1

HT Wallingford & Crowmarsh 1 Flackwell Heath 1. Two evenly matched sides giving it everything. The home side generated the better chances, but were always under threat from the Heathens front-line, particularly the pace of Pia Davis.

​Wallingford, and in particular Megan Osborne, boosted by the late equaliser, came flying out of the traps in the second half. Osborne led the charge, getting the first strike of the half in after just three minutes. A minute later the same player got past her marker on the right and sent over a searching cross that only narrowly evaded the run of Sadie Timbs coming in at the far post.
The home side continued to hold the upper hand in the second half, restricting Flackwell Heath to just a few limited attacks.

Just past the hour mark a ball in behind the Heathens defence allowed Osborne to use her pace, latching onto the ball on the right-hand edge of the area, she took it around the onrushing Tobin and looked odds-on to score before a brilliant piece of defending from Lydia Frost, who never gave up the chase and managed to poke the ball out for a corner from almost on the goal-line.

The clear-cut goal attempts dried up for a short while but both teams were still looking to grab a winner. There was no chance either was going to sit back and hold onto a point. The breathless style of the game was epitomised in the 76th minute when Pia Davis tried her luck but saw her shot saved. The ball was immediately launched forward by Wallingford for Osborne to test Tobin with a good effort. End to end attacking football. Great entertainment.

Flackwell substitute Shona Reid -Evans was next to threaten, sending an effort flashing across the face of the home goal and only inches past the post. The final goalmouth action, however, came courtesy of another dangerous break from Megan Osborne. This time the nippy number 14 skipped past a marker on the right and sent over a low hard cross that caused chaos inside the Heath 6-yard box but, despite the presence of a least one home forward, no-one was able to get the ball over the line and, eventually, Flackwell Heath cleared their lines.

FT Wallingford & Crowmarsh 1 Flackwell Heath 1. What a superb game of football. Thoroughly entertaining and a joy to watch. Great efforts by both teams, who went at it for the full 90 minutes. For Flackwell Heath the pace of Pia Davis was a constant threat. Wallingford's Megan Osborne tormented the visitor's defence for the entire game. However, these two strikers were very ably backed up by their entire teams, who all put a serious shift in.
The result, one of only two games played in the division this weekend, sees both teams move up a place, The Heathens to third and Wally into fourth.
Next weekend is county cup time with both of these teams on the road. Wallingford make the long journey to Bletchley to face Northamptonshire Women and Girl's League side MK Irish. Flackwell Heath make the short journey over the M40 to take on Dev East side Burnham Juniors.

Wallingford & Crowmarsh (Squad): Bullock, Caulcrick, Clarke, La Gumina, Loveridge, Osborne, Rourke, Silkstone, Garrett(c), Taylor, Timbs, Marks, Norton, Wood
Flackwell Heath (Squad): Copping, Davis, Flint, Fulton, Hussain, Hyde, Jackson, McKenzie(c), Mead, Taylor, Tobin, Bashir, McNally, Reid-Evans, Shaw

Despite the engagement on the last blog being underwhelming to say the least, I thought I'd plug away in the hope that I could gain some traction. This latest edition sees a return to the format used with the weekly Southern Region blog, that proved to be fairly popular. So, let's see what happens. As always, feedback and contributions are welcomed. 

Barton United 5-0 Ashridge Park
United got back to winning ways in some style, putting five past an Ashridge side still looking for their first win. Two goals from Jeska Southey took her tally to three for the season. Jessica Exell and Anaya Grey both scored their second of the season with former Kidlington player, Isabelle Thacker, also on the scoresheet.

Caversham United 3-4 Flackwell Heath
The Goats once again let a lead slip as they fell to their fourth defeat of the season. A great result for the visitors, who came from 2-0 down and 3-1 down to win it in added time. Two Stephanie Golding strikes saw United a two goal lead within 30 minutes. Former Denham United striker Pia Davis pulled one back just after half-time, only for Anubhuti Vancheeswar to restore the two goal advantage. Henna Hussain then struck to reduce the deficit with Josephine Taylor levelling the scores with 12 minutes to go. Former Ram, Hussain was on the mark again, deep into added time, to sink the Goats and secure three points for Heath,

Eversley & California P-P Easington Sports

Milton Keynes Dons Development 3-0 Wallingford & Crowmarsh
Dons retained their place at the top of the table with a 3-0 defeat of Wallingford, who dropped their first points of the season. A brace from Lucy Eustace made it six from five games this season. Miruna Badelita notched for the first time.

Ruslip Rangers 1-6 Windsor & Eton
The Royalists made it four wins from four, and stayed hot on the tails of MK Dons, with a comprehensive defeat of bottom side Ruislip. A double from top-scorer Lucy Casey, making it seven in four games for the former Ram, helped them on their way. Hannah Hester also scored twice with Mollie Jardella and Sophie Cheadle adding to the tally. Jaeda Denton-Reid hit the consolation for Rangers, who remain rooted the foot of the table.

Caversham United v Windsor & Eton
Windsor & Eton, currently second on goal difference, travel to Mapeldurham defending a 100% record after four games. Eighth placed Caversham, who have taken the lead in their last couple of games but failed to capitalise, are still looking for their first three-pointer. This will be the second meeting this season. The Royalists won 4-1 at Stag Meadow, with four different players on the scoresheet.
Mapeldurham Playing Fields, RG4 7BX

Ruislip Rangers v MK Dons Development
A classic bottom versus top encounter. The Dons lead the way on goal difference, but have played one more game than second placed Windsor & Eton. They'll be keen to stay ahead of their rivals with a win at Kings College. Meanwhile, Ruislip have lost all four of their outings so far. They have, however, scored in every game so can take some encouragement in the fact they have the means to break teams down.
Kings College Playing Fields, HA4 7JZ

Wallingford & Crowmarsh v Flackwell Heath
These two are locked together in mid-table, with just Flackwell's superior goal difference between them. Interestingly, something has to give in this game. Wallingford have a 100% home record, Flackwell have a 100% away record. This one could go either way.
Hithercroft Sports Park, OX10 9EB

Testing out a potential weekly blog featuring Division One of the Thames Valley Counties Women's Football League. Depending upon the feedback and engagement, this could become a regular feature and may even expand to other divisions within the league.
Starting with a very basic format, but if there is an appetite, future editions will begin to get more visually pleasing and more detailed (time permitting).

BotP Match Blog Link - Four Keepers

All games this weekend are league fixtures and kick-off at 14:00

Both teams lost last weekend. Barton going down 2-1 at Eversley & California. Ashridge losing at Windsor & Eton (Four Keepers). They've already met at Cantley Park, in the first game of the season, when goals from former Abingdon United Development trio Jessica Exell, Iva Georgievska and Anaya Grey, plus one from Elanor Wye, saw United cruise to a 4-0 victory. Barton did the double over Ashridge last season without conceding a goal.
Barton Pavilion, OX3 0FR

The Goats are still looking for their first win of the season after four games. Newly promoted Flackwell Heath have won two of their opening three, but were beaten 6-0 at home by MK Dons Development last Sunday. This will be Caversham's first game at home this season in any competition.
Mapeldurham Playing Fields, RG4 7BX

Both teams had good wins at the weekend. Easington notched their first three-pointer since promotion from Div. 2 North, with a 5-1 defeat of Ruislip. The Boars beat previously unbeaten Barton United 2-1.
Eversley Sports Association, RG27 0NS
​

Wallingford & Crowmarsh are one of two teams with a 100% record, but a trip to the league leaders will be a tough test of their credentials, especially as MK have scored 12 and conceded zero at home so far.
Fairfields Sports Hub, MK11 4BA
​

The league's other 100% team, Windsor and Eton, make the trip East to visit bottom side Ruislip Rangers. A tough test for Rangers against a defence that has only conceded one in three games, and showed at the weekend just what a tough nut they are to crack (Four Keepers). It's early days, but Ruislip will want to get points on the board sooner rather than later.
Kings College Playing Fields, HA4 7JZ

The idea behind this blog is to help raise the profile of games with a view to bringing more people to the matches. I am aware that some of the X tags are incorrect or unused. Posting on X, FB and Insta to, hopefully, catch everyone.
Please leave a comment to indicate if you think this would or wouldn't be a useful weekly article.

​The last couple of weeks have been a bit strained at BotP towers. Lack of engagement, the state of the X platform, no weekly newsletter blog and, just to add to that, the fourth anniversary of my Dad's passing coming up, meant that it felt like my football mojo had gone. However, football was always a massive part of my relationship with my Dad, and with Sunday being the actual anniversary of his death, it seemed like a good enough reason to get myself back out to a game. A couple of weeks ago I had planned to re-visit Stag Meadow, home of Windsor & Eton, but a late call-up to the U23s for my daughter shot that one down. What better place to visit this week then? 
Windsor were at home to Ashridge Park (another club I've been meaning to visit for some time) in a Thames Valley Division One clash.
The Royalists started the day in third spot as one of five teams on six points, and one of four who had a 100% record, the exception being leaders MK Dons Development, who had secured six points from three games and led the way on goal difference. Ashridge began the day still looking for their first win, having drawn one and lost two of their opening three matches. Windsor were promoted from Division Two South last season, topping the table and holding off Flackwell Heath, who also went up, by a point. Ashridge had finished the season in seventh spot, clear of trouble but a fair distance off the top half.
Many thanks to Ashridge Park manager Bryn Anderson and Windsor's manager Cathy Corr, for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. As always, very much appreciated. It was very interesting to see how many names on the Windsor team sheet were recognisable from my days covering the Southern Region League. I counted at least five former Woodley and Beaconsfield players in the starting line-up.

​There was a prolonged stoppage very early on in this game when Windows goalkeeper Lisa Phillips and Ashridge strike Lauren Broadhurst collided whilst challenging for a cross. It looked and sounded very nasty, leaving both players down. Phillips was soon back on her feet, but it took a little longer for Broadhurst to recover before, thankfully, both were able to continue.
Whilst Windsor began to establish some level of control over the game, it took until the midway point for them to seriously begin to put pressure on the Ashridge goalkeeper, Isabelle Ferguson. when they did, through Mollie Jardella's run and Lucy Casey's shot, Ferguson was equal to the challenge.
A minute later, as the home side stepped up the pace, Ferguson was beaten but captain Chloe Barton came to the rescue, clearing Lucy Casey's effort off the line. However, the relief was short-lived. When the resulting corner came over, the ball looped up toward the back post. Ferguson looked to have it covered, but spilled it. Kate Hudson reacted quickest, to stab the ball over the line. 1-0
The hosts were now well in the ascendancy and just before the half-hour Ferguson was again called into action, making a good save from Lucy Casey again. Lucy Thomson lifted the loose ball over the bar. Two minutes later, the bust Ferguson saved the day once more, this time from Emily Wilson.
Just the other side of the half-hour, Ashridge produced their best phase of play since the opening couple of minutes. Angelina Gokhool and Lauren Broadhurst closed the home defence down well, creating a shooting opportunity for Molly Brookes, who saw her effort fly wide of the mark. Encouraging signs for the visitors though.
Windsor's response was another Casey break down the right, but once again Ferguson was equal to the effort, blocking the strike with her feet. Once more, though, relief was short-lived when Lucy Casey was sent clear just a minute later. This time producing a composed finish that gave Ferguson no chance. 2-0
That was the end of the first half scoring, although Ashridge did manage to get in the final say in added time when Alex Clements shrugged off a couple of challenges and let fly, only for a slight deflection to take the sting out of it and make life easy for Phillips.

HT Windsor & Eton 2 Ashridge Park 0. A fairly comfortable half for the hosts who could be more than two up. Ashridge battling hard but struggling to find a way past an organised and experienced home defence

​The first goalkeeper change came at the break with Isabelle Ferguson, who had received treatment at one point in the first half, leaving the field to be replaced by number 27 (Amelia Hughes?)

After having the last effort of the first half, Alex Clements picked up where she left off, causing problems for the home defence with a freekick that was eventually cleared by Windsor. The danger was not over through and shortly afterwards, Molly Brookes broke clear, just beat Phillips to the through ball and was very unlucky to see her shot crash back off the bar. It was a good start from the visitors that maybe deserved a goal back. However, as so often happens, they were then caught by an immediate sucker punch. Jacqui Hanson broke clear on the right flank, drove at goal and calmly slotted home to make it 3-0.
That signalled more dominance from the hosts. Kate Hudson almost stabbed in a fourth when a corner wasn't cleared and Mollie Jardella almost shaped a an effort into the far corner after being put through on the left. The winger, however, only had five more minutes to wat before claiming a goal, sending the ball over the keeper from out on the edge of the box with a little help from the wind. It may have been a cross. It may well have been a shot. It was hard to say, but either way it was a goal. 4-0
Just past the hour mark, Lucy Casey grabbed her second when sent clear of the defence, making no mistake with the finish. 5-0. To be fair to Ashridge Park, they continued to play and didn't let their heads drop. Clements was again a little unfortunate two minutes later when clean through. Only a good stop from Lisa Phillips prevented a consolation.
With 15 minutes remaining, Lucy Casey claimed her hat-trick, using the conditions to bend a left-wing corner over everyone into the far corner of the net. 6-0.
The points already in the bag, Windsor added to Park's woes with five minutes left when Jacqui Hanson was sent clear again, slotting home to make it 7-0. By this time, Windsor had also changed their goalkeeper, replacing Phillips with Tegan Bates. The replacement stopper got in on the act herself, making a good stop to retain the home side's clean sheet before, on the stroke of full-time, Windsor added their eighth. A corner from the right this time caused the problems. When the ball was not cleared, it popped up at the far post where Jacqui Hanson was on hand to nod home and also claim a hat-trick. 8-0

FT Windsor & Eton 8 Ashridge Park 0. A resounding victory for Windsor & Eton, who rating their 100% record and climb into second place behind MK Dons Development, with a game in hand. Ashridge Park continue to look for their first league victory of the season. Despite the score line, they never let their heads drop and, as neutral, it would have been good to see them get a consolation goal.
Next weekend, Ashridge are on their travels again as they visit mid-table Barton United. Windsor & Eton travel to bottom side Ruislip Rangers.
Thanks to both teams for providing a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of football. It's been a while since I last watched a Thames Valley Counties Women's game, but I need to get to more in the future. Look out for a preview of next week's fixtures, coming later this week.

Windsor & Eton: 1.Phillips, 4.Hester, 6.Martin, 12.Harrop, 23.Gooch, 2.Wilson, 24.Taylor, 20.Thomson(c), 7.Casey, 11.Jardella, 10.Hudson. Subs: 15.Lance, 3.Davenport, GK. Bates, 17.Hanson
Ashridge Park: 5.Ferguson, 2.Barton(c), 12.Sloan, 24.Fenn, 14.Stewart, 18.Thomas, 6.Brookes, 10.Broadhurst, 8.Gokhool, 5.Hopkins, 4.Clements. Subs: 16.Youldon, 9.Nicholls, 5.Hughes

Ground No.: Re-visit
Attendance: 
Entrance: 
Programme: N/A

This Saturday I still had not decided which game to go to as late as 2pm. My daughter's game was a late kick-off, meaning I didn't leave Wantage Town's ground until after 1.30pm. I had several post codes in my Sat Nav and quickly selected each in turn as I set off. Bishops Waltham was immediately a no-go, presumably some traffic issues meaning I wouldn't get there until after half-time. Brislington was a possibility, but that was also going to be a close shave and any additional traffic would mean missing kick-off. Not to worry, I also had the choice of Calne Town v Highworth Town or Malmesbury Victoria v Portishead Town, both of which were very tempting. Ultimately, I decided to make a re-visit to The Flying Monk Ground, which I last visited in August 2017 (Flying Visit).
Today's FA Vase clash pitched the home side, currently 15th in the Hellenic Premier, against Portishead Town, who sit eighth, and unbeaten, in the Western Premier.
Portishead made the 4th Round of the competition in their last venture, eventually going out to AFC Stoneham who went on to win the trophy last season. Malmesbury's best run came in the 1976-77 campaign where they eventually fell at Round 3, 2-1 at home to Hungerford Town. For two seasons around a decade ago, the teams were both in Division 1 of the Western League. Malmesbury won three out of the four league encounters. However, Portishead did win at The Flying Monk the last time they met in the league here, back in August 2017 (10 days before my last visit).
Thanks to both teams for posting their team line-ups, including shirt numbers, on social media, which saved me from tracking down the referee for access to the teams sheets.

​The opening encounters were fairly even. Bexon-Shaw headed just over for Malmesbury and Ethan Feltham's acrobatic effort for Portishead went well over the bar. Dan Dodimead's superb cross, a minute later, was inches from finding Feltham at the far post, and only an excellent piece of defensive covering took the ball off his foot.
Mitchell Osmond then sent a header just wide and Charlie Warren volleyed over from the edge of the box, as the teams traded opportunities. The visitors, however, were beginning too gain the edge in terms of possession and looked the more likely to open the scoring.
That changed in the 25th minute when Vics captain LJ Bexon-Shaw and Town defender Harvey Tierney chased a ball played into the edge of the visitors penalty area. There was a coming together from which the referee immediately pointed to the spot. It was a soft one by any standards. The home captain didn't argue though, dusting himself off to slam the spot-kick past James Walker. 1-0.
The penalty decision and going a goal down seemed to really throw Portishead off their game. Suddenly it was the hosts who looked confident. Town did try to respond. Jack Thorne curled an effort from the edge of the box, giving Harry Pickering to make a flying save to his right, and Josh Jenkins flashed a drive across the face of goal. However, it was Malmesbury who began to look the more likely to score again.
Kameran Muhid produced a deft lift over the defence to send Bexon-Shaw on his way again. This time the striker could only send his effort over the bar. Then, with half-time approaching, Muhid showed some very nifty footwork to weave in the box and send a shot towards the far corner, only for Walker to get a crucial fingertip to the strike sending it out for a corner.
The home side's renewed confidence was summed up by the last attempt of the half, Kassa Anderson attempting to lob Walker from the halfway line, only to put the effort well wide of the target.

HT Malmesbury Victoria 1 Portishead Town 0. The half changed with the penalty decision. Not only did it give the host the lead, but it appeared to get into the heads of the visitors, who visibly wilted after going behind.
Good to have a chat with a former Vics player over half-time and the second half. Stupidly, I didn't ask his name. Nice chap though.

If Malmesbury thought they had seen off the Portishead challenge, they were given a massive shock in the opening few minutes of the second half. Two minutes in, a Town raid down the left culminate din a deep cross to the back post where Ethan Feltham was running in to volley past Pickering. 1-1. If that was not enough, a minute later the visitors were in front. A driven ball into the heart of the penalty area, which may already have been on its way in, got the feintest of touches from Jack Thorne to ensure Pickering had no chance. 1-2
Malmesbury's response was to earn a freekick on the left hand edge of the penalty area. With players gathering at the far post for a cross, Jordan Murray went for a crafty attempt at the near post, matched by a flying save from Walker.
Things then got even harder for Victoria when they were reduced to ten players. An off the ball incident led to a melee involving most of the players from both sides. It was hard to see exactly what happened, but the outcome was Sam Francis leaving for an early bath.
Portishead obviously smelled blood now, and set about securing the win. Jack Thorne headed just over and Jamie Adams drew a superb, point-blank, save from Pickering before substitute Owen Humphries sent an effort skimming over the home crossbar.
Just about on the midway point of the second half, Humphries then broke down the Posset left before drilling over a low cross that beat both forward and defender on the near post before finding Ethan Feltham at the back, who fires past Pickering to make it 1-3.
The visitors were now well and truly in the hat for the next round, it was just a case of how many more they would score. Pickering, who was having a very good game, came to the home side's rescue again on 76 minutes, blocking well from Jaden Neale's stinging drive. With ten minutes to go, Thorne's good work on the left created what looked like a tap-in for Egan, but somehow the Posset captain couldn't put it away. However, from the resulting corner, the ball finally dropped into the path of Jamie Adams, who took a touch to control and then slotted into the empty net. 1-4
Harry Sealey sent a token effort not too far wide of the Town goal before Portishead substitute, Rio Fitton, somehow shot wide from 6 yards. That should have made it five to Town and they did eventually reach that target in the second minute of added time when Owen Humphries drove down the left and sent a low strike past Pickering. 1-5

FT Malmesbury Victoria 1 Portishead Town 5. The quickfire double at the start of the second half, combined with the red card les than ten minutes later, effectively sealed the game. Portishead deservedly go into the hat for the next round. Malmesbury had their moments too and, if they'd gone in more than one in front at half-time, this could have been a very different game.
Next up, on Tuesday evening, The Vics travel to high-flying Thornbury Town, who currently sit in fourth spot, just a point off the league leaders. Posset have no midweek game. They entertain 15th placed Torpoint Athletic on Saturday.

Malmesbury Victoria: 1.Pickering, 22.Sykes, 2.Kick, 4.Jackson, 3.E.Bexon-Shaw, 8.Francis, 6.Warren, 16.Murray, 7.Muhid, 9.LJ.Bexon-Shaw(c), 5.Anderson. Subs: 18.Sealey, 11.Cox, 19.Timberlake, 20.Costello, 23.Rees
Portishead Town: 1.Walker, 2.Tierney, 4.Adams, 6.Woodhouse, 3.Robbins, 8.Osmond, 10.Egan(c), 7.Jenkins, 9.Feltham, 11.Thorne, 17.Dodimead. Subs: 12.Fitton, 14.Neale, 16.Coumbe, 19.Humphries, 20.Eastwood


Ground No.: Re-visit
Attendance: 73
Entrance: £7
Programme: N/A

​This Sunday I made the short trip south for the second game on the road to Wembley and the Women's FA Cup Final. After watching Kidlington beat Salisbury 6-1 at Yarnton Road a couple of weeks ago, the Greens were drawn away to Penn & Tylers Green on the 1st Qualifying round.
Having played in the same division for the past few years, these two sides are quite familiar foes. However, there's a twist. This Penn side bears no resemblance to the team that played their last game of the 2025/26 season. In fact, as far as I could see there's not a single player left from that finished as runners-up in last season's Division One North.
Penn saw off Finchampstead at this stage of last season's FA Cup run, before going out at Sutton United in the second qualifying round. Kidlington lost at home to Ashridge Park at this stage last season.
This would be Penn's first competitive outing of the new term, so with little idea of how their new look team would perform, there was no real guide to the probably outcome of the game.
Thanks to the match officials for allowing me access to the team sheets before kick-off. Although, it has to be said that Penn's shiny gold numbers on their new kit, were very difficult to make out from distance, especially with the glare of the sun on them. So, forgive me if I get have got some of the names confused (I know I did whilst posting during the game). I'll correct any mistakes that are pointed out.

​Promisingly, both sides looked very lively in the opening encounters and it appeared that both were here to attack.
We also did not have to wait too long for the first goal. Seven minutes to be exact, and it was the home team who took the early initiative. Emily Murphy parried a stinging shot from Maisie Williams, only for the ball to drop invitingly for Lucy Chappell, who made no mistake. 1-0
At this point there was no pointer towards the avalanche of goals that was heading our way. Kidlington took the early setback on the chin and immediately looked to get themselves back into the game. However, their build-up lacked an urgency and fluidity. This was not the case for Penn, who were growing into the game and realizing that they had the pace up front to cause big problems for The Greens. Kidlington countered this threat by deploying Emily Murphy as a sweeper keeper. This worked to a certain extent, with a couple of through balls being slightly overhit and cleared comfortably by the keeper.
Eighteen minutes in, however, the home side doubled their advantage. Maisie Williams smashed a shot off the foot of Murphy's right-hand upright, and there was Lucy Chappell, on the spot again, to tuck away the rebound. 2-0
Kidlington's response was a neat piece of interplay between Courtney Sumner and Julia Rushmere, which led to Beth Hawtin getting a sight of goal. Although her strike flew over the bar, it was much better form The Greens and showed that they could pose a threat. Their encouragement was fairly short-lived though. Just before the half-hour mark Penn made it three and, once again, it was the pace of their forwards that created the goal. Williams beat her marker and drove up the right before sending over a cross for Lucy Chappell to smash home from close range. 3-0
Three rapidly became four, and it was more of the same woe for the visitors. This time it was Tori Drew's pace that caught them out, the winger racing onto a through ball, beating the onrushing Murphy and slotting into an empty net. 4-0
Half an hour in and, in all honesty, the tie was in the bag for Penn. Kidlington did try to respond again with Sumner setting up Amy Busby, but her shot was straight at Lyndsey Hagger in the home goal.
Penn had well and truly found the key to unlocking Kidlington's defence and, with ten minutes of the first half remaining, they added to their tally. A simple ball through the middle this time, finding Jessie Toulson who calmly slotted past Murphy for 5-0.
Again Kidlington tried to find a response, with Julia Rushmere getting off a shot that didn't unduly trouble Hagger, but it was a token piece of resistance in all honesty and, two minutes later they found themselves a half dozen behind. A corner from the right wasn't cleared and there was centre-half Phoebe Williams to drill the ball into the corner of the net. 6-0
There was still enough time for Emily Murphy to make two very good stops from Tori Drew, before the referee blew foe the end of the half.

HT Penn & Tylers Green 6 Kidlington 0. A devastating half from the home side who were just way too pacy for the Kidlington back-line to handle. It was going to be a case of damage limitation for Kidlington in the second half. Penn were as good as in the hat for the next round.

​The Penn team and the officials were back out way before The Greens who, presumably, were having some frank discussions about their first half display and what they could do to counteract the threat in the second half.
However, if they thought that Penn may ease off a little, Tori Drew disproved that theory within the first couple of minutes after the restart, bursting down the left, leaving her marker in her wake and sending a curling effort around Murphy that only just went wide of the far post.
Kidlington, however, were clearly determined to put up more of a fight in the second half. Just over ten minutes in they were awarded a penalty after Amy Busby was tripped in the area. Beth Hawtin took the responsibility from the spot, coolly slotting past Hagger. 6-1
The response from Penn was almost immediate. Once again the pace of Tori Drew was pivotal as the winger latched onto a superb defence splitting pass before flashing a ball across the face of goal. Recently introduced substitute, Lexi Reid made contact but could only steer the ball off the outside of the post and out for a goal-kick. Reid almost made amends a few minutes later, receiving the ball on the edge of the area and driving across the area only to see her effort cleared off the line.  
Another substitute, Kidlington's Eloise Beauchamp then fizzed a shot across the face of Hagger's goal as the visitors looked to make the score line more respectable.
However, with juts under 15 minutes remaining, it was third time lucky for Lexi Reid. Once again the goal was created by the pace and trickery of Tori Drew, this time breaking down the right flank. Her low, driven cross was met by Reid, and this time she made no mistake. 7-1
Drew was now running riot on the right flank for Penn. Two minutes after creating the seventh, she just about got to a through ball on the right before the onrushing Murphy, who was once again called into a sweeper role. Drew struck her effort first time and was unlucky to see it drift just wide of the far post. Two more minutes passed before Drew was causing more Mayhem, getting in on the right again and forcing a good save from Murphy from a tight angle. Kidlington must have been glad to see the back of her as she was substituted to rousing applause from the home crowd.
Credit to Kidlington that the final three attempts at goal all came from them, despite the fact that they were already well beaten. Abi Haynes, on as substitute, tried a long range volley that bounced in front of Hagger, causing the keeper to push the ball over with a little help from the woodwork. Beauchamp went close again, sending another effort narrowly wide and then, in the final minute, Liv Ward sent an absolute screamer whizzing inches over Hagger's bar from 30 yards out.

FT Penn & Tylers Green 7 Kidlington 1. A much better performance form Kidlington in the second half, but the damage had been done inside the opening half an hour or so. Penn's new look team certainly laid down a marker for their forthcoming season. On this showing, their pace and skill, especially on the wings, is going to cause a lot of problems for teams this season.
Next up for both teams is an opening league game next Saturday. Penn welcome local rivals Chesham United Development to French School Meadow whilst Kidlington host newcomers Finchampstead at Yarnton Road.

Penn's reward for their victory is an away tie at Oxford City on Sunday September 20th. See you there.

​This Saturday, after watching my daughter's eventful first match of the season, I decided to keep things local. Having put out an X poll to decide the venue, King's Sutton v Oxford Blackbirds just edged out Chadlington v Hanborough. So, Oxfordshire Senior League Division Two it was. One of the reasons that I had interest in this game was down to knowing very little about the away side, Oxford Blackbirds. I'd come across their youth teams before. In fact, I'd coached my daughter's team against them a few times. I had no idea that they had a senior men's team though. I still can't find any history of the men's team. They did not appear I the Oxfordshire league last season, but have now popped up in Division Two. Maybe someone will see this and reply with a potted history?
One thing for certain, this was their first game of the season, but for King's Sutton, it would be their second outing, having lost 1-0 at home to Chesterton last weekend. Last season, Kings' Sutton played in the Premier Division of the Banbury District & Lord Jersey League, finishing as runners-up to Hook Norton. A repeat of their league position the previous season too.
Thanks to the Blackbirds' coach for letting me take a photo of the team sheets prior to kick-off.

​Having no real insight into Oxford Blackbirds, I obviously have no knowledge of their situation or why they only had the bare eleven and gave the impression, to the neutral observer, that they had been thrown together at the last minute. Compare and contrast the King's Sutton team, going through their pre-match routines in their warm-up shirts, rather than their match shirts.
Having said that, when the game kicked off, Blackbirds launched the ball forward and won themselves a corner within the opening few seconds. Nothing came from it and, to be honest, it ended up being the brightest spot of the first half for them.
Pretty soon, King's Sutton began to take control of the game. Tom Clarke got off the first strike in anger in the fourth minute, although it was well wide of the target. A minute later Sam Thomason saw his effort deflect up in the air and fall into the arms of Liam Hillis in the visitor's goal.
Just before the ten minute mark, however, the home side took the lead after Kelan McConnon's header was deflected for a corner. Clarke delivered the dead ball into a dangerous area and Dan Scarlett did the rest, bundling the ball over the line. 1-0
The home side's dominance continued. Joel Humphrey saw another effort deflected wide and Josh Brooker whistled a drive just over the bar from the edge of the box. Then, just past the midway stage, Sutton  were awarded a penalty which was tucked away by Tom Clarke for 2-0 and, three minutes later, it was three. McConnon did well up the left, got past his man and drilled a low cross over, which was unfortunately turned into his own net by Rasool Aminu. 3-0
Just past the half-hour, Clarke delivered a peach of a cross for Humphrey who couldn't keep the finish down.
Closing in on the half-time whistle, Blackbirds did manage to win a free kick on the edge of the box. Oresti Mane took it, but wasn't able to trouble Carl Clay.
The visitors were temporarily reduced to 10-men after Tinashe Murombedzi took a knock to the head and needed to sit out for a while. However, with half-time on the horizon, they managed to hold the home side at bay. In fact, Oxford had possibly their best moment of the half in added time when Alfie Parsons flew down the left wing and drove towards goal before seeing his effort deflected for a corner.

HT Kings Sutton 3 Oxford Blackbirds 0. Sutton well in charge of the game and should probably have been further than three ahead. On a fairly warm afternoon, with no substitutes, the visitors may begin to tire as the second half draws on.

​King's Sutton started the second period on top, as they had been in the first half. Humphrey saw yet another effort deflected wide and Brooker possibly should have done better with a close range header, all within five minutes or so of the restart. Tom Clarke then tried to shape an effort into the top corner but sent it slightly wide of target. That turned out to be a sighter though. Just before the hour he picked the ball up on the edge of the box, feinted one way, shifted the ball and sent a low, curling effort into the bottom corner. 4-0
That goal signalled a mini avalanche of goals. Four minutes later, Humphrey delivered a pinpoint, deep cross from the left, finding Ethan Wilks at the far post, who planted his header past Hillis. 5-0. A further three minutes and five became six when Sutton were awarded a second penalty after Kelan McConnon was tugged back in the box. The same player stepped up, calmly rolling the spot-kick in for 6-0
Oxford, to their credit, had not thrown in the towel and, Oresti Mane, in particular, was still trying to pose a threat. His twisting and turning almost engineered something on 68 minutes, but his final effort was blocked for a corner.
It was then the turn of another home substitute to make his mark. Jimmy Kimani took aim from the edge of the box and fired in the seventh in the 72nd minute. 7-0. The same player then added a second 11 minutes later, rifling the ball home from close range to make it 8-0.
With time ticking away, Blackbirds had one more opportunity to get a consolation when they were awarded another freekick on the edge of the box. This one was struck by Antony Njogu but, despite it being hit well enough for Clay to throw himself to his left, the ball clipped off the ball and went well wide, summing up Oxford's afternoon.

FT King's Sutton 8 Oxford Blackbirds 0. A very comfortable three points for Kings Sutton that sees them climb to third in the table. Blackbirds sit second from bottom, above Long Crendon, who have played a game more, on goal difference. Next up for Kings Sutton is a John Prentice Lower Junior Cup tie at Finedon Volta Reserves on Saturday. Blackbirds make the trip to mid-table Hanney who have won one, against bottom side Long Crendon, and lost one, against leaders Woodstock Town, so far.

King's Sutton: 13.Clay, 2.Witton, 4.Axtell, 17.Scarlett, 3.Connor, 8.Brooker, 10.Wicks, 5.Clarke, 12.McConnon, 14.Humphrey, 9.Thomason. Subs: Robertshaw, Raza, Kimani, Cooke, Wilks
Oxford Blackbirds: 1.Hillis, 4.Excell, 3.Wheal, 6.Aminu, 8.Harris, 15.Murombedzi, 7.Evans, 10.Young, 5.Njogu, 11.Mane, 9.Parson

The Ground
King's Sutton play their home games at Kings Sutton Playing Fields, a multi-sport venue on the eastern outskirts of the village. As well as the football team, the playing fields also plays host to cricket and Kings Sutton Tennis Club. There's a fairly large car park with the football pitch immediately to the right. The pavilion that houses the changing areas and spectator toilets, sits on ang angle at the edge of the car park, looking out over the football and cricket pitches.
There are two dugouts on the Astrop Road side of the pitch, but no other spectator cover. The paying surface is pretty much flat with no discernible slope.

Ground Number: 497
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Welcome to the pilot edition of the new BotP weekly women's football blog. Tentatively titled Eight To Rate, the idea behind the blog is to preview eight games each week from the following leagues, Southern Region League (all three divisions), Hampshire League (Division 1), Thames Valley League (Division 1), Wiltshire (Premier). 
Having a good few hours on my hands now, after shutting down SoReg Review, this is very much a trial run to see if there is an appetite for this type of weekly blog. This week we have a selection of league and FA Cup games featuring teams across the region.
As always, the main aim is to bring a little extra coverage to the grassroots women's game, raise the profile if possible, and maybe even increase attendances, even if only by the odd one or two.
In an ideal world, the following week's blog will not only contain a preview of eight more games, but will also have a reviews of these eight matches, including any links to photos, match reports, videos etc.
So, here goes. Let's see how it goes, starting with this week's eight games, in no particular order.


FA Cup
Penn & Tylers Green v Kidlington
This will be the BotP game of the week and the next step on the road to Wembley. BotP was at Yarnton Road to see Kidlington ease past Salisbury in the Preliminary Round. Can they find a way past fellow Division One North side Penn & Tylers Green. Kidlington went out at home to Ashridge Park at this stage last season. Penn went on round further, knocking out Caversham United and Finchampstead before falling at Sutton United.
14:00 - French School Meadow, Penn, HP10 8LG

Southern Region Premier
Chesham United v Southampton Women 
A fascinating encounter as Chesham, returning to the Southern Region League after a decade in the National League, take on Southampton Women, who followed the same relegation route two seasons ago. The Sirens ended last season in fifth, but were always there or thereabouts throughout the season and were unbeaten against eventual champions, Wycombe Wanderers. Both will expect to be in the mix come next April/May.
14:00 - The Meadow, Chesham, HP5 1NE

FA Cup
Bognor Regis Town v Jersey Bulls
Southern Region League newbies, Bognor Regis, take on last season's South East Counties Surrey Division 1 champions, Jersey Bulls. The Bulls had a 100% league record last season and only conceded 8 goals, earning themselves a spot in the Premier League. The Rockettes ended last season in third sport of the London & South East Division 1 South, before their lateral move. The went out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle last season, losing 5-3 at Havant & Waterlooville.
14:00 - Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis, PO21 2TY

Southern Region Premier
Farnham Town v Reading
Despite this being their first season in the Premier League, Farnham are many people's favourite to continue their incredible rise up the divisions. They've made a number of acquisitions during the summer months, and an opening game against Reading will be a good test of their credentials. The Royals are another team who are widely expected to be close to the top of the table, in what looks to be a very strong and competitive Premier League.
14:00 - Memorial Ground, Farnham, GU9 7DY

Thames Valley Division One
Ashridge Park v Caversham United
Both of these teams went out of the FA Cup last weekend, Park at home to Slough Town and The Goats at Melksham Town. The two league meetings last season produced 11 goals. The sides shared eight at Cantley Park, which included a brace from Katie Dearling and a hat-trick from Ellie Messitt. The Goats won the reverse fixture 2-1, on their way to a fourth place finish.
14:00 - Cantley Park, Wokingham, RG40 5QG

Hampshire League
Mudeford Phoenix v Shanklin
Shanklin consistently do very well in this division. They've won the league twice in the last five seasons, including last season. In each of the three seasons between they finished in third spot. So, a tough opening encounter for Mudeford, in only their second season in the top flight after promotion in 2025. Both league meetings went the way of Shanklin last season, 4-1 on the Isle of Wight and 4-3 in this corresponding fixture, despite Amber Lorring's hat-trick for Phoenix.
14:00 - Grange Road, Christchurch, BH23 4JD

FA Cup
Windsor & Eton v Andover New Street
Windsor and Eton edged past Mudeford Phoenix in the previous round, coming out on top in the shootout after drawing 1-1. They are freshly promoted into the top flight of the Thames Valley League after winning Division Two North last season. Andover cruised past Bournemouth Manor in the last round, putting eleven past their hosts with no reply. Abigail Richardson scoring eight of the New Street goals.
14:00 - Stag Meadow, Windsor, SL4 3DR

Southern Region Division One North
Farnborough v Finchampstead
Finch open their Southern Region account with a trip to Farnborough, who last season had a good debut, finishing in fifth spot. Finchampstead only lost one league game on their way to the Thames Valley title last season. They did, however, come up against a Southern Region side in the form of Penn & Tylers Green, losing 3-1 in an early season FA Cup clash.
14:00 - The Easy As HGV Stadium, Farnborough, GU14 8UD

​Some of you may have seen that the Southern Region Women's League advertised for a Media Officer via the FA a few weeks ago. Having unofficially performed part of this role for the last 3 years, I decided to throw my hat into the ring. Unfortunately, that was several weeks ago and, so far, there has been complete silence, aside from confirmation from the FA.

With the FA Cup already under way, and the league kicking off in under a week, there should already have been one or two SoReg Reviews out there. However, with everything up in the air, I didn't feel it was my place to be assuming anything. Obviously, with the league placing someone into the position of handling media and communications, the last thing I want to be doing is stepping on their toes.

So, all that said, I've decided to change my tack this season. There will be no weekly review, but I will be continuing to get to matches whenever I can. The match blogs will appear on my old site (www.botp.co.uk). I'll be winding down the SoReg site, thus saving on the domain and hosting costs.
I've also embarked upon a road to Wembley. I was at the Kidlington game last weekend and, following their victory, I'll be at French School Meadow for the game between Penn & Tylers Green and Kidlington in the next round. I'm looking forward to seeing where my journey takes me, following the winning team until I get to the Final next year.

I'm looking forward to checking out some of the feeder leagues, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire etc, as well as looking at some of the other regional leagues.

Finally, I'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed and read everything I have put out over the past 3 seasons. It's been an absolute pleasure to meet some fantastic and dedicated women's football enthusiasts, as well as a privilege to watch some thoroughly entertaining football. I wish every last one of you the best of luck for the coming season, and hope to see many of you at the side of a pitch at some point in the coming months.

​This weekend, with the weather finally changing, I decided to stay quite local for my Saturday game and what better than a Spartan South Midlands Division Two match between third -placed Aston Clinton and current leaders, Eynesbury United. Both sides came into the game unbeaten after two games. In fact, United were defending a 100% record, whereas Aston Clinton had won one and drawn one. United had already notched up seven goals in their opening two games. However, Aston Clinton were yet to concede a goal at all.
The last two league encounters between the teams at Aston Clinton Park have both ended in 1-1 draws, the two before that ended in big wins for Aston Clinton, 4-2 and 5-1, although Eynesbury did win the reverse fixture 5-0 that season.
Many thanks to match official Kevin Rogers for giving me access to the team sheets prior to kick-off. Always, this was very much appreciated.

​The referees whistle not only signalled the start of the game but also appeared to be the cue for the threatened stormy weather to begin. The rain that was previously a threat from dark clouds, began in earnest, accompanied by a gusty wind blowing across the pitch, not really in the favour of either team.
It was the visitors, in their change kit of white shirts and red shorts, who generated the first real effort when Owen Meeds was sent clear. The striker took the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Booby Swain, but could not get enough power on hist goal attempt, which was scrambled clear for a corner. That close encounter seemed to wake up the home team, who then started to take some control over proceedings.
Their first effort came on the quarter hour mark when Elias Williams shanked an effort well wide. However, four minutes later, they came much closer. Dan Boateng, latching onto  the ball some 20 yards out and to the left of goal, went for the curled effort towards the far corner, only to be thwarted by a good diving save from Joe Burberry.
It wouldn't be the last save from the visiting goalkeeper, but he was powerless to prevent the home side taking the lead on 22 minutes. A long throw from the right was only half-cleared to the edge of the area, where Elias Williams stepped onto the ball, absolutely thrashing a drive past Burberry. 1-0
It could easily have been worse for United a couple of minutes later when Harvey Matthews cut inside from the right flank and let fly. Luckily for Eynesbury, the right-back didn't quite get enough on the strike, allowing Burberry to get behind it and make the stop.
United's efforts to get forward were being hampered by some very loose passing and, at this point, Bobby Swain was having very little to do in the Aston goal. His team-mates, however, were enjoying themselves. On 34 minutes they produced the best move of the game, a flowing interchange of passes down the left wing that culminated in the ball being cut back to Boateng, some 10 yards out. He made good contact but, once again, Burberry was the United saviour, getting across his goal to make a very good block with his feet.
With under ten minutes to go before the break, the blues extended their lead. Harvey Matthews, who must have used his earlier effort as a sighter, struck this one much better, sending the ball in off the inside of Burberry's left-hand upright from just outside the box. 2-0

HT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 0. In all fairness, a two-goal lead at the break was no more than Aston Clinton deserved. After the initial scare inside the first 5 minutes, they had been much the better team. Eynesbury seemed to be struggling to get any fluidity into their play and had not troubled the home defence too much.

​The rain, which had eased off towards the end of the first half, was back with a vengeance a few minutes in tot he second and, much the same as the first half, it was Eynesbury and, in particular, Owen Meeds, who showed first. The number 9 rose above everyone to meet a freekick and send a header, from the edge of the penalty area, looping over Swain only for the ball to come back off the crossbar and be cleared. Very unlucky for the visitors.
However, also as in the first half, the good start did not last for them and Burberry was again call into action 10 minuets into the half, this time matching Rob Doncaster's effort with a flying save to his right. On the hour mark Matthews, scorer of the second goal, delivered a delightful cross onto the head of Jack Elsey, but somehow the ball stayed out, either with help from the goalkeeper or the post, it was hard to tell from the opposite end of the pitch. Five minutes after that Doncaster was almost in again when a through ball looked to have set him free, only for Burberry to race off his line to clear the danger.
With just over ten minutes remaining and the home team seemingly cruising to all three points, Eynesbury finally got that important final ball spot on. Substitute Archie Palmer was played in behind the defence on the right flank. His pinpoint cross was perfect for Iwen Jones, arriving at the back post to head home. 2-1. Game on perhaps?
Eynesbury had, without doubt, picked up the pace somewhat, and were getting the ball forward at every opportunity, looking for the equaliser. However, the expected siege of the home goal never really transpired. In fact, it was Aston Clinton who had the more clear-cut chances in the closing minutes, Captain Ryan MacDonald saw hi 87th minute strike deflected wide for a corner and, in the fifth minute of added time, the home captain took the ball around Burberry only for his goal bound strike to be acrobatically headed off the line by his opposite number Owen Dunnett.

FT Aston Clinton 2 Eynesbury United 1. A very good three pints for Aston Clinton, that sees them jump up to second spot behind Redbourn on goal difference. Eynesbury drop to fourth, a point behind the top two and below Caddington on goal difference.
Next up for Aston Clinton is a visit to newly-promoted Redbourn, whilst Eynesbury are back at home as they welcome mid-table Codicote. 

Aston Clinton: Swain, Matthews, Lynn, T.Collins, Elsey, M.Collins, Boateng, Paul, Doncaster, MacDonald(c), Williams. Subs: Harrison, Kiff, Edmonds, Heale, Gordon
Eynesbury United: Burberry, Brown, Green, Newton, Lee, Dunnett(c), Irvine, Dean, Meeds, King, Jones. Subs: Wood, Routs, Malig, Palmer, Matheson

The Ground
Aston Clinton FC are based at Aston Clinton Park on the southern edge of the village. The park is the home to the football club, the tennis club and bowls club as well as having a children's play park and a skate park. The main pavilion is the home of the changing facilities as well as function rooms and a large care with a patio overlooking the park. There's a large car park which extends around the pavilion, providing ample parking. You could even, at  a push, watch the football from the comfort of your own car, although the action would be quite distant.
The main pitch is furthest away from the pavilion and car park. There are moveable dugout son the far side as well as a number of benches, picnic tables and handy trees for rain cover. There's no other spectator cover. 
The playing surface is reasonably flat if not a little bumpy in places, which is not surprising given the recent long dry spell. Note: The café does a pretty decent cup of tea.

Ground Number: 496
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A