​In a football equivalent of panic-buying in preparation for Lockdown 2, I set out on Wednesday evening for my third game in four days. Keeping relatively close to home for this one, I was heading North to Warwickshire and the Hellenic Division Two North clash between Southam United and Thame United Reserves. It's great to see Southam playing senior football again. The first team folded in 2017 after finishing bottom of the Midland League Division One. They reformed last season, joining the Hellenic League in Division Two. Not only that, but during this period they have also moved grounds, not very far admittedly, but a new ground for me nevertheless. I visited the old Banbury Road ground on two occasions. In fact it as one of the very early BotP hops, in October 2013 when Southam entertained Studley in the old Midland Combination. The second visit was in January 2017 when Littleton were the visitors. On both occasions Southam lost the game without scoring, conceding three to Studley and four to Littleton. Probably just as well that I didn't tweet that fact before I left the house, they may not have let me in.
Just for a change, this blog is featuring monochrome photos for no other reason than that I quite liked them.

​The Ground
Southam's new ground is literally a long goal-kick away from their old Banbury Road home. The new facility includes a large two story building which incorporates the clubhouse, snack bar and changing facilities as well as ample car parking facilities. The club wants to use the new stadium as a focal point to create a very much community focused facility, developing football from junior to senior levels. I also noticed a Wildcats poster at the ground. As a girl's football coach myself, this is great to see. The more clubs do to promote the girl's game, the better in my eyes. The new stadium will be known as Bobby Hancocks Park in memory of the club's most prolific player and servant. Mr Hancocks, or Mr Southam as he is fondly known, served the club for over 50 years in pretty much every capacity you could think if. He is the club's record appearance holder and the club's record scorer. The exact number of goals he scored is not recorded but it is acknowledged that the total is well above 1,000. He also once scored 85 in a season. An incredible servant to Southam United and non-league football. Sadly Mr Hancocks passed away in 2017 but his name will live on at the new ground.
As I have seen at every ground I have been to since the resumption of play, Covid measures were in place. Track & trace was either manual or through the app and QR code. There was hand sanitiser available and signs on the toilets to ensure only one person entered at any time.
Entrance to the ground was via a gate at the rear of the clubhouse. Southam do not currently charge for entry but they did have a donation box set up at the track & trace station. It was good to see a decent sized crowd and what appeared to be a fairly sizeable donation in the pot.

​The Background
Both sides were coming into the game on the back of good starts to the season. Thame were sitting in second place, two points behind leaders Heyford Athletic but having played a game more. Southam were a number of places lower in the table but, after only playing two games, were boasting a 100% record after recording 4-3 wins in both of their opening games. Clearly the team were continuing from their form prior to last season's untimely end when they headed the table and had won 16 of their 17 league games before Lockdown 1.
​

​The Game
The game started off at a frantic pace with both sides seemingly anxious to make their mark on the match and we didn't have to wait too long for the opening goal. It was the visitors who took the initiative when Dan West controlled the ball, turned sharply and rifled an effort past Edward Cox in the Southam goal. 0-1.
The goal served to increase the confidence of Thame and with Southam struggling to get a grip on the game, the home side were thankful to their keeper on a couple of occasions with one flying save, in particular, drawing applause from the local support.
At the other end debutant Thame keeper George Collingwood did not have many saves to make, although he was very sharply off his line to block the home side's best chance of the half when Steele threatened.
It was Collingwood's long kicks that were launching a number of the visitors' attacks too. Each time he kicked the ball out of his hands he was getting very close to the edge of his box, so much so that a group of home supporters, who had already had some light-hearted banter with the keeper, told the referee to keep an eye on him. The referee duly obliged but, to be fair, he was still easily reaching well inside the Southam half with his kicks even without the extra step outside the box.

HT Southam United 0 Thame United Reserves 1. Thame the more fluent of the two sides. Southam struggled to get any rhythm in their game.

​We weren't too far into the second half when Southam's stopper Cox was getting pats on the back for, once gain, keeping his side in the game, this time flying to his left to push a stinging effort wide for a corner.
Southam were still struggling to get into the game. Way too many passes were missing their target and Collingwood wasn't having to do too much at all. Although he did have to turn one long range effort over the bar. It was a decent enough save but definitely one for the cameras.

Just when it was beginning to look as if the early Thame goal was going to be enough to win it, Southam snatched an equaliser out of the blue. A long ball up the middle seemed to be misjudged by the defender allowing Levi Steele to run onto it and calmly slot past Collingwood. 1-1. Within a minute of the restart Thame almost it straight back when Davis intercepted a Southam pass, looked up and tried his luck from near on the halfway line. Cox was beaten but the audacious effort just cleared the bar. It would have been a wonderful goal, Beckhamesque was the word I used on Twitter.

The equaliser certainly stirred Southam and, as we approached the final minutes, and for a while they did start to offer quite a bit more than they had earlier in the game. Unfortunately, after Brandon Hallmark was sin binned for, I think comments made to the referee, they had to hang on for the final few minutes. Even so, neither side could find a winner before the referee blew for the end of the game.

FT Southam United 1 Thame United Reserves 1. A good point for both teams in the end. Thame will no doubt feel they should have won the game, especially as the home keeper was undoubtedly man of the match. Overall though, they were two fairly evenly matched sides, both of which will be closer to the top than the bottom of the table come May, in my opinion.
​
Southam United: Cox, Lenihan, Tennent, Harris, Hallmark, Locklin, Ethan Champkins, Ellis Champkins, Steele, S.Barby, Okolo. Subs: Long, Otunji, Trinoi, Hartwell, Knights, R.Barby

Thame United Reserves: Collingwood, Hurley, Russeu, M.West, Johnston, Sturgess, Lynch, Davis, D.West, Pykett, Casey

Att: 60
Ground Number: 251
Entrance: Donation
Programme: N/A

​Where to go for my 250th new ground. That was the main question on my mind this week. Well, apart from what am I going to do for the next month? and why did I spend so much time researching possible games in November? I had really been looking forward to the Dudley derby next week and doing a whole piece on my home town. Oh well, I'll just file the notes and wait for the re-schedule.
Time to get in some live football before Lockdown 2 takes effect. With that in mind, I headed South on the A34, destination Alton Hampshire, former home of Jane Austen and current home of Wessex Division One side, Alton FC who were scheduled to take on Ringwood Town in a league game.

The Ground
This was my first visit to Anstey Park which has been the home of Alton, originally as Alton Town, since 2015. The ground was refurbished when they moved in, including the laying of an artificial surface, and then again in 2017 when a new stand was opened. It is situated on the North-Eastern edge of the town, adjacent to the rugby club. There is a large car park right outside the main entrance to the ground, so barring a very large attendance, here should not be any need for a long walk. Entrance is through a single turnstile which leads in between the clubhouse and the main stand. Directly opposite this is a covered and raised standing area which straddles the halfway line and covers approximately a third of the length of the pitch. There is also a piece of uncovered terracing on the far side of the ground which looks to be much older than the stands or the pitch, presumably a leftover piece of history? Generally, I tend to find new or refurbished stadiums a little sterile at times. However, the club has added club badges, flags and banners around the enclosure which add to the atmosphere of Anstey Park. A good touch which gives the place a little more character.

The Background
The sides came into the game on very differing runs of form. Alton, sitting in third spot, had won their lats three in the league and were unbeaten since a 5-1 defeat at Laverstock & Ford back in September. Ringwood were in 14th spot on the back of 4 consecutive league defeats in which they had conceded 18 goals. They had, however, managed a 5-1 win at Romsey in the FA Vase in the middle of this run. Last season they only met twice, a 3-0 away for Alton. In the last full season honours were shared with Ringwood winning 3-2 at home and Alton winning this corresponding fixture 2-0 with two goals inside the first 22 minutes.
​

​The Game
As you would expect given the relative form and league positions, it was the home side who settled into their rhythm first and it didn't take them too long to convert that into a goal. On 8 minutes Liam Knight, who would be a constant threat all night, used his pace and skill to breeze past his marker on the left. His low, hard, driven cross was met by George Bowerman and it was 1-0 to Alton.
Alton continued to be the better side in terms of possession but despite the early goal the expected onslaught never materialised. Their build up play was neat, tidy and sharp but they didn't manage to seriously test Liam Harris in the Ringwood goal.
Then on 34 minutes, as often happens in games like this, completely out of the blue, Ringwood grabbed an equaliser. It was a bustling run from midfield that set the goal up. Greene did well to block the initial effort but Shaun Prentice was on hand to snap up the rebound. 1-1

HT Alton 1 Ringwood Town 1. Alton were well in control of the game without really threatening to run riot. Then, out of the blue, Ringwood levelled it up. After the equaliser the game was very open and end to end stuff.

​Now here's a sight that you don't see often at a Step 6 game in Hampshire. As I was sipping my half-time cup of tea I happened to notice a man walk past wearing a Dunfermline Athletic beanie. I was disappointed that I wasn't wearing my Albion Rovers scarf.

The second half started in a very similar manner to the first. The only slight difference was that it took the home side a couple of extra minutes to score. This time it was  a corner from the left but. once again, it was George Bowerman who applied the final touch, getting in front of his marker to nod the ball home. 2-1
The response from Ringwood was pretty good this time. They were certainly posing more of a threat than they did in the first half. Sam Brown went on a couple of jinking runs but could not find an end product. They were finally undone when, once again, Liam Knight went on a run down the left. His cross was met by Bowerman who need little persuasion to complete his hat-trick. 3-2

All three Alton goals came from their left-hand side where Knight had proved a real handful to Ringwood's right-back Luke Carter. To be fair to the defender, despite it being apparent early on that Alton were using their left side as their out ball, he never really got the cover he needed from his team-mates.

Ringwood continued to plug away and did manage to get a very late consolation goal in the 90th minute through Adam Riley to make it 3-2, but it was all too little, too late.

FT Alton 3 Ringwood Town 2. The win leaves Alton in third spot but they have two games in hand on leaders Laverstock & Ford who are seven points better off.

Alton: Greene, Phillips, M.Graham, Dryden, Moore, O.Graham, Fowler, Black, Sanderson, Bowerman, Knight. Subs: Hunter, Covey, Wright, Benham, Hardcastle
Ringwood Town: Harris, Carter, Evans, C.Harrison, Horton, Osman(c), Taylor, F.Harrison, Hamm, Prentice, Brown. Subs: Cole, Petty, Porterfield, Williams, Riley

Att: 133
Ground Number: 250
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £1.00

​With the announcement of lockdown 2 still ringing in my ears, I set out for the Midlands on Sunday with my daughter. We were going to visit Nana & Gramps (my parents), get some shopping in, and get a visit in before Tuesday's revelations. As always, my daughter was keen for me to leave her with her grandparents, presumably so that she could ensure they knew exactly what she wanted for Christmas. So, I decided to take the opportunity to nip down to Stourbridge and sample some Women's FA Cup action between Stourbridge Ladies and Crusaders Ladies, a team from the Bournville area of Birmingham. A little strange that I was going to watch a Third Qualifying Round game on the same day that Manchester City and Everton would be contesting last season's Final at an empty Wembley Stadium.

The Ground
I have been to the War Memorial Ground more times than I care to remember, but I was quite shocked to find that this was my first visit since Stourbridge's 0-0 draw with Witton Albion in the 2017-18 season. After a quick visit to the club shop to get a club mask for my Dad (and one for me), I followed the new one-way system around the back of the clubhouse into the ground. Not that much has changed since my last visit. The ground has been spruced up, as you would expect, but my main thought, as I made my way towards the Shed End, was just how much I like the ground and how much I had missed being there. Maybe a bit of nostalgia, given the current world circumstances, but it's close to half a century since I first watched Stourbridge play there and I certainly hope I'll be back there many more times yet.

​The Background
This game was a match-up between two clubs boating a 100% record this season. Crusaders, who play in the West Midlands Regional Women's Premier League one division above Stourbridge, had played two league games, beating Redditch United 3-0 at home and following up with a 3-2 defeat of City of Stoke in the Potteries. In the FA Cup they saw off Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 in the Preliminary Round, then defeated Stourbridge's league-mates Cookley Sports 4-0 before beating Oadby & Wigston 3-2 in Leicestershire. 
Stourbridge, three for three in the league with a goal difference of 25-0, started in the FA Cup with an 8-0 defeat of Port Vale, they then conceded the only goal of this season so far in defeating Wryley 8-1 at home. Following that they won 6-0 at Knowle and 5-0 at Worcester City. 

​The Game
The game was well-contested from the first minute with both sides probing to find gaps in what looked to be two tight defensive units. Both right flanks seemed to be the focus with Carly Aldred for Stourbridge and Jessica Tsapparelli for Crusaders looking very lively. Despite this neither team managed to test the opposing goalkeepers early on.
That was until the 21st minute when Glassgirls captain Courtney Murphy decided to try her luck from outside the box. She struck her shot well but Crusaders keeper Justine Lewis was equal to it, tipping the ball over the bar. The respite was sort-lived however. From the resultant corner, taken by Amber Lawrence, Ruby Meeson was on hand to force the ball over the line. 1-0

Despite a mini rally from the away side after going behind, it was Stourbridge who continued to look the more menacing of the two sides. Lil-Beth Bown's willingness to make runs almost saw her set free and Carly Aldred's pace prompted by Amber Lawrence's passing was a constant threat. Not that the Glassgirls' defence could relax though. Crusaders continued to look a very capable side, with Tsapparelli and Kisty Spencer both testing Amie Summers in the home goal.
Five minutes before half-time Stourbridge once again broke down their right-flank through Aldred. She beat her defender and drove into the box before appearing to be felled by a clumsy looking challenge. From my vantage point it was as clear a penalty as you could wish to see. However, neither the assistant or referee, who both appeared to have good views, indicated a spot kick much to the amazement of Stourbridge players and supporters.

HT Stourbridge 1 Crusaders 0. The Glassgirls edged the half in terms of possession and chances, but were made to work very hard by a competitive and industrious Crusaders team who continued to look a threat throughout.
​

Crusaders looked even more fired up as the second half started and immediately had Stourbridge on the back foot. It was time for the Glassgirls to show why they had only conceded one goal in seven games. They did this admirably. The entire defensive line stood firm, supported well by a midfield that was being pushed deeper by the Crusaders onslaught. However, as the half progressed and Crusaders pushed more players forward looking for an equaliser, it left space for Stourbridge to use their pace in behind the visitors defence. Hollie Somers was brought on giving them width on both sides, with Aldred and the over-lapping runs of Thacker on the left and Somers on the right. Somers almost got on the scoresheet but once again Crusaders keeper Justine Lewis saved very well to deny her. Aldred also burst through only to be denied by Lewis who, it has to be said, was having a very good game. At the other end Lilley put an effort just over Preston's crossbar before Stourbridge hit their visitors twice to sew the game up.  First of all in the 86th minute substitute Alex Nicklin slipped a superb pass inside the left-back from Somers to run onto. Her low cross was controlled and finished superbly by Amber Lawrence for 2-0. Lawrence was then booked by the referee for celebrating too much. Crazy decision.
Then, with Crusaders still battling to get back into the game, Courtney Murphy lined up another long-range effort, giving Lewis no hope with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner. 3-0

FT Stourbridge 3 Crusaders 0. A superb result for The Glassgirls who progress into the First Round for the first time in their history. However, the final score line is harsh on Crusaders who were well in the game until the final few minutes. Two very good footballing teams who served up one of the most entertaining games I have seen this season. Stourbridge will now face an away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Rouinds One.
Stourbridge: Preston, Thacker, Bate, Heaselgrave, Turvey, Lawrence, Moran, Bown, Murphy(c), Meeson, Aldred. Subs: Allen, Plimmer, Coleman, Nicklin, Somers

Att: 252
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: £2.00

​No new ground for me this midweek. I was planning on a trip to Romsey Town v Petersfield Town but when that got called off due to waterlogging, the lure of a local derby less than 30 minutes drive away proved to be too much to resist. So the magical 250  figure will just have to wait a little longer.

The Ground
Stratford Fields has not changed much since my last visit, a very wet evening in November 2017 (180 - Athletic v Baldock Town). That evening we had no goals but there was a ten minute power failure. The biggest difference at the ground now is, of course, the Covid-19 rules. There were two ways to sign in, manually or via the NHS app as well as hand gel at the entrance to the ground. The perimeter of the ground was labelled all the way around in 2 metre intervals. Spectators were asked to select a block and ensure that there were no more than 6 in each area. This seemed to work very well, with more than enough space for everyone to get a good view of the game, even with a larger than average attendance. The clubhouse was also running a one-way system, masks mandatory, and arrows on the floor within the building. All in all, again, all possible precautions had been taken by the club. I have to say that, across the board, so far in my experience all clubs are handling the regulations and restrictions very well indeed.

​The Background
This game is still a local derby but, 10 years ago, it was even more local than it is today. In those days Milton Keynes Irish were still known as Buckingham Town and still played in the town at Ford Meadow. Nowadays, after three name changes and a period playing in Winslow, they have settled at Manor Fields in Bletchley, some 14 miles from Buckingham. The league positions of the two clubs was going to add to the occasion too. Irish started the evening in second spot, 3 points shy of leaders Shefford Town & Campion, level on points with third-placed Athletic who had played a game more than Irish.
Last season saw both games finish in 3-2 away wins. The game at Bletchley saw MK Robins, as they then were known, reduced to 9 players. The reverse fixture saw Athletic reduced to 10. In the previous season, the first after MK returned to Division One, there was again a 3-2 win for Athletic away from home with MK once again having a player sent off. The fixture at Stratford Fields finished 2-2 with yet another red for a Milton Keynes player. So, 19 goals and 5 red cards in the previous four games. With all that in mind, this one had 0-0 bore draw written all over it.

​The Game
The best thing to be said about the first half of this game is that there was no shortage of effort from either side. The game was punctuated by stoppages and fouls with neither side managing to get any real coherence into their play. Both sets of defences looked solid and well marshalled, with the result that we had to wait until the 41st minute until either goalkeeper was called into meaningful action, Buckingham's Nick Bennion saving well with his feet to stave off a low, hard drive from Keelan Shand.

HT Buckingham Athletic 0 Milton Keynes Irish 0. Not a lot to choose between the teams and very little goalmouth action at either end. Some invention and creativity from midfield could be the key and one goal looks like it may well win the game.

​The deadlock was broken very early in the second-half, the 49th minute to be exact, but it was not a piece of midfield genius or a defence-splitting through ball that did the trick. Instead, when a left-wing Irish corner was headed against Bennion's bar, it was the quick reactions of Mason Spence, heading the rebound into the net, that gave the away side the lead. 0-1

From the minute that they took the lead Irish also took control of the game. Athletic tried to get themselves back into it, but continually found themselves penned into their own half. Whilst Irish didn't pose any serious threats of extending their lead, they also never looked as if they would concede a goal. However, as the half wore on Athletic did start to progress up field a little more. In the 74th minute they came mightily close to an equaliser when a free-kick out on the right was met by the head of Jeremiah Adams. His effort struck the inside of the far post and ran across the goal-line before being hacked clear by Jack Clarkson. Claims of the ball crossing the line from the home side were soon waved away by the assistant.
Into the last 5 minutes, Irish had started to drop deeper in an effort to defend their lead. Buckingham tried to mount one last charge and, in fairness, came close again in the very last seconds of added time when Owen James fired wide.

FT Buckingham Athletic 0 Milton Keynes Irish 1. Not the most entertaining local derby I've ever seen. Great credit to MK Irish for the way in which they managed the game after going a goal ahead. Any potential backlash from the home side was very quickly extinguished as Irish controlled the play for the majority of the second period. The biggest surprise, given the game's history, is that we ended with all 22 players still on the pitch.

Buckingham Athletic: Bennion, Spencer, Ironmonger, Sare, Marsden, Tappin(c), Brazier, Menday, James, Adams, Faulkner. Subs: Mombele, Kalugin, Franklin, Mupfururirwa, Roggero

Milton Keyn Milton Keynes Irish es Irish: Kyeremeateng, Coyle, Shand, Smyth, Dumnett, Beaupierre, McDonald(c), Gardner, Clarkson, Uings, Spence. Subs: Shrieves, Coleman, Beecher, Scholte

Att: 131
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Included

​After not managing to get to a midweek fixture last week, it was good to be back out on the road this Tuesday. It was another trek down the A420 into Wiltshire for a new ground, Southbank, home of Corsham Town of the Western League Division One. They were scheduled to take on Oldland Abbotonians, a team that I visited just over a year ago (Go West).

The Ground
Corsham's ground, Southbank, is situated to the east of the town centre, on Lacock Road, and is next to the town's rugby club.  It is one of those grounds that you can drive right into, with a lot of parking available around the perimeter of the pitch (if you get a prime spot you could even watch the match from the comfort and warmth of your car. I didn't, of course). The consequences of this are that, if driving, you can pay your entrance fee, get your programme and sign the track & trace form without leaving your car. Facilities are all on the town side of the ground. The clubhouse, snack bar and changing facilities are all part of a building block that takes up one half length of the ground. Just to the side of this, straddling the halfway line, is the main (and currently only) stand which provides covered seating. There is also a small gantry next to the stand, which I presume could be used for media coverage (Corsham currently film their games), although with the threat of rain this evening I noticed that the videographer was set up in the main stand.
It is very clear that the club have taken Covid restrictions very seriously. On both sides of the ground there were areas set aside and cordoned off so that pods of six people can watch the game separately from other pods. The clubhouse had a a one-way system in place and there were frequent reminders over the tannoy about social distancing and groups of six. Excellent work by the club, all making for a very safe environment.
It's also worth mentioning the matchday programme, Southbank Review, which is a very professional looking, excellent read that puts many professional club's programmes to shame and is way above the standard of the average Step 6 club.

​The Background
​Coming into the game it was a case of all fives for Corsham. They had played five games, winning all five. This meant that they ere sitting in fifth position (due to other sides having played more games). even their goals scored and conceded columns reflected the number five, scored 20, conceded 5.
For Oldland the season had not started anywhere near as well. Having played a game more than Corsham, they were down in 17th position with just a single win, 2-1 at home to Bristol Telephones on the opening day, to their credit.
So, current season statistics were well in favour of the home side. However, taking a look back over the past five seasons shows a different story. Last season, as we know, was voided but in the previous eight meetings in the league Oldland have won five to Corsham's three. 

​The Game
The game started at a terrific pace, mainly driven by the home side who seemed very keen to make it six in six. For the first 20 minutes the game was played, pretty much, in the Oldland half of the pitch but, despite all of the pressure, the home side failed to take advantage.
As we got to the halfway point of the opening 45 minutes it seemed that Oldland had weathered the Corsham storm and were beginning to gain a toe-hold on the game. Either Corsham's tempo had dropped a little or Oldland had managed to raise their game. However, if they thought they had quietened the home side, Oldland were in for a rude awakening on 27 minutes. They conceded a free-kick outside the box and to the right of central from a Corsham perspective. Chris Allen stepped up and curled a beauty around the wall and into the top corner (well worth a look on the official highlights. I know that the camera was right behind the shot). 1-0.
Four minutes later Allen almost repeated his trick, this time from a more central position. However, he was matched by Ben Carter in the O's goal this time. The remainder of the half was very much the same pattern, Corsham pushing forward, Oldland holding firm at the back and looking to break when they could, although not really making too much of an impression on the home defence. Just before the half-time whistle went Carter was again called into action, pulling off a superb save to keep his side in the game.

HT Corsham Town 1 Oldland Abbotonians 0. Corsham have been well on top for the majority of the first half but will be wary of only being a goal to the good.

​Any hopes that Oldland may have had about getting themselves back on level terms all but evaporated within four minutes of the restart. On 48 minutes James Vincent, running from left to right across the box, took a ball in his stride and then hooked it back across the keeper into the far corner. Superb technique. 2-0. It then went from bad to worse for the visitors when, a minute after the goal, they were reduced to ten men when Liam Towler picked up a second yellow for a foul in the centre circle.
Strangely, going two goals down and losing a player seemed to stir Oldland into action. For a while they even had the home side on the back foot, finally posing some serious threat to Thomson's goal. Maybe Corsham had taken their foot off the pedal a little after the second goal, but the intensity certainly seemed to slip for a short period.
That was until Oldland, once again, hit the self-destruct button. Cash Vinall, chasing a through ball, lunged at the ball but only managed to completely take out Sam Thomson. It was a terrible looking challenger and the the referee wasted no time at all in pulling out the red card. Luckily Thomson was fairly soon back on his feet but it left Oldland down to nine men for the remaining half-hour or so.

Despite having the numerical and possessional advantage it still took Corsham a further 22 minutes to hammer the nail into the Oldland coffin. Once again it was a very good finish. Will Stead this time firing low into the keeper's left-hand corner. 3-0

Five minutes later, after a surging (or should I say Serging?) run from Oldland's left-back and Manchester City striker look-a-like, Harry Pruett, Corsham won the ball back and hit the tiring Abbotts on the break. The ball was fed to James Vincent who slotted home very neatly too make it 4-0.

FT Corsham Town 4 Oldland Abbotonians 0. The Quarrymen continue their 100% start to the season. In all fairness that record never looked to be under any threat in this game. Oldland showed, for a short spell, that they are probably better than their league record currently suggests. On Saturday Oldland travel to mid-table Wells City whilst Corsham welcome Almondsbury to Southbank. A final note about the attendance. A total of 142 for a midweek Step 6 game. Very impressive.


Corsham Town: S.Thomson, Cooper(c), B.Thomson, Allen, D.Shanley, Jones, Vincent, Rogers, Higdon, Stead, Powell. Subs: A.Shanley, Hopper, Chevolleau, King, Sharp

Oldland Abbotonians: Carter, Kendall, Pruett, Mills, Woodman, Boughton, Towler, Vinall, Fudgell, Dempsey(c), Taylor-Fox. Subs: Symonds, Newton, Nash, McCallum, Bebbington

Att: 142
Ground Number: 249
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £1.00

​My average round-trip journey watching non-league football this season has been 86 miles, and that includes a lot of pre-season friendlies in the local area. So, after watching my U11 girls record another away win in the morning, it was very nice to be able to walk to my chosen afternoon entertainment. I even had time to do a little shopping with the family before strolling across Bicester to the KEA Cub on Ashdene Road, home of Oxfordshire Senior League Division One leaders Bicester Hallions. A visit to Ashdene Road was long overdue so the visit of second-placed Eynsham was just too good an opportunity to miss.

The Background
Of course, the season is still very much in its infancy but a match between the two top teams in a division, at any time, is always worth watching. Hallions were going into the game unbeaten in the opening five games, having won four and drawn one. Eynsham, one point behind their hosts, had won four and lost one. Interestingly, the dropped points for both sides had come against the same side, Ashton Folly. Hallions drew 3-3 with them in the second game of the season. Eynsham, incredibly went down 8-1 to them on the opening day. Their record since that defeat reads four wins, scored 20, conceded 3. It's a funny old game. Of course, Hallions are in the first season in the Oxfordshire Senior League, having moved over from the Banbury & District Lord Jersey League last season. Consequently, there are no previous meetings between the sides.​

​The Game
I am always very reticent to comment on referee's performance for a number of reasons. The game can't function without referees and it's a very difficult job that most of us, if we were honest, would not want to do. However, there were a few challenges early on in this game that the referee, in my opinion, should have penalised, maybe even produced a yellow card. When he let them go, he lost control of the game to an extent. Hallions, who have a few players who have been around the non-league scene for a number of years, knew exactly how to take advantage of this. I don't mean that in a bad way, but they know how to manage a game. That became apparent more and more as the game wore on.

​The first real attempt on goal by either team came in the 9th minute when a good though ball set Dan Smith on his way. His low shot was saved well by the Eynsham goalkeeper, Connor Townsend. However, the respite was short-lived for the away side when shortly afterwards they concede a penalty for handball after the keeper had once again saved well from Smith. Jamie Mundy stepped up and put the spot-kick away to make it 1-0.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure. Townsend was called into action several times and when he did get neaten an Eynsham defender popped up to clear Blossom's header from the line. The game was getting increasingly tetchy, with a number of free-kicks. This is where the home side's game management really came into play. They welcomed the scrap, whereas Eynsham players were letting themselves get drawn in to a battle that they really were not going to win. Hallions just had way too much nous for them. 17 minutes in, Hallions doubled their lead with a superb goal. A free-kick on the right was played in to the edge of the box, Mundy collected it, swivelled and fired a spectacular effort over the keeper, dipping in under the bar. 2-0.

The referee was called into some less ordinary action when one of his linesman drew attention to abuse that was being directed at him by a spectator, who was standing pretty much on the touchline himself. After warning that he could be forced to abandon the game, the spectator eventually retreated and the game was allowed to continue.

Just less than ten minutes before the end of the half Hallions contrived to make the game more difficult for themselves. Lewis Bland launched himself into a tackle on Eynsham's left-winger. It was an awful challenge and, whilst I am convinced there was no real malice involved, it was late, over the top of the ball and reckless. The referee, quite rightly, pulled out a straight red card. However, just to make it even more difficult, whilst the Eynsham player was being treated, Matt Jenkins earned a ten-minute sin bin for comments made to the same linesman who had earlier been the target of the spectator abuse.

However, even with only nine players on the pitch, Hallions saw out the remainder of the half quite comfortably.

HT Bicester Hallions 2 Eynsham 0. Certainly nothing dull about the game. A penalty, a red card, a sin bin and the referee warning a spectator about his behaviour. On the pitch, Hallions showed why they were unbeaten, by bossing the game even when playing with fewer men for the final ten minutes of the half.

​As you would expect, with Hallions still down to nine, Eynsham started the second period on the front foot, looking to take advantage and get themselves back into the game. For a few minutes they did push the home ide backwards but again, Hallions manged the game so well. Leaving the lively Piers McGlynn up top, they massed ranks behind him and restricted Eynsham to a few half chances until they Jenkins was allowed back on.

Even then Eynsham, with a man advantage, should have been moving the ball around, using their numerical advantage to make the home side chase the ball around the pitch. For whatever reason, they didn't manage to do this. Maybe a lot of it was down to the work rate of Hallions who closed the ball down very quickly in all areas. They also had the speed and tenacity of McGlynn as the perfect out ball if they needed it.

There was no way that the second half was going to have as much incident as the first. Eynsham huffed and puffed but Hallions, comfortable with a two goal lead, were happy to keep taking the sting out of the game before hitting Eynsham with speedy breaks. It was one of these, in the 77th minute, that led to the third goal of the game when a ball was floated into the box for Mundy to loop the perfect header over the keeper, making it 3-0 and claiming his  hat-trick.

That was it as far as the action went. Eynsham had no way back from three down and Hallions were content to stick to 3-0 and take the three points.

FT Bicester Hallions 3 Eynsham 0. A comprehensive and comfortable victory for Hallions. Even with 10 men they controlled the game. The result leaves Hallions three points clear of Middleton Cheney, who won 2-1 at Woodstock, at the top of the table. Next week Hallions take on fifth-place Chalgrove Cavaliers at Ashdene Road. Eynsham drop to fourth below Adderbury Park Reserves, who they face at home next week.

Att: 40ish
Ground Number: 248
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A

​Another FA Vase weekend. So, after watching my girls storm to their third victory this season, and seeing my daughter get one the the goals (proud coach moment), a quick change and I was back on the road. Once again I was heading West towards Gloucestershire, this time for the all Hellenic League clash between Premier League Longlevens and Division One East leaders Wokingham & Emmbrook.

The Ground
Longlevens is a suburb of Gloucester, just to the North-East of the city centre. The club, although headquartered in Longlevens, play their home games on a leased facility on the other side of the A417 at Sawmills End. The ground is part of a campus which also includes an Ibis Hotel. There is limited parking at the football ground, but ample space on street or on the hotel car park (you should check any restrictions before parking here though). The ground has a covered seating area on the Saw Mills End side of the pitch with the dugouts on the opposite side. The Ibis hotel backs one of the goals with an office building behind the other. The clubhouse is not on site, being at the club's headquarters. However, there is a refreshments bar on site which caters for all supporters needs. The club is renowned for playing Northern Soul over their tannoy (does anyone still call it a tannoy?) before games, a fact borne out by a poster proclaiming exactly that as you enter the ground. I've never been a big fan myself but during my younger years I had a few friends who would regularly make trips up to Wigan. They would have loved the sounds that greeted supporters as they entered the ground. It's a nice touch and gives the club a great bit of character.
In keeping with the current climate there was track & trace in place via the NHS app or manually at the entrance. There were also hand sanitiser stations around the ground and plenty of notices asking supporters to maintain social distancing. All in all, a very safe environment.​

​The Background
For both clubs this season is their sixth venture into the FA Vase. Levens just about edge it in terms of progress made with a Second Round appearance last season where they went out 3-2 at Falmouth Town. Sumas have made the First Round on two occasions, the last being in 2015-16 when they went out 3-1 at Hartley Wintney. Last August BotP was at Wokingham's Lowther Road ground to witness The Town's Team return to FA competition action back in Wokingham, when they won 2-1 against a Step 5 side in Chipping Sodbury Town (Satsumas Vase Homecoming Bears Fruit).
Levens and Sumas have not met previously in the FA Vase or FA Cup, however they have previously played in the same division for one season, 2015-16. Levens did the double over Sumas, who went on to be relegated, that season, winning 1-0 away and 3-2 back at Sawmills in a game that saw Sumas reduced to 10 men.
Both sides have begun the new season in good form. Levens are fifth in the Hellenic Premier League and unbeaten after two wins and three draws. They progressed in the Vase after knocking out another Step 6 side, Hellenic Division One West Tytherington Rocks, on penalties. Sumas, also unbeaten with five wins and a draw, sit proudly top of Division One East. They also saw off a Division One West side, Cheltenham Saracens, in the previous round, winning 3-0 at Lowther Road.

​The Game
Bright sunshine greeted the teams as they made their way out onto the pitch, Levens in the home kit of red & black stripes, Sumas in a change from their orange kit, wearing an all dark blue outfit.
Early exchanges suggested that this was going to be a tightly contested game, despite there being a division between the sides. In fact it was the away side who seemed to settle into the game the better, exerting some pressure on the home defence with a couple of corners and free-kicks played into the area, none of which unduly unsettled Winman in the Levens goal. 
We were around 20 minutes into the game when the hosts had their first meaningful effort at goal but this was held well by Woodward. There was a not a great deal to choose between the teams but Sumas still, in my opinion, held a slight edge in terms of how dangerous they looked when going forward. This was aided by a succession of 50/50 decisions that seemed to go in their favour, which clearly had the home side and their bench somewhat frustrated. Unfortunately, and as so often happens, the more they contested decisions the more likely those decisions were to go against them.
Even though the away side had held sway, they could easily have gone in a goal down at the break when, after clearing a Levens attack, Dan Collier tried to pass back to his keeper without seeing that a Levens attacker was still comig out of the box. Luckily Sean Woodward was very quick off his line to make the save with his feet. Definitely a let off for Sumas and the best chance of the half for either team.

HT Longlevens 0 Wokingham & Emmbrook 0. A close encounter but Sumas probably edged it. All to play for in the second half.

​Having spent the first half with the sun in my eyes, I switched to the opposite side for the second half. The wind seemed to have intensified during half time too and was now gusting across the pitch at times, seemingly in the faces of the Wokingham defence.
The second period seemed to be a lot more end to end generally, with fewer free kicks, and overall very evenly balanced for much of the time. Levens started quite well, forcing an early free-kick which was headed wide, Wokingham responded with a couple of raids themselves, Josh Harris coming close and captain Liam Eagle heading one over from a corner. It was entertaining stuff for a neutral and, presumably, nail-biting for supporters of the two teams.
Maybe the home coaches had been of the same opinion as me about complaining to the referee because their players definitely didn't seem to be getting on the official's back in the second period. In fact, it was Sumas who were up in arms, twice appealing for penalties and twice being turned down. Both appeals were at the same end of the pitch that I was standing at and, I have to say, both would have been harsh on Levens if they had been given but you can understand the appeals.

​With 78 minutes on the clock and the possibility of penalties looming, the home side finally broke the deadlock. A long ball downfield turned the Sumas defence. Eagle looked to have the situation under control, shielding the ball for his keeper to collect, but when Woodward seemed to slip as he came out towards the ball, the defender and keeper collided leaving Brad Martin to roll the ball into an empty net. There were claims of a push on the defender (it was at the opposite end of the ground, so I couldn't see what happened) but they were waved away by the referee. 1-0

Sumas immediately pressed for the equaliser which, in turn, left them more exposed at the back. The game became more and more end to end, Collier went close for Sumas with a real rasper from long range, but they were looking a lot more vulnerable every time Levens got the ball back now. The nail was hammered into the coffin in the 88th minute when Will Emery, who had raided up the right flank tirelessly all game, drove into the box, fended off a couple of challenges and slipped the ball under Woodward to make it 2-0.

FT Longlevens 2 Wokingham & Emmbrook 0. Levens progress to the next round but it has to be said that the score-line was a little bit harsh on the Sumas. Despite playing in a division below their hosts, they more than matched them. In the end it was a defensive slip-up and a great piece of tenacity that swung the game. For Sumas, next up is a Challenge Cup game at home to Chinnor on Tuesday evening. Longlevens have to wait until next Saturday before making the trip to Hereford to visit Westfields in the league

A final note from me in the light of all of the recent controversy surrounding the £15 pay per view charge on some Premier League games. I spent many, many years following West Brom home and away. At the time I couldn't conceive not watching them play at every opportunity. However, once they reached the Premier League I felt my enthusiasm and enjoyment of the games begin to wane. I began watching non-league, especially my local team from childhood Stourbridge, and it rejuvenated my love for football. Yesterday, I watched a great game, played by two committed sides who genuinely wanted to play (not for money, but because they love the game), I was out in the fresh air and it cost me just £5 to get in, with a further £1 for a cup of tea. Why on earth would I pay £15 to sit on my sofa watching a game with no fans and no atmosphere when I could be out and about watching real football? It's a no from me. I'll always want The Baggies to win and I when they don't it still puts a downer on my day, but as for live football, it's non-league all the way for me now.

​Best of luck to both teams for the remainder of this season and a big thank you to the Severn Sport commentary team who shared the teams sheets with me before kick-off.

Longlevens: Winman, Emery, Barnett, Kavanagh, Long, Emmett, T.Callinan, O'Connor(c), ames, Martin, Johns. Subs: G. Callinan, Haswell, Lovegrove, Johnstone, Williams

Wokingham & Emmbrook: Woodward, O'Connell, Day, Cummukey, L.Eagle(c), C.Eagle, Harris, Collier, Scope, White, Bateman. Subs: Carter, Rushforth, Badshah, Eggleston

Att: 67
Ground Number: 247
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Online only

Planning for midweek matches is getting more difficult these days. What with late postponements due to Covid-19 positive tests and this endless stream of storms that we seem to get these days (since we started naming them), I find that I need to have 4 or 5 possible games on my list. That was the case this week. I was already mindful of possible waterlogged pitches but was all set to head off to Cheltenham Saracens when I saw the tweet saying their game had been called off. No fault of theirs, or opponents Hereford Lads Club. A positive Covid-19 test in the Hereford ranks meant that they had to postpone. Still, all protocols were followed and best wishes to the player concerned. Hope he is back in action soon.
Not to worry though. Second on my list of possible games (and only second because it was slightly further to travel and I wasn't sure what time I would be free from work commitments) was Stonehouse Town v Hereford Pegasus. This was something of an occasion for the home side as it would be their first ever home game under their new floodlights.

​The Ground
Stonehouse play at Oldends Lane, to the North of the town, and have done since 1949 when the ground was opened by then England captain Billy Wright. There is an ample car park adjacent to the ground with a short cut through to the single turnstile that takes you into the corner of the stadium. Note that the clubhouse and toilets are outside the main stadium. A wristband system was in place to monitor who had already paid. Track and trace via the NHS app or manual collection was in place, as was a temperature check via a gun. Oldends Lane has two stands, a covered terrace behind the goal at The Lane End and the Mike 'Spike' Smith Stand which provides covered seating. Along side the Mike Smith stand at the Lane End there is also a raised walkway which gives a good view of the pitch. On the opposite side of the stand there is a snack bar. The dugouts are on the opposite side of the pitch. At the moment only two sides, the Lane End and the Mike Smith Stand side, are open to spectators. However, I believe that plans are in place to add hard-standing around the entire perimeter.

​The Background
Last season was Stonehouse's first at this level, having risen up through the ranks of the Gloucestershire County League. In the 2018-19 season they finished in third place behind Lebeq United (now of the Western League) and Frampton United (who remain in the County League), despite losing their last three league games. This was enough for them to gain promotion into the Hellenic League. Before the early end of last season they had made a decent start to life at Step 6 and were more than holding their own after a fairly shaky start where they lost three of their opening four games. Interestingly, their one early win came in this corresponding fixture when they thumped 10-man Pegasus 5-0.
Hereford Pegasus, known as Pegasus Juniors until 2019, returned to the Hellenic League last season after eight years playing in the West Midlands (Regional) Premier League. They are no strangers to this league though, having spent almost 30 years plying their trade in the Hellenic structure, mostly in the Premier League. They were sitting in second spot when the season abruptly stopped last year, having only suffered three more defeats after their drubbing at Stonehouse.

It became clear well before kick-off that the opening of the new floodlights had created quite a bit of local interest. Add to that what seemed to be a fair contingent from Hereford and a bumper crowd was definitely on the cards. This was clearly something that the club had anticipated, planned for and in a very good position to deal. There were three club officials on the gate at all times, plus one more actually manning the turnstile, dealing with track & trace, temperature checking and re-admissions through the main gate for the clubhouse and toilets. All, without exception, were welcoming, chatty and efficient. A very impressive setup of which the club should be extremely proud.

​​The Game
We were less than three minutes into the game when we had the first major incident. A strong 50-50 challenge in the centre of the pitch left Stonehouse's number 10 (sorry no name, didn't have a team sheet) down and in some obvious distress. It's important to say that there didn't seem to be any malice in the tackle. It was just two very committed players going for the ball. The game was stopped for a few minutes before the player was helped off the pitch by two teammates (thankfully not on a stretcher). I believe that he was taken straight off to hospital and would like to wish him a swift recovery.

Maybe it was the early injury playing on their minds or maybe Pegasus were just more up fo rhte game but, whatever the case, the first 10 minutes was played almost exclusively in the Stonehouse half of the pitch, even if their goalkeeper was not unduly tested. However they, and a lot of people in the crowd (me included) were taken completely by surprise when Stonehouse took the lead on 11 minutes with their first attack, Tim Williams slotting past Jason Davis to make it 1-0.

​The goal did little to alter the run of play. Pegasus were still dominating possession and playing some nice football until they got to the edge of the home penalty area, where it all seemed to dry up for them.  Stonehouse, when they did win the ball back, were mainly restricted to hitting hopeful balls into spaces between the Pegasus defenders. Unfortunately for them, they were being pushed back so far that no-one could get forward in time to pressure the defence. The consequence being that Hereford could re-group and launch another foray into the Magpies half.
Just past the half-hour mark though their persistence finally paid off, albeit in slightly controversial circumstances. The home team and much of the crowd were up in arms as the assistant seemed to miss a foul on one of their players in the build up to the Pegasus equaliser. Play was allowed to continue with the ball eventually being played through for Kieran Slatter to apply a tremendous finish into the top corner of Pedrick's net. 1-1. To make matters worse for the home side, there also appeared to be a suspicion of offside when the ball was slipped through to Slatter. Having said that, on the balance of play it was no more than The Redmen deserved.

With the away side back on level terms it looked as if it would just be a matter of time before they went in front, especially as the pattern of the game showed no sign of changing. However, just on the stroke of half-time Stonehouse launched a rare attack down their left side. Dan Gittings picked the ball up, drifted inside his man and let rip from outside the box to put his team back in front again. 2-1. A quality strike from the Town midfielder.

HT Stonehouse Town 2 Hereford Pegasus 1. On the balance of play I doubt either manager could believe the half-time score. However, goals are what count and the home side had converted their limited possession into two of them whereas Pegasus had kept the ball for long period without finding that killer final pass.

As with the first half, it didn't take long for the second half to give us an incident. This time, however, it was a goal. An equaliser for Pegasus with absolutely no hint of controversy surrounding it. Once again it was left-back Slatter on the scoresheet with a superb strike from well outside the box which gave the keeper no chance at all. 2-2.

Although Pegasus were still seeing more of the ball than their hosts, the second-half was noticeably more balanced than the first, especially with the pace of Chris Earle finally giving Town an out ball. Two or three times the winger threatened down the left, with one effort in particular only just clearing Davies's bar, with the keeper beaten.
I have to say, as a neutral, it was an enjoyable game. Pegasus were still playing the ball around very nicely and neatly, looking quite dangerous but still lacking that cutting edge. Stonehouse continued to dig in but definitely looked to pose a little more threat in the final third than they did in the first 45 minutes.
​

Then, as we entered the final five minutes, more controversy and a winning goal. Pegasus won a corner on their left, which Moreira swung in under the home bar. A number of players, including the goalkeeper, challenged for the ball which somehow ended up in the back of the net. 2-3 (o.g). Pegasus players turned away to celebrate their late winner whilst the Stonehouse players and bench were completely incensed, claiming a foul on their goalkeeper. All of this happened at the opposite end of the pitch to where I was standing unfortunately, so it was impossible for me to see what had actually gone off. Judging by the vociferous protestations from the home team, there must have been some contact. The referee, however, disagreed and the goal stood. Will Pedrick, Stonehouse's keeper, took his protests a little too far and was sin-binned in the aftermath of the goal, leaving The Magpies to play with 10 men for the remainder of the game.

FT Stonehouse Town 2 Hereford Pegasus 3. Two of the Pegasus goals had more than a little hint of controversy around them but overall even the most die-hard Stonehouse fan couldn't really argue with the result. Pegasus were the better team for the majority of the game. Stonehouse did improve in the latter stages of the second-half, but spent a fair bit of the game defending in their own half. On the plus side, the floodlights looked splendid.
On Saturday Pegasus are back in league action with a local derby at home to Wellington. Stonehouse need to pick themselves up in readiness to welcome Premier League outfit Royal Wootton Bassett Town to Oldends Lane.

Stonehouse Town: Pedrick, Basana, Thwaite, King, Bird, J. Williams, Kibble(c), Gittings, Buckland, T. Williams, Earle. Subs: Moyo, Ratcliffe, Love, Lowe
Hereford Pegasus: Davies, Summers, Slatter, Panniers, Burgess, Worthing(c), Langford, Peters, Taylor, Clarke, Moreira. Subs: Cox, Lear, Payne

Att: 175
Ground Number: 246
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Free to first 150

Tuesday evening, a chance to go to a new ground and see two teams I had never watched before. My chosen game was the Hellenic Division East match between Penn & Tylers Green and Chalvey Sports. Although I had not seen either of these teams play before, Sports have featured in one of the Programme Notes articles on this site. What Did You Call Me (Part 3) was the third in a series about the more unusual nicknames in non-league football. Chalvey, The Stabmonks, certainly have one of these. Check out the article for the full story.
​
​The Ground
Penn & Tylers Green play their home games at French School Meadows, a name apparently dating back to the days of the French Revolution, when a school catering for orphans of the revolution was set up in the village. The school is long gone but the name remains as does a further reference to the school in the club's colours. Their blue & white striped shirts are a nod to the uniform worn by the French children, which was blue with a white feather in their hats.
The club has spent a couple of seasons ground-sharing with the likes of Beaconsfield and Amersham because of planning problems with their floodlights, but the rather smart looking, telescopic pylons, which were finally unveiled and used for the first time two weeks ago, are now fully functional. The ground, I have to say, looked in top notch condition all round.
The football ground is actually part of a village sports complex, which also hosts cricket and tennis. It is accessed via a small service road between Penn and Tylers Green villages. The service road is quite easy to miss in the dark. if approaching from the Tylers Green, Hazelmere and Wycombe direction, and you reach the Red Lion pub, you've just missed it (just as I did). The clubhouse serves all of the sports complex and is not part of the football ground, although it is only a very short walk away. There is a small car park next to the clubhouse and an overflow car park between the clubhouse and the football pitch. One small warning. This overflow car park gets busy and you may have to wait a little while to get out after the game if you find yourself blocked in. The entrance to the football pitch is through a gate off the car park with a small hut that acts as ticket office and snack bar. All of the ground facilities are on the clubhouse/car park side of the pitch. A small covered stand, straddling half way, is bounded by the dugouts, one on either side.

​The Background
Following the postponement of their game at home to Aldermaston last midweek, this match was only the second league outing for Penn & Tylers Green. They won their opening game 2-0 at home to Abingdon Town, this was followed by a brilliant 1-0 victory over local rivals Burnham in the FA Vase, and a 4-0 trouncing of Watlington Town in the Challenge Cup. All in all, a good start to the season, three wins and no goals conceded. Chalvey came into tonight's game having already played three times in the league. They opened with a 3-1 home defeat to Wallingford Town, then went down 4-1 at Wokingham & Emmbrook. Following an FA Vase exit, 5-1 at Step 5 North Greenford United, Sports then got off the mark in the league with a resound 4-2 win at Woodley United. They then followed this success up with a 4-0 Challenge Cup demolition of Stokenchurch.
Last season the sides only met once, at Arbour Park, where Sports had two players sent off in a 5-0 defeat. The previous season saw the clubs clash four times, Sports doing the double in the league, 4-0 at home and 3-2 away. In the two Subsidiary Cup meetings honours were even, Chalvey winning 5-3 at home and losing 3-2 in the away tie.

​The Game
It was Chalvey who almost got off to the perfect start. The game was only two minutes old when the ball was played diagonally into the home penalty area and planted firmly past Watson into the net. However, the assistant's flag cut short the celebrations and the goal was chalked off for offside. However, I was in line with the players when the ball was played and, although one Chalvey player was offside, the finishing touch was applied by a player who, in my opinion, was onside when it was played. It was a tight decision but I believe something of a let off for the home side.

Despite the early scare it was the home team who seemed to settle into a rhythm better. Both sides were not averse to getting the ball forward quickly. I wouldn't call it a long ball because that brings aimless hoofing to mind, and neither ide was doing any of that. It was more a direct approach to to game, getting the ball to the strikers at the earliest opportunity. Having said that, Penn were also more than happy to work the ball forward with some snappy passing moves. Chalvey, with their two big lads up front, were more inclined to play it longer. Interestingly though, despite the Chalvey strikers having a a couple of inches height advantage on the Penn back-line, it was the two Penn centre-halves who seemed to be winning most of the aerial battles.
​​Penn had a couple of long range efforts that Giacobbe did well to get behind, especially one absolute rasping effort from George Dawson-Clark that was not only hit with great power but also seemed to be moving all over the place.
It was not all one way traffic however. In fact, despite the lack of goals, it was a very entertaining half of football.
We even had another Chalvey goal flagged for offside before the break, although this one was far more clear cut.

HT Penn & Tylers Green 0 Chalvey Sports 0. Both sides seemed keen to get the ball forward quickly but the home who side who appeared to have the more inventive play, mixing up long balls with some passing moves. Chalvey threatened when they attacked and, against the general play, had the ball in the net twice.

Both sides stayed out on the pitch at half-time, something we are seeing much more of in these times of restrictions and social distancing. The added benefit to the supporters is that the second period often kicks off a minute or two ahead of schedule. I do think it's going to be difficult for the players when the weather gets worse though. I noticed that Penn had erected a gazebo type structure just behind their bench which at least could provide a little shelter during the break.

When the second period got under way it was clear that Penn considered themselves unlucky to not be in front at the break and they immediately set about getting the goal that their extra possession probably deserved. Their early dominance of the ball in the second 45 minutes proved to be a pattern for the rest of the half. Penn attacking, Chalvey defending resolutely but still looking as if they could cause an issue on the break if Penn let their guard down.

Time and time again waves of blue and white pushed the Chalvey defence to almost breaking point but through either stout defending or some wayward finishing, the breakthrough could not be found. Captain Dean Allen, who it has to be said ran the Chalvey defence ragged most of the game, came closest in the 72nd minute, beating the keeper but seeing his effort come back off the far post to safety.

When the referee finally blew for full-time there were stark contrasts in the response of the players, which reflected the way the game had gone. The Penn players looked somewhat dejected, not entirely sure how they had failed to win the game. the Chalvey players and bench were elated. They had been pushed back for the majority of the game, had ridden their luck at times, but overall had defended excellently.

FT Penn & Tylers Green 0 Chalvey Sports 0. The spoils somehow remained shared. Chalvey will take heart in the resolute manner that they defended and may even feel aggrieved about the first disallowed goal. However, that aside, even they would not be able to say they deserved any more than a point from the game. Penn can take heart from the fact that they have now gone 360 minutes in all competitions without conceding a goal.

Penn & Tylers Green: Watson, Barley, Burrows, Cox, Green, Cooper, Dawson-Clark, Lines, Allen(c), Shaw, Gardner. Subs: Prestridge, Hancock, Tripp, Gray, Cannings

Chalvey Sports: Giacobbe, Wall, Sandy, Creighton, Jeffrey(c), Cannon, Shingleston, Joseph, Mannion, Morgan, Harper. Subs: Marney, Cripps, Coomber, Brophy, Keadell

Att: 57
Ground Number: 245
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Online only

Making the 93 mile trip North to Shifnal on Tuesday evening, I was browsing through Spotify and came across a track I hadn't heard for a many a year, Mirror in the Bathroom by The Beat. Why is that significant you may ask. Well, keep reading and all will be revealed.
My chosen FA Cup game this midweek was Shifnal Town taking on Alvechurch in a game that, due to Covid restrictions, was all ticket and sold out. Living so far away and not being able to say for certain that I could make the game until Monday, I am very grateful to Shifnal Twitter man, programme designer, and photographer James Baylis for getting a space put aside for me.

​The Ground
Shifnal play their home games at The Acoustafoam Stadium, situated on the North-Eastern edge of the town. There is a small amount of parking at the ground but on this evening this was not open to the public. Instead parking was available at neighbouring Idsal School. It did cost £2 to park but all of the proceeds, I am told, go to the school.
​Access to the stadium is through a gate in the South-Eastern corner of the ground, where you can find the programme seller and immediately to your left a snack bar. First impressions of the ground is that it is well above the standard of an average Step 6 club.

​On the far side is a reasonably sized stand with covered seating. Opposite, on the car park side of the ground is where the majority of facilities can be found. The clubhouse, which straddles the halfway line, is raised above the level of the pitch. Either side of the clubhouse the club has placed wooden bench tables along the raised bank. These not only encourage social distancing but also provide a great view of the pitch. The stadium is very well kept, with everything painted yellow and blue. This confused me until I spoke to James at half-time, who cleared it up for me.

​Traditionally Shifnal play in red & white stripes, although this season they do have a yellow & blue hooped shirt for cup matches (which they were using this evening). Fair enough, but surely overkill to paint your stadium in these colours just for cup matches? Not so, I was told. The stadium, and the cup kit, are designed around the colours of Chairman Pete Bradley's company, Acoustafoam (hence also the stadium name). Mystery solved.
It's actually hard to find anything wrong with the entire setup at Shifnal. The ground has plenty of character, the volunteers (certainly the ones I met) are friendly and helpful and the matchday programme (a souvenir edition for this match) was, in keeping with everything else, of a very high standard. Any ground-hopper out there reading this, if you haven't paid Shifnal a visit I would encourage you to do so.

​The Background
One of the things that attracted me to this game was the fact that the sides are three divisions apart with home advantage to the lower ranked team. No disrespect to Alvechurch but everyone loves the possibility of a cup upset, right? To add to the mix, even though the sides are currently three divisions apart, that would almost certainly have not been the case if Covid-19 had not curtailed last season. When the abandonment happened Alvechurch were looking doomed to relegation and Shifnal were nailed on for promotion. This would have meant that they could have started 20-21 just one Step apart.

​Despite the proximity of the clubs, there is no previous record of meetings in FA cup, trophy or vase competitions. However, they have played in the same league on some occasions, the most recent being The Midland Alliance in the 2009-10 season. Both league meetings on that occasion were won by Alvechurch, 4-3 at Lye Meadow and 4-0 at Phoenix Park, as Shifnal's ground was then known. All of the previous meetings between the clubs are actually covered very nicely in the matchday programme. At the end of the 2009-10 season Shifnal switched to the West Midlands (Regional) Premier League where, with the exception of one season in Division 1, they have stayed. Church remained in the Alliance, becoming one of the founder members of the Midland League in 2014. Since then they have earned two promotions and now find themselves in the Southern Premier Central.
Shifnal have never made it out of FA Cup qualifying, although they did come close in 1982-83, going down 4-1 at Boston United in the 4th Qualifying Round. They've picked up this season where they left off last, winning their first league game 5-1 at Smethwick Rangers and turfing both Chelmsley Town and AFC Bridgnorth out of the FA Cup.
Alvechurch lost their opening league 5-1 at Hitchin Town. However, as far as the FA Cup goes, they far outweigh their hosts. Their best run came in the 1973-74 season when they reached the Third Round. In qualifying they completed a hat-trick of local derby wins, beating Halesowen Town, Bromsgrove Sporting and Stourbridge before eventually succumbing 4-2 away at Bradford City in Round 3. Church were also involved in one the marathon cup ties that occasionally occurred before limits were placed on the number of replays. In the 1971-72 season they drew 2-2 at home to Oxford City. The second replay was also drawn, 1-1. There followed 4 more ties, one at St Andrews, two at Oxford United's Manor Ground, and one at Villa Park, the final one of which saw Church triumph 1-0 only to lose at Aldershot in the following round.

​The Game
There was a real buzz around the stadium when the players came onto the pitch. Shifnal in their cup kit of yellow and blue hoops with blue shorts and socks, Alvechurch in their change kit of all green. You could feel the expectation of the home crowd, although there were a fair few Church supporters in the 320 capacity too.
As with all games of this significance, there was an initial period of feeling each other out. After his hat-trick in the previous round, Brad Sharman was clearly someone who Alvechurch needed to keep an eye on. Alvechurch, with Ian Long back at the helm after his spell at Stourbridge, also had a number of players back from the Glassboys, who followed Long there but have since returned. It was one of these returning players, Kieran Cook, who fired in the opening few salvos, breaking from midfield, causing the defence all sorts of problems and forcing the first save of the match from Jake James.
As the game settled into its rhythm, it was the Step 3 side who began to take some control, knocking the ball around quickly in midfield but without unduly worrying James in the home goal. However, when Shifnal did get the ball, they were looking lively, getting it forward to Montague and Hill quickly and accurately.
It was, however, the away side who finally made the breakthrough on 20 minutes when Jacob Wakeling, a former West Brom academy player, was quickest to react under the shadow of the giant West Brom flag behind the school end goal, stabbing the ball home to make it 0-1. It was Wakeling who had been fouled for the free-kick that led to the goal, a challenge that saw Dan Lloyd pick up a yellow card for the home side.

The goal was a blow to Shifnal but heads certainly did not drop. In fact, within 2 minutes of going behind they could easily have been level when Tom Hill was sent clean through only to be denied by a very good block from Jono Brown.
It was another former Stourbridge player who almost had the final say of the half for the visitors, centre-half and captain Jamie Willets heading narrowly wide as the half drew to  close.

HT Shifnal Town 0 Alvechurch 1. Church showed their higher division pedigree at times and, in all fairness, controlled the game for large periods. However, Shifnal created chances and certainly couldn't be written off.

​Having tracked down James at half-time to thank him for getting my ticket, we spent a good few minutes chatting about football and life in general. It turns out that we have a connection from the past. James knew someone who I worked alongside during my time with the local newspaper the Express & Star (and it's sister paper the Shropshire Star, which covered the Shifnal area) back in the early to mid-eighties. It's a small world.

James headed off to prepare for what I am sure he hoped was photographs of at least two second-half goals for Shifnal. I took up a position alongside the main stand and after five minutes or so was beginning to think that James knew something that I didn't. Shifnal looked like they really meant business in the second-half. They were clearly determined to either pull the goal back or, at the least, go down fighting.
Just past the hour mark they came close to grabbing the elusive equaliser when Hill got his head to a right-wing corner only to see his effort go narrowly over the bar. The tide had certainly turned. Shifnal looked quicker to the ball, sharper in the tackle and full of ideas. They had Alvechurch on the ropes, although still had to show some caution against being hit on the break.

That was until a piece of individual class finally swayed the tie completely in favour of the Step 3 side and again it was Wakeling who was the difference. The striker held off a challenge from his marker and deftly slipped the ball past James to deliver the killer blow. 0-2. It was harsh on Shifnal who, until that goal went in, were really starting to build a head of steam and looked highly likely to get an equaliser at some point. It was also disappointing to the neutrals in the crowd as it effectively ended the match as a contest. However, you have to hand it to Alvechurch who had been under the cosh but managed to soak up the pressure and still have enough in the tank to go up the other end and win it.

Shifnal still gave it a shot, piling everyone forward in an attempt to get back into the game but, in all fairness, the second goal was always going to be enough. Alvechurch, boosted by the two goal cushion began to look more dangerous on the break, almost demonstrated to perfection when Kieran Cook latched onto a ball in his own half, outstripped everyone only for his low drive to hit the side-netting.

There was to be no miraculous comeback and no 'cupset' for Shifnal.

FT Shifnal Town 0 Alvechurch 2. A valiant effort from the home side, especially in the second half. Ultimately, they were undone by a classic piece of poaching and determination from a Church's Jacob Wakeling. For Alvechurch next up is a home league game with Royston Town on Saturday where they will be hoping to get some points on the board. Shifnal travel to Cradley Town in the league looking to retain their 100% record.
So, did anyone get the significance of both the blog title and the reference to Mirror in the Bathroom in the introduction? The answer being Wakeling. Birmingham-based ska band The Beat are fronted by Dave Wakeling and both goals for Alvechurch were scored by Jacob Wakeling. I wonder if they are related? Alvechurch is not a million miles from Birmingham.

Shifnal Town: James, Uppal, Pinnock(c), Cunningham, Lloyd, Smith, Franco, Sharman, Hill, Montague, Wedderburn. Subs: Jones, Perks, Craner, McCarthy, Howarth, Webb, Holdcroft

Alvechurch: Brown, Hill, Suane, Birch, Hull, Willets(c), Bellis, Monteiro, Wakeling, Townsend, Cook. Subs: Cassidy, Daley, Lloyd, Brown-Hill, Botfield, McFarlane, Marselia

Att: 320
Ground Number: 244
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: £2.00 (Souvenir Issue)