With no match opportunities in the coming weekend, I took the decision to head out to a game on Thursday evening this week, although a look at the weather almost persuaded me otherwise. Given the conditions, I decided to stay relatively local and re-visit Spratleys Meadow, a ground I had not been to since February 2019. My chosen game, however, did not feature the landlords of the ground, Amersham Town. Instead it was a Combined Counties Division One match with a distinctly European feel to it, Sport London e Benfica versus Deportivo Galicia. I'd never seen either team before, so I did a little research before setting out.
Sport London e Benfica, as their name suggests, are affiliated to Sport Lisboa e Benfica (or Benfica as we know them), the most successful club in Portugal. The London club was formed in 1981, and originally played Sunday League football. They moved into Saturday football in 2005, joining the Middlesex County League, Division One. They quickly progressed, and in 2007 were promoted into the Spartan South Midlands League. Unfortunately, a couple of season's later, they resigned due to ground sharing issues, eventually re-joining the Middlesex League in 2017, and were immediately relegated. However, since then, they have gone from strength to strength, gaining promotion to Combined Counties Division One last season, after winning the league by a point courtesy of a 2-1 defeat of second placed Camden & Islington on the final day.
Deportivo Galicia were founded in 1968 by a group of Galician migrants who had settled in London, partially taking their name from the Galician team, Deportivo La Coruna. They also began life as a Sunday League outfit, moving into the Middlesex League in 1995. They earned promotion to the Combined Counties League in 2017, and have played there ever since. Their best finish to date came in the 2022-23 season where they ended the season in 6th spot. last season they finished bottom of the pile, but remained in the division.
Fortunes have differed for the teams this season. Benfica started the day in 11th spot on 48 points, well adrift of the play-off spot chase but very safe from any worries. Deportivo, however, began the evening only two points outside the drop zone with 30 points from their 35 games, and had a real relegation battle on their hands. Both teams were coming into the game on the back of wins. Deportivo beat play-off bound PFC Victoria 2-0 whilst Benfica won 1-0 at bottom side Rising Ballers Kensington.
The reverse fixture, back in September, ended with Benfica clocking up a resounding 5-0 victory after getting off to a flying start, racing into a 2-0 lead inside four minutes.
Many thanks to the officials and Benfica's coaching staff for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off.

​With kick-off being delayed, I managed to grab a warming cup of tea before heading out into the chilly and gusty weather. Thankfully, at that point, the rain had slowed to a light drizzle, although that was not going to be the case for the entire game. The wind, however, was clearly going to cause havoc. Although not constant, when the gusts blew across the pitch, they were very strong.
The game eventually got under way 15 minutes behind schedule, but at least it was on.

With the gusty wind not really benefitting either team, it was the home side who seemed to settle into the game better. Captain Egidio Mahmoud looked lively, and it was he who had the first real chance, latching onto a through ball on the left and sending his cross-cum-shot past the keeper only to see it hacked away for a corner by a covering defender. A few minutes later Marco Raposo went on a run to open some space, but sent his shot over the bar. Then Mahmoud again caused problems for Deportivo, this time on the right, getting behind the defence and cutting the ball back to Helder Mannesim, who couldn't quite get enough power on his attempt.
Deportivo took a little longer to get into the flow of the game but were starting to get a little more possession inside the Benfica half. Noah Salama had their first meaningful attempt on the quarter-hour, getting his effort on target but not troubling Luis Silva too much. Just on the midway point of the half, Deportivo's Aitor Andon turned sharply inside the box, but again couldn't get his strike past Silva.
Clear cut chances were at something of a premium, but one did fall to Benfica's Helder Mannesim just before the half hour. The striker was put clean through but was thwarted by a good block from George Douglas, who had spotted the danger and raced off his line. Just on the stroke of the half-hour, Alfie Finnan saw his fizzing, low drive sail inches past Douglas's right-hand upright and the same player was then a little unlucky, ten minutes later,  when a ball into the box just wouldn't sit down for him to get a meaningful strike away. A minute after this Mahmoud sent another shot whistling into the side-netting, as Benfica looked to get ahead before the break.
The half, however, ended on a slightly sour note when a late challenge on a Benfica player over on the far side (I had no view of the players involved), left the home player on the deck, wailing in pain. There was, of course, a few minor coming together of opposing players before the referee gained control and issued a yellow to the Deportivo player.

HT Sport London e Benfica 0 Deportivo Galicia 0. A first half spoiled by the gusty wind to a certain extent. Neither team had really come to grips with it and clear-cut opportunities were at a premium. Benfica definitely generated a few more opportunities than Deportivo, but they had showed that they could cause some problems especially thought the pace of West and trickery of Andon.

If anything, the weather had deteriorated during the half-time break. As the second half got under way the gusty wind felt stronger and more raw, plus the rain was coming down a little more persistently.
Deportivo seemed to have the bit between their teeth though. They started the second half with more verve than they had shown in the first 45 minutes and suddenly looked the more likely team to break the deadlock. Of course, the opposite happened. Seven minutes in, Benfica broke up the left though Mannesim. His low, driven cross was then met at the back post by Egidio Mahmoud, who squeezed the ball in. 1-0
Two minutes later it could easily have been 2-0 when Mahmoud cut inside from the right and drove a shot towards the near post, forcing Douglas into a very good diving save.
Despite Deportivo trying to bounce back, and continuing to play some decent football, they couldn't find a way to get through the Benfica defence and, just past the hour, they were two down. Benfica were awarded a free kcik some 40 yards out on the right-hand side. The ball was delivered diagonally across the penalty area, missing out everyone at the near post, but finding Saran Sutharsan, making a late run in at the back and smashing the ball past Douglas. 2-0.
It was a long way back for Deportivo from two down. They continued to push and did force a few corners, and hit the bar, but couldn't quite find a way through. The game was also beginning to get increasingly niggly. Benfica were happy to defend their two goal lead and more than happy to slow the game down whenever they could, much to the displeasure of the Deportivo team, who were desperately trying to establish some pace and rhythm. The challenge late in the first half was also still lingering in some minds.
Deep into added time Benfica rubbed salt into the Deportivo wounds when Mahmoud sent an absolute screamer into the top corner from 25 yards. 3-0 . A great strike that the home captain celebrated with a couple of somersaults. This display seemed to really incense the Deportivo team and there was a fairly lengthy delay whilst the referee attempted to regain control and calm the situation. In the chaos and aftermath Aitor Andon also appeared to be sin-binned. Not that it really mattered at this point, with just a minute or so remaining.

FT Sport London e Benfica 3 Deportivo Galicia 0. Football can be a strange game at time. Deportivo played much better in the second half, but conceded there goals. The victory sees Benfica move up a place to 10th, still 17 points shy of the final play-off position, occupied by London Samurai Rovers, but they do have four games in hand on Rovers. Deportivo remain two places and two points above Sandhurst Town, in the drop zone. However, they have now played one more than Town. 
Coming up for Benfica is a home game against 8th placed Wembley on Saturday. SL lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture in a game that saw both teams reduced to ten men. Deportivo have no game this coming Saturday and will have to wait another week before they then welcome Wembley to Bedfont Sports Club. The reverse fixture ended 4-0 to Wembley, who scored two goals in each half.


Sport London e Benfica: 99.Silva, 2.Okon, 71.Spearing, 5.Cleyton, 32.Udanoh, 18.Richardson, 8.Finnan, 15.Camolas, 10.Mahmoud(c), 7.Raposo, 29.Manessim. Subs: King, 77.Ketter, 24.Jackson, 11.Fernando, 12.Southarsan
Deportivo Galicia: 1.Douglas, 2.Panos, 3.White-Glean, 4.Filip, 5.Kemp(c), 6.Diaz, 7.West, 8. Salama, 9.Fernandez, 10.Andon, 11.Petch. Subs: 12.Ambrose, Mejdoubi, Relf, Stephens, Andon

Ground Number: Re-visit
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This weekend BotP headed back to the picturesque village of Bibury for what looked to be an interesting Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division 1 clash between Bibury and Dursley Town. I last visited Aldsworth Road back in April 2022 when the home side were still in Division 2. On that day they Bibury were edged out 2-1 by Viney St Swithans (A Game Of Justice?) and both teams missed out on promotion. However, the following season Bibury were promoted to Division 1 via a third placed finish.
This season, in the top flight, Bibury came into today's game in sixth spot with 22 points from their 18 games. Their opponents, Dursley Town, started the day in second, three points adrift of the leaders, Whaddon United, but with a game in hand. It had been a mixed bag in 2026 for the visitors. A 3-0 defeat at Longlevens reserves and draws with English Bicknor and, last week, at home to Brockworth Albion, were interspersed with solid wins against Cheltenham Civil Service and Stonehouse Town Reserves.
Bibury meanwhile were looking to get back to winning ways at home after losing their last two fixtures at Aldsworth Road both by 3-1 score lines.
This would be the first meeting of the teams this season. However, last season, Bibury had taken a point at Dursley but been beaten 2-1 at home.
Thanks to referee Robert Green for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off

​After the promise of Spring breaking last week, the weather had taken another turn back towards Winter and, the game got under way under leaden skies, a sprinkling of rain and a chilly breeze.
However dreary the weather, Dursley were soon brightening things up, taking the lead after only six minutes. Logan Weyman, who went on to terrorise the Bibury defence for much of the game, was the provider, sending over a cross from the right that Alfie Mann headed past Jamie Penfold. 0-1.
Bibury's response was almost very swift. Only a minute later Sam Simmonds drove down their left flank before cutting the ball back to the edge of the box where it was met by Dec Kenn who, slightly off balance, could only put his effort over Jordan Schofield's crossbar. 
Following that early goalmouth action, the game fell into more of a midfield battle for a while. Dursley were gaining the upper hand but didn't unduly trouble Penfold. Adam Price probably came closest, but his 26th minute snapshot didn't really trouble the keeper.
The visitors almost paid the price two minutes later when Schofield was forced into a good save to prevent Keen from levelling the scores. As it happened the flag had already gone up, but the keeper was not to know that at the time.
Right on the stroke of the half-hour, Dursley almost doubled their lead when a defensive header from a ball in from the right looped over everyone and seemed to come back off the post. A follow-up header was then scrambled off the line and the home side survived.
At the other end, Schofield's main activity of the day had been chasing after errant back passes, preventing them from going for a corner. This had already happened a couple of times before Sean Monday did it again, but this time the ball was on target for the goal. Thankfully Schofield was quick enough to get back and make the clearance relatively comfortably.
The visitors goalkeeper then played a major part in their second goal. Launching a huge kick downfield, the ball travelled into the Bibury penalty area. Penfold came but only got a slight touch to the ball, allowing Logan Weyman to nip in and slot the ball past a defender on the line. 0-2
As we approached the final five minutes of the half, Penfold made some amends by saving well from Luke Brunsdon, but, just before the half-time whistle, the keeper was helpless to prevent a third Dursley goal. Once again Weyman was the architect, sending over a ball into a dangerous spot for Josh Barclay to put a diving header into the bottom corner. 0-3

HT Bibury 0 Dursley Town 3. Whist Dursley controlled much of the half, they only had a one goal advantage until the final few minutes. Those additional two goals look to have given them an unassailable lead going into the second half.

​If Bibury did have any lingering thoughts of making a second half comeback, they were fully extinguished three minutes before the hour. Luke Brunsdon latched onto a sloppy back pass, took the ball around penfold and slotted the ball in from a tight angle. 0-4 and the points were heading back to the home of Harry Potter's aunt and uncle.
Whether Dursley took their foot off the accelerator or Bibury finally got their game going a little, I don't know, but after the fourth goal went in, the pendulum seemed to swing a little.
Home substitute Leo Jones struck a good effort just wide of the Town goal and, although Dursley sub Billy Herbert glanced a Brunson cross wide, the chances were starting to come at the opposite end more often.
With 20 minutes to go Sam Simmonds was sent through but, with no-one up alongside him, was forced into having a pop from outside the box, sending the effort over the bar. Two minutes later, Simmonds robbed Monday just outside the box but was thwarted by a good save from Schofield.
That close call must have sparked Dursley back into life because they immediately broke down the left. Mann's cross was met by Herbert, but Penfold got across to parry the ball away, only for Luke Brunson to follow in and smash home number five. 0-5
With less than fifteen minutes remaining, there was little more action. Schofield did have to another decent stop when an attempted clearance ricocheted off a defender and almost crept inside his left-hand post. However, the points were safely in the bag, and pretty soon referee Green called an end to proceedings.

FT Bibury 0 Dursley Town 5. A comfortable win for Dursley who remain three points behind Whaddon, who also won, with a game in hand. English Bicknor are a further five points back with another game in hand. Longlevens Reserves are also a threat, nine points adrift of Whaddon with five games in hand. Bibury drop to seventh in a very tightly congested mid-table. They are only five points above second from bottom Cheltenham Civil Service. Coincidentally, next weekend Bibury travel to Cheltenham, whilst Dursley don't have a game. Their next outing is a massive trip to Whaddon United on the 21st of March. The following week they entertain Longlevens Reserves.

Bibury: 1.Penfold, 3.Davies, 9.Hopegood, 5.Knowles, 6.Carter, 4.Day(c), 16.Milner, 17.Carpenter, 10.Simmonds, 2.Keen, 11.Griffin. Subs: 12.Jones, 7.Potter, 8.Willetts, 14.Coram, 15.Shannon
Dursley Town: 1.Schofield, 2.Billings, 5.Deakin, 6.Monday, 3.Barclay, 4.Fowler, 8.Gray(c), 10.Weyman, 7.Mann, 15.Price, 16.Brunsdon. Subs: 9.Harper, 11.Walker, 12.B.Dolbear, 14.J.Dolbear, 17.Herbert

Ground Number: Re-visit
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This Saturday BotP was dipping back into the Northants Combination. This time, a Division Two clash featuring the team in third hosting the team in second. Thankfully the game was a 2:30 ko, which allowed me enough time to get from my daughter's late kick-off in Brackley.
Making my way over to the clubhouse, I had a stroke of luck when I spotted match referee Niki Inwood heading my way clutching the team sheets. This gave me the opportunity to not only get photos of the team sheets, but also to have a pleasant few minutes chatting to Niki about local junior football, the weather and general football-related issues. I also explained how I had chosen this particular game because of the potential to be a good game, rather than going to a new ground just to tick it off. The difference between ground-hopping and, to steal a great description from Wandering Tractor, match-hopping.
At the start of the day today's hosts, Kislingbury, sat in third spot having taken 24 points from their 10 league outings. Their visitors, Corby Rovers, were three points better off but had played a game more. Both teams were trying to chase down Daventry Town Hobbs, who had a 15 point lead on Corby but had played five more than Rovers and six more than Kislingbury. So, both teams could go level on points with the leaders should they win all of their games in hand. The teams had already met once before this season and Kislingbury had come out on top. Two goals from Sam Giddens and one from Michael Watson had been enough to trump two Dylan Griffiths strikes for Rovers.
With Daventry not playing, it was a chance for one of these two to narrow the gap a little, especially as Hobbs still have to visit both teams.

​After a relatively quiet start in terms of goal chances, Corby's Danny Ward was the first to hit the target, but his strike was comfortably dealt with by Laurence Benham and, from that point, the home side began to establish themselves in the game. With 15 minutes gone this possessional advantage turned into a goal advantage. A lovely through ball from Peter Taylor split the Rovers defensive lines allowing Michael Watson to run in behind and slide the ball past the advancing Edward Hunter. 1-0
Corby's response, some four minutes later, was to send their top scorer, Dylan Griffiths, clear. His miscued attempt from the right-hand edge of the box flew across to the opposite flank where Ryan Morton picked it up. However, his strike went across the face of goal and out for a goal-kick.
Just past the midway stage The Swans almost conjured up a goal of real quality. James Giddens brilliantly intercepted a Corby attack inside his own box and drove forward through the middle of the park. He laid the ball off to the left flank, continuing his own progress through the middle. Two more passes later, the ball arrived back at the feet of Giddens on the edge of the Rovers box where only good reactions from Hunter prevented the home centre-half scoring.
The hosts and James Giddens, however, did not have to wait too much longer for a goal when the centre-half rose above everyone to power a header home from a 34th minute Michael Watson left-wing corner. 2-0. The hosts were now in control of the game and, despite a little lull, extended their lead further with a minute to go. Again the goal came from a corner, this time from the right. The ball, delivered by Watson again, arriving at the far post where the other centre-half, Aaron Blundell, towered above everyone to head home. 3-0

HT Kislingbury 3 Corby Rovers 0. A very good half for the hosts who fully deserve to be in front at the break. Corby have rarely threatened Benham's goal.

​Following a few short WhatsApp exchanges with some Oxford United supporting friends who were enjoying their team take a commanding lead against the absolute basket case that is West Brom at the moment (despite not going to pro games any more, the Baggies are still my team, unfortunately), the second half began.
Kislingbury were soon on the offensive again, Jack Shaw firing in a dipping volley that Hunter dealt with comfortably. A few minutes later, Peter Taylor struck 20-yard free-kick cleanly, but again straight at Hunter. Then, just before the hour, Corby pulled a goal back. A ball down the left allowed Ian Hales to run in behind the defence. Benham was quick off his line but Hales got there first, sending the ball past the keeper and across the face of goal where Dylan Griffiths just about won the race to bundle the ball over the line. 3-1. Unfortunately for Corby, the joy of scoring was cut short by their top-scorer being helped off the pitch and unable to continue after picking up a knock in the act of scoring.
The hosts then set about re-establishing the three goal lead. Hunter did well to save from Sam Giddens just past the  hour, the with twenty minutes to go, Josh Crawley was sent clear of the Rovers defence only to shoot straight at Hunter.
Heading into the final 15 minutes Corby almost got themselves right back in the game when a corner from their right caused chaos inside the home 6-yard box. However, no-one in red could get the ball over the line before the home side scrambled it clear. That missed opportunity looked even more crucial a few minutes later when Kislingbury produced a superb move to make it four. Sam Giddens began the move, driving up the left. He then slipped the ball inside the defence for the overlapping run of Nathan Stewart, who intelligently cut the ball back to the edge of the box for Peter Taylor to apply a fitting, first-time, finish into the top corner. A lovely move and a great strike from Taylor. 4-1
Corby tried to respond, Hales fired over in the 84th minute and James Cassidy kept Benham honest with a decent effort three minutes from time. However, by this point, the points were already decided and, five minutes into added time, this fact was emphasised by a fifth home goal, albeit a very strange one. Substitute  Fernand Bass, in a foot race with a defender and the oncoming goalkeeper managed to cause enough of a problem for the ball to squirm loose from both. The striker, who was sent sprawling in the collision then somehow managed to flick the ball, from a prone position, into the unguarded net from a tight angle. 5-1

FT Kislingbury 5 Corby Rovers 1. The Swans remain in a position whereby they can still catch the league leaders if they win their games in and. Corby now have to rely on both teams above them making a mistake along the way. Kislingbury were fully deserving of the points on the day, looking in control of the game throughout. Having not seen either team play previously this season, it was hard to say if this was a dominant home performance, a bad day for Corby, or a bit of both. I'd say the latter. It did feel as if Corby never really got going today. I'm sure they must have more in them considering their position in the league.
Next weekend both teams are at home. Kislingbury face fifth placed Spencer Mil Reserves, a team they beat 2-0 in the reverse fixture. Corby have another big game that could do both themselves and Kislingbury a favour. They take on the leaders, Daventry Town Hobbs having lost the reverse fixture 4-2.

Kislingbury: Benham, Msampha, Bramley(c), J.Giddens, Blundell, Downing, Ibrahim, Taylor, Shaw, Watson, S.Giddens. Subs: N.Stewart, Crawley, Davenport, Bass, D.Stewart
Corby Rovers: Hunter, L.Morton, McGovern, O'Donovan, Carr, Buckingham, Ward, R.Morton, Hales, Griffiths, Cassidy. Subs:  Goode, Morgan, Mutengo

Ground Number: Re-visit
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This Saturday I was pretty much resigned to another match on plastic, especially after seeing postponements coming in thick and fast. However, midway through the morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the game on top of my grass list was on. The match in question was the Northants Combination Premier clash between Kettering Nomads and Blisworth. Still wary of last-minute changes in the weather, I set out a little early to give myself ample time to get back to Earls Barton United's 3G pitch should this one get called off.
With league leaders Roade sitting twelve points clear at the start of play, both second placed Bliswoth and fifth placed Kettering knew that a win today was essential. Both had games in hand, Blisworth two and Kettering five, but neither could catch the leaders even if they won them all. so they would still be counting on a mistake or two from Roade. The reverse fixture, played in October, had been a close encounter that Blisworth had edged 2-1. Today was expected to be much of the same.
Blisworth had a very good penalty shootout win against Desborough Town in the Les Underwood Cup last weekend, but suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at Roade at the end of January. Nomads beat Heyford Athletic last weekend but also lost 2-1 at Roade the week before.
Many thanks to the Kettering Nomads official who fetched both team sheet for me to photograph before the game. Very much appreciated.

Although Blisworth started this game on the front foot, it was Joe Mann's 11th minute effort for Kettering that provided the first real strike in anger. It was wide of the mark, as too was Kaine Clinton's free-kick a couple of minutes later. However Sam Starkey, in the home goal, was the first of the two goalkeepers to get his knees dirty when he had to dive to his right to push away Adefolarin Ademidun's effort, before the rebound was sent spiralling over the bar.
The team's continued to spar, but it was Blisworth who looked the more dangerous of the two, and Jamal Said sent a shot whistling past Starkey's goal just before the half-hour mark as if to emphasise the point. So, it was somewhat against the general run of play when Nomads took the lead in the 31st minute. Oscar Horton was the beneficiary, getting on the end of a ball into the box, after good work up the left flank. 1-0
Four minutes later the home side thought they had doubled their advantage when Josh Mcadoo spilled a long-range effort. Charlie Wilson was first to react, nipping in to lift the loose ball over the keeper, only for the assistant to put his flag up. The home players and bench were convinced that the striker was onside, but the referee agreed with the assistant. No goal. To be honest, from the opposite end of the pitch, it was impossible to get a perspective.

HT Kettering Nomads 1 Blisworth 0. Nomads take a lead into the break despite Blisworth creating slightly more opportunities. All to play for with not a great dela to choose between the teams.

​The wind seemed to have picked up a little during the break, and was now in the favour of Blisworth for the second half. They immediately set about using the conditions in their favour. First Dylan Surace and then Ross Watson tried their luck from distance, using wind assistance. Both were marginally off target
However, just before the hour mark, the visitors were level. Jamal Said picking the ball up some 25 yards out, steadying himself and sending a dipping drive beyond Starkey's right hand into the bottom corner. 1-1
Just the other side of the hour there was an unusual incident that confused a few of the onlookers for a while. McAdoo collected the ball in his area and, as he was about to throw it out, changed his mind. He dropped the ball right on the edge of the box before picking it up again. The referee blew for a free-kick with the majority, myself included, believing the keeper had handled outside the box. However, the ball was placed inside the area and it soon became apparent that the free-kick had been awarded because the keeper picked the ball up again after first releasing it. As it happened, nothing came of the free-kick.
Five minutes later, with just over 20 minutes remaining, Blisworth produced the best piece of football in the game. A series of quick passes and movement off the ball ended with Morgan Littlejohn playing a one-two and slipping the ball under Starkey. 1-2. 
Two became three after 77 minutes when Don Gillard sent a low, skimming shot past Starkey from 25 yards. Great strike for 1-3 and possibly game over. However, Kettering substitute Max Jelliman had other ideas. Two minutes after conceding the third goal, Jelliman found the ball in front of him, just inside the Blisworth half. A quick glance revealed McAdoo to be off his line, allowing Jelliman launched a perfect 45 yard lob over the stranded keeper. 2-3
Nomads were now looking to get back on level terms and were not too far off when Matty Sherwood let fly, missing the target by a narrow margin. However, they were leaving gaps at the back in the ir efforts to get a goal and, on 83 minutes, were a little lucky when Blisworth had a fourth goal disallowed for offside. To be fair, there were no real complaints from the visitors.
Then, with the minutes ticking down, Clinton said a little too much to the referee and earned a sin-bin, reducing Nomads to 10 for the final few minutes. They almost paid the price when Ross Watson was sent clear, but Starkey was out quickly to make a great one-handed block. There was still enough added time to almost allow Clinton to return to the action, but whilst the Nomads bench were trying to get him back on, the referee finally blew for the end of the game.

FT Kettering Nomads 2 Blisworth 3. A crucial three points for Blisworth, who keep their slim chances of catching Road alive. The result leaves them 9 points adrift of the leaders with one game in hand. Kettering stay in fifth, 21 points off top spot with four games in hand.
Next weekend Nomads make the trip to Corby to face Stewart & Lloyds in the first of a double-header, with the return match taking place the following Saturday. Blisworth are back at home as Corby Pegasus come calling. A first league meeting this season, but Blissy did win 2-1 at Glebe Park in the Les Underwood Cup back in October.

Kettering Nomads: Starkey, Hale, Boyce-Chong(c), Lingley, Tolton, Heads, Mann, Horton, Wilson, Clinton, Cawkill. Subs: Sherwood, Jelliman, Proctor
Bisworth: Mcadoo, Sergeant(c), Bazeley, Redding, Gartland, Gillard, Said, Surace, Wilkes, Ademidun, Watson. Subs: Heasman, Hadley, Hogben, Littlejohn

The Ground
Kettering Nomads play their home games at Isham Cricket Club which is situated between the villages of Isham and Orlingbury, some five miles south of Kettering. The club has a reasonably large car park with additional parking available on the road outside the ground. Next to the car park is the club house and patio area that looks out over the playing fields. The football pitch is at the far end of the ground, beyond the cricket pitch and has a backdrop of open countryside. There's no spectator cover around the pitch and no dugouts. The playing surface, although in need of a trim, looked to be in pretty good condition given the recent wet weather, and clearly drains quite well.

Ground Number: 479
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​After my daughter's game got pushed back to an 11:15 kick-off, it looked very much as if I wouldn't get toa game on Saturday afternoon. However, step forward Community Football Academy and Glen Villa, who were scheduled to meet at 4pm on the Oadby 3G pitch. Perfect! Just enough time to get back from Oxford, have a quick cup of tea and set off up the M1 for what looked like a tasty Division One clash. Hosts Community Football Academy sat in second prior to kick-off, having just played back to back games against the leaders St Patricks. After losing 2-0 at The Emerald Centre, CFA threw the cat amongst the pigeons with a resounding 8-2 win at Beauchamp College last Saturday. That result left CFA four point behind the leaders, who also had a game in hand. At the start of play, Glen Villa sat in fifth, a further 10 points adrift of CFA but with two games in hand on today's hosts. Earlier in he season BotP had the pleasure of watching both games between St Patricks and Glen Villa, a 4-2 away win for Villa (Reversal Of Fortune) and a 2-0 away win for St Patricks (A Warm Welcome). 
As a consequence of these two match, I already knew Villa boss Jonny Morgan and it was he who was one of the first people I saw upon arriving at the ground. After asking if I had the team sheets yet, he had a word with the CFA coach, who came over to share their list with me. Jonny then got the Villa sheet a little later, after a last minute change through Jake Inskip pulling up in the warm-up. Thanks to both teams for sharing their team sheets. It's very much appreciated.
I was also very pleased to meet CFA Chairman and founder Ahmed Maravia before the game, and even more pleased when it turned out that my blogs were already known to CFA, despite not having seen them play before. Ahmed spoke to me about the reason he set up CFA and just how far they and the charity had come in the 22 years since being founded. To find out more about the excellent work they do, I'd recommend taking a look at their website, especially the ABOUT US section.
Back to today's game. CFA were in search of a double over their visitors, having won 2-1 at The Rec in November. Two Charvin Ambhire goals enough to trump Jack Langton's goal for Villa.

​Both teams started the game looking quite lively, but it was the visitors who had the first real chance when Ira Caster was sent through. However, under pressure from a defender, his shot went straight at CFA keeper and captain, Aamir Bham.
CFA then soon made Villa rue that missed opportunity as the hosts went ahead. Four minutes in, Jaseem Khamkar drove up the right before firing over a low, driven cross that Lewis Dowle couldn't hold onto. The loose ball fell to Zak Yusuf who steadied himself before planting the ball into the net. 1-0.
It quickly got worse for Villa as CFA began to stroke the ball around with the confidence of a team who scored eight in their last game. Four minutes after going ahead, another raid into the Villa box culminated in Jaseem Khamkar being clipped inside the area. Penalty given. The same player picked himself up and slotted home the spot-kick. 2-0
To be fair to Villa, they tried to respond to this setback. Josh Wright saw his curling effort brilliantly pushed away by Bham and, after Hales had headed down a long ball, Caster arrived at the far post, but could only hit the side-netting. Harry Boorman then came close for CFA, but his header was just over the bar. Then Dowle made a very good stop to keep out Khamkar as CFA threatened more goals. 
A third did arrive, just past the half-hour mark. Younes Mihoubi was the architect, driving down the left before cutting the ball back into the path of Liam Taylor, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner. 3-0.
Once again, Villa tried to respond, but George Parker's free-kick, given after Cameron Grieff was caught by a stray arm that Villa thought was more than accidental, was never really troubling Bham, as it sailed over the bar and, if anything, it was CFA who looked more likely to add to their total before the break. In fact, only a very brave block from Dowle prevented Bleu McNeil from making it four in the final minute of the half.

HT Community Football Academy 3 Glen Villa 0. CFA well on top and played some very good football, using the surface to their advantage with quick passing. Villa with plenty of work to do if they want to get back into the game. 

​If the Villa coaches had wanted to see a marked improvement in the second half, they almost got their wish just three minutes after the restart. Josh Wright took aim from 30 yards sending his shot arrowing past Bham only for it to come back off the joint of post and bar. Very unlucky.
Credit to Villa, after chasing shadows for much of the first half, they had definitely got to grips with things in the second half. The fluent and fluid CFA attacks had been stemmed, but the visitors still couldn't find a way to cause problems for Bham. In fact, it was Dowle who was still the busier keeper, making comfortable stops from Adam and Hajat.
Into the final fifteen minutes, Villa did conjure up a coupe of half-chances. First Myles Cosgrove burst up the right wing, sending over a cross that was only marginally too far in front of George Parker flying in a t the far post. A few minutes later, a corner from the left found its way to the back post, arriving very quickly at the feet of Cosgrove, who couldn't get his strike on target.
A minute after that opportunity, CFA sealed the game completely when a dissecting through ball sent Mohamed Mahir clear. He calmly stroked the ball past Dowle for 4-0. That left just enough time for another substitute, Meroune Fahri, to see his goal-bound effort deflected over, as CFA saw out the game.

FT Community Football Academy 4 Glen Villa 0. A much better second half from Glen Villa, who stemmed the flow of CFA, but couldn't quite find a way back into the game. Maybe with a three-goal cushion, CFA also took their foot off the pedal a little, but they'd done the damage in the first half.
The result leaves CFA a point behind St Patricks, but having played two games more than the leaders. Villa remain in fifth spot but are now thirteen points behind CFA, albeit with two games in hand.
If you want to catch either of these teams in action then, weather permitting, they both have league games next Saturday. CFA travel to 12th placed Barrow Town who they beat 3-2 in the reverse fixture at the start of January. With St Patricks not playing, a point or more would see them go top. Glen Villa are back at home, as they welcome mid-table Holwell Sports Reserves to The Rec. The reverse fixture saw Sports score in the 89th minute to edge a the game 3-2.

Community Football Academy: 1.Bham(c), 11.Mihoubi, 18.Boorman, 5.Kone, 17.McNeil, 12.Bhandal, 13.Husain, 45.Taylor, 6.Adam, 15.Yusuf, 7.Khamkar. Subs: Hajat, 2.Jameel, 4.Bobat, 10.Mills, 16.Farhi, 8.Patel, 9.Mahir
Glen Villa: 1.Dowle, 13.Wright, 6.Payton, 12.D.Garrat, 7.Caster, 8.Greiff(c), 9.J.Parker, 10.G.Parker, 11.Morton, 15.Hales, 16.Cosgrove. Subs: 14.Mason, 2.Rowe, 18.Nwaigwe, 17.A.Garrat

The Ground
The Oadby 3G pitch is part of Beauchamp College campus. There's not a huge amount to say about the ground. It's a standard green cage design with spectator access along on side, although you can probably get a good view of the game from the pathway that rises up above the playing surface behind one of the goals. There's plenty of parking around the college and pathways leading around to the 3G pitch. There's no spectator cover but there are dugouts on the far side of the pitch.

Ground Number: 478
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

This Saturday, after another nerve-jangling morning watching my daughter's very depleted squad earn a tough point (this time against one of her old teams), I decided stay fairly local for the afternoon's entertainment. A short journey up the M40 for a Ben Turner Cup quarter-final between Oxfordshire Senior League Division Two side, Hornton, and the leaders of Division One, Witney Town. I last visited Hornton's delightful ground, The Cauldron, back in October 2023 when they beat Kings Sutton 3-1 in a league game (Countryside Caldera). Not too much has changed since that visit, although I do believe some extra hard-standing has been added towards the clubhouse end.
Last season, these two teams competed in the same division, with Witney winning the league and Hornton finishing in the lower half. Witney won both encounters, 3-0 at home and 3-2 in Hornton, a game that saw Hornton's Sam Sherpa-Moore see red.
This season Witney have gone from strength to strength and currently sit top of Division One, ten points clear albeit having played more games. Hornton are sitting in fifth spot, eight points from the promotion places. This position has been mainly down to their home form, where they have taken 10 points from five games.
Witney had already played a game to get to this stage of the competition, beating Hanney 5-2. It would, however, be Hornton's first game in the tournament this season, after receiving a bye in Round One. In last season' Ben Turner Cup, both Hornton and Witney were eliminated by the same team, eventual beaten finalists, North Leigh Reserves.
Many thanks to referee Barry Darvell and Hornton manager Liam Manley for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off.

​On a very heavy pitch, kicking towards the clubhouse end in the first half, it was the lower-ranked, home side who started the stronger. Despite the fact that they had to make a last-minute change to their starting line-up when one of their players couldn't make the early kick-off on time, they set about their task with a certain vigour.
Having said that, the first effort to cause any kind of concern was Dom Griffin's 4th minute strike that fairly whistled over Matt Brice's crossbar. 
After that, it became the Tom Bennington show for a the next 20 minutes. The Witney goalkeeper took centre stage as the home side created a series of chances. The first save came on 8 minutes when Bennington was forced to go full-length to his right to fingertip Sam Sherpa-Moore's rasping drive around the post. A minute later the visiting stopper was quickly off his line to block from Olly Richards. Then, approaching the quarter-hour, Bennington produced the best stop yet when, after a great move down the left, Hornton fed the ball across the face of goal to Sherpa-Moore, coming in on the back post. Bennington somehow got across his goal to make a point-blank stop from the stunned striker.
On the half-way point, Bennington finally proved he was human when he spilled another Sherpa-Moore effort, recovering quickly to grab the ball before it squirmed over the line. Sherpa-Moore could easily have had a hat-trick and his side probably should be in front. However, it was still goalless. That was when Witney hit their hosts with a stunning three-goal salvo.
With 24 minutes on the clock and Griffin's 4th minute strike still the closest they had come, Witney sent a long ball forward up the left-hand channel. Hornton tried to shepherd the ball out for a goal-kick, but the heavy ground held it up. Before it could cross the line, the ball was slipped across the face of goal where Adam Holloway was lurking to stab past Brice. 0-1.
The home players had barely caught their breath from that shock when they found themselves two goals down, and this time it was an excellent piece of football from The Blanketmen. A series of quick passes sent Tyler Dix free on the left. He played the ball into the path of Redi Karaj, bursting into the box. Karaj took one touch in his stride before slipping the ball past Brice. 0-2. Lovely goal.
Witney were now full of confidence and, on 28 minutes, they made it three goals inside four minutes. Mercayd Morgan-Allen burst down the right, firing a low ball across the six-yard box to find Dom Griffin, who slammed the ball into the net. 0-3.
Shell-shocked Hornton, to their credit, steadied the ship from this point, but they couldn't find a way back to the dominance they showed in the opening minutes. Witney, now with a big cushion, also tightened things up, not allowing the home strikers the amount of room they got earlier on.

HT Hornton 0 Witney Town 3. An extraordinary half in some ways. Hornton were on top until the first Witney goal went in. That goal seemed to light a fire in the visitors, who suddenly bean playing with a renewed confidence and style.

The second half began in a very similar way to the beginning of the first half, Bennington making yet another save from the unfortunate Sam Sherpa-Moore, who was getting increasingly frustrated and had already picked up  yellow card.
The Hornton striker's mood was probably helped a little in the 53rd minute though, when he finally got the better of his nemesis, drilling the ball past the Witney stopper from the edge of the box. 1-3.
Having got a goal back, it was Hornton's turn to be inspired. Just past the hour, Daniel Hirst tried his luck from distance but couldn't trouble Bennington. Hornton were getting far more of the ball at this point, but couldn't find a way back into the game. Then, with just over 20 minutes remaining, Witney sealed their progress with a fourth goal. A long ball forward found Griffin, who was held up by Horton captain Peter Thorne. Griffin did well to hold the ball up though, waiting for reinforcement to arrive. Some quick feet engineered a yard allowing Griffin to fire the ball across the box where Adam Holloway had arrived, unmarked. All the striker had to do was put his head on the ball and it was game over. 1-4
At this point both sides knew that the game was up. Hornton, to their credit, kept pushing, but Witney were relatively comfortable now, and defended solidly to see the game out.

FT Hornton 1 Witney Town 4. Witney progress to the semi-final with what, on paper, looks like a comfortable victory. In reality, it was far from that. Their goalkeeper, Tom Bennington, must take full credit, and man of the match, for keeping them in the game early on, before they hit their hosts with a stunning trio of goals.
Hornton are back in league action next Saturday as they make the journey to fourth placed Dorchester, who won 4-1 at The Cauldron in the county cup back in October.
Witney, meanwhile, have a weekend off before they make the trip to relegation threatened Charlton United. Witney won the reverse fixture 5-0 with a hat-trick from Jack Morton and two from Adam Holloway.

Hornton: Brice, Burton, Bowden, Hist, Jordan, Lee, Sherpa-Moore, Phillips, Richards, Sabin, Thorpe(c). Subs: Boyle, Fox, Hillman, Middleton, Manley
Witney Town: Bennington, Shayler, Dix, Clarke, Robinson, Walker, Oliver(c), Preston-Carrey, Holloway, Karaj, Griffin. Subs: Morgan-Allen, H.Jackson, G.Jackson, Edwards

The Programme
Hornton produced a programme for this game, priced at £2. With 16 full-colour pages, it contains all of the features you'd expect. A column from the Hornton boss, Liam Manley and another from club captain, Peter Thorne. Coach Steve Jesic provides the column welcoming players and supporters. There are a few photos from last season's meeting between the sides, stats from Hornton's last game and a piece on today's visitors.
Well worth purchasing as a way of adding a few extra pennies to club's coffers.

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 36 (manual count. not mine)
Entrance: 
Programme: £2.00

​This Saturday BotP headed back up to the Midlands for a massive South Birmingham derby in Division Two of the Midlands Football League, with table-toppers Northfield Town making the short journey over to second placed Cadbury Athletic. So, after a nervy morning watching my daughter's team score a 90th minute winner in a cup quarter-final, I headed up the M40, destination Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, a new ground to me. Neither of these teams were new to me and, in fact, I had seen them both play at home in that, but before Cadbury moved to the rugby club. My last visit to Cadbury was in 2023 when they defeated Boldmere Sports 7 Social Falcons 7-0 in front of the iconic Edwardian sports pavilion (Cadbury's Spectacular Seven). My visit to Northfield was, however, much more recent. I was there between Christmas and New year to see their 4-1 home win over Bolehall Swifts (Third Time Lucky)
At the start of play today, Northfield held a 10-point lead over The Chocolate Men, although Cadbury did have two games in had, making this a particularly important game for both teams. A win for Athletic would close the gap to seven, with the possibility of that becoming one if Cadbury could win their games in hand. A win for Town would give them a massive 13-point advantage with 10 games to play.
Cadbury were also coming into the game with an unbeaten home record, although Northfield were yet to taste defeat on the road. Both teams had only lost once this season. Tellingly, Cadbury's defeat came at the hands of Northfield, who beat them 2-0 at Shenley Lane back in December, a game that saw Athletic reduced to 10 when Alex Considine picked up two yellow cards.
Thanks to the match officials for sharing the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. Very much appreciated

​As you would expect in such an important contest, the opening minutes were very cagey with both sides keeping things tight and not wanting to be the first to concede. Having said that, even with few chances, the first quarter of an hour seemed to fly by.
The visitors were the first to create an opening when Adam Garmson managed to get a header on target in the 17th minute. However, it was a comfortable save for Fraser Oliver. At this point it was still a very evenly balanced game, but Northfield were beginning to up their game. 
It looked like it may take something special to break either defence down and, just past the midway stage of the half, that's exactly what happened. Northfield were awarded a free-kick some 30 yards out which Adam Garmson stepped to take, sending an absolute screamer flying into Oliver's top left corner. 0-1
The goal certainly gave the visitors a little extra boost and, whilst not dominating the ball, they were certainly on top at this point. Cadbury were struggling to make many inroads against a very well organised Town defence.
Thomas Walker, in the Northfield goal, did have to be quick off his line in the 34th minute, winning the footrace to clear before Wade Malley could latch onto a through ball. That aside, the Town stopper didn't have too much to deal with. Although, deep into added time, he was left helpless as a ball flashed across the face of his goal only inches from two purple-shirted players flying. Neither could get a touch and very soon afterwards the referee drew a close the first half.

HT Cadbury Athletic 0 Northfield Town 1. A very tight encounter between two well-matched sides. The only difference so far being a piece of individual brilliance.

​The home side began the second half with a renewed vigour and, seven minutes in, almost got themselves back on level terms when Callum Burston-Keeley's well-struck free-kick almost deceived Walker. Maybe the ball took a deflection or maybe it just swerved. Whatever the case, the Northfield keeper was forced to readjust and make a good save with his feet to keep the ball out. Five minutes later, however, Walker was left powerless. Once a gain the initial threat came from Burston-Keeley, who drove up the left before sending over a low ball that wrong-footed the defence. The ball was only half-cleared, straight into the path of John Baker, who smashed the ball back past Walker. 1-1
Northfield's response was almost immediate when Lewis McPike's shot looked to be goal-bound before purple captain James Morris rose to head clear. That was just past the hour mark. Five minutes later, the visitors got their noses back in front when a low cross from the left was met at the near post by Adam Garmson. 1-2
Back in front, Northfield looked to consolidate their position as the game began to get that little bit more feisty. No-one wants to lose a local derby and the passion from both sides was clear to see, both on the pitch and on the benches. A couple of debateable offside decisions going against the home side did little to cool down the tensions either. Both happened directly in line with me and I can say the second call was definitely offside, The first, however, when Burston-Keeley was set free, looked well on from my angle.
With ten minutes to go, Northfield came within inches of sealing the points when James Ward's dipping drive beat Oliver, but crashed back off the bar. The, with six minutes left, things really started to heat up.  First of all Northfield manager Ryan Smith was sent off for some rather vociferous comments to one of the assistants. A minute later Smith could, and should, have been even more upset. Cadbury attacked up the left again and when the ball fell into the path of James Morris, some 8 yards out, the Athletic captain somehow managed to clip the bar when, in all honesty, he should have buried the chance.
With a minute to go, Cadbury were then reduced to ten when Dean Fisher was sin-binned for, presumably, comments made to the referee. Almost immediately after the restart, there was another flashpoint when Alex Considine clattered McPike on the edge of the box, sparking a small melee, which the referee quickly dealt with.

FT Cadbury Athletic 1 Northfield Town 2. Well, from a neutral's perspective, what a great game. A thunderous 30 yard free-kick, crunching tackles across the park, two highly-committed teams, a sin-binning, a red card and a whopping 196 spectators. Brilliant entertainment.
So, where does that that leave us? Well, Northfield now hold a 13 point lead from Cadbury, who are now being chased hard by Birmingham United, three points behind after walloping Coventrians 9-1. I'm sure Northfield are not counting their chickens just yet, but it's hard to see them being caught now, especially as they have now won ten on the bounce and have only dropped two pints since mid-August. Next up, Cadbury make the trip to Tamworth to take on 10th placed Bolehall Swifts who they beat 4-1 in the reverse fixture. Northfield have a home Birmingham FA Vase match with Division 3 side, AFC Balsall.

Cadbury Athletic: Oliver, Gumbley, Cooke, Brooks, Morris(c), Considine, Froggatt, Fisher, Malley, Baker, Burston-Keeley. Subs: Alison, Maddocks, McGinn, Manning, Mudie
Northfield Town: Walker, Green, Tabberner, McPike, Ashmore, Wood, Ward, Westwood(c), Bourn, Garmson, Forbes. Subs: MacDonald, Wells, Need, Prince

The Ground
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club is situated in the Billesley area of South Birmingham and is part of a multi-sport complex that includes a tennis and fitness centre, indoor bowls and a new Padel club. There's a large car park in front of the main pitch with access to the ground via a series of turnstiles. All of the facilities are on the opposite side of the ground from the entrance. A large clubhouse, bar and snack bar and an impressive main stand, straddling the halfway line, that provides ample covered seating. There's even an electronic scoreboard at one end of the ground. Obviously, the pitch is shared between the rugby club and the football club. However, the surface looked to be in very good condition, especially when considering the recent weather conditions. Opposite the ain stand there are two dugouts separated by what looked like a bus stop shelter.


Ground Number: 476
Att: 196
Entrance: £5.00
Programme:

It was another one of those weekends where my choice of match went down to the wire. There were games being cancelled left, right and centre. However, luckily for me, a very interesting county cup quarter-final game featuring a high-flying step 7 team at home to a step 6 side, was almost around the corner and, what's more, it was on.
The game in question? A Les underwood Junior Cup game between Northants Combo Premier League leaders Roade and Spartan South Midlands Division One outfit Rushden & Higham United. It was something of a coincidence that I ended up heading for Roade because I had spent the morning watching my daughter's team train after their county cup game, against Roade, was cancelled because the Roade team had, very sadly, folded. I do hope their players find other clubs soon. No-one wants to see a team fold. Unfortunately, under-16 girl's teams are prone to this especially with the pressure of exams looming.
On to today's game. Roade came into the match safe in the knowledge that they held a nine point lead at the top of the Northants Premier, even if local rivals Blisworth had two games in hand. This was a chance for them to test themselves against a team from the level above them. Rushden & Higham United, The Lankies, ply their trade in Division One of the Spartan South Midlands League, and are currently in mid-table. Their nickname comes from a previous incarnation, as Higham Town, when they played their home games on land belonging to The Duchy of Lancaster, hence the name, The Lankies.
This was a quarter-final of the junior county cup, effectively round three. Both sides had won home ties in round one. Roade beat Earls Barton United 2-0 whilst Rushden & Higham were 4-2 winners over FC Peterborough. In the second round Roade received a bye whilst United won a penalty shootout after drawing 0--0 at Raunds Town.
I'd like to say a massive thank you to the friendly and helpful staff at Roade, who went out of their way to get me access to both team sheets before the game.

​The opening encounters showed what a tight and tough encounter this was likely to be, with plenty of challenges flying in early on as both sides tried to establish themselves. The referee set his stall out early on, letting the game flow as much as possible, probably a little too much in the eyes of both teams. However, to be fair, he was letting things go on both sides.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium early on. Both teams had glimpses of goal in the opening 15 minutes, but neither could manage a breakthrough. Just before the 20 minute mark, Roade won a corner on their left which George Wingrove took, curling the ball in towards the visitor's goal. Goalkeeper Micky Ibbeson did well under pressure to push the ball away and was alert enough to grasp Andy Seaton's goal-bound header as it looped towards the corner. That was as close as either team had come so far, and it stayed that way until the 35th minute when Rushden took the lead. A short corner routine on the left seemed to have come to nothing when the ball was cleared towards the edge of the box. However, Johnny Carey was lurking to send a low shot past Michael Kirby. 0-1
The response from Roade was decisive and almost immediate. Only four minutes after going behind, the Step 7 side were level. It began with another Wingrove corner from the left. This was headed clear, but only back to the Roade number 10. He sent over a dangerous ball, with some pace, that Austin Bishop could only a glancing head to, sending the ball into his own net. 1-1

HT Roade 1 Rushden & Higham United 1. A very entertaining half from a neutral perspective. Two evenly matched teams who were both going flat out. A proper cup tie complete with an underlying bit of niggle.

​Roade, possibly buoyed by their equaliser, began the second half with renewed intent. Only two minutes after the restart JJ McCarthy forced Ibbeson into a flying save at full-stretch, to concede a corner. A few minutes later, however, even the excellent Lankies keeper was helpless as Ed Uka planted a free header past both the keeper and the far post. The Roade striker clearly annoyed that he hadn't put them in front. Then just before the hour Uka sent a low drive skidding past Ibbeson, only for the ball to crash back off the foot of the post.
Roade were definitely on the front foot at this point, keeping United penned back in their own half. Substitute Connor Letts was next to try his luck, sending a long-range effort wide of the mark, before Ibbeson came to United's rescue again on 64 minutes, producing a superb save to keep our McCarthy again.
Roade could easily have added three goals in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, if not for Ibbeson. Of course, as often happens in football, they came to rue these misses. United pressed forward and, a minute after almost conceding, they were awarded a penalty when Jason Okunnu was clearly tripped inside the area. No real arguments for Roade as Kai Magee stepped up and blasted his side back in front. 1-2
Roade responded as they did when going behind previously. However, this time, they were a little unlucky to see Uka's powerful header blocked  on the line. They were even more unlucky just a minute later when a long ball forward was miscued by a Roade defenders ending the ball spinning backwards over the top of their back-line. Kai Magee was alert to it, nipping in to loft the ball over Kirby and into the net. 1-3. Magee would be denied the chance of hat-trick after seemingly injuring himself in the act of scoring and having the go off. However, two goals in two minutes had seen the visitors give themselves breathing space, after being under some pressure early in the second half.
Two goals behind to a team a division above them could have spelled the end for Roade but, to their credit, they didn't let their heads drop and, with fifteen minutes remaining, they grabbed a lifeline. It was proper route one stuff. Kirby launched the ball downfield, his huge kick bouncing inside the United penalty area. Ibbeson came to claim but was challenged by both Uka and Wingrove. The ball slipped from his grasp as he landed, bouncing in front of Wingrove, who lofted it back into the unguarded net, amidst claims of a foul on the keeper. Nothing given and Roade were back in it. 2-3
The home side pressed forward looking for the leveller, but were indebted to defender Denham Salmon who got back behind his keeper to make a crucial goal-line headed clearance, saving a goal that would undoubtedly have finished the match. That proved to be the catalyst for a final push. Harrison Mackie's long punt forward almost caught out Ibbeson, who had to back-peddle to tip the ball over the bar. Then, three minutes into added time, Michael Osbourne sent the home supporters wild as he drilled the ball in from just inside the box. 3-3.
We would need penalties to separate the teams

FT Roade 2 Rushden & Higham United 3. A brilliant game of football to watch. Fully committed teams who competed to the very end of the game.

Penalties
Jack Bloodworth scores for Rushden. 0-1
George Wingrove scores for Roade. 1-1
Johnny Carey for The Lankies, in off the inside of the post. 1-2
Harrison Markie puts his effort wide. 1-2 after two kicks each.
Mason Jackson makes it 1-3 for the Lankies.
Denham Salmon scores to make it 2-3 after three each
Rushden goalkeeper Micky Ibbeson hits the post. Still 2-3
Roade stopper Michael Kirby to level it. Saved by Ibbeson 2-3
Jory Mann to win it for Rushden. Scores. 2-4

Rushden & Higham United progress to the semi-finals. All other quarter-finals were postponed, so they'll need to wait to see who they face from Woodford United v Blisworth, Harpole v Kettering Nomads and Desborough Town v Wellingborough Whitworth
Meanwhile, Roade have no fixture next week and will have to wait until the 24th, when they take on Kettering Nomads at home in the league, having won 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
The Lankies do have a match next Saturday, as they face a trip to Bell Close where they take on Leighton Town Reserves in the league.


Roade: Kirby, Lawton(c), Webster, Pannell, Seaton, Salmon, Faulkner, Collier, Uka, Wingrove, McCarthy. Subs: Daniels, Thorpe, Markie, Letts, Osbourne
Rushden & Higham United: Ibbeson, Dye, Jackson, Culwick, Bloodworth, Bishop, Okunnu, Palmer(c), Magee, Mann, Carey. Subs: Beasant, Demaj, King, Johnstone, Wells


Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​As often happens at this time of year, my original plans for this Saturday were scuppered by the weather, so Whetstone Athletic and St Patricks will have to wait for another day. Many thanks to St Patricks player-manager Sean Doy, for keeping me up to date with events in Leicestershire.
As always, I had a number of games on my list of possible so, with Whetstone off, I switched from one game involving teams that had climbed the leagues alongside each other, to a game involving two teams who were promoted together last season, Witney Town and Oakley United. Witney won the Oxfordshire Senior League Division Two last season, whilst Oakley came up even though they finished in fourth spot. Spoils were shared last season. Witney won this fixture 3-1, whilst Oakley were victorious at home, on the first day of the season, winning 4-0. During the season, BotP saw Witney beat Oxford Irish Athletic 4-1 at Gordon Way (Comfort Blanket) and, this time last year, I watched Oakley lose 3-0 at Stoke Mandeville in the Thomas Field Shield quarter-final (100% Stags).
Prior to kick off, Witney sat proudly atop the Division One table, 3 points ahead of Shipston Excelsior but having played two additional games. They'd only lost twice this season, but both of those had come at home. They were, however, on a run of five wins from their last six matches. Oakley started the day in 6th spot, 14 points behind their hosts but with four games in hand. They'd won two, lost two and drawn two of their last six, but were coming to Witney defending an unbeaten away record. This would be the first meeting of the teams this season.
A big thank you to referee Rob Jones for sharing the teams sheets, and having a chat before the game, and at half-time. Rob is known in my family as my daughter's favourite referee, despite the fact that he once had to threaten her with the sin-bin after a particularly vociferous complaint about a debatable offside flag.

​In front of a very sizeable crowd, on a bitterly cold afternoon, Witney started the stronger of the two teams without causing any immediate concern to visiting goalkeeper Micky Thompson. In fact, it was Oakley who were presented with the opening encounter's best opportunity when they were gifted the ball inside the Witney penalty area after eight minutes. However, they couldn't take advantage of the situation. After that wake-up call, Witney began to take control of the game.
Ryan Oliver was the first to go close, bursting clear on the right side before driving across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post for a goal-kick, despite Thompson getting the merest of fingertip touches to the shot. A few minutes later the home side went route one when a long ball over the top found Harrison Furlong who took on the shot first time, lifting the ball over Thompson but. unfortunately for Witney, over the bar too.
The Blanketmen were now well on top in terms of possession with goalkeeper Tom Bennington not much more than a spectator at this point.
Just after the midway point of the half, Jack Morton leapt like a salmon to meet a cross, only for his leader to loop just over Thompson's bar but, four minutes later, the home side finally broke the deadlock. Another ball beyond the Oakley back-line caused some confusion between Thompson, who had rushed to the edge of his box, and the defence. The half-clearance reached Harrison Furlong some 25 yards out. The Witney number 8 returned it first time, bypassing both stranded goalkeeper and covering defenders. 1-0. A lovely controlled strike.
Witney smelled blood and it looked like they would go on to establish a big lead now. Two minutes after the goal, left-back William Smaldon sent a curling effort in from the left flank, over Thompson and looking destined for the top corner, only for the ball to come back off the bar. Then the woodwork came to United rescue again just past the half-hour mark when Morton's cross found Furlong who met it with a powerful header, only for the ball to, once again, smash off the bar.
Oakley were wobbling, but hanging on and, to give them credit, they did stem the flow somewhat after those two close shaves. Furling came close again just before the break, when another long ball saw him beat Thompson only for his lobbed effort to clear the bar.

HT Witney Town 1 Oakley United 0. Witney controlled the half but only managed to find the net once. They could, and probably should, have been two or three to the good. Oakley must be quite happy to go into the break still very much in the game.

​Sure enough, with only three minutes of the second half gone, Witney were made to play for their missed chances.  Oakley's Tom Beckett picked the ball up on the halfway line and drove towards the right-hand side of the home penalty area. With defenders backing off him, Beckett went for goal, sending a low drive past Bennington's right hand into the bottom corner. 1-1
The Witney response to the equaliser was almost immediate, but Thompson was equal to Furlong's effort, making another good stop. That looked to have been crucial when, two minutes later, Oakley were awarded a penalty after Harry Gardner was clipped in the box. No real complaints from the home side as Daniel Pounds smashed the ball past Bennington from the spot. 1-2 with just seven minutes of the second period gone. Some turnaround from Oakley.
In response, Witney made a few changes as Oakley put players behind the ball in defence of their lead. There was, however, a long way to go. Could they hand on for over 30 minutes? 
Witney continued to push for a goal but, aside from a couple of freekicks, Jack Robinson's pushed away by Thompson and Ryan Oliver's effort flashing narrowly wide, the home side were struggling to get back into the game.
However, Oakley were dropping deeper and deeper. Since the second goal they had posed no further threat to Bennington's goal to the point where, at one point, the home keeper was complaining of being cold.

​Their plan looked very much as if it was going to pay dividends as we entered time added on. Even more so when, a minute in to added time, the home side engineered an opportunity for Andrew Gunn, but the centre-half could only stab his volley wide of the mark. Then, in the 94th minute, more drama as Rob Jones pointed to the spot for a foul in the area. This time there was some argument from the defence but, as the incident happened at the far end from my position, I couldn't say for sure if the complaints were justified. Whatever the case, the decision stood. Furlong stepped up and drilled the ball down the middle to level it up. 2-2.
There was barely time to restart the game before the final whistle went. A hard-earned point for both teams.

FT Witney Town 2 Oakley United 2. Witney will feel they did enough to win this one, but they didn't take their chances when they came and Oakley, who had much less possession, took the two big opportunities they had. Trying to defend their lead for most of the second half, almost paid off before the very late penalty.
With all other games called off, Witney's lead is now seven points at the top. However, they have now played three more than Shipston. Oakley stay in sixth, level on points with Yarnton Reserves
Next up for The Blanketmen is a trip to seventh placed Hanwell United who they beat 2-1 at home back in September. Oakley welcome Sporting Headington Academicals to Oxford Road, who are one point and two places above them. eh first meeting of the teams this season.

Witney Town: Bennington, Karaj, Smaldon, Clark, Gunn, Walker, Oliver(c), Furlong, Holloway, Morton, Griffin. Subs: Shayler, Preston-Carney, Robinson, Dix, Morgan-Allen
Oakley United: Thompson, Gardner, Walsh, Bailey, Atkinson, Bosher(c), Beckett, Dandridge, Falcus, Pounds, Knight. Subs: Kernan, Woodcock, Sargent, Mannerings, Lunn 

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 120+
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

For my final game of 2025, I decided to head back up the M1 to Leicestershire for a Leicestershire & Rutland Challenge Cup quarter-final tie between GNG Oadby Town and Barwell. Despite this being a local derby with just over 11 miles between the grounds, it's not been a frequent fixture in recent years. There are currently two divisions separating the clubs, although neither club is exactly setting their respective league alight this season. Oadby play in the United Counties Premier South (Step 5) and are currently sitting second from bottom. Barwell play in the Southern league Premier Central (Step 3) and are currently placed 16th, eight points above the relegation spots. The teams last met in a league match during the 2009-10 Midland Alliance season. Barwell won both encounters, 6-0 at home and 3-1 away, on their way to taking the title and gaining promotion. They met more recently in this competition, with Barwell also coming out on top, winning 3-0 at Kirkby Road. The only other meeting of note in recent times, was an FA Vase clash in the 2006-07 season. Oadby gained a creditable 0-0 draw at Barwell, but then went down 2-0 at home in the replay.

​It was clear from the off that Oadby were not going to respect the two tier difference in the teams, and flew out of the blocks from the off. Their high-tempo play seemed to rock Barwell a little in the opening encounters, although the only attempt on target in the first ten minutes came when Taylor Shilcock tested Finn Osborn from distance. The home side looked dangerous on both flanks, especially on the left, where the pace of Mario Mendez was recognised early on by the Barwell defence.
Having made it through the opening third unscathed, Barwell then came close to grabbing the first goal themselves when a left-wing corner was only marginally too high for Sidik Atcha at the far post. A few minutes later, Oadby's Rizvan Hussain also tested out Osborn, with a quick turn and shot from the edge4 of the area.
Just before the half-hour, Barwell's Tyree Wilson produced a delightful piece of skill, controlling a long ball with his cheat before sending a dipping volley goalward, only for GNG stopper, Adam Binks, to match it with an equally impressive acrobatic save.
Oadby continued to look slightly the more dangerous team, their pace up front causing the visitors plenty of nervy moments. That said, as we approached the 40 minute mark, Barwell captain Kane Richards was sent clear by Wilson, only to see his driven cross evade everyone in the centre. Almost immediately afterwards, Oadby had a real chance when Stanley Mugisha intercepted a stray pass on the halfway line, raced clear and sent in a vicious drive that required Osborn to go full-length to tip the ball around the post.
It looked as if the Step 5 side were going to go into the break level until, with two minutes remaining in the half, Tyrell Waite drove down the Barwell left, taking the ball to the by-line before cutting back for Tyree Wilson, who struck the ball first-time, on the run, into the top corner. A great finish, even if slightly against the run of play. 0-1. To add salt into those wounds, three minutes into added time Oadby gave the ball away deep inside their own half and were immediately and clinically punished. The ball was quickly fed into Anthony Dwyer, who made no mistake with the finish. 0-2

HT GNG Oadby Town 0 Barwell 2. The Step 5 side more than held their own for just over 40 minutes but were then undone by a quality finish and a momentary lapse of concentration at the back. That was the difference. Barwell showed their higher-ranked status by taking their chances.

It was clear early on in the second half that Barwell were not planning to give Oadby a chance to get back into the game. In the first half the visitors had been rattled by Town's attacking approach, but there seemed to be a new steel to the Barwell side in the second half. With a two goal lead, they didn't necessarily need to go looking for goals,  they could just tighten the game up.
Around ten minutes in, Richards almost combined with Waite to add to the lead and, a few minutes later, Hussain brought a good save out of Osborn once again. On the hour a Barwell short corner routine ended with Dwyer flashing a shot wide. Then, on 63 minutes, Oadby were inches away from getting back into the game when a long throw from the right was flicked on twice before reaching Hussain, who's scissor kick clipped the top of the bar on its way out. Was that the big chance for the home team to get back into the game? As it turned out, yes it was. Both teams had half chances, but the only target hit was one of the Barwell supporters behind the Oadby goal.

FT GNG Oadby Town 0 Barwell 2. A semi-final berth secured by Barwell, but it was certainly not plain-sailing. Oadby defied the two step gap, by pushing their visitors all the way. On this display, it's hard to understand how Oadby can be in the relegation zone of their league. If they continue to play like this, they will surely pull clear. Their next game is a massive relegation 6-pointer at home to bottom side Bugbrooke St Michaels, who beat them 2-1 at Camp Hill back in August. Barwell, meanwhile, travel to leaders Spalding United on Saturday, in their first meeting this season.

GNG Oadby Town: 1.Binks, 2.Shilcock, 3.Anbhavne, 4.Kpolom-A-Kpolom, Gill(c), 7.Nnjai, 8.Jennings, 9.Mugisha, 10.Hussain, 11.Mendez, 14.Baker, 15. Apetorgor, 17.Jaga Singh, 18. Hanif, 19.Jeva Singh, 20.Dhami.
Barwell: 1.Osborn, 3.Reeve, 5.Atcha, 6.Mancinelli, 7.Hayes, 8.Hill, 10.Richards(c), 11.Wilson, 15.Dwyer, 16.Singh. Subs: 2.McDonald, 4.Cook, 12.Stockley, 19.Seaton

The Ground
GNG Oadby Town play their home games at The Riverside Football Ground which is situated in the Braunstone Town area of Leicester, south-west of the city centre. Accessed via the entrance to Ellesmere College, there's a small car park alongside the ground with extra parking on the side of the access route and in front of the college. The ground is accessed via a single gate just to the side of the main building that houses all of the facilities, clubhouse, snack bar and changing areas. There are two covered spectator areas, the main stand on the left-hand side as you enter and a covered standing area situated behind, and just to the right, of the car park end goal. The dugouts are opposite the main stand. The playing surface looks to be pretty much flat, with no discernible slopes.

The Programme
A 28-page magazine with full-colour, glossy outer pages, costing £2.00. The programme contains all of the standard articles, a welcome message, history of both clubs and this season's statistics for both the first-team and youth teams. There's also an article from the Non-League Paper and an interesting piece from Martyn Green about data analytics. Add to that a brief match report from the last meeting of the teams, back in January 2015, and there's plenty of interesting reading for the half-time break.

Ground Number: 474
Att: 
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: £2.00