​This Saturday I decided to dip back into the Spartan South Midlands Division Two promotion battle, which is promising to be building to a thrilling climax this season. The state of play prior to kick-off on Saturday was as follows:

​A couple of weeks back BotP saw leaders Sarratt strike a telling blow on MK College with a 3-0 victory (Sarratt Stay On Pole). This Saturday I was at the local derby between Pitstone & Ivinghoe and Aston Clinton. Arguably, Pitstone are the team with the best opportunity to overhaul Sarratt at the top, despite starting the day in fourth. Not only did they begin with four games in hand, but they also still have to play the leaders twice. With Sarratt having a weekend off, this was an opportunity for the chasing pack to make up some ground and apply pressure.
This was also the first time that Pitsone had faced Aston Clinton this season, with the teams scheduled to paly the reverse fixture next week. Last season both games ended in draws, 1-1 at Aston Clinton Park and 0-0 at the Pavilion, a game that saw Aston's Dan Boateng red-carded. It was also a clash between the league's two most in form teams of the moment. In the lats six games, Aston Clinton had won four and drawn two. Pitstone had won five and lost one. So, not too much between them in terms of current form.
A big thank you to the match officials Paul Smith, Ionut Bortas and Alan Moorhouse for sharing the team sheets with just before kick-off. As always, very much appreciated.

It was a very blustery afternoon across the country on Saturday, and Pitstone was no exception. The wind was gusting across the pitch at kick-off, not really giving either team much of an advantage. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing towards the open side of the pitch, which meant that despite having spare balls on that side, the Pitsone steward and a couple of local youngsters, were kept very busy retrieving balls from the second pitch that sits adjacent to the main one.
It was Aston Clinton who adapted to the conditions the better, settling into the game much more quickly than their hosts. The aforementioned Dan Boateng was the first to try his luck with a decent strike that flew wide of the target. A few minutes later Mitch Collins fired in a freekick that was well held by home goalkeeper Oscar Frost. Just before the 20 minute mark, Collins again went close, heading over from a freekick, as Aston looked to take advantage of their possession advantage. 
Pitstone finally got a strike off on 22 minutes when Riely Churchill's freekick flashed wide. It didn't trouble Kris Greig, but at least it was a sign of some intention from the home team. With the balance of play being in the Pitstone half, it was something of a surprise and against the general run of play so far when, on 28 minutes, the home team took the lead. Another Churchill freekick, this time from further out, was delivered into the perfect spot for Dan Fletcher, running in from the far post, to apply the finishing touch. 1-0
Undeterred, Aston Clinton continued to look the more threatening of the teams even though Pitstone were now evening out the balance of possession much more. With just over five to go before the break the Pitstone defence seemed to drift off, allowing Dom Mitchell to get to the right by-line and cut the ball back across the face of goal. Luckily for the hosts, the ball was behind one attacker and in front of another. Something of a let-off for Pitstone. A couple of minutes later, Aston captain Trafford Kiff went close with a dipping freekick that bounced wide of Frost's post. However, it was the home side who almost had the last say of the half when Collins was sent clear in the final minute. Only an excellent save from Grieg prevented the striker from making it two,

HT Pitstone & Ivinghoe United 1 Aston Clinton 0. The visitor's had much the better of the opening 20 minutes. However, they couldn't take advantage of their possession and eventually succumbed to a good goal from Pitstone.

​Ted Paul had the first opportunity of the second half, glancing a header just wide of the Pitstone goal. If that effort had gone in, maybe it would have made a difference. As it was, three minutes later, the home side doubled their advantage when a delightful through sent Lewis Collins clear again. This time, instead of hitting the strike early, he sat Greig down before taking the ball around the keeper and slotting into a empty net. 2-0
Aston did try to respond to going two down. Paul had a snapshot fly wide just past the hour mark and the visitors were still full of running despite being two down. However, Pitstone effectively made the points safe in the 68th minute. An attempted defensive clearance from Aston struck another defender before falling invitingly for Lewis Collins, who clinically slotted the ball past Greig for 3-0.
That was game over although, to be fair to the visitors, they never stopped trying to play but, by this time, Pitstone were in control. They could, in fact, have had a fourth when a late Dan Fletcher volley was well saved by Greig.

FT Pitstone & Ivinghoe United 3 Aston Clinton 0. After a very sluggish start to the game, Pitstone finally got themselves up to speed, going ahead just before the half-hour. Two more goals in the second half secured the points and local bragging rights for Pitsone. Draws for both Bovingdon and MK College means that nothing changes positionally in the top four. However, Pitstone's win means that they now trail Sarratt by nine points with three games in hand. Coming up next for both teams is the reverse fixture at Aston Clinton Park on Wednesday evening.
Next weekend, Aston Clinton travel to Newport Pagnell Development, who are second from bottom. Pitstone & Ivinghoe make the journey to Sarratt in a massive six-pointer.


Pitstone & Ivinghoe United: 1.Frost, 2.Churchill, 3.Earle, 4.Gillings(c), 5.Aldridge, 6.Sawyer, 7.D.Payne, 9.B.Payne, 10.Fletcher, 12.Collins, 14.Stevens. Subs: 15.Bailey, 16.Gaywood-George, 17.Garrod, 18.Morgan, 19.Cestrone
Aston Clinton: 1.Greig, 2.Russell, 3.T.Collins, 4.B.Harrison, 6.M.Collins, 7.Paul, 8.Smith, 9.Harrison, 10. Kiff(c), 11.Mitchell, 14.Boateng. Subs: 5.Simmonds, 15.Mariscoti, 17.Gordon

The Ground
Pitstone Pavilion sits on the western edge of the village of Pitstone about 6 miles east of Aylesbury. There's a reasonably large car park in front of the main building with the football pitches being accessed via a single turnstile. The main pitch is directly in front of the pavilion, which houses all of the facilities, clubhouse, toilets, changing areas and a snack bar. There is metal pole fencing around part of the pitch, along with hard-standing on three sides. However, it is  clearly a work in progress and the remainder of the pitch is currently separated by ropes. The dugouts are to the left of the clubhouse and are an interesting, unique design featuring more petal poles and a curved corrugated roof. The seating looks very much like metal park benches.
The playing surface looked to be pretty much flat and in decent condition. All in all, a very nice ground. On the more expensive side at £5 for step 7 football, but worth a visit nevertheless.

Ground Number: 483
Att: 38
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

This Friday I made the very short journey to Ardley United for the Mid-Oxon Cup Final between Blockley and Longford Park 'A'. I had been contacted by Longford's Ashley Wingrove a couple of weeks back, on the back of covering his teams 2023 Coronation Cup victory over Wroxton Sports (Crowned). That was for Longford's first team. This season Longford Park 'A' had made that final, to be played next Friday (17th) and today's final. To be honest, I didn't know too much about the Mid-Oxon Cup. However, it has been around for quite some time. The first recorded winners are Heyford Athletic back in 1957. Heyford went on to win five of the first seven competitions, and they still hold the record for the most wins, seven in total, their last coming in 2003. Next in the list come Charlton United, with five, and Ardley and BCS Bardwell  with four. Whatever the outcome this season, there would be a new name on the trophy, as neither finalist had won the competition before.
Interestingly, I had also seen Blockley play before. Back in 2022 I had the pleasure of witnessing a very local derby in the Gloucestershire village, when Blockley took on Blockley United in big Stratford Alliance relegation battle. United came out on top that day (Good Sports).
Both teams play in the Banbury District & Lord Jersey League Division One. Currently, Longford Park lead the way and have a two point advantage over Deddington Town Reserves. Blockley sit in fifth spot, sixteen points adrift but with there games in hand. They have already net twice in the league and it is very much advantage Longford Park. In November, Park went to Blockley and came away with a 5-0 victory. Then, at the end of January, six different players were on the score sheet as Park ran out 6-1 winners at home.
So, it's fair to say that Longford were coming to this game as favourites. However, cup finals are a different animal to league encounters.

​Kicking down the slope in the first half, Longford park started the game very much on the front foot. Early on a David Maciver snapshot signalled what was the first of many attempts in the first half. Ten minutes in Peters set up Ash Wingrove with a clear sight of goal, but once again the shot was over the bar. The game was being played almost all in the Blockley half, but Longford failed to seriously test Will Shotton in the Blockley goal.
Twenty minutes in, Blockley made Park pay for not taking advantage of their superior possession. After winning a freekick some 25 yards out, Craig Roberts tried his luck. The strike was on target but didn't look to be troubling Mitchell Barnes until it took a nasty hop, sending the ball over the dive of the stranded goalkeeper. 1-0. Blockley had somehow managed to take the lead wit their first shot on target.
Longford Park immediately set about trying to redress the balance. Blake Peters was the instigator of much of their attacking play. It was Peters who sent a decent effort just over the bar and the same player, just past the half-hour mark, looked to be in on goal until a superb covering tackle from Oli Robinson prevented him getting a shot off from 10 yards out. A few minutes later Peter chanced his arm from a narrow angle, seeing his effort flash across the face of goal. Blockley were pretty much pinned back again. However, on a rare foray forward with 8 minutes remaining, they were almost gifted a second goal by Barnes, after he spilled a ball, but was just quick enough to drop on the loose ball before Ross Harding could poke it home.
A minute later Longford Park were finally level when a freekick from wide on the right was glanced home at the near post by David Maciver. 1-1. It now felt like Longford would probably go on to take full control. A few minutes after the equaliser Maciver teed up Peters with a cushioned header, but the strike went high and wide. Then a minute into added time Niall Higgins fizzed in a freekick that was only just over the bar.

HT Blockley 1 Longford Park 'A' 1. Longford dominated possession for long periods but struggled to find a way to break down a stubborn Blockley defence. When Blockley did manage to get a strike on target, it went in. They now had the advantage of the slope in the second half, but even with that, the neutral's money would still be on Longford for the second half.

​As expected, the second half began in the same mould, with Longford looking for a second goal. Maciver again went close with a turn and shot inside the penalty area. Then Ben Burdock drifted past a couple of Blockley defenders before firing a shot in that went well wide. However, the dominance in possession of the first half, was not quite there in the second. Blockley still weren't troubling the keeper again at this point, but they were managing to break up the Longford moves and launch their own attacks more frequently.
It was still Longford who looked the more likely to go in front though. Wingrove set up Maciver on the hour, only for the effort to be screwed well wide.
Blockley then got another effort on target when the lively Harding gave Barnes something to do. Then, completely out of the blue, Alfie Aubrey fired the Gloucestershire side back in front. 2-1.
The goal seemed to give Blockley some extra energy and, conversely, sapped some of the strength from Longford. Harding saw an acrobatic effort land on top of the Longford net, as Blockley tried to seal the game. However, with ten minutes remaining, they were once again indebted to Oli Robinson, who produced another superb covering tackle to prevent what looked like a certain equaliser for Alex Rrokaj.
Longford made a few changes and went for all out attack in the final few minutes, but Blockley were resolute, holding out to secure a first Mid-Oxon Cup win.

FT Blockley 2 Longford Park 'A' 1. A much more even second half, but Longford will still be regretting the missed opportunities in the first half. However, Blockley took their chances well and defended very solidly throughout.
Longford Park's next fixture is also a cup final at Ardley as they take on Shipston Excelsior Reservers in the Coronation Cup on Friday evening. Blockley are at home next Saturday as Tysoe United pay them a visit

Blockley: Shotton, J.Burdock, White, Adams(c), Robinson, Aubrey, Francis, Roberts, Harding, Anderson, B.Burdock. Subs: C.Hutt, Kirby, J.Hutt, Hinton
Longford Park 'A': Barnes, Baughan, Westcott, Jones, Lyons, B.Peters(c), J.Peters, Rrokaj, Higgins, Maciver, Wingrove. Subs: Kempsall, Slaughter, Moore, Penfold, Roberts

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

As the season heads into the final few weeks the number of important fixtures increases. Tuesday evening was a prime example of that, as two of the top five in the Spartan Premier League went head to head in rural Buckinghamshire. Hosts Winslow United started the evening in second spot, two points adrift of Haringey Borough, but with two games in hand. Consequently, a win would see them climb to the apex of the league. Fifth placed Kings Langley, there visitors, sat a further eight points behind United and had already played a game more. They held a five point advantage in the final play-off spot but Cockfosters, in sixth, had four games in hand. A win for Langley would see them leapfrog Risborough Rangers and Biggleswade United, into third spot, depending upon Risborough's result at Dunstable Town. Winslow were looking to do the double over their promotion rivals after winning 1-0 in the reverse fixture, thanks to an Aaron King goal, in a game that saw Langley's Louie Collier see red.
Thankfully Winslow make the teams available on a large whiteboard near the gate, so there was no need to track down the match officials to get a photo of the team sheets. That was probably just as well because, upon arriving, I discovered that kick-off had been put back to 8pm because of the late arrival of one of the official.

​When we did get under way, on the stroke of 8pm, Kings Langley began the game attacking the clubhouse end of the ground.
The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides playing at 100 mph. Winslow were the first to threaten when Harry Scott got on the end of a long ball up the left, cut inside and flashed a shot past the near post. Shortly afterwards Jack Smith burst up the right side before delivering a superb ball across the face of the 6-yard box, inches too far ahead of Ty Deacon. At the other end Bernard Christie managed to get a foot to a Joe Dearman free-kick but couldn't keep a difficult effort down.
Three minutes later, however, Langley got their noses in front. A ball into the home box was only cleared as far as Jordon Frederick, who sent a low volley arrowing past Alfie Mumford's right hand. 0-1. 
The visitors led for just two minutes though. Winslow responded brilliantly, winning a free-kick on the right flank. The ball was delivered towards the far post where Charlie Attwell met it with a bullet header. 1-1
The action continued unabated. Four minutes after levelling, Winslow found themselves behind again. A long throw caused the problems and when the home side couldn't clear properly Isiah Hilaire was on hand to drill the ball past Mumford. 1-2
The game continued at a frantic pace with both sides trying to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, even though the long ball game wasn't proving to be particularly fruitful. Some of the play put me in mind of Eddie Waring's rugby league commentary, talking about the up and under and the Garryowen (named after a rugby club not a player). However, the no nonsense approach from both teams was very entertaining to watch. Certainly a lot better then the dire international friendly that was being shown in the bar, that's for sure.
The next goal opportunity came in the 39th minute when Charlie John struck one from distance that didn't trouble Mumford. Up the other end, Scott's deflect shot looped up, but not over, Charlie Crowley
Still leading 2-1 Langley almost scored an extraordinary third in the 45th minute when an attempted clearance was driven straight at Harry Dudley. Whether it struck him or he deliberately put his head in the way only he will know but, whatever the case, the ball flew towards Mumford's left-hand corner, forcing the keeper to dive full-length to push it away.
Two minutes into added time, with the pace not showing any signs of slowing, Ovington appeared to pull back Deacon as he was attempting to break clear on goal, some 40 yards from goal. The home side wanted a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity but, after consultation with his assistant, the referee signalled a free-kick to Langley for offside against Deacon. Two minutes later, however, Winslow had a golden opportunity to go in level when Aaron King pushed the ball past his marker before tumbling over an outstretched leg in the box. Penalty! King took the kick himself, sending Crowley the wrong way. 2-2

HT Winslow United 2 Kings Langley 2. A furiously frantic first-half. Very competitive and very direct. Great entertainment for the neutral, but it certainly couldn't be classed as subtle football. To be honest, the gathered crowd had already had their £8's worth  in the first 45 minutes. The second half was going to be a bonus.

​Credit to the fitness levels of both teams, because the second half began with just as much pace as the first. 100 mile and hour football at its best. Winslow, in particular, started the half like a train. Aaron King tested Crowley with a volley, before a mistake at the back gifted Ty Deacon a clear run on goal which he fired over the top. Just past the hour a left-wing corner found skipper Ryan Freshwater at the back post and his looping header had to be turned over the bar by Crowley.
For the first time in the game, one team had gained the upper edge for longer than a minute or two, as Winslow ramped up the pressure on the Kings Langley goal. Then, with just over 20 minutes remaining, the pressure paid off. A corner from the left was met by Ethan Flanagan who saw his header blocked. However, Ryan Freshwater was there to force the ball over the line. 3-2
Finding themselves behind for the first time, could Langley respond? As it happened, it was Winslow who went on to generate more chances. George Kerr's 80th minute screamer was probably deserving of a goal, but skimmed the roof of the net. Then, into added time, Winslow were awarded a penalty and Jamie Ovington saw a second yellow. However, Harry Scott couldn't apply the icing, smashing his spot-kick against the bar.
A small reprieve for Langley, but there was not enough time remaining for them to take advantage and find an equaliser.

FT Winslow United 3 Kings Langley 2. Potentially a massive win for Winslow as they take over at the summit, with a game in hand on second placed Haringey Borough. Kings Langley remain in the last play-off spot, but are only two points clear of Cockfosters, who have four games in hand. The teams meet on the final day of the season.
Coming up, Winslow have an Easter local derby at 14th placed Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. The sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Kings Langley, meanwhile, make the short journey over to Harpenden Town, who currently occupy 9th position. Langley won the reverse game 1-0.

Winslow United: Mumford, Smith, Attwell, Flanagan, Freshwater(c), Valentine, Goss, Kerr, Deacon, King, Scott. Subs: Stratton, C.Rowe, Wooley, J.Rowe, Herdman-Smith
Kings Langley: Crowley, Fitzgerald, Toomey, Abraham, Ovington, Johnson, Hillaire, Fredericks, Christie, Turner(c), Dearman. Subs: Green, Forde, Dudley, Collier, Coulson

Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 172
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: £1.00

​Sometimes the fixture computer throws up an absolute peach. Saturday was a prime example. It was Non-League Day and, in the Spartan South Midlands Division Two, it was top versus second, as Sarratt took on MK College. Perfect!
Sarratt started the day five points clear of their opponents, both having played the same number of games and having six left to play including today. There are a couple of others in the mix too. Bovingdon, two behind MK with three in hand of the top two and, one place further back, Pitstone & Ivinghoe United. Two more points behind but also with three in hand. These two were also going head to head this Saturday. Both teams also have to play Sarratt once more, Bovingdon at home, Pitstone away. All in all, it makes for a very interesting and exciting end to the season, but a win for Sarratt would definitely put them in a very strong position.
Earlier in the season Sarratt lost 5-2 at Sport Central MK, and MK College do hold a much better goal difference than the leaders as well as boasting the league's leading scorer, Thomas McDonald with 21 in 27 games.
Despite it being a clash between the top two, recent form had not been brilliant for either side. Sarratt had lost two and drawn one of their last four, MK had won two and lost two in the same period.
It was good to meet Sarratt chairman Tom Shurville before the game. Many thanks for sharing the team sheet with me. Very much appreciated.

With Sarratt, in yellow and black, playing down the slight incline in the first half, the game got under way in bright sunshine and it was the home side who generated the first meaningful attack when, after 4 minutes, Will Cloake won the ball in midfield and drove forward. He pulled his shot wide of the far post, but it was a warning shot for the visitors. They responded in kind when a long cross-field ball just evaded the defence and was controlled well by Harry Norman. Unfortunately for MK, he couldn't find a finish to match the initial chest trap.
In a lively start, MK goalkeeper Finlay Penniston-Walker was then called upon to make a brilliant save from Roman Piran's volley, and we still hadn't played a full 10 minutes yet.
Sarratt were beginning to take more control of proceedings at this point and when Ebou Joof spun sharply inside the 6-yard box, Penniston-Walker was once again called upon to make a good block. However, despite the home side keeping the ball inside the MK half for longer periods, they couldn't find a way to break down the visitor's defence.
Just past the half-hour MK top scorer Thomas Macdonald let fly from 20 yards out, sending the ball spiralling over the bar, but it was a sign the MK were beginning to find their feet. This became even more apparent in the 35th minute when Ryan Hawkins, up from the back, beat home keeper Oliver Abrahams to a flighted free-kick, and was a little unlucky to see his glancing header drop just wide. That was closest MK had come so far but three minutes later they probably should have been a goal down. A long throw from the Sarratt right was allowed to bounce across the penalty area, falling for Charlie Kindell at the back post, but the striker couldn't keep his close range effort down. 
Back at the other end, Hawkins rose above everyone to plant a header well wide and there was just enough time for Sarratt to have a big shout for a penalty when a defender slid in the block. However, the referee was having none of it.

HT Sarratt 0 MK College 0. Sarratt edged the game in terms of possession and created the clearest opportunities, However, as the half progressed, MK began to pose more of a threat. All to play for in the second half.

​As in the first half, there was an early opportunity for MK's Harry Norman but this time his effort went high and wide of the Sarratt goal. Maybe that early threat sparked the home side into action because, with only two minutes on the second-half clock, they broke the deadlock. Will Cloake was the creator and the finisher. The winger broke up the left and when his attempted cross was blocked straight back into his path, he cut inside and drilled the ball under Penniston-Walker. 1-0
Ten minutes in Roman Piran must have thought he'd made it two when he sent a vicious volley goalward, only for Penniston-Walker to produce an acrobatic save to tip the ball over. Goal scorer Cloake then went on a mazy runup the left, showing some great footwork to open up a small space. However, this time, slightly off balance he couldn't find the target. 
A one goal lead can always be precarious and that almost proved to be the case with 15 minutes remaining. Sarratt had keeper Abrahams to thank after Hudson Maslyn hit the target. That however, was the closest the visitors were to come and, seven minutes from time, Sarratt doubled their advantage. Piran delayed taking a free-kick issue instructions to striker Ebou Joof. he then promptly delivered the ball across the face of goal for Joof to slot home. If that was a training ground move, it was executed perfectly. 2-0
The icing on the Sarratt cake was applied two minutes into added time when MK gifted the ball to Joof in the centre of the penalty area. The striker gleefully smashed in the third. 3-0

FT Sarratt 3 MK College 0. A big, and possibly crucial, three points for Sarratt who now lead the table by seven points. Bovingdon climb to second place, but have three games in hand on the leaders. MK College drop to third, a further point adrift of Bovingdon.
Next up for Sarratt is a trip to 8th placed MK Irish Reserves on Tuesday evening, before a crunch game at Bovingdon  next Saturday. Bovingdon won 3-2 at Sarratt in late December. A repeat of that score would put the ball firmly back in their favour. MK College will try to get their push back on track as they take on bottom side Codicote at home on Saturday. However they'll want to avoid a repeat of the reverse fixture, which they lost 3-2. 

Sarratt: 1.Abrhamas, 2.Bishop, 3.White, 4.Evans(c), 5.Hogan, 6.Beckford, 7.Piran, 8.Swan, 9.Kindell, 10.Joof, 11.Cloake. Sus: 12.Malloy, 14.Wellington, 16.Baker, 18.Maynard, 17.Shurville
MK College: 1.Penniston-Walker, 2.Lane, 3.Rowley, 4.Hargreaves(c), 6.Hawkins, 8.McKenna-Mannall, 9.Norman, 14.T.Macdonald, 15.Thorne, 17.Maslyn, 20.Stevenson. Subs: Searle, Bossman-Aggrey, S.Macdonald, Shoult-Mead

The Ground
Sarratt play at the King George V Playing Fields on the south-eastern edge of the village. There's a decent sized car park and the possibility of parking in the streets around the ground. Upon entering the ground the first thing you notice is that this is a real gem. The pitch is completely surrounded by white plastic fencing with advertising hoardings running down the far side, which is also where the dugouts are situated. Behind that side of the ground there are further small sided pitches and, in the corner, a children's playground. On the near side, as you enter, is the clubhouse and changing facilities for players and officials. The roof from the clubhouse protrudes to create a covered standing area. There are also a couple of benches along this side of the ground. At the far end the goals are backed by large trees, giving a very rural feel. The overall feel of the ground is akin to the village, clean, tidy and well-kept.


Ground Number: 482
Att: 74
Entrance: 
Programme: 

​Thursday evening presented an opportunity to check out a couple of teams that I had never seen before, at a ground I'd never visited before. Croxley Green of the Herts Senior County League Division Two taking on AFC Turnford, who play one division above them, in the Hertfordshire FA Intermediate Cup Final at the Herts FA headquarters in Letchworth Garden City. Both teams are pushing for promotion from their respective divisions. Croxley Green currently sit top of the league with a two point advantage and a game in hand over nearest rivals Enfield Rangers. AFC Turnford are in third, the last promotion spot, a point ahead of Ware United, also with a game in hand.
The route to the final for both teams had involved at least one penalty shootout, but it's fair to say that Croxley Green had the more difficult draws. Turnford received a bye in Round One then came through a Second Round tie against fellow Division 1 side Baldock Town Reserves, winning 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Next up for Turnford was a home 4-0 defeat of Division Two Chipperfield Corinthians Reserves, followed by a similar score in the semi-final, also against a Division Two outfit, Old Parmiterians.
Croxley Green, meanwhile, drew Spartan South Midlands Reserve League AFC Welwyn Development in Round One. After coming through that one by a 4-2 score line, they then welcome Division One Ware United, edging through 3-2. In the quarter-final Green took on another Division One side, Sandridge Rovers, and after  a 4-4 draw, won the shootout 5-4 to set up a semi-final date with Letchworth Garden City Eagles u23. Once again penalties were required after a 3-3 draw. Croxley coming through this one by 5-3.
Many thanks to the Herts FA stadium announcer who was gracious enough to send me photos of both teams sheets just before kick-off. Very much appreciated.

​The initial jousting was fairly even. However, just six minutes were on the clock when the deadlock was broken. Turnford broke quickly down their right flank. Josh Rubin was off his line quickly to narrow the angle, but the ball was lofted over him to find Tylar-Morgan Parker, coming in from the left, to apply a simple tap-in. 0-1
You could have forgiven the lower-ranked team for letting their heads drop after going a goal down so early on. However, the opposite was true. Croxley Green took the setback as a signal to up their game and they began to get their short passing approach into gear. Their biggest opportunity to get back into the game came just past the midway point when their press forced Turnford into turning over possession on the edge of their own penalty area. Harry Clark took aim from 18 yards but his low strike went just wide of Josh Tuansaam's right-hand upright.
On the half-hour an errant Croxley back pass allowed Bates to nip in, but Rubin was out quickly again, making the save and giving his defence chance to clear. Two minutes later, Croxley came close again when Alex Hilton had the ball some 20 yards out. Urged on by cries of "shoot!" from behind the gaol, he let fly and was unlucky to see his strike fly a foot over the bar.
At the other end, with four minutes of the half remaining, Rubin had to be at his agile best to tip over a George Williams piledriver that was destined for the net. As the half entered added time it appeared that Croxley Green's efforts would go unrewarded until, two minutes past the end of normal time, a cross from the right skipped off the surface and struck a Turnford arm. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. A tough one on the defender but, in this day and age, the referee had to award the spot-kick. James Todd stepped up and made no mistake. 1-1.

HT Croxley Green 1 AFC Turnford 1. The early Turnford goal seemed to spark Croxley into action and they were the better side for much of the half, using the artificial surface to assist with their short passing game. At one point they strung together 25+ passes, but didn't get a strike off. However, they deserved the late equaliser.
Good to chat with a Turnford supporter at the break, who also happened to be the father of their scorer. We initially discussed the penalty, because I had a clearer view than he did. As a neutral, I thought it was the correct decision, but a few years ago it wouldn't have been given. We agreed that handball, offside rules and many other things in the game were becoming a bit of a mystery to everyone.

​Possibly buoyed by the late equaliser, Croxley came out for the second half and immediately went on the offensive. Harry Clark getting off the first strike of the half, but a defensive block took the sting out of it, making it easy for Tuansaam.
That, however, proved to be Croxley's only real chance for a while, as Turnford began to assert themselves, shutting down Croxley's quick passing movement much more effectively than they did in the first half. On the hour mark, after a couple of changes, one of the substitutes, Mark Thurlow, outpaced his marker and then won a 50-50 challenge with Rubin. With the goalkeeper out of position, Thurlow squared for Ronnie Bates to put Turnford back in front. 1-2.
Again, Croxley responded brilliantly. Only five minutes later, following a corner from their right which was headed goalward and blocked, the ball was slammed straight back past everyone for 2-2. From my vantage point, I couldn't see who scored. A minute after that, with their tails up, Croxley came very close to going ahead for the first time. Todd sprung the offside trap but, one on one with Tuansaam, the goalkeeper came out on top, making an excellent save.
That save proved to be pivotal too. Five minutes later, Turnford attacked up the right and when the ball ran loose inside the penalty area, Usher Adamson reacted quickest to lash a volley past Rubin. 2-3
This time Croxley were unable to find the same level of response to the goal. Tuansaam did have to react quickly in the 80th minute, but the Greens couldn't find a way back in again. In fact the final two chances both fell to Turnford. With a minute remaining Bates saw his headed deflected just wide for a corner which, when delivered by Adamson, was inches too high for captain Craig Lovett to make clean contact.
Which just left a final blast of the whistle for the Turnford celebrations to begin.

FT Croxley Green 2 AFC Turnford 3. A very competitive game, great to watch as a neutral. Eventually the Division One side came out on top, but Croxley Green showed why they will be playing at this level next season. A talented bunch, who play some delightful football. Turnford, in the end, showed their higher level experience. They too are a very good side who may well get promotion themselves this season.
Both teams are back in action this Saturday, Non-League Day. Croxley Green travel to 10th placed Hatfield Athletic in a league game, having already beaten Athletic 2-0 at home. Turnford have another cup game, a Greg Cup semi-final against Ware United at Wodson Park Sports Centre.

Croxley Green: 1.Rubin, 2.Tyson, 3.Fitzgerald, 4.Blake, 15.Hilton, 6.D.New(c), 14.Tuckley, 19.Weiss, 16.Todd, 10.Larkin, 11.Clark. Subs: 12.Tannian, 8.J.New, 26.Lawrence, 7.Payne, 5.Rhodes
AFC Turnford: 1.Tuansaam, 3.Wilson, 4.Williams, 5.Lovett(c), 6.Martson, 8.Offer, 9.R.Bates, 10.Adamson, 20.Parker, 56.Asaffo, 79.B.Bates. Subs: 11.Thurlow, 12.Braine-Edwards, 7.Emory, 23.Murphy-Froom, 13.Stapleton

The Ground
The Hertfordshire FA County Ground is situated just off Baldock Road on the Eastern edge of Letchworth Garden City. There's a reasonable car park on site, further parking on the opposite side of Baldock Road and in adjacent roads. There is platy of spectator cover available. On the car park side there is a covered seating stand that runs around a third of the length of the pitch. Next to this is the café and toilets. There's covered standing shelters behind both goals, one of which is slightly elevated on a grass bank. There's also another small covered stand in the corner of the ground between thee café and the Radburn Way end goal. On the opposite side from the main stand is another large covered terrace that spans half the length of the pitch, straddling the half way line. The playing surface is artificial.

Ground Number: 481
Att: 
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: Yes, but none available when I tried to get one

For the first Saturday this year, the sun was out and it was even reasonably warm. Perfect weather for a drive through the Cotswolds. Even more so when the destination was a crunch top of the table clash between Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One leaders Whaddon United and third placed Dursley Town. Having seen Dursley win impressively at Bibury a few weeks ago (Dursley Are No Muggles), this would be my first time watching Whaddon.
At the start of play Whaddon held a six point lead over both Longlevens Reserves, in second, and Dursley, in third. However, Dursley had two games in hand and unbeaten Longlevens a massive four games in hand. Whaddon, however, were yet to lose at home and had a very impressive defensive record, conceding just three goals in ten games at Whaddon Rec. With Longlevens still to visit Cheltenham and a final day return match at Dursley to come, this game was certainly a six-pointer.
Many thanks to referee Adie Shilston, who I spotted enjoying a bit of pre-match sun, for sharing the team sheets with me before the game.

​The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides trying to establish some early superiority. However, neither goalkeeper had to make any saves in the opening encounters. Whaddon did, however, begin to gain the upper edge in terms of possession. Jordan Mitchell planted an eighth minute header wide of the mark and, a few minutes later, George Callinan did the same. Just before the quarter-hour mark a Will Arkell free-kick from practically the halfway line, was allowed to bounce in the Dursley area, forcing Jordan Schofield to back-peddle and palm the ball over the bar. Zack Hodges then hit the target for United, but it was straight at Schofield. The visiting keeper did do well on 18 minutes when a bit of pinball saw the ball fall to Mitchell, but the Dursley stopper readjusted well to make the save.
Whaddon were ramping up the pressure on the visitors who responded with a long-range Logan Weyman strike, that flew well wide of James Mitten's goal. A minute later, however, Dursley took the lead against the run of play. Whaddon conceded a needless free-kick wide on the left and, when the ball was delivered, it wasn't cleared and Luke Brunsdon was there to poke home. 0-1
The goal changed the complexion of the game. Where Whaddon had been dominating the ball, they were now finding Dursley had an extra spring in their step, although they did not unduly bother Mitten until the 34th minute. Once again the problem for the home side came from a free-kick on the left, this time a little further out, but still wide on the left. Dursley captain Joe Gray stepped up, sending the ball arcing over Mitten into the keeper's top left corner. A great strike if it was meant. Was it a cross, or did Gray go for it? 0-2

HT Whaddon United 0 Dursley Town 2. Whilst Whaddon had initially dominated the game, they were clearly rocked by the opening goal. Dursley came back into the game and play was fairly even from then onwards. The second goal was an added bonus for the visitors.

​Whilst Whaddon came out with a renewed sense of purpose in the second half, they did little to trouble Schofield until past the hour mark and, even then, the main problem for the Dursley keeper was a miscued clearance from Alfie Mann that had the keeper back-peddling to see it just clear the crossbar. From the resulting corner Connor Barrowcliffe, arriving at the back post, smacked his header off the upright.
Panic over, and Schofield was again not troubled for some time. A Jed Payton long throw caused a small problem, but was headed out for a corner. It looked as if Dursley were going to hold on for a precious three points. However, no-one had any idea of what was to come.
82 minutes were on the clock when the home side finally got one back. It was created by some great work on the right by Tyler White, battling his way through a couple of challenges before sending over a ball to the far post, where substitute Jesse James met it with a stooping header. 1-2
Dursley had little time to steady themselves before the hosts were level. Just a minute after their first goal another ball in form the right was not cleared properly. Jordan Mitchell swung at it, his shot hitting a defender and looping over Schofield into the net. 2-2
Whaddon were throwing everything at Dursley now, but it looked as if they would need to settle for a point when Jordan Mitchell's acrobatic effort flew wide in the 89th minute. However, a minute into added time Mitchell was on hand again as the ball was flashed across the face of goal for the Whaddon striker to prod it home. 3-2. What a turnaround!
Dursley were rocked but did try to respond. The referee indicated that there was still 7 minutes left to play, which gave the visitors some hope. That was finally fully extinguished in the final minute of added time when Whaddon broke on the right again and, when the ball was played across the face of goal, there was Jessie James to slot home his second. 4-2

FT Whaddon United 4 Dursley Town 2. What a comeback from the league leaders. Maybe Dursley should have seen it coming? After all, when Whaddon brought on Jesse James, shots were bound to be fired. The result sees Whaddon retain their six point gap over Longlevens Reserves, even though they have played four additional games than the second placed team. Dursley drop to fourth after English Bicknor won 4-1 at Tredworth Tigers.
Next week Dursley are at home to Longlevens in a make are break six-pointer. Whaddon will be hoping that today's opponents can do them a favour next week, as they travel to Lydney Town Reserves.
A note about today's attendance. I didn't make a headcount but I can say that there was a very healthy number of supporters around the pitch, from both camps. Certainly more than you would expect to see at a Step 8 game.

Whaddon United: 1. Mitten, 2.White, 13.Arkell, 15.G.Callinan, 3.Barrowcliffe, 10.Hodges, 5.T.Callinan, 6.Payton, 11.Mitchell, 8.Alderman(c), 9.Denman. Subs: 14.Harrison, 19.James, 16.Burrows, 12.Oxley
Dursley Town: 1.Schofield, 2.Billings, 5.Barclay, 6.Monday, 3.Deakin, 4.Fowler, 8.Gray(c), 7.Weyman, 18.Brunsdon, 10.Herbert, 9.Mann. Subs: 11.Martins, 12.Clark, 14.Gosling, 15.Dolbear, 16.Harper

The Ground
Whaddon Recreation Ground is literally opposite Cheltenham Town FC. There's no car park at the ground, but you can park alongside the pitch on Whaddon Road. Having said that, if Cheltenham were at home there would be parking restrictions in place. There are on-street parking places dotted around the ground, but you need to be aware of any permit restrictions. You could also park at the Parklands Community Centre, which is a few minutes walk away, although there is, I believe, a charge for parking.
There's not too much to say about the ground itself. It's a community recreation ground. There's a changing pavilion next to the children's playground, but no other features to speak of. No spectator cover, although there are a number of benches on the Whaddon Road side that offer a good view of the pitch, if you wish to sit whilst watching the game. The playing surface looked to be pretty much flat and in reasonably good condition.

Ground Number: 480
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

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
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

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
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

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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