This Thursday I made the short trip up the M40 for a massive game in the Coventry Alliance Premier League. Following Tuesday's evening's non-game in which Folly Lane were not able to raise a team against Dunlop, the situation was that AFC Coventry and Dunlop were locked together at the top of the table, level on points but with AFC having a vastly superior goal difference. So, going into this evening, the last game of the season for both sides, the possibilities were clear. AFC needed to either win or draw to become champions. Dunlop had to win the game to take the title. The reverse fixture, back in November, ended in a 3-1 victory for AFC Coventry, although they did have to come from a goal down.
This was not my first time watching either of these teams. In April 2022 I was at Tanners Lane to watch the Stan Oulds Cup game between Triumph Athletic and Dunlop, which Dunlop won 6-0 (Dunlop Triumph). The following May I was at Hawkes Mill to watch the Coventry Benevolent Cup Final between AFC Coventry and Stockingford AA Pavilion, which Stockingford won 3-0 (Three Strikes).
Kick-off was pushed back from 6pm to 6:30pm, which was probably for the best given the number of people that were still turning up after the initial kick-off time. The level of interest in this game was extraordinary and the Dunlop official who was directing traffic certainly had his hands full. True it was a local derby and effectively a cup final, but remember this is the 13th tier of English football and a rough count later on pointed to a crowd of over 200. That's what makes English non-league and grassroots the best in the world.
Many thanks to the match officials who allowed me to photograph the team sheets prior to kick-off. Also to the same Dunlop official who was directing cars for explaining the situation regarding Dunlop's last game against Folly Lane, which had not yet been updated on Full-Time.

​AFC Coventry were kicking down the slight slope in the first half, and it was the red-shirted away side who made the livelier start. An early effort from Eslam Faied went wide of the mark and, after some good work down the left by the tricky Ben Alex set Faied up for another first time strike which whistled just over Scott McNally's crossbar
It took close to quarter of an hour for Dunlop to get a strike off in anger, when Joe Smith's snapshot flew wide. Two minutes later Dan Monger, who went on to have a very good game, sent over a cross that Sylvester Obeng met with a header that also went wide of the mark. Obeng then went close again on 20 minutes, meeting a left-wing corner with another header that didn't trouble Ndubuaku Ekwueme in the Coventry goal.
The deadlock was finally broken just before the half-hour mark. A ball played in behind the Dunlop defence forced Scot McNally to race off his line. Ben Alex managed to just get a toe to the ball ahead of the keeper and, when the loose ball ran free, there was Matthew John to tuck it away into an empty net. 0-1
The home side tried to respond to the setback. Tyler Coulson saw his long-range effort go high and wide but, with five minutes to go before the break, they did have the ball in the AFC net. Unfortunately, for the team in stripes, the assistant's flag was up way before the ball hit the back of the net. Abdul Bambah then fired just wide as the home side tried to take advantage of a period of possession.
They were, however, almost caught out a few minutes from time when a through found Faied inside the right-hand side of the penalty. He looked suspiciously offside, but no flag went up. Much to Dunlop's relief he sent the shot across goal and wide of the far post.
Then, right on the stroke of half-time, Dan Monger showed some excellent technique to flash a volley across the face of goal and narrowly past the post.

HT Dunlop FC 0 AFC Coventry 1. The away side just about edged the half, as the score would suggest. However there was very little between the teams and, with the slope advantage in the second half, Dunlop may well start to apply more pressure.

​Sure enough, the second half began with Dunlop looking like they had upped the pace a little. They immediately had their visitors pushed back inside their own half, but failed to cause too much of a threat.
After riding out the initial second period storm, AFC then hit Dunlop with something of a sucker punch. Following a clash of heads in midfield both sides appeared to hesitate. However, the referee waived play on and the ball found its way to Imran Bhayat, one on one with McNally. The AFC man made no mistake, slipping the ball past the keeper for 0-2.
Now they were two in front, AFC didn't so much sit back, but they were clearly not as keen to push forward as they had been. Dunlop, meanwhile, were keen to get players forward as much as possible, in the knowledge that they now needed to score three goals in the remaining 30 minutes or so.
Despite that, it was the visitors who were next to come close when Faied's dipping volley looked as if it would drop below the bar before McNally stretched to make an excellent save, tipping it over for a corner. The goalkeeper was then left helpless when the corner was delivered and Eslam Faied rose highest at the far post to power his header home for 0-3. That felt like game over as far as the league title was concerned. Dunlop were playing for pride as much as anything now.
Approaching the final fifteen minutes they almost grabbed a goal back when Coulson's run was picked out, but his shot back across goal was well saved by Ekwueme. Two minutes later, with the home side now pressing more than in the entire game, they hit the AFC post before Coulson headed the rebound over. A difficult chance, but it summed up the home side's evening. That was drilled home even more so in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a cross skipped up and hit a Coventry hand. Abdul Bamba stepped up, but Ekwueme guessed right, making a very good save. Two minutes later, Ekwueme produced another decent stop, punching Bamba's fizzing freekick away from danger.
Then, in the 88th minute, the celebrations started in earnest as AFC saved the best until last. Substitute Jarro Scott sent a dipping, swerving 25-yard freekick past McNally to make it four. 0-4
Dunlop's title hopes were dashed and, pretty soon, the referee blew for full-time amidst joyous celebrations from the AFC squad, coaching staff and support.

FT Dunlop FC 0 AFC Coventry 4. Congratulations to AFC Coventry, Coventry Alliance Premier Champions. Although only a point was required, they secured the title with a resounding 4-0 win at their closest rivals. That's the way to win a title. Dunlop worked hard throughout the game, but it just wasn't to be their evening. It was the first time they had dropped any points at home this season. The teams had slugged it out, especially over the last 10 games where they had both gone unbeaten. When Coventry drew at home to Phoenix last weekend, the door was left ajar for Dunlop, but they couldn't quite see it over the line.

Dunlop FC: 1.McNally, 18.Asare, 5.Dunnett(c), 15.Obeng, 8.Anokwuru, 4.Katimorow, 17.Bambah, 11.Dixon, 9.Monger, 10.Smith, 20.Coulson. Subs: 7.Moore, 3.Forsu, 12.Abdulraheem, 16.Brefo, 17.Sam
AFC Coventry: 1.Ekwueme, 4.Kandola, 3.Imran, 5.Ali, 11.Rajab, 17.Castanho, 14.Nijjar(c), 12.Bhayat, 10.Faied, 7.Alex, 9.John. Subs: 8.Scott, 6.Fletcher, 2.Balogun, 15.Dawud, 16.Glover

The Ground
Dunlop Sports Club is situated in the northern part of Coventry. Wedged between housing, the sports club supports many activities including football, cricket and bowls. The service road that leads off Burnaby Road doubles as a car park, with spaces on one side. On busy evenings like this one, they also open up space o the grass area outside the main club. The clubhouse itself looks out over the sports pitches and has a small patio area behind one of the goals. The players and officials changing areas are in a separate block that sits on an angle to the football pitch. There are a collection of dugouts on the Swallow Road side of the pitch but no covered spectator areas. The pitch itself slopes slightly back towards the clubhouse end.

Ground Number:486
Att: 
Entrance: 
Programme: 

This Saturday BotP made the trip over to Worcester for the Worcestershire FA Saturday Cup Final between AFC Worcester and Fairfield Villa at The DOADC Stadium.
The two teams involved both play at step 7, but in different league. AFC Worcester currently ply their trade in the Herefordshire Premier League and have finished their league season in sixth place. Fairfield play in Division Two of the Midland Football League and currently sit in fifth spot with a game to play. Whilst Fairfield Villa are over 125 years old as a club and AFC Worcester are only into their third season, neither team appears to have been in this final before. Of course, the clubs may tell me differently. Update: Fairfield have won the trophy several times and have also been beaten finalists more than once. Researcher chastised accordingly.
The road to the final for AFC Worcester was relatively straight-forward. After receiving a bye in Round 1, they then were awarded their tie with Worcester United Development, putting them into the quarter-final without having kicked a ball. They then travelled to Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One side, Bredon, returning with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a 0-0 draw. The semi-final was an all Worcester affair, as AFC went to Worcester City Reserves and won 2-1.
Fairfield won 4-0 at West Midlands Regional Division 1 Perrywood in the first round. They then disposed of Cheltenham Premier League outfit Wickhamford, winning 3-0 at home. The semi-final was a home tie with fellow MFL Division Two Inkberrow that the Swans won 4-1. They won their semi-final 4-1, putting out AFC's league-lates AFC Kemspey.
Many thanks to the Worcestershire FA stadium announcer for allowing me to photograph the team sheets before he read them out.

​Kicking down the slight slope in the first half, AFC Worcester made a lively start, with Harry Potts sending a shot wide of Tristan Ramsey's goal in the first minute. However, after that very promising opening salvo, the game became a little scrappy with both sides giving away possession far too easily, and neither able to find any kind of rhythm.
As the half progressed, Fairfield began to take a little more control and were increasingly finding some joy up their left flank, where Lamin Barrow was finding more and more space. On the midway point Daniel Kitching saw his header deflected wide for a corner as Villa began to ramp things up. Having said that, a minute later they were grateful of the hard ground when a bouncing ball inside their area was just too high for Andrew Rhodes, allowing Ramsey to get above him to grab it.
Back came Fairfield through Barrow. This time the winger cut back inside onto his right, but couldn't find enough power to trouble Joel Chadwick. Although not dominating the ball entirely, the balance of the game felt as if it had shifted to Villa at this point. With ten minutes remaining in the half, Barrow once more caused problems for Worcester. His cross was eventually half-cleared to the edge of the area, where Brett Fellows engineered a little space before sending in a shot that was easily claimed by Chadwick.
Two minutes later, however, that danger from the left finally paid off for Villa. A ball played into the channel was latched onto by Lamin Barrow. Some nifty footwork had his defender back-peddling, giving the winger enough space to shift it to his left and rifle a shot past Chadwick. 0-1.
The goal had been coming and, at that point, Worcester would probably have taken being a goal down at the break. That, however, was not to be, because three minutes into added time, Fairfield struck again. This time the threat came from the right with Tom Millard firing over a cross. The ball was slightly behind Rabab Ali but, somehow, the striker generated enough power and direction on his header to steer the ball past Chadwick's left hand into the net. 0-2

HT AFC Worcester 0 Fairfield Villa 2. After a scrappy opening 20 minutes, Fairfield were the side who managed to bring some cohesion to their play and reaped the benefits late in the half. However, Worcester are by no means out of the game at this stage.

​Fairfield began the second half looking like they were on a mission to end the game as soon as possible. Within two minutes they came within a whisker of making it three. Chadwick produced a good save to keep out the initial shot, but the ball fell invitingly into the path of Tom Millard in the centre of goal, with a gaping net in front of him. However, out of nowhere, Worcester captain Owen Lane threw himself in front of the strike, making an incredible goal-line block to keep his side alive.
Chadwick was still being kept busy. Ali's acrobatics produced an effort that was comfortable for the keeper but ten minutes into the half, the Worcester keeper had to be at his very best to save from Lamin Barrow, who had once again burst through on the left. The  keeper was then up quickly to block again, this time from Millard.
It felt like a Fairfield goal was on the cards and, sure enough it arrived on the hour mark. A deep corner from the right was met by the head of Daniel Kitching, who planted the ball back past Chadwick. 0-3.
Although there was still at least 30 minutes remaining, it felt as if that goal had sealed the trophy for Villa. They'd got the goal they seemed to be hunting early on, and now looked to be managing the game to a conclusion. Barrow was still tormenting the Worcester defence, as he had done for most of the game, but it was substitute Alpha Wurie who applied the icing to the cake, curling a delightful 69th minute freekick around the wall and into the bottom corner for 0-4.
Worcester, who had not really had a sniff in the second half, continued to battle it out, but they were a beaten team by now. Potts did manage an 80th minute strike in a rare foray forward, but that didn't trouble Ramsey. In fact, Fairfield could have made it even more emphatic before the end. Kyle Porter sent an 85th minute straight at Chadwick and, with two minutes to go, the same player set up McKenzie Mine, but Chadwick once again made a save, this time with his feet.

FT AFC Worcester 0 Fairfield Villa 4. Congratulations to Fairfield, who were worthy winners on the day. Their second half performance was a master-class in game management. They scored the important third goal early on and then set about restricting their opponents to nothing more than an occasional glance at goal. Worcester worked hard and continued to battle away even after going three down, but were beaten by the better team.

AFC Worcester: 1.Chadwick, 5.Smith, 4.Hopkins, 14.Lane(c), 16.Rhodes, 3.Potts, 8.Mullings, 12.Caverns, 10.Holley, 9.Downs, 11.Jammeh. Subs: 2.Fitts, 7.Buttle, 17.Holiday, 15.Moulsdale, 6.Parfitt
Fairfield Villa: 1.Ramsey, 2.Kitching, 3.Gaynor, 4.Cornbill, 5.Gilmour, 6.Tobin(c), 7.Millard, 8.Steward, 9.Ali, 10.Fellows, 11.Barrow. Subs: 12.Wurie, 14.Kirby, 15.Mine, 16.Porter, 18.Finglas

The Ground
The DOADC Stadium at Claines Lane is the home of Worcestershire FA and Worcester Raiders FC and is situated just off the A449 to the north of the city centre. The complex has two pitches, the main stadium grass pitch and an all-weather pitch. There's plenty of parking both on the top level close the clubhouse, and on the lower level below the 3G pitch. The clubhouse and all the facilities are perched on a rise above the main pitch, which gives a great view from the clubhouse and from the patio area that looks down on one of the goals. There are two covered spectator stands on the left-hand side as you look from the clubhouse. The dugouts are on the opposite side whish is also where the 3G pitch is situated at 90 degrees to the main pitch. There's a slight slope from the clubhouse end to the Claines Lane end. However, the pitch looked to be in good condition.

Ground Number:485
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: 

This Friday BotP headed over to The Dog & Duck ground for the final of the Les Underwood Junior Cup, which saw Northants Combination Premier side Blisworth take on Spartan South Midlands Division One Rushden & Higham United. Despite The Lankies being a division above Blisworth, the expectation was for a close encounter. We were not to be disappointed.

This was the route to the final for both teams:

Rushden
(H) FC Peterborough 4-2
(A) Raunds Town 0-0 p4-2
(A) Roade 3-3 p4-2 (Ibbeson Keeps Lankies On The Right Roade)
(H) Harpole 3-3 p6-5

Blisworth
(H) Higham Town 5-1
(A) Corby Pegasus 2-1
(A) Woodford United 0-1
(H) Desborough Town 2-2 p3-1

Many thanks to the Northamptonshire FA official who gave me access to the team sheets.

​Kicking towards the clubhouse end, Blisworth made a strong start to the game. A third minute long throw, something that would become a constant threat to Rushden, caused problems at the back with the ball falling to Luke Watson, who saw his powerful drive blocked just short of the goal. There were low key Blisworth shouts for a penalty, but these were immediately turned down by the referee.
The Lankies had to wait until the 12th minute for their first strike on target when Kai Magee sent in a volley that didn't trouble Josh McAdoo. 
Midway through the half, Rushden had goalkeeper Micky Ibbeson to thank when he produced a fine save to thwart Shaun Wilkes.
On the stroke of the half-hour Rushden really should have taken the lead when Dennis Palmere did well on the right before feeding the ball across to Jack Culwick some three yards out in the centre of goal. Only he will know how he managed to hit the defender on the line rather than put the ball in the net. Credit to Blisworth's defence for the cover, but they should have had no chance at all. A big let off.
At the other end, Redding leapt highest at the back post to get a header on target, but nothing that was going to trouble Ibbeson. A minute later Blisworth had the ball in the net following yet another long throw into throw box. However, the referee had already blown for a foul before the ball hit the back of the net.
The game had opened up a little more now and when, a minute later, Mohammed Khan won the ball back in midfield, he fed it inside for Dennis Palmere who probably should have at least made the keeper work. Rushden needn't have been worried though. With four minutes of normal time remaining in the half, they took the lead. Khan was the instigator in midfield, playing the ball inside to Jonny Carey who then fed it through for Kai Magee to run on and slot past McAdoo. 0-1

HT Blisworth 0 Rushden & Higham United 1. A fairly even first half. If anything Blisworth just edged possession, but Rushden created the two best chances, one of which they managed to take.

Blisworth were out for the second half well in advance of Rushden, clearly keen to loo for a way back into the game. The started the half on the front foot, something that would continue throughout the majority of the half. Three minutes in, Cohen Curtis went on a good run from midfield before being upended right on the edge of the box, Blisworth wanted a penalty but the referee was adamant that it was just outside the box. The freekick was well blocked by the United wall.  Four minutes later Rushden almost doubled their advantage when Austin Bishop's long throw found captain  Mitchell Sharp who crashed his shot off McAdoo's left-hand upright.
That close shave was the cue for  wave after wave of Blisworth attacks. Not quite a siege at this point, but Rushden were finding it hard to get out of their own half and keep hold of the ball. Despite Blisworth camping out in the Rushden half, the Lankies defence was coping very well, restricting Blissy to very few chances. However, they did have goalkeeper Ibbeson to thank in the 78th minute when Dean Hall met a cross from the right with a firm header some 6 yards out. Ibbeson, going across his goal had to reach back in the opposite direction to get a strong hand to header and keep it out. An excellent save.
By this stage it was fair to say that Blisworth were laying siege to the Rushden goal, but still the ranks of orange shirts stood firm. Curtis came close with 8 minutes to go, bustling through a couple of challenges before lifting his shot over the bar. There was just no way through for Blisworth.
Into added time Rushden, on a rare raid into to Blissy territory, almost put the game beyond doubt when Troy Johnstone broke through on the left. He was denied as too was Jason Okunnu a few minutes later. Then, with almost the last kick of the game, Dean Hall volleyed goalward only for Ibbeson to tip the shot over for  a corner.

FT Blisworth 0 Rushden & Higham United 1. Congratulations to Rushden & Higham. Although it was a fantastic effort from Blisworth in the second half as they took control of the game and threw everything at The Lankies. Great credit to Rushden though. They dug in and formed a practically impenetrable barrier. When Blisworth did get through, they found Micky Ibbeson in excellent form.
Watch the trophy lift on the Rushden X Feed.

Blisworth: McAdoo, Sargent, Bazeley, Redding, Gartland, Hall, Said, Curtis, Wilkes, Surace, Watson. Subs: Ademidun, Mason, Dinu, Rama, Martin
Rushden & Higham United: Ibbeson, Dye, Jackson, Palmere, Sharp(c), Bishop, Culwick, Mann, Khan, Carey, Magee. Subs: Lewis, Bloodworth, Okunnu, Johnstone, Badera


Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 571
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: 

​This Tuesday threw up an opportunity to visit a new ground within half an hour of home, check out a team I'd never seen before, and watch a game that had quite a bearing on the Oxfordshire Senior League Division One promotion race. I love this time of year, when I get the chance to watch grassroots football during the week. No floodlights required and early kick-offs, which mean no more getting home at midnight before a full day's work the next day.
So, it was perfect to just make the short trip up the M40 to Banbury. Destination, Hanwell Fields recreation Ground, home of Hanwell United, who were scheduled to take on Shipston Excelsior this evening.
Prior to the game, the situation at the top of Division One was that Shipston sat in second spot, twelve points behind Witney Town, who had already been crowned champions and had finished their league games. Shipston, with three games remaining, held a five point lead on Thame United A, who had one extra game in hand. Hanwell sat fourth, with two games in hand on Shipston but 14 points adrift. Oakley United, down in 7th spot, still had eight games to play and could till overhaul Shipston as well despite being 19 points behind. So, although not mathematically a certainty, a win for Shipston this evening would see them pretty much secure the second promotion spot. Victory for Hanwell would keep them in the running, albeit as an outsider.
When the teams had met in Warwickshire last month, Shipston were victorious by a 3-1 margin.
Many thanks to the Shipston official who gave me access to the team sheets before kick-off. As always, very much appreciated.

​The game almost got off to a blistering start when, after less than a minute, Marcus Ireland spilled a speculative effort before grabbing the loose ball, only for a Hanwell striker to prod it into the net. However, the referee deemed that Ireland had got the ball back in his hands before it was poked home, and to be fair, there was very little complaint from the home side.
Ireland was less troubled by the next effort to come his way as Ronan Halkett's long distance strike proved no problem. Shipston's response came in the shape of a Jake Brown long throw that Shaun Green met but couldn't keep on target. When Kyle Smith headed a freekick over the Hanwell bar on 18 minutes, neither keeper had yet to get their knees dirty.
That changed in the 20th minute when the home side took the lead. Halkett was the instigator, breaking down the right before delivering the ball across the 6-yard box. Captain Joeb Evans got a to the ball, turning it against the far post then, extraordinarily, the same player put the rebound against the same post before it d=fell into the path of Ryan MacDonald, who lashed it home to put Hanwell in front. 1-0
The response from Shipston was a positive one. A minute after going behind, Shaun Green put another header just over and, two minutes later, another Green header was hacked clear by a Hanwell defender. Shipston's threat from the long throw was there to be seen and was causing some problems for Hanwell.
Having said that, it was a 28th minute Richard Moss cross, from the opposite side, that led to the equaliser when Scott Rogers arrived to plant his header past Masson. 1-1
Equilibrium last only around five minutes. Heading into the final ten minutes of the half, Hanwell got the noses in front again. Ryan MacDonald, out on the left, drifted inside his marker onto his right foot and sent a superb shot into the far bottom corner. 2-1.

HT Hanwell United 2 Shipston Excelsior 1. An entertaining half of football between two well-matched teams. If anything Shipston edged possession and probably generated a few more chances than Hanwell. However, the home side were clinical with their finishing.

​Shipston made a strong start to the second half and home keeper Greig Masson did well to turn Jordan Rooke's volley over the bar after just two minutes. A few minutes later, however, Masson's opposing number, Marcus Ireland, had to be alert to prevent Joeb Evans from scoring after the home captain had seized on a ball in midfield and driven past a couple of defenders to open up space for a shot. The game was becoming a little more open now, and play swung back to the home box as Scott Rogers, flying in at the far post at full stretch, could only lift a teasing ball across goal over the bar. Next to threaten was substitute Wil Gorski, who got his head to a hopeful punt forward but could only loft it over Masson's crossbar. That was to be the substitute's last real contribution as, on 66 minutes, he picked up a second yellow card leaving his team down to 10 for the last quarter of the game.
Undeterred, Shipston continued to look for an equaliser. Luke Brooks was inches from getting on the end of a Richard Moss cross and Scott Rogers got his head to a superb Henry Kroner cross, once again sending the ball over the bar.
Time was starting to run out on the visitors who, to their credit, were not playing like a team who were a man down. With four minutes to go they came within a cot of paint of levelling the game when a headed clearance fell into the path of Jay Drew some 25 yards out. His thunderous strike left Masson rooted to the spot but crashed off the underside of the bar and flew to safety. 
To rub salt into the wounds, a minute into added time, Ryan MacDonald shrugged off a challenge, burst into the left hand side of the box and calmly slotted home his hat-trick past Ireland. 3-1
Shipston were still not in the mood to take defeat lying down however. Masson had to be on his toes once again to turn away Brown's stinging free kick. The visitors woe were further compounded with the last kick of the game as Masson flung himself full-length to keep out 96th minute penalty.

FT Hanwell United 3 Shipston Excelsior 1. The result leaves both teams in the same league positions. However, Shipston are now under far more pressure from Thame United A, Oakley United and even Hanwell themselves, now. Thame play Oakley at the weekend and will also welcome Hanwell to Meadow View in early May. Next up for Hanwell is the visit of Summertown Stars on Saturday. The teams drew 1-1 on the opening day of the league season. However, Hanwell won 4-2 there in the President's Cup. Meanwhile, Shipston got to Exeter Close to face Kidlington A on Saturday. Shipston will have plenty of confidence having won the reverse fixture 7-0 in September and having also beaten The Greens 8-0 in the President's Cup.

Hanwell United: Masson, Garvie, DeSousa, Short, Coles, MacDonald, Evans(c), Halkett, Andrews, Jarvis, Howards. Subs: Billsdon
Shipston Excelsior: Ireland(c), Murphy, Marston, Brown, Rogers, Smith, Moss, Rooke, Walker, Wyatt, Green. Subs: Drew, Gorski, Kroner, Brooks, Bell

The Ground
Hanwell Fields is situated to the northern edge of Banbury, a short distance from the village of Hanwell, which is just off the Warwick Road. The recreation ground plays host to both football and cricket. It features a small car park and a pavilion that houses the changing facilities. Both car park and pavilion sit on a raised art of the grounds, looking out over the cricket and football pitches, that latter of which is situated at the far reaches of the ground adjacent to the small Hanwell Brook Wetland, part of the Wild Banbury project.
The football pitch has a slight slope from one end to the other, but is otherwise pretty flat. As this is a community facility, there's no spectator cover around the pitch.

Ground Number: 484
Att: 
Entrance: 
Programme: 

​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