​I must admit, my original plan for Sunday was to catch up with The Wandering Tractor but, stupidly, I had neglected to take note of the 3pm kick off time at Brentford Women, the game we had arranged to meet up at. With a commitment to getting home by 5pm, there was no way I was going to be able to watch that game and make it back to Oxfordshire in time. Sorry to say that meeting up with Dave will have to wait a little longer. I had to do some quick calculations and SatNav planning, before I realised I could make the 2pm kick-off at Reading Women v Selsey at Arbour Park and still easily make it home before 5pm. So, a quick check of the GPS to ensure I was going to make kick-off (it was estimating an arrival time of 13:57) and I changed course for Slough Town's ground.
This was an interesting game in itself. Both teams had come down from the National League last season, Reading effectively starting again and Selsey following relegation. However, life in the Southern Region League had not been easy for wither side. In fact, neither had yet managed a win. Selsey had drawn two games, both against Badshot Lea and Reading were yet to pick up a point, despite some really good cup performances. The gap between the bottom three, Reading, Selsey and Badshot Lea, at the bottom, was such that the relegation battle was already looking to be a three-way fight. Sholing, fourth from bottom, had a twelve point buffer. So, this one was definitely the epitome of the relegation 6-pointer.
Despite being the bottom club, Reading started the day with four games in hand on Badshot Lea and two in hand on Selsey, so their fate was still in their own hands.

​On another bitterly cold afternoon, it was the home side who started the game in a very positive manner. Mia Bradley gave warning of her prowess down the right when she burst through to shoot narrowly wide with just 6 minutes on the clock. Selsey's Lucienne Selvester followed suit 3 minutes later, hitting the target but not worrying Cherry Preisner too much. However, the Reading stopper was soon to be concerned. Despite the home side having the better of the opening encounters, they were caught out when a long ball down the right allowed Isabelle Wheatley to get free. Her cross on the run looped over Preisner before going in off the far post. Definitely an element of luck in the goal, but they all count. 0-1
Undeterred, Reading tried to hit back immediately and it was, once again, the threat from Bradley up the right that almost paid dividends as her shot flashed across the face of Millie Delamont's goal. Reading were piling forward but still had to be aware of the ball over the top. Wheatley, on the right, and Ellie Jefkins, on the left, both looked to have enough pace to cause issues.
The visitor's keeper was certainly the busier though. Just on the halfway point Bradley once again provided a test for Delamont. this time the keeper was forced into a good parry, only for the ball to rebound out to Sajunae Turner, who couldn't keeper her strike down. Something of a let-off for Selsey. As we hit the half-hour mark both Lucy Bolitho and Sumayah Zayadi came close for Reading, the latter hitting the side-netting when she should really have tested Delamont again. Reading were creating plenty of chances. Surely the equaliser was on the cards?
It was, and it arrived in the 36th minute in spectacular fashion. Another Reading attack looked to have fizzled out when the ball was cleared into the centre. However, captain Lucy Bolitho stepped onto the bouncing ball before volleying it into Delamont's top left-hand corner from 25 yards. A superb strike. 1-1
Two minutes later a ball in from the Reading right found Bolitho again, this time around the penalty spot. However, the Royals captain proved to be far less accurate from 12 yards, lashing the ball into the car park.
Before Bradley saw yet another shot fly across the face of goal, the visitors had a big call for a penalty. I'll be honest, I was on the opposite side of the pitch, close the far end and didn't have a clear view of the incident at all. However, the appeals from the Selsey players and bench were very vociferous. All to no avail as the referee waved play on.

HT Reading 1 Selsey 1. Reading were well on top overall and certainly don't look like a team with zero points so far. Should Selsey have had a penalty? They thought so, but from my view on the opposite side there was no clear view.

​It was interesting to see the difference in the two sides as they came out for the second half. Reading were out early, went through a few warm-ups with their coach and then knocked the ball around in the centre to keep warm. Selsey came back out in ones and twos, looking less enthusiastic. However, when the game restarted, it was the visitors who got in the early first strike, Charlie Davey making sure that Preisner was alert after half-time.
Shortly after that normal service resumed on the Reading right with Mia Bradley once again causing problems for the visiting defenders. This time she worked her way down the wing before cutting the ball back across the 6-yard box. Zayadi was lurking, but the ball ran slightly behind her making her unable to get enough power on the shot to beat Delamont.
Just past the hour mark Reading got their noses in front and once again it was their captain Lucy Bolitho showing them the way. He low drive from the edge of the box wasn't all that powerful but it was just inside Delmont's right-hand post, leaving the keeper grasping at air. 2-1.
Credit to Selsey who, once again, tried to retaliate immediately. Jefkins, who had looked their most lively player throughout, drove in from the left before letting fly and narrowly missing the far corner.
Reading though could smell their first win of the season and they didn't look to be in a mood to let it slip. Lilly Brooke-Cousins came close when she tried her luck from way out, seeing her effort land on the roof of the net with Delamont beaten. Then, with 7 minutes left, Zuzanna Gajzler had the ball in the Selsey net only to see the assistant's flag had already been raised. Bradley was still tormenting the visitor defence and when Zayadi played her in with a defence-splitting ball, the winger struck goalward onto to see Delamont get a fingertip to the ball, deflecting it for a corner. Then, in the first minute of added time, Delamont made two very good stops, both from Gajzler, before Assia Fatri's effort was hooked off the line.
The third goal wouldn't come, but it didn't matter. The whistle bleew and the Royals had their first league win of the season.

FT Reading 2 Selsey 1. Reading take all three points for the first time this season. A deserved victory over the 90 minutes. Selsey played their part, but continue to look for a win themselves. The three points takes Reading out of the bottom two, leaving Badshot Lea rooted to the foot of the table below Selsey on goal difference.
Next up for Reading is a trip South to take on Sholing in the League Cup
Selsey are also in League Cup action as they welcome Division One North leaders Beaconsfield Town to the Seal Bay Resort Arena.

Reading: 1.Preisner, 3.Brooke-Cousins, 4.Turner, 5.Levy, 7.Gajzler, 9.Fatri, 11.Morl, 12.Bradley, 19.Airey, 20.Bolitho(c), 21.Dench. Subs: 8.Giles, 14.Zayadi
Selsey: 1.Delamont, 2.Evans, 3.Guymer, 5.G.Morris, 6.Halford, 7.Sanderson(c), 10.Jefkins, 11.Walford, 12.Selvester, 14.Wheatley, 17.K.Morris. 20.Campbell, 4.Davey, 9.Childs, 16.Flower

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: £7.00
Programme: N/A

It was a case of keeping it local again this weekend and, as luck would have it, there was a game that caught my eye happening just up the road. Deanshanger Athletic, who I have seen play away from home a number of times, were at home to Silverstone in the North Bucks Interdivisional Trophy. A local derby and a chance to visit Athletic at home for the first time. The teams are both currently members of the Intermediate Division in the North Bucks League structure, the second level of the league. Prior to kick-off the situation on the league was that Athletic sat second, 10 points adrift of leaders Olney. Silverstone were fourth, a further 7 points back but with 4 games in hand on Deanshanger. They had already met once before this season, a league encounter back in late August. That day Silverstone had handed Deanshanger a 5-1 home defeat, despite the hosts taking the lead after half an hour. 
The most recent time I had seen Deanshanger play they were 7-2 winners at Finmere on a blustery day back in late November (Fins Fall To Storm Force 7). However, I also saw an early season game at Woburn & Wavendon (Call The Cops There's Been A Mugging), a game refereed by Krzysztof Ziejewski, who was also today's official. It was great to bump into referee Krzysztof gain before the game, especially as he made a special trip back to his car to get the team sheets for me. Thank you sir, very much appreciated.

​Silverstone set about this game with a real vigour. Kicking away from the clubhouse end, they had their hosts pinned back in their own half almost from the first whistle. Their fist real chance came in the 7th minute when Harvey Trim, who would prove to be a constant threat to Athletic, broke down the right flank. His cross found Will O'Toole with his back to goal. The midfielder laid the ball back into the path of Theo Higgins, only for the number 10 to blast the effort well  over the bar. The pace of Trim was a warning to the home side and one that they didn't heed. Two minutes later another through ball found its way behind the home defence and once again the pace of Trim sent him clear. this time he was much more central and had a direct path to goal. As Sam Watts came out to meet him, the winger slipped the ball under him to open the scoring. 0-1.
Deanshanger were finding it difficult to get to grips with the game and after just 12 minutes could easily have been two goals down. Another defence splitting pass opened them up, this time for O'Toole to break clear. However, Watts was alert enough to make a very good block and, when the loose ball fell back to O'Toole, he could only lash it wildly wide of the mark.
The Silverstone attacks kept coming though. Midway through the half Elliot Gibbons had Watts at full stretch and not getting there, but the cross-shot whistled narrowly wide of the far post, Lucas Broadhurst, on as a substitute for Higgins, then shot over with pretty much his first touch and Trim shot well over again. All of the efforts were coming from the visitors, but it remained at 1-0. Josh Mickley, in the Silverstone goal, was practically a spectator for the first half.

HT Deanshanger Athletic 0 Silverstone 1. Very one-sided but still only one goal in it. Will Silverstone regret not making more of their chances?

​The second half started off in a very scrappy manner as the cold weather started biting. Deanshanger looked to be a lot more determined than in the first period and Silverstone were certainly not dominating the ball like they had done for the first 45 minutes. However, as we headed for the hour mark, Mickley still had not been stretched at all.
As the clocked ticked over to 60 minutes there was an extraordinary passage of paly that very nearly led to a comical own-goal. Deanshanger were awarded a free-kick around 10 yards away from their own left-hand corner flag, which Tom Dunning went to take. Looking to square the ball to his goalkeeper so that they could play out from the back, he completely miscued the pass which clattered off the foot of the post, inches from going in. It did make me wonder how much the condition of the pitch had played a part in the close shave, especially as they had already been a number of shanked and mis-cued passes throughout the game. However, the home side survived and there was still just a single goal in it.
Chances were at a premium ay both ends of the pitch for a while as Deanshanger tried to get themselves back onto level terms. However, when good chances came, it was still Silverstone who looked the more likely to add to their total. With 14 minutes left Trim once again latched onto a long ball that beat the home defence. However, his finishing was not so good this time, screwing his shot wide of the mark. A chance to seal the game going by the wayside. Another chance went astray a few minutes later when Broadhurst blazed over from 15 yards. Silverstone could easily have been out of sight by this point and you did wonder if there was going to be  a classical last minute sucker punch. However, it didn't come and, in fact, it was the visitor's who came closest in the final few minutes when Penny's miscued cross drifted over Watts but came back off the bar.

FT Deanshanger Athletic 0 Silverstone 1. This one could, and probably should, have been more than 1-0 to Silverstone. Athletic improved a little in the second half, but Silverstone were easily the better of the two on the day. Credit to the visitors for the way they took the game to Athletic. Deanshanger had one of those days where they couldn't seem to get started. Silverstone will face Wing Village in the Quarter-Final after they defeated Newport Pagnell Athletic 3-1 back in December.
Next weekend both sides return to league action. Deanshanger travel to Leighton Woodside, who currently sit 11th. This will be their first meeting this season. Silverstone are back at home where second from bottom Real MK are the visitors. This is also their first meeting of the season.

Deanshanger Athletic: 1.Watts, 2.Grose, 3.Stallard, 4.Dunning, 5.Harris(c), 15.Kisaane, 7.E.Dyer, 8.Moore, 9.McLaren, 10.Barry, 11.Forbie. Subs: 12.Baker, 14.S.Dyer, 6.Fisher, 16.Gibbs
Silverstone: 1.Mickley, 2.Paine, 3.Parnell, 4.Bodily, 5.Fleming, 7.Wakeling, 8.C.Penny, 9.Gibbons, 10.Higgins, 11.Trim. Subs: 12.Chittenden, 14.Broadhurst, 15.T.Penny, 16.Finney

​The Ground
Deanshanger Sports Club is where it should be, in the centre of Deanshanger village, just to the North-West of Milton Keynes. The football club thrives across all age for both sexes. When you arrive at the club, accessed off Little London i the heart of the village, this becomes apparent. The main pitch is at the far end of the complex and, to get to it, you have to walk past an assortment of small-sided pitches. The club house is much larger than I expected too, featuring a patio area (not advisable in this weather), from which you could watch quite a number of the junior games. The main pitch, which also has plenty of parking adjacent on Folly Road, is surrounded by a well-maintained fence featuring blue posts and a white tubular barrier. The club's name and logo is emblazoned on a banner behind the goal facing the club house. There is no spectator cover as expected at this level of the pyramid, although the Folly Road side of the ground has a small grass bank which some spectators use to gain a better view. There are also currently no dugouts, although there are two patches of blue Astroturf either side of the hallway line that suggest there either used to be or there are planned dugouts. The playing surface doesn't have a discernible slope. However, it was certainly in need of a trim, this weekend at least.


Ground Number: 434
Att: c30 (manual count)
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

As we begin to head into the home straight, one team from each of the three divisions can still boast a zero in the 'Lost' column of the table. In the Premier League Ascot United lead the way having won ten and drawn one of their eleven matches. With eight left to play and nine points ahead, they are in a very strong position. In the North it's Beaconsfield Town sitting top of the table. They have drawn two of their twelve games, winning the other ten. A five point gap sees them in a strong position but there are still teams in the chasing pack who could yet have a say. The South boasts the only team with a 100% record intact. Conversely, they are the only one of the three not to be sitting on top of their league. Fleet Town are eight from eight, but still three points shy of AFC Stoneham, albeit with there games in hand.

​AFC Portchester 4-0 Badshot Lea
Brooke Marshall and Lucy Nightingale both scored twice as Portchy made the game safe inside the opening half. There was no more scoring, but the points were safely in the bag. The result sees Portchester climb into second place, above Oxford City on goal difference with a game in hand. Badshot Lea remain second from bottom, two points above Reading.

Ascot United 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
A massive three points for Ascot who opened up nine point gap at the top of the Premier League table. Beth Lloyd put The Yellawomen in front midway through the first half. It stayed that way until the 81st minute when Lloyd was on target again, making the points look secure. However, in an extended added time, Kayla Potter pulled a goal back for the Chairgirls but the hosts held out to take the win. Read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot website.

Reading 1-4 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers scored four for the third game running as they added more misery to Reading's season. Libby Wilkinson had the visitors two to the good inside the opening half hour or so. However, Zuzana Gajzler pulled one back for the spirited Royals, just before the hour. Winchester then quelled the revival through Wilkinson's hat-trick goal on 66 minutes. Annie Northwood then added a fourth with 14 minutes remaining. Read the match report from The Tilehurst End (@thetilehurstend). You can also check out the match photos from Neil Graham.

Selsey P-P Oxford City

Sholing 2-3 Woodley United
Two goals from Siena Millen, inside the opening 12 minutes, saw Sholing get off to a great start. They held the lead through until half-time, but six minutes into the second half, Sarah Lawrence pulled a goal back for Woodley. Just past the hour mark Lauren Devlin squared it up. Then, with nine minutes of normal time remaining, top scorer Lawrence was on the mark again to complete a fantastic comeback win for United.
Check out Lauren Devlin's penalty on the Woodley X feed.

​Caversham United P-P Slough Town

Milton United P-P Kidlington Youth

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Abingdon United Development

Tilehurst Panthers P-P Chesham United Development

Wycombe Wanderers u23 0-4 Beaconsfield Town
The Rams kept up their unbeaten record in what was a crucial contest in the race for the title. Third placed Wycombe had been on a fantastic winning run and, although they had played more games, were beginning to put some pressure on the top two. However, two goals from Katie Riddington, one from Lucy Casey and a debut goal from recent signing Henna Hussain, gave Beaconsfield a comprehensive victory. Watch the highlights courtesy of Beaconsfield Town's YouTube channel.

Abbey Rangers P-P Bursledon

AFC Stoneham 4-0 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Only a ninth minute Mia Flood goal separated these two at half-time. However, Aimee Gritt made it two six minutes into the second half before Chloe Marshall added the third with just over twenty minutes to go. Top scorer Mia House then got in on the act just before the final whistle to seal a solid three points for Stoneham, sending them top of the league.

Fleet Town P-P AFC Varsity

Havant & Waterlooville 5-0 Wimborne Town
The Hawks gained some revenge for their 2-1 defeat in Wimborne earlier in the season. After a low-key start in which Wimborne looked quite threatening, Sophie Lee eased home nerves. A thunderbolt from Issy Humphrey made it two four minutes later. Laurie Potvin then gave the home side plenty of breathing space just before the break. Soon afterwards, a first of the season from Molly Stoddart made it four. Top scorer Sophie Lee then added a fifth and her fifteenth of the season. Read the BotP match blog here (The Prog Rock Derby)

Woking 3-1 QK Southampton
Bottom side QK, without a point this season, stunned the Cards early on by taking an 8th minute lead through Hollie Keefe. However, midway through the half, Bryony Gibbs levelled the scores and send the sides in level at the break. Woking finally broke the QK resistance thanks to two goals in two second half minutes from Gabriella Hobday just past the hour mark.

AFC Portchester v Havant & Waterlooville
Last season's Portsmouth Divisional FA Cup beaten finalists AFC Portchester take on local rival Havant & Waterlooville. With Portchy now in the Premier League, there has been no league meeting this season and the final game of last season was awarded to Portchester. They did, however, meet twice last season. The league game at Portchester ended 5-0 to the home side but The Hawks gained some revenge by knocking Portchy out of the League Cup at Westleigh Park with a 2-1 score line.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

​Reading v Selsey
It may only be halfway through the season, but this game has relegation 6-pointer written all over it. Neither team has managed a win yet this season. Selsey have drawn twice and it's those two points that are keeping them above Reading. This will be their first meeting of the campaign. Both teams need to go flat out for a win. A draw would not help either team.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Woodley United v Wycombe Wanderers
Another first meeting of the season. Fourth placed Woodley take on fifth placed Wycombe, with just a single point separating the sides, who have both played 10 games. The league's joint top scorers go head to head. Woodley's Sarah Lawrence and Kayla Potter from Wycombe, both have 16 goals although Potter has played one fewer game than her Woodley counterpart.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Abingdon United Development v Wycombe Wanderers u23
The reverse fixture in October finished in a resounding 4-0 victory for Abingdon. However, Wanderers had won their last four league games until Sunday's defeat to Beaconsfield. Wanderers are the league's top scorers with 41 goals scored, 15 of which have come from top scorer Shannon Read.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Chesham United Development
Ascot remain top of the league, but are now only a point clear of Beaconsfield, who have a game in hand. Chesham are anchored to the bottom, a point behind Caversham, who have played a game more than Chesham. The reverse fixture, in early October, ended 5-1 to Ascot.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Beaconsfield Town v Slough Town
The Rams are still unbeaten in the league having now played 10 games, winning eight. They hold a five point lead on Ascot United Reserves but have played a game more and Ascot have yet to visit Holloways Park. Slough sit mid-table with 12 points from their 10 games, not a bad return for their first season in the league. They have won twice at home and on the road. This is their first meeting with The Rams this season.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Penn & Tylers Green
The Goats are still looking for their first home point of the season as they welcome Penn to Mapeldurham. Their visitors, who have only played 7 league games, could still have a say in the title but now need to ensure they win all of their games in hand to keep the pressure on Beaconsfield. It's a first league meeting between the sides this season. However, Penn did win an early season FA Cup by 5-0.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Milton United v Tilehurst Panthers
This is also a first league meeting of the season between the teams. Just a point separates Panthers, in 8th, from Milton in 9th. The fact that this is an away game for Tilehurst is probably in their favour. Yet to win at Scours Lane, they have taken 9 of their 12 points on the road.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

​Wimborne Town v Abbey Rangers
The Magpies have the opportunity to bounce back from Sunday's 5-0 defeat at Havant as they face up to second rom bottom Abbey Rangers, who admittedly have played far fewer games than anyone else. Wimborne won 8-2 at The Moor in November with seven different players on the score sheet.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

​Headington v Kidlington Youth
A short trip over the A34 for Kidlington as they visit Thames Valley Division 3 West leaders Headington. The hosts are unbeaten at home this season, but a three step difference is going to be a tough task for them. The teams were league-mates in the 2020-21 season when Kidlington did the double over Headington, Courtney Sumner scoring twice in each game. 
Sandy Lane Recreation Ground, OX4 6AX

Oxford City v Barton United
With only just over 1.5 miles between the grounds, you can't get much more of a local derby than this one. There are, however, two divisions between the teams. Barton are currently fourth in Division 1 of the Thames Valley League, although they do have a couple of game sin hand which could possibly take them to second. They are unbeaten away from home in the league too, although that is offset by the fact that City have a 100% home league record.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ 

​Bournemouth Sports v AFC Portchester
Last season's Southern Region Premier League champions take on this season's Premier League newbies. Sports are only just above the drop zone in the National League South-West, so their focus may well not be on the county cup. Portchester currently sit second in the Premier League but are nine point adrift of Ascot United albeit with a game in hand. This will be a good indicator of exactly how far they have come this season.
Venue: Bournemouth Sports Ladies First

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Fleet Town
Fleet still have a 100% league record one win of which came at Sports in October. Goals from Keira Simpson, Amy Granger, Olivia Cervino and Mahiya Sandeep gave the visitors a four goal victory, however, they were made to wait until the second half before breaking the deadlock. With just four league games remaining and safely ensconced in mid-table, Sports are in a position to give the cup a real go.
Venue: Bournemouth Sports Ladies Reserves

Havant & Waterlooville v Sholing
A short hop along the M27 for Sholing as they face up to Division One South side Havant & Waterlooville. The Hawks are unbeaten in the league at Westleigh Park and beat Wimborne 5-0 last time out (The Prog Rock Derby), so will be going into this one full of confidence despite the one division difference.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

QK Southampton v Bursledon
A welcome break from the league for QK, who are yet to gain a point. They face a Bursledon side who they only lost narrowly to in the league at Toynbee School last November. On that occasion a 70th minute Kirby Anderson goal was the difference between the teams.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Southampton u21 v AFC Varsity
A tough test for Varsity as they come up against The Saints PGA team who were beaten finalists last season, for the second season on the bounce, losing to AFC Bournemouth on both occasions. They did, however, win the SDFA Cup last season beating AFC Stoneham 10-0 in the final, a game that BotP had the pleasure to witness (X Rated Saints). Varsity have a big enough gap in the league table for them to relax and enjoy this cup tie.
Venue: Southampton FC Women RTC Academy
​
Winchester City Flyers v AFC Stoneham
The Purps, sitting top of Division One South, have a 100% away record in the league. They make the short trip North to face up to a Flyers team who are firmly established in mid-table of the Premier League. Currently on a four game winning streak in all competitions, Winchester have scored four goals in each of their last three games. Stoneham also have no worries in the goalscoring department having already 39 goals in their 11 league games.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

​Woking v Farnham Town
Farnham currently sit atop the Surrey Premier Division of the South East Counties League with a 100% league record. That's despite losing top scorer Emma Mutch to a long-term injury (get well soon Emma). Woking have picked up some form recently after a shaky start to the season. They've won their lats three in the league, scoring three on each occasion.
Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

Badshot Lea v Sutton United
​The Baggies have not had a good season in the Premier League and are yet to win a game. Sutton are mid-table in the London & South East premier League, the same level as Badshot Lea. They've not played since Mid-November thanks to a series of postponements. The Baggies, who have not had their top scorer in the side for the last two games, have also failed to score in those games.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

This Sunday was a chance to finally get to my first Southern region game of 2025 and an opportunity to pay a first visit to Havant & Waterlooville. It's not quite the furthest ground for me, but it's still exactly 100 miles in each direction from Bicester to Westleigh Park. Still, at least the weather had improved a little. I hadn't even had to de-ice the car in the morning. This was not only my first visit to the home of The hawks, it was also going to be the first time I had seen them play, home or away. I had, however, seen their visitors play once before, a 1-1 draw at Bursledon back in September (These Two Are Keepers).
Prior to kick-off Havant & Waterlooville sat in third spot, five points behind the top two with a game in hand on second placed Stoneham but having played one more than Fleet. Wimborne were a place below their hosts, two pints further back and having played a game more. However, the reverse fixture in September saw The Magpies take all three points thanks to a brace from Sheree Bell-Jack. A goal from captain E-J May couldn't prevent the Hawks falling to what was then, their first defeat of the season.
Did you know? - There's an interesting connection between Waterlooville and Wimborne Minster. There's a clue in the blog title. All will be revealed at the end of the blog.
Many thanks to Havant goalkeeper coach and stray ball retriever, Ashley Hards-Figgins, for getting the team sheets for me. Very much appreciated.

​The visitors started the game very brightly and, although they didn't manage to trouble Emily Paines in the home goal, looked to carry a threat up front through the strength of Sheree Bell-Jack, who won everything in the air, and the pace of Sadie West. Abi Buck was also getting a fair amount of space on the left, pushing forward to assist the strikers. However, it was Magpies goalkeeper Tegan Barnes who was the first stopper to be called into action, tipping Emily Wernham's effort over the bar in the 12th minute. That said, Wimborne had definitely had the better of the opening 15 minutes.
The game completely changed shape in the 19th minute when a long ball found Havant's top scorer Sophie Lee on the edge of the box. A side-step to give herself space followed by a low drive that went in off the inside of the post, and the home side were ahead. 1-0. Five minutes later Havant made it two. Issy Humphrey picked up the ball on the just outside the left side of the penalty area before curling an absolute stunner past Barnes into the far top corner. 2-0.
After being on top at the start, Wimborne now looked a little shell-shocked. The opposite was true for Havant, who were now spraying the ball about with some confidence and looking in control of the game. West, and Bell-Jack were still putting themselves about up front, but the chase was now slightly less vigorous and the tracking back a little more laboured. 
Just past the half hour Humphrey tested Barnes again but this time the visitors keeper was equal to the effort, Captain E-J May then tried her luck from outside the box, seeing her shot sail just wide. All of the chances were going the way of the home team but they then almost shot themselves in the foot. Playing out from the back, they lost the ball deep in their own half, presenting Bell-Jack with the opportunity to get a shot off. The effort went well wide, but it was a reminder than Havant couldn't lose concentration.
With seven minutes to go before the break, the home side came very close to extending their lead. Once again it was Issy Humphrey causing the problems for Wimborner. this time her strike beat Barnes but rattled the underside of the bar, setting off a mad scramble in the 6-yard box which, eventually, Wimborne managed to clear. 
At this point Wimborne may well have been happy to go in two behind, giving the coaches a chance to re-group the team during the interval. However, The Hawks had other ideas and, following a left-wing corner that caused some chaos in the visitor's penalty area, Laurie Potvin was on hand to smash home a loose ball after the initial effort was blocked. 3-0

HT Havant & Waterlooville 3 Wimborne Town 0. A really good start from Wimborne had Havant looking a little shaky for the opening 10 minutes or so. However, once the Hawks got their noses in front, they took control of proceedings and looked good for their three goal lead.

​There was no let up from Havant in the second half. E-J May was the first to try her luck, not too far wide from another long-range strike. However, eight minutes into the second period, the home side did add to their tally. Emily Wernham showed a clean pair heals to her marker, bursting down the right flank before delivering the perfect cross for substitute Molly Stoddart to finish her first goal of the season. 4-0.
The points were safe at this point. Wimborne had hardly stretched Paines, and were not going to score four times in the final half an hour. Sadie West did get a rare sight of goal just past the hour mark, but her effort was way off target. May had another long-range effort well saved by Barnes and the visiting goalkeeper had to be at her best on 75 minutes when May's delightful, threaded pass put Wenham in on goal. Barnes was very quick to narrow the angle, pushing the striker's shot away for a corner.
Ellie Chaffe then had a shot on target for Wimborne, which was easily fielded by Paines before, with six minutes remaining, the home side made it five. Sophie Lee, who scored the opening goal, rounded it all off when she drove into the box on the right. her low, driven effort deflected off a defender completely wrong-footing Barnes. 5-0

FT Havant & Waterlooville 5 Wimborne Town 0. A comprehensive victory for the home side who, once they found their rhythm, dominated the game. Despite scoring five times, it was The Hawks defence that stood out for me. The whole back line looked solid, not allowing a sniff for the Wimborne strikers. The result lifts Havat to within 2 points of Fleet, who are now second after their game was postponed. Wimborne remain in fourth spot but are now just two points ahead of a resurgent Woking team, who won again.
Havant had a Thursday evening PDFA fixture at Portchester before they welcome Premier League Sholing to Westleigh Park for a County Cup tie on Sunday. Wimborne, meanwhile, have a home league fixture with Abbey Rangers to look forward to at the weekend.

Havant & Waterlooville: 1.Paines, 3.Gardner, 4.Potvin, 5.Marsh, 6.Smith, 8.Mcnamara, 9.Wernham, 10.May(c), 11.Lee, 15.Dixon, 19.Humphrey. Subs: 2.Key, 20.Stoddart
Wimborne Town: 1.T.Barnes, 2.Nieman(c), 15.Campbell, 18.L.Barnes, 4.Rowley, 8.Reeks, 6.Wollington, 3.Buck, 7.Chaffe, 10.Bell-Jack, 9.West. Subs: 5.Watkins, 11.Cheney, 14.Suddaby, 17.Peters

​The Ground
Westleigh Park is situated just to the North-East of Havant town centre and is the former home of Havant Town, one half of the merger that formed Havant & Waterlooville in 1998, the other half being Waterlooville FC. There's an ample car park in front of the ground just off Martin Road. The former clubhouse, just to the side of the stadium, is now The Westleigh pub. Access to the ground is normally through multiple turnstiles, however for today's game it was through a gate at the side of the ground. The men's team have played as high as the National League, although are currently at Step 3, and the facilities at the ground reflect their former status. There are covered spectator areas on all four sides, including a 700+ capacity main stand directly behind the dugouts. The playing surface was converted to 3G in 2020 and is, therefore, in good condition. It may slope a little toward the car park end. it was to tell if this is the case or if it is an optical illusion.

Ground Number: 433
Att: 
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A

Did you know? - The connection is King Crimson the innovative prog rock band. Leader and founder, Robert Fripp, was born in Wimborne Minster. Michael Giles, their original drummer, was born in Waterlooville.

​Only two of the five scheduled matches beat the weather over the weekend. Ascot extended their lead at the top of the Premier League. In the South, Bursledon got back to winning ways after two straight defeats.
This weekend, weather permitting, there is a full complement of games across all three divisions. Ascot v Wycombe looks like the pick of the bunch in the top division. Wycombe's u23 team, currently on a great run, travel to Beaconsfield in the pick of the North. Meanwhile, in the South, Havant & Waterlooville v Wimborne has the hallmarks of a cracker. Let's hope the weather improves a little before Sunday.

​Ascot United 6-0 Reading
The new year started as the old one had ended for Reading, in a 6-0 defeat. Kate Fox hit a hat-trick for the undefeated league leaders, two in the first half and the final goal four minutes from time. In between, second-half goals from Georgia Luckhurst-McCord, Alice Balaam on her debut, and Sophie Doyle, wrapped up the points for Ascot, who now have a six point gap at the summit. Read all about in on the Ascot United web site, courtesy of Neal Jeffs.

Bursledon 5-2 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Six of the seven goals came in a hectic first 45 minutes. Charlet Norman-Tasker put the hosts ahead after 5 minutes, only for Chloe Ashton to level it up. Isobel Pouncey then scored twice in six minutes to give The Dons a 3-1 lead. Lucia White then pulled a goal back for Sports before, 5 minutes before the break, Samantha-May Gamble gave the home side a two goal cushion again. Shortly after the break Zoe Bache made the game safe, moving Bursledon to within a point of Sports in the table.

QK Southampton P-P Havant & Waterlooville

​AFC Portchester v Badshot Lea
Currently in fourth, Portchester are one of four sides trying to haul in Ascot United at the top. The Baggies are still chasing that illusive first win of the season.
The reverse fixture ended in a 4-0 victory for Portchester with two goals coming from Millie Bradbury, one from Lena Stroem and one from top scorer Gemma Hillier.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Ascot United v Wycombe Wanderers
The Yellawomen opened up a six point gap at the top last weekend with the win over Reading. This one, however, promises to be more of a treat to their 100% home record. The Chairgirls, who sit third, have yet to taste defeat on the road in the league. The sides drew 2-2 back in September thanks to a last Jessica Watkins equaliser for Wycombe, the only time Ascot have failed to win a league game all season.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Reading v Winchester City Flyers
It's now seven games without a point for Reading, following their defeat to Ascot on Sunday. Flyers have yet to win on their travels, so Reading will be looking at this one as a potential way to climb off the foot of the table. However, The Royals will need to solve their goalscoring drought to achieve this, having failed to hiot the target in their last three league outings.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Selsey v Oxford City
Another club looking for their first win are Selsey. Along with Badshot Lea and Reading, the Blues are cut adrift at the bottom, having picked up two points so far. Finding the net has been a problem for Selsey. However City, who score plenty also have a habit of conceding. The reverse fixture ended 5-1 to Oxford thanks to a brace from both Kaitlyn Crouch and Emma Donohoe. BotP was at Marsh Lane to witness the game - Cock-A-Hoop Hoops
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Sholing v Woodley United
Only four points separates Sholing, in sixth, from Woodley, one place above them. However, United have played two fewer than the Boatwomen. The reverse fixture at Bulmershe Pavilion ended in a 3-0 home win with goals from Sarah Lawrence (2) and Chloe Melton
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

​Caversham United v Slough Town
The reverse fixture was conceded by Caversham, so this will be the first meeting of these two sides this season. Slough have lost their last three in the league, two defeats, of which, have come at the hands of Wycombe's u23 side. The Goats, after a creditable draw at Kidlington, lost their last game 5-0 to Milton United. They are yet to take a point at home this season.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Milton United v Kidlington Youth
The second A34 derby of the season. Kidlington won the reverse fixture 8-2 back in September. However, fortunes have changed since that day. Milton have won two of their last three in the league and had a good away win at Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the League Cup. The Greens have lost two and drawn one of the least three league games and gone out of the League Cup at Woking.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Penn & Tylers Green v Abingdon United Development
United are a place and four points above Penn, but have played four more games than their Sunday hosts. Penn, who suffered their first league defeat of the season at Ascot last time out, won 1-0 at Abingdon in September. They could still have a big say in the title run-in, but need to win their games in hand. Abingdon also lost to Ascot in their last outing, which was way back on December 1st.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Tilehurst Panthers v Chesham United Development
A first meeting between these two this season. Panthers had an excellent 6-3 victory at Kidlington in the last game, back in mid-December, four of their goals coming from top scorer Leah Why. Chesham, who had a brief revival in October, lost their last two in the league but have not kicked a ball in anger since mid-November, following a conceded game in the league Cup and a postponement in their last scheduled game.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Beaconsfield Town
The Rams are still unbeaten in the league but face a tough test to that credential as they face up to a team very much in form. Wanderers, after a shock defeat to Chesham in October, have won their last four, scoring 22 and only conceding once. Beaconsfield have not played since late November, having suffered two postponements in December. The reverse fixture, on the opening day, saw The Rams score twice early on in a 2-0 victory.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Abbey Rangers v Bursledon
Rangers have still only played seven league games and have not registered a win since defeating QK 4-0 in late September. They went down 3-2 to Fleet in their last game, missing out to a late Lily Martin winner. The Dons, who also lost 3-2 to Fleet in November, beat Bournemouth 5-2 at the weekend, getting 2025 off to a good start. Thsi wil be the first meeting between the teams this season.
Addlestone Moor, Surrey KT15 2QH

AFC Stoneham v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The Purps are level on points at the top of the table but below Fleet on goal difference, and have played to extra games. They've won their last three in the league, including a 1-0 win at Sports in the reverse fixture last November. Sports are on a dismal run of six consecutive league defeats after only losing once in their first seven.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Fleet Town v AFC Varsity
With the final remaining 100% record cross the leagues, Fleet hold pole position in the table and have two games in hand on their nearest rivals. This will only be their third home league game, where they have conceded just one so far. Varsity have won their last two league outings, the first time they've won consecutive games since their promotion. Isabella Moffett grabbed a hat-trick for Fleet in their 6-1 win at Varsity last November.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Havant & Waterlooville v Wimborne Town
The Hawks remain five points adrift of the top two, but do have a game in hand on Stoneham, who are second. Wimborne are faring better than any other of the newly promoted clubs, already having amassed 17 points. The Magpies defeated The Hawks 2-1 in the reverse fixture with both goals coming from Sheree Bell-Jack.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

Woking v QK Southampton
QK's struggle for an illusive league point continues as they make the trip North to Woking College. The Cards won 3-0 at The Hive back in November and have won their last two league outings against Bournemouth and Bursledon. A win for Woking could lift them up to fifth, depending on other results.
Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

As the weather was taking its toll across the country, I had pencilled in two possibilities for Saturday, one on grass and one on plastic, knowing that the grass game had very little chance of going ahead. Interestingly, both games involved teams named Oakley. My choices were AFC Oakley v Wootton Blue Cross in the Bedfordshire League or a Thomas Field Shield Quarter-Final between Aylesbury & District side Stoke Mandeville and Oxfordshire Senior League outfit Oakley United. Following an 11am pitch inspection, my original choice of two became one. I was heading down the A41 to Aylesbury. It crossed my mind as I drove toward Stoke Mandeville School, home of Stoke Mandeville FC, that I was only 3 weeks short of an anniversary of this very trip. I headed down the same route in the early hours of a snowy January morning in 2010. taking my with to Stoke Mandeville Hospital where, 8 or 9 hours later, she gave birth to our daughter. What's more, that wasn't my only connection to this particular match. Just prior to my daughter's birth, we had looked at, and almost purchased, a house in Oakley.
Anyway, enough of that, on to today. The match, as stated, was a Thomas Field Quarter-Final featuring two sides currently doing exceptionally well their respective leagues. Hosts, Stoke Mandeville, are also the current holders of the Thomas Field Shield, having beaten Wendover 9-2 in last season's final.
Both teams came into this game top of their leagues although Stoke Mandeville, in the Aylesbury & District Premier League (Step 8), do play one level above Oakley's Oxfordshire Senior League Division Two  (Step 9). Both teams could claim an unbeaten league record. Oakley have drawn one and won ten of their games, the offending draw coming on their own ground last time out, against Bletchington. Stoke Mandeville, meanwhile, not only had a 100% league record, but could also claim a 100% record in all competitions, a grand total of 16 consecutive wins this season.
In order to get to this stage of the trophy, Stoke Mandeville had seen off fellow Premier League side, Aylesbury Vale Toqeers Titans, 5-1 in the previous round. Oakley had won 7-1 at Aylesbury & District Division One bottom side, Aylesbury Royals.
So, despite the one level difference between the teams, it was going to be an interesting tie between two sides full of confidence.
Once again, I am indebted to match referee Kevin Saw for sharing the team sheets with me before kick-off. Massively appreciated.

The game almost started explosively. Within 30 seconds of kick-off Stags captain Kieran Schmidt found jack Maddran with a superb 50-yard diagonal ball. The striker brought the ball down well but then lashed it well wide with his next touch. However, a warning had been issued to the visitors. In the opening minutes, the home side continued to look the more confident and came very close to opening their account on 12 minutes when a free-kick flew across the face of the Oakley goal which no-one could get a significant touch to.
After weathering this opening storm, Oakley began to find their feet, pushing Stoke Mandeville back into their own half. On 20 minutes Lawrence Foster chased down a long ball even though he was second favourite. His pressure forced home keeper Patrick Callaghan to clear his lines but the ball hit Foster, lopped back over the keeper but, luckily for the home team, fell wide of goal. A few minutes later the visitors went even closer. Tom Beckett broke clear in midfield, drove into the left side of the penalty are before hitting a cross-shot that beat Callaghan but also narrowly evaded the lunge of Foster at the far post. Inches from giving them the lead.
Oakley were now having much more say in the game, but they still had to be wary of the diagonal through ball. On the half-hour they were almost caught out again when Leon Harding got on the end of another exceptional pass. Sadly for Stoke Mandeville his finish did not match his first touch and the wild effort did not trouble Mickolaj Thompson in the Oakley goal.

HT Stoke Mandeville 0 Oakley United 0. A tight contest but the visitors, after a nervy opening, had edged the 45 minutes. One thing is for certain, you could not tell they play a league below their hosts. Stoke Mandeville had a game on their hands if they wanted to preserve their 100% record.

It was certainly not getting any warmer as the second half kicked off. Possibly a reason that the teams were ready to get going very quickly. What was noticeable early in the second period was that the home side had clearly been given, if not a rocket, then a severe pep talk in the interval. They immediately set about pushing Oakley back. An early chance from a corner fell to Marcus Hussey, after Thompson's punch only reached the edge of the ox. However, the centre-half could only volley over the bar. Foster then had a half-chance at the other end when the visitor's high press won the ball back. The striker's shot on the half-turn not troubling Callaghan.
It was all action at this point. A minute later Hussey must have thought he had scored when his close-range header from another corner appeared goal-bound. However, Thompson leapt across his goal and palmed the ball away. Great save. That was on 56 minutes, but two minutes later, there was nothing Thompson could do as the home team took the lead. Schmidt produced a slide-rule pass inside the full-back for Dan O'Sullivan to run onto and slip the ball under Thompson. 1-0. The Stags now had their tails up and Thompson had to be at his best again a few minutes later, saving well and preventing O'Sullivan from notching a quick-fire double.
The came the game's most decisive couple of minutes. It started with A Tom Beckett effort which Callaghan saved comfortably. Then, a minute later, the visitors had the ball in the net. However, the flag went up immediately. From where I stood it appeared that the initial Oakley effort may well have gone in, but a striker followed up an made sure, prodding the ball over the line from an offside position. The referee signalled for offside and the goal was chalked off. To make matters worse for Oakley, they went from thinking they were level, to being two goals down in the blink of an eye. Stoke Mandeville went straight up the opposite end and, when the ball fell to Sean Coles on the edge of the area, he dropped the shoulder to make himself a yard, before firing low past Thompson's right hand. 2-0. 
That goal seemed to finally knock some of the stuffing out of Oakley and, although the more senior players and the bench shouted encouragement, it felt as if the game was up at this point. If it wasn't, then it was on 83 minutes when The Stags produced, possibly, the best move of the game to sew the result up. Jack Bowers exchanged passes on the right, beat his player and then pulled the ball back perfectly into the path of Tye Duventru, who guided the ball low past Thompson into the corner of the net. 3-0

FT Stoke Mandeville 3 Oakley United 0. The 100% season rolls on for The Stags, but they were really made to work for this one. Oakley matched them and, even after going behind, were still in it. The double blow of the disallowed goal followed so closely by going 2-0 behind, finally finished them off, but they can hold their heads high. As for Stoke Mandeville, can they do it? Can they go through an entire season winning every game? They will face their biggest test next Saturday when they travel to Oxfordshire Senior League Premier high-flyers, Kennington Athletic, in the county cup. The Kenny Men sit third in the Premier League. Oakley United, meanwhile, have an absolutely massive league game on Saturday as they travel to second placed Witney Town. Oakley beat Witney 4-0 on the opening day, one of only two games Town have lost so far. A win would put Oakley 3 points clear with two games in hand.

Stoke Mandeville: 1.Callaghan, 15.Gwilliam, 5.Hussey, 4.Skiller, 2.Bowers, 7.Coles, 17.T.O'Sullivan, 16.Schmidt(c), 9.Maddran, 8.Ilyas, 14.Harding. Subs: 10.D.O'Sullivan, 13.Woolhead, 6.Bayliss, 12.Lindsey, 11.Duventru
Oakley United: 1.Thompson, 4.B.Kinane, 2.Hurley, 5.West, 3.J.Kinane, 10.Walsh, 8.Falcus, 25.Kernan, 7.T.Beckett, 15.Dandridge(c), 9.Foster. Subs: 17.A.Beckett, 6.Palmer. 14.Atkinson, 11.Mannerings, 12.Lunn

The Ground
Stoke Mandeville currently play their home games at The Mandeville School, around midway between the town of Aylesbury and village of Stoke Mandeville. Much like the famous local hospital, the school and the ground are actually in Aylesbury rather than Stoke Mandeville. There's plenty of parking at the school, which is just a short walk through the school grounds to the football pitch. The artificial pitch is no different any other cage-style 3G ground. There are dugouts on the school side of the playing surface. No spectator cover is available.

Ground Number: 432
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​Warminster were left nursing their heads as Wiltshire rivals, Devizes, put them to the sword in the New Year's Day derby game. It's now seven defeats on the bounce for Warminster, the last four of which, they have failed to register a single goal.
Both teams came into this game on the back of defeats, Devizes having gone down 2-0 at local rivals Calne Town on Boxing Day. Warminster had also lost 2-0, at home to league leaders Bradford Town.
This is the first meeting of the teams this season. The reverse fixture is scheduled for the last weekend on the calendar. The last time the teams shared a full season in the same division was the 2018-19 Western league Division One campaign. Since then there were two Covid-affected seasons and then one in which Devizes played in the Wiltshire County League before a fifth-placed finish in Division One of the Hellenic League last season, and a lateral move back into the Western League. In that last full season together the teams drew 1-1 at Weymouth Street. However, the game at Nursteed Road saw Devizes romp to a 6-1 victory. The Warminster goal-scorer that day, Charlie Watson, also got himself sent-off.

Many thanks to referee Simon Laraway for bringing the team sheets  over to me to photograph before the game. Much appreciated.

​Devizes were looking for a response after their Boxing Day defeat, and they certainly got one. Rhys Talmash sprung the Warminster offside trap after only four minutes, bursting down the left flank. However, Callum Hotine was quick to narrow the angle, forcing the winger to plant his effort into the side-netting. Undeterred, the hosts continued to probe away at the Warminster defence and finally got the breakthrough after 17 minutes. This time the initial threat came from the right wing. A cross went deep toward the left corner edge of the penalty area where Danny Bowyer met it with a scorching left-foot volley that flew back past Hotine into the top corner. What a strike! 1-0
Deadlock broken, Devizes set about increasing their lead and did just that only three minutes later. Again the initial threat came from wide, this time the left again. The ball was delivered low across the box and looked to be slightly behind Josh Parsons. However, the attacking midfielder adjusted well, firing the ball past Hotine. 2-0
To be fair to them, Warminster tried to respond immediately from the restart. Direct from the kick-off the ball was hoisted done the right for Ben Harris, who took it down well before driving into the box, only to be crowded out by the home defence. It came to nothing, but it was the first real sign of intent from the visitors.
That moment, although not leading to a goal back, had some of the desired affect in as much as it made the hosts realise they could not take their eye off the ball and, despite still having the lion's share of possession, the flow of goals had been stemmed, at least temporarily. That was until the 40th minute when a splendid through ball split the Warminster defence asunder. Rhys Talmash ran onto it and this time made no mistake, shooting low into the far corner. 3-0
Once again Warminster tried to respond. With three minutes left in the half, Jake Wright was able to get in behind the home defence, but Dominic Oakes was alert, blocking well with his feet.

HT Devizes Town 3 Warminster Town 0. A comfortable half for the hosts. Warminster failed to threaten a solid looking home defence, marshalled by captain Jon Bazley.

​The only way that Warminster had a hope of getting back into the game was to come out fighting in the second half and look to get an early goal back. Sadly for them and their supporters, the exact opposite happened. Only four minutes had gone in the second period when Matt Swann's run into the left hand edge of the penalty area was spotted. The midfielder controlled with his first touch before slotting neatly past Hotine with his second. 4-0 
As if that wasn't enough, with 53 on the clock, the hosts made it five with a goal that summed up the gulf between the sides. Warminster had the ball in the final third but their attack broke down when Bazley won the ball back. Unchallenged, he was allowed to stroll forward toward halfway, before slipping a pass through to the forward line. This, in torn, was laid off into the path of top-scorer Luke Hopper, who calmly stroked the ball home. 5-0. Way, way too easy from a Warminster perspective.
If the game was not over at half-time, it certainly was now and it looked to be a case of how many goals the home side wanted to help themselves to. Just past the hour mark they made it six when a cross-shot was slid in at the far post by Rhys Talmash. 6.0.
Then, with 22 minutes remaining, they added to their tally again. This time it was mainly down to the determination and running power of right-back Harry Messenger. Winning the ball deep in his own half, the full-back exchanged a quick one-two before driving down the right wing. He then picked out the perfect cut-back to give Josh Parsons a simple tap-in for his second of the game. 7-0
Warminster did manage to muster another strike a few minutes later when Seb Hounsell saw his goal-bound effort blocked by Bazley. However, as if to reiterate their dominance, Devizes broke straight up the pitch and, when the ball fell to Josh Parsons on the penalty spot, he spun sharply, firing low past Hotine to claim his hat-trick. 8-0.
With almost 20 minutes left on the clock, no-one would have bet against the home side reaching double figures at this point. However, credit to Warminster. They were beaten, well beaten, but they continued to keep working, and managed to stem the flow again.
That said, the misery for the visitors was not over. With two minutes left Devizes split their defence open once again. Substitute Finley Palmer chased down the ball with Callum Hotime also racing off his line. There was a sickening collision as the two players, both focussed on the ball, slid into the challenge. Hotine came off worse of the two, sparking a small melee in which Warminster's Saracen Yates was seen to push Palmer to the ground. When the referee regained control and Hotine had been treated, and was back on his feet, the referee issued a second yellow to Yates, reducing the visitors to 10 players for the final couple of minutes.

FT Devizes Town 8 Warminster Town 0. A comprehensive victory for Devizes who now have the second best goal difference in the division. Not the start to 2025 that Warminster would have wanted. They looked well off the pace but remain 10 points ahead of the bottom side, Gillingham Town, after their defeat at Keynsham, who are now just a point adrift of Warminster.
Devizes are back at home on Saturday as mid-table Shirehampton pay a visit. Devizes won 3-0 in the reverse fixture. After that The Town travel over to Radstock Town in the first meeting between the teams this season.
Warminster have a break this weekend before they welcome mid-table Avonmouth to Weymouth Street. This will be the first meeting this season. Then in midweek a crunch 6-pointer as Keynsham come to town. The sides drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture.
Kudos to the players on both teams, and the 133 present at the game, on a thoroughly miserable afternoon as far as the weather was concerned. Gusty cold wind and rain throughout the 90 minutes made it hard work, even more so for the hardy souls who made the trip up from Warminster.

Devizes Town: 1.Oakes, 2.Messenger, 14.Bowyer, 4.Skinner, 5.Hall-Cousins, 6.Bazley(c), 7.Swann, 17.Talmash, 9.Hopper, 10.Parsons, 19.Baker. Subs: 3.Anning, 13.Clatworth, 8.Walters, 21.Palmer, 16.Rogers
Warminster Town: 1.Hotine, 2.Walker-Wiltshire(c), 3.Worts, 4.Yates, 5.Stockley, 6.Bartley, 7.Wright, 8.Ball, 9.Gardner, 10.Hounsell, 11.Harris. Subs: 12.Johnson, 17.Benson, 14.Duck, 15.Green, 18.Collyer

​The Ground
Devizes Town have played at Nursteed Road, just to the South-East of the town centre, since 1965. The ground s accessed via an un-serviced road off Nursteed Road (watch out for the potholes) and entry can be paid for at the small hut just before the car park. There's a decent sized car park just before you get to the main pitch and alongside the warm-up area. The clubhouse is also on this side of the ground, although the players and officials changing is under the main stand on the opposite side. There is also a snack bar and toilets adjacent to the main stand. The pitch slopes slightly back toward the car park end of the ground.

​The Programme
The Devizes programme is a 24-page magazine with a glossy, colour outer cover. This edition contained a message from one of the club's co-chairmen, Tom Perkins, pen pictures of the Devizes squad, a round-up of Western League results, fixtures and statistics and a double-page spread of statistics of Devizes Town's results so far including line-ups, attendances and scorers. There's also a message from first-team plater/manager Chris Allen as well as details of today' opponents, Warminster Town.

Ground Number: 431
Att: 133
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: £1.00

Happy New year to one and all. I do hope there's not too many pounding heads this morning.
The fixture gods have been kind, easing us back into 2025 with a reduced number of games this weekend, with just five to choose from across the leagues. So, it's just a short SoReg Review to kick us off.

Premier
Ascot United v Reading
You could not get a fixture that looks more one-sided, on paper. Ascot sit top of the league, unbeaten and with a 100% home record. Reading sit bottom and are yet to register a single league point. Ascot have not conceded a league goal at The Racecourse this season. Reading have not scored on their travels, although they've only played one away game. Add to that the 3-0 win for Ascot at Arbor Park in early December, and the odds seem stacked against Reading. However, it's a new year and ,as we all know, football is highly unpredictable. Could the Royals spring a surprise?
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Division One North
Penn & Tylers Green v Ascot United Reserves
These two played each other in their final fixture of 2024, and they open the new year with the reverse fixture. Ascot scored a morale-boosting and very important 2-0 victory on December 15th. A result that meant Penn could no longer catch Ascot with their games in hand. So, this one takes on even more importance. Not only will Penn want to avenge the last defeat, they also need a win to stay firmly in the hunt.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Division One South
Bursledon v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Five point separate Sports, in fifth, with Bursledon on eighth. However, The Dons have three game sin hand on their weekend visitors, so the gap between the clubs is probably not as great as it first seems. This is borne out by the fact that the teams drew 1-1 at Chapel Gate back in October. Rebecca Lewis giving Sports the lead only for an own-goal to square it up just before the hour.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

QK Southampton v Havant & Waterlooville
It's fair to say that QK are not having their best season. Still to register their first league point, they have yet to score a home league goal in four attempts. This weekend will not be an easy one for them either. Havant currently sit in third spot and are the league's top scorers with 40 goals in 9 outings. Eleven of those came in the reverse fixture, when a Sophie Lee hat-trick, combined with a red card for QK's Megan Moran, culminated in a resounding home victory.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

League Cup
AFC Portchester v Wimborne Town
A tough test for The Magpies, but having made a very good start to life in Division One South, they'll no doubt be up for sounding out their progress against a Premier League team. Town have proven to be strong on their travels so far too, suffering only a single defeat in five league games on the road. This is the final 1st Round fixture. The winners will face a trip to Abingdon United Development in the next round.
Venue: AFC Portchester Women's