Half term meant no training on Friday evening and no game on Saturday morning for my girl's team. A chance to re-charge the batteries. Of course, a weekend without any football just wouldn't be right, so I had already drawn up a few possible contenders. Number one on my list was a long awaited visit to Coventrians after last week's game was called off because of the storms. Luckily there were no such issues this week so, after taking the dog for a walk, I jumped in the car and headed off up the M40. Destination North Coventry and a Midland Division Three clash between the teams in third and fourth place, Coventrians and AFC Solihull.

The Ground
Coventrians have made their home at The Colliery Sports Ground, a fairly large expanse of land just to the North of Coventry city centre in the suburb of Keresley. Currently there is a housing development in progress at the site which means that half of the car park has been given over to construction office buildings and various portacabins. However, the club had stationed stewards at both the service road leading to the ground from Bennetts Road, and in the car park itself, in order to assist with the parking situation. There are two full size pitches and plenty of space for more when the drainage has been fixed (the training field was pretty spongey). Between the car park and the main pitch there is a clubhouse building which also incorporates the players and officials areas. There are no covered spectator areas as yet but there are a couple of rather smart dugouts complete with club logo and Home and Away signs. There are club logos around the club house too. This is a small thing but shows that the club is cared for and well run in my opinion. Speaking of which, having already seen Coventrians play away twice (vs Coventry Rangers - Home On The Rangers and at Central Ajax - Ajax Show Their Vim). I had already had Twitter conversations with the social media admin. It turned out that the gent on car park duty was John Connolly husband of Coventrians Secretary and Twitter Admin Jane. John also runs the Ladies team at the club and both him and Jane are fellow long-suffering West Brom supporters. Both John and Jane are very friendly faces of the club, as was the other steward I met at the entrance to the ground. Jane even hand wrote the team sheet for me while John put the kettle on for a cuppa. Another fantastic example of the volunteers who help to make grassroots and non-league what it is. Any hoppers out there who haven't been to this club, get yourself along. It's well worth the visit. 

The Background
Coventrians were formed in 2007 and AFC Solihull 5 years later. Both teams joined the Midland league Division 3 at the start of the 2015-16 season. In the four completed seasons since than both have managed to finish in the top half ore than once with AFC Solihull just edging the league standings with a third place finish in 2018-19. However, in head to head games, it is Coventrians who hold sway, winning five of the nine previous meetings. Solihull have won two and there have been two draws. The game earlier this season ended in a 4-0 away win for Coventrians with goals from Aaron Donaldson, Jacob Dumbleton, Ally Hassan and Abel Osei Tutu. Over the past six matches, which includes that 4-0 win, Coventrians have won four and drawn one with last Saturday's game for both clubs being postponed. Over the same period, Solihull have won three and lost two. The upshot of that is that, at the start of play, Coventrians hold the aces in the league, sitting third on 47 points from their 21 games. Solihull sit one place behind on 45 points from 22 games. Both are chasing down second placed Sutton United (49 from 21) and leaders AFC Coventry Rangers (55 from 21).

​The Game
Solihull were kicking towards the clubhouse end in the first half and had the wind in their favour. The visitors started the game with high intensity, making the most of the conditions and pushing Coventrians backwards from the off. The home side, maybe taken aback by the initial pressure, seemed ill at ease, frequently giving the ball away in midfield and doing little to trouble the Solihull defence.
Just before we hit the 20 minute mark Solihull struck with the first of a quickfire double. Star Mayemba latched onto a through ball, burst past his marker and fired in a low shot past James Connolly's dive. 0-1. With the home side reeling from the goal, Solihull took complete advantage and hit their opponents with a second goal just two minutes later. This time it was a free-kick, awarded for a foul from home captain Liam Connolly some 25 yards out and in a fairly central location. Ross Kaar hit a low, left-footed drive that beat the defensive wall and, once again, beat the keeper to his left. 0-2.
Two goals down and it seemed as if Coventrians didn't have an answer to the problems posed by their opponents and the wind. Shortly after the half-hour mark it probably should have been three for the visitors but Dane Reid couldn't quite get onto the end of a teasing cross from the right. Maybe that was the point that the home side awoke from their slumbers or maybe they finally got to grips with the conditions. It could even be that Solihull couldn't keep up the pace and intensity of the first 30 minutes. Whatever the case, the home side gradually managed to get to grips with the game and finally started to get some meaningful possession in their opponent's half of the pitch. Five minutes from the end of the half there was a big shout from the home players when, following a scramble from a left-wing corner, they claimed that the ball had crossed the line. The assitant, however, was unmoved.

HT Coventrians 0 AFC Solihull 2. Credit to Solihull for the way they started the game at such a high tempo and made full use of the wind being in their favour. Their tactics seemed to completely catch Coventrians on the hop for the first half hour. The home side did manage to show that they might still be capable of turning the game around in the second half when the conditions would be in their favour.

​Coventrians made three changes at the break including taking off their captain who had been booked for the foul leading up to the second Solihull goal. This was probably a move designed to prevent a second yellow card. With the game getting more and more edgy as it went on and the officials not really getting to grips with offenders, there was a distinct chance of Connolly, who likes a tackle, getting one slightly wrong and seeing red.
I had fully expected the home side to come out all guns blazing in the second period but, as it happened, it was Solihull who almost scored immediately after the restart when Dane Reid had a superb chance but put his shot over the bar.
From this point onwards, however, Coventrians did start to exert plenty of pressure on the visitors but they found the Solihull defence, marshalled by captain Matt Powell, resolute. The home side were also unfortunate that the wind that had been in their faces in the first half seemed to have dropped a little later in the game.
The second half had not kicked off until well after 4pm due to added time at the end of the first half and it was becoming increasingly clear that the second half would draw on even longer. There were a number of stoppages for injuries and one or two cases of handbags that had all three officials on the pitch on a couple of occasions.  With less than 20 minutes remaining Coventrians task got that much harder when Reid Kearns was given a second yellow for a foul in midfield but eight minutes later they were given a great chance to make it a tense finish for the visitors when they were awarded a penalty. Up stepped top-scorer Nathan McGarrity to fire home. 1-2
A grandstand finish was on the cards but credit to Solihull who used every trick in the book to break the game up and not allow the home side to build up a head of steam. One incident, when a long ball set McGarrity in a race with the oncoming keeper Bradley Preece, ended with the keeper in a heap. It happened right in front of where I was standing and I can say that there was a coming together but no doubt in my mind that the keeper stayed down for as long as he could, getting treatment and running the clock down as much as possible. It's a frustrating tactic for the team chasing the game but, to be fair, they would have probably done the same themselves in a similar situation. 
Unfortunately for Coventrians the Solihull tactic worked well. The possibility of a full on siege for the last 10 minutes, plus a lot of added time, was averted and they held on for a very valuable three points. The referee eventually blew up for full-time at five past five after nine minutes of added time.

FT Coventrians 1 AFC Solihull 2. Not the result the home side were looking for but, from a neutral's perspective, another great game thrown up by this division. Certainly no lack of entertainment or incident. The result sees Solihull climb above Coventrians into third spot and with a second consecutive defeat for the leaders at AFC Birmingham, the top of the table is looking far tighter than it was 2 weeks ago. Rangers still lead the way but now only have a two point advantage over Sutton United who won 5-3 at Central Ajax. All of the top five, down to AFC Birmingham still have a chance of the title. Next weekend Coventrians are at home again, taking on AFC Birmingham in another crunch battle where you could assume the losers would be out of contention. Solihull travel to bottom side Bartley Reds hoping to keep the pressure on the top two. 
Let's not mention that Coventrians are yet to win when I have seen them play.

Coventrians: J.Connolly, Allen, Hassan, Hume, Kennedy, O'Neill, L.Connolly(c), Kearns, McGarrity, Cadby, Dumbleton. Subs: Gibbs, Brandish, Murphy, Agholor, Donaldson
AFC Solihull: Preece, Sey, Kaar, Atlay, Lucas, Powell(c), Hobbs, Andrews, Mayemba, Reid, Kalugin. Subs: Torres, Parsons, Kindala, Mogg, Edmede

Ground Number: 309
Att: 
Entrance: £2.00
Programme: N/A

Once again this week all three teams should be in action. However, it's becoming a theme that at least one of the teams (normally a couple) get called off. In fact, I am now wondering if I can publish this before one the three announces another free weekend. Still, here goes.


Jovial Monk
Monk were the only team of our three favourites who played last week. However, after going down 2-1 on a very blustery morning with a thin squad, they may well wish they hadn't. This weekend it's yet another crucial game as they welcome Mario's FC to Lambourn. Currently the two sides sit next to each other in the table, Monk holding sway by one point but having played a game more than Mario's. Whilst a win can't move Monk up the table, it would keep them in touch with the Casuals and Stratton, in fourth and third respectively. When the teams met at Meadowcroft back in September, Monk clinched a point in a 2-2 draw with goals from Dan Bond and Jono Peachey-Score. This was the notorious game where the referee turned up 20 minutes late because he was 'waiting in his car'. (Ref! Ref!)
Jovial Monk v Mario's FC
KO 10:30. Lambourn Sports Club, RG17 8PS

Caversham United
United's men's team will try again at home to Burghfield Reserves after last week's game was postponed. Burghfield have dropped off the pace at the top of the table in recent weeks, losing their last five in all competitions including their last four league games. Their last victory came on the 28th November when they demolished Reading Kites 9-1 on their own patch. United drew 4-4 with Loxwood on their last outing two weeks ago and have not yet met Burghfield in the league this season.
Caversham United v Burghfield Reserves
KO 10:30. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD


Caversham United Women
With two weeks to go until their Cup Final appearance, Caversham United Women face a massive test on Sunday as they travel to Wrecclesham to face table-topping Badshot Lea Ladies. There is good news and bad news about the Baggies Ladies recent form. The good news, for the Goats, is that Badshot Lea lost their 100% record last weekend, proving that they are beatable. The bad news is that they lost it to Caversham's Cup Final opponents, Penn & Tylers Green Ladies. The meeting between these two earlier in the season finished 6-1 to Badshot Lea with Eleanor Blake grabbing a hat-trick for The Baggies.
Badshot Lea Ladies v Caversham United Women
KO 14:00. Westfield Lane, GU10 4PF.

As always, all of the teams would massively appreciate extra support. If you are in the area, why not go along and savour some top grassroots football? You won't regret it.

​A week of consecutive storms put paid to my original plan for Tuesday evening when the Long Eaton v Anstey game was called off mid-afternoon. However, a number of games survived the weather and storm damage, including a couple of grounds that I had yet to visit. In the end, though, I chose  are-visit over a new ground based upon the game in question, a top of the table tussle in the Hellenic League Division 1 between league-leaders Clanfield 85 and one of the chasing pack, Milton United. My last, and only previous, visit to Radcot Road came in November 2017 when the home side went down 2-0 in a Midweek Floodlit Cup game against Premier League Tuffley Rovers (Pernickety).

The Ground
The original blog was written before I adopted the current format but I doesn't appear that too much has changed in the intervening years. There were, however, a couple of things that caught my eye. First of all, the stadium was known as The UK Building Plastics Direct Arena in 2017 but is now referred to just as Radcot Road which is far less of a mouthful. Building wise, the main stand and clubhouse, which also provides covered seating, building looks the same as 4 years ago but there is, I think, an addition. Alongside the main block there is now a relatively new-looking wooden structure that houses the players changing rooms. I don't remember this being there when I last visited but, of course, I am have just not documented it.

​The Background
Clanfield were coming into the game sitting on top of the Division One table, a point clear of Studley but having played three games more. Milton sat in fifth spot, 13 points adrift of the leaders but with a huge five games in hand. Whilst the extra games, if all won, would put the visitors top, having to play so many games in such a short space of time could well be a problem for Milton.
Canfield have been on a good run of form. Since losing 2-1 at home to Stonehouse Town in the first game of 2022, they have won 6 on the bounce. Milton have not lost a league game this year. Their last defeat came at Littleton in December and, since then, they have won two and drawn three. The sides met earlier in the season at The Heights with goals from Freddie Kennedy and Ollie Nadin giving the home side a 2-1 victory. Clanfield's consolation was scored by Jozef Fullerton.
The villages of Clanfield and Milton, separated by around 20 miles of Oxfordshire countryside, are similar in size as far as the 2011 census goes, although Milton can claim to be a a little bigger. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, both villages have or had two water mills. Consequently, it would be remiss not to christen this the Two Watermills Derby. 

​The Game
The home side were quickest into their stride and only a good save from Craig Griffiths prevented George Seacole from putting the hosts one up within the first couple of minutes. Milton didn't learn from their mistake though and the home kept up the early pressure on the visitor's goal. Declan Shepperd was presented with a glorious opportunity in the 7th minute as the ball dropped to him inside the box. He had a clear shot on goal but could only put his effort straight into the arms of Griffiths.
The hosts disappointment only lasted another two minutes though. A long throw-in from the left, deep into the United penalty area, was not cleanly dealt with by the defence. The ball fell to Rhys Darg who's effort looked to be going wide until George Seacole popped up to nod the ball past Griffiths. 1-0
There seemed to be quite a lot of disquiet amongst the Milton players, especially at the back. They were clearly not performing to the levels they expected but didn't seem able to up their game. They continued to needlessly give the ball away. Playing out from the back on 20 minutes, they managed to get in a mess again. Seacole latched onto the ball before shaping a superb effort around the last defender, narrowly curling it just wide of the far post. It wasn't all one-way traffic but, in all fairness, Milton really had not got going in this game and were losing out in the midfield battle with the ultra-competitive Rhys Darg mixing things up in the middle.
With six minutes to go until the break, Milton finally made Zoldan gets his knees dirty when Louis Joyce managed to get a shot on target. The home stopper made a comfortable save. Just to round off what had been a particularly disappointing first half for the visitors, they were reduced temporarily to ten men when Pablo Haysham talked himself into the sin bin

HT Clanfield 85 1 Milton United 0. The home side were quicker to the ball, stronger in the tackle and overall the much better team. Their only complaint would be that they were only one goal up at the break.

​With Haysham still sitting it out in the sin-bin, the visitors were still a man light for the first 9 minutes of the second period. Clanfiled, looking to take advantage of this, tried to push Milton back straight from the restart. Credit to Milton though. After what must have been a tense dressing room during the break, they appeared to have pulled themselves together and defended extremely well against the home onslaught. When the visitors did get back to full strength in the 54th minute, they almost immediately made the equalisation of numbers pay off for them when Haysham was immediately played in down the left. Zoldan had to be alert to save well, but it was a sign of things to come in the second half. Two minutes later Zoldan was again called into action when, yet again, the ball was fed into the left channel, this time for the speedy Joyce to chase. He got there first but found the home keeper equal to his effort. However, only two more minutes had ticked by when Ollie Nadin was brought down in the box. No complaints from the home side as the referee pointed to the spot. Louis Joyce put the spot-kick straight down the middle and United were back on level terms. 1-1 with just over 30 minutes to play.
The second half was a totally different game to the first. Milton no longer looked shaky at the back and had found the chink in Clanfield's armour with the ball into the left channel. Time and again they probed down that side, getting in behind the defence on a number of occasions. Clanfield, despite having to defend more in this period, were still an attacking force themselves, although when they were forced to substitute Darg after he got a yellow, they lost a little bite in the centre of the pitch.
Jamie Zoldan was now the busier of the two goalkeepers and was once again called into action on 73 minutes, again with the ball through the gap on the left. This time the keeper was very quick off his line to make the save from Joyce once more. Not that all of the action was restricted to the Clanfield penalty area. With eight minutes to play Griffiths needed to be at his best to keep out a Connor Tinsley effort as Clanfield tried to up the tempo in the final few minutes. However, there was to be no late drama for either side.

FT Clanfield 85 1 Milton United 1. The visitors were a completely different team in the second half. After looking ragged for the entire first period, they sorted themselves out and gave Clanfield a lot of problems. A draw, although not useful to either team, was probably the fairest result. The result saw Clanfield drop to second spot after Studley beat FC Stratford 3-0 at The Beehive. Match of the night saw Hereford Pegasus beat Newent Town 6-4 at Old School Lane and that is where Clanfield head for on Saturday, the first time the teams have met this season. Meanwhile Milton are back at home as the welcome mid-table Stonehouse Town to The Heights, also the first meeting of the teams this season.

Clanfield 85: Zoldan, Moore, Weller, Dickinson, Gibbens(c), Pirie, Connor, Darg, Seacole, Shepperd, Tinsley. Subs: Fullerton, Haley, Wyatt, Bellenger, Linford-Pill

Milton United: Griffiths, Thomas, Woodley, Kay, Elkins, Lee, Nadkin, Bloomfield(c), Joyce, Haysham, Kennedy. Subs: Stanley, Alder, Garner, Higmoor, Parish


Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Online

My girls had no game this Saturday so I was all geared up for being able to get to a game on Saturday afternoon without having to worry about the logistics of getting there after a morning kick-off for my own team. That was until Storm Eunice had her say. Having already planned to visit my parents in the West Midlands first thing in the morning, I had a cunning plan to visit Coventrians v Balsall & Berkswell on the way home. That got scuppered early on when Coventrians had to postpone the game. No matter, I had The Football Traveller with me and a shortlist of alternative games. Barnt Green Spartak v Earlswood Town in a very local derby was next to get crossed off, followed in quick succession by Inkberrow v Fairfield Villa and Alcester Town v Hampton. Knowing that the weather in Oxfordshire had been ok when I left earlier, I decided to head back that way and take a chance on a game closer to home. I headed for Buckingham United but as I got into the town it was clear to see that it was not going to be on. leaden skies and heavy rain greeted me as I pulled up at The Lace Hill Leisure Centre. So, what next? Time was knocking on and, already, I was too late for a Cropredy re-visit, so I made my way back over the M40 and off towards Headington Amateurs. Arriving at Barton Fields just before the kick off time I was heartened to see cars in the car park. However, no players on the pitch and one or two cars clearly about to leave. A late postponement by the look of things. Luckily for me, Headington's ground is almost opposite Oxford City's Velocity Stadium and, although they were away from home their tenants Long Crendon were playing and, as it is an artificial pitch, the game was on. Well, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

​The Ground
I have been to the Velocity Stadium on a number of previous occasions, back when it was a grass pitch and since it has been converted to 4G. I have seen Oxford City play there, I've been there as a coach (well, on the outside pitches anyway) and I have seen Long Crendon play there. The Long Crendon game, as it happens, was quite an important one in the club's history, the day they won the Hellenic League Division Two East title to gain promotion to Step 6 for the first time in May of 2019 (Crendon Cruise). The ground hasn't changed since my last visit. However, what I would like to point out was the welcome I received from the man on the turnstile who I later discovered was Long Crendon Vice-Chairman Gerald Reilly. We had a short chat about the weather, the game and artificial pitches. When I enquired about programmes he said there weren't any on the day but gave me a copy of the programme from the midweek Quarter-Final against Wycombe. During the game Mr Reilly converted from gate duties to ball boy (and was kept quite busy by the blustery conditions), and we had another chat at half-time. In my opinion he's one of non-league football's hidden heroes. Being on the gate he's the face of the club and certainly gave a very good impression, welcoming and friendly. Long Crendon have got themselves a good one there.

​The Background
Long Crendon were coming into the game in fifth spot, two points adrift of Northampton Sileby Rangers but with a game in hand. The top two, Stotfold and Winslow United, are now probably too far ahead of the pack for them to be caught, but third place, currently occupied by Ampthill Town, is still definitely attainable for a number of teams. Burton Park Wanderers started the day at the opposite end of the table, second from bottom, four points above Irchester but eight adrift of third bottom Amersham Town. Long Crendon were unbeaten in the league since a 1-0 defeat at Buckingham Athletic on January 3rd, a run of five games in which they had won four. Wanderers ended a run of six straight defeats last Saturday when the beat Thame United Reserves 3-1 at Latimer Park.
The reverse fixture between the sides, played back in November, ended in a 5-1 win for Long Crendon in a game that saw Liam Brown see red for the Wanderers.

The Game
For a team on a good run, Long Crendon made a slow start to the game, something that their bench were well aware of judging by the shouts coming from their bench. However, they soon started to get their act together and forced the first real chance of the game in the 10th minute. The visitors keeper seemingly just doing enough to push an effort onto the post and grab the ball on the line.
Crendon took the lead in the 17th minute. A cross from the right was met by captain Oli Lethbridge. The Wanderers keeper did well to get down to it but parried the ball into the path of Keegan Simpson who made no mistake from inside the 6 yard box. 1-0
Seven minutes later, with Long Crendon now well in control of the game, they made it two. Once again the threat came from the right. This time a cross from Jack Wright was met by the head of Oli Lethbridge giving the keeper no chance. 2-0. The third goal didn't take long to arrive, just before the half hour mark in fact. A mistake in the visitor's defence put the ball on a plate for Harry Pettingell who rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the net. 3-0
 
HT Long Crendon 3 Burton Park Wanderers 0. With only two subs on the bench and no sign of any coaching staff, Burton park looked like a beaten team as soon as the first goal went in. Not too sure what is happening there. Do they have people out injured or isolating? A strange situation. Long Crendon probably feel they should have had a couple more goals. Sadly, from a neutral perspective, the game appears to be over as a contest. As I commented to Mr Reilly, unless there's a massive swing in the game it's just a case of how many Crendon want to score.

​When the second half kicked off, it appeared that my half-time comments would come true as within the first few minutes of the half the hosts came close to making it four when Oli Lethbridge saw his header come back off the bar. However, the home side were stunned a few minutes later. A long ball beat their defence allowing Wanderers Liam Brown to run through on goal. He just about got to the ball before Josh Cullen who sent the striker sprawling. Penalty Wanderers. Ben Fitzjohn, who had been their biggest threat in the game so far, stroked home the spot kick to make it 3-1. A bit of a wake up call for Long Crendon.
The home side found it difficult to get into their stride in the second half. Having the wind in their favour seemed to work against them rather than for them and whilst they were never really in danger of conceding a second goal, they also didn't look as if they were going to extend their lead. That was until the 77th minute when Scott Chappell drifted a lovely ball into the area for Oli Lethbridge to stoop and glance a header into the net. 4-1

FT Long Crendon 4 Burton Park Wanderers 1. The home side did the damage in the first half and then took their foot off the gas in the second. Credit to Burton Park though. They looked completely dead and buried at half-time and could easily have capitulated and shipped a lot of goals. Instead, they dug in, got themselves a goal, and made life more difficult for Long Crendon.
Long Crendon are in action again on Tuesday when they welcome Premier League high-flyers, and local rivals, Risborough Rangers to The Velocity. Then on Saturday Crendon make the journey to Bedford for a crucial league game against Bedford who are just two place and two points below them. This will be the first time they have met this season. Burton Park are back at Latimer Park where they face the visit of mid-table Langford. The reverse of this fixture was a narrow 2-1 win for Langford.
I'm still not the biggest fan of artificial surfaces but I have to say the pitch saved the day. This was the only fixture in the Division that beat the weather.

Long Crendon: Cullen, Wright, Simms, T.Lethbridge, Hall, Brownsword, Simpson, H.Pettingell, Hawkes, Chappell, O.Lethbridge(c). Subs: Diment, Shrimpton, Shaw, G.Ashworth, A.Pettingell

Burton Park Wanderers: Brown, Buchanan, Duncan, Fitzjohn, Frankcam, Greene, Lee, Romain, Sykes. Subs: Johnson, Prior

Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 26
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

First of all I hope everyone has stayed safe during the storm today. Let's hope that the wind and rain have passed and we can get some football on this weekend. Whereas last weekend only Caversham United's men managed to get a game on, this weekend it, as it stands, they are not playing but our other two featured teams are in action.

Jovial Monk
After last Sunday's postponement, Monk hope to be back in action again this Sunday as they travel to Lechlade to face second placed Gorsehill Borough. The sides have already met at Lechlade, so I am assuming this game has been switched because Lambourn is unavailable. The last meeting was only four games away for Jovial Monk but it shows how little football has been played recently when you see that the game was played on December 12th last year. On the day Josh Harding and Josh Stott scored to give Borough a 2-0 victory over an under-strength Monk side who had no subs. They'll be hoping for a better showing this weekend. However, Borough are one of the form teams in the division and have won their last six league games scoring 35 goals in the process.
Gorsehill Borough v Jovial Monk
KO 10:30. Lechlade Memorial Hall & pavilion, GL7 3AY.

Caversham United
The Goats home game v Burghfield has been postponed.

Caversham United Women
By now I hope everyone reading this is aware that The Goats have reached the Berks & Bucks Trophy Final in their first season (March 13th at Beaconsfield Town). This weekend they have a dress rehearsal as they welcome fellow finalists Penn & Tylers Green Ladies to Mapeldurham Rec. The sides are separated by three place and three points in the league with the Buckinghamshire outfit sitting in third to Caversham's sixth. However, Caversham do have a game in hand. They met back in October at French School Meadows with the home side clocking up a 4-1 victory thanks to a hat-trick from Henna Hussain and a another from Sasha Smith. Tiff Newland replied for the Goats. This will be an interesting game where both sides will want the psychological upper hand going into the Final but will also not want to reveal too much about their game ahead of the big day.
Caversham United Women v Penn & Tylers Green Ladies
KO 14:00. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD.

After a late kick off and a 90 minute round trip for my girls in the morning, I just had enough time to get home, get changed and jump back in the car for the 50 minute drive North on the M40. Destination this Saturday was Knowle FC, a team I had seen play before but never visited at their own ground. This afternoon's guests were Coton Green meaning that the game was a match up between the sides currently in third and second respectively. What I didn't realise when I selected the game was that there was also a bit of previous between the sides from meeting in Tamworth earlier in the season (see below). Also, having seen The Robins play twice before with both games ending in 2-1 defeats, I may well have been drinking in the last chance saloon. Another defeat today and Knowle may well be requesting that I stay away from their games in future.

The Ground
Knowle play at what is now known as The Draintech Community Stadium, known to the locals as The Nest because of the club nickname, The Robins. The ground is situated just to the North-East of the village. First impressions count for a lot and I have to say, my first impression of the Nest was very good. There is ample parking onsite, alongside the pitch on the Hampton Road side of the ground. You can pay and get your included matchday programme from your car. The gentlemen on the gate asked if I had visited before and when I replied that I hadn't he took the time to point out where the clubhouse and toilet block were before I went to park. It's little touches like that which make for the good impression of a club. Great work from the steward.

On the opposite side to the car park there is a clubhouse block painted white with the club badges adorning the wall either side of the entrance. next to this is the players and official block which also incorporates the toilets. There is also a covered seating stand next to the clubhouse and some covered standing areas outside the players changing areas. One other nice touch that I know ground-hoppers and bloggers appreciate. The team sheet had been posted on the window of the clubhouse. This is an absolute godsend to someone like myself and makes the writing of these blogs so much easier.

​The Background
This was a showdown between the two teams with the best chance of chasing down leaders Cadbury Athletic. At the start of play Coton Green sat in second spot a point behind the leaders but having played two more games. Knowle were one place below Green four points adrift of their visitors but with a game in hand. The sides met back in November at New Mill Lane. A first minute Brandon Hague goal put Knowle ahead. They doubled their lead before half-time through Tom Cullen, a lead that they held onto throughout the second half. Coton Green also had Corey Powell sent off in this game. When it came to recent form, however, Coton Green definitely had the edge having mustered 13 points from their last possible 18. This included winning their last four on the bounce. Knowle had been wobbling a little recently, winning three and losing three of their last six games. The defeat to Hampton that BotP was present at in January (Hampton Not Caught), was the middle game of three defeats for The Robins. However, after going down 4-3 at Alcester three weeks ago, they have started to hit form again with two away victories, 3-2 at Inkberrow and 5-0 at Lane Head. A quick look back at the last few season's shows that the sides have not been too far apart in the league and results have also been quite close. Not including the game earlier this season, the last nine meetings have produced 4 draws, Knowle have won three and Coton Green two. There are also a number of players who have played for both teams. All of these factors, combined with what seems to be a little underlying niggle from the game earlier in the season, promises to make this a spicy encounter.

​The Game
Just as they did in the reverse fixture, Knowle flew out of the blocks. Within the first minute Charlie Morris crashed a shot against Johnson's bar from a tight angle as the home side showed their intent from the off. They kept up the early pressure and got their reward in the seventh minute. Nathan Corry latched onto a long ball, beat his marker for pace and slid the ball under the advancing Craig Johnson for 1-0. The visitors were rocked by the early setback. Knowle smelled blood and were immediately back on the offensive looking for a second goal. This duly came in the 20th minute. Charlie Morris, who had been so unlucky in the opening minute, showed that he was more than capable of striking a ball with either foot. This time, from the right-hand corner of the penalty area, he curled a superb left-footed effort over Johnson and into the far corner. 2-0 and the hosts absolutely cruising along.
Credit to Coton Green at this point though. They had hardly had a sniff for 20 minutes but they did manage to steady the ship and stem the flow of the home team. It was no longer a case of one-way traffic but there was no doubt that Knowle were still controlling the game.
Maybe this is why things boiled over towards the end of the half. It started when Jack Henry felled Morris with a crunching tackle. This all hap opened on the far side of the pitch from where I was standing. The tackle looked to come in from the side, slightly behind the Knowle player. From where I was it was impossible to see if the ball was played or not. Morris clearly felt the brunt of the challenge and the home players were incensed. The referee had little hesitation in pulling out a red card much to the ire of the visitors. As the incident had happened near the dugouts, the sending off clearly sparked a lot of words between players and the benches. At one point a water bottle was launched form the Coton Green bench area onto the pitch. The referee and his assistant on that side had their work cut out to calm things down, but they eventually did without any further dismissals. It was clear, however, that there was no love lost between the teams at this point. When play finally resumed the red mist had clearly not completely cleared and deep into stoppage time, after an attack broke down, Coton Green captain Ryan Conlon, who had been dispossessed, hacked at the ankles of the player running away from him. It was a petulant kick, no attempt at all to play the ball which was a good 5 yards away. If the incident on the far side was a debatable red, this most certainly wasn't in my opinion or those of many standing around me (including some that were not Knowle supporters as far as I could make out). However, incredibly the referee only produced a yellow card. A very strange decision. Maybe he thought his first red was a harsh one after all? Whatever the reason, both managers were going to have to calm their players down during the break or we were definitely going to see more cards.

HT Knowle 2 Coton Green 0. The home side controlled the game for the majority of the half. Green were very lucky not to be down to nine but will have the advantage of a strong wind behind them in the second half. The first few minutes of the second period could be crucial. Any mis-timed tackles or over-zealous 50-50s could easily set off some scenes.

 ​As it happened it looked as if both teams had been told to calm it down in the second half and the atmosphere seemed to have improved  somewhat as we kicked off with Coton Green needing to get a goal back as soon as they could if they wanted to get back into the game. As it happened, the exact opposite happened. Five minutes into the second half Nathan Corry was fed in and, after taking a touch to get the ball out of his feet, shot low and hard across the keeper into the bottom corner. 3-0. It was a very long way back from here for Green, three goals and a player down.
It was testament to the spirit of the visitors that they did not collapse at this point. Many teams may well have done. Instead, six minutes past the hour mark, they got a toehold. A free-kick from the left-hand side about 30 yards out, was driven in towards the far post. With players running in the home keeper, Jack Tregartha, had to react late to the ball, scooping it up in the air and out past the far post. A Coton Green player was first to react, heading the ball back into the mix where it was smuggled over the line by Oliver Hough. 3-1.
If Green thought they were back in it their hopes were dealt another blow just two minutes later. Knowle won a corner on the right. It was swung towards the far post and headed back where substitute and new signing, Charlie Faulkner was on hand to nod it over the line. 4-1.
That looked to be the clincher. Game over, or so we thought. Coton Green clearly had not read the memo though. With just under 10 minutes left they managed to notch a second goal. Tregartha initially made a good save, pushing the ball wide of the goal. However, once again, a Green player was quickest to react, recycling the ball into the 6 yard box where captain Ryan Conlon stabbed it over the line. 4-2.
Two minutes later and it looked as if we were in for a grandstand finish. Coton Green launched a long throw, wind assisted, towards the the home goal. A group of players went up to challenge for the ball which, somehow, ended up in the back of the home net amidst vociferous Knowle claims of hand ball. To be fair, it did appear that more than one hand went up when the players jumped for the ball. I have no idea who got a touch, the Knowle keeper or a Coton green player. Social media seems to point to either an OG or Ryan Conlon getting the last touch. Who knows? Whatever the case, the referee awarded the goal after a brief chat to his assistant. 4-3
Knowle seemed to be wobbling at this point but, with time running out and the visitors pressing, The Robins sprung a quick break. Faulkner was released on the right, looking suspiciously offside by quite a distance. No flag from the assistant and as the Knowle substitute drove into the box Johnson, diving at his feet, sent him sprawling. Penalty given much to the displeasure of the Coton Green players.
Dylon Bennett calmly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. 5-3 and definitely game over this time.

FT Knowle 5 Coton Green 3. From a neutral's perspective, this game had pretty much everything. Two quite evenly match sides. Players who had played for both teams. A few scores that needed settling. A red card and a number of contentious decisions, not least the other 'red card' offence that never was, and the last two goals, both of which you could argue, should not have stood. I thought I had my £3's worth just in parking and the programme but that match was worth £3 of anyone's money. Yet another example of the entertainment to be had in the Midland League structure this season. Next up, Knowle travel to Boldmere whilst Coton Green are also on the road, at Coventry Alvis. With the leaders not in action next Saturday both will be looking to cut the lead at the top. It promises to be a thrilling end to the season in Division Two especially as both of these sides have yet to visit Cadbury Athletic.

Knowle: Tregartha, Fox, Hennessey, Bennett, Cosgrove(c), Cullen, Morris, Seeley, Corry, Hague, Harbon. Subs: Regan, Delaney, Parsons, Faulkner, O'Keefe
Coton Green: Johnson, Powell, Noakes, Nash, O'Beirne, Hough, Doyle, Shiels, Conlon(c), Henry, Baker. Subs: Beale, Howard, Doak, Payne, Smikle

Ground Number: 308
Att: 
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: Included in entrance fee

As if by magic, the week has almost passed by again. Time to take a look at this Sunday's fixtures for everyone's favourites, Jovial Monk and Caversham United. Last weekend saw Monk's game postponed and the male Goats getting a bit of a lesson against Emmer Green. However, it was an entirely different story for Caversham's Women who, in their first season, have won through to the Berks & Bucks Trophy Final. A fantastic achievement. The final is on March 13th at Beaconsfield Town. A full preview will be on this web site during the lead up to the game.
On to this weekend's action:

Jovial Monk
Sunday will be a massive challenge for Monk as they make the short journey to face table-toppers DPR. The league leaders have lost just once in their nine games so far, a 4-3 home defeat to AFC Stratton. They possess the tightest defence in the league having conceded just 10 gaols so far. Earlier in the season, on Remembrance Sunday, the sides met at Lambourn where goals from George Drewitt, Tom McCulloch and Sam English saw DPR run out 3-0 winners. It was the weekend that Caversham ran their Six Word Summaries thread. Shaun's comment of "Don't want to talk about it" summed up the defeat. Let's hope he will want to talk about it this weekend.
DPR v Jovial Monk
KO 10:30. Penhill Recreation Ground, SN25 3AQ

Caversham United
The Goats will want to put last week's 7-1 home defeat behind them as they welcome the visit of Loxwood Park Rangers on Sunday. Rangers are currently level on points with Caversham, sitting one place above on the back of their much better goal difference. They have also played five games fewer than the Goats. They have been on a pretty good run in the league recently. Last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Westwood was their fist since they went down 4-3 at home to Caversham in October. Callum Grover and Joe Hales bagged a brace each that day, a repeat performance is called for this weekend.
Caversham United v Loxwood Park Rangers
KO 10:30. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD.

Caversham United Women
The Cup Final bound Goats are back in league action this weekend. Stonesfield Strikers West Oxfordshire are the visitors to the Rec. Stonesfield are currently sitting second from bottom, nine points adrift of Caversham in 6th spot. However, they do have two games in hand and the knowledge of a 3-2 home win over the Goats in the opening game of the season (Goats Beaten By WOW Factor). Stonesfield clocked up their second league victory of the season last weekend, a Beverley Hirons hat-trick giving them a 3-2 win over Tilehurst Panthers. The Goats have won their last four in all competitions and could climb as high as third should they win and results go their way.
Caversham United Women v Stonesfield Strikers West Oxfordshire
KO 14:00. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD.


As always, all of the teams would massively appreciate extra support. If you are in the area, why not go along and savour some top grassroots football? You won't regret it.

I'm guessing that anyone under the age of 40, or maybe even 45, will need to scour the internet to get the significance of this afternoon's blog title, but back to matters in hand. After a brief sojourn into Step 6 during the week I was back on the road to grassroots this Saturday afternoon. My girls had drawn for the second week running but at least my daughter scored our goal, so I was in a good frame of mind as I set off up the M40 for my chosen game of the day. That was Central Ajax v Coventrians. Ajax are a new team for me to watch and, therefore, a new ground to visit. However It's the second time I have seen Coventrians play this calendar year having been at the derby with AFC Coventry Rangers on January 3rd, although I'm sure they won't thank me for reminding them of that result (Home On The Rangers). With a bit of luck I'll get the chance to pay a visit their Colliery Sports Ground before the end of the season.

The Ground
Central Ajax moved to their ground, Ajax Park, in 1989. The pitch is part of a 20 acre site that boasts a myriad of pitches for all ages,. I have to say, when you pull off Hampton Road onto the service road that leads the clubhouse, it's an impressive sight.
The main pitch is at the far end of the site well back from Hampton Road. There is a large car park and a club house block adjacent to the car park. The pitch is raised above clubhouse and is accessed up a grass bank. There are two dugouts on the far side of the pitch, one of which has the Central Ajax logo imprinted on the back wall. This of course is the home dugout. The opposite side, which is also raised above the adjacent small-sided pitches by a grass bank, is cordoned of by a respect barrier for spectators. One thing to note, as the ground is raised above the level of the surrounding pitches, it is very much open to the elements and, on a day like Saturday, the wind can make it a cold place to watch football. Warp up warm. The pitch itself looked to be pretty much flat and in good condition.

​The Background
Central Ajax have been around since 1978 and, when you know the year of their foundation, you can guess that part of their name is taken from the world famous Ajax Amsterdam who, although probably just past their peak at that time, had been the best team in Europe just a few years earlier. Although the like of Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens and Johnny Rep had already left by 1978, they could still boast a very strong squad including the like of Ruud Krol, Frank Arnesen and Soren Lerby. The Central part of the clubs name comes from their first home,  the pitches at Central Hospital in Hatton, just outside Warwick. 
This was a match up between fifth (Central Ajax) and third (Coventrians). Earlier in the season Ajax had won 3-1 at The Colliery Sports Ground with two goals from Shaye Eden and one from Jordan Lewis. Luke Wilson scoring for Coventrians. That had also been the score when the sides met in the truncated season the year before. The last time the sides had met at Ajax Park had seen Ajax win 1-0 with Jordan Lewis scoring the winner.

​The Game
The game kicked off with the home side facing into the biting wind. The blustery conditions were clearly influencing the game. Ajax were finding it quite difficult to press forward not only because the wind was preventing playing the ball above head height but also because their opponents were trying to use the conditions to their advantage meaning that the home defence was constantly on alert for the long ball over the top of them. Of course, it was also difficult for Coventrians to judge their forward passes especially when the wind took hold of the ball giving their forwards little chance of reaching passes. To add to this, there were quite a few tasty challenges going in early on. It was clear that the referee was going to have his hands full.
Just under 25 minutes in, after soaking up a fair bit of Coventrians pressure, Ajax managed to take advantage of a drop in the wind to press forward themselves. Matt Green came close with a free-kick that went narrowly wide. At this point it looked as if the home team had weathered the worst of the conditions and were probably feeling quite pleased to be heading towards the break all-square. If that was the case then they were to have a rude awakening. With just under 10 minutes to half-time Coventrians launched a break down their right flank. The cross went towards the back post where it was nicely cushioned back into the path of Liam Connolly who stroked the ball past Sean Wilson to make it 0-1.
Even at 1-0 down, playing into the wind, Ajax would probably have been relatively happy. However, they wouldn't have counted on Coventrians hitting them twice in two minutes, but that is exactly hat happened. There were 39 minutes on the clock when the visitor's Jacob Dumbleton got free on the right and tried his luck from the edge of the box. His effort was half cleared by the defence but fell into the path of the Jordan Brandish. His scuffed shot dropped perfectly at the feet of Connolly, who gleefully slotted home his second of the game. 0-2

HT Central Ajax 0 Coventrians 2. Even taking into account the advantage of the conditions being in their favour it's fair to say that Coventrians deserve to be ahead at the break. They looked the more dangerous side. Maybe two-nil slightly flattered, but Ajax certainly had work to do in the second half. 

​The wind. although now even colder (or was it just my old bones feeling it) didn't feel quite as strong as the teams came out for the second half. Ajax must have wanted to make a good start to the half to get themselves back in the game but it was Coventrians who came closest in the opening encounters of the second period when their number 10 was put in on goal only to see Sean Wilson make a good save with his feet to keep his team in the game. The significance of that save was highlighted even more two minutes later when Ajax got themselves a lifeline. As with bot of the Coventrians goal, the danger came from the right, Will Jeffries rising highest to head in a right-wing corner. 1-2 and very much game on.
As with the first half, there were prisoners being taken with the tackling and the game was broken up by fairly frequent stoppages for minor injuries and niggles. Coventrians still looked a threat when they pushed forward and Anthony Allen came close to extending their lead when he fired just over just after the hour mark.
With a little under 20 minutes remaining Coventrians were reduced to 10 men after their Keiron Butler earned a sin bin for comments made to the referee after yet another clash in midfield left one of his teammates in a heap. However, with their captain dropping back into central defence, the visitors still looked as if they were going to hold on and, despite being a man light, were still dangerous when breaking, especially on the right side. Then the weight of number swung the other way. Sin bin complete, Coventrians were back to a full complement but Ajax went down to ten when, after making all substitutions, Foley went off with a nasty looking injury.
As we went into added time, Ajax ploughed forward looking for the equaliser. One last ditch effort with even keeper Sean Wilson being sent up field. maybe it was his presence in the area that caused the mad scramble as the ball pin-balled around the Coventrians six-yard box before, finally, Jordan Lewis managed to nudge the ball over the line. 2-2. What a finish to the game, and cue wild celebrations from the home team and bench.
 
FT Central Ajax 2 Coventrians 2. The conditions were not ideal by any means but both sides did well to deal with them. If I'm honest, over the entire game, I thought Coventrians edged it. However, it was a very close game and Ajax certainly showed a hell of a lot of determination to keep going to the very end of the game. The result made no difference to the league position of either club, although AFC Birmingham's win at Castle Vale saw them draw level on points with Central Ajax. The sides meet in Birmingam next weekend. Meanwhile Coventrians face a trip to Birmingham as they face bottom side Bartley Reds at The Tally Ho ground.

Central Ajax: Wilson, Kuster, Burgess, Dyde, Jeffries, Dyke(c), Eden, Green, Lewis, Stevens, Foley. Subs: Morrish, Monthgomery, Nicholson, Layton, Randall

Coventrians: J.Connolly, Allen, Hassan, Hume, Butler, Hall, L.Connolly, Kearns, Brandish, Donaldson(c), Dumbleton. Subs: Middleton, Dixon, Parris-Jones, O'Neil, Heeley

Ground Number: 307
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​In mid-December I got my first taste of the Northants Combination when I watched Roade and Moulton battle it out in a brilliantly entertaining game. Two Saturdays back I took in my second Northants Combination game as Blisworth performed a demolition job on Corby Pegasus and, although the game was a lot more one-sided than Roade v Moulton, it was still a good game to watch. Having enjoyed both games, I took a closer look at the league table and quickly realised that the championship was turning into a two-horse race. I had already had a close-up view of both contenders, Roade and Blisworth. The more I looked at the table and the remaining fixtures, the more it became clear that this could turn into a fascinating run-in to the season that may well go down to the wire.

The current situation is that Roade lead the table by 7 points. However, second-placed Blisworth do have two games in hand and the sides have yet to meet at Blisworth. Add to that the fact that Blisworth have won the last four contended titles (the last two have been voided) and that Blisworth won 2-1 at Roade earlier in the season, and you soon get to see that this race is far from over. Goal difference could come into it, but even that is extremely close at the moment. Blisworth edge it by 1 goal, having scored 66 to Roade's 65. Both sides have conceded 19. Current form also has the sides quite evenly matched. Roade have won seven straight since the defeat to Blisworth. For their part, Blisworth's 5-0 defeat of Corby on Saturday was their ninth on the bounce.

If you were to take their remaining fixtures, all of which are against teams that they have already played once, and apply the same result as the first match, it gets even tighter. In fact, it would leave them level on 66 points each. Of course, there's nothing scientific in that method and, as the season draws to a conclusion, there will be ups and downs for both teams. Quite interestingly, there are four teams who have to play both Blisworth and Roade in the coming weeks. Corby Stewart & Lloyds, Wollaston Victoria, Woodford United and Harpole could all have a big say in where the title ends up.

On paper, the key game is the fixture between the sides which, as yet, has no scheduled date. If we go back through recent history, since Blisworth were promoted in 2012, it is fair to say that Roade have not fared too well against their local rivals - less than 3 miles between the grounds. In fact, in 15 meetings (which includes the game earlier this season), Blisworth have won 11, there have been 3 draws and just the one victory for Roade. On the plus side, that one win did come quite recently and on the road, in the 2018-19 campaign. Lee Broome and Ben Paul scoring for Roade, Ross Arundell for Blisworth. The game also saw Lee Abrams pick up a red card for Blisworth. Kettering Nomads, who finished as runners-up, were the only other team to beat Blisworth that season, doing the double in fact.

So, which way will it go this season? Well, your guess is as good as mine. It's tempting to make predictions but I recommend people should get along to some of the games and enjoy the run-in themselves, especially the clash between Blisworth and Roade. That promises to be an absolute belter but every game these two teams play from now on will be crucial. Any dropped points will no doubt be seized upon by the other team. It's going to be fascinating.

​Weekends seem to come round increasingly quickly at the moment. How are we into February already? Wasn't it Christmas just last week? It's Thursday again and time to take a look at this Sunday's fixtures for our three favourites. Last weekend saw a bit of a goal-fest with all three teams scoring four goals. Both Caversham sides won their games, with Jovial Monk being pegged back to a 4-4 draw. What will this weekend bring? Well, first off a change in the order that we look at the games. Normally we go in a sort of chronological order with the two morning kick offs first. However, this week Caversham United Women have a Berks/Bucks Cup Semi-Final, so it's only fair that we give them top billing.

Caversham United Women
After seeing off Kidlington to get to the Quarter-Final of the League Cup last weekend, The Goats face a Berks & Bucks Cup Semi-Final this weekend. Their opponents Slough Town are, like Kidlington, a Division Two side. They are currently in fifth spot, nine points adrift of Kidlington but with two games in hand. They have played the Greens twice this season, winning away and losing at home, so no real indication there. What they do have is the league's top scorer in Abi Canvin who has four more than Kidlington's Cortney Sumner, who scored against The Goats last Sunday. There have been goals aplenty for both teams, but especially Caversham, on their journeys to the Semi-Final. Slough saw off Berks County 3-1, then beat Wantage Town 7-1 before winning 3-2 against Mortimer in the Quarter-Final. Caversham are the competition's leading scorers beating Wraysbury 13-0 in Round 1 before a 7-1 away win at Holyport and a 7-2 win at Aylesbury United. The winners of this semi-final will face either Wargrave or Penn & Tylers Green in the Final.
Caversham United Women v Slough Town Ladies
KO 14:00. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD.

Jovial Monk
Monk shared the spoils with AFC Stratton last week after being 4-1 up. On the face of it, not a bad result, but losing a three goal lead almost felt like a defeat to Manager Shaun Smith. This weekend they have the opportunity to make up for last week as they welcome RH Woodlands Edge to Lambourn. Currently two places and nine points below the Monks, despite having played a game more, Woodlands Edge have lost their last two games very heavily. Last weekend they went down 13-1 to Mario's FC and two weeks before that they crashed to a 9-1 defeat at leaders DPR. With their next two fixtures being against the current top two DPR and Gorsehill, Monk will want to get a confidence boosting win under their belts this Sunday.
Jovial Monk v RH Woodlands Edge
KO 10:30. Lambourn Sports Club, RG17 8PS

Caversham United
United's 4-3 defeat of Rose & Thistle last weekend proved to be even more important than was first thought, with two of the teams in and round them also picking up excellent victories, both on the road. Loxwood Park Rangers surprised Wayback Wanderers with a 1-0 win whilst Woodley Saints Hobnob picked up a superb 2-1 win at second placed Burghfield Reserves. The Goats will be looking to use last week as a springboard as they prepare for the visit of third placed Emmer Green on Sunday. The sides met back in November and played out a 1-1 draw which, at the time, was the third 1-1 result in a row for Caversham. Green lost last time out, 4-2 at home to Berkshire Dons. However, they are the division's top scorers with a massive 72 goals in their 12 games. They have four players in the top ten scorers list including James Bozarth who has managed to notch 15 times in 10 games. Clearly, Tommy Tank and his defence will need to be on top form.
Caversham United v Emmer Green
KO 10:30. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD.

As always, all of the teams would massively appreciate extra support. If you are in the area, why not go along and savour some top grassroots football? You won't regret it.