With games getting called off left, right and centre on Wednesday evening, I was very pleased to see that the Women's National League Division One South-West clash between Maidenhead United and Abingdon United, was going ahead. Having had that game and the United Counties game at Asfordby on my list of possibilities, I opted for the former.
The teams had already met twice this season. Once in the league and once in the County Cup, a competition that Maidenhead will not want to draw Abingdon in again for a while. Not only did the yellows win this season, 2-0 at The Northcourt thanks to an Erin Hartigan double, they also won last season's semi-final clash with Maidenhead. That ended 2-2 with Abingdon going through 3-0 from the spot. Add to that the 2-0 league win courtesy of Amy Chivers and Lia Francis, and Abingdon could be considered to be a bit of a bogey team for Maidenhead.
League-wise, Abingdon were also having the better of things this season. Before the start of play they sat in fifth spot with 25 points from their 14 games. Maidenhead started the evening in ninth with 13 points form 12 games. Both teams won last weekend, Maidenhead defeating Bridgwater United 2-1 and Abingdon seeing off Southampton Women 3-0.

​After a slight delay, the game began with Abingdon kicking towards the Bell Street End. Wearing yellow shirts with white numbers, it was almost impossible to read them from further than 10 yards away. Luckily, they also had numbers on their shorts which are yellow on blue and much easier to make out.
It was the home team who engineered the first opportunity after 8 minutes. A long ball caught out the visitor's defence allowing Izzy Stockton to run on and just about beat the on-rushing Hannah Cox to the ball. However, getting a touch on the ball to beat the keeper also took it too wide of the mark for her to get a strike off and the chance fizzled out. Five minutes later, Abingdon had their first strike at goal when captain Nell Boxall latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box, sending her shot over Wilmott-Joyce's bar without troubling the keeper too much.
Maidenhead, who looked very solid at the back, began to exert some authority on the game at this point and, after 6 minutes, came very close to opening the scoring when a deflected shot hit the Abingdon bar and came out. However, the disappointment lasted only 30 seconds. Isacc Gregory sent the ball back into the mix and there was Izzy Stockton to tuck it low into the corner despite Cox getting a hand to the shot. 1-0
A buoyant Magpies team then almost doubled their lead five minutes later. Only a good save from Cox kept out Simone O'Brien. The home side's confidence was demonstrated a few minutes later when Freya Meadows-Tuson intercepted an Abingdon pass inside her own half before going on a lung-busting run up to the edge of the Abingdon penalty area. She slipped the ball sideways but the resulting shot was well covered by Cox. What a run from a central defender though.
With half an hour gone it was fair to say that although the game was fairly even in terms of possession, it was Maidenhead who had generated the chances and looked the more dangerous. OF course, having posted this very comment, Abingdon immediately began to up their game for the final ten minutes or so of the half. A cross from the right fell invitingly for Amy Ewen coming in from the left flank. However her snapshot siled over the bar. Then three minutes into added time Amy Chivers tried her luck from way out, sending a shot in that only dipped just over the bar. It wasn't too far away but it epitomised the type of chances that Abingdon had been restricted to be a resolute home defence. However, the visitors almost had the final say of the half when Amy Ewen got in behind the defence, into the left hand side of the box. She was just about to pull the trigger when Gregory appeared from nowhere to get in a brilliant recovery tackle and keep the home side in front at the break.

HT Maidenhead United 1 Abingdon United 0. Maidenhead deserved to be ahead at the break but the visitors started to get into the game more toward the end of the half. They struggled to find a final ball against a well organised Maidenhead back line.

​It was not the start to the second half the Abingdon, or anyone else, wanted to see. Only three minutes in, after making a solid block inside her own penalty area, Megan Crawford stayed down and looked to be in some discomfort. A stretcher was called for and, after some treatment on the pitch, the Abingdon defender was carried off. Let's hope the injury is not as bad as it looked. Sahara Osborne-Ricketts came on to replace Crawford in defence.

Just before the hour mark Maidenhead launched a lightning quick break up their right wing, catching the Abingdon defence flat-footed. When the ball was delivered into the box, Izzy Stockton was left all alone inside the penalty area. The striker controlled the ball with one touch before firing goalward. However, she was denied by a breath-taking one-handed save from Hannah Cox who then got up quick enough to throw herself at the follow-up, diverting it wide for a corner. Absolutely top-class goalkeeping.

Just after the hour Abingdon brought on Mimi Hodges, stepping up from an excellent goalscoring season in the Development squad. Within minutes the introduced striker had warmed the hands of Wilmott-Joyce and was providing a different kind of threat to the Maidenhead defence with her powerful running and willingness to try a strike from anywhere. Abingdon were now beginning to enforce themselves on the game. With twenty minutes remaining Sahara Osborne-Ricketts sent a great through ball between the central defender and the right-back that completely split the Maidenhead defence open. In the end the defence recovered, but what a ball from the defender. 
Abingdon kept the ball in their opponents half of the pitch and, a minute later, earned their dividend. The ball dropped to Amy Chivers around 25 yards out. Her dipping strike beat Wilmott-Joyce, hit the underside of the bar and bounced in. Great strike. 1-1

Abingdon were now on the hunt for a winner. Lucy Durham's sharp turn and shot from the edge of the box was met by a good stop from Wilmott-Joyce, then Osborne-Ricketts caught hold of a strike but again Wilmott-Joyce made light work of the save. Then, four minutes into added time, Maidenhead almost caught Abingdon with a late sucker punch. Once again it was a quick break up the right. Simone O'Brien drove forward before flashing a cross-shot across the face of goal, narrowly missing to strikers before going out for a goal kick.

FT Maidenhead United 1 Abingdon United 1. On the overall balance of play a draw was probably the right result. Both teams had their chances. Maidenhead edged the first half, Abingdon the second. Both goalkeepers made some good stops but Hannah Cox's double stop on the hour was exceptional. Two good and evenly matched teams who both like to play and entertaining passing style. 
Next up for Maidenhead is a home game and first meeting of the season with second from bottom Southampton Women on Saturday. They then travel to runaway leaders Exeter City the following weekend. Abingdon have a week off before they make the trip down to second placed Bournemouth on Mother's Day. The Cherries won 3-1 at The Northcourt back in October.
Once again, best wishes to Megan Crawford for a speedy recovery.

Maidenhead United: 1. Wilmott-Joyce, 2.Gregory, 7.Carvill, 21.Halfacree, 15.Lunn, 20.Meadows-Tuson, 11.O'Brien, 4.Saunders(c), 22.Stockton, 5.Thompson, 12.Topping. Subs: A.Norfolk, E.Norfolk, Cowell, Luke, Hockey
Abingdon United: 1.Cox, 2.Deeley, 3.Hawtin, 4.Crawford, 7.Ewen, 8.Boxall(c), 12.Hartigan, 13.Chivers, 14.L.Gilmore, 17.Francis, 22.Durham. Subs: 15.F.Gilmore, Osborne-Ricketts, Hodges

​The Ground
Despite living just a few miles away for a couple if years, this was my first visit to Maidenhead's York Road ground. The ground is famous for being the oldest continuously used (by the same club) football ground in the world. United first played there in 1871 and have been there ever since. The ground is in the heart of the town, a few minutes walk from both the shopping centre and the train station. The consequence of this is that the ground is hemmed in on all sides now, restricting parking at the ground to players and officials. There is a car park opposite the York Road entrance. Note that charges apply until 9pm and it's not cheap. Arriving at around 19:20, it still cost me over £4 for the 90+ minutes until charges ended.
There's more than one entrance to York Road but for this game I believe only the one designated for home supporters was active. Access is through a short gated service road that leads to the turnstiles. For this game money was being taken at a table and access was then through the corner of the ground which brings you in alongside the tea bar, or should I say one of the tea bars. I believe there are three dotted around the ground. In my opinion, this is a delightful old ground, full of character. You can almost smell the history. The main stand is on the railway side of the pitch and is unsurprisingly known as The Railway Stand. It seats over 500 of the total 4,500 capacity. There's also covered standing behind the town end goal, the rear of which is adorned with the words Maidenhead United in alternate white and black panels. There is also covered standing behind the opposite goal. One of the unique features of the ground is The Cage, a covered, floodlit 5-a-side and training facility. This housed in a building that sits alongside the pitch and is open sided with a view of the main pitch.


Ground Number: 399
Att: 25
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £1.00

​As a former West Brom season ticket holder, I make no apologies for this weeks blog title. However, the subject of the title is not the greatest football club in the Midlands. It is aimed at Badshot Lea Ladies, who clocked up only their second win of the season at the weekend, almost 6 months since their first win on the opening day of the season. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Ascot continued to set the pace, winning 4-2 at Wycombe. Abingdon's Development team applied the brakes, albeit only slightly, to Long Crendon's title charge with a 2-2 draw at The Northcourt. In the South the top three all won, so it's as you were for now.

​Eastleigh 2-3 Badshot Lea
Eleanor Chambers, Alyssa Hall and Holly Montgomery were all on the mark in a first half that saw bottom of the table Badshot Lea storm into a three goal lead, which they held until the break. The Baggies then survived a second half fightback from Eastleigh, who managed to get two back through Catherine Browning, holding on for only their second win of the season.

Oxford City 5-1 Winchester City Flyers
After two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings, City got back to winning ways in some style. Top scorer Ellie White was back amongst the goals with a brace. Billie Bough-French also netted twice with captain Georgina Tayman hitting the other goal. It was all too much for Flyers who's single response came from Libby Wilkinson.

Woodley United P-P Bournemouth Sports

Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Ascot United
In a game that swung to and fro, Amelia Kimble gave Ascot the lead in the 18th minute. This was quickly cancelled out by Kine Anderson. The Yellawomen then lost the goalkeeper Nicole Spittle to injury after less than half an hour but not before Anderson had put the Chairgirls in front. Five minutes before the break Kimble was on target again to send the sides in all-square. The league leaders took the game to their hosts in the second-half and hit them with a double-whammy. First Philippa Holden from the spot and then, a minute later, Sarah Jones, following up on Tiff Skinner's shot. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site.

​Abingdon United Development 2-2 Long Crendon
United, with goals from Mimi Hodges and Erin Hartigan, ended Long Crendon's long wining streak with a battling draw at the Northcourt. Two Michelle Bailey goals helped the leaders retain their unbeaten run and they are still odds-on to take the title in the next few games.

​AFC Portchester 8-1 Rushmoor
When you are taking on a team that averages almost six per game at home, the last thing you need is to lose your only goalkeeper after 10 minutes, but that's what happened to Rushmoor when Kim Marshall unluckily saw red for handling outside the area. The home side took full advantage of the situation to keep up their impressive league record. Four from Eilidh Currie, a hat-trick from Nat Bavister and a goal from Aimee Hall-Guy gave them a comfortable win. That was despite Cristina Paulinho's first half goal for Rushmoor, and Portchy having Mille Bradbury sent off in the second half. Two reds in what I am told was a game played in the right spirit, even if the conditions were not great.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-3 AFC Stoneham
Sports last game of the season sees them finish with 21 points, safely ensconced in mid-table. A good showing for their first season at this level. However it was Stoneham who took the points on Sunday, keeping up the pressure at the top of the table. Two from Lia Delaney and yet another Chloe Melton goal was enough to give the Purps a 3-0 victory. The run-in to Division One South looks set to go to the wire.

Fleet Town 0-4 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks maintained their lead at the top and kept up the pressure on the chasing pack. It's all they can do at this stage. Emma-Jane May struck twice with Tia Hooper and Emily Wernham grabbing the other two goals. Fleet's search for points continues. They are still six adrift at the bottom but do have four games in hand on Rushmoor, who still have to visit the Mustard Seed Stadium.

Woking 7-2 Abbey Rangers
The Cards completed a derby-day league double over their rivals. Two Charlotte Keenan strikes and an own goal had the hosts three up at half-time. Leah Robertson then pulled a goal back for Rangers only for Keenan to secure her hat-trick before Gabriella Hobday made it 5-1 after 68 minutes. Helen Ogle then added her name to the score sheet before Lisa Smith pulled a late goal back for Abbey. However, they couldn't even have the final say as Trudy Bryan-Kerr completed the scoring just before the final whistle. Read the match report on the Woking web site.

​Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California 2-2 (p4-3) Milton United
A first half goal from Olivia Mansell was not enough to prevent The Boars from going into the break 2-1 down. However, just before the hour Keira Lourdes squared the game again giving the hosts a platform to edge through 4-3 on penalties.

Kidlington 0-0 (p1-4) Penn & Tylers Green
Nothing at all to separate the sides over 90 minutes, despite the home side having the lion's share of possession. It was a different matter in the shootout, with Penn showing their hosts the way, progressing 4-1 from the spot.

League Cup - Tuesday 27th February
Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 AFC Portchester
The Hawks progressed to the final of the League Cup after a narrow defeat of league rivals AFC Portchester. Mia Gardner scored in the 13th minute for Havant but the sides went in level at the break after a 38th minute equaliser for Portchy. However, an Emily Wernham strike ten minutes into the second half was enough to see the Hawks through. Havant will face either Bournemouth Sports or Ascot United in the final.

​Premier
Badshot Lea v Wycombe Wanderers
The Baggies, fresh from their second victory of a long, tough season, take on mid-table Wycombe in the knowledge that winning this game in hand would put them within a point of second from bottom Winchester City Flyers. The reverse fixture, played in October, was a tight affair only decided by a single, second-half strike from Bobby Lynch. That was enough to give the Chairgirls the points. A win for Wanderers would take them fourth, level on points with third-placed Oxford City.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Division One North
Caversham United v Abingdon United Development
The Goats remain three points (effectively four with their goal difference deficit) from safety and have played four more games than their nearest rivals. Mimi Hodges (2), Freya Gilmore (2) and Iva Geogievska scored in the reverse fixture as Abingdon cruised to a 5-0 victory. The Yellows held Long Crendon to a 2-2 draw at the weekend whilst Caversham have not played since their cup defeat at Woking on February 11th.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Kidlington v Milton United
Kidlington are currently in second spot but it's Milton who probably have the slightly better chance of catching Long Crendon if, and it's a big ask, they can win their games in hand. Kidlington have already taken three points off United this season, a two-goal haul from Courtney Sumner taking them to a 2-1 victory at The Heights in September. Both teams exited the Chairman's Cup on penalties last weekend.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

League Cup
Bournemouth Sports v Ascot United
The top two in the league go head to head in the League Cup ahead of the critical league encounter in a couple of weeks time. As a pointer to this game, the sides have met once before this season, back in early October at The Racecourse Ground. Becky Miles and Rosie Eden had Sports 2-0 up at the break. However, Ascot roared back in the second period with goals From Sarah Leonard and Amelia Kimble squaring it up.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Oxfordshire County Cup
Oxford City v Oxford University
Time to try again with this local derby. Oxford University play within the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) system. As their own web site stats, they train and play games all aimed at their main goal, beating Cambridge in the annual Varsity game. Both teams received a bye in Round 1. In the Second Round City won 4-2 at Tower Hill whilst OU were thrashing Goring United 6-1 away from home. In the Quarter-Final The Hoops beat Kidlington 3-0. The University team were awarded their scheduled tie at Easington Sports, setting up this clash. The winners will take on either Oxford United or Thame United in the Final.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Chairman's Cup Quarter-Finals
Beaconsfield Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Something of a local derby between two sides who both play in Division One North. They have met just once so far this season and that was way back on the opening day. On that occasion, also played at Holloways Park, the visitors gave The Rams a harsh welcome to the Southern Region League. Rebecca Stopforth hit a hat-trick, Henna Hussain struck twice and there were also goals for Rachel Harnby, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Evie Matthews. Beaconsfield replied with two second-half goals through Lucy Casey but it wasn't enough to prevent Penn clocking up an 8-2 victory.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Fleet Town v Eversley & California
South versus North. Neither team has set their respective league alight this season, so the promise of a cup semi-final is a big incentive for both teams. Eversley's recent form has been patchy, with a win, a loss and a draw in their last three. Fleet have yet to taste victory in the league but are a different team when it comes to cup competitions.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Long Crendon v Chesham United Development
Two league-mates who have already met twice this season. The current league leaders, Long Crendon, have won on both occasions, 5-2 at Chesham on the opening day and, just a couple of weeks back, a 4-0 victory at Chearsley Road. Despite that fact, Chesham have had a good first season at this level and currently sit in fifth spot with genuine ambitions to finish higher. They are only five points off second spot.
Long Crendon Recreation Ground, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS

Woking v Winchester City Flyers
An interesting tie between a confident Division One South side, Woking, and a Premier League side who have had mixed recent results. On the plus side, Flyers have won more games on the road than they have at home this term. They'll need to be on their guard against a Cards side who have something of a ruthless streak about them, as shown in their recent 11-1 defeat of Rushmoor and 13-0 demolition of Caversham United in the previous round of this competition.
Eastwood Leisure Centre, Albert Drive, Sheerwater, Woking GU22 5RF

Combined Counties Women's Cup
Fulham v Havant & Waterlooville
A tough draw for The Hawks as they make the trip to the capital to take on a Fulham side sitting second in the London & South East Premier League. Fulham are unbeaten at home this season, having won seven and drawn two so far. They are also the division's top scorers with 51 goals, 32 of which have been scored on their own patch. Of course, Havant are no slouches themselves. Currently top of Division One South, through to the League Cup Final and, although not as prolific up front, have an extremely good defensive record, only conceding 15 goals in 13 league games this season.
Training Ground, Motspur Park, New Malden, KT3 6PT

The results of my advisory X poll on Friday had me planning a first ever visit to Tewkesbury on Saturday. I'll be honest, I was relieved when Tewkesbury won because my daughter's match had been pushed back to a late morning kick-off and there's no way I would have made Cheltenham or Frampton for a 2pm ko. At least Tewkesbury was 3pm ,giving me a good 90 minutes to make the trek through the Cotswolds.
It's always good to watch a new team and visit a new ground. I'd not seen Tewkesbury play before but I had seen their visitors, Brockworth Albion, back in November 2022. On that day Albion drew 0-0 at home to Berkeley Town (No Score Draw). Going into today's game, Brockwotth sat in fourth spot, seven points adrift of leaders Longlevens Reserves. Tewkesbury, who were promoted as champions of Division Two last season, were three places further down the table and four points worse off. So, not too much between the teams. The reverse fixture had ended 2-0 to Albion, with goals coming from Josh Coakley and Sean Gee. Both teams had scored a good few goals this season and Albion, with 56 so far, also had two players, Matt Cairns (16) and Jamie Martin (13) in the top five scorers chart.

​Brockworth, in their change kit of green and white stripes, started the game quite strongly, kicking down the slight slope towards the car park end. James Thomas's fourth minute right-wing cross caused some problems for the home defence but Albion's Oli Palmer couldn't quite get enough on the ball. A few minutes later Jamie Martin struck a decent effort on target, but Xavier Welch dealt with it comfortably.
The home side soaked up the early Brockwoth onslaught and then, just before the quarter-hour, almost hit their visitors with a sucker punch. A long ball over the Albion defence was expertly pulled out of the air by Joe Peachey, who drove towards the peanlty area only to be twarted at the last second by an excellent defensive cover tackle from Albion captain Tom Willetts. A great recovery from the defender who had to time his tackle perfectly to avoid giving away a penalty. That effort then sparked a very similar attempt from Albion. A very quick break out of defence and, two passes later, Tyler Jaggers was played through on goal. His low shot looked to be heading for the bottom corner before Welch went full-length to fingertip the ball away.
Despite these two close calls at either end, the majority of play was confined to the centre of the pitch, with neither team able to string any fluent moves together. Jut past the midpoint of the half, a poor clearance from Albion resulted in goalkeeper Evan Coombs being well out of his ground. The ball fell to Lee Llewelyn around 30 yards out. His instant volley was quick thinking but didn't have enough power to beat Coombs who, to his credit, had recovered his position very quickly.
After that point neither goalkeeper was stretched further as the game continued to be fragmented. In the final five minutes of the half both teams had half chances. An Albion strike towards the top corner was easily fielded by Welch and a Dan Keating strike from the edge of the box flew well clear of the Brockworth bar.

HT Tewkesbury Town 0 Brockworth Albion 0 . As I posted at the time, scrappy at best. Neither side managed to establish a firm hold on the game, albeit on a difficult bumpy surface. As it stood, it was looking like my second time watching Albion was going to end like the first, goalless.

​Thoughts of the game ending without a goal were quashed after only four minutes of the second half and, when it came, the goal was the product of the best piece of football played so far. Josef Fullerton burst down the Town right flank before delivering a delightful ball, deep into the Albion penalty area. Henry McMahon rose like the proverbial salmon to plant a firm header back across the keeper and into the far corner. Lovely football and a very well taken goal. 1-0
Going a goal down sparked a response from the visitors. Three minutes after going behind Oli Palmer rose above everyone to get a glancing header on a delivery into the home box, only to see his header sail wide of the mark. Sadly, for any neutrals watching, that was as close as Brockworth came to staging a comeback as the game, once again, fell into a pattern of disjointed play. Not that the home side were complaining and neither were the four young lads who had turned the top of the skateboard ramp into a makeshift stand. They chanted throughout the entire game. You have to love grassroots football in England. There's nothing like it.
Just as the game looked to be drifting toward a slender on-goal home victory, it burst into life as the clock ticked over to 90 minutes. Brockworth, who to be fair had kept plugging away, looked nailed on to get a dramatic equaliser as they engineered a chance in the centre of goal and less than 12 yards out (sorry, I couldn't see which player was about to pull the trigger). However, out of nowhere, home central defender Scott Nicholls came flying in with what can only be described as a match winning tackle. Then, to rub salt into the wounds, Tewkesbury pressed forward and forced the visitors into a defensive mix-up as they tried to play out from the back, gifting the ball to Peachey inside their own area. Evan Coombs had little choice than to wrestle the striker to the ground, conceding a 92nd minute penalty. I think the fact it was so close to the final whistle may also have saved the keeper from a red card. That didn't make any difference in the end as Teejay Hoskings stepped up and calmly slotted home the spot-kick for 2-0.

FT Tewkesbury Town 2 Brockworth Albion 0. Certainly not the most eventful game of football I have ever watched but a good three points for Tewkesbury. The defeat put a dent in Brockworth's title challenge aspirations, leaving them still seven points adrift and now having played a game more than the leaders. Town move to within a point of Albion but have played three more games. Next weekend Tewkesbury make the short trip to Bredon for a local derby. The sides drew 2-2 back on Armistice Day after Bredon led 2-0 at the break. Two goals from Matt Tarling rescued a point for Town.
Brockworth are back at home as they welcome 10th placed Lydney Town Reserves, who beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture despite having Sam Wines sent off. I'm sure Albion will be happy to note that I won't be there, seeing as they have failed two score on both occasions I have watched them

Tewkesbury Town: 1.Welch, 2.Banfield, 3.Stanley, 21.Hosking, 6.Nicholls, 8.Llewelyn, 99.Keating(c), 16.Roder, 22.Fullerton, 18.McMahon, 7.Peachey. Subs: 4.Davenport, 26.Keen, 11.Newland-Gallaway, 9.Tarling, 25.Ashmeade
Brockworth Albion: 1.Coombs, 2.Coakley, 3.Webb, 4.Palmer, 5.Willetts(c), 6.Taylor, 7.Thomas, 8.Moyo, 9.Martin, 10.Jaggers, 11.Cairns. Subs: 12.Grieve, 13.Wilkinson, 14.Banner, 15.Maisey, 16.Langworthy

​The Ground
Tewkesbury Town currently play their home fixtures just outside the town, in Northway, a village 2 miles to the North-East of the town centre. Although officially a village, Northway is now effectively a suburb of Tewkesbury. Northway Playing Field is exactly what it says, a playing field. Separated from the town by the M5, the ground is hemmed in by a residential area to the East and a business centre to the South and West. There's a reasonably big car park just off Northway Lane however as this is a popular local park as well there are plenty of people visiting to make use of the children's play area that sits alongside the pitch, as well as a popular dog-walking spot, so much so that some of the signs are dual language, English and canine. Having said that, there is plenty of on-road parking available withing a couple of minute's walk of the pitch. There's not a great deal to describe around the ground. There are facilities available in the changing rooms, which are in a building adjacent to the car park. There's no covered spectator areas (this is a community park). The pitch slopes a little back towards the car park and, not surprisingly given the recent weather, was a little heavy and prone to an odd bounce here and there. What was good to see was that, despite being out of the town, the club is still attracting some locals to their games. I didn't count but there was probably somewhere between 30 and 50 (including the kids on the top of the skateboard ramp) spectators in total. Not too bad for this level.
Despite only being a few miles from Twyning, there was no repeat of the spooky Spotify algorithm on my journey home (see Tiger Feat blog for context).


Ground Number: 398
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Once again only six games survived the weather on Sunday, many of which were played on artificial surfaces. However, there was still plenty of good football out there. In the top flight, Warminster Town continued their recent impressive form with a win at Eastleigh. IN the North, Long Crendon took a big step towards securing the title with a crushing 6-0 win at Ascot. Stoneham put Fleet to the sword in the South, heaping pressure onto leaders Havant & Waterlooville.

​Eastleigh 1-3 Warminster Town
Town have now taken 10 points from the last 12 available and are now just a point behind Eastleigh with two games in hand. Jaz Harris put Warminster ahead only for Catherine Browning to get the Spitfires back on level terms four minutes before the break. In the second half Mia Blazey slotted home goals 12 and 13 of the season to take all three points for the visitors.

​Abingdon United Development 4-2 Chesham United Development
Molly Lygo-Jackson gave Abingdon the lead after only 2 minutes in this game. Then a two goal blast inside three minutes just before the interval, from Mimi Hodges and Ruby-Lou Phillips, had the home side 3-0 up. Katie West gave Chesham a brief glimmer of hope on 51 minutes only for Rosie McCabe to restore the three-goal advantage minutes later. Emma Nolan grabbed a late consolation for Chesham but they couldn't prevent the Yellows winning for the second league outing on the bounce.

Ascot United Reserves 0-6 Long Crendon
Long Crendon took another step towards the league title, opening up a nine point gap with games running out. A win at Abingdon next Sunday would leave the chasing pack needing nothing less than a miracle. They consigned Ascot to their seventh consecutive league defeat with two goals from Samantha Jackson and one each from Emma Brockwell, Eleanor Lovelock, Tara Woodward and Michelle Bailey.

​AFC Stoneham 6-0 Fleet Town
Fleet put up a stubborn rear-guard action for the first 35 minutes before a Chloe Melton penalty put the hosts ahead. Abbie Awdas doubled the lead. After Melton notched her second early in the second half another Chloe, Marshall this time, took over the show, smashing in a second half halt-trick with three excellent strikes. BotP was there to watch the action. You can read the match blog here (3-Star Marshall Leads Six-Shooters)

​Capital Women's Cup Intermediate Section
Brentford 1-0 Woking
The Cards suffered Quarter-Final Cup heartbreak at the hands of a buzzing Bees side. A crowd of over 100 saw a Chloe Logie latch onto a rebound seven minutes from time, edging the hosts thorough. You can read the match report on the Woking website 

Chairman's Cup
Winchester City Flyers 3-1 Badshot Lea
Flyers got back to winning ways, dumping The Baggies out of the Chairman's Cup in the process. Lydia Moulding, Charlotte Warhurst and Charlie Snelling were on the mark for Flyers. Badshot Lea's response came from Alyssa Hall. Winchester will now travel to Woking in the Quarter-Final.

​ComCoFL Trophy - Thursday 22nd
Penn & Tylers Green v Abingdon United Development
Another Thursday, another attempt to play this tie. Will it ever stop raining? It will be interesting to see if a week off or a big win is the best preparation. Penn didn't play at the weekend, so you'd think they would be fresher. However, United had a good morale-boosting 4-2 win over Chesham on Sunday.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Sunday 25th
Premier
Eastleigh v Badshot Lea
Both of these teams were beaten 3-1 at the weekend. Eastleigh in the league, The Baggies in the Chairman's Cup. The reverse fixture, played in October, was a close encounter. Nicola Moore scored for Badshot Lea, but they eventually went down 2-1 thanks to strikes from Catherine Browning and Amber O'Reilly. The Baggies are at the stage where they need to get another win on the board if they want to have any chance of staying up.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Cresent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Oxford City v Winchester City Flyers
Two each from Ellie White and Emily Harris secured a 4-0 in the October reverse fixture. However, Flyers have had a couple of good results in recent weeks, including a 2-2 draw at Ascot. This one could be a lot closer than their earlier meeting. Winchester also know that one more win would all but secure their spot in the Premier League next season. The Hoops will be looking to get three more points in an effort to wrestle third spot from Woodley.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Woodley United v Bournemouth Sports
United came from a Rosie Eden goal down at half-time to equalise through May Hamblin back in September's 1-1 draw at Chapel Gate. It's safe to say that the Premier League is a two-horse race and that Sports are firmly ensconced in it. They need to keep winning games and heaping pressure on Ascot, especially as they have a game in hand and better goal difference. Woodley have had a really good season back in the top flight and are favourites to secure third spot, although this will be a big test of their credentials.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Ascot United
These two have met twice already this season. On the opening day of the league, Ascot started their campaign in style, seeing off Wycombe with a 4-1 victory at The Racecourse. However, Wycombe gained some revenge when they knocked the Yellawomen out of the FA Cup winning 1-0 also at Ascot. The Chairgirls are right in the middle of a bunch of teams pressing to finish in third spot, where three points separates Woodley in third from Warminster in seventh.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

Division One North
Abingdon United Development v Long Crendon
Can United put the brakes on the Long Crendon title push? The reverse fixture ended 5-2 to Crendon and the league-leaders have won their last eight league games. However, United have won their last two and top-scorer Mimi Hodges is back amongst the goals, scoring three in the last two games. Well clear of the bottom, United can relax a little and play their football. However, Long Crendon can see the finish line now. Wil that be enough to spur them on to a ninth straight victory?
Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1PL

Division One South
AFC Portchester v Rushmoor
BotP was at the reverse fixture, a couple of weeks ago, to see Portchester run out 4-1 winners at Southwood Pavilion (Last Team Standing). Portchy will be looking to keep up the pressure on Havant & Waterlooville but they'll also know from the last game that Rushmoor won't hand it to them on a plate. Portchester, with their games in hand, have the title in their own hands. Win their games and no-one can catch them. However, with away games at the leaders and at Stoneham still to come, three points on Sunday is an absolute must.
Venue: AFC Portchester Women's

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v AFC Stoneham
The Purps won the reverse fixture 5-0 thanks to two each from Mia Flood and Mia Delaney. Chloe Melton, of course, was also on the score sheet. With Sports safe in mid-table and Stoneham chasing the title, you would be forgiven to think this would be an away banker. However, Sports have only lost once at home this season and that was in the first game against current league-leaders Havant & Waterlooville.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL

Fleet Town v Havant & Waterlooville
The reverse fixture ended 3-1 in favour of The Hawks with goals from Ella-Jane May, Jodie Burchell and Megan Gratton. With only two matches left, all The Hawks can do is win both and try to make it as difficult as possible for the chasing pack, specially as their last game is at home to AFC Portchester. They are still battling on three cup fronts too, the County Cup, League Cup and the Portsmouth & District FA Cup.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Woking v Abbey Rangers
Rangers are nine points clear of bottom side Fleet Town. However, they have played four games extra and only have two left themselves. Therefore any extra points gained would be a welcome bonus. It's going to be a tough ask especially as The Cards won 3-0 in the reverse fixture in January. Woking have no worries in terms of league position and could yet get into the top three at a push. They also have a Chairman's Cup Quarter-Final to look forward to.
Woking College, Rydens Way, GU22 9DL

Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California v Milton United
This game was postponed last weekend, so let's hope they can get it played this Sunday. Despite being league-mates, this will be the first meeting between the sides this season. Their only other scheduled meeting was awarded to Milton as walkover. We have to go back to last season for the last time the teams met on the pitch. Both meetings went the way of Milton who won 1-0 at Fox Lane and cruised to a 6-1 victory at The Heights.
ESA, Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS

Kidlington v Penn & Tylers Green
Another game that fell foul of the weather last weekend, and two more teams who share a league. Kidlington are currently sitting second in Division One North, five points ahead of Penn, although they have played two more games. They have already met twice in the league and Penn have proved to be something of a bogey team, winning 4-1 at Exeter Park and 7-3 at French School Meadow. The Greens will be especially aware of Penn hotshot Henna Hussain. Of the 11 goals Penn have scored against them this season, Hussain has hit an incredible 9 of them.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

This Sunday BotP took the opportunity to visit a new ground and watch two new teams. A 3 hour round trip of 156 miles to the Stoneham Lane Football Complex, but well worth it. The game in question was the Southern Region Women's League Division One South clash between AFC Stoneham and Fleet Town. This would be their first meeting of a season that has, so far, been a great contrast for the teams. Following the withdrawal of Eastleigh Reserves, who Fleet drew with on the opening day, Town are still looking for their first point of the season, albeit having only played seven. However, they have been a different team in cup competitions, last week's 5-2 defeat of Abbey Rangers a prime example of this change in form. Stoneham are still in with a genuine chance of winning the league but, after losing their last home league game against Havant & Waterlooville, need to ensure they don't drop any more points before they face title-rivals Portchester in 2 weeks time. 

​The game ran to form almost from the very first minute. Stoneham quickly established themselves as the dominant force but a combination of solid Fleet defensive work and sloppy final balls kept the scores level for much of the first-half. Top scorer Chloe Melton was the first home player to get a strike off but her third-minute effort went well wide of the target. Jodie Freeman-Woods was the first to make Jenna Temple work but even then her 12th minute effort was comfortable for the goalkeeper. Just past the quarter-hour mark the Fleet defence, which up until then had looked quite solid, showed a little hesitancy which allowed Chloe Melton to latch onto a loose ball. However, her shot again went wide.
The pressure on the visitors was relentless with the ball rarely making it into the home half of the pitch, and Stoneham came very close to opening the scoring on 20 minutes. Following a corner which was cleared to the edge of the box, full-back Kayden Wood struck a glorious effort that beat Temple but not the woodwork, crashing back off the crossbar. Laura Ingram reacted quickly to get onto the rebound but Temple got across swiftly to block the follow-up and keep it at 0-0.

​Temple was called into action again six minutes later. Melton swung in a peach of a ball behind the last line of defence but curling away from the goalkeeper. Larnie Bisson came in from the left flank and looked odds on to finish before Temple threw herself bravely at her feet forcing the Stoneham player to put her shot narrowly wide of the post. A great piece of goalkeeping, closely followed by another decent save after a cross from the left went through to Meadow Barton coming in from the right. Temple again was there to keep out the strike.
With ten minutes to go before the break and Fleet still hanging on to a goalless score line, Stoneham got a glorious opportunity to go in front when Heather McCabe brought down Chloe Melton just inside the box. A clear penalty. No complaints from Fleet.
Melton stepped up to take the spot-kick but was once again thwarted by Jenna Temple. However, the keeper was unfortunate to see her parry fall back into the path of the Stoneham striker, who gobbled up the rebound. 1-0
The goal sparked a good response from Fleet who, almost immediately, registered their first real effort at goal when Ruby Harwood struck a shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Lucy Venables looked unworried but it was not too far wide of her right-hand post. 
With the clock ticking down, it looked very much like Stoneham were only going to take a single goal lead into the half-time interval. However, in the last minute captain Laura Ingram tried her luck from way out, forcing Temple into a full-length save to turn the ball around the post. From the resulting corner, delivered right under the bar towards the back post, Abbie Awdas was on hand to prod the ball over the line and double the lead. 2-0

HT AFC Stoneham 2 Fleet Town 0. Fleet up against it and defending well with Jenna Temple producing a string a very good stops. Stoneham dominated the ball but didn't appear to be firing on all cylinders.
​

​If Fleet had any thoughts of getting back into the game they were extinguished two minutes into the second period. Larnie Bisson, who had switched to the right flank, burst past her defender before cutting the ball back across the penalty area for Chloe Melton to slide in and guide the ball home, despite the best efforts of Temple, who got a fingertip  on the strike. 3-0.
As with the first goal, the third generated a response from Fleet. Their top-scorer Dot Usher flashed a snapshot just wide of the post. However, chances for the visitors were few and far between. 
The reason that Bisson had switched to the right was to make room for Chloe Marshall to come in on the left hand side. Just past the hour mark the substitute made the first of what was to be three very telling contributions. Collecting the ball out on the left flank, Marshall stepped inside before curling a superb shot into the 'postage stamp' of the opposite corner. Nothing that Temple could do with a strike of that quality. 4-0.

It really was game over now and, consequently, there was something of a lull in the game. Fleet made more changes and huffed and puffed, but Stoneham were completely in command of the game. One of the reasons for this was the total dominance of the Stoneham midfield. As the father of a young central midfielder, I was really wishing my daughter had been at the game so that she could have had a free lesson on how to play her position. The pairing of Abbie Awdas and Mia Flood were, at times, perfectly demonstrating some of the skills I have been trying to get her to hone. Awdas makes the position look simple. Always available to receive the ball. Calm and comfortable. One touch, and a well-weighted pass to a player in space. Football really is simple when you break it down to its basics. Flood is a totally different player, buzzing around, snapping into tackles all over the pitch, she really gets in the face of her opponents. A very difficult combination to play against.

On 85 minutes Chloe Marshall was at it again. Chloe Melton played an intelligent reverse pass which allowed Marshall to smash in an almost identical finish, once again giving the keeper no chance whatsoever. 5-0
That could well have been that. However, there was still just about enough time for Marshall to grab her hat-trick when she latched onto a ball across the edge of the box, controlled well and unleashed a low drive just out of Temple's reach. 6-0. Three excellent strikes from Marshall.

FT AFC Stoneham 6 Fleet Town 0. A comfortable victory for Stoneham, who keep up the pressure at the top end of the table. Fleet defended stoutly for much of the game and never threw in the towel. Goalkeeper Jenna Temple made a number of good saves but the team could never get a grip on the game at all. Stoneham were just that bit too good all across the pitch. The result lifts Stoneham into third spot, level on points with AFC Portchester, having played two more games. Both Stoneham and Portchester are five adrift of Havant & Waterlooville but have two and four games in hand respectively. The March 10th clash between The Purps and Portchy is now looking like a massive potential title decider. Fleet's search for a point goes on but they don't have the best run-in to the season. Not only do they have to face Stoneham again, they also are yet to play Portchester home and away plus, next up, the visit of leaders Havant next Sunday. Stoneham make the short journey to Bournemouth Sports Reserves on Sunday. They won the reverse fixture 5-0 back in October through two each from Mia Delaney and Mia Flood and one from Chloe Melton.

Another great afternoon of football. The only downside was having to shoot off immediately after the final whistle. I didn't get time to chat with Abbie Awdas as originally planned. Next time. Maybe even at the Portchester game in 2 weeks, if I can make it.

​AFC Stoneham: 13.Venables, 2.Wood, 3.Curtis, 4.Feeman-Woods, 5.Ingram(c), 6.Stevens, 8.Awdas, 9.Melton, 10.Flood, 11.Bisson, 17.Barton. Subs: 7.Marshall, 12.Tuck, 14.Lewis, 15.Dancer, 16.Delaney
Fleet Town: 1.Temple, 15.Benton, 6.Burrows(c), 10.Graves, 4.McCabe, 3.Wise, 12.Usher, 11.Harwood, 8.Greenaway, 13.Paterson, 18.James. Subs: 7.Dias, 14.Barker, 5.Tafrey
​

The Ground
Stoneham Lane Football Complex is a large facility situated between Eastleigh and Southampton. Eastleigh FC's Silverlake Stadium is a just a few hundred yards North, separated by the M27. Less than half a mile to the East is Southampton Airport. The complex, accessed off Stoneham Lane, has two large car parks, one adjacent to the facility and an overflow on the opposite side of Stoneham Lane. It needs them. This is an extremely busy and well-used community facility and, like Rushmoor a couple of weeks back, it's great to see so many players, of all ages, male and female, taking part in the game. There are three full-size 3G pitches. The two community pitches are marked up to provide small-sided football at all ages (the club proudly has 113 teams this season, with over 1,000 players). Access to all pitches is through the reception building. Please note that you need to register and obtain a QR code to gain access through the turnstile system. You can do this on the day by scanning a code on your mobile. Once inside you will find all of the usual facilities, including the Pitchside Café, which provides refreshments and looks out over the main pitch. There's another turnstile between the café and the stadium which is used for access on matchdays. However, as the women's games are free entry, the turnstile was not in use and the gate next to it was open. There is a covered seating stand to the right hand side as you enter, straddling the halfway line. The dugouts are on the opposite side, the motorway side. Currently, there is no other spectator cover,  just hard-standing and fencing surrounding the entire playing surface.

Ground Number: 397
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Only eight games were played on Sunday. However, there were a total of 43 goals scored, not including the penalty shootout at Stoneham. Most of the action took place in the cup competitions. However, Long Crendon did extend their lead at the top of Division One North whilst Beaconsfield distancd themselves from the botom two with a resounding victory over Ascot United Reserves. Top scorers in the cups were Woking who smashed in double figures for the second time in their last three games. Warminster put up a spirited fight against higher opposition in their Wiltshire cup tie, eventually losing out 3-1 to Swindon Town.

​Premier
Badshot Lea P-P Oxford City

Division One North
Beaconsfield Town 7-2 Ascot United Reserves
Four goals inside 13 first-half minutes set The Rams on their way to a third win in their last four league outings. Erin Dennis started it in the 16th minute, before adding her second eight minutes later. That was very quickly followed by further strikes from Charlotte Hill and Lucy Casey. Georgia Price, Hill again and finally Emma Hester, three minutes from time, completed the scoring.

Long Crendon 4-0 Chesham United Development
The league leaders made it seven wins in a row and extended their lead at the top to six points. Amber Catell, Nicole Jacobs, Eleanor Lovelock and Tara Woodward supplied the goals as their defence held firm to make it just one conceded in the last four. Their four remaining games are all away from home. However, they currently boast a 100% record on the road. Despite defeat, Chesham are still well within touch of a top three finish.

Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California P-P Milton United

Fleet Town 5-2 Abbey Rangers
Although league wins are like gold dust this season, Fleet are proving to be quite the cup outfit. Their North Hants Semi-Final victory last month was followed up with a resounding 5-2 defeat of Abbey Rangers in the Chairman's Cup. Dorothy Lillian Usher added two more to her growing tally, Molly Greenway, Keira Barker and Georgia Paterson completed the haul. Abbey replied through Millie Hackney and Leah Robertson, but it wa snot enough to prevent Town from progressing.

Woking 13-0 Caversham United
Sadly, another bad day at the office for The Goats. A very strong display from current holders Woking saw them progress in the Chairman's Cup thanks to four from Trudy Bryan-Kerr, three from Sheena Nichol, and two each from Charlotte Keenan Gaby Hobday and Bianca Underhill. This is the second time in three games that Woking have hit double figures. Read the match report on the Woking web site.

League Cup
AFC Stoneham 1-1 (3-4p) AFC Portchester
Two of the top teams from a very strong Division One South field, going head to head. Unsurprisingly, there was nothing to choose between them over the 90 minutes. Chloe Melton (who else?) put Stoneham in the driving seat but Millie Bradbury was on the mark to level it up. However Portchester, with goalkeeper Roxy Roberts back after going off injured last weekend, edged though 4-3 on penalties. Check out some excellent photos from Those White Lines (@90MinutesMore) on their Facebook page. You can also read the match report on the Portchester web site and take a look at Lyndsay Hyde's superb action photos.

Ascot United 2-1 Woodley United
The Yellawomen went through to the next round with a hard-earned defeat of Woodley. Sarah Leonard put Ascot ahead midway through the first-half. However, Woodley top-scorer Sarah Lawrence had the visitors back on level terms two minutes after the restart. Just as it seemed that both sides would have to settle for a draw and penalties loomed, Amelia Kimble popped up with the Ascot winner seven minutes before time. Read the match report on the Ascot United website. Once again we are indebted to photographer Andy Wicks for capturing the match action for us to enjoy.

Bournemouth Sports 1-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Sports gained a little revenge for their first league defeat of the season, one week ago, at the hands of Wycombe. A tight game in which both sides had opportunities, was sealed by an Emma Davis strike midway through the second half. Read the match report on the Wycombe web site and take a look at Wycombe's brilliant pitchside video.

Havant & Waterlooville P-P Rushmoor Community

Wiltshire FA Women's Cup
Warminster Town 1-3 Swindon Town
Areal battling performance from Warminster who held their higher-ranked opponents 0-0 at the break. They were eventually undone by three goals inside nine second-half minutes. Tia Rees opened the scoring on the hour. Megan Jarvis doubled the lead two minutes later and then added her own second after 69 minutes. Warminster did pull a goal back after 75 minutes but couldn't find any further. Read the match report from the Swindon Town website.

​Premier League
Bournemouth Sports v Ascot United
They don't come much bigger than this one. As it stands Ascot lead the way in the Premier League, three points ahead of Bournemouth but having a played a game more. With just a handful of games left to play, not to put to fine a point on it, this could well be a title decider. Although, if we get a repeat of the 2-2 draw from the reverse fixture, we'll be none the wiser.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Eastleigh v Warminster Town
Sixth versus seventh. Neither team is in real relegation danger and neither can catch the top two. However, there's still plenty to play for. Town are four points adrift of Eastleigh but have two games in hands. Both sides are well within striking distance of a top three finish should they put together a good run-in. A Sheree Bell-Jack goal was enough for The Spitfires to edge the reverse fixture back in September.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Division One North
Abingdon United Development v Chesham United Development
If this game lives up to the reverse fixture from October, it could be a cracker. On that day Chesham edged it by the odd goal in seven, largely thanks to a Katie West hat-trick. Abingdon are well clear of the drop zone but out of touch with the top five. Chesham, meanwhile, are still well in touch with the top three, maybe even the top two.
Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Long Crendon
Ascot have now lost their last five and, although in no danger, have lost touch with the top half of the table. In contrast, Long Crendon opened up a six point gap at the top on Sunday, with a games in hand on second placed Kidlington. Another three points this weekend would put them within four points of guaranteeing the title.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Caversham United
When you have conceded more than anyone else in the league the last thing you need is a visit to the league's joint top scorers. However, that's the challenge that awaits The Goats this Sunday. On the plus side for Caversham, Wycombe are not as prolific at home as they are away and, despite a very difficult season, they are still within three points of Eversley & California. In contrast, three points for Wycombe would see them leapfrog Kidlington into second spot.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

Division One South
AFC Stoneham v Fleet Town
Stoneham average just over four goals per game at home. Fleet concede just over three goals per game away from home. That's the size of the challenge facing Fleet as they search for their first points of the season. On the plus side, they remain just six points from safety with five games in hand on Rushmoor, the team directly above them. The Purps, meanwhile, still have genuine title hopes and will be looking to get back into the top three with a win.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Abbey Rangers v AFC Portchester
Portchester remain the only unbeaten team in all three divisions. They take that impressive record to Addlestone Moor in the knowledge that another win would move them to within two points of Havant & Waterlooville with three games in hand. The reverse fixture, in October, saw Portchy cruise to a 7-1 victory. Charmaine true, Eilidh Currie and El Williams all scored twice whilst Sara Hinton also joined in. Carla Hobbs git the consolation for Rangers. Abbey are nine points clear of bottom side Fleet but have played five more games, so they will also be looking to get something from this game.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

Capital Women's Cup Intermediate Section
Brentford v Woking
The Bees currently sit seventh in the London & South East  Division 1 North table. However, they have played so many fewer league games than their rivals, this is possibly a false position. They defeated Hammersmith and Leyton Orient to get here, both on the road and both without conceding. Their other game was a walkover awarded against Ruislip Rangers. Woking saw of Epsom & Ewell, Welling United and Denham United to progress to this stage.
Bedfont Recreation Ground, Hatton Road, Feltham, TW14 9QT

Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California v Milton United
Despite being league-mates, this will be the first meeting between the sides this season. Their only other scheduled meeting was awarded to Milton as walkover. We have to go back to last season for the last time the teams met on the pitch. Both meetings went the way of Milton who won 1-0 at Fox Lane and cruised to a 6-1 victory at The Heights.
ESA, Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS

Kidlington v Penn & Tylers Green
Two more teams who share a league. Kidlington are currently sitting second in Division One North, five points ahead of Penn, although they have played two more games. They have already met twice in the league and Penn have proved to be something of a bogey team, winning 4-1 at Exeter Park and 7-3 at French School Meadow. The Greens will be especially aware of Penn hotshot Henna Hussain. Of the 11 goals Penn have scored against them this season, Hussain has hit an incredible 9 of them.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Winchester City Flyers v Badshot Lea
The bottom two in the Premier League take a welcome break from league action to face off in the Chairman's Cup. In January Flyers pulled clear of the bottom spot with a 4-0 victory over The Baggies, the damage being done in the opening half where they scored three of their goals. However, Badshot Lea's only league win of the season came on the very first day and was against Winchester. Lucy Cook and Marianne O'Byrne were on the mark to secure a 2-0 win, and The Baggies' only clean sheet.
Winklebury Football Complex, Winklebury Way, Basingstoke, Hants RG23 8BF

Oxfordshire Women's FA Cup Semi-Final
Oxford City v Oxford University
I guess you have to consider this one a local derby. Oxford University play within the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) system. As their own web site stats, they train and play games all aimed at their main goal, beating Cambridge in the annual Varsity game. Both teams received a bye in Round 1. In the Second Round City won 4-2 at Tower Hill whilst OU were thrashing Goring United 6-1 away from home. In the Quarter-Final The Hoops beat Kidlington 3-0. The University team were awarded their scheduled tie at Easington Sports, setting up this clash. The winners will take on either Oxford United or Thame United in the Final.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

With so many games falling foul of the weather this weekend, I was very pleased and a little surprised that my chosen game had survived, especially as it had already been called off earlier in the season. The game n question was a Midland League Divison 3 clash between AFC Birmingham and league-leaders AFC Solihull. Solihull held a six point lead at the start of play, although some of the chasing pack did have games in hand. One of these was AFC Birmingham, currently in fifth spot and fourteen points back but with there games in hand. Consequently, a win today would put the hosts right back in the mix.
The sides met in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season. Solihull edged that one 2-1 with goals from Bradley Andrews and Dylan Wallace cancelling out a strike from Hamza Younis. Both sides were coming into this game on good unbeaten runs. Solihull had won five and drawn one of their last six, Birmingham had won four and drawn two. So, I was expecting it to be a tight and evenly matched encounter. No-one could have predicted what happened in the opening 25 minutes.

​After the initial couple of minutes of jousting and feeling each other out, it was the visitors who hit the accelerator. Five minutes in, the lively MD Shimul was presented with an opening but scuffed his shot side of the mark. However, that was just a warm-up effort. Four minutes later a diagonal ball into a dangerous area of the Birmingham box, evaded defenders, strikers, and goalkeeper alike, falling perfectly for Shimul who made no mistake with the finish. 0-1
Birmingham hardly had a chance to get their breath back before Solihull were at them again bringing the best out of Gabriel Bajrami in the home goal. The home keeper was in for a busy first-half. There was hardly any respite before, in the 14th minute, a neat, sweeping passing move saw the ball end at the feet of Owen Williams who stroked it perfectly past the keeper. 0-2.
A rattle home side tried to respond and, 16 minutes in, finally got a strike off with Rahiem Faulder hitting the target, although it was comfortable for Keaton Chahal. Much better movement from Birmingham though.
That glimmer of hope for the home team was almost immediately shattered though. Only two minutes past the quarter-hour mark, top scorer Jahvan Howell beat the home offside trap before slotting past Bajrami. 0-3.
Halfway through the first period Ash Brown once again kept Chahal interested before, a minute later, Birmingham were the architects of their own downfall. Indecision at the back led to the industrious Shimul winning possession on the edge of the box. With the last defender and goalkeeper drawn to him, the Solihull striker slipped the ball sideways to Howell, who had the easy task of rolling the ball into an unguarded net. 0-4.
Less than 25 minutes on the clock and, effectively, game over. Solihull took their foot off the gas slightly at this point. The bust Bajrami did have to make another good stop to keep out Shimul on 34 minutes and, just before the break, Ash Brown struck a low drive from a narrow angle, which Solihull keeper Chahal fielded with some ease. Maybe a cross would have been the better option but you can't blame a striker for having a pop when their team is four down.

HT AFC Birmingham 0 AFC Solihull 4. The home side were really not at the races for the fist 25 minutes, but credit for that must go to Solihull who blitzed them with their movement up front. A ruthless display of attacking play from the visitors. Birmingham did well to steady the ship in the second half of the first period and Solihull, as you would expect, eased off a little after the fourth goal.

​Unsurprisingly, the second half did not provide a similar opening to the first half. To be fair, Solihull didn't need to go for more goals and Birmingham, despite looking more lively, probably new that they weren't going to come from four down.
It was twenty minutes into the second period before either side mustered a real chance. When it came, it fell to the home side, who could count themselves a little unlucky to see Ash Brown's powerful header clatter the bar and bounce to safety. However, two minutes after that Birmingham should have gone five down. Bajrami lost patience whilst shepherding Shimul away from goal, bringing the striker down and conceding the penalty. However, the goalkeeper and captain made amends by producing a great save to prevent Howell from collecting his hat-trick.
From that moment onwards it was a case of both sides playing out the remainder of the game. Solihull's Ross Kaar did have a half-chance towards the end but didn't trouble Bajrami, as the game fizzled out towards a conclusion.

FT AFC Birmingham 0 AFC Solihull 4. The game was won inside the opening 25 minutes, i which Solihull showed why they are top of the table and title favourites. Birmingham just couldn't cope with their opening wave of attacks. To their credit, the home side made more of a fist of it after that, but both teams knew the game was done by that time. With a number of games postponed, Solihull extend their lead at the top to nine points. Second placed Feckenham have two game sin hand, third placed Northfield Town (who had plenty of their team watching the game) are a further four points back but have four games in hand on the leaders. Birmingham remain fifth, 17 points behind the leaders with three games in the bank.
Next weekend AFC Birmingham are back at Illey Lane as they entertain mid-table DSC United, who they beat 2-0 in the reverse fixture. Solihull have a weekend off before their next game at home to Continental Star. Solihull won the reverse fixture 1-0.

AFC Birmingham: 1.Bajrami(c), 2.Emiloju, 3.Field, 4.J.Faulder, 5.Rowe, 6.Hyatt, 7.Bennett, 8.Robinson, 9.Brown, 10.Baker, 17.R.Faulder. Subs: 11.Hunter, 12.McCarthy, 14.Preston, 15.McQuaide, 16.Honeyghan
AFC Solihull: 1.Chahal, 2.Andrews, 3.Kaar, 5.Cooney, 7.Shimul, 9.Howell, 10.Williams, 11.Sey, 17.Wallace, 18.Daniels, 19.Delaney(c). Subs: Davis, McIlduff, 8.Said, 14.Chakmak, 15.Colstock

​The Ground
Illey Lane is the former home of the now defunct Bartley Green FC. Situated just outside the village of Illey, wedged between the M5 Frankley Services and the town of Halesown. The ground is accessed via a single track lane (mind the potholes) which, via a sharp right turn through a gated entrance, opens out into a fairly large car park. Alongside the car park are a collection of buildings that house the players and officials changing areas, the bar and the snack bar. The players entrance is adorned with a retractable tunnel which, together with the new dugouts and goals, was supplied by Birmingham City and bears the Championship side's logos. There's also a nice little patio area just outside the bar.
Access to the playing surface, which is raised above the level of the car park and club, is via a set of steps. There's a small hut a the top where you pay your entrance fee. On the same side of the pitch, straddling the halfway line, are the two very smart looking BCFC-supplied dugouts. There is a also a covered seating area and two open-fronted wooden huts that provide covered standing. These huts, for some reason, reminded me of the sort of structures you see at the German Market around Christmas-time in nearby Birmingham city centre. On he opposite side of the ground there is another small covered seating stand as well as the old dugouts, which are now available for spectators to use as further covered seating. Unsurprisingly, given the recent weather, the pitch looked to be a little heavy and cut up in places. However, after saying that, it was perfectly playable.
Illey Lane is now amongst one of my top non-league grounds. If you haven't visited, you should. It's a great place to watch football and, when you consider this is a Step 8 ground at the moment, it is way ahead of other grounds at the equivalent level.


Ground Number: 396
Att: 75
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: N/A

AFC Portchester are now the only unbeaten team in the entire Southern Region system after Bournemouth Sports lost at Wycombe on Sunday. Portchy were 4-1 winners at Rushmoor, a game that BotP was very pleased to be able to watch live. Bournemouth's defeat opened the door Ascot to regain top spot in the Premier League with their 2-1 defeat of Eastleigh. Long Crendon had a great win at Penn & Tylers Green to stay clear at the top in the North. Havant's defeat of Woking retained their five point gap in the South.
​Oh, and my daughter had an assist and scored on her debut for her new youth team (I had to add that in. Proud Dad :-))

​Ascot United 2-1 Eastleigh
The Yellawomen returned to the top of the table with this win, but they were made to battle all the way by a determined Spitfires team. After a goalless first half, Eastleigh took the lead just past the hour mark through Siena Millen. However, Ascot recovered from the setback and two goals in five minutes, the first from player of the match Katie Vince and the second from captain Philippa Holden, earned the three points. Best wishes to Ascot player Ailsa Sheppard, who was carried off in the second half. Fingers crossed it's not too serious. You can read all about it on the Ascot United website.

Badshot Lea 0-4 Woodley United
Woodley continued heaping the misery on The Baggies as they scored twice in each half to cruise to three points. May Hamblin gave the visitors the lead inside the first 10 minutes before adding her second eight minutes before the break. Just past the hour mark top-scorer Sarah Lawrence added another to her tally before Sajunae Turner rounded off the scoring in the 83rd minute. Read the match report on the Woodley United site.

Warminster Town P-P Oxford City
Waterlogged pitch

Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Bournemouth Sports
A spirited response from Wycombe after conceding to an early Kitty Norman goal. Giulia Livi had them back on level terms after 13 minutes, cutting in from the right to fire over the keeper. It stayed that way until the 75th minute when Jessica Poulter was on hand to score her first senior goal and give the Chairgirls all three points.
Giulia Livi's goal - 
Jessica Poulter's goal

​Chesham United Development 4-0 Caversham United
Having won for the first time last week, it was back to Earth with a bump for The Goats on Sunday. Chesham did the real damage in the first half, Chloe Timms set them on the road after 23 minutes. An unfortunate own goal doubled the lead before Katie West scored from the spot just before the break to give the home team a three goal cushion. Emma Nolan then added a third just before the hour mark. The win puts Chesham level on points with Penn & Tylers Green with a game in hand.

Eversley & California P-P Ascot United Reserves

Kidlington Youth 4-1 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Four goal Courtney Sumner maintained Kidlington's pressure on Long Crendon at the top of the table. The Green's top scorer had them one up at the break and followed that up with a second-half hat-trick to seal the points. Wycombe's misery was compounded on 70 minutes when Neve Mulrooney saw red. They did, however, manage an added time consolation goal through Elena Mitchell.

Milton United 0-3 Abingdon United Development
Two weeks after being beaten 4-1 at home by Milton, Abingdon gained some revenge with an excellent 3-0 victory at The Heights. Mimi Hodges was back on the scoring trail, notching two goals. Georgia Taylor stepped up off the bench to score the other goal. A much needed victory for Abingdon after suffering four straight league defeats. A setback for Milton who had started to mount a run of form that could have seen them challenging near the top.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-2 Long Crendon
Penn fell to their second consecutive 2-1 league defeat, despite top scorer Henna Hussain getting back amongst the goals for the first time since mid-January. Tara Woodward and Amber Catell scored for Long Crendon who maintained their three point lead at the top with two games in hand on second-placed Kidlington.

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves 4-1 Fleet Town
Fleet caught their hosts napping in the first minute. Dorothy Lillian Usher scoring to give the bottom side the lead. However, Sports recovered and were 3-1 ahead before the break. Ayuma Asira led the way with two goals. Emily Salusbury and Caitlin Mooney were the other two Sports players on the scoresheet.

Havant & Waterlooville 3-0 Woking
The Cards came into this game on the back of an eight game unbeaten run. However, Tia Hooper after 22 minutes and Emma-Jane May five minutes later, had The Hawks two up before half-time. They then increased their lead on the hour through Emily Wernham. Read the match report on Woking website.

Rushmoor Community 1-4 AFC Portchester
BotP had the pleasure of watching this game first hand. You can read the match report here (Last Team Standing). Three first half goals, two from Lynsey Crewe-Way and one from Aimee Hall-Guy had Portchester three up. It was one-way traffic for much of the game but Rushmoor never gave up the ghost. Crewe-Way completed her hat-trick in the second half before Cristina Paulinho scored a cracking and well-deserved consolation goal. Fingers crossed that Portchester goalkeeper Roxy Roberts makes a swift recovery from the injury that saw her limp off towards the end. Check out some great action shots from Lindsay Hyde (@LindsayHyde1). You may even see a lesser-spotted BotP in the background.

North Hants District FA Cup
Winchester City Flyers 0-0 (5-6p) Andover New Street
There was literally nothing between the teams after 90 minutes. A goalless game saw the match got to a penalty shootout. Andover missed their first spot-kick but then went on to edge out Flyers 6-5. A big result for New Street who currently play in Division Two of the Hampshire League, three divisions below Flyers.

Southampton Divisional FA Cup
AFC Stoneham 1-0 AFC Varsity
The Purps edged through to the semi-final of the cup thanks to a goal from top scorer Chloe Melton.

​Thursday 8th February - ComCoFL Women's Trophy
Penn & Tylers Green v Abingdon United Development
Penn and Abingdon try, once again, to get this tie played. The dynamic of the teams has shifted a little since they were originally scheduled to face off. Penn lost at home to Long Crendon at the weekend whilst Abingdon had a morale-boosting 3-0 win at Milton United. Hopefully, they'll be able to get the tie played this week.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Sunday 11th February
Premier League
Badshot Lea v Oxford City
The only Premier League game of the weekend sees bottom of the league Badshot Lea try again to get that elusive second win of the season. The reverse fixture, back in October, ended 4-0 to The Hoops. Two from Emily Harris and one each from Ellie White and Anna Cook being enough to take all three points. A win for Oxford could see them move into third sport.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Division One North
Beaconsfield Town v Ascot United Reserves
Four points separates Beaconsfield, in ninth, from Ascot one place above them. The Rams will be looking to avenge the 5-0 defeat they suffered at the Racecourse Ground in November. That day they found themselves four adrift at half-time thanks to two from Hannah Sheehan and one each from Millie Bilcliff and Olivia Mansell, who also the hit a fifth goal late on.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Long Crendon v Chesham United Development
Long Crendon have won their last six league outings in a run stretching back to November. Chesham have won their last three in the league, without conceding a goal. This the reverse of the opening day of the season when Crendon went to Chesham and won 5-3 with Eleanor Lovelock and Michelle Bailey both scoring two goals. A win would put Long Crendon six points clear with a game in hand on Kidlngton.
Long Crendon Recreation Ground, Chearsley Road, Long Crendon HP18 9BS

Chairman's Cup
Eversley & California v Milton United
No game for Eversley last weekend, following the first win of the season the previous Sunday. Milton will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing at home to Abingdon on Sunday, just 2 weeks after beating the same opponents 4-1 on their own turf. Their only previous meeting this season was awarded as a walkover to Milton.
ESA, Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS

Fleet Town v Abbey Rangers
Two sides who will be happy to get away from the league for a weekend. Abbey last won a league outing back in November when they won 5-3 at, you've guessed it, Fleet Town. The home side are yet to experience a league win tis season. However, they did beat Rushmoor 2-1 in the North Hants Cup semi-final a couple of weeks ago. Abbey also won their other league meeting this season, 2-1 at Addlestone Moor.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Woking v Caversham United
The Cards lost their long unbeaten run at the weekend, going down 3-0 at Havant & Waterlooville. Caversham also lost after winning for the first time the previous weekend. This is a tough ask for The Goats. Woking have scored 20 goals in six home games this season and, in Helen Ogle, have a striker who has found the net 11 times in 12 games. Caversham's record on the road indicates a home win but it's cup football and we all know that predictions can sometimes go out of the window.
Woking College, Rydens Way, GU22 9DL

League Cup
AFC Stoneham v AFC Portchester
The two top scoring sides in the South go head to head in the League Cup. Stoneham rarely concede at home, just twice in four games. However, they are up against a high-scoring forward-line that have already put eight past the Purps in a league game. Both Eilidh Currie and Charmaine True scored hat-tricks that September afternoon. Of course, Stoneham can boast the league's top scorer, Chloe Melton, who made it 23 in 15 appearances with her goal at the weekend.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Ascot United v Woodley United
Both sides had much needed league wins at the weekend. Woodley's victory at Badshot Lea was their first three-pointer since November. Ascot's come from behind defeat of Eastleigh pushed them back to the top of the table. The sides have met at The Racecourse in the league already. Ascot won that on 4-1 with captain Philippa Holden scoring twice. Both sides finished the game with ten players after Isabel Woods for Ascot and Gemma Sims for Woodley received second yellow cards.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Bournemouth Sports v Wycombe Wanderers
An interesting match-up. Sports lost top spot and their unbeaten record, with defeat at Wycombe at the weekend. They have an immediate opportunity to exact some revenge for that defat as they welcome the Chairgirls to Hurn Way. The league meeting in Bournemouth saw the home side triumph by 3-1 with Becky Miles, Liane Folkenstern and an own goal. Emma Newberry's screamer was not enough for the visitors.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Havant & Waterlooville v Rushmoor Community
Another tough test for Rushmoor, in a season of tough tests. Injuries and absences led to the league meeting between the sides being handed to The Hawks. The league leaders will go into the game as big favourites. However, judging by the way Rushmoor battled on Sunday, Havant can expect to have to work hard. Aside from the County Cup defeat at home to Southampton, Havant have not lost since their November reversal at Portchester. A formidable record.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

Wiltshire FA Women's Cup
Warminster Town v Swindon Town
A crushing 13-0 win at Swindon Supermarine and a win at Chippenham in an abandoned game, they were leading comfortably , set up this fixture for Warminster. Their reward is a chance to pitch their wits against a National League side from a division above them. Swindon currently sit third in Division One South West and progressed to this round with even more impressive credentials. In Annabelle Colston they have a very serious goal threat, 26 in 18 games so far this season.
The Pavilion, Green Lan, Devizes, SN10 5EP

Amongst my women's' football to-do list, a visit to Rushmoor Community FC and watching AFC Portchester first-hand had been sitting there all season. This weekend I had the opportunity to tick off both of these as Rushmoor played host to Portchester in a Southern Region Division One South clash. Despite both sides coming up through the Hampshire League system, they appear to have avoided each other in the league. This was also their first meeting in the Southern Region League, Rushmoor having been promoted from the Hampshire League at the end of the 2021-22 season and Portchester joining them this season. So far their season have panned out very differently. Portchester were coming into the game on an unbeaten league run, having won six and drawn one of their seven games so far. Rushmoor, having played eleven games, had managed two wins. So, it was second bottom versus second top.
I arrived to find the teams warming up and immediately noticed that Rushmoor were down to the minimum with just eleven players. They did, however, have another player come along later allowing to make one substitute in the second half. Thanks to Portchester manager Mark Dugan for letting me take a photo of their team sheet as he made his way back over to the pitch. They too had made a couple of changes, with top scorer and captain Eilidh Currie starting the game in the heart of the defence.

​A confident and full-strength Portchester side against a Rushmoor side who had lost 11-1 last week, had no substitutes at kick-off and had called up a couple of reserve team players for the day. It was no surprise that, straight from kick-off, Portchester were on the front foot. Within 2 minutes El Williams had got the first shot off in anger. It was easily fielded by Rushmoor keeper Kim Marshall, but signalled the way the match was going to pan out. Charmaine True was the next to try her luck, firing one in from way out which the keeper was happy to watch drift wide of the post. Portchy appeared to have a shoot on sight policy and were getting plenty of opportunities. The entire first 10 minutes was played in the Rushmoor half, but it remained goalless.
On the quarter-hour Sara Hinton was the next to sting the palms of the keeper, but still there was no way through. That was until the 21st minute when the visitors finally broke the deadlock. Hinton perfectly cushioned a ball back into the path of Lynsey Crewe-Way who struck a beautiful effort over Marshall into the top corner from all of 25 yards. 0-1.
Sara Hinton hen struck another effort wide of the mark. It was all one-way traffic but the home side were defending resolutely and really making Portchester work for their chances. Of course, no sooner had I posted this comment on X, the defence made their first skip-up of the day, allowing Portchester to win the ball back inside their own penalty and presenting Aimee Hall-Guy with a relatively simple tap-in. 0-2
To their credit Rushmoor still weren't in the mood to collapse. In fact, with half an hour gone, the lively and dangerous Emma Mutch finally gave Roxy Roberts something to do. It was a long range effort but it was on target even if it didn't really trouble the keeper. 
Normal service was quickly resumed with Portchester back inside the hosts half and looking for number three. It took a little while to arrive, but inevitably it did in the 42nd minute. Eilidh Currie's deep corner from the right was met at he far post by a volleyed finish from Crewe-Way. her second and Portchy's third. 0-3.
After all of that, the final piece of action of the first half came from Rushmoor. Again it was Emma Mutch who provided it, bursting away from inside her own half before forcing another good stop from Roberts.

HT Rushmoor 0 AFC Portchester 3. Comfortable for Portchester, who have spent the majority of the half camped in the final third of the Rushmoor end. However, the home side should be very proud of their defensive efforts. Many teams would have crumbled under the constant barrage of attacks that Portchester launched. 

​It was business as usual a minute into the second half when Sara Hinton struck another effort just wide of the mark and, although the bombardment of the home goal wasn't as intense, the team in orange were still having the majority of the play. Charmaine True struck another effort narrowly past the post before, in the 55th minute, Portchy struck again. It was almost a carbon copy of the third goal. Another Eilidh Currie corner from the right met, once again, at the far post by Crewe-Way to complete her hat-trick. 0-4
Two more Portchester efforts came close around the hour mark. First El Williams brought a good block from the Rushmoor keeper then, a few minutes later, Charmaine True flashed in great effort that clattered into the side-netting.
Efforts on target then dried up a little. The game was already won as far as Portchester were concerned. Even  change of formation, pushing their Eilidh Currie back into a more normal midfield role, failed to spark any further goals. The captain did get a good effort off on 78 minutes, but it whistled wide of the keeper's left-hand post.
With 8 minutes remaining Rushmoor scored a well-deserved consolation goal and what a delightful strike it was too. Top scorer Mutch turned provider, lofting a lovely ball down the left to Cristina Paulinho who let the ball bounce before volleying a superb strike past Roxy Roberts. 1-4. Unfortunately, Roberts stayed down after the goal, clearly in some distress. She was replaced between the sticks by captain Currie for the final 10 minutes, and was able to limp back to the changing rooms. Best wishes to her. Let's hope it's not a serious injury.
The remainder of the game was played out without too much incident. Neither team was able to add to the score line.

FT Rushmoor 1 AFC Portchester 4. Portchester retain their unbeaten league record but were made to work by a resolute Rushmoor side. They are now the only unbeaten team in all three Southern Region Divisions after Bournemouth Sports lost their record with a 2-1 defeat at Wycombe. Interestingly, there were five goals scored and neither team managed to get their leading scorers on the board. Next week is League Cup weekend. Portchester travel to Stoneham Lane in what looks to be a fascinating tie. Rushmoor make the journey South to Westleigh Park as they face league leaders Havant & Waterlooville.
​Thanks to Rushmoor's Lisa Cooper for sharing their team sheet with me.

Rushmoor: 1.Marshall, 7.Boyd(c), 2.Bennett, 8.Elkins, 22.Kinsella, 12.Crane, 10.Feighery, 21.Washington, 23.Paulino, 6.Cooper, 33.Mutch. Sub: 17.Parker

AFC Portchester: 1.Roberts, 3.Hinton, 4.Jennings, 6.Marshall, 7.Crowe-Way, 9.Taylor, 10. E.Williams, 11.True, 12.Hall-Way, 20.Bavister, 21.Currie(c). Subs: Niven, S.Williams, Hooker, Simpson, Bradbury

The Ground
Rushmoor Community Football Club is based at Southwood Pavilion, just to the West of Farnborough town centre and a stone's throw from Farnborough Airport. There's a good-sized car park adjacent to the pavilion. However, please note that this is a thriving football club that has many teams. The car park rapidly fills up and, judging by the cones, parking in the surrounding streets is limited. There is further parking available at Southwood Country Club, which is little more than 5 minutes walk.
There are numerous pitches most of which have different coloured marking so that they can be configured for anything from  small-sided to adult football. The game I was watching was being played on the furthest pitch from the pavilion, towards the country park end of the ground. There's no spectator cover available around any of the pitches. However, the area seems pretty flat and the pitches looked to be in good condition.

Things I learned from my visit:

• Rushmoor is a busy and thriving community club. It was a joy to see the number of players, male and female, of all age groups, clearly enjoying their football.
• Rushmoor's team spirit is second to none. Despite having a bare bones squad and being up against a constant barrage from a top team, they never let their heads drop and played the game in the right spirit. An absolute credit to the club.
• Portchester Ladies are a very good team who, in my option, will not look out of place in the Premier League, should they gain promotion. They are strong across the entire pitch and have a depth to their squad which means they can bring on equally strong players at any point.
• Eilidh Currie is one of the most complete footballers I have seen. Comfortable on the ball, seemingly carrying 5 yards of space around with her, and capable of playing anywhere on the pitch, including in goal.

Ground Number: 395
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​It's been something of a slow start to 2024 for me. This Tuesday, the last of January, was only my third outing of the year. With a few games to choose from, I finally decided on a local game, the United Counties Premier South clash between Easington Sports and Daventry Town.
Sports started the day in 15th spot, clear of the drop zone but, with a few games in hand on many above them, looking to move into the top half with a few wins. Daventry, meanwhile, came into the game just six points outside the play-off spots. The reverse fixture, back in September, had been a rollercoaster affair. Easington led 1-0 at the break, Daventry then went 2-1 up before Easington equalised, only to concede a 98th minute winner from Nabil Shariff. Coincidentally, my first game of this season was Daventry's trip to Wellingborough Town, a game they lost 2-1 as well as being reduced to nine players just before the end (Paddy's Piledriver Sinks Double Red Daventry). Today's Daventry side bore little resemblance to the team that took the field at the Dog and Duck in August, in fact there appeared to only be two names on the team sheet that were in the squad on that opening day. In contrast, Easington were celebrating a couple of appearance landmarks prior to kick-off. Joe Eyre became the club's joint leading appearance holder (alongside Joe Rose), his 220th game in red & white. Striker Luke Swann was making his 150th appearance for the club. An impressive total for a 21-year old. Congratulations to both Joe and Luke.

​The game got off to a fast-paced but cagey start as both sides looked to settle into a rhythm. Consequently, there were no goals attempts within the opening 10 minutes. The first sight of goal came to Daventry when Connor Furlong's snapshot was deflected over the bar for a corner. Although Easington forced a corner of their own around six minutes later, it was the visitors who appeared to be making the greater inroads. Around the midpoint of the first half Daventry began to generate a few more half-chances. Nabil Shariff had a shot well blocked by a defender as too did Pradeep Singh Bahrey. Following a corner from the right a bit of pinball in the box culminated in Kye Little seeing his goal bound effort scrambled away. Daventry were certainly looking the more likely to score at this point, but neither keeper had yet had to earn their corn.
Of course, when a team is beginning to get on top they can sometimes get caught out at the back and that's exactly what happened on 27 minutes. A long clearance from Myatt was flicked on by Howards into the path of Josh Wynne who slid the ball under Tom Carter. 1-0
The goal changed the complexion of the game. Sports now looked the more confident and were in search of a second goal. They came close to it after 36 minutes when Callum Convey's free-kick took a large deflection, looping over everyone but dropping narrowly wide of the far post. From the resulting corner, the ball clipped the top of the Daventry bar before being cleared.
Having steadied their ship after conceding, Daventry began to push for an equaliser towards the end of the half. One dangerous delivery into the box was bravely dealt with by Myatt, flying off his line to punch clear and colliding with Little into the bargain. Both players took a knock but were soon back up and ok to continue. Then, in the lats minute of normal time, a moment of some controversy when Daventry had what, to me, looked a nailed on penalty denied. The tackle came in from behind the attacker and there didn't appear to be any contact with the ball. However, the referee waved paly on and the assistant, who was closer than me, didn't flag. The Daventry players and bench were not happy, and you could see why. As they left the pitch for the break, Daventry's coach made his feelings clear to the referee and one or two Easington players. 

HT Easington Sports 1 Daventry Town 0. After an initial period of sparring, Daventry looked to be getting on top but were caught by a route one goal. That changed the game and gave Sports the upper hand. However, Daventry should have had a penalty right at the death. All set up for an interesting second half.

​Daventry began the second period on the front foot. Five minutes in, Jamie Fulton got a shot off from the edge of the box. It was never troubling Myatt, but it clearly showed the visitor's intentions. They did, however, have to be mindful of being caught out again. Shortly after Fulton's effort a superb covering tackle from Oran Jackson broke up a threatening Clan break. Undeterred, Daventry went back on the offensive. Furlong did well, breaking down the right before chopping back inside onto his left foot and firing narrowly wide of the mark. The visitors were again asserting themselves on the game but, just as in the first half, they were then caught on the break. Easington attacked up the right. A low ball was delivered into the box and there was Leam Howards to make no mistake with a right-footed finish. 2-0.
That was the 54th minute. On the stroke of the hour, Daventry were back in it, and what a lovely goal it was too. Connor Furlong, who had looked a treat all game, curled a stunner into the top corner, giving Myatt no chance. 2-1.
Daventry were now the team in the ascendancy and had a golden opportunity to level it just a mionutes later when a cross from the right was met first time by Sharifff, only for his drive to whistle just past the post when he probably shoudl have hit the target.
Shortly afterwards, with the match descending into a stop/start affair and frustration rising for the visiotrs, Daventry had another penalty shout. Thsi time I did not have a clear view of the incident, but certainly the Daventry team and bench were convinced, as too were a group of Easington supporters nearby. The referee was now struglging to keep control over the game. Theer were a number of incidents happening all over the pitch as Easington slowed the game down at every opportunity, adding to the frustrations of the Daventry players.
After the final whistle there were handshakes all round and it seemed that the edginess of the second half had dissipated. However, it suddenly got a bit heated in the middle and the referee issued at least one red card, seemingly aimed at the Daventry coach and possibly a hangover from the first half dispute.

FT Easington Sports 2 Daventry Town 1. A good win for Easington but a little harsh on Daventry, who should definitely have had one penalty, maybe even two. On the balance of play, a draw would have been a fairer result. However, take nothing from Easington. After Daventry pulled a goal back, the home side managed the game really well. Slowing it down at every opportunity, defending resolutely and generally frustrating their opponents. Easington move up a place in the table. Daventry remain six points outside the playoffs but have now played two more than Aylestone Park, who occupy the all important fifth place. They have an opportunity to close the gap again on Saturday when they welcome bottom side Leicester Nirvana to Elderstubbs. Daventry won the reverse fixture 3-0. Easington, meanwhile, make the trek East to face 17th placed Godmanchester Rovers, who they have already beaten 5-0 earlier in the season.

Easington Sports: Myatt, Watkin, Humphreys, Barton(c), Kinch, Swann, Convey, Wynne, Champkins, Watts, Howards. Subs: Eyre, White, Doak, Fuller, Mercer
Daventry Town: Carter, Magagada, Singh Bahrey, Brown, Jackson, Dallas, Fulton, Lashley, Little, Shariff, Furlong. Subs: Masumbuko, Childs, Reeves, McIlvaney, Cerga

The Ground
It's been over six years since I last visited Addison Road. That day they also won 2-1, beating Headington Amateurs in a Division One West clash (Clan Edge Out A's). From what I can see, not that much has changed in the intervening years. Parking at the ground is very limited. However, there is plenty of space available at the adjacent Blessed George Napier School, with marshalls directing traffic to parking areas. It's only a 2 minute walk to the turnstile from the school car park. Entering through the turnstile you find yourself behind one of the goals. Immediately to your left is the clubhouse, snack bar and, further down, players and officials changing block. To your right there is a covered single step terrace (this may not have been there 6 years ago). On the right-hand side of the ground there is a covered seating stand and the dugouts. The opposite side is hard-standing with no spectator cover. The far end of the ground is not accessible to spectators. The pitch has a slight slope from the clubhouse end towards the opposite goal.


Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 153
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A