​Having already watched the first Bedfordshire Senior Trophy semi-final between Caldecote and AFC Oakley, I decided it was only right that I paid a visit to the second semi-final on Tuesday evening. Tier 6 Stotfold Reserves, the highest ranked side left in the competition, were taking on Bedfordshire County League Premier side, Queens Park Crescents. Both teams are currently in mid-table of their respective leagues
Both mid-table in their respective leagues, so could afford to devote some efforts toward the promise of some silverware.
Stotfold Reserves had made it to the semi-final by means of a 1st Round 3-1 defeat of Riseley Sports, another Bedfordshire County Premier side. In round two they were up against another team from that league, Biggleswade United Reserves. This ended 2-2 with The Eagles going through 3-1 on penalties. The quarter-final was at home to fellow Spartan League side, Ampthill Town, which Stotfold won 4-1.
QPC received a first round bye but then went on to beat Spartan Division One side Langford 2-0 in the second round. The quarter final was against current Bedfordshire County Premier League leaders, Marston Shelton Rovers. Crescents came through with a 4-2 score line.

Stotfold made a quick start to the game. Strike Bobby Wilcock looked very lively, leading the line well and giving the Queens Park defenders plenty to think about. As early as the 6th minute only a last-ditch and brave defensive block prevented Wilcock from opening the scoring with a powerful shot from inside the 6-yard box. 
The visitors responded in kind to the early pressure. An excellent run from Hassan Yousaf, bursting rom the centre of the park to overlap on the right, was found with a slide-rule pass. Yousaf's touch put the ball slightly too far ahead as he drove into the box, allowing The Eagles keeper Louis O'Neill to rush out. Yousaf managed to poke at the ball, putting it into the side-netting as his momentum carried him into the keeper. Both players were up after a short stoppage.
Crescents had displayed that they were capable of causing problems, but after 14 minutes they found themselves a goal down. Bobby Wilcock, with some nifty close control, weaved into the box and was brought crashing to the ground by a stray defensive boot. No doubt it was a penalty but great credit to Wilcock, a wily character who was fully aware that he was going to get some contact. Clever forward play. The striker picked himself up to take the spot-kick, sending Amaan Hussain the wrong way. 1-0
The home side were beginning to dominate the play at this point and it felt as if another goal may be on the cards. However, Queens Park dug in and, despite not threatening the home goal too much, they did prevent The Eagles from getting any meaningful chances on target.
With 35 minutes on the clock I posted that Stotfold were on top but couldn't find a second goal. Of course, no more than a minute later, they scored. Billy Little produced the perfect cross from the left, curling the ball into the six-yard box where Bobby Wilcock met it, flying in to volley into the corner of the net. 2-0
Once again, Crescents tried to respond. With 3 minutes of the half remaining Haseeb Fariad let fly with a rasping 25-yard free-kick that wasn't too far wide of O'Neil's post.

HT Stotfold Reserves 2 Queens Park Crescents 0. There was no doubt that Stotfold had the better of the half. They'd dominated possession and probably would have liked to have already put the game beyond the reach of their opponents. Queens Park had been restricted to long-range efforts in the main.
​

​It wasn't too long into the second half before it became apparent that Queens Park were determined to give it a real go. They were noticeably quicker to the ball, snappier in the tackle and generally more on the front foot than in the first half. They were starting to get under the skin of the Stotfold team but still couldn't find a way to beat O'Neil.
In fact, just past the hour, it was Stotfold who had a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt. Charlie Scott was put through with a clear run on goal. However, he hadn't bargained on Hussain, who was off his line quickly to make a very good block. Excellent goalkeeping, something that was going to be a theme in the last 20 minutes or so of the game. On 68 minutes Hussain was at it again. This time going full length to get fingertips to a Billy Little drive that was heading for the bottom corner.
This half, however, The Eagles weren't able to dominate play as the had in the first and, five minutes later, Crescents came within a whisker of getting a goal back when Fariad smashed another long-range free-kick agonisingly past the post. Each effort was getting closer to the target. Stotfold really needed to ensure they didn't give the number 11 another chance.
Back up the other end as we approached the final minute of the game, Hussain displayed his goalkeeping prowess again, not once but twice in the space of 10 seconds. On both occasion preventing Wilcock from claiming a hat-trick. The first stop, from a close range header, was very good. The second, diving full-length to his left, was superb.

FT Stotfold Reserves 2 Queens Park Crescents 0. Over the 90 minutes, a deserved victory for The Eagles who were dominant and a little too street-wide for Queens Park in the first half. However, great credit to Queens Park who showed a great deal of spirit and fight, especially in the second half. They made Stotfold work very hard for the win and, as a neutral, I would have loved them to have got a goal, especially as they had a fairly large following in the stadium. An impressive turnout for a Step 7 team away from home on a cold Tuesday night.
Stotfold will now face Caldecote AFC in the final.
If you want to catch either team in action this weekend, you can. Stotfold travel to Kiln Park to take on third from bottom Raunds Town. It's their first meeting this season. Meanwhile, Queens Park Crescents are back at home as Biggleswade Reserves pay a visit to Allen Park. The revere fixture ended 2-2 in a game that saw five yellow cards and a red for QP goalie Amaan Hussain.

Stotfold Reserves: O'Neil, Long, Hector, Bedford, Brown, Buckley(c), Haynes, Little, Wilcock, Mallett, Scott. Subs: Cane, Hope, Smith, Mullins, Brookes
Queens Park Crescents: 1.Hussain, Ali, 11.H.Fariad, Abbass, M.Rakhman, Mehmood, A.Rakhman, Sattar, F.Fariad, 2.Yousaf, Omar. Subs: Aqeeb, Shezad, 10.Boxall, Yambuya, Sharafuddin

The Ground
Stotfold FC moved to the New Roker Park in February 2020. Situated just outside Stotfold on Arlesey Road, it's a purpose built facility with a large car park directly in front of the stadium. There's a deep walkway all around the pitch, giving the feeling of ample room around the ground. At the car park end, o to the right is a large clubhouse building that also houses the changing facilities. There is also a patio area with tables outside the clubhouse. There are two stands. On the clubhouse side, straddling halfway is a covered seating stand. Opposite this, flanked by the dugouts, there is also a small covered terrace. As expected with a relatively new, purpose-built stadium, the pitch has no slope and looked to be in pretty good condition, especially considering the wet winter we have had. You can see a few snaps of the build from the club website.

Ground Number: 439
Att: 
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: N/A

Last weekend's League Cup quarter-final games pretty much all went with the form book. All three Premier League versus Division One clashes went the way of the higher-ranked side and the all Premier clash ended in a home win. Meanwhile, Premier League story of the day was at Wrecclesham where Badshot Lea battled hard to hold high-flying Oxford City to a 3-3 draw. In the North a depleted Caversham squad lost at home again, leaving them with a mountain to climb. They will be relying on their nickname more than ever now. In the South both games ended in 4-0 away wins for Stoneham and Bursledon (Dons Dorset Downpour Delight)

​Badshot Lea 3-3 Oxford City
Considering the season they have been having, this has to go down as an excellent battling point for The Baggies. City's goals came from Ellie White, Lucy White and Billie Bough-French. Shellie Irvine had scored for The Baggies to send the sides in level at 1-1 after 45 minutes. Rebecca Munro grabbed the second after 55 minutes and a last minute Gemma Luke goal secured a point. Read the Oxford City match report.

Woodley United P-P Reading

​Caversham United 0-5 Milton United
Another bad day at the office for Caversham. With a squad depleted by injuries, they were put to the sword by Milton United. To make matters worse, relegation rivals Chesham United Development ground out a draw at Slough Town, leaving the Goats three points adrift at the bottom and, with their goal difference, this is more like four points. Milton goals came from April England, Jessica Excell, Megan Fillary, Lauren Gunzkofer and Kira Ranxha.

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Abingdon United Development
 
Slough Town 0-0 Chesham United Development
A huge defensive effort from Chesham who only had 10 available players, but managed to grind out a 0-0 draw at Slough. The heat map in this link tells the story. Although the point was more useful to Chesham's survival hopes than to Town, a 19-point haul already for The Rebels is a decent return in this league.

Tilehurst Panthers P-P Kidlington Youth

​AFC Varsity 0-4 AFC Stoneham
Captain Mia Flood added two more goals to her season tally. Lucy Bicknell and PotM Meredith Pake, scoring for the second week running, added Stoneham's other two goals. The Purps now have a five point lead at the top of the table but have played two more than second placed Havant & Waterlooville. Third placed Fleet, 9 points adrift, have six games in hand on the leaders.

Wimborne Town 0-4 Bursledon
The Dons took control on a wet a windy afternoon in Dorset. They led 1-0 at the break thanks to an early goal from Zoe Bache. They increased their lead in the first minute of the second half when Grace Smith slotted home. Poppie Weekes then added two more to seal the victory. Read the full match blog ion the BotP web site (Dons Dorset Downpour Delight)

​AFC Portchester 3-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Two goals from April Hill and another from Sam Jennings helped Portchy dump league rivals Wycombe out of the League Cup. Wycombe's Ashleigh Harte had squared things up at 1-1 before half-time, but the home side pushed on to reach the semi-finals.

Ascot United 6-0 Havant & Waterlooville
The Yellawomen cruised through to the semi-finals of the League Cup with a comprehensive victory over Havant. Ascot scored four times in just over half an hour, to effectively put the game to bed. Kate Fox opened the scoring after 5 minutes before Leah Littlechild, Erin Huntley and Beth Lloyd gave them the four goal cushion with only 31 minutes on the clock. Leah Littlechild then completed her hat-trick with goals in the 63rd and 78th minutes. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site.

Sholing 4-0 Fleet Town
The Boatwomen successfully negotiated what could easily have been a League Cup banana skin, scoring four goals in the first half to see off the challenge of a strong Fleet side. Siena Millen scored for the third consecutive game, bagging herself a 26-minute hat-trick. Emily Serridge then added the fourth with 8 minutes of the first-half still remaining. The second half was goalless, but the damage had already been done.

Winchester City Flyers 5-0 Beaconsfield Town
It took Premier League Flyers 36 minutes to break the Division One North side's resistance, with Kayleigh Tonks finally making the breakthrough. Two goals in seven crucial second-half minutes then put the game out of reach for The Rams. Libby Wilkinson and Sharna Capel Watson scoring. Annie Northwood came off the bench to add a fourth in the 88th minute before Wilkinson grabbed her second goal in the final minute.

​AFC Portchester v Wycombe Wanderers
Take two. After Portchy put Wycombe out of the League Cup on Sunday, The Chairgirls make the long journey South again this weekend. Wycombe currently hold a four point and three league position advantage on their hosts, but Portchester do have two games in hand. A win is a must for both teams as the chasing pack begin to run out of games in which to catch the leaders.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Ascot United v Winchester City Flyers
Still unbeaten in the league and with a 100% hole league record, Ascot are fast closing in on the league title. Flyers have won the last four league games they have played though, and will go into the game with plenty of confidence. However, Ascot won the reverse fixture 4-0., with two goals from Olivia Glover and one each from Beth Lloyd and Chloe Ball.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Selsey v Reading
A massive game at the bottom of the table. After Badshot Lea picked up a point at home to Oxford City at the weekend, lifting themselves off the bottom and above both of these teams, this is a real 6-pointer. A draw would actually take both sides back above The Baggies but a win for either would be a real boost to their survival hopes. Reading won the reverse fixture 2-1 (Points On The Board)
​Seal Bay Stadium, High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QG

​Beaconsfield Town v Ascot United Reserves
The Rams are five points clear of Ascot with a game in hand. Victory in this clash would more or less rule The Yellas out of the running for the title. Penn could still have a say in that, but with so many games to make up, it's going to be tough for them. Beaconsfield won the reverse fixture 2-1 in November, coming from a goal down at half-time.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Kidlington Youth v Chesham United Development
Chesham's draw at Slough on Sunday gave them a three point gap over Caversham at the bottom, although they have played a game more. The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Kidlington back in November. However, that was the last time the Greens have taken maximum points in a league game. Chesham's eight points tis season have all come on their travels.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Slough Town v Milton United
Two sides who are safe from trouble but can't affect things at the top of the table either. It's all about finishing as high as possible and getting a good end to the campaign to use as a base for next season. The teams have already met twice this season, both at Milton Heights. A very early season FA Cup game went in favour of Milton who scored three unanswered second half goals to win 4-1. The reverse league fixture also went the way of the home team, 3-0 on that occasion.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Penn & Tylers Green
A crunch game for Penn & Tylers Green but, then again, aren't they all now. 18 points behind the leaders but with five games in hand and with Beaconsfield yet to visit in the league, they know that they need to keep winning their games in order to keep up the pressure. Wycombe are only 6 points off the top but, with just two games remaining, are not in contention for the title, realistically. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw and featured 5 yellow cards.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Fleet Town v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Sports have lost 9 of their last 10 games and sit bottom of the current form table. It's just as well that they started the campaign in good form, losing just once in the first seven. The teams have met twice already, both games being played in Bournemouth. Fleet returned from their league visit with a 4-0 victory after being held 0-0 at the break. The Senior Cup clash in January also ended in a Fleet victory, 7-2 this time with Lily Martin scoring four of the Town goals.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Havant & Waterlooville v Woking
Woking are up to fourth spot after a decent run of form, winning their last five league games. Havant, currently in second spot, have lost just twice in the league all season and, with two games in hand on Stoneham, could overtake them should they win both. The reverse fixture back in October saw two Laurie Potvin goals secure all three points for The Hawks.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​Abingdon United Development v QK Southampton
A chance for both of these teams to take a break from league action. Abingdon's form has been a little patchy of late, winning three and losing three of their last six matches. Their last two have been postponed, so they haven't played since early February. QK lost last time out, at home to Stoneham (Bees Stung), but have been putting in some much improved performances recently.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

AFC Varsity v Bursledon
The league encounter, at Hatches Farm back in October, yielded three points for the visitors as goals from Kirby Anderson, Sophie Moore and Paris Payne gave The Dons a 3-1 win. With a ten-point gap and three games in hand on QK, Varsity can afford to relax in league terms, allowing them to focus on the cup. Their recent issue has been a lack of goals at home, failing to score in the last two league outings. The Dons had a confidence-boosting 4-0 win at Wimborne last weekend (Dons Dorset Downpour Delight). 
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Badshot Lea v AFC Stoneham
The Baggies produced a fighting performance to grab a vital point at home to Oxford City at the weekend. Wil that be the spark they needed to ignite their season? A visit of high-flying Stoneham will be a test for them. The Purps are currently top of their league and have won six of their last seven games. Despite being the lower ranked team, they will go into this one full of confidence.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Oxford City v Woodley United
This will be the fourth meeting between these two teams this season and, despite Woodley winning the first encounter 2-1 at City in the FA Cup, The Hoops have had the upper hand since. The two league encounters have ended 7-1 and 6-3 in favour of Oxford. They are the two highest ranked teams in the competition, so you'd assume that the winner of this game will take on the mantle of favourites.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Wimborne Town v Tilehurst Panthers
This is an interesting clash. Two newly promoted teams who have performed well in their new divisions. Both have already secured their position for next season. Panthers defeat at Ascot last time out was their first reversal in four, but they have not played since early February now. Wimborne's form has taken a slight dip recently, although they have had a series of difficult away games prior to the defeat at home to Burseldon at the weekend.
​Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

It's afternoons like this Sunday that can make me question my own sanity. A 208 mile round trip, which took over 4 hours in total, and the best part of another two hours standing next to a football pitch, in the pouring rain, with no spectator cover. All to watch a middle of the table, tier 6 football match in the Southern Region League. Madness? Well, maybe. However, now back home in the warm, I have to admit I enjoyed my afternoon out (apart from getting soaked through, that bit wasn't fun). What's more, I got to tick off the second furthest trip for me in this league (Selsey is about 10 miles further each way). 
The game in question was the second meeting this season between Wimborne Town and Bursledon. I had the pleasure of also seeing the first meeting back in September, when both goalkeepers, Jade Kibell for Bursledon and Teagan Barnes for Wimborne, had given great displays in an entertaining 1-1 draw (These Two Are Keepers). Both teams are playing in this division for the first time and both have performed very well, more than holding their own. At the start of play Wimborne sat fifth with 17 points from 13 games, Bursledon a place lower on 16 points from 11 games. Recent form, however, was in favour of the visitors. Wimborne were looking for their first win of 2025 after suffering a little dip in form, although they showed a lot of spirit to come back from 4-1 at Woking last weekend, even if they did eventually lose 4-3. Bursledon came into the game on the back of consecutive league wins, 3-0 at QK Southampton and 5-2 at home to Bournemouth Sports Reserves. Having said all of that, Bursledon were coming into the game with four players, who all had 13+ appearances this season, missing. Amongst those, Issy Pouncey, Kirby Anderson and Parris Payne had contributed 15 goals.
Many thanks to referee Ben Haskett for allowing me to take a photo of the Wimborne team sheet before the game. I managed to piece together the Bursledon team from squad numbers and their Facebook post.

​It was a great start for the visitors. Only seven minutes were on the clock when Nicola Curtis found Grace Smith with a lovely ball in behind the home defence. Smith squared to Zoe Bache who didn't hesitate in slotting the ball past Tegan Barnes. 0-1
The response to going behind was good from Wimborne. Sadie West made a determined run and got a shot off which Jade Kibell did well to hold onto, then Ellie Chaffe hit the side netting with a snapshot. However, Bursledon always looked a threat going forward, especially with the pace they had on the flanks, and, midway through the half, they came very close to doubling their lead. A long ball out of defence evaded everyone, defenders and strikers alike, allowing Zoe Bache to run in behind the last line of defence and strike a low effort that beat Barnes but also narrowly beat the post.
Poppie Weekes had been a constant thorn in the side of the Wimborne back-line. Imogen Rowley and captain Emily Nieman both tried to put the brakes on the flying winger but neither had been particularly successful. Speed and footwork combined had led to a succession of dangerous crosse one which Bache put narrowly wide of the target, then a lovely link-up between Weekes and Grace Smith ended with Smith heading a half-chance just over. Yet another weaving run from Weekes saw her cross found Bache again, but the striker couldn't quite cushion the strike enough to keep it below the bar. Bursledon could easily have been out of sight before the half-hour mark but while it remained 0-1, the home side were still in with a shout.
Bursledon captain Charlet Norman-Tasker, who was pivotal in the visitor's midfield all afternoon, then took it upon herself to try to increase the lead. Stealing the ball back in midfield, she took a pace ford before unleashing a lovely dipping strike that left Barnes helpless as it crashed back off the bar. 

However, it wasn't quite one-way traffic. Ellie Chaffe was buzzing around causing one or two problems at the other end and the Bursledon defence had to be on their guard towards the end of the half, blocking a close range shot that looked to be on target. Wimborne started to get more of the ball as we approached half-time, something for the coaches to focus on during the break.

HT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 1. The majority of chances were created by the visitors but, at only 1-0, would they regret not having pushed home their possession? Wimborne, although on the backfoot for quite some time had willing runners in the shape of Ellie Chaffe and Sadie West. Whilst Wimborne stayed out on the pitch, Bursledon made the long trek back to the changing rooms at half-time as did the spectators, mostly to find some drier and warmer spots before the second 45 minutes.

​Maybe the extra warmth at the break paid off for The Dons because, within a minute of the restart, they had doubled their lead. Zoe Bache's shot was half-blocked but fell invitingly for Grace Smith who made no mistake. 0-2.
It was going to be a long way back for Wimborne now. The timing of the second goal was crucial. Town had improved towards the end of the first  half and must have been wanting a good start to the second period. Burlsedon scoring again so soon must have been a crushing blow.
To be fair though, Chaffe and West continued to chase everything that was played forward. Too often, however, the ball through was either cut out or was slightly overhit, allowing Kibell to come out to collect or clear. You could see the frustration building for West, who made a number of runs from halfway, only to be just beaten to the loose ball every time. Wimborne also added Brooke Suddaby to the mix up front in an attempt to get back into the game.
The weather continued to deteriorate to the point that trying to use the touchscreen on my phone was becoming increasingly difficult with the rain on the screen and wet fingers making it almost impossible to post. That was the reason that, I have to admit, I missed the third goal for Bursledon.  Wimborne had just had an attempt blocked that I was about to post when Bursledon broke away and scored. I looked up just in time to see the ball in the net and Poppie Weekes being congratulated for scoring. 0-3
Once again, Wimborne did try to respond. Ellie Chaffe firing just over with a good effort that had Kibell worried. There was certainly no lack of effort from the Wimborne team but they were really struggling to put a dent into the Bursledon back-line. Then, on 71 minutes, The Dons struck again and I did see this one. Poppie Weekes again, capping off a POTM performance, with a delightful left-footed strike over Barnes. 0-4

It was now just a case of playing out the remaining time. There was no coming back from four down, although Wimborne did have a few good efforts before the referee called a close to proceedings. Kibell was called into action by Suddaby a couple of times, the second of which she saved in a very unconventional, but effective, way. Kicking the ball out for a corner. Ellie Chaffe, who had not given the visitor's defence a lot of rest all game, was also unlucky to see her shot, which had Kibell beaten, come back off the post. It was just one of those days for Wimborne.

FT Wimborne Town 0 Bursledon 4. An excellent three points on the road for Bursledon, who were just better across the whole ,pitch on the day. Wimborne battled away and the front players, West, Chaffe and Suddaby, when she came on, ran and ran. However, the Bursledon defence stood firm and dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
The result sees Bursledon leapfrog Bournemouth into sixth spot, a point adrift of Wimborne with two games in hand.
Next weekend both sides are in Chairman's Cup action. Wimborne take on Division One North side Tilehurst Panthers at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. Bursledon make the short journey to Romsey to face AFC Varsity. The Dons won 3-1 there in the league back in October.

Wimborne Town: 1.T.Barnes, 2.Nieman(c), 5.Campbell, 18.L.Barnes, 14.Rowley, 8.Reeks, 12.Bader, 17.Cole, 7.Chaffe, 9.West, 20.Cheney. Subs: 3.Buck, 10.Bell-Jack, 4.Boyle, 23.Suddaby, 11.Peters
Bursledon (squad): 1.Kibell, 2.Floyd, Pye, 4.Dennis, 11.Holmes, 31.Beeriman, 3.Curtis, 19.Barton, 6.Rahman, 7.Norman-Tasker(c), Sherwood, 5.Gamble, Bache, 15.Smith, Weekes

The Ground
The Wyatt Homes Stadium as it is now known is a purpose-built football complex that was opened in December 2020. The following summer a 3G pitch was also installed next to the main grass stadium pitch, which is where today's game was being played.
There's a large car park directly in front of the main stadium building, which houses the clubhouse (where they sell sweets labelled withe Wimborne Town logo) and the changing facilities. Entrance, which was free today, is through a walkway between the buildings that brings you into the main stadium behind the main stand. Access to the 3G pitch is via a walk around the main stadium.
The 3G pitch only has supporter access along around two-thirds of one side of the pitch. There are dugouts on this side too, but no spectator cover, which was particularly noticeable today on such a wet afternoon. There is a wooden shelter just outside the 3G cage, but it's not easy to see the game from there. From a spectator point of view, it was a shame that we weren't in the main stadium. t would have been much drier and warmer. However, looking at the standing water on the grass pitch at half-time, I doubt the game would have been played on that surface.


Ground Number: 438
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​This Saturday, with my daughter's league suspended for half-term, I was somewhat spoilt for choice when it came to potential fixtures. However, one not too far from home caught my eye. The Bedfordshire Senior Trophy semi-final between two County Premier sides, Caldecote AFC and AFC Oakley. Caldecote won the Premier League last season and made t to them semi-final stage of this competition, before going out to eventual winners Totternhoe. Oakley went out in the second round, losing 1-0 at home to Langford. League-wise this season, Oakley have the upper hand, currently in third spot, nine pints and two places above today's hosts. The teams have already met twice in the league and, once again, Oakley have held sway this season. Early on, at Oakley Rec, they won 3-0 with goals from Bankole, Cammarano and captain Zach Ives. More recently, in mid-December, The Oaks left Caldecote with all three points following a 5-1 victory. Bankole and Cammarano again on the mark, with Chisom Amari scoring twice and Teddy Daniels scoring the other goal.
So, all of the recent history pointed to Oakley being favourites, but this is cup football so league form goes out of the window.
Many thanks to referee Luke Damon who kindly gave me sight of the team sheets before kick-off. As always, much appreciated.

​In front of a decent turnout, it was the visitors who appeared to settle first, with Caldecote looking a little disjointed for the opening five minutes or so. However, they did begin to find their feet, helped along by two early enforced changes for Oakley, who were a side clearly already carrying a few knocks. First of all Teddy Daniels went down and was unable to continue. Then captain Zach Ives also went down clutching his leg. Two early blows for the visitors.
The game was largely disjointed in the opening 20 minutes or so. Not only did Oakley suffer the two injuries, but a Caldecote player was also down for a little while, meaning that the physios had spent a fair bit of time on the pitch.
The home side, however, were beginning to get the upper hand. Their captain Taz Andrews had the first meaningful strike on target after 21 minutes. It was easily gathered by Jack Cunningham in the Oakley goal, but was a signal of intent from the home team. Just before the half hour mark Andrews again hit the target, this time forcing Cunningham to scramble the ball out for a corner.
There was an undercurrent to this game from the first minute. As an neutral, I didn't have too much of an idea of the history between the teams, but it always felt as if it may boil over. An incident in front of the pavilion saw the home players complaining to the referee and resulted visiting striker Jamie Box being the target of plenty of stick from the local supporters. I was too far away to hear what it was all about, but it leant to the feeling that there was no love lost between the teams.
The game remained goalless until the 41st minute when Caldecote finally made their extra possession count. A free-kick way out on the right flank was delivered into a dangerous area near the penalty spot where the  stooping figure of Dan Webb met it with a firm header into the bottom corner. 1-0.
Just before the end of the half the home side should really have been two up. Probably the best passing move of the match so far resulted in Jake Bruce finding himself in a good position on the wdge of the box. As bot keeper and a defender moved to close him down he may have been able to get a shot off but, instead, unselfishly slid the ball sideways to the unmarked Rafe Goodman who then lifted his effort over the bar from 10 yards or so. A golden opportunity squandered.

HT Caldecote AFC 1 AFC Oakley 0. The visitors started well but the two enforced changes seemed to knock their rhythm. Caldecote took advantage of that and began to dominate possession, finally breaking the deadlock toward the end of the half. They should really have gone in two goals to the good. Would they regret missing the second opportunity?

​Oakley began the second half looking much sharper than they had in the first. Their pace increased and they were winning more of the ball. However, try as they might, they were struggling to find a way through to trouble home keeper Giuseppe Follano.
Increasingly being played in the midfield area, neither side managed to get any serious efforts on target for the first 15 minutes or so of the second half. When they finally did, it was home captain Taz Andrews who again tried his luck, fizzing a shot just wide of the post from 25 yards. Bruce then missed a good chance when a lofted ball found him unmarked at the far post. However, with no pace on the cross, he needed to generate some power himself which caused him to head into the side netting.
A big feature of this half was also the number of times that Caldecote were getting caught offside. I counted at least six before the midway point of the half. However, with 19 minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Josh Roberts took it upon himself to settle matters. Outmuscling his marker, he broke into the box before lifting the ball over the advancing Cunningham. 2-0 and a long way back for the visitors nw.
There was, however, still time for more shenanigans on the pitch. Once again, I was on the opposite side, so didn't get to hear what was going on. However, after the ball went out of play in front of the Oakley bench, there was some kind of fracas involving at least one Caldecote player and the visitors bench. A few other players got involved and the referee ran over to try to calm the situation. Having seemingly done so, with players starting to move away, the referee then called over Jake Bruce and produced a card, sending the striker to the sin-bin, presumably for dissent.
This gave Oakley a man advantage for the majority of the remaining time but, despite forcing the home side back a little and winning a couple of free-kicks in dangerous spots, they were still unable to cause Follano any real trouble.

FT Caldecote AFC 2 AFC Oakley 0. On balance of the 90 minutes, a deserved victory for Caldecote. Oakley never gave up but, on the day, they just didn't have enough to cause too many problems for the home defence. Two well taken goals from Caldecote did for Oakley's resistance and they will now face the winner of Stotfold Reserves v Queens Park Crescents, which will be played on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile Caldecote have another semi-final next Saturday when Riseley Sports are the visitors in the Britannia Cup. Oakley have a week off, hopefully time to reduce their injury list, before they travel to Elstow Abbey on the 8th of March. The same day, Caldecote are at home to second placed Wootton Blue Cross. 


Caldecote AFC: 1.Follano, 2.Davis, 13.Bunday, 5.Richardson, 4.Webb, 8.H.Roberts, 6.Faulkner, 10.Andrews(c), 11.Evans, 7.Bruce, 17.Goodman. Subs: 3.Jones, 9.Tubridy, 14.J.Roberts, 15.Tyler
AFC Oakley: 1.Cunningham, 15.Smith, 4.Ives(c), 3.Hammond, 5.Cammarano, 6.McLean, 18.Chinn, 11.Box, 10.Daniels, 8.Aulsberry, 17. Bankole. Subs: 14.Harding, 19.Bangala, 7.Cox, 2.Mensah, 1.Hamilton

The Ground
Caldecote AFC play their home games at Caldecote Playing Fields on the outskirts of Upper Caldecote on the road leading out to Lower Caldecote. The village is around 8 miles East of Bedford and just 2 miles North of Biggleswade. The playing fields are situated at the end of Harvey Close which leads of Biggleswade Road. There are two car parks, one either side of The Peter Maudlin Pavilion, which serves as the clubhouse and bar. There are two full size pitches, the main one directly outside the pavilion and a second one to the right as you enter the field, behind the block that is used for changing facilities. There are also tennis courts, a cricket square and children's play areas. The main pitch, where the first team play, is sideways on to the pavilion. The majority of spectators congregate there as there are some benches and a little cover from the elements. There is no other spectator cover around the pith. The playing surface looked in pretty good condition and is more or less flat. There are no dugouts, although Caldecote did have a multi-seat portable bench. There was a decent crowd there for this game, although it was a semi-final, so maybe that boosted the numbers?

Ground Number: 437
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Since my daughter's training night moved I've not had many chances to venture out to games on Wednesday evenings. However, with half-term in full flow and training suspended, this was a perfect opportunity. The game that caught my eye was a Bedworth Nursing Cup semi-final between Kenilworth Wardens and Coventry Phoenix. A competition that I knew nothing about, plus two teams that I'd not seen play before. The game was to be played at Kenilworth Sporting's ground which I had been to before, over four years previously (Romans March On).
I tried to do some research on both the competition and the clubs but struggled to find much social media on any of them. The Nursing Cup, I do know, has been around a long time and was won last season by Bedworth United Reserves. Wardens last won the trophy in 2022 when they beat RS Sports at The Oval (Bedworth, not Kensington) in the final. They have won the trophy on multiple occasions previously to this, but I wasn't able to find out a lot of detail.
Not even Copilot could get me any reliable information about the previous winners of the trophy.
However, what I did know was that this evening's winners would be set to face the winner of the second semi-final (to be played on Feb 26th), between Brinklow and Shilton.
Phoenix got to this stage by means of a bye followed by a 2-0 defeat of Claverdon. Then, in the quarter-final, they put out Glades 3-2. Wardens also received a bye in the first round. They then beat Polesworth 2-0 and Coventry United u21 1-0.
Both teams play in the Coventry Alliance Premier League. Phoenix are currently in fourth place with 19 points from 12 games. Kenilworth are two places lower, having secured 11 points from their 12 games. They've met twice int he league already. Coventry won 2-1 at home with goals from Blake Kassar and Tyler Morgan. Thys Palmer scored for Wardens. In the reverse fixture Kenilworth exacted revenge with a 2-0 win courtesy of Dan Twigger and Hayden Twycross.

​Wardens, kicking down the slight slope away from the clubhouse end, started the game strongly. They'd already showed plenty on intent when, after 8 minutes, they took the lead. Ben Edmunds had the initial strike at goal, from a narrow angle. His effort was pushed out by the Phoenix goalkeeper but only as far as Dan Twigger, who took a touch before lashing it home. 0-1.
Phoenix tried to respond to going behind but were struggling to find any cohesion. Their number 7 flashed a shot narrowly wide on 19 minutes, but that was as close as they came to equalising. Then, almost on the midway point of the first half, they found themselves two down. It was Dan Twigger again, sliding in to tap home at the far post after a right-wing cross had been intelligently flicked on into the danger zone. 0-2. Six minutes later it was three for Wardens and three for Dan Twigger, as the striker claimed a 20 minute hat-trick. A lovely through ball found the striker through the middle. He shrugged off a challenge before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. 0-3
Phoenix were visibly shaken by the onslaught from Kenilworth but, for how good Wardens looked, Phoenix were giving the ball back to them way too often. This was very plainly in evidence after 34 minutes when a woefully stray Phoenix ball, inside their own half, fell too Ben Edmunds some 25 yards out. The Wardens winger took a few steps forward before planting a low drive across the keeper and in off the far post. 0-4
If that wasn't enough, only three more minutes passed before Wardens went even further in front. There was a distinct piece of luck bout this goal as the first effort was deflected which wrong-footed the Phoenix goalkeeper. The ball hit the foot of his left-hand post before spinning back across goal where Jack Boden was on hand to prod the ball over the line. 0-5
Credit to Phoenix for continuing to battle hard to get the ball up field, even though they were clearly shell-shocked. Just on the stroke of half-time, they were denied what, at first sight, looked to be a nailed on penalty, at least from my viewpoint which was admittedly at the opposite end of the ground. Their number 10 burst into the box before going down under a challenge that appeared like a shove in the back. The Phoenix players and bench clearly agreed with my view but the person that really counted, the referee, was of the opposite opinion, not only denying the appeals but showing a yellow card to the Phoenix player, presumably for simulation. In all fairness, the referee was a lot closer than I or the Phoenix bench were, but it looked to be a harsh yellow.

HT Coventry Phoenix 0 Kenilworth Wardens 5. An excellent half for Wardens who have no doubt played very well. They've also been helped along the way by some sloppy play from Phoenix. Interestingly, the last, and only other, time I was at this ground, the score was 0-5 at half-time.

​The Phoenix coaches kept the team out on the side of the pitch during the break whereas Kenilworth and the officials retired to the warmth of the changing rooms. Punishment for the first-half display maybe?

Maybe the dressing down at half-time did the trick because it was clear from early on in the second period that Phoenix were determined to give a better second half display. Having said that, with seven minutes of the half gone, they could and probably should have found themselves six down. Wardens, now sitting a little deeper, hit Phoenix on the break as Edmunds burst down the right flank. He then rolled the ball across to Jack Boden, 15 yards out, but he lifted his effort over the top.
Maybe Wardens were now siting back on their five goal lead. Maybe Phoenix really had stepped up their efforts. Most likely, a combination of the two but,  whatever the case, the game was now being played more inside the Wardens half that at any other time. That said, the Kenilworth defence was coping very well, restricting Phoenix to very few goal attempts. When one did come, Wardens keeper displayed his agility by tipping a header over the bar. To run salt in the wound, Wardens immediately broke up the other end and Dan Twigger once more showed his finishing ability with a controlled effort past the goalkeeper. 0-6.
Phoenix continued to push for a consolation and with just under 20 minutes remaining they won a free-kick wide on the left, just outside the penalty area. The ball was delivered deep toward the far post, eluding everyone and clattering back off the far post but, just as had a happened with the previous Phoenix close call, Wardens broke free again, Twigger beating the offside trap to calmly slot past the advancing keeper for 0-7.
The remaining minutes saw Phoenix pressing for a late consolation and Wardens defending deep in an effort to avoid conceding. This they did well until the very last minute when a Phoenix corner from the left was headed home from close range. 1-7
That should have been the end of it but the most controversial passage of play was still to come in a somewhat controversial end to the game. Although, in the grand scheme, it made little difference to the outcome of the game. Phoenix were laying siege to the Wardens goal and appeared to have an effort cross the line. The assistant appeared to be flagging for a goal but the referee blew up the end of the game much to the displeasure of the Phoenix team.
As I write this blog the score is showing differently depending on which Full-Time site you look at. The Nursing Football Association site rads 2-7, the Coventry Alliance site reads 2-7.
Update: Both sites now state the final score as 2-7, so that's what I am going with. 

FT Coventry Phoenix 2 Kenilworth Wardens 7 Kenilworth's first-half display had the game in the bag before half-time. Phoenix certainly performed much better in the second period, but they were never going to make up the five goal deficit inside 45 minutes. Wardens will know face either Brinklow or Shilton in the final.
The sides will meet again on Saturday, this time at The Alan Higgs Centre, in the quarter-final of the Stan Oulds Cup. Phoenix are the current holders of the trophy and will be looking to avenge this evening's result whilst trying to retain their title.
Unfortunately I didn't have team sheets. I managed to piece together the Wardens scorers from numbers cross-reffed to Full-Time. If/when the Phoenix stats are upload, I'll try to add some player names and maybe even verify the final score. You can also read the match report from Kenilworth Nub News

Kenilworth Wardens: Boden, Bradley, Cockburn, Day, Edmunds, Kingston, Richards, Twigger, Twycross, Waters, Bloomer. Subs: Grant, Hnat, Winston, Wright

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A

This week's SoReg Review has to start with an apology to Slough Town. IN last week's edition there was an incorrect statistic stating they were yet to win on the road. This was rightly called out  not once, but twice. So, thanks for the heads-up and sorry to Slough for getting the stat wrong. However, it's nice to know that the blog was read. Sometimes you only find out when there is something wrong. 
On the pitch this weekend, Slough won away from home AGAIN and, just to be clear, this was their THIRD away league victory of the season. Wycombe climbed to second in the Premier League and Woodley also returned to winning ways. Penn edged out Ascot in Division One North, maintaining their hopes of catching Beaconsfield. In the South, Stoneham went five points clear with a hard-fought win at QK.
There were big county cup wins for Sholing, Oxford City and Kidlington. Reading, Portchester and Winchester all went out to higher-ranked opposition.

​
​Badshot Lea 0-6 Wycombe Wanderers
The Chairgirls piled on the misery for Badshot Lea, who are now just five games away from a winless season. Wycombe climbed to second in the table. eight points shy of leaders Ascot United and a point clear of third-placed Oxford City. Kayla Potter led the way with four goals, aided by one each from Libby Monaghan and Jessica Watkins. You can watch the goals here.

Woodley United 3-0 Selsey
After two league defeats on the bounce, Woodley got back to winning ways. Choe Melton set them on their way after just two minutes. Lauren Devlin doubled the advantage eight minutes later, but they were then made to wait until the 85th minute before Sarah Lawrence made the game completely safe. Read the match report from the always excellent Wandering Tractor and check the brilliant match action photos from Andy Wicks.

​Abingdon United Development P-P Tilehurst Panthers

Beaconsfield Town P-P Milton United

Caversham United 0-2 Slough Town
The Goats remain rooted to the foot of the table after losing their seventh consecutive home league fixture. Slough have now won three at home and away as they leapfrogged Tilehurst into sixth spot. Both goals came from Aimee Roberts in the 37th and 63rd minutes.

Chesham United Development 2-5 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Another two goal haul for top scorer Shannon Read, aided by two more from Elena Mitchell and a goal from Sara Zaoui, sent Wycombe's u23 side to within a point of second placed Ascot United Reserves. Grace Kennedy and Morgan Briggs were on the mark for Chesham.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-0 Ascot United Reserves
Megan Brockwell got the crucial goal that separated the sides and kept Penn's slim title hopes alive. The result leaves Ascot five points adrift of the top having played a game more than Beaconsfield, ahead of their cruck clash in two weeks. Penn have five games in hand on the leaders, but are 18 points back. Having said that, The Rams are yet to visit French School Meadow in the league.

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves 1-6 Havant & Waterlooville
Despite a third minute Emily Phillips goal, Bournemouth Sports Reserves crashed to their ninth consecutive defeat. Chelsie Hay, making her debut, announced herself with two goals. Tia Hooper, Sophie Lee, Chloe Marsh and captain Emma-Jane May weighed in with the other four as The Hawks kept up the pressure at the top. They remain two points behind Stoneham with a game in hand and four in front of Fleet, who have played four fewer games.

QK Southampton 1-4 AFC Stoneham
Stoneham dominated possession in this game but made hard work of seeing off a determined Bees side who never give up. Top scorer Mia House gave Stoneham an early lead which they failed to add to before the break. Five minutes into the second period, Megan Dries equalised for QK before keeper Ava Saunders made a stunning penalty save. However, further goals from Aimee Gritt, Meredith Pake and Rebecca Moody sealed it for The Purps. Read all about it in the BotP match blog (Bees Stung).

Woking 4-3 Wimborne Town
The Cards, with Louise Curr substituting between the sticks, found themselves a goal down after 7 minutes when Abigail Buck struck for Wimborne. However, the home side hit back in some style. A Gaby Hobday hat-trick inside 13 minutes put them 3-1 up and Beth Anders, on 34 minutes, made it four before the break. The Magpies hit back with goals from Sadie West and Brooke Suddaby but couldn't find an equaliser in the final 15 minutes.

​Reading 0-3 Maidenhead United
National League Maidenhead took 42 minutes to break down Reading, before Macey-Nikiah Walters struck to send United into the break a goal to the good. Just past the hour Isacc Gregory doubled the advantage and Nat Rasmussen made it three with nine minutes of normal time remaining.

​Oxford City 7-0 Easington Sports
The Hoops scored seven for the second time in a week and the third time in their last four games. Ellie Walecki with two, Ellie White, Lucy White, Kaitlyn Crouch, Billie Bough-French and Isobel Bradley were the scorers for City as they progressed to April's Final against Kidlington Youth.

Thame United 1-6 Kidlington Youth
The Greens set up a Final meeting with Oxford City as they cruised past Them United at Meadow Park. Two from Keira Isaac (although one later got credited as an OG), two more from player of the match Sara Pinna and one each from Emily Keal and Courtney Sumner, were enough to see off Thame, whose goal came from Shona Reid-Evans.

​AFC Bournemouth P-P Bursledon

AFC Portchester 1-3 Moneyfields
National League Division One side Moneyfields made it through to the semi-final thanks to first half goals from Shannon Albuery and Lucy Cooper. April Hill pulled a goal back for Portchy after 61 minutes but a second from Lucy Cooper six minutes later, put paid to any comeback. You can see a few photos from the game courtesy of Alex Shute Photography

Sholing 4-1 Fleet Town
Siena Millen hit two more goals for the Boatwomen, one in each half. There were also first half goals for Ella Wilson, her first for the club, and Lani Dickinson as Sholing showed their Premier League class against Fleet.

Winchester City Flyers v 0-4 Southampton PGA u21
Southampton's u21 side scored two goals in each half, despite a valiant effort from Flyers. Goalkeeper Ellie Parker took the player of the match award with some excellent saves, some of which you can view on the Winchester Facebook page. James Prickett was on hand to capture the match action.

​Badshot Lea v Oxford City
The Baggies continue their search for a first league win of the season as they entertain Oxford City. The Hoops are currently third in the table and have scored seven goals in both of their last two games. Badshot Lea lost 6-0 at home to second placed Wycombe last weekend and have now failed to find the net in any of their last four in all competitions. The reverse fixture saw City win 6-1 with five different players getting in on the scoring act.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Woodley United v Reading
The second derby day of the season. United edged the reverse fixture 3-2 with a 94th minute Chloe Melton winner. The game also saw Woodley's Kate Hudson see red. Reading eased their relegation worries with the win over Selsey a few weeks ago. However, since that win they have lost four on the bounce in all competitions, failing to score a single goal. Woodley's defeat of Selsey on Sunday re-ignited their aspirations of a runners-up spot.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Caversham United v Milton United
The Goats went down 2-0 at home to Slough at the weekend and are currently two points adrift at the bottom of the table. Milton didn't play last weekend but their 1-0 defat of Kidlington in early February, moved them eight points clear of the drop zone, a very healthy gap with games in hand on the two below them. The reverse fixture, in mid-December, ended in a 5-0 home victory with Jessica Excell scoring twice for Milton.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Penn & Tylers Green v Abingdon United Development
Penn are hanging onto their slim title hopes. Their narrow defeat of Ascot United Reserves last weekend was their fourth consecutive league win and with the leaders still to visit French School Meadow, the league is in the balance. Penn won 1-0 at Abingdon earlier in the season although it took an own goal midway through the first-half to break the deadlock.
French School Meadow Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG
 
Slough Town v Chesham United Development
Slough's 2-0 win at Caversham last time out saw them move into sixth spot with five to play. Certainly safe from any relegation worries, they can now focus on finishing as high as possible. No such luxury for Chesham who only sit two pints above Caversham and have played a game more than the bottom side. Slough won the reverse fixture 4-0 with two from Hannah Summers and further goals from Daisy Skinner and Nikhita Sangha.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Tilehurst Panthers v Kidlington Youth
Although they have won their last two county cup outings, Kidlington have lost their last three league games, including the reverse fixture against Panthers. That ended in a 6-3 win for Tilehurst largely down to a four goal second-half haul from Leah Why. Panthers are still to win at Scours Lane in the league, taking 15 of their 17 points on the road.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​AFC Varsity v AFC Stoneham
Varsity have won two and lost two of their last four, but have a better away record than at home. Away record better than at home. The Purps, who ground out a win at QK last weekend, need to keep winning games and hoping that Fleet slip up somewhere along the way. The reverse fixture ended in a 7-0 victory Stoneham. Top scorer Mia House scored six for Stoneham all within 37 minutes.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA
​
Wimborne Town v Bursledon
It's fair to say that both of these teams have had a successful first season in the Southern Region League. Sitting fifth and seventh respectively, The Dons are four points behind the Magpies but do have two games in hand. Town have lost their last two league outings, at Havant and Woking. Bursledon have won one and lost one, the defeat also coming at Woking. The reverse fixture, in September, ended in a 1-1 draw that BotP had the pleasure to witness. (These Two Are Keepers)
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

​AFC Portchester v Wycombe Wanderers
The first of a cup and league double-header between these two. The reverse league fixture, played on the opening day, saw Portchy return from Burnham with the points following a 3-0 victory. Millie Bradbury scored twice with the other goal coming from Lina Stroem. Both teams have been on a good run of form, with just a single defeat each in their last six outings.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Ascot United v Havant & Waterlooville
A tough test for The Hawks as they visit the Premier League leaders, who have a 100% league record at The Racecourse Ground this season, although they did lose to lower league opposition, Newport Pagnell Town, in the senior cup. Havant have won their last four league games and progressed to this quarter-final by beating Stoneham 1-0. Ascot's progression came on the back of a walkover in the previous round.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Sholing v Fleet Town
Deja vu for these two as they come face to face for the second week running. Last weekend Sholing put Fleet out of the county cup with a 4-1 victory. What will happen in the League Cup? Sholing are safe in mid-table, so may well fancy their chances of silverware in the cup. Fleet are still very much in the running for promotion from Division One South. However, with so many games still to paly, they might want to rest players in the cup to maximise their league efforts.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Beaconsfield Town
Flyers are also safely ensconced in mid-table. With no league concerns, they can focus their energy on continuing their cup run. The Rams will certainly still have one eye on their league campaign. They are favourites to take the title, but have to be very aware of Penn & Tylers Green especially if the latter continue to win their games in hand. City put out Woking 4-1 away from home in the previous round. Beaconsfield demolished Premier League Selsey 5-1, also on the road.
Charters Community Stadium, Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

​This Sunday I was pleased to have the opportunity to finally visit QK Southampton, a trip that had long been on my to do list. The Bees, after a very tough start to the season, have been showing signs of recovery in the last few weeks. A resounding 7-0 cup win was followed by their first league points of the season, when they beat Bournemouth Sports at The Hive in their last game. This week was going to be a much tougher test though, as the current league leaders AFC Stoneham were coming to town. The Purps were coming into the game on the back of two defeats, a 2-1 county cup reversal at Winchester and a chastening 3-0 league defeat at Woking last time out.
Stoneham won the reverse fixture 8-2, but that was much earlier in the season when QK were struggling to acclimatise to the Southern Region League. A much closer game was expected this time around. However, to give some context to the challenge facing QK, Stoneham top scorer Mia House started the game with over twice as many league goals to her name than QK had accumulated across the whole team.
This game was also very much a local derby with just under six miles separating the clubs.
Many thanks to referee Peter Higgins for sharing the team sheets with me before the game.

On a bitterly cold afternoon in Hampshire, Stoneham wasted no time getting into their stride. Only three minutes had ticked by when Lucy Bicknell burst down the right before delivering a lovely cross which Mia House nodded just wide of the mark. The Bicknell/House combination was to become something of a feature and, three minutes later, the same combination proved even more fruitful. Bicknell broke free on the right again, looking suspiciously offside but not getting a flag from the QK assistant, before putting over the perfect cross for Mia House. The Stoneham top-scorer made no mistake, side-footing a volley past Ava Saunders. 0-1
Stoneham continued to press forward and Chloe Marshall blazed a shot over after House had laid the ball back to her on the edge of the box. At the other end, a rare QK foray forward was ended by Stoneham keeper Sian Lodge, coming off her line to beat Megan Dries to the ball. Immediately, Stoneham almost made it two when, yet again, Bicknell outpaced her marker and crossed for House, this time the striker was narrowly wide. The threat down the Stoneham right was plain to see, forcing QK into some positional changes in an attempt to stem the flow of crosses from Bicknell. The changes worked to an extent but Stoneham were still on the front foot. QK were defending stoutly in the face of an almost constant onslaught from Stoneham, but were making few inroads into Purps territory and, when they did try to push forward, the Stoneham back-line was proving to be very solid. The biggest problem for QK was the sheer physicality of the Stoneham team. They were a yard quicker and certainly stronger in the tackle, even though The Bees were trying to give as good as they got, they were still being out-muscled across the park. Stoneham were being captained by the ever-combative Mia Flood today, who was certainly leading by example. I've said in previous blogs that her style of play is great to watch. She offers no quarter but also takes a few knocks herself without argument. However, she was really playing on the edge this afternoon. One or two of her challenges were a little naughty and she was lucky to get away without a warning from the referee. Having said that, I'm sure Stoneham would not want her to change her ways. Every team needs at least one player that 'gets stuck in'.
QK, to their credit, were holding back the waves of Stoneham attacks quite successfully. As ide from an Imogen Mullins shot that Ava Saunders fielded easily, the Purps weren't threatening the goal too much. They did, however, come very close to making it two in the 43rd minute. Bicknell again got the better of her marker before swinging over another cross that Saunders clearly thought was drifting out of play. However, the ball struck the near post before cannoning away to safety. Something of a let off for The Bees, who must have been quite happy to go into the break just a goal behind.

HT QK Southampton 0 AFC Stoneham 1. The visitors well on top in terms of possession, but at only one-nil, there's still a lot of life left in this game. QK have not really threatened Stoneham but the law of averages says that they will get a chance at some point. Time to head to the car for some much needed warmth. It was absolutely freezing at The Hive.

​Almost as if predicted, five minutes into the second half QK equalised completely out of the blue. Georgia Sims did well to win the ball back on the left before feeding it through to Megan Dries in the centre of the penalty area. Her miscued shot had enough on it to drop over Lodge and nestled in the far corner. 1-1
Almost immediately, the Bicknell/House partnership came close to restoring the Stoneham lead and then, just before the hour, Mia House headed just wide much to the frustration of the striker. Stoneham were piling on the pressure again now. With 58 minutes on the clock Tiegan Stevens took aim from way out, sending an absolute belter smashing against the bar. QK looked to have survived but, in the ensuing scramble after the ball dropped into the penalty area, a foul on a Stoneham player drew a penalty decision from the referee.
Mia Flood stepped forward, striking her spot-kick low to the keeper's right. However, Ava Saunders got down brilliantly to keep it out. Great save.
Four minutes past the hour, Saunders was left grasping at thin air though, as Aimee Gritt flashed a 20 yard strike past the keeper's left hand to make it 1-2. Stoneham were back in front and back on top. Even at this stage, it was hard to see QK getting back into the game again. However, they were certainly not just sitting back an accepting their fate.
With 18 minutes remaining Stoneham came within a whisker of adding to their tally. A cross from the right found its way toward the far side of the box where Flood met it first time, absolutely leathering the ball off the underside of the bar. Saunders was grateful to be able to drop on the loose ball before a striker could latch onto it. Four minutes later, the QK goalkeeper produced a stop that possibly even eclipsed her penalty save and, once again it was the Stoneham captain on the receiving end of a great stop. Flood exchanged passes with Gritt before drilling a shot toward the bottom corner, only for Saunders to fly across goal and pull off a superb one-handed save.
A minute later the goalkeeper was again called into action and this time she could do nothing to prevent a third goal. She did save the first effort, but after the follow-up struck the post she was powerless to prevent Meredith Pake from stabbing the ball over the line. 1-3.To make matters worse, with six minutes left on the clock, the Bees stopper was beaten again. Rebecca Moody picked up a  clearance in midfield, took a step, steadied herself and then planted a lovely strike into the top corner, giving Saunders no chance. 1-4.

FT QK Southampton 1 AFC Stoneham 4. The Purps were always on top in this game, despite the scare that QK gave them early in the second half. Stoneham's strength and aggression was always going to give them the edge. The Bees, to be fair, battled away for the entire 90 minutes, never giving up the ghost.
The result leaves Stoneham five points clear at the top of the table. However, both Havant (2) and Fleet (5) have the potential to overtake them with their games in hand. QK remain anchored to the bottom with games running out for them.
Next weekend Stoneham are on the road again, as they make the short journey to Romsey to take on AFC Varsity. QK have a week off before they travel to Abingdon United Development in the Chairman's Cup in March. The same day as Stoneham visit Premier League basement side, Badshot Lea, in the same competition.

QK Southampton: 1.Saunders, 2.Evans(c), 7.McIntyre, 8.M.Dries, 14.Kavanagh, 10.Nunn, 18.S.Dries, 6.Sims, 5.Goodman, 4.Priest, 16.Lauder. Subs: Mountford, O'Flynn
AFC Stoneham: 1.Lodge, 2.Goouch, 3.Stevens, 5.Kelly, 6.Gritt, 7.Marshall, 8.Awdas, 9.House, 10.Mullins, 11.Bicknell, 14.Flood(c). Subs: 4.Moody, 16.Dieujuste, 15.Pake

The Ground
QK play at The Hive off Redbridge Lane on the North-Western outskirts of Southampton. There's a good-sized car park, accessed through double gates bearing the club and main sponsor names. Access into the ground is via a short path from the car park which brings you in near the halfway line. All of the facilities are on this said of the playing surface. A series of container-style buildings house the tea/snack bar and the changing facilities for players and officials. There are dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch, but no spectator cover is available.
The playing surface is relatively flat, although there appeared to be a slight slope down toward the David Lloyd end of the ground, to the right as you look from the car park. The entire pitch is surrounded by a single bar fence painted in the club colours of yellow and black.

Ground Number: 436
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​Not too many games survived on Sunday but, where they did go ahead, there were goals galore and, in the one game that didn't have a higher than average tally, there was high drama at the end. A total of 42 goals were rattled in across the six games, an average of 7 per game. In the one game that 'only' produced three goals, Selsey were denied a first win of the season by two Sholing goals deep into added time. Beaconsfield took another huge stride toward promotion, remaining five points clear and unbeaten with six games to go. In the Premier Oxford City kept some pressure on Ascot with another excellent victory, this time at home to Woodley. All games in the South fell foul of the weather.

​Badshot Lea P-P Ascot United

Oxford City 7-1 Woodley United
City produced an excellent display of passing and attacking football to move into second spot in the league. Emily Harris was on hand twice to poach two first half goals, sending the hosts into the break 2-0 up. Despite Woodley defending stoutly, they couldn't withstand the onslaught. Ellie White, Ellie Walecki, Georgina Tayman and two more from Kaitlyn Crouch took their total to seven. United top scorer Sarah Lawrence nabbed a goal back with a delightful lob, but the visitors were soundly beaten. You can read the BotP match blog here (Hoops Too Strong For Woodley's Walking Wounded) whilst viewing the brilliant match photos from Andy Wicks.

Sholing 2-1 Selsey
Selsey were denied a first win of the season thanks to a late, late double from Sholing. Isabelle-Mai Childs had given The Seals a 1-0 lead at the break with her 40th minute strike. The visitors looked as if they were going to hang on to all three points before Siena Millen equalised in the 97th minute. As if that wasn't enough, a 99th minute winner from the same player broke Selsey hearts. Watch the winning goal here.

Winchester City Flyers 8-0 Reading
A ruthless display from Flyers, bringing the Reading mini-revival to a shuddering halt. It took the hosts 30 minutes to break the Reading resistance, before Libby Wilkinson scored. A minute later Lavinia Nkomo made it two and four minutes after that Wilkinson added her second to put Winchester 3-0 up at the break. Eliza Eaton and Charlene Rooney added quick-fire goals after the break, to make it 5-0. Kayleigh Tonks added a sixth before two late Annie Northwood goals rounded off the scoring.

​Ascot United Reserves 6-2 Tilehurst Panthers
United stay in second spot after this convincing victory over Tilehurst Panthers. Keren Banduka grabbed a hat-trick for the Yellas, Kezia Banduka, Katie Vince and Stephanie Ferreira got the other goals. Leah Why scored her 14th goal of a productive season for Panthers with Tilly Waight adding her first of the season just past the hour mark.

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Kidlington Youth

Slough Town 0-7 Beaconsfield Town
New signing from Tilehurst, Lydia Vettese, took just 22 minutes to open her Rams account. A minute later, Lucy Casey added the second, shortly followed by an OG to make it 0-3. Casey again and Henna Hussain had Beaconsfield five up inside 36 minutes before, three minutes before the break, Lucy Casey completed her hat-trick. Just after the hour, Henna Hussain added her second and Town's seventh. Watch the highlights on the Beaconsfield Town YouTube channel.

Wycombe Wanderers u23 7-1 Milton United
League top scorer Shannon Read added four more goals to her season tally as The Chairgirls made it three wins on the bounce. Molly Carter, Ammara Qureshi and Giulia Livi were also on the mark for Wanderers.
You can watch the highlights on the Wycombe X feed.

​Abingdon United Development 0-4 AFC Portchester
Portchester took over an hour to break down a stubborn United side. However, two quick-fire goals from April Hill and Millie Bradbury set the Premier League side on their way. Gemma Hillier then added a third before Charlotte Keenan came off the bench to round off the scoring.

Badshot Lea v Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe are 11 points adrift of the top with a game in hand. In all fairness, they are probably not going to catch Ascot. However, they won't have thrown the towel in just yet. If they keep winning and hoping for an Ascot slip, you just never know. The Baggies are still rooted to the bottom and desperately need a point or three to pull clear. The reverse fixture ended 5-0 to Wycombe with five different players getting on the score sheet.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Woodley United v Selsey
Both teams suffered defeat last weekend, but in very different circumstances. A depleted Woodley squad, already hit by injuries and absence, was torn apart by a dominant Oxford City team. Selsey meanwhile, led at Sholing until the 97th minute before conceding twice to lose. Both defeats equalling gutting for the teams, so both will be out to prove a point this weekend. United won 3-0 in the reverse fixture back in October.
​UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Abingdon United Development v Tilehurst Panthers
United put up a brave fight against Portchester in the cup last weekend. Now they turn their attention back to league matters and the visit on Tilehurst. Only four points separates the teams with both having played the same number of games. Abingdon won 4-2 at Tilehurst in November, thanks largely to a Charlotte Bigmore hat-trick. However, Panthers are much better away from Scour Lane, where they are still to in this season.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Beaconsfield Town v Milton United
It's Milton's turn to try to stop the Beaconsfield juggernaut. The addition of Lydia Vettese has given The Rams yet another goalscoring option, but it's the defence that is the basis of their success. Only three goals conceded at home in the league all season. The reverse fixture ended 9-2 to Beaconsfield with Nicole Brown scoring four. Milton have picked up since then and are now eight points above the dreaded dotted line.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Slough Town
The Goats currently sit bottom of the table but do have a game in hand on Chesham who are two points above. They have not met Slough yet this season, having conceded the away game early in the season. Caversham are yet to pick up a point on home turf. Slough are yet to win away from Arbour Park.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Chesham United Development v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Wycombe have won seven of their last eight in all competitions and have been scoring for fun, as the saying goes. However, they'll need to be wary of a Chesham side who won 3-2 at the 18i78 Stadium back in October. United are now two points clear of Caversham at the bottom, but getting a result from this game would be a huge bonus in their quest to avoid the drop. Wycombe are still in touch with second place but with only three league games remaining, they are no longer in the title race.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Penn & Tylers Green v Ascot United Reserves
A clash between the two teams who could still dent Beaconsfield's title aspirations. Ascot are currently second, five points adrift of the leaders having played the same number of games. Penn are fifth, 21 points adrift but with a huge six games in hand. Both need Beaconsfield to slip up, but defeat for either team would, effectively, end their hopes of catching the leaders. Ascot won the reverse fixture 2-0 with a goal in each half.
​French School Meadow Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks sit two points behind current leaders AFC Stoneham, with a game in hand. Both of the top two know that they must keep winning and hope that third-placed Fleet, with their 3 or 4 game sin hand, slip up a couple of times. Sports are safe enough in a congested mid-table but are now only playing for their own pride. The reverse fixture was an event-filled nine-goal thriller that saw Havant triumph 5-4 with Bournemouth's Isobel Weatherley seeing red in the 78th minute.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

QK Southampton v AFC Stoneham
The Bees have won their last two games in all competitions, including their first league points and first home league goals. Confidence will have taken a real boost from that, which will be needed as they welcome the league leaders to The Hive. The Purps won the reverse fixture 8-2 in October. League top scorer, Mia House, scored twice that day along with braces for Aimee Gritt and Emma Simpson. Rebecca Moody and Larnie Bisson with the other two goals, cancelling out a double for Jess Nunn.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Woking v Wimborne Town
Separated by just a point, fourth placed Woking take on the fifth placed Magpies. Wimborne do have the advantage of two games in hand on The Cards. Woking have won their last four in all competitions, scoring three on each occasion. The teams met on the opening day of the season with neither side able to break the salemate in a 0-0 draw.
​Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

Berks & Bucks
Reading v Maidenhead United
A three-way A4 derby. Reading, Maidenhead and Reading's current home in Slough, are all on the route. It's a tough draw for The Royals. However, they have already put Maidenhead's fellow National League league-mates, Abingdon United, out of this competition. Maidenhead are 8th in their league, two places above Abingdon. They won 5-0 at Beaconsfield to reach this stage of the competition.
​Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​Oxfordshire
Oxford City v Easington Sports
The Hoops were brilliant on Sunday as they crushed Woodley in the league. On paper the visit of Thames Valley Division Two outfit Easington, three steps lower than City, should pose no threat. However, Sports are unbeaten on their travels in the league and are currently second with games in hand on the leaders. They progressed to this round with a 4-2 win at Launton.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ 

Thame United v Kidlington Youth
One place below Easington in Division Two of the Thames valley League sit Thame United. Unbeaten at home in the league, they got to this stage with a 4-1 defeat of Rotherfield United. Kidlington edged past Headington in the last round and, after a tough time in the league lately, will be looking to extend their cup run.
The ASM Stadium, Tythrop Way, OX9 3RN

​Hampshire
AFC Bournemouth v Bursledon
The Dons have already had a successful first season in the Southern Region League. Now they have an opportunity to test themselves against a National League side, albeit a daunting task. Bournemouth have a 100% league record this season and are only second to Moneyfields because they have played three fewer games.
Greeen Lane, Crow, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3EB

AFC Portchester v Moneyfields
Portchy's first season in the Southern Region Premier has been very successful so far. Only two defeats in ten games and sitting proudly in third spot as we speak. They can now grade their progress with a home tie against current National League Division One South-West leaders, Moneyfields. Portchester beat Moneys league-mates Bournemouth Sports on penalties in the last round. Moneyfields cruised past Portsmouth Development with a 8-0 victory.
Wicor Recreation Ground, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Sholing v Fleet Town
This is a fascinating tie. Sholing, comfortable in the Premier League mid-table, taking on a Fleet side who have aspirations to join them next season. Sholing beat Fleet's fellow Division One South side, Havant & Waterlooville, on penalties in the previous round. Fleet put out Bournemouth Sports Reserves with a 7-2 win on the road. They have also beaten Premier League opposition twice this season after putting Badshot Lea out of the FA and League Cups.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Southampton PGA u21
Whilst Flyers were edging past Stoneham by 2-1 in the previous round, Southampton's PGA side were putting twelve past AFC Varsity. It's going to be a tough test for Winchester but they do come into the game full of confidence and goals having won their last seven in all competitions, scoring a colossal 46 goals in the process.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

After missing out on a game last weekend, I was very keen to get out and about on Sunday, although the weather was doing its best to make that difficult. Luckily, there's no such problem at Oxfords City's MGroup Stadium and, with Woodley United coming to town, it looked like the perfect opportunity. Close to home and the promise of a good game of football.
Oxford City were starting the day ion fourth spot, Woodley a place and a point below them. However, the pack of four teams below leaders Ascot, were all only separated by two points. City suffered their only league home defeat of the season so far last time out, going down 3-1 to Ascot. Woodley had also lost at home in their last game, also a 3-1 defeat, at the hands of Wycombe Wanderers. The reverse fixture between the teams, back in October, had finished 6-3 to Oxford.

​Woodley got the game under way but it was the home side who took the early initiative, pressing their visitors back from the first minute. Woodley, already depleted with only two on the bench, were further hampered just four minutes in when Alex Ayckbourn stayed down after a challenge. She was eventually helped off, to be replaced by Kate Hudson. Fingers crossed that the injury isn't too bad.
With the ball seemingly trapped inside the Woodley half, it was only a matter of time until the hosts got a breakthrough. That came int he 13th minute when Billie Bough-French sent a long free-kick into the heart of the Woodley area. Goalkeeper Jo Novak-Allum appeared to think it was sailing wide but the ball struck the joint of post and bar, dropping into the 6-yard box where Emily Harris was quickest to react. 1-0
City continued to push forward after the goal. Woodley were having to defend like lion's to even stay in the game at this point. Credit to the way they dug in at the back led by captain Ellen Surtees and bolstered by the always-impressive Charley Evans. However, United could not get the ball to stick with Sarah Lawrence of Chloe Melton up front. Reduced to longer balls up the forwards, was playing into the hands of a very solid home defence, commanded by the imposing figure of Billie Bough-French. In the midfield, City captain Georgina Tayman was getting way too much room, allowing her to spray passes around at will. With the pace and clever running of the Oxford forward line, this was always going to be a problem for Woodley. The ball inside the full-back, especially on the left where the overlapping pace of Emma Donohoe was causing havoc, had the Woodley defence scrambling to cover on numerous occasions.
However, the visitors were holding out. A Tayman strike on the half-hour was easily fielde3d by Novak-Allum and a Donohoe cross, perfect for Isobel Bradley, was wastefully planed wide. When the normally deadly Ellie White hit the side-netting when put through on 40 minutes, it looked as if Woodley may go into the break only a goal down. However, with three minutes of normal time remaining, White drove into the left-hand side of the box before firing a low ball across the 6-yard line. It was half scrambled clear, but only into the path of Emily Harris, who once again made no mistake. 2-0.
That goal almost opened the floodgates before the half-time whistle. Twice substitute Lucy White came close, the second of which required some excellent anticipation from Novak-Allum, racing off her line to block after a through ball had sent White clear. Ellie White latched onto the loose ball but was unlucky to see her strike from 20 yards whistle narrowly past the post.

HT Oxford City 2 Woodley United 0.  A dominant City will probably wonder why they are only two to the good at half-time. Woodley defended stoically but have not been able to trouble Maskell. The waves of City attacks were almost relentless. It was going to be a tough second half for Woodley, especially as they had limited options to bring on fresh legs.

​Oxford took no time at all to get back into the swing of the game in the second half. Thee minutes in another defence splitting pass inside the right-back put Emily Harris in the clear. Her cross was too high for Lucy White and Emma Donohoe was just unable to get a clean head onto the bouncing ball at the far post, but it was another warning to Woodley.
Ten minutes into the second half we saw a real rarity, a Charley Evans mistake. The Woodley defender seemed to slip on the ball, allowing Ellie White to pounce but, once again, United had Novak-Allum to thank, as she made another good block. Evans appeared to have picked up a knock to her already bandaged knee in the incident. Former Caversham defender Shannon Hobson took to the field in replacement.
Just before the hour mark, City made it three in somewhat fortunate circumstances. The ball found substitute Ellie Walecki out on the left flank. Her delivery, aimed at the far post, was slightly miscued, sending it looping over Novak-Allum before dropping into the far corner of the net. 3-0.
This time the floodgates did open, as the third goal took some of the fight out of a tiring Woodley team. Chasing the ball for an hour is hard work.
Just the other side of the hour mark, Ellie White sprung the offside trap, running clear onto a Tayman through ball, before calmly passing the ball into the bottom corner. 4-0. Three minutes later White turned provider, bursting down the right before drilling a ball across the 6-yard box. Initially it eluded everyone, only to reach Emma Donohoe at the far post. With the angle a little tight, the wing-back unselfishly squared the ball into the path of Georgina Tayman, who lashed it into the roof of the net. 5-0
With Woodley now on the rack and the game already gone, the next goal came as a surprise. Three minutes after going five down, Woodley showed some spirit. Chloe Melton's perfectly weighted pass found Sarah Lawrence free on the left-hand side of the box. As Keira Maskell came off her line to narrow the angle, Lawrence expertly lifted a first-time effort over her and into the net. Great finish. 5-1
After four goals in just over ten minutes, the game slipped into a state of relative calm but then, in the 80th minute, Kaitlyn Crouch, back on the pitch after a first-half substitution, showed some really nifty close control in the box to engineer an angle. She then deftly rolled a precision shot in off the far post to make it 6-1.
Charley Evans, back on after recovering from her knock, then tried to set Woodley back on the road by launching a break from her own penalty area. He through ball found Lawrence, who lifted it over Oxford's substitute goalkeeper Grace Kazhir, on after Maskell picked up a knock, only to see the ball drop wide of the left-hand post.
In the 90th minute Bough-French delivered another free-kick deep into the Woodley penalty area. Novak-Allum stretched to claim it, high above her head, but let the ball slip, allowing Kaitlyn Crouch ​to bundle her second over the line. 7-1

This week's (very late) SoReg News comes to you from Cincinnati. A flying visit which means I was unable to catch a game on Sunday. This week's big news comes from the South where QK Southampton, fresh from their SDFA win last weekend, finally broke their league hoodoo. Not only did they manage to gain points for the first time, they won and finally scored at home, not once, but three times. Elsewhere, Ascot United went 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Oxford City 3-1. In the South it was good news for Fleet despite not playing. Stoneham lost at Woking, leaving the door well an truly wide open for Town. In the North Tilehurst Panthers made it three league wins on the bounce but the bad run of form continues for Kidlington, as they lost 1-0 at Milton. The saddest news this week is the apparent demise of Abbey Rangers LFC. All further games are marked as postponed, Best wishes to all at the club. Let's hope this is a temporary glitch and we see them back in action soon.

​Badshot Lea P-P Winchester City Flyers

Oxford City 1-3 Ascot United
The Yellas won't be getting complacent, but even they must be starting to think that the title is all but done after this win. Despite Emily Harris scoring for City, goals from Olivia Glover and Beth Lloyd had the visitors 2-1 up at the break. A furth Glover strike just before the hour, settled the game. Read the match reports from both teams. Oxford City's match report - Ascot United's match report

Reading 0-2 Sholing
Reading's mini-revival came to an end with defeat at home to Sholing, who jump above Winchester in the process. Goalless at the break, Catherine Browning broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. However, the game still hung in the balance until deep into added time, when Emily Flegg sealed it for the visitors.

​Abingdon United Development 3-0 Slough Town
Abingdon got back to winning ways after two straight league defeats. Goals from Charlotte Bigmore, Beth Hawtin and Olivia Ward were two much for Slough, who lost a place in the league following Tilehurst's win.

Caversham United P-P Ascot United Reserves

Chesham United Development 2-3 Tilehurst Panthers
After climbing clear of the bottom last weekend, Chesham failed to press home their advantage, losing narrowly to Panthers. Leah Why put Tilehurst in front just past midway in the first half. Another Why goal on the hour and a Lydia Vettese strike made it 3-0 to the away side with just over 10 minutes remaining. Chesham gave their visitors a scare with two late Lola Almendros goals, but they couldn't find an equaliser.

Milton United 1-0 Kidlington Youth
April England's eighth goal of the season was enough to separate these two and condemn Kidlington to their fourth league defeat in five matches. The victory lifts Milton to within a point of The Greens and, more importantly, eight points away from the dreaded drop zone.

​AFC Varsity 0-1 Havant & Waterlooville
Emily Wernham's goal was enough for The Hawks to complete the league double over Varsity. The three points took Havant above Fleet, albeit having played three more, and just two points shy of AFC Stoneham, with a game in hand on the leaders. Varsity remain in 8th but are well clear of the bottom.

Fleet Town P-P Abbey Rangers

QK Southampton 3-0 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
They've only gone and done it! 13th time lucky for The Bees as they break a couple of league ducks. Their first points of the season came courtesy of goals from Megan Dries, Georgia Sims, and Zara Vincent. These were also the first goals scored at The Hive in the league all season. To compound Bournemouth's day, they had Emily Gard red-carded on 81 minutes.

Woking 3-0 AFC Stoneham
The Cards put a serious dent in the title hopes of leaders AFC Stoneham. Jasmina Vanvooren gave the home side the lead s early as the second minute. Gabriella Hobday then doubled the advantage on 32 minutes. The three points were confirmed in when Bethany Anders added a 75th minute third goal.

​AFC Portchester 13-0 Wimborne Town
Premier League Portchy showed no mercy to Division One South newbies Wimborne Town. April Hill smashed in five goals, all within the opening half. Lucy Nightingale added two more, Mia Adaway, Brooke Marshall and Samantha Jennings also chimed in to give the hosts a 10 goal advantage before the break. Charlotte Keenan, Aimee Hall-Guy and Sophie Bell added second half goals to complete the Magpie misery.

Selsey 1-5 Beaconsfield Town
Charlotte Hill, Henna Hussain and two from the returning Mia Thomson added to the home own-goal, to give lower league Beaconsfield a Premier League cup scalp. Maisie Guymer pulled a goal back for The Seals but it was nowhere near enough to prevent The Rams from progressing. Watch the highlights here.

Penn & Tylers Green 2-4 Wycombe Wanderers
A local derby that saw six yellows, three on each side and six goals as Premier League Wycombe overcame their Division One North neighbours. Danielle Puddefoot scored twice, with Bobby Lynch (the only goal scorer from either side not to be booked) and Jessica Watkins also on the mark. Penn's goals came from Rebecca Stopforth and Tara Woodward.

​Badshot Lea v Ascot United
Another tough challenge for the winless Baggies. However, they only lost 1-0 at The Racecourse Ground back in September, courtesy of a Claire Couzens goal in the first minute of the second half. Unbeaten Ascot will just want to keep pushing ever closer to that league title that has eluded them for the past two season. As for Badshot Lea, they are beginning to run out of games to lift themselves off bottom spot.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Oxford City v Woodley United
Below Ascot, four teams are separated by two points. Oxford, in fourth, have a one point advantage over their Sunday visitors. However, City have played one more than United. Oxford won 6-3 at Bulmershe toward the end of October, a game that went mad in the second half after being 1-2 at the break.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Sholing v Selsey
The Seals are still searching for that first win of the season. They face a trip along the coast to a Sholing side who beat Selsey's relegation rivals, Reading, last time out. The reverse fixture ended with Sholing taking the points back to Hampshire after a 2-0 victory.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Reading
This will only be Winchester's second league game of 2025. Their first came at Reading on January 12th when a Libby Wilkinson hat-trick helped them to a 4-1 victory. Reading are currently a point above the bottom two, so would dearly love another three points to put themselves two results out of reach.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

​Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers
United will want a win to keep up the pressure on top side Beaconsfield, but still need to also hope for the leaders to slip-up in order to close the five point gap. Panthers come into this game in tremendous form and full of confidence. Three consecutive league wins, all away from home, have seen them rise to mid-table, a full 12 points above the drop zone. Oddly, they are yet to win at Scours Lane, so being away again will suit them.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Penn & Tylers Green v Kidlington Youth
Despite being in fifth place, Penn are the team with the most opportunity to catch Beaconsfield at the top. Their five games in hand, should they win them, would take them to within three points of Town. However, that also means that every game is a must win. Kidlington's season has gone off the rails in recent weeks and, despite good some good performances, they are winless since November. This will be the first meeting this season.
French School Meadow Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Beaconsfield Town
The Rams rise to the top seems to be showing no signs of slowing. Currently unbeaten, they take that record to mid-table Slough, who surely consider their first season in the league to be successful. Well clear of danger, they can focus on finishing as high as possible. They will, however, wish to avoid a repeat of the heavy defeat inflicted by Beaconsfield in the reverse fixture.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Milton United
Milton's defeat of Kidlington last weekend should now see them safe from any danger this season. With games in hand on many above them, they will want to push on and finish well after a tough start. Wycombe currently sit third but are, in all fairness, no longer in the title race. They are the division's top scorers and are particularly prolific at home. The reverse fixture ended 2-0 to The Chairgirls.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​AFC Varsity v Wimborne Town
A first meeting between these two, who are both doing well in their first season in the division. Wimborne are currently three places and four points better off than Varsity, but have played a game more. They'll certainly be looking to shake off the effects of last week's heavy League Cup defeat. Varsity also come into the game on the back of a defeat, a narrow 1-0 reversal at home to Havant.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Fleet Town v Bursledon
Still with a 100% record, Fleet are favourites for the title. However, this does mean thay have to keep winning their games in hand, which must add some pressure to each fixture. The Dons have already had a successful first season at this level. In the reverse fixture they pushed Fleet all the way, coming back from two down to level it, before losing 3-2 to an Amy Granger goal.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Stoneham
The two teams immediately above Fleet go head to head in a real six-pointer. Whilst defeat for either woudl not mathematically seal their fate, it would certainly be a huge blow. The Hawks remain unbeaten in the league at Westleigh Park and also won 2-0 at Stoneham Lane earlier in the season. Both will need to go flat out for this one. A draw would only benefit Fleet.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​Abingdon United Development v AFC Portchester
A very tough challenge for Abingdon as they face up to in-form Premier League side AFC Portchester. Portchy progressed to this round via a resounding 13-0 defeat of Division One South Wimborne Town. Town's progress was less spectacular, a bye in fact.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL