This time last year I had just finished the group previews for the Cricklade Supreme Trophy & Shield 2021, #CSTP21. We didn't know what a fantastic competition this was going to be but I think it is safe to say that it was just what everyone needed following a second abandoned league season. After the group stage the competition split into two separate sections, the Trophy for the top two in each group, and the Shield for the remaining teams. This was designed to get as many games under the belt for all of the clubs. After over two months of excellent entertainment it came down to two Final games. The Trophy was to be contested by Chesterton FC of the Stroud & District League and Malmesbury Victoria Development from the Wiltshire Senior League with the Stroud side winning a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw. In the Shield we had Swindon AFC of the Swindon & District League taking on Stratton United of the Stroud & District League. Again, it was a cracking game with Swindon just about edging it 3-2 in a game that swung backwards and forwards like a pendulum. Both Finals were an absolute credit to the leagues involved and a fitting end to a fantastic tournament. 
Both Chesterton and Swindon also had new leagues to look forward to in the 2021-22 season, Swindon winning promotion to the Premier League and Chesterton moving to a new league all together, the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division 2. Both moves were the equivalent of one step up the ladder.

​We'll start with Chesterton. Beating a Step 7 team in the CSTP21 Final was a superb result and came on the back of two excellent but truncated league seasons. In 2019-20 Chesterton were top of Division Two with just a single defeat against their name and were 11 points ahead when the season was ended prematurely. They gained promotion to Division One and fared even better. When the 2020-21 season ended abruptly they had a 100% record, albeit after just eight games. Nevertheless, going into #CSTP21 they had suffered just a single defeat in two years. After their #CSTP21 victory they progressed up the leagues again, entering the Gloucestershire Northern League at Division Two and taking their place alongside some well established Step 9 sides. At the time of writing Chesterton have nine games remaining and are sitting just below the halfway mark on 29 points from their 21 games. They are in no danger of dropping into the relegation mire and look set for a very creditable mid-table spot. It's fair to say that it has been an up and down season for Chesterton, who didn't manage to string consecutive wins together until January when they saw off Barnwood United and Lydbrook Athletic in the space of 7 days. However, they have achieved this feat again in their last two matches before writing, winning 1-0 at Bibury (the team directly above them in the table), and 1-0 at home to Leonard Stanley. I haven't managed to see them play this season but I certainly hope to get to a game soon. They were a joy to watch in the #CSTP21 and I am very much looking forward to seeing them play again.

​Swindon AFC were the side that I saw the most during #CSTP21, a total of five games. They lost the first two games, but both games were hugely entertaining with The Maroons playing their part in both. Then came their superb 4-0 win at Step 7 Ludgershall Sports. Despite the fact that they went on to win the Shield this, in my opinion, was their finest result of the competition. They were brilliant on the day. Executing an almost flawless game plan to completely destroy a team two divisions above them. Then came a pulsating semi-final with our Swindon Sunday League friends, Jovial Monk. A game that had everything. This was then followed by another hugely entertaining Final with Stratton United that saw both teams go behind and pull the game back before Swindon edged it 3-2. Following their success and like Chesterton, Swindon began the 2021-22 season in a new division one higher than previously. In the case of The Maroons it was the Swindon & District Premier League. Swindon lost their opening game 4-2 at Nine Elms but then embarked on a run of three straight wins which saw them settle into life in the top flight. They went on to win more than they lost and secured fourth place in the league. However, the tale does not end there, and unfortunately it does not end happily. With one league game remaining Swindon issued a statement that they were folding. This came hot on the heels of fellow Premier League side Hatherop (another side I watched during #CSTP21) also throwing in the towel. Both of these teams will be a great loss to the league.
On a personal note, all five games in which I saw Swindon play were highly entertaining. The club was always happy to share their team sheet with me and the genuinely seemed to be a good bunch. They had a good side too, and there's no doubt that their players will be picked up by other teams around the area. I do hope that no other Swindon & District sides follow The Maroons and 'Rop out of the door. Last Summer's trips down the A420 were great fun and I am hoping to take in more SDFL games whenever possible.

​If you want to re-live any of the #CSTP21 games mentioned above, here are the links to the blogs:

Chesterton 5 Jovial Monk 2
Semi-Final - Chesterton 6 Hatherop 0
Final - Chesterton 3 Malmesbury Vics Dev. 3 (9-8)

Nalgo Sports 5 Swindon AFC 4
Redhouse 3 Swindon AFC 1
Ludgershall Sports 0 Swindon AFC 4
Semi-Final - Jovial Monk 2 Swindon AFC 4
Final Swindon AFC 3 Stratton United 2

It's been a quiet footballing week here at BotP Towers. No live game last weekend and again no live game in midweek due to circumstances beyond our control. It's still 50/50 whether I will get to see a game on Non-League Day as well. It's a similar case for Jovial Monk who are without a scheduled match for the second Sunday running. However, both Caversham teams are in action, the men on the road and the women at home.

Caversham United
After last weekend's narrow 2-1 defeat of Berkshire Dons, The Goats make the trip across Reading to take on bottom side Reading Kites. This will be the first meeting of the clubs this season with the reverse fixture scheduled for the final game in May. Kites have only managed a solitary point so far but that did come quite recently in a 1-1 draw with GC United, who beat Caversham 2-1 only 2 weeks ago, in mid-February. Since then they have lost the last two quite heavily, 7-1 at Wayback and 10-0 at home to Westwood. The Goats could climb as high as seventh with a win. The big question is, can Euan Barker score for the fourth game running?
Reading Kites v Caversham United. 
KO 10:30. Linear Park 2, RG31 7AT

Caversham United Women
Despite leading twice through goals from Freya Jenkins and Caitlin Levy, Caversham were eventually held to a 2-2 draw at bottom side Mortimer last weekend. This Sunday they take on second from bottom Stonesfield who went down 4-0 at home to Caversham's Cup Final conquerors Penn & Tylers Green, last week. The sides met on the opening day of the season, a game that Stonesfield won 3-2 (Goats Beaten By WOW Factor). However, this was their last victory until February 6th when they had the first of a run of three wins on the bounce, ended last weekend by Penn.
Caversham United Women v Stonesfield Strikers West Oxfordshire. The Goats are still in with a good shout of a top three finish but a win this weekend is a must if the want to close the gap on Tilehurst and Carterton.
Caversham United Women v Stonesfield Strikers West Oxfordshire
KO 14:00. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD

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

No game for Jovial Monk this coming weekend but both Caversham teams are scheduled to play important league games.

Caversham United
The Goats will be looking to put last weekend's 2-1 defeat at GC United behind them as they welcome Berkshire Dons to Mapeldurham Rec.
The Dons are having a decent season and currently sit in fifth spot on 29 points. Caversham are now tenth on 16 points. The sides have met once this season back in November. An early Euan Barker goal for the Goats was cancelled out by Albert Klossi as the sides shared the points with a 1-1 draw. Dons come into the game on the back of a 5 game unbeaten run which has included four wins, and encompassed an excellent 4-2 win at Emmer Green. The Goats Euan Barker will be looking to score for the third game on the bounce having notched at Burghfield and at GC last weekend.
Caversham United v Berkshire Dons
KO 10:30. Mapledurham Playing Fields, RG4 8LD

Caversham United Women
Caversham's women's team came up against a Penn & Tylers Green team that were on fire last Sunday in the Cup Final (Merritt Award). They may have been beaten but they played their part in an immensely entertaining game of football and will no doubt lift some silverware in the near future. This weekend they are back in league action and looking to get themselves as high up the table as possible. They pay a visit to the league's bottom side Mortimer who they already beaten once, 2-0 in November with goals from Stacey Butler and Rosie Page-Smith. However, they won't underestimate their opponents who, last Sunday, progressed to the Semi-Final of the League Cup after winning a penalty shoot-out against The Goats local rivals, Caversham AFC.
Mortimer Ladies v Caversham United Women
KO 2pm. Alfred Palmer Memorial Field, RG7 3TW.

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

​Whilst half of Caversham was on tenterhooks waiting for the Cup Final in the afternoon, over in Swindon Jovial Monk were back in league action on Sunday morning. The Monks were on the road, travelling up to Purton to take on a recently much-improved Purton Redhouse side. The hosts had won two of their last four games and would be full of confidence. However, Jovial Monk thrashed Saturday side Priory Vale 8-1 in a friendly last weekend and also had the knowledge of a 2-1 win against Redhouse earlier in the season. All set up for a good morning of football.

In the first 10 minutes Monk were all over their opponents but then the referee decided to get in on the act. Joshua Riggs got himself sin-binned although, by all accounts, he was not the guilty party. That swung the momentum of the game and for the 10 minutes that Monk were down to ten, Redhouse were well on top and Monk had to batten down the hatches to keep it at 0-0.
Once Riggs re-entered the fray Monk once again took control of the game and and after half an hour went in front through Jake Kimber. Things were looking good for a half-time lead until one of those, now almost traditional, Monk mistakes let the hosts back in for an equaliser.

HT Purton Redhouse 1 Jovial Monk 1

Into the second half and once again the referee decided to take centre stage awarding a controversial penalty to Redhouse. Once again Josh Riggs got the rough end of the stick and this time went into the referees notebook, despite the fact that he was not the player who made the tackle from which the penalty was given. Riggs clearly not on the referee's birthday card list.
So, 2-1 to Purton Redhouse and, to make matters worse, Monk's goalkeeper Jesse Seward-Nice injured his shoulder, even though he managed to continue for the time being. With 15 minutes left on the clock and Monk still trailing, The Gaffer decided to make Riggs' day even more eventful, and pushed him up front in an all or nothing move to 3-3-4 and the hope of getting a goal.
Sure enough, Monk forced a corner and from the ensuing cross Declan Conlon, up from the back, powered in a header for 2-2. The attacking formation had paid off but what next? Revert back to a more defensive formation and protect the point or stay as they are and go for the win. Is that really a question? It's Jovial Monk people, they play to win.
Shortly afterwards the gamble paid off. Another header this time from, yes you guessed it, Josh Riggs. Converted from centre-back, he popped up with the third goal. 3-2
However, with 5 minutes remaining, Jesse was unable to continue between the sticks. I'll give you one guess who stepped up to take the gloves......yep, you got it. Josh Riggs. Monk had no more subs left, so not only were they playing an outfield player in goal they were also down to 10.

Now, after all that already happened, you might expect that Riggs also had to save a penalty to assure the three points. What do you think this is, Roy of the Rovers? Surely, a sin-bin, a yellow card, a goal and then taking over in goal is enough for anyone?

FT Purton Redhouse 2 Jovial Monk 3.

The result takes Jovial Monk up to fourth spot a point above AFC Stratton and a point below Casuals. However, both of these teams have at least one game in hand. That said, a top three finish is still on the cards for Monk with five games remaining. Next scheduled game for JM is not until April 3rd when they are due to travel to Chiseldon. Of course, there's always time to give a lesson to another Saturday team in that time. Maybe Josh Riggs will have recovered from last Sunday by them too?

​The third game of a packed football weekend for me was the big one, as Caversham United Women took on Penn & Tylers Green Ladies in the Final of the Berk & Bucks FA Trophy. The game was to be played at Beaconsfield Town's Holloways Park (7 Up For SYCOB), a ground I had visited some time ago, but one that has had a fair bit spent on it in the intervening years. The main change is, of course, the conversion from grass to an artificial surface, although I would say that the ground also feels that it has been spruced up as well. The team has also gone through a change, dropping the SYCOB (Slough Youth Club Old Boys) name in favour of Town.
The route to the final for both sides was describe din last week's It's A Sunday Thing blog (March 13 - The Big One) but, in brief, the Final was to be played between the competitions top scorers (Caversham United - 29 goals) and the meanest defence (Penn & Tylers Green - 0 conceded). Neither side had won the competition before so, whatever the result, a new name was going to be etched on the trophy.

Normally I write match blogs from the perspective of a neutral, which is exactly what I am at 99% of games. However, as I have said before, I have had some involvement with Caversham United, both men and women's teams, for a while now so this blog is written from the viewpoint of a supporter.

​The Game
Penn, playing in the change kit of red and black stripes, took the early initiative in the game signalling their intention right from the off and coming close from a second minute corner. Caversham tried to respond to the initial Penn onslaught. A deflected Holly Swan effort could have dropped in under the bar but Penn's keeper Rebecca Tobin was well positioned to make the save. In all fairness, that was as close as The Goats got to the Penn goal as they were increasingly pushed backwards. The pace of Sasha Smith and Ellie Ludgate-Williams was causing all sorts of problems for the Caversham defence. They couldn't push up too far for fear of the ball over the top, but by sitting back a little, they were inviting pressure. In the tenth minute Penn came very close again but an excellent last ditch effort from Sophie Wicks got the ball off the line.
Penn were first to every ball at this time, with Caversham were really struggling to cope with their attacking strength. Clearly aware of Caversham's goal-scoring record, Penn had decided that keeping the ball in the Goats half was their best form of defence, and it was working.
With a quarter of an hour gone, Penn found a way past the Goats defence. A superb through ball found Ellie Ludgate-Williams who shrugged off a challenge form Katie Dearling before crashing a shot off the underside of the bar, leaving Nina Merritt with no chance at all. 1-0 and no more than Penn deserved.

​Having already made a couple of good saves, Merritt was again called into action after 21 minutes. Sasha Smith was put through one on one but the Goats stopper was out quick to spread herself and make the save. The half continued in the same manner, Penn constantly probing the Caversham defence but The Goats, to their credit, digging in and holding firm. Caversham's Freya Jenkins, so often an attacking threat on the left, was being very tightly controlled by the Penn defence, especially Madheeya Whitaker who never let Jenkins have an inch of space.
When the Goats backline did miss a challenge Merritt was always on hand to keep out the Penn strikers. Once again, after 39 minutes, Caversham had their keeper to thank and the Merritt v Smith battle continued. Again Sasha Smith was in on goal but again Merritt pulled off a great stop to keep it out. Penn could easily have been three or four to the good if not for the Caversham keeper.
The introduction of Sumayah Zayadi towards the end of the half gave Caversham a different dimension. The quick feet of the Goats striker certainly gave the Penn defenders something to think about and then, with a couple of minutes to go before the break, Caitlin Levy let fly. The shot was over the bar but it did, at least, remind Penn that they were in a game.

HT Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 1 Caversham United Women 0. No doubt that Goats Coach Georgia Laine will be relieved to get them back into the changing room just the one goal down. Penn were relentless in their pressure for much of the half. Goats need a plan to take the load of Nina Merritt's shoulders.

​Caversham started the second half on a much more positive note. Freya Jenkins seemed to be finding a little more space on the left and the midfield were definitely getting hold of the ball more. This in turn temporarily cut out the supply to the dangerous Penn front three.
After 54 minutes it was Penn stopper Rebecca Tobin's turn to demonstrate the art of goalkeeping. Molly McKeever broke through for Caversham but a slightly heavy touch allowed Tobin to dash from her goal and throw herself at the feet of the Caversham striker, smothering the attempt and getting a knock on the head for her troubles. Tremendous bravery from the keeper.
Caversham were starting to make a little more of an impression on the game now but still had to be aware of the threat that Penn posed. Their number 10 turned sharply and shot just over after 56 minutes, just to keep the Goats mind's focussed.
Then came a couple of minutes that completely floored the Goats. With 68 minutes on the clock and the score still 1-0, Sasha Smith burst through the Goats defence and this time Merritt could not perform miracles as the striker finished really well. 2-0
Caversham hardly had time to acclimatise to be 2-0 down when Penn hit them again. Once again it was Sasha Smith, played in beautifully and this time lifting a perfect lob over the onrushing Merritt. 3-0
To be honest, after the third goal went in the game went a little flat. There was still time for Merritt to make a fingertip save to prevent a dipping Henna Hussain shot from going in, but both sides knew the game was up once Penn got their third.
Caversham continued their efforts until the very last seconds but Penn continued to demonstrate how they had got to the final without conceding a single goal.

FT Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 3 Caversham United 0. No lack of effort from the Goats, every player put in a shift. However, on the day, they were well beaten by a very good Penn & Tylers Green team. The Goat's day will come, I've no doubt about that. They are a talented and honest bunch who work hard and deserve success. As for Penn & Tylers Green, they were impressive across the whole pitch. Their path to the Final showed that they could defend but they are also a serious threat going forward. Smith, Hussain and Ludgate-Williams gave the Goats defenders no respite. I suppose this should not have come as too much of a surprise given that Penn are the second highest scorers in the league. Only leaders Badshot Lea have more goals. 
While writing the blog it occurred to me that I was mentioning Nina Merritt's name almost every sentence. What that showed was a) the amount of pressure that Penn put on Caversham and b) the superb display of goalkeeping put on by the Caversham stopper (hence the blog title).

If you would like to catch either of these teams back in league action, and I heartily recommend it, they are both away from home this coming Sunday (20th March). Penn & Tylers Green travel to second from bottom Stonesfield Strikers, whilst Caversham look to pick themselves up with a visit to bottom side Mortimer Ladies. Both games are 2pm kick-offs.

Penn & Tyler Green Ladies: Tobin, Gates, Harnby, McRae, Wyncoll, O'Grady, Roberts, Whitaker, Smith, Hussain, Ludgate-Williams. Subs: Harrigan, Penny, Stopforth
Caversham United: Merritt, Dearling, Clarke, Hobson, Wicks, Levy, Jenkins, Butler, Swan, McKeever, Hopkins. Subs: Thoreau, Zayadi, Baxter

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 253
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Online

It's been seven years since any name other than Blisworth has appeared on the Northants Combination Premier Trophy. In 2015 Corby Eagles lifted the title but, following today's fixture at Corteenhall Road, it's difficult to see any other name than Roade FC being etched into the trophy this season.
Today's blog will follow a slightly different format to normal. It's less than 2 months since my last visit to Blisworth (Corby Pressed), so there is little point in describing their ground again. There is, however, still a good reason to put a little background into the blog before getting into the meat of the match.

The Background
Anyone who read last month's Northants Combination run-in article (The Right Combination) will already be aware that the Premier League title race had already boiled down to two teams, Blisworth and Roade. Since that article Blisworth have played three league games, Roade have played two. However, they key fact in all of this is that whilst Roade won both of their games, Blisworth won two but then slippe dup at Earls Barton United last weekend, a game that BotP covered (The Pendulum Swings).  The consequences of these results meant that going into today's game, Roade still held a seven point lead but Blisworth now only had one game in hand. With few games left to play, this put an extra emphasis on Blisworth getting a positive result from today's game. Add to that the fact that there is less than 3 miles between the two grounds and you have the makings of a classic six-pointer. One thing in favour of the home side was the fact that they won at Roade in November with goal from Marc Dowling and Kieren Westbury seeing them to a 2-1 victory. Dale Lewis scored for Roade in a game that also saw Lee Abrams pick up a red card.

​The Game
Just as last week for Blisworth, it was clearly going to be a game affected by the wind. However, this week they were going to have the conditions in their favour during the second half rather than the first. Surely, all they needed to do was see out the first 45 minutes without any damage? Unfortunately for Blisworth, that plan took a big hit as early as the third minute. Roade won a free kick out on the right midway into the Blisworth half. The ball was delivered deep towards the far post and as the visitor's Number 5 stooped to get a head on it a Blisworth defender tried to hook the ball clear but only succeeded in giving the Roade player a nasty looking boot to the head. The referee pointed to the spot immediately and, after a fairly lengthy delay for the Roade player to get treatment, Jonathon Joyce stepped up to smash the penalty home. 0-1.
Blisworth tried to hit back straight away and had two shots blocked by last ditch defending. Kieren Westbury then got himself into the book for a late lunge on a Roade player. It was more of a mis-timed tackle than anything malicious but, because he slid into it, the referee had no real option than to produce a yellow. This was to prove a significant incident later in the game.
Although Blisworth had had those two shots blocked straight after going a goal down, they were finding it difficult to muster any real momentum, partially due to the wind and partially because they seemed to be a little lack-lustre compared to the way I have seen the play previously. Odd in the circumstances but maybe we need to credit Roade for not allowing their hosts to settle into the game?
On 17 minutes Roade edged even further in front and it was a goal taken in some style. A cross from the left was hit deep towards the back post where Dale Lewis struck a brilliant volley, on the run, controlling the strike to stroke the ball past Tayal in the home goal. 0-2.
It took a few more minutes but, as the clock started ticking towards the half hour mark, Blisworth finally started to get more into the game. On 26 minutes they were a little unlucky when a snapshot came back off the bar but on 33 minutes they did manage to hit back. A ball was played diagonally through the Roade defence where Shaun Wilkes was lurking to slot the ball home. 1-2 and definitely game on.
Suddenly Blisworth looked more up for it and the visitors keeper had to be at his best, going down low to his right, to keep out a stinging drive from Number 9.
The game was far more even now but just before the half-time whistle, Blisworth did have Tayal to thank for keeping them in it when the keeper produced two fine saves in succession.

HT Blisworth 1 Roade 2. A great start from the visitors which seemed to catch Blisworth on the hop. However, the goal back puts a different light on the second period. With the conditions now in their favour, there was some expectancy that Blisworth would pile on the pressure in the second period.

​Sure enough, it was the home side who came out looking fired up, immediately looking to put their visitors on the back foot. It took a little while for the Blisworth pressure to threaten the Roade goal but, in the 57th minute, they came very close to grabbing an equaliser when a curling free-kick from their Number 3 beat the keeper but smacked against the post and bounced to safety. Roade were really under the cosh at this point and were struggling to get out of their own half.
In the 67th minute, however, following what was an infrequent Roade attack, they won a corner on the right hand side. The ball was whipped in dangerously and there was Luke McDonald climbing above everyone to head home. 1-3 and cue wild celebrations amongst the players and large travelling support. Once again, Blisworth tried to hit back straight away and were a little unlucky when Wilkes drove a low effort across the face of the goal.
With Blisworth now desperately chasing the game and the challenges heating up, they were forced to take off their influential playmaker Kieren Westbury, despite the protestations of some home supporters. The early yellow card combined with his combative style was clearly going to pose too much risk of a second yellow for them to risk it. The last thing they needed was to go down to 10 players.
With 18 minutes left to play McDonald, fired up by his goal, tried his luck from from the edge of the area with a dipping shot that came back off the Blis bar. A few minutes later, in what was now a breathless second period, Blisworth's Number 14 saw his goal bound headed cleared off the line. The home side had certainly had the chances but just couldn't get another goal.
Finally, on 80 minutes, Roade delivered the killer blow and the move of the game. Stringing together six or seven first time passes, they cut the home defence apart before the final pass found an unmarked George Wingrove on the far post to stroke the ball home. 1-4
There was still time for Blisworth's late substitute, Number 18, to crash a fabulous volley against the bar from 20 yards with his first touch but the hosts were destined not to get any more goals on the afternoon.

FT Blisworth 1 Roade 4. The very honourable tweet from Blisworth after the game stating that Roade made sure of the title with a 4-1 win today, pretty much summed things up. Although Roade aren't mathematically guaranteed the title, there would have to be a major miracle for them not to take it. Ten points clear with their nearest rivals capable of gaining a possible 15 points, they just need a couple more results to make it 100% certain. On the plus side for Blisworth, they never gave the game up and it was a far closer result than the final score line suggested. There was also a huge crowd by Step 7 standards.

Blisworth (squad): Dowling, Duffy, Gartland, Griffin(c), Herbert, Lyons, Morgan, Redding, Tayal, Westbury, Wilkes. Subs: Belfon, Grimley, Watson
Roade (squad): Betts, Faulkner, Healey, Hogben, Joyce, Lawton, Lewis, McDonald, Mcadoo, Smith, Wingrove. Subs: Abrams, Hall, Roberts

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

All three teams should be in action this weekend. However, one team in particular has a massive match. It's not secret that Caversham United Women have reached the Berks 7 Bucks Trophy Final in the first season. Take a look at the match preview below and, if you can, why not come along to Beaconsfield Town on Sunday afternoon to support the team?

Jovial Monk
After last week's fantastic friendly win against Priory Vale, Monk should be going into this weekend full of confidence as they make the journey North-West to take on Purton Redhouse. Two wins in their last four games have lifted Redhouse off the bottom of the table. However, with Chiseldon having two game sin hand and being only a point behind, they are not out of trouble just yet. Earlier in the season goals from Ali Maher and Jono secured a 2-1 win for JM despite going a goal down and ending the game with nine players after Luke Richards and Kris Redford were both sin-binned. 
Purton Redhouse v Jovial Monk
KO 10:30. Purton FC, SN5 4DT

Caversham United
The Goats have just won one and lost one in their consecutive games against Burghfield Reserves. Two weeks ago they clocked up a 4-1 home win but, last weekend, went down 3-1 at Burghfield. They'll be glad to be facing different opponents this week as they make the journey out to the wilds of Woodley to face GC United. Their opponents are two places and two points above the Goats but have played an extra game. It's only just over a month since the sides met at Mapeldurham. An Alex Jenkins goal for Caversham could not prevent them going down 3-1. GC's goals coming from Owen Davies, Brodie Davies and Max Laschok. Since that game GC have had a 6-1 win, a 6-1 defeat and two draws. Caversham have had two wins, a draw and two defeats.
GC United v Caversham United
KO 10:30. Woodford Park Leisure Centre, RG5 4LY

Last, but certainly not least, the big one.
Caversham United Women
Berks & Bucks County Trophy Final
A massive game for both teams. The sides have met once in the league so far this season. Penn & Tylers Green came out on top of the clash at French School Meadows back in November, clocking up a 4-1 score with goals from Henna Hussain (3) and Sasha Smith. Tiff Newland replied for The Goats. The Goats, however, have proven time and again this season that they are a very good cup team. So far they have lost just once in any cup competition this season and that was against Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup. In the Berks & Bucks Trophy they are, by far, the top scorers having amassed 29 goals in their four games. Having said that, they are going to be up against the competition's meanest defence. Penn & Tylers Green may not have scored as many as The Goats but they are yet to concede a goal in three games. It promises to be a fascinating encounter.

This is how the two teams made it to the Final:

Round 1
Caversham United Women 13 Wraysbury Village Ladies 0
Tiff Newland (4), Emma Hopkins (3), Katie Dearling (2), Holly Swan, Sumayah Zayadi, Jodie Hayden, Steph Nelson

Round 2
Holyport Ladies 1 Caversham United Women 7
Holly Swan (4), Tiff Newland (2), Caitlin Levy
Haddenham Youth Ladies 0 Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 3
Ellie Ludgate-Williams(3)

Quarter-Final
Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 1 Long Crendon Ladies 0
Sasha Smith
Aylesbury United Ladies 2 Caversham United Women 7
Holly Swan (3), Stacey Butler (2), Emma Hopkins, Molly McKeever

Semi-Final
Wargrave Women 0 Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 3
Rachel Harnby, Henna Hussain, Sasha Smith
Caversham United Women 2 Slough Town Ladies 0
Emma Hopkins, Freya Jenkins

Penn & Tylers Green Ladies v Caversham United Women
KO 3pm. Beaconsfield Town FC, Holloways Park, HP9 2SE

​Click on the image below to get tickets

An early kick-off for the girls this morning and a very unusual goalless draw. You don't get many of those at Under 12.
I had an opportunity to get to a game in the afternoon but, as I needed to get back at a reasonable hour, it was always going to have to be a nearby game. I had the chance to see Swindon's finest Sunday league outfit take on Saturday opposition, Priory Vale, in a friendly but getting to Wootton Bassett and back on my timescale was going to be difficult. However, lookout for the weekly Monk review later in the week. It will be worth a read, guaranteed. 
I decided on a Northants Premier game. From recent experience I knew there was a good chance of an entertaining game close enough for me to be home at a reasonable hour. My original plan was Heyford Athletic v Moulton. mainly because it was the closest match to me. However, when that was called off, I opted for Earls Barton United v Blisworth. Slightly further but a more important game in terms of the title race.

The Ground
Earls Barton play at The Grange, a multi-sport facility just to the North of Earls Barton village which, in turn, is just to the North of the A45. The Sports field comprises of a large cricket ground partially surrounded by a white picket fence in the most archetypal English village cricket green style, a 7-a-side pitch next to the cricket pitch and the first team pitch. There is also plenty of space in front of the pavilion which could easily accommodate more small sided pitches. The clubhouse incorporates the players and officials changing areas as well as a bar in the style of a public house, called The old Swan. The entrance to the bar also features quite an ornate clock on the gables of the building. The pitch itself looked to be reasonably flat. There is no spectator cover or dugouts, although technical areas are marked with white paint on the cricket pitch side of the ground. The ground is set looking out over countryside towards Wellingborough and is quite exposed to the elements as we all found out on Saturday, with a very chilly breeze blowing across the pitch and with no stands to shelter behind, it made for a quite a cold afternoon.

​The Background
As detailed in a recent blog, The Right Combination, the title race in the Northants Combination Premier League has been a two horse race for the past month or so. Sitting on top of the pile are Roade, seven points clear before kick-off but having played two more games than second placed Bisworth. With Roade not playing this weekend and next seeing Blisworth entertain road, three points today were required to put pressure on the league leaders ahead of the game next Saturday. 
In the reverse fixture at Blisworth in October the home side had run out comfortable 4-1 winners with goals from Kieran Westbury (2), Niall Duffy and Jamie Cully for Blis. Dan Webb scored the Earls Barton goal. In fact, since the clubs gained promotion to the Premier League, Blisworth by means of a second pace finish in 2011-12 and Earls Barton by means of winning Division One the following year, the sides have met 12 times, not including this season. In that time Earls Barton have only managed one win which came at Blisworth in the 2013-14 season. Of course, since that time, Blisworth have won 4 league titles and their record against Earls Barton mirrors this success with 8 wins and 3 draws.

The Game
Blisworth, in their change kit of gold and white, were playing towards the clubhouse end in the first half, with a gusty wind blowing in their favour. They started the game confidently, as you would expect of a team chasing the title. Less than 10 minutes in the visitors took the lead. A corner from the right was not dealt with properly, the ball fell to the feet of Stephen Grimley who stabbed the ball past the home keeper Ciaran Wells. 0-1
Three minutes later it looked as if Blisworth had made it two when Westbury fired through a crowd of players past the outstretched hand of the keeper. However, the ball had taken a nick off a player on the way into the net. The sound was audible even from the side line but it was unclear who had got the touch. The referee conferred with the assistant who confirmed their was a touch but didn't know if it was a home or away player that touched the ball. The referee decided it clipped a Blisworth player in an offside position and ruled the goal out. Undeterred Blisworth continued to hunt for a second goal. A minute after the disallowed goal they were almost in again when their centre-forward flicked on a through ball perfectly into the path of Number 10 who lobbed the keeper only to see his effort go narrowly over the bar. It really was looking like just a matter of time until Blisworth increased their lead.
However, chances came  and went without the scoresheet being altered and the home side noticeably grew in confidence as the half drew on. They were lucky again just past the half hour mark though, when Blisworth's number 11 used his pace to latch onto a long ball before pulling his cross shot just wide of the far post. The home team responded with their best effort of the half so far, the lively Dylan Wilson shooting just wide after bursting past a couple of Blisworth defenders.
Earls Barton left back Eddie Mann was having a a solid game but was showing signs of his efforts. First of all, stooping to head clear, he had inadvertently taken a blow to the head which drew blood. Patched up with a bandage around his head, he soldiered on only to take another painful looking knock to the ankle in a 50-50 challenge. Again, nothing malevolent in the challenge just a case of a player coming off worse. Before the half was over Blisworth's number 11 once again used his pace to get onto a through ball but couldn't get his shot, from a narrow angle, on target.

HT Earls Barton United 0 Blisworth 1. Plenty of chances fell the way of the visitors but they could only make one of them count. fair to say that they could have been three or four goals to the good. Earls Barton looked happy to still be in the game at the break and would have the conditions in their favour for the second period.

​Blisworth were back on track immediately in the second half but found the home keeper in good form, preventing Number 10 from doubling the Blis lead. Shortly afterwards the keeper and a covering defender were both on hand to smother another effort from Number 10. The visitors kept plugging away and six minutes into the second half got their just rewards when a cross from the right went straight through to the back post where Ross Watson was on hand to drill the ball home. 0-2
It looked done and dusted at this stage but little did we know what was to come. Just past the hour mark Barton gave us a glimpse of what they could do when the overlapping left-back Eddie Mann, still complete with head bandage, put in a superb cross that was headed wide by Tom North. He probably should have done better, but it was a warning for Blisworth. Two minutes later Wilson, who had looked the most dangerous home player all game, went on a good run before feeding North again. He went past the keeper but was sent wide enough, and was off balance enough, to screw his shot just wide. Blisworth tried to hit back and, with 20 minutes to go, put together a lovely move culminating in the home keeper saving well with his feet.
With 18 minutes to go it was still 2-0 to the visitors, but then Earls Barton managed to hit back. A free-kick on the right was whipped in towards the near post. The keeper got down to it but couldn't hold on, allowing Glenn Cakebread to nip in and stab the ball over the line. 1-2. Could there be a comeback on the cards? Well, six minutes after conceding Blisworth had a massive chance to put the game to bed when they were awarded a penalty. Kieran Westbury stepped up but Wells guessed right, diving to his right to save.
With six minutes left and Blisworth seemingly hanging on for three much needed points, Earls Barton struck again. A great cross from the left by Cakebread was headed in at the far post by Ant Brown. 2-2
Blisworth were reeling and this was demonstrated when, just a minute after being pegged back, they went behind. A huge kick from the home keeper Wells caught the wind and fell into the visitors penalty area. The Blis keeper had already half come to collect but was in no man's land as Dylan Wilson got a flick on the dropping ball to divert it into the net. 3-2
The madness was not over either. Just as we approached the 90 minute mark things got even worse for the visitors and it was entirely of their on making. A long ball was being chased down by Cakebread but he was definitely second favourite to reach it before the goalkeeper and a covering defender. However, the Blisworth players managed to collide leaving Cakebread to roll the ball into an empty net. 4-2.
There was still time for Blisworth to get a goal back through Ross Watson's second of the afternoon, two minutes into added time to make it 4-3, but it was too little, too late as the referee blew the final whistle shortly afterwards.

FT Earls Barton United 4 Blisworth 3. Let's remember that this game was still 0-2 with 18 minutes remaining. What a finale to the game. Even the Earls Barton Twitter admin referred to it as smash and grab but, to be fair to them, they kept plugging away and, I was told afterwards, were short of seven first-teamers.
The result sees Blisworth stay seven points adrift of leaders Roade but now they only have one game in hand. This puts even more emphasis on next week's massive top of the table clash when Roade make the short journey to Blisworth in what is now very much a must win for the home team. What a game that promises to be. It looks very much like BotP will not be able to make the game so, once again, if anyone wants to put a guest blog together it would be greatly appreciated and happily published on the web site. Earls Barton, meanwhile, travel to Moulton in what looks like another tasty fixture. Moulton won 3-2 at Earls Barton earlier in the season.


Earls Barton United: Wells, Harris, Andrews, Randall, Brown, Cakebread, Martin, Talbot, Ware, Wilson, North. Subs: Mann, Clewer
Blisworth: Tayal, Gartland, Redding, Herbert, Dowling, Grimley, Lyons, Westbury, Bobowicz, Wilkes, Duffy. Subs: Watson, Belfon, Reina

Ground Number: 311
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​There were plenty of games to choose from this Tuesday but one that caught my eye was the Hellenic Division Two South game between Carterton and Faringdon Town. Not because there was anything particularly riding on the game but because it's not that often you get the chance to watch Step 7 games, where floodlights are not mandatory, in midweek. It also meant a far shorter journey than any of the other games on my list, a bonus on an evening where it looked as if there was going to be steady rain wherever I went. It was also an opportunity to watch two teams that I had not seen play before. A bonus.

The Ground
It's only been just over a decade since Carterton were a Step 5 side plying their trade in the Hellenic Premier League and, despite the team dropping down two divisions since those days, they have retained a stadium worthy of a higher level than the one they currently play in. The UKBP Stadium on Kilkenny Lane is situated on the Northern extremities of the town. Be warned, there is a new housing estate around the ground and the signage is very misleading due to some roads now being blocked off. If you go there in the evening, you can see the floodlights but finding the way in is a little tricky.
Once you get through the maze, you are greeted by a reasonably-sized car park situated directly behind the main sports club building. Access into the ground is at the side of the main building through a small gate. This brings you into the ground behind one of the goals and into a patio area that is set a little lower than the playing surface. This area is also partially roofed, although it does not provide a particularly good view of the game. It would, however, be a great place to put a noticeboard showing the team sheets. A metal fence protects this area from stray shots. There are toilets on this level but the main clubhouse is accessed up a small flight of stairs to the upper level at the far end of the club block. The changing areas are situated below the club as is the officials changing area. There are two covered spectator areas, a small stand in the corner of the ground next at the club house end. This is clearly quite an old structure and has just a couple of rows of seats, although the few people in there seemed to be happy to stand. The dugouts are also on this side of the ground. On the opposite side of the pitch is the main stand, a newer structure with seating for over 100 spectators. The pitch appears to slope very slightly back towards the clubhouse.

The Background
This would be the second meeting of the teams in three days. Faringdon secured a 2-1 win at Tucker Park last Saturday with goals from Ollie Baker and James Tranter. Kevin Davies got the Carterton goal. That left Town in 12th spot with 14 points from 19 games. Carterton sat two places above Tuesday's visitors with 23 points from their 19 games. Despite being in the lower half of the table both sides have been showing a bit more form recently. Carterton's defeat at Faringdon was their first in the last four games. Faringdon have seen 3 of their total 4 wins this season come in the last 7 games. So, both sides showing that they have some potential.
The last time the two sides were in the same Division, and the season was actually completed, came in the 2017-18 Hellenic Division Two West season when Carterton finished the season in fourth spot and Faringdon in eighth, 19 points worse off. Both games that season went in favour of Carterton who won 3-0 at Faringdon and 4-2 at home.

​The Game
The choice of match was a little bit last minute and consequently I hadn't done as much research as I would normally put in before a game. Faringdon were first out onto the pitch in their red kit, followed by Carterton in their balck and white stripes. I must admit, the kit caught me by surprise. I have no idea why, but I just assumed that Carterton played in blue.
Despite the fact that Faringdon were out and warming up with a rondo well in advance of Carterton, who pretty much came onto the ptch and kicked off, it was the home side that started the game the brighter. The first real attempt came on 4 minutes when Carterton's nippy left-side player Ethan Barrett wove his way into the box and created a shooting opportunity. The shot went stright at the keeper, but it was a warning for Town and a sign of what Barrett was capable of doing. As it turned out the ongoing battle between Barrett and Faringdon right-back Platt turned out to be one of the highligghts of the evening. Two evenly matched, quick and skillful players who were never too far apart throughout the game.
Faringdon started a little sluggishly but worked their way into the game. On 18 minutes they worked their best chance so far when James Tranter turned sharply on the edge of the box and fired in a stinging drive which, it appeared, was only kept out by a combinatoin of the keeper and the woodwork. A minute later the home keeper was gain called into action, saving well from Mitchell Coombes. Then, as we approached the half-hour caterton gave the ball away inside their own half allowing Tranter to, once gain, get a shot away. Thsi time, however, the striker pulle dhis effort narrowly wide of the keeper's right-hand post.
Then, in an end to end contest, it was Carterton who were next to go close with the lively Butler driving in from the right and firing a rasping drive across the face of Gibson's goal only to see the ball clip the far post before going to safety.

HT Carterton 0 Faringdon Town 0. A very even half with both sides having chances. The only surprise is that it is still goalless with both sides having hit the woodwork.

​Seven minutes into the second half came what turned out to be the decisive moment. Carterton had started the second period like the first, the brighter of the two sides. They won a corner on the right and, when it was driven in low towards the front post, Dylan Butler met it with a crisp strike that flashed across Gibson into the net. 1-0.
The goal provoked a response from the visitors and 10 minutes after going behind they came so, so close to equalising. Once again the Carterton keeper was called upon to save his team. Then, from the resulting corner there was an almighty scramble in the six yard box culminating in Faringdon somehow smashing the ball against the bar from very close range. A huge let-off for the hosts but it remained 1-0
The action switched to the other end of the pitch and Carterton had a glorious opportunity to seal the points but their number 11 could only glance his effort wide of the post when he probably should have buried it. Then, with just over 10 left on the clock, Barrett once again went on a jinking run from the left hand side, cutting inside before hitting a dipping drive that beat Gibson but skimmed the top of the bar. Faringdon piled on some late pressure looking for an equaliser and came close again on 84 minutes when a free-kick was rolled sideways to Matt Pill. His well struck effort went narrowly wide of the target.

FT Carterton 1 Faringdon Town 0. A very closely contested game between two evenly matched sides. Both teams had a number of chances. Both goalkeepers made good saves and the woodwork also came to their rescue a couple of times. In the end one clinical finish was the difference.
On Saturday Faringdon travel to Bulpitt Lane to face mid-table Hungerford Town Swifts. Carterton have a weekend off before welcoming the same opponents, Hungerford, to The UKBP Stadium a week on Saturday.

Carterton(squad): Barrett, Butler, Davies, Felstead, Horne, Khazir, Langdon, Roberts, Stephens, Walkington, Williams. Subs: MacDonough, Walton
Faringdon Town: Gibson, Platt, Tomes, Lovell, Davenport(c), Hares, Coombes, Forth, Tranter, Pill, Baker. Subs: Lawrence, Jay, Bradbury

Ground Number: 310
Att: 40
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A

It's hard to believe but we are already on episode 15 of the season-long journal of Jovial Monk's Swindon Sunday League journey.
​
Spring had finally sprung, at least there was blue sky, and Monk were back in action this past Sunday. Looking to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat at Gorsehill Borough in their previous game and consolidate their place in the league over their opponents, Mario's FC. At kick-off the sides were separated by a single point, with Monk just edging it. However, Mario's had, and still have, a game in hand.

In typical Jovial Monk and Sunday League style, the game was far from straight-forward. Monk found themselves a goal down but got back on level terms just over 10 minutes later through Jono Peachey-Score.
Daniel Bond then put Monk 2-1 up and shortly afterwards Scouse made it 3-1. Of course, it would not be a Jovial Monk game if it stayed that way. Sure enough Mario's pulled a goal back to 3-2, before Kris Redford made it 4-2. Game over now, correct? Well, no. Once again Mario's hit back to make it 4-3.  Then both Monk keeper Ben Pres and the Mario's captain got themselves involved in an altercation that saw them both earn red cards, before the referee finally called it a day.
A much needed win for Monk.

FT Mario's FC 3 (Axford, Zenonos*2) Jovial Monk 4 (Peachey-Score, Bond, Richards, Redford)

The result consolidates 5th spot for Monk but still leaves them two point adrift of AFC Stratton. DPR's 1-0 win over second placed Gorsehill Borough saw them open up a six point lead at the top of the table.

No game scheduled for Monk next weekend