This Sunday couldn't come quick enough. It was the big one in the Southern Region Division One North. A local derby between Penn & Tylers Green and Beaconsfield Town that would go a long way to deciding the outcome of the title. To add to that, the last game between the teams had been feisty to say the least. Beaconsfield edged a Combined Counties Cup game 2-1 at French School Meadow in a game that saw Penn's Nicole Jacobs dismissed for a lunge on Freya Harris that, thankfully, failed to connect. The previous league meeting, in October at Holloways Park, finished 1-1 with goals from Nicole Brown for The Rams and Tara Woodward for Penn (Undefeated).
Prior to kick-off Beaconsfield led the way at the top of the table with 44 points from 16 games played. Following today's game they still had to go to Abingdon and welcome Caversham to Holloways Park. There may also be another home game with Ascot United Reserves to come, after the game was postponed in early March.
Penn sat in fourth spot but, with their four games in hand, were still genuine title rivals. However, the outcome of this match was critical to them. Win it, and the other games in hand, and they could draw level with The Rams. Fail to win it and the opportunity was no longer in their own hands.
In the week leading up to the game Penn made two signings from nearby Wycombe Wanderers u23s. Ammara Qureshi and Daisy-Leigh Thompson, who had  35 appearances and 20 goals between them this season, came into the squad, with Thompson going straight into the starting eleven.

​With the onus firmly on the home side, it was little surprise that they came out of the traps quickly, immediately pushing Beaconsfield onto the back foot. No doubt the visitors had been told to keep it tight for the first 15 minutes, but they probably wouldn't have wanted to be pushed back quite as much so early on. Having said that, Lisa Phillips in the Rams goal, didn't have too much to do and with the pace that Beaconsfield possess, they could always pose a threat on the break. That was exactly the case after 15 minutes. Having soaked up a lot of pressure, they broke quickly and twice Lucy Casey came close to punishing Penn, the second of which was deflected wide for a corner. Katie Riddington then fired just over from outside the box after the corner was half-cleared.
Those efforts signalled something of a turning point in the half. Penn had been bossing possession but Beaconsfield were now beginning to get a foothold. Just past the halfway point Daisy-Leigh Thompson got a shot on target, but it was comfortable for Phillips. Then, on the half-hour mark, came a potential flashpoint when Freya Harris clattered Emma Gentle. A yellow card and a talking to for Harris as Gentle, after lengthy treatment, was thankfully able to continue. 
The incident seemed to fire up the home side again. Almost immediately after the restart Phillips had to be at her best to get both hands on a corner, under great pressure from Rachael Harnby. Then, with six minutes remaining in the half, the home side hit their visitors on the break. The ball was played up the right before being delivered into the centre where Tara Woodward spotted the overlapping Ammara Qureshi, in a load of space on the left. The ball to the winger was perfect, allowing her to round the onrushing Phillips and slot into an empty net. 1-0. A great start to life at Penn for Qureshi who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. 
Beaconsfield responded by making three changes, one of which was the introduction of Sarah Davern into midfield. That proved to be a masterstroke because, four minutes after going behind, the Rams were awarded a free-kick some 20 yards out on the left corner of the penalty area. Davern took charge, smashing the ball high past Ivaldi into the top corner. A superb strike. 1-1.
Penn almost got their noses back in front directly from the restart when Amber Cattell go in on goal. However, Phillips was able to block and grab the ball at the second attempt, sending the sides in level at the break.

HT Penn & Tylers Green 1 Beaconsfield Town 1. Plenty of scores being settled out on the pitch, but the one that really counted was all-square. Thanks to referee Christopher Ball for sharing the Penn team sheet at half-time. Nice to have a chat with him about the first-half too. It hadn't been the easiest game to handle so far.

​Whereas Penn had started the first half strongly, it was Beaconsfield who were quickest into their stride in the second period. Dominque Carrington got her head to an early corner but couldn't quite get the effort on target. The Lucy Casey fired just wide on 50 minutes before the same player almost managed to squeeze a near-post corner in, only being prevented by a good piece of goalkeeping from Francesca Ivaldi. A minute later Casey was again testing the keeper, this time turning her defender in the box before striking goalward. Ivaldi making a good block with her feet.
Just past the hour mark Freya Harris chased down a loose ball just inside the Penn penalty area. It looked as if she had just kept it from going for a goal-kick when she was barged in the back by Emma Helmer. The referee immediately blew and pointed to the spot, much to the ire of the home bench, who believed the incident took place outside the box. However, they needn't have worried. After consulting with his assistant, the referee changed the decision to goal-kick. Presumably the ball had already crossed the line before the foul. Something of a lucky escape for Penn.
With 19 minutes of normal time remaining the inevitable happened. Henna Hussain, signed by Beaconsfield from Penn earlier in the season, picked up the ball just inside the right-hand side of the penalty area. She cut back onto her left foot before curling an absolutely unstoppable shot into the opposite top corner. No chance for Ivaldi. 1-2
Penn now needed to score twice in the remaining time to keep their season alive. They pushed forward but couldn't find a way past a Beaconsfield defence marshalled brilliantly by Gemma Whitchurch. Their resistance was finally broken completely by the left foot of Dom Carrington, who latched onto a ball on the edge of the box before guiding a low drive into the bottom corner of Ivaldi's net. 1-3

FT Penn & Tylers Green 1 Beaconsfield Town 3. From a neutral's perspective, the worst thing about this result is that the teams may well not play each other next season and, I for one, would be happy to pay to watch them go head-to-head more often. There's clearly no love lost between the teams and no-one was pulling out of tackle in the entire game. In the end, three very classy strikes proved to be the difference. Whilst the title race is not mathematically over, it would take a spectacular collapse from Beaconsfield in their final three games, plus either Penn or Ascot winning every game (that also depends on the outcome of the postponed Beaconsfield v Ascot game from early March). Next weekend Beaconsfield take a rest whilst Penn are back at home as they welcome bottom side Caversham United.

Penn & Tylers Green: 1.Ivaldi, 3.Helmer, 18.Mackay, 4.Harnby, 6.Gentle, 25.Thompson, 5.Scott-Green, 7.Ludgate-Williams, 10.Cattell, 11.Lovelock, 17.Woodward. Subs: 12.Jacobs, 27.Bradley, 20.Qureshi, 9.Stopforth, 2.Brockwell
Beaconsfield Town: 1.Phillips(c), 2.R.Harris, 3.Kingston-Wheeler, 4.Hill, 5.Whitchurch, 6.Vittese, 7.F.Harris, 8.Riddington, 9.Casey, 10.Carter, 11.Hussain. Subs: Carrington, Thomson, Kingston, Davern, Smith

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

An unusual opportunity to watch a Southern Region game on a Tuesday evening presented itself this week. Wycombe Wanderers were scheduled to meet local rivals, and former tenants, Reading, under the lights at Adams Park. This would only be the second occasion that the Chairgirls had graced the AP pitch. I last watched a women's game at Wycombe back in 2019. That day it was Reading who were the home team, taking on Arsenal in their WSL days. These days Reading play their home games at Slough Town's Arbour Park and the glory days of the WSL are a distant memory (maybe to return someday soon?). Tuesday's game was a Southern Region Premier League clash that was probably more pertinent to the home side than to the visitors. Wycombe came into the game in second spot, still harbouring outside chances of reeling in Ascot United at the top. Although, eight points adrift with four games remaining seems like a long shot. All they can do is keep winning and hope that United slip up. Reading, who came into the game on the back of consecutive away victories against the other teams near them at the foot of the table, were now safe from the spectre of relegation and could concentrate on building for next season. The reverse fixture, just before Christmas, had ended with a 6-0 win for Wycombe, which included a double for the league's top scorer, Kayla Potter. Potter, along with strike partner Jessica Watkins, had already scored 44 goals between the two of them prior to kick-off.
A massive thank you to Wycombe's press team, who had printed team sheets in readiness for people, such as myself, asking for a photo. It's these little touches that give such a good feeling about a club.

​The Origin Stand felt pretty full as thew game got under way, with a very good percentage of visiting Reading fans amongst the crowd. However, it was the home support who were on their feet after just 3 minutes when Reading's goalkeeper, Cherry Preisner, came out of her box to clear, but only managed to send the ball straight to Jessica Watkins. The striker instantly controlled the ball before returning it over Preisner, only to see it bounce fractionally wide of the post.
Wycombe looked in the mood this evening though and within two minutes of that close call, they took the lead. Danielle Puddefoot, out wide, delivered the perfect ball for Jessica Watkins to meet on the volley from 8 yards. 1-0. A minute later it was two. This time it was Kayla Potter who went clear on the left flank before delivering a low cross, inviting Watkins to stroke home her second of the evening. 2-0.
Things were looking even more ominous for Reading after just 11 minutes. Conceding a free-kick out wide on the Wycombe left, the visitors set up for another ball in to Potter and Watkins. However, Danielle Puddefoot had other ideas, striking directly at goal and beating Preisner with power. 3-0
Wycombe were rampant at this point. Reading were finding it hard to keep possession, let alone mount an attack of their own. Meanwhile, Potter, Watkins and Emani Kassem, were  constantly making runs into space for the home midfield to pick out. To their credit, Reading made a few tweaks to their game plan, bringing on former Caversham player Caitlin Levy into a defensive midfield role, and they did manage to stem the tsunami of Wycombe goal attempts quite well. Wycombe were still dominating the ball and home keeper Amber Taylor was just a bystander, but Cherry Preisner did manage to catch her breath after what have felt like a constant barrage in the opening minutes.
Preisner did have to make a good stop after 17 minutes and Potter, when in on goal, fired tamely at the goalkeeper at the midway point, but Wycombe were unable to add to their tally before the break.

HT Wycombe Wanderers 3 Reading 0. One-way traffic. However, after being three down in just over 10 minutes, Reading did well to stem the flow of goals. Wycombe's movement up front caused many problems for the visitors defence.

​Only a minute into the second half Preisner was forced to fly to her left to tip over a Kayla Potter strike that looked destined for the top corner. Preisner saving from Potter was to become something of a theme in the second 45 minutes. This effort was turned away for a corner but, unfortunately for Reading, the respite was to be brief. From the corner, Puddefoot's deep delivery found Emani Kassem at the far post, who was able to head home from close range. 4-0.
The pattern of play was similar to the first half. Wycombe stroking the ball around and Reading having to work extremely hard to stay in the game. It was almost five after 50 minutes when the ball fell to the feet of Potter some six yards out, but the striker lifted her shot over the bar. Five minutes later, Preisner performed nothing short of a miracle to deny Potter again, not once, but twice. First of all going full length to her left to palm away the striker's effort, then getting to her feet quickly to push away close-range effort from the rebound. Superb goalkeeping.
However, two minutes later and just before the hour mark, top scorer Kayla Potter finally got the better of the Reading keeper. Clean through, after running onto her own headed ball, Potter drove it low past Preisner for 5-0.
With just under 20 minutes to go Preisner produced yet another stop to deny Potter. The Reading keeper, despite already conceding five, had produced an extraordinary display of goalkeeping, especially when one on one with Kayla Potter.  Jess Watkins, however, was having no such trouble getting past the Reading keeper. On 72 minutes, Potter turned provider, slipping in Jess Watkins who fired low past Preisner for 6-0 and collected her hat-trick in the process.
That sixth goal sparked some response from Reading, or maybe Wycombe took their foot off the gas? Whatever the case, after Royals substitute Megan Giles was denied a goal by an offside flag and Preisner had, yet again, denied Potter and seen Kassem blasting the loose ball wide, Reading set about chasing down a consolation goal. Chairgirls stopper Amber Taylor was finally called into serious action after 86 minutes, tipping Maya Raghunandanan's shot over the bare acrobatically before making an equally good stop to prevent Mia Bradley from getting a goal back. The Wycombe clean sheet was finally dirtied in the 89th minute when Maya Raghunandanan ran through to round Taylor before slotting into an empty net. 6-1. Disappointing for Wycombe, possibly, but for a neutral, it was good to see Reading get a goal back. A fitting consolation for their never say die attitude.

FT Wycombe Wanderers 6 Reading 1. The Chairgirls effectively got the job done inside the opening 11 minutes. It's the first time I have seen them live and, I have to say, they are an impressive outfit. The movement and pace up front would be enough to cause any team problems. I'm sure they will continue to keep Ascot honest until the title is mathematically sealed. Reading couldn't deal with them on the night, but showed a lot of grit and determination to prevent the score getting out of hand. Special praise has to go to Cherry Preisner who made some stunning saves. The double save from Potter in the second half was spectacular. A superb crown of 567 watched proceedings. Let's hope that means more games will be scheduled for Adams Park in the future.
Wycombe now have a free weekend to look forward to, before they welcome Sholing on March 30th. Reading, meanwhile, have another derby game on Sunday, this time even closer, as they travel to Bulmershe Pavilion to take on Woodley United.

Wycombe Wanderers: 1.Taylor, 2.Harvey, 4.Puddefoot, 5.Harte, 6.Lynch(c), 7.Watkins, 8.Carolan, 9.Potter, 11.Kassem, 14.Kern, 16.Hoesli-Atkins. Subs: 3.Schofield, 10.Wardlaw, 12.Cadore, 17.Monaghan, 18.Ashby
Reading: 1.Preisner, 4.Poole, 6.Lloyd, 7.Gajzler, 8.K.Raghunandanan, 11.Morl, 12.Bradley, 14.M.Raghunandanan, 17.Herbert, 20.Bolitho(c), 21.Dench. Subs: 3.Brooke-Cousins, 5.Levy, 9.Giles, 13.Reid, 19.Lee

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 567
Entrance: £1.00
Programme: N/A

One last indulgence from me. Every time I go to Adams park it brings back great memories of the FA Cup tie between Wycombe and Stourbridge (the non-league team myself and my Dad followed for more years than I'd care to remember). Although Stour lost 2-1, they gave Wycombe one hell of a scare. So, sit back and enjoy the explosion of Black Country joy as Dan Scarr equalises for the Mighty Glassboys.

All runs come to an end but Fleet's 100% league record certainly ended in spectacular fashion at the weekend. After leading 3-1 at Havant & Waterlooville, Town eventually succumbed to an 8-4 defeat, with six goals being scored in each half. Elsewhere, Ascot United continued their relentless march to ward the Premier League title by grinding out a 1-0 win at Badshot Lea. Beaconsfield stayed clear in the North with a 3-0 win at Kidlington, whilst in the Chairman's Cup, Oxford City scored seven goal in a game, again.

AFC Portchester 2-0 Woodley United
Goalless at the break, Portchy introduced Charlotte Keenan ten minutes into the second half. This proved to be decisive as the former Card hot two goals to send Woodley back to Berkshire empty-handed. As always, we are indebted to the excellent Andy Wicks who was on hand to capture the match action.

Badshot Lea 0-1 Ascot United
For the second time this season struggling Badshot Lea restricted the league leaders to a single goal victory. Kate Fox hit the only goal for United in the 37th minute. It proved to be enough to give them another three points in their quest for the title. Not the most convincing of victories, but Ascot won't mind at this stage of the season. Read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot United web site.

Selsey 0-2 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers inflicted Selsey's 14th defeat of the season with a goal in each half. Sharna Capel Watson notched the first after 14 minutes. Annie Northwood then scored her 22nd of the season with 13 minutes remaining. Flyers jump to sixth, now just two points behind Woodley. Selsey remain bottom with games running out and now need to get at least a point from the last two to avoid the drop. Watch the highlights on the Flyers Facebook page.

Abingdon United Development 7-1 Caversham United
The Goats scored for just the fourth time in 18 league matches but were soundly beaten by Abingdon. Charlotte Bigmore helped herself to a hat-trick for The Yellas with Mimi Hodges and Ellie Owen both bagging braces. Katie Dearling had scored early on for Caversham, who remain three points adrift at the bottom, with only two to play.

Ascot United Reserves 7-0 Milton United
Ascot continue to hope that Beaconsfield slip up. They maintained the five point gap behind the leaders with a crushing defeat of Milton United on Sunday. Sophie Doyle hit a hat-trick, aided by goals from Stephanie Ferreira, Tiffany Skinner, Laura Rodriguez and an own goal.

Chesham United Development 0-1 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn's fifth league win on the bounce maintained the pressure on Beaconsfield ahead of next Sunday's massive meeting at French School Meadow. Amber Cattell grabbed the only goal. Chesham are still three points above Caversham at the bottom, but face a nail-biting end to the season especially as The Goats have a game in hand.

Kidlington Youth 0-3 Beaconsfield Town
The Rams kept their unbeaten record and still have the title in their own hands ahead of next weekend's big one away at Penn. Lucy Casey hit a first half hat-trick and was denied at least four more by a superb goalkeeping display from Greens stopper, Emily Murphy. You can read the full match report on the BotP web site. (Casey Breaks Murphy's Law). You can also watch the action on the Beaconsfield YouTube site.

Slough Town 0-3 Tilehurst Panthers
Panthers continued their extraordinary away record and have now taken 18 of their 20 points on the road. If they could replicate this form at Scours Lane, they'd be troubling Beaconsfield. Georgia Hayes opened the scoring after 6 minutes, with Leah Why doubling the lead before the break. On the hour, Abbie Why added the third goal as Tilehurst jumped three places into sixth.

AFC Stoneham P-P Bursledon

AFC Varsity 0-0 Woking
Woking's final league game of the season was a tight encounter on a difficult pitch that leaves both sides in the same league position. With three remaining including a trip to Fleet, Varsity could yet have an influence on the title race. You can read all about this one thanks to the brilliant Wandering Tractor was at Hatches Farm to watch all the action.

Havant & Waterlooville 8-4 Fleet Town
This one must have kept the social media teams busy. Fleet took the led in the fourth minute, but a minute later Laurie Potvin levelled it up. Fleet then scored two more before to lead 3-1 with nine to go in the first half. Chelsie Hay then got in on the act, scoring twice in two minutes, one a penalty, to send the sides in all-square at the break. It remained 3-3 until after the hour when Hay completed her hat-trick. On 70 minutes Emma-Jane May scored to make it 5-3 and, two minutes later, May made it 6-3. It was still 6-3 after 90 minutes but May then completed her hat-trick to make it 7-3. Fleet then pulled another back to make it 7-4, before Laurie Potvin added her second in the 94th minute to end the game at 8-4.

Sholing 1-5 Southampton FC PGA u21
Amber O'Reilly's 25th minute strike had Sholing going into half-time on level terms with their illustrious neighbours. The Boatwomen continued to battle hard and gave a very good account of themselves despite eventually conceding four more in the second half.

Oxford City 7-0 Wimborne Town
City scored seven for the fourth time in their last seven games as they put The Magpies out of the Chairman's Cup. Emma Donohoe hit a hat-trick and Ellie White added two more to her tally. Kaitlyn Crouch and Lucy White with the other two goals. Oxford with play either Bursledon or Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the semi-final.

Premier League
Wycombe Wanderers v Reading
Reading return to Adams Park where, as a WSL side, they used to play their home games. On Tuesday, they will be return as visitors as they face in-form Wycombe Wanderers. The Royals are now safe from the drop, following Selsey's defeat at the weekend. However, they'll be looking to continue their run of consecutive league wins. Wanderers still have a very slim chance of catching Ascot, and will no doubt fight until the end. They won 6-0 at Arbour Park earlier in the campaign.
Adams Park, Hillbottom Road, High Wycombe HP12 4HJ

NHDFA Cup Final
Winchester City Flyers v Andover New Street
New Street will hope to span the two division gap as they take on Flyers in the NHDFA Cup Final. BotP was on hand to witness last season's final, in which Andover showed great spirit before finally succumbing to two Dot Usher goals as Fleet Town took the trophy. Flyers, safe in the Premier League, will be looking to add some silverware to a decent season.
Whitchurch United FC, Longmeadow, Whitchurch

Woodley United v Reading
The second Reading derby of the season. Woodley won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in September after coming back from 2-1 down at the break. Chloe Melton scored a dramatic winner in the fourth minute of added time after United's Kate Hudson was dismissed for a second yellow.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Penn & Tylers Green v Beaconsfield Town
The big one! Whilst this game won't mathematically decide where the title trophy ends up, it could go a long way toward the destiny in one way or the other. The teams have already met twice, a 1-1 draw at Holloways Park in the league (Undefeated) and a very feisty encounter at French School Meadow in the Combined Counties Cup. Beaconsfield won that one 2-1 with Penn's Nicole Jacobs seeing red. This one could also be a full-blooded clash, with so much at stake.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Tilehurst Panthers v Milton United
With just a point between them, this could be a close encounter. Milton have played two more than Panthers, who are two places above them. However, both are  safe from the spectre of relegation, but can't now influence the top places. Tilehurst won 2-1 at The Heights earlier in the season. However, they are yet to win at home. This the first in a run of four homes games. Can they break their league duck at Scours Lane?
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

Fleet Town v QK Southampton
Having lost their 100% record in spectacular fashion at the weekend, Fleet need to 'get back on the horse' quickly this weekend. QK are pretty much resigned to finishing bottom. However, BotP witnessed first-hand just how much they battle. Whilst Fleet are favourites for this one, they will know they've been in a game at the end, that's for sure. An Amy Granger hat-trick helped Fleet to a 5-0 win at The Hove in the reverse fixture.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Wimborne Town v AFC Varsity
Two of the four newly promoted teams, three of whom are separated by just a point as they battle to gain the best league position. Bursledon hold the upper hand with a point lead having played a game fewer than these two. However, with the Dons not in league action, a win here would take the visitor into fifth spot. The sides very recently battled out a 0-0 draw at Hatches Farm, Varsity second goalless draw on the bounce.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, Wimborne BH21 2FU

Ascot United v AFC Portchester
The first of two meetings in a month, when Portchester will also be the final visitors to the Racecourse in the league next month. The winners of this semi-final will take on either Sholing or Winchester City Flyers in the final. With Ascot fully focused on promotion, Portchester will be hoping to take full advantage and push on for some silverware.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Sholing v Winchester City Flyers
With both teams safely positioned in mid-table, they can afford to fully focus on the opportunity of reaching a major cup final. They have only met once in the league so far. That went the way of the home  side, Flyers, by a 3-0 score line. The winners will take on either Portchester or Ascot in the final.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

AFC Stoneham v Kidlington Youth
Both of these teams are still competing on multiple fronts this season. Kidlington have both this cup and their county cup on the horizon. Stoneham have this competition, the SDFA Cup and, following Sunday's defeat for Fleet, a slim chance of the league title. On Sunday, however, it's all about the Chairman's Cup. Both teams will be fully focused progressing to a semi-final with either Caversham or Abingdon United Development.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Bursledon
Having already met twice in the league, these teams will be familiar with each other. The 1-1 draw in Bournemouth was followed by a resounding 5-2 win for The Dons back at Toynbee School. The prize for winning, if you could call it that, is a semi-final against tournament favourites, Oxford City.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Caversham United v Abingdon United Development
Abingdon have nothing left to play for except this trophy, whereas Caversham still have a slim chance of saving themselves from relegation, although two remaining games against Penn and Beaconsfield, don't offer too much prospect on those lines if everything goes to form. The winner of this tie will face either AFC Stoneham or Kidlington Youth in the semi-final.
Mapledurham Rec. Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

This Sunday, after a flying visit to the Midlands in the morning, I decided to keep it local and make the 8 mile journey over to Exeter Park, home of Kidlington Youth Ladies. This would be my fourth visit on the season, having already seen the Greens play in the FA Cup twice earlier in the season and, just a couple of weeks ago, watching my daughter play (and score) there, for Kidlington. The home side were coming into the game on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, but today was a different prospect, as the visitors were the current league leaders, Beaconsfield Town. The Rams were bringing their unbeaten record to Oxfordshire along with an incredibly mean defensive record, with just 8 goals conceded in 15 games.
Beaconsfield's new signing, Molly Carter, brought in from Wycombe, went straight into the starting line-up for this game.
It was good to meet up with Beaconsfield Marketing Manager, Craig Anderson, before kick-off. Although, we couldn't speak for too long, because he was called away to run the line. I have to say, he did a very good job, although next time he should maybe wear a head-cam. It would make an interesting video about the joys and perils of being a referee's assistant (just an idea, Craig).

​Beaconsfield, in their light blue change shirts, were kicking up the slight slope towards the Crown Road end in the first half. Kidlington, buoyed their recent good run of results, looked confident from the off and could have taken the lead in the 7th minute when Courtney Sumner was presented with a half-chance that she couldn't quite take. It was a good start from The Greens but Beaconsfield soon began to stroke the ball around with the style of a team sitting top of the league.
In the 13th minute the visitors took the lead when Lucy Casey ran onto a defence-splitting through ball before deftly lifting the ball over the approaching Emily Murphy. 0-1. That turned out to be the first in a match-long dual between the Rams striker and the Kidlington goalkeeper. Three minutes later came round two, when Casey was again put through, this time by a precision pass from Henna Hussain. However, Murphy won this dual, rushing off her line to make a good save. The ease with which Beaconsfield were finding gaps in the home defence must have been a big worry to the Kidlington coaches.
With only 18 minutes on the clock, the visitors doubled their advantage. Charlotte Hill sent a right-wing corner towards the near post where Lucy Casey, who had got away from her marker, had the simple task of bundling the ball over the line. 0-2. Great movement from Casey, but awful defending from Kidlington, who just didn't react to the movement.
Two minutes after the half-hour, Casey grabbed her hat-trick, but this goal was made by a combination of a delightful team passing move and an inch-perfect, outside of the foot, through ball from Katie Riddington. The ball, once again, split the home defence allowing Casey to run on and finish well past Murphy. 0-3. No blame for the defence this time though. I doubt any team in the league could have defended that goal. It was a joy to watch.
Murphy, who was in the thick of the action almost constantly, managed to injure her knee when coming out to collect a through ball. She somehow got the ball caught between her knees, performing a kind of flip whilst managing to hold on to the ball. It appears her knee planted in the ground, in the same way that some players get a knee slide wrong when scoring. It looked like a very sore one, but she was able to continue after a short break.

HT Kidlington Youth 0 Beaconsfield Town 3. After a quick start from the home side, Beaconsfield took control of the game. Their passing and movement was a constant threat to the home defence and they managed to restrict Kidlington to hopeful long balls up to Isaac and Sumner, all of which played into the hands of centre-half Gemma Whitchurch, who was commanding the Rams back-line.

​Kidlington began the second half with a renewed vigour. Issy Thacker made sure that Lisa Phillips had stayed alert with a testing effort after 48 minutes. The Rams stopper turned the ball away for a corner, which came to nothing.
Ten minutes into the second period, the Lucy Casey versus Emily Murphy show resumed and, despite the striker already having a hat-trick, Murphy denied her this time with a very good reflex save to her right. However, the goalkeeper stayed down after the save, clearly in some discomfort following the first-half injury. There was a prolonged break whilst she was patched up and able to continue with heavy strapping around her knee. 
If Beaconsfield thought that the injury may make the keeper more vulnerable, they needed to think again. Just after the hour, Murphy once again denied Casey, who could easily have had six goals to her name by this time. Four minutes later, it was Henna Hussain's turn to be disappointed, as Murphy stretched to flick her goal-bound effort over the bar. The keeper particularly loved that save, punching the air and letting out a roar of encouragement to her team-mates.
Beaconsfield had definitely gone off the boil a little in the second half, but also credit to Kidlington, who had dug in and looked determined to give it everything they had. Sara Pinna came close to pulling a goal back with sixteen minutes remaining. Her low drive had Phillips scrambling across her goal and looking relieved when the ball flashed just wide of her right-hand post.
Beaconsfield had shuffled their pack in an effort to perk up their display, with Henna Hussain moving into a more central midfield position. It was her threaded pass on 75 minutes, that almost got Casey n again, but the pass was a matter of an inch too heavy, allowing Murphy to race off her line and clear the danger.
With seven minutes remaining there was a fairly controversial incident. Casey was played in once again but before she could advance on goal, she was taken out by Abigail Owen. No doubt it was cynical and a foul. She was also the last defender and Casey was only just outside the box. The Beaconsfield bench wanted a red and, to be fair, I think everyone expected it, even the Kidlington bench thought it was a denial of a goalscoring opportunity. However, no card was produced and the free-click came to nothing. A lucky escape for the Kidlington defender.
Five minutes into the time added on for Murphy's earlier injury, Katie Riddington almost treated us to a scorcher when she smashed a 25-yard effort over Murphy only to see it come back off the bar.

FT Kidlington Youth 0 Beaconsfield Town 3. Another three points for Beaconsfield in their quest for the title. A fully deserved win overall, but they took their foot off the pedal in the second half much to the displeasure of their coaching staff. Kidlington worked hard but, in all fairness, didn't threaten too much. To their credit, their places were still smiling at the end of the game.
Next weekend Kidlington are in Chairman's Cup action as they face up to another league leader in Division One South side AFC Stoneham. Beaconsfield make the short journey over the M40 to take on Penn & Tylers Green in 'the big one'. Whilst the result, whichever way it goes, will not mathematically decide the title, if Beaconsfield win it would put them in a practically unassailable position. If Penn win, then things could really start to become interesting. Penn would then be able to draw level if they won their remaining games in hand, and Ascot would not be completely ruled out.

Kidlington: Murphy, Ward, Reagan, Dunbavin(c), Woodward, Thacker, Pinna, Clements, Isaac, Sumner, Keal. Subs: Owen, Taylor, Craven
Beaconsfield Town: Phillips(c), Smith, Kingston-Wheeler, Davern, Whitchurch, Hill, Hussain, Carter, Riddington, Casey, Vettese. Subs: Newberry, Lance, Armstrong

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

A late change in weekend plans meant that, unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to get to a game on Saturday. A quick glance at Football Traveller revealed that there was really on one place to be, Bedfordshire. Marston Shelton Rovers versus Wootton Blue Cross. Very much a local derby, with only just over 3 miles between the grounds, and very much a key game in the Bedfordshire Premier League season. Both grounds are on Bedford Road although, looking at a map, it appears that it is a different Bedford Road, even though they are so close together.  Both teams have played at a higher level in the past. In fact they met in the South Midlands Premier League way back in the 1940s and 50s. Blue Cross also played in the United Counties Premier League. More recently, they have both played at Step 6. Marston dropped out of the South Midlands Division 1 in 1973. Blue Cross were a step 6 side until 2013.
As far as I could tell, this was going to be the first league encounter between the teams since the 2018-2019 season, when they played out a 2-2 draw at Wootton and Marston won 3-2 at home. There was also a cup game at Wootton where Marston were again winners, by 4-0. The following season was voided due to Covid, with Wootton dropping down to Division Two. They've been making their way back since, and were promoted back to the Premier League last season. BotP had the pleasure of watching one of their game sin that promotion season, a thoroughly compelling 3-3 draw with Totternhoe Reserves (Nothing Between Them), who also went up at the end of the season. Of course, all of these stats, about both teams, have been gleaned from web searches. If any are incorrect, I'm sure someone will let me know, and I will alter the blog accordingly.
Once again, I have to thank referee Luke Damon who shared the team sheets with me before kick-off and remembered me from the Caldecote v Oakley game last month (Oaks Felled)

​With just four points between leaders Marston and third placed Wootton, and with Blue Cross having a game in hand, this was always going to be a tight game, and so it panned out.
Rovers opened the game very brightly and, in the opening couple of minutes, had Wootton pegged back inside their own half. However, the visitors weathered the initial storm and, pretty soon, the game settled into something resembling a fast-paced game of chess. Both teams displayed a high energy approach, especially in midfield, denying space to their opponents and forcing mis-placed passes. Consequently, neither goalkeeper was forced into action.
Despite the lack of goalmouth incident, the game was highly entertaining from a neutral perspective, with no quarter being given, or asked, by either side.
The hard midfield battle continued throughout the half with both sides seemingly determined not to concede first. In fact, their collective defence and midfield managed to ensure that neither Ross Tompkins in the Marston goal nor his counterpart Cristiano Pletersky, had to make a save of any significance until just before half-time.
The closest anyone had come to scoring was a 37th minute miss-hit Fin Brown cross that had sailed over Pletersky, narrowly dropping over the bar at the far post.
However, that all changed with two minutes to go before the break. A long ball found Jamie Cerminara making a run across the outside of the visitor's box, from right to left. The ball arrived at waist height but he controlled it brilliantly with one touch before lifting a dipping volley over Pletersky with the second. A classy strike by anyone's standards. 1-0.
Oddly, for a game with so little incident, Marston almost managed to gift their visitor's an equaliser two minutes into first half added time. The ball was played back to Tompkins, who took a little too long on the ball, allowing Noah Marsh to close him down and nick the ball away. As the Wootton midfielder spun to shoot, however, Tompkins made amends for his mistake by throwing himself to the left and pushing the goal bound shot away for a corner.

HT Marston Shelton Rovers 1 Wootton Blue Cross 0. A very tight first half which was mainly a midfield battle. Chances were at a premium and it took a piece of individual skill to break the deadlock. Still plenty to play for in the second half.

As in the first half, Marston began the second half very brightly but Wootton, again, played themselves back into it quite quickly. Once again, neither goalkeeper was being stretched as the fascinating midfield battle continued. I must admit, it did make me wonder of there would be a plethora of late chances when both sides would, presumably, start to tire.
Wootton's Ryan Aka did manage to get a strike on target before the hour mark, but it was straight at Tompkins, and didn't trouble the keeper. At the other end, Harry Baker met a right-wing cross at the far post, directing his volley back across goal but just wide.
With under twenty minutes to go, and the score still at 1-0, Marston must have thought that they may just hang on for a hard-earned three points. However, Wootton had other ideas. On 73 minutes, some good play down the Wootton right ended with the ball being cut back to Joe Holmes, some 8 yards out, but he failed to take the opportunity. Marston thought the danger was over when they cleared, but Wootton come straight back at them and got their reward when a low cross from the right was diverted past Tompkins by the unfortunate Justice Gittens. 1-1
At this point of the game, I went totally against my instinct and, despite having a nagging feeling that there was going to be an incident in the home penalty area, I moved to the other end of the ground, anticipating the home side to press for a winner. A few minutes after I had moved, my gut feeling was proved correct when the referee awarded a penalty to Wootton. By then, I was at the opposite end of the pitch and didn't get a clear view of the incident. However, there wasn't too much of a complaint from the home team, so I assume it was cut and dried.
Alan Henman stepped up and stroked home the spot-kick to give the visitor's the lead, 1-2 deep into added time.

FT Marston Shelton Rovers 1 Wootton Blue Cross 2. A massive three points for Wootton in a game that, even after 90 minutes, no-one watching would have been able to call. Two very evenly matched teams who gave everything. As a neutral observer I felt a draw would have been a just result on the balance of paly. However, credit to Blue Cross who came from behind and continued to look for a winner when many teams would have settled for a point after the equaliser went in.
The result, combined with AFC Oakley's 2-0 defeat of Crawley Green Development, means that a single point now separates the top three. Marston remain top a point clear of Oakley and Wootton, but both second and third placed sides have a game in hand. With Cranfield United Reserves some six points further back, having played three more games, it is now beginning to look very much like a three horse race at the top.
Wootton play their game in hand on Wednesday evening, at home to Queens Park Crescents. A point or more would put them top of the league ahead of next Saturday's fixtures, when both AFC Oakley and Marston are back in action. Rovers travel to 11th placed Totternhoe Reserves whilst Oakley are at second from bottom Flitwick Town

Marston Shelton Rovers: 1.Tompkins(c), 2. Brown, 3.Snapes, 6.Burraway, 5.Gittens, 8.Wilson, 4.Eddy, 7.Clifford, 10.Smith, 11.Baker, 9.Cermiwara. Subs: 12.Wallace, 14.Burke, 16.McShane, 15.Malciw, 17.Cammarano
Wootton Blue Cross: 1.Pletersky, 2.Joseph, 3.Henman, 6.B.Holmes, 5.M.Marsh, 4.Greenwell, 8.Myers, 20.N.Marsh, 9.J.Holmes(c), 7.Allen, 11.Aka. Subs: 19.Fellows, 21.Battezzato, 18.Smith, 10.K.Marsh

The Ground
Marston Playing Field has been home to Marston Shelton Rovers since 1898 if the sign at the entrance to the car park is to believed (and there's no reason not to).  Aside from football, cricket is also played on the field, which is one of the locations used by Ampthill Cricket Club. There's a small car park, with space for around 20 or so cars. Next to the car park is Marston Moretaine Sparts Pavilion and the changing facilities for the teams and officials. The pitch is lengthways on in front of the pavilion. There are no dugouts, but the pitch and the technical areas had been very clearly, and freshly, marked out. There is a slight slope away from the pavilion end, but it is hardly noticeable. 

Ground Number: 443
Att: 
Entrance: 
Programme:

This week's edition comes to you from various hotel rooms across Germany (work not pleasure) and, OK, it was more of a light mist than a fog, but I used a little artistic licence. As games start to run out across the leagues, each result takes on extra significance. At the top of the Premier, Ascot moved a step closer to the title with a 4-0 defeat of Sholing. At the bottom, Reading virtually guaranteed safety with a hard-earned three points at Badshot Lea. Penn kept up the pressure at the top of the North, but both bottom sides lost again. Fleet scored five first half goals at Woking, before the home side rallied with three of their own. Havant maintained their slim hopes with a good win at Bursledon.

​Ascot United 4-0 Sholing
Ascot moved another step closer to the title with a commanding 4-0 defeat of mid-table Sholing. Alix Todd got them off to a great start with a goal in the 7th minute. Beth Lloyd doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Just past the hour Olivia Glover added a third, before substitute Amy Paver capped off the performance in the 82 minute. Read the match report on the Ascot United web site.

Badshot Lea 0-1 Reading
Reading claimed a very hard-earned victory on the road to all but secure their Premier League status. Zuzanna Gajzler's 18th minute nod past Ellie James ended p being enough for The Royals. However, they were made to work very hard for the points as Badshot Lea fought to the very end. You can read the match report on the BotP web site (And Then There Were Two).

Selsey 0-3 Oxford City
With the two teams directly above them meeting, Selsey had a chance to close the gap or even lift themselves off the bottom of the table. However, the formidable opposition of Oxford City stood in their way. The Hoops eventually took the lead through Kaitlyn Crouch in the final minute of the first half. Anna O'Leary doubled the lead just past the hour and Ellie Walecki added the third five minutes from time. Read the match report on the Oxford City web site.

Winchester City Flyers 0-1 AFC Portchester
A depleted Flyers squad put up a strong fight against Portchester but succumbed to a single goal scored by Portchy captain Eilidh Currie just after the half-hour mark.

Wycombe Wanderers 5-1 Woodley United
Kayla Potter had Wycombe 1-0 ahead at the break. Potter then doubled the lead four minutes into the second half. Just past the hour Jessica Watkins made it three and seven minutes later it was four thanks to Libby Monaghan. Lauren Devlin then got a goal back from the spot, but Hana MacDiarmid made it 5-1 in the 83rd minute.

​Abingdon United Development 4-1 Chesham United Development
Chesham remain in trouble near the bottom after going down at The Northcourt. Beth Hawtin grabbed a hat-trick for Abingdon to take her into double figures. Top scorer Charlotte Bigmore added her fifteenth of a highly productive season.

Caversham United 0-2 Kidlington Youth
Kidlington made it two league wins on the bouce without conceding a goal. Emily Keal and substitute Isabelle Thacker were on the mark to ensure that The Goats remain anchored to the foot of the table.

Milton United 1-3 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn & Tylers Green kept up the pressure on Beaconsfield, ahead of the meeting between the clubs in two weeks. Goals from Ellie Lovelock, Tara Woodward and Holly Wyncoll gave them a 3-1 victory, despite Sarah Harrison seeing red.

Tilehurst Panthers 3-4 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Ammara Qureshi helped herself to a hat-trick and Elena Mitchell added the other goal as Wycombe edged a seven goal thriller at Scours Lane. Tilehurst still await that illusive first home win in the league despite two more goals from Georgia Hayes and another from Leah Why.

​AFC Varsity 0-0 Wimborne Town
There's not too much between these teams in the league table and there was absolutely nothing between them on the pitch as they battled out a rare goalless draw.

Bursledon 0-4 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks got back to winning ways a week after losing their unbeaten home record to Woking. Chelsie Hay scored twice with further goals added by captain Emma-Jane May and Isobel Humphrey. Bursledon suffered defeat for the first time in five outings.

Woking 3-5 Fleet Town
The Cards rescued some second-half pride after going into the break five down to a rampant Fleet side who had both Lily Martin and Keira Simpson on the score sheet. Gaby Hobday added two more to her tally and Bethany Anders scored for the fourth game running as Woking scored three in the second half.

​QK Southampton 0-4 AFC Bournemouth Development
A tough ask for QK against National League Bournemouth Devs. However, a bare bones Bees team kept the score down to just a single goal at half time. Tired legs allowed Bournemouth to exert their authority in the second 45 minutes, but still a good effort from QK.

​AFC Portchester v Woodley United
With the title race now all but done, the focus on the chasing pack is to finish as high as possible. Only a point separates fourth placed Portchy from fifth placed Woodley. However, United have played two more games. Interstingly, depsite Woodley only having four games remaining, two of them are against Portchester, who travel to Bulmershe Pavilion on the final day.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Badshot Lea v Ascot United
The Baggies battled their hearts out in defeat to Reading last Sunday (And Then There Were Two) and they will need to put in an other herculean effort if they are to get anything from this visit of league-leaders and champions-elect Ascot United. They'll be heartened by the fact that they only lost 1-0 at The Racecourse Ground back in September, the only time that Ascot have failed to score more than one at home this season. Ascot, of course, can see the winning post now and know that a couple more wins could seal the title.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Selsey v Winchester City Flyers
Bottom side Selsey have just three games left to find the points required to drag themselves out of the mire. Despite Flyers being 17 points above them, this game probably represents their best opportunity of getting a result. The reverse fixture ended 3-2 to Winchester. Given their slightly superior goal difference, Selsey could climb above Badshot Lea with a draw.
eal Bay Stadium, High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QG

​Abingdon United Development v Caversham United
The Goats remain rooted to the foot of the table, three points adrift of Chesham but with a game in hand. They need a minimum of three points from their remaining three games, starting with the trip North on Sunday. Abingdon did them a favour by beating Chesham 4-1 at the weekend. The Yellows won the reverse fixture 3-0 back in September.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Milton United
Ascot are still maintaining the pursuit of Beaconsfield at the top, but have to keep winning and hope that The Rams slip up at some point. Milton are looking to make it three league wins on the bounce and possibly propel themselves into the top half of the table. Ascot won 6-3 at The Heights in October, despite a Mollie Dyer hat-trick for Milton.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Chesham United Development v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn are still Beaconsfield's biggest rival in the title race, with the teams due to meet on March 23rd. However, they need to keep winning their games in hand. Penn won the reverse fixture 9-1 with four from Tara Woodward and a hat-trick from the now departed Henna Hussain. Chesham know that even a point would almost certainly guarantee their survival.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Kidlington Youth v Beaconsfield Town
Cloe Woodward saw red for Kidlington and Katie Riddington hit three as Beaconsfield won the reverse fixture by a 5-1 score line. The Greens have recently returned to form, winning their last three in all competitions. However, The Rams are still unbeaten in the league and, ahead of next weeks crunch clash with Penn, can see the winning line coming into sight.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Slough Town v Tilehurst Panthers
​Both teams are safe from trouble but too far back to affect the top, a position that both may well have been happy to take at the start of the season, come this point of the campaign. Slough will be looking to do the double over Panthers, having won 2-1 at Scours Lane in the reverse fixture. Tilehurst, however, ae much stronger away from home than on their own turf.​
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​AFC Stoneham v Bursledon
The Purps continue to lead the way in the South, but have the spectre of Fleet Town, with their four games in hand, just three points behind them now. All they can do is keep winning and hope for a Fleet falter. The Dons, after three away wins, went down at home to Havant at the weekend. They are safe enough in the table and have had  a successful first venture into this league. The reverse fixture ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Stoneham.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA
​
AFC Varsity v Woking
Varsity have also performed well in their first season in this league. Although three places lower than Woking, they are only four points back and have two games in hand, so this one could be a close affair. Woking will be looking to avenge a 3-2 home defeat in the reverse fixture, thanks largely to a Kayleigh Rogers hat-trick inside 28 second-half minutes.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Havant & Waterlooville v Fleet Town
A six-pointer at the top that Stoneham will also be keeping a close eye on. If Fleet continue their 100% record it would practically end Havant's slim title hopes. If Havant win, it may put a seed of doubt in the minds of the Fleet team. Town won the reverse fixture 3-1.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​Sholing v Southampton FC PGA u21
A big test for Sholing as they face up to Southampton's u21 side. Sholing's progression has come through a penalty shootout defeat of Havant and a 4-1 win over Fleet Town. Southampton put 12 pats Varsity in round one, then followed it up with a 4-0 win at Winchester in the quarters. 
​Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Oxford City v Wimborne Town
The Magpies have had a good first season in the Southern Region League and will, no doubt, be keen to test themselves against a Premier League side in the cup. They put out Division One North side, Tilehurst Panthers, in the last round. Oxford progressed via a walkover. They have been in prolific scoring form of late, notching 30 goals in their last six games.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

​This Sunday I couldn't resist a return to Badshot Lea. I last visited the ground in August 2019 to see their men's team beat Ascot United 2-1 (Boom Boom!). However, today I was heading back to Wrecclesham to see Badshot Lea Ladies take on Reading Women in a massive game at the foot of the Southern Region Women's Premier Division. At the start of play, Badshot Lea sat ninth of ten, on 3 points from their 14 matches. Reading, having played two games fewer, were also 3 points better off. Both teams were trying to avoid bottom spot, currently occupied by Selsey, who had 2 points from 14 games. Consequently, Selsey, who were at home to Oxford City this afternoon, would also be keeping a keen eye on this result.
Neither Badshot Lea not Reading could claim to be prolific in front of goal this season. Before kick-off they had scored a grand total of 22 between them in 26 matches. The Baggies plight not being helped by the fact that their top scorer, Dot Usher with four goals, has not been available for a while. Reading top scorer before kick-off was their captain, Lucy Bolitho, also with four goals.
A big thank you to the match officials who shared the team sheets with me prior to kick-off.
Prior to the game the players, staff and supporters observed a minute's silence in respect of the tragic passing, last Wednesday, of 10 year-old footballer Poppy Atkinson, struck by a car whilst attending a training session in Kendal, Cumbria. An awful story that puts a mere relegation battle into perspective. Rest in Peace, Poppy.

​Reading started like a whirlwind, immediately from kick-off they found Mia Bradley out on the right, she drove forward before delivering a cross that was inches too far ahead of Zuzanna Gajzler.
Not to be outdone, Badshot Lea responded in kind, sending Gemma Luke through on goal. She lifted the ball over Amy Whale but also just over the bar. What a start. Both teams close to scoring in the opening three minutes.
The game settled a little after that. Possession was shared quite evenly, although the home team probably were edging it slightly. Reading, however, had pace aplenty right across their front line with Bradley and Maya Raghunandanan, making her debut, looking particularly lively. Having said that, The Baggies were not playing lie ma team who hadn't managed a single in in the league so far.
Reading took the lead in the 18th minute. Mollie Dench's cross from the right was allowed to bounce across the home goalmouth towards the back post where Zuzanna Gajzler was waiting to nod the ball past Ellie James. 0-1
What a difference a goal makes. Suddenly, Reading looked full of confidence and the spring had completely gone from the step of the Badshot Lea players.
Credit to the home side though. They wobbled for five minutes or so, but then began to play their way back into the game. Just before the half-hour mark they were almost presented with an opportunity to get back into the game. Whale's clearance didn't have enough on it, falling to Baggies captain Deanna Taylor some 30 yards out. However, he dipping strike, which was on target, didn't quite have enough power behind it, allowing Whale to recover her ground and make the save.
Reading's response to that close shave came through Raghunandanan, who weaved past two before making space for a low left-foot drive which was well held by James.

HT Badshot Lea 0 Reading 1. A fairly even and, for a neutral, entertaining half. Reading's pace up front meant that they posed the most threat. However, Badshot Lea certainly don't lack spirit, and the way they regrouped after going a goal down was a credit to them.

​The home side started the second half with a renewed vigour. Gemma Luke fired an early warning shot just over Whale's bar, but that was as close as Badshot got before Reading recovered their composure, closing down the home threat and beginning to push forward themselves. Lucy Bolitho came close in the 53rd minute, heading a left-wing corner down into the ground, only to see it bounce just over the bar. A minute later, Mollie Dench struck a 30-yard thunderbolt that struck the underside of the home bar before rebounding to safety. An inch lower and we would have been treated to goal of the season.
Just before the hour, Mia Bradley also clipped the top of the home bar with a slightly misjudged cross from the right. Reading were knocking on the door but, while the score remained 0-1 this game was far from over. Selsey, however, were still a goal down at home to Oxford City, meaning that a win here would take Reading seven points clear of the drop zone. It would also mean that defeat for Badshot Lea would not drop them to the foot of the table.
With ten minutes left to play, Badshot Lea took off goalkeeper Ellie James and brought on Christina Binyon between the sticks. James quickly threw on a shirt and came on up front to add extra height to the attack. It was all or nothing for the home team as they began to puh Reading back. Immediately after coming on up front a Badshot Lea corner was inches from being perfect for James at the far post. What an inspired substitution it would have been if she had equalised with her first touch.
The Baggies were throwing everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents now but, in doing so, were leaving themselves a little exposed at the back. With five minutes to go, Reading almost exploited this but as Lucy Bolitho was about to pull the trigger inside the box, Shannon Mather somehow managed to get across and make a superb last ditch tackle.
Despite their efforts, the home side could not find a goal. when the referee blew for full-time much to the joy of the Reading players and bench, many of the home players were flat out or on their knees, the pain of defeat there for all to see.

FT Badshot Lea 0 Reading 1. A crucial and very hard-earned three points for Reading, made even more so by Selsey's eventual 3-0 home defeat to Oxford City. Reading move seven points clear of the bottom and, with Selsey only having nine more points to play for, can relax a little. Badshot Lea remain one point above Selsey as the relegation battle looks to be reduced to one of two.
The Baggies are back at home next weekend when they welcome champions-elect Ascot United to The Operatix Ground. Reading don't play until the following Tuesday evening, when they take on high-flying Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park a ground that, for a while when they were still in the Premier League, they called home. In fact, BotP was there in December 2019 to see two goals from Vivienne Miedema and one from Kim Little give Arsenal a 3-0 victory (Quality When It Counts). Selsey have a tough run-in, including a last day trip to Ascot. However, United may already have taken the title by that point. Badshot Lea, after facing Ascot next weekend, have a home game with Winchester City Flyers and finish with the reverse of today's fixture, Reading away.
One thing's for sure though, I still don't think a team nicknamed The Baggies should be playing in claret & blue.

Badshot Lea: 1.James, 6.Burrows, 5.Benton, 16.Chambers, 9.Luke, 7.Mather, 4.Montgomery, 10.Taylor(c), 19.White, 14.O'Donnell, 12.Bush. Subs: 3.Lowther, 2.Binyan
Reading: 13.Whale, 4.Poole, 5.Levy, 6.Lloyd, 7.Gajzler, 11.Morl, 12.Bradley, 14.Raghunandanan, 19.Airey, 20.Bolitho(c), 21.Dench. Subs: 3.Brooke-Cousins, 8.Kekere-Ekum, 9.Fatri, 17.Herbert, 18.Giles

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

After putting out a short poll to see where I should go to on Saturday afternoon, I was unanimously guided toward Hanborough Playing Field for another episode in the fascinating battle for the Witney and District Premier League title. At the end of January I was at Aston to see the then league leaders take on Bampton United (Aston Killer). Bampton won 3-1 which meant that Hanborough took over at the top, with Bampton in second on goal difference. At the start of play today, Bampton sat in pole position on goal difference form RAF Brize Norton. Hanborough were in third, a point adrift of the top two with Hailey in fourth, one more point back. Aston were now in sixth spot, and probably out of the running, having lost both league games since the Bampton match. However, with only three points separating Bampton and fifth placed Stonesfield (who have four game sin hand on the leaders), the title race looks like it is going to the wire. Any early season meeting between Hailey and Hanborough had ended 2-1 to Hailey, so the home team were looking for a bit of revenge today.
Today's game saw the two teams who, between them, had won five of the last six full-competed Premier League titles. Hailey were looking for their fourth championship on the bounce, whereas Hanborough won both the 2017 and 2018 title.
Many thanks to match referee Clifford Grove for sharing the team sheets prior to kick-off. However, with no shirt numbers on the sheet (at least when I had sight of it), today's match blog has required a fair bit of detective work, starting with trying to match shirts to names called out during the game. Not exactly scientific, I know. So, forgive me if there are incorrect names in the match blog. I'll gladly correct them if/when informed.

​If ever you wanted to see an example of the old adage "Let them know you are there with the first one", it was very clearly on show within the first minute of this game. The wonderfully named Hanborough striker, Alpha Breezy Kamara, burst down the left flank only to have his run cut short by an awful challenge from Hailey's Cam Foster. There appeared to be no intent to play the ball, and every intent to play the man. The referee produced a yellow card but it could, and probably should, have been red.
Kamara continued after some treatment, but soon had to leave the pitch to be replaced by Bishop, although he did manage to return later on. The benefit of the rolling substitute system.
Hanborough had started the game well, but their opponents began to ease their way into the game and, by the fifteenth minute, the pendulum had swung in the opposite direction. In the 8th minute, Hailey took the lead when Sam Wheeler's deep cross from the right was met by the head of Byron Townsend, who planted the ball back across Pearce into the corner of the Reds net. 0-1.
Eight minutes later it was two. Hailey's goalkeeper Jack Rideout, launched a massive clearance (he'd been practicing this in the warm-up) deep into the heart of the Hanborough half. Neither defender or keeper was decisive enough, allowing Hailey captain Jack Wood to nip in and poke the ball past Pearce for 0-2. Hanborough were rocking now and Hailey sensed their chance to put the game to bed. Two minutes after the second goal they made it three. Another cross from the right, this time from Wood, found Freddie Buckingham, who controlled the bouncing ball well on his chest before slotting a left-footed strike into the corner of the net. 0-3.
Hanborough were all over the place at this point and, five minutes later, they almost gave away a fourth when Pearce presented the ball to Wood some 25 yards out with the goalkeeper well out of his ground. Fortunately for the Hanborough stopper, the Hailey captain was off target with his lob. 
However, the Reds soon found themselves four down when the referee applied the advantage rule brilliantly, delaying his whistle for a free-kick to Hailey just long enough to allow Buckingham to get his second goal, with a low drive from 25 yards. 0-4.
With eight minutes remaining in the half, it was already looking like game over. That was for a minute. Then Hanborough, out of nowhere, got a goal back. King's low cross from the right was not dealt with, allowing Jonny Ayris to stab the ball past Rideout. 1-4. Suddenly, Hanborough could see a way back and, with just a couple of minutes left to paly in the first half, only a good save from Rideout prevented the host from getting a second goal back.

HT Hanborough 1 Hailey 4. The visitors showed a ruthless streak in front of goal. When they had been on top, they pressed home their advantage, scoring four times in under 20 minutes. Hanborough had looked out of it until they got a goal back. Suddenly there seemed to be a little more belief. The first goal of the second half would be very telling

​As it happened, thinking of the first goal of the second half was wishful thinking. Whilst Hanborough improved a lot in the second period, and Hailey probably took their foot off the pedal a little, the home side never really looked like they were going to get the goals back. If they'd managed to get another early in the half, it could well have been a different game, but they didn't and it wasn't.
There was very little to post in the second 45 minutes. Hanborough huffed and puffed. A series of long throws from Dan King caused some mild discomfort to the Hailey back-line, but they generally dealt very comfortably with everything the home side could muster. 
In the end, neither side could find another goal, although the second half was more about game management for Hailey. They'd done the damage already and were more concerned with maintaining their three goal lead.

FT Hanborough 1 Hailey 4. The visitors put their pedal to the metal for 20 minutes or so in the first half, taking full control and scoring whilst they were completely on top. So many times teams fail to take advantage of times that they dominate possession. This was certainly not the case today. Hanborough responded well in the second half and were certainly a better team than their first half display showed. However, they couldn't quite find a way to get the second goal that just may have given the visitors some doubts.
The result, combined with Stonesfield winning at Aston, means that Hailey jump to the top of the table, a point clear of Stonesfield. Bampton drop to third, followed by RAF Brize Norton (both on the same points as Stonesfield) and then Hanborough in fifth, a further point back.
Next week Hailey are at home to eighth placed Charlbury Town, who they beat 2-1 in the reverse fixture. Meanwhile, Hanborough are back at home where they face Stonesfield in the first meeting of the two this season.

Hanborough: Pearce, Sandland, Deasy, 20.Keylock(c), 4.Ayris, 6.King, 5.Rogers, 2.Kamara, Mathias, Hunt, Simmonds. Subs: 11.Bishop, Bowerman, Perkins
Hailey: Rideout, 11.Foster, 26.Wright, Evans, 7.Wheeler, 8.Townsend, Muttock, O'Connor, 2McNaughton, Buckingham, 4.Wood(c). Subs: Knapton, McCudden, 13.Pritchard

The Ground
Hanborough Playing Fields are situated just off the main drag (A4095) that runs through Long Hanborough. Aside from being the home of Hanborough FC, the local bowls club and cricket club is also based at the ground. There is also an artificial surface tennis court and small-sided pitch as well as a number of small-sided grass pitches spread around the facility. There's a good-sized car park adjacent to The Pavilion, which appears to be a local community centre. Next to that building is a block that houses the changing facilities. The main pitch is in front of the pavilion, just off to the right as you look from the car park. On the right-hand side of the pitch there are dugouts for both teams, the opposite side is open and partially roped off to protect the cricket square. There's no spectator cover. The pitch slopes a little back towards the pavilion but looked to be in generally good condition.

Ground Number: 442
Att: 
Entrance: 
Programme:

As we rapidly approach the run-in to the season, the top and bottom of the table, in all three leagues, is becoming clearer by the week. In the Premier League Wycombe closed the gap on Ascot, who didn't play. Reading put some much needed room between themselves and the bottom. Penn & Tylers Green continued their pursuit of Beaconsfield in the North, but Chesham remain in danger after losing to Kidlington. Fleet maintained their 100% record at home to Bournemouth Sports Reserves, whilst Woking dented Havant's hopes by winning at Westleigh Park. In the Chairman's Cup, Stoneham won away from home at Premier League Badshot Lea to register then only 'giant-killing' of the round.

​AFC Portchester 2-5 Wycombe Wanderers
An early injury to goalkeeper Shannon Betteridge forced Portchester captain Eilidh Currie to don the gloves for the remainder of the match. Millie Bradbury added two goals to her tally, taking her into double figures, but two each from Kayla Potter, now on 24 for the season, and Jessica Watkins, taking her to 16, with another from captain Bobby Lynch, gave Wycombe all three points. The Chairgirls have a three point gap in second now and are five behind Ascot.

Ascot United P-P Winchester City Flyers

Selsey 0-3 Reading
Reading won away from home for the first time in the league this season. In doing so, they leapt above Badshot Lea into 8th spot and left Selsey still propping up the table. Mia Bradley got the Royals ahead in the 12th minute but it took a 48th minute own goal to give them breathing space, before captain Lucy Bolitho added a third with nine minutes to go. You can read the Tilehurst End match blog here.

​Beaconsfield Town P-P Ascot United Reserves

Kidlington Youth 1-0 Chesham United Development
A solitary Kiera Isaac goal gave Kidlington their first win in six and moved them well clear of the drop zone. Not so for Chesham though, they remain just three points above Caversham, who have a game in hand, albeit with vastly inferior goal difference, making the gap more like four points.

Slough Town 0-3 Milton United
Milton won on the road for the second consecutive game, both without conceding a goal. Jessica Excell scored twice with April England scoring the other United goal, taking her into double figures for the season. The win lifts Milton above their hosts on goal difference, with two games in hand.

Wycombe Wanderers u23 1-2 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn moved up to fourth spot and kept the pressure on leaders Beaconsfield. They remain 18 points adrift of the leaders but have five games in hand and are yet to play The Rams as home. Molly Carter scored for Wycombe, to send them into the break on top. However, goals from Annalise Scott-Green and Ellie Lovelock meant the Penn could make the short journey home with all three points.

​Fleet Town 3-2 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
A tenth straight defeat for Sports who must be thankful that they started the season well enough to still have an eight point gap over QK Southampton, although the bottom side do have three games in hand. For Fleet, the 100% record is extended to eight games, as they moved to within six points of the top, with five games in hand on Stoneham. Emma Acott and Rebecca Roberts did achieve something that no other visiting team had managed in the league this season, scoring two against Fleet on their home patch.
A nice touch from Fleet who helped form a guard of honour for Bournemouth's Samantha Gubb who was playing her final league game for the club.

Havant & Waterlooville 2-3 Woking
A Phoebe Hamilton goal and Sophie Lee's 14th of the season, were not enough to prevent The Hawks from suffering a first home league defeat of the season. Woking's Beth Anders doubled her total for the campaign with a hat-trick, which included two goals in three second-half minutes.

​Abingdon United Development 10-0 QK Southampton
United scored five in each half to secure a place in the quarter-final. Mimi Hodges grabbed a hat-trick and Beth Hawtin helped herself to a brace. Ellie Owen, Poppy Wannell, Amelie Sadler, Anaya Gray and Libby Gilmore were also on the score sheet. Abingdon will now travel to Caversham United in the next round.

AFC Varsity 1-3 Bursledon
After missing last week's win at Wimborne, Isobel Pouncy returned to the starting line-up and promptly grabbed herself a hat-trick within an hour. Bursledon will travel to Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the quarter-final on March 23rd.

Badshot Lea 0-1 AFC Stoneham
The Baggies bowed out of the Chairman's Cup thanks to a single Lucy Bicknell goal which sent Stoneham through to face Kidlington Youth at Stoneham Lane later in the month. This was Stoneham's third consecutive away win in all competitions.

Oxford City H-W Woodley United
City will take on Wimborne Town in the quarter-final. The tie is scheduled for March 16th at Marsh Lane.

Caversham United H-W Abbey Rangers
The Goats will now face Abingdon United Development at Mapeldurham on the 23rd March.

Wimborne Town 4-0 Tilehurst Panthers
The Magpies bounced back from last weekend's disappointing 4-0 home defeat by Bursledon, scoring four themselves to see off Tilehurst. Sheree Bell-Jack got Wimborne off to a great start with a goal inside four minutes. However, they had to wait until the second-half to make sure of the points. Tiara Cheney and Georgia Reeks scored within ten minutes of the restart, to effectively seal the points. Brooke Suddaby made doubly sure with two minutes remaining.

​Ascot United v Sholing
Sholing become the sixth team who will attempt to damage Ascot's 100% home league record.
Ascot won 4-0 at Sholing back in November with two each from Leah Littlechild and Olivia Glover. Howevr, the Boatwomen are on a run of six unbeaten in all competitions and have scored four in both of their last two outings.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Badshot Lea v Reading
A massive game at the bottom of the table, for both of the teams involved as well as Selsey, who are down there with them. A Reading win would all but see them safe. A Baggies win, which would be their first of the season, would means that Selsey would remain bottom regardless of their result at home to Oxford City. This is the first meeting of the teams this season.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Selsey v Oxford City
With games fast running out, Selsey need to start picking up points now if they are to climb off the foot of table. They are a point adrift of Badshot Lea as it stands, with both teams having four to play. Selsey went down 5-1 at March Lane in the reverse fixture (Cock-A-Hoop Hoops)
Seal Bay Stadium, High Street, Selsey, PO20 0QG

Winchester City Flyers v AFC Portchester
Despite both of these teams having at least one game in hand on those around them, neither can have an effect on the top of the table, but both are more than safe from any danger. The reverse league fixture ended in a 2-2 draw, featuring two very late goals. They also met at Hillier Way in the FA Cup where Portchester came from an early goal down to win 4-1. (Flying The Flag)
Charters Community Stadium, Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

Wycombe Wanderers v Woodley United
Since losing 2-1 to Ascot, second placed Wanderers have won their last three league outings. In Kayla Potter they have a striker in a rich vein of form, now on 24 goals in 16 games. Potter scored twice in the reverse fixture at Bulmershe Pavilion in January, a game that Wycombe won 3-1. Woodley's recent form has been mixed, winning three and losing three of their last six.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Abingdon United Development v Chesham United Development
A game that probably has more significance for the away side. Chesham know that another win could be a massive step in their bid for survival. Abingdon, who scored double-figures at the weekend, are safe in mid-table but too far back to pose any threat to the leaders. The reverse fixture, on the opening day, ended in a 5-0 victory for Abingdon.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Caversham United v Kidlington Youth
Games are running out for The Goats. Three points adrift at the bottom, but with a game in hand on Chesham, it's beginning to get to the point where every game is a must win. Kidlington's 1-0 defeat of Chesham on Sunday was their first league win since beating the same opponents in November. The reverse fixture, in December, was a 0-0 draw, the only game this season where The Goats have kept a clean sheet.
​Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Milton United v Penn & Tylers Green
Back to back league wins have given Milton a respectable mid-table position, well clear of the drop zone. Penn, who have five games i hand on the leaders, must keep winning to maintain pressure on Beaconsfield, ahead of their meeting in two weeks time. This will be the first time the teams have met this season.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Tilehurst Panthers v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Both teams lost last weekend and will be looking to put the record straight this Sunday, especially Wycombe who will be playing their final league game of the season. Panthers are still in the strange position of not yet winning on home turf, although they are comfortably clear of the drop zone. They won 2-1 at Burnham in the reverse fixture, both goals coming from Georgia Hayes.
​The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​AFC Varsity v Wimborne Town
A single point and a single league place separates these two teams. Wimborne, in sixth, just about hold sway but have played a game more than Varsity. They are yet to meet this season
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Bursledon v Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks suffered a big dent in their title aspirations with a 3-2 home defeat to Woking last weekend, whereas Bursledon made it four on the bounce in all competitions with a 3-1 win at AFC Varsity. The reverse fixture was an absolute belter that swung back and forth before a 91st minute Sophie Lee goal secured a point for Havant in a 4-4 draw.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL
​
Woking v Fleet Town
The top two in terms of recent form. Woking have won their last six in the league, Fleet have a 100% league record in their eight played so far. Woking lost 5-0 in the reverse fixture back in September. However, The Cards are an entirely different prospect to their early season form. This will a big test to Fleet's record.
Woking College, Rydens Way, Woking GU22 9DL

​QK Southampton v AFC Bournemouth Development
A welcome break from the league for QK as they face up the Bournemouth's Development side. QK won 7-0 at Pace in the last round but this will be an entirely different challenge for them. Bournemouth's Dev. team are currently top of the National League Reserve South-West division with a 100% record and are averaging five goals per game.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

I'll be honest, this Saturday I had originally planned a trip to Andover New Street for their FA Vase quarter-final with Heanor Town. However, after my daughter's game got pushed back to a much later kick-off in the morning, it quickly became apparent that I wasn't going to make it to Hampshire in time. Luckily, a scan of closer possibilities revealed a game that had the potential to be a cracker, and it was at a ground that I hadn't visited before. The game in question, a top of the table Spartan South Midlands Division Two clash between fourth placed Bovingdon and second placed Eynesbury United. Bovingdon had won the reverse fixture 3-1 back in November but Eynesbury were coming to town defending an unbeaten away league record, having only co ceded six goals in nine games on the road. Both sides were in good current form. Bovingdon had won five from their last six outing. Eynesbury could top that, having taken won six from their last six.
So, after watching my daughter's under-strength team (so many injuries), perform well but lose to the current league-leaders, I made the short trip over to Hertfordshire.
​Thanks to referee Adam Marsh for retrieving the team sheets for me to photograph before kick off.

​It was Eynesbury who made the slightly better start to the game but it took until the 11th minute for either team to have an attempt at goal. When it came, it was United's Ryan Baxter with a turn and shot, dragged wide of the far post, who showed the first intent.  There minutes later, with the home side beginning to get a foothold, Keane Fullwood struck the first effort on target, but it posed no real threat to Dylan Martin, who made the save with ease.
Bovingdon had begun to find some fluency now, pushing Eynesbury back into their own half more. Tom Flanagan showed some quick feet to engineer a shooting chance inside the box, flashing his shot narrowly wide of the mark. Much better from the home team. On the halfway mark of the first period, Bovingdon had their best chance so far. A through ball split the visitor's defence allowing Joe McCarthy a run on goal. However, Martin was quick off his line, making a brave block to thwart the striker.
The game fell into something of a midfield battle at this point as the two evenly matched sides effectively cancelled each other out. If anything, Bovingdon claimed the lion's share of possession, but could not find a way of testing Martin again. They did manage to muster a few half-chances, mainly from distance, but appeared to have left their shooting boots back in the changing rooms, sending each effort well over the bar, two of them into the same neighbouring garden.
As we approached half-time, still goalless, Eynesbury almost produced a goal completely out of the blue. Baxter let fly from way out, sending the ball over Fallon only to see it crash off the underside of the bar, bounce down, and go to safety. There were a few claims that it crossed the line, but to be fair to the assistant on that side, Baxter hit so early and from so far out that there was no way he could get into a position to see clearly.

HT Bovingdon 0 Eynesbury United 0. United started the better of the two but as the half progressed Bovingdon began to get more possession. Clear cut chances at a premium at both ends. Martin's save from McCarthy and Baxter's shot that hit the bar, the closest either team has come to a goal.

​The second half began in much the same vein as the first. Bovingdon having more possession but still unable to find a goal. McCarthy came close, cutting inside and driving just over the bar and Archie Oates hit a snapshot well enough, but couldn't beat Martin. It felt as if Bovingdon were camped inside the Eynesbury half for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but as the minutes passed, the visitors began to show signs that they were getting back into the game. A few tweaks in their formation and line-up, playing slightly further up the pitch, began to get pay dividends.
With 20 minutes remaining, United came close to breaking the deadlock again. Baxter, clearly their danger man, broke through the middle of the park, into the box. With both goalkeeper and defender converging on him, the ball squirmed loose and Baxter poked out a boot, unluckily seeing the ball come back off the foot of the post. Four minutes later, the same player got free again, driving toward the box with Les Barkers-Obua for company, but slightly behind him. The defender proceeded to bundle Baxter over and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, much to the displeasure of the home team. To be fair, first contact did look to be outside the box, but it was a tight one. Iwen Jones stepped up to take the spot-kick, but planted his low effort just the wrong side (from his perspective) of Fallon's right-hand upright.
Despite the penalty miss or maybe because of it, Eynesbury appeared to be more fired up now. Jones, trying to make amends for his penalty miss, hit a real rasping effort form 25 yards that Fallon, at full stretch, did well to palm away.
We were heading into the final throes of the game, but with just over 3 minutes remaining, Eynesbury pressed again. A long ball out of defence just evaded a defender's head, allowing substitute Reece Beavis to race clear on the left. His cross was challenged for by Ryan Baxter, the goalkeeper and a defender. When the ball popped up, Baxter was quickest to react, heading the ball over Fallon into the net. 0-1
Eynesbury were Buoyant now. Right on the stroke of 90 minutes, they really should have made it two. In a reversal of roles from the goal, Baxter was set free on the right before squaring into the path of Beavis, who scuffed his effort wide of the mark. Then, three minutes into added time, Callan Irvine came very close to scoring when his drive across goal was deflected wide by the slightest of touches from Fallon.

FT Bovingdon 0 Eynesbury United 1. A very hard-fought victory for Eynesbury maintains their unbeaten away record for the season. The result leaves the two points behind New Bradwell St Peter at the top, but having played a game more. However, the top have still have to meet twice this season. Bovingdon remain fourth, but have lost a little more ground on the top two. They are now five adrift of Eynesbury having played two more games, not out of contention, but certainly playing catch-up.
Next weekend, Bovingdon don't have a game. However, Eynesbury have another top of the table clash, as they host third-placed Totternhoe. The teams drew 2-2 earlier in the season in a game that saw both United's Callan Irvine and Totternoe's Kai Stonnell, see red.

Bovingdon: Fallon, Johnson, Clarke, Bonner, Barkers-Obua, Cassidy(c), Pavitt, Fullwood, McCarthy, Flanagan, Oates. Subs: Hoare, Marshall, Chamberlain, Bundey, White
Eynesbury United: Martin, Arnold, King, Routs, Newton(c), Gauge, Palmer, Brown, Baxter, McLeod, Jones. Subs: Samal, Wood, Lee, Beavis, Irvine

​The Ground
What an absolute gem Bovingdon's Green Lane ground is. It's quite easy to miss the sign leading directing you from Green Lane to Bovingdon Tennis and Football club, well at last I missed it first time past. Once you do find it you pass between a residential area and past a car park dedicated to the tennis club, before rounding a corner to see the football clubhouse on your right. A marshall greets you to take the entrance fee before you park up and enter the ground. The path from the car park takes you around the side of the main stand (yes, a step 7 team with a covered stand) which you have to walk past to get to the clubhouse and the extensive patio area that sits between the bar and the pitch. Opposite the club and stand are the dugouts, backed by some trees that separate the main pitch from some small-sided pitches. The playing surface is surrounded by a post and white metal bar fence, in the traditional non-league ground style. It's a little hard to pinpoint what it is that appeals about this ground, but I loved it. There's a certain charm that's hard to put your finger on. All I can say is, if you haven't been to a game at Green Lane, then do so. It's definitely worth a visit.

Ground Number: 440
Att: 88
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: