This Wednesday through up an opportunity for a much more local game, The John Fathers Junior Shield Final between Hardwick Sports of the Banbury & District Premier League and Heyford Athletic who play in Witney & District Division One. The game was to be played at Kidlington's Yarnton Road ground.
The John Fathers Junior Shield is a very long-standing cup competition in the Oxfordshire area, open to teams from level 13 downwards. The competition, named after a former Oxfordshire FA council member, was first held during the 1885-86 season and was won by Cowley. Last season Graven Hill won after beating Hailey 4-2 in the final. Their promotion to Division 2 also meant that they would not be able to defend the trophy this season.
Both of this season's finalists were awarded a bye in Round 1. In the second round Hardwick strolled past Eynsham by five goals to nil, whilst Heyford beat Hornton 1-0. Hardwick scored five again in Round 3, seeing off last season's beaten finalist Hailey 5-1. Heyford retained their clean sheet with a 2-0 defeat of Wootton Sports.
Into the quarter-final stage. Sports were 2-0 victors against Bampton United. Heyford beat Chadlington 4-1 on penalties after the sides were level a 1-1 at full-time. Both semi-finals had goals. Hardwick put five past Tower Hill but also conceded three. Heyford came out on top by the odd goal in five against Charlbury Town.
Hardwick, in their short history, had never won the trophy before. However, having already taken the league title and the Jersey Cup this season, they were looking to complete a treble. Heyford Athletic have won this competition twice before, the first time in 1953 and then again in 2016.

​Hardwick began the game very much on the front foot, which seemed to knock Heyford off their stride in the opening minutes. After an initial foray forward, The Bears were forced back into the own half. Having said that, after 10 minutes all that Sports had to show for their efforts was a corner that had come to nothing. That was soon to change. With 12 minutes on the clock they had a big shout for a penalty following a bit of pinball from a corner. Nothing was given but the blues had the bit between their teeth now. A couple of minutes later another corner was cleared outside the penalty area where Mike Harding was quick spot the opportunity, latching onto the loose ball and driving a low effort at goal from 25 yards. It was well saved by Tom McNamara but Sports kept the pressure on and three minutes later, took the lead. Leo Beales, just outside the box on the left had side of goal, struck an absolute screamer into the opposite top corner. No chance this time for McNamara. 1-0
It looked as if it may turn into a long night for the Witney & District side especially when, just past the 20 minute mark, Karl Tucker laid off a perfect ball into the path of Beales again. Aiming for the same top corner, he struck it well enough, only for McNamara to make a very good save this time.
As it happened that piece of action proved to be something of a turning point. Heyford began to make some inroads themselves and, on 24 minutes, had their best opportunity so far. Bobby Gosling robbed Harding on the right before squaring to Joe Flarry who could only lift his effort over the bar. Something of a let-off for Sports which served to galvanise Heyford. There consecutive corners helped to ramp up the pressure on Hardwick, the third of which was headed goalward by Xander Cameron, straight into the arms of Carl Clay.
Just before the half-hour Heyford's Ben Dane produced a little bit of magic to ride two challenges out on the left flank, he cut inside but didn't get enough on his attempt to trouble Clay. The Bears were having a real go at this point and ten minutes before the break they had their biggest opportunity to level the scores. A flicked pass lopped over the Hardwick back-line set Gosling free and in on goal. Attempting to take the strike early and wrong-foot the keeper, he could only scuff the effort, much to the relief of Clay. 
Despite Heyford getting back into the game in terms of possession, they had to be very aware of Hardwick's attacking potential and this was demonstrated on 43 minutes when Beales cut inside form the right and unleashed a shot that McNamara did well to hold. Straight back up the other end and Clay just about managed to claw a ball, destined for the top corner, clear for another Athletic corner. That came to nothing and was just about the last action of the half.

HT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. A fast start from Hardwick who deserved to take the lead quite early on. However, credit to Heyford, who dug in and got themselves right back into the game. From the goal onwards it was a much more even contest with Heyford having the lion's share of attempts on goal.

​Heyford were right back on it at the start of the second half. A quick break in the opening minute saw Bobby Gosling fire in a good effort only to see Clay get his positioning spot on to make the save. Then, little more than five minutes into the second half, Gosling looked odds-on to score after getting in behind the Sports defence again. However, he delayed his shot slightly and that was all the invite required by Marius Coldea, who tracked back superbly to make the challenge and win a goal-kick into the bargain. A superb piece of defending, but should he have been given the chance?
It was beginning to look like one of those nights for Heyford. They'd already had a number of chances go wanting and time was ticking down. Just before the hour mark Heyford's Joe Flarry took a through ball before spinning and firing a shot wide of the mark but that was just the precursor to what was to come a minute later. The same player, fed in on the left, drove the ball low and hard past Clay into the bottom corner of the net. Cue celebrations from players and supporters alike. Unfortunately for Heyford, the assistant's flag had gone up way before Flarry hit the shot. Offside when the initial pass was made.
If Heyford had thoughts of throwing caution to the wind and pushing more people forward, they were given a  reminder of the treat Hardwick posed just after the hour. A long ball caught their defence flat-footed and they had to thank Tom McNamara for being alert enough to race off his line, beating Karl Tucker to the ball and clearing.
Joe Flarry then hit the side netting with a low drive before Steve Roberts managed to squeeze a shot through a sea of legs, almost catching Clay out. However, the keeper managed to make the save with his legs, almost sitting on the ball, which he must have seen very late.
Try as they might, Heyford couldn't find a way past Clay and his defence. Hardwick had not threatened much at all in the second half, but they had defended very well. With there minutes to go Hardwick's Andrew Stidder had a dip from way out. It was well wide, but it just added to the seconds ticking down.
Finally referee David Evans drew proceedings to a close and Hardwick had done it.

FT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. Many congratulations to Hardwick Sports. Treble winners. A fabulous season for them. They still have two league games to play, but with the league already in the bag, they can enjoy them.
Huge commiserations to Heyford though. They made Hardwick, who remember are a level higher in the pyramid, work their socks off for this one. Ultimately they were undone by their sluggish start (or was it Hardwick quick start?). After they went a goal down they were arguably the better team for much of the game. They currently sit 7th in Division One but still have 7 league games remaining and could still make the top three, although it's a tough ask, especially as they have to play 7 games in 14 days!!. They are 11 points drift of Ducklington, in third, but have 3 games in hand. Their penultimate game is at Ducklington. Depending on results between now and then, that could be a cracker. They've also got the small matter of a Watts Junior Cup Quarter-Final coming up on Saturday at Division Two side, Kingham All Blacks.

Thanks for reading. Why not take a few minutes to look through the excellent set of photos captured by local photographer Pete Keen (@petekeen).


Hardwick Sports: 1.Clay, 2.Gray-Deacon, 3.Connor, 4.Evetts, 5.Harding, 6.Coldea, 7.Stidder, 8.Daisy, 9.Tucker. 10.Tudor, 11.L.Beales. Subs: 12.Wheatley, 13.Trevitt, 14.King, 16.K.Beales, 17.Young
Heyford Athletic: 1.McNamara, 5.Badland, 16.Phillips, 14.Dudley(c), 15.Roberts, 8.Philpott, 13.Dane, 12.Cameron, 10.Bonito, 3.Gosling, 9.Flarry. Subs: 6.Symes, 11.Campo, 7.Heath, 2.Spaenij, 4.Campbell

Ground Number: Re-visit
Attendance:
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Included

​The Programme
Oxfordshire FA produced a superb glossy, full-colour, 16-apge matchday programme. Contents included a section about the competition, a welcome message from Jonathan Duckworth (Oxfordshire FA Chief Exec.), double page spreads for each club including pen pictures, the route to the final for both teams, pen pictures of all four officials, a hall of honour for the competition, a list of all OFA finals this year and, of course, the two squad lists for today. Two very small gripes. I think I had the last programme and I know some people were disappointed that there were none left afterwards. Also, the team sheets were not displayed or read out, meaning that it was difficult to know who was wearing which number. Of course, that's not an issue with the actual magazine, which was very professional and well put together.

​Congratulations to AFC Portchester who were crowned Division One South champions without kicking a ball after they were awarded their game against Fleet Town. This mean that, regardless of the result in their final game at Havant, The Hawks can no longer catch Portchy. Before that news came through, Portchester had already progressed to the County Cup Quarter-Final with a 2-1 win at Stoneham. On Sunday only one game was played in each division. In the Premier League Badshot Lea's season ended  with a 7-0 defeat at home to Wycombe. In the North Penn & Tylers Green put themselves in pole position for second spot when they defeated Milton United 3-1 and, in the South Fleet beat local rivals Rushmoor by the odd goal in five, earning their first three pointer oof the season in their final outing.

Wednesday 17th 19:45 Hampshire Senior Cup
AFC Stoneham 1-2 AFC Portchester
As expected, there was very little between these two teams. Millie Bradbury nodded home the opener for Portchester before Larnie Bisson scored a superb equaliser. The game was decided with under 20 minutes to go by a delightful second goal from Millie Bradbury, curling the ball past Lucy Venables. You can read the match blog here (Portchy Progress).

​Badshot Lea 0-7 Wycombe Wanderers
Molly Carter, Amy Leach, and Emam Kassem gave Wycombe a three goal lead inside 20 minutes. A lead they held until the break. Kine Anderson made it four five minutes after half-time, Kassem got her second before Axelle Courlander and Leach with her second, rounded off the scoring. The Baggies, who were down to the bare 11, played with 9 for a lot of the second half with their regular keeper outfield. 

Beaconsfield Town P-P Caversham United

Eversley & California P-P Chesham United Development

Penn & Tylers Green 3-1 Milton United
Penn took a big step towards taking second spot in the North after beating rivals Milton United. Rebecca Stopforth scored twice, taking her total to five in the last four games. Top scorer Henna Hussain also added to her tally, and is now only 3 short of 30 for the season. Kira Ranxha scored for their third consecutive game for Milton

Fleet Town 3-2 Rushmoor Community
An end of season basement local derby that turned into a shootout between the respective top scorers, Dot Usher and Emma Mutch, who must have mustered close to 20 attempts between the two of them. Usher put Fleet ahead early on, before Mutch equalised in the 18th minute. Kira Barker then had the hosts back in front from the spot, but that was short-lived when Iona Quinn equalised again. Usher had the final word, smashing in from a corner early in the second half. Read the full match blog here (Shoot On Sight)

Wednesday
SDFA Cup Semi-Final 
AFC Stoneham v Southampton Women's
A tough one for The Purps as they face a team who ply their trade two divisions above them in the National League Division One South West. The Sirens, however, are not yet safe from relegation, requiring point from their final game to be 100% sure. They've only won once on  the road, a 3-0 defeat of bottom side Selsey. Stoneham will have top scorer Chloe Melton back after suspension.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA 

Premier
Warminster Town v Wycombe Wanderers
The final game of the Premier League season has no more riding on it than the challenge to finish fifth or sixth. Warminster currently sit in fifth, a point above Wycombe. A repeat of the reverse fixture, a 2-2 draw, would see Town retain that position. On that day in September Charlotte Hill opened the scoring for Wanderers who then found themselves 2-1 at the break thanks to Mia Blazey and Rebecca Snelling. However, Katie Riddington levelled it up just past the hour mark.
Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 9NS

Division One North
Milton United v Eversley & California
United need to win by six goals to go above Wycombe into second spot. Even then, two wins for Penn in their final games would see the Buckinghamshire side leapfrog them. The sides have not yet met this season. The reverse fixture was awarded to Milton as a walkover. The Boars still have six games remaining and need a minimum of three more points to stay ahead of Caversham at the bottom.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Penn & Tylers Green v Chesham United Development
Penn's victory over Milton last week has left the second place spot in their own hands. Beat Chesham on Sunday and then win at Eversley on May 5th, and the runners-up up place is all theirs. They have not faced Chesham yet this season. The away fixture was handed to them as a walkover. The game features the league's top scorer, Henna Hussain (27) and Chesham's Katie West (20), who is fifth in the scoring charts.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Chairman's Cup Final 11:00 (@Reading City)
Woking v Beaconsfield Town 
The first of a cup final double-header at Scours lane on Sunday. The Cards and The Rams go head-to-head for the chance to put some silverware in the trophy cabinet. Beaconsfield are unbeaten in all competitions since the endo of January, when they lost to Stoneham in the League Cup. Coincidentally, Woking's only defeat in their last five also came against Stoneham, 3-2 in the league.
Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 6AY

League Cup Final 15:00 (@Reading City)
Havant & Waterlooville v Bournemouth Sports
After celebrating their Premier League title 2 weeks ago, Sports will be looking for a double as they take on Division One South side Havant & Waterlooville in a South coast derby. Havant still have a final league game to play against Portchester, the outcome of which will decide if they end the season as runners-up or in third spot. Whatever the outcome of this game and the league match, Havant have had a superb season after jumping up two divisions.
Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 6AY

Oxfordshire County Cup Final (@Kidlington)
Oxford United v Oxford City
It doesn't get much more local than this cup final. Not only do the clubs share a city, they also share a stadium with both playing at City's Court Place Farm Stadium. One thing they don't share is a division. United hold sway in that department, currently playing in the National League Southern Premier, two divisions above City. No doubt it will be keenly contested. United's Zoe Barratt is second in the league scoring charts with 23 goals in 26 games. City can boast the top two scorers in their league, 19 goal Emily Harris and 24 goal Ellie White.
Kidlington FC, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT

Hampshire Women's Senior Cup
AFC Portchester v Southampton FC PGA u21s
Portchy's win at Stoneham last Wednesday earned them the chance to pit their wits against Southampton FC's u21 team. Southampton have so far disposed of Eversley & California (walkover) and Havant & Waterlooville (4-1). Portchester also had a walkover in the second round versus Eastleigh Reserves, followed up with the 2-1 defeat of Stoneham. The winners will face AFC Bournemouth in the final.
The On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

​With the A34 closed southbound and the M40 at a standstill in places, getting to my chosen game on Sunday proved to be a lot more difficult than expected. However, after briefly contemplating zipping over to Penn v Milton I decided to push on. After all, my SatNav said I was going to arrive with a few minutes to spare. My destination was Crookham Road, Fleet where the local ladies of Fleet Town were taking on neighbours Rushmoor Community in both team's final game of the Southern Region Division One South. On paper this was something of a dead rubber. Fleet were already consigned to bottom spot, after conceding their game against AFC Portchester and Rushmoor were already resigned to their position one place above their rivals. However, there was local pride at stake and it was a good opportunity for a re-visit to Fleet Town, a ground I last visited way back in 2016. Since then Calthorpe Park has taken on the name Mustard Seed Stadium, named after a local Autism Trust. As I have said many times before, I used to hold a West Brom season ticket. Albion fans have a habit of referring to the Wolves ground as the Custard Bowl (because of the custard coloured seats). I couldn't help, in my mind, thinking of Calthorpe Park as the Mustard Bowl.
The teams had met three times previously this season. An early season 4-0 league win for Rushmoor was followed up with an even more emphatic 5-1 win for Rushmoor in the League Cup. Fleet, however, did win their last meeting, a 2-1 NHDFA semi-final victory, which put them into the final that BotP had the pleasure of witnessing just over a week ago (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win).
Many thanks to Rushmoor stalwart Lisa Cooper for sending the team sheet over to me before the game. Very much appreciated.

​It was a very promising start to the game from a neutral's point of view. Within two minutes both sides had had shots, neither had troubled the opposition keeper, but it was certainly a sign of intent and bode well for an entertaining game.
That potential was realised as early as the 4th minute when Fleet's livewire striker, Dot Usher, showed some really good footwork, turning her defender one way, then the other, creating enough space to get a shot off which beat Jade Bennett. 1-0. It could easily have been two a minute later when Bennett got a hand to Molly Greenaway's cross-shot but couldn't hold it. Luckily for the goalkeeper, there were no strikers close enough to get a final touch.
Rushmoor's first effort came on 9 minutes when Emma Mutch cut inside from the right-wing before trying her luck from all of 30 yards, earning a reprimand from the bench for not taking the ball closer to the target. More of that later. Ellie James had no problems with this one.
Jade Bennett was then called into action again, saving well from Dot Usher. Kira Barker, coming in on the right, couldn't quite get a toe to the loose ball. Then, as the match ebbed and flowed from one end to the other, Lisa Cooper's through ball found Mutch again, but she shot wide of James's goal. Much better from Rushmoor and it was a sign of things to come. Two minutes later, Iona Quinn slid a ball into the path of Emma Mutch who took the ball in her stride and, amidst cried of 'not from there' from the bench, unleashed a shot from 25 yards or so, sending the ball arrowing into the top right corner with James helpless to stop it. 1-1, a great strike from Mutch.
The game stayed level, with neither side threatening too much, until just before the half-hour when Barker's cross from the right skipped up and caught Natalie Washington's hand. A little unfortunate for Rushmoor, but by the letter of the law, a penalty. Kira Barker took it, stroking the ball calmly into the bottom corner. 2-1. 

​As if to reiterate that, within a minute of the restart, Dot Usher chased a ball over the top, turning a 40/60 ball into her own, shrugging off her defender, before seeing her low drive clip the outside of the post. Not to be outdone, Mutch only took a few more minutes to unleash her first effort of the second half. This time seeing home captain Emily White deflect her strike wide for a corner. It was almost like a competition between the two strikers to see who could rack up the most numbers of shots at goal. Ten minutes after the restart, Usher was again thwarted when Jen Gillam did well to block another goal bound effort. That was the in the 55th minute. One minute later Fleet did indeed go back in front. A corner delivered into a really inviting area by Jamie Lee Osborne was met on the volley by Dot Usher from 6 yards out, giving Bennett no chance whatsoever. 3-2
Just past the hour mark Emma Mutch was left one on one with James after a long ball was not cut out. The Rushmoor player won the 50/50 challenge with the keeper, but couldn't then find the target. Admittedly a defender had made a gallant effort to cover but it was definitely a let-off for the hosts. Mutch then put another effort over from a narrow angle a few minutes later. The striker, who announced that she was leaving the club shortly after the end of the game, was clearly looking to go out with a bang.

​The shoot on sight policy was spreading throughout each team. As we approached the final 15 minutes Jamie Lee Osbourne latched onto a loose ball in midfield and let fly from all of 35 yards. It didn't trouble Bennet but was yet another example of both side's willingness to have a shot (although I'm not sure the coaching teams were all that pleased).
Dot Usher's run across the the 18-yard box on 76 minutes ended with a screwed shot wide of the mark and then Emma Hamer looped a twenty-yard snapshot onto the roof of Bennett's net a few minutes later.
As the minutes ticked down Rushmoor pushed hard for another equaliser. Two minutes into added time Lisa Cooper's lovely through ball found Mutch who drilled into the bottom corner with no hesitation, only to see the assistant's flag had already gone. That was Rushmoor's last chance. A minute or two later another Usher shot was deflected for a Fleet corner and, although it came to nothing, the referee signalled for the end of the game.

FT Fleet Town 3 Rushmoor Community 2. It took until the last game of the season but Fleet finally won a league game. Too late for them to lift themselves off the foot of the table, but credit to them for keeping going throughout a difficult campaign. The result was a little harsh on Rushmoor but they took one more chance than Rushmoor managed. That's football. The game was probably not a great watch for either coach but, from a neutral's perspective, it was very enjoyable with both team trying to win the game. The result was in the balance until the final minute, you can't ask for more than that.

Fleet Town: James, Benton, Simpson, White(c), Fitzgerald, Burrows, Parry, Greenaway, Barker, Usher, Hamer. Subs: Osbourne
Rushmoor Community: J.Bennett, Ekins, G.Bennett, Potts, Washington,Gillam, Quinn, Cooper, Boyd(c), Sheehan, Mutch. Subs: Fieghery, Parker

​The Ground
Looking back at my 2016 blog, I don't think much has changed at Fleet's ground. This is an extract from that blog:
"As always, let's start with a brief description of the stadium. Situated within  walking distance of the town centre, the ground manages to give the feeling of being out in the countryside. The entrance to the ground is approached through the car park and a single turnstile which brings you into the stadium between the main stand, which has seating for 250, and the snack bar. There are also covered standing areas behind both goals with the dugouts being opposite the main stand. The clubhouse is accessed directly from the car park, not from within the stadium itself. The playing surface slopes down from right to left as you look from the main stand and the whole ground is pretty much surrounded by trees which adds to the rural feel.
Something about Fleet Town gives you a feel good factor. The welcome at the turnstile was friendly and the lady in the snack bar chats to everyone as if they were all old friends. You even see the Chairman wandering around mixing with supporters and having a chat. It gives a very welcoming feel to the club for which they should be congratulated."

Sadly the chairman mentioned in that blog, Steve Cantle, passed away later that same year, a big loss to the club. However, now under the stewardship of Caroline Bone, the club still has a good feel to it. There was no-one on the gate this time because it was free entry. The tea bar is still managed by a very friendly and chatty lady (not sure if the same one as 8 years ago), the bar staff were also friendly. It's a great place to watch football IMO.

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

​There were a few games to choose from this Wednesday, but ultimately my eye was drawn to the Hampshire Women's Senior Cup tie between AFC Stoneham and AFC Portchester. This would be the fourth meeting between the Division One South rivals this season and, although the first meeting was a little one-sided, the next two had been level after 90 minutes. The teams had been battling it out towards the top of the table all season and this game was almost certainly going to be another close encounter.
Top tip when visiting Stoneham Lane. If you have already registered for the QR code entry system and you change your phone, remember to copy the code across. Trying to reset your password is difficult (the reset mail never arrived). Luckily, the helpful gent on reception found my previous registration and allowed me to scan the code with my camera. I was in, in time to go in search of teams sheets. Thanks to Portchester media guru Lindsay Hyde, who had already posted the Portchy team to X, for letting me photograph the Stoneham sheet too. Always a great help to match names to numbers. It was really good to finally meet Stoneham midfielder Abbie Awdas just before the game too. Thanks for following the blog Abbie (skip past the 71st minute of this one).
As it happened, kick-off was delayed by fifteen minutes to 8pm anyway, which made me immediately think if it would go to extra-time or straight to penalties in the event of a draw. With a 90 minute drive home ahead of me and a 5am start to look forward to, I was hoping for the latter. In the end, I needn't have worried.
Both sides had made changes to their starting line-ups, some enforced, some not. Stoneham were without top scorer Chloe Melton, serving the third of a three-game ban after being sent off against Portchester in the league meeting last month. Portchester had second top scorer Charmaine True on the bench. Leona Cullen retaining her place in goal for the first half, with Roxy Roberts on the bench too.

​The match got off to a very cagey start with neither side able to test the goalkeepers. The flow of the game was not helped by a couple of early injuries, both of which affected the home side. Right-back Kayden Wood went down inside the opening few minutes and was helped along the side of the pitch. Then with still less than 20 minutes on the clock, they also lost the tough-tackling Mia Flood from their midfield. The last time I was here I had really enjoyed her flying into tackles all over the pitch, although I'm not sure some of the Fleet Town players were quite so keen.
The first close call came in the 21st minute when Lynsey Crewe-Way saw her goal bound effort deflected over the top for a corner. Stoneham's relief, however, was short-lived. From the ensuing corner kick a far post header was palmed away from under the bar by Lucy Venables only for Millie Bradbury to latch onto the loose ball and nod home. 0-1.
Stoneham's response came in the form of a Larnie Bisson break down the right wing. Her delivery, deep toward the far post, was met by Leah Webster on the volley. The effort sailed wide but, to be fair, it was an extremely difficult chance. It really should have served as a warning to Portchester. Bisson had already looked like Stoneham's biggest attacking threat and she was beginning to give the Portchy defence some real problems with her pace and willingness to run in behind the full-back.
Just past the half hour mark Aimee Hall-Guy did well to set up a chance for Stacey Niven. Her shot across the face of the Stoneham goal drifted just wide of the mark. Shortly after this, Portchester brought on Charmaine True in place of Hall-Guy. The substitute almost had an immediate impact. Dropping deep she accepted a pass before threading a delightful through-ball up the right for Bradbury. Her cross, drilled across the face of the goal, was only a few inches ahead of Ellie Hooker arriving at the far post.
As we entered added time, it looked as if the visitors would take a narrow lead into the break but that was before the ever-dangerous Larnie Bisson took matters into her own hands. Exchanging a neat one-two on the edge of the box, she drilled a sweet strike into Cullen's top left corner. 1-1

HT AFC Stoneham 1 AFC Portchester 1. A first-half that didn't provide too many clear-cut chances for either team. The score line reflected the balance of play. Neither side had been able to establish any kind of dominance. My late night was looming ever closer.

​The second half began in much the same style as the first with the majority of the action confined to the middle third. The first real action came in the 54th minute when Roxy Roberts, on for Cullen at half-time, was left scrambling across her goal by an effort from Anna Lewis, leaving the Portchy stopper relieved to see the ball pass the far post on the correct side from her point of view.
What Portchester had managed to do since the half-time break, was find a way to keep Bisson a little quieter. So much so that Stoneham made a change, giving their winger a breather. Of course, with rolling subs, they were able to bring her back on later in the half.
Just before the hour mark Charmaine True, after winning a midfield tussle some 35 yards out, spotted Venables off her line and tried drifting a ball over the stranded keeper, only for her aim to be a little off centre. Stoneham then manufactured a half-chance with a raid up the right that saw the ball played across the Portchy 6-yard box and find Chloe marshall towards the back post. With the ball behind her, the striker spun quickly but pulled her shot just past the post. That proved to be crucial six minutes later when Portchester got their noses in front again.
Look away now Abbie. Mille Bradbury dispossessed Abbie Awdas in midfield before sending a looping effort over Venables. The keeper was able to get a fingertip to the ball but was unable to prevent it dropping into the far corner. 1-2. A precision strike from Bradbury, who was on fire now. Three minutes later, accepting a square ball from True, she again sent an drive over Venables from 25 yards only to see the ball come back off the crossbar this time. Inches from a hat-trick.
There was certainly no let up in the battling, especially in midfield where both sides were more than capable of putting a tackle of two in. However, as in the first half, there were few clear goalscoring opportunities around.
With five minutes to go True managed to wriggle clear of the defence before striking well only for Lucy Venables to have got her angles spot on to make the save. Then, with the clock winding down, Stoneham had one last chance. Leah Webster played a deft pass behind the Portchester lines for the re-introduced Bisson to run onto. However, her run was taking her diagonally away from goal and, swivelling to get a strike off, she coudln't quite get enough power behind it to beat the dive of Roberts.

FT AFC Stoneham 1 AFC Portchester 2. As expected, there was very little to choose between these teams, divided on the night by a superb finish from Millie Bradbury for the second goal. At least I got home before midnight. Portchester can now look forward to a semi-final meeting with Southampton U21s on April 28th.

Portchester can now also look forward to the Premier League next season after their scheduled game with Fleet Town was awarded as a home win. This now means that, even if Portchester were to lose their final league game at Havant in early May, The Hawks will not be able to catch them. Many, many congratulations to everyone concerned. If they do avoid defeat at Westleigh Park, they will have gone the entire league season undefeated. This will also be their second consecutive league championship and fourth promotion on the bounce. That's some achievement. 

AFC Stoneham: 13.Venables, 2.Wood, 3.Lewis, 4.Moody, 5.Ingram(c), 6.Stevens, 7.Marshall, 12.Flood, 10.Delaney, 9.Webster, 11.Bisson. Subs: 8.Awdas, 14.Curtis, 15.Dancer, 16.Freeman-Wood, 17.Bicknell
AFC Portchester: 1.Cullen, 2.Bell, 4.Jennings, 6.Marshall, 17.Hooker, 8.Niven, 7.Crewe-Way, 9.Taylor, 23.Bradbury, 21.Currie(c), 12.Hall-Guy. Subs: True, Hinton, Wilson, S.Williams, Roberts

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

Congratulations to Bournemouth Sports. Premier League Champions, after their 1-1 draw at Woodley United on Sunday. Oxford's defeat at Warminster combined with Woodley's point means that United are guaranteed third spot. There was midweek cup defeat for AFC Portchester but victory for Fleet Town. The tables were turned on Sunday when those two met in the league though. Portchy taking over top spot and now looking odds-on for the Division One South title. The North title is of course already decided but four teams are still battling it out for second spot, with Milton United probably the favourites after winning 4-2 at Chesham. There's still plenty of football to be played.

Wednesday ​10th Combined Counties Women's Cup 
AFC Portchester 2-3 Bognor Regis Town
The Rockettes booked themselves a quarter-final date with Fulham on Wednesday after edging past Portchester. Marcie Downs put Bognor in front but that was quickly cancelled out. However, Laura Barton once again had the visitors in the lead before an OG levelled the scores again. Lou Lou Robson, who was the unfortunate OG scorer, then made amends by hitting the winner for Town. The Bognor Regis Town web site has the match report.

Thursday 11th NHDFA Final
Fleet Town 2-1 Andover New Street
Despite still being pointless in the league, Fleet can now add some silverware to their trophy cabinet after narrowly defeating Hampshire County Division Two side Andover New Street in the North Hants Divisional FA Women's Cup Final at Whitchurch on Thursday evening. BotP had the pleasure of being at the game, which was an excellent advert for the game. You can read the match blog here (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win)

​Warminster Town 1-0 Oxford City
A single Madeleine Brown goal was enough to five Warminster their third victory in four league outings and nicely placed in mid-table. The Hoops lost third spot to Woodley but are still guaranteed a fourth place finish. They had both Emily Harris and Billie Bough-French sent off.

Woodley United 1-1 Bournemouth Sports
Only needing to avoid a twelve goal defeat, Bournemouth still approached this game in the same manner as any other. Woodley matched them like for like in a game that was end to end for much of the first half. Still goalless at the break, Emma Acott had Sports in front but Charley Evans equalised for Woodley with 10 minutes to go. Read the BotP match blog here (A Classy Finale). You can also catch up on the action through the lens of top photographer Andy Wicks.

Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers made it two wins on the bounces with a four goal haul at Burnham. Emily McDonough and Shayne Prasad put them two ahead before Amy Leach pulled a goal back for the Chairgirls. However, Libby Wilkinson restored the two goal advantage just before the break. Eman Kassem reduced the deficit again on 50 minutes only for Wilkinson score again four minutes later.

​Abingdon United Development 3-1 Eversley & California
Mimi Hodges added two more goals to her season tally, taking her to 25. A third goal was added by Georgia Taylor, her fourth of the season. That took Abingdon's points tally to a very respectable 29 as they completed their league campaign. Eversley remain locked on 6 points with Caversham United but still have five games in hand on The Goats, who have a vastly inferior goal difference.

Chesham United Development 2-4 Milton United
Milton drew level with Wycombe's u23 team in the race for second spot. Next weekend's game at Penn & Tylers Green looks likely to be the second place decider. However, they did have to come from behind in this game after going ahead early on, two Katie West goals saw Chesham edge in front on 40 minutes. However, Milton crucially got back on level terms almost immediately and then went 3-2 in front a minute after the break before making sure with a fourth goal. Milton goals came from Natalie Evans(2), Rebecca Bostock and Kira Ranxha

Penn & Tylers Green 1-1 Beaconsfield Town
For the second game running there was nothing to divide these teams over 90 minutes. Rebecca Stopforth  bagged her ninth goal of the season for Penn. Lucy Casey score for Beaconsfield, taking her into double figures and just one behind top scorer Grainne McNally.

​Fleet Town 1-3 AFC Portchester
Portchester put themselves in pole position for the title, leapfrogging Stoneham and Havant to hit the summit. Brooke Marshall set them on their way in the 20th minute but that was quickly cancelled out by Fleet's midweek cup final heroine, Dot Usher. However, two second-half goals from El Williams were enough to give the visitors all three points. You can read the match report on the Portchester web site.

​Wednesday 17th 19:45 Senior Cup
AFC Stoneham v AFC Portchester
Meeting for the fourth time this season, these two know each other very well by now. It's also the third meeting at Stoneham Lane. The previous two have been 1-1 after 90 minutes, although Portchester did win the League Cup penalty shootout 4-3. Portchester's league win last weekend, effectively ended Stoneham's title aspirations but they can still finish in second should Portchester avoid defeat to Havant next weekend. The winner of this game will face Southampton U21 in the semi-final, looking for a place in the final against AFC Bournemouth.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA 

Sunday 21st April
Premier
Badshot Lea v Wycombe Wanderers
The Baggies are consigned to the bottom after just two wins this season. However, they'll want to end the season on  a high note if possible. When the sides met at Burnham in October a single Bobby Lynch goal edged it for the home side. Wycombe will be looking for six points from their remaining two games, the second of which is against Warminster. This would see them leapfrog Town into fifth spot.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Division One North
Beaconsfield Town v Caversham United
The Rams have little more than pride to play for in this game. They have been safe from the drop for a while but can't progress any further up the table now. For Caversham it's getting close to last chance saloon. Anything from this game could potentially take them off the bottom, depending upon Eversley's result. The reverse fixture, which admittedly came during the worst period of the season for The Goats, ended 8-0 to Beaconsfield, with seven different players getting on the score sheet.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Eversley & California v Chesham United Development
With eight league league games remaining, Eversley know that three wins would guarantee finishing above the drop line. However, with only one from twelve, that is by no means an easy target. Chesham could still move up a few places in the table if they win their remaining two games, so this is also not a dead rubber. The reverse fixture ended 4-1 in favour of Chesham. Two very early goals from Katie West seeing them on their way.
ESA, Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS

Penn & Tylers Green v Milton United
The league title may have already been decided but this one is most likely the second place decider. Milton hold sway with a two point gap. Both teams have three games remaining. A win for United in this one would leave Penn requiring snookers. The reverse fixture at The Heights a week before Christmas saw goals from Natalie Evans and Jessica Simons give Milton all three points.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Division One South
Fleet Town v Rushmoor Community
Rushmoor's final game of the season sees them face up to bottom side Fleet Town knowing that avoiding defeat will guarantee that they cannot finish bottom of the league. The side's have already met three times this season. An early season 4-0 league win for Rushmoor was followed up with an even mor emphatic 5-1 win for Rushmoor in the League Cup. Fleet, however, did win their last meeting, a 2-1 NHDFA semi-final victory.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Portchester
Anything less than a Hawks win will see Portchester take the Southern Division title and, even then, Havant would still be reliant on Portchester losing their final game against Fleet Town. In the two previous meetings, one league and one League Cup, honours are even. Portchy beat Havant 5-0 back in November but The Hawks gained some revenge with a 2-1 cup win in February.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

There was only one place to be this Sunday afternoon, Bulmershe Pavilion, where Bournemouth Sports needed to avoid defeat to Woodley United, by a twelve goal margin, to win the Southern Region Premier League title. So, after a flying visit to the Midlands in the morning, it was back onto the M40 for the 2-hour dash down to Berkshire in time for kick-off.
Despite the fact that Bournemouth were 99.99% certain of winning the league, I had understated the game a little in the weekly blog, because it was not yet mathematically certain. Upon arriving at the ground, it appeared that I was right to do so. When offered a guard of honour onto the pitch, Bournemouth politely turned it down because their coaching staff didn't feel it was appropriate until they were confirmed as champions. A very respectful decision in my opinion.
The previous league meeting between the sides, in the early weeks of the season, ended in a 1-1 draw with Rosie Eden giving Sports the lead halfway through the first half and May Hamblin equalising early in the second half.
There was a decent attendance beginning to build even when I arrived, 30 minutes before kick-off, including a fair few who had made the trip up from the South coast. 

Many thanks to referee Ben Atherton for sharing the team sheets before the game.

​It was difficult to predict what sort of game we would get before kick-off. Sports didn't need to do anything apart from keep the score down below double-figures. Woodley, already guaranteed at least fourth spot, had the incentive of finishing third if they bettered Oxford City's result. However, having already had a very good first season back in the Premier League, they too could have been forgiven for not going full throttle at this one.
The good news for all gathered to witness the game was that neither of these teams is capable of taking it easy. That was clear from  the opening minutes of the game. Within two minutes Rosie Eden signalled that Mollie Haines certainly wasn't going to have a quiet day. The Sports winger burst down the left, drove to the by-line and cut back for Liane Folkenstern, who couldn't quite get enough on the shot allowing Sophie Cheadle to gather. Two minutes later Woodley were on the attack, forcing a corner on the right that was delivered towards the back post where Sarah Lawrence rose highest, but her header didn't trouble Sam Chrippes. It was end to end stuff with both sides having further corners within the opening seven minutes.
Eight minutes in, Bournemouth's goalkeeper Sam Chrippes had a heart in mouth moment as she mis-kicked a back pass, almost presenting the ball to the feet of Sajunae Turner before managing to recover quick enough to scramble the ball clear.  A minute later, Pippa Humphrey timed a run to perfection, latching onto Lawrence's flicked header before screwing her shot wide of the mark. Ten minutes in and we had had shots on target at both ends and corners at both ends. There was definitely no chance that these two were taking it easy.
The attacking intent from both sides did not let up. Another Woodley corner after 15 minutes saw Alex Ayckbourne's in swinging delivery gathered on the line by Sam Chrippes before Sports launched another raid themselves with Eden and Folkenstern linking well.
Just after the halfway stage Sarah Lawrence fired a warning shot over the bar from the left-hand corner of the box before, at the other end, Kate Hudson's sliced clearance fell invitingly for Hollie Shaw on the edge of the box only for the striker to lift her attempt over Cheadle's bar.
Woodley came very close to opening the scoring after 32 minutes when Bournemouth gave the ball away deep inside their own half. Sarah Lawrence was onto it in a flash only to see her dipping drive fly inches over the bar.
A few minutes later Sophie Cheadle was called into action again, this time bravely dropping on the ball in a crowded penalty area as Liane Folkenstern closed in. Shortly after that Eden delivered a delightful ball across the 6-yard box only to find no fellow strikers far enough forward to get a telling touch. Woodley immediately attacked at the other end with Mollie Haines, temporarily relived of defensive duties, finding some space on the right. She cut back inside before delivering to the far post where Sports managed to smuggle the ball out for another corner. A few minutes after this, following another corner, an accidental collision between Haines and Eden saw the Bournemouth left in a heap. Thankfully, after a little treatment, she was able to continue.
There was still time for both sides to manufacture another attempt each. First of all Sports came close when they managed to squirm out of a tight situation on the right by-line before delivering a ball across the box. However, the cross was just a little behind Abi Lander who, stretching backwards, lifted her shot over the bar. Then, just before the half-time whistle, Sarah Lawrence tested Chrippes once again after breaking free down the left, only to see her cross-shot was well held by the Sports stopper.

HT Woodley United 0 Bournemouth Sports 0. A really competitive half that started at some pace and, although it slowed a little, remained pretty much end to end. Two very well matched sides playing some excellent football so far.

​There was a slightly more sedate feel to the start of the second half. The first attempt of any note came when Hannah Bennett tried her luck from all of 40 yards out. The strike was on target but comfortably gathered by Cheadle. Then, 10 minutes into the second period, Kate Hudson's free-kick from 25 yards looked destined for the top corner until Sam Chrippes acrobatically tipped it against the underside of the bar, seeing it bounce down on the line before being hacked clear by the defence. A great strike matched by a top quality save.
That close call served to galvanise the visitors and, on the stroke of the hour they got their noses in front. It was a coaches dream as two half-time substitutes combined. Chloe Ashton stabbed a delightful ball through the defence, perfectly in to the path of Emma Acott who beat Cheadle to the ball, stroking it past the keeper into the net. 0-1
Woodley's response to going behind was to immediately up the pace. Almost straight from the restart Lauren Devlin exchanged a quick one-two before getting a strike on target. Then, following a piece of sustained pressure, Pippa Humphrey laid the ball back into the path of Devlin again, only for the midfielder to see her strike sail just over.
On 72 minutes Kate Hudson's lofted free-kick into the heart of the box caused problems for the visitors defence before finally being hacked away for a corner, as the home side continued to push Bournemouth backwards.
However, the visitors were not spent as an attacking force. Emma Acott issued a 74th minute warning when she got a shot on targe, fielded comfortably by Cheadle. Straight back up the other end Humphrey burst through on the right before hitting a shot across the face of the goal and narrowly wide. Sarah Lawrence then had a 79th minute  effort deflected for a corner which Kate Hudson went over to take from the left. The ball was played into a perfect area between penalty spot and 6-yard line, ideal for Charley Evans, who rose to plant a powerful header past Chrippes. 1-1 and a well-deserved equaliser for United.
Unsurprisingly, that was the end of the scoring. Another Bournemouth substitute, Holly Weaver-Coles, did put a shot into the side-netting in added time but, by then, both sides were happy with a point.

FT Woodley United 1 Bournemouth Sports 1. An excellent advert for women's football. Both sides, especially Bournemouth, could have been forgiven for taking it easy. After all, Sports only had to avoid a twelve goal defeat to take the title. However, that was not the case from either team. It was a full-blooded, well-contested match with both teams clearly looking to win the game. Massive congratulations to Bournemouth Sports and best wishes in the National League next season. As for Woodley, what a class act they are. At the final whistle, with the Bournemouth players congregating in the centre ready to accept the winners shield, a couple of Woodley players dipped into the kit bag and produced bottles of fizz to hand to the Bournemouth team. What a lovely gesture. After the way they have performed in their first season back in the top flight, who would bet against them being in Bournemouth's position next season?
Bournemouth still have the League Cup Final to come. They will take on Havant & Waterlooville on the 28th April at Reading City's Rivermoor Stadium ground (coincidentally, also the home ground of Woodley United's men's team).

Woodley United: 1.Cheadle, 2.Evans, 7.Lawrence, 8.Surtees(c), 10.Devlin, 11.Haines, 14.Hobson, 15.Humphrey, 16.Ayckbourne, 17.Turner, 5.Hudson. Subs: 4.Griffiths, 19.Brett
Bournemouth Sports: 1.Chrippes, 4.Fowell, 42.Norman, 25.Eden, 39.Hnatiw, 11.Hawkins, 17.Bennett, 23.Shaw(c), 26.Lander, 21.Folkenstern, 56.Phillips. Subs: 22.Charlton, 53.Ashton, 55.Acot, 47.Weaver-Coles, 13.Asira

​The Programme
As always, Woodley had a matchday programme available, created by photographer Andy Wicks (who was also at the game to capture the action). This edition was packed full of colour photos from two key games. The reverse fixture from September and Woodley's ast game, th 1-0 defeat of Ascot United that opened the door for Bournemouth's title win. Add to that squad lists for both teams, a piece about the visitors and a Q&A with 'hardcore supporter' Mark Hamblin. All this for the price of a donation. 

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

​Despite having been to a game on Wednesday evening, the lure of a Thursday cup final was just too much. This is when having an understanding wife pays dividends. So, after a quick bite to eat, I set off down the A34 for the North Hants Divisional Football Association Sunday Women's Cup Final between Fleet Town of the Southern Region Division One South and Hampshire County League Division Two side, Andover New Street. The game was to be played at Whitchurch United's Longmeadow ground, a stadium that I last visited way back in August 2016 when I saw the local team beaten by an Amesbury side containing a few former Whitchurch players (Old Boys Return To Haunt Jam Boys).
Despite the fact that there were two divisions between the sides, in favour of Fleet, Andover had the pedigree in this competition. They won the first two competitions back in 2006 and 2007, and were hoping to make it a third this evening. That would equal the record of Winchester City Flyers, who Andover had knocked out on penalties to reach this final. That in itself was a great achievement for New Street because Winchester are currently members of the Southern Region Premier Division, three steps higher. Fleet, who have not had a great time in the league this season and are yet to pick up a point, appear to be a different proposition in cup games. They progressed to the final with a 2-1 defeat of fellow Southern Region team Rushmoor. BotP recently saw Fleet lose a league game at Stoneham (3-Star Marshall Leads Six-Shooters) a game where they were eventually beaten but showed enough to demonstrate their abilities against a side pushing for promotion.
A big thank you to match referee Anne-Marie Godfrey who kindly shared the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. Very much appreciated.

​Fleet had the advantage of the slight slope in the first half, something that they almost used to their advantage as early as the 4th minute when leading scorer Dot Usher got in behind the defence to slot home, only to find the assistant's flag already raised. The offside flag was to become something of a feature later in the first half, but it was a warning to Andover that Fleet had willing runners who posed a threat of getting in behind their defence.
Fleet continued to look threatening in the opening minutes. After 7 minutes Kira Barker's right-wing corner almost dipped in under Gemma Hough's bar before the keeper did well to palm it away, riding her luck a little that it didn't fall to a striker. However, a minute later, Town did take the lead and again it came from a right-wing corner. This time the ball went towards the back post where Emily White did really well to see Dot Usher on the edge of the box. The striker took aim and slotted it past Hough from 20 yards out. 1-0.
Fleet immediately upped the pace of their game and looked to be establishing themselves as the dominant side. A goal can really boost a team's confidence. However, Andover are no shrinking violets, and they steadied their ship after a few rocky minutes, before starting to push forward themselves.
Just past the quarter-hour mark came an Andover attack that culminated in one of the best saves I have seen for a long time. Raiding down the right flank, the ball was delivered high toward the far post where Freya Twigg rose to power a header downwards towards the bottom right-hand corner of Ellie James' goal. Somehow the Fleet stopper threw herself to her right, getting a strong hand to the ball and diverting over the bar. If you've ever seen the famous Banks save from Pele's header in 1970, it was not dissimilar. What a save! 
Unfortunately for White, the euphoria of the save only lasted a matter of seconds. When the ensuing corner was delivered from the left, it was swung in towards the goal, deceiving goalkeeper and defenders alike. The ball was hacked away but not before the assistant had signalled that it had crossed the line. 1-1. There is some confusion (on my part) about the goal scorer for New Street. I originally thought it was number 14 who scored. However, on the official programme this number is given to Charlotte Graves. On the team sheet I had seen from the referee, it was Kiera Seabrook. However, the New Street Facebook page lists the scorer as Amelia, which still didn't clear it up, as there were two Amelia's on the team sheet, Payne and Riley. I'll be more than happy to edit this part when I find out more. Whatever the case, they were back on level terms.
​
As the opening goal had boosted Fleet, the equaliser did the same for Andover. Suddenly they looked the more dangerous of the teams. Although, having said that, the next notable strike did come from Fleet when Emma Hamer struck a long-range effort that Hough collected comfortably. It felt that every time Fleet did get a breakaway in this period, they were caught offside. There were at least six flags that went against them towards the latter part of the half.
Chloe Sheffield, Andover's number 9, then had a couple of half chances, the first going just wide of the mark and the second even close, hitting the side netting. In between Dot Usher did well to beat two players before firing her shot well wide, but neither side could muster another goal before the break.

HT Fleet Town 1 Andover New Street 1. A really good, competitive game between two fully committed sides. Fleet started very well and, for a few minutes looked as if they might run away with it. However, Andover came back at them well, scoring a deserved equaliser. From that point onwards, although it was reasonably even, New Street were probably just ahead on points.

​The start of the second half was somewhat cagey with neither side wanting to make a mistake that would gift their opponents the lead. The first real chance after the break took around 10 minutes to arrive. That was when Fleet substitute Molly Greenaway burst through on the right hand side before blasting her shot wide of Hough's goal. A few minutes later, as the game began to open up again, Freya Twigg did really well on the left, before sending over a tempting ball that Chloe Sheffield, stretching, steered just past the far post. A few minutes after that, Twigg was at it again, this time cutting inside onto her right and letting fly, only for James to be well positioned to make the save.
A bouncing back pass under pressure on 65 minutes, gave Hough little choice than to handle, giving Fleet an indirect free-kick inside the New Street box. The resulting kick, blocked initially, found its way to Barker, but her effort was off target and New Street survived. That was for another four minutes. Then a piece of individual brilliance undid them. Dot Usher took it on herself to drive up the right before chopping back inside onto her left and then curling a delightful shot from the right-hand edge of the penalty area into the far corner. Not a hope for Hough as the ball sailed past her. A superb finish. 2-1
The goal sparked a response from Andover and in particular captain Nikki Barnes, who had buzzed around midfield all game, and striker Chloe Sheffield, who had also looked sharp all game. It was Sheffield who got in a 72nd minute snapshot that James did well to keep out. The New Street striker and the Fleet stopper had been having something of a duel most of the game. With 9 minutes to go they were both at it again, James once again coming to Fleet's rescue by foiling Sheffield.
With 5 minutes of normal time remaining New Street came close again, Naomi France-Sargeant's deflected strike causing James to scramble across her goal thankful to see the ball just go wide of the mark. There were a lot of tired legs out there now. Neither team had left anything out on the pitch. There was one final throw of the dice when Seagrave put a free-kick over the Fleet bar, before the referee signalled the end of the game.

FT Fleet Town 2 Andover New Street 1. This was as close as the final score suggests. I have been following the Southern Region League all season so, although I always try to remain impartial, I was pleased for the Fleet team at the final whistle. It's been a tough season and it was good to see them get some success. On the other hand, I was very impressed by New Street. There was no indication that they were two divisions below their opponents and, aside from clinical finishing and impressive goalkeeping from Fleet, the result could easily have gone the other way. The Andover team can hold their heads high. Best of luck to both teams in their remaining games.
If you want to catch them in action, both have games this coming Sunday. Fleet have a very difficult looking task as they welcome title favourites AFC Portchester to Crookham Road. Meanwhile, Andover New Street make the journey to second-from-bottom Wilbrook United.

Fleet Town: 1.James, 15.Benton, 2.Simpson, 10.White(c), 5.Fitzgerald, 6.Burrows, 18.Parry, 17.Lake, 14.Barker, 12.Usher, 11.Graves. Subs: 8.Greenaway, 16.Hamer
Andover New Street: 1.Hough, 2.Payne, 3.Groves, 4.Villiers, 5.Riley, 6.Williams, 7.Twigg, 8.Pearce, 9.Sheffield, 10.Barnes(c), 11.Holman. Subs: 12.France-Sargent, 14.Seabrook, 15.Ball, 16.Marsh, 17.Hill

Ground Number: Re-Visit
Attendance: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programe: Included

​The drive through the Cotswolds to Tetbury on Wednesday evening, through the picturesque villages of Bibury and Barnsley, took me back to the Spring and early Summer days of 2021 when BotP spent a very enjoyable couple of months covering the post-lockdown Cricklade Cup competition. This evening's fare was a top of the table Stroud & District Division One game between current leaders Tetbury Town and fourth placed Wickwar Wanderers. It was a first visit to Tetbury and the first time I had seen them play. However, Wickwar was one of the grounds I visited in the Cricklade Cup when I saw their semi-final game with Malmesbury Vics Dev. A thoroughly entertaining game that went all the way to a penalty shootout (The End Of The War).
At the start of play this evening the hosts sat on top of the table, two pints clear of Painswick, Taverners and Wickwar. However, both Painswick and Taverners had games in hand on Tetbury. For Wickwar, this was their last game of the season. Tetbury's title aspirations had taken a hit at the weekend when they went down 4-1 at home to relegation-threatened Old Richians. Wickwar had earned a very good three points with a 1-0 win at title-chasing Taverners. The reverse fixture, way back in September, ended with a 3-1 away win for Tetbury with goals from Oscar Purnell, George Kent and top-scorer Tom Blackah. War top-scorer Will Lacey replying for the hosts.
A big thank you to referee Rob Gaffney who kindly took time to get the team sheets for me to photograph before kick-off.

​The home side, in their orange and black kit, were defending the car park end in the first half. However, they started off on the front foot and defending appeared to be the last thing on their minds. As early as the third minute they signalled their intent when Billy Montague tried his luck from well outside the box. It went well wide, but it was clear that Tetbury were looking to put right Saturday's home defeat. At this point Wickwar were not causing any threat to the home defence and 12 minutes in Tetbury went very close when Ant Robinson burst through on the right before firing narrowly wide of Lee Bindon's right-hand post. It felt as if a goal was coming for Tetbury.
Just past the halfway point Robinson turned provider, feeding Oscar Purnell only for Bindon to make an excellent save with his feet. At this stage home goalkeeper Chris Goodwin had not had to make a save at all. However, on 24 minutes,  he was called into action. Wanderers leading scorer Will Lacey got  a sight of goal and let fly with his left foot. The ball appeared to be arrowing towards the top corner before Goodwin threw himself across the goal to make a superb save, diverting the strike for a corner. This was the first attempt on target for Wickwar, but it was a warning for the home side that their visitors knew where the goal was. Sure enough, despite Tetbury once again having the lion's share of possession, they were undone by a Wickwar break on 35 minutes. Attacking up the left but having an overload on their right, Wickwar quickly switched the ball inside to Rob Haines who, in turn, found an unmarked Will Lacey on the right-hand edge of the penalty. One touch to steady himself and then a low drive just inside Goodwin's near post and it was 0-1 to the visitors. No doubt against the run of play but a lesson for Tetbury. Lacey at this point had managed to sights at goal, drawn a very good save from Goodwin from the first and scored with the second.
Tetbury headsd didn't drop though. They tried to hit back before the break, their best chance coming from an Owen Johnson free-kick that clipped the side netting of Bindon's goal before going out for a goal-kick.

HT Tetbury Town 0 Wickwar Wanderers 1. Tetbury had far more of the ball than Wickwar but the visitors go in to the break a goal up thanks to a clinical finish from their top-scorer. 

​With neither team going back to the changing rooms at half-time, the second half restarted pretty swiftly. Just as well because, with the low cloud, the light was fading fast. The second half settled into a similar pattern to the first. Although, it has to be said that Wickwar were now getting a little more of the ball than they did in the first half.
The home side, however, were first to show and a right-wing cross from substitute Lucas Slowik almost caused some embarrassment for Bindon in the War goal as the slightly mis-hit effort looked to be dipping in under the bar before the keeper, under no pressure, rose to catch it. However, a slight fumble saw the ball break free inside the 6-yard box. The goalkeeper made amends for the error by reacting swiftly to drop on the loose ball before strike Oscar Purnell could react. If the striker had been two paces closer or the ball had slipped just that little further from Bindon's grasp, it could easily have been a different outcome. That was the way the game was going for Tetbury. Despite their advantage in terms of possession, they still hadn't really managed to test Bindon too much. This was demonstrated again just before the hour mark when Glenn Freeman strode up from the back before unleashing a drive from way out that, again, didn't have Bindon worried at all.
Then on 66 minutes Wickwar delivered the second lesson of the day. Ellis Cox fed Jake Turpin who spun sharply before firing low past Goodwin to make it 0-2.
Once more Tetbury tried to respond. Another cross from the right found Oscar Purnell inside the 6-yard box but the ball was slightly behind him. He adjusted well to get a strike off but Bindon again reacted well to make the block. Another occasion when, if the ball in had been a few inches in front of Purnell, he would probably have had a simple tap-in. A few minutes later Purnell was almost in again when a through ball nearly set him free. However, good covering from the visitor's defence meant that the striker was forced off balance before putting his strike wide of the mark. A few minutes after that home top-scorer Tommy Blackah, who had largely been kept quiet by the mean in blue, managed to get away a snapshot but could only find the midriff of Bindon. It clearly wasn't going to be the home team's night.

FT Tetbury Town 0 Wickwar Wanderers 2. Tetbury probably had at least 70% possession but could not find a way to break down a very well organised Wanderers defence. When Wickwar did get opportunities they made the most of them, scoring twice with only a handful of shots on target. 
The result combined with wins for both Painswick and Taverners, drops Tetbury to fourth with Wickwar in third. Painswick now lead the way with Taverners behind on goal difference. Only one point separates the top four and net Wednesday sees Taverners take on Painswick.
Finally, huge credit to the Tetbury locals and travelling Wickwar support. A crowd of upwards of 50 on a damp and chilly Wednesday evening watching a Step 10 football match. This is why I love grassroots football, and why the English non-league system is the best in the world.

Tetbury Town: 1.Goodwin, 2.Freeman, 3.Brown, 4.Hillman, 16.H.Purnell, 7.Johnson, 8.Robinson, 9.Blackah, 10.Jones(c), 11.O.Purnell, 6.Montague. Subs: 12.Berkow, 5.Staples, 14.O'Keefe, 15.Slowik, 17.Wyer
Wickwar Wanderers: 1.Bindon(c), 3.J.McGrellis, 5.Holt, 2.Isaac, 14.J.Thompson, 7.Cox, 8.Sands, 4.Turpin, 11.Lacey, 10.Haines, 9.Morgan. Subs: 12.Cranwell, 15.Lingham, 17.H.Thompson

​The Ground
Tetbury play their home games at Preston Park just to the North-Eat of Tetbury town centre. Aside from being located in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, Tetbury has another claim to fame. For a number of years it was home to the drummer of the greatest band to grace our airwaves. I am, of course, referring to the the one and only (and now sadly late) Brian John Duffy, better known as Jet Black, drummer and founder member of The Stranglers. Where's the blue plaque? (Yeah, I know the king has a place nearby too, but I'm talking music royalty here).
The entrance to the club, off Cirencester Road, is identified by a large sign next to the gated entrance. This leades onto a large car park that runs behind one of the goals and the facilities building. The players and officials changing block also has the spectator toilet facilities. Just to the side of this building, diagonally on to the pitch, is a fairly large wooden structure that acts as the tea/snack bar. There's no spectator cover around the ground. There are dugouts either of the halfway line on the right-hand side of the pitch as you look from the car park end. There's a metal rail fence surrounding the playing surface, The opposite end to the car park looks out over rolling Cotswolds countryside. Sadly, on this Wednesday, it was a dull, overcast, misty and damp evening. I'm sure that on a clear day this is a lovely place to watch football (it's not all that bad on a cold wet evening, to be fair).

Ground Number: 404
Attendance:
Entrance: N/A
Programe: N/A

Despite being out of the title race themselves, Woodley United played a big part in the final destination of the trophy on Sunday, and will have a further major say this coming weekend. After beating Ascot United 1-0 o Sunday, handing the initiative to Bournemouth, Woodley welcome Sports to the Pavilion next weekend. In the North both Penn and Milton won, meaning the battle for the runners-up spot looks likely to go on for a few more weeks. In the South, Stoneham completed their league season with a 5-0 win at Fleet to go top of the league. They now face a nerve-jangling wait to see if Havant or Portchester can overhaul them.
Apologies to Portchester for not getting this edition out quickly enough to preview their Combined Counties cup tie with Bognor. Unfortunately, Portchy went down 3-2 on the night but still have a lot more to play for this season.

Thursday 4th April
Combined Counties Women's Trophy
Abbey Rangers 5-4 Penn & Tylers Green
Seven of the nine goals came in a breath-taking first 45 minutes. Rangers led 4-3 at the break and then closed out the game as the teams shared a goal apiece in the second period. Carla Hobbs scored twice for Rangers who also saw Leah Robertson, Rebecca Burtenshaw and Abigial Freullet hit the target. Rebecca Stopforth struck a brace for Penn whilst Chloe Mackay and Henna Hussain were also on the mark.

Warminster Town 1-4 Bournemouth Sports
Mia Blazey bagged her 15th goal of a very productive season, but it was not enough to stop the Bournemouth bandwagon from rolling on. Hollie Shaw and Kitty Norman in the first half and then Emma Acott and Emily Phillips in the second, secured all three points for Sports and sent them top of the table on goal difference.

Woodley United 1-0 Ascot United
A single Sajunae Turner goal six minutes before half-time was enough to earn all three points for Woodley, exacting some revenge for two defeats earlier in the season. The result, combined with Bournemouth's win at Warminster, sees the pendulum swing back in favour of the South coast team. However, with Sports travelling to Woodley next Sunday, could there be yet another twist on the cards? What a fascinating season this has turned into. Once again we are indebted to photographer Andy Wicks for capturing the action for us.

Abingdon United Development 1-2 Penn & Tylers Green
It was a case of the usual suspects taking the scoring plaudits as the division's two top scorers went head to head. Leading markswoman, Henna Hussain, came out on top, scoring both goals for Penn, her 25th and 25th of the season. This gave the points to the visitors despite Mimi Hodges scoring her 23rd of a very impressive season in reply.

Beaconsfield Town P-P Eversley & California

Milton United 6-0 Caversham United
Another tough day at the office for The Goats as Milton United kept their second-place finish hopes alive.
Goal scorers currently unknown. Will add when possible.

Abbey Rangers 0-1 AFC Portchester
Rangers had conceded 16 in two previous meetings with Portchester this season, but were in no mood for a repeat performance on Sunday. The unbeaten league title favourites were made to fight all the way for their slender victory. Captain and top-scorer Eilidh Currie was the orange saviour, hitting her 21st goal of the season to give Portchester the points. James Prickett was on hand to capture some excellent shots of the action.

Fleet Town 0-5 AFC Stoneham
The Purps eventually got themselves back on top of the table in this, their final league game of the season. They now face a wait to see if either Havant and/or Portchester can overhaul them. Leah Webster scored twice for Stoneham. Mia Flood, Mia Delaney and Larnie Bisson chipped in with the other goals.

Thursday 11th April - NHDA  Cup Final - 19:30 
Fleet Town v Andover New Street
Whilst Fleet were seeing off fellow Division One South outfit Rushmoor, 2-1 in their semi-final, New Street took on Premier League Winchester City Flyers and came through 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. There is two division gap between the teams which should make Fleet the favourites. However, that semi-final win over Premier League opposition, combined with some pretty good recent form, will have given Andover plenty of confidence. This has the  ingredients of a cracking cup final.
Venue: Whitchurch FC

Sunday 14th April - League Fixtures

Premier
Warminster Town v Oxford City
On recent form these are the two top sides in the Premier League, both having taken 13 points from the last 18 available. Their only defeats in the last six have come against the actual top two, Warminster to Bournemouth and Oxford to Ascot United. The reverse fixture was a thrilling 3-3 draw that swung first towards Oxford, back to Town and then to Oxford again before Mia Blazey equalled the scores in the final minute.
Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 9NS

Woodley United v Bournemouth Sports
Woodley threw a cat amongst the pigeons with their 1-0 defeat of Ascot last weekend. Can they do it gain this week as they welcome new league leaders Bournemouth sports to Bulnershe Pavilion? The reverse fixture, way back in September, ended 1-1. Rosie Eden had Sports a goal to the good at half-time but that was soon cancelled out by May Hamblin after the break.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Winchester City Flyers
Something of a mid-table end of season battle here. Although, there is still plenty to play for in terms of pride and final league position, with third spot still a possibility. The reverse fixture was a topsy-turvy affair. Charlotte Hill put the Chairgirls ahead early on only for Mia Blazey and then Rebecca Snelling to give Town a 2-1 half-time lead. Katie Riddington was on the mark just past the hour point to level it up.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

Division One North
Abingdon United Development v Eversley & California
Whilst this is Abingdon's final league game of the season, Eversley will still have eight remaining after this match. The reverse fixture was awarded to Abingdon as an away walkover. The Boars are stil level on points with Caversham, only above the drop zone on goal difference. They'll want to put some points between the sides before their meeting on May 12th.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1PL

Chesham United Development v Milton United
Theoretically both of these teams could still make second spot. In reality, Milton have the better chance being two points ahead of Chesham and having a game in hand. The reverse fixture ended one apiece. Katie West put Chesham ahead before Jessica Exell equalised just before the break.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP52 2RG

Penn & Tylers Green v Beaconsfield Town
The reverse league fixture, on the opening day, was one to forget for Beaconsfield after Penn 'welcomed' them to the division with an 8-2 beating. However, the recent Chairman's Cup Quarter-Final, which BotP had the pleasure to witness, was won by Beaconsfield on penalties after a highly entertaining 2-2 draw.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Division One South
Fleet Town v AFC Portchester
It's a busy end to the season for these teams, both of whom have midweek cup games before this fixture. Fleet are still looking for their first point of a difficult league season and will be up against it again at the weekend. A victory for Portchester would see them jump from third into top spot, ahead of Stoneham on goal difference with two games in hand. The sides have not yet met in the league this season.
​Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

The Oving Villages, Cup, also known as the Oving Cup, is the second oldest English football cup competition, behind the FA Cup. It was first played in the season 1889-1890. Only open to villages within a 12 mile radius of Oving, players much qualify to play by living in their respective villages for a minimum of 12 months and/or having played for the club for three consecutive seasons. For more information, refer to this excellent piece from the ESPN website, written in 2017.

Wendover hold the record for the most number of wins, claiming the trophy on 17 occasions as well as being beaten finalists 10 times. They last won the trophy two seasons ago, beating on of this season finalists, Wingrave 6-1 in the final. The record score in a final came in the 1963-64 game when Stone beat Wing 10-2. Hosts Oving have only won the trophy once way back in 1907-08 when they beat Quainton 3-1. They have, however, been runners-up on seven occasions. This year's final features six times winners and current holders, Wingrave from the Aylesbury & District League, taking on North Bucks side and four time winners Stewkley. They also met in the final just over a decade ago when Stewkley came out on top by a 4-2 score line.

I always do a little research in to the towns or, in this case, villages that each of the teams represent. The two villages in today's contest are very similar in terms of population,  although Stewkley is a little larger. What really caught my eye was the respective lists of notable people who have an association with each locations. Stewkley's is quite impressive and lists former England cricket captain Alastair Cook and another former England cricketer, Darren Gough, who even turned out for the village team. Add to that Al Murray (The Pub Landlord), who was born in the village and you have there big names. However, although only one name was listed against Wingrave, for me it trumped Stewkley's list. The one and only Ian Dury lived in Wingrave in the early 1970s. Possibly showing my age here, but I still think he is one of the most talented lyricists of all time.
Enough of the background and on with the football.
​

​Arriving at the ground in glorious sunshine, I had already had a conversation with the lady in the village hall regarding the forecast of rain at around 3pm. Sure enough, as the game got under way the first few drops were felt and by the time the clock had ticked to 15 minutes, we were standing in a downpour mixed with hail. Thankfully, this passed over relatively quickly.
On the pitch, the game was a very even affair throughout the first half. Initial chances were tit-for-tat, Stewkley had the first attempt on target but Wingrave had the best early chance when George Morris was played in by Simon Heyes after 5 minutes, but the striker lifted his effort over the bar, albeit from a narrow angle.
Lee Broomhead in the Wingrave goal then had to be brave, diving at the feet of Rory Scrivener to keep Stewkley out. As the rain began to ease up, so Stewkley began to push Wingrave back, although Simon Heyes did put a half chance wide for Wingrave just after the half-hour. At the other end, Jordan Scharff will probably think he should have done better with his 36th minute far-post header, which he put tamely wide when relatively unmarked.
With five minutes to go before the break, Calvinho Magnocavallo struck a 25-yard free-kick goalward, but Will Essex was equal to it in the Stewkley goal.

HT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 0. All square at half-time with very little to choose between the teams. Both had mustered a couple of chances, but neither had managed to establish and real dominance. If anything , Stewkley probably edged the possession but Wingrave created the more openings. All to play for. Thankfully the hail and rain had held off after the initial squall.

​When the teams returned for the second-half, Stewkley appeared galvanised from the off. The intensity in their game was raised and they had Wingrave on the back foot straight away. Only a minute in Harrison Reeves burst through from left-back before sending a shot well over Broomhead's bar. It may not have troubled the keeper but it was a statement of intent. Two minutes later they turned that statement into reality when they took the lead. A corner from the right looked to have missed its intended target but still reached Jordan Scharff 12 yards out. Without any hesitation, the defender met the ball on the half-volley, sending it crashing in off the underside of the bar. Unstoppable. 0-1
The next incident came four minutes later as Stewkley captain Ewan Reeves chased a ball that Lee Broomhead raced off his line to claim. The pair collided and, as they were getting up, there seemed to be a little disagreement with the Wingrave keeper appearing to raise his hands, although it really didn't look to be anything too serious. Thankfully for the neutrals in the crowd, that was the way the referee saw it too, only issuing a yellow card. It did, however, introduce a little bit of an edge into the game, that seems to suit Stewkley.
A few minutes later Jamie Hardings tried his luck from outide the box without troubling Broomhead. Stewkley were certainly on top at this point, looking particularly dangerous when attacking down their right, especially with full-back Kieran Roadnight pushing forward and delivering a couple of dangerous balls into the box.
Just past the hour Broomhead was called into action again as Tom McKenna got on the end of a delightful through ball. He took the strike early but the WIngrave keeper was equal to the effort, making a good save. Tom Hardings then stung the keeper hands again with 15 minutes remaining. 
To their credit, Wingrave were starting to get more of a grip ion the game at this point and, at only 1-0, they were clearly trying to gear up for a big ending to the game. With five minutes remaining, Stewkley defender Tom Carter displayed some brilliant defensive work when he not only spotted a potential problem but got back to cover and managed to wriggle his way out of a challenge to clear his lines.
With two minutes left of normal time and Wingrave desperately looking for the illusive equaliser, Stewkley went up the other end and sealed the game. Substitute Kai Bailey doing well to shrug off a challenge before slotting the ball home. 0-2.

FT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 2. A fifth Oving Cup for Stewkley who, over the entire game, deserved the victory. Having said that, there really was not a lot between the teams and, after a goalless first half, it coudl have gone either way. Credit to the Stewkely coaching staff who clearly got the half-time message spot on, as their players came out firing from the restart.
Both teams return to league action next weekend. Wingrave make the journey to Wendover knowing that a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. The sides have met twice already this season and there have been goals aplenty. The reverse league fixture ended 5-2 in favour of Wingrave whilst a Thomas Field Shield game ended 6-2 to Wendover. Stewkley, meanwhile, face what could be a crucial relegation 6-pointer at MK Wanderers. MK currently occupy the second relegation spot and are four points behind Stewkley, although they have played two more games. The reverse fixture was a a tight affair that Stewkley won by the odd goal in five.

Wingrave: 1.Broomhead, 14.Atterbury, 4.Hedley, 5.Wright, 3.T.Swadling, 6.Williams, 12.Heyes, 8.Coggins(c), 7.Morris, 9.Magnocavallo, 11.Kus.Subs: 2.McCarthy, 16.W.Swadling, 15.Considine, 1.Perrottet, 10.Bunce
Stewkley: 1.Essex, 2.K.Roadnight, 3.H.Reeves, 4.Hardings, 5.Wagner, 18.Scharff, 7.E,Reeves(c), 8.Carter, 9.Lafferty, 10.McKenna, 11.Scrivener. Subs: Kelly, K.Bailey, B.Roadnight, James, C.Bailey

​The Ground
Oving Football Club is based at the village Recreation Ground off Bowling Alley, pretty much in the centre of the village. The recreation ground also plays host to the village hall, tennis courts and a children's playground. There is a small car park. However, with a large crown expected, provision had been made to park up on the grass behind ones of the goals, driving down between the hall and the pitch. The changing rooms are set diagonally on to the pitch behind one of the corner flags on the Bowling Alley side of the ground. There are no stands around the ground, although there is some cover available under the shelter of the changing rooms roof or just in front of the village hall entrance. The village hall was also being used as a hot drinks bar for this game, with a BBQ set up in a marquee next door. The playing surface looked to be in as good condition as could be expected at this stage of the season and after such bad recent weather.

​The Programme
A superb 20-page final magazine was available for £1.It is packed full of facts and statistics about the Oving Cup, including complete lists of all previous final results and, quite unusually, a list of all previous final officials. Speaking of which, a big BotP thank you to today's match officials Kenneth Lavender, Mark Atkins and James Royffe, who kindly allowed me get photos of both team sheets prior to kick-off. Back to the programme. It also contained Details of both teams and their respective routes to the finals, as well as the match day squads for both teams.
The most important page of the programme as far as I am concerned is page 6. That page showed the list of entries for this season's competition, of which there were only six. It also contained a paragraph asking for more village teams to enter. For anyone reading this that lives in a qualifying village or plays for a qualifying village team, please encourage your clubs to enter next season's competition, After all, this is the second oldest cup competition in the country. We cannot afford to lose it. If you want more details to see if your team qualifies, please contact Kevin Saw, Hon. Secretary ([email protected]).

Ground Number: 403
Attendance:
Entrance: £4.00
Programe: £1.00