It is now.
The final blog of the Southern Region Women's League 2023-24 season begins with a round-up of the games play in the past couple of weeks.

Chairman's Cup Final
Woking 2-3 Beaconsfield Town
The Rams continued their upturn in form with a narrow 3-2 defeat of Woking in the rearranged final, played at Holloways Park. Two more goals from top scorer Lucy Casey and one from Charlotte Hill was enough to put some silverware in the Beaconsfield trophy cabinet.

League Cup Final 
Havant & Waterlooville 0-3 Bournemouth Sports
Spots completed the league and league cup double with a resounding 3-0 defeat of Division One South high-flyers Havant & Waterlooville. Early goals from Emily Phillips and Hollie Shaw had Bournemouth two up at the break. A very late Hannah Bennett goal put the icing on the cake. Check out the Bournemouth Echo piece on Bournemouth Sports.

Oxfordshire Women's Senior Cup Final 
Oxford United 1-0 Oxford City 
This one was a lot closer than many expected. City didn't pose too much of a threat, but defended with great heart to restrict their higher-ranked neighbours to a single goal. Considering that United had clocked up 44 goals in three games leading to this final, City's achievement in restricting them to one was something special. Ellie-Mae Richardson grabbed the United goal. You can read the BotP match blog, check out the match report on the Oxford United web site and take a look at Pete Kinsella's (@petekinselal69)feed for the match action shots.

Division One North

Eversley & California A-W Caversham United

Kidlington Youth 0-2 Beaconsfield Town
Still on a high from their Chairman's Cup Final victory, Beaconsfield finished the league season on a high with a 2-0 win at Exeter Park. Still goalless at the break, Hannah Hester broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Freya Harris added the second in the final minute.

SDFA Cup Final
Southampton 10 AFC Stoneham 0
It's been a great season for Stoneham but this was never going to be their night as they came up against a superb Southampton u21 side. Four goals from Kaylee Buckingham, two from Isabel Watts and one each from Mollie Peachey, Anya Luca, Kate Jeffery and Sofia Mallon gave The Saints a resounding victory on the night. You can rea the BotP match blog here (X Rated Saints)

So, that's it. We draw a line under the 2023-24 season. Speaking from a neutral perspective, it's been brilliant. I've enjoyed every minute of every game I have seen this season. Thank you to the players, coaches, backroom staff, volunteers and supporters from every club. And, of course, a big thank you to the photographers, bloggers and assorted media people out there, chronicling the season. You are all proving people like Joey Barton wrong. Women's football is brilliant. It's entertaining, skilful and genuine.

Congratulations to Bournemouth Sports, Long Crendon and AFC Portchester for winning their respective divisions. I'm really looking forward to seeing how each of them fare in a higher league next season.

This season BotP covered 18 games featuring SRWFL teams. From Milton's FA Cup exit at New Bradwell St Peter, through to AFC Stoneham's SDFA cup final defeat against an excellent Southampton u21 side. A total of 73 goals scored. All the blogs are available here (BotP SRWFL page). 

Next season I am hoping to extend the number of games and improve the coverage. There's a few ideas already being worked on including a podcast (which needs some work) and the possibility of a dedicated website instead of the current subsection of BotP.

For now, it's time to sit back and enjoy a break. Have a great Summer everyone. The build-up to 2024-25 will begin as soon as the make-up of the divisions is announced.

​Friday Night Football was back this week and, most likely, the final BotP game of the season. Last year, early on in the season, BotP dipped into the Salop Leisure League with games at Ludlow (Ludlow Look To The Evans) and Morda United (Morda Hang On To Top Spot), both of which were very enjoyable. It wasn't too much of a decision to make the long journey North on Friday evening for the Division One Cup Final between Division One Champions Bridgnorth Spartans and SAHA FC, who had finished fifth in the table. The game was being played at Midland League Division One runners-up Allscott Heath's ground.
The road to the Final saw Bridgnorth first dismantle Ercall Evolution Aces 7-1 before beating Ercall Ranger 4-0 in the next round. In the semi-final they saw off Shrewsbury Juniors Development 4-1.
SAHA (Shropshire Area Health Authority) began their cup campaign with a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat of Shrewsbury Up & Comers Development, after a 3-3 draw. That was followed with a 7-1 demolition of last season's beaten finalists Llanymynech (they lost 2-1 to Brown Clee). Their semi-final with Impact FC was abandoned and awarded to SAHA (unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the reason).

Thanks to the very helpful Salop Leisure League official who allowed myself and another spectator to get photos of the team sheets prior to kick off. Very much appreciated.

​League champions Bridgnorth, as you would expect, started full of confidence. This was exemplified by their first attempt at goal, an acrobatic overhead kick from Tyrone Anthony, sent just wide of the SAHA goal after 4 minutes. 10 minutes in, Anthony turned provider, producing a slide-rule through ball to set Sam Preece on his way. The striker's low shot beat Kian Parsons but went wide of his left-hand upright. A few minutes later the same striker was put through again, this time a precision pass from Brandon Bristow slicing open the SAHA defence. Preece's first time attempt flew just over the bar.
Spartans were well on top in terms of possession at this stage. However, as if to try to prove what an unpredictable game football can be, it was SAHA who came closest to taking the lead on 27 minutes. Goalkeeper Ryan Joys had to go full length to keep out a Callum Davies attempt.
Normal service was then resumed as yet another defence splitting pass sent Anthony clear. This time the strike was on target but Kian Parsons was well positioned to make the block. The keeper was called into action again just past the half-hour when Bristow's went for goal when everyone was expected a cross towards the far post. Parsons adjusted his feet well to palm the ball over. Then, with 10 minutes left in the half, SAHA had a huge let-off. A rapid Spartans break down their right culminated in the ball being fed into the path of Anthony who, without breaking strike, took the ball around Parsons but then, with the goal gaping, inexplicably planted his shot against the post and out for a goal-kick. A minute later a Dougie Roberts also flew wide of Parsons' goal. Spartans could easily have been three up or as easily a goal down.
With time ticking down towards half-time and a stalemate looking increasingly likely, Spartans finally got the breakthrough in the 41st minute. A free-kick from the right was delivered into a dangerous spot inside the 6-yard area. Jon Gaff got his head to it and, in all fairness probably should have given Parson little chance. However, the keeper did get a hand to the ball, pushing it into a melee of players. In the ensuing scramble the ball ended back at the feet of Gaff who stabbed it over the line. 1-0
Bridgnorth just needed to keep it tight for the next couple of minutes to get into the changing rooms with their noses in front. However, they were almost caught out in the final minute of the half and, once gain, had their goalkeeper Ryan Joys to thank. SAHA captain Jaden Beven, who had put himself about all half, finally got a sight of goal. Beating the offside trap, he cut the ball back onto his left and tried to curl one inside the post only for Joys to throw himself to his right, pushing the ball clear of danger.

HT Bridgnorth Spartans 1 SAHA FC 0. Spartans had the lion's share of possession but, conversely, Ryan Joys made the two best saves of the half. SAHA would need to find a way to prevent Bridgnorth's through balls from slicing their defence apart. Too many times they had left their keeper exposed and Spartans were not going to always be so generous with their finishing. The next goal in this game would be crucial.

​Four minutes into the second half Spartans showed that they were keen to continue where the left off. Another quick break down the right gave Preece another opportunity but, once again, Parsons did well to block the effort. A minute later Tayos Flowers, on as a replacement for Anthony, started and almost finished a lovely move on the left. Unfortunately for Bridgnorth the final volley went wide of the mark. It was shortly after this point that the grassroots stalwart, Shay Purley, showed up. Clearly being called upon to bolster the SAHA defence.
Despite the early attempts from Bridgnorth, the second period was a lot quieter than the first. As we passed the hour mark, neither side had managed to threaten again. Although SAHA had managed to stop the through ball that caused so many issues in the first half.
Four minutes pas the hour, however, Spartans did get that all important second goal. when Walford's deep cross from the right was met at the far post by a Tayos Flowers volley. The ball clipped the inside of Parson's right -hand post before settling in the back of the net. 2-0
Ten minutes later the game looked to have been put beyond SAHA. Bridgnorth captain Sam Owen did well to latch onto a ball on the halfway line, clipping it past a defender to run in on goal. He shrugged off a challenge and then clipped a delightful shot, with the outside of his foot, over Parsons and into the net. A very skilful finish. 3-0. It looked all over but, two minutes later, SAHA managed to sow a little doubt into Bridgnorth minds. captain Jaden Beven was the scorer, driving a low shot across the face of Joys into the far corner. 3-1

The goal sparked SAHA's best period of the game. They certainly looked more threatening and Spartans resorted to  hoofing the ball clear at times, perhaps starting to feel the strains of a long season. There was also quite a bit of added time to play after a number of stoppages. 
SAHA came close to getting another back from a corner and then Callum Davies, running in onto a right-wing cross, was unfortunate to see his effort fly of the bar. Maybe, if that had gone in, we coudl have had a barnstorming finish. Instead, with a minute to go, SAHA went down to 10 when Charlie Fletcher was shown a red for what the referee deemed to be a kick out at Flowers. The SAHA defender claimed that the winger fell into him but the referee was having none of it. It was a hard one to call. The Spartans player was falling towards the defender but there also looked to be deliberate movement from the defender towards the player. The referee had a much better view than I did, to be fair.
Into added time and follwoing another Sam Owen strike going just wide, Spartans were awarded a penalty. Teh game was already won, so the spot-kick duty was handed to goalkeeper Ryan Joys. He calmly sent Parsons the wrong way. 4-1.
One of the SAHA players must have taken exception to the penalty award beacuse, just as the restrat was about to be taken I looked up to see a plyer walking off. Maybe a sin-bin rather than a red but, with a minute remaining, it mattered little either way.

FT Bridgnorth Spartans 4 SAHA FC 1. 
Congratulations to Bridgnorth Spartans, Division One League a Cup double winners.
In all fairness they were in control of this game pretty much from the first to last minute. SAHA worked hard and had their chances too, but Spartans were just too good on the evening.

Bridgnorth Spartans: 1.Joys, 2.Hill, 3.Bristow, 4.Gaff, 15.S.Walford, 6.A.Walford, 7.Minifie, 8.Roberts, 9.Preece, 10.Owen(c), 11.Anthony. Subs: 14.Cox, 21. Bluck, 17.Flowers, 22.Woodcock, 18.James
SAHA: 1.Parsons, 2.Turner, 15.Dec Harris, 6.Denfhy, 4.Fletcher, 5.Murch, 8.Denton, 12.Murphy, 10.Opoku, 9.Beven(c), 11.Davies. Subs: 14.Dylan Harris, 16.Dale, 17.Awofisan, 7.Carter, 3.Langford

The Ground
Allscott Heath's ground is situated between the villages of Allscott and Walcot, midway between Telford and Shrewsbury. The football ground is part of a broader sports complex that plays host to cricket, bowling and archery. There is a car park running the width of the ground behind one of the goals, with additional parking at the car dealership that backs onto the ground. Access is through a purpose built wooden structure and a turnstile off the car park that brings you into the corner of the ground. Immediately to your right as you enter is the clubhouse, snack bar and toilet block. Alonside this is a covered standing spectator area, behind which are the players and officials changing blocks. The dugouts are also on this side of the pitch. On the opposite side there is a small covered seating area, with hard-standing running around three sides of the ground. The pitch looked to be pretty flat and in a decent state considering it was the end of a long, hard season. A nice, tidy ground with rolling hills in the background giving it a rural feel.

Ground Number: 409
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

​Ten months on since BotP's first game of the season, I was back at the Dog & Duck on Tuesday evening, the same location as that first game back in July 2023 (Paddy's Piledriver Sinks Double Red Daventry). This evening's fare was the Northamptonshire FA Lower Junior Cup Final between Brixworth All Saints and Thrapston Venturas. It would be my first chance to see All Saints play and, although I visited Thrapston Town some time ago, the first time I had seen the town's latest footballing incarnation, Venturas.
Thrapston finished third in the Northants Combination Division 1 table, ten points behind second placed Wootton St George and twelve adrift of AFC Towcester. However, after promotion from Division 2 in 2022, steady improvement was being shown each season. Brixworth won Division Two this season and will be league-mates of Thrapston. Their last meetings in the league, during Thrapston's promotion season, both went very much in favour of Venturas, 6-1 at Brixworth and 8-0 at Chancery Lane where Brixworth had Josh Fitzgerald sent off.

Brixworth have the edge as far as previous Lower Junior Cup victories are concerned, although both previous wins came some time ago. They first won it in the 1935-26 season and followed that up with another victory in the 1954-55 campaign. Venturas, meanwhile, can only boast a win for their reserve side in the 1977-78 season.
This season's campaign began with a bye for Brixworth whilst Venturas were winning 7-0 at Corby Locos Reserves. In Round Two Venturas were awarded an away win at Middleton Cheney. Brixworth required a 3-0 penalty shootout to get past Wittering Premiar Reserves after a 2-2 draw. The Third Round saw Venturas clock up a 6-3 win at Woodford Wolves whilst Brixworth were edging past Moulton Reserves with a 3-2 score line. On to the Quarter-Finals. Brixworth saw off West Haddon Albion 3-1 away from home. Towcester had a very good 4-0 win over AFC Towcester. In the semi-finals Venturas won 2-0 at Stanwick Rovers but Brixworth's 2-1 defeat of Wootton St George was the standout result.

With the majority of the fairly sizeable crowd either in the main stand, under the standing cover, or huddled under umbrellas on the patio in front of the clubhouse, the game got under way in less than seasonal weather. Thrapston in their blue and yellow kit and Brixworth in their red and black stripes, kicking towards the River Nene end in the first half.

​It was Thrapston who were first to show, Jacob Borisuth raiding down the left flank in the 4th minute before delivering a cross that Alfie Burton headed wide of the far post. Two minutes later Burton was on hand again, this tine striking a fierce drive from the edge of the area that was bravely blocked by a defender. Venturas continued their early pressure with a Pete Beverly effort that was deflected wide for a corner before, on 11 minutes, they made the breakthrough. Brixworth goalkeeper Tom Jones skied an attempted clearance and when Alfie Pendred attempted to collect the loose ball he was bundled over by a combination of goalkeeper and defender. Penalty awarded. Pendred picked himself up before sending Jones the wrong way to put Thrapston in front. 0-1 
Already on top, the goal sent a surge of confidence through the Venturas team and they set about driving home their advantage. It didn't take long. Five minutes after taking the lead they were two up. Great work down the right side from Alfie Burton, who delivered a low, hard cross that was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Rick Kimble. 0-2.
Brixworth were shell-shocked and Thrapston were in no mood to take their foot off the gas. Barely another five minutes had passed when Pendred's driven cross was powerfully headed in at the near post by Ryan Caller. 0-3. Venturas were rampant at this point.
Credit to Brixworth that the next opportunity, in the 24th minute, fell to them, when Fitzgerald's long-range free-kick was palmed over the bar by Sam Cobley, the first time the Venturas keeper had been called into action. However, they were soon feeling the wrath of Thrapston again as, almost immediately, the ball was fed to Alfie Pendred on the halfway line, he turned, knocked the ball past his marker, turned on the afterburners, outstripping the defence before finishing deftly past Jones. 0-4 with less than 30 minutes played. It was all too easy for Thrapston. Only 28 minutes were showing on the clock when Pendred, picking the ball up in midfield, slid a precision pass between centre-back and full-back for Alfie Burton to run onto and slide past the advancing goalkeeper. 0-5
With fifteen minutes to go before the break, the game had already slipped away from Brixworth. Thankfully for them, although the rain was still hammering down, the goals had dried up a little, for now.
Without particularly threatening the Venturas goal, Brixworth did manage to stave off any further waves of blue shirts for the next 10 minutes or so. With four minutes to go until the break Thrapston did come close again after a cross was fumbled by Jones, dropping to the feet of Burton on the edge of the box. However, the Venturas player could only lift his attempted lob over the bar.
It wasn't then end of the scoring though. A minute later a left-wing Thrapston corner was flicked on before being blocked near the front post. Unfortunately for All Saints, Matt Harris was lurking to hook the loose ball into the net. 0-6
That still left time for Jones to save well from Burton before the referee drew a close to the half.

HT Brixworth All Saints 0 Thrapston Venturas 6. Brixworth had no answer to a relentless and ruthless Thrapston display. There's no way back, just a case of trying to save some face in the second half for Brixworth.

​It took a further six minutes of the second period before we saw another attempt at goal. It came from Thrapston as Ryan Caller fizzed a powerful effort across the face of the goal, narrowly past the far post. However, Brixworth were far more in the game this half than in the first 45 minutes. Maybe Thrapston had eased off a little or maybe personal pride was driving the Brixworth players. Whatever the case, the one-way traffic we saw earlier had certainly stopped.
In fact, seven minutes into the second half All Saints had the ball in the Thrapston net when Ali Duncan looped a header over Cobley, only for the assistant's flag to rightly chalk it off for offside. Three minutes later Alex Osborne's free-kick tested Cobley again, but the keeper was comfortably up to the task. 
Just before the hour Thrapston's Pendred burst through from midfield but Tom Jones was off his line sharply to force the striker into looping his effort over the top. Straight back up the other end and All Saints were getting closer. Duncan again looking lively, his instinctive first-time volley bringing an acrobatic, one-handed save from Cobley.
Just as it looked as if Brixworth were establishing themselves though, they got hit by a stunner. Jacob Borisuth, who's wing play had caused problems all night, made some space out on the left before checking back and curling an unstoppable shot into the opposite top corner. No chance for Jones. 0-7
The seventh goal came on the hour mark but seven minutes later Brixworth finally got themselves on the scoreboard. A long ball beat the Thrapston defence but not Ali Duncan, who was onto it in a flash, looking up and seeing Cobley in no-man's land, before looping the ball over the stranded keeper. 1-7.
With 20 minutes left there was never a chance of a comeback but Thrapston were stung from conceding. Cobley had lost his clean sheet and was clearly not happy. Alfie Pendred then almost restored the seven goal advantage when her burst through on goal again. Once more Jones was quick off his line, doing enough to force Pendred to fire wide of the mark. Brixworth's much improved second-half performance then earned more consolation when they notched another goal on 83 minutes. Ian Giles this time, unleashing a low, 25-yard free-kick into Cobley's bottom left-hand corner. 2-7
With five minutes remaining Thrapston's Felix Bryant, on as as substitute, picked the ball up around halfway and set off on a mazy dribble that saw him leave a few defenders in his wake before finally being closed out inside the penalty area. Then, in the final minute of normal time, Borisuth's cross from the left clipped the top of the Brixworth bar. Then it was all over.

FT Brixworth All Saints 2 Thrapston Venturas 7. A very much improved Brixworth performance in the second half saw them 'win' the second 45 minutes 2-1. However, congratulations to Thrapston Venturas. Their first-half performance alone was worthy of winning the game and you can't blame them for being less dynamic in the second half. The game was already over.
Despite this result, Brixworth All Saints can look back on an excellent season that saw them unbeaten until the last two games of the league season, when the title had already been secured.
Next season is going to be interesting for both of these teams in Division One. I wouldn't want to bet aginst both of them being closer to the top than the bottom.
Finally, a shout out for Thrapston's coach which was parked in the car park opposite the ground. Wow! That's an impressive mode of transport for a Step 8 club. Very nice indeed.

Brixworth All Saints: 1.Jones, 2.Oates, 6.Kimble, 4.Hammond, 3.Osborne, 8.Fielding, 16.J.Fitzgerald, 33.Eldred, 10.M.Bees(c), 9.Duncan, 11.E.Fitzgerald. Subs: 5.Gravestock, 12.C.Bees, 7.Pietrangelo, 18.Giles, 14.Fowler
Thrapston Venturas: 1.S.Cobley, 2.Burton, 3.Caller, 4.Beverly, 5.Wesby, 6.Kilby, 7.Harris(c), 10.H.Cobley, 9.Pendred, 14.Borisuth, 12.Wilkinson. Subs: 11.Smith, 8.Palmer, 15.Bryant, 16.McEwan, 17.Langin

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 280
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: N/A

New Bradwell St Peter v Milton United in early September through to the SDFA Women's Challenge Cup Final in May. My journey through the Southern Region Women's Football League season drew to a close this Thursday with a visit to the Snows Stadium, home of AFC Totton and Southampton FC Women's team. This was a new stadium for me, although I had visited Totton & Eling FC, which is literally next door and there is a certain symmetry involved. This evening's game at AFC Totton was between Southampton FC u21 and AFC Stoneham Ladies. My visit to Totton & Eling, back in 2019, was a Wessex League game between Totton & Eling and AFC Stoneham in which  The Purps obtained the point they needed to win the league, relegating their hosts in the process (Grand Finale).
Arriving at the stadium around 30 minutes before kick-off, it was already clear that there was going to be a decent attendance and, despite Stoneham only being a few miles up the road, the vast majority were supporting The Saints.

Many thanks to Stoneham's X admin for sending the team sheets over prior to kick off. Appreciated, as always.

This was always going to be a tough ask for Stoneham. Despite their excellent season in Division One South, they were facing a big gulf in this game against a Women's Championship team's u21 outfit. Their cause was not helped by going behind so early ion the game. There were only three minutes on the clock when Mollie Peachey outjumped everyone to head powerfully past Lucy Venables to make it 1-0.
It wasn't what The Purps would have wanted but, to their credit, the floodgates did not open. Not yet. It was not for the lack of effort from Southampton though. They pushed forward as much as the could, pressing Stoneham back into the own half and harassing the Purps players into hurried passes and clearances. A Peachey free-kick, delivered from the right-hand edge of the penalty area, swung over Venables but clipped the bar and ran to safety. Stoneham retaliated with a break of their own, Mia Flood finding Chloe Melton with a good pass that gave the striker a glimpse of goal. Under pressure from a covering defender, Melton couldn't get enough behind the shot to trouble Kody Cornish.
By far the biggest threat to Stoneham was the running  of the Saints forward line, who were finding gaps in the defence, and and the precision passes from the Saints midfield. Kaylee Buckingham almost profited from one such pass only to find Lucy Venables blocking her path well. Two minutes later another slide-rule pass sent Madeline Hotston through, her first time strike beat Venables but also drifted wide of the post.
As we hit the midway point of the half a Saints corner form the left found Anya Lucas at the back, but the defender couldn't quite grow enough to get her header on target. Stoneham's possession was limited and their ventures into Saints territory even more so. However, Mia Flood demonstrated their spirit when she chased down a long ball that looked a lost cause, shrugging off her defender before sending over a low ball that Cornish was happy to smother.
Back at the other end, Hotston then sent a bobbling shot just wide of the post when she should perhaps have hit the target, before Southampton finally turned their possession into another goal on 28 minutes. Once more it was a peach of a through ball that found Kaylee Buckingham. The number 9 sat Venables down with a drop of the shoulder before slotting the ball into the net. 2-0.
Five minutes later it was a case of all the threes. 33 minutes on the clock and Saints had their 3rd goal. A series of quick passes down the right culminated in the the ball being switched across the face of the goal to Isabel Watts, who had ample time to steady herself before picking a spot just inside the post. 3-0
Stoneham, again to their credit, were still hanging in there especially retiring goalkeeper Lucy Venables, who was in inspired form in her last game for Stoneham. Before the break she once again produced a good save to thwart Buckingham before rushing out to narrow the angle, forcing the same Saints striker to push a shot wide of the mark. The Purps stopper, however, was a bystander just before the whistle when Sky Bedwell thumped a 25-yard screamer off her bar

HT Southampton 3 AFC Stoneham 0. A tough one for Stoneham against a very, very good Saints side. Quick, composed, skilful, can pick a pass, and solid at the back. Stoneham haven't played at all badly but Saints haven't let them settle at all.

​Stoneham began the second half a little brighter, forcing their first corner inn the 47th minute. The cross was cleared initially but fed back in to find Abbie Awdas at the near post. However, she couldn't keep the first time effort down. Probably Stoneham's best chance so far. A promising start for the Purps. Saints captain Kate Jeffreys gave them a reminder of their task on 50 minutes when she lashed a strike just over Venables' bar but Stoneham were at least getting into the Saints half. Larnie Bisson, who had been kept quiet so far, got a head onto a ball into the box, but it was a comfortable stop for Cornish.
Venables was back in action again, making another three decent stops, including tipping a Bedwell effort over the bar.
Just past the hour mark, Stoneham had done well to stem the Saints flow but, it seems that their resistance just poked the Southampton hornet's nest.
On 63 minutes Isabel Watts took possession on the left-hand edge of the penalty area, drove across the face of the box and buried a low drive past Venables. 4-0. Less than a minute later Lucy Venables was picking the ball out of the net again as Kaylee Buckingham absolutely hammered a drive past her Unstoppable. 5-0
Saints were now very much on top. Those two quick goals had, unsurprisingly, taken the wind out of the Stoneham sails and that was compounded just five minutes later when Kaylee Buckingham completed her hat-trick with a delightful clipped finish from the edge of the box, sending the ball curling past Venables. 6-0
Then just two minutes on, it was seven. Four goals in seven blistering minutes from the Saints. Anya Lucas this time, stabbing a loose ball home from close range after a corner was not cleared. 7-0
There was still twenty minutes on the clock but Stoneham must now have been wishing time to pass more quickly. Chasing shadows for an entire game is hard work. We've all been there. It's no fun.
Having said that, like Mia Flood chasing a lost cause in the first half, Sian Lodge, on a s a substitute, gave another demonstration of the Stoneham spirit when she produced a tremendous covering tackle. That was quickly followed by Lucy Venables, my PotM, pushing a Watts shot up onto the bar and over for a corner.
Saints were relentless though. The game had been in the bag for some time, but they were in no mood to take it easy. Some of their passing moves, especially inch-perfect through balls from the likes of Kate Jeffery and Kayla Nohasiarisoa, were a joy to behold.
With 14 minutes of normal time remaining, Buckingham showed us that she equally as powerful in the air as on the ground, rising to slam home a header from a left wing corner. 8-0
Substitute Sofia Mallon then let Stoneham off the hook when, finding the ball at her feet some 6 yards out in the centre of goal, she somehow put the shot wide. That disappointment wouldn't last long for Mallon though, and it didn't last long for her team either when Flood got a bit too tight on Kate Jeffery in the box, sending the Saints captain sprawling. Jeffery stepped up to take the kick herself, making no mistake. 9-0
There was still time for Venables to make yet another great save, preventing Watts from getting her hat-trick. Then Sofia Mallon made up for her previous miss by firing home a loose ball to make it 10-0.
That just left time for Stoneham's Rebecca Moody to attempt the last say by trying her luck from a free-kick. It skidded through to Cornish but didn't stretch the keeper. 

FT Southampton 10 AFC Stoneham 0. Congratulations to Southampton. There's a lot of talent in their squad and it was hard to see a weakness on the night. Stoneham never really got into the game but that was testament to Southampton rather than Stoneham playing badly. The Saints never game Stoneham a second on the ball and managed to keep the pace going for the entire game.
A really hard game for Stoneham to end what has been a really good season, where they only just fell short of the top.

Best wishes to Stoneham goalkeeper Lucy Venables who is hanging up her gloves after the game.

Southampton: 1.Cornish, 2.Lucas, 5.Peachey, 7.Beard, 8.Jeffery(c), 9.Buckingham, 10.Bedwell, 11.Watts, 14.Nohasiarisoa, 17.Hotston, 18.Surin.Subs: 13.King, 16.Machado, 15.Henry, 12.Mallon
AFC Stoneham: 13.Venables, 2.Lewis, 3.Stevens, 4.Moody, 5.Ingram(c), 6.Flood, 7.Marshall, 8.Awdas, 9.Melton, 10.Delaney, 11.Bisson. Subs: 12.Curtis, 14.Webster, Freeman-Woods, Lodge

​The Ground
AFC Totton's Snows Stadium or Testwood Park as it was known, is situated just to the North of Totton, on the edge of the New Forest. There's parking directly outisde the stadium and on some open ground next to the servcie road that leads in off the A36. There are a few turnstiles situated aroind the ground but for tonigt's game entrance was through the main gate, where members of the SDFA commitee wre taking entrance fees and handing out programmes. The clubhouse is just to the left as you enter and houses the bar and snack bar, as well as the toilets.
The stadium has one large main stand to the left as you enter. There is tiered standing sections all around the ground, as well as another smaller covered seating area opposite the main stand. This has a a media gantry sitting on top of the roof. The pitch looked to be in good condition espeically afetr a long, hard season. All in all, it's a very well maintained stadium, well worthy of AFC Totton's Step 3 status and probably capable of hosting Step 2.

The Programme
The SDFA produced a 16-page match programme for the game which was included in the entrance fee. The ouside cover pages are glossy and colour. Inside pages are black and white. Features included a message from the chairman of the SDFA, a history of both competing teams, pen pictures of the Stoneham squad and a page introducing the match officials.

Ground Number: 408
Att: 
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Included

I was last at Chalford Sports & Social Club just over 2 years ago, in April 2022, when the home side were defeated 2-1 by CCS in what was effectively a title decider (Civil Uprising). Fast forward to 2024, and here we are again. Same location and another title decider to end the season. The situation being that a win for either Chalford or Tredworth would see them take the title. However, a draw would be enough for current leaders Longlevens Reserves, to hang on to top spot on goal difference.
The reverse fixture, back in December, ended in a 4-1 victory for Tigers. A hat-trick for Corey Hill and a Corey Washington for Tredworth and a Ben Minnican goal for Chalford. Two weeks later, on December 30th, Chalford went down 2-1 at home to Smiths Barometrics, leaving them well adrift at the turn of the year. However, that was their last defeat. Since that time they have dropped just 8 points from 51 available and are unbeaten in 2024. So, current form definitely favoured the home side.
In contrast to the recent good weather it was a dreary, grey, wet and windy evening in The Cotswolds. The rain which had begun to fall during the journey was more persistent as kick-off approached. To add to that there was a chilly wind blowing across the pitch, which is situated on a hill above the village. The pitch looked in good condition but the weather was not going to make it easy for the players, especially goalkeepers, having to contest with a slippery ball and a surface that was going to add to the zip of any shots.

Thanks to Ryan Butler (@baconbuttee) from Severn Sport, who sent over the team sheets. Cheers Ryan, much appreciated.

​The opening few minutes of the game promised much. Both sides looked to have attacking intent and both  goalkeepers were called into action within the first four minutes. Adam Thomas was out quickly to win the race for a through ball at one end and Adam Fenner did enough coming off his line to force the striker too wide to get a strike away. However, despite that quick start, the game soon settled down with both teams adopting a more cautious approach. This was probably not surprising as both looked more focused on keeping the opposition out than scoring themselves.
The first strike on target didn't arrive until the 26th minute, shortly after the first yellow card in fact. Nick Hill took the kick for Tredworth, on target but relatively easy for Thomas to parry the ball away. It was noticeable that the goalkeeper was not taking any risks in trying to catch the greasy ball.
Half an hour in and with Daniel Harris and Jonathan Davis already in the boof for Chalford, Tredworth's Corey Hill joined them, quickly followed by the Tigers coach, who was clearly unimpressed by the assistant referee.
Hill, possibly fired up from the booking, then had a good effort deflected wide by Jamie Lock as Tredworth ramped up the pressure on the home side.
Tigers were looking the more likely to score at this point. Their passing style was beginning to open up a little more space for them. However, they had to guard against the more direct Chalford approach. The hosts were much more happy to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, looking for Ryan Harry to hold the ball up until support could get up with him.
It was Harry who had Chalford's best opportunity, although that did not arrive until the 39th minute. A free-kick was delivered from left to right before being headed back into the mix. Harry spun onto the loose ball was was just unable to wrap his foot around the ball enough to guide it on target.
The last say of the half went to Tigers. First Nick Hill stabbed a shot just wide before, with a minute of normal time remaining, Tyler Hill made good progress down the right flank. His low cross was met by Lee Smith but he screwed his effort wide of the far post.

HT Chalford 0 Tredworth Tigers 0. On the pitch, advantage Tredworth in terms of possession and threat. However, in reality, it's advantage Longlevens Reserves. A long way to go yet though. Time to quickly get the car blowers on in an attempt to dry out a little before the second half.

​The rain had reduced to a constant drizzle by the time the second half kicked off, Chalford now kicking down the slope towards the clubhouse end. The hosts almost had a dream start as Ryan Harry latched onto an attempted headed clearance, beating Fenner to the ball but then firing wide from a narrow angle. However, the Chalford support didn't have much longer to wait as they saw their side take the lead on 51 minutes. Ben Minnican's beautifully flighted freekick from the right was powerfully headed past Fenner by Andrew Maryon. 1-0 to Chalford.
Unperturbed, Tredworth immediately set about finding a way back into the game. The second half was already looking to be a lot livelier than the first, especially now that a goal had gone in. Hill fired just wide for the visitors before, just before the hour, Martin Smith's piledriver looked goal bound before Jamie Lock did enough to deflect it wide of the target. A good response from Tredworth but they were almost two down on 62 minutes when Robins captain Johnny Davis rose to meet a left-wing corner. His downward header bounced up and over the bar. A close shave for Tigers.
From almost being two down, the visitors then broke up the other end and levelled the scores. Corey Warrington picked the ball up on the left flank, cut inside and drilled a low effort, via a slight deflection, into the opposite bottom corner. 1-1
The goal lifted Tredworth again. They were now looking the more likely team to get a winner and came within a few inches on 65 minutes when the broke up the right with lightning pace. Hill's driven cross was just too far ahead of any blue shirt running into the box. With twenty minutes remaining and with the visitors winding up the temp again, full-back Luke Payne let fly from 25 yards, stinging the palms of Adam Thomas.
Entering the final 10 minutes, the game slowed down a little again. Both teams knew they needed another goal to wrestle to title from Longlevens, but both were also well aware that one mistake might be all that it took. Tredworth continued to look the most likely but, on 86 minutes, they were caught completely cold. When a Tigers attack broke down, Adam Thomas launched a long punt downfield which the Tredworth defence allowed to bounce. The conditions probably helped cause the indecision at the back, but Chalford substitute Luke Brunsdon didn't care. He got between defender and goalkeeper, stabbing the ball past Fenner to make it 2-1.
Tigers were stunned and had just a few minutes to rescue the game, now needing two goals. The pushed forward, as they had to, and almost got caught again in the final minute of normal time. Brunsdon, again, was sent clean through to finish it, but his first touch let him down allowing Fenner to come out and clear the ball. 
It was not enough though. Tigers ran out of time and Chalford were champions.

FT Chalford 2 Tredworth Tigers 1. A strange game in a lot of ways. Over the 90 minutes Tredworth were the better team in my opinion. However, that is not what counts. Goals make the difference and Chalford took their chances when they came along. Take nothing away from The Robins, winning the league two seasons on the bounce is a fantastic achievement and, the table doesn't lie. Over the entire season they have been the best team in the league. Best wishes to them in the promotion play-offs where they wil need to get the better of Totterdown United (Bristol Premier Combination) and Filton Athletic (Bristol and Suburban League) in a battle for the two promotion spots into the Gloucestershire County League.
Commiserations to Tredworth Tigers and Longlevens Reserves who took the league into the final game of the season with the title still undecided. That's what it is all about. Fantastic entertainment for supporters and neutrals alike.

Look out for photos from Pete Kinsella (petekinsella69)
Check out the Severn Sport match report 

Chalford: 1.Thomas, 2.Minnican, 3.Outram, 4.Benneyworth, 5.Lock, 6.Davis(c), 7.Harris,8. Roberts, 9.Harry, 10.Maryon, 11.Keylock. Subs: 12.Barstow, 14.Moore, 15.Parker, 16.Brunsdon, 17.Buckland
Tredworth Tigers: 1.Fenner, 12.Payne, 6.N.Hill, 5.Morgan, 3.Rogers, 11.T.Hill, 10.Hamilton(c), 2.M.Smith, 14.Warrington, 17.L.Smith, 9.C.Hill. Subs: 4.Foster, 8.Rich, 21.James, 7.Dyer, 15.Weir

​Play-off fixtures
15th May, Almondsbury - Totterdown United v Filton Athletic
18th May, Almondsbury - Loser of above game v Chalford
If Chalford win this game then Chalford plus the winner of the first game will be promoted. IF Chalford lose then they wil face the winners of the first game on the 22nd May. The winners of that game wil be promoted with the winners of game two.

The Ground
It's only been two years since the last visit, so the ground details in the previous blog (Civil Uprising) still hold true in the main. However, I did notice an enhancement. Replacing the old brick dugout structures, which have been completely removed are two wooden structures. Whereas the old dugouts were an extension of the main stand, the new ones are standalone wooden shelters.

Ground Number: Revisit
Att: Approx. 440 (manual headcount from Southern Street Soul - @streetsouthern1)
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Over the years the focus of BotP has changed considerably. Originally, following Stourbridge, the majority of matches attended were Step 3. When the Glassboys transferred to the NPL, the net was cast further and Step 5 became a favourite. However since the lockdown years, the recent focus has been much more around grassroots levels, below the pyramid. This has never been more obvious that this Saturday. Despite already having tickets for the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals at Wembley, the draw of Step 7 was just too much, especially as there was a crunch title decide in the offing. So, instead of taking a train to the capital, I found myself heading back to my homeland, the West Midlands. A quick drop in to see my Mum was followed by a jaunt across the Black Country route to the University of Wolverhampton campus in Walsall, and a West Midlands (Regional) League game between Bustleholme and Pelsall Villa Colts.
Prior to kick off the situation at the top of the division was that Gornal Athletic led the way on 69 points. However, they had already completed their season. In second place sat Pelsall, a point adrift but with this final game in the bank. Bustleholme were in fifth spot, out of the running for the title, but able to play a big part in where the trophy went. Pelsall's goal difference was such that just a point would see them crowned champions. Recent history was also on their side. They had played Bustleholme twice before this season, scoring six on both occasions. The early league encounter, back in September, ended 6-3. More recently, in fact just four days previously, the sides met again in the League Cup with Pelsall again coming out on top, this time 6-2.
Pelsall, the league's top scorers, also only needed two more goals to hit the ton for the season.

Many thanks to referee Teigan Clamp who was kind enough to share both team sheets with me prior to kick-off. As always, hugely appreciated.

​After making a good start, the visitors conceded the first real opportunity on four minutes. Captain Jordan Spragg misjudged a header back to keeper Dominic Cooper, allowing Keatley Charles to nip in and lob the ball over the stopper. Fortunately for Colts, the ball also bounced just wide of the far post. That let-off shook up the visitors and within a few minutes they began to take a grip on the game. Booby Speed's 7th minute effort was deflected wide for a corner which cam to nothing and then Isiah Beaumont's strike from distance was spilled by home keeper Sam Westwood but Louie Mason was adjudged to have fouled the keeper as they tussled for the loose ball. It was pleasing to hear non-league stalwart Shay Purley making an appearance early on too.
Pelsall were now starting to ramp up the tempo, pushing Bustleholme back more and more. Just past the quarter-hour Jaden Henry-Dean saw his downward header hacked off the Bustleholme line following a left-wing corner, but the visitors still had to be on their guard. Almost immediately after that incident Callum Lawton fizzed an effort narrowly past Cooper's left-hand post, signalling a warning that Bustleholme were not just here to make up the numbers.
Joel Butler and Bobby Speed then produced a lovely piece of interplay down the Colts right but couldn't manage to engineer an opportunity. Lawton, who was looking like the hosts best chance of a goal, then shot wide from distance again as the game spent a few minutes swinging from end to end. Two minutes later Bobby Speed was able to poke a toe at a loose ball in the box, beating Woodward but seeing his effort come back off the foot of the upright. They were getting closer and, on 35 minutes, Pelsall finally broke the deadlock, with a classy move. Matthew Hearsey started the move in midfield. The ball was fed wide to Henry-Dean who delivered an inch-perfect cross into the path of Hersey, who had continued his run, to meet with a first-time volley that left Woodward clutching thin air. 0-1
With one hand on the league champion's trophy Pelsall could now afford to relax more and play their football. However, try as they might, they still couldn't find the second goal that would, effectively, seal the deal. In fact, just before the half-time whistle, Sam Lawton gave them another fright when he let fly from al of 30 yards. Cooper threw himself across his goal but was not going to get there and was relieved to see the ball just clear his crossbar. Than, as we entered time added on, Pelsall created two more chances that could have seen them putting the champagne on ice during the break. First of all Henry-Dean delivered from the left again, this time putting just a little too much on the cross so that Beaumont could only glance his header wide of the far post. Then, a minute later, pinball in the home six-yard box, but Pelsall couldn't find a way to get the ball over the line.

HT Bustleholme 0 Pelsall Villa Colts 1. So far, so good, for Pelsall, although they'll be wondering how they have not already made the game safe. Bustleholme showed that they can pose a threat and, at just 0-1, the game is far from over.

​Within the first 30 seconds of the restart, Pelsall could have relieved some of their tension when only a exceptional one-handed, diving save from Westwood prevented Louie Mason from doubling the visitor's advantage. Two minutes later a deep cross from the left found Speed arriving at the far post but the winger couldn't keep his header below the bar from 6 yards out.
Bustleholme top scorer Anton Nesbeth then showed some quick feet on the right flank, beating his man and driving to the line. His deflected cross was safely gathered by Cooper at the near post, but it was a glimpse of the threat that the home side still posed at times.
Ten minutes into the second period, Pelsall came close again when a deep corner from the left was headed back across goal by Spragg, finding fellow defender Liam Matthews who sent the ball goalward but just over Woodward's bar. A minute later Matthews thought he had given the visitors a two goal lead but was denied by the assistant's flag. That could have been costly two minutes later when Nesbeth, who had really come to life, bamboozled his marked again and was pulled down right on the edge of the box. Sadly for Bustleholme the freekick came to nothing. 
Bustleholme were having their best period of the game at this point. Cooper was happy to see a rasping strike from Charles fly past his right-hand upright befire Charles again fired just wide from a half-chance after Pelasal failed to clear properly from a free-kick.
At the other end, a fortunate ricochet took the bal linto the path of Pelsal substitute Daniel Lawrence, but Westwood was quickly across his box to block well with his feet. That was closely followed by the visitors hitting the woodwork twice in just over a minute. First of all Henry-Dean's excellent volley crashed back off the bar before Louie Mason saw his header clip the outside of the post on its way out for a goal kick. Mason, who had led the line well for the visitors, then produced a deft little touch to put Butler in on goal, but the full-backs effort lacked conviction and Westwood was able to gather.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, Bustleholme won a free-kick some 25 yards out on the right-hand side of the box. Anton Nesbeth stepped up, sending a dipping effort over the wall which clipped the top of the bar with Cooper beaten. Two inches lower and that could have seen a very interesting last few minutes. As it was, the only real action of the closing minutes was goal scorer Hearsey getting sin-binned for an over-zealous challenge to a refereeing decision.
There was  much joy on the Pelsall bench and amongst their travelling support as referee Clamp blew for full time. They'd done it.

FT Bustleholme 0 Pelsall Villa Colts 1. All over. Pelsall take the league title by two points from Gornal Athletic. To be fair, it could easily have been a far greater margin of victory. However, Bustleholme held a threat for the entire game and, if just one of their efforts had gone in, it could have been a very different story.
There's still one more game to come for Pelsall as they take on Tipton Town in the League Cup Final on Tuesday evening.

Bustleholme: Westwood, Hill, Lawton, Haydon, Rea, Bentley(c), Nesbeth, Mohammed, Charles, Masson, Clarke. Subs: Vincent, Robinson, Keane, Lowe
Pelsall Villa Colts: Cooper, Butler, Hayes, Spragg(c), Matthews, Vaughan, Henry-Dean, Hearsey, Mason, Beaumont, Speed. Subs: Osborne, Quarry, Porter, Stacehouse, Wood, Milward, Lawrence

The Ground
Bustleholme's current home is at the University of Wolverhampton Performance Hub just off The Broadway in Walsall. There is ample parking around the campus, all within very easy walking distance of the pitch. The pitch itself is a standard new 3g affair, fenced off by high green mesh. A running track runs around half of the perimeter, although this is outside the mesh fence, so does not distance spectators from the action. Access is through a gate where an official at a table was taking the entrance fee as well as selling cold drinks. Although you could walk around outside the mesh and still have a reasonable view, spectators inside the ground are restricted to a small section that runs along around two-thirds of one side of the pitch. The dugouts are directly opposite. There is no spectator cover and toilets are available in the main sports centre building opposite the pitch.

Ground Number: 407
Attendance:
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: N/A

​Thursday evening football this week. A rearranged Oxfordshire Women's Senior Cup Final at Kidlington FC, after the original date was postponed because of the weather. It was certainly different this evening. In fact, this was the first midweek game I had been able to attend in t-shirt and shorts. I also took my wife and daughter along. Desperately trying to get my little central midfielder to actually watch some football rather than just playing the game. Having already seen City play a few times, and knowing some of their players by sight, I tasked her with keeping an eye on captain Georgina Tayman who plays the same role.
It promised to be an interesting final, not least because it was a very local derby. Oxford United v Oxford City. United, who would be fielding their development squad, were the current holders of the trophy but City hold the record for the number of wins, having taken the title 15 times since the first competition in the 1999-2000 season. The Oxford clubs have dominated the competition, between them only failing to win it twice. The first ever competition was won by Launton Sports and, ten years ago Mansfield Road took the accolade.
Cit's road to the Kidlington began with a 4-2 defeat of Tower Hill. They then beat Kidlington Youth 3-0 to reach the semi-final. There they met Oxford University and, after a 1-1 draw, went through 6-5 on penalties. United, meanwhile, had a far more comfortable route to the final without even conceding a goal. A 21-0 defeat of City's reserve team was followed by an 8-0 win over Procision Oxford. In the semi-final they saw off Thame United by a 15-0 score line. Those scores alone showed the size of the task facing The Hoops.

It was good to see photographer Pete Kinsella before kick-off. We met at a game in Gloucestershire some time ago and I wondered if he would be at the game given his daughter plays for United.
Prior to kick-off there was a minute's silence in honour of City Chairman Brian Cox who passed away aged 83, in April and whose funeral was due to take place the day after this game. Then we were underway, with City playing towards the clubhouse end in the first half.

​An early mistake at the back for City almost gifted a goal to United after 5 minutes. City keeper Holly Jenkins was pleased to see Holly Sellwood's effort come back off the post. That moment set the tone for the majority of the first half. United completely dominating possession but City defending in two tanks and, for the most part, holding the yellow shirts at bay.
Jenkins was by far the busier of the two keepers. In fact Caitlin Crearie in the United goal hardly had a touch of the ball.
Jenkins was on had to foil a Sellwood effort  on 20 minutes and was grateful just past the half hour mark when Poppy Dearlove could only direct a header, from Sellwood's cross, straight into the keeper's arms.
However, the incessant United pressure did eventually pay off seven minutes from the break. Jenkins once again did well to block the initial effort but was powerless to prevent Ellie-Mae Richardson from slamming home the rebound from close range. 1-0

HT Oxford United 1 Oxford City 0. In all fairness, it was pretty much one-way traffic in the first half. Having said that, City defended very well and the pace of Ellie White up front was always going to be a point of concern for United. With just a one goal advantage, the game was still very much in the balance.

Whilst the second half followed a similar pattern to the first, City did start to make Crierie earn her corn more. Holly Jenkins, however, remained the busier of the two stoppers, demonstrating again and again why she is rated highly. Twice within a few minutes she frustrated Amy Woodhead.
City top-scorer Ellie White continued to be the main threat for The Hoops but was feeding on scraps for most of the game. When she did manage to get a little space she found the United defence, led by captain Cheyenne Flynn.

FT Oxford United 1 Oxford City 0. United claim their fourth Senior Cup and their second on the bounce, scoring 45 goals in four games, with none conceded. A superb achievement whichever way you look at it. However, what an effort from The Hoops. They were up against it from the first minute but stuck in there, fought hard, always maintained a threat and never once let their heads drop. A great advert for the Southern Region Women's Football League. You can also read the Oxford City match report on their web site.

Apologies if any of the United player names are incorrect. It was difficult to match shirt numbers to names on the team sheet.
​
Oxford United: Crierie, Flynn(c), Woodhead, Dearlove, Harris-Beechers, Howes, Trinder, Richardson, Gray, Sellwood, Kinsella. Subs: North, Hoile, McCulloch
Oxford City: Jenkins, Hume, Latimer, Le Beau, Healy, Thorne, Tayman(c), Chapman, Gray, Alves Martins, White. Subs: Leigh, Cook, Wellington-Faissal, Kingdon, Lawal


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

​A balmy May evening in Oxfordshire. I was on my way over to The Lucy Plackett Playing Field in Adderbury for a late season Oxfordshire Senior League game that had the potential to play a big part in the destination of this season's Premier Division title. The hosts, Adderbury Park, had found themselves in a very unusual position. Currently sitting third in the table on 49 points, they trailed the current leaders, Carterton, by 15 points. However, with all three teams above them having completed their fixtures and Adderbury having five games remaining (due to many earlier postponements), five wins and a 25 goal swing in goal difference would see them snatch the championship. It was a big ask for team that had already played ten games in the last month and now faced another five in 13 days. Of their remaining five games, all at home, they had probably marked this one down as the biggest hurdle. The visitors this evening were Halse United who were placed just one spot below The Adders, four points worse off. Having said that, when they met on the opening day of the season, Adderbury returned from Syresham with a 3-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Durrell Livous, Louis Winkworth and Llifon Torr.
Adderbury's 2-0 defeat of league leaders Carterton, just four days ago, must have added some belief to the team. However, the recent run of games had taken its toll on the squad, shown by four changes in the starting line-up this evening and the absence of top scorer Durrell Livous, who had managed to notch 11 goals in just 14 games for the club this season. Halse were looking for a strong finish to the season and were on a rich run of form, having lost just once in their last six outings. That came at Thame United Reserves who, oddly enough, had also shaken up Adderbury Park's run-in with a 1-1 draw a week ago.
Thanks to referee Martin Woodward who let me grab a photo of the team sheets at half-time. Very much appreciated.

​Adderbury took to the field in their change kit of all dark blue for this game and they started the game looking determined to get the points they needed. An early header from a corner was followed by a massive opportunity in the 8th minute. Josh Gibbins broke clear on the right before squaring to Llifon Torr who looked odds-on to score before a loose first touch saw the chance go astray. Then, in a lively start from both sides, Halse's Billy Durnin flicked an effort just over Adam Rimmer's bar. It became clear that Adderbury weren't going to find the early breakthrough they wanted to steady the nerves and, to their credit, Halse looked up for the challenge too. 
The opportunities for Adderbury were falling to Llifon Torr. Just past the quarter hour the striker was again presented with a half-chance but failed to get his shot off as Callum Humphries reacted quickly in the Halse goal to smother the ball. When Halse did break they looked dangerous. Twenty miunutes in they came very close to opening the scoring as the home goal lived a charmed life. Firstly Durnin saw his effort strike the post and come straight back out only for Rimmer to save well from Kyle Willimas on the rebound and then recover in time to fall on Oli Read's second follow up.
The home side's relief, however, was short-lived. Four minutes later Durnin was hauled down in the box and the visitors had a penalty, which was tucked away by Ben Purnell. 0-1
The home side tried to find a response but it just didn't seem to be coming together for them. They couldn't really build up a head of steam and had to be constantly on their guard against a Halse side who had already proved that they could hurt them on the break. 
As the half drew on, Adderbury did start to ramp up the pressure a little. With eight minutes remaining they were a little unlucky when the referee blew for a free-kick right on the edge of box despite the ball having continued on to find James Hunt on his own inside the penalty area. The Adders captain was not best pleased by the decision but, to be fair tot he referee, he was watching for the initial foul and blew immediately. To make matters worse for the home team, nothing came of the free-kick. Torr, who had been buzzing around all game, tried to make some space for a shot, but was closed down well by a determined Halse defence. Alex Stott also saw a snapshot hit the side netting in first half added time. However, sandwiched between those chances Halse also had an opportunity when a deep cross from the right found the head of Oli Read only for a good defensive challenge to force the attempt off target.

HT Adderbury Park 0 Halse United 1. A disappointing half for Adderbury who never really got into their stride. A lot of the credit for that must go to Halse who looked sharp, especially up the flanks. The Adders could never concentrate on pushing forward because of the constant threat from the visitors. A big second half to come. 

​Many were expecting a home onslaught at the start of the second period. However, following a handball on the edge of the area, the first chance fell to Halse with a free-kick less than 20 yards out which was driven into the wall.
However, nine minutes in the home side were given a great opportunity to level it up. A quick break saw the ball fed to Llifon Torr who rounded the keeper and was about the slot home from the edge of the box when an attempted sliding block Beasley saw the ball deflected wide by the arm of the defender. Not a deliberate handball, but a penalty nevertheless. It could easily have been seen as a red card offence but, in this case, the referee saw fit to make do with a spot kick which Callum Bryant slotted home. 1-1
The goal immediately perked up the home side. Maybe the unthinkable was back on? They suddenly looked quicker, sharper in the tackle and brighter all over the pitch but, as if to warn them, Halse then generated the next big opportunity. Salvatore's cross from the right was perfect for Read to head goalward. Fortunately for Adderbury there was not enough power on the header and Rimmer was able to collect comfortably.
On the hour mark a nasty clash of heads saw Adderbury lose Alex Stott, who left the pitch with blood streaming from a head wound. Six minutes later their entire team had a headache as they were completely caught cold by a long ball. Some indecision at the back allowed Halse substitute Harry Brock to latch onto the ball before sliding a pass across the six yard box for Billy Durnin to tap into the unguarded net. 1-2
Adderbury now had just over 20 minutes left to get two goals and keep their season alive. Josh Gibbins took up the gauntlet, cutting in from the left and firing just wide of the far post before Torr's flick saw substitute Haruna Konateh break free on the left, although he never looked in balance before also putting his effort wide of the mark.
Leading by example Adderbury captain James Hunt was trying to drive his team forward from midfield and be there to seize on any chance in the box. With just over ten minutes of normal time remaining he too dragged a shot wide before, two minutes later, unleashing a dipping volley that flashed past the opposite post. Hunt was involved again a minute after that, bravely stooping to plant a header just wide. By this time, Halse seemed content to sit back and see out the remining minutes but, just to keep Adderbury on their toes, they did launch their own raid on 84 minutes that culminated with Brock curling an effort just over Rimmer's bar.
With a minute left on the clock, Hunt put another effort just wide. You couldn't fault the captain's effort. The last five home attempts at goal had all come from their leader. Desperation was setting in as Adderbury pumped balls into the Halse area at every opportunity. A minute into added time one such ball was flicked on by Ashley Thompson but, like so many previous attempts, the ball sailed the wrong side of the post.
And then it was all over.

FT Adderbury Park 1 Halse United 2. One of those nights for Adderbury Park. Although, by their own admission, not at their best, they had enough chances to put the game to bed. Halse, meanwhile, took their chances when they were presented and, to be fair, looked a threat for the entire game.
The result means that, whatever happens in The Adders' final four games, they can't now secure enough points to win the league. Many congratulations to Carterton, Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division Champions.

Adderbury Park: 1.Rimmer, 14.Reynolds, 5.Thompson, 22.Bryant, 2.Welch, 8.Evans, 6.Hunt(c), 10.Stott, 19.Torr, 4.Gibbins, 5.Glass. Subs: 16.Marsh, 21.Thornton, 7.Konateh, 11.Collier, 3.McDonald
Halse United: 1.Humphries, 2.Salvatore, 11.Summers, 6.Brady, 18.Beasley, 10.Simpson, 14.Purnell, 8.Read, 9.Williams, 12.Durnin, 15.Mortimer. Sub(s). 20.Brock

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

There were no games to report on this past weekend and, with fixtures now few and far between, this week's edition is a little different as we run through the remaining fixtures as currently listed on FA Full-Time. At this time of year there are a lot of postponements and re-arranged games as we try to finish off the season. This is especially true this year after a number of scheduled cup finals were postponed last week. Keep an eye on the Southern Region Women's League feed as well as the club feeds and, of course, #BotP. A case in point. Havant & Waterlooville are scheduled to play on Wednesday and Thursday evening. As Thursday is a cup final, we might imagine that takes precedence.

Tuesday May 7th - Chairman's Cup - 19:45
Woking v Beaconsfield Town
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.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Wednesday May 8th - Division One South - 19:45
Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Portchester
The final game of the Division One South season. However, with The Hawks re-scheduled final on Thursday, this one may have to be postponed again. A win would see Havant take second spot from Stoneham. However, Portchy will want to maintain their unbeaten record for the season. The reverse fixture saw Portchester win 5-0, although Havant did beat Portchester 2-1 in the League Cup in February.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

Thursday May 9th
League Cup Final - 19:30
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 Women's Senior Cup Final - 19:45
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

Sunday May 12th
Division One North - 14:00
Eversley & California v Caversham United
The bottom two face off in the North. The Goats are only there points behind Eversely. However, even a win woudl not take them above their rivals due to their vastly inferiror goal difference. An Emily Buckingham goal gave Caversham a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
ESA, Fox Lane, Eversley RG27 0NS

Kidlington Youth v Beaconsfield Town
Not too much at stake in this game. The Rams are secure in their position and can't go up any higher in the league. Kidlington would move back into third with a win but with Milton and Penn having games remaining, may not be able to hang on to that position. Two goals from Courtney Sumner helped the Greens to a 4-2 at Holloways Park in the reverse fixture. A game that saw Ciarra Moore see red for The Rams.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Tuesday May 14th Portsmouth Divisional FA Cup Final - 19:45
AFC Portchester v Moneyfields
A tough one for Portchester, up against a strong Moneyfields team that finished third in the Women's National Division One South-West. Moneys have made it to the final without playing a game, gaining walkovers in both games so far. Portchester had the same inthe first round against United Services Portsmouth. They then went on to beat Royal Navy Women 2-1 in the semi-final.
@Havant & Waterlooville FC, Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

Sunday May 19th - Division One North - 14:00
Ascot United Reserves v Eversley & California
There's also very little on this game apart from personal pride and maybe beginning planning for next season. The sides have not yet met this seaosn after the reverse fixture was awarded to Eversley as a home walkover.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

A flick through Football Traveller and a glance at some league tables during the week had left me with a very clear idea of where I would be heading this Saturday and, to make things even better, it was a relatively close game for me. So, after lunch I made the 33 mile trip across the A43 to Curtlee Hill, Wootton, home of Wootton St George FC.
The home side, currently leading the way in the Northants Combination Division One table, were up against the only team that could catch them, second placed AFC Towcester. With just a point between them but with the visitors having two games remaining as opposed to Wootton's one, this game was as good as a cup final to decide the league title. To add to the drama, the teams had only played each other three days previously in the League Cup Final. That went in favour of Wootton by 2-1 which, by coincidence, was also the score when the sides met in the league earlier in the season. That game was Towcester's one and only league defeat this season.
So, the situation was that a win for either team would hand them the title. A draw would leave Wootton a pint ahead but with inferior goal difference, meaning that Towcester would just need a point at home to 9th placed Milton next weekend. This would be the first time I had seen Wootton play. However, I have seen Towcester play at home and away in the past couple of years. An eleven goal thriller at home to Grendon Rangers (Still At The Races) and a 2-0 derby defeat at Potterspury (First Half Double Wins A5 Derby).

Many thanks, once again, to referee Stuart Latham for letting me photograph the team sheets before kick-off. That's the second time this season. He was also the referee when I saw Roade win at Heyford Athletic on last December (The Man In The Middle).

After starting the better, AFC Towcester made that count as early as the 4th minute when Macaulay Copping produced what can only be described as a delicate lob to leave Jamie Sykes motionless as the ball sailed over him into the net. 0-1. As I posted at the time, the casualness of the lob brought Eric Cantona to mind. I'm sure if Towcester's kit had had a collar, Copping would have turned it up.
A very nasty looking clash of heads between Josh Schampier and Adam Kelly in midfield, left both players down and had the physios running on. Thankfully, both were back on their feet quickly. The incident was obviously not as bad as it first looked.
Going a goal down had given the home side the wake up call they needed and play was now much more evenly balanced. Just on the quarter hour mark, Wootton had a a very vociferous call for a penalty as Mason Frost turned onto his left to attempt get a strike at goal. The ball was blocked, by a hand according to the home team, but the referee immediately waved play on. The loose ball dropped kindly to Matt Pickard but he blazed his strike well over from 15 yards out. Something of a let off for Towcester. As the how side began to ramp up the pressure, they came close gain just a minute. This time a diagonal ball found captain Josh Schampier just inside the right-hand corner of the penalty area. His low drive had Sam Kelly happy to see it go inches past his right-hand post.
Towcester then had a penalty shout of their own following a corner from the right. Again, nothing doing from the referee and when the ball drop to Michael Watson, his shot on the turn went wide of the mark. Watson was in the thick of the action, sadly for the wrong reason later in the game, and it was the same player who was involved in the next action of note. This time he was found with a ball over the top down the right. Seeing Sykes slightly out of position, he tried an optimistic lob but couldn't quite get it on target.
The half was beginning to wind down and, thanks to a well organised defence, the visitors looked as if they might go in a goal up at half-time. That was until the 44th minute when Wootton were  awarded a penalty for afoul on Westwood. No real complaints from Towcester as Mason Frost stepped up to level the scores. 1-1

HT Wootton St George 1 AFC Towcester 1. A really good game of football so far. Two well-matched teams. Towcester started very brightly and deserved their early lead but, Towcester showed a lot of strength to keep plugging away, eventually getting their reward just before the break.

The second half started with both sides looking more concerned about conceding than scoring again. It took a little while for the game to open up but, on 53 minutes, Towcester came close. A hopeful punt up-field appeared to be harmlessly heading for Wootton goalkeeper Jamie Sykes. However, the keeper hesitated allowing Michael Watson the chance to get a toe to the ball ahead of him. Luckily for the home side, Sykes had advanced just far enough to get something on the ball and avert the danger. A few minutes later Towcester thought they had been awarded a penalty. Initially the referee pointed to the spot for a foul, only to see the assistant's flag had already been raised for offside. Back came Wootton, Mason Frost latching onto a loose ball in the box before putting his snapshot just wide of Kelly's post. That was two minutes before the hour mark. A minute later the ball was at the other end where Watson hit the target with a good strike parried away for a corner by Sykes.
Wootton launched another attack shortly afterwards, pumping the ball toward the Towcester box where Ben Paul got a flick on into the path of Westwood. With the keeper coming off his line, the home striker slipped the ball past him but couldn't find enough power to beat the defending covering on the line.
A draw would certainly favour Towcester who, with their one game left, would still have the opportunity to overhaul their opponents. Despite that the visitors didn't look content with a draw, especially goal scorer Copping. With just over 20 minutes remaining he intercepted a pass in midfield, drove forward past a couple of home players and unleashed a drive heading for the corner of the net until Sykes went full-length to make the save.
Sadly, that was the last opportunity anyone had of winning the match because, on 73 minutes, we witnessed an incident that no-one ever wants to see. That horrible noise!! A 50/50 almost directly in front of me left Towcester's Michael Watson on the ground. The noise and the reaction of the player, lying motionless, brought back horrible memories of a game at Lingfield many years ago, when the same thing happened to me. Despite the game going on, it was clear it was a serious injury. After a few minutes of on-field first aid, making the player comfortable and calling emergency services, the referee signalled that the game had been abandoned. The correct decision in my opinion.
Best wishes to Michael Watson. I sincerely hope that it is not as bad as it sounded.

This is only the second time, in over 12 years of blogging about non-league football, that I have been at a game abandoned due to injury. The previous time was a game between Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town in 2014 when Chippenham's Rob Dean suffered a very serious injury. 

At the time of writing no official decision has been made about if the result will stand because more than 70 minutes had been played, or if the game will be replayed at a later date. Full-Time already has the game scheduled for May 28th, but this may just be a placeholder. Towcester posted on social media that they would know by Wednesday. Update: It now looks like the game will be replayed on May 28th, 18:30 ko.

Wootton St George: 1.Sykes, 2.J.Schampier(c), 6.Jackson, 13.Barnell, 16.Cronin, 12.Heavey, 3.N.Schampier, 8.Paul, 7.C.Westwood, 10.Frost, 9.Pickard. Subs: 5.Ansell, 14.Haddock, 11.R.Westwood, 15.Ghavami, 14.West
AFC Towcester: 1.S.Kelly, 5. Bodily, 3.Dixon, 6.L.Smith, 15.Parker(c), 10.Stanbridge, 14.Macleod, 8.Martin, 4.Coppping, 7.Watson, 11.A.Kelly. Subs: 18.McGannon, 9.Kirby, 17.Waynforth, 16.B.Smith, 12.Camper

​The Ground
Wootton's home games take place at the Wootton Community and Sports Centre complex just to the South-East of Northampton. Wootton, which was once a village in its own right, is now part of the greater Northampton area. There is a fairly large car park behind the multiple buildings to act as community centre, bar and changing facilities for players and officials. I don't know if it was just the fact that the weather was good for the first time this year, if it was because of the long weekend, or that there was also a birthday party in full swing at the community centre, but the place was a hive of activity. The children's play area was full, the fenced off 5-a-side pitch was in use, theer were people sitting in the patio area outside the bar and a sizeable crowd beginning to build around the pitch. It really had the feel of a thriving community facility.
The main pitch sits sideways on to the club. There are also a collection of other pitches marked out next to it, suitable for all age ranges. This is effectively a community area. There are no covered spectator areas or dugouts. The pitch slopes a little, from the kid's play area end to the Curtlee Hill end. The playing surface was a little uneven but, all in all, not in bad condition.

Ground Number: 406
Attendance: In excess of 100
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