​After making the most of the light nights and getting to a number of Step 7 midweek games recently, it was back to Step 6 for me this midweek. The lure of the Wessex Division One clash between the top two was too much to resist. Once again, like last Saturday's trip to Belstone, the weather didn't look too good on the way down to Wiltshire. Darkening skies and drizzle greeted me as I made my way through Salisbury, heading for the village of Downton for the clash between The Robins and second placed Hamworthy Recreation. Not only had I never been to Downton's home ground before, I had not seen either of the teams play previously. Having said that, The Nest had long been on my list and, if not for some inclement weather last January, I would have already visited

​The Ground
Downton play their home games at the Brian Whitehead Sports Club (or as they call it The Nest) on the Western edge of the village of Downton, some six miles South of Salisbury. There is parking available at the sports club, although it is limited and is not only for use by the football club. However, there is very clearly marked overflow parking opposite the ground.
They say first impressions count and in the case of Downton FC, first impressions are extremely favourable. The first thing that catches the eye is the signage. Above the entrance is an arch welcoming visitors to Downton FC as well as a separate sign showing the club sponsors and their respective logos. Upon entering through the main gate, you find yourself near to one of the corner flags. Immediately to your right is the clubhouse and snack bar window. Next to that is the players and officials area and entrance onto the pitch. Also on this side of the pitch is the main covered seating area, The Ian Drinkwater Stand or as the sign on the side says, Drinky's Stand. The stand was renamed in 2021 to honour a stalwart of the club who sadly passed away in 2018. The opposite side of the ground features the dugouts and yet more Downton signage. It is tightly hemmed in by trees, giving s rural feel to the ground. At the leisure centre end there is a feature that may well be unique to Downton, a matchday drinking shelter. This is a wooden structure set back a little from the pitch that also has a patio area to the side of it and is specifically designed for people to enjoy a drink whilst still having a great view of the game. Between the drinking stand and the entrance gate there is also a large scoreboard (not electric), something else that is a rarity at this level. Everywhere you look there are Robins club crests. This is a delightful ground in my opinion. Obviously a well cared for community club. I think I have a new favourite non-league ground.

​The Programme
On the night the Robins Review was a double edition, combining Saturday's FA Vase game with Ringwood Town (which Downton won 5-0) with this evening's league game with Hamworthy. As with the ground, the programme is a very professional looking full couleur magazine with the club shade of red being the predominant colour. The content is also excellent. Features include manager's notes for both games, a message from the chairman, meet the opposition features for both games, match reports, squad lists, a league review, all the usual stats and a couple of articles about other teams and grounds. The programme costs £2.00, but is great value for money.

The Background
Downton have played in the Wessex League structure since their promotion from the Hampshire Premier League in 1993. In that time they have seen a couple of promotions and relegations, spending five seasons in the Premier League. They won the Division One title in 2011 to secure the second of their Premier League adventured, which lasted for three seasons until they dropped back into Division One in 2014. Hamworthy Recreation celebrated their first season the Wessex League system last year having won the Dorset Premier League for the ninth time in 2022. They performed well in their inaugural season, ending the season in a very creditable fourth spot. This position was helped by doing the double over Downton, who themselves finished sixth. A 3-1 win for Hamworthy at Magna Road came courtesy of goals from Christopher Long (2) and John Webb. Lee-Bradley Haensel replied for The Robins. The reverse fixture at The Nest was won 2-1 by The Rec. Christopher Long scored again, this time aided by a strike from Frank Rosenwald. Oliver Davies notched for Downton.
Both sides have started the new season in sparkling form in both league and cup. At the start of play Downton sat atop the table with a 100% record after five games. Hamworthy were one place and two points adrift having won four and drawn one of their opening five, their only blip being a 3-3 draw at Cove. Neither team had been shy of scoring either, with both having scored 16 times, an average of just over 3 per game.
At the weekend bot sides came through the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase with flying colours against fellow Division One sides. Downton hammered local rivals Ringwood Town 5-0 whilst Hamworthy  also scored five as they saw off Fawley by a score of 5-1

​The Game
The initial sparring between the sides was almost immediately ended by the visitors taking the lead in the third minute. A quick break up their left flank led to the ball being squared to Ben Cooper in a central position just  inside the box. Will Betts was quick off his line, but the power of Cooper's strike squeezed under his body into the net. 0-1.
Downton tried to respond in kind and Jamie Smith fired wide in the sixth minute but it was as close as they got despite having slightly more of the ball. Neither side was giving any quarter when it came to challenges, a theme that continued throughout the game. However, where Hamworthy looked dangerous on the attack whenever they ventured forward, Downton seemed to the wherewithal to break down the Rec defence.
Tyler Rudd times a volley nicely on fourteen minutes but could only fire straight into the body of Downton stopper Will Betts. However, as we hit the halfway mark in the first period, the visitors struck again. After winning the ball back in midfield with another strong challenge that Downton thought was a foul causing them to hesitate, Christopher Long was slipped in behind the Downton defence and finished precisely, low into the right-hand corner. 0-2. 
Again Downton went for a quick response. Ollie Davies with a good rundown the left, put in a cross that was controlled by Joe Smith at the back post, only for his snapshot to sail high and wide of the mark. Just before the half hour mark a scuffed clearance from Betts almost handed a third to the visitors but the quickly returned effort was cleared off the line by a defender with the keeper out of his ground.
A Jamie Smith header that went over in the 32nd minute signalled something of a resurgence by the home side. Having been second best all over the pitch for much of the half, they suddenly looked more like a team at the top of the table, finally matching their opponents in the tackle and looking slightly more threatening on the attack. They couldn't find a goal back before the break but at least their renewed vigour hinted at better things to come in the second half.

HT Downton 0 Hamworthy Recreation 2. An impressive performance from the visitors who, for much of the half, looked stronger, quicker and more inventive than their hosts. Downton only seemed to awake from their slumbers after going two down. However, their improved showing in the final 10 minutes of the half showed that the game was not over by any means.

​Continuing from the last 10 minutes of the previous half, the second period began with The Robins looking far more up for the challenge, snapping into tackles and not giving Hamworthy the same time on the ball afforded to them earlier. Having said that, Downton still hadn't really caused any great concern to captain Matt Fredericks in the Rec goal. Added to that, only a superb goal line clearance from Tom Rafferty prevented Cooper's cross-shot from making it three just before the hour mark.
The tackles were still flying in from both sides and, as it had from early in the first period, the game always felt as if it could boil over. Thankfully, this did not happen, despite the referee letting a few dubious looking challenges go.
With just over 20 minutes left to go, Downton manufactured their best chance of the game to date when Kris Krysztofowicz was played in only to see his shot drift just wide. He was possibly offside anyway, but it was a warning to Hamworthy that Downton were not going down without a fight. The warning became reality six minutes later when Harrison Clarke was Johnny-on-the-spot to get the final touch on a bit of a scramble in the Rec goalmouth. 2-1. The goal gave Downton extra hope and they set about the task of trying to find an equaliser with renewed urgency. Joe Smith turned sharply in the box but his shot went straight at Fredericks. Callum Sweeny also stabbed an effort just wide inside the final 5 minutes. The Robins were rapidly running out of time and throwing players forward, forcing a series of corners that the visitors did well to repel. In added time Hamworthy almost wrapped things up on the break but saw their effort come back off Betts' right-hand post. Ultimately, Downton's much improved second half showing was not quite enough to break down a resilient Hamworthy defence for a second time, even with what felt like an eternal amount of added time.

FT Downton 1 Hamworthy Recreation 2. A much improved performance from the home side in the second period. However, the damage had been done by a superb first half display from Hamworthy, who then showed considerable resolve to withstand the late onslaught from The Robins. Two very good teams in my opinion. The game was played at a high pace throughout, some very strong, but in the main, fair challenges and no shortage of skill on display at both ends. A very enjoyable game for a neutral.
Both sides are back in action on Saturday. New leaders Hamworthy welcome fifth placed Millbrook to the Hamworthy Club. Last season a Frank Rosenwald hat-trick helped Rec to a 4-0 win in this fixture.
Downton, meanwhile, are back at The Nest as East Cowes Victoria make the trip across the Solent. The Robins will be looking for a repeat of last season's 4-2 to get themselves back on track after their first setback of the campaign.
​

Downton: 1.Betts, 2.Clark, 3.Mason, 4.Rafferty, 5.Osman(c), 18. Clarke. 7.Mackie, 8.Jamie Smith, 9.Joe Smith, 10. Krysztofowicz, 11.Davis. Subs: 12.Harris, 14.Hamm, 15.Howe, 16.Moseley, 17.Sweeney
Hamworthy Recreation: 1.Fredericks(c), 2.T.Cooper, 3.Wilson, 4.Cherrett, 5.McMurdo, 6.Doe, 7. Rudd, 8.B.Cooper, 9.Long, 10.Deem, 27.Rosenwald. Subs: Hill, Dacre, Gage, King, Woolley

Ground Number: 376
Att: 85
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: £2.00

My choice of game this weekend boiled down to two possibilities. Crowland Town v Netherton United in the Peterborough and District League or Belstone v Oracle Components in the Herts Senior League. In the end, I decided to go with Belstone for a couple of reasons. First of all, they had been on my list for longer and secondly, I had a planned birthday evening out to get back for and the four hour round trip to Crowland was probably pushing it, even with the early kick-off. It was also my first venture South this season after games in Cambridgeshire, Shropshire and Nottinghamshire. The journey down to Hertfordshire was through torrential rain and even hail as I approached the town of Radlett, where Belstone are based. The weather had been so bad that I was actually quite surprised to find the game still on.

​The Ground
Belstone's Medburn Ground is situated just outside the village of Radlett, One time home of the likes of George Michael, Simon Cowell, Alison Moyet and a number of Premier League players. The ground lies alongside of the most famous street names in the country, Watling Street and is accessed directly off this road. Payment is at the gate as you enter the large car park (there's also an overflow area). In the corner of the car park is the main facility block which houses the clubhouse, player and officials areas. It also has a patio area which sits slightly raised above pitch level, giving a good view of the match. The pitch is lengthways on from the car park. There's a small corrugated iron stand, called The Stand, on the right hand side as you look from the club. This is the only spectator cover apart from the lee of the clubhouse on the patio. The dugouts are situated opposite The Stand. The pitch looked in very good condition and, it should be noted that this applied to the small sided pitches, of which there were many, situated alongside the main pitch. All looked to be very well tended. Great to see a club providing good facilities for the junior teams too.

The Programme
The programme is an eight page, full colour, glossy magazine which is included in the price of admission. Sensibly handed out in the clubhouse on a day when it was about to hammer down. It contains the usual squad lists, plus notes from manager Aaron Lincoln, a club history page, honours page and a player profile. A very well produced and professional looking effort.

The Background
This season is Belstone's 12th in the top flight of the Herts Senior County League, after gaining promotion by means of a second place finish in their 2011-12 Division One campaign. Since then they have won the league twice, 2014-15 and 2021-22, as well as taking the runners-up spot on three occasions, most latterly last season. Oracle Components are only playing their second season in the top flight. They two gained promotion from a second place finish and followed that up with twelfth spot last season.
The two meetings last season were as contrasting as the league positions this term. The first game of the season at the Medburn ended in a 1-0 away with for Oracle. A Martin Waters goal being the difference. However, by the time they met again, in April, the teams were at opposite ends of the table. Belstone stormed to a 9-0 win at Allenburys Sports Ground with Joel Bell hitting four goals.
The teams were coming into this game with very contrasting 100% records. Whilst Oracle sat third from bottom after losing their first three games, Belstone were in second spot after five straight wins. They were only kept off top spot by means of a point gained by Chipperfield Corinthians in their game extra.

​The Game
Kick off at the Medburn was accompanied by a lightning display and loud claps over thunder directly overhead. The viewing public were thankful for The Stand and the cover provided by the clubhouse and patio umbrellas. Some even stood with their own umbrellas. Brave in that weather (I once saw lighting arc off a tree and hit an umbrella, throwing the person holding it a good ten feet. He was fine, I hasten to add).
The weather may have been dull but not the home side, who looked bright from the very first kick. They set about Oracle with the vigour and confidence you would expect from a team second in the league. Five minutes in  a Kaci Henry free-kick was deflected wide by a defender and, from the resulting corner, the ball had to be headed off the goal line by another Oracle defender. With less than ten on the clock it was Fawaz Babalola's turn to have a go, bringing a good save (the first of many) from Oracle keeper Colby Butler. Even at this early stage it was apparent that this was going to be a long afternoon for Oracle and a busy one for their goalkeeper. That point was further emphasised on 14 minutes when Remel Larwood's deflected effort had to be well saved by Butler, who could easily have been wrong-footed by the sudden change of ball direction.
Just past the quarter hour though, Oracle did give the home side a little reminder that they weren't going to have everything their way, winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Captain Iain Green hit the target but straight at Connor Freeman, who made a comfortable save. The visitors came even closer two minutes later when Sam Elliot got a glancing header onto a free-kick, only to see it go narrowly wide, apparently getting a slight deflection on the way. The referee's decision of corner caused some consternation with the locals but it came to nothing in the end.
After those slight scares, Belstone regained control and produced a lovely flowing move on 19 minutes which culminated in John Gyabaah's volley not having enough power to beat Butler. Two minutes later wing-back Brandon Bernhauser produced a delightful cross from the left which was met by the head of marauding right-back Harvie Gardiner. Once again Butler was equal to the challenge but the feeling of an imminent home goal was building. Bernhauser was next to be frustrated by Butler when his speculative effort took a nasty hop in front of the keeper, but he still managed to scoop it away.
However, Butler's efforts could only keep the home side out for so long and on the half-hour mark the time came. Although it took an equal piece of brilliance from a home player to finally beat him. A short corner move on the right saw the ball rolled to Kaci Henry who cut the ball onto his left foot before curling an unstoppable effort into the opposite top corner. 1-0.
Once this goal had gone in I, and many of the locals, probably thought the floodgates would open. However, despite their territorial advantage, Belstone could not muster another goal before the break.

HT Belstone 1 Oracle Components 0. The home side well on top but with only one goal in it, Oracle won't feel out of the game. Belstone will be disappointed not to further ahead but that is mainly down to the visitor's keeper.

​It took less than a minute for Oracle's busy keeper to be called back into action, saving well from Bernhauser low shot. Two minutes later, however, the visitors conceded a penalty when Nabil Seodi went down in the box. The referee didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot but the assistant, who was on the same side as the incident, shook his head and didn't signal. The Oracle players were quick to point this out. However, after a consultation between the two officials, the penalty stood. Kaci Henry took it, lashing the ball home for his second of the afternoon. 2-0
We then had quite a delay after a clash of heads between Gardiner and Oracle's Paul Stevens. It was Stevens who came off the worse for wear, eventually getting to his feet but having to be substituted. 
On 71 minutes Oracle suddenly sprang to life, forcing their first corner of the second half and giving the home defence something to think about. Although the corner was cleared, Oracle bounced straight back with a ball into the box which Daniel Westall threw himself at with a diving header. The effort was countered by a full stretch save from Belstone's Connor Freeman. Good signs from Oracle though. Maybe they could find a way back?
Butler was pleased to see a header from a Belstone substitute go narrowly over his bar but, with the game now a little more stretched, Oracle went back up the other end and gave Freeman another test. Once again it was Westall with the strike which the keeper had to get down well to save. Oracle had suddenly mustered more shots on target in 5 minutes than they had managed in the previous 75.
Belstone weren't finished though, and neither was Butler. At the death the stopper was again at his best, pushing a goal bound Henry effort onto the post, denying the Belstone player a hat-trick. However, three minutes into injury time, some pinball in the box ended with the ball dropping to Paul Marks inside the 6 yard box and this time Butler could do nothing to prevent the goal. 3-0
After going three down and being well beaten Oracle did, however, almost have the last say when captain Iain Green unleashed a dipping drive that Freeman did really well to get a fingertip to, diverting it against the bar and away form danger.

FT Belstone 3 Oracle Components 0. A comfortable three points on an afternoon when Belstone never looked like getting anything less than a victory. In fact, without the numerous interventions from the visitor's keeper Colby Butler, it could easily have been a much higher margin of victory. You can't fault Oracle's application but they were chasing shadows for much of the game. Despite the win, Belstone remain second after Chipperfield Corinthians also maintained their unbeaten start. However, Belstone are only a point behind with a game in hand. Oracle remain in the drop zone but are only three points adrift with games in hand on all above them.
Next up for Belstone is the visit of mid-table Everett Rovers. Oracle, meanwhile, face a trip to fifth placed London Lions Development.
Check out the @belstonefcfirst Twitter feed for some excellent match action photos from @RussEvans18.

Oh, as an aside. Crowland 4 Netherton3. Home side came from 3-0 down. 3 red cards, 6 yellows and 3 sin bins. Glad I didn't go. that would have been a nightmare to write up :-)

Belstone: 1.Freeman, 3.Gardiner, 24.Akinbulumo(c), 5.Wilson-Braithwaite, 11.Bernhauser, 4.Marks, 16.Gyabaah, 7.Henry, 18.Larwood, 19. Babalola, 25.Seodi. Subs: 17.Asante, 27.Costin,
Oracle Components: 1.Butler, 3.Harvey, 5.Elliot, 6.Hattersley, 8.Stevens, 11.Westall, 14.Reynolds, 15.Goldthorpe, 16.Clemo, 17.Green(c), 22.Williams. Subs: 2.Cowe, 4.Aldrich, 10.Conner, 12. A.Green, 25.Edwards

Ground Number: 375
Att: 
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: Included in admission

Last season BotP ran a weekly review and preview blog for the the Southern Region Division 1 North. This season this has been expanded to all three divisions in the league. The aim will be to preview each game with times and addresses with a view to making it as easy as possible for potential spectators to get involved. After week one there will also be a review of previous results including links to any reports, photographs or videos. The overall aim is to provide a one-stop shop for everything Southern Regional.
This being Edition 1 there are no results to feature. I've tried to ensure that the information is correct (hence the delay until the fixtures were on Full-Time). However, please let me know if there are errors and I will be happy to correct. This is very much a work in progress and all input will be welcomed.

Premier Division

Abingdon Town P-P Woodley United
Unfortunately Woodley will have to wait an extra week for their return to the Premier League after Abingdon sadly announced their withdrawal from the league.
Best wishes to everyone involved with the club and let's hope that they can reform and return to action next season. 

Ascot United v Wycombe Wanderers
Ascot pushed Abingdon United for the majority of last season but eventually had to settle for second. They'll be keen to make a good start to this campaign, in which they'll start as many people's favourites. Wycombe finished second from bottom but showed that they could compete against the best in the division. BotP saw their game at home to the eventual champions last December and, although they lost the game, they put up a spirited fight. This will be closer than last season's league positions suggest. Wanderers got a point at the Racecourse last season, Naomi Tilley squaring it up after an early Dominque Carrington goal. A Nicole Brown double helped Ascot to a 5-1 at Burnham in the reverse fixture.
Venue: Ascot United Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Badshot Lea v Winchester City Flyers
After a second consecutive promotion, Badshot Lea find themselves propelled from the Thames Valley League into the heights of the Southern Region Premier. Winchester propped up the Premier Division and Badshot Lea took the Division 1 South title, their second in a row, after a fascinating tussle with AFC Stoneham. This could be an interesting pointer to the coming season for both teams. Flyers have experience on their side as they start their eighth consecutive season in the Premier League. However, Badshot Lea have not lost a league game for almost a year.
Venue: Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Bournemouth Sports v Warminster Town
Sports finished third last season and looked good for that position. They had a very good FA Cup run, featuring some big results, until they eventually came unstuck at National League side Cardiff City, who went on to take the Division One South West title. Warminster's mid-table finish in the South-West Regional Premier League was largely due to their lack of goals as they ended with the lowest goals for in the division. Although probably not much of a pointer for this game, Warminster did lose twice to eventual champions Torquay United, who were one of the teams that Sports put out of the FA Cup.
Venue: Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate, BH23 6BL.

Eastleigh v Oxford City
Two sides who are very familiar with each other, entering the their third season in the same division. There was not much to choose between these teams last season, finishing 5th and 6th respectively. Last season Oxford took an early season three points at Eastleigh, winning 3-2. However, Eastleigh gained revenge back at Court Farm, winning 3-1 with goals from Chelsea Bates and two from Lani Dickinson.
Venue: The Silverlake Stadium, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HT

Division One North

Abingdon Utd Dev. v Wycombe Wanderers U23.
Two new teams to the division. Wycombe's Dev team came up after finishing second the Thames Valley Division 2 table. It's a big leap into the South Region League structure, but as Kidlington showed, it is certainly possible to hold your own. Abingdon's Dev. team has been reformed for this season after not playing last term (as far as I can see).
Venue: Abingdon United Women U23.

Beaconsfield v Penn & Tylers Green
A local derby to start the season. Newly promoted Beaconsfield face a stiff challenge against a Penn side who started last season very strongly but couldn't quite match up to the staying power of Milton and champions Woodley. It took until November for Penn to lose a league game last season. They'll be looking for a similar run this term. Beaconsfield were second top scorers on their way to third spot in the Thames Valley Division 2 table, but they did concede more than anyone in the top half of the table.
Venue: Beaconsfied Town Women's 1st Team

Caversham United v Milton United
Milton kept Woodley honest until towards the end of last season, playing some excellent football along the way. The Goats never managed to put together any real consistency and face a tough challenge in their opening game. Having said that, Caversham were the first team to take a point off Milton last season, a Freya Jenkins brace earning them a pint at The Heights. Milton gained some revenge with a 4-1 win at Mapeldurham in November. Zoe Barnes hitting two that day.
Venue: Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, RG4 7LD

Chesham United Res. v Long Crendon
Chesham are making the biggest leap of any team, coming in from Division 3 of the Thames Valley League. They only missed out on the title by a point after a great run in where they won their last seven league games. Their first task is to take on last season's draw specialists, Long Crendon. The Greens finished in mid-table but only lost three games all season. If they can turn a few of those draws into three-pointers, they could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Venue: Chesham United LFC Dev.

Kidlington v Eversley & California
Familiar foes who were closely matched last season. Both league games ended in home wins. Eversley won 3-1 at Fox Lane, a game that I had the pleasure to witness. Mia Caulcrick scored and absolute scorcher to put the Boars 2-0 and a late Courtney Sumner goal couldn't quite spark a Greens comeback. The reverse fixture at Exeter Close was the final game of the season. Courtney Sumner scored again as Kidlington ran out 3-0 winners.
Venue: Exeter Park, Crown Road, OX5 1AB

Division One South

Selsey Dev. v Abbey Rangers
These two finished bottom and fifth respectively last season. Interestingly, Selsey only managed to win twice in the last campaign and both came against this opposition, 2-0 on the opening day and 3-1 at Addlestone Moor. Georgina Starkey score three of the five that Selsey notched against Abbey over the two games.
Venue: The High Street Ground, The High Street, Chichester PO20 0QG

AFC Portchester v Woking
The Cards finished in fourth last season and managed some notable results including a draw at Champions Badshot Lea, and a 3-2 defeat of second placed AFC Stoneham. Portchy were crowned Hampshire County Champions after beating second placed Bournemouth Sports Res. 1-0 in May, earning their place in the Southern Region League.
Venue: AFC Portchester Women's

Stoneham v Rushmoor
Two more sides who competed in this Division last season. Stoneham battled it out at the top with Badshot Lea throughout the entire campaign, narrowly missing out after going down 4-1 to The Baggies in their final league game. Rushmoor finished second from bottom in what was a crowded table, with just 3 points separating them from third-placed Chichester City. Rushmoor also had some good results drawing with Badshot Lea and defeating Stoneham in the Cup.
Venue: Stoneham Lane Football Complex, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bournemouth Sports Dev. v Havant & Waterlooville
Bournemouth Sports came up from the Hampshire County League Division 1, finishing as runners-up to AFC Portchester after that last game defeat to their rivals. Havant & Waterlooville are making a big leap, from Hampshire League Division 3. However, they won their league comfortably, were unbeaten and finished the season with a goal difference record of 103 scored, 7 conceded.
Venue: Bournemouth Sports Ladies Reserves

Fleet Town v Eastleigh Res.
Two more teams who have progressed from the Hampshire County League, finishing sixth and third in Division 1 respectively. Eastleigh held sway as far as their two encounters went last term, scoring four times on both occasions. A Danielle O'Leary hat-trick helped the Spitfires to a 4-3 at Fleet in October whilst an Ella Wilson brace contributed to their 4-1 home win back at home. 
Venue: Fleet Town Women

Enjoy the games everyone. Look out for Edition 2 which will feature results and links to any media coverage that I can find. If you are a club match report writer, blogger or photographer, please copy @BasePyramid into your posts to ensure links to your content appears in the next 'zine. We won't post extracts, only links, so that full credit is given to the content creator. If you don't follow @BasePyramid, please do.

Finally should this weekly 'zine have a snappy title? I must admit, I've drawn a blank so far but if anyone has an idea, feel free to mention it.

It's that time of year when I try to get to as many Step 7 or below midweek games as I can because, later in the season the absence of floodlights at most of the grounds means they are few and far between. This midweek I had another Peterborough & District game in my sights.
Oundle is one of those places that I have passed as a signpost on my way to or from somewhere, but never actually visited. Time to put that right this midweek especially as the local team, Oundle Town, sitting third in the league and unbeaten, were scheduled to play league leaders Wittering Premiair, also unbeaten this season. Something had to give (unless it was a draw of course) and I wanted to be there to see it.

The Ground
Oundle Town's ground, which has been their home for 70 years, is officially listed as Station Road. This is the A427, the main drag into town and a reference to the Grade II former station (most trains through Oundle were stopped after the Beeching Report in 1963). However, the ground entrance is actually wedged in the angle between North Street and East Street. The car park outside the clubhouse is quite small but there is plenty of extra parking on the gras alongside the main pitch. This is a one-way system, in through the clubhouse entrance and out via the service road that runs alongside the local brewery. As well as the 11-11 pitch, there are numerous small-sided pitches in the large amount of space between the club and the brewery. The clubhouse is in the corner of the ground and features a patio area with a good view down the ground. The pitch is mostly fenced off by a white single bar structure. There's no spectator cover at Station Road, although on a lovely summer evening such as this Tuesday, it certainly wasn't required. There are no floodlights, although there are a couple of small lights that presumably are used during training sessions. The dugouts are opposite the grass parking area on the Waitrose side of the ground. The pitch slopes slightly from the clubhouse towards the brewery but did appear to be in good condition.

​The Background
As stated above, one of the attractions of this game was the fact that both sides had been in good early season form and were both unbeaten after three games. Oundle Town sat in third before kick-off having won two and drawn one. Wittering led the way. They had the same record as Oundle but topped the table on goal difference thanks in no small way to an opening day 5-1 victory at Tydd. Although the season is still in the early stages, Oundle had a 100% home record and Wittering a 100% away record at the start of the evening, so something had to give.
Oundle have been around the Peterborough and District League for many years. They last won the Premier League in the 1997-98 season (their only Premier title, although they have been runners-up twice), but 10 years ago found themselves down in Division Two. They climbed back into Division One for the 2014-15 season. Meanwhile, Wittering Premiar only came into being in 2020 as an amalgamation between Wittering and Premiar FC. In the aborted 2020-21 season Wittering and Oundle found themselves occupying first and second spot in the Division One table. Even though only a fraction of the league games were played, both sides earned promotion to the Premier League. In that first season in the top flight Wittering consolidated their position, finishing in tenth spot. Oundle, however, really pushed on and took third place. On the pitch Wittering won an early season home encounter 3-0 with an Andrew Moss hat-trick. The reverse fixture, in April, ended as a 5-2 victory for Oundle and Luke Smith seeing red for Premiair. Last season neither side managed to attain the same level in the table. Oundle fell to 11th, Wittering to 13th. The sides drew 0-0 at Wittering but, once again, it was Premiar who came out on top at Station Road, winning 2-1. Clearly Station Road is a happy hunting ground for Premiair.

​The Game
Oundle started very positively and had the ball in the net as early as the second minute when Steve Mastin ran onto a flicked-on ball and lashed past Ward only to see the assistant’s flag go up much to the displeasure of the locals. It was a tight one that from my angle was inconclusive. The home side continued to look the more dangerous. Mastin's running and strength on the ball were causing problems for the Wittering defence and the visitors themselves were struggling to get any king of momentum going. Their best hope looked to be the combination of Liam Hatfield and Andrew Moss, who seemed to have a good understanding and it was these two who manufactured Wittering's first real opportunity on 17 minutes. Hatfield, on the right, slipped a ball down the side of the defender for Moss to run onto but the striker could only hit the side-netting from a tight angle. That was a warning for Oundle but the home team continued to have more of the ball than their opponents. What they appeared to be lacking was that final, killer pass.
On 26 minutes Wittering once again issued a warning to their hosts. A cross from the left this time found Moss unmarked in the centre and his header flew narrowly wide of Crick's left-hand post when he maybe should have hit the target. A few minutes later a low Wittering cross from the right was deflected out for a corner amidst big shouts from the visitors for handball. Nothing doing from the referee. 
Oundle's response was to take the lead with 10 minutes to go until half-time. A cross from the right was met on the volley by Dan Bonser, arriving just at the right time in the penalty area. Ward with no chance. 1-0.
Oundle looked good value for their lead at this point. However, three minutes after taking the lead, they shot themselves in the foot, not once, but twice in the space of a minute. With seven minutes remaining in the half, Wittering full-back Tom Smith launched a hopeful long ball down the middle. There did not appear to be a danger as Josh Crick came off his line to collect. However, central defender Elliott Rowe had clearly not heard the call and tried to divert the ball back to his keeper, bypassing him completely and seeing the ball roll into an empty net. Calamitous for the home team. 1-1. Then, within seconds of the restart, and with yours truly still trying to Tweet the equaliser, Wittering turned the game around and took the lead when Spencer Haskins suddenly found the ball at his feet in the penalty area with no goalkeeper between him and the open goal (I'll be honest, I have no idea how the ball got to him because I was still typing up the first goal. That's how quickly it happened). 1-2.
Two goals in under a minute and suddenly the momentum of the game had swung in favour of the visitors.
A minute from the break Oundle did come close to getting back on level terms with what looked to be an innovative corner routine. Instead of the normal lofted cross, the ball was drilled, low across the area, inside the six-yard box. Unfortunately for the home team, no-one could quite get a touch on the ball and Wittering were eventually able to scramble the ball clear, preserving their lead for the break.

HT Oundle Town 1 Wittering Premiair 2. A minute of madness completely changed the complexion of this game. Until the 38th minute, Oundle were a goal up and deservedly so. Before the 40th minute clicked over they found themselves 2-1 down and suddenly on the back foot. 

​Neither team retired to the changing rooms at the break, preferring to stay out on the pitch making the most of the fine Summer's evening.
When the game restarted it was the visitors, clearly still buoyed from their late first-half turnaround, who were out of the traps the fastest. Haskins, who stuck their second goal, waltzed into the box before striking a low effort that beat Crick only for Elliott Rowe to get back well to clear. A bit of heart in the mouth time for the defender who could easily have deflected the ball into his own goal for a second OG of the game. Five minutes later, however, there was nothing the home defence could do as a Wittering attack up the right led to the ball falling into the path of Ben Roberts on the right-hand edge of the box. He took a touch before rifling low past Crick into the far corner. 1-3.
At this stage in the game Wittering were cutting holes into the home defence with pretty much every attack and they looked capable of scoring every time they crossed the halfway line. Captain Crick and his defence needed to get a grip on things as quickly as possible before the game completely slipped away from them. To be fair to Oundle, that is exactly what they did. Little by little they stemmed the flow of Wittering attacks and began to get a little more of the ball for themselves. Just past the hour, Jay Ward in the visitor's goal had to be at his best to keep out a close-range Toby Vincent effort. Maybe Wittering had taken their foot off the pedal a little but, whatever the case, the ball was spending more time in the Premiair half now, compared to earlier in the half.
With sixteen minutes remaining it was game on again. Jamie Wade, freshly introduced, cut in from the left, looking as if he was going to curl an effort towards the far post. Instead, he fired the ball low into the near post, wrong-footing Ward and pulling a goal back. 2-3.
Eight minutes later the same Oundle player took responsibility for a free-kick some 25 yards out. His dipping effort had Ward panicking as the ball flew just over his bar. So close to an equaliser, a few inches lower and Ward was not getting there. The ramifications of that were brought home there minutes later when Wittering went up the other end and effectively sealed the win. A cross from the left, toward the near post, was allowed to bounce over his head by Andrew Moss. It looked as if the chance was gone but the striker swivelled and drove a low shot past Crick to make it 2-4.
There was no way back from that for Oundle, even with a few extra minutes of added time.

FT Oundle Town 2 Wittering Premiair 4. Wittering's perfect run of results at Station Road continues as they stay top of the table. The first half minute of madness was the turning point of the game. Up to that point Oundle were a goal up and looking the better of the two sides. The quick changed in focus of the game gave the visitors a massive boost. Oundle seemed to recover midway through the second half and were pushing for an equaliser when Wittering grabbed their fourth, effectively killing the game off. 
Both teams are at home this coming Saturday. Oundle look to bounce back as they take on newly promoted  Whittlesey Athletic Reserves, who BotP saw win at Sawtry last season (One Team, Three Cups).
Wittering welcome Deeping Rangers Reserves. Last season both games ended in away wins. Wittering won 2-1 at Deeping after, earlier in the season, Rangers had won 3-2 at Easton on the Hill.

Oundle Town: 1.Crick(c), 2.McLoughlin, 3.Yarland, 4.Mastin, 5.Rowe, 6.Willimont, 7.Hipwell, 8.Bonser, 9.Vincent, 10.Szymanski, 11.Richardson. Subs: 12.Gordan, 14. Lockley, 16.Wade, 17.Dexter, 18.Thorpe
Wittering Premiair: 1.Ward, 4.Smith, 5.Benton, 14.De Lucis, 6.Hatfield, 11.Whittington, 9.Moss, 7.Tippett(c), 10.Haskins, 3.Roberts, 8.Bloodworth. Subs: 2.Senth, 16.Zimbango, 15.Cayley, 13.Young, 17.Alban

Ground Number: 374
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​After the disappointment of seeing England Women lose out to Spain in the World Cup Final there was only one type of therapy required. Another women's football match. Not a problem. With a slightly delayed start, I still had plenty of time to make the trip down the A420 to watch Swindon Town Ladies take on last year's Sothern Region League Champions, Abingdon United, in the National League Division One South-West opener.
This would be my first chance to see Swindon play and my first visit to their ground, Foundation Park in the shadows of the Arkell's Stand at The County Ground. I have, however, seen Abingdon play a couple of times, both last season. The first was a very chilly day in December when United won 2-0 after being pushed very hard by Wycombe Wanderers (Two Will Do For The Yellow & Blue). The second time was in January when they were really starting to push for the league title and saw off Bournemouth Sport 5-0 (Abingdon Turn Up The Heat)

​The Ground
Swindon Women play at Foundation Park, home of Swindon Town Community Foundation. The ground is directly behind Swindon Town's County Ground stadium, literally in the shadow of the main stand. I never knew there was so much going on around the County Ground. I've been there a few times but wasn't aware of the complex behind the stadium. Foundation Park is a new facility but there is also a cricket ground as well as an athletics track. The new football 3G pitch and the the community hub building are sandwiched between the athletics track and the County Ground. Entrance is through a gate in front of the main building. A path takes you past the athletics track and into a patio area between the café and the football stadium. Spectator access is limited to one side of the ground but there is plenty of covered seating all down that side of the playing surface. Four identical small stands separated by standing areas are equally spaced out alongside the touchline. The dugouts are on the opposite side. I'm not usually a big fan of the new 3G facilities. Although I completely understand the need for them and the reasons behind them, I generally find them soulless and way too sanitised. However, Foundation Park has certainly given me a fresh perspective on what can be done with these new facilities. Of course, as a recent build it is very clean and well maintained. Having the County Ground looming over the pitch gives it a little character and the four small stands are wonderful. Yes, it's a new ground and a plastic pitch. It doesn't have that 'lived in' feel that some of the older grounds have and, as anew ground, it doesn't have that air of history. However, it is clearly a ground designed to watch football not just to play it. Spectators have been catered for and, judging by the number there, the locals like the stadium. Well worth a visit in my opinion.

​The Programme
I was very surprised to find a programme being sold on the gate at this game. It's a small affair but high quality full colour 4-page design. There's a full page of Manager notes from Mike Cook, the Swindon manager, a Swindon squad list and, on the back page, the two squad lists for today. Like I say, it's not very big but it is printed to a high standard.
​

​The Background
Swindon Town are stalwarts of the National League system now. They were founder members of Division One South West in 2014, finishing third and then, the following season, taking the division title. The step up was difficult and Town finished second from bottom in the Southern Premier League but stayed up, only to end rock bottom the following season, returning to the South West Division for the 2018-19 season. The next two seasons were written off and, after Covid, Town ended in seventh spot and then improved that by one place last season.
Abingdon took last season's Southern Region Premier title by four points from Ascot United. This came on the back of a runners-up spot the previous season. They came up through the Thames Valley Premier League, winning Division 1 in the 2017-18 season 11 points from Woodstock. There are no previous league meetings between these sides, as this is Abingdon's first venture into the National League. What a way to start, with a local derby!

​The Game
Both sides were very much changed from the teams that finished the final league games of last season. Swindon were only fielding three players from that last game against Exeter, Georgina Hunt, goalkeeper Emily McGrogan and top scorer Annabelle Colston, who notched 25 in 28 games last year. Whilst Abingdon had seven players in the matchday squad who featured in their last league match against Ascot, they too had made significant signings in the Summer. Four had come in from Oxford United, Erin Hartigan, Billie French, Alex Ashley and Libby Gilmore, whilst they also had Grace Eagles, signed from Larkhall Athletic, in the starting line-up.
It was the hosts who settled first, pushing Abingdon back and hunting in packs to get the ball back when they lost it. They started to turn the screw early on and only a very good fifth minute save from Hannah Cox (the first of many) prevented Meg Jarvis from opening the scoring. Cox was back in the thick of the action four minutes later making another fine save only to see Annie Colston pounce on the loose ball to put Swindon ahead. 1-0.
It was clearly going to be a busy day for Cox as Swindon continued to exert pressure on the Abingdon defence. Grace Purnell stung the hands of Cox with a free-kick and Billie Haynes tried an audacious effort from out on the right that just went above Cox and the crossbar.
Just past the halfway mark of the first period Swindon were awarded a penalty when Charlotte Deeley handled in the box. Unfortunate for the defender but no real complaints. Colston stepped up to make it two for her and her team 2-0.
Abingdon's response to going two down was to launch their best attack of the day so far. Great work from Amy Chivers in midfield. She fed Erin Hartigan but the debutant was denied a first goal by a good save from Emily McGrogan. The action switched back to the other end and Cox was again called into action, doing well to block Diaz-Butcher's effort only for it to break to Colston again. The striker's effort was deflected but fell perfectly for Diaz-Butcher to slam home. 3-0
To their credit, even at three down, Abingdon's heads did not drop. They had been pinned back for the majority of the half, but were still in there fighting and, on 39 minutes, they got their just reward. Erin Hartigan did exceptionally well to force her way through a challenge and then stab the ball past McGrogan. 3-1.
Abingdon were buoyed by the goal and you could see the confidence growing in them. They were, however, very grateful to the bravery of Sahar Osborne-Ricketts just before the break when the defender threw herself in front of a goal bound shot to prevent Jarvis from making it four for Town.

HT Swindon Town 3 Abingdon United 1. Swindon took control of the game for the opening 30 minutes but Abingdon started to get back into it and grabbed a goal back late on which visibly improved their confidence. Game on?

​Swindon were first to press in the second period, the ever dangerous Colston once again getting a shot off but seeing it deflected wide for a corner. However, the dominance of the first half was gone. Abingdon were well up for the fight now and, despite Cox having to make a couple more very good save, the game was much more of a contest in the second half. McGrogan was happy to see May's shot take a deflection, removing all of the power from the strike just before the hour as the visitors began to make more inroads into the Swindon half.
However, Abingdon were once again indebted to their goalkeeper on 70 minutes when she somehow kept out a point blank effort from Haynes. Then with ten minutes to go and the game seemingly winding down to a 3-1 home win, it sprang to life again. Abingdon went close again when McGrogan did well to get to a shot from French but couldn't hold it. The ever-willing runner Erin Hartigan was on hand but couldn't get enough on the ball to force it past the keeper. Three minutes later the home side were reduced to ten when substitute Holly Randall clattered Grace Eagles and received a straight red for the challenge. 
Any hopes that Abingdon may have had about using the numbers to their advantage were doubly scuppered just two minutes later. Osborne-Ricketts lunged into a challenge on the edge of the box and was given a second yellow, evening the numbers up. To make matters worse for Abingdon, from the resulting free-kick Taylor MacDonald produced a moment of magic, curling in the perfect free-kick. Top corner. Even the brilliance of Hannah Cox couldn't keep that one out. 4-1.
United were beaten but it was quite fitting and a tribute to their fighting spirit that they had the last say of the game when Grace Eagles grabbed herself a debut goal to make it 4-2.

FT Swindon Town 4 Abingdon United 2. A thoroughly entertaining game to watch. Swindon took control early on and could have run away with it. Abingdon looked dead and buried after an excellent first-half performance from Swindon. That was probably enough to win them the game, but Abingdon fought tooth and nail in the second period. Hannah Cox produced a masterful dimply between the sticks. Massive credit to Swindon for managing to get four past her. At the other end, Erin Hartigan ran herself into the ground for the entire game. She must be a nightmare for defenders.
Next up for both teams it's the FA Cup. Swindon head over to London to take on  Division 1 South-East side Actonians. Meanwhile, Abingdon have another local derby as they make the short journey to Premier League outfit Oxford United, home from home for a number of the new squad.

Swindon Town: 1.McGrogan, 22.Beck-Esson, 35.Clifford(c), 27.Hull, 21.Purnell, 11.Diaz-Butcher, 16.Strappel, 8.MacDonald, 26.Haynes, 9.Colston, 7.Jarvis. Subs: 25.Hunt, 5.Randall, 6.Greensalde, 10.Evans, 14.Mugford
Abingdon United: 1.Cox, 5.Osborne-Ricketts, 2.Deeley, 23.Carrick, 20.Eagles, 13.Chivers, 8.Boxall(c), 19.Ashlet, 18.French, 10.May, 12. Hartigan. Subs: 21.Kirby, 15.Gilmore, 9.McCabe, 22.Durham, 24.Bowden

Ground Number: 373
Att: 158
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: £1.00

​Following on from my enjoyable evening at the Ludlow Stadium ten days ago (Ludlow Look To The Evans), I decided to once again venture into the Salop Leisure League this weekend. I've long had a bit of a soft spot for Shropshire. Possibly going back to my days working for the Express & Star and the times that I spent on secondment to our sister paper the Shropshire Star. A number of possibilities presented themselves but, eventually I decided upon league leaders Morda United, with a 100% record after three games, taking on Drayton Town, who had won one, drawn one and lost one so far.
So, after dropping my dog off at my Mum's, I set off for the village of Morda, just to the South of Oswestry. This was a new ground and two new teams for me, although I have seen Drayton's first team play previously, a 2-0 victory at Bridgnorth just over a year ago (Early Strikes Raise Market Value).

The Ground
Morda play at Weston Pools Park on the Eastern edge of the village of Morda, just South of Oswestry. The ground is accessed via service road off Weston Road, whcih runs along the length of the pitch. There's a fair sized car park, on the grass between the stand and the changing rooms, and some parking available on the service road, behind one of the goals and in front of the children's play area. The dugouts are sandwiched between the pitch and Weston Road. Directly opposite the dugouts is the main stand, straddling the halfway line. This is quite a large blue structure with a green corrugated roof featuring large wooden steps that can be used for seating. It very much reminded me, in shape, of the spectator stand that you used to be able to get for Subbuteo sets. A sign in club colours on the roof announces this as Weston Pools Park. 

​In fact, there are club signs in various places around the ground including on the snack bar alongside on the bank above the ground, and at the entrance on Weston Road. The pitch maybe has a slight slope from the car park end towards the Weston Pools end, but it is barely noticeable. The playing surface looked to be in pretty good condition, although the ball did seem to get held up on it a little, so maybe it was a bit sticky after recent weather? Tucked in alongside the main road, this ground has a certain character to it. I couldn't quite put my finger on the attraction, but it felt like a proper community football ground. ​

​The Background
Morda has had a football team on and off since the late 19th century. Their biggest honour to date was when they won the Mid Wales League in 1991. However, that team folded to be reformed adn join the Shropshire COunty League in 2020.
Morda had begun the season in fine fashion, winning their first three games. However, following Dawley Town's Friday night victory over Shrewsbury Up & Comers, they went into this game in second place, albeit on goal difference. Drayton Town, a new team for this season, had begun with one of each result, a draw, a defeat and, most recently, a victory after beating Ellesmere Rangers 2-1 in midweek.
​

​The Game
One of the downsides to blogging about games further down the pyramid is that it is sometimes difficult to get team information before or even after the game. I'm not one for pestering coaches or referees in the lead up to kick-off, as a former coach myself I know that there are much more important things to do than pander to the needs of annoying blogger. Often you can spot a club official wandering around with the forms, usually in the bar area. However, if you are at a club with no bar, this becomes more difficult. Today was one of those occasions. It's also possible to do a bit of detective work during the game and, of course, goal scorers will also usually be in Full-Time by the time I come to write the blog up. Other players are not so easy to match names to shirt numbers. Obviously, if I do get any more information, I will update the blog accordingly.

As you would expect of a team with a 100% record, Morda started the game in confident style. Following a few minutes of sparring, they began to put their foot on the pedal and take some form of control over the game. As early as six minutes in, new signing Karl Bailey (one of the names I did manage to get), hit a low drive that was wide of the mark. A few minutes later Morda's number 7 lost the ball on the edge of the Drayton box but, showing the kind of tenacity that was to typify Morda's first half display, got up to win it back before driving forward and shooting over the top. If Drayton hadn't already worked it out, this was notice that they were not going to get much time on the ball. 
The game had a good tempo to it and whilst Morda were on top in terms of possession and looked physically stronger (I lost count of the number of times Drayton players were fairly shrugged off the ball), the visitors were by no means only here to make up the numbers. When they did get on the ball, they showed they had some guile on the break, especially down their right side.
Halfway through the first period the home right-back took a free-kick from a central point just inside the Drayton half. He lofted the ball towards the penalty area but, after being caught by the wind, the ball sailed over everyone, including the visitor's keeper Owen Skelton, before clipping the top of the bar and going out for a goal kick. A few minute later Morda again demonstrated that they were more than happy to have a go from anywhere when their number 4 rifled one goalward from way out. It didn't trouble the keeper but it was a warning that Drayton could not afford to back off. Then on the half hour mark a long throw from the left caused havoc in the Drayton six-yard box before being hacked clear. The home side were getting closer.
Sure enough, a minute later, Morda took the lead from a through ball that was chased down by debutant Karl Bailey. He beat Skelton to the ball, rode his challenge (which probably saved the keeper from a red card) and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net. 1-0. A great way to announce yourself at your new club.
Despite the fact that the major incidents in the game had all come in the Drayton end, it was not a completely one-sided game. Drayton had showed on a number of occasions that they were lively on the break. However, they did not have the physical presence up front to counteract the strength of Morda defensive line, and lacked the quality of final ball to make a big impact.

HT Morda United 1 Drayton Town 0. Morda happy to be in front but that happiness was no doubt tempered with some disappointment that they are only one goal ahead. That can only give some hope to Drayton, who  spent a large proportion of the first period on the defensive.

​Drayton began the second half with a much more positive attitude, immediately getting on to the front foot and were the first team to muster a shot after just a minute. In fact they looked like a changed team, managing three strikes at goal before Morda had even managed to get going. However, they home side did eventually shake off the half-time lethargy to some extent and were unlucky not to extend their lead when Josh Bowen saw his goal bound effort cleared off the line by a Drayton defender. Dep[site that attempt Morda still weren't camping in the Drayton half as they did in the first period and it was after the hour mark before they had another chance. this time Bailey almost turned provider sliding a tempting ball across the face of the goal, but home substitute Number 15 couldn't quite get a touch on it.
Drayton had made a tactical change by this time. Their right-back (Number 2) who had caused a few problems with his running in the first half, was pushed further forward and it almost paid dividends in the 72nd minute when he weaved his way towards the home penalty area before seeing his deflected shot well saved by the Morda keeper. Morda responded with a shot of their own, Number 10 on target but couldn't beat the keeper. Attempts were few and far between compared to the first period and it was the visitors who were beginning to look the more likely to score. On 82 minutes Town's number 4 got his head to a free-kick played into the box but once again the home keeper was equals to the effort. Then a minute later, Drayton shot themselves in the foot. I glanced down at my phone with the ball in midfield only to look back up as handbags were being drawn on the pitch. I'm not too sure what had happened but it was obviously not good challenge from Drayton's number 6, which had seriously incensed the home players and bench. Whatever the crime, Numebr 6 knew what was coming and was already making his way towards the bench when the referee produced the red card. Terrible timing for the visitors, who had really started to look as if they may grab an equaliser.
Going down to 10 players certainly took some wind out of their sails. They continued to try to push for a goal but it was now a lost cause.

FT Morda United 1 Drayton Town 0. A very hard fought three points for Morda who maintain their 100% start to the season and go back to the top of the table. However, Drayton pushed them al lth way, especially in the second half when the visitors were arguably the better team.
Should you want to catch either of these teams in action in the coming days, Morda are back at Weston Pools Park on Wednesday evening as they welcome fourth placed Gobowen Celtic. Before that, however, Drayton are back at home on Tuesday as they take on Newport Town, who were beaten 11-0 at home by Church Stretton on Saturday. Then on Saturday Morda make the trip to Wrockwardine Wood Juniors whilst Drayton travel to Wellington as they visit AMS FC.
Local professional photographer Andrew Donnison (@F28online) was also at the game to capture some great shots which you can view by clicking on his name.

Morda United (alphabetical): Bailey, Bowen, Brayne, Gale, Harris, Hall, Hughes, O'Reilly, Richards, Wood, Oliver. Subs: Clarke, Evans, Hayward, Pritchard, Webb
Drayton Town AFC: 1.Skelton, 2. ?, 3.Asterley, 4.Heath, 5.Claydon, 6.?, 7.Downward, 8.?, 9.Cooper, 10.Brown, 16.Hislop

Ground Number: 372
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​Following on from last season's very enjoyable venture into the Peterborough and District League at Sawtry (One Team, Three Cups), I made the decision to check out some more games from the same league. This midweek one game in particular caught my eye. A local derby between Warboys Town and Ramsey Town, clubs separated by just over 4 miles of Cambridgeshire countryside, that has been a fixture for the best part of 140 years. Ramsey Town were founded in 1880 and Warboys Town five years later. Being so close geographically, it is safe to say that they came up against each other fairly early on in their existence. For me, this is what football is all about. Two clubs representing their local communities and battling it out for local bragging rights. Well worth a three hour round trip.

​The Ground
Warboys Town have played at the Sports Field on Forge Way since their inception 138 years ago. The ground is on the Southern edge of the village and is part of a sports facility that is also home to the local cricket club. These days there are housing developments surrounding three sides of the sports field but I assume when Warboys first played here this was not the case.
Acces from Forge Way brings you into a parking area adjacent to the clubhouse, on your left. The cricket ground and small pavilion is immediately to your right, the football pitch directly in front, with aa walkway leading from the clubhouse to the pitch. Straddling the halfway line on the left-hand side of the pitch is the main stand which features covered standing for spectators, with a raised area in the centre which gives a view over the dugouts, one either side of the halfway line. The opposite side of the pitch is only marked by a respect barrier as it encroaches onto the cricket ground. The pitch looked to be very flat and in excellent condition.

​The Background
Both sides have played in higher leagues in the past. Warboys have spent time in the United Counties structure and in the Eastern Counties League, where they achieved Premier League status for five seasons in the early part of this century. Ramsey also played in the United Counties League, winning the Division One title in 1989. However, in more recent times whilst in the Peterborough & District League, both sides have had quite a turbulent history which has included promotions, relegations and teams folding. Oddly, considering their closeness in terms of mileage, league encounters have been few and far between recently, with the sides somehow managing to be in different divisions. This changed after the two Covid affected seasons, when both teams found themselves in Division One. Warboys went on to win the league by 8 points with Ramsey in fifth spot. The Witches won 3-2 at Ramsey in October and then, with the title already in the bag, the teams drew 1-1 back at Warboys Sports Field. Both sides attained promotion to the Premier League for the 2022/23 season and once again it was Warboys who fared better. The Witches finished third, only seven points adrift of champions Uppingham Town. Meanwhile, Ramsey propped up the table but were spared relegation. The teams met three times over the season with Warboys winning on every occasion, 4-2 at Ramsey and 2-0 at home in the league encounters. Warboys also won a League Cup Quarter Final tie 6-2 on their way to the Final, which they lost on penalties to Moulton Harrox.
The current season started with defeat and a red card for both teams on opening day. Ramsey went down 4-0 at Uppingham with Daniel Pratt getting an early bath. Jake Thornton picked up two yellows as Warboys threw away a three goal lead to lose 6-4 at Crowland. So, not just local pride at stake this time around. Both teams also needed to kickstart their campaigns.

​The Game
After a lively start to the game it was the visitors who struck the first effort on target when Zak Stevens tried his luck from the edge of the box. It was a comfortable save for Kye Gilmour but a warning to the home side that Ramsey meant business. The Witches responded well and Joe Furness had an eighth minute header saved by Harry Walker in what was a fairly even opening ten minutes. The home side then began to take more control. George Terry's jinking 13th minute run took him past a couple of Rams defenders but his tame shot was easily dealt with by Walker. Then a minute later Furness went even closer when he saw his shot beat Walker but come back off the bar. The home side looked to have Ramsey pinned back but just after the quarter hour the visitors demonstrated how dangerous they could be on the break when they put together a slick counter attack which culminated in Nathan Ginty being denied a clear goal scoring opportunity by a last ditch tackle that deflected his shot for a corner. There were muted claims for a penalty but, to be honest, there was not too much in it.
That counter attack proved to be the precursor to Ramsey taking the lead and it was another sharp counter attack that turned the tide. A Warboys attack broke down and Ginty launched an inch-perfect diagonal ball from right to left, directly into the path of Sam Waters. The winger drove toward the corner of the penalty area before striking a low shot past Gilmour's left hand, into the far corner. 0-1.
A goal behind to only the second strike on target, Warboys tried to hit back quickly. Thornton's curling strike went just over Walker's bar and Furness was once agin quite close when his free-kick from the edge of the box whistled over the bar. Then just before the break, Thornton once again went close when he volleyed just over the bar with Walker beaten. Warboys were applying plenty of pressure but just could not find an equaliser. Whilst it always felt that Ramsey could do damage on the break, the majority of the half, after the opening goal, was played in the visitor's half.

HT Warboys Town 0 Ramsey Town 1. Warboys with the majority of possession but it's waht you do with it that counts. Ramsey chances have been fee and far between but they made one count and go into the break a goal to the good.

​Ramsey stayed out on the pitch during half-time whilst their hosts returned to the changing room. Whatever was said in the two half-time talks, the second period started with a much more even feel, certainly as far as possession stats went. In fact, much like the first half, it was home keeper Kye Gilmour who saw the early action, saving well from Ginty. That said, the game then began to settle into a similar pattern to the first half. Warboys saw a lot of the ball, Ramsey let them come at them, seemingly happy to soak up the pressure and, if possible, strike on the break.
Just past the hour mark a Furness fee-kick from the edge of the box went straight at Walker and then, as the home side upped the effort to find an equaliser, substitute Matt Brown cut in from the left only to see his goal bound effort deflected wide for a corner.
In an almost carbon copy of first half events, and despite the home side camping out in the Ramsey half, it was once again the visitors who made the most of their opportunity when it presented itself. Ginty, who had been at the centre of everything Ramsey did, burst into the home penalty area and was tripped. There were no arguments as the referee pointed to the spot. It was a clear penalty. Zak Stevens took responsibility, duly slotted home the spot-kick and just like that it was 0-2.
Unbowed, Warboys were straight back on the offensive, now chasing two goals. Matt Brown, who had looked very lively since his introduction, saw a header blocked almost on the line but, stretching for the rebound, could only lash the loose ball over the top. Then with just under 15 minutes remaining, Duncan broke down the right-flank before delivering a tantalising ball across the Ramsey six-yard line, inches out of reach of Brown. The home side were certainly not giving up the ghost, and once more the game was being played inside the Ramsey half. Once more, the Ramsey defence looked assured most of the time. It was beginning to look like one of those nights for The Witches. A goal back with ten minutes remaining would have made it interesting. As it happened they did get a goal, but it was in the 91st minute when a corner from the right was met by a diving header from Jake Thornton. 1-2. Too little, too late perhaps? Well, they did apply some very late pressure and came close again in the 94th minute, but Ramsey held on to claim their first points of the season.

FT Warboys Town 1 Ramsey Town 2. A very hard-earned three pints for Ramsey Town. The match statistics fo rthis game would make interesting reading. Warboys certainly had more possession than Ramsey. They also had more attempts at goal and probably more on target. However, the statistic thast really counts is the final score and there was no denying the effort that The Rams had put in to securing that. Not knowing either of these teams or their styles, it's hard to say if the game went according to Ramsey's game plan or not but it did feel like the classic Muhammad Ali tactic of Rope a Dope. Whatever the case, as a neutral observer, it was a highly enjoyable game to watch in a very pleasant location, with both teams contributing to the entertainment.
Ramsey travel to Peterborough on Saturday as they take on Netherton United at The Grange. Meanwhile, Warboys make the trip to Leicestershire as they face Oakham United.

Warboys Town: 1.Gilmour, 2.S.Duncan, 3.Franz, 4.M.Duncan(c), 12.Dearlove, 6.Short, 7.Furness, 8.England, 9.Thornton, 10.Terry, 11.Bennett. Subs: 18.Brown, 14.Gibbs, 15.Darlow, 16.Stones, 17.B.Duncan
Ramsey Town: 1.Walker, 2.Hill, 3.Pratt, 4.Short, 5.Radford, 6.Ginty, 7.Waters, 8.Rothery(c), 9.Stevens, 10.Mays, 11.McKenna. Subs: 12. Roger, 14.Timmins, 15.Rayment, 16.Manchett

Ground Number: 371
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​No Tuesday game for me this midweek because of family commitments. However, after dropping my Mum home in the Midlands on Wednesday afternoon, I had it in mind to catch a game on my way home. I'd already decided that my best bet was to check out the Salop Leisure League (Shropshire County League in old money) and three games were potentially reachable from the West Midlands in the time available. Wem Town was one, but the journey home from there would be over two and half hours. Welly Ams Dev also looked promising, as they welcomed last year's champions Dawley Town to Telford. However, eventually I decided on a trip to Ludlow. I'd passed the Ludlow Stadium a couple of times in the past (an old friend of mine used to work in the town), but never watched a game there. The home team, Ludlow FC, were scheduled to open their league campaign against Shrewsbury Up & Comers FC, who had already played once this season, beating Haughmond 4-2 on the opening Saturday.

The Ground
Ludlow Stadium sits on the Northern extremities of Ludlow, just of the A49 bypass. The access road, Burway Lane, leads off Bromfield Lane and down past the main football pitch to a fairly large parking area. Although there is a turnstile block between the car park and the stadium, entrance on this evening was through the main gates. This leads into the stadium complex, which comprises of the main grass pitch and a full-size 3G pitch separated by the club and facilities building. This a two-storey block that houses all of the facilities and also has balconies on the upper floor that look out over both the grass and 3G pitches. There is a snack/tea bar at the far end on the ground level (not open this evening) and seats either side of the entrance to the players tunnel. The dugouts are on the far side of the ground opposite the clubhouse. Although it's fair to say that the clubhouse is in need of a lick of paint here and there, it does have a certain charm and despite looking quite modern from a distance has a retro feel to it, especially inside (think 1970s community centre). The pitch looked to be in good condition. Overall, I liked the Ludlow Stadium. My only gripe is that the team sheets aren't displayed on a noticeboard anywhere (not that I could see anyway), but thanks to both Ludlow and Shrewsbury media admins for sending over afterwards, much appreciated.

​The Background
Ludlow FC joined the Salop League in 2020-21 season, having moved from the West Midlands Regional League structure. Their first season was truncated due to Covid but, since then, they have achieved a fourth place and second place finish. In the same period Up & Comers have managed 11th and, last season, sixth.
The previous four meetings of the teams have very much favoured the home side on every occasion. In November 2021 Ludlow beat Up & Comers 5-1 with Sean Evans grabbing a hat-trick. The return fixture a month later ended 3-2 to Shrewsbury. Last season Evans was again on the mark to give the Reds a 1-0 home win. Back at Sparrow Lane Shrewsbury took a 2-0 half-time lead and hung on to win 2-1 after having Declan Johnson sent off just after the hour. That red card was one of ten that Up & Comers received last season.

​The Game
It was Shrewsbury who started the game the stronger and at a faster pace, pushing Ludlow back early on. The pressure from the Blues almost paid off in the fourth minute when they forced the Ludlow defence into a mistake at the back, gifting the ball to Steve Hole some 20 yards out. The striker made a little room before firing wide of the target. A sighter for the striker and a warning for the home defence. A minute later they were almost caught out again when a long ball split their defence wide open. However, Morgan Millard did brilliantly to recover his ground and get in a superb sliding challenge to prevent a shot coming in.
Ludlow were struggling to make an impression on the visitor's defence and ten minutes in were thankful to their goalkeeper Zach Venables who was at full stretch to keep out a Ben Davies shot. Hole, off balance, couldn't make anything of the loose ball. Then, 12 minutes into the contest Tom Hewitt tried his luck from outside the box, seeing his effort go just wide.
Ludlow's first meaningful attempt cam in the 18th minute when a long ball into the opposition penalty area found an unmarked Ryan Clarke. His glancing header went just wide of Luke Hyde's right-hand post with the keeper scrambling across his goal. Almost immediately after this, Shrewsbury were back on the offence. A long ball forward was flicked on into the path of Joe Parry but, fortunately for Ludlow, there was just enough pace on the ball for it to run through to Venables, who had come off his line sharply.
Three minutes before the half-hour the deadlock was finally broken. A lovely diagonal pass found Kevin Renshaw on the right-hand edge of the Ludlow penalty area. His first-time, volleyed cross found Steve Hole, who had stolen a march on the home defence, and he smashed the ball past Venables. 0-1. There was no let-up from Up & Comers. Just past the 30 minute mark, Parry tried his luck from the edge of the area, seeing his shot fly just wide of the post. Then, 36 minutes minutes in, Ludlow grabbed an equaliser with a well worked move that led to their first effort on target. The ball was played long from the right flank towards the far post. Clarke intelligently fired the ball back across the six-yard line where full-back Aaron Dovey was ghosting in to fire past Hyde. 1-1
Shrewsbury's response was to produce a lovely passing move of their own which culminated in another good save from Venables. Then, a minute before the break, Up & Comers got their noses back in front when a Davies cross from the right was laid off to Hole with his back to goal, inside the area. the striker swivelled and fired a shot into the far corner. Venables got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. 1-2

HT Ludlow 1 Shrewsbury Up & Comers 2. The visitors held sway in the possession stats amd probably feel they should have more the a one goal lead at the break. However, Ludlow showed that they could play too, given the opportunity. In fact, both sides played some attractive football.

​The first 10 minutes or so of the second half turned into a one-on-one duel between Up & Comers striker Steve Hole and Ludlow keeper Zach Venables. Five minutes in Hole was played in on goal but Venables was quick to come off his line, blocking the shot at the expense of a corner. Two minutes later the Ludlow stopper once again came out on top, blocking Hole's strike again. Then, on 56 minutes, with the striker still looking for his hat-trick, Venables was once again in the right place at the right time to make the save. As it happened, this series of strikes and save may well have been the turning point of the game.
Just before the hour mark, however, it was  Luke Hyde's turn to show his goalkeeping skills. Substitute Harry Jones must have thought he had scored before Hyde threw himself to his left and scooped the ball off the line. A save not too dissimilar to the famous Gordon Banks stop from Pele.
However, Hyde's heroics were to prove in vain two minutes later. A through ball found Ryan Lewis breaking down the right wing, springing the offside trap (although, I have to say he looked a good couple of yards off from my viewpoint). Lewis ignored the calls and squared the ball for Ryan Clarke to provide the finishing touch. 2-2.
Suddenly it was Ludlow who looked the more dangerous. Tom Everall couldn't quite get high enough to get a header on target in the 71st minute and then it took a brilliant last ditch covering header from the Up & Comers captain Nathan Simon to prevent Clarke having a free header from a few yards out, preventing an almost certain goal.
With two minutes of normal time remaining Ludlow produced a move worthy of winning any game. A wonderful flowing, passing moving up their right side culminated in a slide rule cross which found Up & Comers nemesis Sean Evans in the penalty area. The substitute duly slotted home to claim his fifth goal in three games at The Ludlow Stadium against this opposition. 3-2

FT Ludlow 3 Shrewsbury Up & Comers 2. This result didn't look likely after the first half where it was the visitors who looked way more dangerous. However, Ludlow grew into the game, got what looked like a fortunate equaliser, and then never looked back. The winning goal was worthy of the three points in itself. Having said that, Up & Comers will feel that they did enough to at least take something from this game. Two good footballing sides who will both, no doubt, be in the top half of the table at the very least.
On Saturday Ludlow make the trip to Telford to face newly promoted AMS FC.
Up & Comers are also on the road as they also travel to Telford to take on Ercal Colts Junior Evolution. Shrewsbury won both encounters last year, 4-3 at home and 3-2 in Telford, so it promises some goals.

Ludlow: 1.Venables, 21.Gibbons, 3.Dovey, 4.R.Williams(c), 5.Millard, 14.Z.Williams, 6.Edwards, 11.Marston, 10.Clarke, 9.Lewis, 15.Jones. Subs: 7.Everall, 8.Richards, 18.Evans, 17.Morris
Shrewsbury Up & Comers: 1.Hyde, 5.Cross, 7.Ingles, 3.Fletcher, 8.Hewitt, 11.Eaton, 13.Simon(c), 9.Hole, 4.Parry, 10.Davies, 11.Renshaw. Subs: 16.Robinson, 17.Davies, 14.Dyas

Ground Number: 370
Att: 
Entrance: £3.00
Programme: N/A

I wasn't expecting to get to a game this weekend and, even after the opportunity presented itself, the weather looked as if it was going to have a big say in my choice of match. I had pencilled in a trip to Yateley United for their first ever game at Step 6, taking on London Samurai Rovers in the Combined Counties League. Two new teams and a new ground but it was with some trepidation that I set off down the M40 toward Hampshire. It had been raining all morning in Oxfordshire, the skies in the distance were black and, as I drove South the rain got worse and worse. However, there was no sign on Twitter (because that is what it is still called) that the game was going to be called off and, when I got off the motorway and had a chance to check my feed, the Yateley admin had replied to my query saying the game was definitely on. In fact, when I arrived at the ground, the sun had come out and the there was no sign of Storm Anthony or the dreadful downpour I had driven through 20 minutes earlier.

The Ground
Yateley's home ground is situated just to the North of Yateley town centre, in Sean Devereux Park, an area of sports facilities, parkland, gardens and lakes named after a local charity worker who was assassinated in Somalia in 1993. There is ample parking at the centre including a large parking area adjacent to the football ground and a smaller one sandwiched between the pitch and cricket club. 

Access is through a gate alongside the new Community Centre and Sports. Payment can be made with cash or card. Once inside, the club entrance is immediately to your right over a large patio area that provides a raised view of the pitch. The dugouts are directly opposite and there is a covered standing area to the left, between the corner flag and goal. Currently, access is not available around the entire pitch. However, this is a new facility and certainly a work in progress. It was obvious that a fair bit of money had been spent on the pitch itself which, even after recent weather, looked in perfect condition, flat, well-drained and excellent for flowing football.
The over-riding feeling around the club is one of community spirit. Everyone I met, the man on the gate, the club officials who were also there chatting, their Comms/IT guy (Lee I believe). All were friendly and helpful. It's also a progressive club. Green, white and orange signage everywhere and something I've not seen anywhere else, an electronic noticeboard as you enter the club. None of this posting a written team sheet on a wall somewhere (if you are lucky), it's all part of a presentation flashing up on a six foot high electronic board.

The Programme
It's good to see that, even though the club embraces technology, they are still producing a printed programme rather than just posting online (which they also do). At £2 the 24-page, full colour magazine is at the high-end of the price bracket but, if that is what it takes to keep it in print, I am all for it. There are plenty of colour action photos, statistics, one page dedicated to the visitors and, of course, squad lists. Well worth the purchase. Adding to the club's coffers as well as, hopefully, guaranteeing the continued publication of the programme.

​The Background
Although football has been played in Yateley for over 100 years the current club is only 10 years old. Yateley United were formed in 2013 as the result of a merger between four local teams, Yateley, Yateley Green, Yateley Youth and Beaulieu. They started off in the Surrey Elite Intermediate League. After four seasons they dropped into the Surrey County Intermediate League but then joined the Hellenic League, in Division Two East for the 2018-19 season. After finishing fifth in their first season, the next two seasons were abandoned and Yateley started 2021-22 in the Thames Valley Premier. They went on to finish third before, last season, winning the league with an astounding 100% record last season.
Their Combined Counties Division One campaign couldn't get off to a much more challenging start as they welcome the team that finished in the third spot last season. London Samurai Rovers are only in their third season at this level but made a massive improvement last season. They were only formed in 2017, as London Samurai United, and joined the Middlesex County League in Division One. A merger with JL Rovers added the name to their title and joined the premier League.

​The Game
Incredibly, after the weather I had driven through, the game kicked off in bright sunshine with spectators in t-shirts and sunglasses.
It wasn't only the weather that was bright either. Less than two minutes into the game, Yateley announced themselves at Step 6. Josh Mynard's corner from the right was punched up into the air by visitor's goalkeeper Pedro Barreto. The ball looped down inside the six-yard box where a group of players challenged for it. Jordan Robertson won that battle, heading in off the underside of the bar. 1-0
Eight minutes in and it was almost two for United. Charlie Westell was set free on goal but a good recovery from a defender smothered the chance. There were muted calls for a penalty from the home side, but the referee was unmoved. However, the penalty shouts were much louder two minutes later when Barreto came flying out of his goal and seemed to clean out a Yateley striker without getting anything on the ball. The ball was running away from goal, which may have swayed the referee's decision, but from my angle it looked like a penalty. Once again the referee was unmoved.
Oddly, given that Yateley were a goal up and had already had two penalty shouts, the eye-catching football was being played by the visitors. Their philosophy appears to be the short, sharp passing game. It's very easy on the eye and they have a few midfielders (sadly I can't name check all of their players because the team sheet I had didn't match the numbers they were wearing. I'm happy to address this if someone sends me the actual sheet) who have the skills to make it happen for them. Unfortunately for Rovers, they couldn't replicate their build-up play inside the final third. Adrian Giles in the home goal, was not being stretched at all.
Having said that, it certainly wasn't one-way traffic. Yateley's slightly more direct style was also causing problems for Rovers and, the big difference between the sides was that when Yateley got close to the Samurai goal they looked dangerous. Westell's runs were keeping the Samurai back-line busy all afternoon and, with seven minutes to go until the break, it was one of these intelligent runs that created the second goal. Warren Clark broke through the middle and found Westell, who had created himself some space between the centre-halves. The ball was perfectly into the strikers stride and he finished well, low to Barreto's right. 2-0.
It looked as if The Greens were going into the break well ahead. That was until a minute into added time when Samurai won a free-kick midway inside the Yateley half, out on the right flank. The ball was delivered deep towards the back post by Watanabe, where defender Soh Yokoi climbed above everyone to loop ahead back across the goal that Giles could not quite keep out. 2-1

HT Yateley United 2 London Samurai Rovers 1. An interesting half of football. Both sides played some good football on a pitch made for the passing game. Samurai edged the possession stats, but Yateley looked the more dangerous in the final third.

​The visitors began the second period very much on the front foot and, unlike the first half, were causing some problems at the back for Yateley. However, they still couldn't find a way to get themselves back on level terms and, as the half progressed, Yateley steadied the ship and began to push forward themselves. On 55 minutes Tom Rudall went close when his drive from the left-wing was acrobatically turned around the post by Barreto.
The game was even in terms of possession at this point and, eighteen minutes into the half, it was even on the scoreboard two. Reece Jones burst down the right-wing and delivered a beautiful cross on the run. Sho Oyama rose perfectly to direct a header down past the left-hand of Giles into the net. 2-2
It was around this point that I spotted someone wearing a white 1968 West Brom FA Cup winners shirt with a number 8 on the back. Astle truly was King in those days and with the current batch of Baggies losing at Blackburn, it made me wish we still had Jeff Astle up front. Whilst I was researching this game, I discovered that the shirt was not the only local connection to West Brom. Current club captain Jed Wallace was a pupil at the local Frogmore Community College, just over the other side of town.
The turning point in the second half came on the 82nd minute and it was a fairly bizarre incident that sparked it all off. The referee blew for a handball against the Samurai number 5 some 30 yards from goal. It looked very harsh and even the locals standing next to me were dumbfounded by the call. Number 5 protested that his hands were by his side and that he made no movement towards the ball, which had skipped up off a skiddy surface. Midfielder Jugert Binaj joined in the protests and presumably said something the referee took offence to, earning himself a sin-bin. With less than 10 minutes to go, this was effectively a red card, leaving Rovers down to 10 men for the remainder. To make matters worse for the visitors, a minute later Yateley took the lead again. Dan Gosling delivered a dangerous corner that dropped inside the six-yard box before being diverted over the line by an unfortunate Samurai defender for an OG. 3-2.
Rovers tried to push for another equaliser but, a player light, they found it harder to make inroads into the home half. Then, a minute into added time, Yateley added the icing to their league-debut cake. Baretto was unlucky after making a superb diving save to push Westell's effort against the post, only to see Harry Lee react quickest to smash the rebound home. 4-2.

FT Yateley United 4 London Samurai Rovers 2. An enjoyable watch for a neutral. Both sides like play attractive football. You could see how Samurai managed third place last season. They have some skilful players, especially in midfield. With an added cutting edge, they could cause any team problems. Yateley play slightly more directly but do have a cutting edge. Starting their season with a 4-2 defeat of a team that finished third last season is a massive boost to them. Not only that, but after winning every league game last season, they keep their 100% record going which can only add to their confidence.
Both sides are back in league action on Tuesday evening. Samurai Rovers make the trip to Northwood to face Spartans Youth who also lost their opening game, 2-0 at Oxhey Jets. Yateley make the short journey to Woodley who, after their game was called off, had many of their team watching this game.

Yateley United: Giles, Bolton, Mynard, Gosling(c), Boutros, Lee, Clark, Robertson, Westell, Ludlow, Ruddal. Subs: Hanger, Garrett-Skinns, Scott, Timson, Cairns
London Samurai Rovers: Baretto, Jones, Iguchi(c), Yokoi, Corr, Watanabe, Shinsei, Binaj, Ramirez, Oyama, Debney. Subs: Goduyn, Olayinka, Olubokun, Mendes, Majeed


Ground Number: 369
Att: 107
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £2.00

​This Tuesday I decided I wanted to get back to watching grassroots football. I had started the season with games from Step 5 and 6 but, as I did last season, I really wanted to get back to Step 7 and below. A quick trawl through the Football Traveller revealed a few options but there was one in particular that caught my eye, mainly because it was a ground that had been on my list since last season, Mansfield Hosiery Mills. They were due to kick off their Central Midlands Alliance League campaign with a home game against Arnold Town, something of a local derby too. Although I'd never seen either of these teams play before or watched a Central Midlands league game before I have, in the past, watched two current Central League teams play. In November 2018 I saw South Normanton Athletic when they visited Shepshed Dynamo for a Midland League game (Moore Woe For Shiners). I was just the other side of the M1 in August 2019 for an FA Vase game between Pinxton and Birstall United (Pinxton Blue).

​The Ground
Mansfield Hosiery Mills Sports & Social Club is situated on the edge of Sutton-in-Ashfield, a few miles to the West of Mansfield town centre. The complex comprises of the clubhouse, cricket ground and the football stadium. There's a reasonably large car park plus parking available on The Fieldings, the road that leads to the club from the main Sutton/Huthwaite Road. The stadium is accessed through a single turnstile, on the evening operated by a friendly local lady. This brings you into the corner of the ground. The single stand is directly in front of you, situated between the goal and the corner flag. Running along the side of the pitch, to your right as you enter, are the changing facilities, toilets and café with dugouts on the opposite side. The pitch slopes quite a bit down towards the stand end of the ground.
​
The Programme
The Millers Times is a 16 page magazine with only two pages of advertising. There are the usual club details and contacts, squad lists and tables (as this was the first of a new season, the table was last season's finishing positions). This edition also contained a good centre spread detailing the new divisions and constitution for this season after the merger with the Midland Regional Alliance over the Summer. Good to see a team at this level producing a printed programme.

​The Background
Mansfield Hosiery Mills joined the Central Midlands structure from the Nottingham Senior League at the end of the 2019-20 season. Consequently, their first two seasons in the league were both abandoned due to Covid. In the two seasons since then they have managed a seventeenth and fourteenth place finish, showing an improvement each season. Arnold Town joined the league in the same season, moving from the East Midlands Counties League. They too have seen a similar seasonal improvement, finishing sixteenth and then eleventh last season. Despite Arnold showing the slightly better improvement, they have yet to beat Mansfield in their four meetings. In the first full season Mills did the double, winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 at Eagle Valley. Last season both games ended in 1-1 draws.

The Game
Arnold, in their maroon kit, kicked us off, going down the slope in the first half. Both sides got off to a fairly bright start. Only four minutes in Town's Craig Taylor swung over a cross from the right which went over Ethan Brown's head before coming back off the bar. Liam Black, on the follow-up, couldn't quite get enough on the loose ball to take advantage. Two minutes later the action switched to the opposite end where home captain Tom Suter fired off a strong drive which was comfortably dealt with by Piotr Strycharz in the Town goal. Straight down the other end, Liam Black was more alert than the home defence, nipping in behind them to just about reach a long through ball before lofting over the advancing Brown, only to see his effort drop just over the bar. Then two minutes later, the end a breathless five minutes, Henry Brooks tested Strycharz again, forcing the keeper to go full length to claim his low drive.

​A lively start to the game from both teams with the visitors looking slightly more dangerous, especially with the slope in their favour. However, the game then settled down somewhat with both sides failing to keep possession for too long over the next ten minutes. The next real opportunity was conjured up the the home side, just about halfway through the first period. Suter ran clear of the defence on the left flank but selflessly tried to square the ball to Brooks rather than taking on the shot himself. The Eagles defence had managed to recover enough to scramble the ball clear and the chance was gone.
Three minutes later the home side came close again when left-back Max Denton ran onto a loose ball and fired in a great effort (on target according to the player) which was deflected just wide for a corner. 
As the half wore on Mills began to look the more likely to create a goal. Arnold, despite a very good start, seemed to have lost their way a little, certainly in the final third in the face of an increasingly steady looking Mills back four.
The best move of the half came on the 40th minute. A flowing exchange of passes set Mansfield's right-back, Matt Philips, free down the right. His deep cross was met by George Simpson arriving a the far post. Unfortunately for the home side, he couldn't make the most of the opportunity.  The home support weren't disheartened for much longer though. Two minutes before the break they took the lead. Suter was the architect, getting free on the left again before delivering to the far post. The cross was met by the head of Cory Burton who directed a looping header back over Strycharz into the net. 1-0

HT Mansfield Hosiery Mills 1 Arnold Town 0. A fairly even half. However, Arnold edged the possession but have been unable to really test Brown. 

​Mills, now with the advantage of the slope, looked like they meant business a the start of the second half. Within three minutes of the restart they forced an almighty melee inside the Arnold six-yard box. When it looked odds on that the ball would get forced over the line, the visitors somehow managed to scramble the ball clear amidst furious claims of handball from the home team players, support and bench. Their protests were waved away by the officials. I can honestly say that I didn't have a clear view of the incident and can't say either way what happened. However, the home side were completely convinced that a hand had been used. Three minutes later, with Mills still pressing, a neat through ball almost created an opening for Henry Brooks but Strycharz was out quickly, bravely diving at the striker's feet to quash the chance. 
Arnold seemed to have survived the initial wave of attacks from the Blues and were now sharing the possession, but were still struggling to make any clear cut chances of their own. Just after the hour mark the visitors had their big chance to get back on level terms. Full-back Kyme Mason was presented with a one on one opportunity inside the Mills penalty area. Credit to home keeper Ethan Brown, who up to this point had not been stretched once, who spread himself well saving with his feet to keep his side ahead.
That was an important save from Brown. It forced the visitors to keep pushing forward, allowing more space for Mills to take advantage of in the final third. On 77 minutes they did just that and, effectively, put the game to bed. Once again it was their captain Tom Suter who did the damage, even if this time it was a little fortunate. His slightly mis-hit cross from the right completely deceived Strycharz, sailing over his outstretched hand into the far corner. 2-0.
There was no way back for Arnold after the second goal. In fact only a Strychrz fingertip over the bar in the 91st minute prevented Cory Burton's long range effort from making the score line even worse for them

FT Mansfield Hosiery Mills 2 Arnold Town 0. Mills extend their unbeaten run against Arnold to five games. Deservedly so on their second half display, especially. Although it couldn't be said that they dominated the game, as a neutral they always seemed comfortable and in control in the second period. Arnold started so positively but then only managed to test Brown seriously on one occasion. Only Mills are in action on Saturday as they make the short trip South to Linby Colliery Welfare. Mills won 3-0 there last season and will be keen to replicate that result.
Arnold will have to wait until the 19th to try to get some points on the board when they travel to Graham Street Prims, where they lost 4-0 last season.


Mansfield Hosiery Mills: Brown, Philips, Denton, Torrington, Gregory, Riley, Simpson, Burton, Brooks, Suter(c), Smithson. Subs: Gordon, Dickinson, Ordidge, Millward, Carrington
Arnold Town: Strycharz, Hylton, Mason, Clift(c), Jenkins, Neville, Ogden, Taylor, Black, Chambers, Hubbard. Subs: Davies, White, Cobb, Callan, Francis

Ground Number: 368
Att: 89
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: £1.50