​The Raw Charging Stadium, as it is now called, is no more than half an hour from home. It's somewhere I know quite well not just because I've watched Oxford City teams play there but also because City's junior teams have always been in the same league as my daughter's team, so I've been there as a coach and a parent, on many occasions.
It was again my destination this Sunday as I headed over to watch the Southern Region Premier League clash between the unbeaten Hoops and former National League side, Selsey. Before kick-off City sat in second place, level on pints with Ascot but below them on goal difference. Selsey, yet to win, were in seventh spot with just a single point on the board.
This was the first time I had seen any City side play this season and, although I had seen pictures of their new home shirt, I hadn't fully appreciated just how good it is. It really is a thing of beauty.

​Selsey, in their change kit of yellow shirts and back shorts, got us under way, but it was the home side who were the first to get a shot away in anger. Last season's top scorer, Ellie White, now occupying a deeper role, with the shot that visiting goalkeeper Sophie Campbell saved well. A few minutes later, White turned provider with a little through ball that set captain Georgina Tayman in on goal. However, Campbell was quick and brave, throwing herself at the captain's feet to make the save. The loose ball was them fired over by Kaitlyn Crouch.
Oxford were clearly looking for an early goal, keen to make amends for last week's FA Cup exit to Woodley. They didn't have to wait too long either. In the 12th minute a searching diagonal ball found Lucy White on the right touchline. She drove forward and attempted to swing the ball into a dangerous spot in the area. Whether she meant it to be quite so dangerous is up for debate, but the ball looped over Campbell into the back of the net. 1-0. 
It was a good start from the home team. A goal up and controlling the game. However, they very nearly found themselves back to square one in the 19th minute when a Selsey free-kick was delivered into the penalty area. It looked to be quite innocuous as it bounced through toward goalkeeper Keira Maskell. Maybe it too a little skip off the surface, but somehow it came loose from the goalkeeper, sparking a mad scramble in the six-yard area during which a number of players attempted to get the ball over the line and at least one effort was cleared from the goal line. Eventually, however, Oxford did manage to clear their lines with no damage done.
Credit to The Seals, they were working hard to gain a foothold in the game, but were always at threat from balls in behind their back line, particularly in the left where Anaya Grey was getting a lot of freedom. This route came close to getting a second goal for Oxford when Grey was set loose again before pulling the ball back for Tayman to strike into the side-netting.
Ellie White then drew another good save from Campbell before the same player exchanged a one-two in midfield and unleashed a dipping drive that was only narrowly too high. Oxford continued to pose a threat to the visitors, but were not quite able to find a route to goal and, while it was still only 1-0, Selsey were always just a mistake or a good strike away from getting back in the game. That almost happened in the 38th  minute when Kate Delillis's well struck free-kick left Maskell stranded before thumping off the crossbar and flying to safety.
Four minutes later the home side were very fortunate once more when Maskell, looking to pick out a midfielder with a clearance, gifted the ball to the Nancy Sanderson some 25 yards from goal. With the goalkeeper out of position and well off her line, it was a golden opportunity that, unfortunately for Selsey, went the wrong side of the post. A massive let-off for City and a golden opportunity to go in level at the break, wasted for Selsey.

HT Oxford City 1 Selsey 0. A half that, in the main, had been controlled by Oxford. However, as the final few minutes showed, a one goal lead can be very precarious. If the free-kick had been an inch lower and Sanderson's strike a foot to the left, the Hoops could have found themselves 2-1 behind in a game they had largely dominated.

​Maybe this points was driven home to the City players at half-time because they came out firing in the second period. A change in formation, with Tayman sitting out for a while, Emily Harris coming in on the right and Lucy White moving to a more central striking role alongside Crouch. Within a few minutes they managed to get Ellie White clear on the right, with a run on goal. She chose to, unselfishly, square the ball when many players would have had a shot. However, the ball in was not quite accurate enough and Selsey managed to clear. Undeterred, Oxford continued to push for a second goal and four minutes later it arrived, from an unusual source. A corner on the right was taken by left-back Emma Donohoe, who sent the ball in toward the back post, curling it in with some help from the wind, over Campbell and into the far corner. 2-0
That goal could well have signalled the floodgates to open but, instead, Selsey hit back almost immediately through Isabelle Wheatley with a more than speculative effort from all of 30 yards. It looked like an easy gather for Maskell but somehow the ball slipped through her grasp and rolled over the line. 2-1
Suddenly Selsey were keen to shoot from way out. A few minutes later Sarah Walford had another try from 25 yards but this time Maskell got safely behind the strike.
This Oxford side like to control games though and, after a few shaky minutes, they re-established their grip. Seven minutes after the hour, they regained their two goal advantage. A corner from the left this time, again taken by Emma Donohoe, was played toward the far post. Eventually the ball found its way back to Donohoe inside the left-hand side of the penalty area, where the left-back, seeing Campbell off her line, deliberately placed a side-footed effort over the keeper into the far corner. 3-1

​As with the last goal, Selsey tried to hit back immediately, when Isabelle Childs was sent clean through. However, making up for her previous faux pas, Maskell was quick off her line to smother the chance. That proved to be Selsey's last real opportunity a Oxford began to look for ways to improve their goal difference.
Kaitlyn Crouch certainly helped this in the 78th minute, winning the ball back 30 yards out before driving forward a few steps and then unleashing a piledriver into the top corner. What a strike! 4-1
It was all Oxford now. Selsey were beaten for sure and were probably just wanting the final whistle to come.
With five minutes remaining, Donohoe almost repeated her corner kick goal, sending another ball looping toward the back post. However, Selsey had clearly learned their lesson and had stationed a defender at the back, who headed clear. Georgina Tayman, now back on, then took on a shot, striking it early before Campbell could get set. The keeper dong very well to adjust her feet and throw herself to he left to make the save.
However, a minute later, there was nothing Campbell could do to stop the fifth Hoops goal. Kaitlyn Crouch took a shot form the edge of the area that was blocked. She reacted quickest, picking up the loose ball before waltzing past a couple of challenges and sliding the ball past the exposed goalkeeper. 5-1
A minute from time, another corner routine almost paid dividends again. This time Donohoe played it short before receiving the ball back and curling an effort toward the far post. It beat Campbell but was, once more, headed off the line. Then in the last minute of normal time, another corner from the right found Tayman steaming in from the left wing. She met the ball on the volley and was unlucky to see her strike crash back off the bar.

FT Oxford City 5 Selsey 1. A dominant display from The Hoops, who too control early on and rarely looked troubled by Selsey. The Seals struggled to cope with the movement and fluidity that Oxford have up front, where they can mix and match players across the pitch, making it very difficult for defenders to pick a player to mark. For their part, Selsey showed some signs that their current position does not tell the entire tale. They are capable of knocking the ball about well when given some space and, with a bit more luck and some better finishing, could have had two or three goals in this game.
The victory keeps Oxford on the coat tails of Ascot United, who also won. However, the goal difference between the sides has now been reduced to six goals and, guess what? They meet at The Racecourse Ground next weekend.
Selsey drop to second from bottom, a point clear of Reading at the foot. Next weekend the Seals welcome Woodley United to the Seal Bay Resort Stadium

Oxford City: Maskell, Kehayova, Le Beau, 2.Bough-French, 4.Tayman(c), 3.Donohoe, O'Leary, Grey, 14.L.White, 10.E.White, 12.Crouch. Subs: Hume, 11.Harris
Selsey: 1.Campbell, 3.Guymer, 5.G.Morris, 6.Halford(c), 7.Sanderson, 8.Delillis, 9.Jefkins, 11.Walford, 14.Wheatley, 15.West, 21.Kelly-Stoner. Subs: 2. Evans, 4.Davey, 9.Childs, 17.K.Morris


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

It's only just over 5 months since I last watched Bustleholme, at home. However, here we were. A new season, a new division, a new kit, a new badge, and a new home for the Bs. Last May I was at the University of Wolverhampton to see Bustleholme lose 1-0 to a Pelsall Villa side needing just a point to win Division One (Back To Back). The Bs have had something of a nomadic life and during the Summer they were on the move again, changing their base to the Birmingham County FA Headquarters at Ray Hall Lane, just outside West Bromwich.
This Saturday's opponents, Telford Town, didn't change their ground over the Summer. However, they did change their name before the end of last season, switching from Wellington Amateurs to Telford Town. The Ams, as they are still known, have a good history in the West Midlands (Regional) League structure, winning Division Two in 2008 and Division one on no fewer than three occasions, the latest in 2012. No league wins for the Bs, but they do have a Premier League Cup trophy in the cabinet from 2010.
Both sides were coming into this game on the back of good starts to the campaign. In fact. the visitors headed the table by 12 points before kick-off, albeit having played four more games than their nearest rivals, FC Darlaston. Bustleholme sat seventh, 19 points adrift of the leaders but with a colossal five games in hand. This was the reverse fixture of the opening day when Telford had won 3-0 at The Key Worker Stadium, with second half goals from Kyle Jordan, Ryan Mansell and Rune Corinaldi.

​The visitors started the game really well, almost immediately pushing Bustleholme back into their own half and keeping the there. The high tempo start paid off for them as early as the third minute. Kyle Jordan's long throw was flicked on and, with two players coming in unmarked at the back post, it was left-back Calum Bennett who took the initiative, smashing the ball past Sam Westwood from close range. 0-1
Two minutes later the long throw from Jordan was causing issues again for the home side. This time, however, they escaped with just a corner, which came to nothing. Telford continued to boss possession, restricting the Bs to few touches and, when they did get hold of the ball, they failed to retain possession, or create anything. It looked very much like Town would get themselves further in front at any minute but, as sometimes happens, the game swung suddenly. Completely out of the blue Ibrahim Sillah produced a perfect trough ball, dissecting the Telford defence and weighted perfectly for Anton Nesbeth to run onto. The number 7 took a touch and let fly early from the edge of the box, beating Jack Boswell and finding the net via the goalkeeper's right-hand upright. 1-1.
Now it was the home team who looked on top. Two minute's after equalising they so nearly went in front when Callum Lawton's goal bound strike was deflected just over the bar. Telford were rocked for around five minutes before they shook off the disappointment of the equaliser and began to put the pressure back on their hosts. Around the midway point of the half, Bustleholme had their keeper to thank thee time in quick succession, first coming out to bravely block at the feet if Ryan Mansell, then saving an Andrew Nicol effort with his feet and finally diving to his right to palm an Essa Faburay effort around the post for a corner.
However, a minute before the half-hour, there was nothing Westwood could do when, from a right-wing corner, Calum Bennett rose at the far post to plant a lovely header back over the keeper for his, and Telford's, second of the day. 1-2.
Once more the visitors were on the front foot. On 33 minutes they engineered a golden opportunity for Ryan Mansell to give them a two goal advantage which the striker failed to take. After that miss, it appeared that they would have to settle for a narrow advantage at the break, until a minute into added time when, once more, they won a corner on the right. This time Jordan and Hayden worked a nice little short corner one-two before the ball was fed to Sam Yeardley on the edge of the box. His low drive, accurate drive beat the outstretched had of Westwood before nestling in the corner of the net. 1-3

HT Bustleholme 1 Telford Town 3. Telford were, no doubt, worthy of a half-time lead. Aside from the 5 minute period after Bustleholme equalised against the run of play, they had controlled the game. Having said that, the home side did show in small bursts that they had the ability to worry the Telford defence.

​After a fairly quiet first five minutes of the second half another Yeardley strike, after 50 minutes, that was smothered well by Westwood, signalled a ten minute spell of action. It started in the 52 minutes. Bustleholme's Keatley Charles, already on a yellow, made an attempt to get himself between player and ball but, in doing so, appeared to stamp down on the Telford player. The action most likely looked a lot worse than it actually was. However, the referee saw it as a bookable offence, pulling out a yellow and then the red card, leaving the home side to play the majority of the second period a man light. There minutes after the sending-off, Telford took full advantage of the extra man. Ryan Mansell was slipped in behind the defence and made no mistake with the finish this time. 1-4
Credit to Bustleholme though. Within two minutes of going three goals behind, and only five after losing as player, they hit back. A cross from the left was glanced past Boswell by Essam Mohamed. 2-4. That was not the end of the 10 minute spell of action though. On the hour mark, Sam Westwood earned a yellow card when he raced out of his box, timed his tackle all wrong, and wiped out Feburay. Luckily for the keeper, the player and ball were way out wide of the goal. Anywhere more central and the card could well have been red.
AT this point it was as if both sides took a deep breath. The action slowed somewhat. Telford still held a two goal lead and a man advantage and so, somewhat understandably, they were comfortable enough to relax a little. Bustleholme, to their immense credit, were still intent on giving it a go. However, despite playing some good football in the middle of the pitch, their chances in the final third were quite limited. Sallah did put a semi-scuffed strike just wide in the 75 minute, but that was as close as they came. At the other end, Telford substitute Rune Corinaldi put a diving header straight into the arms of Westwood.
Bustleholme did almost have the final say in the game when they were awarded an 85th minute free-kick just outside the box. Anton Nesbeth got the ball up and over the wall, but couldn't quite get enough dip and the ball smashed against the woodwork with Boswell beaten.

FT Bustleholme 2 Telford Town 4. A good three points for the league leaders who controlled the game well in both halves. Greta credit to Bustleholme in the second half, playing with 10 men for 38 minutes or more, they still managed to give Telford a run for their money. All in all, for a neutral, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon out.
Telford remain 12 points clear after Darlaston also won away from home, 4-1 at Stourport Swifts Development. Bustleholme remain in seventh spot.
Next week, Bustleholme are back at home in the league as they welcome third from bottom, Stourport Swifts Development, who they lost 2-1 to earlier in September. Telford are back in the Black Country for a Premier Divison League Cup clash with Tipton Town. The sies have not yet met in the league this season.


Bustleholme: Westwood, Lawton, Morris, Harper, Garrity, Thompson(C), Nesbeth, Mohamed, Charles, Smith Sillah. Subs: Galli, Cassidy, Collingridge, Brown, Clarke, Chaney
Telford Town: Boswell(c), Jordan, Bennett, Cooper, Wycherley, Jones, Fabruay, Hayden, Mansell, Yeardley, Nicol. Subs: Wilson, Daley, Evans, Danks, Corinaldi, Lindsay

The Ground
Bustleholme now play their home games at the home of the Birmingham FA, just off Ray Hall Lane, between West Bromwich and Great Barr. There are two car parks, a small one in front of the main building and a much larger one behind the ground, accessed via a small service road that runs down the length of the pitch.
The ground, as you would expect for a county FA HQ, is well appointed. There are two small stands on either side of the pith. To the left, when looking form the car park, are two small seating stands, to the right, separated by the dugouts and a media tower, are covered, terraced standing areas.
The main building is beyond the far goal from the car park end, where you can find toilets and a snack bar. There are also benches along the wall of the building, should you wish to watch from  behind the goal.
The pitch looked to be in very good condition too. 


Ground Number: 419
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

FA Cup weekend and Sunday proved to be a day where no mercy was shown by strike forces across the region. There was small pity for defences as 101 goals were rattled in across the 12 games involving SoReg teams. That's not including the 17 scored in league matches or the 14 in Sholing's midweek cup match.
As you know, many of the current SoReg teams came up through the Thames Valley League. You can keep tabs on everything happening in that league by tuning in to Wandering Tractor's weekly round-up.
​

SDFA Trophy
Hythe & Dibden 1-13 Sholing
The score line does not tell the whole story of this game. Hythe & Dibden, from four divisions below their visitors, put up a spirited fight throughout. At half-time Sholing led 2-0, having had to wait until 10 minutes before the break to score. They added to this early in the second period before the home side hit back to make it 1-3, through Chloe Adams. Later in the game Sholing's experience started to tell as the home team began run out of steam. Sholing goals came from Catherine Browning (4), Amber O'Reilly (2), Emily Flegg (2), Lani Dickinson, Molly Pinnick, Jodie Freeman-Woods, Sienna Millen and Chelsea Bates.
It's also worth mentioning the attendance of 114, a superb turnout for a Thursday evening.

Beaconsfield Town 4-1 Chesham United Development
Goals from Mia Thompson and Nicole Brown gave The Rams a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. However, Emma Nolan soon pulled one back for beleaguered Chesham. Lucy Casey then restored Beaconsfield's two goal lead on the hour. Katie Riddington put them out of sight with 20 minutes to go.

Caversham United 0-3 Abingdon United Development
The Goats slipped to their second league defeat of the season against an Abingdon team looking to keep the pressure on early leaders Beaconsfield. Ruby Herring opened the scoring on 8 minutes but it took the yellows until early in the second half to grab their second through Iva Georgiesvska. Herring hit her second late on to add the icing to the cake.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Spoils shared in this local derby that saw five yellow cards handed out by the referee. Henna Hussain, with her fourth goal of the season, was on the mark for Penn. Poppy Lloyd, with her first of the season, for Wycombe.

Slough Town 0-3 Ascot United Reserves
Ascot moved into third spot after securing their second win of the season at the expense of neighbours Slough Town. Sarah Jones scored goal number four of the season after 19 minutes, then followed up with her fifth of the season nine minutes after the break. Laura Moss added a third for Ascot in the final minute.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 1-3 Wimborne Town
The Magpies gained some revenge for their home defeat to Sports, leaping up to third spot, a point behind their Dorset rivals, in the process. Ellie Chaffe continued her scoring form, smashing in a hat-trick for Wimborne. Chaffe opened the scoring in the 35th minute only for Chloe Ashton to level it up two minutes later. However, Chaffe scored again in the 65th and 85th minute to send Town home happy.

Oxford City 1-2 Woodley United
The all Premier League clash was as close as expected with all three goals coming in a breathless first half.
Mollie Haynes poached an early goal for Woodley, a lead they held from the sixth minute until almost half-time. With two minutes to go Isobel Bradley levelled it up, only for Charley Evans to head Woodley back in front on the stroke of half-time. It was still a special day for City with over 180 people in the stadium ti0help them celebrate women's football along with neighbours Oxford United. You can read more on the Oxford City Facebook page.
Read the round-up from Football in Berkshire and check out the superb photos from Andy Wicks.
Woodley's reward is a trip to league leaders Ascot United

Ascot United 5-0 Denham United
Another good attendance at the Racecourse ground, with approximately 150 present to watch Ascot make progress in the FA Cup. They were two up at half-time through Olivia Glover and Beth Lloyd. Leah Littlechild, Glover again, and Danielle Kjaer rounded off the scoring. Check out the match report on the Ascot United website. You can also read Football in Berkshire's round-up of events whilst taking a peek at Sophie Boycott's match action photos. Last but by no means least, read Wandering Tractor's match blog.
Ascot now face the visit of Woodley United in the next round.

Brackley Town 2-3 Reading FC Community Trust
Mia Bradley struck first for Reading, putting the visitors in front after 16 minutes. Ellie Georgiou quickly cancelled this out for Brackley, only for Zuzanna Gajzler to put Reading back in front after 21 minutes. Brackley's response was instant, Georgiou again the scorer. It stayed like that until the hour mark when Lilly Brooke-Cousins popped up with what proved to be the winner for Reading. Andy Wicks, who had made the short journey over from Oxford City, was there to capture the action for us, as too was Pete Keen. You can also catch up with Football in Berkshire's round-up.
Reading are on the road again in the next round, travelling to Richmond & Kew

Brentford 12-1 Tilehurst Panthers
A tough day out for Tilehurst, who always new they would be up against it at higher-ranked opposition. This was not helped when Brentford hit the front inside the opening minute, through Nikki Woods. Credit to Panthers though, they dug in and made it hard for the home team for the next 25 minutes. Then five  goals in 13 minutes sealed their fate, Ashley Cheatley, Chloe Logie, Samantha Read, Maddie Phillips and Woods, once more, doing the damage. Logie increased the lead shortly after the break before Freya Worsley got in on the act.  Nikki Woods them completed her hat-trick and, almost immediately Chloe Logie also hit her hat-trick goal. Ashley Cheatley and Eleonaora Cottrell completed Brentford's dozen. Tilehurst clearly never gave up and, two minutes into added time, grabbed themselves a consolation through Georgia Hayes. The full report can be read on Brentford's web site
Brentford will take on Sport London e Benfica Ladies in the next round

Bursledon 8-0 Longham
The Dons progressed in the FA Cup with a comprehensive defeat of Dorset League side Longham. The visitors, who last season shared a league with Bursledon's last league opponents, Wimborne Town, found themselves behind after just 6 minutes when Issy Pouncy struck. Nicola Curtis then grabbed her first goal since moving from Stoneham, and Kirby Anderson made it three just before half-time. Zoe Bache picked up a 25 minute second-half hat-trick, Anderson added her second and Paris Payne was also on the mark as the home side added five more after the break.
Bursledon have been rewarded with a home tie against Downend Flyers

Fleet Town 8-2 Badshot Lea
Dot Usher, of course, bagged a couple of goals against her former team, but even that could not save her team from exiting the FA Cup to a rejuvenated Fleet side. Amy Granger, Lily Martin and Elin Roberts all scored twice. India Mackie and Keira Simpson completed the rout as Town notched up an 8-2 defeat of higher-ranked opposition. Fleet now face a home tie with Dulwich Hamlet

Kidlington Youth 0-3 Watford Ladies Development
The Greens put up a brave display against a team from one division above them, but ultimately came up short. Watford got their noses in front early through Rebecca Lovelace, which proved to be vital. Kidlington then had the better of the first half before everyone got thoroughly soaked in the second half. Watford added two more through Georgia Elmer-Roads and Lovelace again late on, as Kidlington pushed players forward in search of an equaliser. You can read the BotP match blog by clicking this link, Watford Wing It.
Watford travel to AFC Sudbury in the next round.

QK Southampton 0-13 AFC Portchester
I think it's fair to say that QK haven't had the greatest start to the season. Having already lost their opening two league matches, they may not have relished the visit of in-form Premier League side AFC Portchester. It's also fair to say that Portchy's strike force were not in the mood for sympathy. Millie Bradbury, Gemma Hillier and Eilidh Currie all bagged hat-tricks. Lucy Nightingale scored twice. Nat Bavister and Lynsey Crewe-Way also joined in the scoring.
Portchy travel to Portishead Town in the next round.

Selsey 1-1 (p4-3) Leatherhead
An Isabelle Wheatley equaliser in the 65th minute sent this game into a penalty shootout. Selsey kept their heads to come out victorious by 4-3 from the spot. Check out the Selsey celebrations after the penalty kicks.
Selsey now have the visit of South London Women to look forward to in the next round.

Shanklin 1-5 AFC Stoneham
A late Daniela Melninkaite consolation was all that Shanklin could muster against a Stoneham team who have started their season with four straight victories in all competitions. Emma Simpson and Mia Flood both scored twice for the Purps. Stoneham have a very tasty looking home tie with Swindon Town in the next round.

Sholing 6-0 AFC Varsity
Fresh from scoring 13 in their midweek SDFA tie, Sholing had clearly kept their shooting boots on, although Varsity largely held them at bay until late in the game. Phoebe Hudson put the Premier League side in front on 10 minutes, but that's the way it stayed until the 70th minute. That was when Catherine Browning, who scored four on Thursday, took control. A NINE minute hat-trick put the game out of reach. Emily Serridge and Kathryn Littleboy added two more in the final three minutes. You can see all of the goals on the Sholing X feed, including an absolute belter from Catherine Browning.
Sholing now have a very interesting looking visit of Bristol Rovers in the next round.

Winchester City Flyers 14-0 Dorchester Town
Flyers had narrowly lost both of their opening two league games and took their frustrations out on Dorset side Dorchester Town in the FA Cup. Shayne Prasad opened the scoring on 5 minutes and then went on to complete a first-half hat-trick. Emma Whitlock, Charlie Snelling and Lavinia Nkomo made it six by half-time. Shortly after the break Nkomo added two more to complete her hat-trick. Last season's top scorer, Annie Northwood, smashed in four second half goals. Jasmine Pearmine and Laura da Silva chimed in with a goal each.
Flyers will face  a visit to Bitton in the Third Qualifying Round.

Wycombe Wanderers 13-1 Milton United
The Chairgirls also hit double figures against a Milton side who have had a troubled start to the season. Kayla Potter led the way with five, Jessica Watkins and Eman Kassem each scored twice. Latifa Mammeri, Sophie Atfield and Ellen Wardlaw each add ad a goal. You can read the report on the Wycombe Foundation site as well as viewing the goals on the Wycombe X feed, this link takes you to Kayla Potter's goals, but all of them are in the feed.
Wanderers will look forward to the visit of Comets in the next round

AFC Portchester v Winchester City Flyers
With 27 goals scored between them last weekend, this one has 0-0 written all over it. Although both teams progressed in the cup, they've had differing starts to their league season. Whilst Portchy are riding high in fourth, following two wins from three, Winchester are only off the bottom on goal difference after losing both opening games. Having said that, Flyers only lost both games 2-1 and both were late winners.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Ascot United v Badshot Lea
After being knocked out of the cup by Fleet, The Baggies could probably do without a trip to the table toppers. Two straight league defeats have followed the draw on day one. Ascot also faltered slightly last time out in the league, dropping points, for the first time this season, at Wycombe. Ascot did the double last season, winning 2-0 at Wrecclesham and 5-2 at The Racecourse.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Oxford City v Selsey
The Hoops are one of three teams tied on 7 points at the top of the table, second only on goal difference. Selsey are yet to acclimatise to life in the premier league, taking only a single point from their first three. However, they earned a place in the next round of the FA Cup at the weekend, and will have gained confidence from their penalty shootout win.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ 

Reading v Woodley United
A very tasty looking local derby after both sides had really good away wins in the cup at the weekend. Whilst Woodley were edging out Oxford 2-1, Reading avoided a potential banana skin at Brackley, gaining their first win of the season in the process. The three goals scored will give them confidence after failing to hit the net in their opening two league games. They'll need to be especially wary of Woodley's Sarah Lawrence who has already notched four in four for United.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Sholing v Wycombe Wanderers
Another two sides in very good goalscoring form in the past week. Shlong scored 19 in two games, Wycombe 14 in one. However, those were cup games, this is back to the league. Sholing are currently unbeaten, whereas Wycombe lost their opening game but have ben unbeaten in their last three in all competitions. League games last season, when Sholing were still Eastleigh, were shared with both sides winning their home games.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Abingdon United Development v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn remain unbeaten after two league games, Abingdon have played two games more, but are hanging o to second spot, chasing down Beaconsfield at the top, the only team to beat them this season so far. League meetings last season both went the way of Penn, 3-1 at home and 2-1 at The Northcourt. Penn also won a Combined Counties Trophy game 5-1.
Northcourt Road, Oxfordshire OX14 1PL

Chesham United Development v Caversham United
Something has to give in this game. Both teams have started the season without taking a pint yet, Caversham in their opening two, Chesham in their opening four. The Goats are yet to find the net in any competition yet this term. Chesham has scored just two. So, maybe not a goal-fest in prospect. Last season Chesham took the points away from home with a walkover. A Katie West double and goals from Chloe Timms and Emma Nolan secured a 4-0 win at Chiltern Hills.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Kidlington Youth v Slough Town
Both sides have played two, won one and lost one. Kidlington just hold sway be means of their superior goal difference. The teams last shared a division in the 2021-22 season, when they finished as the top two Division 2 of the Thames Valley League. Slough won 2-1 at Exeter Park but Kidlington, on their way to the title, gained some revenge with a 4-1 win at Arbour Park. Courtney Sumner scored all five of Kidlington's goals, Abi Canvin scored all three of Slough's. Rumour has it there may be a Wandering Tractor at this game.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

Milton United v Beaconsfield Town
Since beating Slough Town 4-1 in the FA Cup, back in early September, Milton have lost heavily in their next two outings, 8-2 at Kidlington in the league and 13-1 at  Premier League Wycombe in the FA Cup. They'll be keen to restart their season but a visit from the current leaders is probably not the best next fixture they could have wished for. The Rams have won three out of four, averaging three goals per game. Last season both meetings ended in home wins, 3-2 for Beaconsfield, 4-2 for Milton.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Tilehurst Panthers
Two teams currently tied on points, with four each. However, unbeaten Tilehurst have only played twice, Wycombe have played four. Panthers will need to shake off the disappointment of their heavy cup defeat at Brentford on Sunday. Wycombe fought out a well-earned point with a draw at Penn & Tyles Green.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

Abbey Rangers v QK Southampton
Rangers started with a Cup win at Hassocks and followed that up with a very promising 1-1 draw in the league at Woking. However, the 6-0 defeat at Stoneham in their last league game may have dented confidence a little. They'll be relishing the chance to have a go at a QK side who have found the going a little tough so far.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

AFC Varsity v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The fixture list has not been particularly kind to AFC Varsity so far. True, they drew a lower-tanked team i the first round of the FA Cup. However, since that opening win, they've faced league leaders AFC Stoneham away from home  and then Premier League high-flyers Sholing in the FA Cup. So, no surprise to find they now face the visit of the second-placed team in the league. Sports started with two straight wins but did lose at home on Sunday, in the Dorset derby against Wimborne.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Bursledon v AFC Stoneham
A big test for newly-promoted Bursledon as they defend their unbeaten start of two draws, against the table toppers Stoneham, who have a 100% record in all competitions so far. Already a local derby, with less than 7 miles between Stoneham and Bursledon, it is even more so when you consider that Bursledon play in Chandler's Ford, less than 3 miles from Stoneham Football Complex. Bursledon left-back Nicola Curtis will be coming up against her former side for the first time.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Fleet Town v Woking
Two more teams that are not a million miles away in terms of distance or, in fact, league rankings. Fifth placed Fleet welcome seventh placed Woking with just a pint between them, albeit that Woking have played two more games than Town. Fleet have a had a great start, winning all three in all competitions. They've only conceded two goals in that time, of course both scored by former striker Dot Usher. Woking drew their first two games, then lost at Bournemouth on Sunday. Last season this game was awarded to Woking as a walkover. Woking won the reverse fixture 4-2.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA
​
Wimborne Town v Havant & Waterlooville
The Magpies have been steadily improving. They had a good draw at Woking on the opening day, then lost of Bournemouth, drew with Bursledon, and then got their first win on Sunday, gaining revenge by beating Bournemouth. The Hawks bring an unbeaten record to Cuthbury as well as goals galore. Their three games, in all competitions, have so far included 29 goals, 25 of them scored by Havant.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

There were so many tempting FA Cup games to choose from on Sunday, it was a difficult decision to know where to head for. Eventually I opted for a second FA Cup visit to Kidlington for a couple of reasons. First of all, I saw them win their first ever FA Cup game against Headstone Manor earlier this month (Amazing Grace). Secondly, I needed to get back at a reasonable hour and Kidlington is my closest club.
Kidlington's opponents in this second qualifying round were Watford Ladies Development. Not to be confused with Watford Development, something I managed to do in the first post of the weekly review. D'oh! Watford Development are the Dev side of Watford FC, the women's team of the EFL Championship side. Watford Ladies Development are a completely independent club who ply their trade in the Women's Eastern Region Premier League, one step about Kidlington. They were promoted from Division One North last season, winning the league by seven points from Southend United, after moving laterally from the London & South East League.
They've had a mixed start to their Premier League season, winning two, losing two and drawing one but with nine new players coming into a much changed squad, it's sure to take time to gel. In all honesty, seven points is a good haul. Kidlington, meanwhile, have seen a glut of goals in their opening three games in all competitions, scoring fourteen and conceding seven. Last week, after losing their opening league fixture, they bounced back with a resounding 8-2 win in the A34 derby with Milton United.

​There were dark clouds building in the distance as we kicked off. However, the threat of rain and possible storms was nothing compared to the threat Watford posed in the opening few minutes. In fact, five minutes into the game, they opened the scoring. Rebecca Lovelace sprang the offside trap and, with her pace, no-one was going to catch her. She drove into the box and slotted ball pass Emily Murphy with confidence. 1-0. Not the start that Kidlington wanted, that's for sure.
Credit to The Greens, however. Their response to going behind was to roll their sleeves up and look for a way back into the game. They began to push the yellows back into their own half but were struggling to make inroads against a well organised Watford defence. They also needed to be very careful when pushing up, because Watford showed time and again that they had the pace to get in behind the Kidlington. In fact, going a goal up early on was perfect for them. They seemed more than happy to let Kidlington come at them, before launching counter attacks.
The Greens were restricted to very few chances up front. Keira Isaac managed to get in down the right after 18 minutes, but her low cross was picked off at the near post by Chelsea Coles.
Just before the half-hour mark, as if to demonstrate their prowess on the break, Watford came close to a second. They countered quickly down the left before the ball was pulled back to Jessie Yawitch to strike, missing Murphy's right-hand post by inches. A minute later, goal scorers Lovelace used her pace to get in behind the home defence again but pulled her shot wide.
Despite having more of the ball since going behind, Kidlington hadn't been able to hurt Watford in the final third and were constantly in danger from pace, especially down each flank.
Kidlington did call Coles into action shortly before the break though. Emily Keal hitting one from distance that the goalkeeper did well to hang onto. Then, a few minutes later, in Kidlington's brightest spell, Isaac played in Grace Craven for a run at goal, only for Noemie Ramsell to get across and make a brilliant, last-ditch block to deflect the ball for a corner.

HT Kidlington Youth 0 Watford Ladies Development 1. After conceding early on Kidlington had more of the ball than their visitors but were restricted to few clear cut opportunities by a very well marshalled Watford defence. Watford were more than happy to sit back when required, safe in the knowledge that they had the tools to counter attack at pace and cause Kidlington problems.

​Kidlington stayed out on the pitch at half-time, whereas Watford went back into the changing rooms. The Greens were clearly itching to take advantage of the momentum they had begun to build up as first half played out. However, with the referee and his assistants also going back to the changing rooms, the half-time break took the full allotted time. This, in my opinion, was a clever move from the Watford coaching team. Of course, there's nothing wrong with what they did, they just wanted to give their players time to re-group after coming under increasing pressure toward the end of the first period.
On top of that, the heavens opened just before the game restarted. A steady drip to start with, but soon becoming a torrent. I was certainly glad of my umbrella (which I normally forget to bring).

It was clear that Watford had decided to try to play further up the pitch in the second period, to take the load off the defence. A one goal lead was not really enough to try to defend for the remainder of the game.
There were few chances at either end in the opening encounters of the second half, although Trea Hourigan did have Murphy scrambling across her line to watch a 57th minute effort go just wide. On the hour mark, captain Murphy certainly got the home crowd fired up when she hurtled off her line to make perfectly timed sliding tackle out on the left. A minute later, however, Murphy was helpless when, following a corner, the ball looped up and over her, coming back off the bar. It was hard to see exactly what happened, but the final touch may well have come from a Kidlington player. A close thing for the home side.
The Greens went straight up the other end and almost got themselves level. Keira Isaac, spotting Coles just off her line, hit one from close to 30 yards. Credit to Coles for getting back just enough to get a finger to the ball and push it away.
Space was beginning to open up as Kidlington, who now effectively had four strikers on the pitch, tried too push more players forward in search of the equaliser. However, as in the first half, this gave Watford more space to use their pace up front.
Watford had a big handball shout on 77 minutes when the ball skipped up and seemed to hit Sarah Pinna on the arm. The referee waved play on and Hourigan lashed the loose ball wide of the mark. Then, entering the last 10 minutes, Courtney Sumner, so often Kidlington's saviour in the past, lifted a shot goalward which had Coles scampering across her goal, only to see the ball drop just wide of the post.
Almost immediately, Watford broke clear on their right flank. Wilkes delivered a cross-shot, which fell into the path of Georgia Elmer-Roads, at the far post, to slide into the net. 0-2. A classic counter-attacking goal from Watford.
Five minutes later it was three and game over. The goal was almost a mirror image of the second. Rebecca Lovelace burst through on the left this time, putting in a low cross that tempted Murphy. When the Kidlington stopper and Watford player came together, the ball squirmed loose and there was Lovelace to tap into an empty net. 0-3.
There was clearly no way back for Kidlington now. The FA Cup run, for this season at least, was over.

FT Kidlington Youth 0 Watford Ladies Development 3. Overall a deserved victory for Watford, but a 3-0 score line felt harsh on Kidlington. For much of the first half they had the upper hand in terms of possession and, if they could have found an equaliser at that stage, who knows? Watford managed the game much better in the second half and were always a threat down the flanks and very confident at the back. There's was no lack of effort from the Kidlington players, who gave everything they had. Debutant Karima Elouath in particular, ran herself into the ground for The Greens.
If you would like to see either of these teams in action next week, they both have league encounters. Kidlington play host to newbies Slough Town at Exeter Park. The sides have identical records after two games, with Kidlington just edging it on goal difference. Watford make the long journey East to second from bottom Needham Market

Kidlington Youth: 1.Murphy(c), 8.Woodward, 5.Dunbabin, 4.Reagan, 14.Taylor, 12.I.Thacker, 6.Keal, 3.Antonen, 20.Elouath, 10.Craven, 9.Isaac. Subs: 24.Clayton, 15.Haynes, 16.Cumner, 17.Pinna, 18.O.Thacker
Watford: 12.Coles, 18.Sherrin, 6.Payne, 4.Ramsell, 3.K.Elmer-Roads, 2.Yawitch, 8.Carr(c), 16.Hourigan, 10.Lovelace, 9.Husein, 20.G.Elmer-Roads. Subs: 15.Anderson, 11.Wilks, 7.O'Donoghue

Ground Number: Re-visit
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​This Saturday, after running the line for my daughter's team in the morning, I dashed back up the A34, grabbed a quick bite, then headed off to deepest, darkest Bedfordshire, on safari to Woburn. My chosen game for the afternoon was a North Bucks Intermediate Division clash between second placed Woburn & Wavendon and fourth placed Deanshanger Athletic. Three points separated the sides at kick-off, although Athletic had played a game more than their hosts. Woburn were coming into the game defending a 100% record, played four, won four. Athletic had won three of their five outings. Last season honours had been even in the league meeting at Deanshanger, but 'Shanger' had won 3-1 in this fixture with two goals from Rhys Bonsell and one from Ben Stevenson. They had also met in the Challenge trophy Final at Buckingham FC. Woburn were victorious on that occasion, sealing a 2-0 win with a brace from Chris Cutler.
Many thanks to referee Krzysztof Ziejewski for sharing the team sheets before kick-off. This makes life a lot easier for me.

​With thunder bouncing off the Greensand Ridge but the rain, thankfully, bypassing Woburn for now, the game kicked off just a minute or two behind schedule, and it was the home side who showed first. Two minutes into the game a long thro from the left found Charley Cain rising at the near post to powerfully head just narrowly wide. An early sign that Woburn could be dangerous from set pieces anywhere inside the Deanshanger half. The Lions continued to push Athletic back in the opening minutes. A sixth minute free-kick lifted into the heart of the Athletic box found goalkeeper Sam Watts clutching at thin air but, when the ball fell into a crowd of players, the visitors somehow scrambled it clear.
Deanshanger took until just after the 10 minute mark to launch their first major foray into the home side's territory. Thomas Dunning cleverly lifting a pass over the defence into the path of Rhys Bonsell. However, home keeper Alfie Woodgate was quick to see the danger, rushing off his line and getting to the ball before the striker.
That was a brief respite for Athletic but pretty soon Woburn had them pinned back again. Home captain Ross Mancini found the ball at his feet towards the left-hand corner of the penalty area before striking  curling effort aimed at the far post. The shot had Watts and, unluckily for Mancini, the far post, beaten. A few minutes later Charley Cain sent a 22 yard free-kick narrowly over the bar as the home side pressed to capitalise on their possessional advantage.
The visitors were not offering too much in terms of attacking but were occasionally keeping the home defence honest, such as in the 17th minute when Bonsell turned provider, feeding Dan McLaren. Once again Woodgate was quick to react and make the save and launch a Woburn attack. The home team broke quickly down the right before the ball was fed across the box to the waiting Chris Cutler. His strike had power but not quite enough accuracy as he rattled the crossbar from inside the box. 
We were still less than halfway through the first period when Woburn and Cutler had another clear cut chance. The strike burst clear of the defence but, as he tried to round the goalkeeper, seemed to get in a muddle with Cain, and the chance was gone.
The game continued in the same vain for the next 15 minutes or so. Woburn dominating possession but not being able to find a way through to goal. Then, with 8 minutes to go until the break, they were almost caught on the hop when the visitors launched what was becoming an increasingly rare attack. Zach Stallard put in a good low cross but McLaren failed to find sufficient purchase leaving Woodgate with a comfortable save.
Five minutes later The Lions finally made their possession pay off. It was a simple yet very effective move that created the goal. Matty Carr fed the ball down the right flank to Nick Mentiply. His low, driven cross was then converted by Charley Cain at the far post. 1-0
With just three minutes to go until the break, it left little time for the home team to put their foot on the gas and drive home their advantage. They did, however, have the last say of the half when Mentiply's stinging drive from 25 yards crashed against the foot of the post before going to safety.

HT Woburn & Wavendon 1 Deanshanger Athletic 0. A dominant but largely unproductive display from Woburn. They'll feel that they probably should have a bigger lead than the single goal. Deanshanger have offered little going forward but, in central defender and captain, Jack Harris, have a player capable of marshalling a solid back line.
At half-time in was speaking to a local supporter and father of one of the players. He mentioned to his son that they needed more goals. They were well on top, but were always in danger whilst only a goal up. How right he was proven to be.

​As early as the third minute of the second half, Woburn were almost undone by a long ball again. Woodgate was alert again but this time failed to clear the ball. It fell to Dan McLaren on the edge of the box but, on the half-turn and under pressure from a defence, the striker couldn't find the target. It as another warning for The Lions.
Woburn then came close themselves when a nice passing move culminated in the ball being slipped to Matty Carr on the left-hand corner of the penalty area. He looked up and tried to curl the ball into the top opposite corner, missing by just a whisker. A very good effort. A few minutes later, Carr latched onto a lose ball in the centre and drove for goal again, this time putting his effort high and wide. On the hour Rhys Bonsell sent in a fizzing strike for Athletic, held well by Woodgate, only for Woburn to hit straight back with another simple passing move similar to the one that earned them the lead. this time Carr was sent free on the left and, using his pace, he drove in toward the goal, firing low to the front post only for Watts to make a good stop with his feet. From the resulting corner the two captains had a bit of a duel. Mancini met the corner with a good header that looked destined for the top corner until Jack Harris popped up from nowhere to head the ball over the top.
On 66 minutes Woburn had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed and it couldn't have fallen to a player with a better name. Substitute Patrick Clyvert (I know it's a different spelling) was sent clean through but failed to emulate his namesake, allowing Watts to make a good block with his feet. The ball fell into the path of Mentiply but he lifted his effort over the top. A double let off for Deanshanger.
Having said that, the visitors, although still only one behind, were not showing a lot of signs that they were getting back into the game. Then, with 8 minutes to go, a moment of controversy when visitor's captain, Jack Harris, who had not put a foot wrong all game, clashed off the ball with Jake Seeley, leaving the home player in a heap. At least one home supporter thought it was a head butt. To me it just looked to be a bit of a barge as he ran past. Either way, already on a yellow, it probably should at least have been a second one. The referee, who was rightly following the game, had no chance of witnessing the incident and had to confer with his linesman, who just happened to be from Deanshanger. Of course, and I aim no blame on the linesman here at all, even if he did see what happened clearly, he's not going to say too much to the referee. I know from experience that referee's explicitly tell linos to flag offsides and foul throws but to leave fouls etc to them. Also, it is very possible that the lino didn't see exactly what happened if he was also following the game. So, the referee chose to let Harris off with a warning. In my opinion, exactly the correct decision. He obviously didn't see the incident and, therefore, could not issue a card.
Of course, that was probably not what the home team wanted to see and, deep into added time, they must have felt doubly aggrieved when Deanshanger snatched a very, very unlikely equaliser. The goal owed a lot to the tenacity of winger Dan Forbie who chased a ball that he had no right to get to. Matty Carr got to it first, almost on his own goal line. However, Forbie muscled him off it before sending across a low ball that found Dan McLaren lurking at the far post to smash the ball past Woodgate. 1-1.

FT Woburn & Wavendon 1 Deanshanger Athletic 1. The only person that saw this coming was the home supporter I spoke to at half-time. I do hope he purchased a lottery ticket too. Deanshanger were never really in this game but, to be fair, they hung in there, keeping it at one goal which always gave them that slight opportunity. When it did come, they took it. Woburn must be kicking themselves that they lost their 100% record. However, they can console themselves with the fact that the point took them top of the table, albeit having played a game more than Olney in second. Athletic move up to third.
Next weekend Woburn & Wavendon are back at The Village Hall as they take on Milton Keynes Athletic in the Interdivisional Challenge Trophy. Meanwhile, Deanshanger are on the road again, travelling to MK Wanderers in a league game.

Woburn & Wavendon: 1. Alfie Woodgate, 5.Jack Page, 6.Ross Mancini(c),  9.Chris Cutler, 10.Matty Carr, 15.Lewis Milne, 16.Charley Cain, 22.Ned Stevens, 24.Ali Milne, 25.Jake Seeley, 32.Nick Mentiply. Subs: 7.Josh Long, 8.Chris Bukaya, 11.Patrick Clyvert, 12.Jack Forber, 28.Joe Bradstock
Deanshanger Athletic: 1.Sam Watts, 2.Will Grose, 15.Aiden Ennis, 4.Tom Dunning, 5.Jack Harris(c), 16.Adam Kissane, 7.Zach Stallard, 8.Scott Moore, 9.Dan McClaren, 10.Rhys Bonsell, 11.Dan Forbie. Subs: 12.Josh Fisher, 3.Taylor Brown, 6.Ben Stevenson

​The Ground
Woburn & Wavendon is a large club that provides football across all age groups, for boys and girls, from 5 through to adult. Consequently, they have a number of pitch locations around the area. The adult men's team, however, play their games at Woburn Village Hall Playing Fields, just to the North of the village centre and no more than a giraffe's neck from Woburn Safari Park. There's a large car park at the village hall and facilities within the building. The pitches are behind the hall, five in total, four of which are small sided. Pitch 4, the furthest from the hall is the main 11-a-side pitch. This is, of course, a community facility and has no spectator cover. The playing surface looked to be in good condition with no real slope or undulation.


Ground Number: 419
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​As we slip into Autumn, my midweek trips to Step 7 & 8 games are becoming more and more limited as the nights draw in. So, seeing a step 8 game scheduled for a Wednesday evening, I just had to give it a shot. It's a bit of a trek from Oxfordshire up to Wolverhampton, especially having to get around Birmingham during rush hour. However, I was really hoping the 168 mile round-trip would prove worth it. My chosen game was the West Midlands (Regional) Division One clash between Bilbrook and Dudley Kingswinford. As regular readers may know, I was born in Dudley and grew up in Kingswinford, so there's certainly a connection there. Although the football team didn't exist when I lived there, DK is more associated with rugby for people of my vintage. In Recent years' however, Manager Martin Humphries and former Wolves player Jody Craddock, his assistant, have begun to put the round ball game on the map over at DY6. I have seen DK play a couple of times previously, a 5-4 home win over Punjab United last season (Goals Guaranteed) and, earlier in this season, a 4-1 win at Leafield Athletic (Leafield's Big Day Falls Into DK). However, I've not had the pleasure of watching Bilbrook, either home or away, before. 
Before the evening's football, DK sat in second spot, two points behind Norton Canes, with a game in hand. Meaning a win tonight would take them top. Bilbrook were in seventh, seven points behind DK but having two games in hand on their visitors. To add to the occasion, Bilbrook were also coming into the game with a 100% home record, winning four of four, scoring 17 and conceding zero. DK, however, were defending an unbeaten away record, having won two and drawn one. The game also pitched the league's two tightest defences, DK having conceded only seven, Bilbrook eight.
DK made one change from Saturday's 5-0 defeat of FC Premier 2008, Shane Farrington coming in for William Edney. Bilbrook, who had gone down 6-2 to Silverdale Athletic Development in a Staffordshire Challenge Cup game on Saturday, only had three from Saturday's starting line-up in the starting eleven.
Many thanks t the match officials Isaac Culver, Adam Athersmith and James Kerrigan for taking time to share the team sheets with me prior to kick-off. As always, very much appreciated.

​The hosts got off to a blistering start. No more than 2 minutes were on the clock when Lewis Bradley's speculative ball, aimed at Ben Mason, overshot its intended target only to fall perfectly into the path of Mibanda De Sousa The left winger's first touch took him in behind the defence, allowing him to sweep the ball past Zach Barratt. 1-0
The goal left DK looking somewhat shell-shocked. The tightest defence in the division looked unsure as Bilbrook pressed to assert their dominance. Ten minutes in De Sousa cut in from the left and fired one well over. A few minutes later Callum Cottee went closer, getting his strike on target, although it was well held by Barratt.
The DK stopper was called into action again on 19 minutes when Callum Bright got a good head onto Bradley's right-wing cross. The ball looked to be looping the top corner before Barratt got across well to tip it over for a corner.
We were midway through the first-half before DK managed to create any kind of threat. When it did come, Shane Farrington's shot flew well over Tom Tipton's bar. Straight down the other end, Bright once again tried to test Barratt, the stopper making a comfortable save this time. The game ten swung to the opposite end as Josh Parker broke clear before squaring to Farrington on the left-hand edge of the box. The centre-forward went for the curled effort toward the far post, but again Tipton didn't have to make a save.
It was all action during this part of the game. two minutes after Farrington's effort, Dan Mason came agonisingly close to making it two for Bilbrook, seeing his beautifully struck left-foot strike crash back off Barratt's bar. Unlucky!
On the half-hour Dylan Cook unleashed a real stinger from way out. Barratt managed to parry the initial strike and then drop on the loose ball before a posse of Bilbrook players pounced.  Four minutes later, DK were cursing the home goalkeeper for keeping them behind. A superb through ball completely dissected the home defence, allowing Jack Hardeman to run free. He drew Tipton off his line but, as he attempted to lift the ball over the keeper, Tipton acrobatically reached out to push it away for a corner. Excellent reflexes. Three minutes later, however, Tipton could only watch as Farrington wriggled free on the right before flashing a ball across the face of the home goal. Unfortunately for the visitors, there was no-one gambling at the far post to convert.
With time ticking down until the break, Dan Mason suddenly found himself one of one with Barratt but the DK keeper did really well to force the striker wide and he could only put his effort into the side netting. That just left time for Bilbrook substitute Taylor Pollitt, on for the injured goal scorer, to fizz an effort in from distance, which barely cleared Barratt's crossbar.

HT Bilbrook 1 Dudley Kingswinford 0. Bilbrook deserve their lead at the break. It took DK 25 minutes to get going and for a team who have conceded so few goals, they looked a bit shaky at the back. Once they did, they looked a little more threatening at times, but the lion's share of chances have fallen to the home side.

​Bilbrook, obviously quite happy with their first half performance, were out early for the second half and, it was the home side who generated the first chance of the second period, Callum Cottee running from inside his own half but not being able to find the finish he wanted (this X post was endorsed by the player himself :-)).
We then entered fifteen minutes of madness in the game. Five minutes into the second period Shane Farrington went over in the Bilbrook box but the referee waved away penalty claims, issuing a yellow card to the striker for simulation. Just two minutes after that, in an incident that I didn't see clearly, Farrington was adjudged to have shoved a defender in the back as they challenged for a ball in the middle of the pitch. A second yellow and marching orders for Farrington. On the hour mark Bilbrook thought they had taken advantage of the extra player. Barratt did well to parry Cottee's shot, but could only push the ball into the path of Dan Mason, who slotted home the loose ball only to see the assistant's flag up on the far side. The disappoint didn't last too long though. With 63 minutes on the clock the home side did double their lead. Cottee was once again the instigator, chasing a lost cause on the left and managing to keep the ball in play whilst the defender tried to shepherd it for a goal kick. Cottee dispossessed the DK player before rolling the ball across the six-yard box for Callum Bright to have the simple task of knocking it over the line. 2-0
That was not the end of mad quarter-hour however. A minute after going two down, DK not only had a chance to get back into the game from the spot, but the home team were also down to ten. It came about when Tipton came off his line to meet Tom Jones, who had got behind the defence. As the striker tried to round the keeper and slot into an empty net, he was sent to the ground by the keeper. A clear penalty but the decision to show a red card was met with plenty of complaints from the Bilbrook players and supporters. In fairness to the referee, Jones did have a very clear goalscoring opportunity before he was felled. From a neutral standpoint, it was hard to see any other outcome. Whatever the case, Shay Batham stepped up and send substitute keeper Owen Humphreys the wrong way. 2-1 and game on for the final 20 minutes.
Despite a Dan Mason run and shot in the 70h minute the remainder of the game, as you would expect, began to focus more on the efforts of DK to find an equaliser. However, they were to find Bilbrook's replacement goalkeeper in excellent form. Humphrey's pulled off a series of good saves in the closing moments, twice blocking from Josh Parker, including a reactive block, from a shot that came through a lot of bodies, in the final minute. There was also a superb one-handed save from Jack Hardeman to admire, after the player was once again set free by a delightful, defence-splitting, through ball. In between these saves, Bilbrook also found themselves reduced to nine players when, with six minutes left, Pollitt was shown a second yellow. For what? I'm not too sure. Dissent perhaps?
In the end it didn't matter, as Bilbrook hung on to take the points.

FT Bilbrook 2 Dudley Kingswinford 1. Bilbrook retain their 100% home record and climb to fifth. DK remain in second place, still two points adrift of Norton Canes. Although they can have slight consolation in being the first visiting team to score at Bilbrook this season. If Bilbrook can turn around their poor away form of played two, lost two, and retain their home ground as a fortress, they could well be up their challenging. Tehir two games in hand on the leaders would put them level on points should they win both.
At the weekend Bilbrook make the trip over to Leafield Athletic, who sit third from bottom. Back in August a Mbianda De Sousa goal was the difference as Bilbrook beat Leafield 1-0. DK are back at home for the visit of seventh placed PC Olympic.

Bilbrook:1.Tipton, 2.Bradley, 3.Saville, 4.Dedja, 5.Farley-Moss(c), 6.Cook, 7.Cottee, 8.Walker, 9.Mason, 10.Bright, 11.De Sousa. Subs: 13.Humphreys, 12.Scott-Jenkins, 14.Pollitt, 16.Alexander, 15.Device, 17.Lodge
Dudley Kingswinford: 21.Barratt, 2.Taylor, 34.Craddock, 6.Humphries, 7.Gwilliam(c), 8.Batham, 9.Farrington, 10.J.Parker, 11.Lamb, 15.Waterhouse, 17.Hardeman. Subs: 1.Roberts, 5.Crampton, 12.Langford, 16.Broome, 14.M.Parker, 18.Jones

The Ground
Bilbrook, or Bilbrook Junior FC to give the full club name, play their home games at a large complex on Pendeford Lane, just to the North of Wolverhampton. The facilities include the floodlit first team pitch, another full-size pitch, two 9v9 pitches and four mini-soccer pitches. There's ample parking and a fairly new looking pavilion that houses a function room, bar, snack bar and the changing facilities.
The main pitch sits at a 90 degree angle to the clubhouse, completely surrounded by a low, green-mesh, metal fence. There are dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch, one either side of the halfway line. There's also a small covered standing area on that side of the pitch, toward the car park end. That is the only spectator cover currently available. The pitch looked in good condition and has no perceivable slope.
This is a very tidy, well tended facility which has clearly benefitted from some investment in recent years and is well-equipped for the journey up the pyramid if required.

Ground Number: 418
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

The Premier League headline was written by Wycombe, who came from behind twice to end Ascot's 100% start to the season. In Division One North, Kidlington were back on the scoring trail, hitting eight in the A34 derby with Milton United. In the South it was the combined Mias of Stoneham who grabbed the plaudits. Mia Flood this time leading the way with a hat-trick, backed by Mia House's double and another Lucy Bicknell goals, as The Purps maintained top spot.
Next weekend the FA Cup is back, throwing some great fixtures out including an all Premier League clash between Oxford and Woodley.
For all of the latest in the National League South-West and Thames Valley League, take a look at the excellent weekly article from Wandering Tractor

​Badshot Lea 0-4 AFC Portchester
Portchy made it two wins from three at the start of the season, consigning the Baggies to a second straight defeat in the process. Two more goals from Millie Bradbury and one each from Gemma Hillier and Nat Bavister did the damage

Reading 0-5 Oxford City
Reading's tough start continued as they failed to get on the scoresheet for the second game. The Hoops drew level on points with Ascot at the top of the table as they continued their unbeaten start. Two from Kaitlyn Crouch and goals from Billie Bough-French, Georgina Tayman and Ellie White secured the points.

Selsey 0-2 Sholing
Sholing also went level on points with the leaders and remain unbeaten. A goal ten minutes before the break from Catherine Browning set them on their way. Five minutes after the restart Amber O'Reilly doubled the advantage. Selsey remain winless, but are still three places off the bottom.

Woodley United 2-1 Winchester City Flyers
Sarah Lawrence notched a brace as Woodley retained their 100% home record. Sez gave United the lead just past the half-hour mark but this was cancelled out by Charlene Rooney six minutes after the break. However, Woodley's top scorer broke Flyers' hearts three minutes into added time with hers and Woodley's second goal. Check out the fantastic match photos from Andy Wicks Photography

Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Ascot United
The Chairgirls pegged Ascot back twice in this game, ruining United 100% start to the season. Premier League leading scorer Leah Littlechild put the visitors in front after 16 minutes only for Jessica Watkins to level it up 8 minutes later. Just before the hour Beth Lloyd restored Ascot's advantage but Kayla Potter hit back from Wanderers five minutes later. Read the match report on the Ascot United web site

​Ascot United Reserves 5-3 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Sarah Jones hit a 25-minute first-half hat-trick for Ascot as they led 3-2 at the midway stage. Tiffany Skinner added to that just after the break and Laura Moss competed Ascot's scoring in the last minute. Wycombe's replies came from Mia Parkin, Shannon Read and Daisy-Leigh Thompson.

Beaconsfield Town 3-0 Abingdon United Development
Second versus first at kick-off. First versus second by the final whistle. Although this game was all-square at 0-0 after 45 minutes, The Rams took the lead two minutes into the second half through Nicole Brown. Dominique Carrington hit the second after 66 minutes and, three minutes later, Violet Kingston-Wheeler rounded of the scoring. You can see all of the goals on Beaconsfield's YouTube channel

Caversham United 0-3 Tilehurst Panthers
Panthers made it three games unbeaten in all competitions, whilst The Goats fell to their second defeat, one in the cup and one in the league, without scoring. Georgia Hayes scored midway through the first half to see Tilehurst go in one up at the break. Lydia Vettese then added two more second half goals to complete the scoring.

Chesham United Development 0-4 Slough Town
Slough's first league game of the season earned them three points, largely down to a three-goal first-half haul. Hannah Summers put them ahead on 14 minutes before doubling the advantage 23 minutes later. Then, a minute into added time, Daisy Skinner gave them a very comfortable half-time lead. A fourth goal, 21 minutes from time, from Nikhita Sangha, made it a very good day for Town and a third defeat on the bounce for United.

Kidlington Youth 8-2 Milton United
After losing their opening league fixture last weekend, Kidlington stormed back top form with eight goals against Milton United. Erin Ball, Kiera Isaac and Grace Craven all scored twice, with the latter taking the top spot in the league top scorer table in the process. Abi Haynes and Liv Thacker also chimed in with a goal each.  Lily Black and Jessica Exell scored for United.

​AFC Stoneham 6-0 Abbey Rangers
Last week's six-goal star, Mia House, scored twice again this weekend but even she was outshone this week and it was another Mia who took the plaudits. Mia Flood claimed a hat-trick with Lucy Bicknell adding a sixth as Stoneham  maintained their 100% start and top spot.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 2-0 Woking
Sports remain hot on the tails of The Purps, also with a 100% record. An early Lisa Charlton goal gave them the start they wanted against a strong Woking outfit. However, when Anastasia Hnatiw added a second a minute before the break, the Cards were undone and Sports were heading to another maximum.

Bursledon 1-1 Wimborne Town
BotP had the pleasure to be at this game in which two quite evenly matched sides slugged it out. Both teams had chances to win it but came up against two goalkeepers in very good form. After a goalless first-half, Zoe Bache put the hosts ahead on 51 minutes. However, this was cancelled out by Ellie Chaffe's 79th minute strike. You can read the match blog here (These Two Are Keepers). You can also read Bursledon manager Pete Hamilton's comments on their X feed.

Fleet Town P-P AFC Varsity

Havant & Waterlooville 11-0 QK Southampton
After a resounding FA Cup win on the opening day, QK have fallen to two straight heavy league defeats. The Hawks, who had been held to a draw by Bursledon in their opening league fixture, were ruthless on Sunday, smashing in eleven unanswered goals, the second time this season they have hit double figures, following their 10-o FA Cup win a couple of weeks back.
Sophie Lee led the way with a hat-trick, Emily Wernham hit two whilst Mia Gardner, Tia Hooper, Emma-Jane May, Laurie Potvin, Lucienne Selvester and Millie McNamara all joined in.

SDFA CUP
Hythe & Dibden v Sholing
With only Southampton water separating the teams, this is something of a local derby in the SDFA Cup. It's a tough ask for the home side as they try to span the four division gap between themselves and their SoReg Premier visitors. There have already been 22 goals in Hythe's three games so far, including a 6-5 defeat, an 8-1 victory and a 2-0 win at Rushmoor last weekend. Top scorer Chloe Adams has scored twice in all three games so far this season.
HGS Stadium, Clayfields, Claypits, SO45 5TN

​Beaconsfield Town v Chesham United Development
The Rams leapfrogged Abingdon to the top of the table following their 3-0 defeat of United on Sunday. At the other end of the spectrum, Chesham have started the season with three consecutive defeats. However, Chesham did the double over Beaconsfield last season. A Katie West hat-trick helped United to a 4-2 win at Holloways Park. West again and a double from Emma McNamee secured a 3-0 victory back at The Academy.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Abingdon United Development
The Goats lost their opening league game 3-0 at home to Tilehurst Panthers, but showed signs of their rebuilt squad starting to take shape. Abingdon lost top spot with their first defeat on Sunday, so will be keen to 'get back on the horse'. Last season saw Abingdon complete a 5-0 double over Caversham with Mimi Hodges scoring 50% of the ten goals over the two games.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Penn & Tylers Green v Wycombe Wanderers u23
After a good win against Kidlington 2 weeks ago, Wycombe lost 5-3 to Ascot at the weekend. Penn have only played one league game, a 9-1 destruction of Chesham two weeks ago. The sides were very close last season, finishing in second and third respectively. They fought out a 2-2 draw at French School Meadow whilst a Shannon Read hat-trick was the difference at Burnham, edging the Chairgirls to a 3-2 win with a 92nd minute strike.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Ascot United Reserves
Slough have also only played one league game, a 4-0 victory at Chesham on Sunday. Ascot have won one, lost one. Their narrow 1-0 defeat at Abingdon was followed up last Sunday with a 5-3 victory over Wycombe. Both sides, in this local derby, are used to an artificial surface. It promises to be a tight encounter.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Wimborne Town
The second meeting of these two Dorset rivals already this season. Two weeks ago and Emma Whall double helped Sports toa 2-1 win, despite Abigail Buck's reply for Town. Both teams had a player sent off, Hannah Campbell for Town and Bournemouth's Lauren Samllwood.
Venue: Bournemouth Sports Ladies Reserves

​Oxford City v Woodley United
Both teams have had pretty good starts to their Premier League campaigns. Although Woodley suffered a heavy defeat to Ascot on day1, they've bounced back well with two wins. Oxford are yet to taste defeat at all and are only being held off top spot on goal difference. City did the double over Woodley last season, but the cup is a different call game. Both sides will be keen to progress as far as possible.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Ascot United v Denham United
London and South East Division One North side Denham face a big test as they make the trip to The Racecourse Ground, attempting to span the one league difference between the teams. Denham saw off Ruislip Rangers in the previous round, notching eight unanswered goals, so we know they can find the net. Strikers Sofia Harris and Jenny Nagle have 12 between them already this season. However, Ascot are no slouches themselves having already notched 18 in three Premier League matches.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Brackley Town v Reading FC Community Trust
Northamptonshire League Premier Division outfit, Brackley Town, will certainly be up for this challenge, as they welcome Reading to St James Park. Town have started brilliantly, winning 3-1 at Crowmarsh & Wallingford in the previous round as well as starting the season with two straight away league victories, scoring 18 and conceding none. Despite the two step difference in league status, this will be a tough test for a Reading side that is facing a season of rebuilding.
St James Park, NN13 7EJ

Brentford v Tilehurst Panthers
Currently sitting top of Division North in the London & South East League, The Bees can boast a 100% record across al competitions so far. This includes a massive 18-1 win at North Leigh in the last round. partially as a consequence of that result, top scorer Ashley Cheatley has already bagged 11 goals this season. Strike partner Chloe Logie has 8. Tilehurst have not been so prolific in front of goal but they are more than holding their own following promotion last season. They are currently unbeaten and disposed of Goring United 5-0 in the last round.
Bedfont Sports FC, Hatton Road, Bedfont, TW14 9QT

Bursledon v Longham
After their weekend draw with last season's Dorset League champions, Wimborne Town, Bursledon face a home tie with another Dorset League side, Longham. They finished last season in mid-table but have started this season with two straight defeats. The Dons won 1-0 at Gosport in the last round thanks to a Zoe Bache goal in the first half. Longham won 2-1 at Hampshire League Basingstoke Town.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Fleet Town v Badshot Lea
This is an interesting tie to be pulled out of the hat. Fleet, who have rebuilt over the summer, have started well, winning 4-0 in the FA Cup against Rushmoor, followed with a very convincing 5-0 league win at QK Southampton. One reason behind the Fleet squad rebuild is that no fewer than 10 of last season's squad are playing for, you guessed it, Badshot Lea. 
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Kidlington Youth v Watford Ladies
Kidlington fired in eight against Milton at the weekend and scored five against Headstone manor in the previous FA Cup round. However, they are in for a real test as they welcome Eastern Region Premier side Watford Dev to Exeter Park. 
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

QK Southampton v AFC Portchester
There's a big contrast in the fortunes of these two so far this season. Both were newly promoted but whereas Portchy have taken to Premier League life well, winning two and losing one, QK have suffered a difficult opening two fixtures. Admittedly, the fixtures have not been particularly kind. They came up against a resurgent Fleet side and then a Havant & Waterlooville team who must have designs on the top two this season. They did, however, win 4-1 at Longfleet in the last round.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Selsey v Leatherhead
The Seals will probably welcome a break from league action. Since relegation they've struggled to come to terms with life in the Premier League, picking up a solitary point form their opening three games. Leatherhead are currently second in Division One North of the London & South East League, one step below Selsey. They've only lost once and that was on the opening day at Brentford. They also had a resounding victory in the last round, coming away from East Preston with a 9-0 win under their belts.
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Shanklin v AFC Stoneham
A ferry ride for the high-riding Purps on Sunday as they head over to the Isle of Wight to face Shanklin. The Hampshire League Division One side have started the season very well. They currently sit second, level on points with Farnborough, after two wins from two. Last season they defeated Fleet 8-2 in the cup, so are no strangers to Division One South teams. Stoneham's start, however, has been almost perfect. Three wins in all competitions, 17 goals scored and just the 1 conceded, in the previous round's 4-1 defeat of Weymouth.
The County Ground, Green Lane, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 7EU

Sholing v AFC Varsity
Varsity's 3-1 defeat of Andover New Street was tempered somewhat by a 7-0 defeat at Stoneham in their opening league encounter. They face a short cup trip to Southampton that will pose a big challenge. Sholing have begun the season extremely well and are still unbeaten after two wins and a draw.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Cresent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Dorchester Town
Dorset League side Dorchester beat Shaftesbury 3-1 in the previous round. They currently sit third in their league but have played just one game, a 6-1 defeat of Longham. Flyers, although pointless after two games, can count themselves a little unfortunate to be in that position. Both defeats have been narrow 2-1 scores and both have been inflicted by late winning goals.
Winklebury Football Complex, Winklebury Way, Basingstoke, Hants RG23 8BF

Wycombe Wanderers v Milton United
A trip to a Premier League side is probably not what the doctor ordered for a Milton side who must be stinging after Sunday's 8-2 defeat at Kidlington. The Chairgirls, after defeat o the opening day, have regained some form, ending Ascot's 100% record at the weekend after coming from behind twice against the league leaders.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

As always the biggest problem for Sunday games is deciding where to go. I managed to get to a shortlist of five before, eventually, deciding upon the Division One South game between Bursledon  and Wimborne Town. The reason? Well, it was a chance to not only visit a new ground, but also to take a look at two teams that I had never had the opportunity to watch before.
Both teams were promoted as Champions of their respective leagues last season. Bursledon won the Hampshire County League by seven points. Wimborne won the Dorset League, finishing four points ahead of Poole Town.
Bursledon fought out a brilliant 4-4 draw at Havant & Waterlooville on the opening day, coming very close to pulling off an incredible away win. Meanwhile, Wimborne had already played twice in the league, a creditable 0-0 draw with Woking on the opening day and then a narrow 2-1 home defeat to neighbours Bournemouth Sports Reserves last weekend.
Thanks to referee Gary Cash for letting me photograph the team sheets just before kick-off. As always, much appreciated.

​Bursledon, without the suspended Hannah Campbell following her red card in last week's Dorset derby defeat, started very quickly, taking full advantage of the flat surface to immediately get their passing game moving. They were aided for the first ten minutes by a home midfield that, for some reason, decided not to mark Magpies captain Emily Trim.
In fact it was Trim who got the first strike on target, although her fourth minute effort was easily collected by Jade Kibell. A few minutes later it was Georgia Reeks who tried her luck but her effort went wide of the target. The just before the quarter hour, Ellie Chaffe let rip from 25 yards out, only to see her thunderous effort fizz past Kibell's left-hand post.
Bursledon had not troubled the visitors at all until the 16th minute when, following a swift break, Zoe Bache got a shot on target that was comfortably saved by Tegan Barnes. It was better from the home side though, and midway through the half they came even closer. Issy Pouncy's delightful through ball found Emma Holmes , but her effort went into the side-netting.
Now that Bursledon had tightened up in midfield, Wimborne were finding it harder to control the game in the same way they did for the first ten minutes. The game was becoming much more of a midfield battle, although Bursledon should probably have taken the lead just before the half hour when former Stoneham player Nicola Curtis was played in on the left. Her cross-cum-shot dropped to the feet of Zoe Bache. However, the ball seemed to get caught under feet a little and although she managed to prod the ball goalward Barnes was able to get across her goal and smother the attempt.
As we approached half-time Trim again found some space, this time running onto a ball towards the right flank. Immediately looking for an opening, she checked inside onto her left foot, found a gap and shot low towards the neat post, only for Kibell to get down well to push the ball away for a corner. That was cleared and the final goalmouth action of the half came at the opposite end when the diminutive Curtis once more found some space on the left, beyond the last defender. Her low cross could have caused a problem, but Barnes was alert, smothering the ball at the near post.

HT Bursledon 0 Wimborne Town 0. Wimborne had the better of the opening encounters but Bursledon, arguably, had the best chance to opening the scoring. The midfield battle was a key contest with Kirby Anderson for Bursledon and Wimborne captain Emily Trim looking to be the driving forces behind their respective teams.

​Emily Trim started the second half in much the same vein as she end the first, on the offensive. Her low effort, three minutes in, was saved well by Kibell, and maybe that stirred the home side because, six minutes into the half, they took the lead. Zoe Bache flicked the ball over her marker just inside the visitor's penalty area, then tried to follow the ball between the defence. Barnes began to come off her line but, as defence and goalkeeper hesitated slightly, Bache was alive to the opportunity, nipping between them to fire low into the net. 1-0
The goal set off a series of tit-for-tat encounters. Sheree Bell-Jack was first to show, bringing a good save out of Kibell before Zoe Bache was sent through on the left at the other end. Her drive produced an equally good stop from Tegan Barnes. A minute later Barnes was sent clear again, running onto a long ball that dissected the visitor's defence. Her low drive beat Barnes this time, but flashed narrowly wide of the post. Almost immediately, Sadie West found space on the Wimborne right, sending in a low cross toward the front post that evaded the touch of Bell-Jack by a whisper.
That was on the hour mark. Just three minutes later Wimborne had another opportunity when Ellie Chaffe burst through from deep, outrunning the defence but then seeing her goal bound effort blocked by Kibell. Another good stop from the home keeper.
With 20 minutes remaining, a rarity. Rachel Richards, signed from Southampton in the Summer, made probably her first mistake of the day, which let in Chaffe for a run on goal. However, the defenders blushes were spared when Kibell produced yet another good block, this time with her feet.
The home goalkeeper, however, was completely helpless five minutes later when Chaffe unleashed a powerful drive from the right-hand edge of the box. The ball flew past the keeper but smashed off the far upright and bounced to safety. 
Unlucky for Town but they only had to wait a further four minutes before they grabbed a deserved equaliser. When a free-kick was only half cleared by the home defence, the ball was fed back to Ellie Chaffe, just inside the box on the right-hand side, and she struck the ball first-time, low under the departing dive of Kibell. 1-1
For a brief few minutes it looked as if the visitors might go on to win the game. They came close gain with 8 minutes left when Chaffe turned provider, feeding Abigail Buck for a run on goal. However, the Magpie didn't quite have the legs to get clear of the defence and the chance was lost. At the other end, substitute Sam Gamble tried her luck from way out, the ball taking a nasty hop just in front of Barnes, who did very well to keep her eye on the ball and make the save.

FT Bursledon 1 (Bache 51) Wimborne Town 1 (Chaffe 79). A day for the goalkeepers union. Both stoppers, Jade Kibell for Bursledon and Tegan Barnes for Wimborne, made a series of very good stops. Without their saves at key stages, the game could have ended very differently.
The result leaves the teams level on points, two. However, Bursledon have played one game fewer. Next weekend Bursledon are at home again as they take on Longham in the FA Cup. Wimborne are on the road again as they face Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the second Dorset-derby league meeting of the season, looking for revenge for defeat at home.

Bursledon: 1.Kibell, 2.Floyd, 3.Curtis, 4.Dennis, 6.Rahman, 7.Norman-Tasker(c), 8.Anderson, 9.Pouncy, 10.Holmes, 17.Richards. Subs: 5.Gamble, 13.Styler, 15.Payne, 14.Baker, 31.Berriman
Wimborne Town: 1.T.Barnes, 37.Adams, 23.Nieman, 12.L.Barnes, 17.Short, 16.Reeks, 7.Trim(c), 10.Chaffe, 3.Buck, 2.West, 18.Bell-Jack. Subs: 27.Boyle, 6.Wollington, 15.Hammond, 5.Hayter

The Ground
Bursledon have made their home at Toynbee School in Chandler's Ford, just North of Eastleigh. The school has a number of facilities that are used by local sports teams, including AFC Stoneham, who had a junior boy's game on an adjacent pitch. Bursledon play on the artificial surface which is completely enclosed by a cage. There's not too much to say about it apart from, it's a standard artificial pitch setup. There are no stands or dugouts. However, behind the school end goal is the Toynbee School Pavilion, which offers cover from the elements along with tables and chairs.
There's plenty of parking around the school. If you follow it around to the left as you enter, you can get quite near to the pitches.
The only down side to playing at this ground is that Bursledon are the best part of 10 miles away from their home on the banks of the River Hamble and, consequently, 10 miles from local legends such as this (found on Wiki) - According to local legend, the old Victorian bridge over the railway line on Coal Park Lane is haunted by the ghost of Polly Crook whose love of distilled apple cider and clay pipe caused her to accidentally ignite herself on this spot.
I wonder if Sarisbury Sparks FC, who play just off Coal Park Lane, ever have any ghostly sightings?


Ground Number: 417
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​This midweek I had a business appointment in Somerset, which gave me an opportunity to take in a game in the West Country and, more to the point, dip into a league I had never checked out before, the Bristol Combination Premier League. In the past I have taken in Gloucestershire County League matches and seen many of the teams in one of the feeder divisions, the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League. So, I was interested to get a look at another County League feeder league. My chosen game was DRG Frenchay versus early league leaders Nicholas Wanderers. It meant returning to Frenchay, a village that has been consumed by the Greater Bristol area, for the first time since May 11th, 1991. Why do I know the exact date? Well, that date is etched on the brain of most West Brom supporters. I was staying with a friend, who had recently moved to Frenchay, before and after my trip to Twerton Park that Saturday. West Brom drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers and were relegated to the third tier for the first (and only) time in their history.
DRG are former winners of the Gloucestershire County League, albeit when playing simply as DRG. That was back in 1996. Since then they have been DRG Stapleton and now DRG Frenchay. After dropping out of the County League and further down the local league system, DRG regained Bristol Combination Division 1 status in 2016-17.They got promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the 21-22 season.
Wanderers were promoted two years earlier than DRG and can also boast a Premier Division title in the 2006-7 season as well as a runners-up medal from 2002.
Last season Frenchay finished in third spot with Wanderers 11 points behind in seventh. DRG did the league double too, winning 2-1 at home and 4-0 at Dundridge Recreation Ground late in the season. After a postponement at the weekend, this was due to be DRG's first outing of the season. Wanderers sat on top of the table after their first game, a 5-1 defeat of Thornbury Town Reserves in which both Billy Arnold and Ross Beazer scored twice. Scott Andoniou got the other goal.

​The game started at quite a high pace with the home side kicking down the slope in the first-half. However, it was the visitors who struck the first shot in anger, Billy Arnold putting his attempt high and wide of debutant Ashley Eyles's left-hand post. The home side responded with a break down the right from Jude Scott that was cleared by an unorthodox but effective block by the feet of keeper Mitchell Norman at the near post.
The home team were starting to get on top at this stage and Joe Dalby got the first effort on target with a header that was quite comfortably saved by Norman. Seven minutes later DRG made their possessional advantage pay. A free-kick was delivered into the penalty area where giant striker, Oliver Holden, competed for it. The ball fell into a mix of players and, when an initial attempt was partially blocked, the ball ran through to Joe Dalby, who made no mistake from close range. 1-0
Holden's contribution to the goal was not lost on DRG, who had already tried to find his head with long balls on a number of occasions. Three minutes after going ahead, another ball toward Holden was flicked on by the striker into the path of Dylan Quick, who took his strike early on the volley, only to see his attempt flash narrowly over with Norman beaten.
The home team continued to press down the slope, restricting Wanderers to infrequent breaks into the half, without unduly threatening Norman's goal again. In fact, the next big chance fell to Wanderers. It was created by the lively Arnold who fed the ball to Oliver Boyce on the edge of the box. From the opposite end of the ground, his shot looked to be heading into the top corner before Eyles made ground across his goal and palmed it away to safety. Four minutes after that with the visitors beginning to look more threatening, they really should have squared the game up. Samuel Roberts picked the ball up some 25 yards out, drifted past two challenges and drove into the left side of the box before squaring to the unmarked Scott Andoniou around the penalty spot. Either side of the keeper and it would almost certainly have been 1-1, but the striker could only plant the ball firmly into Eyle's midriff. A let off for DRG.
There was still time for Roberts to also try his luck from the edge of the box but, once gain, the strike flew into the body of Eyles and danger was averted.

HT DRG Frenchay 1 Nicholas Wanderers 0. Frenchay had enough possession to justify their lead the break. However, Wanderers began to get back into the game in the final ten minutes of the half and should really have gone in level. With the slope in their favour for the second 45 minutes, it could be a different game all together.

​Four minutes into the second half, French came close to doubling their lead when Holden flicked on again, this time sending goal scorer Dalby through on goal. His low shot beat Norman but appeared to come back off the foot of the post before being cleared by a defender. Billy Arnold then took it upon himself to attempt to change the game. First of all, another good run down the right, culminated in the winger cutting the ball back into the path of Roberts who could only sky his strike well over. A few minutes after that Arnold picked the ball up on the halfway line, drove at the DRG defence and let fly only to see his slightly dragged shot go wide of the post.
Just before the hour mark the visitors came close gain when, after a corner was not properly cleared, centre-half Luke Bailey got away a snapshot that clipped the outside of the post before going for a goal-kick.
A minute after the hour The Wands had an even bigger chance when they were awarded a penalty, much to the consternation of the home dugout. To be fair, the ball struck a hand in the box but the shot as hit from fairly close range and the defender appeared to have his hands by his sides rather than in an unnatural position. However, handball it most certainly was, giving Wanderers captain Ross Beazer the chance to level it up from the spot. He hit the ball cleanly enough, but Eyles went the right way and made an excellent save. 
Undeterred, the team in pale blue kept pushing and when substitute Jack Neagle flashed a low cross across the face of the home goal it just needed a touch to finish it off. However, Arnold couldn't quite get a toe on it, maybe caught slightly off guard after Eyles dived for the cross and missed it.

​Not to be left out from missing chances, DRG promptly went up the other end and missed a glorious chance to seal the game, not once, but twice. First of all Quick was left with what looked, from a distance, like a simple tap-in to an unguarded net from 10 yards. Somehow the striker contrived to smash the ball against the bar. However, in the ensuing scramble the referee once again pointed to the spot for an offence that, I must admit, I didn't catch but brought few complaints from Wanderers. Quick stepped up, looking to make amends and, much like Beazer, he hit the ball well enough only for Norman to emulate his counterpart with a superb flying save.
Even after two penalty saves, the action was not over. With a minute of normal time remaining Frenchay cleared a Wanderers corner only for it to be recycled back into the six yard box. A group of players challenged for the ball with a Wanderers toe getting the final touch to poke it over the line. However, the assistant on the far side had his flag up and, after consultation with the referee, the goal was disallowed for offside. A controversial end to the game. From my vantage point there was no way I could determine if it was on or off but it must have been a very tight call.

FT DRG Frenchay 1 Nicholas Wanderers 0. With a number of missed chances and two penalty saves, it was quite extraordinary that one goal decided this game. From a neutral perspective, it was an enjoyable introduction to the Bristol Combination.
On Saturday DRG are at home again as they welcome newly promoted Thornbury Town Reserves.
Nicholas Wanderers are also at home, also against a promoted team, Iron Acton.

DRG Frenchay: 1.Eyles, 2.Nicholls, 3.Stewart, 4.Wiltshire, 5.Knight(c), 6.Dalby, 7.Scott, 8.Hughes, 10.Quick, 15.Holden, 11.West. Subs: 12.Hudson, 14.Jones, 16.McCann
Nicholas Wanderers: 1.Norman, 2.Partridge, 3.Kenway, 4.Isles, 5.Bailey, 6.Beazer(c), 7.Roberts, 8.Boyce, 9.Andoniou, 10.Arnold, 11.Maynard. Subs: 12.Davis, 14.Scrase, 15.Neagle, 16.Balanon 

​The Ground
DRG's Frenchay Park Road ground is situated just to the South-West of Frenchay village centre. A fairly large car ark sits in front of the club house with further parking alongside the building and around to the right. There's a lot of work going on at the club currently, especially around the car park area and beyond the current pitch, toward the M32, where I was told a new pitch is being constructed. The clubhouse building also houses the changing areas for players and officials. The surroundings of the club, including a patio area facing the pitch, were renovated last Summer. The building is bedecked with the club logo, above the entrance, in the clubhouse, on the doors and even in the toilets. I always like to see this. Having the club's identity everywhere somehow adds to the general atmosphere of ground. The playing surface, which sits at 90 degrees to the clubhouse, has a slope that runs down from right to left as you look. The dugouts situated on the clubhouse side of the pitch, straddling the halfway line.
I was told by first team coach Thomas Vaughan that the club wants to get the facilities up to County League standards so that they can push to get back to that level. Many thanks to Thomas for getting the team sheets for me too. Nice to have a chat before the game. Much appreciated, especially as it is a busy time pre-match.
Hopefully, I can get down to Frenchay gain some time to see the progress being made at what feels like a progressive club.

Ground Number: 416
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

Following this experiment to split the weekly review/preview into two sections for results and fixtures, next week SoReg Review will return to the single edition format.

Badshot Lea v AFC Portchester
Portchy's opening day victory was levelled out by defeat at home to Ascot on Sunday. Meanwhile, The Baggies have been consistent, scoring two in both of their opening two fixtures, a 2-2 draw with Selsey and a 4-2 defeat at Woodley.  Millie Bradbury for Portchester and Dot Usher for Badshot Lea, have both scored two in two so far.
Operatix Community Ground, Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Reading v Oxford City
Who's going to be cock-a-hoop in this one? Reading lost their opening fixture on Sunday, going down 3-0 at Sholing. Meanwhile City were edging past Winchester City Flyers, 2-1, as they made it an unbeaten first two games after a 1-1 draw at Sholing in their opening game.
Arbour Park,  Stoke Rd, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 5AY

Selsey v Sholing
Selsey are yet to win after their relegation last season, although they did lead 2-0 at Badshot Lea on the opening day, before conceding two late goals. They face a tough task against a Sholing side who have made a very good start, winning one and drawing one. However, this will be the first test away from home for Sholing.
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, High Street, Selsey, Sussex. PO20 0QG

Woodley United v Winchester City Flyers
United got back to winning ways at the weekend with last season's top scorer, Sarah Lawrence, getting herself onto the score sheet twice. City lost in the final few minutes at Oxford, despite being down to 10 for the final 20 minutes or so. Last season both games ended in home wins. Woodley won 3-1 at Bulmershe, a game that saw both sides reduced to ten when Maddie Sawyer and Charlie Snelling were sent off. Flyers won 5-1 at Winklebury in March, Libby Wilkinson grabbing a hat-trick.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Ascot United
Can anyone stop the Ascot juggernaut this season. The Chairgirls are next up to face an Ascot side who have already clocked up 16 goals in their opening two games. Wycombe's 3-1 win at Selsey on Sunday got them off the mark for the season. The sides met three times last season. Both league games went the way of Ascot, 4-1 at home and 4-2 at Burnham. However, Wanderers did knock Ascot out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at The Racecourse in October.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Ascot United Reserves v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Wycombe's home win over Kidlington on Sunday got their season underway after defeat to Beaconsfield on the opening day. Ascot lost 1-0 at Abingdon in their first game, missing a late penalty that could have snatched a point. This fixture, last season, was awarded as an away win to Wanderers. The reverse, at Burnham, ended 5-0 to Wycombe with hot-shot Shannon Read notching four goals, just as she did last Sunday.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Beaconsfield Town v Abingdon United Development
It may be early in the season, but this clash pitches together the top two, both of whom are unbeaten. In fact Abingdon still have their 100% record intact. United did the double over The Rams last season, winning 4-1 at Holloways park and 3-2 at The Northcourt.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Tilehurst Panthers
Derby day at Mapeldurham as the Goats take on the Panthers. The teams last shared a division in the 2021-23 Thames Valley season. Both games ended in away victories. Caversham won 3-2 at The Rivermoor Stadium but gained revenge with a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture. One of Tilehurst's scorers that day, Lydia Vettese, also scored Panthers first goal of this season in the 3-3 draw at Beaconsfield.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Chesham United Development v Slough Town
The Generals will be looking to kickstart their season after two straight defeats. Slough are yet to play a league game after their game with Caversham, last Sunday, was postponed. With fourteen conceded in two matches, Chesham's priority would seem to be stemming the flow at the back.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Eversley & California P-P Penn & Tylers Green

Kidlington Youth v Milton United
These two sides are old foes now after spending the last few seasons in the same division. Last year honours were even with both games ending in away wins. Kidlington won an early season encounter 2-1 at The Heights whilst revenge was gained by United in March with a 3-2 win at Exeter Park.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

​AFC Stoneham v Abbey Rangers
The Purps completed a league double over Rangers last season. Their 5-1 home win in September, thanks largely to a Chloe Melton hat-trick, was followed up with a 2-1 win at The Moor on Bonfire Night. Both go into this one unbeaten. Rangers earned a very creditable 1-1 draw at Woking last weekend whilst Stoneham gave newbies AFC Varsity a warm welcome with a 7-0 victory which included a double hat-trick for Mia House.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Woking
Sports opened their account with a 2-1 Dorset-derby win at Wimborne on Sunday, whilst Woking were held 1-1 by Abbey Rangers. The teams finished one place and three points apart last season, Woking just about having the edge. On the pitch was just  as close with both games ending in a draw, 1-1 in Dorset and 0-0 back in Woking.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Bursledon v Wimborne Town
Two sides new to the division go head to head after differing opening day encounters. Whilst Wimborne were edged out 2-1 at home to Bournemouth, Bursledon were slugging it out at Havant & Waterlooville in an eight goal thriller that saw The Hawks equalise in the 91st minute.
Toynbee School, SO53 2PL


Fleet Town v AFC Varsity
Varsity suffered an opening day baptism of fire at Stoneham, although maybe it was a blessing in disguise to get that one out of the way? Having said that, new look Fleet are also on fire up front, scoring nine in two games so far, without conceding.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Havant & Waterlooville v QK Southampton
Expect goals in this one. Already this season these two sides have seen a total of 28 goals in their four matches played. Thanks largely to hitting double figures in the cup, Havant have three players in league's top six scorers chart. Whilst both had good FA Cup wins, neither has won in the league. QK lost their opener to Fleet Town and The Hawks were held to a 4-4 draw by Bursledon.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH