Of the fifteen games played across the Southern Region, twelve ended in away wins, if you count Reading's penalty shootout victory at Caversham. Speaking of which, a big shoutout to Caversham United chairman Paul Gutteridge, and everyone else at the club. The attendance of well over 350 was incredible. 
In the league, the top three in the Premier all won. Beaconsfield and Penn played out a draw in Division One North, whilst Chesham gained their first win of the season to out some daylight between themselves and the foot of the table. In the South, Stoneham retained top spot, Havant moved into second and Fleet continued their 100% start to the campaign.
Don't forget to keep up to date with the Thames Valley League by reading Wandering Tractor's always excellent and informative weekly review.

AFC Portchester 6-1 Selsey
Portchy remain level on points with Ascot and Oxford, staying in third on goal difference only, after a 6-1 defeat of Selsey. Gemma Hiller and Eilidh Currie both scored twice with Nat Bavister and Aimee Hall-Guy adding the other two goals. Isabelle-Mai Childs was on the mark for The Seals, who remain eighth

Badshot Lea 0-1 Sholing
An Emily Flegg goal midway through the first half was all that divided the teams. The Baggies were without a few first team players, including top scorer Dot Usher. The win, achieved despite missing a second half penalty, takes Sholing over Wycombe into fifth spot.

Winchester City Flyers 0-4 Ascot United
Two goals in each half helped the Yellawomen maintain their place at the top of the table, despite both of their closest rivals also winning. Liv Glover opened the scoring after 12 minutes, doubling the advantage just before the half-hour. Beth Lloyd made it three just before the hour and, four minutes later, Chloe Ball made the three points completely safe. You can read the full match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot web site, whilst checking out the fantastic photos supplied by James Prickett.

Woodley United 3-6 Oxford City
The Hoops hit six for the second successive league game as they maintained their pursuit of Ascot at the top of the table. Ellie White and Emily Harris both grabbed a brace, as did Sarah Lawrence for Woodley, taking her to the top of the scoring chart. Ellie Walecki and Isobel Bradley added City's other two goals. Chloe Melton scored her third of the season for United. Once again we are indebted to the brilliant Andy Wicks for capturing the match action.

Abingdon United Development 2-3 Kidlington Youth
In a throwback to her debut, Grace Craven notched her second hat-trick of the season as Kidlington won away from home for the first time this season. Charlotte Bigmore scored twice for Abingdon, who continued their up and down form following last week's 4-0 win at Wycombe.

Beaconsfield Town 1-1 Penn & Tylers Green
Two top sides battled out a draw at Holloways Park, a score that was, ultimately, a fair result. Goalless at the break, Tara Woodward put the visitors ahead early in the second half only for Nicole Brown to fire in an equaliser shortly before the hour. BotP had the pleasure to meet Beaconsfield media man Craig Anderson prior to the game. You can view his match highlights on the YouTube link. You can also read the full match blog here - Undefeated.

Milton United 3-6 Ascot United Reserves
Ascot took a grip on second spot, moving three points clear of Abingdon, with this big away win at The Heights, despite Mollie Dyer grabbing a hat-trick for the home side.  Claire Couzens opened the scoring for Ascot as early as the 8th minute. Millie Wright ten made it two on 25 minutes with Brooke Ward adding a third just before the break. In the second half the substitutes took over. Sarah Jones added two more and Keren Banduka also got on the score sheet. 

Tilehurst Panthers 1-2 Slough Town
Slough made it back to back league wins for the first time this season with a  hard fought 2-1 win at Tilehurst. Alice heady and Hannah Summers scored for Town whilst Leah Why grabbed a late goal back for Panthers, who have now lost their last four league games.

Wycombe Wanderers u23 2-3 Chesham United Development
Shannon Read added two more goals to her Wycombe total but it wasn't enough to take any of the points as Chesham won for the first time this season. All three United goals came in the second half from Madelene Wight, Emma McNamee and Emma Nolan.

Abbey Rangers 2-8 Havant & Waterlooville
It's good to see Abbey back on the pitch after a few weeks of turmoil at the club. However, it was a tough return for them as they came up against an in-form Hawks fresh from a 6-0 demolition of AFC Varsity last week. Sophie Lee hit a hat-trick, whilst Emma-Jane May grabbed two more. Further goals came from Emily Wernham, Phoebe Hamilton and Tallulah Dixon. The two consolation goals for Rangers were both scored by Isobel Saunders.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-4 Fleet Town
A goalless first-half but, defending their 100% record, Fleet exploded in the second period. Keira Simpson set them on their way in the 50th minute. Just past the hour Amy Granger doubled the advantage. In the final ten minutes the game was made safe with goals from Olivia Cervino and Mahiya Sandeep.

Bursledon 2-2 Woking
It was a case of the late, late show at Toynbee School. Laura Barton had given Bursledon a 1-0 lead the break. This was cancelled out just before the hour by Sophie Penhaligon. Bryony Gibbs looked to have given Woking their first win of the season when she made it 1-2 in the 92nd minute. However, Kirby Anderson popped up two minutes later to level things up, securing a fourth draw of the season for The Dons.

QK Southampton 0-1 AFC Varsity
The score lines are improving for QK but they remain in search of their first point of the season after this seventh defeat on the bounce. Varsity's away form is keeping them in mid-table. Jennifer Parr's 63rd minute strike was enough to secure their second win on the road.

Wimborne Town 0-4 AFC Stoneham
Stoneham extended their lead at the top of the table with a solid away performance at Wimborne. Mia House scored goals 13 and 14 of the season, aided by Lauren Harper and Chloe Marshall, who got one each.
All the goals can be seen on the AFC Stoneham X feed. 

Caversham United 1-1 (3-5p) Reading
The Goats eventually went out of the cup, but it was, nevertheless, a glorious day for the club. An incredible attendance of 346 at Mapeldurham, watched Caversham take an early lead through Freya Jenkins. Zuzanna Gajzler pegged them back on 20 minutes, and that's how it stayed. A crucial save from Reading's Cherry Presiner set up a 5-3 win for Reading in the shootout. Read all about it on the Reading Today web site. You can also check out Tom Canning's report for Football in Berkshire.

​Selsey v Badshot Lea
Two of three Premier League sides still looking for a win. Selsey and Badshot Lea both have a solitary point to show so far, although Selsey have played two fewer games than The Baggies. The point they have both gained, came in the reverse fixture on day one of the season. Dot Usher and Deanna Taylor for Badshot Lea, Kate Delillis and Isabelle-Mai Childs for Selsey. A repeat score in this one is no use to either team.
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Woodley United v Sholing
Sholing got back to winning ways at the weekend, taking three points from their trip to Wrecclesham. Woodley, lost out at home to a free-scoring Oxford City team. The teams have no met yet this season but, last term, Woodley did the double. Sarah Lawrence and Sajunae Turner scored in a 2-0 win at Bulmershe. Tina Brett was on the mark as United took the points at Oasis Mayfield Academy.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Oxford City
The Hoops just can't stop scoring at the moment. Sunday's 6-3 win at Woodley took them to 24 in the last three games in all competitions. However, Wycombe have not exactly been leaky in the league, only conceding six in five games. Both games last season ended in 2-2 draws.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Ascot United Reserves v Beaconsfield Town
The big games are coming thick and fast in the Division One North. After the Rams were held at home by Penn on Sunday, they now travel to second placed Ascot United Reserves, knowing that a win would see them move eight points clear at the top. Ascot, however, are on a run of five straight wins in which they have scored 22 goals. Last season the two fixtures between these teams produced lots of goals. The Rams won 7-2 at Holloways Park but Ascot won this fixture 5-0.
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Chesham United Development v Kidlington Youth
BotP was present at this fixture last season, when the match ended in a 2-2 draw (Getting The Point). Chesham started the season with five defeats. However, they have taken four from the last six possible and got their first win of the season at Wycombe on Sunday, winning 3-2. Kidlington also won 3-2 away from home on Sunday, an excellent result at Abingdon.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Road, Chesham HP5 2RG

Milton United v Abingdon United Development
After taking four points from their previous two league games, and seemingly turning the corner, Milton's revival took a setback at the weekend when they went down 6-3 to Ascot. Abingdon's season can be described as inconsistent, winning four and losing four. Both league meetings last season ended in away victories. A Mimi Hodges double helped to seal a 3-0 win for Abingdon in this corresponding fixture. 
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Slough Town v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Just a single point separates these two in mid-table, with Slough just edging it. However, Wanderers have also played three games more than Town. Slough have won their last two in the league, games that book-end their 6-2 county cup defeat at Beaconsfield. Wycombe have lost their last two league outings, both at home. However, their last road trip ended in a 5-1 win at Caversham.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Tilehurst Panthers v Caversham United
Panthers, after two good early results, have lost their last three in the league. Caversham are yet to register a league point. So, two teams who will both be keen to come out on top of this local derby on Sunday. It is the second meeting this season. Back in September, two goals from Lydia Vittese and one from Georgia Hayes, gave Tilehurst a 3-0 win at Mapeldurham.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women - Linear Park, Charrington Rd, Calcot, Reading RG31 7AW?

​Abbey Rangers v Wimborne Town
Both of these teams lost at home on Sunday. This will be their first meeting after the reverse fixture was postponed a couple of weeks back. The Magpies have started life in The Southern region League well but are yet to win on the road. A win for Rangers would move them to within four points of Town, with three games in hand.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

AFC Varsity v Fleet Town
Fleet take their 100% record to Varsity. The reverse fixture, scheduled for mid-September, was postponed. Varsity have won twice on the road but are yet to take a maximum back on home turf. Fleet have scored 16 goals in their three away games so far. Varsity top scorer Kayleigh Rogers has not scored for the last two matches, after getting five in the previous three.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romsey Road, West Wellow, Romsey SO51 6EA

Havant & Waterlooville v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The Hawks leapfrogged Bournemouth last weekend and have an unbeaten home record. However, Sports are unbeaten in two games on the road this season. Havant did the double over Bournmeouth in the league last season, winning 3-0 at Hurn Gate and 4-1 in this corresponding fixture, courtesy of a brace each from Sophie Lee and Emma-Jane May.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

QK Southampton v Woking
Two sides who have yet to win this season, although Woking have drawn three of their seven games. QK, despite losing all of their games, have started to show signs that they are beginning to get to grips with the league. They took a two goal lead at Stoneham before losing and, last weekend, were only beaten by a single goal by AFC Varsity.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

​Aylesford v Reading
Cups have been Reading's saviour this season. Still looking for a league point, they have won three out of three in cup games, albeit two of them on penalty shootouts. Aylesford are third in Division One South of the London & South East League. They have played three FA Cup games already, winning all three comfortably and are yet to concede in the tournament.
Clive Evenden Pavillion, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AU

Brentford v Ascot United
Despite being one step below Ascot in the pyramid, London & South East Division One North side, Brentford, go into this game with a 100% league record and on the back of a 15-0 win at the weekend. They have already played three times in the competition, including a 12-1 defeat of Tilehurst Panthers in September. Top scorer Ashley Cheatley has already scored 24 goals this season. Chloe Logie is not too far behind, on 19. Ascot have the tightest defence in the Premier League, but that sort of firepower will be a test, even for them.
Bedfont Recreation Ground, Hatton Road, Feltham TW14 9QT

Bursledon v Marine Academy Plymouth
The Dons have yet to concede an FA Cup goal during their history-making run to the First Round. Marine Academy are currently second in the South West Regional Premier League, one step higher than Bursledon. They progressed to this stage with a 3-1 win at Gloucester City after defeating Feniton 6-0 in the previous round.
Arrow Arena (Folland Sports), SO31 4NF

Penn & Tylers Green v Queens Park Rangers
More history being made at French School Meadow where Penn & Tylers Green will be making their first ever appearance in Round One. Unbeaten in all competitions this season, and with a morale-bosting county cup defeat of MK Dons SET under their belts, Penn face a touch challenge as they welcome National League Division One South-East side, Queens Park Rangers, to town. Back in 2021 BotP was present as QPR put Caversham United, then of the Thames Valley League, out of the FA Cup in the 3rd Qualifying Round (Blues And Twos).
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Winchester City Flyers v AFC Portchester
The Southern Region League is guaranteed a team in Round Two as these two Premier League outfits meet. If recent history is anything to go by, it promises to be a tight encounter. In September Flyers and Portchy fought out a 2-2 draw in Portchester. A game that saw Flyers take a 2-1 lead in the last minute only for Portchester to equalise two minutes into added time.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

It's been a fair while since I have visited either of the Andover teams, so when they were drawn together in the North Hants Cup, it seemed like a good opportunity. My Twitter poll agreed, with a little prompting from New Street's media guru. Speaking of whom, many thanks to Kelly for her hospitality at half-time. Great to meet up and have a chat over a nice cuppa. Keep up the great work on social media too. It's always heartening to see a club engaging through the media. It helps to promote the club in the community, something that was very apparent from the bumper attendance of 523 this evening.
The last time I visited Foxcotte Park, in 2016 (Three Goals, Three Points), the balance of power sat in the blue half of town. New Street were on their way to finishing perilously close to the bottom of the Wessex Division One whilst Town finished safely in mid-table of the Premier League and were to go on to finish second the following season. However, that second place finish combined with not accepting promotion led to Town being relegated back to Division One, whilst New Street, who had finished runners-up in Division One went in the opposite direction. Although New Street came straight back down, they were promoted as champions at the end of 2022-23 and are now established in the top flight. Town, however, have slipped even further. A bottom place finish last season has seen them drop into the Hampshire  Premier League this season, their first in step 7 since foundation in 2013. Saying that, they currently sit in third place, level on points with leaders Locks Heath, with a game in hand and are unbeaten in the league since late August. New Street sit fourth in the Wessex Premier, eight points off leaders Portchester but with two games in hand. They've suffered defeat just once in the league, a 2-1 home reversal to Hamworthy Recreation earlier this month. They are the only team to have beaten the leaders, winning 4-2 at the On-Site Group Stadium just 3 days after that Hamworthy slip-up.
The last Andover derby in the Wessex league came in April last year. New Street triumphing 5-4, thanks largely to four goals from Ross Cook, in front of 332 spectators.

​The game kicked off with the visitor's kicking up the Foxcotte slope. It was a frenetic opening six minutes or so, both sides playing at a very high pace but making little impression. There was a n early scare for Town when Cam Thatcher went down in the penalty area amidst shouts for a penalty. However the referee had a good view and waved it away. The game continued to be played at 100 mph, a typical derby game, with no quarter given by either side.
That was until the 8th minute, when New Street took the lead. It was made down the right flank, Claudio Herbert driving down the wing before delivering a low, hard cross to the back post, where captain Shane Lock was on hand to rattle the ball home. 1-0. The goal served to calm the home side down, and from that moment onward they began to take control of the game. A few minutes later it could, and probably should, have been two when Layton Tulk's low cross found Cam Thatcher inside the box, but the midfielder failed to make a clean contact and the chance was gone.
Matt Scott, up for a corner, then smashed a shot against Chris Redshaw's right-hand upright before, the visiting defence almost gifted a goal to Lewis Williams, misdirecting a pass straight to him some 25 yards out. This time the striker's effort was just too high, but as Town were to soon discover, it was just a case of the striker finding his range. And, with 20 minutes on the clock, he found it. Callum Sweeney delivered the perfect through-ball for Williams to run onto before sitting Redshaw down and stroking the ball into an empty net. 2-0
That goal emphasised the dangers of playing a high defensive line against a striker with the pace and first touch of Williams. However, Town did not learn from it.
They survived the next breach of their back-line by the width of a post after Tulk played a one-two that left him with a sight of goal. His low strike had the beating of Redshaw but thumped against the same post that Scott had struck a little earlier. The relief was quite short-lived. On 35 minutes New Street produced an absolute peach of a goal that demonstrated the difference between the sides on the night. Lock picked the ball up on the right, inside his own half, delivered the perfect pass up the line for Herbert who, spotting the run of Williams, sent a first-time pass, weighted to perfection in behind the defence. Williams was always getting there first, lifting the ball over Redshaw and into the net. 3-0. A goal so well made that I had to applaud it before I posted to Twitter.
Redshaw then had to make a great save to prevent Williams notching a hat-trick just a minute later, but they couldn't keep their former strike quiet for too long. With seven minutes left on the clock before the break, another through ball from Thatcher exposed the Town high-line again. Williams was away and no-one was catching him. Redshaw did his best, getting fingers to the strike, but he couldn't keep the ball out. 4-0
Two minutes after that, as I was making my way around the pitch in readiness for half-time, Williams struck again. In the right place to stab home after the ball came back off the woodwork. 5-0. A devastating five minute burst from Williams, and the hosts in general, putting the game well beyond their visitors before half-time.

HT Andover New Street 5 Andover Town 0. A frenetic opening 6 minutes but, once New Street settled down, it was one-way traffic. Chris Redshaw, in the Town goal, found himself exposed time and again as New Street cut through the visitor's high-defensive line with ease. The second half was going to be a case of trying to restore some local pride.

​As expected, the second half was a lot quitter than the first. New Street knew the game was won, Town knew the game was lost. Early on New Street substitute Ryan Griffiths managed to shrug off a challenge and take the ball past Redshaw. However, the goalkeeper's movement off the line had driven the striker wide and he could only hit the side-netting with his shot.
Seven minutes into the second-half, New Street keeper Matt Fredericks showed that he had kept his concentration despite being a spectator for much of the game. Town top-scorer Ryan Morgans latched onto a pass that put him in on goal. However, Fredericks as out very quickly to make a half block, the ball ran loose, but was cleared, amidst some muted shouts for a penalty. Again, nothing given by the referee.
Then, just past the hour, the visitors found themselves down to ten. Following a challenge out on the Town left, just outside the box, there was a bit of a flare-up which led to a few players getting involved. It was hard to see exactly what happened, although there was some pushing and shoving and possibly even some raised hands. The upshot was that Town captain Dean Smith was heading for an early bath, He'd already been booked, so it may have been a second yellow or possibly a straight red. Either way, he didn't seem to have much complaint as he handed over the captain's armband and trudged off.
Two minutes after the sending off, as if to rub salt into the wounds, New Street added a sixth and, again, it was Lewis Williams. Driving into the box on the left, he cut back sharply leaving his marker in a heap, before curling the ball low into the far corner. 6-0 and five on the night for Williams.
Shortly afterwards, New Street took Williams off to applause form around the ground. His work was most definitely done for the night.
The changes, for both sides, interrupted the flow of the game somewhat. but it really was game over at that point. Chris Redshaw, who despite conceding six had played very well in the Town goal, still had time to make a few more top class saves, two to deny Jake Rawkins and another from Layton Tulk, and then it was all over.

FT Andover New Street 6 Andover Town 0. Aside form the opening few minutes, New Street dominated the game from start to finish. The three goal haul, inside five first-half minutes, effectively finished the game off. Town had no answer to the pace and finishing power of Lewis Williams. New Street will join Whitchurch United, Romsey Town and either Hook or Basingstoke Town in the semi-finals.
Both teams are back in action on Saturday, and both are on the road. Andover Town make the journey to Fleet Spurs, who now ply their trade in Thames Valley Division One, in the Hampshire Saturday Trophy. New Street travel to seventh placed AFC Stoneham on Saturday. The Purps are five points behind their visitors but do have a game in hand on them.

Andover New Street: 13.Fredericks, Newbold,Quashie, Carswell, Scott, Thatcher, Lock(c), Sweeney, Williams, Herbert, Tulk. Subs: Aldridge, Williams, Rawkins, 21.Griffiths, 1.Plunkett, Mumford
Andover Town: Redshaw, Budd, Budden, Grinham, Irvine, Smith(c), Cook, O'Connor, Morgans, House, Johnson, Mills. Subs: Jones, Ramesh, Burrows, Coutanche

​The Ground
The biggest noticeable change since my last visit in 2016 is the main stand. Sadly, the wonderful old Buildbase stand is gone, replaced by a new metal structure. The old stand was wooden and most likely a health and safety nightmare. There's nothing at all wrong with the new stand, but it's still a little sad to see that small piece of quirkiness disappear. The ground has a large car park, shared with the adjacent rugby club and archery club. There's a fair bit of spectator cover around the ground. The main stand, mentioned above, a wooden standing area between the Mays Down lane end goal and corner flag, and a covered patio area outside the clubhouse. The pitch does slope quite a bit from the Mays Down Lane end down to the crematorium end. Last time I was here I commented that the ground was maintained to a high standard. I'm very pleased to say that is still the case. It's a great example of a non-league ground. Well worth a visit.

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 523
Entrance: £7.00
Programme: Online

Despite the lure of the Caversham/Reading derby, which was a huge success by the way, the BotP game this week had to be another derby game, Beaconsfield Town v Penn & Tylers Green. The Rams started the day on top of Division One North with a seven point lead over Ascot United Reserves, albeit having played two more games. Penn were down in fourth, nine points behind, but with three games in hand on Beaconsfield. Both teams were unbeaten in the league and, just to make it tastier, Beaconsfield were boasting a 100% home record, Penn a 100% away record, even though they had only played one away game. Both squads had seen significant changes since last season, where the teams met three times. The opening game of the season ended in The Rams suffering a heavy, 8-2, home defeat to Penn. This was followed by Beaconsfield winning a penalty shootout in the Chairman's Cup (Rams Hit The Right Spot) and then drawing 1-1 at French School Meadow toward the end of the campaign. However, from that last game in April, only seven players from both teams starting line-ups were in the starting 22 today. Both goalkeepers, Lisa Phillips and Rebecca Tobin. For the Rams Lucy Casey and Violet Kingston-Wheeler also remained. For Penn, Henna Hussain, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Chloe Mackay were still in the first eleven. For both sides, the Summer signings have been making their mark so far. Nicole Brown, who signed for Beaconsfield from Ascot United along with Dom Carrington, leads the way in the scoring table. Henna Hussain has once again been regularly knocking in goals for Penn, but their leading scorer is also a new signing, Tara Woodward, one of many who were part of the title winning Long Crendon side from last season and moved to Penn when the team dropped out in the Summer.
Despite both teams having a wealth of attacking talent, their defences have formed the bedrock of their progress this season. Prior to this game Penn had conceded just three in four games and Beaconsfield seven in seven.
It was great to meet Craig Anderson. Beaconsfield's social media manager, prior to the game. Craig produces some great content for The Rams' teams. Look out for the link to his match highlights video in the weekly SoReg Review.

​It was clear from the very outset that this match was going to be very closely contested. In the first minute Penn had a good opportunity when Ellie Ludgate-Williams latched onto a long ball but, under pressure, was unable to severely test Lisa Phillips. Two minutes later Nicole Brown let fly from distance only to see Rebecca Tobin parry well before reacting quickly to the loose ball. Henna Hussain then tested Phillips again before the game settled into a period where both sides tried to establish some midfield superiority.
The game then burst into another series of chances, starting with Ruby Harris climbing highest at the far post only for her header from a corner to be blocked. This led to Penn breaking quickly, engineering an opportunity for Ludgate-Williams to volley wide, when she probably should have hit the target.
Penn were edging possession at this point and generating a few more chances than The Rams. Rachael Harnby was unlucky to see her header, from Ludgate-Williams's corner, fly just over the bar. Then Phillips had to be quick and brave to block from Tara Woodward after the striker broke through the home defence.
It wasn't all one-way traffic however. Dom Carrington had a volley from a corner scrambled clear just on the midway point and Nicole Brown got a shot off that was deflected into Tobin's arms. In between those attempts, Woodward chased down a long ball, shrugged off a challenge and sent a shot just wide of the post for Penn.
There was a moment of slight controversy just before the break. The referee blew for a foul on Katie Riddington just as she released a pas up the line for Lucy Casey to run onto. The ball had reached Casey before the whistle went, and the Rams striker went on to slide the ball past Tobin who, in all fairness, appeared to have stopped for the whistle. Nevertheless, it was a little unfortunate for Beaconsfield that play was pulled back

HT Beaconsfield Town 0 Penn & Tylers Green 0. As tight as the score line suggests. Two very solid and competitive teams. You can see why they both have excellent defensive records. However, Beaconsfield's Lisa Phillips has definitely been the busier of the two goalkeepers.

​Beaconsfield were immediately on the attack following the restart, forcing a corner in the first minute. When the ball was swung into the mix, it caused a certain amount of chaos in the visitor's defence before being cleared, sparking a Penn counter. The break led to a throw-in for Penn level with the edge of the box on the right. The ball was delivered into Henna Hussain, with her back to goal. The striker did well to shield the ball before feeding it inside for the run of Tara Woodward who calmly stroked it past Phillips. 0-1
The goal sparked a response from Beaconsfield and, only two minutes later, Nicole Brown showed their intent with a slashing drive that was only just wide of Tobin's post. As much as Penn had edged possession in the first half, Beaconsfield were doing the same in the second, despite having conceded. 
A minute before the hour, they made their possession pay. A ball in from he left flank found Nicole Brown inside the box, she worked the ball onto her right foot before firing low past Tobin into the far corner. 1-1.
From this point onwards the sides effectively cancelled each other out. Beaconsfield, no doubt, enjoyed slightly more of the ball, but couldn't turn that possession into clear cut efforts.
Sarah Harrison tried her luck from long range, forcing Lisa Phillips to push the ball out for a corner. Dom Carrington struck a good effort just wide, but neither side got too close to finding a winner. Penn did have a penalty shout late on (more from their support than their players), when Henna Hussain and Ruby Harris came together in he area. However, the referee was not interested and rightly so from my angle. It would have been a very harsh decision to have given it.
With a minute of normal time remaining, Sarah Harrison and Nicole Brown went into a 50/50 challenge that left the Penn player in a heap and clearly in some distress. Really nice to see the Beaconsfield physio also run on to help out and, after a few minutes, good to see Harrison helped off, limping but thankfully not as badly injured as first thought.

FT Beaconsfield Town 1 Penn & Tylers Green 1. This was always going to be a tight contest and that's exactly how it proved to be. Both teams have very good defensive lines. Penn marshalled expertly by their captain Rachael Harnby, and Beaconsfield by Ruby Harris, who barely put a foot wrong, and was constantly directing her fellow defenders.
Both sides remain unbeaten. Beaconsfield's lead is cut to five points following Ascot's win at Milton United.
I have a feeling that I watched the Division One North Champions in this game, just don't ask me to choose which of the two will eventually triumph.
Next weekend Beaconsfield face another top of the table league clash as they make the short journey over to Ascot to face second placed United Reserves. United won last season's corresponding fixture 5-0, a clean sheet for goalkeeper Lisa Phillips who was to later join The Rams. Penn have a very tasty looking FA Cup game to look forward to as they welcome National League Division One South-East side, Queens Park Rangers to French School Meadow.

Beaconsfield Town: Phillips(c), Harris, smith, Kingston-Wheeler, Armstrong, Davern, Carrington, Riddington, Brown, Casey, Cantrell. Subs: Lance, Harding, Kingston, Moore, Morris
Penn & Tylers Green: Tobin, Brockwell, Harrison, Southby, Gentle, Harnby, Jacobs, MacKay, Woodward, Ludgate-Williams, Hussain. Subs: Lovelock, Flint, Baden, Wyncoll, Matthews


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

On a weekend of rough weather, many of the SoReg teams were in County Cup action. Fortunes were mixed. Milton took a bit of a beating at Maidenhead, whilst Woodley, Slough and Wycombe all went out. Performance of the day was probably that of Penn & Tylers Green. Facing an MK Dons SET side who put 17 past them two years ago, the Division One North side progressed thanks to a 1-0 victory.
In the league, Sholing conceded late to lose for the second week running. Beaconsfield continued their Division One North dominance and AFC Stoneham returned to the top of Division One South.
If you want to see what's going on in the Thames Valley Counties League, look no further than The Wandering Tractor's complete round-up.

Sholing 1-2 AFC Portchester
For the second week running Sholing were undone by a late winner for their visitors. This game got off to an absolute flyer after Gemma Hillier put the visitors ahead in the opening minute. This was almost immediately cancelled out by a Catherine Browning volley to put the hosts back on equal terms. However a handball call in the final minute gave Eilidh Currie the opportunity to win it from the spot for Portchester.
Despite the awful weather Charlee Bradbury (@cbradburyphotos) was still able to capture some great shots of the game.

Winchester City Flyers 4-1 Badshot Lea
The Baggies, without a league win this season, took the lead in this game with a 5th minute Shellie Irvine goal. The lead lasted 12 minutes before Laura da Silva equalised. The same player then put Flyers ahead before the break. Five minutes after half-time Libby Wilkinson put Winchester 3-1 up. Kayleigh Tonks rounded off the scoring in the 66th minute with her first goal for the club. Have a listen to Emma Pearmine's after match thoughts.

​Wycombe Wanderers u23 0-4 Abingdon United Development
Two goals in each half saw Abingdon get back to winning ways, moving back into third spot, level on points with second placed Ascot United Reserves. Isabel Hughes led the way with two goals, aided by strikes from Charlotte Bigmore and Nina Maitliss.

​AFC Stoneham 8-2 QK Southampton
After two heavy defeats, Stoneham stormed back to form and took out their recent frustrations on bottom side QK Southampton, but only after an almighty scare. Jessica Nunn scored twice for QK, sending them into a 2-0 lead before Stoneham got started. However, once the Purps got into their stride, they took control. Aimee Gritt, Mia House and Emma Simpson all scored twice with Rebecca Moody and Larnie Bisson chiming in with the other two goals. With Wimborne not playing, the win took Stoneham back to the top of the table.
All the goals can be seen on the Stoneham X Feed

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 1-1 Bursledon
A hard fought draw in tough conditions. Rebecca Lewis was on the mark for Bournemouth, the point taking them back into second spot, leapfrogging Wimborne Town.

Havant & Waterlooville 6-0 AFC Varsity
The Hawks bounced back from their FA Cup exit last weekend, with a comprehensive victory against AFC Varsity. Top scorer Emily Wernham led the way with two more goals, taking her tally to nine for the season. Mia Gardner, Tia Hooper, Sophie Lee and Emma-Jane May also got their names on the score sheet.

Woking P-P Wimborne Town

​Ascot United H-W Tilehurst Panthers

Abingdon United 4-2 Woodley United
Abingdon have had a tough start to their second National League campaign, so this was a much needed result on their behalf. Libby Gilmore got things going in the 12th minute. Lauren May added a second seven minutes later and Mimi Hodges made it three after just 22 minutes. However, former Goat, Chante Bynoe-Gittens struck one back for Woodley before the break to give them a foothold. That was erased by Lauren May's second just past the hour. Chloe Melton did get another one back for Woodley, but it was just a consolation.
Andy Wicks was on hand to capture some great photos of Sunday's action. Also, check out the gallery on the Abingdon web site, along with the match report. 

Beaconsfield Town 6-2 Slough Town
A solid local derby victory for The Rams was marred by a serious injury to Mia Thomson toward the end of the game. BotP wishes Mia a speedy recovery.
On the pitch, Lucy Casey put Beaconsfield in front, only for Slough to equalise from a free-kick. Dom Carrington restored the Rams lead but Slough hit back again. However, they had no response as both Katie Riddington and Nicole Brown added two goals apiece. Isabella Jones and Olivia Mansell with the Slough Town goals.
You can watch the match highlights on the Beaconsfield Town YouTube channel.

Caversham United P-P Reading

Maidenhead United 13-1 Milton United
The Magpies, with former Long Crendon stopper Amy Whale making her debut between the sticks, were just too strong for a Milton side, two divisions below them in the pyramid. Tia Johnson, Isabella Stockton and Macy-Nikiah Walters all scored hat-tricks with the other goals coming from Amy Saunders, Amelie Mayani, Emily Norfolk and an own goal. Molly Dyer got the Milton consolation just before half-time.
Photographer Darren Woolley captured a few great photos and you can also watch the action on the Maidenhead United You Tube channel. 

Newport Pagnell Town 4-3 Wycombe Wanderers
Newport Pagnell continued their giant-killing spree with a come from behind victory over Wycombe Wanderers. Despite taking the lead Newport found themselves trailing 3-1 thanks to two from Kayla Potter and an Amy Leach strike. However, they pulled things level and then went ahead with a late goal to take the game 4-2. Newport goals came from Becky Shephard, Courtney Briggs, Jasmine Spence and Rachael Mumford.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-0 Milton Keynes Dons SET
A fantastic result for Penn, made even more remarkable when you consider that, when the sides last met in October 2022, Penn were on the wrong end of a 17-0 score line. Sarah Harrison was on the mark for Penn, sending them through to the next round.

​East Oxford Ladies 2-12 Oxford City
East Oxford had no answer for the power and pace of Oxford City, who made the three division gap between the teams very noticeable at times. Hoops goals came from Ellie White(4), Lucy White(2), Faith Kingdom(2), Emma Donohoe, Anaya Grey, Billie Bough-French and an OG. However, the home side have to take credit and price in the way they continued to compete until the final whistle. Two goals, both scored by Amalia Djemame, was a great reward for their efforts. You can read the match report on the BotP web site (Makin The Grade). Oxford now look forward to the visit of Thames Valley Division 1 side Barton United in the Quarter-Final.

Kidlington Youth 6-0 Longford Park Vixens
A comfortable victory for The Greens on a wet afternoon in Oxfordshire. Striker Courtney Sumner notched twice, including her 100th goal for the club. A fantastic achievement over the past 5 seasons. Other goals came from Keira Isaac, Grace Craven, Sara Pinna and Liv Thacker Kidlington will now travel over the A34 to face Headington in the Quarter-Final.

​AFC Portchester v Selsey
Third taking on eighth. Portchester, despite their league position and 100% away record, are yet to post in the win column at home. However, they are level on points with Ascot and Oxford and only in third on goal difference. Selsey are still looking for that illusive first win of the season. On the plus side, their only point so far did come on the road, a 2-2 draw at Badshot Lea on the opening day.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Badshot Lea v Sholing
The Baggies are still without a win this season and only have the solitary point, gained on the opening day, to show for their efforts. Sholing have lost their last two games 2-1, both with very late goals. However, they performed well against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup (Rovers Leave It Meg(a) Late Again) and could count themselves unfortunate not to take the game to penalties. Last season, both encounters ended in away wins. Sholing (then Eastleigh) won the equivalent fixture 2-1.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Winchester City Flyers v Ascot United
City have won their last three games in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last five. However, the visit of the table toppers will be a tough test of those credentials. Ascot, who didn't play last weekend, have yet to taste defeat of any kind this season. Last season United won 1-0 in this fixture. The reverse at the Racecourse Ground ended in a 2-2 draw.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

Woodley United v Oxford City
This game pitches fourth against second in what is a congested top four, with just a single point separating the teams, with Woodley and leaders Ascot both having a game in hand. Last season Oxford went down 2-0 at Woodley, Emily Harris seeing red for the Hoops. IN the reverse fixture, which BotP had the pleasure of watching (Fully Charged Hoops), Oxford were victorious by three goals to nil. The game saw Woodley's Bonnie Messitt sustain a nasty injury, so it's good to see her back out on the pitch for United.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Abingdon United Development v Kidlington Youth
The Greens are having an up and down season so far, seemingly alternating between wins and defeats. Abingdon started well, had a mini slump but then sprang back to life last weekend with a 4-0 win at Wycombe. Kidlington did the double last season winning 2-1 at The Northcourt and 3-1 back at Exeter Park.
The Northcourt, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Beaconsfield Town v Penn & Tylers Green
A potential cracker. The two remaining unbeaten teams in the division and its a local derby. Beaconsfield have a 100% home record, Penn have a 100% away record, so something has to give. It also matches the league's highest scorers with the meanest defence. This was the opening fixture of last season, a game that Beaconsfield may want to forget, as they went down 8-2. The return fixture ended 1-1 and Beaconsfield did win a Chairman's Cup game at home to Penn later in the season (Rams Hit The Right Spot)
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Milton United v Ascot United Reserves
Milton will be happy to put last Sunday's heavy cup defeat behind them, but the visit of in-form Ascot is not an ideal fixture. Ascot are on a run of four straight wins and currently sit second in the table. Milton, who started the season in awful form, have one won and drawn of their last two league outings. They also won this fixture 6-1 last season, April England scoring four of their goals.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Tilehurst Panthers v Slough Town
These two came up from the Thames Valley League together last season and are only separated by a point so far this term. Panthers have the slight edge and sit one place above Town. This fixture last season was awarded as a walkover to Tilehurst. In the reverse fixture Panthers were also victorious, winning 4-0. They also beat Slough on penalties in the League Cup, so recent history is definitely on the side of the home team.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women

Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Chesham United Development
Chesham produced a battling performance on Sunday to earn their first point of the season, and will be looking to build on that as they make the short trip over to Wycombe. Wanderers were beaten 4-0 at home by Abingdon at the weekend. They sit mid-table but have already played eight games this season, winning two. They did, however, win this fixture 5-1 last season, coming from a goal down at half-time.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Abbey Rangers v Havant & Waterlooville
Having postponed their last three games, lets hope Abbey are back in action this weekend. Having played just three so far, they have won one, drawn one and lost one. The Hawks come into the game on the back of a 6-0 defeat of AFC Varsity last weekend, a win that took them to within two pints of leaders AFC Stoneham. Havant won this fixture 1-0 last season.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Fleet Town
Despite being in fifth place, Fleet are the form side in the division, having won all three of their games so far. Sports will be a big test of that record. Currently in second place and unbeaten in October, they are just a point behind the leaders. Last season saw Sports do the double over Fleet, including a 4-1 victory in this fixture.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Bursledon v Woking
The Cards travel to Chandlers Ford still in search of their first win of the season. After starting the campaign with two draws, they've lost their last four on the bounce. Bursledon haven't yet won a league game at home, but are more than holding their own in the division. They are also flying in the FA Cup, progressing to the First Round for the first time in their short history. A win and a draw in their last two league outings has seen them establish themselves in mid-table.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

QK Southampton v AFC Varsity
Varsity's win at Woking two weeks ago was balanced by a heavy defeat at Havant last weekend. QK are still looking for their first point of the season, although they did give Stoneham a little scare at the weekend, taking a 2-0 lead before eventually succumbing. Those were their first two league goals, and they'll be looking to build on that this weekend.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Wimborne Town v AFC Stoneham
Wimborne, now third, were top until last weekend when both Stoneham and Bournemouth leapfrogged them after their match was postponed. The Purps are the league's top scorers with 25. However, they have only played one away game so far, winning 1-0 at Bursledon. The Magpies have not played since early October. Will they be fresh or rusty for this one?
Wyatt Homes Stadium, New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU

​Caversham United v Reading
Fingers cross for the weather as Caversham and reading look to get this previously postponed cup game played.
Reading, who play their home games in Slough, will finally be playing a game back in Reading. There are a number of Reading supporters within the Caversham club, both male and female. There are also at least two former Goats in the Reading squad. Both sides are yet to register a point in their respective leagues this season, so this cup game will be a bit of light relief for both.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

​This Sunday saw many of the Southern Region teams in County Cup action. There were several tasty looking ties to choose from, including the visit of Woodley to Abingdon United. However, I couldn't resist the derby game between East Oxford and Oxford City, especially as it was being played at a ground I have driven past on many occasions, but have never previously visited. I'll be honest, when I set off for Oxford Rugby Club, the rain lashing down on thew A34 and the skies a very sullen shade of grey, I had already pencilled in a diversion to the 3g surface at Holloways Park, where Beaconsfield were entertaining Slough Town in another local derby.
However, after arriving at the ground, I could see both sides warming up and, thankfully, the rain had eased off a little.
The match-up in the Oxfordshire County Cup was, on paper, something of a mis-match. Oxford City were sitting second in the Southern Region Premier League table, only kept off top spot by goal difference. Their hosts for the day, East Oxford, ply their trade in Division 2 of the Thames Valley Counties Women's League, three division below City. Their start to the campaign has been mixed, taking 7 points from their opening 5 games. However, they were defending a 100% home record having won both games 3-1 so far.
It was also a much changed City side that was taking to the field this afternoon. Only two of the starting 11 that beat Badshot Lea 6-1 last time out were starting today. Captain Georgina Tayman and top scorer Kaitlyn Crouch were both notable absentees. Ellie White took over the armband for the day and moved back into her central striker role.

​East Oxford began by playing quite a high line, but it's a dangerous tactic against a forward line with the pace of Oxford City. Anaya Grey, Ellie White and Lucy White all have the speed to easily get in behind the East Oxford defence. They had almost been caught out a couple of times in the opening minutes before Ellie White sprung the trap on 7 minutes. Luckily for East Oxford the normally reliant White had not got her sights in just yet. However, three minutes later, City did take the lead. Lucy White broke through on the right, outstripping her marker and getting a shot off. It was well saved by East keeper Kiaya Makin, only for the unfortunate Lizzie Foulkes to inadvertently divert the rebound back over her goalkeeper for an own goal. 0-1
The keeper was called into action again a few minutes later when she did well to push away Erin Swanton's well struck drive. East Oxford were really struggling to deal with the pace of The Hoops, especially Anaya Gray out on the left, who was able to hold ger runs and still go past her marker with some ease. On 16 minutes Ellie Whit was played in again, but once again Makin did well to stand up to the striker. Although, she was powerless a minute later when Ellie White was through again, striking early this time to leave the keeper with no chance. 0-2. It only took a further minute for The Hoops to extend their lead and, once more, it was Ellie White who sprung the trap and finished calmly. 0-3
The attacking flow from City was relentless, although credit to East Oxford, who continued to battle away and didn't let their heads drop. Just before the half hour mark The Hoops made it four. Once again the East Oxford goalkeeper was unlucky. After Lucy White drove down the right and crossed, Makin did really well to save the strike from Anaya Grey, but was helpless to do anything as Gray reacted quickly to smash home the rebound. 0-4.
A few minutes later, Ellie White looked to have got past the defence once more before being brought down by Lizzie Foulkes. Thankfully the incident was only just inside the East Oxford half, meaning the White still had a good 45 yards to run to be in on goal. This was enough for the referee, Tracy McClure, to only issue a yellow card to the defender. An excellent piece of refereeing in my book.
There was no let up from City, as the heaven's opened, the red shirts continued to flood through the East defensive line. Emma Donohoe had a free-kick saved by Makin, who continued to put up a fantastic last line of defence.
Apart from their goalkeeper, East Oxford's Melissa Webby and their Number 30 (who's name I didn't manage to get) continued to work up front. Once such move, their best so far, culminated in number 30 shooting over the bar, but chances were few and far between for the blues.
With just under 10 to go until half-time, another through ball led to East Oxford conceding a fifth goal. Lucy White burst onto the pass, shrugged off her marker and drove the ball low into the near post. 0-5
Three minutes later The Hoops clocked up a  half-dozen when Ellie White brilliantly pulled a Swanton cross out of the sky before unleashing an unstoppable shot. 0-6. Then came  the moment the home support had been waiting for. Only a minute after going six behind. Number 30 worked her way down the right before crossing low toward the front post. Amalia Djemame reacted quickest, nipping in to stab home past Maskell. 1-6
There was still time for Lucy White to shoot straight at Makin before the referee drew a close the first-half.

HT East Oxford 1 Oxford City 6. This was always going to be a difficult game for East Oxford. They've plugged away doggedly, but the pace of the City front three was just too much for them to cope with.

​City took Lucy White off at the break, replacing her with Faith Kingdom, but if the home side were expecting any relief following the change, they were shown differently only two minutes into the second half. A slide-rule pass through the defence found Kingdom running in. She took the ball around Makin and slid it into an empty net. 1-7
To their credit, East Oxford tried to hot back immediately. Perri Termine drilled a low one in from 25 yards which Keira Maskell saved with her feet. An unconventional but very effective save from the keeper.
It was a brief moment of hope for the home side, because on 53 minutes they found themselves 8-1 down. Emma Donohoe whipped in a corner from the right, curing in toward the near post with her left foot, the ball seemingly going in off a combination of post and keeper. 1-8
Kiaya Makin then made another good block from Ellie White but was powerless on the stroke of the hour when White was found by Anaya Grey before slotting home. 1-9. Double figures was achieved four minutes later, in spectacular fashion. Faith Kingdom drove down the right before unleashing a dipping drive that flashed past the keeper and went in off the underside of the bar. 1-10.
Once again, East Oxford looked to go up the other end and retaliate, Termine again with a strike, this time going well over. You had to admire their determination.
City then switched Whites, Ellie White going off and Lucy White coming back on into a more central striking role, and it wasn't too long before the substitute got her second of the day. Played in on goal, she kept calm and slotted past Makin 1-11. Two minutes later, White weas literally an inch from her hat-trick when Donohoe burst down the left, drilling a ball across the face of goal, evading the sliding striker by that critical inch. Kingdom then came close to getting her third, but was stopped by a brave block from Makin.
Then, the never say die East Oxford side, did it again. Amalia Djemame lifting a strike over Maskell into the far corner. 2-11. Two minutes later it was almost a third for the home team, Perri Termine bringing a good save out of Maskell. The game was quite stretched now as both sides were tiring on the sticky pitch. City substitute Billie Bough-French was the next to go close, thwarted by Makin once again. Then East's half-time substitute Ellie McCarthy, watched by her brother, former Ardley United midfielder James, burst down the right, showing good speed, before firing low and making Maskell work again.
However, it was The Hoops who were to have the last say. Billie Bough-French curling in a free-kick from 25 yards to round off the scoring. 2-12.

FT East Oxford 2 Oxford City 12. The result was never in doubt. City, three divisions above their hosts, were just too good. However, the way East Oxford continued to play their football was admirable. They were under the cosh for 88 of the 90 minutes, but never let their heads drop and deservedly scored twice. A special mention has to go to their goalkeeper Kiaya Makin who, despite conceding 12 goals, was undoubtably my player of the match. Frequently finding herself exposed against one of the most potent forward lines in the Southern region League, she stood firm, making a whole host of top class saves.
If you want to catch either team in action, they both return to league competition next weekend. East Oxford are back at the Rugby Club as they welcome third placed, newly promoted, Easington Sports to town.
Oxford City make the trip down to Bulmershe Pavilion where they face fourth placed Woodley United. They met at Marsh Lane last month in the FA Cup, Woodley coming out on top by 2-1

East Oxford(squad): 0.Makin, Bowles, 22.Foulkes, Hemsley, Lee, 8.Webby, Culley(c), Maskell, Anderson, Busby, 31.Djemame, Hargreaves, Jones, 28.McCarthy, 12.Termine, Tuckey
Oxford City: 13.Maskell, 16.Barrett, 15.Davis, 16.Lebean, 3.Donohoe, 12.Goddard, 2.Swanton, 9.Walecki, 14.L.White, 7.Gray, 10.E.White(c). Subs: 11.Kingdom, 8.Bradley, 5.Bough-French

​The Ground
East Oxford currently play at Oxford Rugby & Football Club, just off the A34 at North Hinksey, a little to the South-West of Oxford city centre. It's a multi-sport centre at which the rugby ground takes centre stage, with its small stand, dugouts and advertising hoardings. There is a reasonably large car park, with ample further parking on grass just off the service road that leads into the complex. There are also a number of tennis courts on the opposite side of the service road. The football pitch sits alongside this road and next to the shared clubhouse. There are no spectator stands around the pitch, although you could watch from your car if your parked carefully. The playing surface doesn't have any discernable slope and was in quite good condition, if not a bit heavy following the downpours overnight and earlier in the day.


Ground Number: 423
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

​It was all change this Saturday. My daughter's game was called off as we were in transit for the ground, and then a late switch of venue meant that, my chosen game for the afternoon was being played at Grove rather than Uffington. In the end, this worked out to my advantage. Not already being at Kidlington meant that the journey to Grove was actually shorter than to Uffington. On the down side, all the research I had done about Uffington went out of the window. Ah well, maybe I'll get there in the near future?
Today's game was a David Grainge Trophy match, a competition run by the Berks and Bucks FA, specifically for County League teams playing outside the top division. I have to admit to having very little knowledge of this competition apart from knowing that the current champions are AFC Carpathians (a team I visited earlier this season -  Champions League).
This second round tie pitched Witney & District Division Two (Step 11) side, Uffington United, against North Berks Division Two (Step 9) AFC Grove.
Grove, who are only in their second season, finished bottom last season but have started well this term. Currently  in fourth place, they are unbeaten in their opening four games, winning two and drawing the other two. They also won in the previous round of this competition, beating HKRG United 5-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Ben Hadley and one each from Ewan Lillies and Kongkiat Sattrupinart.
Uffington, who finished bottom of North Berks Division 3 last season, before moving into the Witney & District League for 2024-25, have started life in their new league brilliantly. Before kick-off today they were sitting in second place with a 100% record after four games. A point behind leaders Chadlington Reserves, with a game in hand. They boast an identical home and away record, played two, won two, scored twelve, conceded one. An impressive defensive record. Up front, Kyle Cross has scored eight in four for them. Their progress into this round came courtesy of a walkover against Cholsey United Reserves.

The game was very open and even for the opening 10 minutes or so, although neither side made any significant threat against the opposition goal. However, the game did start to ebb in favour of Uffington as it drew on. Luca Rennie called Grove goalkeeper Sam Cross into action on 12 minutes after latching onto a delightful Crossfield pass. He drove down the right and fired in a across which the keeper did well to hang on to. As Uffington continued to wind up the pressure on Grove, Cross had to acrobatically punch Tom Austin's inswinging corner away for another corner, before Howard Woodbridge headed the second corner over the bar. Two minutes later it was Austin on the end of a cross but the result was thew same, the header going just over Cross's bar. Then Woodbridge had another headed opportunity, once again putting his effort over the top. Grove were struggling to deal with Uffington's set pieces and aerial dominance, but fortunately for them, United had so far failed to hit the target.
Just past the halfway mark in the first 45 minutes, Grove broke Uffington's spell of dominance by hitting their opponents with a quick break up the left. The ball was fed back inside to Brian Mullally but his strike was well wide of James Farmer's goal. Shortly afterwards another Grove break, this time up the right, culminated in Sattrupinart producing  lovely cross into the heart of the penalty area, just inches too high for Ben Hadley to get a head on it.
The game was still very much in the balance when, on 33 minutes, Uffington were awarded a penalty. Another searching ball found Luca Rennie bursting into the right side of the penalty area. His first touch looked a bit heavy but, as Cross raced off his line, the striker managed to get a toe there first and then went over the goalkeeper's lunge. Referee Daniel Roch had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but the Grove players, especially the keeper, were not happy. From my vantage point it was hard to see what they were complaining about. Was the ball already going out of play perhaps? Whatever the case, the referee was not going to change his mind.  Kyle Cross put the spot-kick low to Sam Cross's right, but the keeper got down well to save. However, Howard Woodbridge followed in to slot home the rebound. 1-0
A few minutes later Uffington had another penalty shout but this time the referee waved play on despite United having down in the box. Once again, it was hard to see from the opposite end of the pitch, but the referee was close at hand and, again, had no hesitation with his decision.
There was still time for both sides to come close before the break. Kyle Cross for Uffington, cutting in from the left before seeing his strike deflected wide. Sattrupinart or Grove, who did the same, cutting in from the left before striking for the far post. Farmer did well to get across to mace the save.

HT Uffington United 1 AFC Grove 0. Not a great deal to choose between the teams. Uffington probably just about reserve to be in front at the break on the number of chances they created. Both sides were unhappy with some of the refereeing decisions at times but, for a local derby, the game had not seen any flash points. Also, a big thank to to Daniel Roch for letting me get a phot of both team sheets during the break.

​It didn't take long for the team's unhappiness with some decisions to come to the forefront in the second half. Only three minutes had been played when Uffington captain Josh Giles was sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes. His emotions got the better of him after two decisions in a short space of time went against him, first being pulled up for a foul he felt he didn't commit and then not getting a decision for a foul he felt had been committed on him. Hi remonstrations clearly went a little too far. However, Grove didn't have too long to try to take advantage of the extra man. Just a few minutes later they were also down to 10 when Stan parry was also sent to the sin-bin for dissent.
Just on the hour mark, with both teams still a man light, Uffington came close to making it two with what would have been a real freak goal. Rennie's sliced effort from the edge of the box flew up in the air and looked to be going well over. However, the wind seemed to hold the ball up and it dipped quickly, striking the bar before being scrambled clear.
Two minutes later, Grove keeper Sam Cross had to be brave twice in very quick succession, diving at the feet of Rennie to make a block before getting up quickly to throw himself at the loose ball, just getting there in advance of Josh Giles and getting a knock for his troubles. Good goalkeeping to keep his side in the game.
On 64 minutes, however, Cross was left clutching at air as Austin's lovely curling effort flashed past him and, luckily for Grove, past the outside of the post too.
Although Uffington had edged possession throughout, the game was very much still there for either team until the 76th minute, which is when Uffington made sure of their progression. A long ball caused the problem. As Cross came out the ball was headed back by a defender, wrong-footing the keeper and allowing Luca Rennie to nip in behind him. Cross recovered enough to prevent Rennie from getting a strike away but there was no cover inside as the ball was rolled back into the path of Howard Woodbridge, who made no mistake from 8 yards out. 2-0
The game was finished as a contest now. Grove didn't look to have the firepower to break down this Uffington defence twice, although they did still have time to miss their best chance of the game when a 92nd minute long throw was not cleared and fell to the feet of Dan Parry, who somehow put it wide from inside the 6-yard box. However, it would only have been a consolation, as the referees whistle blew shortly afterwards.

FT Uffington United 2 AFC Grove 0. From a neutral's perspective, overall Uffington deserved the win. There wasn't too much between the teams. Uffington took their chances, Grove were shut out by a United defence that displayed why they have only conceded twice in the league so far.
f you want to see these teams in action next week, both have away league fixtures.  Uffington make the journey to Witney where they face ninth placed Spartan Rangers. Grove have a tricky game at leaders Woodcote Development, who are defending a 100% record after six games.

Uffington United: Farmer, Hannaby, Hogan, Bowsher, Naish, Austin, G.Rennie, Woodbridge, Giles(c), Cross. Subs: Pryde, F.Kerman,  Medlock, D.Rennie, Fecher
AFC Grove: Cross, Bevan, Weeks, Walker, B.Mullally, Reed, Williams, D.Parry(c), Hadley, Stock, Sattrupinart. Subs: Kalhari, E.Lillies, M.Lillies, S.Parry

The Ground
AFC Grove play at the Grove Recreation Ground off Recreation Lane, just to the South of the village. The facility is also home to Grove Rugby Club and Grove Challengers, a local junior club. The football pitch is next to the main car park and, effectively behind the clubhouse building, which opens up to face the rugby pitches on the opposite side. There's a good-sized bar and the usual facilities. Of course, it's a public space, so there are no stands or spectator cover of any sort. There are also no dugouts. The pitch itself looked to be in pretty good condition, especially considering the downpours overnight (the reason the game had been switched from Uffington).


Ground Number: 422
Att: A surprising number for this level - well over 50
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

There were some fantastic results for SoReg teams in the FA Cup last weekend. Pick of the bunch has to go to AFC Portchester who were 5-1 winners at higher-ranked opposition, progressing to Round One for the second successive season. There they will face Winchester City Flyers who, along with Bursledon, made their own piece of history by qualifying for the 1st Round for the first time.
Across the leagues there were big wins for Oxford City in the Premier and Beaconsfield in Division One North. Chesham Development came from 4-1 down to earn their first point and, in the South, AFC Varsity won for the first time thanks to a late goal at Woking.
This week is a double-tractor week. Not only can you catch up on all things Thames Valley in The Wandering Tractor weekly review, but you can also read the match report from Farnham Town v Havant & Waterlooville. Just keep reading.....

​Oxford City 6-1 Badshot Lea
The Hoops got straight back on the horse after last weekend's defeat to Ascot, taking three points and drawing level with the Yellawomen at the top of the table. It was another bad day at the office for The Baggies who found themselves five down by half-time. Captain Georgina Tayman led the way with two goals, Kaitlyn Crouch, Emma Donohoe, Emily Harris and Ellie White all chimed in a with a goal apiece. Dot Usher was on the mark again for Badshot Lea.

​Beaconsfield Town 5-1 Kidlington Youth
Courtney Sumner gave the Greens an early lead at Holloways Park, but the league leaders stormed back at them through a Katie Riddington hat-trick. Leading 3-1 at the break, The Rams added to their tally through Lucy Casey just before the hour. Casey then completed the scoring with her second of the day. Cloe Woodward saw red for Kidlington. Hear the views of manager Beaconsfield Brian Harris and captain Lisa Phillips and wathc the match highlights on the Beaconsfield You Tube channel.
​
Caversham United 1-5 Wycombe Wanderers u23
The Goats slipped to the foot of the table despite scoring their first goal of the season through Katie Dearling. They had no response to goals from Tegan Condra, Ammara Qureshi, Shannon Read, Daisy-Leigh Thompson and Emma Vaughan for Wycombe.

Milton United 4-4 Chesham United Development
Despite starting the game rock bottom, without a point, Chesham came back from 4-1 down in this game, with no substitutes available, to very much earn their first point of the season. The result also lifted them above Caversham and out of the relegation zone. Emma Nolan led the way with a hat-trick, taking her to five for the term. Esme Grant recorded the other goal, her first of the season.

Slough Town 3-2 Abingdon United Development
United fell to their second straight defeat, giving Slough their first home win of the season in the process. Two Charlotte Bigmore goals had put the visitors 2-1 up at the break. However, The Rebels through Isabella Jones, Megan Duffy and Hannah Summers, took the points.

Tilehurst Panthers 1-3 Ascot United Reserves
United made it four on the bounce as they jumped above Penn into second spot. Goals from Stephanie Ferreira, Leah Robertson and Tiffany Skinner were enough to secure the points on the road. Georgia Hayes scored a late consolation for Panthers.

​Bournemouth Sports Development 6-0 QK Southampton
Sports heaped more match day misery on QK, who have now lost all five of their opening games without scoring. Emma Acott was the chief protagonist, scoring four times including a 12 minute first-half hat-trick. Lucia White also grabbed a goal just before half-time, making it 4-0 at the break. A last minute Abi Lander strike completed the scoring, lifting Bournmeouth into second spot, a point behind Wimborne with a game in hand.

Wimborne Town P-P Abbey Rangers

Woking 2-3 AFC Varsity
The Cards slipped to second from bottom as AFC Varsity leapfrogged them following their late winner. An own goal had given Woking a half-time lead but Kayleigh Rogers leveled it up on the stroke of the hour. Alicia Christie then put Woking back in front just two minutes later. However, Rogers only took a further six minutes to get Varsity level again before the same player completed her hat-trick with two minutes remaining.

​AFC Stoneham 1-10 Swindon Town
Mia House put Stoneham ahead in the 10th minute with a well taken lob. However, that just seemed to prod the bear so to speak. Annie Colston hit back for Swindon, who then took the lead following a free-kick clipped into the box, although it isn't clear who got the final touch.  Colston added her second and Tori St Clair made it four before the break. Colston then completed her hat-trick, St Clair added her second, Libby Davies chimed in with a double with Poppy Dearlove and Mia Mugford also getting in on the act. Highlights of the game can be seen on the Swindon Town You Tube channel.
Swindon face an away trip to Gwalia United in Round One

Ascot United 8-2 Woodley United
Woodley must be sick of the sight of Ascot United after the Yellawomen inflicted their second heavy defeat of the season at The Racecourse Ground. Leah Littlechild and Kate Fox both scored twice. Olivia Glover, Beth Lloyd, Alixandra Todd and Ella Rowntree hit the other goals, as Ascot won both halves 4-1. All that despite Sarah Lawrence giving Woodley the lead inside the first minute. Lawrence also grabbed the consolation goal toward the end of the game. Read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot United web site. Sophie Boycott was also on hand to capture some of the match action.

Bitton 0-3 Winchester City Flyers
City and league top scorer, Annie Northwood, grabbed her eighth and ninth goals of the season either side of half-time, before Eliza Eaton made absolutely sure in the 93rd minute. You can read the match report on the Winchester City Flyers web site. Flyers will welcome AFC Portchester in Round One.

Bursledon 1-0 Downend Flyers
A Paris Payne goal on the stroke of the hour was enough to see Bursledon make their own FA Cup history, qualifying for the First Round for the first time in their short history. The Dons will be at home to Marine Academy Plymouth in the 1st Round. Some of the action was brilliantly captured by photographer Liam Cockwell.

Farnham Town 5-3 Havant & Waterlooville
Town raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Megan Averill and Emily Foss. However, The Hawks pulled a goal back on 33 minutes through a penalty. Emma-Jane May's spot-kick was initially saved by the striker followed in to score. Maya Adams quickly made it 3-1. Just before the hour Francesca Thornton struck to increase Farnham's lead. Phoebe Hamilton pulled a goal back for Havant before 16-year old wonderkid Adams struck again to make it 5-2. A late consolation from Alice Green was not enough to get Havant back in the game. Farnham now go on to test themselves further having been drawn at home to National League side London Bees. We were lucky enough to not only have the excellent Wandering Tractor on hand for a match report but also James Prickett was around to capture some brilliant match action photos. Add to that the match highlights video on the Farnham Town You Tube channel and you've got some pretty comprehensive coverage.
Farnham will now be at home to London Bees in Round One.

Important!! Please take a minute to click on this link (Lloyds Journey) and help Farnham striker, former SoReg player, and friend of BotP, Emma Mutch, raise money to help her good friend battle cancer. Every little helps.

Fleet Town 0-7 Dulwich Hamlet
It's been a superb start to the season for the revamped Fleet side. However, they were brought back down to earth a little by National League outfit Dulwich Hamlet. Striker Anna Jowle opened the scoring after just 3 minutes, before hitting her second only 7 minutes later. After 20 minutes it was three as Hermione Crutwell got in on the act. Phoebe Leitch then added a fourth before Martha Goddard struck a fifth just on the stroke of half-time. Five minutes after the break, Lucy Monkman made it six before Nat Taylor rounded off the scoring in the 80th minute. Dulwich travel to National Southern Premier League side Lewes in the First Round.

Penn & Tylers Green 2-0 Ashford United
Two Summer signings from Long Crendon did the damage for Penn as they saw off Ashford with a goal in each half. Megan Brockwell, with her first for Penn, and Tara Woodward were the scorers. Penn will now face a home tie with National League side Queens Park Rangers in Round One.

Portishead Town 1-5 AFC Portchester
Portchy produced a five-star performance away from home to see off a higher ranked opponent. Two from Millie Bradbury and one each from Nat Bavister and Eilidh Currie, plus an own goal, gave the South Coast side a convincing win. Phoebe Allen grabbed a late consolation for Portishead. Portchester now face familiar opposition as they make the short journey to Winchester City Flyers in the First Round.

Richmond & Kew  0-0 (2-3p) Reading
A hard-fought cup tie that ended goalless after 90 minutes was still tight during the penalty shootout. Both sides scored their first spot kick, but Kew missed their second to give advantage to The Royals. However, Reading proceeded to miss kicks three and four, making it effectively sudden death. Kew missed, Reading scored, sending the visitors through to face Aylesford away from home in Round One.

Selsey 0-4 South London 
Greater London Premier League side South London heaped the misery on Selsey at the Seal Bay Stadium. The hosts were undone by a Virginia Somers hat-trick for the visitors. Johanna Andersson was also on the scoresheet for South London, who face another trip to the coast, away at Saltdean United in Round One.

Sholing 1-2 Bristol Rovers 
After taking the lead in the 8th minute through Amber O'Reilly, Sholing proceeded to fight a really gallant rear-guard action until twenty minutes from time. Meg Jarvis finally broke down the resistance. Then, in the fifth minute of added time, Jarvis took advantage of a slip at the back to stroke home the winner. Read the full match report in the BotP Match Blog - Rovers Leave It Meg(a) Late Again.
Rovers will be at home to Sherborne Town in Round One.
​
Wycombe Wanderers 3-3 (1-3p) Comets
A topsy-turvy game in which Comets took the lead before Eman Kassem levelled things for Wycombe. Jess Watkins then put them 2-1 up and Ashleigh Harte made it three with 15 minutes remaining. Comets stormed back, pulling a goal back within three minutes and then forcing an equaliser in added time before going on to win 3-1 in the shootout. Comets will now face Worthing at home in the First Round.

​Sholing v AFC Portchester
Two sides who had opposite fortunes against higher-ranked opposition in the cup last weekend. Whilst Portchy were winning at Portishead, Sholing were unlucky to lose to added time goal at home to Bristol Rovers. Two points and two places separate them in the league, with Portchester holding sway. Sholing are defending an unbeaten home run. Portchester have a 100% away record. Sholing have only conceded once at home, Portchester have only conceded once away from home.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

Winchester City Flyers v Badshot Lea
After starting with two defeats, Flyers have begun to find some form of late. Two consecutive 3-0 victories, at home to Sholing in the league and at Bitton in the FA Cup, should have given them plenty of confidence. The Baggies are quite the opposite and are on a run of six straight defeats in all competitions. On the plus side, Summer signing Dot Usher has been amongst the goals for them and has already bagged five this season. Flyers, however, have their own hot-shot. Annie Northwood tops the league scoring chart with 9 from 5 games.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

​Wycombe Wanderers u23 v Abingdon United Development
Only a point separates these two in mid-table and both have had up and down starts to the season. With Beaconsfield so far out in front, both need to start picking up maximums if they want to begin to close the gap. Both games last season ended in home wins and both produced goals. On the opening day a Mimi Hodges hat-trick helped United to a 5-2 win at The Northcourt. The reverse back at Burnham ended with a 4-2 victory for Wanderers.
18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Abbey Rangers v Fleet Town
Abbey have postponed their last two matches after losing their coaching team a couple of weeks ago. Consequently, they have only played three so far, winning one, drawing one and losing one. Fleet, who have also only played three, are taking a 100% league record to The Moor but were brought back down to earth with a heavy FA Cup defat at the weekend.
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH

AFC Stoneham v QK Southampton
The Purps were given something of a FA Cup lesson by Swindon on Sunday, which came on the back of their rather heavy home defeat to Fleet the week before. This is not a good sign for QK, who have struggled to get to grips with life in Division One South and are yet to score in the league. Stoneham will be looking to get their season back on track. Wil they take out their recent frustrations on the bottom side or can QK benefit from Stoneham's recent defeats?
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Bursledon
The Dons notched their first Southern Region win two weeks ago, and followed it up by progressing to the First Round of the FA Cup last Sunday. This weekend they'll be given a real test by a Sports side who have only lost once this season and a fresh from a 6-0 win at the weekend.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Varsity
Varsity scored late at Woking on Sunday to register their first league win of the season, moving themselves away from the bottom and above The Cards in the process. Havant went out of the FA Cup at Farnham, but have only lost once in the league and have already hit double figures in a game twice this season. This game will pitch three of the leagues top five goal scorers in opposition. Emily Wernham and Sophie Lee of The Hawks and Varsity's Kayleigh Rogers.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

Woking v Wimborne Town
This is the reverse fixture of the opening day game between these sides. That ended in a goalless stalemate. Since then, fortunes have been very different. Woking have taken just one more point, a draw at home to Abbey Rangers. Meanwhile, Wimborne, who went on to lose their next game, have since won three and drawn one, to go top of the table.
Venue: Check with home team

​Bucks & Berks Senior Cup
​
Ascot United H-W Tilehurst Panthers

Abingdon United v Woodley United
Woodley won't want to face another team in yellow and blue after falling to two heavy defeats at Ascot this season. Having said that, those defeats are the only two they have suffered and they are still sitting in third spot, only one point shy of the summit. Abingdon, in their second National League Division One South West season, have not had a great start and are currently in the drop zone. This could go either way.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Beaconsfield Town v Slough Town
A local derby between division mates who have yet to face each other in league action this season. The Rams are still unbeaten in the league and have been finding the net with alarming regularity. Alarming for the opposition that is. However, Slough's comeback from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at the weekend, should have really boosted their confidence.
Holloways Park, Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Reading
A fascinating fixture in many ways. Reading, who play their home games in Slough, will finally be playing a game back in Reading. There are a number of Reading supporters within the Caversham club, both male and female. There are also at least two former Goats in the Reading squad. Both sides are yet to register a point in their respective leagues this season, so this cup game will be a bit of light relief for both.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Maidenhead United v Milton United
After a few heavy defeats, Milton have started to get their season back on track and have taken four points from the last six available, scoring seven goals in the process. Whether a cup tie at a National League side is a good or bad thing at this point, is yet to be seen. Of course, Milton have little to lose, so they can go ahead an enjoy the game. Maidenhead are mid-table and have only won once in their last six in all competitions.
York Road, SL6 1SF

Newport Pagnell Town v Wycombe Wanderers
Newport Pagnell currently sit second from bottom in the East Midlands Division One South and are yet to register a win in any competition this season. You would think that The Chairgirls would be to strong for them, especially as they are unbeaten (in normal time) since the opening day. Of course, they did go out of the FA Sup to Comets on penalties at the weekend. 
Willen Road Sports Ground, Newport Pagnell, MK16 0DF

Penn & Tylers Green v Milton Keynes Dons SET
A tough draw for Penn as they face MK Dons SET at French School Meadow. It's not the first time they have been drawn together, but Penn may want to forget the last meeting. That came back in October 2022 in Milton Keynes and ended with Dons registering a 17-0 win.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Oxfordshire County Cup

East Oxford Ladies v Oxford City
A local derby with three divisions separating the teams. East Oxford currently reside in Division 2 of the Thames Valley League, and sit in mid-table. It's going to be a big ask for them to contain a City side level on points with Ascot at the top of the SoReg Premier and who have already scored five or more in three games this season.
Oxford Rugby & Football Club, OX2 0NA

Kidlington Youth v Longford Park Vixens
There are four divisions separating these sides going into this game. Longford currently sit bottom of Division 3 North in the Thames Valley League and have yet to win a game this season. However, they did take their first point in their last outing, a 2-2 draw at Aylesbury United. Kidlington have had a mixed season so far and were beaten 5-1 by leaders Beaconsfield at the weekend.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

After a week without football I was very keen to get back out on the road this Sunday, and the women's FA Cup offered up a plethora of enticing games to choose from. With Wandering tractor covering Farnham v Havant & Waterlooville, which I had been considering, I decided to head down to the south coast for Sholing v Bristol Rovers. This ground had long been on my list to visit, so this was a golden opportunity.
Sholing, since the name change from Eastleigh in the Community, have added to their squad and started the season well, only losing their unbeaten run last weekend. They progressed to this stage of the FA Cup with a resounding 6-0 defeat of AFC Varsity, which came on the back of a 13-1 defeat of Hythe & Dibden in the Southampton District Cup. The draw, pitching them against a team from the league above, gave the new-look team an opportunity to test themselves.
Bristol Rovers won the South-West Premier League by 12 points last season, gaining promotion into the National League structure. A great achievement when you consider they were still in Division One North of the South-West League in 2021, winning it in 2022. They've started life at national level well, currently sitting in fourth spot after winning four of their first seven. They are also currently the only team to have taken any points off league leaders Swindon Town following last week's 1-1 draw thanks to Meg Jarvis's 94th minute equaliser (keep that in mind for later).
Last season saw Eastleigh, as they were then, go out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, losing 1-0 at home to AFC Portchester. Rovers went out in the 2nd Round, losing 2-1 at Keynsham Town.

​Rovers, kicking toward the marquee end, started the game at a very fast pace, pushing Sholing backwards from the first whistle. However, despite being penned in their own half and having the defend a couple of early corners, it was Sholing who go off the first real strike in anger after four minutes. Amber O'Reilly was played in on goal but found visitor's keeper George Hunt in good form.
The warning shot from the home team was not heeded by Rovers though. Four minutes later, as the clock ticked to 8 minutes, Sholing broke again. Claudia Weston slipped the ball through to Amber O'Reilly on the right. The striker proceeded to lob the ball over Hunt and into the far corner. Was it a cross gone wrong or a did she mean it? Whatever. They all count. 1-0
Bristol looked to respond immediately. Home keeper Grace Jenman had to be at her very best to keep out a stinging drive from Nia Rees. The first of many good saves from the home stopper. However, Rovers had to be very aware of the threat from Sholing on the break and, just before the quarter-hour, they almost gifted the home side a second goal. Some slack defending allowed Siena Millen to get in behind the back-line, but she couldn't make the most of the chance.
The game then settled into a pattern of Rovers pressure with Sholing defending stoutly and always looking to hit quickly on the break. Jenman was called upon once again just before the 30 minute mark, coming off her line to bravely block from Meg Jarvis after the Rovers striker broke clear. Two minutes after that, Sholing once again demonstrated their prowess on the counter-attack. O'Reilly found Millen on the right who took the shot on early, striking it low across the face of the goal and narrowly past the far post.
Almost like a game of chess at this point, Rovers continued to keep manoeuvring their pieces, looking for check-mate, whilst Sholing seemed happy to defend in the knowledge that, when they did break, they could cause problems for the visitors. In fact, Sholing's defence was now managing to restrict the Bristol chances much better than earlier on. Jenman did need to make two more stops before the break however, First blocking a low, driven Annys Turner cross with her feet at the near post and then making yet another superb diving save to keep out Meg Jarvis again.

HT Sholing 1 Bristol Rovers 0. The visitors have had almost complete control of the ball and Grace Jenman has had to make a couple of very good stops. However, Sholing have looked dangerous every time they have broken forward. Midfielder Katie Shorter has literally been everywhere on the pitch, breaking up countless Bristol moves. Classic counter-attacking football and an absolutely fascinating encounter for neutrals.

​There was a very noticeable increase in the urgency and pace from Rovers when the second half kicked off. An early strike from Emison Evans ensured that Jenman was alert and then, two minutes later, Meg Jarvis was played in again through the middle. Just as she was about to pull the trigger,  Kathryn Littleboys managed to get back to get in a crucial challenge, forcing the striker to shoot off target. Great defending.
As Rovers continued to search for the equaliser, the game was taking on a very similar pattern to the first-half. Sholing defending and Rovers probing. The difference being that the number of Sholing counters seemed to be getting fewer. As we approached the hour mark, Sholing had not managed to get out of their own half since the break.
Rovers came very close to getting back into the game when Jenman made her first (and only) mistake of the game, taking her eye off a mis-hit Jarvis strike and allowing it to slip through her grasp, grateful to see the ball roll just past the outside of the post. Three minutes later Jenman was back in the action, once again thwarting Jarvis with another good stop. Laura Barrett then put another header over the top as the pressure kept building.
You relax against this Sholing side at your peril, however. Something that Rovers almost learned again on 68 minutes when, in their first attack of the second half, the home almost took a two-goal lead. Siena Millen's strike from outside the box looked destined for the top corner until George Hunt threw herself across the goal, pushing the ball away for a corner. If that had gone in, Rovers would have been left with a mountain to climb. As it happened, within two minutes they were finally level. Bassett's cross from the right found Meg Jarvis, who had escaped her marker, inside the box. Her first effort was brilliantly tipped against the bar by Jenman, but the striker was quick to react, smashing the loose ball past the keeper. 1-1
Rovers smelled blood now. Sholing's resistance finally broken, could they find a winner?
Jarvis came close again a few minutes later, driving her strike into the midriff of Jenman. Then, with around 12 minutes remaining, Layah Douglas was unlucky when her dipping strike cleared the goalkeeper but clipped the bar on it's way out. Nia Rees then put a shot well over and Littleboy was once again called upon to make a great block, this time from Jarvis.

​Time was running out for Rovers and, as we hit the first minute of added time, another Douglas strike that flew just wide, seemed to have signalled that the game was destined for a penalty shootout. Certainly that's what the home management must have thought when, after 93 minutes, they took off Grace Jenman to replace her with Sarah Kelsall, presumably with penalties in mind?  
Even the Bristol Rovers X admin revealed later that they had already drafted a post stating that it was going to penalties. However, what everyone had forgotten was Meg Jarvis's late equaliser on Sunday. Remember that? It was the 94th minute when she struck the previous week. this week she left it a minute later. A long ball caused some hesitation in the home defence. Meg Jarvis took a gamble and, as Kelsall appeared to slip, was able to take the ball around her and slide it into an empty net. 1-2.

FT Sholing 1 Bristol Rovers 2. Late heartbreak for Sholing after a superb performance. They clearly had a game plan, which was executed almost to perfection. Credit to Rovers though. They plugged away for the entire game and, just like last week, found that little extra in added time. The game was a great advert for women's football. No shortage of skill on show, bags of determination, and two teams who gave everything they had on the day. As a neutral, I left the game with a smile on my face. Thoroughly entertained for the princely sum of five quid. You can't knock that. Good luck to Bristol Rovers in the next round.
If you want to catch either of these teams in action (and I strongly recommend you do), they are both back in league action next Sunday and, what's more, they both have local derbies. Sholing are back at home as they welcome newly promoted AFC Portchester to town. Rovers, meanwhile, make the short trip to over to the banks of the Severn to take on Portishead Town.

Sholing: 1.Jenman, 2.McHugh, 4.Freeman-Woods, 5.Littleboy, 7.Shorter, 8.Weston, 9.O'Reilly, 14.Phillips-Foreman(c), 17.Browning, 19.Millen, 20.Bates. Subs: 3.Pinnock, 6.Serridge, 10.Dickinson, 11.Flegg, 12.Hudson, 13.Kelsall
Bristol Rovers: 1.Hunt, 2.Douglas, 5.Bassett, 7.Ackerman, 9.Jarvis, 10.Rees, 12.Evans, 21.Exley, 25.Barrett, 17.Bourne-Hallett(c), 26.Hayward. Subs: 3.Warren, 11.Todd, 14.Wannell, 16.Turner, 19.Wilson, 20.Bellotti, 22.Clay

The Ground
Sholing FC play their home games at what is now known as The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, between Sholing and Old Netley, just to the South-East of Southampton. The ground was previously known as VT Sports Club, which reflects the team's past as Vosper Thornycroft FC, works team of the locla shipbuilding company. The ground is set back from Portsmouth Road and accessed via a small service road that leads to the main car park outside the clubhouse. There is also additional parking on the adjacent land next to Netley Bowls Club. Access is through a single turnstile which brings you in behind the car park end goal, next to the marquee structure that houses the bar. There is also a club house next to this (closed for today's game). There is ample spectator cover around the ground for both standing and seating. There is also a media tower just on the halfway line and a very good (loud) PA system. The playing surface, which looked in good condition, does slope slightly back toward the clubhouse end.
One really nice touch was the addition of printed team sheets on he tables in the marquee.


Ground Number: 421
Att: 170
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

Wins for both Ascot United and Beaconsfield Town mean that it is as you were in the Premier and Division One North. However, in the South some new teams and new squads are sending ripples through the division. New-look Fleet Town continued their impressive start with a 7-3 win at Stoneham. This result, combined with Wimborne's 4-0 win at QK, sent the Magpies to the top of the table.
Next weekend there are games in all three division, however the FA Cup will take centre stage with 13 SoReg sides still battling it out. Ascot v Woodley means that at least one team will make it through to the First Round in early November.
If you want to keep up with what's happening in the Thames Valley League take a look at this week's excellent round-up from Wandering Tractor.

Ascot United 4-1 Oxford City
Ascot impressively retained their unbeaten record and place at the top of the table, inflicting a first defeat on The Hoops in the process. Charlie Torry opened the scoring after 15 minutes with Beth Lloyd doubling the advantage on 29 minutes. Chloe Ball then made it three and, a minute into added time Beth Lloyd made it four from the spot. Another Emma Donohoe goal, a minute from time, was scant consolation for City.
Read the match report from Neal Jeffs on Ascot's site

Reading 1-4 AFC Portchester
Former Goat Sumayah Zayadi put Reading in front before the quarter hour mark but this was cancelled out by a 42nd minute Nat Bavister goal. Sophie Bell then had Portchy in front on the stroke of half-time. Just after the hour Brooke Marshall made it three for Portchester and, with 17 minutes left, Charlotte Keenan grabbed her first since joining from Woking.Photos courtesy of NG Sports Photography.
​
Selsey 0-3 Woodley United
Woodley made it four on the spin, climbing to second place, all at the expense of winless Selsey. Chloe Melton got them on their way in the 11th minute. Top scorer Sarah Lawrence then added the first of her brace for the day, in the 31st minute. Lawrence ended the scoring just before full-time with her fifth of the season.
Andy Wicks was there to capture the action for us.

Winchester City Flyers 3-0 Sholing
Flyers ended their winless start to the season whilst inflicting a first defeat on the Boatwomen. It took just six minutes for Annie Northwood to put the home side in front. However, they had to wait until the 67th minute before Libby Wilkinson gave them breathing space. Eight minutes later Charlie Snelling made the points safe with Winchester's third.

Wycombe Wanderers 5-0 Badshot Lea
A bare bones Baggies squad fell to their fourth straight league defeat against a Wycombe side who are now unbeaten since the opening day defeat to Portchester. Captain Bobby Lynch gave the Chairgirls a 26th minute lead. Eman Kassem doubled the lead on 34 minutes with Kayla Potter adding a third before half-time. Just past the hour Jess Watkins made it four and ten minutes later Ellen Wardlaw sewed up the scoring.
All five Wycombe goals can be viewed here 

Caversham United 0-6 Beaconsfield Town
Caversham's lack of goals is starting to cost them, as they fell to a third league defeat without scoring. Beaconsfield, however, have little problem in this department, now having notched 27 goals in their six league games so far, 18 of which have come on the road. Sarah Davern opened the scoring in the 5th minute with Lucy Casey adding a second two minutes later. Davern then hit her second and Town's third on the stroke of half-time. League top scorer Nicole Brown then added a fourth shortly after the restart. In the final twenty minutes, Dominque Carrington and Casey with her second, rounded off the scoring. Watch the match highlights on the Beaconsfield YouTube Channel.
Check out the match photos from Clive Parker Photography - @7352tommy

Chesham United Development 1-5 Ascot United Reserves
It's now five games without a point for Chesham as they went down to an Ascot side who have pushed themselves up to third after making it three wins on the bounce. They got off to a great start when Sarah Jones put them ahead in the third minute. Tiffany Skinner doubled the advantage halfway through the first 45 minutes, and that's how it stayed until after the break. Karen Banduka made it three early in the second half, then Leah Robertson was on target with the fourth. Sarah Jones grabbed her second and Ascot's fifth in the 78th minute.

Kidlington Youth 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers u23
Spoils shared at Exeter Park with the home side having to come from behind twice to earn the point. Shannon Read hit a double for Wycombe, backed up by a goal from Sophie Harvey. For The Greens Liv Ward, Erin Ball and Kiera Isaac were on the mark. Rob Mellor captured some of the match action:

Milton United 3-0 Slough Town
After four quite heavy defeats in all competitions, Milton finally kickstarted their season with a home win over Slough Town. First half goals from April England and Mollie Dyer put them in control. Caitlin Kemp added a third just past the hour. The result put Milton level on points with Slough, with a game in hand. However, even more pleasing, after conceding 17 in two league games previously, was the clean sheet.

Penn & Tylers Green 5-1 Tilehurst Panthers
Penn climbed into second spot on the back of this convincing win over Panthers, who were beaten for the first time. Two goals from Ellie Ludgate-Williams and one each from Henna Hussain, Sarah Harrison and Olivia Braden, secured the points. Tilehurst's Lydia Vittese had an interesting few minutes around the midway break. There minutes into first-half added time she scored to make it 2-1. However, 5 minutes into the second half she picked up a straight red.

Abbey Rangers P-P Bournemouth Sports Reserves

AFC Stoneham 3-7 Fleet Town
Result of the day has to go to Fleet Town who took apart Stoneham's 100% record on their own doorstep. Of course, the score line doesn't tell the entire story. Stoneham were forced to play the game with midfielder Rebecca Moody between the sticks after losing an appeal to sign an emergency goalkeeper. Fleet's goals came from Olivia Cervino and two each from Lily Martin, Isabella Moffett and Keira Simpson. The Stoneham response came in the form of goals from Mia House, Mia Flood and Emma Simpson. Listen to the post match views of Fleet captain Dominique Lewis. 

AFC Varsity 1-3 Bursledon
After two draws and a narrow defeat at Stoneham, Bursledon finally got their first three-pointer of the season. Kirby Anderson got them off to a flyer in the 11th minute. It stayed that way until twenty minutes before the end of the game when Kayleigh Rogers equalised for Varsity. However, within four minutes Sophie Moore had The Dons back in front. With two minutes remaining Paris Payne made sure of the points. Read the thoughts of Dons boss Pete Hamilton

QK Southampton 0-4 Wimborne Town
Two goals in each half from the Magpies saw off the QK challenge and sent Wimborne to the top of the table. It was a third win on the bounce for the Magpies, kicked off by Rhiannon Short's 25th minute strike. Ellie Chaffe made it two just before the break. Sheree Bell-Jack added a third just before the hour, with Holly Weaver-Coles adding the fourth with 25 minutes remaining.

Woking 0-2 Havant & Waterlooville
Laurie Potvin scored early and late in the first half to give The Hawks all of the points at Woking. The defeat, the  third in succession, leave the Cards still looking for their first win after five games. Havant jump up to fourth place, now only four points shy of the top with two games in hand.

​Oxford City v Badshot Lea
After four defeats on the bounce, Badshot Lea probably don't need to be travelling to Oxford City, especially after the Hoops lost their unbeaten record at the weekend.
Both league meetings ended in heavy Baggies defeats last season, losing 4-0 in this fixture and 6-2 at home. The dual strike force of Emily Harris and Ellie White scored 8 of those 10 City goals.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

​Beaconsfield Town v Kidlington Youth
The unbeaten Rams have a six point lead at the top, but have played two more than second placed Penn. Both of these teams know where the goal is this season, having scored 44 goals between them in 10 games. Last season both games ended in away wins. Kidlington won 4-2 at Holloways Park in October, whilst The Rams gained some revenge with a 2-0 on the last Saturday of the season.
Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Caversham United v Wycombe Wanderers u23
Wanderers have already played six league games this season, winning one, drawing two and losing three. Striker Shannon Read has already hit the net seven times in those six games. United have lost all three of their league outings and have yet to score. This fixture last season saw Wycombe leave Mapeldurham with an 8-2 victory, largely down to an Ammara Qureshi hat-trick.
Mapeldurham Recreation Ground, Upper Woodcote Road, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7LD

Milton United v Chesham United Development
With Milton having finally got off the mark on Sunday and Chesham still searching for their first point of the season, this has home win stamped all over it. However, last season this fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that Chesham would be very happy with this time around. Since the departure of last season's top scorer, Katie West, scoring has fallen onto the shoulders of Emma Nolan.
Milton Heights, Potash Lane, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4XB

Slough Town v Abingdon United Development
After winning at Chesham in mid-September, Slough have lost their last three games. Abingdon, after being early leaders, have lost two of their last three, dropping to fourth spot. Neither team has been particularly prolific in front of goal so far this season. On the plus side for United, they have the second tightest defence, having only conceded four times in five games.
Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

Tilehurst Panthers v Ascot United Reserves
Panthers lost for the first time this season last Sunday, going down 5-1 at Penn. Ascot, meanwhile, won at Chesham by the same margin. Both sides have in-form strikers. Sarah Jones has seven in four for Ascot. Georgia Hayes has hit the net five time in five games for Tilehurst.
Venue: Tilehurst Panthers Women - Linear Park, Charrington Rd, Calcot, Reading RG31 7AW?

​Bournemouth Sports Reserves v QK Southampton
Bournemouth's postponed game at Abbey Rangers last weekend, saw them slip down the table to fifth. However, they are just four points off top spot and have two games in hand. QK are still looking for their first point and first league goal since promotion.
Chapel Gate, Nr Hurn Airport, East Parley, Hampshire BH23 6BL.

Wimborne Town P-P Abbey Rangers

Woking v AFC Varsity
Two sides in the lower half of the table, separated by a single point. Woking have drawn two of their five games so far, Varsity are one place and one point worse off but have played two fewer games. Both lost at home last weekend, Woking to Havant & Waterlooville, Varsity to two late Bursledon goals.
Venue: Check with home team

​AFC Stoneham v Swindon Town (Women's National League Division One South-West)
Both of these sides dropped league points for the first time this season at the weekend. With two division's separating them, it's going to be a tough test for The Purps. Swindon are no strangers to finding the net, 33 so far in eight games. Top scorer Annabelle Colston has eight to her name already.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, SO16 2PA

Ascot United v Woodley United
The current top two in the Southern Region Premier going head to head in the FA Cup. Woodley have a point to prove after being swept aside by Ascot in the opening game of the season. Since that initial defeat, Woodley have gone on to win their next five in all competitions. Ascot are unbeaten this season and are defending a 100% home record.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Bitton (South West Regional Division One North) v Winchester City Flyers
Despite being the home side and currently leading their division with a game in hand, Bitton will go into this game as underdogs against Premier League opposition. Bitton have played two away games to get this far, winning 1-0 at Bath and then, after  3-3 draw, beating Hereford Pegasus 5-3 on penalties. Progress for Flyers has been much more straight-forward. They beat Dorchester Town 14-0 in the previous round.
Bitton Sports and Social Club Bath Road, Bitton BS30 6HX

Bursledon v Downend Flyers (South West Regional Division One North)
A 3-1 defeat of Cheltenham Civil Service saw Downend progress to this stage. That win is their only one of a troubled start to the season which sees them bottom of their league with a single point. Bursledon have adapted to their promotion nicely, suffering just one league defat so far. Their cup progress has seen them win 1-0 at Gosport Borough before seeing off Longham by 8-0 in the previous round.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Farnham Town (South East Counties Surrey Premier) v Havant & Waterlooville
All being well this will be the BotP live game this Sunday. Town have a 100% record in their league but still sit in third spot behind Dorking Wanderers Development and Leatherhead, who also have a 100% record. They do, however, have a game in hand on both. Whilst scoring is no problem to Farnham, their defence is very mean, having only conceded once so far in five games. They beat Farnborough 6-0 in the previous round. Havant saw off US Portsmouth 10-0 in the first round before receiving a walkover from Warminster Town in the previous round.
Memorial Ground,  Mead Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DY

Fleet Town v Dulwich Hamlet (National League Division One South East)
This will be a very interesting test of Fleet's credentials. So far this season they have been unstoppable. A 100% league record and two big FA Cup wins, 4-0 over Rushmoor and 8-2 over Premier League side Badshot Lea. Can they go one better and take out a National League side? Dulwich currently sit third in their league. They got this far in the cup by beating London Seaward 4-0 and Moneyfields 2-0, both on the road.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Penn & Tylers Green v Ashford United (London & South East Premier)
The FA Cup has been blessed relief to Ashford so far this season. Five league games have produced just three goals and zero points. They did, however, win 2-1 at Croydon in the last round of the cup. Penn have yet to taste defeat in league or cup. They disposed of Caversham United in the first qualifying round before being given a walkover after being drawn at home to Long Crendon in the last round.
French School Meadow, Elm Road, Penn HP10 8LG

Portishead Town (Women's National League Division One South-West) v AFC Portchester
Aside from defeat to league leaders Ascot United, Portchester have slotted into Premier League life very well. They put 13 past QK Southampton in the last round of the cup and, as a reward, get to test themselves against a Portishead side beginning their fourth season in the National League structure.
Bristol Road, Portishead, BS20 6QG

Richmond & Kew (London & South East Division One North) v Reading
Richmond & Kew have won three, lost three in their league this season, winning the last three in all competitions, including a 6-1 defeat of Sevenoaks Town in the last round. Reading, still in rebuild mode, have struggled to come to terms with SoReg Premier League life, suffering four consecutive defeats. However, there are shoots of recovery and the 3-2 cup win at Brackley was a pointer to what they can do.
Ham Fields, Richmond, TW10 7RX

Selsey v South London (Greater London Premier)
The Seals, like Reading, have yet to get to grips with life in the Premier League. Their opening day 2-2 draw with Badshot Lea is the only point they have mustered so far. They progressed to this stage of the cup after beating Leatherhead on penalties, following a 1-1 draw. South London have come through two away fixtures to get here. A 4-0 win at Tonbridge Angels was followed by a 3-2 defeat of Camden Town, where South London survived a second half comeback from the home side after being three up at the break.
Seal Bay Resort Stadium, PO20 0QG

Sholing v Bristol Rovers (Women's National League Division One South-West)
The Boatwomen lost for the first time this season at the weekend when they went down 3-0 at Winchester City Flyers. It was also the first time any team had scored more than one goal in a game against them. They saw off AFC Varsity 6-0 in the previous round and will be looking forward to the challenge of a National League team. Rovers are currently fourth in the table having taken seven points from the last ten available.
Mortgage Decision Stadium, Portsmouth Road, SO19 9PW

Wycombe Wanderers v Comets (Greater London Premier)
Comets are unbeaten since the second game of the season, although that is only a run of three in all competitions. They progressed to this round with a 4-2 win at Cray Valley. Wycombe lost their first game of the season but are unbeaten since, including being the only team to take points from leaders Ascot United so far. Their progression to this round came courtesy of a 13-1 demolition of Milton United.
​18i78 Stadium, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham SL1 8JG

​Finedon Volta's reign at the top of the Northants Combination Premier League came to an end in spectacular fashion at Wellingborough Road on Saturday.

After watching my daughter's u15 side come back from behind four times to earn a creditable draw in the morning, despite being without four first team players including their regular goalkeeper, I was in good spirits as I prepared for an afternoon of grassroots football. As always, the biggest problem of the day was deciding which game to go for. Eventually. I settled on the Northants Premier League clash between top of the table Finedon Volta and fourth placed Roade, just a point behind in a congested leader board.
My main reason for choosing this game was the emergence of Volta at the top of the league. This is only their second season at this level. A very solid eighth place finish last season helped to consolidate their position, but for them to be sitting at the summit  after nine games was some achievement. This was largely down to an excellent start where they won five and drew one of their opening six games. However, the last three games had seen them lose two and win one. So, with Woodford, Roade, Harpole and Blisworth breathing down their necks, today was going to be a big test. Roade, who won the league back in 2021-22, finished third last season, six points adrift of champions Corby Strip Mills. However, they did lose this corresponding fixture, 3-2. Finedon's goals coming from Damien Burton, Louie Lynes and Wil Newman. JJ McCarthy and Sam Watkins replying for Roade.

​The game got off to a frantic start. Within the first minute a long ball from Finedon dropped into the Roade penalty area. Goalkeeper Ryan Nutt came to collect but spilled the ball. Luckily there were defenders back too who managed to create enough cover top prevent Volta from getting in a clean strike at goal. Two minutes later, Roade were pressing inside the home penalty area, Richie Collier unleashing a good strike only for a defender to throw himself in the way. The game was being played at a hectic and end-to-end pace for the first few minutes with Roade starting to exercise slightly more control as it progressed. That was highlighted in the 10th minute when they took the lead. A long throw from the right was challenged at the near post, the ball skipping off a head toward the far post. Richie Collier, who initially looked to be slightly in front of the flight, swivelled before hooking a volley in off the far post. A lovely strike of the ball. 0-1.
The goal opened the floodgates. Four minutes later, Ed Uka collected a pass on the edge of the box with his back to goal, turned sharply and drove a low strike past Alex Vitue. 0-2. Then, still with only 17 minutes on the clock, the visitors made it three. Uka got in on the left before miscuing a shot that flew across goal, perfectly into the patch of Jack Lee, who made no mistake from close range. 0-3
Finedon were rocking but, to their credit, they did steady the ship a little or, at least, stem the flow. That was until the 28th minute, when Roade picked up the pace again. After being awarded a free-kick in a fairly central position some 20 yards out, George Wingrove stroked the ball home, low to Vitue's left. 0-4.
Two minutes later it got worse for the home side. Ed Uka picked up a pass on the halfway line, turned, and drove forward, outpacing the defence. As Vitue came out, Uka took the ball round him but then saw his shot come back off the underside of the bar. However, the relief for Volta was very short-lived because there was Jack Lee on hand again to slot home the rebound. 0-5.
Roade were rampant again now. Four minutes after the fifth goal went in, it was very close to xi after Wingrove's burst down the right. His low, driven cross flew across the 6-yard box only inches ahead of Uka sliding in. However, six minutes before the break, it was six and this was the pick of the bunch. You'll have to go a long way this season to see a better goal at any level. Ed Uka juggled the ball on the right-hand corner of the penalty area, flicking it over his marker, a-la Gascoigne 1996, before sending a looping volley over Vitue into the far corner. An absolutely stunning strike. 0-6.
Roade were not yet finished either. On 44 minutes they should have made it a magnificent seven. Jack Lee's shot crashed off the bar but fell into the path of Uka who, with the empty net at his mercy, somehow smashed his effort off the underside of the bar and away to safety. The crossbar had barely stopped vibrating from that chance when, following a left-wing corner, captain Daniel Osbourne saw his header clip the bar on its way over.

HT Finedon Volta 0 Roade 6. A devastating burst from Roade, who have been excellent in the first half. Finedon had had no answer to them and, in all fairness, could easily have found themselves seven or eight down.

​There was no doubt where the points were heading. The second half was going to be all about Finedon regaining some respectability and ensuring that the score line did not get completely out of hand. They made the perfect start in their quest too. Only a minute into the second period, a long ball, straight down the middle, allowed Zak Campbell to un on, beat the onrushing Nutt to the ball, and slot into an empty net. 1-6.
Four minutes later they almost got a second back when Wil Newman was played in on the left, his shot across the face of goal was narrowly wide of the far post. If that had gone in, would have sewn seeds of doubt into Roade minds? We'll never know.
The early goal back and the following chance of a second shook up Roade enough for them to shut the game down. The second half was never going to be the goal-fest that the first proved to be, but with Roade content with their lead and Volta, in all likelihood, knowing there was no way back, the second half offered very few goal scoring opportunities.
Roade did come close again later on. In the 77th minute Tero Daniels broke away from his marker before slipping the ball square to Ed Uka. Seeing the keeper off his line he attempted to lob him from 30 yards, clearing the stopper and the crossbar. A few minutes later, Uka saw another goal bound effort deflected wide for a corner before, with 8 minutes remaining, substitute JJ McCarthy had his effort headed off the line.

FT Finedon Volta 1 Roade 6. The second half, unsurprisingly, didn't generate the same excitement as the first even after Volta pulled a goal back early on. If the second one had gone in after 50 minutes, who knows? The result sees Roade climb to second, a point behind Woodford United who beat Strip Mills 1-0. Finedon slip to fourth but are only three points shy of the top. Both sides are on their travels in the league next weekend. Volta make the trip up to last season's champions, Corby Strip Mills, where they lost 3-1 last season. Roade are also in Corby, facing Pegasus and the pitch next to Volta's game, at Glebe Park. That game finished 3-0 to the away side last season. If anyone is going to either of these games, having never been to Glebe Park, I'd be really interested to know if it would be possible to cover two games at the same time there. That would make for a good match blog.

Finedon Volta: 1.Vitue, 2.Patterson, 3.Borratt, 4.Goosey, 5.Capps, 6.M.Deacon(c), 7.Z.Campbell, 8.Line, 9.E.Campbell, 10.Baker, 11.S.Benn. Subs: 12.Nartey, 14.L.Deacon, 15.Newman, 16.R.Benn, 17.Robinson
Roade: 1.Nutt, 2.Salmon, 3.Lukeman, 16.Smith, 5.Osbourne(c), 6.McDonald, 7.Morgan, 8.Collier, 4.Jack, 10.Wingrove, 9.Uka. Subs: 12.Daniels, 14.Joyce, 17.McCarthy 15.Lewis, Abrams

The Ground
Situated just off Wellingborough Road in the heart of Finedon, Volta's pitch is part of the town's recreation ground which also plays host to the bowls club and Finedon Volta Juniors FC. There's a car park that holds upwards of 20 cars, but further parking is available on the grass next to the clubhouse. This building sits on a diagonal, looking out over the main pitch and houses the bar as well as the players and officials areas. The ground is a community facility and, as such, there are no stands or dugouts available. The playing area was completely surrounded by yellow respect ropes though and, on one side features four or five benches along the side of the pitch that can be used by spectators (although one is taken by the home side for their substitutes). The pitch looked in good condition and didn't appear to have any pronounced slope. Of course, as with any public ground, the obligatory sweep for dog mess was required. Luckily the home bench carried poo bags in their kit. Why can't dog owners pick up after their animals? (and, by the way, I am a dog owner).

Ground Number: 420
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A