Category: Football - Base of the Pyramid

Base of the Pyramid

Generals March On

30/4/2014

The games come thick and fast at this level. We had barely got over the nervous tension and excitement from Saturday before Tuesday was upon us and playoff night was here. I was heading back to my old training area (when I was a more serious runner) of Chesham, to watch the home team take on Stourbridge. Only 10 days previously the Glassboys had come to the Meadow, left with a 1-0 victory, and ended Chesham's title hopes. You sensed that the locals wanted revenge.
After meeting up with an old Baggie friend in the town, we bumped into some fellow travelling supporters and learned that the kick off had been put back by 15 minutes due to traffic congestion. You would like to think that it was down to the hordes of Midlanders heading down the M40 but, in reality, Chesham is a commuter town and today the Tube drivers were striking so more people had driven to London and back.
Upon entering the ground it was clear that a fair few had made the trip from the Black Country. A group of around 120 or so were behind one goal and there were a few other scatterings of red and white around the ground.
Stourbridge started the game well enough and, for the first 20 minutes, were definitely edging it. On 21 minutes, Kayleden Brown turned sharply and hit a shot from the edge of the box which beat the home keeper to make it 0-1. The Glassboys were value for their lead at this point. However, that is as good as it got.
To their credit, going a goal down, sparked Chesham into life somewhat and 10 minutes later they got their reward. Some sloppy Stourbridge defending lead to Dean Coleman misjudging a through ball allowing top scorer Drew Roberts to slip the ball home from close range. Now it was Stourbridge who were under some pressure and holding on for the half time whistle. At 1-1, it was time for both sides to re-group for the second half.
Chesham began the second half as they finished the first, on the front foot. Stourbridge were really struggling to gain a foothold on the game. Chesham were bossing the game and looking the more likely to score again.
Sure enough, on 63 minutes, a deep cross from the left, some hesitant away defending, a nod back across the goal and Chris Dillon forced the ball over the line from close range.
From that point onwards Stourbridge huffed and puffed but never really looked likely to pull it back. Chesham, marshalled at the back by experienced Darren Purse, kept it tight and could even have scored again themselves.
In the end it was a fairly comfortable and well deserved victory for the home team. They will now face either Cambridge City or St Albans City at the Meadow to decide who goes up with Hemel.
For Stourbridge it is a second season of playoff heartbreak but I am sure they will be back for another crack at promotion next season.

Chesham United - @cheshamutdfc, @cheshamutd_live
Stourbridge - @sfcofficial

Glassboys secure fifth....just

28/4/2014

Travelling support

Top Field, Hitchin, is a stadium that I have driven past many times. However, until Saturday, I had never been inside the ground. Being the last game of the season and a big game for the away side, I decided to not even attempt to park on the stadium car park. Instead, I opted for the local swimming pool, which is practically opposite.
Upon entering the ground through the turnstiles on Fishponds Road, I was pleasantly surprised. Top Field has been around for a long time and, in places it shows, but there is a certain charm and atmosphere about the place. It feels like a proper football stadium. Behind the Fishponds Road goal is a covered stand and a few rows of wooden benches. The main stand, on the Bedford Road side, features covered seating areas and somehow also manages to house the toilet block and the changing rooms. One can only assume that it is like the Tardis inside because it does not appear to be big enough to accommodate all of these facilities. Behind the far goal there are rows of uncovered concrete terraces (see picture) and finally, on the car park side, another covered area behind the dugouts and more wooden benching. Top Field has instantly become one of my favourite ground hops.
Stourbridge has laid on three coaches to accommodate their support for this game who were all desperate to see their team secure the point they required to make the playoffs. It was always going to be a nervy, tense sort of day. Hitchin, sitting happily in mid-table, had nothing but pride and a strong finish to play for but were clearly not going to just roll over for the Glassboys.
Stourbridge started well enough and had an opportunity to take the lead in the opening minutes when Kayleden Brown headed wide from inside the 6 yard area. However on 15 minutes, former Kidderminster Harrier, Brian Junior Smikle put the away team ahead. Cue jubilation from the massed ranks behind the goal.
The goal, however, did not seem to settle Stourbridge. Instead they allowed Hitchin to gradually work their way back into the game culminating with a frantic spell just before the break where they forced a couple of free-kicks and hit the bar from a resulting corner. The danger signs were there for Stourbridge but some better news was coming in from Bulpit Lane where a late first half penalty had seen Bideford go in 1-0 up at the break.
The second half saw Stourbridge again make the early chance but then, maybe through nerves or tension, they seemed to take their foot off and allow Hitchin to start playing some football. In the 66th minute the inevitable equaliser came when Michael King squeezed the ball home amidst a crowded goalmouth. From that point onwards, Hitchin looked much the better side and Stourbridge were starting to look like a team hanging on for a point. With Hungerford's recent record of coming from behind to win late on, this was a dangerous policy to adopt.
Sure enough, Twitter reports showed that Hungerford had scored two quick goals. This was followed, fairly quickly, by the official Hungerford feed denying these report, saying they had been hacked and that it was still 1-0 to Bideford. This ultimately turned out to be true but no-one at Hitchin really knew what the case was in Berkshire. Maybe Hungerford had pulled it back but wanted Stourbridge to think they were still in the driving seat? Who knows? Either way the Glassboys need to hang on for the point and, after surviving a very late penalty appeal, they did just that. As it turned out, just as well, because Hungerford did score two very late goals (the second in the 98th minute) to win the game 2-1.
The final playoff space had been decided on goal difference.
Three coach loads of very relieved Stourbridge fans and a pink emu headed back North, plotting their travel to Chesham on Tuesday evening.

Massive credit to Hungerford Town though. They have picked up 53 points since the New Year and deserve huge credit for the way they pushed the top five to the very last kick of the season making it a nerve jangling finish for all concerned.

Hitchin Town - @hitchintownfc
Stourbridge - @sfcofficial

Easter Promotion Battles

23/4/2014

A slightly tardy post this week due to the Easter festivities and then trying to catch up on 4 days worth of emails after returning to the office. I decided to combine my two Bank Holiday matches into a single blog. Neither of the games were first time visits to the stadium but both, could have and did have,
significant implications on the Calor Premier promotion and playoff places.
My first outing was a return to Bulpit Lane Hungerford for the rearranged match against local (ish) rivals Chippenham Town. I was at the original game, a few weeks back, which had to be abandoned after the terrible injury to Chippenham's Rob Dean. I know that Rob has had a couple of operations and one can only wish him a speedy and full recovery.
After the way that the original game was abandoned, with an ambulance on the pitch, a fracas amongst the players and a red card shown, I wondered what sort of atmosphere this match would be played in. As I said in my original blog, I didn't think the injury was caused by a malicious tackle but several of the players were very upset with the incident at the time.
Once the match had kicked off it was quite obvious that there was no lingering ill feeling from either side. The game was full on, as you would expect from a derby, but there didn't appear to be any hint of scores to be settled.
Chippenham, for a team with nothing left to play for, certainly started the brighter and we're pushing Hungerford back despite playing up the slope. Maybe Hungerford were starting to feel the effects of their punishing schedule and we're looking a yard slower in midfield. The Chippenham forward line of Alan Griffin and former Torquay striker, Lee Phillips, we're giving the home defence plenty to think about with their bustling style. However, a point for the Crusaders would be enough to leapfrog
Stourbridge into the remaining layoff spot. Hungerford's chances were being limited to fairly long
range efforts which the away keeper was dealing with reasonably comfortably.
Then, on 40 minutes, Chippenham got their reward when Griffin received the ball with his back to goal, turned sharply, and fired past the home keeper. It was nothing less than Chippenham deserved and as the teams went off for half time, it was the home management team who had the most work to do.
Sure enough, Hungerford came out in the second half looking sharper and that extra yard quicker to the ball. Just as I was tweeting that Hungerford were starting to get on top, a defensive slip allowed a cross to be met by top scorer Mark Draycott and the sides were level. I was fully expecting Hungerford to go on to win at this point. However, Chippenham had other ideas and would not just roll over. The remainder of the game was an even affair with both sides looking to win it. A great advert for the league.
With a few minutes left the away side were reduced to 10 after Guthrie received a second yellow. In injury time the numbers were evened up when the home keeper handled outside the area, earning a red card for himself but saving his team from defeat. The resulting free kick was easily stopped by the stand-in keeper and that was it, the referee blew to end a thoroughly entertaining game. Local pride was retained by both sides and Hungerford had their point to go into the playoff spots. News came through that Poole had beaten Chesham to keep themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot too. So, going into Super Saturday (as I am sure Sky would call it if they ever bothered to look this far down the
pyramid), Hemel still lead the way and would be up if they bettered Chesham's result. Just a couple of
points separated St Albans, Cambridge City, Hungerford and Stourbridge, with Poole a couple more back, with three playoff spots to contest. Stourbridge travelled to Chesham, Hemel went or Hungerford and Poole were at home to Cambridge. St Albans had an easier game at struggling Banbury. By the
end of the day, the title had been settled, Poole were out of contention but nothing else had been resolved. Stourbridge surprised Chesham with a battling 1-0 away win, Hemel confirmed the title by beating Hungerford 4-0 and Cambridge ended Poole's resistance with another one goal away win, whilst St Albans smashed 5 past Banbury.

On to my next match of the bank holiday, Stourbridge at home to safe but struggling Banbury United. The Glassboys had comfortably seen off the Puritans 4-0 at the Spencer Stadium earlier in the year and were expected to gain a fairly easy victory. Meanwhile, two points behind, Hungerford were away at local rivals Chippenham, their third meeting in just over a month. Just to add to the occasion, champions Hemel, were hosting a local derby with second placed Chesham.
A bumper crowd of 670 turned out at the War Memorial Ground on a bright, sunny Black Country Bank Holiday Monday. I say bumper crown but this was dwarfed by the 1943 crammed into Vauxhall Road, Hemel.
Stourbridge did not start the game like a team that needed all three points. By their standards they
were sluggish and wasteful with their passes. Banbury, it has to be said, did not offer a lot in return and home nerves were eased somewhat when Leon Broadhurst glanced home a Geddes corner on 10 minutes.
However, the proverbial floodgates remained only slightly ajar and the home side continued to struggle to find any fluency. Finally, on 39 minutes Kayleden Brown fired home a second to effectively end the game as a contest. At half time, Stourbridge lead 2-0 and news came through that two late
first half goals saw Chippenham lead Hungerford by the same score at Hardenhuish. If it stayed the same the Glassboys were in the playoffs.
In the second half Stourbridge found more of their normal passing style and started to really take complete control of the game. Another Brown goal, one from Smikle and another from Ben Billingham made for a very comfortable 5-0 score line. This victory proved to be even more important when Hungerford staged a stunning comeback, scoring twice in the final 13 minutes to win 3-2.
So, it is all down to the final weekend. Cambridge City are already guaranteed a playoff spot along with Chesham. Then come St Albans on 84, Stourbridge on 83 and Hungerford on 81. Stourbridge travel to mid table Hitchin Town requiring a point to make the playoffs due to their vastly superior goal difference. Hungerford take on Bideford at home while St Albans travel to Frome Town. A Hungerford victory, a St Albans defeat and a three goal swing will see the Crusaders pip the Saints. Points for both St Albans and Stourbridge will end Hungerford's hopes regardless of their result.
BotP will be at Top Field, Hitchin on Saturday along with at least two coach loads of Glassboys. It promises to be a tense finale to a fantastic season in the Calor Premier.
I'm sticking with my prediction that Chesham, Cambridge, St Albans and Stourbridge will make up the playoff positions. However, I didn't see the amazing effort that Hungerford have put in coming. Regardless of what happens on Saturday they deserve enormous credit for the late run they have made, playing three games a week for the last month of the season.
Finally, congratulations to Hemel Hempstead Town. A thoroughly deserved league title with a +93 goal difference. They have been the best team in the league this season by far. Good luck to them in the Skrill South next season.

Final day twitter feeds:

Stourbridge - @sfcofficial
Hungerford - @hungerfordtown
St Albans - @stalbanscityfc
Frome Town -@frometownfc
All the action - @basepyramid

Bishops Bash Bridgey

20/4/2014

After a day of digging for dinosaur bones with my 4 year old, I set off for deepest, darkest Gloucestershire for my first ever visit to Kayte Lane, Bishops Cleeve. The hosts, sitting just one place and 6 points above Fleet Town ink the relegation zone, we're taking on mid table Bridgwater Town. This was a rearranged fixture that had originally been called off in January at the height of the rainy season.
Kayte Lane is within a short head of Cheltenham racecourse a venue that I know well from years
of donating cash to poor bookies on Gold Cup day. The ground nestles in the shadow of Cleeve Hill about 3 miles out of Cheltenham itself. First impression as you enter through the single turnstile is that of a tidy little stadium. The official capacity is around the 1500 mark but there were just 57 there for this match, including a reasonable Bridgwater contingent.
Behind the turnstile end goal are the main facilities, clubhouse, bar, toilets, changing rooms and refreshments all set behind a large, paved patio area. To the left of the goal is a small seated, covered area, The Tai Stand, named one of the Directors. On the right hand side of the clubhouse is another covered, seating area. The rest of the ground consists of hard standing although behind the far goal is a sign that reads West End Stand. Not sure if this is tongue in cheek or a sign of future development.
Bishops Cleve, the Mitres, did not start the game like a team one lace off the relegation zone. From the first minute they were sharper, quicker to the ball and more accurate with their passing than Bridgwater. Maybe the away side, safe from relegation but adrift of the playoffs, were 'on the beach'
already or maybe Cleeve were up for it. Having not seen either teams before it was hard to tell but either way, the home team were definitely on top. To be fair to Bridgwater, when they did break, they looked useful up front. Their captain and centre forward both caused the home defence a couple of problems, but the keeper was not really tested.
Bishops Cleeve took the lead after only 3 minutes When a near post cross was forced over the line. Maybe that knocked the stuffing out of Bridgwater, but they didn't really threaten to equalise.
The away side's frustration was not helped by some odd decisions from the referee, who always seemed to be slightly off the pace of the game to me. I don't normally knock referees because it is a hard job that most of us couldn't do. However, the inconsistency of this particular referee was causing a few problems with the players on both sides. This bad decision making would come to the fore
in the second half.
At halftime, with the score at 1-0, I was expecting a Bridgwater reaction in the second half. However, when the teams returned, it was again the Mitres who controlled the game, forcing Bridgwater back with some quick passing moves. Then the moment that could have changed the game in the away teams favour. Diminutive home midfield, Oldham, flew into a 50-50 challenge and, in my opinion, clearly got the ball. The referee saw it differently and produced a straight red. I found out shortly afterwards that this was the players third end in five games so maybe that swayed the referees decision. Regardless of his previous disciplinary record, he can count himself extremely unfortunate to have been sent off for this tackle. Not even a yellow from where I was standing, only 10 yards from the incident.
Cleeve, instead of folding at this point, continued to press Bridgwater and duly got their reward when captain Matt Williams scored with just over 20 minutes remaining. The drama was not over though. When one of the assistants signalled that he had a problem and couldn't continue it looked, for a short while, that we may see an abandonment. With not fourth official present and, after much discussion, the flag eventually went to one of the home substitutes.
That was enough excitement for one night and, after a lengthy delay, the Mitres saw out the rest of the game to deservedly take a vital 3 points.

Bridgwater Town - @officialbtfc84

Sandwiched between Churchill

10/4/2014

The teams emerge at Eynsham Park

I was all geared up for a new ground on Tuesday night. It was a toss up between Thame United and Abingdon Town. I finally decided on the latter and headed off down the A34. I had barely crossed the M40 when my Sat Nav warned me of congestion around the A34/A420 junction. It was then that I remembered the roadworks caused by the Oxford Fatberg (this is a real thing, look it up) so I pulled into a layby and assessed my options. Yes, I could have turned back and headed south to Thame but, as I was already part of the way there I decided upon North Leigh. Not a new ground, but I hadn't been there this season and it is one of my favourite locations to watch football.
I have described Eynsham Park before but for the uninitiated it is a really picturesque setting, almost on the front lawn of Eynsham Hall and pretty much located in a forest clearing. When in the ground you get the feeling that you have stumbled upon a hidden treasure whilst walking in the woods. If you haven't been to this ground I heartily recommend a trip there.
On this particular evening the visitors were Fleet Town, stranded second from bottom of the division and looking doomed despite a good result at the weekend. North Leigh, on the other hand, are still looking at the playoffs as a distinct possibility. So, I was expecting a comfortable home victory.
Fleet can also boast a former Prime Minister amongst their ranks of ex-players. Whilst at university, none other than Clement Atlee played for the club.
The crowd was sparse, officially 49, but I was surprised how many had made the trip from Hampshire on a Tuesday night.
When the game began, I was again surprised. Fleet certainly did not start like a team at the wrong end of the table. In fact, they were the better team for the whole of the first period, passing the ball around very nicely and making a few chances. Unfortunately for them, they weren't able to convert their possession into a lead and this, ultimately, proved to be their downfall. North Leigh, I think by their own admission, were not playing as well as they could. However, they did mange to hit the post twice during the first half, showing that there was more to them than was meeting the eye. The sides went in 0-0 at half-time but I am sure that it was home manager Mark Gee who was shouting loudest in the changing rooms.
Whatever was said at half-time, it seemed to make little difference to either team. Fleet continued to have the lion's share of possession and were denied what I thought was a clear penalty early on. To be fair, the linesman was a little closer than I was and did not flag.
The game changed in 7 frantic second half minutes. In the 68th and 71st minutes North Leigh scored two quickfire goals, the second of which was a superb finsih, and knocked the stuffing out of Fleet. Four minutes later they added a third and it was, in effect, game over.
Fleet did manage a consolation in the 80th minute but never really looked like they were going to manage a storming comeback.
It finished 3-1 leaving North Leigh 3 points adrift of the playoffs and Fleet 6 points from safety. It was a very entertaining game with both teams trying to play football. My overall impression was that it was a good advert for football at this level. Worth the admission fee.

North Leigh - @northleigh_fc
Fleet Town - @fcfleettown

Poole. In Dorset? It's a lovely place

4/4/2014

Stourbridge corner

Thursday evening. Not the usual day for a football match but, due to their fixture congestion, Poole Town are having to fit a lot of games into a short time. So it was that I set out from my office and braved the M4, M25 and M3 on my 100+ mile trip to the South coast. After sitting in traffic for the first hour I finally broke free of London gravity and managed to start eating up some miles. However, once I got onto the M27 I was greeted by very dark skies and pouring rain. Or should I say pouring mud. There was so much Saharan dust in the air that, at one point, it was actually raining mud.
Nevertheless, after two and a half hours I arrived at School Lane, the rain had stopped, and was directed to a parking spot just on 7:30. Time enough for a cuppa and a bite to eat.
I had heard a number of tales of woe about Poole's Tatnam Ground ranging from basic, through to 'it's just a field next to a school'. So, after following the signs to the entrance, I was pleasantly surprised to see a tidy little ground. Basic yes, but not without it's own charm. At the opposite end to the car park entrance is a recently added covered standing area and on the opposite side to the school is a main seating area and another smaller covered standing area. The rest of the ground is hard-standing. The stadium has quite a tight feel to it and, as such, the 341 strong attendance was enough to create a good atmosphere. After walking around the ground and noting a fair few Black Country accents, I took position behind the Tatnam Road end goal and got ready to watch the game.
This was one of the matches that I had highlighted as a featured game of the week. The reason being the league positions of the two clubs. At kick-off Stourbridge were sitting in the last play-off position on 71 points. Poole, one place and four points behind but with 4 games in hand. An absolute must win for the Glassboys and a match of massive importance to Poole. It was always going to be a tense affair.
At this point I would like to pay tribute to Poole Town. With so many matches so close together and having to fit in Thursday night matches they had come up with the idea of football for a fiver. Yes, just £5! A fantastic idea which probably added 20% plus to the gate.
After a pulsating first 10 minutes in which both teams created good chances, the game settled into the tense, tight battle that was expected. Poole, undoubtedly, had the best of the remainder of the half and only some resolute Stourbridge defending kept the half-time score to 0-0.
I spent a fair portion of the first half chatting to one of the Poole stewards. A former referee himself, he had plenty of non-league tales to tell. I have to say that Poole is a very friendly club and the steward summed up the attitude of the people I met. I think they were genuinely pleased to see the travelling supporters.
Stourbridge started the second half looking much more lively than they had in the first. Throughout the team they looked sharper and quicker. Poole, however, weathered the initial storm and started to play their way back in. Then, almost out of the blue, Luke Benbow latched onto a mistake in the Poole defence and finished very neatly past Thomas in the home goal.
As is normal with the Glassboys these days (see Hemel report) they could not hold on to the advantage for too long. A rushed clearance was picked up by Poole midfielder Steve Devlin who hammered a 25 yarder past Dean Coleman. For a few minutes Poole looked like they might take hold of the game until, just past the 70 minute mark, a clumsy challenge on Benbow resulted in a Stourbridge penalty. Skipper Sean Geddes duly fired the spot kick home to send the travelling support wild.
Poole rallied and, for the final 20 minutes, had far more possession without ever really troubling Coleman's goal. After 5 minutes of injury time, the final whistle brought cheers of relief from the away fans. A vital three points.
Poole, however, still have four games in hand and are only seven points adrift. Anything could happen in the final few weeks of the season. next up for the Dolphins and the Glassboys are AFC Totton. Poole travel to Totton for a local derby this weekend, whilst the Stags visit Amblecote next week.

Poole Town - @pooletownfc
Stourbridge - @sfcofficial

The Ton Up Club

26/3/2014

Vauxhall Road

On the way down the A41 to Hemel all the talk on the radio was about the Manchester derby but the big game in the Southern League was definitely Hemel Hempstead Town v Stourbridge. The two top scoring teams in the league with 211 goals between them. Hemel sitting at the top of the pile, and my tip to get the automatic spot. Stourbridge still battling to stay in the play-off spots. It promised to be a good game and, as it turned out, that promise was kept.
After negotiating the notorious Hemel magic roundabout I arrived at the ground with a few minutes to spare. Just as well because finding a place to park around Vauxhall Road is very difficult. Luckily, I found a spare patch of grass, dumped the car, paid my £10 and got into the stadium as the teams emerged.
Vauxhall Road is, in my opinion, a proper non-league ground. There are covered stands on all 4 sides of the ground, large standing areas behind both goals and 250 seats on the opposite side to the entrance. The stadium has a tight, enclosed feel to it that generates plenty of atmosphere. This is enhanced by the vociferous support (compete with drummer) of the home fans who congregate behind whichever end Hemel are attacking.

On to the game itself. With the two top scorers in the league going head to head goals were expected. Sure enough, less than 3 minutes in and former Glassboy Ben Mackey turns and lets fly from way out. His shot was hit so early that it caught everyone, including Stourbridge keeper Dean Coleman, out and flew into the back of the net.

The first 15 minutes were all Hemel. Another shot hit the bar and it was looking like the home side might run rampant. However, gradually Stourbridge started to play their way back into the game. Finally, after 38 minutes, a snapshot from Luke Benbow squirmed under the grasp of Hemel stopper Laurie Walker and into the net.

Just as it looked like the half would end all square, Stourbridge failed to clear a corner and Ollie Thorne headed home to send the home team in 2-1 up.

The second half would prove to be both entertaining and, as I was to find out much, much later, almost controversial.

First of all a Ben Billingham free-kick again eluded the grasp of Walker and levelled the scores. Stourbridge, for a few minutes, looked to be getting on top. However, some hesitant defending let in Lewis Toomey to make it 3-2.

Back came Stourbridge and, when a Billingham cross was missed by everyone only to nestle in the far corner, it was back to all square again. That Billingham strike was the 100th league goal for Stourbridge, joining Hemel in the 100+ club for the season.

Once again as Stourbridge looked to be taking hold of the game, more hesitant defending and there was Toomey again to make it 4-3. A definite suspicion of offside but the assistant referee was having none of it.

Then came the incident that could have sparked some controversy. Although, at the time, I certainly didn't see any problem when Luke Benbow was put clean through with the Hemel defence seemingly appealing for offside. As it happened, Benbow wasted the chance. This was followed by a host of Hemel players berating both Benbow and the referee. As I say, at the time, I and no-one around me knew why. Now, having seen the video, I can see what the argument was about. Hemel put the ball, out of play for an injury to a Stourbridge player. This was not obvious from the other end of the ground. Then, after a long delay for a substitution, the throw-in was taken and belted downfield. The Hemel players stopped, thinking it had been played back to their keeper, but Benbow kept running and attempted to score. I suppose only the player himself will know if he realised that he ball had been deliberately put out. If he did, then I certainly wouldn't defend his actions. If he didn't, as I and many others in the away end didn't, then it may have been an honest mistake, Either way, he missed, so it had no bearing on the result.

A very entertaining game of football played at a proper football stadium with plenty of atmosphere. Hemel has the air of a club that is heading up the leagues. I tipped them for the league title and, although Stourbridge matched them at times, I see no reason to change my prediction.

Hemel Hempstead Town - @hemelfc

Stourbridge FC @sfcofficial

Calor Premier - Promotion Predictions

20/3/2014

The race for the play-off spots in the Calor Premier looks like it will go to the wire this season. BotP takes a look at the run-in and makes some bold predictions.
The weather in December and January really took it's toll on the fixture list leaving the table looking a bit odd with just a few weeks to go. For instance Bideford have already played 38 of their 44 games, whereas Poole Town still have 14 remaining fixtures to fulfil. This imbalance of games to play makes predicting the run-in even more difficult but, here at BotP Towers, I have polished the crystal ball, fed the psychic octopus and thrown a dart left-handed in an effort to take a scientific approach (Lawro eat your heart out).
First of all, let's clear up the automatic spot. Despite some bravado on social network from their supporters Chesham, in my opinion, won't quite have enough to catch Hemel. So, prediction one is that the Tudors will win the league.
To the play-off spots. Looking at the current table their are seven teams contesting the 4 places. They are, Chesham United, St Albans City, Cambridge City, Stourbridge, Bideford, Poole Town and Hungerford Town. See current table below (20 March, 2014).

	P	Pts
Hemel Hempstead Town	36	85
Chesham United	36	79
St Albans City	37	71
Cambridge City	35	67
Stourbridge	36	65
Bideford	38	63
Poole Town	30	60
Hungerford Town	32	53

As well as Hemel being champions elect, I would also think that Chesham for the play-offs is a nailed on prediction. That leaves three places up for grabs. In my opinion, with 71 points in the bag and a hand-full of almost certain 3-pointers to come, St Albans are as good as in the play-offs too.
So, 2 places up for the taking and 5 contenders still in with a shout. It has to be said that Hungerford Town are a long-shot in the play-off race, but are worthy of inclusion in this discussion.
Poole Town, should they win all of the games in hand, would even be threatening Chesham for second place. However, with only a few weeks left in the season, they are going to have to play 3 games in some weeks and certainly a minimum of 2 games every week. I feel that this load, combined with midweek travel, could prove to be very testing for them. Having said that, Poole still have to play the bottom 3 as well as Banbury, who are on an appalling run of form at the moment.
Cambridge City, having put together a great run a few months ago, are looking a little inconsistent in recent weeks. Their fate could well depend on crucial away games at Stourbridge and Poole Town.
Stourbridge, whilst generally excellent away from home, have been in really bad form at home lately having taken only 7 points from the last possible 21.
Bideford have played more games than any other team in the top 8 and have lacked consistency in the past month or two. I really can't see them amassing enough points in their remaining 6 games to trouble the others.
Finally, Hungerford. With 12 games left, including both Poole and Bideford at home, they still have an outside chance of making it. However, as with Poole, the extra games having to be squeezed into a limited period could count against them. This was added to by the abandonment of their last game against Chippenham, due to a serious injury. Possibly a bridge too far in their first ever season at this level.
So, here is my predicted final table:

	P	Pts
Hemel Hempstead Town	44	104
Chesham United	44	100
St Albans City	44	87
Cambridge City	44	87
Stourbridge	44	83
Poole Town	44	81
Hungerford Town	44	73
Bideford	44	71

To take the predictions to their grand finale, the play-offs would see Chesham United take on Stourbridge and St Albans City v Cambridge City. Once it gets to this stage of the competition, it is always going to be hard to choose a winner. Here's my take on it:
Chesham v Stourbridge. Chesham went through a flaky home run earlier in the year but seem to have put that behind them recently. Stourbridge have been a little shaky at home all season, but have looked great away from Amblecote.
I am sure that I will get some stick from my fellow Glassboys for this but I can't really see past Chesham. I don't think it will be a walkover by any means, but I just don't think that Stourbridge will have enough left in the tank to overcome the Generals. I predict Chesham 3 Stourbridge 1.
The other semi-final could be a really tight affair in my opinion. Cambridge have been up there all season, at one point challenging for the title, St Albans have come good towards the latter part of the season and are taking the momentum (barring any late disasters) into the play-offs. I'm going for a narrow 2-1 to St Albans.
So, that makes my play-off final Chesham United v St Albans. As I said before, St Albans could well be carrying a lot of momentum into the play-offs whereas Chesham have been in the top 3 pretty much all season. As a one-off game it is extremely difficult to call but, I have got this far, so why not stick my neck out and make a prediction.
I am going with Chesham United to edge a very nervy and close final mainly down to their extra fire power up front.
So there you have it. Hemel and Chesham to go up. Possibly not the most surprising of choices given that both teams have been at the top of the league all season. I dare say, when all of my predictions are proved totally wrong, I will get a number of messages especially from the teams that I have written off in this piece. It's just my take on the race based on the current form in late March.
Whoever goes up, I will wish them well next season.

2 Hour drive. 26 minutes of football

20/3/2014

Team sheet

My hour-long journey south down the A34 was accompanied by pre-match radio wittering leading up to the 'big game', Chelsea v Galatasaray and especially the home-coming of 'legend' Didier Drogba. I wondered how many Chelsea fans would still see him as a legend if he tried his cheating antics in the last minute to knock them out?
Still, I had more interesting football fare to attend. My first trip to Bulpit Lane for the A4 derby between Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town. The last time I saw Chippenham they had 2 sent off and lost 0-9 to Stourbridge. I wasn't expecting anything similar on this trip. Hungerford, playing at this level for the first time in their history, have been having a great season and currently sit just below the play-off spots. Chippenham, on the other hand, have had a rather tumultuous season, changing managers and languishing near the foot of the table.
Bulpit Lane is pretty close to the town centre. In fact, approaching from the M4 you have to drive through the main street to get there. The car park is fairly small but parking is readily available in the streets around the stadium. The club was founded in 1886 and have played at their current ground for almost all of their history.
First impressions of Bulpit Lane were good. There are two seating areas, one on either side of the ground. A small covered standing area on the town side of the ground and a covered standing area behind the goals opposite the clubhouse. At the car park end, behind the goals, there is a clubhouse, tea bar and, in the far corner, the changing rooms.
The pitch has a small slope down to the car park end and looked to be in decent condition.

Stand on the cricket pitch side of the ground

I took up a position in the standing area on the town side of the ground as the teams came out. I was joined by a small group of Chippenham Town supporters who, after finding out about my Glassboys allegiance, thanked me for the 9-0 drubbing which they saw as a turning point in their season. Following that result they sacked their manager and, so they tell me, they have been improving ever since.
To be fair, the way they started the game, they didn't look like a team at the wrong end of the league. Chippenham took the game to Hungerford from the kick-off and, even playing up the slope, were easily the better side early on.
Hungerford responded with some, shall we say, robust challenges. At this point I commented to the Chip fans that the referee needed to take hold of the game or it could get out of hand. From very early on the game seemed to have an undercurrent. I'm not aware of any animosity between the two teams and the Chip fanes didn't mention any tension but some of the players certainly seemed to have an extra agenda. Maybe, in the light of what was to come, I am reading too much into the early exchanges, but those were my thoughts at the time.
Sure enough, 26 minutes in, a very strongly contested 50-50 in midfield resulted in that sickening crunching sound. The Chippenham player, Rob Dean, was obviously in trouble. The referee didn't actually seem to blow his whistle initially but that was maybe because he was trying to separate the players as some scuffling ensued. The medical staff immediately ran on to assist the stricken player.
My neighbours in the stand, all away supporters, were sure that it was a late tackle and, to be fair to them, the referee seemed to agree and brandished a red card. Not wanting to sound like Arsene Wenger but my view wasn't the best. The tackle was a fair distance away and I honestly thought it looked like a 50-50. Having said that, I couldn't see if either of the players had gone over the top of the ball or raised their studs. The referee had a much better view of it and he saw it as a red card offence.
The injury was clearly a serious one and, with the exception of one player, the Chippenham team left the pitch (possibly under orders of their manager).
Shortly afterwards rumour circulated that game had been abandoned and, sure enough, an announcement was made a few minutes later.
Initial reports from both clubs websites say that Rob Dean suffered a serious leg injury. Fingers crossed that it is not a break and that a full and speedy recovery is made.
I have retained my ticket and hope to see the match when it is replayed. Chippenham may hope that I don't make it. Having seen less than a game and a half of theirs this season I have seen them ship 9, seen 3 red cards and one of their players sustain a serious injury. I hope I bring them some better luck next time I attend one of their games. On a plus point, Hardenhuish Park is definitely my favourite ground visited this season so far.

Hungerford Town FC - @HungerfordTown
Chippenham Town FC - @ChipTownFC

Centurions notch VII

7/3/2014

Ciren repel a rare Clevedon attack

A Tuesday evening trip into the Cotswolds and a first ever visit to the Corinium Stadium, home of Southern League Div 1 South & West side, Cirencester Town.
The Centurions, currently lying second to Merthyr Town, have been having a good season. Their opponents, Clevedon Town, by contrast have been struggling, especially in recent weeks.
The stadium is on the edge of Cirencester off Kingshill Lane. Note: Do not just enter Kingshill (as it says on the website) into your SatNav. That will take you into town and deep into a housing estate.
The stadium is part of a leisure complex opened in 2002. There is onsite parking that, on the evening I was there, was plentiful. I'm not sure how well it would cope if a big crowd turned up, as there were only 74 spectators on Tuesday night.
The ground itself has an interesting appearance. The car park side of the ground also houses the club house, changing rooms and a small seating area. This is all part of a modern looking building. Opposite the club house is what I would term the main stand, another covered seating area. This structure has the appearance of being much older than the main building, possibly moved from the previous ground?
The only other area of cover is behind one of the goals, to the left of the main stand, where there is a roof over the standing area.
The pitch, considering recent weather, looked in pretty good condition. This may be helped by the slight slope, which could possibly assist drainage to the far end of the stadium.
During the first half I nipped into the clubhouse to sample the local tea and try the chips. The tea, although served from a machine, wasn't too bad at all (see Cuppa League). The chips were superb. Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy inside. A generous portion for a very reasonable £1.20. The only slight let-down was the lack of condiment variety. Other than that, a great effort.
I have one small beef with having to go into the clubhouse to get refreshments though. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to get my tea and pie/chips/chocolate bar from a rickety old shed in the corner of the ground. I find that the old style tea hut is rapidly disappearing. Something that I will continue to lament.
Earlier in the season Clevedon recorded a 3-0 victory over the Centurions but, I am told, there have been a lot of personnel changes at the Seasiders since then, and their season has certainly taken a dip in form.
The game itself was pretty much over after 20 minutes in my view, when Cirencester scored their second of the night. Whilst there was still plenty of time left, I'm afraid that the gulf in class between the two sides looked way too big for even a two-goal deficit to be clawed back.
Sure enough, with the home side going in 3-0 at the break, Cirencester then rattled in another 4 (one of which I missed during a comfort break) to stroll to a 7-0 win.
To be fair to Clevedon, I was very impressed with their team spirit. Even after the game had clearly been lost, they never gave up and were still trying to push forward even at the final whistle. In fact, at half-time, I noticed that the only arguments going on were between some of the home players. A little strange considering that they were 3 up but maybe that was the edge that had given them that 3 goal lead?
It was a shame that the game was so one-sided, but I still enjoyed my first trip to the Corinium. Well worth a visit, if only for the chips (may be a review soon at http://nonleaguechips.tumblr.com/).

Cirencester Town - @CirenTownFC
Clevedon Town - @ClevedonTownFC

Half-time. A view to the main stand.