There was a choice of two cup finals featuring Southern Region sides this weekend. The League Cup Final between Winchester City Flyers and Ascot United was being played at Reading City's Scours Lane ground, but my choice was the Oxfordshire FA Women's Cup Final at Thame United's ASM Stadium. The game was between Premier League Oxford City and Division One North side Kidlington Youth. City were last season's beaten finalists, when they lost out to Oxford United by a goal to nil (Everyone's A Winner). They were, however, attempting to win the trophy for a record sixteenth time. Kidlington were appearing in their first final.
The road to the final for both teams had seen them score plenty of goals and concede very few. In fact, of the 61 goals scored across the entire competition, the two finalists were responsible for 40 of them. Both teams had only conceded two goals in the process.
In Round One City disposed of Thames Valley outfit East Oxford with a resounding 12-2 away win, watched by BotP (Makin The Grade). On the same afternoon, Kidlington saw off the challenge of Longford Park with a 6-0 home win. The Second Round saw Kidlington make thew short journey to Headington United, edging through with a narrow 2-1 victory. No such problem for The Hoops though. They were comfortable 7-0 winners against near neighbours Barton United. In the semi-final, both teams eased through with some style. Kidlington won 6-1 at Thame United whilst City beat Easington Sports 7-0. Three players were coming into the final having scored in every round so far. For City, Ellie White (6) and Lucy White (4), and Kidlington's Sara Pinna (3).
City's Premier League status combined with their undoubted fire-power made them favourites to take the trophy. However, Kidlington are nothing if not fighters and are not short of a goal or two themselves.
It was slightly disappointing that the FA didn't produce a programme for the final this year. It would also have been good if they had put the team sheets up on the whiteboard that Thame have just outside the kiosk.

​It was a warm afternoon at the ASM Stadium, perfect weather for the swarms of bugs that in habit this corner of Oxfordshire, probably due to the adjacent water treatment plant. In all seriousness, if you plan to watch a game there in the Summer, take tropical strength bug repellent. There are clouds of the pesky little biters everywhere.
On the pitch, Oxford set about the game as you would expect, immediately pressing Kidlington back. Having said that, it was also probably part of Kidlington's game plan. They started the game with both Kiera Isaac and Grace Craven in wing-back positions, with Courtney Sumner ploughing a lone role up front.
If City needed a reminder that Kidlington weren't just going to roll over, they got it in the 8th minute when Kiera Isaac put in a thundering, but perfectly fair, challenge on Emily Harris. No prisoners taken there, for sure. City's response to that was to win the ball back and feed Kaitlyn Crouch, who pulled her shot wide of the mark. Three minutes later, City were almost in again, Ellie White being played in this time. However, Emily was quick off her line, forcing the striker to put her shot wide. Crouch was causing some issues for the Kidlington defence. She had another effort high and wide in the 12th minute before, almost immediately, dispossessing Beth Dunbavin before shooting narrowly wide again. Murphy's goal was being peppered but, thankfully for Kidlington, City had not got their sights in, yet. That changed in the 14th minute. Emma Donohoe, way out on the right some 25 yards away from goal, cut back onto her left foot before sending a curling, dipping effort over Murphy into the far top corner. Cross, shot or a little of both? It doesn't matter. 1-0
Six minutes later, with City still having the lion's share of possession, they increased their lead. A hopefully ball into the heart of the Kidlington box saw Murphy and a defender collide, allowing Kaitlyn Crouch to get a toe to the loose ball, lofting over everyone into the net and leaving Murphy flat out. 2-0. Thankfully, after some treatment, the goalkeeper was able to continue. An already patched up Kidlington squad could certainly not do with losing their goalkeeper.
The Hoops continued to dominate the ball and, up to this point, City keeper Kiera Maskell had barely touched the ball. When Kidlington did mange to get the ball up front, it wasn't sticking. Either the passes were misguided or the midfield couldn't get up the field quickly enough to back up the lone striker.
Just past the half-hour, Ellie White once again sprung the offside trap but lifted her sot clear of the bar. Crouch was next to get clear, this time thwarted by a superb covering tackle by a Kidlington defender. Billie Bough-French then got in on the act, fizzing a free-kick just wide of the post before White was again denied, this time by a brilliant one-handed save from Murphy, pushing away the striker's volley. Finally, just before the final whistle, White got on the end of a deep cross, lifting the ball back over Murphy only to find Sara Pinna in a1 position to head the ball off the line.

HT Oxford City 2 Kidlington Youth 0. As expected, City dominated the ball with Kidlington sitting in and protecting their goal as best they could. It could easily have been a lot more than two, but for some wasteful finishing, good goalkeeping and solid defending.

​After a much needed break from the biting bugs, it was soon time to get back out for the second half and, like the bugs, Oxford were soon back at it. Within a minute or so of the restart, Isobel Bradley burst down the left before sending over a cross that was inches too high for the newly introduced Lucy White. Then, in the 48th minute, the two Whites, Lucy and Ellie, combined for Ellie to break into the box where she was felled by a tired looking challenge. Penalty. Ellie White dusted herself before sending the ball low into the corner with Murphy going the opposite way. 3-0
Isobel Bradley then got her head to a cross which was cleared off the line again by Sara Pinna. Three minutes later Ellie White was played in again, holding off a defensive challenge before sliding her shot just past Murphy's left-hand post. However, on the hour mark, White made no mistake, bursting clear again before deftly flicking the ball past Murphy. 4-0
Oddly enough, the fourth goal seemed to lift a weight off Kidlington shoulders. Maybe knowing that the game was out of reach, they relaxed. Whatever the case, they suddenly seemed to be enjoying it. Just past the hour a Courtney Sumner turn and volley from the edge of the box, was on target but fairly comfortable for Maskell. Then, with just under 20 minutes to go, Maskell was called into serious action for the first time. A good passing move from Kidlington saw Emily Keal played in on the right side of the box. Maskell was quick to narrow the angle, blocking the winger's strike well.
Two minutes later Sara Pinna was celebrating a hat-trick when she made yet another goal-line clearance to deny Oxford a fifth. Excellent defending. A minute after that, Lucy White was denied a goal in the final by yet another Emily Murphy save. The keeper then blocked French's free-kick with her feet, before, in the final minute, also saving well from Emily Harris after the winger wove her way into the penalty area.

FT Oxford City 4 Kidlington Youth 0. A deserved, record-breaking 16th Oxfordshire Women's Senior Cup triumph for City, who controlled the game from start to finish. They still have the Chairman's Cup Final against Abingdon United Development to come too (8th May. 19:30. Holloways Park). It was great to see the Kidlington players still smiling at the end. It was a tough game for them, in which they spent the vast majority chasing the ball. It's certainly no disgrace to lose to this very talented Oxford City team.

Oxford City: Maskell, Hume, Bough-French, Latimer, Donohoe, Tayman(c), Walecki, Bradley, Harris, E.White, Crouch. Subs: L.White, Gorman, O'Leary, Wellington-Faissal, Davis


Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

​Northamptonshire was calling again this weekend. The Northants Combination Premier League was coming to the boil and current leaders, Blisworth, had the opportunity to seal their first title since 2019 with a win at home to Corby Locos. Not only was it a chance to see the title won, but also a chance to check out a new ground. This season Blisworth have been playing home games at Kislingbury FC whilst work is completed on the clubhouse at their Courtenhall Road ground. The situation at the start of the day was that Blisworth led the table by seven points from Roade, who had three to play compared to Blisworth's two remaining. A victory would mathematically seal top spot. The omens were certainly in favour of the home team too, coking into the game defending a 100% home league record with 37 goals scored and only 6 conceded in 11 games. Add to that a 5-0 win at West Glebe in the reverse fixture and Corby's recent form of just one point from the last 21 available, it looked like a nailed on home win.
Locos, for their part, had done enough in the early part of the season to ensure that, even after a poor run, they were still well clear of any relegation worries. 

If Blisworth were expecting Locos to give them an easy ride today, they were soon put straight as the visitors started much the stronger of the two teams. The home defence could be accused of being a little too relaxed after just five minutes, when they allowed Corby to win the ball back deep inside Blisworth territory. Locos captain Darrell Knapp spotted Josh McAdoo off his line and went for the lob from 30 yards. The ball cleared the keeper but, unfortunately for Locos, just cleared the bar too. A few minutes later, the visitors came close again when Ryan Finnegan's effort was deflected just wide for a corner. Then, on ten minutes, Corby had the ball in the net when McAdoo spilled a free-kick into the path of an attacker who put the ball away, but with the aid of his hand.
Ten minutes in and Blisworth could possibly have been a couple of goals behind, a fact that appeared to sting them into action because, on 11 minutes, they took the lead. Blisworth were awarded a throw-in on the right, some 20 yards out. It was actually debateable if the entire ball crossed the line but, before Corby could raise a complaint, Matty Bazeley launched the throw into the box where Joey Handley rose to head goalward. His effort struck the inside of McGovern's left-hand post, ran across the line, then hit the other post before the spin of the ball took it into the net. 1-0
The goal relaxed Blisworth, who proceeded to look for a second goal only to be consistently thwarted by stand-in goalkeeper Corey McGovern who first of all blocked brilliantly to keep out Bazeley and then nonchalantly flicked out a hand to push Markie's bundled effort over the bar.
Despite Blisworth being a goal up and now commanding more possession, Locos still weren't prepared to sit back. Just before the half-hour mark they had McAdoo scrambling again when their number 23 (sorry, shirts didn't match the team sheet) had a deflected effort that was only a whisker wide of the post. Two minutes later Jamie Porter saw his header go just wide as Locos came close once again.
However, getting a few chances against Blisworth seems to be like poking a bear because, once again, after almost conceding, they went straight up the other end and scored. It was a long throw that did the damage again, this time launched by Reiss Gartland from the right touchline. Josh Sargent rose highest to power a header beyond McGovern. 2-0.
It was beginning to look like Blisworth had the title in the bag even before half-time, but there was still enough time for McGovern to make another good block, this time from Handley, before the referee blew for the break.

HT Blisworth 2 Corby Locos 0. A two goal cushion for Blisworth but it had not all been plain sailing. Corby created a number of chances and could easily have been in front before Blisworth got out of the blocks. Many thanks to referee Ben Hughes for taking the time to give me access to the team sheets during the half-time break. Very much appreciated.

Blisworth probably needed another goal before they could put the champagne on ice and, they had the opportunity to do just that only two minutes into the second half. Morgan Littlejohn burst into the Coby penalty area before being shoved over. Penalty! and no real complaint from the visitors. Joey Handley stepped up to take the spot kick but sent his shot wide of the post.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. Blisworth had more of the ball, but couldn't completely relax against a Corby side that had already shown they could create chances. What was different was that teh clear cut chances, at both ends, were fewer than the first period. Just pact the hour a quickly taken free-kick set up Knapp some 30 yards out, but his low strike was always going wide of the mark and McAdoo was happy to watch it drift past his post. Then, with 25 minutes left, Blisworth finally added the third goal and effectively sealed the win. It was quite simple in its construction. A pinpoint delivery from the right was nodded in at the far post by substitute Dean Hall. 3-0.
Locos, despite a brave fight, were done now. They did make a few changes, with Corey McGovern going up front with Hammond(?) taking over between the sticks. However, they couldn't find a way past McAdoo and that left Blisworth to have the final word. With four minutes to go, Shaun Wilkes slipped the offside trap to run onto a through ball and finish calmly into the bottom corner. 4-0

FT Blisworth 4 Corby Locos 0. A controlled and professional performance from Blisworth to secure the league title for the fifth time in ten years, but the first since 2019. Credit to Corby Locos for putting up a good fight with nothing to play for. Congratulations to Blisworth. One defeat in 25 league games, 92 goals scored and only 14 conceded. The statistics don't lie and they still have the Premier Division Cup Final against Harpole to come (@sileby Rangers. 19:30 - 15th May)

Blisworth: McAdoo(c), Sargent, Bazeley, Redding, Gartland, Markie, Sweeney, Lyons, Littlejohn, Handley, Curtis. Subs: McGinley, Hall, Mason, Crane, Wilkes
Corby Locos: C.McGovern, B.McGovern, Porter, Walden, Hughes, Milne, Logue, Knapp(c), Finnegan, Robinson, Waterhouse. Subs: Hammond, Holmes

The Ground
Blisworth's temporary home at Kislingbury FC is located on the eastern edge of Kislingbry village, 4 miles west of Northampton. It's part of a multi-sport facility that also plays host to bowls and cricket, as well as having a large children's playground. There are two car parks on the site, one near the entrance (Beech Lane) which is predominately for the football traffic, and another beyond the football pitch which caters more for the bowls and cricket patrons. Between the car park and the main pitch is a  single storey building that houses the clubhouse and the changing facilities. There's a small sided pitch directly in front of the clubhouse as well as another 11-a-side pitch, used for warm-ups, to the left of the main pitch. There is a small spectator cover on the left-hand side of the main pitch as well as the two dugouts. The playing surface appears to be pretty much flat with no discernible slope.

Ground Number: 448
Att: 
Entrance: 
Programme:

This midweek I decided to make a long-overdue return to Willen Road, Newport Pagnell. It's been over 7 years since my last visit (Purple Gain). However, the purpose of this Tuesday's trip was not for a Town home game, it was the Spartan South Midlands Division One Cup Final between Wellingborough Whitworth and Desborough Town.
Last weekend saw Desborough finally lose out on their title challenge when AFC Welwyn won at London Colney. Whitworth had narrowly missed out on a play-off spot despite beating Irchester 2-1.
Tonight's finalists have met twice in the league this season, both games ending in home wins. Desborough won 2-0 at Waterworks Field in October with Jeremiah Adams grabbing both goals. Wellingborough's 1-0 win at Victoria Mill came courtesy of a Tom Bailey goal early in the second half. On top of the league meetings, the teams also came up against each other in the Les Underwood Junior Cup, a game that Desborough won 1-0 through William Russell's goal.
Whitworth received a bye in the first round of this competition, whilst Desborough progressed via a 4-1 penalty shootout win after drawing 3-3 with Huntingdon Town. Round Two saw Whitworth defeat Buckingham 4-1. Desborough won 3-1 at Leighton Town Reserves. In to the quarter-finals, where Whitworth edged past Royston Town Reserves by the odd goal in five. Meanwhile, Desborough went to Moulton and returned with a 5-1 victory. Whitworth then squeezed past Langford by a goal to nil in the semi-final whilst Desborough had a resounding 4-0 victory at future champions, AFC Welwyn.

​Despite these two having scored over 200 league goals between them, it became apparent early on in this encounter that it wasn't going to be a nine-goal thriller. There was plenty of probing by both teams, looking for weaknesses in their opponents, but very little in the way of goalmouth action. Inside the first 10 minutes only Milton Ncube's dipping volley, comfortably gathered by Adam Honour, was even close to causing problems for either goalkeeper.
With possession statistics pretty much 50-50, Whitworth were just about edging it when it came to the last third. Remy Brittan was the next to try huis luck, latching onto a loose clearance after Tom Bailey's low cross. However, his strike was high and wide of the mark. Desborough's first attempt of any significance came in the 19th minute and was probably the closest either team had come to scoring, Dodzi Agbenu stooping to head a near post cross just wide of the post.
That attempt aside, the majority of half chances were at the opposite end. Jacob Thompson went on a decent run before shooting well over.  Then towards the end of the half Aiden Garside weaved his way into the box before going down under a challenge amidst appeals from the Whitworth players. Nothing doing from the referee, however. The same player then also shot wide as the clock ticked onto the 45 minute mark.

HT Wellingborough Whitworth 0 Desborough Town 0. A very tight and cagey half of football. Neither keeper had to make a save of any note, although Wellingborough probably just about edged the overall possession. That said, Desborough looked happy to let Whitworth come on to them before looking for the runs of Bettles and Agbenu.

​Early on in the second half, Aiden Garside was again sent sprawling in the penalty area. Again the referee was having none of it, waving it away. As with the incident in the first half, I didn't have a clear view. To be fair to the players, they didn't protest too much.
Desborough then went through a period of having more of the ball, pushing Whitworth back into the own territory. The threat came mostly down the flanks, but the final ball was never accurate enough to cause concern for Charlie Nixon in the Wellingborough goal. In fact, if anything, there were fewer goalmouth incidents in the second period than in the first, at both ends.
With twenty minutes remaining Wellingborough launched an attack that saw the ball played into the corner of the penalty area. Tom Bailey and Town keeper Adam Honour went into the 50/50 challenge full-bloodied but perfectly fair challenge that saw the players collide, leaving both on the ground. Honour came off the worst, but thankfully both were soon up and able to continue.
Approaching the final 15 minutes it was Desborough's turn to appeal for a spot-kick when Agbenu went down under pressure. This time the calls were quite vociferous, but again the referee was unmoved.
Back at the other end, Liam Morrisey was on the end of a cross from the right but, leaning back, could only put his volley over the bar. To be fair, it was a half-chance at best.
The game looked very much as if it was going to end level and go straight but as the final whistle approached the Flourmen threw everything at Desborough, looking for a late winner. On 87 minutes, Ryan Baxter's in swinging corner from the right eluded everyone before clipping the crossbar and flying to safety. Then, into added time, substitute Emerson Lloyd was sent clear. Driving into the box he was about to pull the trigger when Aiden Bradshaw appeared from nowhere to get in a brilliant block, diverting the ball for a corner on the Wellingborough left. When that came across there was an almighty scramble before the ball was hacked off the Town line. That set up another corner, this time from the right. This was hung up towards the back post where Harry Bailey got up to head against the post with literally that final touch before the referee blew for full-time

FT Wellingborough Whitworth 0 Desborough Town 0. A game of very few clear cut chances and the majority of the goalmouth action crammed into the final few minutes. It all came down to a shootout from the penalty spot. A real test for both goalkeepers, neither of whom had been forced into much action throughout the game.

Penalty Shootout
Whitworth - Remy Brittan - Scored - 1-0
Desborough - Dodzi Agbenu - Over the bar - 1-0
Whitworth - Henry Dent - Over the bar - 1-0
Desborough - Aiden Bradshaw - Scored - 1-1
Whitworth - Vikram Mazumbar - Scored - 2-1
Desborough - Ollie Anderson - Scored - 2-2
Whitworth - Tom Bailey - Scored - 3-2
Desborough - David Peplinski - Scored - 3-3
Whitworth - Liam Morrisey - Scored - 4-3
Desborough - Will Russell - Scored - 4-4
Whitworth - Jamie Mitchell - Scored - 5-4
Desborough - Kai Magee - Saved by Charlie Nixon - 5-4

Wellingborough Whitworth win 5-4 on penalties

Wellingborough Whitworth: Nixon, Brittan, Baxter, Mazumbar, Heycock, Ncube(c), Holley, Thompson, T.Bailey, Morrisey, Garside. Subs: Gomes, Lloyd, H.Bailey, Dent, Mitchell
Desborough Town: Honour, Bradshaw, Peplinski, Randall(c), Davies, Ansell, Russell, Ledgway, Bettles, Agbenu, Anderson. Subs: Boath, Kennedy, Magee, Usman, Stratford 

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 208
Entrance: £10.00
Programme: Included

With the Premier League and Division One North already settled, attention is focussed on the Division One South title race and, after Fleet lost for the third time in five, it's now going down to the wire. Havant still sit top, four points clear, but have completed their fixtures. Fleet have two left and need to win them both. A tense few weeks for both Fleet and The Hawks. 
In the Premier League, Ascot completed an unbeaten league season by defeating AFC Portchester in their final game. Penn & Tylers Green got back to winning ways at Kidlington with second place now firmly in their sights.

​Ascot United 3-2 AFC Portchester
Ascot rounded off their title winning season with a hard-earned win that leaves them unbeaten in the campaign. However, Portchester made them fight all the way. Nat Bavister gave the visitors the lead after 19 minutes, only for Beth Lloyd to level six minutes later. Kate Fox made it 2-1 to Ascot in the 37th minute, but Brooke Marshall sent the teams in level with 45th minute equaliser. Beth Lloyd then edged the hosts back in front just past the hour and, this time, Portchy couldn't find a way back. You can read the match report from Neal Jeffs on the Ascot web site.

Oxford City 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers
There was always a chance that this game would produce goals and that's exactly what happened. Ellie White gave City an early lead, cancelled out by league top-scorer Kayla Potter. However, White looked to have given the hosts a half-time lead when she grabbed a second close to the break. That was until Danielle Puddefoot levelled it up again with practically the last kick. After the break Ellie White netted her hat-trick to put Oxford back in front only for Kayla Potter to square it up again in the closing minutes. Clicking on the Wycombe player names will take you to a video of the goal.

Sholing 1-2 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers took an early lead through Lydia Moulding's first goal of the season, in the fifth minute. However, Sholing were level just before the half-hour through captain Freya Phillips-Foreman's deflected free-kick. Annie Northwood restored Winchester's lead in the 68th minute after Ellie Parker had made some good stops to keep Sholing out.

​Abingdon United Development 4-0 Milton United
A double from both Beth Hawtin and Anaya Grey helped Abingdon to leapfrog Tilehurst into fifth spot. There is now two points between the teams, who meet in the final game of their respective seasons on May 4th. That game is four days ahead of Abingdon's date with Oxford City in the Chairman's Cup Final

Beaconsfield Town P-P Caversham United

Kidlington Youth 3-4 Penn & Tylers Green
After a couple of heavy defeats, Kidlington produced a performance to be proud of despite eventually going down by the odd goal in seven. Penn can no longer win the league, but they will want to end the season as runners-up. Two goals from Tara Woodward and further strikes from Amber Cattell and Ammara Qureshi saw Penn take the points. Kidlington scorers were Courtney Sumner, Cloe Woodward and Grace Craven.

Fleet Town 0-2 AFC Stoneham
Stoneham may already be out of the title race, but they've put a cat amongst the pigeons with this result. Two goals from top scorer Mia House sealed the points for the visitors. Fleet's third defeat in their last five league games now means that, effectively, they need to win their remaining two matches to overtake Havant & Waterlooville. They welcome Wimborne Town on Sunday with Bursledon being the final visitors on May 4th. Check out the match photos from James Prickett.

SDFA Semi-Final
AFC Stoneham v Bursledon
Stoneham look to reach the SDFA Cup Final for the second consecutive season as they face up to Bursledon who, coincidentally, will also be the visitors to Stoneham Lane for the final league game of the season on May 11th. Stoneham won 1-0 at Toynbee School earlier in the season.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

​Slough Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn require one more win from their final two games to secure second spot over Ascot United reserves. However, Slough can also climb up the table by at least one place, should they get three points. Two goals from Ellie Ludgate-Williams helped Penn to a 6-0 win in the reverse fixture.
​Arbour Park, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5AY

​Fleet Town v Wimborne Town
The Division One South title race has come down to the final two games for Fleet. Having looked to be cruising toward the title, three defeats in five have left Town four points adrift of Havant (who have finished their games), with two to play. A vastly inferior goal difference effectively means that Fleet have to win both, starting with Wimborne on Sunday. The teams met in the reverse fixture under a month ago, with Fleet winning 5-0 thanks largely to a Lily Martin hat-trick.
​Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

QK Southampton v Burlsedon
Burseldon's quest to finish the highest of the newly-promoted teams means they need to take two points from their remaining three games. They can also have a big effect on the title as they face Fleet in the Town's last game. QK are already resigned to bottom spot. However, they only lost 1-0 at Burseldon earlier in the season, where a 70th minute Kirby Anderson goal secured the points for The Dons.
The Hive, Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 0XN

Winchester City Flyers v Ascot United
After securing the title and promotion to the National League, Ascot face up to Winchester in search of the double. Flyers already have silverware this season after beating Andover New Street in the NHDFA Cup Final in March. Ascot did the double over Flyers in the league, winning 4-0 at the Charters and being awarded a home win in the reverse fixture.
​​The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

Oxford City v Kidlington Youth
Last years beaten finalist, Oxford City, attempt to go one better this season. BotP was at their first rouind tie when they beat East Oxford 12-2. Since then, they have beaten Barton United 7-0 and Easington Sports by the same score in the semi-final. Kidlington beat Longford Park 6-0 in Round 1, won 2-1 at Headington in the quarter-final and then defeated Thame United 6-1 in the semi-final.
ASM Stadium, Tythrop Way, Thame,​ OX9 3RN

The race for the North Bucks Premier League title has been hotting up recently. A three-horse race between current leaders Stewkley, MK United and Great Horwood. Before the start of play Stewkley held a three point lead over MK and were a further three clear of Great Horwood. All three had played 17 of their 22 league games. Both MK and Great Horwood were in midweek action, with Stewkley having a rest. A win for MK, against mid-table AFC Carpathians would see them climb above Stewkley on goal difference. Great Horwood were away at bottom side Newport Pagnell Athletic, also looking to reduce the deficit at the top.
Having been at Stewkley for their home encounter with Twyford United 10 days ago (Three Points Closer), I decided to head for Milton Keynes and take in the MK United versus AFC Carpathians game. Back in late January, MK had already travelled to Brooklands and returned with a resounding 6-0 defeat of the Wolves thanks to two goals from Dom Lawless and one each from Sean Barker, Nathan Chapman, Daniel Silver and Luke Little. However, The Wolves had won three of their last four league games scoring 18 goals and conceding 13. So, no lack of entertainment in those games. United had not lost a league game since a 2-1 defeat at Stewkley way back in October. They too had been on a recent scoring spree in the league, scoring 16 and conceding 3 in their last three games. They had, however, lost an Interdivisional Trophy semi-final at home to Intermediate Division side Silverstone 10 days ago.
Arriving at Worrelle Avenue 20 minutes before kick-off, the weather was not looking too good. The rain was just beginning and the sky was already beginning to darken. I bumped into match referee Joe Major who, very kindly, returned to the changing room to let me photograph the team sheets. Thank you Joe. Much appreciated. We chatted about the game on the way over to the pitch. He was very keen to kick-off on time, if not sooner. With the light fading, it was going to be a race against time to get the match completed, especially as, with 10 minutes to kick-off, the away team were still awaiting the arrival of a couple of players.

​However, we did kick-off on time. In fact, one minute early by my watch. The rain, by now, was coming down hard and I had my doubts that a full 90-minutes would be possible.
Despite an early half-chance for James Kpolley, which was put well over. MK began to settle into the game and pressed Wolves backwards. Ten minutes in, Luke Little had a sight of goal from a narrow angle, driving into the side netting. Then, two minutes later, a left-wing cross from the lively Sean Barker was met at the far post by Dom Lawless, who was unlucky to see his strike come back off Dumitru Voicu's crossbar. Shane Lothian then had another half-chance, sending his effort into the same side-netting that Little hit earlier.
It was pretty much one-way traffic at this point. United probing away, looking for the opening, Wolves sitting fairly deep and defending solidly, but posing no real threat at the other end. When they did break, they found the offside flag raise don a couple of occasions, much to the ire of Kpolley. To be fair, I was in line with a couple of the decisions and it was very difficult to say if they were on or off. At this level, with assistant's provided by the clubs, and 50/50 decision is going to go in favour of the assistant's team. It happened on both sides today, as it does in the majority of games. It's just part of the game.
However, if Kpolley was riled by the decisions, he as soon smiling. On 27 minutes, out of the blue, Carpathians took the lead with their first strike on target. MK were their own worst enemy, losing possession deep inside their own half. Wolves needed no second invitation, feeding the ball inside to Claudio Mitu who drove it unerringly low past Dercacz's left hand. 0-1
The goal prompted a response from United, who went up the other end and created an opening for Lawless who hit the target with his header only for Voicu to make a good save. Then, with 9 minutes remaining in the half, MK were stunned again. Nathan Chapman got caught under a long ball down the Wolves left, only managing to head the ball into the air. Illovan won the heading duel, nodding the ball down for James Kpolley, who outmuscled Joe Sames before striking the ball low past Derkacz for 0-2. Two shots on target, two goals for Carpathians.
United tried to respond before the break, but Wolves shut up shop and went into half-time somehow two goals to the good.

HT MK United 0 AFC Carpathians 2. One of the strangest halves of football I've ever seen. MK dominated play for the entire half, had numerous half-chances, but didn't score. They took their eye off the ball twice and were punished clinically on both occasions. You have to admire the finishing of the Carpathian strikers. Two chances. Two goals.

​Thankfully the rain had stopped during the first half and, although we had a few more sprinklings, the light seemed better than it had at kick-off. It was certainly brighter than the mood in the home camp. They were now kicking down the slight slope in the second half, but had a lot to do if they wanted to rescue the game. Remember, they needed to win if they wanted to leapfrog Stewkley.
With four minutes of the second half on the clock, Carpathians almost did it again when Mitu was left unmarked inside the box. Luckily for United, Mike Derkacz was alert enough to pull off a good save and keep his team in the hunt. They responded by visibly stepping up the pace. Luke Little dragged a 51st minute shot wide, but the move was encouraging for the home tram and, four minutes later, they got a goal back. After something of a scramble inside the 18-yard box, Dom Lawless was fed the ball on the right hand side before sending a low effort into the opposite corner. 1-2. Surely, that was the start of the turnaround? MK were dominating the ball and it felt like only a matter of time until they equalised. 
That looked even more likely when, on the hour, Claudio Mitu was sent to the sin-bin for getting too vociferous with his complaints to the referee after a free-kick award. This game, however, was not obeying any rules and, sure enough, they went out of the window again on 63 minutes. Voicu launched the ball long out to the left wing, Ilovan  cushioned the ball first time into the path of James Kpolley some 30 yards out. Derkacz, caught out by the speed of the attack, was out of position, allowing Kpolley to fire in from distance. 1-3.
So, as quickly as they had reduced the deficit, MK found themselves two behind again. However, they are near the top for a reason, and they showed their resolve quickly. Only two minutes later, they won a throw-in on the left, some 25 yards out. Captain Joe Sames launched the ball into the box where Nathan Chapman got in front of his marker to send a looping header, backwards, over Voicu into the far corner. 2-3
It was really game on now. Only a goal in it and the visitors still down to ten. United took complete advantage of the numbers just three minutes later. Jordan Spruce, out on the right, delivered a peach of a cross which found Cole Rawson, unmarked at the back. He brought the ball under control and slipped it under the advancing Voicu for 3-3.

​Carpathians were now back to full strength, but under constant pressure from United, who sensed a winner. They had claims for a penalty on 70 minutes when full-back Nate Dimes looked to have been bundled over inside the box. Nothing doing as far as the referee was concerned. It was one of those challenges that could have gone either way. The players were shoulder to shoulder and the referee saw it as a fair coming together.
Despite Unite pressing forward at every opportunity they could easily have lost the game in the final five minutes. A rare Wolves break saw the ball sent across goal from the left flank. Wolves captain Shoniwa Perseus met it on the stretch at the far post, but couldn't keep the effort down. That only left just enough time for United substitute Reece Amoroso to get sin-binned in stoppage time, before Referee Major blew to end the game. Miraculously, given the weather and light at kick-off, we had managed to play a full 90 minutes plus a little added time.

FT MK United 3 AFC Carpathians 3. A fantastic game for a neutral to watch. Thank you to both teams for putting on a great evening of entertainment in tough conditions. MK's failure to win hands an advantage to Stewkley in the title chase. It's now out of MK's hands, although the teams face each other on May 6th
At the weekend MK play host to Wing Village in the semi-final of the Premier Division Challenge Trophy. United beat Wing 5-1 in the home league encounter back in late August. Meanwhile, AFC Carpathians are at home to Willen in a league encounter. The Wolves won 5-4 at Willen just a couple of weeks ago.
The title race is likely to still have some twists and turns yet.

MK United: 1.Derkacz, 19.Chapman , 2.Dimes, 15.Spruce, 16.Sames(c), 17.Ainsley, 10.Little, 11.Parker, 3.Barker, 14.Lawless, 12.Lothian. Subs: 9.Rawson, 7.Amoroso, 18.Daubney, 20.Bletchley, 4.Crossley
AFC Carpathians(squad): 1.Voicu, 4.Choudry, 5.Perseus(c), 6.Betelie, 9.Ilova, 10.Wright, 14.Malik, 15.Gheorghe, 8.Oifoh, 20.Bivol, 21.Petrea, 27.Mitu, 17.Kpolley, 30.Popa, 7.Cuna, 29.Alexandru

The Ground
Modern day Milton Keynes is getting bigger but, back in the 19th century, it was just a village and the area that is now known as Middleton was once Milton Keynes Village. This is where MK call home (or at least one of their homes). Milton Keynes Pavilion sits on an open area used for both football and cricket, opposite Milton Keynes Village Hall. The pavilion houses the changing areas for players and official and also has a good-sized bar area. There's a patio out front, with tables and chairs, overlooking the cricket pitch. MK's main pitch is the furthest of three pitches on the opposite side of the car parks from the pavilion. There's no spectator cover apart from some trees behind the left-hand goals (which is where I stood during the worst of the rain). The pitch slopes slightly down from the Worrelle Avenue end.


Ground Number: 447
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Beaconsfield Town became the second of three to claim a league title as they won 3-1 at Abingdon to take Division One North. Only the South remains to be decided now. Stoneham slipped out of that race with defeat at Havant & Waterlooville, who have set a target for Fleet Town to achieve in their final three games. In the first of these, Stoneham are the visitors to Crookham Road on Sunday.

​AFC Portchester 2-0 Reading
A double from Millie Bradbury before the half-hour, saw Portchester move to within two points of second placed Wycombe, with a game in hand. The season ends in defeat for The Royals, but it's still be a remarkable effort considering they were rock bottom with zero points as late as January 18th. Four wind and a draw in ten games has seen them finish ten points clear of second-bottom Badshot Lea.

Winchester City Flyers 3-3 Oxford City
A tale of two Cities as Winchester and Oxford served up a six-goal thriller. Libby Wilkinson put Flyers a goal up after 14 minutes only for Ellie White to level the scores. Just before the hour Lavinia Nkomo made it 2-1 to Winchester. Lucy White then squared the game again before Ellie White put the visitors ahead for the first time. However, a later 30-yard screamer from Libby Wilkson made it 3-3.

Woodley United 1-5 Ascot United
In their first game since lifting the title, Ascot were given a guard of honour by Woodley prior to the game. On the pitch, Ascot continued the form that has seen them go unbeaten in the league. Leah Robertson put them a goal in front before Leah Littlechild made it two. Robertson then got her second before Beth Lloyd made it 4-0. Chloe Melton did get a goal back after the break before the hosts were reduced to 10 through injury. A Kate Fox goal then made it 5-1 to The Yellawomen. Woodley then played out the last 10 minutes or so with nine after another injury. You can read the match report on the Ascot United web site and check out the match action photos from Andy Wicks.

​Abingdon United Development 1-3 Beaconsfield Town
A scrappy first half, in which Beaconsfield had the majority of the possession but didn't dominate, saw the teams go into the break all-square at 0-0. The Rams were out early for the second after clearly being read the riot act by their manager. A couple of changes to the formation and line-up saw them take a firm grip through a Katie Riddington penalty and a Freya Harris goal. However. United pulled one back through Ellie Owen only for a precise passing move to set up Riddington for her second and Town's third. Beaconsfield take the title with a game to spare and are still unbeaten in the league. A fabulous achievement.
Read the BotP match blog here - Rams Take A Step up and listen to post-match the thoughts of manager Brian Harris.

Ascot United Reserves 8-0 Kidlington Youth
Stephanie Ferreira and Keren Banduka both hit hat-tricks with Danielle Kjaer and Laura Rodriguez also on the score sheet, as Ascot rounded off their season is some style. The Yellas will now face a wait to see if Penn collect four or more points from their remaining three games, to see if they finish second or third. Kidlington will have a big say in that as they face Penn twice. In between they have a Chairman's Cup Final against Oxford City to look forward to.

Tilehurst Panthers 0-1 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn kept their end of the bargain, but ultimately Beaconsfield's win at Abingdon gave the Rams the title. Megan Brockwell scored the only goal of the game in the second half. Penn now need four more points from their last three games to take the runners-up spot.

Bursledon 4-0 AFC Varsity
Bursledon moved into prime position to win the battle of the promoted clubs with a big victory over AFC Varsity. The Dons are now two points behind Varsity, who have finished their league campaign, with three games remaining. Poppie Weekes helped herself to a hat-trick and Zoe Bache scored the other Dons goal.

Havant & Waterlooville 4-0 AFC Stoneham
The Hawks killed off any lasting title hopes Stoneham may have had with an excellent 4-0 win at Westleigh Park. In doing so, they completed their games for the season and have set Fleet Town a target of five points from their there remaining games, one of which comes against Stoneham next week. Town then face Wimborne Town and Bursledon. Sophie Lee opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, and the same player doubled the lead just before the hour. Chelsie Hay added a third on 70 minutes before she also added the fourth eight minutes later.

​Ascot United v AFC Portchester
Strictly speaking, there's not too much to play for in this one, until you remember that Portchester can still finish second and Ascot can go through the entire season unbeaten in the league. Portchy will also be looking to avenge the 5-1 home defeat inflicted by Ascot back in early September. 
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Oxford City v Wycombe Wanderers
City can't change their league position, either up or down. However, Wanderers can consolidate their runners-up spot with a win, making it necessary for Portchester to win both of their remaining games to overtake them. Two from Kayla Potter and one each from Jess Watkins and Danielle Puddefoot helped The Chairgirls to a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0NQ

Sholing v Winchester City Flyers
With absolutely nothing riding on this game, both sides can relax and enjoy the final game of the season. Sholing will be looking to avenge their earlier 3-0 defeat at Winchester, when Annie Northwood, Libby Wilkinson and Charlie Snelling were on the mark for Flyers. Sholing will need to be on guard against Northwood and Wilkinson, who have 47 goals between them this season.
Oasis Academy Mayfield, Ashley Crescent, Southampton SO19 9NA

​Abingdon United Development v Milton United
A local derby to end the season. So, although there's not too much riding on it league-wise, there'll still be plenty of local bragging rights to fuel the game. The reverse fixture, back in November, was an incredible twelve goal blockbuster, with Abingdon coming away with 7-5 victory. Milton led 4-2 at the break, went behind, squared it up and lost it again.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Beaconsfield Town v Caversham United
Having secured the title and promotion to the Premier league, Beaconsfield return to Holloways Park for what will be a celebration day with their supporters. For Caversham, it's an entirely different outcome to the season. Firmly anchored to the bottom and seemingly looking at a return to the Thames Valley League next season. The reverse fixture ended 6-0 to The Rams, who also put twelve past Caversham in the League Cup. A season to forget for The Goats.
​Holloways Park, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE

Kidlington Youth v Penn & Tylers Green
Although they can no longer win the league, Penn will be determined to end the season as runners-up. They need at least four points from their remaining three games, two of which are against Kidlington. The Greens, for their part, will be looking to retain the current seventh place spot, although they could sink as low as ninth should Milton and Slough win their final outings. Kidlington may well be more focused on the forthcoming Chairman's Cup Final with Oxford City.
Exeter Park, Crown Road, Kidlington OX5 1AB

​Fleet Town v AFC Stoneham
The Purps lost at Havant last weekend and, in doing so, ended their hopes of taking the title. Fleet have also slipped recently and now need to pick up five points from their remaining three games to overtake The Hawks. Fleet won 7-3 at Stoneham Lane back in October.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

This Sunday BotP made the short trip down the A34 to The Northcourt where home side Abingdon United Development were taking on champions-elect Beaconsfield Town, in a game that could well seal the Division One North title. Regardless of Penn & Tylers Green's result at Tilehurst, Beaconsfield just needed to avoid defeat to make the title their own. They'd already seen off Abingdon in the reverse fixture back in September where second half goals from Nicole Brown, Dominique Carrington and Violet Kingston-Wheeler had seen them come away with a 3-0 win. However, United were coming into the game on a run of six without defeat, including the excellent Chairman's Cup semi-final win at AFC Stoneham last weekend. Today's Abingdon squad was much-changed from that game at Stoneham though, with only six of the starting eleven remaining.
As always, great to meet up and chat with Beaconsfield marketing manager Craig Anderson prior to kick-off. Thanks for posting your team sheet and helping me get to see the Abingdon one. Much appreciated.

​Beaconsfield opened the game at a very fast pace but were very soon quietened by an Abingdon side that were clearly determined to make a fight of it. This was not going to go like clockwork for The Rams, they would have to work hard for the point they needed.
The game settled into something of a scrappy affair. Beaconsfield had more of the ball, but neither side unduly worried their opposite goalkeeper until the 17th minute when Sarah Davern's in swinging corner caused Georgie Hartley to palm the ball down into the path of Dominique Carrington who had to take it first time and couldn't keep the effort down. A few minutes later a flick on from Lydia Vettese gave Katie Riddington a sight of goal but her attempted lob didn't clear Hartley.
Just before the half-hour mark, Abingdon engineered an opportunity for Ellie Owen, who was played in on the left side of the box. However, Lisa Phillips was out quickly and, when Owen tried to cut back onto her right, the chance was gone.
Dom Carrington and Lucy Casey combined well on the right just past the half-hour, but once again Georgie Hartley got down sharply to cut out the low ball across the box. Then with five minutes to go before the break, a powerful run from Riddington forced another Town corner which Davern went across to take. Once again the midfielder swung in a dangerous looking ball that fell to Carrington at the far post. The winger must have thought her stab goalward was destined for the net, but didn't count on some excellent defending from Evie Pearce, who cleared the ball off the line much to the relief of her team-mates.

HT Abingdon United Development 0 Beaconsfield Town 0. No doubt that Beaconsfield were on top but they weren't their normal, fluent self. Abingdon, to be fair, dug in well and were making it very hard for their visitors despite not really giving Lisa Phillips anything to worry about.

​Beaconsfield coach Brian Harris was back in his dug out very early after the half-time break, and clearly not best pleased with the first-half performance. The team were out soon afterwards and a few changes had been made to the line-up. Henna Hussain was now leading the line with Mollie Carter sitting in the 10 role.
The changes seemed to unsettle the home defence. Whilst Lucy Casey is a very effective and pacy striker, the physical presence of Hussain completely changed the game and while the Abingdon central defence were worrying about her, space was opening up for other players to exploit. That's exactly what happened in the 53rd minute when Freya Harris found space to burst into the box, before being bundled to the ground. Penalty! and no real complaints from the home team. Katie Riddington stepped up, calmly sending Hartley the wrong way to make it 0-1.
The Rams had one hand on the trophy now, and just past the hour, they took an even former grip. Mollie Carter played an exquisite through ball for Freya Harris to run onto, holding off a challenge before sliding a shot across Hartley, which came back off the inside of the far post. The ball rebounded across the face of goal and it was Harris who was quickest to react, forcing the ball over the line at the second attempt. 0-2.
Two up with under half an hour to go, Beaconsfield  maybe took their eye off the game for a minute and they paid the price when, four minutes later, Ellie Owen struck to get a goal back for Abingdon. 1-2
However, the Beaconsfield lapse lasted just two minutes. Stunned back into action they produced a glorious move to get their two goal margin back. Carter was the instigator once again, slipping a precision pass inside the full-back for Henna Hussain. Looking up, she saw Katie Riddington making the run into the box and, in turn, supplied the perfect low ball across the six-yard line for a relatively easy tap-in. 1-3
That was pretty much game over and title in the bag. Abingdon were not going to score three in the final 20 minutes, even if Beaconsfield concentration did wane again. In fact, it was Beaconsfield who almost scored again the 75 minute, when Mia Thomson got on the end of a ball into the box, only to see he stabbed effort collected well by Hartley who, despite conceding there, had performed admirably between the Abingdon sticks.
With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, there was a nasty incident when Lydia Vettese landed heavily on her shoulder. There was a fairly long delay before, after being replaced, she was able to walk around the pitch back to the dugout, the injury seemingly not as bad as it first looked.
That just left Gemma Whitchurch to give us the pass of the game in the 91st minute. Bursting out of the back four again, as she had done frequently, the centre-half spotted the run of Henna Hussain before curling a defence-splitting pass, with the outside of her boot, perfectly into the strikers path. Unfortunately for Beaconsfield, Georgie Hartley had also spotted the run, and was off her line to narrow the angle well enough to force Hussain to shoot wide.
And that was it. Game over. Beaconsfield were champions of Division One North.

FT Abingdon United Development 1 Beaconsfield Town 3. A much better performance from Beaconsfield in the second half where the produced a few moments of magic that proved too much for a determined Abingdon team. United played their part in this game without really posing too much of a threat up front. It will be very interesting to see how they fare against Oxford City in the Chairman's Cup Final.
For Beaconsfield there's one more league game to complete, a home tie with bottom side Caversham United next weekend. Then they can start the preparations for next season in the Premier League.

Abingdon United Development: Hartley, Biddle, Pearce, Southey, Ives, Sadler, Hughes, Godfrey, Owen, Grey, Ward. Subs: Lopez-Catalan, Dellar
Beaconsfield Town: Phillips(c), R.Harris, Smith, Vettese, Whitchurch, Hill, Carrington, Davern, Casey, Riddington, Kingston-Wheeler. Subs: Thomson, Carter, F.Harris, Hussain, Lance

Ground Number: Re-visit
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This Tuesday I decided to stay fairly close to home, but try something a little different. my destination for the evening was Northamptonshire, the village of Crick to be exact. The home side, Crick Athletic, were taking on very local rivals, West Haddon Albion in an end of season Northants Combination Division One match. With both teams safe from relegation or promotion, the game had nothing resting on it apart from local pride. What made it so different was that neither side, as far as I could ascertain prior to kick-off, used any of the social media platforms that I normally relied on to get the message out, namely X or Facebook. West Haddon do have a Facebook page, but it hasn't been updated since late last year. My goal was to see how much traction I could get for the blog, without being able to directly connect with either club, something I'd never tried before.
With less than four miles between the respective grounds, this really is a local derby. There was also not too much between the teams in terms of league placing either. Prior to kick-off West Haddon sat sixth on 30 points, whilst Crick were four places lower but just six points behind. Both had played 21 of their 26 league games. The reverse fixture only took place a month ago, Crick leaving Northampton Road with all three points following a 3-1 victory. Their goals came from Mackinley Carlton, Alec Shrimpton and Max Alford. Zac Buckmaster scoring for Albion.
Many thanks to both teams for sharing photos of the team sheets prior to the game. Apologies if I have any names incorrect in the blog, some of the numbers on the sheets didn't match actual shirt number, so I had to listen for names being called during the game and try to match them up. Hopefully, the majority are correct, but I'll happily edit later if necessary.

​Kicking off five minutes late, the game got off to a slow start. Neither team posed a particular threat to their opposite goal in the opening 15 minutes or so. If anything, it was West Haddon who looked the more dangerous of the teams, but despite having more possession, they did not stretch Martim Piedade in the home goal.
The first big chance of the game came in the 18th minute. Piedade's attempted clearance of a long ball ricocheted off a combination of Alec Shrimpton and the chasing attacker, Michael Reesby. With the goalkeeper out of position, Reesby attempted to send the loose ball goalward only for Shrimpton to recover quickly enough to make a good block. Good defending from the home captain.
At the other end, Thoumass Stephanou was having a relatively quiet time of it until close to the half hour mark, when he had to back-peddle in order to tip an errant cross over his bar.
With the clock ticking down towards half-time a long ball saw Crick's Diesel Binding burst through with a seemingly clear path to goal. However, as he was about to pull the trigger he was thwarted by a superb tackle from Elsio Peixoto, who had made up a huge amount of ground to get back. Two minutes later, in the final seconds of normal time, Sam Anczarski saw his effort well blocked after great work down the right from Charlie Gilroy. After being on the backfoot for a while, Crick looked to be ending the half on the front foot, but then got caught out in the fourth minute of added time. West Haddon won a free-kick way out on the right flank. Zak Buckmaster took it, swinging the ball in towards the back post. A cluster of players went for the ball, but none made contact, as the in swinging delivery bypassed everyone to nestle in the bottom corner. 0-1

HT Crick Athletic 0 West Haddon Albion 1. The visitors ahead with the final kick of the half. Just about deserved on the balance of play in a game that hasn't seen too many goalmouth incidents so far. The combination of the late start and added time means that the sunlight is rapidly fading even before the second half kicks off.

​Athletic looked for an early response in the second half, presumably stung into action by the late goal. However, aside from Anczarski almost latching onto a low cross from the left, there are few moment of concern for Stephanou.
Asin the first half, chances for both teams are at a premium. Defences are certainly on top and the majority of play is restricted to the central third. Despite being a local derby, there's not the sort of edge that you commonly get on these occasions. Possibly because it's a late season game with nothing riding on it apart from bragging rights.
Into the final twenty minutes and the light faded even more. From my vantage point midway between the halfway line and one of the goals, it was actually difficult to make out the action at the opposite end of the pitch. West Haddon were using every opportunity to break up the game and disrupt play, launching clearances over the clubhouse or into the bushes on the opposite side of the pitch. Given that they were leading and that it was getting increasingly dark, this seems like a strange tactic. If the game was delayed much longer, they could have risked an abandonment.
Crick were pushing harder for an equaliser but still failing to stress Stephanou and, as they pushed up, they were risking getting caught out by a quick break. This almost happened in side the final five minutes. A long ball caused Piedade to come out of his box to make a clearance. Not dissimilar to the first-half incident, the loose ball was latched onto by Freesby, who once again tried to return the ball past the stranded keeper. Tshi time he did beat the covering defender, but also saw his effort drift wide of the post.
That was the last significant action of the game, as the referee finally signalled an end to the game.

FT Crick Athletic 0 West Haddon Albion 1. Not the greatest of games but still good to be out watching live football. Overall, from a neutral perspective, Albion deserved to take the points. One thing that the game did highlight was that midweek games at this time of year need to kick-off as early as possible at grounds without floodlights. It's understandable that kick-off is as late as possible to give players time to get from their day jobs, but post 8 o'clock at this time of year, it is too dark. However, it did allow me to get a Stranglers reference into the blog title, so not all bad.
Whilst neither of today's teams have title ambitions this season, they both have games coming up that could play a part in the title race. Next up for West Haddon Albion is the visit of third placed AFC Towcester on Saturday. Then, following a midweek trip to Harpole Reserves, Crick take on fifth placed Wootton St George on the 19th. The same day, West Haddon play hosts to second placed Thrapston Venturas.

Crick Athletic: Piedade, Power-Wright, Carlton, Shrimpton(c), Townsend, Maxwell, Young, S.Anczarski, Gilroy, A.Anczarski, Binding. Subs: Barlow, Coulson, Bennett, Gibson, Bowles
West Haddon Albion(squad): Stephanou, Facer, Mazzone, Green, Peixoto, A.Burnell, N.Burnell(c), Z.Buckmaster, J.Buckmaster, Sage, Frater, Smallwood, Reesby, Garrard, Kibblewhite

The Ground
Crick Sports Field is sitated just to the North of the village of Crick. There's a good-sized car park and what looks to be a relatively new pavilion. Aside from the main pitch, there are also a couple of small-sided pitches and a five-a-side artificial surface cage. The main pitch has a white plastic fence running down the pavilion side. The dugouts, which also look quite new, are on this side of the pitch too. The opposite side is backed by trees and bushes as is the far end of the pitch. The playing surface slopes down slightly from the Yelvertoft Road end and appeared a little on the bumpy side, which is not that surprising after a long season and given the recent dry weather.

Ground Number: 446
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After taking the runners-up slot for the last two seasons, Ascot United finally went one better, securing the Premier League title with a resounding 7-0 defeat of Selsey. Massive congratulations to all concerned at Ascot United. The table doesn't lie. Only two points dropped in 16 games, a 100% home record so far and only six goals conceded. The title secured with two games remaining. No-one could argue that it isn't completely deserved.
IN the North, Beaconsfield Town could soon be stepping up into the Premier League. One more point is all that is require, which could be secured at Abingdon this coming Sunday. In the South, however, it's all to play for after Fleet lost for the second time in four games, but still have the title in their own hands. The big game in that division this weekend is the clash between Fleet two title rivals, Havant & Waterlooville versus AFC Stoneham.

​Ascot United 7-0 Selsey
The Yellawomen clinched the Premier League title in some style, putting seven past bottom side Selsey. Leah Littlechild settled any early nerves with a goal after 12 minutes, but they had to wait until the 37th minute before Leah Robertson made it two. Erin Huntley made the game almost safe in first half added time. Beth Lloyd then got her first of the afternoon on 50 minutes, followed by her second on 72 minutes. Just before the end, Olivia Glover grabbed the sixth before, in added time, Beth Lloyd collected her hat-trick. Neal Jeffs captured all the action in his match report.

Reading 6-2 Badshot Lea
This game remained goalless for the best part of half an hour, before Teyla Poulter put the Baggies in front. However, Reading captain Lucy Bolitho quickly levelled it up before Mia Bradley put the Royals in front. Right on the stroke of half time, Bolitho notched her second to give Reading a two goal advantage, which was immediately reduced to one by Shellie Irvine. Just past the hour Bolitho celebrated her hat-trick. Mia Bradley then added her second and Reading's fifth before Lucy Bolitho made it six with her fourth of the game.

Woodley United 1-2 AFC Portchester
Woodley's penultimate home game ended in a narrow defeat as an early goal from Sam Jennings put Portchester one up at the break. Woodley drew level but an Eilidh Currie penalty, just past the hour, secured the points for the visitors. Once again we are grateful to Andy Wicks for capturing the match action for us.

Wycombe Wanderers 4-4 Winchester City Flyers
What a game at Burnham. Eight goals, both teams coming from behind at some point, a very late equaliser and an even later red card. Flyers got off to a flyer, two up after 31 minutes through Libby Wilkinson and Kayleigh Tonks. However, Kayla Potter and Jessica Watkins levelled it up by the 38th minute, only for Vinnie Nkomo to put Winchester back in front before the break. Potter the scored her second to level it again, and this time Wycombe went in front, through Jessica Watkins after 73 minutes. It looked like they would take all of the points but, 3 minutes into added time Vinnie Nkomo made it 4-4 before, three minutes later, collecting a straight red. Clicking on the Wycombe goal-scorers will link you to short videos of each goal.

​Penn & Tylers Green 12-0 Caversham United
The season probably can't end soon enough for Caversham. Time to rest, re-group and plan for 2025-26 after another heavy defeat. Penn did what they could to keep the pressure on Beaconsfield, who only need one more point to make the title safe. Tara Woodward and Ammara Qureshi scored four apiece, Ellie Lovelock notched a brace, Ellie Ludgate-Williams and Emma Gentle also on the score sheet.

Tilehurst Panthers 7-1 Kidlington Youth
It took Tilehurst seven attempts to finally win at home, now they can't stop. Sunday saw them take maximum points at Scours Lane for the third consecutive game. Georgia Hayes helped herself to a first half hat-trick, Leah Why added two more, with Abbie Why and Deanna Cane also getting their names in lights. Courtney Sumner with her seventh of the season, replied for Kidlington.

​Fleet Town 1-2 AFC Varsity
There's not too many who would have put a bet on this result, although Varsity's away record is very good this season. Even so, Fleet, odds-on to win the league and with their 100% home record, would have been looking for a maximum from this game. Vicky Nicola Jones in the first half and Bethany Maxwell in the second, had other ideas as Varsity clocked up their fifth away win of the season.

QK Southampton 0-7 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks took full advantage of Fleet's slip-up to leapfrog them into top spot. Two goals each for Laurie Potvin, Chelsie Hay and Tia Hooper, plus another from captain Emma-Jane May, eased Havant to a 7-0 victory at The Hive.

AFC Stoneham 2-3 Abingdon United Development
An extraordinary turn of events at Stoneham Lane. The home side raced into a two goal lead through Mia House and Lucy Bicknell, taking the advantage into the break. Abingdon, through injuries, were then forced to play the second half with only 10 players.  However, Liv Ward cut the deficit in the 51st minute before Mimi Hodges levelled the scores with twenty minutes to go. Then, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, captain Beth Hawtin (click name to watch the goal) converted from the spot to complete an incredible Yellows comeback. You can read the match report on the Abingdon web site and watch to captain Beth Hawtin and manager Paul Biddle's post-match interview.
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Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 Oxford City
Sports managed to quell free-scoring City but were undone by a fourth minute Emily Harris goal. Both teams gave everything they had, but it was The Hoops who got through to face Abingdon United Development in the final, to add to their forthcoming county cup final against Kidlington Youth. You can read the match report on the Oxford City web site.

​AFC Portchester v Reading
Reading's final game of a season that has improved immeasurably in the last few months. three wins and a draw in their last six league games has seen them climb above the danger zone. However, when they do lose, they lose heavily. Portchester still have a very good chance to end their first Premier League season as runners-up to Ascot United, which would be an incredible achievement. Portchy won the reverse fixture 4-1. A similar score would see them close to within a point of second-placed Wycombe, with a game in hand.
On-Site Group Stadium, Cranleigh Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 9DP

Winchester City Flyers v Oxford City
Two sides with identical form over the past six matches, but six points between City, in fourth, and fifth placed Flyers. The reverse fixture was a tight affair that Oxford won 2-1. Flyers were reduced to ten when Libby Wilkinson saw red. A win for City would guarantee at least fifth and would give them a chance of fourth. A victory for City could take then into third spot, depending on Portchester's result.
Charters Community Stadium, Hiller Way, Winchester SO50 7SU

Woodley United v Ascot United
Last season Bournemouth Sports won the league at Woodley. This season, Woodley welcome the newly crowned champions to Bulmershe Pavilion. Woodley could still climb above Winchester with a win, but are completely safe in sixth spot. Having already met Ascot three times this season, and lost on all three occasions, Woodley will be looking to finish the season on a high. Ascot, meanwhile, have two games left to claim an unbeaten league campaign and a League Cup Final to look forward to.
Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3HE

​Abingdon United Development v Beaconsfield Town
Following their fantastic Chairman's Cup semi-final fightback at the weekend, Abingdon have to steel themselves for the visit of champions-elect Beaconsfield Town. The Rams need just one point to secure the title, regardless of Penn's result The reverse fixture, back in September, ended 3-0 to Beaconsfield with goals from Nicole Brown, Dom Carrington and Violet Kingston-Wheeler.
The Northcourt, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Kidlington Youth
Ascot remain in second and will want to give themselves a chance of staying there by wining their final game. However, Kidlington will be stinging from their heavy defeat at Tilehurst last weekend, and will want to avenge their 2-1 home defeat by Ascot earlier in the season when a late Danielle Kjaer goal sealed the points for the visitors.
The Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Tilehurst Panthers v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn need to win all of their remaining games, significantly improve their goal difference and hope that Beaconsfield lose their last two. Unlikely, but they'll keep pushing until the title is mathematically beyond them, no doubt. However, Panthers are finishing the season strongly themselves and are on a run of four straight victories. Penn won the reverse fixture 5-1 back in October.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​Bursledon v AFC Varsity
Varsity's excellent win at Fleet last weekend consolidated their position as top promoted club from last season. They are five points ahead of Bursledon but the Dons have three games in hand. Bursledon, with four games remaining, could yet have a big say in the title chase, with games against Fleet and Stoneham to come. The reverse fixture ended 3-1 to Bursledon.
Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Stoneham
This could well be the game of the weekend. Fleet's recent wobble in form has given both of these teams a glimpse of the title. The Hawks, for whom this is the last game of the season, are a point clear at the top. Stoneham, who have three to play, are four points behind Havant, three behind Fleet, who also have three to play. Effectively, this is a must win for both teams. If Havant lose, they would almost certainly be out of the race, even though they would remain top. Stoneham, however, still have to go to Fleet on April 20th.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​I was still in two minds about my choice of game this Saturday until the very last minute. I eventually settled on a North Bucks Premier League clash between current leaders Stewkley and sixth placed Twyford United. Prior to kick off, with the season rapidly coming to a conclusion, Stewkley held a three point gap at the summit, with six games to play. In second were MK United who also had six remaining. Third placed Old Bradwell United Development were a further four points adrift but, with only two games left, they were out of the title race. Fourth placed Great Horwood, however, were seven points behind Stewkley with a game in hand. Today's visitors also only had two games to play and were out of the running, although they could have a big say in the title run-in. Their final game is against MK United.
In the reverse fixture a single Kieran Roadnight goal had given Stewkley the points. Coincidentally, both teams had played the same opponents, bottom side Newport Pagnell Athletic in their previous league outings. Two weeks ago Twyford had beaten the basement boys 4-1. Last weekend, a further weakened Athletic side had gone down 11-0 at home to Stewkley.
Arriving early, I set about looking for the team sheets and was fortunate enough to come across referee Anthony Woodley who was also taking a few minutes to enjoy the weather before kick-off. Not only did he share the team sheets with me, we also had a pleasant chat about football in general. Both sets of coaches and a number of players from both sides came past, all of whom greeted the referee, who is clearly a popular figure in the league.

With their closest rivals in cup action today, Stewkley had the opportunity to open up some breathing space at the top of the table and they started the game quite well. Neither side managed to create any major chances in the opening 10 minutes, but Stewkley did come close shortly afterwards. A free-kick delivered into the box from way out on the left flank got caught by the gusty wind, deceiving visiting goalkeeper Chris Stapleton. The ball sailed over his grasp before bouncing near the far post where Antonio Iannelli was arriving. He managed to get a head to the ball but could only divert it narrowly wide. However, three minutes later the home side did take the lead. When a clearance fell to Luke Alligan some 25 yards out, he took a touch before firing a low drive past Stapleton's right-hand into the corner of the net. 1-0
Stewkley were on top without completely dominating. Albie Whittemore headed a half-chance over the bar before, on 25 minutes, Pat Okolie, who had scored four last weekend, scuffed a chance straight to a grateful Stapleton, from inside the six-yard box. That should have been the second goal.
Twyford's opportunities at goal had been very limited to this point, with home keeper Will Essex barely troubled. Their best chance came in the 34th minute when Matt Bradbury rose at the far post to get a head onto a right-wing cross. However, under good pressure from the defence, he wasn't able to get it on target.
Just before the break Stewkley had another golden opportunity to go in two up when, after great work of the left from Dan Carter, Kieran Roadnight was unable to keep his left-foot volley below the bar.

HT Stewkley 1 Twyford United 0. Gusty wind and a hard, bumpy pitch not helping either team. Stewkley should be further in front. Twyford have the wind behind them in the second half, so it's far from over.

​As expected, with the conditions now in their favour, Twyford started the second half in a much more positive vein. An early James Jackman burst saw the left-sided player get beyond the Stewkley defence, but Will Essex was off his line quickly forcing the strike to go wide of the mark. Twyford clearly thought the keeper had made the save, but the referee gave a goal kick much to their displeasure.
An interesting incident then happened at the opposite end of the pitch. Stewkley broke quickly, creating a three on two situation. The ball was fed across to Dan Carter who looked to be clipped by the defender. However, Carter stayed on his feet, cutting back onto his right foot before sending an effort over the bar. The question is, was he too honest? If he had gone down at the first contact, it would have been hard for the referee not to have pointed to the spot.
A few minutes later, Pat Okolie was sent through on goal but, as he was about to pull the trigger, Matt Ginger got back to make a superb, last-ditch intervention. Excellent defending from the centre-back. back up the other end, just past the hour, Jackman was again a little unlucky when he unleashed an absolute piledriver that flashed across the face of Essex's goal.
Alligan then came close to doubling his tally when his crisp drive was well saved by Stapleton. Inside the final twenty minutes, the home side should once again have doubled their lead. Carter broke down the left, beat his man before driving to the by-line and cutting back for Okolie. His effort was well blocked and when the ball dropped to 
Jamie Hardings, he fired over the bar. Stapleton was then called into action once again, saving well from Xavier Kirchin's header.
That was the last of the real goalmouth action before referee Woodley drew a close to the action.

FT Stewkley 1 Twyford United 0. Not prettiest of games, but three more points on the board for Stewkley, who deserved the points on the balance of play. Twyford, however, pushed them all the way and were never out of the game, despite riding their luck at times. Whilst MK United were in cup action, Great Horwood drew 1-1 at home to Willen, meaning that Stewkley's lead at the top increased to five points, although MK United have a game in hand now, as do Great Horwood, three points further back.
Next week Twyford host MK United whilst Stewkley don't have a game. In fact they don't play until April 26th when they face Old Bradwell United Development in the semi final of the Premier Division Challenge Cup.

Stewkley: Essex, H.Reeves, Scrivener, Budgen, Iannelli, Whittemore, K.Roadnight, Alligan, Okolie, Hardings, Carter. Subs: Wagner, Kirchin, Cristofoli, Gray, K.Bailey
Twyford United: Stapleton, Curtis, Jackman, King(c), Ginger, Bailey, Best-Martinez, Palokwar, Bradbury, Dalton, Best. Subs: McLaughlin, Bannerman, Bunyan, Wall

The Ground
Stewkley play at Stewkley Recreation Ground, just off the main throughfare of the village. There is a small car park, but plenty of parking is available on Soulbury Road if this is full. There's a pavilion next to the car park, with a few tables and benches outside. The facing wall of the pavilion also feature a blackboard sign that, at one time in the past, was clearly used for notifying the public of the forthcoming games. Clearly no longer in use, but a great little nod to the past. This looks out over the cricket field and a few small-sided football pitches. The main football pitch is accessed by walking across the cricket field, through a wide gap in the trees. This then opens into another field, containing more small-sided pitches and the main full-size playing area. There are also a few benches spread around the perimeter of this field, which some spectators took advantage of. The pitch does not have any slope but did look a little bumpy and dry, following the recent better weather.

Ground Number: 444
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