I'm going to start this week's blog with an apology. After the full-time whistle in this game I wrongly tweeted that the title race was now down to two teams. I was rightly pulled up on this by the Wantage Town twitter admin (thanks for putting me straight). In my haste I had completely overlooked the fact that, although the result meant Brackley were out of the running, Bishop's Cleeve were still in there with a fighting chance. So, apologies to The Mitres.

The Ground
It's been five years since I last visited Alfredian Park to watch a game, a Southern League South & West clash with AFC Totton. However, I was actually back at the ground earlier this season coaching one of our U8 squads in a football festival. Not too much seems to have changed since my last watching visit. To be fair, not much needs to change. Alfredian Park is a really nicely laid out stadium. Plenty of covered seating and standing along one side of the pitch, a large and well appointed clubhouse and sufficient parking around the perimeter of the ground to accommodate most crowds at this level. Thanks to their stadium announcer who was more than happy to let me take a quick photo of the team sheets before he read them out.

​The Background
This game pitched leaders Wantage Town against third-placed Brackley Town Saints.
​Before kick-off, four teams could still mathematically take the Hellenic League title and these two sides had the clearest view of what was required. Wantage knew that a win in this game would give them the championship. Saints knew that anything other than a win for them would rule them out. Meanwhile, both Brimscombe & Thrupp and Bishop's Cleeve were waiting in the wings should Wantage slip up.

Recent games involving the top four had provided some very interesting results that had had a dramatic effect on the run in. In their last league outing Brackley Town Saints had defeated Brimscombe & Thrupp 2-1, greatly increasing their own and Wantage's chances of taking the title. Windsor, who could yet have a big say in the final outcome (see below) also disposed of Bishop's Cleeve by the same score. This dented The Mitres chances, but still left them with a little hope, depending upon the result of this game.
​In the reverse fixture to this game, played in March, Wantage scored an added-time winner, despite having Ryan Markham sent-off, to win 3-2. However, in a Floodlit Cup tie a few weeks ago, Saints came back from a goal down at Alfredian Park, to win 2-1.

​The Game
Saints absolutely flew out of the traps in this game, catching Wantage cold with a flurry of early attacks. In the very first minute James Hammond got in behind the Fred's defence, beat Meare with his shot but saw the ball strike the post and rebound away to safety.
It took Wantage a few minutes, but they showed their class by responding well to the onslaught, steady themselves and play their way into the game. So much so, in fact, that they almost grabbed the lead themselves after 20 minutes. A rushed clearance by Saints keeper Alastair Worby, was collected in midfield and fires straight back over the stoppers head. Luckily for Brackley Joe Ward had spotted the danger and was on hand to head the ball clear of the unguarded net.
Then, just after the half-hour mark came a controversial moment. Another Wantage attack led to striker Steve Robertson being played in behind the last Saints defender. As he went to shoot he appeared to be clipped by Ward as he strove to get a block in. The Wantage players appealed for the penalty. The locals in the crowd appealed for the penalty. The referee waved play on. I have to say that from my position it did look like there was contact. In my eyes Saints were lucky not to concede the spot-kick and possibly go down to 10-men.

Both sides worked hard for the remainder of the half but chances were certainly at a premium, although Brackley probably edged the final 10 minutes of the forty-five. The only thing that really increased was the frequency with which the referee blew for offences which led to the game being somewhat disjointed, frustrating players on both sides (but not as much as the locals in the main stand).

HT Wantage Town 0 Brackley Town Saints 0. Not too many clear cut chances in this game. Saints very unlucky in the opening minutes, Wantage should have had a penalty. The referee seems to want to clamp down heavily on dissent, a fact that the home players seem to have completely missed with Cox, Davoile and Robertson all going in the book.

​For the first 30 minutes, the second-half gave us pretty much the same sort of action as the first. Neither side forcing the keeper's into any serious action and the game being punctuated by the referee's whistle too many times for there to be any flow to the game.

With just over 20 minutes remaining the home side seemed to turn it up a notch or two, noticeably pushing Saints back into their own half. Twice they launched raids that had Worby worried with one drive, from Robertson, flashing across his goal and just wide of the far post. However, it was Brackley who needed to get a goal the most and, on 77 minutes, they came as close as they had since the first minute when Knight turned sharply in the box and fired a shot narrowly wide of  Meare's left-hand post. Eight minutes later the same player, raiding down the left, put in a cross which took a slight deflection and glanced off the top of Meare's bar before going to safety.
Back up the other end, Wantage forced a corner on the right which was played into a very dangerous area only for Worby to make a good reflex stop.

Finally, the referee blew again and it was all over. Saints' title challenge was effectively over for another season but Wantage live to fight another day.

FT Wantage Town 0 Brackley Town Saints 0. A hard fought battle between two very good sides. In the end a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game. The result leaves the table looking like this

Remaining games
Sat 20th
Ardley United v Bishop's Cleeve

Sunday 21st
Brimscombe & Thrupp v Abingdon United

Monday 22nd
Bishop's Cleeve v Shrivenham
Windsor v Wantage Town

So, the permutations are as follows:

A Wantage win in their final game will give them the title regardless of other results. Although, with both Bishop's Cleeve and Brimscombe & Thrupp playing before them over the weekend, if both drop points, Wantage would be champions before they kick off on Monday.

Should Wantage only manage a draw then the door is ajar to both Brimscombe & Thrupp and Bishop's Cleeve (assuming that Cleeve win their game in hand at Ardley). However, even if both were to win their remaining games, they woudl only be level on points. Brimscombe woudl need to turn around a 15 goal difference whilst Cleeve would need to overturn  9 goal deficit.

If Wantage were to lose their final game then a Brimscombe & Thrupp victory would be enough to take the title unless Bishop's Cleeve were to win both of their games too. In that case it would again come down to goal difference, in which Cleeve currently have a 6 goal advantage.

Wantage Town: Meare, Comer, Flanagan, Markham, Jackson (c), Cox, Cook, Davoile, Robertson, Dunmall, Thorne. Subs: Wright, Mattimore, Patterson, Sadler, Cheetham

Brackley Town Saints: Worby, Middleton (c), Brock, Baldwin, Goddard, Ward, G. Ball, Watts, Knight, Hammond, Killie. Subs: Gidfey, S.Ball, Whitmore, Haley, Shaw

Att: 193
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: £1.50

​Not a reference to West Brom who, only the day before had taken Preston to the cleaners. No, this refers instead to Kings Heath Albion and Hawthorns FC, both members of the Bromsgrove & District Football League and a further foray into the glorious world of Sunday League football for BotP. A planned hospital visit in Wolverhampton on Sunday lunchtime, left a window of opportunity to take in a game somewhere between Oxfordshire and the West Midlands. Bromsgrove looked to be an ideal stop-off and, after my original plan to watch the local derby between Bromsgrove Corinthians and Bromsgrove Athletico was scuppered (thanks for the heads-up Athletico), I quickly found another suitable game.

​The Ground
I believe that this was scheduled to be Hawthorns first game at the Bromsgrove South 3G pitch. The facility, unsurprisingly, is locate din South Bromsgrove and, also unsurprisingly is a 3G surface. There is ample parking, what looks like new changing facilities and, on a bright but chilly Spring morning, it looked like a superb place to play and watch football. It doesn't matter how long it's been since I last pulled on a pair of boots, a pristine pitch still makes me yearn for those playing days.

The Background
The Bromsgrove and District League table on the FA Full-Time site is, to say the least, a little confusing. Apparently, there are two teams in Division One who are classed as Premier League teams and, even though pints and goals gained against them count in the final standings, the two teams in question, Black Horse and Austin Ex Apprentices, will not figure in the final rankings. In which case, this game actually becomes a clash between top and bottom of the table. I'm not sure I quite understand what is going on, but watch this space. Maybe we'll put something in the end of season review?

The Game
It seems that I wasn't the only one that had migrated from the Bromsgrove Athletico game to this one. There were a noticeable number of Bromsgrove Athletico track suits on view on the sidelines as the game kicked off.
After an initial period where the teams seemed to want to get to grips with the surface as much as with each other, it was Hawthorns who settled down and began to take a hold on the game. However, despite having the lion's share of the ball, we got halfway through the first period with the scores still all square at 0-0. It has to be said that this was down, in no small way, to the Kings Heath goalkeeper, who by this stage had already made two or three crucial stops.

We were thee minutes short of half an hour in when the first goal arrived and, as so often happens, it went the way of the team that had been on the back foot for most of the opening encounters. Kings Heath, on a rare venture forward, forced a corner. The kick was taken low towards the front post where centre-half Stephen Mason was first to react, flicking the ball goal-wards. Somehow, it managed to squeeze between the goalkeeper and his near post and, against the run of play, it was 0-1.

Hawthorn rallied quickly after going behind and it was only 5 more minutes until they evened up the scores. Their right-back produced a peach of a ball that flashed across the Albion six-yard line finding Brogan Halpin at the far post to prod the ball home. 1-1.
The rest of the first-half was largely played in the Kings Heath half. Hawthorns pressed and pressed. They tried long range efforts, they tried crosses, they tried balls in behind the defence but every time they got through the Albion defensive ranks they found the Kings Heath keeper in inspired form.

HT Hawthorns 1 Kings Heath Albion 1. Hawthorns should really be out of sight. Albion have their keeper to thank for keeping them in the game.

​Five minutes into the second-half came the incident that probably changed the entire game. Hawthorns winger Jimmy Ward had a dip from the edge of the box. Teh ball bounced quite awkwardly as the Albion keeper went down to his right. The ball ended in the back of the net to make ir 2-1 and the Albion keeper ended up in a heap clutching his shoulder. After a coupel of minute's treatment he was deeemed unaable to continue and wa substituted. This was a big blow to Albion as he had been having a veyr good game up until the seond goal went it.
This is the point where it all went comepletely downhill for Kings Heath. On 57 minutes Hawthorns sprung the offside trap, with three players getting onto a ball over the top. It was eventually laid on a plate for Halpin to collect his second of the game. 3-1.
Four minutes later another swift Hawthorns break led to their number 23 getting in on the act and making it 4-1. Then, almost immeditaly from the restart, Hawathorns won the ball back and broke into the Albion box. Ward deftly bakheeled the ball, wrong footing the defence and leaving Halpin the easy task of wrapping up his hat-trick. 5-1.
There goals in five minutes had completeley selaed the points. It was now a case of how many Hawthorns would score but, to their credit, Kings Heath stuck at it and did stem the tide a little. It was afurther 13 minutes before Hawthorns got back on the scoring trail and this time it was a real screamer. Ward collected the ball out on the right-flank and hammered a cross shot into the far top corner of the net. 6-1.
Three minutes later Hawthorns Number 9, who had worked really hard throughoyt the game, got a deserved goal with a low, drilled shot to make it 7-1.
Then, in the final minute, the icing on the cake was applied by substitute Number 99 to make it 8-1.
Goals 4, 7 and 8 were scored by Rob Shaw, Ben Markall and Luke Concannon btu, unfortunately, I'm not 100% certain which goal to credit to which player. Another peril of blogging about Sunday League football.

FT Hawthorns 8 Kings Heath Albion 1. A devastating display from Hawthorns in the second-half as they win 8-1 for the second game on the bounce. Albion were rocked by the loss of the goalkeeper when it went to 2-1 although, to be fair to their substitute stoppepr, there wasn't much he could have done with any of the goals.
Another enjoyable Sunday League outing for BotP. This is definitely something that we will be looking into more next season.

Att: 
Ground Number: 193
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A

Yes, I know it's not pronounced the same way and, as you will read in my match blog, I don't necessarily think they were lucky. The blog title was just too good to not use.
​
The Ground
Holmes Park is the headquarters of the Leicestershire & Rutland FA and is also the home of Leicester City's development squad. As you would expect of the home of a county FA, the facilities are very well maintained, although parking is quite limited inside the ground. The clubhouse is very well sized, there are a total of four covered seating and standing areas and a very good, flat grass pitch.

​The Background
The Leicestershire & Rutland Senior Cup competition dates back to the late 19th Century. The first winners, in the 1887-88 season, were Sheepshed who clocked up a thumping 8-0 victory over Mill Hill House, who were also runners-up in the second competition. Leicester City Reserves hold the record for the most number of titles with 23, although the latest of these came in the 1949-50 season.
This season's finalist are both from Step 6, Melton Town from the United Counties League, appearing in their first final, and Heather St John's from the Midland League. Heather have won the trophy twice before, beating Thurmaston Town 2-1 in 2009-10 and Thurnby Nivana 4-1 the following season. They were also beaten finalists lats season, going down 3-2, after extra-time, to NKF Burbage.

​This season Melton disposed of Ellistown (a) 2-1, Friar Lane & Epworth, also away from home, 1-0. They then drew 1-1 with Cottesmore Amateurs before going through 5-3 on penalties. This was followed up with a 3-1 Semi-Final victory over Barrow Town.
Heather's progress has been a lot more cut and dried. They received a bye in the first round, defeated Ashfordby Seniors 7-1, Birstall United 7-0 and then, in the Semi-Final, saw off Ashby Ivanhoe by 3-1.
Looking a the side's league records, points-wise they are very similar. However, Heather lead the Midland League Division One by 10 points from Atherstone Town (although The Adders have a game in hand). Their final game of the season is away at Atherstone, although it is possible that the title will be secured well before that date.
Melton sit third in the United Counties Division One, three points adrift of second-placed Anstey Nomads and a further point behind the leaders, Lutterworth Town. Following this Final, their next league encounter is away at Lutterworth, which could be a pivotal moment in the title race.

​The Game
Melton were the first of the sides to settle into the game. They looked sharper and quicker to the ball than Heather in the opening encounters, winning the midfield battle and pushing their opponents onto the back foot in the first ten minutes or so. However, their early dominance did not translate into goals and Heather gradually began to get a foothold, or at least steady the ship a little.
On 20 minutes Heather did more than just steady the ship. A ball over the top of the Melton defence caused some confusion and miscommunication between the defenders and the advancing goalkeeper. Heather striker Chris Lloyd nipped in to take advantage of the hesitation, lofting the ball over the stranded Robert Peet and into the net. 0-1. A goal very much against the run of play but credit to Heather for taking full advantage of a rare opportunity.
The goal seemed to rock Melton for a while, unsurprisingly galvanising Heather who, eight minutes after taking the lead, came very close to doubling it when a Dean Rathbone effort beat the keeper but also narrowly missed the target.
This near miss shook Melton out of their stupor and they began to set about getting the equaliser but, try as they might for the remaining 15 minutes or so, they couldn't find the final ball.

HT Melton Town 0 Heather St John's 1. Melton played the more expansive game, stretching the Heather defence on a number of occasions but rarely causing great concern to Spink. Heather held firm at the back and made the most of the chance that they were handed.
​

​Melton came out of the blocks fast in the second half practically laying siege to the Heather goal for the first 10 minutes after the restart. However, as with the latter stages of the first half, they couldn't quite find the vital final touch, even though they were getting closer and closer. Some last ditch defending kept the strikers at bay and Heather rode out the storm, gradually getting to grips with the game again. In fact, as Melton continued to push for an equaliser, Heather mounted a few dangerous looking breaks of their own, causing a couple of worrying moments for Peet.
As a neutral this was compelling viewing. Melton's brand of attacking football was a pleasure to watch and Heather's dogged defending was equally good viewing, as was their speed of attack when they did manage to break.

It took until the 76th minute but, finally, Melton's persistence paid off and they grabbed a deserved equaliser. Striker Michael Reeve twisted inside his marker and unleashed a vicious drive from the edge of the box. Spink manged to get a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. 1-1.

At this point, after all of the pressure and with the momentum behind them, it looked as if there was only going to be one winner. However, great credit to Heather. They really dug in for the final 15 minutes. The predicted Melton tidal wave and, what seemed inevitable, winner never arrived. In fact, in the very final minute, it was Heather who almost snatched the game with Josh Willis firing narrowly over the bar.

FT Melton Town 1 Heather St John's 1. A thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes of football and we headed straight to penalties much to the relief of many of the spectators as the temperature had dropped considerably and it was feeling exceedingly cold on the sidelines.

​Penalties
Melton take the first penalty.Nathan Arnold steps up and scores. 1-0
Heather then put their reply away. 1-1
Jordan Lever's spot-kick makes it 2-1 to Melton
Heather hit the bar through Ryan Pace. Still 2-1 and advantage Melton? 
No. Callum Westwood also hits the bar with their next penalty. It remains 2-1 
Heather goalscorer Chris Lloyd hits back to make it 2-2 
Melton score their next spot kick. 3-2 through Josh Hill
Heather follow suit. 3-3
Heather's goalkeeper, Billy Spink, then makes a great save from Robbie Parsons. 3-3. Advantage Heather
Heather's Dean Rathbone scores to make it 4-3 and it is all over.

Heather St Johns are the Leicestershire & Rutland Senior Cup Winners for the third time, after finishing as runners-up last season.
Congratulations to all at Heather St Johns who, it could be said were not lucky at all, they just managed the game perfectly. They were under pressure for a good deal of the match, but took their opportunity when it was presented and then stayed cool under the pressure of penalties, despite being the first team to miss. That showed great character.
Commiserations to Melton Town who played really well all evening and were, in my opinion, very unlucky not to be lifting the trophy themselves. However, if that is the style of football they play every week, then they should be applauded for their efforts. As a neutral viewer, I would say that they are one of the most entertaining teams that I have seen all season.

Melton Town: Peet (c), Westwood, Levi Fray, Hibbitt, Wilson, Punter, Gilchrist, Hill, Reeve, Arnold, Lever. Subs: Leon Fray, Rigby, Price, Parsons, Reek
Heather St Johns: Spink, Lionga, Rowe, Weale (c), Douglas, Edwards, Cowley, Willis, Lloyd, Rathbone, Taylor. Subs: Williams, McNulty, Pace, Bloore, Taylor

Att: 
Ground Number: 192
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Included

It's that time of year when the occasional Thursday night match pops into view and this week, after failing to get to a game earlier, I was very pleased to see that Chertsey Town, owing to their run to the FA Vase Final, were scheduled to travel to Banstead Athletic. Not only was it a new ground for me but it also promised to be a good game, pitching second against fifth and with Chertsey still favourites to overhaul Sutton Common Rovers for the title, a potential crucial game for The Curfews.

​The Ground
Banstead play at Merland Rise, to the South-West of Banstead, not a million miles from Epsom Racecourse. There is a reasonable sized car park both outside the clubhouse, which is sepaarte from the ground, and behind the stand on the Merland Rise end of the stadium. There are actually two old turnstiles that led from the clubhouse car park into the stadium itself, neither of which are in use these days. Instead entance payment is taken by a cheerful young lady who was remarkably amiable given the extremely chilly conditions. Note that there are no facilities in the ground itself. You will need to go back out to the clubhouse for tea, snacks and toilets. This makes the young lady's job even harder because she then has to try to remember who has paid and who hasn't. Rather her than me, I must admit.
The ground itself has stands on three sides, a covered terrace behind the Merland Rise goal, a further covered terrace on the Leisure Centre side and, opposite that, the main stand which offers seating.

The Background
Coming into the game Chertsey were sitting in second spot, five points adrift of Sutton Common Rovers but with a massive 7 (seven) games in hand. Banstead were in fifth place, looking to keep the pressure on Southall just above them. Athletic had won their previous two league games (2-1 at home to Camberley and a very good 2-1 win at Guildford), recovering well after suffering a little sticky patch of three consecutive defeats. Chertsey, fresh from booking their Wembley FA Vase appearance, were coming into the game on the back of a hard-fought 3-3 draw at Colliers Wood on Tuesday night and, with just the single league defeat all season, were still very much title favourites.
The reverse fixture, earlier in the season, had been very much a game of two halves with Banstead racing into a 3 goal lead by half-time only for Chertsey to hit back with three of their own in the second-half whcih saw the teams finish with a point each.

​The Game
Chertsey started the first-half kicking down the slight slope on what was becoming a bitterly cold night, in front of what looked to be a very decent crowd for a cold Thursday evening. The opening encounters were fairly even, with both sides settling into their play well. However, it was the away side who probably had the slight edge early on, making some decent inroads on both flanks and looking lively up front.
It was one such break down the flank, this time the left, that led to the opening goal. The ball was driven down the Chertsey left. The Curfews had a player in an offside position  but he deliberately stepped back towards his own half, signalling that he had no intention to play the ball. This allowed a clearly onside player to burst through, taking advantage of a momentary pause in the Athletic defence. The Chertsey player drove to the byline before cutting the ball back intelligently for Lewis Driver to place a low, crisp shot past Jack Minchin to make it 0-1.
​
On 23 minutes, Chertsey conceded what looked like a needless corner and were made to pay for it when Joe Cheeseman prodded the ball home at the near post. 1-1

Just when it looked as if the sides would go into the break all square, Chertsey got their noses in front again. This time, tricky winger Lubo Guentchev made some space on the edge of the Athletic area before hitting a low drive past Minchin's right-hand into the corner of the net. 1-2.

HT Banstead Athletic 1 Chertsey Town 2. An open, even and entertaining first-half. Athletic will feel unlucky to be behind at the break.

​The home side were clearly fired up to go in search of a second-half equaliser and were quick to get Chertsey on the back foot after the break. However, the Curfews defence dug in, repelling the early onslaught from Athletic. In fact, just after the hour mark, they should have put the game to bed when Number 9 headed over from a great position in the centre of the goal. The question was, would they live to regret that missed chance?

Sixty-eight minutes in and it looked as if the missed chance may be the least of their worries. Just a minute after the referee had spoken to several players after a clash in midfield, the official pulled out a straight red for Chertsey midfielder Kevin McLaren , who apparently kicked out at an opponent. From my position I did not get a clear view of the incident, it appeared to just be a coming together of several players chasing a loose ball. However, the referee had no hesitation and there was little complaint from either the alleged offender or other team-mates, so I can only assume there was an offence committed.

Down to 10 men, Chertsey needed to really dig in for the remaining 20 minutes or so. This they did and, to be honest, probably created as many, if not more, chances after going a player down. Banstead, despite their best efforts, could not make the man advantage pay off. They came close once of twice but it was not to be their evening.

FT Banstead Athletic 1 Chertsey Town 2. A very hard-fought but crucial three points for The Curfews. They were made to fight all the way by a determined Banstead side who, on the night, may well feel that they were deserving of a point from the game at least.

Banstead Athletc: Minchin, Newman, Morrison, Blendell, Costello, Davis, Teutan, Dembele, Cheeseman, Phillip-Ogbuogu, Geraghty. Subs


Att: ?
Ground Number: 191
Entrance: £7.00
Programme: Online

​The Ground
Aldermaston play at the Aldermaston Recreational Society a multi-sport facility that nestles alongside Aldermaston's most famous resident The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), formerly RAF Aldermaston. There is a very large car park which is only a short walk from the clubhouse and the ground itself, the entrance of which is directly opposite the main entrance to the club house. There are few features at the ground besides the two-storey structure that houses the changing facilities and refreshments, although due to a problem with the water all teas and food were being served in the main clubhouse on this particular evening.  The far end of the ground is backed by a service road into the AWE, making it unique in as much as it has a double, razor-wired, security fence directly behind the goal. One other interesting feature, certainly on this evening, was the sound of insects around the entrance to the ground. A sound more akin to much hotter climates, seemingly very out of place on an increasingly chilly March evening in Berkshire.
Spectators are pretty much restricted to one side of the ground, although there is nothing to stop someone going round to the open side of the ground, there are no facilities on that side at all. What Aldermaston do have, though, are a couple of volunteers that spend a fair bit of their evening chasing balls that have been cleared into the darkness. These two, one in particular, probably did as much running as some of the players. Another nod towards the brilliant volunteers who keep non-league football going.

​The Background
On paper this looked like the pick of the Division One Supplementary Cup Quarter-Final ties. Two had already taken place, Holyport seeing off Cirencester Town Dev. 2-1 and Burnham winning 3-2 at Clanfield. Which left this game between Aldermaston and Easington as well as Thame Rangers taking on Malmesbury in Wednesday evening.
With Aldermaston sitting in second place of Division One West and Easington top of the East Division, this looked like an enticing match-up.
In the previous round Easington had edged past Almondsbury by a goal to nil whilst Aldermaston had romped to an 8-0 victory over Abingdon Town. The scene was set for a cracking cup tie.

​The Game
It was clear from very early in this game that the sides were quite evenly matched. The longer the first half progressed the more obvious it also became that there wasn't going to be a goal fest. To be honest, I don't think either goalkeepr had dirty knees when they went off for the half-time break.
If anything I would say that Aldermaston had a slight edge on possession and probably looked slightly more likely to grab a goal, especially with the blinding pace of front-man Sid Gbla, who did cause some consternation in the Sports' defence.
There was no lack of spirit from either side. Tackles were flying in and the temperature on the pitch was rising a little, as opposed to off the pitch where it was definitely dropping a little cooler.

HT AFC Aldermaston 0 Easington Sports 0. Certainly not the most entertaining game of football so far. As I tweeted at the break, the first team to get a shot on target stands a chance of winning the game.

​I was confident that the second-half would bring some incident and, to be fair to the home side, Aldermaston flew out of the blocks. Twice in the early encounter they got closer to the Sports goal than in the entire first half. One particular driving run and flashing cross from their captain Josh Blackwood particularly deserved to have someone on the end of it, but it was not to be. Sports rode out the early second period storm and the game settled back into the same sort of pattern as the first half although, as it wore on, play became a little more stretched and chances at either end increased somewhat. That said, again, neither team really caused any serious worry to the opposition goalkeeper.
Then, just when the stalemate looked inevitable and a late night seemed to be on the cards, we got some very late drama.
Easington attacked for what looked like the very last play of the game and when one of their players was sent crashing to the ground the referee's whistle blew and he appeared to be pointing to the spot. This all happened at the far end of the ground from where I was standing, so there is no way that I could see if the offence was in or out of the box. Clearly, the home side felt that it was outside and made their protests very clear. Meanwhile, Easington's penalty taker Andy Stidder, had the ball on the spot and was ready to take the kick. This was the 93rd minute.
The referee brushed was surrounded by players from both sides. He eventually moved away from them and went to consult with the assistant nearest to the incident. He seemed to indicate that it was in the area. The referee, after more protests, then went to consult with the assistant on the far side, who couldn't have had a good view, before finally pointing to the spot again. It was now the 97th minute. To his credit, Stidder kept his nerve and slotted home the penalty. 0-1
There was barely any time left before the referee blew for the end of the game.

FT AFC Aldermaston 0 Easington Sports 1. A final few minutes of drama preceded by a tight, but not all that enthralling game. Two well matched teams, both of which looked like they could cut it at the next level up, should they attain promotion.

AFC Aldermaston: Saxty, Caitlyn, Dumbuya-Fillie, Porter, King, Browne, Whight, Coultress, Maycock, Blackwood, Gbla. Subs: Badshah, Sesay, Forde-Small, Li, Chowdhary
Easington Sports: Rimmer, Smith, Grant, J. Rose, Sabin, Snelling, Buckwell, Stidder, James, Coombes, H. Rose. Subs: Coleman, Milner, Spaull, Hill

Att: 
Ground Number: 190
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Included

​After a week of work taking over every aspect of life, early morning starts, late night finishes and no chance to get to a midweek match, I couldn't wait for Saturday to arrive. Wife and daughter away at a dance competition, so after a quick jog around Parkrun and a few home chores, it was time to get in the car and head out to a game.
As the majority of my game opportunities are in midweek, I like to get to grounds without floodlights when I get out and about on a Saturday. Recently I have been to a few Oxfordshire Senior League games and have been impressed with the football and the passion of the people who operate the clubs in the league. This weekend my chosen venue was Boults Lane, home of Marston Saints, where the locals were scheduled to take on neighbours Horspath,, the first OSL club that I had visited when I saw them entertain Cropredy back in September (Match Blog: Funny Old Game)
The sides had already met back in December, when they had fought out a 1-1 draw, but at this stage of the season, this game was very much a must win for the home team. Still in with a very slim chance of going for the title, they needed to take as many points as possible in their remaining games whilst hoping that a couple of the teams around them slipped up.

A mix up in kits led to Horspath wearing their change kit of red. Unfortunately, this clashed with Marstons normal kit so they were forced to play in the local Sunday kit, a delightful shade of salmon pink. To be fair, some of the players carried it off well. Some were clearly not so keen.

​Despite their garish colours, the home side started the game well and it was they who manufactured the first big chance when Carly Bloomfield saw his 5th minute effort beat Clarke but come back off the post.
Horspath responded well to the early scare and, after 14 minutes, created a great chance to take the lead. Unfortunately for them, they could not accept it and game remained goalless.
There was a lot of ebb and flow about the game. Both sides posed some threat but it was Saints who continued to look the most likely top open the scoring. They came very close after 26 minutes but, again, could not take what was probably the best chance of the game so far.
They did, however, manage to take the lead after 41 minutes through some individual brilliance down the left flank. A driving run beat a few Horspath players for power and pace. It was followed up with a stinging shot that Clarke did well to parry. Unfortunately for the Horspath keeper the ball fell invitingly for a Saints striker Carly Bloomfield to send it back past him and into the net. 1-0

HT Marston Saints 1 Horspath 0. The home side deserved their slender lead but the game was clearly far from over.

​This would be a good time to give a little mention to Horspath Manager Guy Lowe who recently announced that he would step down at the end of the season. After the announcement there were many, many people on Twitter, come all over the county, wishing Guy the best of luck and expressing what a loss he would be to local football. After seeing the way that his team came back out for the second half on Saturday, I don't know what Guy said during the break, but I can tell you that he will certainly be missed by Horspath.

They flew out of the blocks after the break. Only a minute had passed when they forced a mistake in the home defence, winning the ball back inside their opponents penalty area. A rash challenge saw the visiting striker hit the deck giving the referee little option than to point to the spot. The home support were not best pleased with the decision and, as a neutral I have to say it looked soft, but from where the referee was it would have been hard for him not to have given the benefit to the striker. The calls for VAR from the sidelines raised some smiles. Horspath's Dean Boyles stepped up and duly slotted the spot-kick home. 1-1

The visitors were on the march now and Saints were finding it difficult to get a grip on the game since half-time. We were only 8 minutes into the second period when the away side completed the turnaround with a second goal from Jayden Davies to make it 1-2.

​Going behind seemed to finally wake Saints up again and they set about trying to get back into the game. Once more the match swung from one end to the other and was very open. It took 10 more minutes for Saints to find an equaliser. Some good work on their right-flank led to the ball being pulled back and laid on a plate for Matt Holton to blast it home. 2-2
Their jubilation did not last long as a breathless second-half continued to produce goals. This time Horspath's Jonny Roberts burst through the Saints defensive ranks before lifting a delightful finish over Jenkins for what was for me the goal of the game. 2-3.
We weren't done there though. Saints rallied again and after 75 minutes were handed an opportunity to get back on level terms again when they were awarded a penalty of their own. Ben Green stepped up and clinically beat Clarke to make it 3-3.

FT Marston Saints 3 Horspath 3. A great game to watch as a neutral. On the day, two well matched sides who played the match in the true spirit of the game. ​Another one of my OSL title chase run-in predictions bites the dust. It's a good job I'm not a betting man. I'd be bankrupt by now.
For any ground-hoppers out there, Marston is a great place to visit. You'll be sure of a warm welcome. They have a clubhouse (a rarity at this level) and are a genuinely friendly bunch of people. Next time, I'm staying for a curry afterwards. Gutted I missed out. The good news is that the little 'un came back with a couple more trophies to add to her collection. So, a good day all round.

Martson Saints: Jenkins, Day, Thomas, B. Cuff, Cardle, Jacob, Green, Hafiz, L. Cuff, Bloomfield, Holton. Subs: Harris, Sharvey, Forbes, Hudson
Horspath: Clarke, Gordon, Chase, McMahon, Buttnall, Foley, Hogg, Davies, Boyles, Thomas. Subs: Smith, Munt, Lowe, Reid

Att: 
Ground Number: 189
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A

It's approaching the sharp end of the season. That time of year when every point is crucial, and every dropped point is a potential disaster. BotP's local Step 7 competition, the Oxfordshire Senior League, is building to a fascinating end of season run-in, so maybe a great time to take a look at remaining fixtures and put down some words about what looks like a breathless few weeks. There are six teams still in contention for the top spot although a few would say that it is really a three-horse race now.
The fact is that all of the top six have still to play plenty of games against fellow top six sides including a couple of sides who have yet to meet at all this season. So, there really could be plenty of twists and turns between now and May.
Prior to the games of Saturday 16th March, this is how the top six looks:

​Now let's take a look at each side in turn, assess their remaining fixtures and take a look at previous season's results to get some idea of where the league trophy may be residing over the Summer.

Freeland

Yarnton (A). They met early on this season with Freeland coming out on top by a score of 3-1. Last season saw Freeland do the double over Yarnton, 4-1 at home and 3-0 away from home. In fact, since their promotion at the end of the 2015-16 season, Yarnton have not managed a point against Freeland, suggesting this one will probably go the way of the away side.
Heyford Athletc (A). Many will see this a crunch game for both sides. Athletic are the reigning champions and, with their games in hand, are the biggest threat to Freeland this season. This sides met in January and shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw. Last season, Freeland took a point off the eventual champions on their own patch but lost 3-0 at home. Athletic are on a good run of form and could well take all three points in this one too.
Mansfield Road (A). Back in October Mansfield Road inflicted one of only two defeats suffered by Freeland so far this season, and what a defeat it was with Road securing a 4-0 victory. Over previous years neither side has really held sway and, with Freeland looking slightly stronger away from home, maybe this has draw written on it?
Middleton Cheney (A). Back in early December Freeland strode to a comfortable 3-0 at home to newly promoted Middleton Cheney, scoring all three goals before half-time. This was the first meeting between the teams since Cheney's 2015-16 relegation season which saw Freeland win 6-1 at home and then be awarded a walkover for the away game. You have to think that Freeland will take all three points in this game too.
Launton Sports (A). It's been an up and down season for mid-table Sports. This will be the first meeting of the teams this season, so it will be something of an unknown match-up. However, looking at the previous six meetings, the odds are stacked against Sports getting a result. In this run they have managed only a single point, losing the other five games with an aggregate of 20-2. This all points to a three-pointer for Freeland.
Cropredy (H). Freeland have already won 3-0 at Williamscott Road back in November and, since Cropredy's promotion, they are yet to beat Freeland, even though both games last season ended in a draw. This is sure to be a tight game as well, but you have to lean towards Freeland on the basis of them winning the reverse fixture this season.
Charlton United (H). Despite being below mid-table, United are the other team to have taken three points off Freeland this season, winning 1-0 in a game that saw the league-leaders reduced to 10 men. At this point in the season, however, you can't see Freeland slipping again, especially at home.
Launton Sports (H). For all of the reason mention above, this have home win written all over it.  The previous season had seen both sides record tit for tat home wins and this one has every chance of going the same way with Freeland completing the league double over their rivals.
Kennington Athletic (H). Having already won the reverse fixture 4-1 (see BotP match blog), Freeland must go into this one as favourites. They will still be well in the title race at this point if all results go as predicted, so there is no reason to think of anything but a home win.
Garsington (H). At the time of writing Garsington are second from bottom with just two wins all season. They played Freeland on the opening day of the season, going down 6-0 at home and their last league win came back in November last year. Whether this game is a must win for Freeland, a celebration of a championship already in the bag, or even a dead rubber, it's almost certainly going to end with a home win.​

Marston Saints

Horspath (H). Saints are very strong at home with just one defeat all season. Horspath are not brilliant on the road with six defeats from ten so far. Everything points to a comfortable home victory.
Heyford Athletic (H). The first of a double-header against the current champions. The last two home games against Athletic have not gone well for Saints, losing 2-1 and 3-0. Heyford are looking to push on and retain their title but may have to make do with a point in this one.
Heyford Athletic (A). If Saints’ home record against Heyford isn’t good, their recent away trips have been a lot worse, losing 4-0 and 7-0. Although Saints are a different proposition this season, Athletic are very strong at home and should have enough to take this one.
Kennington Athletic (H). The game at Playfield Road earlier in the season ended in a 2-2 draw. Taking that and Marston’s home form not account, a draw looks likely in this match too.
Middleton Cheney (A). The reverse fixture this season was awarded to Saints as a home walkover. Whilst the away game probably won’t be a walkover of any kind, it should also provide an opportunity for Marston to tick up another three-pointer.
Garsington (H). A home game against a side very close to the foot of the table, albeit a team that held Saints to a draw at home, should be another chance for Marston to clock up a win. Saints will have the shadow of a forthcoming President’s Cup Final on the horizon, but even that distraction shouldn’t prevent them from winning this game.
Launton Sports (H). Saints end the season with a home game against a Sports side who they beat 6-1 on their own ground earlier in the season. This game really shouldn’t pose any problems for the home side and they should; finish the season with a flourish.

Kennington Athletic

Middleton Cheney (H). The KennyMen have lost just once at home this season, the aforementioned 4-1 defeat to Freeland. They have also already seen off Middleton Cheney 4-2 on their own ground. You can't really imagine that the Premier League new boys will cause an upset in this game.
Garsington (A). This will be the first meeting between the teams this season, with the reverse fixture scheduled to take place three games later. There is no recent history between the teams as promotion and relegation for both teams has meant that they have not been in the same division. Given the league positions of the teams and the gravity of the game, you have to think that The KennyMen will see it through.
Yarnton (H). Kennington had a tremendous 5-3 at Yarnton in the lead up to last Christmas. They also took four points off Yarnton last season. Home advantage, plus historic results points to three points for Athletic.
Masrton Saints (A). Saints earned a 2-2 draw at Playfield Road back in December, a marked improvement on last season in which they lost both games 5-0 and 3-2. Marston are an altogether different team this season and could still be in the reckoning themselves when this game is played. It could well go the same way as the reverse fixture, with a share of the spoils for both teams.
Garsington (H). The second meeting between the sides in a matter of a few weeks. If the first one goes the way of Athletic, as we expect, then maybe Garsington will have some extra bite in terms of gaining revenge? That being said, Athletic don't lose many at home and this one will probably be no different.
Mansfield Road (A). The reverse fixture, in October, ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Last season saw both sides gain home wins in this fixture.  This is going to be a tough one to call but a draw would seem to be a likely outcome.
Heyford Athletic (A) Two out of Kennington's last three games are against last season's champions, starting with this one. If results go to plan (which is quite a big assumption in football), Heyford will still be in with a shout of retaining their title at this point. In Athletic's title winning season, last year, both of these fixtures ended as 1-0 home wins. It will be tight again this season but, in this game at least, home advantage should hand the points to Heyford.
Freeland (A). Sandwiched in between the Heyford games is an away tie against this season's title favourites Freeland, making this a really tricky run-in for the KennyMen. Depending on results, not least the previous Athletic game against Heyford, this could even turn out to be the game that Freeland clinch the title. Freeland have already won 4-1 at Kennington and this one could well go the same way.
Heyford Athletic (H). The third of a triumvirate of massive games for Kennington who could, let's not forget, be battling it out for the title themselves at this point. Should the previous two games have gone against the BotP predictor, this could even be a title deciding match and, as stated above, last season both games ended in home wins. Despite this fact, the BotP gut instinct is to give this one to Heyford.

Cropredy
​
Heyford Athletic (A). Cropredy are another of the top six who have yet to face last season's champions. That changes this weekend as they travel to Athletic in a must win game for The Crop, who have played more games than any of the other contenders. With just seven league games remaining, you feel that they have to win them all to have a chance. Last season both games against Athletic ended in home wins. This one will probably go the same way which would, unfortunately for Cropredy, probably take them out of the title equation.
Chalgrove Cavaliers (H). Crop have already won 4-0 at Chalgrove earlier in the season and, with their opponents seemingly doomed to the drop, this game will most likely go the way of the home side.
Yarnton (A). Having recently put six past Yarnton in the President's Cup Semi-Final and four past the same team in the league in early February, the form book says that this is going to be an away win, especially as The Crop won 3-1 at Yarnton last season and put six past them in the reverse fixture. Crop seem to have some kind of hoo-doo over Yarnton at the moment.
Mansfield Road (H). A tough one to predict. Two well matched sides who will not want to give too much away at this stage of the season. Road won the reverse fixture 2-1 but may just fall short in this one. A narrow home victory for Cropredy.
Bicester (A). Bicester have picked up in recent weeks and, at the time of writing, are actually unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat at Freeland in early January. Of course, by the time this fixture is played, this could have changed. Earlier in the season Cropredy were 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture and should have enough about them to take all three points from a trip to Oxford Road.
Heyford Athletic (H). At this point in the season, if other results go as expected, Cropredy could be out of contention for the league title. That combined with the fact that they will be due to play the President's Cup Final against Marston Saints the following week, may be enough for them to take their eye off the ball for this one. Chances are the Heyford will still be in with a chance of the title and their desire may win through on this one.
Freeland (A). As discussed in the Freeland section, Cropredy have already lost 3-0 at home in the reverse fixture which gives the home side a psychological advantage straight away. Taking into account that this end of season game may well have a lot more riding on it for Freeland than Cropredy and you have to lean towards a home win.

Heyford Athletic
​
Cropredy (H). As stated above, history and form would seem to have this one down as a home win.
Freeland (H). Also covered above in the Freeland section. A tight one to call but maybe home advantage will swing it towards Heyford.
Marston Saints (A). Saints' previous two games before this one are both at home and both eminently winnable. Therefore, although outsiders, they will still be in the pack at this point and still scrapping. Last season Athletic did the double over Marston but Saints are a different team this term. A draw could be the most likely outcome.
Garsington (H). Heyford won 2-1 at Garsington earlier in the season. Combine that with Garsington's league position and Heyford's home advantage, you can't see anything other than a home win.
Cropredy (A). Again, already discussed in the Cropredy section of this article. Previous results withstanding and with the Cup Final in their sites, Cropredy may have different priorities for this match. Away win for Athletic, keeping the title chase alive.
Chalgrove Cavliers (H). The sides met at Chalgrove just a few weeks ago and the bottom side put up a spirited fight, eventually going down 1-0. Cavaliers may well be playing with the freedom of knowing that their fate is already sealed at this point, but it still looks nailed on as a Golden Bears home win.
Launton Sports (H). Another team that Heyford have already beaten 1-0 on their own turf and, again, you would have to bet on them getting the three points on their own pitch.
Kennington Athletic (H). No doubt a tight game, as mentioned in the Kennington section above, but home advantage should see Heyford through this one
Middleton Cheney (H). Having already disposed of Middleton Cheney by 3-1 on their own ground in early March, you would expect this to be a fairly comfortable home win for Athletic. Having said that, it is quite possible that Cheney might still need a few points to make certain their Premier League position but, even with that in mind, Heyford should prove too strong on their own ground.
Mansfield Road (H). With just a week or two left in the season, probably nothing left to play for league-wise and having just played in a Cup Final, you could forgive Road for not having their focus fully on this game. Add to that the fact that, results permitting, Heyford may still be well in the title race, a home win would seem to be the most likely outcome.
Kennington Athletic (A). Once again this offers the prospect of a very tight encounter between two good sides. The deciding factor could be that only one side has anything left to play for at this point and that could give Heyford the impetus to do the double over their rivals.
Marston Saints (H) - This game currently does not have a scheduled date on the Full-Time site, so it is hard to see what the teams may still have to play for once the fixture does take place. Recent history suggests a Heyford win and, given that their home ground has become something of a fortress this season, there is no reason to believe differently this season

1. Mansfield Road

Charlton United (H). The sides have yet to meet this season. However, last season saw Mansfield Road triumph by a score-line of 2-1 in both meetings. Given the respective position of the sides, it is reasonable to assume that home advantage will give Mansfield Road the edge and all three points in this one.
Freeland (H). As mentioned above, Mansfield Road are one of only two sides to inflict defeat on Freeland this season. With that in mind but taking into account that Freeland seem slightly stronger on the road, a draw could well be the outcome of this game.
​Cropredy (A). Mansfield Road won 2-1 at home earlier in the season but a trip to Williamscott Road may be different story and Crop might have a bit too much in this one. A slender home victory for The Crop.
Bicester (H). Mansfield Road inflicted a heavy 5-1 defeat on Bicester at Oxford Road earlier in the season. It’s hard to see any other outcome than a comfortable home win in this match.
Horspath (A). The reverse fixture of this game finished as a 3-1 victory for Mansfield Road. At the At the time of writing Horspath have not won a home league game since November, so form would suggest an away victory.
Yarnton (A). Road were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Yarnton earlier in the season and this one could well end in the same sort of scoreline.
Kennington Athletic (H). A goalless draw in the reverse fixture and tit for tat home wins last season. Clearly two well matched sides who could well find themselves sharing the spoils again.
Launton Sports (A). After already defeating Sports 5-3 at the University Club, Road will be looking to complete a league double. Mansfield Road won this fixture 2-0 last season and there is no reason to assume this will be any different.
Charlton United (H). As with the home away game (see above) it is hard to see any further than a Mansfield Road victory in this game especially as this will be a dead rubber for Charlton. The only possible banana skin for Mansfield Road will be the looking cup final coming up shortly after this game. However, even with that in mind, we can expect a home win.
​Heyford Athletic (A). Heyford could well be going into this game needing a win to secure back to back titles. Road will almost certainly not have the same urgency in their game with nothing left to play for. With that in mind a home win id on the cards.

So, there we have it. It’s certainly not a scientific overview of the remaining games and, I am sure, even hope, that there are points in here that people disagree with. Comments (good or bad) always welcome. That’s the whole point of a piece like this, to start a discussion. I don’t, for one minute, expect to have predicted the correct outcome for all of these games. If it was that easy, I would have won the pools, bankrupted Paddy Power (other bookies are available) and be sitting on a beach in Bali (other paradise islands are available too) by now.
So, here's how the final table would look:

Agree? Disagree? I'm inclined to think more will disagree than agree. As I said, comments welcome. I'm a novice OSL watcher. This piece is based on this season's results, historical results (notoriously unreliable for predictions) and a little bit of first hand experience watching a few games. My main hope is that it provokes discussion and, maybe even some wider interest in the OSL.

​I'll be honest, I really didn't think there was going to be a match on within driving distance this midweek. As they day wore on my shortlist of potential games got shorter and shorter. Then, to my relief and surprise up popped a Tweet saying the the game at Shortwood United was on and, as this was actually one of the games near the top of my list, I immediately made plans to head out to deepest, darkest Gloucestershire.

The Ground
Shortwood play their home games at The Meadowbank Ground on the outskirts of the picturesque Cotswold town of Nailsworth. It's certainly a rural location, perched quite high above the town, and is accessed by means a few very narrow lanes. I wouldn't want to try to get a coach up there. Even on a cold, wet March evening with the threat of Storm Gareth looming over the ground, it's quite a pleasant place to be. I would imagine (and I intend to find out at some point) that on a bright, warm Spring afternoon it would be idyllic. There is a reasonable amount of parking at Meadowbank, all very close to the neat and well kept turnstile which takes you into the ground behind one of the goals. The gentleman on the gate greeted me cheerily, welcoming me to the ground. This was to become a feature of the ground, cheery people. Immediately to your right as you enter there is a brightly painted hut that acts as the snack bar. To the left of the entrance is the main building, incorporating the players and officials facilities as well as the club house, which features a patio area with tables looking out over the pitch. Having not eaten , I decided to get a burger and a cup of tea before kick off. Once again, the gent in the snack bar was cheery and happy to engage. I'd only been in the ground for 5 minutes but I was already really enjoying the experience.
The ground itself, as suggested by the name, is cut into the side of a hill. As you look from the entrance, the walkway and stand to your left are raised a good few feet above the playing surface with a grass bank and trees as a backdrop. Opposite the main stand are the dugouts, a smaller covered seating area and a covered standing area, again backed by trees. It's only when you stand on this side of the ground that you fully appreciate the way the pitch slopes from the main stand down towards you. All in all it is a well kept ground with good facilities.

The Background
One of the reasons that I had this match on my list was that Shortwood, stranded at the foot of the table and looking doomed, had picked up two good results on he bounce in recent weeks. A brilliant 1-0 win at high-flying Westbury United had been followed by a solid 1-1 draw at mid-table Bridport. Now they were looking for a third consecutive game without defeat at home against a Brislington team that were not completely safe themselves. Shortwood had also not won at home all season (in fact that win at Westbury was their only three-pointer so far) and were nine points adrift of second from bottom Hengrove Athletic. Could this two game run be the start of the unlikeliest Great Escape ever?
Shortwood had gone down 3-0 at Brislington last November and the Bristol-based side would be looking for a similar result that would almost guarantee Premier League football next season, but having only won 1 of their last 10 league outings, they weren't exactly in sparkling form.

Before kick-off the sides gathered around the centre circle to observe a minute's silence for former Shortwood player and local football stalwart Nick Ackland who sadly passed away earlier in the day. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

​The Game
Although Storm Gareth had not hit Shortwood before kick-off, there was still a gusty wind blowing across Meadowbank as we kicked off. The wind was mainly blowing into the faces of Brislington in the first half, although it was swirling around somewhat, making judging high balls quite difficult.
As early as the 11th minute we saw an example of the uncertainty caused by the wind when a looping ball back into the Brisligton box was held up, causing confusion in the defence. Shortwood's Ross Langworthy was first to react, eventually bundling the ball over the line to give his side the lead. 1-0.

The goal was no more than Shortwood deserved given the way they had tried to take the game to their opponents. They continued to do this after the goal, although Brislington did look dangerous when they had the ball, especially down their left flank where Jayden Neilson was looking lively.

Just past the 20 minute mark Brislington managed to grab an equaliser, somewhet against the run of play. A break down the right led to a deep cross where the unmarked Nielson was able to rise and head the ball back into the danger zone. Centre-forward Neikell Plummer reacted sharply to nip in front of Clarke, poking the ball past the goalkeeper and leaving himself with the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net. 1-1
Unperturbed, Shortwood continued to apply pressure to the Brislington goal, despite being pulled back to level terms. Blammon, in the Brislington goal, was certainly the busier of the two stoppers, more than once having to get his knees dirty to keep the home side out.

Then, with less than 5 minutes to go before the interval, Brislington broke quite swiftly. Plummer was played in and, when he went around Clarke, was clipped by the keeper sending him sprawling. From my vantage point I actually thought that the striker was looking for the contact and I was a little surprised that there wasn't more complaints from the home players. The referee had a decent line of sight on the incident, although, because the break was fairly quick, he was some 20 yards behind the ball. When he blew, I must admit, my first thought was that he was going to show Plummer a yellow card for simulation but he pointed to the spot and the penalty was given. I'm in no way condemning Plummer by these comments, by the way. I think there was contact. However, the fall was quite theatrical and the striker, no doubt, had the penalty in mind as he went for the ball.
Plummer duly got up, dusted himself off, and planted the spot-kick wide of Clarke to make it 1-2.

HT. Shortwood United 1 Brislington 2. Despite the home side having the lion's share of possession and creating most of the chances, they find themselves behind at the break. Brislington look dangerous when they do attack, especially down the left. A highly entertaining first half from a neutral's perspective.

​The second half failed to live up to the entertainment that they first half provided but was still a good enough game of football. The ongoing tussles between Brislington's bustling centre-forward Neickell Plummer and Shortwood's no-nonsense centre-half Tom Hoskins were very interesting to watch. No quarter was being given by either player, but the competition was fair and handled in the proper spirit. Plummer's style of play doesn't give any rest for opposition defenders, but Hoskins was a match for his energy and strength throughout the game. Fascinating to watch, and well played to both.

It was quite clear that Brislington were happy to protect what they had in the second half. They did try to break when they could but did not commit players forward. Even when they won a corner of free-kick in a dangerous position, they kept three back at all times. You can't blame them for that. Three points here would be massive for them. Shortwood huffed and puffed, switched things around a little and continued, as in the first half, to have the edge possession-wise.
Then, just when it looked like Shortwood would be consigned to a 26th defeat of the season, they snatched a very, very late equalising goal. By my watch we were already 4 minutes into added time when a driven cross from the left was finished at the far post by Lee Bowles to make it 2-2.
There was barely time for Brislington to kick-off before the referee blew for full-time.

FT Shortwood United 2 Brislington 2. Shortwood make it three without defeat but it is probably too late for them to achieve the greatest of great escapes.
I always try to remain impartial at games but, I have to say, I really like Shortwood as a club. I was impressed by the set-up and by all of the people that I met at the club. It really looks as if they will get relegated this season but I really hope that this is a temporary blip and that the club can get back to a level that the ground and club volunteers deserve. 
Brislington probably thought they had done enough to get all three points, which would probably have guaranteed their safety. However, on this performance, I don't think they are in any great danger of relegation.

Shortwood United: Clarke, Bebbington, Tryner (c), B. Langworthy, Hoskins, Leonard, Gardner, Bowles, Kalnins, R. Langworthy, Marsh. Subs: Basana, Matthews, Walker, Bainbridge, Tustain
Brislington: Blammon, Thomas, Llama, Saunders, Harvey, Peart (c), Dagger, Smyth, PLummer, Biggins, Neilson. Subs: CHandler, Shearer, Ayaabah, Taylor

Att: 67
Ground Number: 188
Entrance: £7.00
Programme: Online

Two goals from Daniel Porter and another from Daniel Field help Bugbrooke St Michaels to all three points from a trip to St Andrews.
​

​The Ground
St Andrews Canal Street ground is situated on the outskirts of the suburb of Aylestone, just outside Leicester city centre and not a million miles from the King Power Stadium. The ground is accessed through an impressive single turnstile from the reasonably sized car park. I was greeted with a very friendly 'Good evening, how are you?' from the lady on turnstile who also, a little later, shared the home team sheet with me from a message on her phone. The club house and refreshment bar is set back from the playing area, to the right of the turnstile. Another mention for the gent working the tea bar, who was also friendly and welcoming. Both club volunteers that I encountered were a credit to St Andrews and made for a very good impression of the club as a whole.
Between the turnstile and the club house there is a covered seating stand and opposite, next to the dugouts, an interesting sheltered standing area that is open on both sides, making it feel like you may be waiting for a train. Unique features like this, however, are what makes non-league grounds special. The ground also boasts another one of my favourite non-league ground features, trees behind the goals. A photo that I sent to a group of friends was greeted with the comment 'I wouldn't want to fetch the ball from those spooky woods behind the goal'
Overall Canal Street continues what seems to be a theme this season. A Leicestershire ground - this is number 7 of the season - that is a pleasure to visit. It really is a hot spot for great non-league stadia.

​The Background
To be honest, at this point in the season, this game was probably never going to have any great bearing on the the fate of wither team. St Andrews, in the lower half of the table but well clear of the relegation zone, have steadied the ship after relegation from the Premier League last season.  Bugbrooke, who finished way too close to the bottom last season, find themselves leading the chasing pack of teams who can't quite get back on terms with the top three. At the start of play they were 16 points behind third-placed Melton Town, with less than a third of the season remaining, a sizeable gap.
The sides had fought out a goalless draw at Birds Close back in October and, with the home side coming into the game on the back of two consecutive away wins, this game was expected to be equally as close. ​The Game
It was the away side who started the game on the front foot. As early as the 4th minute they came very close to an opener when their right-back tried his luck from outside the area and was unlucky to see his effort come back off the bar.
St Andrews gathered themselves after this let off but, despite play being fairly even, it was the away side who looked the more dangerous and missed another couple of golden opportunities inside the opening 15 minutes. I have to mention that it was about this point that I tweeted 'Badgers really should be two up' (more for my own notes than anything else) and received a reply from Jimmy Sirrel's Lovechild (@jslovechild) that actually made me laugh out loud. 'Dangerous from sett pieces'. If only Bugbrooke had gone on to score all their goals from set pieces I would have had a ready made blog title (with a reference to JSL, of course).

​However, The Badgers were not 2-0 up. It was still 0-0 and turning into an enjoyable game for a neutral. Bugbrooke were commanding more of the ball then their hosts but, in my opinion, it was St Andrews who had come up with the best move of the game, some slick one-touch passing and a lovely cross that narrowly evaded a player coming in at the far post. What a goal that would have been.
As it was, the balance of possession paid off after 40 minutes when Bugbrooke took the lead. A speculative effort from outside the box was spilled by the home keeper and Daniel Field was left with a relatively easy finish for 0-1.
The home side did not let their heads go down and it took just four minutes for them to find a leveller. Whilst Bugbrooke hesitated, complaining that the ball had gone out for a throw-in, St Andrews continued their attack down the left. The ball was crossed to the far post and then knocked back into the middle where Aniyah King was on hand to prod the ball home. 1-1
I'm sure,  at this point, both sides would have settled for going in all square at the break. However, the late action was not over. Two minutes into added time Bugbrooke got their noses in front again when Daniel Porter was given too much time in the home box. 2-1.

HT St Andrews 1 Bugbrooke St Michaels 2. A good first half with three goals and the promise of plenty more to come in the second period.

The rain, which had been on and off for most of the match, was far more persistent as the teams emerged for the second half. Once again it was the away side who looked to start the half more quickly and, 11 minutes in, they claimed their third goal of the evening or, to be more exact, were gifted their third goal. It came from a St Andrews goal kick which was taken short to a player who was immediately put under pressure by Bugbrooke forwards. His hurried back-pass maybe picked up a bit of speed from the increased slickness of the pitch. Whatever the reason, it somehow beat the keeper and nestled in the home net for an own-goal. 1-3. A terribly sloppy goal to give away, especially as this time they were not given the chance to get themselves back into contention.
Six minutes later Porter received the ball in the box, swivelled sharply ad planted  lovely finish past the keeper to make it 1-4. 
Although there was still 25 minutes remaining, you had the feeling that there was no way back for St Andrews at this point. They certainly gave it a go for the remainder of the game and, it has to be said, probably redressed the possession percentages in the closing stages. However, they couldn't find a way back into the game.

FT St Andrews 1 Bugbrooke St Michaels 4. Despite the lopsided score-line this was actually a much more tightly contested game than it first appears. Yes, The Badgers were fully deserving of the three points, but St Andrews played their part in an entertaining game and showed some signs of really nice football. The big differences were the mistakes that the home side made and the way that Bugbrooke punished them.

St Andrews: Hammill, Toon, McLean, Hawes, Lee, Armsden, Green, Sandhu, Sankey, Hodgkinson, King. Subs: Chauhan, Amoatin, Parish, Graham
Bugbrooke St Michaels: Bigly, Budd, Caton, Hall, Field Ling, Moore, Morgillo, Porter, Quigley, Reeve. Subs: Bekoe, Lyons

Att: 
Ground Number: 187
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: £1.00

Heyford Athletic travel to the home of learning and hand out a lesson in football.
​
The Ground
Mansfield Road play at The University Club which is, oddly enough, on Mansfield Road a stone's throw from Oxford City Centre. The ground is accessed through the University Club or, as I found out at the end, via a service road which runs down the side of the club building. You then pass across a gravel path and down the side of a single story building that appears to be constructed completely out of some kind of plastic. I was told by a Heyford supporter that this building sits on top of what was, until a few year's back, beautifully manicured lawns which made the ground one of the more picturesque in the area. 
The playing surface is no hemmed in by this new building on one side, St Cross Road opposite and a much more impressive university building at the far end. It's a good flat pitch but did appear to be quite heavy after rain overnight.

​The Background
At the start of play you would have to put both teams in the 'bubbling under' category. The home side were fourth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Freeland but with a game in hand which could put them right back in the mix. Heyford, the current reigning champions, although two places and five points worse off than Mansfield Road, were possibly in  stronger position. With four games in hand on the leaders they could, in theory, jump up to second place and only be a point adrift, should they win them all.
​The sides had not met yet this season. However, last season Heyford did the double on their way to the title, winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 in this fixture. The season before that, both games had been home wins, 4-2 in favour of Heyford and 3-2 in favour of Mansfield Road.
Both sides had suffered just one defeat in the league all season and Mansfield Road could boast an unbeaten home record.

The Game
It was clear from the first whistle (which incidentally came 12 minutes later than scheduled) that neither side was going to give any quarter in this game. Athletic, backed by an impressive number of travelling support, looked particularly up for the game and immediately began to pen their opponents back. When Mansfield Road did get into the Heyford half the visitors defence looked strong and organised, leaving goalkeeper McNamara as a spectator for much of the time.
However, despite their superiority in possession, Heyford could not find a way past the home goalkeeper, resplendent in an all white kit, who made a couple of good stops in the opening 25 minutes.
The opening goal came on 29 minutes. Heyford won a corner on the left and, from the resulting kick, Jacob Goddard rose highest to  glance a header into the far corner of the home goal. 0-1.
Heyford were piling on the pressure now and it was only the acrobatics and bravery of the hoe goalkeeper that prevented them from getting a second. One save, in the 35th minute, led to a stoppage in play as the home stopper appeared to collide with one of his posts whilst going full length to stop a Heyford free-kick.
However, even the home keeper was powerless to prevent Kieran Chambers from slamming home the second Athletic goal on 38 minutes. 0-2.

HT Mansfield Road 0 Heyford Athletic 2. A comfortable first 45 minutes for the visitors. No real threat from Mansfield Road yet.

The second half followed in the same vein as the first. Heyford never looking threatened at the back and always likely to get another one themselves. Mansfield Road certainly put a shift in and never stopped trying to get back into the game but, on the day, I think even they would concede that they were second-best. Their goalkeeper, clearly still feeling the effects of his fist-half post collision, could not take goal-kicks but still managed to pull off a few more very good saves as he strove to keep his side in the game. The fact that he would be my man of the match shows the dominance of the way side.

There was no further scoring but Heyford's solid display eased them through to the three points. Mansfield Road, who it has to be said looked a decent side themselves, were just outplayed on the day, suffering their first home defeat of the season.

FT Mansfield Road 0 Heyford Athletic 2.

Heyford Athletic: McNamara (GK), M.Gardner, Jenkins(c), Evans, Truman,  Philpott, Goddard, S.Gardner, Dawe, Chambers, Lloyd

Att: 
Ground Number: 186
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A