Midland Football League Newsletter
13th January 2016 League News Enville Athletic are pleased to announce Stephen Newton as their new Manager following the departure of Ryan McDonagh, Stephen is assisted by Grant Griffiths. Stephen ran Greenhill FC for 10 years and more recently Bartley Green Illey Fc, he brings with him a wealth of experience having also played and then managed Enville in 2000/01. Congratulations to Joe Hartshorne of Heath Hayes who has been selected for the England Schoolboys Under 18 squad. Well done Joe. The draw has been made for the 5th round of the FA Vase. Ties to take place on Saturday 30th January Nuneaton Griff vs Salisbury FC Hartley Wintney or Bradford vs Hereford or Leicester Nirvana Newport (IW) or Ashford United vs Coleshill Town or Dunston UTS Travels of the Press Officer Saturday 9th January Cleethorpes Town 2 Alvechurch 1 A road trip to North East Lincolnshire in the FA Vase 4th round as Alvechurch faced a difficult tie at North Counties East League high flyers Cleethorpes Town. The ground is in the Bradley area of Grimsby and on first sight, in the January sunshine, is neat and compact with seating for around 200 along the far side of the pitch. A healthy number had travelled from Worcestershire to see which of these sides would make history and reach the last 16 of the competition for the first time. Led out by their bright blue Owl mascot, the locals were in fine voice but were silenced within two minutes when Church opened the scoring. Jack Cresswell won the ball in midfield and sent Josh March away. March skipped past a weak challenge and clipped the ball passed the advancing keeper Miles Fenty into the corner of the net to send the Church fans wild with delight. The Owls responded with a lot of possession but little in the way of a creative edge. Luke Mascall tested Matt Sargeant at his near post but the Church keeper made a comfortable save. Karl Edwards should have done better in the 17th minute when he beat the offside trap but was way off target with his shot. Church were frustrating Cleethorpes with their pressing game and, this in turn, was leading to chances for the visitors. Alvechurch should have doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Edwards met a Cresswell corner with a firm header but put it over the bar. The Owls defence could not cope with Edwards and only a fine block on the line by Lawrence Heward prevented Church doubling their lead. Cresswell forced a fine save at full stretch from Fenty before Andrew Parson was off target following another Cresswell corner. Church went into the break a goal to the good but really should have been out of sight. Cleethorpes came out for the 2nd half with a flea in their ear and straight from the kick off it was clear that the tempo had been increased significantly. Jon Oglesby had moved to the right flank and immediately forced a save from Sargeant. The home side were sharper to the challenge and providing a physical challenge which Church were struggling to contain. On the hour, The Owls were level. Oglesby was picked out with a superb crossfield ball and he ran on and fired his shot into the bottom corner. Things got worse for Church three minutes later when Danny Trott was picked out at the near post and he finished with ease. Cleethorpes were now well on top and Church were struggling to make any impression. March manged to force a save out of Fenty but it was the home side that looked the more likely to add to their tally. The home side should have put the game to bed with seven minutes left but first Brody Robertson’s shot was saved and Marc Cooper’s follow up was blocked by the Church defence. 4 minutes into added time, Edwards had one final opportunity for Church but his header was off target and The Owls progressed to round 5. A case of what might have been for Alvechurch who should have been out of sight at half-time. Whatever Cleethorpes had at half-time worked wonders as the second 45 was a totally different game. An excellent afternoon’s entertainment and a really friendly club to visit. Review FA Vase The only Midland Football League side definitely into round 5 are Division 1 Nuneaton Griff who produced a giant killing by knocking out Premier Division AFC Wulfrunians at Castlecroft. Griff were two up inside 8 minutes but Wulfs were level just after the half-hour mark thanks to a Kyle Brady brace. If a home win was anticipated, no-one told Griff who grabbed what was the winner just after the resumption, Ryan Millerchip with the goal. Griff’s reward is a home tie against second favourites for the competition, Salisbury FC. Alvechurch took an early lead in their tie at Cleethorpes Town but the home side turned it round after the break to go through 2-1. At Edgar Street, Hereford took a 3-1 lead into the break against Leicester Nirvana, but the elements were the winner with the game abandoned at half-time, and the sides must try again this Saturday. Premier Division The score line of the day came at Pack Meadow where Coleshill Town went on the rampage beating Dunkirk 10-1. Mykel Beckley scored three inside the first 20 minutes and both Shane Benjamin and Ricardo Reid bagged braces after the break. Loughborough University were the other big scorers on the day beating bottom club Continental Star 6-1. There were doubles for Ben Ward-Cochrane and Jeremiah Dasaolu. Comeback of the day came at Silkmore Lane. Visitors Coventry Sphinx raced into a 2 goal lead inside 21 minutes but a resurgent Brocton came back and won the game 4-2, veteran Paul McMahon with another couple. Heanor Town took advantage of Alvechurch being in cup action to move into second place with a 2-0 win over Stourport Swifts. Sporting Khalsa got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Westfields at the Aspray Arena. Shepshed Dynamo consolidated their place in the top 5 with a 2-1 win at Boldmere St Michaels courtesy of a Matt Langham double. Two goals in the last 15 minutes gave Walsall Wood all three points at Quorn. Division 1 Only four games survived in Division 1 and the only winners with Atherstone Town who beat Southam United 2-1. Bottom club Stafford Town arguably had the result of the day, drawing 1-1 at high-flying Leicester Road, Kirk Lowe grabbing the equaliser for The Reds. Two sides struggling near the bottom picked up vital points in 2-2 draws. Heather St Johns picked up a point at 6th placed Pilkington XXX while Pershore Town were held 2-2 by Cadbury Athletic. Coventry United extended their lead at the top courtesy of a 5-1 win at Pershore Town, the goals shared across the team. Division 3 FC Stratford are the new leaders of Division 3 following a 7-1 demolition of Perrywood at Knights Lane, Ashley Wilks taking his season’s tally to 19. A Peter Martin goal was enough to send Barton United 3rd with a 1-0 win over Badsey Rangers. At the bottom, AFC Solihull went down 3-1 at home to Coventrians for whom Dale Wigmore scored twice. Polymac Packaging League Cup A Josh Shepherd first half double sent Lye Town on their way to a quarter final place following a 4-0 win at Coventry Copsewood. Challenge Vase In form Alcester Town are through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Vase following a 2-1 win over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons, Matt Layton with the winner from the penalty spot. Les James Challenge Cup The top two in Division 2 went head to head but it was visitors Droitwich Spa who reached the quarter final with a 2-1 win at Chelmsley Town. County Cups Pelsall Villa were knocked out of the Fazeley Charity Cup by lower league opposition going down 2-1 at FC Premier 2008. In the Staffordshire Vase, hat-tricks from Dave Yonwin and Tony Clarke gave Lichfield City a 6-0 win over Knypersley Victoria. Rostance Edwards are out, beaten 1-0 at home by Audley and District. Charlie Cook scored a hat-trick for Alvis Sporting Club as they made progress in the Coventry Charity Cup, 4-1 winners over Hawkesmill Sports. In the Birmingham Saturday Vase, Coton Green and Hampton progressed beating Northfield Town and Parkfield Amateurs respectively. Barnt Green Spartak were knocked out of the competition losing 2-0 at Wednesfield. In the Derbyshire Senior Cup, Heanor Town are through to the semi-finals following a 2-1 home win over Stapenhill. In the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup, Nuneaton Griff eased past Cradley Town with a 2-0 victory, the goals courtesy of Aden Moore and Luke Shorthouse. Reserves Only one game in the reserve division where Continental Star beat Evesham United 2-1 Under 21s Only one game survived with Kings Heath Concorde gaining a creditable 4-1 victory in the Trophy at H.O.W. Academy. Weekend preview FA Vase Hereford and Leicester Nirvana must do it all over again after rain intervened at half-time in last weeks tie at Edgar Street. The Bulls held a half time lead in that game but by the showing of the first 45 minutes a close encounter is expected. Coleshill Town welcome Northern League Dunston UTS to Pack Meadow. Gateshead based Dunston are 4th in the Northern League and the FA Vase has seen a lot of Northern League winners in recent years. Coleshill warmed up their Vase tie with a 1-0 win over Dunkirk last week and will be hopeful of progressing through to the 5th round. Premier Division Alvechurch still have high hopes of catching leaders Hereford and they play one of their 6 games in hand this week at home to Stourport Swifts in a Worcestershire derby. Heanor Town could close the gap to single figures if they can win at free scoring Rocester. Shepshed Dynamo have climbed to 5th in the table on the back of four successive victories and they will want to make that 5 at home to Lye Town. Another side to have won four on the spin are Brocton, and they take this run to Boldmere St Michaels who sit one place below them in the table. Highgate United have only played 16 league games this season but at least they should see action this week when they travel to Loughborough University. Dunkirk will be looking for a reaction following last week’s 10 goal defeat at Coleshill. This week Bardon Hill are the visitors but a home win would see them climb above Coventry Sphinx in the table. Bottom side Continental Star travel to Long Eaton United who have their last two at home. Westfields are in desperate need of points near the foot of the table and they host a Walsall Wood side who have quietly moved into the top half of the table. Division 1 Game of the day is at The Victoria Ground where second place Bromsgrove Sporting entertain 3rd placed Leicester Road. Leaders Coventry United have an awkward looking fixture away to top 6 Pilkington XXX. Lichfield City sit in 4th place and they should attract a decent crowd when Hinckley AFC make the short journey up the A5. FA Vase heroes Nuneaton Griff are back in league action with a short trip to lowly Heather St Johns. Bottom club Stafford Town will want to build on last week’s excellent result and performance at Leicester Road when they travel to Racing Club Warwick. 2nd bottom Bolehall Swifts face a tough assignment at mid table Littleton. Southam United are level on points with Bolehall and they also have a tough looking game at home to Heath Hayes. Atherstone Town sit smack in the middle of the table and they are at home to Cadbury Athletic. Studley and Pershore Town are both in need of points and it could be quite a battle when the two sides meet at The Beehive. Division 2 With the top three not in league action. Alvis Sporting Club can move up to 2nd with a home win over Paget Rangers. Sutton United can move to within 5 points of leaders Droitwich should they beat visitors Fairfield Villa. 12th plays 11th at The Coppice with Barnt Green Spartak entertaining Knowle, a win for either making an impact at the bottom of the table. 2nd bottom Feckenham can close the gap to the clubs above them should they beat Austrey Rangers. Division 3 Top entertains bottom this week when FC Stratford welcome AFC Solihull to Knights Lane. 2nd placed Leamington Hibernian can keep the pressure on the leaders with a win at Inkberrow. Barton United and Badsey Rangers meet for the second time in a week with Barton edging last week’s game. Lowly Perrywood entertain 5th placed Northfield Town hoping to open up the gap between themselves and AFC Solhull. Enville Athletic have a new man in charge as they travel to Coventrians looking to arrest their slide. In-form Alcester Town have won their last 5 in all competitions and they travel to Staffordshire to face mid table Burntwood Town. Two sides struggling for form meet at Boldmere as Sports & Social Falcons face Shipston Excelsior. Reserves Cadbury Athletic vs Gresley Coventry United vs Romulus Brocton vs Solihull Moors Evesham United vs Lichfield City Under 21 Kings Heath Concorde vs Stourport Swifts (U21S) Anstey Nomads vs Bromsgrove Sporting (BOWL) Heath Hayes vs H.O.W. Academy (BOWL) Tamworth vs Gornal Athletic (BOWL) Newcastle Town vs West Midlands Football Academy (BOWL) Walsall Wood vs Sutton Coldfield Town (U21N) Basford United vs Tipton Town (U21N) Midland Football League Newsletter
6th January 2016 League News Coventry Sphinx FC celebrate their 70th Anniversary next year and as part of this celebration they are having an Evening With Bobby Gould. Bobby Gould is a sky Blue legend who was born Coventry and played for his hometown club making his debut at 16. He scored 42 in 82 games and helped them lift the old second division title in 1966/7. Fairfield Villa have appointed Paul Wilkes as their new Chairman after Wilkes left his role at Bromsgrove Sporting. Coventry United will be featuring on Community radio from this weekend as Hillz FM begin matchday coverage. Travels of the Press Officer Friday, January 1st, 2016 Bromsgrove Sporting 3 Pilkington XXX 0 An excellent start to a New Year with a trip to the Victoria Ground and a big Division crowd for the top 6 clash between Bromsgrove Sporting against Pilkington XXX. The home side were hoping to close the gap between themselves and leaders Coventry United to just one point albeit having played two games more. With a record crowd in attendance, the vast majority of the supporters were soon on their feet as Bromsgrove took the lead in the 2nd minute. Sean Brain reached the byline and crossed low for Kyle Turner to tap in. Brain again caused problems for the Pilks defence but his cross was blocked with men in the box. The mercurial Reece Hewitt should have done better in the 9th minute beating three defenders before deciding that he needed to beat them again and seeing the chance go begging. Connor Leek had the first opportunity for Pilks in the 11th minute but it was comfortable save for Chris Jay. Luke Dugmore rattled the woodwork for Bromsgrove in the 28th minute before seeing his follow up effort saved by Reece Francis. Bromsgrove wasted another opportunity in the 36th minute when Brain decided to shoot with Turner in acres of space. At the other end, a defensive slip almost let in Pilks but jay did well to clear the ball. Pilks should have been level 3 minutes before half time when Dale Kenny squared the ball to Brett Fellows, but with the goal at his mercy, he missed the target. In Stoppage time, Brain again went close for the home side. Bromsgrove doubled their lead in the 58th minute with an excellently worked goal. Hewitt picked up the ball in his own half, drove forward and played the ball into the path of Brain. Hewitt continued his run and when Brain played the ball perfectly into his path, his finish gave Francis no chance. Pilks responded with a Kenny effort which was deflected for a corner. Bromsgrove put the game to bed with a third in the 67th minute. A deep cross from Hewitt was headed home at the far post by Will Tibbetts. Sam Wills went close to a 4th for the home side, clipping the post with a 20-yard effort. Both sides continued to look for goals – Connor Collins forcing a fine save from Francis and Kenny seeing a stoppage time effort tipped over by Jay. On a cold wet New year’s Day, both sides can take immense credit for the quality of football they put on show. Bromsgrove are mounting a serious bid for promotion and they will be pleased to get three points against a quality Pilkington side. As for Pilks, it was a case of missed chances and lost possession in crucial areas. Saturday, January 2nd AFC Wulfrunians 1 Hereford 2 With the weather playing havoc with fixtures across the MFL, all credit goes to everyone involved at AFC Wulfrunians for ensuring that their game against league leaders Hereford was on. A couple of super soppers from the local cricket club certainly helped but the efforts of the groundstaff were repaid by a record attendance at Castlecroft Stadium. Hereford had won their previous 25 games in all competitions and a win would take them 15 points clear at the top of the table. Not surprisingly, the game attracted significant interest from across the Midland Football league with officials and clubs well represented. Wulfs started the game in a positive vein with Bulls keeper Martin Horsell having to palm away a Jamie King corner. Excellent work by Pablo Haysham forced a fine clearance from Matt Hunt. In the 17th minute, an excellent ball inside from Kyle Brady was just too far in front of Ricky Anslow allowing the Bulls defence to clear. With their first chance of the game, Hereford took the lead in the 20th minute. Ryan Green delivered a perfect cross into the penalty area and Mike Symons was allowed a free header, the “Beast” making no mistake as it flew past Danny Tipton. Symons should have made it two three minutes later. John Mills found space and played the ball into the path of Symons. With just Tipton to beat, Symons slotted the ball past the keeper and, somehow, past the post. Wulfs responded but Anslow overran the ball when in a good position and Horsell made a fine save. The home side silenced the majority of the crowd by equalising in the 28th minute. An excellent run and cross by Anslow was fired home at the far post by King. The goal quietened the Hereford support as they knew that their side was in a tough battle for points. With half-time approaching, King saw a left-footed shot well saved by Horsell. On the stroke of halftime, a shot from John Hill fell at the feet of Ben Jevons, whose shot on the turn hit the outside of the post. Wulfs first half performance prompted a double substitution at half-time by the Bulls and the changes certainly made a difference. In the 58th minute, Haysham gave Wulfs warning of his ability when his direct free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Wulfs were still giving a good account of themselves and in a goalmouth scramble, Jevons saw his shot blocked by the Bulls defence. As the half wore on, the fitness and quality of the Bulls began to shine through. Midway through the half, a Haysham free-kick was headed against the bar by Mills. Hereford missed a great chance in the 69th minute when Anthony Robbins headed over. Hereford took the lead in the 76th minute with a piece of real quality. Haysham lined up the free-kick and curled the ball over the wall and into the net. Wulfs did not lie down and King went close with a first time volley from the edge of the box. Haysham again went close with another free-kick, this one clearing the bar. In stoppage time, Wulfs were awarded a free-kick but with keeper Tipton in the area too, Horsell gathered the ball and the Bulls could celebrate their 36th win in a row. A fantastic advert for the Midland Football League and a hard earned 3 points for Hereford who are now 15 points clear at the top. The reaction of their supporters and official was enough to realise that they had been in a game today and Wulfrunians had pushed them close. Both sides can look forward to FA Vase fixtures next weekend with strong chances of reaching the 5th round. Review Premier Division Only three games survived the weather over the New Year’s weekend. On New Year’s Day, Shepshed Dynamo finally managed to play a league game and came away from Heanor Town with all 3 points following a 3-2 win. The result leaves Heanor in 3rd with Dynamo up to 5th. On Saturday, a huge effort from the AFC Wulfrunians groundstaff meant that their game against Hereford could take place. They were rewarded with a record attendance at Castlecroft but the league leaders took all three points in a hard earned victory, Pablo Haysham with a sumptuous free-kick for the winner. Bardon Hill moved up a place in the bottom echelons following a stunning 4-1 win at Long Eaton United, Richard Hanslow with a couple. Division 1 The weather was the big winner in Division 1 with only one fixture surviving and that was the only one scheduled for New Years Day. Bromsgrove Sporting welcomed in 2016 in front of a record attendance of 674 at The Victoria Ground. Visitors Pilkington XXX played their part in an excellent advert for the division but it was the Rouslers that picked up the points with a 3-0 victory. The win closes the gap at the top to just one point. Division 3 Thanks to the 3G pitch at Knights Lane, FC Stratford moved up to 2nd place after a 3-1 win over Shipston Excelsior. County Cups In the Birmingham Saturday Vase, Alvis Sporting Club made progress beating Folly Lane 2-0. In the Staffordshire Challenge Cup, Burntwood Town were knocked out losing 4-0 at Redgate Clayton Reserves. Alvechurch got back to action in the JW Hunt Cup at Bilston Town and they were inspired by Jordan Nadat in a 6-0 victory. Nadat scored the first 4 goals and there was also a debut goal for 17 year old Danny Moy. Reserves In the trophy, league leaders Coleshill Town beat Romulus 3-1 at Coles Lane thanks to a Shane Benjamin hat-trick. Weekend preview FA Vase Into the last 32 of the FA Vase and there are still 5 MFL teams standing. Coleshill Town have to wait another week for their 4th round tie as their opponents, Dunston UTS or Seaham Red Star are yet to play their 3rd round tie. At Edgar Street, two sides at the top of their respective divisions and both with similar records, go head to head. Hereford have home advantage but they could not have asked for a trickier tie as Leicester Nirvana are flying high in the United Counties League. Nirvana knocked Premier Division Heanor Town out of the competition so cannot be underestimated. Home advantage backed by their massive support should give Hereford the edge. Alvechurch travel to Grimsby to face Northern Counties East Cleethorpes Town who sit in 4th place in their division. The Owls have already beaten both Westfield and Racing Club Warwick in the competition and the Church will be fully determined not to make it a hat-trick of MFL scalps. Ian Long’s side are in tremendous form winning their last 7 games and not conceding in the last 4. This is a difficult one to call, and whoever gets through certainly has a chance to win the competition. In an all MFL tie, AFC Wulfrunians welcome Division 1 Nuneaton Griff to Castlecroft. Griff have slipped down the table in recent weeks but are still in a strong promotion position. Wulfs are having an excellent season comfortably in the top 6 and pushing leaders Hereford all the way last week. Griff have plenty of goals in them, and if they can play on the front foot, they could spring a surprise. Form favours Wulfs but either way, the MFL are guaranteed a side in Round 5. Premier Division With the top two otherwise engaged, Sporting Khalsa play one of their 6 games in hand when they welcome Westfields to the Aspray Arena. Westfields are struggling near the bottom of the pack and both sides are desperate for a point. 3rd placed Heanor Town entertain Stourport Swifts knowing that a win would take them into second place. Shepshed Dynamo are up to 5th and they face a tough game away at Boldmere St Michaels. Highgate United have 8 games in hand on the leaders and 8 wins would make it interesting at the top. They welcome Rocester to the Coppice. Coleshill Town, with prolific striker Shane Benjamin back in the ranks, have an unexpected league date with lowly Dunkirk due to their FA Vase tie being postponed. Basement side Continental Star travel to Loughborough University to tackle the mid-table students, who would go 9th with a victory. A big game at the bottom of the table where in-form Brocton welcome 20th placed Coventry Sphinx to Silkmore Lane. Sphinx have plenty of games in hand on the sides around them but need to start picking up points. Quorn are one place above Coventry Sphinx and are also in need of points as they welcome Walsall Wood to Farley Way. Bardon Hill had a morale boosting win at Long Eaton United last weekend and the two sides meet again in the reverse fixture. Division 1 Coventry United have seen their lead at the top reduced to just one point as they have not played since the beginning of December. They will want to get back under way with all 3 points when Racing Club Warwick visit Sphinx Drive. Bromsgrove Sporting are the side that has closed the gap and they have a big game away at Hinckley AFC where a big crowd is expected. Leicester Road are well in the promotion mix and will expect to take all 3 points when they host bottom club Stafford Town. Pilkington XXX will move up to 5th place if they can beat Heather St Johns at home. Southam United are just 5 points clear of the bottom and they need to kick-start their season away to an Atherstone Town side that has won the last two. Two sides in the lower reaches meet in Worcestershire where Pershore Town entertain Cadbury Athletic. The final game in Division 1 sees Littleton take on Studley. Division 2 Just two games in the Second division and they affect the middle and the bottom of the table. Fairfield Villa host Paget Rangers with the sides locked on the same number of points and next to each other in the league table. 13th placed Feckenham travel to 11th placed Knowle looking to close the gap between the two to just 2 points. Division 3 Game of the day sees 3rd placed Smithswood Firs hosting 2nd placed FC Stratford, both having games in hand on the leaders. The aforementioned leaders, Leamington Hibernian can take advantage of their close rivals meeting by taking all 3 points at home to 2nd bottom Perrywood. 4th placed Barton United are just 5 points off the lead and they face Badsey Rangers at home. Bottom side AFC Solihull will hope to continue their upturn in form and results when they welcome Coventrians to Tudor Grange. Enville Athletic will be hoping to put their poor form behind them when Burntwood Town visit Hall Drive. Polymac Packaging League Cup An intriguing tie this weekend as Division 1 Coventry Copsewood entertain Premier Division Lye Town. Copsewood have had some good results recently whereas Lye have been a model of inconsistency. Anything could happen. Challenge Vase In the Quarter Final of the Challenge Vase, in form Alcester Town welcome Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons to Old Stratford Road. In the other quarter-final, Redditch Borough entertain Inkberrow at The Valley. Les James Challenge Cup The top two in Division meet at The Pavilion as Chelmsley Town welcome Droitwich Spa. Both sides are in tremendous form and with only one league defeat each this season, they are almost impossible to split. Should be a cracker. Reserves Cadbury Athletic vs Brocton Continental Star vs Evesham united Gresley vs Coleshill Town Rocester vs Lichfield City Solihull Moors vs Coventry United Under 21 Gornal Athletic vs Heath Hayes (BOWL) H.O.W. Academy vs Kings Heath Concorde (BOWL) Tamworth vs Anstey Nomads (U21N) Tipton Town vs Newcastle Town (U21N) |
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