The fixture between Hinckley AFC v Coventry Copsewood on Saturday 23rd April 2016 was abandoned with Coventry Copsewood winning 4-1 at the time. The Board’s decision is that the match will not be replayed and that the result at the time of abandonment will stand.
 
Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Midland Football League Newsletter
27th April 2016
League News

Badsey Rangers have resigned with immediate effect and their playing record will be expunged in due course.
Nigel Wood, Secretary. Midland Football League
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Congratulation to Hereford FC on clinching the Premier Division title and promotion to Step 4. This has been a stellar first season for the Bulls which will climax with a trip to Wembley on May 22nd,
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Congratulations to Alvis Sporting Club for clinching promotion from Division 2 at the first attempt. At the time of writing, Alvis remain unbeaten in the league with 5 games remaining – a remarkable achievement.

Travels of the Press Officer
Thursday 21st April
Walsall Wood 3 Heanor Town 0

Both sides were striving for a top 6 finish but were missing a significant number of regulars in their starting line-ups. Wood lost three players before the warm up when they were sent home ill while Heanor also had to make a change with one of their players injured in the pre-match warm-up. Heanor started the game positively and Nathan Benger forced a save from Andy Hughes. The visitors should have taken the lead in the 6th minute when Jack Warner’s shot was saved and Joe Naylor somehow managed to hit the post with the rebound rather than score. In the 20th minute a clash between Arash Abdollahi and Cory Carruthers threatened to turn the game ugly but thankfully it was resolved with a couple of yellow cards. Benger tried a shot from distance which bounced awkwardly in front of Hughes who gathered it safely. Wood went close in the 36th minute when Drew Aiton shot just past the post. The woodwork again came to Wood’s rescue just before the break. Warner’s free-kick was saved with the ball pushed into the path of Benger. Inexplicably the striker found the woodwork when it was easier to score.
In the 52nd minute, a cross from Aiton was headed wide by Dan Griffiths. A few seconds later, the same two players combined to give The Wood the lead. Aiton’s through ball was latched onto by Griffiths and he made no mistake beating Joe McCormack. The goal certainly changed the complexion of the game and it was the home side asking all the questions. Ben Evans was just off target with a drive, the ball flying over the bar. In the 62nd minute a good run by Evans almost set-up teenager Kenny Roberts, on for the injured Griffiths. Wood should have made it two a couple of minutes later. Carruthers’ shot was blocked, the ball falling to Max Black but he fired over the open goal. A free-kick from Harry Harris was perfectly placed for Ben Birch but the centre-back, with no Heanor defender in sight, failed to connect with his header. Wood increased their lead in the 73rd minute with a contender for goal of the season. Wood captain Harris, hit an absolute screamer from 35 yards which flew past McCormack before he could a react – a stunning goal. Two minutes later, Wood grabbed their third, Carruthers beating the defence and slotting past McCormack. Evans could have made it four just before the end as Wood ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
As with most games, I have seen this season at Oak Park, a game of two contrasting halves. Heanor were the better side in the first half but failed to take their chances. Walsall Wood dominated after the break, and once they had scored, they never looked back.

Saturday 23rd April
Stafford Town 3 Heather St Johns 4

Having witnessed many a relegation battle as a supporter, time to take a look as a neutral at two sides involved in the scrap near the foot of Division 1. Stafford Town and Heather St Johns have been near the bottom all season and they are in a four-way battle with Pelsall Villa and Southam united to finish outside of the bottom two. Heather hadn’t played for three weeks but two wins out of their previous three games gave them the edge in form and confidence. Town, on the other hand, had conceded 14 goals in their previous two games and with the sides shipping over 200 goals between them, a goalless draw was not on the agenda. Heather started the brighter of the two sides, the dangerous Eddie Wilson being blocked by Malaki Norford in the Stafford penalty area. Ahkeem Rose saw a header comfortably saved by Richard Stone while Oli Manoocherhri had a shot saved by Ben Allsop. Rose again threatened the Stafford defense but his shot was wide of the goal. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead in the 20th minute. Spencer Gunnell caught the Heather defence flat footed and his shot had enough power to beat the valiant attempt from Allsop to keep it out. Rose missed a decent chance for heather heading a cross from Conor Wright wide of the post. Grant Winwood tried his luck from distance for Stafford but his free-kick was straight at Allsop. Just before the break, there were loud appeals for a Heather penalty as Rose went down in the box under a challenge from Andy Dodd – the referee waving away the protests.
The home side doubled their lead int eh 57th minute and it was a goal of real quality. Tom Vaughan found Gunnell on the edge of the area. The Stafford skipper cushioned the ball into the path of Manoocherhri who supplied a calm and clinical finish. Heather did not let their heads drop and they were back in it in the 67th minute. Rose ran clear down the left-hand side and his cross was flicked home at the near post by Wilson. A shot from Rose from the right bounced awkwardly for Stone but the Stafford Keeper made a comfortable stop. Heather were on level terms in the 71st minute. The ball was whipped into the box from the right-hand side where Harry Reece controlled the ball on his thigh and volleyed the ball past Stone. Heather’s remarkable recovery was completed three minutes later with a moment of controversy. A free-kick taken by Cahill was deflected goalwards by a Stafford defender. Reece went to head the ball and as it nestled in the net, the linesman on the far side raised his flag for offside. After consulting said linesman, the referee awarded the goal to Heather, the only thing that can be assumed is that Reece failed to make contact with the ball (the referee was in the best position to see). Stafford were seething but it was they that were celebrating in the 84th minute with an equaliser. Craig Hulme skipped down the left-hand side, got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Gunnell who made no mistake. Would we have another twist in this extraordinary game? Too right we would and two minutes later Heather regained the lead. Wilson’s shot was well saved by Stone, the rebound was nodded back in and cleared off the line by Stafford but Wilson was on hand to make sure and give Heather a 4-3 lead. The visitors were close to making it 5 when Troy Wallen’s effort curled over the bar and Rose saw another effort saved by Stone.
A remarkable game of football and a well deserved 3 points for Heather. One point will be enough for Heather while Stafford will feel that they need to win at Pelsall Villa in their final fixture if they are to finish out of the bottom two. Could be a game worth watching.

Monday 25th April
Sporting Khalsa 2 Alvechurch 3

With Hereford likely to clinch the title at Coventry Sphinx, I took the opportunity to watch the teams in 3rd and 2nd lock horns. Alvechurch have pushed Hereford all the way and were looking to get as many points as possible should promotion spaces at Step 4 open up. It was a much changed Sporting Khalsa with debuts for Kristian Green, Josh McKenzie and Chris Rabone (from the bench) all of whom were plying their trade in the Evostik League up until Saturday. Khalsa were the first to show when a whipped cross from Craig Bannister was put behind for a corner. Alvechurch are always a threat from set-pieces and in the 9th minute, from an Alvechurch corner, Mark Smith’s header back into the box was cleared. In the 12th minute, Andy Parsons was off target from another excellent Alvechurch corner. At the other end, Bannister delivered a superb free-kick into the area but McKenzie failed to provide a touch. Alvechurch took the lead in the 19th minute. A ball over the top of the Khalsa defence picked out Josh March whose first-time volley arced over James Pemberton and flew into the net. A superb finish although Khalsa were convinced March was offside. James Spray forced Pemberton into a fine save as Alvechurch dominated. 5 minutes before the break Nick Wright broke clear but his shot was well saved again by Pemberton. In first half stoppage time, Wright played a lovely ball into the feet of March, who turned his defender and fired into the corner of the net.
Khalsa came were quick out of the blocks in the second half, determined to get back into the game. In the 48th minute, McKenzie thought he had scored but the officials adjudged the ball to have not crossed the line. Alvechurch had a decent opportunity 3 minutes later. Wright challenged Pemberton and the ball flew to Dave Bellis some distance from goal. With Pemberton off his line, Bellis’ attempt was well off target. Bannister saw a shot saved by Matt Sargeant but it was Khalsa that got back into the game in the 59th minute. Marvin Nisbett threw himself into a challenge, the ball fell invitingly for McKenzie who grabbed a debut goal with a good finish. Khalsa were now in the ascendancy and Nisbett was off target as he raced through down the left. There was a moment of controversy in the 70th minute when Tesfa Robinson handled the ball in his own penalty area however the only people not to see the clear penalty were the match officials and they waved away the protests. If Alvechurch were angry about the non-penalty, they were apoplectic in the 78th minute when Khalsa were awarded a penalty for handball after David Meese’s shot was blocked by a hand. Meese himself took the penalty to bring Khalsa level. Parity lasted just 6 minutes, and a good move down the right saw Spray play the ball in and Sam Williams converted at the near post to give Alvechurch the lead. Despite more than 6 minutes of time added on, Alvechurch saw out time to take 3 hard earned points in a cracking match for the neutral.

Review
Premier Division
On Thursday evening, Dunkirk were relegated from the Premier Division without kicking a ball in anger. This was due to Coventry Sphinx again putting on a show at Sphinx Drive beating Long Eaton United 5-0. Two goals from Lewis Rankin helped Sphinx edge nearer to safety. Bardon Hill are clinging on, one place below Sphinx, and they gave themselves a chance of staying up with a 1-0 win over Lye Town at Bardon Close. Steve Chaplin scored the winner in the 82nd minute and, with 5 games left, Bardon can still escape the drop. Quorn need 3 points to guarantee safety following a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Shepshed Dynamo. Michael Reeve scored twice for Dynamo who move back into 4th place. Walsall Wood close to within a point of 6th placed Heanor Town, beating them 3-0 at Oak Park, all of the goals coming in the second half.
The shock news on Saturday morning that Alvechurch’s home game against Bardon Hill had been postponed meant that whatever happened, the race for the league title would go into the final week of the season. Leaders Hereford opened up a thirteen point gap with an emphatic 8-0 win over 6th placed Heanor Town at Edgar Street. Another 4,000 + crowd saw a hat-trick from Pablo Haysham and a brace from Joe Tumelty while John Mills came off the bench to score his 50th goal of the season. 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa drew 1-1 at 5th placed Coleshill Town with both goals coming in a 7 minute period in the second half. In the battle to avoid the drop, relegated Dunkirk’s 1-0 win over Coventry Sphinx means that Sphinx are still looking over their shoulder into the last week. Quorn are safe following a 1-0 win over AFC Wulfrunians at Farley Way. Bottom club Continental Star were beaten 2-1 at Brocton, Dominic Dell scoring twice for the Badgers inside the opening 3 minutes. Shepshed Dynamo remain in 4th place as they were held at home by Westfields, 2-2 the final score. Highgate United beat Walsall Wood at Oak Park thanks to an 83rd-minute penalty from Lei Brown. Roland Agbor scored twice as Boldmere St Michaels beat Rocester 3-1 at Hillsfield. Long Eaton united and Lye Town couldn’t find a goal between them at Grange Park. Loughborough University and Stourport Swifts are locked together in the league table and they couldn’t be separated at Hollywell as they drew 1-1.
Hereford clinched the Championship on Monday evening with a 4-0 win at Coventry Sphinx in front of a record crowd at Sphinx Drive. A points haul of 105 with a game to go is a remarkable achievement. Alvechurch have pushed Hereford all the way making this a memorable season. They were involved in a thriller at 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa, and an 85th-minute winner from Sam Williams sealing a 3-2 victory. Heanor Town bounced back from their 8 goal mauling at Edgar Street to win 5-3 at Bardon Hill. Nathan Benger and Simeon Oshoboke both scored twice for The Lions with Steve Chaplin bagging a double for Bardon Hill. Stourport Swifts and Walsall Wood drew 1-1 at Walshes Meadow in what could be a dress rehearsal for the League Cup Final. Shepshed Dynamo stay 4th after a 4-2 win over AFC Wulfrunians who had keeper Josh Moreton sent off in the first half. Jamie King scored twice for Wulfs and Michael Reeve grabbed a brace for Shepshed. Coleshill Town continued their great end to the season with a 3-1 win at Rocester. There was a seven-goal thriller at The Coppice as Highgate United beat Long Eaton United 4-3. Hero for Highgate was Luke Rogers who scored all 4, the winner two minutes into stoppage time. Bardon Hill’s struggle at the bottom is almost over following a 5-1 defeat at Lye Town. Coventry Sphinx confirmed their safety, and Bardon Hill’s relegation, with a 3-0 win over Westfields.

Division 1
Coventry United moved to within 6 points of the Division 1 title on Thursday evening with a 3-0 win at Pelsall Villa, who remain in the bottom two. On a night that saw a huge swing towards the leaders, 2nd placed Bromsgrove Sporting were held 1-1 at Racing Club Warwick – the Racers equalising in stoppage time. At the bottom, Southam United are 10 points adrift with four games remaining. This is after a 4-4 draw at Banbury Road against Studley. The Saints held a three-goal lead, Tony Zamora scoring twice before the Bees came back thanks to a Daniel Dineen hat-trick.
Talking point in Division 1 on Saturday was the abandonment of the game between Hinckley AFC and Coventry Copsewood at St Johns Park. With the scoreline standing at 4-1 to Copsewood, Hinckley were shown two red cards which added to two which were shown before the break. With the home side down to 7 men, the game was abandoned. League leaders Coventry United need just 3 more points from their final 3 games to win the league title following a 2-0 win over a depleted Bolehall Swifts. Bromsgrove Sporting will be hoping for a slip-up but they did what they had to do which was to beat Heath Hayes, 2-0 the final score. Nuneaton Griff’s title chance has now gone but they kept up the pressure on 2nd with a 4-3 win over Racing Club Warwick, Luke Shorthouse grabbing two more. At the bottom, there was a dramatic game between Stafford Town and Heather St Johns at Evans Park. 2-0 down with 23 minutes to go, Heather turned things around to lead 3-2 before the Reds equalised with 6 minutes to go. Not to be outdone, Heather grabbed a fourth to win 4-3 and they now need one more point to confirm safety. Leicester Road moved back into 4th place with a hard earned 3-1 win at Pershore Town. Lichfield City will finish 6th or 7th after they beat Cadbury Athletic 3-0 at home. Pilkington XXX are certain of a top half of the table finish following a 3-2 win over Studley at the TSA Sports Ground. A Will Gayton penalty gave Littleton all 3 points at Atherstone Town.
Coventry United need one point to mathematically to win the league but the goal difference is such that the champagne corks can start popping. They clinched the title with a 2-0 win over Heath Hayes who had two players sent off. Bromsgrove Sporting have pushed them all the way and they did their job by beating Southam United 3-1, a defeat which confirms Southam’s relegation. Hinckley AFC regained 4th place from local rivals Leicester Road, their 2-1 win courtesy of a double from Ryan Seal. Pelsall Villa have three games left to secure their Division 1 status and the game on Saturday against Stafford Town looks to be the relegation decider. This after Pelsall were beaten 5-1 at Pilkington XXX.

Division 2
Austrey Rangers became the first side to take a point off leaders Alvis Sporting Club since October as they held the leaders to a 1-1 draw. That result gave second-placed Chelmsley Town the chance to close the gap and they duly obliged with a 1-0 win at 3rd placed Droitwich Spa. The top two meet at Green Lane next Thursday in what is a real six pointer. 4th placed Rostance Edwards got back to winning ways with a 3-0 win at Hampton. Paget Rangers are now just one point off their place as their excellent run continued with a 2-0 home win over Fairfield Villa. The game between the bottom two at The Entaco ended in a 1-1 draw between Feckenham and Earlswood Town. Sutton United are now clear in 6th place following a 2-1 win at Barnt Green Spartak.
Alvis Sporting Club are 6 points clear at the top and guaranteed a top two finish following a 5-1 home win over 4th placed Rostance Edwards. The promotion was sealed with Dildale Linton scoring 4 to take his season tally to 31. Austrey Rangers jumped 3 places to 9th after a 3-1 win at home to Barnt Green Spartak. Droitwich Spa remain in 3rd place following a 3-0 win at Fairfield Villa. Paget Rangers are breathing down their necks in 4th place after another 3-0 win at home to Sutton United. Knowle stay 8th after a 3-1 win at basement club Earlswood Town. Hampton are up to 9th after they beat 2nd bottom Feckenham 2-1. Rostance Edwards re-took 4th place with a 2-0 win at Barnt Green Spartak.

Division 3
On Thursday evening, Barton United moved into the top four thanks to a 1-0 win at Coventrians. Peter Martin was on target for Barton taking his season tally to 32.
Two more wins will give Leamington Hibernian the title after they battled to a 2-0 win at 4th placed Barton United. Redditch Borough are one of two sides that can overtake them and a double from Jak Albutt sent them on their way to a 4-1 win over Inkberrow. Smithswood Firs are the other team left in the title race and they kept their chances alive with a 4-3 win over FC Stratford, Troy Baker with a hat-trick. Matt Layton scored goal number 35 for the season as his Alcester Town team drew 1-1 at Badsey Rangers. At the foot of the table, there was an excellent 3-2 win for second bottom Perrywood at Burntwood Town. Enville Athletic moved above Coventrians in the table with a 2-0 win at Holbrooks Park. Northfield Town moved into the top half of the table with a 1-0 win at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.
The game between 3rd and 2nd went the way of Smithswood Firs who beat Redditch Borough 2-1. The win keeps Smithswood in the title with Leamington Hibernian favourites to take the title. Perrywood missed the chance to move ahead of Badsey Rangers losing 3-0 at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Smithswood Firs moved level on points with Redditch Borough following a 9-0 win over Inkberrow. There were hat-tricks for Cameron Lee and Lee Sayer while Troy Baker also scored twice. FC Stratford moved up to 4th with a 4-2 win at AFC Solihull.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Hereford take a one goal advantage into next week’s second leg after a John Mills goal on the hour settled their game at Stourport Swifts. Martin Horsell saved a late Swifts penalty as Hereford hung on for the victory.

County Cups
Sporting Khalsa bowed out of the Walsall Senior Cup losing 1-0 at Evostik Premier Division Rushall Olympic. Luke Benbow scored the only goal of the game as The Pics reached the final against Lichfield City. Pilkington XXX and Chelmsley Town fought out a tight battle in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup. The game finished goalless with Pilks going through 5-4 on penalties. They will face Bromsgrove Sporting in the final.

Reserves
Results
Cadbury Athletic 5 Coventry United 1
Rocester 9 Gresley 1
Trophy Final
Solihull Moors 2 Coleshill Town 0

Under 21s
Results
Gornal Athletic 2 West Midlands Football Academy 2 (U21S)
Kings Heath Concorde 1 Tamworth 1 (Bowl)
Leamington 0 Bedworth United 4 (U21S)
Stourport Swifts 4 Bromsgrove Sporting 2 (U21S)
Heath Hayes 2 Basford United 3 (U21N)
Newcastle Town 5 Anstey Nomads 2 (U21N)
Walsall Wood 2 Tipton Town 0 (U21N)
Gornal Athletic 2 Stourport Swifts 3 (U21S)
Tamworth 3 Newcastle Town 0 (U21N)
Kings Heath Concorde 2 H.O.W. Academy 1 (U21S) 1

Leading Scorers
Premier Division
John Mills Hereford 50
Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42
Lei Brown Highgate United 31
Pablo Haysham Hereford 29
Jamie Cuss Westfields 29
Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 28
Division 1
Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 40
Tony Clarke Lichfield City 38
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 34
Josh O’Grady Coventry United 32
Division 2
Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 41
James Lemon Droitwich Spa 41
Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 33
Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 31
Division 3
Matt Layton Alcester Town 35
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 34
Peter Martin Barton United 32
Jason Cowley Redditch Borough 25
Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23

Preview
Premier Division
On Thursday evening, there are three fixtures in the Premier Division. 2nd placed Alvechurch are at home to Long Eaton United as they close in on 100 points and 100 goals. Shepshed Dynamo will guarantee themselves fourth place should they beat Rocester at The Dovecote Stadium. Bardon Hill face their third game in four days as they host Boldmere St Michaels.
With all of the promotion and relegation issues decided, there’s a chance for everyone to enjoy some splendid games and to celebrate a close run battle in the Premier Division. Champions Hereford will be wanting to leave the MFL on a high as they travel to 4th placed Shepshed Dynamo – a fitting finale to the season. Runners up Alvechurch still have 3 games to play and they travel to Pack Meadow to face free-scoring 5th placed Coleshill Town. 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa have had a superb first season at Step 5 and they welcome Loughborough University to the Aspray Arena. Heanor Town are another side that can be satisfied with their first season in the MFL and they welcome Long Eaton United to The Town Ground. Lye Town have had a good finish to the season and their final game is at home to relegated Dunkirk. Continental Star bid farewell to the Premier Division with a short trip to Walsall Wood, who have had another steady season. Coventry Sphinx looked to be heading for relegation but a turnaround in their fortunes means that they will in the Premier Division next season. They celebrate their safety with a trip to AFC Wulfrunians. Bardon Hill have had a difficult season with pitch issues meaning they didn’t play at home for three months. A glut of fixtures near the end of the season has caught up with them and relegation was confirmed in midweek. They travel to Highgate United for their 4th game of a tough week. Boldmere St Michaels play their last home game on grass with a new 3G pitch being laid before the start of next season with Stourport Swifts the visitors. Rocester look likely to finish in the top half of the table as they travel to Westfields. Two sides that have been involved in the battle in the league’s lower reaches are Brocton and Quorn and they meet at Silkmore Lane.
Division 1
Four games on Thursday evening and the likelihood that the Champions could be crowned at Sphinx Drive as Coventry United host Littleton. A point for United will confirm the Division 1 title after a tremendous 3-way tussle with Bromsgrove Sporting and Nuneaton Griff. Bromsgrove Sporting travel to Bolehall Swifts needing a win to guarantee second place. Nuneaton Griff travel to 2nd bottom Pelsall Villa with the home side desperate for points to avoid the drop. There is a local derby at the TSA Sports ground as tenants Cadbury Athletic host landlords Pilkington XXX.
With the title likely to have been settled on Thursday, all eyes are on the bottom with the teams in 19th and 18th facing each other in a 6 pointer. Pelsall Villa have a game in hand on Stafford Town and whoever come out the winner is likely to stay up. Table toppers Coventry United travel to Studley in what should be a promotion party. 2nd placed Bromsgrove Sporting face a short journey to Cadbury Athletic. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff finish their season with a tough trip to Heath Hayes. In the battle for 4th, Hinckley AFC travel to Littleton while 5th placed Leicester Road host Atherstone Town. Relegated Southam United travel to Coventry Copsewood with an outside chance of finishing off the bottom. Mathematically, Heather St Johns need a point for safety and they host Pershore Town. Bolehall Swifts also need a point as they welcome Pilkington XXX to Rene Road. Racing Club Warwick have finished the season well and they welcome Lichfield City in what looks to be an attractive fixture.
Division 2
Two games in Division 2 on Thursday night with the top two going head to head at Green Lane. A win for Alvis Sporting Club would open up a nine-point gap over Chelmsley Town with just four games to go. A win for the visitors would see the Championship going down to the wire. 3rd placed Droitwich Spa travel to Sutton United needing to win their remaining 3 games to give themselves an outside chance of promotion.
A busy weekend for Division 2 with full programmes on Saturday and four games on Monday. Leaders Alvis Sporting Club could clinch the Championship on Saturday at home to Coton Green. Chelmsley Town could be promoted (depending on Thursday’s results) with a win at Fairfield Villa. Paget Rangers are chasing a top 3 finish and they travel to 2nd bottom Feckenham. Austrey Rangers have their fourth consecutive home game with Knowle the visitors. A win for Hampton at home to Sutton United could move them up to 7th in the table.
On Monday, the big game is at Green Lane with Alvis Sporting Club at home to 3rd placed Droitwich Spa. 2nd placed Chelmsley Town welcome bottom side Earlswood Town to The Pavilion in what could be a promotion celebration. Paget Rangers continue their chase for 3rd with a trip to Barnt Green Spartak while 2nd bottom Feckenham host Austrey Rangers.
Division 3
One game on Thursday evening sees Northfield Town with a chance to go 4th if they can beat Coventrians.
In the battle for promotion, Smithswood Firs have drawn level on points with 2nd placed Redditch Borough. On Saturday, they play their game in hand at home to Enville Athletic. The battle for fourth place is between 5 clubs. There is a local derby between 4th and 5th as FC Stratford travel to Shipston Excelsior. 6th placed Alcester Town host 7th placed Northfield Town while 8th placed Barton United host bottom club AFC Solihull. 11th plays 10th at Ravenhill Park with Burntwood Town hosting Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Coventrians could move up two places if they can beat Perrywood.
It will be a busy Bank Holiday Monday for Division 3. Leaders Leamington Hibernian need one win to clinch the title and they host FC Stratford in a game which could see them crowned. Redditch Borough could inch closer to promotion but they need a win at Burntwood Town to give themselves a chance. Two of the sides battling for fourth meet with Shipston Excelsior hosting Alcester Town. Bottom side AFC Solihull welcome Barton United to Tudor Grange while 2nd bottom Perrywood host Coventrians. Elsewhere 9th placed Inkberrow host 7th placed Northfield Town.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
Both second legs of the League Cup Semi-Finals take place on Thursday evening. Hereford hold a slender one goal lead as they welcome Stourport Swifts to Edgar Street. Walsall Wood and Lye Town shared four goals in the first leg and things are evenly balanced.
Reserves
RES1 Gresley Reserves v Coleshill Town Reserves 
RES1 Lichfield City Reserves v Cadbury Athletic Reserves
RES1 Rocester Reserves v Solihull Moors Reserves Hillsfield
Under 21
21SE Kings Heath Concorde U21 v Gornal Athletic U21
21SE Leamington U21 v H.O.W. Academy U21
BOWL Bedworth United U21 v Walsall Wood U21 The Oval

Badsey Rangers have resigned with immediate effect and their playing record will be expunged in due course.
 
Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Badsey Rangers were charged for failing to fulfil their Division 3 fixture against Enville Athletic on 28th March 2016. They have been fined accordingly and also 3 points deducted from their playing record.

Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

League News
Cup Final dates are as follows:
Tuesday 26th April - Challenge Trophy -
Coleshill Town v Solihull Moors at Studley FC, kick off 7.30pm

Monday 9th May - Presidents Cup –
Alvis Sporting v Droitwich Spa at Coton Green FC, kick off 7.30pm

Tuesday 10th May – Polymac Packaging League Cup –
Stourport Swifts or Hereford v Walsall Wood or Lye Town at Solihull Moors FC, Kick off 7.30pm

Wednesday 11th May – Les James Challenge Cup –
Alvis Sporting v Paget Rangers or Smithswood Firs at Bromsgrove Sporting FC, kick off 7.30pm

Tba –
Challenge Vase – Redditch Borough v Northfield Town

Tba -
Challenge Bowl Tba – Under 21 Division Play Off Final
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A look at what is happening behind the scenes at Long Eaton United FC on and off the pitch.
Three years ago the Club’s Management formulated plans to significantly enhance all aspects of Long Eaton United Football Club. Those plans involved the integration of all areas of the Club including our Youth, Ladies & Senior Sections. Underpinning all of our ambitions for the Club was the significant improvement of the Facilities at Grange Park for all associated with the Club - without Facilities to be proud of it would have been impossible to improve our commercial prospects and create a stable financial platform.
Working closely with the Derbyshire FA we achieved FA Charter Standard Community Club status - which, as well as helping us create a Youth Section second to none in the Region, has also enabled us to work with Sport England, the Football Foundation and the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund to secure significant grant funding. Over the period we have relaid our Astro Courts, reclaimed wasteland to create a superb new full-size pitch, completely refurbished our Clubhouse and made significant improvements to the main Stadium. At the same time, we have purchased our own maintenance equipment so the Club is now totally self sufficient. With further planned work to our Car park and pitches over the summer, a combination of Board funding, Grant income, and Sponsor support will have resulted in £500,000 of investment in our Facilities.
Our improved facilities have enabled us to create successful sides at many levels with our Ladies close to being crowned League Champions and achieving FA Women's Premier League status for the first time in our history as well as being in 2 Cup Finals - the first of which is this Sunday in the DFA County Cup Final against Derby County. From the outset, our plans have included establishing a Men's Senior side capable of competing for a place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. We were clear though that we needed facilities at least equal to if not better than Clubs competing at that level. We now have the facilities we planned for and the Ground grading for promotion.
Having secured the Facilities we were also clear that we wanted to appoint a Senior Section management team that shared our “One Club” ethos and who have experience of and access to players from the League we have the ambition to join. We feel that our new Senior Section management team tick those boxes and we are working closely with them to build a playing squad and support that gives us a genuine chance of achieving our ambitions. We have already secured a fantastic set of pre-season friendlies which we hope will create real excitement for all involved at the Club in its 60th Anniversary Year.
Whilst success on the pitch can never be guaranteed, “Behind the Scenes” we are confident that Long Eaton United Football Club is in excellent shape and the further initiatives we have planned for the next 3 years will ensure the Club continues to excel. Finally, it would be remiss of us not to recognise the fantastic work done by Shaun Rickford, Adam Barber, and their support team during the season. It is never easy to take over the reins of a First Team mid-season but Shaun and Adam have conducted themselves admirably and have been a credit to themselves and the Club. We are sure that they will have a big part to play in the Clubs future.
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Knowle FC are looking to appoint a manager for their new reserve team for the 2016/17 season. The role will be voluntary and would suit someone with experience of the Midland Football League, although we would be happy to give an opportunity to someone with youth team experience as we aim to build an exciting and thriving player pathway to enhance the clubs reputation and match our ambitions off the pitch. We are currently improving our facilities including the installation of floodlights during the 2016/17 season and exciting plans in place to potentially relocate to a new purpose-built stadium and leisure complex in the near future. The successful candidate will have previous management experience and have appropriate qualifications, minimum FA Level 2. The candidate will also have a management team to support them and contacts to bring in players to help improve our current senior squad set up. We also have a large number of u16-18 players we are looking to nurture and bring into the adult set up at some point
Applications by Monday 16th May to Chris Knott sportdevuk@yahoo.co.uk Please attach a football CV. Interviews w/c Monday 23rd May

Travels of the Press Officer
Thursday 14th April
Stafford Town 0 Coventry United 5
With fixtures being re-arranged to get the season concluded by 30th April, there is a vital game at the top and bottom of Division 1 at Evans Park. Stafford Town have been in and around the bottom three or four all season, however, victory at Cadbury Athletic on Tuesday opened up a three-point gap on 2nd bottom Pelsall Villa. Coventry United, on the other hand, have been in the top three all season and have looked likely Champions for most parts. Three wins in the past 6 days has closed the gap on Bromsgrove Sporting and given them serious momentum as we enter the last two weeks of the season. When I arrived at the ground, it was a pleasant Spring evening but that was to change by kick-off. Heavy rain welcomed the two sides onto the park and the visitors started off on the attack. Town, fielding a severely weakened side, created the first clear opening but Dan Nowell failed to control the cross from Tom Vaughan. Josh O’Grady forced a fine save from Dale Reaney and then was off target after he had brilliantly created an opening. O’Grady had another effort saved by Reaney before Josh Blake also tested the home keeper. In the 17th minute, a cross from O’Grady was turned goalwards by Blake but Reaney made the block. The opening goal came int eh 18th minute and it was no surprise that it was O’Grady that scored the goal, finished well after cutting inside onto hisd left foot. Matt Brown ran through on goal but was foiled by Reaney diving at his feet. In the 26th minute, Blake raced through on goal, his shot rattling the crossbar. As the weather deteriorated, the game became scrappy although all the attacking came from the visitors. Muzzy Nduna forced a fine save from Reaney and then O’Grady beat 3 defenders before finding Reaney in inspired form, the keeper making yet another save. Just before the break, Blake’s header was cleared off the line and the only surprise at the half-time whistle was that we had seen only 1 goal.
The rain did not relent at half-time with water lying on the surface. There was a concern about whether the game would continue but the referee conducted a cursory inspection, a couple of steps onto the pitch and a nod of his head, and the game continued. To be honest, if this had been earlier in the season, we may have seen an abandonment. Coventry were certainly looking for goals and O’Grady was again the man on target forcing a save from Reaney. Goal number two came in the 51st minute. A Rob Prinzel free-kick into the Town penalty area was headed home by Gift Mussa. It should have been three two minutes later but United were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. The third goal wasn’t long in coming and in the 56th minute, O’Grady skipped round Reaney and slid the ball home for his 31st goal of the season. On a rare Town attack, centre-back Joel Mills fired his shot into the side-netting. A corner from O’Grady was met by the head of Brian Ndlovu but he failed to keep it down and it cleared the bar. In the 65th minute, the same two players combined and Ndlovu this time bundled the ball home from the O’Grady corner. Things got worse for the home side in the 68th minute when star man Reaney went down injured and had to be replaced by centre-back Kirk Lowe in goal. With an outfield player in goal, against a rampant opposition, the floodgates were expected to open but it never materialised. Coventry did score a fifth in the 76th minute when Blake finished off a Kai Williams cross. Williams himself went close in the 83rd minute but after wrongfooting Lowe, his shot was inches wide.
Credit to both sides for their attitude and performance in atrocious conditions. The officials could so easily have called the game off and hats off to them for letting the game finish.

Tuesday 19th April
Sporting Khalsa 0 Hereford 3
Another big game at the top of the Premier Division with 3rd hosting the leaders. The Hereford fans had travelled in huge numbers in what many saw as a pivotal match in the destination of the title. A victory at the Aspray Arena would surely mean they had one hand firmly gripping the trophy. As a sideline, we also had the battle of the two leading scorers in the league with John Mills and Craig Bannister amassing 90 goals between them! It was the visitors that started the game very much on the front foot with the pace of Sidric Grant causing problems down the Hereford right. An early volley just over the bar from Aaron Birch signalled the Bulls intentions. They opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Grant outmuscled Tim Jackson and his low cross was scrambled away by Mihai Gherasim into the path of Pablo Haysham who needed no second invitation as the ball nestled in the Khalsa net. Both sides struggled to create any clear opportunities with defences well marshalled by Ryan Green and Tesfa Robinson. Khalsa’s first opening came in the 31st minute when Marvin Nisbett beat Jamie Willetts but before Matt Martin could get onto the ball, Jimmy Oates was on hand to clear. Hereford perhaps should have done better when a Mike Symons cross flew across the face of goal just needing a touch. The Bull should have doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Grant again skipped into the are, playing the ball inside to Haysham who in turn found Joe Tumelty unmarked in the area. Tumelty had to score but his weak effort went harmlessly wide. On the stroke of half-time, the impressive Grant volleyed over the bar.
Hereford continued where they left off, well and truly on the offensive. Grant was unlucky with an acrobatic overhead kick which was just off target. The Bulls doubled their lead in the 58th minute. Tumelty found space and his a stinging drive which was well saved by Gherasim but Symons was on hand to head the ball into the net. Symons was foiled twice in a minute, his shot on the turn saved by Gherasim and then a point-blank header scrambled away. In the 72nd minute, Grant raced through on the right but his shot was straight at Gherasim. In the 82nd minute, Hereford put the game to bed. Grant ran into the penalty area and was upended by Gherasim, the referee having no option other than to award a penalty. Rob Purdie stepped up and made no mistake from the spot. Haysham thought he had made it four three minutes from time but his shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by John Hill. Despite more than 5 minutes of added on time, there were no scares for the Bulls as they maintained their 10 point lead at the top of the table.
An excellent performance by Hereford who are now just 5 points away from the league title. A lot has been said about the Bulls firepower but the defence again showed their worth keeping Craig Bannister quiet which few teams this season have managed. On the day, Khalsa couldn’t make any inroads and Hereford were comfortable at the end. A busy end to the season for both with silverware up for grabs, the highest league position in their history for Khalsa and Wembley glory for the Bulls.

Review
Premier Division
On Thursday evening, Highgate United and Stourport Swifts fought out a 1-1 draw at The Coppice with both goals coming in the second half. The result leaves Highgate in 9th and Swifts in 12th.
Hereford extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points with a 2-0 win at Quorn. Seven more points from their last four games will give the Bulls the title. Dunkirk kept alive their faint hopes of avoiding relegation with an excellent 2-1 win at Westfields. Coventry Sphinx have opened up an 8 point gap over Bardon hill in the battle to keep out of the bottom three. Faisal Koriya scored three times in the last 13 minutes as Sphinx beat Rocester 6-0 at Sphinx Drive. Continental Star are guaranteed to finish in bottom place following their 5-1 defeat at Lye Town for whom Ryan Rowe scored a hat-trick. Coleshill Town are one place ahead of Lye in the league table in 6th place and they scored six goals for the third time in 5 games at Boldmere St Michaels. The final score was 6-1 with Simeon Cobourne scoring a hat-trick. Shepshed Dynamo remain in 5th place despite going down to a 3-2 defeat at Loughborough University. Two goals from Ash Jackson gave Walsall Wood a 2-1 win at Long Eaton United, the winner coming in stoppage time.
On Monday evening, Coleshill Town moved into 4th place with a 3-2 win at Coventry Sphinx. Two goals from Mykel Beckley sent Coleshill on their way with Sphinx still not safe from relegation. Stourport Swifts beat Highgate United 1-0 at Walshes Meadow, Jack Bailey with the goal on the stroke of half-time. Hereford are just 5 points away from the league title following an impressive 3-0 win away at 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa. Alvechurch are clinging on to the Bulls by their fingernails and despite yet another missed penalty, they ran out 2-0 winners over Brocton at Lye Meadow. Dunkirk are doing everything they can to avoid the drop and a 1-0 win at Shepshed Dynamo, the goal from Bruno Holden, means they are 7 points adrift of Coventry Sphinx with three to play. Bardon Hill have 6 huge games remaining to preserve their premier division status. A Luke Edwards goal 5 minutes from time salvaged a point at home to AFC Wulfrunians, 3-3 the final score. The second game in two days for Highgate United and a 1-0 win over Loughborough University at The coppice, courtesy of a 55thminute goal from Nathan Corry. Rocester are clear in 10th place following a 2-0 win at Continental Star.

Division 1
In terrible conditions, Coventry United closed the gap at the top to just two points with a 5-0 win at Stafford Town. Josh O’Grady scored twice as United managed to beat the weather scoring their 21st goal in three games. Coventry Copsewood left it late to grab a point at home to Racing Club Warwick. Trailing 2-1 into stoppage time, Copsewood equalised in the 95th minute meaning they are still one point and one place behind the Racers. There was another late equaliser at the TSA Sports Ground with Daniel Douse scoring in the 92nd minute for Pilkington XXX – the game with Lichfield City ending 2-2.
Coventry United moved to the top of Division 1, coming from behind to beat Lichfield City 2-1 at The McDonalds Community Stadium. Kai Williams was the hero coming off the bench to score twice. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff lost ground on the leaders being held 2-2 at Coventry Copsewood. Alex Naughton scored twice for Griff but missed a second-half penalty which ultimately cost Griff two points. No denying the result of the day as 5th placed Hinckley AFC beat Stafford Town 9-0 at St Johns Park. Former Town striker Sam Agar scored 5 including a hat-trick inside the first 11 minutes as Hinckley notched up 100 league goals for the season. A 1-1 draw between Cadbury Athletic and Pershore Town is probably enough for both sides not to get dragged into the relegation battle. Atherstone Town and Pilkington XXX couldn’t find a goal between in a 0-0 draw at Sheepy Road.
Coventry United moved four points clear at the top of the table with a 2-0 win at Pilkington XXX. Nuneaton Griff kept alive their faint hopes of the title with a 3-0 win at Atherstone Town, Ryan Millerchip with a brace. Hinckley AFC went goal crazy again making it 30 goals in 3 games. Studley were the victims at The Beehive as Hinckley ran out 8-0 winners with hat-tricks fro Sam Agar and Ryan Seal. Pershore Town were also amongst the goals, a 7-1 win at Pelsall Villa putting the hosts in deeper trouble at the bottom of the table. Kallum Powell scored three and Pawel Tomczak two for Pershore. Leicester Road drop to fifth after they were beaten 2-1 at in-form Racing Club Warwick, Wade Malley with the winner late on. Littleton move up to 8th after a fine 1-0 win at Heath Hayes. Two sides still on the fringe of the relegation battle shared the points on Wednesday with Cadbury Athletic and Bolehall Swifts drawing 2-2.

Division 2
The game between Hampton and Feckenham ended in a 1-1 draw at the Hampton Sports Club. The result leaves both clubs desperate for points to avoid the drop.
Chelmsley Town closed the gap at the top to 5 points with a 5-1 win over Austrey Rangers on the 3G at Coleshill Town, the prolific Chris Lloyd with two more. Hampton jumped three places in the table and are now 9th after a 2-1 win at Earlswood Town.
On Monday, Chelmsley Town closed the gap to just two points with a 3-1 win at Austrey Rangers. Paget Rangers closed in on the top 4 with an excellent 2-0 win over 3rd placed Droitwich Spa, who are now 6 points adrift of second having played a game more. Knowle lifted themselves to 8th place with a 3-2 home win over Feckenham. Alvis Sporting Club opened up a 5 point gap on Wednesday with a 3-1 win at Barnt Green Spartak.

Division 3
Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons moved up to 11th position following a 3-0 home win over Enville Athletic.
Redditch United moved to within two points of leaders Leamington Hibernian with a dramatic 4-3 win over Alcester Town. There were hat-tricks for Redditch’s Jason Cowley and Alcester’s Matt Layton in a game that had everything. Smithswood Firs kept in the title race with a 2-0 win at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
The first leg of the first semi-final ended all square at Stourbridge Road. Lye Town took a first half lead but Walsall Wood scored twice in 5 minutes to take a 2-1 lead. Back came Lye and equaliser from Nick Pugh sets up an intriguing second leg.

Les James Challenge Cup Semi Final
Smithswood Firs are through to the final where they will meet Alvis Sporting Club. Firs pulled off a giant-killing beating 2nd Division Paget Rangers 3-1 with Daniel Charlton scoring twice.

County Cups
Lichfield City are through to the Walsall Senior Cup final following a 2-1 win over Walsall Wood. Tyron Smith scored the vital goal in a 2-1 win sending Lichfield to the Bescot Stadium where they will play the winners of Rushall Olympic and Sporting Khalsa. Three goals in the last 10 minutes sent Bromsgrove Sporting through to the final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup at The Victoria ground. Northfield Town were leading 2-1 with 8 minutes remaining but The Rouslers eventually won 4-2. There was heartbreak for FC Stratford who missed out on an appearance at the Ricoh Stadium, losing 2-0 in the semi-final of the Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup to Woodlands WMC.

Reserves
Results
Cadbury Athletic 1 Brocton 6
Gresley 1 Sutton United 2
Rocester 3 Evesham United 1
Gresley 1 Rocester 6

Under 21s
Results
Tamworth 4 H.O.W. Academy 3 (Bowl)
Leamington 3 West Midlands Football Academy 0 (U21S)
Walsall Wood 2 Sutton Coldfield Town 1 (U21N)

Leading Scorers
Premier Division
John Mills Hereford 48
Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42
Lei Brown Highgate United 30
Jamie Cuss Westfields 29
Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 28
Karl Edwards Alvechurch 26
Pablo Haysham Hereford 25

Division 1
Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 38
Tony Clarke Lichfield City 37
Josh O’Grady Coventry United 32
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 32

Division 2
Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 41
James Lemon Droitwich Spa 40
Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 32
Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 27

Division 3
Matt Layton Alcester Town 34
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 32
Peter Martin Barton United 31
Jason Cowley Redditch Borough 25
Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23

Preview
Premier Division
Games are coming thick and fast as we approach the end of the season. On Thursday evening, the focus of attention is on the battle to avoid the drop. Bardon Hill face in-form Lye Town at Bardon Close knowing that a win is vital if they are to overtake Coventry Sphinx. Coventry Sphinx welcome Long Eaton United to Sphinx Drive where a win would relegate Dunkirk and close the gap on 18th placed Quorn. Quorn host Shepshed Dynamo knowing that three points would mean they are mathematically safe from relegation. At the other end of the table, Heanor Town can regain fourth place should they win at Walsall Wood. On Friday evening, the eagerly awaited game between Sporting Khalsa and Alvechurch takes place with Khalsa facing the second of three games in three days. Not ideal preparation but both sides will be giving it their all in the game between 3rd and 2nd. A win for Alvechurch will close the gap to Hereford to seven points with one game in hand.
On Saturday, leaders Hereford will welcome Heanor Town to a packed Edgar Street with the home fans hoping that they will be crowned champions on the day. Heanor have been excellent this season and I’m sure will have something to say about that. As will 2nd placed Alvechurch who welcome lowly Bardon Hill to Lye Meadow. This is a vital game for both sides for contrasting reasons with the advantage very much with the Church. 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa play their 3rd game in three days and it couldn’t be more difficult – away to Coleshill Town who have climbed the table rapidly in recent weeks on the back of a mountain of goals. At the foot of the table, depending on Thursday results, Dunkirk at home to Coventry Sphinx is a game which could seal the fate of the home side or give them fresh incentive with a couple of games to go. Lye Town have finished the season strongly and they will hope for another win on the road at Long Eaton United. Basement side, Continental Star have had a season to forget and they travel to Silkmore Lane to face Brocton. Rocester are in a solid 10th position and they welcome Boldmere St Michaels to Hillsfield. Shepshed Dynamo are still hoping for a top four finish but will need to beat Westfields at home to give them a chance of achieving their goal. Walsall Wood and Highgate United are on for top 10 finishes and they meet at Oak Park. Quorn may still need points to confirm their place in the Premier Division for next season and they welcome AFC Wulfrunians to Farley Way. Loughborough University have had a steady season and they welcome Stourport Swifts to Hollywell for their final home game of the season.
Division 1
On Thursday evening, there are three league games all vital for either promotion or relegation. Leaders Coventry United travel to second bottom Pelsall Villa needing 11 points to clinch the title from the final 5 matches. 2nd placed Bromsgrove Sporting must keep winning to keep up the pressure on United and they face a tough fixture away to in-form Racing Club Warwick. Bottom club Southam United are 11 points away from safety and need a victory at home to Studley to give themselves a chance of escaping.
On Saturday, Coventry United face a stern test of their title credentials when they welcome a resurgent Bolehall Swifts to Sphinx Drive. Bromsgrove Sporting have an equally tricky encounter when Heath Hayes visit the Victoria Ground. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff are still in with an outside chance and Racing Club Warwick are the visitors to the Pingles Stadium. What odds one or more of the title challengers slipping up at home? At the bottom, two if the bottom four meet at Evans park with Stafford Town at home to Heather St Johns. A win for either is likely to guarantee safety. Hinckley AFC have scored 30 goals in their last three games and Coventry Copsewood are next in the firing line at St Johns Park. Leicester Road dropped out of the top four in midweek and they will be hoping for three points at Pershore Town to keep the pressure on Hinckley. Lichfield City probably need two wins to finish in the top 6 and they welcome Cadbury Athletic to the McDonalds Community Stadium in the first of these games. Littleton have had another solid season and they travel to Sheepy Road to face Atherstone Town. Pilkington XXX are sitting in the top half of the table and a win at home to Studley should cement that place.
Division 2
League leaders Alvis Sporting Club have still only dropped two points this season and they take their remarkable record to Austrey Rangers. Game of the day sees 3rd placed Droitwich Spa host 2nd placed Chelmsley Town and a home win is vital if Droitwich are to break into the top two. Paget Rangers are rapidly closing in on 4th place and a win over Fairfield Villa at Church Road could see them take 4th spot. Rostance Edwards are the side that are currently in 4th but four defeats on the trot has seen them slip out of the title race. They will hope to put an end to the poor run when they travel to Hampton. A big game at the foot of the table sees the bottom two go head to head at the Entaco with Feckenham at home to Earlswood Town. Barnt Green Spartak welcome Sutton United to The Coppice in a game between 11th and 6th.
Division 3
On Thursday evening, Coventrians host Barton United who would go fourth with a victory.
Three wins in their last three games will give Leamington Hibernian the title but they face a tough fixture on Saturday when they travel to 4th placed Barton United. 2nd placed Redditch Borough have been in excellent goalscoring form of late and visitors Inkberrow will do well to keep them quiet. Smithswood Firs still have seven to play but a good run could yet see them promoted. FC Stratford are the visitors in the first of those games. Alcester Town can move back into the top 6 if they can pick up three points at Badsey Rangers. 13th meet 14th with Coventrians at home to Enville Athletic. 2nd bottom Perrywood could move level on points with Enville should they win away at Burntwood Town. Northfield Town get back to league action after cup heartbreak in midweek as they host Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
On Thursday evening, Stourport Swifts and Hereford meet in the 1st leg of the league cup final. Hereford will ring the changes following their 3-0 win at Sporting Khalsa on Tuesday and with a Wembley final to look forward to, expect those players coming in to want to show their manager that they should be in the starting line-up. Swifts beat Hereford at Walshes Meadow at the start of the season – how much would they like to take a lead to Edgar Street for the second leg next week?

Midland Football League Newsletter
13th April 2016
League News
Gornal Athletic are looking for an U21 manager for next season to continue the progression of the current squad playing in Midland Football League U21 south on Saturdays. Any interest please email. k.williams880@btinternet.com in the first instance. We are looking to make an appointment before the last couple of games of this season so you can get to know the lads.
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Travels of the Press Officer
Thursday 7th April
Coventry United 3 Nuneaton Griff 2
Two big promotion battles to choose from tonight and my decision was made with me having to be Essex for a meeting at half past midnight (yes, that’s right)! Coventry United have 11 games to play in 23 days and could face no more difficult opponents than 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff, who with Bromsgrove Sporting, are making the quest for promotion from Division 1 a real three-horse race. With manager Edwin Greaves relieved of his duties, this was United’s first game of the new era. They couldn’t have made a better start when Josh O’Grady spun and shot into the corner in the 3rd minute. Richard Blythe had another effort for United well saved by George Woodward. Dave Barnett shot into the side netting but should have done better for Griff in the 8th minute when he decided to pass when he really should have hit the target. Woodward was called into action to make a fine save from an O’Grady free-kick. Midway through the half, Griff wasted another goods chance when Kieron Brehon missed the target. Chances were coming at both ends and Josh Blake failed to control a cross from Blythe when well placed. Luke Shorthuose hit a snapshot just over the bar before Griff levelled in the 34th minute. A quick break by the visitors saw the ball played into Alex Naughton and he fires past Rich Morris despite a valiant attempt by the United keeper. As the half drew to a close both Naughton and Blake were off target.
Griff started the second half the better with Brehon going close before Barnett was well off target. Shorthouse forced a save from Morris and at the other end Woodward made a comfortable save from an O’Grady free-kick. Josh Ruff was causing panic in the United defence and he ran through the backline before tripping himself up as he reached the penalty area. Griff deservedly took the lead in the 71st minute. Danny Harris delivered a deep free-kick which Ryan Millerchip headed on to the waiting Barnett who volleyed into the net. It should have been three 5 minutes later. More good work by Ruff gave Naughton the chance, and with the goal at his mercy, he managed to hit the ball against the defender rather than steering the ball into the empty net. Naughton again missed a gilt-edged chance in the 82nd minute after being set up by Shorthouse. You always felt that Griff may rue the missed chances and with two minutes on the clock Rob Prinzel headed home from a corner. Griff had another chance on 90 minutes when Millerchip headed Ruff’s free-kick on the bar. United were not finished yet and in the 93rd minute, O’Grady wriggled into the box where he was tripped by Anton Astley . The referee had no choice other than to award a spot-kick which Chris Cox despatched with power. With the home fans going wild, Astley received a second yellow for a foul on Matt Brown. At the final whistle, United had closed the gap on leaders Bromsgrove Sporting with the title still up for grabs for all three sides.
Saturday 9th April
Hereford 4 Brocton 1
Following their win on Thursday at Alvechurch, Hereford came into the match on top of the pile. With the news that the Alvechurch pitch had failed an inspection, the opportunity was there to open up a four-point lead. Standing in their way were Brocton who were on a great run of results away from home. Cheered on by another 3,000+ crowd, the Bulls started in breathtaking fashion. In the 3rd minute, Mike Symons created an opening for Mustapha Bundu but he inexplicably missed the target. Brocton keeper Callum Barrett was in for a busy afternoon and he did well to stop Symons in his tracks, no mean feat in itself. Bundu was proving to be a real threat and after he cut inside, his shot was too high to trouble Barrett. Aaron Birch was next to waste an opportunity for Hereford, sidefooting wide after being teed up by Jimmy Oates. In the 11th minute, Bundu confused the Brocton defense with a stepover but Barrett was alive to save his shot. Pablo Haysahm was next to test Barrett, and Gary Fife did well to clear away the danger for Brocton. The opening goal came in the 14th minute when Bundu shot in off the crossbar. Barrett again saved Brocton, palming away a header from Symons. Against the run of play, Brocton levelled midway through the half. A cross from Dave berks found Jack Edwards at the far post. Edwards beat Oates, turned and curled his shot past Martin Horsell. Brocton almost took the lead in the 29th minute when a Berks free-kick was headed past his own goal by Jamie Laird. A minute later and the battle between the Bulls and Barrett continued with the Badgers keeper making a marvellous save from Bundu. The chances kept coming for Hereford and Oates should have done better with a header from a Rob Purdie corner. In the 39th minute, the Brocton goal somehow remained intact after Sirdic Grant his the post and then Barrett, who else, foiled Bundu.
The second half commenced as the first had finished with Hereford on the attack. Bundu skipped past Charlie Jones down the left and his cross was volleyed wide by Haysham. Purdie had a snap shot saved by Barrett, standing firm under all the pressure. In the 51st minute, Hereford were awarded a penalty when Ed Booth was all over Grant and brought him down in the area. There were no complaints from Brocton and Bundu made them pay with an excellent spot-kick. The goal relaxed the team and the fans and a great combination between grant and Bundu saw the latter fire over. Grant again set-up Bundu and again the striker fired over before the duo combined for Grant to fire wide. The third Hereford goal came in the 69th minute following the introduction of Joe Tumelty. With his first touch from the by-line, his cross was tapped in by Symons from inside the 6-yard box. Tumelty almost grabbed a goal for himself but Barrett made another fine save. In the 77th minute, John Mills missed a sitter for Hereford, failing to connect with a Rob Purdie corner. However, goal number four wasn’t long in coming as Tumelty’s low cross was turned in by Laird at the far post. Grant should have made it 5 just before full time but he completely miss-kicked in front of goal.
All in all, a commanding performance by the Bulls who look a certainty to take the title.
Monday 11th April
Heath Hayes 4 Lichfield City 0 (Staffordshire Vase Final)
Another wet and miserable evening but thankfully, the improved playing surface at Stafford Rangers FC means tonight’s Staffordshire Vase final goes ahead. Two MFL Division 1 sides have reached the final, and with only one place separating them in the league table, a closely fought cup tie is expected. A decent crowd, most of which sit in the main stand at Marston Road, had braved the elements to see some silverware. The first effort of the game came from Hayes’ Liam Degville but his shot was off target. Joe Pickering swung in a free-kick for Hayes and although Jack Arrowsmith got his head to the ball it was easy for City keeper Sherdon Martinez. Lichfield’s first attempt came from Michael Taylor – his shot on the turn deflected for a corner. Another free-kick from Pickering caused problems in the City defence but Dimitri Dunkley couldn’t divert it towards goal. Hayes continued to press and a low hard cross from Pickering evaded everyone. Heath hayes deservedly took the lead in the 27th minute and it was an excellent individual goal from Dunkley. He rode a strong challenge, ran purposefully into the box and shot into the bottom corner. Lichfield could hvae been level within three minutes. Dexter Ravenhill delivered a free-kick into the area but Taylor was off target with his header. A quick break by Lichfuield sent Taylor clear but his shot cannoned back off the post with Mark Wiggins beaten. At the other end, Heath hayes came close to a second when Degville’s shot was cleared off the line. Lichfield’s leading scorer Tony Clarke had been kept very quiet but a fine piece of skill from the striker, controlling, spinning and shooting in one fluid movement, forced a fine save from Wiggins. Lichfield went close again when Ravenhill’s cross was diverted over his own bar by Alex Scott. In first half stoppage time, Martin Crawford was off target for Lichfield who had finished the half strongly.
The second half started with Heath hayes on the offensive. England Under 18 International, Joe Hartshorne won the ball but over ran it as he was closed down by three defenders and Lichfield managed to hack it away from danger. Heath Hayes doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Another excellent Pickering free-kick was headed into the corner by Arrowsmith, the ball delivered with such pace that a decent flick was ll that was required. Things got even better for Heath hayes two minutes later and it was a goal to grace any occasion but particularly a cup-final. Jack Partridge received the ball some 30 yards from goal and curled his shot into the top corner past the despairing dive of Martinez. It was now pretty much one-way traffic and Dunkley again forced a save from Martinez. Joe Haines had a chance for Lichfield but his header was straight at Wiggins. Degville was off target again for Heath Hayes after he had created space in the middle of the park. Heath Hayes were now playing some superb football and from one flowing move Pickering cleared the crossbar with this shot. Heath Hayes’ fourth was a wonderful team goal. Starting at the back, they passed it eventually to full back Harry Phillips rampaging down the right. His cross found the feet of Pickering on the edge of the area and his left-foot shot was perfect. Martinez made a fine double save to thwart Pickering and then Arrowsmith but it was Heath hayes who celebrated a fine victory at the final whistle.
An excellent game of football played in horrible conditions. The passing football produced by heath Hayes was a joy to behold and Lichfield had no answer to them on the night.
Tuesday 12th April
AFC Wulfrunians 2 Sporting Khalsa 2
These two sides had served up a couple of crackers already this season with Wulfs winning in the league and Khalsa in the FA Cup, both by 3-2 margins. Thankfully, yesterday’s rain had relented to allow the game to go ahead albeit on a heavy pitch. Wulfs shocked their high-flying neighbours by taking the lead in the 5th minute. Jake Sedgemore whipped in a free-kick which was headed home by centre-back Matt Hunt. Craig Bannister was unlucky in the 8th minute when his shot was deflected for a corner. Jamie King created an opening for himself but the Wulfs striker fired well wide and a minute later he burst into the area but allowed the Khalsa defenders time to clear. In the 25th minute it was the home side again that threatened, a quick break down the right and Craig Gregg’s shot was saved. A minute later, Khalsa went close when Marvin Nisbett’s close range effort was saved by Josh Moreton. The game was being played at a good pace and Wulfs went close with David Howells headers saved by Mihai Gherasim. Gregg was very busy in the home midfield and in the 31st minute he forced another save from Gherasim. Khalsa equalised int erh35th minute. Bannister delivered a free-kick into the box, Tes Robinson headed it back and David Meese poached inside the 6-yard box and steered it home. Khalsa should have been in front three minutes but the ver reliable Bannister beat the post after creating the space and deceiving Moreton. On the stroke of half-time, a challenge on Brad Lawley sparked a melée but both sets of players retreated to the dressing room.
The start of the second half was delayed while the referee brandished a red card to Nathan Rose-Laing. Whether this was for his involvement in the contretemps at the end of the first half, whether it was something he said or what, no-one knew. Suffice to say, it did not go down well with the home side. Now down to 10 men, you would expect Khalsa to overpower the home side. Although they had plenty of possession they rarely posed a threat to Moreton’s goal and Wulfs grew more and more comfortable as the half wore on. The game was drifting to its conclusion when Khalsa sub Callum Cooper changed the complexion of the game with a stunning shot from 25 yards which went in off the crossbar. With only three minutes remaining, surely Khalsa had done enough to pick up all three points. Don’t you bet on it? Three minutes into time added on, Jake Sedgemore’s free-kick was scramble in at the far post by Ben Jevons to give the 10 men an unlikely equaliser and an unlikely point.
A very enjoyable game of football between two committed sides. On another day, with a different referee, the number of cards of both colours may well have been higher – in some ways this would have been preferred by the officials of both clubs.
Wednesday 13th April
Continental Star 1 Hereford 5
A bottom versus top clash and a chance for the Bulls of Hereford to move 7 points clear in the battle for promotion. Hereford fans, as per normal, turned up in number expecting to cheer their side on to an improved goal difference with the home side already relegated. As expected, Hereford attached from the off but Aaron Birch was wide with his 3rd minute effort. Mustapha Bundu forced a fine save from Jordan Ellis, the first of many from the Continental Star keeper. In the 7th minute, Sidric Grant;s low shot was well saved. From the resulting corner. Jamie Willetts saw two shots blocked on the line. Star were really putting in a huge effort to keep out Hereford and Mike Symons was next to have s hot blocked by the home defence. John Mills blasted wide when in a decent position. Excellent work by Grant teed up Mills and his goalbound effort was somehow kept out by the excellent Ellis. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead. A corner from the right was poorly defended and Franklin Hazell hooked the ball home to silence the crowd. Ellis made another fine save after a James Bowen long throw flicked off a Star defender, the keeper tipping it over the bar. Rob Purdie was inches wide with a free-kick and Mills was off target with another header. The equaliser came on the stroke of half-time. Bundu flicked on the ball and Mills, spotting the keeper off his line, lifted it over him and into the net.
At the start of the second half, Mills blasted another shot over but the second goal wasn’t long in coming. A corner from the right was nodded into the box by Willetts and Bundu steered it home. Hereford claims for a penalty for handball were waved away by the referee as Herford pressed for more goals.Bundu was on target with a free-kick but Ellis made a comfortable save. Hereford scored a third in the 71st minute. A quick break from the back involving Bundu and Grant finished with Bundu playing the ball into the path of Anthony Robbins and he made no mistake. With the Continental Star defence tiring, it was now a case of how many more goals could Hereford score. Ellis was again on hand to thwart Bundu but he could no nothing about goal number 4 with fifteen minutes remaining. A cross came in from the left-hand side and Mills planted his header into the corner. Hereford continued to drive forward and the fifth and final goal came 3 minutes into stoppage time when Ross Staley beat the keeper and finished with aplomb.
Continental Star gave everything but were simply overpowered in the end by a side that look like league champions. While not at their best, Hereford continue to carve out chances and converting even a small percentage led to 5 goals.

Review
Premier Division
On Thursday evening, Hereford returned to the top of the Premier Division with a 2-1 win at previous leaders Alvechurch. In front of a mammoth Lye Meadow crowd of 1600+, the Bulls raced into a 2-0 lead before Church came back. Church’s penalty woes continued as Jordan Nadat’s spot-kick was saved by Martin Horsell to give the visitors all three points and the advantage in the title race.
With the game at Alvechurch postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, Hereford took full advantage and opened up a 4 point lead at the top thanks to a 4-1 win over Brocton. The sides were level at the break but a penalty from Mustapha Bundu, his second goal of the game, sent them on their way. Third-placed Sporting Khalsa are 12 points behind and realistically out of the race after being held 1-1 by Quorn. Heanor Town move up to 4th after a 7-0 win over already relegated Continental Star. Nick Hall and Matt Harris both scored twice with three goals coming in the last 5 minutes. Shepshed Dynamo slip back a place after being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Coleshill Town, Simeon Cobourne equalising for the visitors two minutes into time added on. Walsall Wood drop down to 7th after a surprising heavy defeat at Rocester. The Romans won the game 5-0 with Oliver Roome scoring twice. At the bottom, Dunkirk’s plight is looking more and more ominous as they went down to a solitary Paul Hurrell goal at Stourport Swifts. Likewise, Bardon Hill are in deep trouble. 5 points behind Coventry Sphinx with only one game in hand and their goal difference was not improved with a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Westfields, Jamie Cuss scored twice for Fields while Dunkirk had two players red carded. Lye Town have run into a rich vein of form and that continued with a 1-0 victory at AFC Wulfrunians. A Harry Howard goal for Boldmere St Michaels dented Highgate United’s hopes of a top 6 finish as the Mikes won 1-0 at The Coppice.
On Tuesday evening, there was a dramatic end to the game between AFC Wulfrunians and Sporting Khalsa at Castlecroft. Khalsa took the lead in the 87th minute but Wulfs, playing with 10 men for the whole of the second half, drew level in the 3rd minute of stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw. Dunkirk’s battle against relegation is almost over as they went down 4-0 at Quorn, Jacob Lever scoring twice. Bardon Hill surrendered home advantage to Loughborough University due to the weather and the students thanked them by inflicting a 7-0 defeat. Ben Ward-Cochrane grabbed as a hat-trick as Bardon concede their 100th league goal of the season. Lye Town’s excellent end to the season continued with a 3-2 win at Stourport Swifts which moves them up to 7th in the table. Highgate United suffered their fourth successive defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Rocester at The Coppice. Hereford extended their lead at the top of the table to 7 points but had to come from behind to beat Continental Star 5-1, John Mills adding two more to his tally. Long Eaton United and Boldmere St Michaels shared the points and six goals in a 3-3 draw at Grange Park.
Division 1
On Thursday evening, the teams in 3rd and 2nd met at Sphinx Drive and it was 3rd placed Coventry United that came out on top in a dramatic encounter. United took an early lead through Josh O’Grady but Nuneaton Griff came back to take the lead midway through the second half. They really should have out the game to bed missing two glorious chances before the home side grabbed an equaliser two minutes from time. The home fans were sent wild 3 minutes into stoppage time when Chris Cox converted a penalty to shake up the title race even more.
Big winners of the day in Division 1 were Hinckley AFC who scored thirteen times without reply at bottom club Southam United. Southam had lost a number of players during the week and started the game with ten men. For Hinckley, Ryan Seal scored 4, Sam Agar 3 and Darius Darkin 2 as they move up to 5th in the table. Coventry United also racked up a double figure score beating 2nd bottom Pelsall Villa 11-0 at Sphinx Drive. Both Richard Blythe and Josh Blake scored hat-tricks with doubles for Josh O’Grady and Matt Brown. Leaders Bromsgrove Sporting had to come from behind to beat Coventry Copsewood at The Victoria ground. A crowd of 431 witnessed a second half hat-trick for Will Tibbetts as the Rouslers stay 5 points clear. 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff bounced back from their defeat at Coventry United to edge past Lichfield City 2-1. At the bottom Stafford Town remain level with Pelsall Villa following a 2-1 defeat at Pershore Town. Bolehall Swifts recent good run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Rene Road by Littleton. Leicester Road stay 4th following a 3-0 win over Cadbury Athletic, Matthew Stenson with a brace. Heath Hayes travelled to the Beehive and were well and truly stung as Studley took all 3 points with a 3-1 win. A Wade Malley goal ensured that Racing Club Warwick are in the top half of the table with a 1-0 win at Pilkington XXX.
Coventry United closed the gap at the top to 5 points with three games in hand with an emphatic 5-0 derby win at Coventry Copsewood, Josh O’Grady scoring twice. Stafford Town did their survival chances a power of good with a 3-2 win at Cadbury Athletic. Spencer Gunnell was on target twice for the reds who move above Heather St johns with the win. A James Hicks goal late on gave Leicester Road all 3 points at Studley which strengthens their hold on 4th place in the table.
Division 2
On Thursday evening, the juggernaut that is Alvis Sporting Club took over top spot with a 7-2 win over Sutton United. Kiam Galdins helped himself to a hat-trick and Dildale Linton added two more to his impressive tally as Alvis lead Chelmsley Town by two points with the two sides meeting on Saturday.
The game between the top two at the Pavilion went the way of Alvis Sporting Club with a 4-0 win over Chelmsley Town. Alvis now hold a five-point lead with games in hand and it will take a monumental effort to stop them winning the league. Droitwich Spa held a 2 goal lead at Knowle but the home side came back and snatched an equaliser in stoppage time through Tom Craine, his second of the game, to dent Droitwich’s promotion push. A 90th-minute goal from Joe Casley meant back to back wins for Earlswood Town as they beat Fairfield Villa 1-0. Hampton improved their chances of staying out of the bottom two with a tremendous 5-1 win at Coton Green, Steve Joynes with a hat-trick. Paget Rangers closed the gap on 4th placed Rostance Edwards with a 2-0 win over the Eddies.
Alvis Sporting Club increased their lead at the top of the table with win 17 out of 18 beating Knowle 3-2 at The Robins Nest. Alex Knight scored twice for Knowle but it wasn’t enough to inflict a first league defeat of the season on the leaders.
Division 3
Loads of goals in Division 3 with 7 or more in four of the fixtures. Promotion chasing Smithswood Firs were involved in an amazing game at Perrywood. 3-1 down and then 4-3 in front only for Perrywood to equalise in the 89th minute to seal a 4-4 draw. Shipston Excelsior made it seven wins out of seven with a dramatic fightback at Northfield Town. 3-1 down with four minutes left, Shipston took all three points with a 4-3 win, Patrick Fetherston with a brace. Leaders, Leamington Hibernian hold a 7 point lead after they beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons 4-2, two goals each for Will Pendred and Alister Wrist Barton United are up to 5th after beating Alcester Town 2-1, George Stack with the winner in the 90th minute. Enville Athletic were the high scorers on the day, beating AFC Solihull 6-1 at Hall Drive with braces for Tim Parry and Adam Wooldridge. There were another 7 goals at Inkberrow who beat Burntwood Town 5-2, Josh Walker with a couple. FC Stratford are back up to 4th place with a 3-1 win at Coventrians.
Smithswood Firs closed the gap on the top two with a narrow 3-2 win over Northfield Town at The Mackadown Stadium.
County Cups
Heath Hayes lifted the Staffordshire Vase with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Lichfield City at Stafford Rangers FC. The goals were shared around with the pick being a 30-yard effort from Jack Partridge. Alvechurch lifted the Worcestershire Senior Urn beating Bromsgrove Sporting 3-0 at Evesham United FC.
Reserves
Results
Cadbury Athletic 0 Romulus 2
Coleshill Town 3 Brocton 1
Coventry United 2 Rocester 2
Lichfield City 3 Gresley 1
Gresley 2 Lichfield City 4
Under 21s
Results
Anstey Nomads 1 Basford United 6 (U21N)
Heath Hayes 3 H.O.W. Academy 0 (Bowl)
Tamworth 2 Anstey Nomads 1
Leading Scorers
Premier Division
Joel Mills Hereford 48
Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42
Lei Brown Highgate United 30
Jamie Cuss Westfields 29
Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 28
Karl Edwards Alvechurch 26
Division 1
Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 37
Tony Clarke Lichfield City 36
Josh O’Grady Coventry United 30
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 27
Division 2
James Lemon Droitwich Spa 40
Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 39
Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 32
Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 27
Division 3
Matt Layton Alcester Town 31
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 31
Peter Martin Barton United 31
Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23

Preview
Premier Division
One game on Thursday sees a mid-table clash between Highgate United and Stourport Swifts. Current form favours Swifts but expect it t be tight either way.
Leaders Hereford travel to Quorn on Saturday with the league title getting ever nearer. The Bulls are in excellent form and will expect to pick up all 3 points. There is a huge battle at the Aspray Arena as 3rd entertain 2nd. Sporting Khalsa will still believe they can take the runner-up spot while Alvechurch need to win every game if they are to overtake Hereford and clinch the title. With two of the more intense managers in opposition, this could be tasty on the pitch and in the technical area. 4th placed Heanor Town can pretty much cement a top 6 finish with a win away at relegation threatened Bardon Hill. A couple of wins for Coventry Sphinx has given them real hope in avoiding relegation. They face mid-table Rocester at Sphinx Drive with a chance for a much-needed victory. Dunkirk’s Premier Division stay is almost done and nothing short of a win at Westfields will suffice for the Boatmen. The last thing you need after having relegation confirmed is to meet the two in-form sides in the Division. This is the fate for Continental Star who follow up Wednesday’s home game against Hereford with a daunting trip to Lye Town. Coleshill Town are rapidly closing in on 100 league goals for the season and they take their goalscoring prowess to Boldmere St Michaels. There is a local derby to savour at Hollywell where Shepshed Dynamo are the visitors to Loughborough University. Walsall Wood have a chance of a top 6 finish but will need all 3 points from their trip to Long Eaton United to aid their cause. Highgate United are also hoping to squeeze into the top 6 but recent results have undermined this. They welcome Brocton to The Coppice with the Badgers comfortable in the middle of the pack. At Walshes Meadow, Stourport Swifts face the second of three games in 5 days with AFC Wulfrunians the visitors.
Division 1
Three games on Thursday evening with the big game featuring sides at both ends of the table. Stafford Town had an excellent win on Tuesday evening to move three points clear of the relegation zone but they face a tough task at Evans park as title chasers Coventry United are in town. Coventry have scored 19 goals in their last three games and a win will put them within two points of leaders Bromsgrove Sporting. It’s 11th versus 10th as in-form Racing Club Warwick make the short journey to Coventry Copsewood. A good end to the season could see Pilkington XXX move into the top 6 however they will need to start with a victory at home to Lichfield City.
Game of the day on Saturday is at Townsend Meadow where two in-form sides go head to head. Bromsgrove Sporting remain top of the pile but with Coventry United breathing down their necks they cannot afford to drop points. Racing Club Warwick will provide a stern test and this could be a goal fest. Coventry United are also on their travels and face a tough encounter at Lichfield City, who have been in and around the top 6 all season. Nuneaton Griff are still in the race for promotion but cannot afford any more dropped points and they face a local derby at Coventry Copsewood. At the bottom, it is looking bleak for Southam United who are 11 points adrift of safety. They welcome high-flying Leicester Road to Banbury Road in what could be another difficult afternoon. Pelsall Villa are in the bottom two and they face Studley at the Bush, the reverse fixture last month ending in a 3-0 win for the Bees. Heather St Johns have only three games remaining to get the points required to stay up, the first of these away to Littleton. Stafford Town face two of their relegation rivals in their final two games so anything they gain from a trip to Hinckley AFC will be seen as a bonus. Cadbury Athletic have been dragged into the relegation dogfight and they have a must win game at home to Pershore Town. Pilkington XXX could squeeze into the top 6 with a good end to the season and they face an awkward looking trip to Atherstone Town, who won the reverse fixture 3-2.
Division 2
One game on Thursday affecting the bottom of the table with Feckenham at home to Hampton, the game being played at Hampton due to the weather.
Alvis Sporting Club have opened up a big lead at the top of the table and they play host to Rostance Edwards who have slipped away in recent weeks. 2nd placed Droitwich Spa are back in league action needing all 3 points in their game at Sutton united to maintain any sort of pressure on the sides around them. Chelmsley Town are the realistic nearest challengers to Alvis and they will expect all 3 points at home to Austrey Rangers. Bottom club Earlswood Town have had back to back wins and could make it three on the trot when they face lowly Hampton at The Pavilions. Feckenham have suffered with the weather more than most and they will hope to welcome Barnt Green Spartak to the Entaco and gain three points to move them towards safety.
Division 3
Leaders Leamington Hibernian can extend their lead at the top of the table with victory over 2nd bottom Perrywood. In-form Shipston Excelsior, after 7 straight wins, could go 4th if they can beat FC Stratford at London Road. Barton United are another side that could move into the top four as they travel to basement side AFC Solihull. Enville Athletic had an excellent win last weekend and victory at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons would move them above their hosts. Alcester Town have slipped to 7th place but they too could move into the top four with a win at Burntwood Town. Northfield Town have seven games to play but are too far adrift to break into the top three but a win over Badsey Rangers should move them into the top half. Inkberrow are 8th and have picked 13 points in the last 5 games. They entertain Coventrians – when the two sides met a fortnight ago, Inkberrow won by the odd goal in 5.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
On Thursday, the first semi-final of the League Cup gets underway with in-form Lye Town welcoming Walsall Wood to Stourbridge Road. Lye have racked up some impressive victories in recent weeks and Walsall Wood will want to keep it tight for the second leg next week.
Les James Challenge Cup Semi-Final
An intriguing semi-final between two sides in good form from different divisions. Smithswood Firs from Division 3 have home advantage over Division 2 Paget Rangers with Division 2 leaders Alvis Sporting Club awaiting the winners in the final. This has all the hallmarks of a great cup tie.
Reserves
Cadbury Athletic Reserves v Brocton Reserves
Coventry United Reserves v Solihull Moors Reserves
Gresley Reserves v Sutton United Reserves
Rocester Reserves v Evesham United Reserves
Under 21
Kings Heath Concorde U21 v Stourport Swifts U21
Leamington U21 v Bedworth United U21
Tamworth U21 v H.O.W. Academy U21
Walsall Wood U21 v Tipton Town U21

Midland Football League Newsletter
6th April 2016
League News
Droitwich Spa FC are delighted to announce our plans for 2016/17 season -provided promotion is attained.
A ground-share deal with Bromyard Town FC (of the West Midland League Premier Division) has been agreed. We would like to thank Richard Greenall, Tony Haverfield and everyone connected with Bromyard Town FC for their help, support and understanding of our situation, needs and requirements.
Delahay Meadow boasts a plush main stand with over 100 along with further covered accommodation on the opposite side. Floodlights are also present along with an impressive clubhouse and changing room complex, food bar and turnstiles for supporters. For more information on Bromyard Town FC, you can visit their website:
http:// http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/bromyardtown
In more exciting news, coupled with the ground-share, the club have also applied to enter the FA Vase for the first time in our history – again dependent on the final league position. This is a huge step forward for the club and is likely to be an excellent experience for all involved. The move is a necessity to enable us to gain promotion and compete in the FA Vase as our current facilities do not meet ground grading criteria. This would hopefully be a short-term move while the necessary work is done to our current home at King George's to bring it up to the standard required in Division 1 and above.
More details on these developments will be unveiled as the season draws to a close.
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TIPTON TOWN FC UNDER 21s
Are looking for a new manager/coach for next season, we are already an established team playing in the MFL and are looking for a new Manager/Coach due to our existing management team moving to our first team coaching staff.
If anyone is interested please contact Ian Guy on 07759551092 or email b.wheale@sky.com
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Boldmere St Michaels have today been granted planning permission to install a 3G surface at the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground.
The club has today been delivered a massive boost with the momentous news that our application to install a state of the art FIFA Approved artificial playing surface has been approved by Birmingham City Council. Not only will the main pitch be replaced, but the development will include two floodlit 5-a-side courts, providing training facilities for the club's junior sides and the local community.
The installation will require the famous Trevor Brown Memorial Ground slope to be levelled and includes brand new pitch surrounds, netting, fencing and bicycle storage. Disabled access and movement will be greatly enhanced. The pitch will be installed for the start of next season, with work starting in early May.
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The March Team of the Month awards are:
Overall - Hereford
Division 1 - Bolehall Swifts
Division 2 - Paget Rangers
Division 3 - Redditch Borough
Reserve Division - Cadbury Athletic
Under 21 Division - Heath Hayes C

Congratulations to those clubs

Travels of the Press Officer
Thursday 31st March
Sporting Khalsa 4 Coventry Sphinx 1
An important game at both ends of the table with Sporting Khalsa attempting to put pressure on Alvechurch and Hereford at the top and Coventry Sphinx battling with Bardon Hill to avoid the drop. The home side started off with purpose and took the lead in the 2nd minute with Lee Wherton firing home a loose ball. The goal certainly rocked Sphinx and Khalsa piled on the pressure with Matt Gardner and Craig Bannister off target. Marvin Nesbitt was next to try his luck but his effort was weak leaving an easy save for Ash Mahotra. Sphinx first foray forward saw Robbie Banks try from a distance but it was a comfortable save for Mihai Gherasim. Sphinx had now established a foothold and Jean Dakouri had a shot saved. Mitch Thomson was just off target but Sphinx should have been level in the 23rd minute. A corner from their left was met by Same Delaney at the far post but he planted his free header against the post. The visitors were made to pay in spectacular style in the 31st minute. Khalsa were awarded a free-kick just outside the area. Leading scorer Bannister, picked his spot and curled a superb free-kick into the far corner past the stranded Mahotra. Three minutes later and Bannister made it three. With defenders all around him, he did enough to create a small opening and curled another shot into exactly the same part of the net.
The visitors started the second half better and Delaney forced a save from Gherasim with another far post header. Sphinx were back in the game through the individual skill of Thomson in the 55th minute. He picked up the ball, beat two defenders and supplied the perfect finish to give his side hope, An excellent run by Garfield Robinson ended with his cross being saved. Banks then had a shot on target before a free-kick from Faisal Koriya just lacked the final touch in the area. Robinson wasted a good chance in the 78th minute hitting his shot at Ghereasim. With time running out, Khalsa grabbed a fourth. A Matt NMarting corner was flicked on by David Meese at the near post and Brad Lawley supplied the finish , heading in unopposed at the back post. There was still time for Dakouri to force another save from Gherasim but it was the league’s third-placed team that took the points.
A 4-1 scoreline was harsh on Sphinx as they had plenty of the play but couldn’t find the finish. Khalsa weren’t at their fluent best but two pieces of sublime quality from Bannister took the game away from Sphinx. With two games against Alvechurch and a home game against Hereford, there is till a lot to play for. As for Sphinx, next week’s game at Bardon Hill is starting to look pivotal.

Saturday 2nd April
Enville Athletic 0 Leamington Hibernian 3
A game from the top and bottom of Division 3 as leaders Leamington Hibernian travel to Hall Drive to face lowly Enville Athletic. The morning brings yet more rain with cancellations in both the premier Division and Division 1. Thankfully, there is no problem in Division 3 and a gloriously sunny afternoon heralds my first trip to Enville Athletic. This is one of the most picturesque venues you will see sitting in the grounds of Enville Hall – no better backdrop in the MFL. My previous visit to Hall Drive was in the summer many, many moons ago when I played cricket here. To the football and Leamington have opened up a 7 point lead at the top of the table with very few fixtures falling foul of the weather. The home side have had a mixed season and currently sit 14th out of 16 teams. If you weren’t aware of the relative positions, as an observer of the first quarter of an hour, you may have though that Enville were the higher placed side. In the 7th minute, the ball was played into the path of Steve Stern and his shot was tipped around the post by Hibs keeper Jake Hills. Stern had another decent effort in the 14th minute which Hills had to stretch to save. With their first real attempt, Leamington took the lead in the 23rd minute. As they were to do all afternoon, the visitors broke quickly and, when the ball reached Luke Swinnerton, his finish was clinical. Enville went close to an equaliser just before the break but the header from a free-kick flashed wide.
Leamington doubled their lead in the 52nd minute and it was all Enville’s own undoing. A poor pass at the back went straight to the feet of Joe Wright. His shot beat Rheece Dawes but rebounded off the post into the path of Jon Byrne, who made no mistake. It was now all Leamington, and Dawes did well to turn away a header from one of his own defenders, Dan Williams. Swinnerton went close to a 3rd but his shot was just off target. Leamington grabbed a third in the 59th minute. Enville should have scored but the final shot was blocked and away came Leamington , the ball was played into Swinnerton and his shot went in off the post. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Ian Pollock was shown a straight red card, presumably for something he said. Enville wasted a good chance a minute later, Delano Webley’s shot off target with the keeper stranded. The home side almost gifted Leamington a 4th when Swinnerton shot from 35 yards, Dawes flapping at it and almost letting it slip from his grasp. Enville continued to work hard and the impressive Webley crossed low only for the referee to award a free-kick to Leamington for handball. Tom Bew was just off target with a header as Enville searched for a consolation goal and in the final minute, Hills again kept the home side out.
There was little to choose between the two sides but the extra quality and finishing were with Leamington. Leamington look a very good side going forward and this ability could well land them the title. Enville have some talent in their side and, with better finishing, could have got something out of the game. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hall Drive – I recommend a visit.

Tuesday, April 5th
Brocton 2 Dunkirk 4
With an early start for business on Wednesday morning, a local game is the requirement and none better on a lovely spring evening than a trip to Silkmore Lane. Home side Brocton have been on a great run of late while visitors Dunkirk are desperate for points near the foot of the table. Still smarting from their stoppage-time defeat at home to Hereford, Dunkirk started the game with a point to prove. Chris Spencer was the first to have an effort on goal but his effort was just off target while Mark Smith gave a comfortable save to Callum Barrett. With their first attempt on goal, Brocton hit the woodwork through Sean Kinsella. Midway through the first half, Ben Gathercole made an excellent save for Dunkirk keeping out Matt Dean’s shot on the turn. Dunkirk grabbed the lead in the 33rd minute. A cross was whipped in from the left and Ed Booth, the Brocton centre back, supplied an excellent finish – unfortunately into his own net. Spencer went close to doubling Dunkirk’s lead but Barrett made the save. Brocton were level in the 38th minute. Jack Edwards played the ball into the path of Paul McMahon who curled his shot into the top corner.
Dunkirk went close again at the start of the second half. A quick break from defence finished with Spencer forcing Barrett into a save. Spencer then hit the side netting as Dunkirk continued to impress. On the hour mark, Josh Wilson burst into the area forcing a save from Gathercole and McMahon appeared to be tripped when going for the rebound although the appeals were not that vociferous. Brocton took the lead a minute later. Edwards brought the ball down, controlled swivelled and volleyed the ball past Gathercole and into the net. A goal that would grace any game anywhere in the world. Dunkirk were soon on level terms, a goal of high quality from Andy Hutchinson, beating Barrett from 20 yards. Within 3 minutes, Dunkirk were in the lead – another excellent break with Spencer supplying the finish. Brocton were shell shocked and it got worse for the Badgers in the 72ns minute when Hutchinson stabbed the ball home following a defensive mistake. Edwards missed a late chance for Brocton and Whitt could have made it 5 for Dunkirk but his shot was saved by Barrett.
An impressive performance by Dunkirk who thoroughly deserved their win. It may be too little too late but a few more performances like this one and the great escape could be on. As for Brocton, too many defensive mistakes on the night cost them. They know they cannot defend like that on Saturday at Edgar Street.

Review
Premier Division
On Thursday night, Hereford closed the gap at the top to just two points with a 4-0 win at Long Eaton United. John Mills got back into the scoring groove with a couple and notched the Bulls 100th league goal of the campaign. Sporting Khalsa are ever closer in third place and they added to Coventry Sphinx relegation worries with a 4-1 win at the Aspray Arena. Leading scorer Craig Bannister bagged two more to keep up with John Mills in the scoring stakes. Walsall Wood and Rocester battled to a point apiece in a 1-1 draw at Oak Park.
Hereford left it very late to gain all 3 points at Dunkirk on Saturday. 5 minutes into stoppage time, Mike Symons grabbed the vital goal to give Hereford a 3-2 victory which was hard on relegation-threatened Dunkirk. Jordan Nadat scored twice as Alvechurch maintained their 2 point lead at the top with a 3-0 win at Coventry Sphinx. Sean Butler saved a Craig Bannister penalty in the first half meaning Sporting Khalsa dropped two points in their bid to gatecrash the top two. The game at Boldmere St Michaels ended goalless. There were goals aplenty elsewhere with Lye Town leading the way beating Highgate United 7-3 at Stourbridge Road. Ryan Rowe helped himself to a hat-trick with Dreniz Bala scoring twice. Coleshill Town were another side to slam in the goals as they beat Long Eaton United 6-0 at Pack Meadow, Mykel Beckley with a couple. Continental Star’s relegation was all but confirmed as they went down 4-1 at AFC Wulfrunians at Dales Lane. A red card for Jack Green didn’t hep Bardon Hill’s cause and two late Stourport Swifts goals sealed a 4-1 win for the home side. Westfields and Heanor Town shared 6 goals and had a player each dismissed in a thriller at Allpay Park. James Baldwin scored twice for Westfields with Matt Harris following suit for The Lions. A 3-1 for Quorn at Loughborough University, thanks to a Jacob Leaver brace, almost certainly means they will be playing Premier Division football next season.
Alvechurch maintained their 2 point lead at the top with a 2-0 win at Highgate United, both goals coming in the last 10 minutes. Hereford earned all 3 points with a 2-1 win at Edgar Street against Walsall Wood, Pablo Haysham with the winner. Sporting Khalsa are still in the hunt with a 3-1 win at 4th placed Shepshed Dynamo, David Meese with a brace. Dunkirk gained a much-needed win at the bottom of the table, coming from behind to beat Brocton 4-2 at Silkmore Lane with a couple of goals for Andy Hutchinson. Late goals were the order of the day at Hillsfield where Rocester equalised in stoppage time only for Long Eaton United to grab a late winner – the game ending 2-1. In the battle between the sides in 19th and 20th, Coventry Sphinx eased their relegation worries with a remarkable 5-1 win at Bardon Hill. Lewis Rankin with three and Garfield Robinson with two turned a half-time deficit to open up a five point gap between the two sides. Continental Star’s relegation was confirmed as they went down XXX at home to Coleshill Town, for whom Mykel Beckley scored twice. Lye Town’s improved form continued with an impressive 3-0 win at Heanor Town.

Division 1
A vital win on Thursday night for bottom club Southam United who beat Atherstone Town 2-0 with a couple of goals from Jordan Featherstone. Pelsall Villa stay out of the drop zone on goal difference following a 3-0 defeat at Studley with all the goals coming from Daniel Byford.
With the games involving Bromsgrove Sporting and Coventry United lost to the overnight rain. The focus was on the bottom of the table and a meeting between the two teams in the relegation zone. In the end, Heather St Johns moved up to 16th place with a 5-0 win over Southam United. There were doubles for Ahkeem Rose and Kyle Bishop as the victory moves Heather 3 points away from the drop zone. Heath Hayes good form continues with a 2-1 home win over Atherstone Town. A late goal from Matty Stenson gave Leicester Road all 3 points in a 1-0 win at Littleton. It was the same scoreline at Racing Club Warwick with Robbie Bunn getting the all important goal for Studley. Coventry Copsewood are 10th following a 2-1 win at Allard Way against Cadbury Athletic with both goals for Copsewood coming from Michael Healy.
Bromsgrove Sporting opened up a 5 point gap at the top with a 3-1 win at Hinckley AFC. Two goals from Jozsef Jakab sent the Rouslers on their way. At the bottom, Southam United were beaten 2-0 at Banbury Road by Lichfield City. Leicester Road stay 4th after being held 1-1 at Coventry Copsewood. It was the same scoreline at Townsend Meadow where Racing Club Warwick came from behind to draw with Heath Hayes. A goal from Nathan Lewers gave Atherstone Town all 3 points at home to Cadbury Athletic. Bolehall Swifts are now up to 16th following a 3-0 win at Littleton.

Division 2
On Thursday evening, Alvis Sporting Club closed the gap between them and the leaders to just 4 points with a 4-0 win over bottom club Earlswood Town. Shane Brassington scored twice to keep Alvis’ run going of only dropping two points all season.
With the top sides all in cup action, attention switch to the bottom and it was an excellent day for the bottom two. Bottom club Earlswood Town picked up their second win of the season, 1-0 over Coton Green. Second bottom Feckenham were also victorious, 2-1 away at Barnt Green Spartak and they are now just a point behind Hampton with 4 games in hand. Two goals from Mark Bellingham gave Paget Rangers a 2-2 draw at Fairfield Villa.
On Tuesday, Alvis Sporting Club closed the gap to just one point at the top with a 5-2 win at home against Feckenham. Shane Brassington scored twice in Alvis’ 14th win out of 15 league games.

Division 3
Two goals from Luke Swinnerton helped leaders Leamington Hibernian on the way to a 3-0 win at Enville Athletic. 2nd placed Redditch Borough kept the gap to 7 points with a 3-0 win at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Alcester Town are up to 4th overtaking visitors FC Stratford following a 3-0 victory. After their cup heroics of last week, Barton United got back in the groove in the league with a 4-1 win over Badsey Rangers, Peter Martin with a hat-trick. The game between the bottom two ended with honours even as Perrywood drew 1-1 with AFC Solihull. Shipston Excelsior made it 6 wins out of 6 with a 2-0 success at Burntwood Town. At Holbrooks Park, Coventrians were defeated 3-2 by mid-table Inkberrow, Jeaven James getting a couple for the visitors.
Redditch Borough closed the gap at the top to four points and dented Smithswood Firs chances with a 3-0 win at The Valley., Jak Albutt adding another two to his impressive season tally.

President’s Cup
The president’s Cup Final will be between Alvis Sporting Club and Droitwich Spa after this week’s semi-finals. Alvis needed extra time to get past Hampton with the game goalless at 90 minutes. Three unanswered goals, two from Shane Brassington and one from Dildale Linton sent Alvis marching on. James Lemon scored twice as Droitwich Spa beat Chelmsley Town 3-1 at The Pavilion.

Challenge Vase
Redditch Borough will meet Northfield Town in the Challenge Vase final after Northfield beat in-form Smithswood Firs 4-0 at The Mackadown Stadium.

County Cups
Pilkington XXX and Paget Rangers were involved in a topsy-turvy Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup tie which ended all square at 2-2. Pilks went through winning 6-5 in the penalty shootout. Chelmsley Town made their higher ranking count as they made progress in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup with a 3-0 win at FC Stratford.

Reserves
Results
Coventry United 1 Continental Star 4
Lichfield City 0 Solihull Moors 4
Sutton united 3 Rocester 2
Evesham United 2 Cadbury Athletic 1
Solihull Moors 3 Coventry United 0

Leading Scorers
Premier Division
Joel Mills Hereford 46
Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 42
Lei Brown Highgate United 29
Jamie Cuss Westfields 27
Jordan Nadat Alvechurch 27
Karl Edwards Alvechurch 26
Division 1
Tony Clarke Lichfield City 36
Luke Shorthouse Nuneaton Griff 36
Josh O’Grady Coventry United 26
Luke Richards Hinckley AFC 26
Division 2
Chris Lloyd Chelmsley Town 39
James Lemon Droitwich Spa 38
Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 31
Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 24
Division 3
Matt Layton Alcester Town 31
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 30
Peter Martin Barton United 30
Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 23

Preview
Premier Division
Thursday night sees the re-arranged game between the top two, Alvechurch and Hereford at Lye Meadow. The fact that it is a Thursday evening hasn’t reduced the interest any and a full house of 1500 is anticipated. While the result will not decide the title, a win for either could be crucial at this stage of the season. Highgate United are aiming for a top 6 finish and they travel to Walshes Meadow to face mid-table Stourport Swifts.
On Saturday, the top two have home fixtures and will expect to pick up three points. Alvechurch welcome Long Eaton United to Lye Meadow with the visitors on a poor run of form. Hereford welcome Brocton to Edgar Street with the Badgers unbeaten in their last 5 away games. 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa have had an excellent first season at Step 5 and they will want to ensure that they finish no lower than 3rd place. They welcome Quorn to the Aspray Arena with the visitors still needing points to be mathematically safe from the drop. There is an attractive looking game at the Dovecote with Coleshill Town visiting Shepshed Dynamo. Shepshed won the reverse fixture 3-1 at Pack Meadow so expect goals in this one. Another side striving for a top 6 finish are Heanor Town and they welcome bottom club Continental Star to the Town Ground. With Heanor needing a win, I can’t see anything other than a big home win. The battle to avoid the drop gets more and more intense as we enter the final weeks of the season. Dunkirk are in need of a run of victories if they are to give themselves a chance of finishing outside the bottom three. They travel to Stourport Swifts with home side comfortable in the middle of the pack. Bardon Hill are in a battle with Coventry Sphinx and they have a 2nd home game in three days against Westfields. The sides drew 1-1 earlier in the season at Allpay Park but a point won’t really be enough this time round for the home side. Highgate United play their 4th game of the week when they welcome Boldmere St Michaels to The Coppice. With games in hand, a top 6 finish is still within their grasp. Walsall Wood have had another good MFL season and they travel to Rocester 9 days after the two sides drew 1-1 at Oak Park. Lye Town have won 7 out of their last 8 league games which has moved them up to 9th in the table and they travel to 10th placed AFC Wulfrunians for what promises to be a good open game.

Division 1
A huge game at the top of the table on Thursday night takes place at Sphinx Drive with 3rd placed Coventry United hosting 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff. Coventry have games in hand but a busy schedule of 11 games in 23 days may take its toll. Griff have a decent run-in and the three-way battle for the top spot is likely to go all the way to the last game of the season.
The top three all have winnable home games on Saturday. Bromsgrove Sporting welcome Coventry Copsewood to The Victoria Ground, Sporting winning the reverse fixture 4-1 back in January. Nuneaton Griff entertain Lichfield City with the visitors slipping down the table in recent weeks. Coventry United welcome relegation threatened Pelsall Villa to Sphinx Drive, four days after having the reverse fixture called off due to a waterlogged pitch . Pelsall are without a win since November and they will do well to halt this run this week. At the bottom, Southam United are clinging on to their Division 1 place with their fingernails and a home win against Hinckley AFC is vital if they are to avoid the drop. Stafford Town have been in and around the relegation zone all season and they too are desperate for points if they are to avoid finishing in the bottom two. They face the long journey to Pershore Town who are 7 points above them in relative safety. The form side of the division are Bolehall Swifts and a run of 8 unbeaten games has moved them away from the bottom of the table. A couple more wins should be enough and they meet Littleton at Rene Road, a repeat of the midweek fixture. Leicester Road have impressed a lot of people this season and they will be looking for all 3 points when they host Cadbury Athletic. Heath Hayes have been in great form since February and will be one to look out for next season. They travel to the Beehive to face Studley with a top 6 finish on the cards. Racing Club Warwick are another side who have seen an upturn in form. They travel to Pilkington XXX, a repeat of the opening game of the season when it ended goalless.

Division 2
On Thursday evening, Alvis Sporting Club could go top if they can beat Sutton United at Green Lane.
No doubting the big game on Saturday, as two of the promotion chasers meet at The Pavilion. Chelmsley Town have only tasted defeat once in the league while visitors Alvis Sporting Club remain unbeaten. Something has to give and this promises to be a cracker. Droitwich Spa are still in the promotion mix, with games to come against the top two, and they will be keeping a keen eye on matters involving the top two. They travel to Knowle knowing that three points are essential if they are to stay in the hunt. Three consecutive defeats has almost certainly put an end to Rostance Edwards’ chances of promotion. They will want to finish in the top four and face a tough task this week as they travel to Paget Rangers who have gone 9 league games unbeaten. Down at the bottom, Earlswood Town won for only the second time this season last week and will be hoping for win number three when they host Fairfield Villa. 2nd bottom Feckenham also won last Saturday and should they beat Sutton United at The Entaco this weekend, they could climb out of the bottom two. Hampton are the side in danger of slipping into the drop zone so they need to pick up points away to Coton Green. 10th meets 9th at Austrey Fields with Austrey Rangers entertaining Barnt Green Spartak. Austrey won the reverse fixture 2-1 just before Christmas and this one will be just as tight.

Division 3
A few weeks ago, it was a seven-way race for promotion. It now looks a three-way battle as results have gone the way of the top three. Leamington Hibernian have won 7 of their last 8 and have hit form at just the right time. They travel to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons who they beat 6-1 in the reverse fixture. With Redditch Borough not in action, Smithswood Firs can close the gap with a win at 2nd bottom Perrywood. When the two sides met on the opening day of the season, the game ended in a 5-1 win for Firs. There is an attractive game in store between two of the top 6 with Barton United welcoming Alcester Town to Holland Sports Club. Realistically, both sides need to win all of their remaining games and hope the top three slip up if they are to sneak into the promotion places. Likewise, FC Stratford need to win all of their remaining games if they are to get close to the top two starting this week at Coventrians. At the bottom, 14th meets 16th at Hall Drive with Enville Athletic entertaining AFC Solihull. Northfield Town in 8th could still sneak a top two spot providing they win their remaining games. It won’t be easy this week as 7th placed Shipston Excelsior, on the back of 6 wins, are the visitors. Finally, there is a mid-table clash in Worcestershire between Inkberrow and Burntwood Town.

The March Team of the Month awards are:
Overall - Hereford
Division 1 - Bolehall Swifts
Division 2 - Paget Rangers
Division 3 - Redditch Borough
Reserve Division - Cadbury Athletic
Under 21 Division - Heath Hayes

Congratulations to those clubs

Nigel Wood Secretary
Midland Football League

Cadbury Athletic Reserves were charged for failing to fulfil their Reserve Division fixture against Evesham United on 27th February 2016. They have been fined accordingly and also 3 points deducted from their playing record.

Bedworth United were charged for playing an ineligible player in their Challenge Bowl fixture against Leamington on 6th February 2016. They have been fined accordingly and as they won the match 4-0 they are also to have 3 points deducted from their Challenge Bowl group points record.

Basford United were charged for playing an ineligible player in their Challenge Bowl fixture against Sutton Coldfield Town on 6th February 2016. They have been fined accordingly and as they won the match 3-2 they are also to have 3 points deducted from their Challenge Bowl group points record.