Midland Football League Newsletter

29th December 2015
League News

The poor weather continues to affect Midland League fixtures with 9 holiday fixtures falling by the wayside. With further bad weather forecast for the rest of the week and next weekend, it does appear that this is something we will have to put up with for a few more weeks to come. In the Premier Division, both Highgate United and Shepshed Dynamo have not played a league fixture since November – hopefully, their luck will change in 2016!

Travels of the Press Officer

Saturday, December 26th

Sporting Khalsa 2 AFC Wulfrunians 3
There is nothing like a Boxing Day derby to blow away the Christmas Day and has these sides had met in the FA Cup earlier in the season and played out a 5 goal thriller, a lot was expected at the Aspray Arena. With the pitch a little sticky following days of rain, it was no surprise that both sides struggled to play any flowing football early on. Wulfs’ forwards were a constant threat to the Khalsa back line and James Pemberton had to react quickly, racing off his line to thwart Ricky Anslow. The home side should have taken the lead in the 20th minute. A free-kick from Craig Bannister was punched into the air by Danny Tipton who proceeded to palm the ball into the path of Mensah Kinch but this time, Tipton made a comfortable save. Matthew Martin was next to test Tipton but again the Wulfs keeper was up to the task. Kinch went closest to breaking the deadlock but his shot rattled the crossbar. Craig Gregg wasted a great chance for Wulfs just after the break, shooting wide when clean through. Wulfs opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Jamie King latched on to an excellent through ball from Ravinder Aulak and fired into the corner past Pemberton. The lead lasted a minute, a mistake at the back letting in Marvin Nisbett who beat Tipton and then tapped home. A minute later, Nisbett hit the post and saw the follow-up saved by Tipton. Bannister then wasted an opportunity for Khalsa as they pressed for a second goal. At the other end, Kyle Brady volleyed wide when well placed but in the 69th minute, Brady made no mistake tapping in a cross from Anslow.Gregg forced a fine save from Pemberton as Wulfs looked to extend their lead. Substitute Michael Nelson hit the post again for Khalsa who could not force home the rebound. Wulfs made it three in the 82nd minute. A poor back pass by Tim Jackson played in Brady and although he was forced wide, the ball found its way to Anslow who made no mistake. Khalsa were back in it two minutes from time when Nisbett beat Tipton top the ball and tapped the ball home. In stoppage time, the visitors went the closest when Mark Ganderton’s shot was well saved. Wulfs saw out the clock to put a dent in Sporting Khalsa’s promotion hopes. A great second half and a game that could have gone either way. Over the 90 minutes, Wulfs were good value for their win and it sets them up for their home game against Hereford next week.

Monday, December 28th

Lichfield City 3 Stafford Town 1

A Bank Holiday Monday opportunity to watch one of the leading sides in Division 1 at home in a Staffordshire derby. My previous visit to the Cathedral City of Lichfield had been in pre-season when I saw them beat Evo Stik South leaders Stafford Rangers in a friendly. This time, it was Rangers neighbours, Stafford Town who were the visitors. Town put in a much-improved performance in the recent home defeat at the hands of Hinckley AFC and they need points to close the gap at the bottom of the table. It was the lowly visitors that started the brightest, Spencer Gunnell shooting over the bar inside the first minute. Town were appealing for a free-kick when Dan Jones appeared to be clipped as he ran through but the referee saw nothing wrong. Town should have opened the scoring in the 11th minute – an excellent cross from Gunnell was knocked back into the middle by Jones but somehow Craig Hulme missed his kick in front of goal. Gunnell created a chance for Jason Cunningham who failed to connect. Against the run of play. City took the lead when Dave Yonwin picked his spot after an excellent through ball. Lichfield should have had a penalty a couple of minutes later when Joe Haines was felled in the box but nothing was given. Town deservedly levelled proceedings through skipper Gunnell who finished well after a crisp passing moving involving Dan Nowell and Jones. Gunnell almost turned provider with another excellent ball across the face of the goal but there was no support from his teammates. Incredibly, Lichfield took the lead just before the break with a quality piece of control and finish from Tony Clarke. Two minutes into the second half, Lichfield increased their lead. A shot from Mike Taylor was well saved by Richard Stone but that man Clarke finished from a tight angle. Haines almost made it 4 in the 49th minute but Stone pulled off an excellent save. Hulme went close to reducing the deficit when his shot hit the crossbar. Clarke continued to strive for his hat-trick but a mixture of poor finishing and good defending kept the score down to three. A good three points for Lichfield City even though they weren’t at their best. On another day, Town could have taken something from the game but poor finishing cost them.

Review

Premier Division

Four games survived the weather on Boxing Day and Hereford hosted Westfields in front of a league record crowd of 4,381. The majority of supporters cheered the Bulls on to yet another victory with John Mills scoring all three in a 3-0 success. Sporting Khalsa missed the chance to close the gap on the top three going down 3-2 at home to AFC Wulfrunians. Coleshill Town bounced back to form with a 4-2 win at home to Stourport Swifts, the goals shared around. Resurgent Brocton won on the road again, 4-2 at Long Eaton United, veteran striker Paul McMahon with a brace. On Bank Holiday Monday, Hereford increased their lead at the top to 12 points in front of another bumper Edgar Street crowd. 2,910 turned out to see them beat Coventry Sphinx 6-1, John Mills and Pablo Haysham both scoring twice. Heanor Town moved level on points with Alvechurch following a 3-1 home win over Loughborough University. Boldmere St Michaels continued their recent good form with a 2-1 win at Lye Town. At the bottom, Dunkirk and Rocester shared 6 goals in a thriller at the Ron Steel Sports Ground, Kamran Frost scoring twice for Dunkirk.

Division 1

Bromsgrove Sporting closed the gap on leaders Coventry United to 4 points with a 3-1 home win over Studley in front of a fantastic crowd of 562. Leicester Road are third after an Amarvir Sandhu inspired win over Heather St Johns. Sandhu scored 4 as the home side ran out 5-1 winners. Lichfield City are 4th after a 3-1 win over bottom club Stafford Town, Tony Clarke with a brace. Nuneaton Griff are down to 5th following a 1-1 draw at Hinckley AFC. Pilkington XXX are just a point behind Nuneaton following a 2-0 win over Cadbury Athletic.

Division 3

Leamington Hibernian maintained their 4 point lead at the top with a 4-2 home win over Shipston Excelsior. Smithswood Firs lie in 2nd place following their 3-1 win over Burntwood Town at Mackadown Stadium. Barton United edged a close encounter with Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons to stay 3rd. Big winners of the weekend were FC Stratford as they beat Badsey Rangers 6-3 with Ashley Wilkes scoring a hat-trick. Northfield Town are up to 5th after a 3-2 away win at struggling Enville Athletic. Those results and a 2-0 defeat at Inkberrow saw Redditch Borough slip 3 places to 6th. Alcester Town continue to be the side to watch as they beat Coventrians 4-1 with Matt Layton getting two more.

Weekend preview

Premier Division

One game on New Year’s Day sees Heanor Town entertain Shepshed Dynamo. With both sides at the top end of the table, this could be a tight encounter. On Saturday. Leaders Hereford take their long winning run to Wolverhampton to face AFC Wulfrunians, fresh from victory over Sporting Khalsa. This should be an excellent game of football on a wonderful playing surface. Match of the day is undoubtedly at Lye Meadow as Alvechurch and Sporting Khalsa lock horns. With Khalsa losing their last two league games, they will be looking to get back to winning ways while Alvechurch are beginning to look like the only side that could challenge Hereford for the title. The battle at the bottom of the table has been hotting up in recent weeks. Basement boys Continental Star are in serious danger of being cast adrift and they travel to in-form Boldmere St Michaels. Dunkirk have picked up points lately and their trip to Quorn pits them against the side two places and 5 points ahead of them. Coventry Sphinx are 3rd bottom and they welcome inconsistent and free-scoring Coleshill Town to Sphinx Drive. Highgate United have played 7 games less than leaders Hereford and they could challenge for the top three if they can get some of these games played. They travel to Westfields who are looking for points at the other end of the table. Bardon Hill have been unfortunate with the weather too and they now find themselves in the bottom 6 as they travel to Long Eaton United. Brocton have picked up 10 points from their last 12 including three consecutive away wins and they take this upturn in form to Hillsfield to face Rocester who have picked up 7 points from their last three games. Two games firmly in the middle of the table sees Stourport Swifts entertain Lye Town and Walsall Wood entertain Loughborough University.

Division 1

On New Year’s Day, Bromsgrove Sporting can close the gap at the top to 1 point for just a day when they welcome Pilkington XXX to the Victoria Ground, in a top 6 battle. Leaders Coventry United travel to Cadbury Athletic on Saturday with the Chocolatemen losing their last four. Two teams in decent scoring form go head to head as Coventry Copsewood welcome 3rd place Leicester Road to The Pavilion. Lichfield City are very much in the promotion mix and they travel to Tamworth to face 2nd bottom Bolehall Swifts. Nuneaton Griff have slipped down the table after a tough run of fixtures and they face a tough derby game at Atherstone Town. Bottom club Stafford Town have performed better in recent weeks without picking up any points and they will be hoping to correct this when they welcome Pelsall Villa to Evans Park. Heather St Johns have moved away from the bottom and can improve things further if they can beat Studley at St Johns Park. Southam United have lost their last 8 league games and it doesn't get any easier as they travel to Littleton. Two sides locked together on 32 points meet at the Coppice as Heath Hayes welcome Hinckley AFC. Pershore Town find themselves only 3 points above the drop zone as they travel to mid-table Racing Club Warwick.

Division 3

League leaders Leamington Hibernian travel to 12th placed Coventrians looking to consolidate their position at the top. Smithswood Firs are 4 points behind and they travel to 10th placed Inkberrow. Barton United are 3rd but they face a tricky fixture at bottom club AFC Solihull who have started picking up points. FC Stratford are within touching distance of the top and a win at Shipston Excelsior keeps the pressure on the sides above them. The league’s form side are Alcester Town who can leap into the top 6 providing they win at Badsey Rangers. Enville Athletic have lost their last 5 but could jump two places if they can win at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.

Reserves

Romulus vs Coleshill Town (TROPHY)

Support for clubs

Guide issued by Birmingham CFA

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Midland Football League Newsletter
23rd December 2015

League News
With everyone gearing up for a busy holiday period, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone associated with the Midland Football League a Merry Christmas. Hopefully, your wishes will all come true and the pitches will dry out for Boxing Day.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday, December 19th
Stafford Town vs Hinckley AFC
A run of eight consecutive defeats in the league has seen Stafford Town slump to the bottom of the table. Visitors Hinckley have lost touch with the leading pack and cannot afford to drop too many more points, therefore, the game at Evans Park was set-up as an important fixture prior to the Christmas period. With the crowd swelled by a large travelling contingent, it was the home side that started the brighter belying their lowly place. In the 19th minute, Spencer Gunnell went through on the Hinckley goal but Tom Cross made a fine save. Gunnell hit the follow up perfectly, but somehow Cross tipped the ball onto the crossbar. The Reds were not to be denied and they took the lead in the 23rd minute. Gunnell again hit the crossbar with a header, but the rebound was nodded back in by Declan McMahon and Gunnell, this time, nodded home from inside the 6-yard box. At the other end, a cross from Lee Thomas evaded Richard Stone but rebounded off the post. Gunnell was proving a real thorn in Hinckley’s side and he was just off target with a chip. Greg Pearson saw a shot deflected forcing Stone into a decent save before Gunnell again forced Cross into a save as Town went into the break deservedly ahead.
The visitors started the second half on the front foot and Alex Morris should have done better with a header. Ryan Seal forced a save from Stone, but Hinckley were on level terms in the 55th minute. A corner from Marcus Jackson was not dealt with by the Town defence and Marco Adaggio was on hand to force the ball home. Within three minutes, Hinckley were ahead with the goal a near replica to the first. The Town defence again was all at sea from a Jackson corner and JJ Melligan was the recipient tapping the ball home. With the majority of the crowd now expecting a rout, the home side had other ideas and they drew level when Chris Gray headed a Gunnell cross into his own net. Stafford sub Craig Hulme forced another save from Cross, but the decisive action came at the other end midway through the second half. Pearson was pulled back in the act of shooting by Tom Green and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and showing a red card to Green. Seal made no mistake from the spot to give the visitors the lead. Hinckley took full advantage of the extra man but couldn’t find their way past the impressive Stone., the keeper making three excellent saves
to thwart Adaggio. Hinckley took all three points, but Town will have been encouraged by the performance particularly going forward. Considering the weather, this was an entertaining afternoon’s football and a good advert for the competitive nature of Division 1.

Review
Premier Division
Hereford go into the holiday period with a 6 point lead over the rest after a 2-1 win at Lye Town, John Mills with the winner from the penalty spot. 2nd placed Alvechurch sent a statement of intent to the rest with an emphatic 4-0 win at 3rd placed Heanor Town. Heanor weren’t helped when Dan Booth was red carded, but the Church already had a firm grip of the game taking a 2-0 lead inside 13 minutes. Jordan Nadat sealed things with two late goals taking his tally to 14. Sporting Khalsa’s winning run came to an abrupt end at Hillsfield as Rocester ran out 4-2 winners. Rob Ritchie-Smith and Karl Demidh both scoring twice for the Romans. There was an 8 goal thriller at Castlecroft as AFC Wulfrunians and Quorn shared the spoils. Wulfs needed a stoppage time equaliser from Jake Sedgemore to get the point after Leavi Oshungbore had scored twice for Quorn. Loughborough University continued their fine form with a 4-1 win over Boldmere St Michales, Jason Davis with a brace. Long Eaton United moved up to 7th with a comfortable 3-0 win over Stourport Swifts, all the goals coming in the second half. An important win near the bottom for Brocton, 2-0 at Coleshill Town while Westfields eased their relegation worries with a 3-0 win over bottom club Continental Star.

Division 1
Bromsgrove Sporting are up to 2nd after a 4-1 win at Coventry Copsewood, Nathan Walker scoring twice. Leicester Road could have gone second with a win bu they were beaten at Sheepy Road by Atherstone Town who are now in the top half of the table. Pilkington XXX are in 6th place after a narrow 2-1 win at Pershore Town, who remain in the lower reaches. Heath Hayes are 7th following a 3-0 win over Southam United at The Coppice. Hinckley AFC picked up a hard-earned 3 points at bottom club Stafford Town winning by the odd goal in five. A huge win at the bottom for Heather St Johns over fellow basement boys Bolehall Swifts. Swifts went into the break a goal to the good, but three second half efforts without reply moved Heather up to 17th.

Division 2
We have new leaders of Division 2 as Droitwich Spa took over top spot following a 4-1 win over Feckenham. James Lemon was on target twice taking his season tally to 24. Rostance Edwards missed the chance to go 2nd, losing 3-2 at Sutton United who remain in 5th.

Division 3
No denying the result of the day, the maiden win in the Midland Football League for AFC Solihull at the 14th time of asking. Grant Dodd and Adam jones were the heroes as the home side beat Inkberrow 2-0. Leamington Hibernian have a 4 point lead at the top after a 2-0 win at Badsey Rangers. FC Stratford are up to 5th with games in hand after they beat Burntwood Town 2-1, Joe Taylor coming off the bench to score twice.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Coleshill Town are through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup after a resounding 7-2 win over Quorn at Packmeadow. Two goals in the opening 14 minutes sent Coleshill on their way and the goals were shared around 6 players.

Les James Challenge Cup
A Mark Bellingham double helped Paget Rangers into the quarter-finals after beating Fairfield Villa 3-2.

County Cups
A handful of games in the Birmingham Saturday Vase and the third meeting in recent weeks between Barton United and Smithswood Firs. As in the two previous encounters, it was Firs who had the edge winning 3-1. Chelmsley Town, Knowle and Boldmere Sports & Social falcons all progressed with victories over Copsewood Coventry, Brinklow and Woodlands WMC respectively. AFC Wulfrunians welcomed a near full strength National North Nuneaton Town to Castlecrroft in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday and the three division gap proved to be too much as Nuneaton ran out 10-0 winners. It was only 2-0 at half-time, but Nuneaton ran riot after the break with 8 different players on the scoresheet.

Reserve Division
Chris Gumery grabbed a hat-trick as leaders Coleshill Town extended their lead with a 4-0 win at Evesham United. High scorers on the day were Rocester who beat Brocton 6-2 at Silkmore Lane, Oliver Roome scoring four. In the only other game to take place, Romulus won 3-0 at Continental Star.

Under 21 Divisions
Bedworth United extended their lead at the top of the South Division with a 4-0 win over Kings Heath Concorde. In the North, Heath Hayes move up to 3rd with a 2-0 win at Basford United. In the Bowl, H.O.W. Academy beat Gornal Athletic by a solitary goal.

Weekend preview
Premier Division
League leaders Hereford have a fantastic opportunity to extend their lead as they have home games on Saturday and Monday. On Boxing Day, they welcome neighbours Westfields to Edgar Street with a Midland Football league record attendance almost certain. On Bank Holiday Monday, struggling Coventry Sphinx are the visitors with their second away game of the weekend following a trip to Bardon Hill on Boxing Day. 2nd placed Alvechurch travel to 6th placed Highgate United on Boxing Day, which has the making of a titanic struggle. There is a local derby at the Aspray Arena on Boxing Day as high-flying Sporting Khalsa entertain FA Vase heroes AFC Wulfrunians. Walsall Wood make the short journey to Dales Lane to face bottom club Continental Star who are fast becoming adrift of the rest. Two sides with mixed form meet at pack meadow as Coleshill Town welcome Stourport Swifts. At Grange Park, Long Eaton United welcome Brocton with both sides showing much improved form in recent weeks. On Bank Holiday Monday, Heanor Town look to bounce back from their defeat by Alvechurch with a home game against in form Loughborough University. The return from injury of Karl Demidh has made a big difference to Rocester and they will fancy their chances of picking up three points at Dunkirk. Lye Town pushed Hereford close last weekend and they welcome Boldmere St Michaels to the Black Country. Shepshed Dynamo have maintained a top 6 spot for most of the season and they welcome to lowly Quorn to the Dovecote.

Division 1
League leaders Coventry United welcome neighbours Coventry Copsewood to Sphinx Drive on Boxing Day with a healthy 7 point lead at the top of the table. 2nd placed Bromsgrove Sporting can close the gap for a few hours as they have an early kick off against Studley at the Victoria Ground. Two other early kick-offs are at Rene Road, as struggling Bolehall Swifts face Atherstone Town and at the TSA Sports ground as tenants Pilkington XXX host tenants Cadbury Athletic. There promises to be an excellent game at St Johns Park where Nuneaton Griff visit Hinckley AFC. Leicester Road have hopes of challenging for the title and they have a local derby with heather St Johns. On Bank Holiday Monday there is a Staffordshire derby as high-flying Lichfield City welcome bottom club Stafford Town to Brownsfield Park. There is a local derby in Warwickshire as lowly Southam United entertain Racing Club Warwick.

Division 2
Only one game in Division 2 over the holiday weekend as Sutton United host Paget Rangers on Boxing Day.

Division 3
Two games on Boxing Day and the big game is at the bottom as 2nd bottom Perrywood play host to bottom club AFC Solihull, who will be buoyant after their first win of the season last weekend. 3rd bottom Enville Athletic are on a poor run and they will hope to get something from the game as they welcome Northfield Town to Hall Drive. A chance to see some football on Sunday as in-form Alcester Town host Coventrians. On Bank Holiday Monday, leaders Leamington Hibernian host mid-table Shipston Excelsior. 2nd placed Smithswood Firs have games in hand and they have a home game against Burntwood Town. Redditch Borough are 3rd and they travel to Inkberrow while 4th placed Barton United are at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. FC Stratford could climb into the top three providing results go their way and they beat Badsey Rangers at home.

Midland Football League Newsletter
16th December 2015
League News

The draw for the 4th round of the FA Vase has been made with ties scheduled for January 9th.
Hereford vs Leicester Nirvana
AFC Wulfrunians vs Pinxton / Nuneaton Griff
Cleethorpes Town vs Alvechurch
Coleshill Town vs Dunston UTS or Seaham Red Star

The game at Edgar Street sees the MFL leaders Hereford host the leaders of the United Counties League, Leicester Nirvana. Both teams have similar records, score goals and don’t conceded many. Promises to be a cracker. AFC Wulfrunians will be favourites as they take on a side from either Step 6 or Step 7 (at the time of writing the replay hadn’t taken place). With Wulfs in good form particularly at Castlecroft, it would be good to see a decent crowd. Alvechurch have a difficult trip to play Northern Counties East Cleethorpes Town. Cleethorpes have already beaten two MFL sides this season in Westfields and Racing Club Warwick but they are likely to find the Church a more difficult proposition. Coleshill Town have an intriguing tie against one of two Northern League sides. Gateshead based Dunston UTS will be favourites to get through to round 4 as they have home advantage over Seaham Red Star – their game has been postponed twice due to waterlogged pitches. Coleshill have had an excellent season in FA competitions and there is a great opportunity to reach Round 5.
Earlswood Town Football Club has, regretfully, had to relieve first team manager Nigel Fry of his duties. After a long run of unsuccessful results, which have culminated in the first team occupying bottom spot in the Midland League division 2, without a league win to date, the committee decided that it was time for a change. The committee would like to thank Nigel for all his work and commitment put in over the past couple of seasons and wishes him well. We are pleased to announce that Keith Green has accepted the vacated post and will take over the reins as manager of the first team with immediate effect. Keith will announce his management team in due course.

Travels of the Press Officer
No press officer games this week as I have been laid low with man-flu! Normal service will be resumed next week.

Review

FA Vase
Hereford were made to fight all the way by Premier Division rivals Brocton as a 2-0 victory sent them through to round 4. Goals in each half for Mustapha Bundu and Joel Edwards were enough for the Bulls. AFC Wulfrunians faced an awkward trip to North West Counties Alsager Town but emerged with a 2-0 victory and a place in the 4th round for the first time. First half goals from Richie Palmer and Jamie King settled it for Wulfs and they could easily have had more. High riding Alvechurch won the all Premier Division tie at Walsall Wood by 3 goals to nil. Danny Ashton gave Church the lead in the 7th minute and then two Karl Edwards goals settled it to send Church through. A second-half Dean Rathbone hat-trick helped Coleshill Town to a 4-3 victory at Step 7 Uttoxeter Town. The winning goal came in the 4th minute of stoppage time after the home side had equalised just a minute before. Coleshill had to contend with a hostile home crowd and a number of flares being thrown onto the pitch – a worrying trend in non-league circles.

Premier Division
Sporting Khalsa took advantage of the leaders inactivity to close to within 9 points of Hereford with 4 games in hand. It was 0-0 at the break against Stourport Swifts but goals from Tesfa Robinson and Marvin Nisbett in a 5 minute spell in the second half gave Khalsa all three points. Lowly Coventry Sphinx were on the wrong end of a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Lye Town. Second half goals from Alex Dallison and Kieron Northwood settled the game in the visitors favour. Gane of the day was undoubtedly at Hollywell as Loughborough University beat Bardon Hill 7-2. The visitors took an early lead bu the Students bounced back with Alun Webb scoring twice and Ben Ward-Cochrane with a hat-trick.

Division 1
Only one game went ahead in Division 1 and Leicester Road move up to 3rd with a single goal victory over Heath Hayes courtesy of a Tom McGlinchey effort in the 40th minute.

Division 2
The fixture was decimated by the rain but in the one game to get played Paget Rangers stunned host Austrey Rangers running out 6-3 winners. Veteran striker Mark Bellingham grabbed a hat-trick and there were two more for Dan Carter.

Division 3
Alcester Town continued their remarkable run of goalscoring form with a 7-2 win over bottom side AFC Solihull. The visitors took an early lead but goal machine Matt Layton scored yet another hat-trick to move Alcester up to 9th and only 7 points off the top. In the only other game to go ahead, Badsey Rangers move up to 5th after a 2-1 home win over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Alvechurch have set up a tasty 3rd trip to Hereford with a 1-0 win at Coventry Sphinx, a recent signing from Rushall Olympic, Nick Wright, with the goal.

County Cups
In the Fazeley Charity Cup, Barton United made progress after a 2-1 win over Burntwood Town. Stafford Town were short on numbers when they travelled to Northern Premier Division Rushall Olympic on Tuesday and, unfortunately, the three division difference together with the missing players told as the Pics ran out 11-0 winners. An excellent victory in the JW Hunt Cup for Rostance Edwards who beat WMRL AFC Bridgnorth 2-1 at Crown Meadow. Hinckley AFC were knocked out of the JW Hunt Cup losing 2-1 at Wolverhampton Sporting.

Reserve Division
League leaders Coleshill Town were grateful for their 3G pitch as they beat Solihull Moors 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Under 21 Divisions
Bedworth United took over leadership of the South division beating previous leaders Stourport Swifts 4-1 on the 3G pitch at The Oval. Bromsgrove Sporting solidified 3rd place with a 1-0 win over Leamington. In the North division, top hammered bottom with Sutton Coldfield Town 7-2 winners over Tipton Town. Walsall Wood move up to 3rd with a 3-0 away win at Anstey Nomads.

Weekend preview

Premier Division
League leaders Hereford take their long winning run to the Black Country to face an inconsistent Lye Town. The home side are yet to draw in the league this season and if they can stop the runaway Bulls, that would be a major achievement. Game of the day is massive at the top of the table as 3rd placed Heanor Town entertain 3rd placed Alvechurch. Alvechurch have the best defensive record in the league but I can see lots of goals in this one as there have been 93 goals in the 20 games played by Heanor this season. 4th placed Sporting Khalsa have won 11 league games on the trot to close the gap on Hereford to 9 points. They will fancy their chances of making it 12 when they travel to Hillsfield to face Rocester. Khalsa won the reverse fixture 4-0 in November although expect this to be a much closer game. Shepshed Dynamo are 5th and still harbour outside hopes of the title as they welcome Walsall Wood to the Dovecote. The Wood were knocked out of the FA Vase last weekend and will want to bounce back as quickly as possible. Highgate United are another side with 4 games in hand on the leaders and 12 points in those games would make it interesting at the top. On Saturday, they travel to Coventry Sphinx languishing in 20th place and looking for their first points under new manager Robbie Banks. AFC Wulfrunians are enjoying an excellent run in the Vase and will be favourites to pick up 3 more league points at home to lowly Quorn. Coleshill Town are benefitting from the installation of their new 3G pitch with games being postponed left right and centre. At least, they know they will be in action on Saturday when they entertain a revitalised Brocton at Pack Meadow. Two of the bottom four meet at Allpay Park as Westfields host Continental Star. A win for the home side will set them up nicely for the Boxing Day trip to local neighbours Hereford. Two sides with good recent form meet at Hollywell when Loughborough University and Boldmere St Michaels lock horns. This should be a good one for the neutral. Two mid-table sides meet in Derbyshire as Long Eaton United welcome Stourport Swifts to Grange Park. Form favours the home side but this could go either way. 2nd bottom Dunkirk travel down the M1 to face Bardon Hill who are only 9 points ahead of them. An away win would add to the congestion at the bottom of the table.

Division 1
Four teams are tied in second place and three of them have the chance to close the gap on leaders Coventry United this week. Nuneaton Griff travel to Cadbury Athletic wanting to get their league season back on track after picking up 4 points from the last 12. Leicester Road face another local derby at Atherstone Town, however, they will turn up in good form in front of goal. Bromsgrove Sporting have continued to keep pace at the top of the table but they travel to a Coventry Copsewood side who have suddenly found the way to goal. Sporting have a miserly defence and it could be stretched by a resurgent Copsewood. Bottom club Stafford Town have another tough assignment at home to Hinckley AFC who cannot afford too many more off days if they are to stake a late challenge. Southam United have slipped into the bottom four and they have a tough fixture away to Heath Hayes. Pershore Town are one place above Southam and they face host high-flying Pilkington XXX, themselves sitting just outside the top 5. Two mid-table sides meet at the Beehive as Studley entertain Racing Club Warwick while at The Old Bush, 14th place Pelsall Villa welcome 7th place Littleton.

Division 2
Droitwich Spa will take over the leadership of Division 2 with a win at home to second-bottom Feckenham. Rostance Edwards could reach the summit themselves should Droitwich slip up and should they win at 5th placed Sutton United.

Division 3
In form Alcester Town have scored a remarkable 20 goals in the last three games and they take this form to 7th placed Shipston Excelsior. League leaders Leamington Hibernian face a tough trip to 5th placed Badsey Rangers, a win for the home side bringing them level on points. A slip from Leamington will give Redditch Borough the chance of taking over at the top providing they win at struggling Enville Athletic. Bottom side AFC Solihull picked up their first point recently and will be hopeful of adding to that tally when they host Inkberrow. FC Stratford have only been beaten once in the league and a victory over Burntwood Town would close the gap to the top.2nd bottom Perrywood host 4th bottom Coventrians with a win for either moving them well away from the foot of the table.

Les James Challenge Cup
Paget Rangers and Fairfield Villa meet at Church Road for a place in the quarter-finals. Looking at their respective league records, expect this to be a close run thing.

Reserve Division
Continental Star vs Romulus
Coventry United vs Solihull Moors
Brocton vs Rocester
Evesham United vs Coleshill Town
Lichfield City vs Cadbury Athletic

Under 21 Divisions
Bromsgrove Sporting vs Stourport Swifts (U21S)
Bedworth United vs King’s Heath Concorde (U21S)
Tamworth vs Walsall Wood (U21N)
Tipton Town vs Anstey Nomads (U21N)
Basford United vs Heath Hayes (U21N)
H.O.W. Academy vs Gornal Athletic (Bowl)
Leamington vs Sutton Coldfield Town (Bowl)
West Midlands Football Academy vs Newcastle Town (Bowl)

Badsey Rangers were charged for failing to fulfil their Division 3 fixture against Barton United on 24th October 2015. They have been fined accordingly and also 3 points deducted from their playing record.

Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Sutton Coldfield Town were charged for failing to fulfil their Challenge Bowl fixture against Basford United on 10th October 2015. They have been fined accordingly and also 3 points deducted from their Challenge Bowl group points record.

Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Midland Football League Newsletter
9th December 2015
League News

Big Centre TV are working towards a January launch for the new non-league show featuring the Midlands Football League. Currently, MFL sides are featuring within the nightly sports news.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday, December 5th
Sporting Khalsa 3 Walsall Wood

The third meeting in a short space of time between these local rivals and after the league meeting between them at Walsall Wood was abandoned due to high winds, it is with some trepidation that I enter the Aspray Arena with it blowing a gale. Thankfully, the conditions are nowhere near as bad as they were at the ML Safety stadium and it gave Khalsa a chance to play one of their many games in hand on the leaders. It didn’t take the home side long to get their noses in front, a cross from Carlo Franco picking out Craig Bannister, who controlled, swivelled and fired home in the 4th minute. The Wood went close to an equaliser when James Pemberton saved well from Dan Griffiths. Anthony Juxon then saw his shot cleared off the line and Ben Birch fired over as Wood looked for an equaliser. Instead, it was 2-0 to Khalsa. Bannister struck a delicious free-kick which rebounded off the post and Brad Lawley poked the ball home. The second goal seemed to drain Wood of any impetus and Khalsa again went close when Bannister shot just wide from all of 40 yards. The home side were playing some excellent football and a neat interchange down the right saw Franco’s cross just in front of David Meese. Steven Hayles came to Wood’s rescue with a super challenge to thwart Bannister. With half-time approaching, Lee Evans made a fine acrobatic save to keep out Bannister’s header. Khalsa were not to be denied and they grabbed the third before the half-time whistle. Marvin Nisbett heading home from close range. In the 62nd minute visions of the first abandoned game were revisited as the game was suspended due to a floodlight failure. With Walsall Wood in the dressing room, the lights flickered into life much to the relief of everyone concerned and the game could continue. Lawley should have made it four but his header was straight at Evans. Ricardo Ricketts forced a save from Pemberton and Drew Aiton was off target with a header in a rare Wood attack. In Stoppage time at the end of the 90, Kane Cork saw his point-blank shot saved by Evans but Khalsa will take the win and the clean sheet as they look to close the gap on leaders Hereford. A disappointing day for Walsall Wood who certainly missed the injured Joey Butlin.

Review

Premier Division
With Hereford in County Cup action and both Alvechurch and Heanor Town seeing their games postponed, the focus was on whether Sporting Khalsa could close the gap at the top with one of their 6 games in hand. The answer was an emphatic yes as they were comfortable 3-0 winners over Walsall Wood at The Aspray Arena. At the bottom of the table, Brocton moved up to 17th with a 2-0 win at basement side Continental Star. Boldmere St Michaels continued their rise up the table with a 2-1 home win over Long Eaton United, their opening goal being wind assisted from the half way line. Coventry Sphinx looked to have picked up a much-needed point at Loughborough University but the students grabbed all 3 points with a 94th-minute winner. Karl Demidh returned from injury with a bang, scoring a hat-trick to ease Rocester’s relegation concerns as they beat Dunkirk 4-1 at Hillsfield. Westfields are in 18th position and they went down at home to Coleshill Town 2-1. Quorn are another side in trouble and a Dan Flowers goal was enough for a Lye Town victory at Stourbridge Road. A goal 6 minutes from time from Luke Edwards gave Bardon Hill a point in a 2-2 draw at AFC Wulfrunians. Alvechurch closed the gap on Hereford to just 6 points following a 3-0 win at Westfields on Tuesday. There was a healthy midweek crowd of 216 swelled by a number of interested Hereford supporters.

Division 1
Coventry United increased their lead at the top of the table to 10 points with a 6-2 home win over Heather St Johns. Mat Brown scored four as United maintained their record of dropping just 3 points in the league all season. 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff were beaten 4-0 at Leicester Road who are just 3 points off second with two games in hand, James Hicks with a double. A fantastic crowd of 401 saw Bromsgrove Sporting come from behind to beat Hinckley AFC courtesy of a Kyle Turner double. Pilkington XXX recent excellent run came to an abrupt halt as a Dave Yonwin inspired Lichfield City ran out 5-1 winners to move level on points with 2nd placed Griff. Littleton are in 7th place after a 2-0 win at Cadbury Athletic. There was a dramatic finish at Heath Hayes as the home side clinched victory over Pershore Town with a Joe Pickering goal in the 15th minute of added on time. Racing Club Warwick are up to 11th after a 4-2 win over Pelsall Villa at Townsend Meadow. At the bottom, basement boys Stafford Town remain 5 points adrift after losing 4-1 at Atherstone Town. Big winners of the day were Coventry Copsewood who put seven past Studley, Lawrence Rawlings with a hat-trick.

Division 2
The eagerly anticipated clash between Alvis Sporting Club and Chelmsley Town was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure. This gave Rostance Edwards the chance to jump into 3rd place after a narrow 2-1 win over Austrey Rangers. In the only other game to survive the weather, Coton Green beat Paget Rangers 2-1 to move into the top 6.

Division 3
Hats off to AFC Solihull who picked up their first point of the season at the 12th time of asking in a 2-2 draw with Badsey Rangers. Alcester Town continued their fine form with a 5-0 win over Enville Athletic, hotshot Matthew Layton adding 3 more to take his tally to 16 for the season. Redditch Borough are up to 3rd, Jak Albutt with all the goals in a 3-1 win at Shipston Excelsior. FC Stratford will be thankful they reversed the fixture with Coventrians as they ran out 5-1 winners. Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons picked up a valuable 3 points at Inkberrow, the 2-1 win moving them 3 places up the league table.

Les James Challenge Cup
Sutton United are through to the quarter-finals after a 2-1 win at Northfield Town.

Challenge Vase
For the second time in a week, Smithswood Firs knocked Barton United out of a cup competition, Firs winning by four goals to one, to reach the semi-final.

County Cups
Hereford entertained Bromyard Town in the Herefordshire Challenge Cup and continued their good goalscoring form with a 6-0 victory, Pablo Haysham with a hat-trick. Long Eaton United took a higher division scalp as they knocked Ilkeston out of the Derbyshire Senior Cup at The New Manor Ground, 2-1 the score. Heanor Town also made progress in the Derbyshire County Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over New Mills, Jay Cooper with a couple. Lye Town knocked out higher level Banbury United in the Birmingham Senior Cup, winning the game on penalties. In the Leicestershire Senior Cup, Quorn needed extra time to edge their tie with Harborough Town. Another dramatic derby at St Johns Park as Hinckley AFC beat Leicester Road 4-3 after extra time. It was 2-2 at full time and when Leicester Road took the lead it looked like an away win. Goalkeeper Simon Arnold, playing outfield equalised before a last minute penalty from Ryan Seal sent Hinckley through. Another disappointing night for Dunkirk as they were knocked out of the Nottinghamshire Senior Cup by Radford, losing 3-2 a home. A good game at Brinsford Lane in the Walsall Senior Cup, as Walsall Wood beat Wolverhampton Casuals 4-2. In the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup, Rostance Edwards pulled off a shock beating higher division Pelsall Villa 2-1 at The Old Bush. Bolehall Swifts tough season continued with defeat in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup at the hands of Dudley Town, the visitors winning 3-0. High scorers on the night were Coventry Copsewood with an 8-2 victory over Southam United in the same competition, making it 15 goals in two games. The result is all the more surprising as Southam took a 2-0 lead early on.

Reserve Division
League leaders Coleshill Town were held at home by Lichfield City. There were 8 goals at Silkmore Lane as Brocton and Gresley drew 4-4. Cameron Barton got a hat-trick as Evesham United won 4-2 at Romulus and it was a similar scoreline for Continental Star as they won away at Sutton United.

Under 21 Divisions
Only one game in the South Division as H.O.W. Academy and Bedworth United drew 1-1. In the North Division, Sutton Coldfield Town go top after a 4-2 win over Heath Hayes. Tipton Town made it two Bowl wins on the spin as they beat West Midlands Football Academy 5-2.

Weekend preview

FA Vase
It is the 3rd round of the FA Vase and a chance for a number of our clubs to make the national stages of the competition in January. Hereford have been installed as favourites by the bookies for the competition and they will be in confident mood ahead of their home tie with fellow Premier Division side Brocton. The Badgers have shown improved form in recent weeks including that remarkable 5-5 draw with Heanor Town. This promises to be an exciting game and I think it will be a lot closer than some people think. Another all Premier Division tie takes place at the ML Safety Stadium as Walsall Wood entertain Alvechurch. The Church are in excellent form and closed the gap on Hereford at the top of the league table to 6 points with another win in midweek. The form says an away win but The Wood have a good record in this competition and another tight game is in prospect. AFC Wulfrunians travel to Cheshire to face a struggling Alsager Town. Alsager have recently appointed former Norton United Manager Scott Dundas as their new man in charge and they have reserved their best performances for cup competitions. Saying that Wulfs have to be favourites and I fully expect to see them in Monday’s draw. Uttoxeter Town have surprised many by reaching the 3rd round and Coleshill Town will have to be on their guard when the two sides meet on Saturday. Coleshill have had a good year in cup competitions taking some major scalps in the FA Cup and they have a realistic chance of going a long way in the competition. Providing they don’t underestimate the home side, I would expect to see them in round 4. Nuneaton Griff are the last Division 1 side standing and they travel to Derbyshire to face Central Midlands League Pinxton. Pinxton shocked Long Eaton United in the previous round and, like Griff, are amongst the goals with 15 in their last three games. Griff lost at Leicester Road last time out but will be confident of extending their run in the competition. Don’t be surprised if this one goes to extra time.

Premier Division
With the leaders in FA Vase action, Sporting Khalsa can close the gap to 9 points with four games in hand if they can win at Stourport Swifts. Khalsa have won 10 league games on the trot and will expect to return from Walshes Meadow with three points. 5th placed Shepshed Dynamo are right in the mix for promotion and they have a tricky assignment away at Long Eaton United despite the home side’s recent mixed results. A huge game at the bottom of the table as the basement two meet at the Ron Steel Sports Ground. Dunkirk will hope home advantage counts but Continental Star will want to avenge the recent home defeat at the hands of Dunkirk. Coventry Sphinx, under the new management of Robbie Banks, are desperately in need of points and they welcome mid-table Lye Town to Sphinx Drive. Boldmere St Michaels have rocketed up the league table in recent weeks and will expect more of the same when they entertain lowly Westfields, in need of points themselves. Two mid-table sides meet at Hollywell as Loughborough University welcome Bardon Hill to the University Stadium. The students, on their day, play some of the best football in the league and this could be a good game to watch.

Division 1
Coventry United will be confident of maintaining their 10 point lead as they travel to Racing Club Warwick. Lichfield City will go second if they can win at free-scoring Coventry Copsewood, who have plundered 15 goals in two games. Should City slip up, then Leicester Road could overtake them if they can beat Heath Hayes at home. Pilkington XXX great run came to an abrupt end last week but they can get back to winning ways at home to Atherstone Town, who themselves had a good win last week. Studley conceded 7 at home to Copsewood last weekend and they face another difficult afternoon with a trip to 7th placed Littleton. Hinckley AFC had a remarkable County Cup win in midweek and they will want to use this as a platform when they welcome Pelsall Villa to St Johns Park. At the bottom Stafford Town need to pick up points and they welcome Cadbury Athletic to Evans Park, the visitors on a run of three straight defeats. Southam United concede 8 in midweek and they will want to erase that memory when they entertain fellow strugglers Pershore Town, in a real relegation 6 pointer.

Division 2
Leaders Chelmsley Town travel to 2nd bottom Feckenham looking to maintain their recent form and extend their lead at the top. The next highest placed side in action are Sutton United in 5th place who travel to 10th placed Knowle. Basement side Earlswood Town entertain Coton Green in what will be their first home game since October. Two games affecting the middle of the table see Austrey Rangers host Paget Rangers and Fairfield Villa welcome Hampton.

Division 3
Alcester Town are the form side in the division and they entertain bottom club AFC Solihull, fresh from picking up their first point of the season. The big game of the day sees 1st against 3rd as Leamington Hibernian entertain Redditch Borough. 2nd placed Smithswood Firs could retake the lead if they win at Coventrians and results elsewhere go their way. Enville Athletic have slipped down the table in recent weeks and they host the team immediately below them, 15th placed Perrywood. Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons picked up a good away win last week and are on the road again as they travel to Badsey Rangers. Shipston Excelsior could put themselves right in the promotion mix if they can pick up all 3 points at Inkberrow.

Challenge Vase
Quarter final of the Challenge Vase as Northfield Town entertain FC Stratford. With both sides within 6 points of the top of Division 3, this could be a very tight affair.

Presidents Cup
In form Droitwich Spa travel to Barnt Green Spartak in the quarter-final of the Presidents Cup. Form favours Droitwich who are on a run of 6 consecutive wins in all competitions.

Reserve Division
Cadbury Athletic vs Romulus
Coventry United vs Continental Star
Coleshill Town vs Solihull Moors
Rocester vs Lichfield City

Under 21 Divisions
Bromsgrove Sporting vs Leamington (U21S)
Gornal Athletic vs West Midlands Football Academy (U21S)
Bedworth United vs Stourport Swifts (U21S)
Heath hayes vs Kings Heath Concorde (BOWL)
Tamworth vs H.O.W. Academy (BOWL)
Anstey Nomads vs Walsall Wood (U21N)
Sutton Coldfield Town vs Tipton Town (U21N)

Midland Football League Newsletter
2nd December 2015
League News

Westfields FC are sad to announce that one of their original founder members from 1966, Roy Chandler, has sadly passed away at the weekend. Roy was an inspirational inside forward and a quality player who after leaving school went to Cardiff City.
Roy came back in the mid ’60s and helped to form Westfields Football Club and was a founder member and also played for Lads Club and Credenhill in addition to Westfields. Roy was a talented inside forward and a real quality player who would score goals as well as make them for other players. He was an unselfish player with a lovely attitude towards the game. He was a big Hereford United fan as well as keeping in touch with Westfields Football Club over the past 49 years. He would watch Westfields, attend reunions and was to this day a member of the Executive/Supporters’ Club at Westfields Football Club. Roy will be sadly missed, not only by his family and friends but also by the football community in Hereford.
Coventry Sphinx Football Club are delighted to announce that Robbie Banks has been appointed as their 1st Team Manager. Banks replaces Luke Hopkins who stepped down last week. Club Chairman, Dannie Cahill commented, “since the departure of Luke we have received a lot of interest from well experienced managers from around the Midlands which clearly demonstrates just how far this club has gone in recent years and is a testament to everybody involved in the football club”
“Robbie is currently our Club Captain and since his arrival in the summer he has shown great maturity together with strong leadership qualities. He is also well respected by all the players which is a vital attribute to have. Although he falls short in managerial experience his attitude and professionalism since his arrival well makes up for it. With this in mind he has brought in well experienced back room staff to assist him. Managers’ careers have to start somewhere and we as a club have the confidence to help devoted players such as Robbie to get onto the managerial ladder. At this level Robbie’s appointment could be seen as a risk but the support he will get from everybody involved will help him grow into his new post. We all wish him well”
Upon his appointment a delighted Banks commented, “It’s a great opportunity for myself and I'm looking forward to getting started. I love the club and the people involved, it has an amazing set up from the bottom to the top and has a lot of ambition which I share” “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Luke and Chris who did a great job, for different reasons results didn't quite go our way but things don't always work out in football. Luke set the standards high in terms of application, good habits and professionalism which I have now inherited” “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Martin Ascroft, Lynton Wilkinson, Craig Reid and Tom Cudworth for stepping in at short notice to steady the ship during the transition period” “I'm very positive about our team and the players within it, I think we are currently under achieving and it's now my responsibility to ensure the team changes that which I'm more than confident we will”

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday, November 28th
Brocton 5 Heanor Town 5

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in this wonderful league of ours, you stumble across a game which has everything. That was the case at Silkmore Lane last Saturday. The weather was atrocious with torrential rain, gusty winds and a very wet surface to contend with. Before I discuss the game, I must doff my virtual hat to Terry Homer, the groundsman of Brocton, without whose expertise and care, we would not have seen such a spectacular game. Heanor arrived in Staffordshire in second place and hot on the heels of league leaders Hereford. When the two sides met earlier in the season, Heanor grabbed a point with a last-minute equaliser – we couldn’t see anything as dramatic could we? It was the visitors who started on the front foot and they took the lead in the 17th minute when a free-kick fell to Kieran Debrouwer whose finish was clinical. Jay Copper saw a shot well saved by Callum Barrett before Dave Berks forced a fine save from Ben Townsend at the other end. With 25 minutes gone, Berks hit a shot from 25 yards which beat Townsend but cannoned off the post. Berks and Sam Bell then combined but Bell ballooned his shot over the bar when an equaliser looked likely. Heanor’s response was immediate and a long ball found Cooper whose control and finish was of the highest quality. Back came Brocton and the woodwork again came to Heanor’s rescue. A shot by skipper Sean Kinsella was touched on the post by Townsend and then Gary Fife’s curling effort beat the keeper but hit the crossbar. Heanor certainly know how to counter attack and while Brocton were bemoaning their luck the ball was played through to Debrouwer who made no mistake. The half-time whistle came with everyone drawing breath but the second half was to surpass this 10 times over. Immediately after the resumption Brocton pulled a goal back when Fife slotted into the corner. It didn’t take Heanor long to re-establish the 3 goal cushion, 30 seconds in fact when Debrouwer turned provider for Nathan Kelly, another superb goal. Within four minutes, Brocton got their second. A quick break from berks sending Bell clear, and he beat Townsend and slotted home. We had to wait 6 minutes for another goal and again, Heanor restored their lead with Joe Naylor heading home a corner. Barrett made another fine save from Kelly as Heanor looked for more goals but back came the home side. Bell reached the by-line, his cross was nodded down by Paul McMahon and Dave Ablewhite squeezed the ball home at the near post. Barrett again thwarted Kelly before Brocton dreamed of the comeback with a fourth goal courtesy of a header from Bell. Bell went close again forcing a save from Townsend before the Badgers drew level, Veteran striker Paul McMahon heading home. Both sides went for the winner but the nearest we came was in stoppage time when Craig Holland headed over the Heanor cross bar. A remarkable game in diabolical conditions. Both sides played fantastic attacking football and credit to the referee who let the game flow. This was non-league football at its very best and a huge credit to everyone involved.

Review

FA Vase
Nuneaton Griff have reached the 3rd round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history after a 4-2 replay win over Highgate United. With the game switched to Coleshill Town’s new 3G pitch, doubles from leading scorer Luke Shorthouse and from Aden Moore saw Griff through to an away tie at Pinxton.

Premier Division
With the weather taking its toll on 4 fixtures, leaders Hereford took the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. With the new 3G pitch at Pack Meadow guaranteeing a game, Coleshill Town became the latest side to feel the full force of the Bulls as the visitors ran out 4-1 winners. Coleshill at least had the consolation of being the first side to score against Hereford in the league for 10 games when Luke Barlone netted in the 80th minute. 2nd placed Heanor Town were involved in a remarkable game at Brocton. The Lions three times led by 3 clear goals, 3-0, 4-1 and 5-2 before the Badgers staged a stunning fightback to drew the game 5-5. Shepshed Dynamo were the other big winners on the day, moving up to 4th place following a 4-0 win at Westfields. Matt Langham bagged another brace to take his season tally to 14. AFC Wulfrunians missed out on the chance of closing the gap on the leaders after they went down 2-1 at home to Stourport Swifts. Walsall Wood also missed their chance of closing the gap when they were beaten at the ML Safety Stadium by Long Eaton United by the odd goal in 5. Bottom club Continental Star picked up their 5th point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Quorn. It could have been even better for Star who led 2-0 but an equaliser 5 minutes from time earned Quorn a point. In midweek, Heanor Town travelled to Loughborough University and for the second time in 4 days had to settle for a point. They were grateful to substitute Alessandro del Genio who equalised in stoppage time. Long Eaton United are up to 7th after an emphatic 5-1 win over AFC Wulfrunians at Grange Park.

Division 1
The big match between the top two went the way of leaders Coventry United thanks to a Ross Briscoe goal late in the second half. The score doesn’t tell the whole tale as Nuneaton Griff were down to nine men inside the first half. The win leaves United 7 points clear at the top with a game in hand. Lichfield City are up to 3rd after a 3-1 win over Southam United with Dave Yonwin scoring twice. Level on points with Lichfield are Bromsgrove Sporting who came away from Littleton with 3 points after a 3-0 win with Sam Wills getting a brace. Pelsall Villa are in the top half of the table after they came from behind to beat Atherstone Town 2-1. Racing Club Warwick eased themselves away from the bottom of the table and are up to 14th after a Chris Dusabe goal helped them beat Hinckley AFC. In the game between the bottom two, a solitary goal from Troy Wellan gave Bolehall Swifts all 3 points and left Stafford Town five points adrift.

Division 2
4th placed Rostance Edwards were the highest side in league action this weekend and they maintained their position with a 1-0 win over Barnt Green Spartak. There were goals aplenty as Austrey Rangers and Fairfield Villa shared 8 between them. Sutton United were also in goalscoring form with a 4-1 win over bottom club Earlswood Town, Chad Duggan with a couple.

Division 3
The undoubted result of the day came at Perrywood as second bottom Alcester Town ran rampant with a stunning 8-0 victory. There were hat-tricks for Matt Trinder and Matt Layton as Alcester jump three places in the table. Enville Athletic drop down to 13th after a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Inkberrow. Northfield Town had an opportunity to move into the top 4 but they had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw at Coventrians.

Les James Challenge Cup
Smithswood Firs and Knowle progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition after good away wins. Knowle needed extra time to get past Burntwood Town while Smithswood scored 5 as they beat Barton United 5-2.

Presidents Cup
Hampton moved into the semi-finals after a 5-3 win over Paget Rangers with Gareth Evans scoring twice.

County Cups
In the Worcestershire Junior Cup, Droitwich Spa went through after a 2-0 win over Welland but Badsey Rangers are out following a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of Worcester Raiders. FC Stratford had a comfortable passage in the Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup with a 5-1 win at FC Dunlop. Coton Green also scored 5, in a 5-2 win over BT in the Fazeley Charity Cup. One game in the Birmingham Saturday Amateur Cup, with AFC Solihull being knocked out, losing 3-2 at home to Triumph Athletic. Sporting Khalsa made progress in the JW Hunt Cup following a 2-0 win over Walsall Wood at the Aspray Arena. And now face Stafford Town in Round 2. Racing Club Warwick bowed out of the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup losing 4-2 at Gornal Athletic.

Reserve Division
Bottom club Gresley have now closed the gap on the sides above them following an excellent 4-1 win at Evesham United. In the only other game to survive the weather, Cadbury Athletic won 3-2 at Continental Star.

Under 21 Divisions
The weather was the big winner with four games being postponed. In the North Division Tamworth are back on top after a 2-0 win at Basford United. In the Bowl, South beat North with Bedworth United 4-0 winners over Sutton Coldfield Town. Tipton Town had a morale boosting 3-2 victory in the Bowl over Walsall Wood

Weekend preview

Premier Division
With leaders Hereford in County Cup action, attention turns to the chasing pack who will be striving to close the gap opened up by the Bulls. 2nd placed Heanor Town have dropped four points with two away draws this week and it doesn’t get any easier for the Lions with a tough looking fixture away to 6th placed Highgate United. 3rd placed Alvechurch have been devoid if action and will be hoping to get close the gap between themselves and the Bulls to 6 points when they travel to Stourport Swifts. Sporting Khalsa have 6 games in hand on the leaders and the first of those is a local derby at home to Walsall Wood on Saturday. The sides met in the JW Hunt Cup in midweek but with league points at stake, this could be a very close encounter. Bottom club Continental Star picked up a much needed point last week and they welcome Brocton to Dales Lane. The Badgers featured in that remarkable 5-5 draw with Heanor Town last week and a win for them could see them jump 4 places. There is another big game at the bottom of the table at Hillsfield as Rocester entertain Dunkirk. The Romans’ position may well be false as they have only played 14 games but a win will help them move away from the drop zone. Coventry Sphinx slide into the bottom four has been one of the surprises of the season and, under new management, they travel to Loughborough University hoping to restart their season. The students were unlucky in midweek against Heanor Town and will be favourites on their own patch. Boldmere St Michaels have turned the corner of late and they can continue their rise up the table when they welcome Long Eaton United to Church Road. Another side looking over their shoulder near the foot of the table are Quorn and they travel to inconsistent Lye Town who are tough to beat at home. Westfields are only 5 points above the drop zone and they will be looking for all three points when Coleshill Town visit Allpay Park. AFC Wulfrunians are having a good season, and they can cement their place in the top ten with a home win over Bardon Hill, themselves having a solid start to life in the Midland Football League.

Division 1
Weather permitting, there is a full programme of fixtures in Division 1. Two games stand out for me. It’s 5th against 2nd as Leicester Road entertain FA Vase heroes Nuneaton Griff. Last time out in the league both sides suffered disappointment and both need a win to keep in touch with Coventry United. At the City Ground, 3rd placed Lichfield City welcome 6th placed Pilkington XXX. The Pilks are on a run of 7 straight wins but Lichfield have been winning and scoring heavily in recent weeks – this one could be a cracker. Leaders Coventry United have opened up a seven point gap and they will expect to maintain that when they welcome lowly Heather St Johns to Sphinx Drive. There should be a decent crowd at The Victoria Ground when the two best supported sides lock horns. Bromsgrove Sporting have a game in hand on the leaders and will expect home advantage to count against Hinckley AFC who were surprised at home by Racing Club Warwick last week. Stafford Town are 5 points adrift at the bottom of the table and they will have realistic hopes when they travel to Atherstone Town who are not in the best of form. Bolehall Swifts have clawed themselves off the bottom and they will expect to continue their improved form at fellow strugglers Southam United. Pershore Town are only 3 points above the drop zone and they travel to mid-table Heath Hayes. Three other games affect the middle of the table, Cadbury Athletic at home to Littleton, Racing Club Warwick at home to Pelsall Villa and Studley at home to Coventry Copsewood.

Division 2
Only one place to be in Division 2 and that is at the Alvis Sports Club as 3rd placed Alvis Sporting Club welcome leaders Chelmsley Town. Alvis haven’t played a league game since October so Chelmsley have taken the opportunity to take over at the top. With only 1 defeat between them this season and both average more than 3 goals per game, this should be a great advert for Division 2. Rostance Edwards have maintained good form over the season and the 4th placed side welcome Austrey Rangers to The Old Red Lion. At the bottom, Earslwood Town have a solitary point to their name and they welcome Fairfield Villa to the Pavilions. The two teams above Earlswood meet at The Entaco as Feckenham host Barnt Green Spartak. Paget Rangers have games in hand of every side in the league and they travel to Coton Green looking to get some momentum. Elsewhere Hampton host Knowle with both sides separated by just a point.

Division 3
Leaders Leamington Hibernian travel to a Perrywood side hammered 8-0 at home by Alcester Town last week. Alcester Town host Enville Athletic looking to build on last week’s win. Bottom of the table AFC Solihull are at home to Badsey Rangers, who themselves were beaten 7-3 in the County Cup last week. FC Stratford have slipped to 8th through lack of league games and they will want to put pressure on the leaders when they travel to Coventrians. Shipston Excelsior have had some good results of late and they entertain Redditch Borough with both sides on 10 points. Inkberrow entertain 2nd bottom Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons with a chance to move into the top half of the table.

Les James Challenge Cup
Division 3 Northfield own entertain 2nd Division Sutton United with a chance for a giant killing to gain a place in the quarter-finals.

Challenge Vase
Smithswood Firs and Barton United meet for the second week running in a cup competition. Smithswood were victors last week at Barton winning 5-2 and will be favourites to win at home.

Reserve Division
Coventry United vs Rocester
Romulus vs Evesham United
Sutton United vs Continental Star
Brocton vs Gresley
Coleshill Town vs Lichfield City

Under 21 Divisions
H.O.W. Academy vs Bedworth United (U21S)
Kings Heath Concorde vs Stourport Swifts (U21S)
Tipton Town vs West Midlands Football Academy (BOWL)
Sutton Coldfield Town vs Heath Hayes (U21N)
Tamworth vs Anstey Nomads (U21N)

The Team of the Month for November is

Overall - Droitwich Spa
Premier Division - Alvechurch
Division 1 - Lichfield City
Division 3 - Inkberrow