Midland Football League Newsletter
28th September 2016
League News

The draw has been made for the 1st round proper of the FA Vase. Ties to take place on Saturday 22nd October

Shifnal Town (WMRLP) vs Quorn (MFLP)
Heanor Town (MFLP) vs Blidworth Welfare (CMLS)
St Andrews (MFLP) vs Paget Rangers (MFL2)
Long Eaton United (MFLP) vs Coventry United (MFLP)
Wolverhampton Casuals (WMRL) vs Chelmsley Town (MFL1)
Handsworth Parramore (NCELP) vs Shepshed Dynamo (MFLP)
Bromsgrove Sporting (MFL1) vs Cadbury Athletic (MFL1)
Westfields (MFLP) vs Walsall Wood (MFLP)
Hinckley AFC (MFL1) vs Wolverhampton Sporting Community (WMRLP)
Lichfield City (MFL1) vs Shawbury United (MFLP)
Rocester (MFLP) vs Oakham United (UCL1)
Uttoxeter Town (MFL1) vs Leicester Road (MFL1)
Sporting Khalsa (MFLP) vs Hanley Town (NWCLP)
Coventry Copsewood (MFL1) vs Holbeach United (UCLP)
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Coton Green were found guilty of playing an ineligible player in their Division 2 fixture against Sutton United on Monday 29th August 2016. As Coton Green drew the fixture 2-2, under League Rule 8(0) they were deducted 1 point from their playing total.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 24th September
FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round (19)
Tipton Town 0 Bromsgrove Sporting 1

As with all FA competitions, the chance to visit clubs outside of the MFL is a bonus even if it is to a former MFL club. Tipton Town had a dreadful time last season but have started much beeter in Division 1 of the West Midlands regional League. Visitors were MFL Division 1 front runners Bromsgrove Sporting, who won 13-0 in the previous round. I have visited many grounds with running tracks around the pitch and no matter what the weather, it always seems to blow a gale in the main stand. The sensible ones took their poistion in the sun down the near touchline with the feeling that goals could be likely. The first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the 8th minute but Chris lloyd was well off target with his effort. Titpon had a chance in the 12th minute but Jordan Harrison missed his kick and the chance went begging. Tipton keeper Mark Brach made the first of many excellent saves in the 14th minute, fingertipping away a header from Sean Brain. Romario reid had an opportunity for Tipton, robbing Dan Morris however his toe-poked effort was never goimng to trouble Chris jay. Brach amde another decent save in the 21st minute to thwart Robbie Bunn.
Bromsgrove again went close in the 27th minute when a cross from Dan Ludlow was headed goalwards by Tony Clarke but that man brach was on hand again to save well. With half time approaching, Clarke had another good chance for Bromsgrove but fired straight at Brach.
The second half continued in the same vein with Bromsgrove having the majority of the play without getting the all important goal. That changed on the hour mark. An excellent crossfield ball from Bunn picked out Lloyd on the right flank. He cut inside, onto his left foot and curled a superb shot from 25 yards into the roof of the net. A minute later it could have been two when Clarke ran through on goal but Paul Henley made a fine defensive tackle. Bromsgrove continued to drive forward and the arrival of three substitutes gave them a new zest. One of the subs, Ahmed Ali almost set-up a second goal, flicking the ball on to Lloyd whose first time volley was brilliantly saved by Brach. Tjhe same two players combined in the 68th minute but Lloyd’s volley was this time off target. Tipton to their credit never gave up but found the Bromsgrove defence too good and they finished the game without having tested Chris Jay.
Bromsgrove progress to round 1 but some words of credit for Tipton Town. After such a torrid time, it appears the club is on its way back and there is a confidence that they can get it right on the pitch in the way that they have off it. One of the friendlies clubs I have visited and, even though I dislike pitches with athletic tracks around them, I will return to see if they can start the climb back up to where they belong.

Tuesday September 27th
Premier Division (20)
AFC Wulfrunians 1 Shawbury United 0

With both sides struggling at the wrong end of the table, there was a feeling of a must win game even though we were still in September. The home side made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 4th minute. An excellent through ball from Jake Webb picked out Demetri Brown. Brown took his time, picked his spot and lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net. Shawbury appeared shell shocked by the start made by Wulfs. A minute after the goal, Brown made another good run down the right hand side but his cross was cleared from danger. In the 8th minute Brown saw his shot blocked as Wulfs continued to pile on the pressure. Shawbury’s first chance came in the 13th minute when Andy Haynes cleared the cross bar with a free-kick. On the quarter hour, Kyle Brady went close to doubling Wulfs lead, his shot just off target. Webb then hit the side netting after spinning away from a defender. Webb should have made it two in the 19th minute. A right wing cross from Brady was laid on a plate for Webb but he missed his kick and Joel Caines couldn’t turn it home.
Following the initial 20 minute onslaught, the visitors gained a foothold and began to look dangerous. On the half hour, Liam Armstrong hit a shot straight at Danny Tipton in the Wulfs goal.
Liam Taylor tried his luck from distance but his shot was always rising. Just  before half –time, Kieran Dovey found himself in space but his shot was poor. The ball came out to Keanu Cooper whose volley was inches wide. In the last minute of the half, Brown found Brady whose shot flew across the face of the goal.
Just after the break, the impressive Brown caused problems in the Shawbury defence but yet again, the cross flew across the face of the goal without anyone getting a final touch. A massive scramble in the Wulfs area could have led to a Shawbury equaliser but Stuart Ellis couldn’t force the ball home.
Brown went close again for Wulfs before Dovey forced a save from Tipton at the other end. Wulfs should have made it two in the 69th minute but Brown volleyed over. Shawbury were striving for the equaliser and following a knock down from Ellis, Armstrong fired wide. Ellis was causing all sorts of problems for the Wulfs defence and he crossed for Taylor who couldn’t get on the end. With 10 minutes left, Brown crossed for Jamie King but a lack of control from the Wulfs sub gave away possession. With three minutes on the clock, Ellis was brought down in the penalty area and to the surprise of everyone in the ground, no penalty was awarded. King went close in the final minute but Matthew Ballard in the Shawbury goal was equal to the effort. The final whistle went, with Shawbury incredulous at the referee’s decision not to award a penalty. I have to agree with them.

Travels of a Compliance Director
Saturday 24th September
Hajduk Split v Cibalia 6-1 Attendance 6,061

Having watched the Polymac Packaging League Cup game between Bromsgrove Sporting and Sporting Khalsa it was time to get on our travels to tick off some more foreign stadiums or in other words "a holiday to Croatia" First up following a day in beautiful Split we walked from the city centre to the Stadion Poljud. Arriving an hour and a half before kick off we were surprised at the lack of people around. Tickets were purchased for the best seats in the ground at a ridiculously cheap price of 80 Kuna (£9) Programmes were given away free and I managed to bag a team sheet as we were sat next to the Press Box. Following a poor first half the home side ripped Cibalia apart in the second half with former Portsmouth and Leicester City striker Mario Futacs coming off the bench to score the final goal. Despite the low crowd flares were still thrown onto the pitch by the Ultras who congregated behind the goal. Interestingly when Cibalia equalised we could not see one supporter in the crowd. A stadium that was in its heyday twenty years ago but is now well behind Europes elite.

Wednesday 28th September
GOSK Dubrovnik v Junak 2-1 Attendance 100

Following a three hour each way drive to get to Saturday's game today's Croatian Division 3 South game was a mere five minute walk from our hotel. The stadium is a ground graders nightmare consisting of nothing but concrete terracing and a couple of hundred seats with no shelter from the heat and more importantly no beer or refreshments available. The game was a 4pm kick off due to no flood lights. Admission here was 20 Kuna (£2.20) and I managed to talk the Secretary in to printing me off a team sheet. This was a decent game but not of a high standard. Most MFL Premier Division teams would have beaten either side. Back home tomorrow for Westfields big game in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Review
FA Vase
Pride of place in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Vase goes to Paget Rangers from Division 2 who knocked out Premier Division Highgate United at Dales Lane. Daniel Carter bagged the all important winner in the 90th minute as Paget went through 2-1. There were a couple of shocks where Premier Divisions sides were beaten at home by sides from Division 1. Chelmsley Town won 2-0 at Brocton with an own goal and a last minute effort from Jem Mills given them a 2-0 victory. Cadbury Athletic grabbed a 2nd consecutive 1-0 away win, an own goal from Paul Hurrell being enough to beat Stourport Swifts. Ryan Seal of Hinckley AFC was the individual star performer of the round scoring 5 in Hinckley’s 6-3 win at Greenwood Meadows. Premier Division leaders Westfields continued banging in the goals as they beat Dudley Sports 8-0 at Allpay Park. Craig Jones scored a hat-trick and there was a double for Richard Greaves as Fields made it 23 goals in their last 4 games. Quorn progressed to Round 1 with a 2-0 win at Anstey Nomads. In an all Division 1 clash, Coventry Copsewood came out on top as they defeated Atherstone Town 2-1. Coventry United beat Wednesfield 2-0 at Sphinx Drive with goals from Ben Mackey and Chris Cox. Leicester Road were involved in a topsy turvy game at home to West Bridgford but they eventually went through 4-3 with a goal on his return for Amarvir Sandhu. Rocester left it late against Black Country Rangers, Oli Roome scoring the only goal of the game three minutes into added time. There was another late
winner at Wem as Nathan Hodge scored in the 91st minute to give Shawbury United a 3-2 win over Premier Division rivals Coventry Sphinx. Long Eaton United had to withstand a fightback from Stapenhill but they held on to win 3-2. A goal from Chris Lloyd on the hour mark was enough to give Bromsgrove Sporting victory at Tipton Town. Uttoxeter Town had a comfortable 3-0 win over West Midland league Wellington Amateurs to progress to round 1. Two goals in the last 5 minutes saw Walsall Wood beat a resolute Pegasus Juniors at Oak Park. Lichfield City travelled to the outskirts of Hereford and came from Wellington with a 5-2 victory with doubles for Josh Haston and Dan Griffiths. St Andrews made it 8 wins in succession as they beat Retford 3-0 at Canal Street. Heanor Town and Kimberley Miners Welfare will need to do it again as they couldn’t be separated after extra-time, 2-2 the final score. It wasn’t all good news as a number of MFL teams bowed out to non MFL opposition. Bolehall Swifts were beaten 2-0 at Rene Road by Shifnal Town.

Premier Division
Boldmere St Michaels travelled to the Potteries to face North West Counties Hanley Town and it was the home side that prevailed winning 2-1. Littleton took the game with Kirby Muxloe to extra-time but it was the Step 5 United Counties team that progressed, winning 2-0. There were 4 penalties in the game between Pinxton and Premier Division Loughborough University, two for each side. Goals
in the 86th and 96th minutes gave Pinxton a 4-2 victory.
Heanor Town overcame Kimberley Miner’s Welfare in the replay, winning 2 goals to nil.

Premier Division
The match of the day between two of the league heavyweights, Alvechurch and Sporting Khalsa didn’t disappoint. Alvechurch were fast out of the traps and took a 2 goal inside 10 minutes with a double from Josh March. Khalsa pulled one back through Luke Shearer just before the break and were level on the hour with a David Meese effort. The visitors lost Craig Bannister to a red card but a draw is a result both would take. A 65th minute penalty from Dean Rathbone gave Coleshill Town all 3 points in a 2-1 win at Pack Meadow against AFC Wulfrunians.
A 4th minute goal from Demetri Brown gave AFC Wulfrunians all three points in their clash with
Shawbury United. The win moves Wulfs up to 15th place in the table.

Division 1
Nuneaton Griff and Heath Hayes fought out a goalless draw at The Pingles Stadium. Two goals from Will Gayton helped Pershore Town towards a 4-0 win over Studley moving them up to 16th in the table.

Division 2
Barnt Green Spartak are the new leaders of Division 2 following a 5-3 win over Leamington Hibernian. Benet Parchment was the star netting 4 times. Alvis Sporting Club are level on points with Barnt Green as they beat free-scoring Knowle 1-0, Thomas Maguire with the winner in the 82nd minute. It’s back to back wins for Bloxwich Town as a Ryan Wood goal gave them all three points against Earlswood Town. Continental Star are now bottom despite a 1-1 draw at Coton Green. The same can be said for second bottom Hampton who drew 2-2 with Smithswood Firs.

Division 3
Top of the table NKF Burbage made it seven wins out of seven as an own goal was enough to win at Northfield Town. Two wins on the bounce for Enville Athletic has seen them rise to 9th place. 16 year old Jake Brigdale scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as they beat AFC Solihull at Hall Drive. A goal from Leon Blundell gave Alcester Town all three points at home to
Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. There was a good win on the road for Barton United who beat Coventrians 4-2.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Heather St Johns surprised Premier Division Shepshed Dynamo at the Dovecote as they went through 2-0 thanks to a Jake Healy double.

Les James Challenge Cup
There was no shock at The Vale Stadium as Division 2 Redditch Borough proved too string for Division 3 Castle Vale Town, winning the game 4-0.

Challenge Vase
There were 11 goals at the Beehive as Moors Academy beat Shipston Excelsior 8-3. Tyrese Shade and Montel Okoro scored twice for Moors while Chris Mills scored twice for Excelsior.

Other Cups
In the Worcestershire Junior Cup Droitwich Spa progressed through to the next round with a 5-0 win over Fairfield Villa. Also through in the same competition are Inkberrow after a close 3-2 win over Feckenham. Montpellier marked their debut in the competition with a 3-0 win over Upton Town. In the Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup, FC Stratford made progress winning 2-1 at Coventry Colliery.
Lye Town and Alvechurch made progress in the Worcestershire Senior Urn beating Pershore Town and Studley respectively. Andy Nicol scored 4 in Alvechurch’s 6-1 win while Lye were 3-0 winners.
Long Eaton United were knocked out of the Derbyshire Senior Cup losing 2-0 at home to South Normanton Athletic. Two goals from Nick Hawkins helped Leicester Road to a 5-1 victory over Coalville Town reserves in the Leicestershire Senior Cup. Bromsgrove Sporting beat Inkberrow 3-2 in the Smedley Crooke memorial Charity Cup. Highgate United eased past Littleton in the Worcestershire Senior Urn, winning 2-1 at 5Acres.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
LICHFIELD CITY 2 v 2 WALSALL WOOD
Group "B"
CADBURY ATHLETIC 4 v 0 COTON GREEN
TIPTON TOWN 2 v 4 ROMULUS
RESERVE DIVISION
CONTINENTAL STAR 1 v 1 BROCTON

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
GORNAL ATHLETIC 0 v 2 KETTERING TOWN 10.30
HIGHGATE UNITED 2 v 2 COVENTRY UNITED 10.30
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 0 v 3 ALVECHURCH 10.30
Group "C"
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS v H O W ACADEMY 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
COLESHILL TOWN 0 v 2 BROCTON 10.30
LEEK TOWN 2 v 4 AYLESTONE PARK 11.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
BROMSGROVE SPORTING 1 v 2 BEDWORTH UNITED 10.30

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 14
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 12
Jamie Molyneux Westfields 12
Dan Polan Westfields 10
Josh March Alvechurch 10
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 18
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 12
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 12
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 9
Division 2
Thomas Craine Knowle 16
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 8
Division 3
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 6
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 6
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 6

Preview
FA Cup
Westfields welcome Ryman Division one South Walton casuals to Allpay Park with a realistic progress to the 4th qualifying round. Westfields have been in phenomenal goalscoring form and face a side who themselves have been scoring a lot of goals. With Hereford facing a long journey to Kent in the FA Cup, the attendance could well be swelled with local football fans cheering Fields on.

Premier Division
Game of the day in the Premier Division sees two in form sides go head to head. Sporting Khalsa have moved up to 5th place after a slow start to the season and they welcome St Andrews to the Aspray Arena, with the visitors having won 8 games on the trot in all competitions. The top of the table, below leaders Westfields is very congested and two leading sides meet at Farley Way with
Quorn hosting Alvechurch. 3rd placed Lye Town travel to 9th placed Shepshed Dynamo with only 3 points separating the sides. 4th placed Walsall Wood travel to Hillsfield to face a Rocester side sitting in the bottom four. Bottom side Tividale are still searching for their first win of the season and they welcome Stourport Swifts to The Beeches. 2nd bottom Brocton travel to Sphinx Drive to tackle Coventry United who are a couple of games behind everyone else. Highgate United are a picture of inconsistency this season and they welcome AFC Wulfrunians, who sit two places above them, to The Coppice. Coleshill Town are in 7th place and could go 2nd with a win at Long Eaton United.
Heanor Town welcome Boldmere St Michaels to The Town Ground after picking up 8 points in their last 4 league games. Coventry Sphinx have had a serious mixed bag of results this season and they make the long journey to Wem to face Shawbury United who remain in the bottom three after defeat in midweek..

Division 1
League leaders Lichfield City welcome Littleton to the McDonalds Community Stadium looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table. 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff travel to Racing Club Warwick a couple of weeks after being beaten 7-3 by the same side at home. Bromsgrove Sporting get back to league action with a trip to mid table Pelsall Villa. Atherstone Town have made an excellent start to the season and they will want to put their FA Vase disappoint behind them as they entertain Heather St Johns. Two sides that progressed in the Vase meet at Pack Meadow with Chelmsley Town hosting Coventry Copsewood. A game that promises goals takes place at St Johns Park with Hinckley AFC welcoming Bolehall Swifts. It’s a big day at Evans Park as Stafford Town welcome Pershore Town for the first game on their new 3g pitch. Leicester Road have been in good goal scoring form of late while Studley have been conceding goals. Will the hosts upset the form book at The Beehive? Southam United are finding it a struggle this season and they welcome Heath Hayes hoping to gain their first win of the season. Two sides through to the 1st round of the FA Vase meet at The Triplex with 10th place Cadbury Athletic hosting 14th place Uttoxeter Town.

Division 2
FA Vase heroes Paget Rangers could go joint top of the table if they can pick up all three points at Earlswood Town. The bottom two sides meet at Hampton Sports Club with Hampton entertaining Continental Star. 7th meets 6th at Hollyfield Road as Sutton United play host to Redditch Borough.

Division 3
Leaders NKF Burbage take their 100% to Hall Drive as they face Enville Athletic who have moved off the bottom with back to back victories. 2nd placed Montpellier travel to FC Stratford looking to get back to winning ways in the league. 3rd placed Moors Academy scored 8 in the Challenge Vase last week and they take this goalscoring form into a trip to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Alcester Town have moved into fourth place and they travel to second bottom Inkberrow. Bottom side AFC Solihull are yet to pick up a point and they face a difficult trip to Barton United. Northfield Town were narrowly beaten by the league leaders last week and they can consolidate their position near the top of the table with a win at Coventrians. Castle Vale Town had a good win in their last league game and they will hope to build on this against 6th placed Shipston Excelsior at The Vale Stadium.

Les James Challenge Cup
Fairfield Villa welcome Alvis Sporting Club to the Recreation ground with a place in the quarter final up for grabs.

Presidents Cup
Division 2 leaders Barnt Green Spartak travel to Bloxwich Town with the home side winning their last two games. Droitwich Spa travel to The Entaco to face Feckenham with the Millers featuring in a number of high scoring games this season. Another tie which could see a goal rush takes place at Knowle with Smithswood Firs the visitors. Coton Green have been the draw specialists this season and they welcome Leamington Hibernian to New Mill Lane.

Reserves
RESERVE DIVISION
CADBURY ATHLETIC v ROCESTER
ROMULUS v COTON GREEN

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK v ALVECHURCH 12.30
Group "B"
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v BEDWORTH UNITED 10.30
Group "C"
COLESHILL TOWN v AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 10.30
H O W ACADEMY v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN v WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
DROITWICH SPA G & B v HIGHGATE UNITED 10.30

STAFFORDSHIRE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 1
MAYFIELD ADULT v BROCTON RES.
BROCTON u21 v MILTON UNITED 2nd
HEATH HAYES u21 v KEELE UNIVERSITY RES.
CASTLECROFT RANGERS v LEEK TOWN u21
RED STAR ALMA v LICHFIELD CITY RES,
STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS RES. v WALSALL WOOD RES.

BIRMINGHAM SATURDAY AMATEUR CUP ROUND 1
CONTINENTAL STAR RES. v WAKE GREEN AMATEURS 2nd
BURTON COOPERS ATHLETIC v COVENTRY UNITED u21
GORNAL ATHLETIC u21 v HALL GREEN UNITED
TAMWORTH U21 v SPORTING SANDWELL
TIPTON TOWN RES. v BERMUDA PHOENIX

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LOWER JUNIOR CUP ROUND 1
AFC HOUGHTON MAGNA v KETTERING TOWN u21 2.00

In relation to the previous message regarding the deduction of a point from Coton Green, the point deduction should have been from their opponents in that particular match, Sutton United. The Division 2 table has been updated to confirm this.
Apologies for any confusion that this may have caused to Coton Green FC.
 
Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Midland Football League Newsletter
21st September 2016
League News

Draws have been made for later rounds of the league’s various cup competitions.

Polymac Packaging League Cup Round 2
Bolehall Swifts v Boldmere St Michaels
Lichfield City v Long Eaton United
Nuneaton Griff v Brocton
Rocester v Heanor Town
Coventry Copsewood v St Andrews or Coventry United
Coleshill Town v Hinckley AFC
Shepshed Dynamo or Heather St Johns v Leicester Road
Quorn v Loughborough University
Pershore Town v Cadbury Athletic
Alvechurch v Westfields
Stourport Swifts v Highgate United
Chelmsley Town v Littleton
Sporting Khalsa v Pelsall Villa
AFC Wulfrunians v Shawbury United
Lye Town v Heath Hayes
Tividale v Walsall Wood

LES JAMES CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 2
match 16 Bloxwich Town v Paget Rangers
match 17 Shipston Excelsior v Redditch Borough or Castle Vale Town
match 18 FC Stratford v Coton Green
match 19 Feckenham v Continental Star
match 20 Fairfield Villa v Alvis Sporting
match 21 Barnt Green Spartak or Hampton v Northfield Town
match 22 Earlswood Town v Montpellier
match 23 Knowle v Alcester Town

CHALLENGE VASE ROUND 2
match 7 Alcester Town v Coventrians
match 8 Enville Athletic v NKF Burbage or FC Stratford
match 9 Northfield Town v Montpelier
match 10 Moors Academy or Shipston Excelsior v Barton United

PRESIDENTS CUP ROUND 2
Paget Rangers or Fairfield Villa v Continental Star or Earlswood Town
Knowle or Smithswood Firs v Alvis Sporting Club
Redditch Borough or Hampton v Coton Green or Leamington Hibernian
Feckenham or Droitwich Spa v Bloxwich Town or Barnt Green Spartak

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 17th September
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round (17)
Westfields 4 Highgate United 2

Our two remaining sides go head to head in the FA Cup with a place in the 3rd qualifying round awaiting the winners. On a glorious late summer’s day in Hereford, a good crowd congregated at Allpay Park to witness a cracking cup tie. The home side were stunned when Highgate took the lead in the 6th minute. The Westfields defence laboured in possession and were robbed by Connor Mooney who shrugged off a challenge and beat Kieron Blackburn with a superb left-footed shot. A mistake by Highgate keeper Brendon Bunn was rescued by Scott Turner who turned the ball behind for a corner. Highgate skipper Josh Hawker, an impressive figure in the middle of the park was inches wide in the 20th minute as the visitors looked the more likely to add to their score. In the 29th minute, Marco Adaggio got the wrong side of the last defender and he went down in a heap under a challenge. The referee decided that there was no foul much to the disgust of the visitors. Their temper was made worse a minute later when Westfields equalised. A long free-kick picked out James Molyneux whose ball across the face of goal was hammered in by Richard Greaves. Highgate went close to regaining the lead in the 37th minute when James Loney headed a free-kick against the Westfields crossbar. Within a minute, the home side had taken the lead. Greaves knocked the ball past Bunn and Molyneux was the grateful recipient and he rolled the ball into the empty net. Molyneux almost made it three but Bunn was on hand with a point blank save. On the stroke of half-time, turner wasted a glorious chance, given a free header he couldn’t keep the ball down.
Molyneux was presented with an open goal in the 49th minute after Bunn went walkabout but he could only find the side-netting. The dangerous Mooney shot just over the Westfields bar in the 57th minute but seconds later he was fouled in the area by Glover, the referee pinting to the spot. Skipper Hawker made no mistake sending Blackburn the wrong way. The end to tend nature of the game continued with Aidan Thomas hitting the outside of the post for Westfields and Kane Kahaki heading over. The longer the game went on, both sides were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply as they strived for the advantage. In the 81st minute, Highgate thought they had taken the lead when a long range effort from Aaron Brown cannoned off the bar and Adaggio’s follow up was saved. With two minutes of normal time remaining, the home supporters were on their feet as Westfields took the lead. A free-kick from Craig Jones was headed home by Kahaki at the far post. Deep into stoppage time, Highgate were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Brown’s shot beat Blackburn but was the wrong side of the post. Westfields’ victory was sealed in the 4th minute of stoppage time. Bunn did well to foil Grant but when Jones miss hit his shot, Ben Miller was on hand to volley the ball home. A fitting end to a wonderful cup tie.

Tuesday September 20th
Polymac Packaging League Cup (18)
Bromsgrove Sporting 0 Sporting Khalsa 3

The first round of the league cup and an intriguing tie between two sides amongst the favourites for promotion in their respective divisions. Bromsgrove Sporting have started well in Division 1, scoring freely as they sit in 2nd place. Visitors Sporting Khalsa have put a good run together to move up to 5th in the Premier Division. It was the home side that started the brighter with Robbie Bunn forcing a save from Tom Turner. Bromsgrove were having more of the play and appeals for a penalty were waved away in the 17th minute when Tony Clarke was bundled off the ball. Nathan Walker went close for the home side iin the 25th minute but his shot skimmed the crossbar. A minute later, Khalsa were in front. A corner from the right was flicked on and Tesfa Robinson converted at the far post, with no defender in sight. Walker again went close for the home side with another superb shot from distance. Just before the break, Bunn wasted a glorious chance. With the goal at his mercy his shot cleared the crossbar. Daniel Harris was off target for Bromsgrove from a corner as the game went into the interval.
The strength of Sporting Khalsa in the challenge had been a key factor in the game as the home side were often knocked off the ball. In the 55th minute, David Meese hooked the ball goalwards for Khalsa but it was headed off the line. Bromsgrove gifted Khalsa a second goal in the 57th minute. A misplaced header was played into the path of Nick Turton who raced into the box and slotted past Chris Jay from a tight angle. Back came the home side and substitute Dale Edwards forced a fine save from Turner. In the 71st minute, a free-kick from Walker was spilled by Turner and the follow yup shot was blocked by the Khalsa defence. From the resulting corner, Harris’ header looked for all the world a goal but Turner had other ideas making an excellent save. With 5 minutes remaining, Khalsa substitute Luke Shearer was tripped in the area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Shearer himself took the penalty and he chipped the ball into the net. In the last minute, Marvin Nisbett curled a shot over the bar. A final scoreline of 3-0 was hard on Bromsgrove who dominated possession for large periods of the game. Khalsa were stronger in the challenge and clinical when it came to taking chances.

Review
FA Cup

A pulsating cup-tie at Allpay Park saw Westfields make it through to the 3rd qualifying round with a 4-2 win over Premier Division rivals Highgate United. With two minutes left, the odds were on a replay at The Coppice but goals from Kane Kahaki and Ben Millar sent Fields through.

Premier Division
St Andrews made it 6 wins on the trot as they won 4-0 at AFC Wulfrunians. Two goals in the opening 9 minutes set Drews on their way and they jump into second place, just 5 points behind leaders Westfields. Two Danny Ashton goals gave Sporting Khalsa all three points in a 2-0 win at 2nd place Quorn. Khalsa are now looming large in 5th place. Walsall Wood take over 3rd spot coming from behind to beat Alvechurch 2-1 at the ML Safety Stadium. Former Church front man, Karl Edwards notched the winner in the 64th minute. Lye Town were reduced to 9 men at home to Heanor Town but held on to draw 1-1. Loughborough University are in 8th place following a 5-0 win at Shawbury United with Andrew Bridge helping himself to a hat-trick. Coleshill Town beat Shepshed Dynamo 2-0 at Pack Meadow to move into 9th position. There was a remarkable game at Sphinx Drive with Coventry Sphinx and Rocester sharing 8 goals. Sphinx raced into a 2-0 lead with a double from Jackson Downie but Rob Ritchie-Smith scored twice for Rocester who lead 3-2 and 4-3. In the 4th minute of stoppage time a goal from Liam Cairns gave Sphinx a share of the points. A double from Kai Williams gave Coventry United an early lead at Stourport Swifts and they held on to win 2-1. Tividale remain bottom and are now 4 points adrift following a 2-0 defeat at Long Eaton United. Brocton gained their 2nd win of the season beating Boldmere St Michaels 2-1 at Silkmore Lane, skipper Dan Lomas with the winner.
Lye Town moved up to 3rd with a 4-0 victory over Long Eaton United at Stourbridge Road with Jack Pearlman scoring twice. Two Josh March penalties helped Alvechurch to a 3-0 win over Shawbury United. The win moves Church up to 7th in the table.
Is there no stopping Westfields? Sidric Grant scored a hat-trick and Jamie Molyneux 2 as they beat Highgate United 7-1 at Allpay Park to move 8 points clear at the top of the table.

Division 1
Two goals from Luke Chapman helped Lichfield City retain top spot with a 3-0 win over Pershore Town. Hot on their heels are Bromsgrove Sporting who beat Coventry Copsewood 3-1 despite going behind in the 2nd minute. Atherstone Town are third beating Southam United 3-2 with Alex Naughton bagging all three. There were 10 goals at The Pingles Stadium as visitors Racing Club Warwick beat Nuneaton Griff 7-3, Jamie Smith with a hat-trick. Matt Stenson was another striker to score a hat-trick as his Leicester Road side beat Littleton 7-2. Paul Sullivan and Ryan Seal both scored twice as Hinckley AFC beat Uttoxeter Town 6-1 at Oldfields. In form Bolehall Swifts had an afternoon to forget as they were beaten 4-0 at home by Pelsall Villa. There were 4 different scorers for Heather St Johns as they beat Chelmsley Town 4-0 at St Johns Park. Cadbury Athletic move into the top half of the table following a 2-0 win at home to Heath Hayes. Stafford Town climb off the bottom, a 1-1 draw at Studley enough to rise a place on goal difference.

Division 2
The game between top and bottom didn’t go according to the formbook with Bloxwich Town upsetting the leaders Droitwich Spa by a goal to nil, Ashley Southall with the all-important goal. The result enabled Barnt Green Spartak to draw level on points with a 6-0 win over Feckenham, Benet Parchment with a hat-trick. Redditch Borough were another side to win big, 5-0 away at Continental Star with Jak Albutt grabbing a brace. Fairfield Villa climbed into the top half of the table with a 2-0 win at Earlswood Town. Leamington Hibernian overtook visitors Hampton in the league table following a 3-1 victory with a double from Joseph Wright.

Division 3
The game at the top of the table went the way of NKF Burbage who made it 6 wins out of 6 as they defeated Montpellier 3-1 at Badsey. 3rd placed Moors Academy went down to their second defeat of the season losing 2-1 at Alcester Town who won their second game on the trot. A double from Peter Martin helped Barton United to a share of the spoils against Shipston Excelsior, 3-3 the final score. Enville Athletic are off the bottom, a Brad Rees goal at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons giving them all three points. Castle Vale Town picked up their first win of the season beating FC Stratford 4-1 at Vale Stadium.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Coleshill Town cruised through to the 2nd round of the league cup with a resounding 5-0 win at Coventry Sphinx. Gio Dainty scored and Coleshill could even afford to miss a penalty as they go through to face Hinckley AFC in round 2. Brocton needed a goal in extra-time from veteran Paul McMahon to beat Division 1 Uttoxeter Town at Silkmore Lane. Sporting Khalsa continued their excellent run of form with a fine 3-0 victory at Bromsgrove Sporting. Pershore Town put their poor recent form behind them as they progressed to round 2 with a 3-2 win over Southam United, Dale Aldington with a brace. Cadbury Athletic had an excellent away win at Townsend Meadow beating Racing Club Warwick 3-1 with Dean Lea scoring twice. Bolehall Swifts are through to round 2 after a narrow 1-0 win at Atherstone Town. Littleton went goal crazy as they beat Studley 9-1 to set up a meeting with Chelmsley Town. Matt Harris broke Stafford Town hearts with a winner two minutes into added time at the end of extra time to give Heanor Town a 3-2 victory.

Les James Challenge Cup
Goal machine Tom Craine bagged another brace for Knowle as they beat Coventrians 3-1. Talking of goal machines, a week after scoring his 700th career goal, Mark Bellingham is now up to 703 – his hat-trick helping Paget Rangers beat Smithswood Firs 4-3.

Presidents Cup
Alvis Sporting Club needed extra time to beat Sutton United, 3-1 the final score.

Challenge Vase
Northfield Town made progress through to the second round of the Challenge Vase with a 3-1 win over Inkberrow.

Other Cups
Coton Green beat Silhill “A” at New Mill Lane to make it through to the next round of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup. Lichfield City had a comprehensive win over Warstone Wanderers in the JW Hunt Cup, 7-0 the final score. Amadou Bakayoko scored a hat-trick as a young Walsall team beat Tividale 8-0 at The Beeches in the Walsall Senior Cup. Barnt Green Spartak are through to the next round of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup after a 5-0 win over Tenbury United, Jacob Snape and Stefan Gordon both scoring twice.

Reserves
RESERVE DIVISION
CADBURY ATHLETIC 4 v 2 WALSALL WOOD
ROCESTER 2 v 2 GRESLEY

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
COVENTRY UNITED 2 v 2 AYLESTONE PARK
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 1 v 0 KETTERING TOWN
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED 6 v 0 DROITWICH SPA G & B
TAMWORTH 5 v 0 BROCTON
Group "C"
COLESHILL TOWN 2 v 1 H O W ACADEMY
LEEK TOWN 3 v 0 WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY

UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
HEATH HAYES 6 v 1 GORNAL ATHLETIC

UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
ALVECHURCH 1 v 1 BROMSGROVE SPORTING
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 0 v 1 AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

Preview
FA Vase
Anstey Nomads (EMCL) vs Quorn
Bolehall Swifts vs Shifnal Town (WMRL)
Brocton vs Chelmsley Town
Coventry Copsewood vs Atherstone Town
Coventry United vs Wednesfield (WMRL)
Greenwood Meadows (EMCL) vs Hinckley AFC
Hanley Town (NWCL) vs Boldmere St Michaels
Heanor Town vs Kimberley Miner’s Welfare (EMCL)
Kirby Muxloe (UCL) vs Littleton
Leicester Road vs West Bridgford (EMCL)
Paget Rangers vs Highgate United @Rushall Olympic FC
Pinxton (CML) vs Loughborough University
Rocester vs Black Country Rangers (WMRL)
Shawbury United vs Coventry Sphinx
St Andrews vs Retford (NCEL)
Stapenhill (EMCL) vs Long Eaton United
Stourport Swifts vs Cadbury Athletic
Tipton Town (WMRL) vs Bromsgrove Sporting
Uttoxeter Town vs Wellington Amateurs (WMRL)
Walsall Wood vs Pegasus Juniors (WMRL)
Wellington (WMRL)vs Lichfield City
Westfields vs Dudley Sports (WMRL)

26 teams in action with 5 all MFL games. Some cracking local derbies and hopefully, a lot of MFL clubs to progress to the first round.

Premier Division
Only two games in the Premier Division but two of the league’s heavyweights meet at Lye Meadow. Both Alvechurch and Sporting Khalsa have improved after stuttering starts with Khalsa picking up 13 points out of the last 15. A win for either could move them up to 2nd place. Coleshill Town welcome AFC Wulfrunians to Pack Meadow with the home side searching for some consistency.

Division 1
Nuneaton Griff will move up to 2nd if they can beat Heath Hayes at The Pingles Stadium. At the other end of the table Pershore Town can leapfrog visitors Studley should they pick up all three points at King George V Stadium.

Division 2
Barnt Green Spartak can go top of the pile if they beat Leamington Hibernian at The Coppice. Fellow high flyers, Alvis Sporting Club can join them at the summit should they beat visitors free-scoring Knowle. Bottom side Bloxwich Town had a morale boosting win over Droitwich Spa last week and will want to follow that up at home to Earlswood Town. 2nd bottom Continental Star travel to New Mill Lane to face Coton Green. Hampton can leapfrog visitors Smithswood Firs with a victory at Hampton Sports Club.

Division 3
NKF Burbage can extend their lead to 9 points if they can take all three points from their trip to 4th placed Northfield Town. The bottom two meet at Hall Drive with Enville Athletic hosting AFC Solihull. Alcester Town can go joint 2nd if they can beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons at Old Stratford Road. 10th meets 8th at Holbrooks Park with Coventrians hosting Barton United.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Premier Division Shepshed Dynamo welcome Division 1 Heather St Johns to The Dovecote in a game rearranged due to the FA Vase.

Les James Challenge Cup
Division 2 Redditch Borough welcome Division 3 newcomers Castle Vale Town to The Valley with the winners travelling to Shipston Excelsior in round 2.

Challenge Vase
Moors Academy welcome Shipston Excelsior to The Beehive with the winners hostibng Barton United in Round 2.

WORCESTERSHIRE JUNIOR CUP ROUND 1
DROITWICH SPA v FAIRFIELD VILLA
INKBERROW v FECKENHAM
MONTPELLIER v UPTON TOWN

WORCESTERSHIRE MINOR CUP ROUND 1
WHITE EAGLES v DROITWICH SPA G & B

COVENTRY EVENING TELEGRAPH CUP ROUND 1
COVENTRY COLLIERY v FC STRATFORD

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
LICHFIELD CITY v WALSALL WOOD
Group "B"
CADBURY ATHLETIC v COTON GREEN
TIPTON TOWN v ROMULUS
RESERVE DIVISION
CONTINENTAL STAR v BROCTON

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
GORNAL ATHLETIC v KETTERING TOWN 10.30
HIGHGATE UNITED v COVENTRY UNITED 10.30
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN v ALVECHURCH 10.30
Group "C"
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS v H O W ACADEMY 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
COLESHILL TOWN v BROCTON 10.30
LEEK TOWN v AYLESTONE PARK 11.30
TAMWORTH P v P WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
BROMSGROVE SPORTING v BEDWORTH UNITED 10.30

Midland Football League Newsletter
14th September 2016
League News

The Team of the Month for August are:
Overall - Westfields
Division 1 - Bromsgrove Sporting
Division 2 - Alvis Sporting Club
Division 3 - Montpellier

Congratulations to all
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Congratulations to Paget Rangers’ Mark Bellingham for scoring his 700th career goal last Saturday, a remarkable achievement.
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Following last weekend’s FA Vase fixtures, the ties for the 2nd Qualifying round are listed below: Ties to take place on September 24th:-
Anstey Nomads vs Quorn
Bolehall Swifts vs Shifnal Town
Brocton vs Chelmsley Town
Coventry Copsewood vs Atherstone Town
Coventry United vs Wednesfield
Greenwood Meadows vs Hinckley AFC
Hanley Town vs Boldmere St Michaels
Heanor Town vs Kimberley Miner’s Welfare
Kirby Muxloe vs Littleton
Leicester Road vs West Bridgford
Paget Rangers vs Highgate United @Rushall Olympic FC
Pinxton vs Loughborough University
Rocester vs Black Country Rangers
Shawbury United vs Coventry Sphinx
St Andrews vs Retford
Stapenhill vs Long Eaton United
Stourport Swifts vs Cadbury Athletic
Tipton Town vs Bromsgrove Sporting
Uttoxeter Town vs Wellington Amateurs
Walsall Wood vs Pegasus Juniors
Wellington vs Lichfield City
Westfields vs Dudley Sports
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Travels of the Press Officer
Friday 9th September
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round (13)
Barnt Green Spartak 0 Cadbury Athletic 1

A Friday night visit to The Coppice and a good number of neutrals were on hand to see Division 2 take on Division 1 in the Vase. Barnt Green had started the season with 10 points from 5 games and were expected to pose a threat to mid table Cadbury. The visitors started the game positively and following a poor defensive header, the dangerous Daniel Douse saw his shot blocked. Barnt green had a chance in the 10th minute when a ball over the top of the defence picked out Kevon Henry but poor control let down the striker and the chance went. Cadbury were well on top and Spartak keeper Raghban Ali was forced into a save pushing out a volley from Douse. The keeper did even better in the 13th minute saving well from Dayle Kenny who raced through on goal. Cadbury keeper Reece Francis had to be alert to block a shot from Darren Green. Douse was just off target with a header just after the half hour mark as Cadbury dominated but couldn’t break through. Just before half-time Brett Fellows had another good chance for the visitors but was off target.
Two minutes into the second half, Cadbury took the lead. An excellent run by right back Stuart Cooke finished with a rasping shot that Ali could not deal with. Dean Lea went close with a shot that dipped over the crossbar. It was all Cadbury with Spartak struggling to make any impression in the middle of the park. In the 58th minute, Fellows was fouled on the edge of the area. Fellows himself took the free-kick and with Ali beaten the ball cannoned off the crossbar. In the 65th minute, Kenny was upended in the penalty area, the referee pointing to the spot. Up stepped goalscorer Cooke only for him to blot his copy book by clearing the crossbar. A mistake at the back by Spartak gave Jack McGinn the chance but with an open goal, he could not convert albeit from some 35 yards out. Fellows continued to cause problems and a fierce shot was well saved again by Ali. Substitute Jacob Snape added some bite and impetus to the Barnt Green front-line and it was Snape who forced a save from Francis at his near post with 9 minutes left. Cadbury should have sealed things 6 minutes from time but Kenny was again off target following good work from Cooke. As hard as they tried, Barnt Green couldn’t get back into the game and Cadbury ran out comfortable winners.

Saturday 10th September
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round (14)
FC Oswestry Town 1 Walsall Wood 3 (after extra time)
A trip to The Venue, the home of Welsh Premier League Champions TNS and also North West Counties new boys FC Oswestry Town. The Venue comprises a gym, restaurant and blowing alley as well as the superb football facilities used by Oswestry. The pitch is a modern 3G surface and there is covered seating for over 1,000. Walsall Wood came into the game in good form but were missing a number of key players. Oswestry had drawn their previous Saturday game 6-6 so goals were expected. It was the home side that started much the brighter with the impressive Shawn Melusi curling a shot over the bar in the 3rd minute. Oswestry were very comfortable in possession on the 3G surface and were giving Walsall Wood an exhibition in passing without creating any clear-cut openings. Jack Harris went close for Oswestry in the 20th minute, his shot just clearing the cross bar. A free-kick from Brendon Price caused havoc in the Wood defence but they managed to scramble it away. Oswestry took a deserved lead in teh24th minute when Melusi picked up a long ball, shrugged off two defenders and slid the ball past Dave Faultless. The visitors’ firs effort on target came in the 28th minute but Corey Carruthers headers was comfortably held by Connor Tinsley. Oswestry continued to dominate with Jack Harris just off target with a shot. Two minutes before half-time. Walsall Wood had appeals for a penalty waved away as Craig Deakin was upended in the box.
Wood had to improve after the break and they began the half with a noticeable increase in tempo. Lewis Taylor-Boyce saw a shot blocked and Lee Parsons fired over. In the 49th minute, Carruthers hit a superb shot which was headed off the line by Price and the Oswestry centre-back Rob Shone went close to putting the ball into his own net as Wood pulled on the pressure. Two minutes later, Harry Harris thought he had equalised but his shot rebounded to safety off the foot of the post. At the other end, Faultless was forced into a save by Jack Harris. Wood had a decent chance in the 64th minute when Tinsley picked up a back pass inside his own penalty area. The indirect free-kick looked goal bound but hit Shawn Boothe, the Wood defender, and the opportunity had gone. In the 67th minute, a late challenge on Faultless by Melusi resulted in the Wood keeper being substituted after a 7-minute delay. Melusi could consider himself fortunate only to receive a yellow card. With no sub keeper on the bench, leading scorer Joey Butlin donned the gloves with Wood still a goal behind. Carruthers missed a great chance in the 78th minute heading a Harris free-kick wide. Two minutes into stoppage time, Oswestry conceded a needless free-kick outside the area. Drew Aiton stepped up and curled the free-kick past Tinsley to draw Wood level. Two minutes later, Carruthers’ cross come shot, cannoned off the bar and Harry Harris shot wide as the MFL side dominated.
Into extra-time and there was only going to be one winner. In the 99th minute, skipper Harry Harris gave Wood the lead with a superb finish. Oswestry pushed for the equaliser but couldn’t find their way past Butlin. With 5 minutes left, Wood sealed victory when a cross from Taylor-Boyce ricocheted off Leon Taylor into the net. Walsall Wood progress but my, was it close?

Tuesday September 13th
Premier Division (15)
Walsall Wood 3 Westfields 4
With thunderstorms lashing the area, it was with some relief that he game between 3rd and 1st went ahead. A positive start by the league leaders saw Sidric Grant curl a shot over the bar in the 4th minute. Drew Aiton had the home side’s first chance dragging his shot wide after creating an opening. A poor clearance from Matt Gwynne, the Westfields keeper, was straight to Aiton but Gwynne responded well making a fine save. Wetsfields had a great chance in the 19th minute when Ben Miller was off target with a header following a cross from Grant. Grant then forced a save from Curtis Pond before the home side broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Aiton found himself in space on the left hand side of the area and curled a shot into the top corner. The home side were now on top and Nick Wright saw an effort deflected for a corner. From the corner, Ben Birch had a header cleared off the line. In stoppage time, Karl Edwards robbed Kane Kahaki in his own penalty area but his shot took a deflection and the chance went begging.
Westfields came out for the second half all guns blazing and they should have equalised in the 50th minute. Craig Jones delivered a perfect free-kick which was met by the head of Richard Greaves but the header bounced off the bar. Westfields were level two minutes later when Dan Polan broke down the left and his cross was turned in by Phil Glover. Westfields had claims for a penalty waved away when Shawn Boothe appeared to trip Polan. Back came Wood and Aiton hit a firm shot straight at Gwynne. Harry Harris was then off target with a snapshot but in the 64th minute Walsall Wood regained the lead. Edwards’ shot was well saved by Gwynne but the ball hit defender James Saunston and rebounded into his own net. The home side were having a good spell and Edwards set up Aiton whose first time shot was saved by the feet of Gwynne. In the 78th minute, Westfields were back on terms. The impressive grant cut inside from the right, played the ball into James Molyneux. He in turn laid it off to Jones who slotted it into the corner. With the home side visibly tiring, Westfields went all out for the winner ad they took the lead in the 83rd minute. A corner from Jones was headed home by Greaves. They made it four in the 88th minute and a fine individual goal it was from Molyneux who raced forward in the inside left channel and supplied a superb finish. Walsall Wood had time to grab their third 4 minutes into time added on when Edwards shot on the turn past Gwynne.
A fantastic game of football and a brilliant advertisement for the Midland Football League. Walsall Wood were the better side before the break but Westfields showed why they are top of the league with an impressive second half performance.

Wednesday September 14th
Premier Division (16)
AFC Wulfrunians 2 Rocester 2
A first visit of the season to one of my local teams and another heavy downpour greets me as I pull onto the Castlecroft car park. Thankfully, the storm abates long before kick off. Both Wulfs and Rocester have had poor starts to the season and this game was seen as important for both sides. It was good to see Wulfs Josh Shepherd at the game following his horrific injury earlier this season at Coventry United. Wulfs had a great chance after just 50 seconds when Demetri Brown got his head to a right wing cross. Rocester soon responded but Rob Ritchie-Smith’s shot was easily saved. Wulfs again had a great chance in the 12th minute when the ball was played into the path of Ryan Nesbitt but his shot was weak and easily saved by Richard Froggatt. Joe Brockley stung the palms of Danny Tipton when he hit a firm shot from around 25 yards. Rocester took the lead in the 24th minute. Martin Smyth played the ball inside to Callum Riddell who rounded Tipton and slotted the ball home. Marcus Jackson almost equalised for the home side when his driving run ended with a shot clipping the outside of the post. Jake Webb missed another good chance for the home side when he headed wide from a Brown cross. With four minutes to go the break, Brown was through on goal, Froggatt was well off his line but the striker put his shot wide. Two minutes later Brown made no mistake. Played in by Webb, he fired past the advancing Froggatt who got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out.
At the start of the second half, Brown curled a shot over the bar but it was the Romans that took the lead in the 51st minute. A deep hanging cross from the right saw Liam Shaw challenge Danny Tipton with Tipton palming the ball into his own net. Both sides were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply and the longer the game went on the more comfortable Rocester appeared to be. Oliver Roome had a good chance to make it 3 but took too long as the ball was played into him and the Wulfs defence cleared. In the 83rd minute, a free-kick from Jake Sedgemore was headed off target by Jacob Barnes. A minute later, Riddell miss timed a header when well placed. In the last minute of normal time, Wulfs equalised with a quite wonderful goal. Brown picked up the ball outside the Rocester area, ran into the box, beat four defenders and fired hi shot past Froggatt. Riddell almost gave Rocester all three points but his shot was well saved at full stretch by Tipton. On reflection, a draw was probably a fair result but what a wonderful goal from Demetri Brown.

Review
FA Vase
21 MFL clubs progressed through to the second qualifying round. Bromsgrove Sporting were the day’s big winners, overcoming Ellistown & Ibstock United 13-0 at The Victoria Ground The visitors lost a couple of players before the game started due to an accident on the motorway and also had their keeper sent off as The Rouslers put them to the sword. Surprising there were only 5 scorers – Sean Brain 4, Tony Clarke 3, Ahmed Ali 2, Aaron Roberts and Chris Conway 2. Bolehall Swifts were also in the goals beating Heath Hayes 7-2 at Rene Road. Again, there were only 3 scorers – Jordan Francis 3, Kyle Turner and Dave Yonwin with 2 apiece; Joe Hartshorne scored both goals for the visitors. Loughborough University put seven goals past Arnold Town with 1 in reply. There were doubles for Alex Read, Matthew Crookes and Andrew Bridge. Brocton put their league troubles to one side as they beat Eccleshall 6-0 at Silkmore Lane with player manager Dave Berks scoring twice. Alex Naughton took his season’s tally to 15 goals as he bagged 4 in Atherstone Town’s 6-2 win at Bromyard Town. Littleton had five different scorers as they won 5-1 at Bardon Hill. Stuart Capaldi scored 4 for Boldmere St Michaels as they won 5-0 at AFC Bridgnorth. Rocester also scored 5 as they beat Division 2 Redditch Borough 5-2, Martin Smyth and Callum Riddell with two apiece. Joe Phillips scored 3 and Matt Pinder 2 as Stourport Swifts went nap beating Smethwick 5-1. In the all Premier Division tie, two goals from Lei Brown saw Highgate United through with a 2-0 win over Lye Town. St Andrews continued their winning run as they overcame Barrow Town 3-0. Walsall Wood needed extra time to defeat FC Oswestry Town in a dramatic game. Wood lost keeper Dave Faultless with 25 minutes left and with no keeper on the bench, striker Joey Butlin donned the gloves. An equaliser in injury time from Drew Aiton saved Wood’s blushes and two goals in extra time gave Wood a 3-1 victory. Jerome O’Connor was on target twice as Long Eaton United beat South Normanton Athletic 2-0 at Grange Park. Ben Mackey made an immediate impression for Coventry United, a hat-trick on debut helping them to a 3-1 win at Racing Club Warwick. Kieran Debrouwer was another hat-trick man in a 4-1 win for Heanor Town at Rainworth Miner’s Welfare. Shawbury United made it two wins in the week as they knocked Heather St Johns out of the competition, 3-1 the final score. Chelmsley Town won the all Division 1 clash at Pack Meadow beating Studley 3-2. Leicester Road eased through to the 2nd Qualifying round with a 3-2 win at Clay Cross Town. Luke Lewis scored twice as Uttoxeter Town beat Cradley Town 4-1. Two second half goals saw Hinckley AFC get the better of Holbrook Sports, 2-0 it finished. Stuart Cooke scored the only goal of the game as Cadbury Athletic won at Barnt Green Spartak. Division 2 Coton Green bowed out of the competition losing 3-1 at home to Kirby Muxloe. Pelsall Villa were beaten 2-1 at Ashby Ivanhoe while fellow Division 1 side, Stafford Town lost by a solitary goal at Black Country Rangers. A goal from Jamie Clark was not enough for Pershore Town as they went out, beaten 2-1 at home by Bewdley Town. Premier Division Tividale were victims of a giant killing as they were beaten 4-1 by West Midlands League Malvern town despite taking a 7th minute lead.

Premier Division
Westfields made it seven wins out of seven with a last minute goal from Kane Kahaki giving them a 3-2 win over second placed Quorn. Alvechurch are up to 7th following a 3-1 win over AFC Wulfrunians in front of an impressive 323 at Lye Meadow. Coventry Sphinx raced into a 3-0 lead at Shepshed Dynamo and withstood a late fight back as Dynamo scored twice in the last 10 minutes. The win moves Sphinx up to 6th in the table. Sporting Khalsa and Coleshill Town remain locked in the middle of the table as they fought out a 1-1 draw at The Aspray Arena.
On Tuesday evening, Westfields and Walsall Wood were involved in a thriller at Oak Park. The league leaders twice came from behind as they won 4-2 to make it eight wins out of eight. St Andrews are up to 3rd after they made it 5 wins on the trot with a 2-1 victory at home over Coleshill Town. Shepshed Dynamo are 4th after a 2-1 win at Tividale despite playing 55 minutes with ten men. An equaliser in the 94th minute earned 10 man Stourport Swifts a 1-1 draw with Alvechurch. A brace from David Meese gave Sporting Khalsa a 2-1 win over Loughborough University at The Aspray Arena. Lye Town are 5th after they beat inconsistent Highgate United 3-0 at The Coppice
Shawbury United picked up their second win of the season beating Boldmere St Michaels by four goals to nil. Heanor Town recovered from being 2-0 down at home to Brocton as a double from Kieran Debrouwer and a 93rd minute winner from Matt Harris gave them all three points. AFC Wulfrunians also grabbed a last minute equaliser at home to Rocester, Demetri Brown scoring his second of the game in a 2-2 draw.

Division 1
In the bottom versus top clash it was lowly Coventry Copsewood who came out on top beating Lichfield City 3-0 to leap 4 places in the table. Nuneaton Griff are level on points with Lichfield following a 4-0 win at Southam United.

Division 2
Droitwich Spa are top on goal difference following a 2-0 win at Hampton, Aston Gunter and James Lemon with the goals. There were six different goalscorers in the game as Bloxwich Town picked up their first point of the season with a 3-3 draw against Smithswood Firs. Mark Bellingham scored his 700th career goal as Paget Rangers moved up to 3rd with a 4-2 win at Fairfield Villa. Earlswood Town came from behind to beat Leamington Hibernian 2-1.

Division 3
NKF Burbage maintained their 100% record and have a 3-point lead at the top of the table following a 4-0 win at Inkberrow. Montpellier sit in second place, their 100% record maintained with a 6-0 win at Castle Vale Town, Lee Hendrie with a couple. Northfield Town are in 4th place following a comfortable 4-0 win over bottom club Enville Athletic. Shipston Excelsior and FC Stratford shared 8 goals with the goals shared around between 8 players in a 4-4 draw. AFC Solihull are still searching for their point of the season as Alcester Town left Tudor Grange with all 3 points following a 3-0 victory. There were 6 goals at Holbrooks Park as Coventrians and Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons drew 3-3.

Les James Challenge Cup
Dildale Linton scored 3 and Ben Cranage 2 as Alvis Sporting Club began the defence of the Les James Memorial Charity Cup with a resounding 8-0 victory over Barton United. George Tolley scored a hat-trick for Feckenham as they beat Sutton United 5-0 at The Entaco. A goal from Pedro Douglas in extra-time clinched a narrow 2-1 win for Continental Star at Moors Academy.

Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup
Thomas Craine scored 4 for Knowle as they bear AFC Parkfield 8-1 in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup. Chelmsley Town and Feckenham served up a treat for the spectators at Pack Meadow with Chelmsley running out 6-3 winners

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
LICHFIELD CITY 2 v 2 BROCTON
WALSALL WOOD 2 v 3 GRESLEY
Group "B"
CONTINENTAL STAR 3 v 3 CADBURY ATHLETIC
ROMULUS 2 v 0 COTON GREEN

RESERVE DIVISION
TIPTON TOWN 2 v 5 ROCESTER

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
COVENTRY UNITED 2 v 3 ALVECHURCH
GORNAL ATHLETIC 0 v 8 AYLESTONE PARK
HIGHGATE UNITED 0 v 2 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN
Group "B"
DROITWICH SPA G & B 0 v 1 BROCTON
HEATH HAYES 2 v 3 BEDWORTH UNITED
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 1 v 5 TAMWORTH
Group "C"
H O W ACADEMY 3 v 0 LEEK TOWN
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 0 v 5 COLESHILL TOWN
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
KETTERING TOWN 6 v 0 AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

Preview
FA Cup
Westfields welcome Highgate United to Allpay Park with both sides recording superb victories over Step 3 opposition in the previous round. Westfields come into the game in wonderful form, a 4-3 away win at Walsall Wood maintaining their 100% league record after 8 games. In contrast, Highgate were beaten 3-0 at home in midweek but their victory in the previous round followed a couple of poor results. On form, Westfields must start as favourites but there is unlikely to be much between the sides.

Premier Division
2nd placed Quorn can close the gap on leaders Westfields if they can pick up all 3 points at home to Sporting Khalsa. In form St Andrews travel to AFC Wulfrunians looking to make it 6 wins on the trot. Two sides expected to challenge for the title meet at Oak Park with Alvechurch the visitors to Walsall Wood. Shepshed Dynamo can move into the top three with a win at Coleshill Town. Shawbury United had an excellent win in midweek and they can make strides up the table as they welcome Loughborough University to Wem. Brocton and Boldmere St Michaels both lost on their travels on Wednesday night and they meet at Silkmore Lane. Rocester picked up a valuable away point on Wednesday and they travel to Coventry Sphinx looking to add to their 5 point tally. Tividale are finding life tough back in the MFL and they travel to Long Eaton United who currently sit in the middle of the pack. Lye Town welcome Heanor Town to Stourbridge Road with both sides picking up victories in midweek. Coventry United have played fewer league games than all of their rivals and they travel to Stourport Swifts who are two places above them in the league table.

Division 1
Leaders Lichfield City will hope to get back to winning ways when they entertain lowly Pershore Town. 2nd placed Nuneaton Griff welcome 7th placed Racing Club Warwick to The Pingles Stadium in a game that promises goals. Bromsgrove Sporting, on the back of their stunning FA Vase victory last weekend, travel to Coventry Copsewood, who beat leaders Lichfield City last week. Bolehall Swifts were another side in goalscoring form last week and they travel to Pelsall Villa hoping to maintain their excellent start. Atherstone Town have been in good form and they welcome Southam United to Sheepy Road, with the visitors still searching for their first win of the season. Uttoxeter Town have settled into life in the MFL and they have an intriguing home fixture with Hinckley AFC. There have been 27 goals in 6 games featuring Heather St Johns and they welcome in form Chelmsley Town to St Johns Park. Leicester Road and Littleton both made good progress in the FA Vase last week and they meet at Leicester Road Stadium. Cadbury Athletic are the draw specialists of Division 1 and they welcome Heath Hayes to the Triplex with the sides next to each other in the league table. Bottom side, Stafford Town travel to the Beehive to face Studley who sit 3 places and 3 points ahead of them.

Division 2
Leaders Droitwich Spa entertain bottom side Bloxwich Town, who picked up their first point of the season last week. Barnt Green Spartak can move into the top three if they can beat Feckenham at The Coppice. 2nd Bottom Leamington Hibernian meet the side immediately above them as Hampton are the visitors to Bishops Tachbrook. Continental Star have started to string some results together and they welcome promoted Redditch Borough to The Hub. Earlswood Town and Fairfield Villa sit in 10th and 9th places respectively and they meet at The Pavilions.

Division 3
Game of the day sees the top two meet at Badsey Recreation Club as Montpellier host NKF Burbage. 3rd placed Moors Academy travel to Alcester Town, who have been somewhat inconsistent at the start of the season. Barton United suffered a heavy defeat in the Les James cup last week and will hope to get back to league action with a win at home to Shipston Excelsior. Bottom club Enville Athletic travel to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons with the hosts 4 points ahead. Castle Vale Town have conceded 18 goals in 5 league games this season and they face 6th placed FC Stratford at The Vale Stadium.

Les James Challenge Cup
Division 2 high flyers Knowle travel to Division 3 Coventrians in the first round. Division2 rivals Paget Rangers and Smithswood Firs meet at The Glades.

Presidents Cup
Alvis Sporting Club travel to Sutton United winning 5 out of 6 games this season and conceding only twice.

Challenge Vase
Northfield Town and Inkberrow meet at Shenley Lane with the home side favourites.

Reserves
CADBURY ATHLETIC v WALSALL WOOD
ROCESTER v GRESLEY

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
COVENTRY UNITED v AYLESTONE PARK 10.30
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN v KETTERING TOWN 10.30
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED v DROITWICH SPA G & B 11.00
TAMWORTH v BROCTON 10.30
Group "C"
COLESHILL TOWN v H O W ACADEMY 10.30
LEEK TOWN v WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
HEATH HAYES v GORNAL ATHLETIC 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
ALVECHURCH v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 10.30
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 11.30

League News
The draw for the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup has been made and the two remaining MFL sides, Westfields and Highgate United, will meet at Allpay Park. The game will take place on Saturday September 17th.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday September 3rd
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round (11)
Halesowen Town 3 Coleshill Town 0
With 6 MFL Clubs remaining in the competition this season, the difficulty was choosing which one to follow. I decide on Coleshill’s visit to the Grove to take on a badly out of form Halesowen Town of the Northern Premier League. Before the game, the feeling from the locals was one of concern as they could see The Yeltz being turned over by a side two leagues lower. 29 seconds into the game, the locals must have wondered why they were panicking as Ethan Delaney headed the ball past Paul Hathaway from a Kaiman Anderson cross. The Coleman were stunned but took the game to Halesowen and it was the MFL side that dictated play. Shane Benjamin saw a shot blocked and then Aaron Garvey saw his shot cleared off the line. Coleshill had the ball in the net in the 14th minute. Benjamin shrugged off his defender and squared to Luke Barlone who slid in at the far post. The referee ruled the goal out – whether it was for offside or for a shirt pull, only the match official seemed to know. Halesowen went close to doubling the lead in the 34th minute. Anderson saw his shot brilliantly saved by Hathaway, Jordan Goddard’s follow up was cleared off the line and Joe Colley put the rebound wide. There was a moment of controversy in the 41st minute when Craig Milligan and Delaney clashed on the near touch line. There seemed little in the clash but after consulting his linesman, the referee showed red cards to both players much to the chagrin of the crowd. In first half stoppage, a shot on the turn from Benjamin was just wide.
The second half started with Coleshill very much on the front foot with Josh Quaynor shooting from distance. Coleshill were close to an equaliser when a deep cross from Andre Gonzalez had Yeltz keeper Daniel Platt back pedalling as he palmed the ball away. Benjamin wasted a glorious chance to equalise when he took too long to shoot and the Yeltz defence crowded him out. Halesowen began to take advantage of the spaces opening up and Goddard saw a shot saved by Hathaway. The home side doubled their lead in the 70th minute. Anderson was clearly pulled back in the area and a penalty was awarded. Anderson himself made no mistake from the spot. Anderson went close again two minutes later but his effort was saved by Hathaway. Benjamin should have pulled a goal back for Coleshill in the 73rd minute after good work by Quaynor but his shot was high over the bar. Anderson made sure for Halesowen in the 79th minute when he broke through on the left and gave Hathaway no chance. To be fair to Coleshill, they continued to look for goals and substitute Demetrius Smeikle forced a decent save from Platt in the last minute. A 3-0 scoreline was hard on Coleshill who more than matched their higher ranked opponents for much of the game. The disallowed goal was a major factor and who knows what would have happened if that had been allowed.

Tuesday September 6th
Premier Division (12)
Brocton 0 Loughborough University 2
Brocton have been shipping goals at an alarming rate and bought in new recruit Francino Francis to help shore up the defence. Conversely, Loughborough University had started the season in fine form and were looking to consolidate that start. The early opportunities fell to the visitors with Elliott Legg off target with a shot and Tom Barnes heading over from a corner. The impressive Luke Trotman also missed the target as the Scholars posed a threat going forward. Great approach play by Brocton ended with Dominic Dell firing straight at keeper Connor O’Keefe. Brocton went close in the 15th minute when Francis headed a corner from Josh Wilson narrowly wide. Brocton were now in charge and from a cross by Adam Robinson, Alex Johnson headed over his own cross bar. Dell had a great chance for the home side but he was thwarted by a last ditch challenge from Alex Dinsmore. Michael Williams won a header, flicking the ball into Dell who controlled but put his shot wide. Barnes was unlucky for Loughborough when his shot was saved at full stretch by Aidan Stone. Brocton continued to look the more likely and Jack Edwards was off target with another effort. In the 38th minute, O’Keefe made a fine save tipping a header from Dan Lomas over the bar following a Wilson corner. A minute later, Edwards played the ball into the path of Dell who clipped his shot over the bar. It was a surprise to go in at half-time level as both sides had created openings.
Loughborough started the second half well with Andrew Bridge just off target with a shot. In the 52nd minute, the visitors took the lead with a stunning 25 yard finish from Barnes. The goal lifted Loughborough and a cross from Alex Read was well saved by Stone. On the hour, a mistake by Stone gave a great opportunity to Read but he couldn’t find the target. Loughborough doubled their lead in the 72nd minute. A clumsy challenge in the box by Francis on Read gave the referee no alternative but to award a penalty. Bridge stepped up and made no mistake. It could have been three moments later when a strong run from Jay Davis ended with the big substitute’s shot being saved. Brocton should have pulled a goal back in the 81st minute. Paul McMahon missed his kick in front of goal but when the ball looped into the air, Williams failed to connect with a header. That was Brocton’s last chance as Loughborough dominated the final proceedings. Trotman saw a shot deflected onto the post and then in stoppage the same player hit a rasping shot which Stone saved onto the post. A minute into stoppage time bridge jinked his way through the defence, created an opening but inexplicably missed the target .
This was a good game of football between two decent sides. The first goal dented Brocton’s confidence and ultimately Loughborough deservedly took all 3 points.

Review
FA Cup
Highgate United had arguably the result of the round as they beat high-flying Southern Premier Leamington 3-1 at The Coppice. Lei Brown got things going with a first half penalty and Gate went into a 3 goal lead before the Brakes pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining. That was the end of the comeback and Highgate will be in the 2nd qualifying round. Premier Division leaders Westfields took their league form into the FA Cup and demolished Southern Premier Division St Ives Town 4-0 at Allpay Park. It was goalless at half time but Fields pulled away once Aidan Thomas had opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Division 1 Leicester Road join Highgate and Westfields in the 2nd qualifying round draw after they were held 0-0 at home by Kirby Muxloe. It could have been so much better for Leicester Road but Jake Holt’s late penalty was tipped onto the post by the Kirby keeper. The two sides go again on Tuesday evening. Coventry United’s cup run ended with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Bedworth United. A crowd of 347 packed into Sphinx Drive as Coventry gave as good as they got but it was the Step 4 club that progressed with a goal in each half. Coleshill Town went into their tie at Step 3 Halesowen Town with some confidence but a goal after 29 seconds sent The Yeltz on the way to a 3-0 victory. Luke Barlone had the ball in the net for Coleshill in the 14th minute but this was ruled out for a shirt pull. Two goals in the last 20 minutes for Kaiman Anderson sealed it for Halesowen but the game was far tighter than the scoreline suggests. Heanor Town travelled to Northern Premier Matlock Town and gave a good account of themselves as they went out of the competition, losing 4-2. Mark Newsham scored twice for Matlock while Kieran Debrouwer bagged a brace for Heanor. Special mention for the Heanor supporters who, from all accounts, were extremely vocal all afternoon.
Leicester Road bowed out of the competition on Tuesday evening going down 3-2 after extra time to Kirby Muxloe. The Division 1 side twice came from behind to take the game into extra-time but they couldn’t repeat the feat and Kirby Muxloe go through to face Boston United in the next round.

Premier Division
With Westfields in FA Cup action, Quorn had the opportunity to go top of the table but they ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline at Long Eaton United. Quorn had taken the lead through Liam Turner but a Kevin Hemagou double and a goal from Ben Watkiss moved Long Eaton up to 7th. Walsall Wood could have gone level on points with Westfields but a Jake King goal gave AFC Wulfrunians all three points at Castlecroft. Shepshed Dynamo are up to 3rd following a 2-1 win over Shawbury United who remain in bottom place. Result of the day came from Sporting Khalsa who beat Brocton 6-1 at Silkmore Lane, Luke Shearer scoring twice. St Andrews made it three wins on the trot with an Ash Day goal enough to beat Coventry Sphinx. Alvechurch were reduced to 10 men at home to Stourport Swifts but looked to be heading for a victory until a late penalty from Ben Maund meant the game finished 1-1. The game between Loughborough University and Boldmere St Michaels had a delayed kick off as the Boldmere kit man had gone to the wrong ground. When the game got under way, the two sides fought out a 1-1 draw. Rocester followed up their victory on Bank Holiday Monday with a valuable point in a goalless draw at Lye Town.
On Monday evening, Sporting Khalsa moved into the top half of the table with their second big away win in succession, 5-0 at Coventry Sphinx. Craig Bannister led the way with a hat-trick as Khalsa leapfrogged their hosts into 9th position. On Tuesday evening, Walsall Wood climbed up to 2nd with a 2-0 win at Long Eaton United. St Andrews made it four wins on the trot as they beat Tividale 4-2 at The Beeches, the three points moving St Andrews to 5th in the table. Shepshed Dynamo are 4th after a 2-2 draw with Coventry United, new signing Ben Haseley with both goals. Highgate United capped a good week with a 4-0 home win over Stourport Swifts. The Scholars from Loughborough University are up to 6th after a 2-0 win at Brocton who remain 3rd from bottom. Kieran Debrouwer scored twice as Heanor Town picked up all 3 points in a 3-2 win at Coleshill Town. Lye Town and Boldmere St Michaels fought out a 1-1 draw at Stourbridge Road.
On Wednesday night, Westfields continued on their merry way making it six wins out of six, defeating Alvechurch 2-0 at Allpay Park. Quorn kept up the pressure on Westfields keeping the lead to just 1 point following a 2-0 win at home to AFC Wulfrunians. Shawbury United got off the mark with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Rocester at Wem Sports Centre, Nathan Hodge scoring twice.

Division 1
Lichfield City took over a t the top of the table following a 5-0 win over Southam United at the McDonalds Community Stadium. Ben Lund scored twice as Lichfield open up a 3 point lead. Bolehall Swifts are up to 3rd place after a 4-3 win over Cadbury Athletic. Bolehall overturned a 3-1 deficit with Chris Cowley scoring twice. Atherstone Town are 4th after Alex Naughton took his seasons tally to 11 as he scored 4 in a 6-1 win at Pelsall Villa. Nuneaton Griff sit just behind the Adders after they recorded a 3-2 win at Heath Hayes. Ryan Seal scored twice as Hinckley AFC beat Pershore Town 4-1 at St Johns Park. Chelmsley Town are finding their feet in Division 1 and a 6-1 home win over Studley moves them into the top half of the table. Three players scored twice – Gary Turner, Karl Douglas and Adam Keeley. Coventry Copsewood took an early lead at home to Uttoxeter Town but doubles from Luke Lewis and Harry Price saw Uttoxeter to a 5-1 win. There were 6 goals at 5 Acres as Littleton beat Heather St Johns 4-2, Connor Perry-Holmes scoring twice for The Ton Boys.

Division 2
Pre-season favourites Alvis Sporting Club sit on top of the table following a 4-0 win over Smithswood Firs, Dan Pidgeon scoring twice. A Nick Seabourne hat-trick helped Droitwich Spa to a 5-0 victory over Earlswood Town. Previous leaders Knowle shared 6 goals with Coton Green at The Robins Nest, Tom Craine continuing his super start to the season with a hat-trick for Knowle. An 87th minute equaliser for Jordan Adams gave Feckenham a point at home to Paget Rangers who led through Matthew Coates. Continental Star picked up their first victory, 3-2 over Bloxwich Town with Pedro Douglas scoring twice. In the game between the promoted sides, Redditch Borough came out on top beating Leamington Hibernian 2-0 both goals from Jak Albutt.

Division 3
NKF Burbage took over as leaders of Division 3 with a 4-0 win at Castle Vale Town, Tom Smith scoring twice. Moors Academy move up to 2nd as they beat Coventrians 5-2, Romario Martin scoring twice for the Moors. A goal from Will Beach gave Shipston Excelsior all three points at Alcester Town. Northfield Town picked up their 3rd win in 4, beating Barton United 3-2 at Holland Sports Club.

Challenge Vase
Montpellier progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win at AFC Solihull. Enville Athletic won for the first time this season, a goal from Adam Wooldridge enough to beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.

Les James Challenge Cup
FC Stratford made progress winning by the odd goal in 5 at Inkberrow.

Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup
Two goals apiece from Connor Collins and Stuart Hall saw Fairfield Villa home with a 4-1 win at Sutton United.

Reserves
Coton Green 3 Tipton Town 5 (Trophy)
Gresley 6 Lichfield City 1 (Trophy)
Walsall Wood 1 Brocton 2 (trophy)
Rocester 4 (Oliver Roome 2) Cadbury Athletic 1 (League)

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1 Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK 2 v 0 HIGHGATE UNITED
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED 3 v 2 BROCTON
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 4 v 2 DROITWICH SPA G & B
Group "C"
BROMSGROVE SPORTING 2 v 0 WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY
COLESHILL TOWN 6 v 3 LEEK TOWN

UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
KETTERING TOWN 2 v 0 H O W ACADEMY

Preview
Premier Division
A shortened programme this weekend due to the 1st qualifying round of the FA Vase. Game of the day is undoubtedly the top of the table clash at Allpay Park between Westfields and Quorn. Following midweek victories for both, they have opened up a gap over the rest and a victory for eiher would open up the gap further. . Sporting Khalsa have had two big away wins in the past week and they return to their Aspray Arena home to take on Coleshill Town. Shepshed Dynamo have had some strange results this season but find themselves in the top 4. They welcome Coventry Sphinx to the Dovecote with the visitors having lost their last two. AFC Wulfrunians upset Alvechurch at Lye Meadow on the opening day of last season and will be looking to repeat the result this weekend. Both sides lost away matches on Wednesday evening and will be hoping to get back to winning ways.

Division 1
Leaders Lichfield City have the opportunity to extend their lead when they travel to bottom place Coventry Copsewood. Nuneaton Griff will go second if they can pick up all three points at Southam United.

Division 2
Droitwich Spa have the opportunity to take over top spot this weekend if they can win at Hampton. Paget Rangers can join them on 13 points with a win at Fairfield Villa. Bottom side Bloxwich Town are still searching for their first point of the season and they welcome Smithswood Firs to The Old Red Lion. Two sides that have had a run of defeats meet at Bishops Tachbrook with Leamington Hibernian hosting Earlswood Town. A win for either would shoot them up the table.

Division 3
Leaders NKF Burbage travel to Inkberrow looking to maintain their position at the top of the table. Montpellier take their 100% record to the Vale Stadium as they face Castle Vale Town. 4th plays 6th at London Road with FC Stratford visiting Shipston Excelsior. Northfield Town have started with three wins out of four and they will hope to continue that form at home to bottom side Enville Athletic. AFC Solihull are yet to pick up a point and they welcome Alcester Town to Tudor Grange with the visitors looking for the three points to kick start their season. Coventrians welcome Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons to Holbrooks Park with the sides sitting in 11th and 10th respectively.

FA Vase
For teams entering the competition at this stage, there are 10 games between them and an appearance at Wembley. Hereford achieved it last season, can another MFL team emulate their success?
Barnt Green Spartak (MFL2) vs Cadbury Athletic (MFL1) – Friday 1945
AFC Bridgnorth (West Midlands Regional League) vs Boldmere St Michaels (MFLP)
Ashby Ivanhoe (East Midlands Counties League) vs Pelsall Villa (MFL1)
Bolehall Swifts (MFL1) vs Heath Hayes (MFL1)
Bromyard Town (West Midlands Regional League Division 1) vs Atherstone Town (MFL1) @ Bewdley Town
Bardon Hill (Leicestershire Senior League) vs Littleton (MFL1)
Barrow Town (East Midlands Counties League) vs St Andrews (MFLP)
Brocton (MFLP) vs Eccleshall (North West Counties Division 1)
Bromsgrove Sporting (MFL1) vs Ellistown & Ibstock United (East Midlands Counties League)
Chelmsley Town (MFL1) vs Studley (MFL1)
Clay Cross Town (Central Midlands League Division 1N) vs Leicester Road (MFL1)
Coton Green (MFL2) vs Kirby Muxloe (United Counties League Premier)
Cradley Town (West Midlands Regional League) vs Uttoxeter Town (MFL1)
FC Oswestry Town (North West Counties Division 1) vs Walsall Wood (MFLP)
Highgate United (MFLP) vs Lye Town (MFLP)
Holbrook Sports (East Midlands Counties League) vs Hinckley AFC (MFL1)
Long Eaton United (MFLP) vs South Normanton Athletic (East Midlands Counties League)
Loughborough University (MFLP) vs Arnold Town (East Midlands Counties League)
Malvern Town (West Midlands regional League) vs Tividale (MFLP)
Pershore Town (MFL1) vs Bewdley Town (West Midlands Regional League)
Racing Club Warwick (MFL1) vs Coventry United (MFLP)
Rainworth Miners Welfare (North East Counties Premier Division) vs Heanor Town (MFLP)
Shawbury United (MFLP) vs Heather St Johns (MFL1)
Stourport Swifts (MFLP) vs Smethwick (West Midlands Regional League)
Black Country Rangers (West Midlands Regional League) vs Stafford Town (MFL1) @ Halesowen Town FC – Sunday 1500
Redditch Borough (MFL2) vs Rocester (MFLP) – Sunday 1500

Les James Challenge Cup
Division 2 leaders and last year’s beaten finalists Alvis Sporting Club are at home to 3rd Division Barton United in this year’s first round. There is a promise of goals at The Entaco as free-scoring Feckenham and Sutton United meet. Division3 newcomers Moors Academy have made an excellent start to life in the MFL and they have the chance to take a Division 2 scalp when Continental Star are the visitors to The Beehive.

Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup
Division 2 high flyers Knowle travel to Erdington to face Birmingham & District League Parkfield Amateurs.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1 Group "A"
LICHFIELD CITY v BROCTON 1.00
WALSALL WOOD v GRESLEY
Group "B"
CONTINENTAL STAR v CADBURY ATHLETIC
ROMULUS v COTON GREEN
RESERVE DIVISION
TIPTON TOWN v ROCESTER

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1 Group "A"
COVENTRY UNITED v ALVECHURCH 10.30
GORNAL ATHLETIC v AYLESTONE PARK 10.30
HIGHGATE UNITED v SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 10.30
Group "B"
DROITWICH SPA G & B v BROCTON 10.30
HEATH HAYES v BEDWORTH UNITED 10.30
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v TAMWORTH 10.30
Group "C"
H O W ACADEMY v LEEK TOWN 10.30
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY v COLESHILL TOWN 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
KETTERING TOWN v AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 11.00

31st August 2016
League News
The management committee of the Midland Football League would like to send best wishes to Josh Shepherd of AFC Wulfrunians who suffered a serious injury in their game away to Coventry United. Our thoughts are with him and everyone associated with AFC Wulfrunians at this difficult time.

Travels of the Press Officer
No Press Officer travels this week due to my attendance at the Shrewsbury Folk festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. Normal service will resume next week.

Review
Premier Division
It has been a busy bank holiday weekend. As mentioned in the league news, Coventry United’s game with AFC Wulfrunians was abandoned due to a serious injury to Wulfs’ Josh Shepherd. Boldmere St Michaels broke their duck in emphatic style with a 6-0 win at Highgate United, Stuart Capaldi and Brad Lindsay scoring twice. St Andrews picked up their first victory with a stunning 6-2 win at Shawbury United with the goals shared round. Alvechurch bounced back to form with a 5-2 win at Long Eaton United, Josh March with a brace. Westfields took over top spot with another 5 star performance, 5-1 at home to Heanor Town. Jamie Molyneux and Dan Polan continued their good start to the season with a brace apiece. A double from new signing Jamie Towers helped Coventry Sphinx to a 4-1 win at Rocester who remain pointless. Shepshed Dynamo banged in the goals at Silkmore Lane, putting 4 past Brocton without reply. Sporting Khalsa picked up their first points with a 3-0 win over Lye Town at the Aspray Arena. Quorn maintained their unbeaten start with a 1-1 draw at Stourport Swifts. Tividale are still looking for their first win as they were held by Loughborough University at The Beeches, 1-1 the score.
On Monday, Westfields made it 5 out of 5 with another 5 goal victory, this time at Stourport Swifts. The goals were shared around but that’s 17 now in the first 5 league games. Quorn stay hot on their heels as a Michael Cunningham goal was enough for a 1-0 win at Loughborough University. Last year’s runners-up Alvechurch are on a roll as they won 3-0 at Highgate United with another couple from Josh March. Game of the day was at Hillsfield as Rocester picked up their first points in a 5-4 victory over Brocton. Chris Martin scored twice in the first five miinutes for the Romans but a second half hat-trick from the Badgers Michael Williams made it close. St Andrews made it two wins in two over the holiday period beating Shepshed Dynamo 2-0. A double from Louis Harris saw Walsall Wood up to 3rd as they beat Sporting Khalsa 2-0. Lye Town are up to 5th as 2 goals from Jack Pearlman gave then a 2-0 victory at Tividale. Two sides in the top 6 shared the points at Sphinx Drive as Coventry Sphinx and Coleshill Town drew 1-1. Heanor Town and Long Eaton United couldn’t find a goal between them in their game at The Town Ground. Boldmere St Michaels made it an excellent weekend picking up their second win in four days beating Coventry United 2-0 at Sphinx Drive.

Division 1
The two 100% records were both ended on Saturday. Bromsgrove Sporting were held 1-1 at Cadbury Athletic while Lichfield City were surprisingly held at home by Stafford Town, who picked up their first point of the season. Racing Club Warwick were beaten for the first time this season going down 4-1 at St Johns Park to Hinckley AFC. No less than 5 clubs sit on 9 points at this early stage of the season. Heather St Johns picked up all three points in a 2-1 win at Southam United. Leicester Road won 2-0 at Chelmsley Town with goals from Matty Stenson and Tom McGlinchey. Heath Hayes continued their fine start with a 2-1 home win over Coventry Copsewood. An Alex Naughton goal secured all three points for Atherstone Town at home to Pershore Town. Nuneaton Griff picked up their third victory of the season, 2-1 over Pelsall Villa at the Pingles Stadium. Bolehall Swifts are finding the net regularly winning 4-1 at Studley. A Luke Lewis double gave Uttoxeter Town a 2-1 victory over Littleton.
Bromsgrove Sporting got back to winning ways with a fine 3-0 win at Heather St Johns. Lichfield City followed suit as they beat Uttoxeter Town 2-1 at Oldfields. Racing Club Warwick are back up to 3rd as they beat Pershore Town 2-0 at King George V Stadium. Bolehall Swifts have leapt to 4th following a 4-0 win over Heath Hayes at Rene Road. Two well fancied sides met at Leicester Road stadium where Leicester Road and Atherstone Town shared a 2-2 draw, Alex Naughton with two more for the Adders. A fantastic gate of 382 at The Pingles Stadium saw Nuneaton Griff and Hinckley AFC battle out a 1-1 draw. Coventry Copsewood picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Southam United. Stafford Town remain on 1 point after an Osiris Robertson hat-trick gave Pelsall Villa all 3 points in a 3-1 victory. Cadbury Athletic and Studley shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at The TSA Sports Ground. Chelmsley Town picked up their 2nd win of the season beating Littleton 1-0 at Pack meadow.

Division 2
Sutton United moved to the top of the table on Saturday following a 2-0 win over Feckenham, George Ford with a double. Smithswood Firs picked up their first points beating previous leaders Barnt Green Spartak 2-1. Alvis Sporting Club made it 7 points from 3 games with a 2-1 win at Earlswood Town. Knowle and Continental Star shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Hampton and Redditch Borough finished goalless.
On Monday, a double from Tom Crane helped Knowle regain top spot with a 4-3 win at Feckenham. Barnt Green Spartak are second following a 2-0 win at Continental Star. Last year’s champions, Alvis Sporting Club made it 10 points out of 12 with a 3-1 win at home to promoted Redditch Borough. A double from Jared McGivern helped Sutton United to a 2-2 draw at Coton Green, and they sit 3rd. Paget Rangers had the biggest win of the day, 5-1 at Bloxwich Town who are still searching for their first point. Smithswood Firs made it 6 out of 6 for the holiday weekend beating Leamington Hibernian 4-3 in a seven goal thriller. Sam Hulme scored twice for Firs whilst Joe Wright bagged a hat-trick for the visitors. Droitwich Spa edged out Fairfield Villa winning 3-2 with an injury time winner from James Ward. Hampton picked up their first win of the season, 2-1 at Earlswood Town.

Division 3
Montpellier maintained their 100% start with a 3-0 win at Enville Athletic on Tuesday night, Lee Hendrie scoring twice. NKF Burbage also maintained their 100% record, a Tom Smith hat-trick helping them to a 4-0 win over Coventrians. A Romario Marton goal for Moors Academy at home to FC Stratford mean it’s a 1-2-3 for the league new boys at the top of the table. AFC Solihull are searching for their first point of the season going down 2-0 at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Barton United were held to a 1-1 draw at Castle Vale Town. Shipston Excelsior beat Inkberrow by the odd goal in seven to move up to 5th. Northfield Town have won two out of three, the latest victory 2-1 at home to Alcester Town.

Challenge Vase
Barton United are through to the Quarter Final of the Vase following a 5-2 win over Castle Vale Town.

Les James Challenge Cup
Alcester Town are through to the 2nd round following a 3-0 win over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Bloxwich Town surprised Division 2 rivals Droitwich Spa, beating them 2-1 at the Red Lion ground. Coton Green beat 3rd Division AFC Solihull 2-1 at New Mill Lane. There was no giant killing at Fairfield Villa as the home side beat Enville Athletic 2-0. There was a victory for Division 3 over Division 2 when Shipston Excelsior beat Leamington Hibernian 4-1 thanks to a Lewis Fathers hat-trick. In the battle between the Division 3 newcomers, a Lee Hendrie goal gave Montpellier the win over NKF Burbage.

Reserves
Tipton Town 7 Continental Star 2
Romulus 5 Cadbury Athletic 2

Preview
FA Cup
Coventry United vs Bedworth United
There is a big local derby at Sphinx Drive as Coventry United take on Bedworth United. Coventry have had mixed results this season but two wins on their Premier Division debut is proof of the challenge that Bedworth face. The Greenbacks sit in mid table in the Evostik Division 1 South and would settle for a replay.

Halesowen Town vs Coleshill Town
Last year’s cup heroes Coleshill Town travel to Northern Premier League Halesowen Town. A two division gap should be too much for the Colemen to bridge but last season’s cup run will give them plenty of incentive this time round.. Coleshill are a side with goals throughout the team and they are playing with confidence. I can see the MFL side drawing at The Grove and then finishing the job at Pack Meadow.

Highgate United vs Leamington
Highgate United entertain Leamington at The Coppice with the visitors lying third in the Southern Premier League. Highgate have had a difficult week shipping 9 goals at home and the Brakes will start firm favaourites. As we all know, the FA Cup is unpredictable but the Gate will do well to get anything out of this game.
Leicester Road vs Kirby Muxloe
In form Leicester Road will be welcoming step 5 Kirby Muxloe to their Hinckley home. Kirby have had a slow start to the season and lie in20th pace in the United Counties League. Leicester Road are a strong side, who in Matty Stenson and Tom McGlinchey have strikers in good goalscoring form. They have already beaten Step 5 opponents in Harborough Town and I can see them doing it again.

Matlock Town vs Heanor Town
Heanor Town travel to Northern Premier League Matlock Town and this could be a real rip roaring cup-tie. I saw Heanor beat Long Eaton United in the previous round with a 97th minute winner. In Kieran Debrouwer they have a 30 goal per season striker who will cause defences all sorts of issues given half a chance. There are a number of links between Heanor and Matlock on both the playing and non-playing side. This will just add to the competitive edge the game will bring. I will predict a draw and a wonderful replay at The Town Ground.

Westfields vs St Ives Town
The game that really whets the appetite is at Allpay Park, Hereford as the MFL league leaders Westfields entertain St Ives Town. Fields have won 5 out of 5 this season scoring 17 goals and conceding just the one. Jamie Molyneux and Dan Polan have scored 7 goals apiece and with 7 other scorers, Westfields will carry a threat all over the pitch. Visitors St Ives sit in 11th place in the Southern Premier League and will be facing the game with some concern. If we are to see a giant killing, this is the match for me. I wonder if we could see a Westfields vs Hereford tie in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Enjoy the game.

Premier Division
Walsall Wood could go level on points with leaders Westfields if they can pick up 3 points at AFC Wulfrunians, still reeling from the serious injury to Josh Shepherd. A victory for Quorn at Long Eaton United would see them take over top spot and consolidate the fantastic start they have made to the season. Alvechurch have found form after a hesitant start and they welcome Stourport Swifts to Lye Meadow. Lye Town have started well and could move into the top three with a home win over Rocester. St Andrews won both games over the Bank Holiday and another home win this week over visitors Coventry Sphinx would see them into the top 8. Boldmere St Michaels picked up two excellent wins last weekend and they travel to Loughborough University who have made a solid start. Two sides with just one win to their names meet at Silkmore Lane. Brocton have shipped 20 goals in their 5 league games while the goals have dried up for visitors Sporting Khalsa. Shawbury United are still looking for their first points of the season and they travel to Shepshed Dynamo who have won 3 out of 5.

Division 1
Lichfield City can go clear at the top of the table if they can beat Southam United at The McDonalds Community Stadium. Free-scoring Bolehall Swifts will jump into the top three if they can overcome Cadbury Athletic at Rene Road. Heath Hayes welcome Nuneaton Griff to The Coppice Colliery Ground with both sides looking for the win to move them into the top 6. Atherstone Town have started the season in fine form and they travel to The Old Bush to face a resurgent Pelsall Villa. There have been 21 goals in games featuring Heather St Johns this season and they travel to Littleton looking to continue their push up the table. Promoted Chelmsley Town have picked up two wins in their first season in Division 1 and will be hoping to make it three when Studley visit Pack Meadow. Hinckley AFC have been a bit hit and miss this season however a home win over Pershore Town will see them in the top half of the table. Coventry Copsewood have picked up a solitary point this season and they will hope to add to that when Uttoxeter Town are the visitors to The Pavilion.

Division 2
With four teams tied on 10 points, the lead could change hands this week. Leaders Knowle are the league’s leading scorers and they welcome Coton Green to the Robins Nest. Alvis Sporting Club have a game in hand on the leaders and they entertain promoted Smithswood Firs. The 6 matches involving Feckenham has seen 28 goals already this season and expect many more as they host Paget Rangers. Two of the promoted sides meet with Leamington Hibernian hosting Redditch Borough. Droitwich Spa are looking likely to mount a challenge again this season and Earlswood Town have the challenge to dent their unbeaten record. The bottom two go head to head with Continental Star hosting a Bloxwich Town side looking for their first point.

Division 3
With Montpellier in cup action, NKF Burbage can go top with a win at Castle Vale Town. Should they slip up Moors Academy can take over top spot with a win at home to Coventrians. Shipston Excelsior have started this season where they left off last and can go into the top three with a win at Alcester Town. Barton United welcome Northfield Town to Holland Sports Club with a win for either moving them into the top 5.

Les James Challenge Cup
Games involving Inkberrow have averaged over 6 goals per game so don’t expect a goalless draw when they entertain FC Stratford.

Challenge Vase
Montpellier have made a fine start to life in the Midland League and have a 100% record this season. They travel to Tudor Grange to face AFC Solihull who are still looking for their first point this season. Enville Athletic are without a point or a goal as yet this season but they will see a cup tie at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons as the opportunity to change things.

Others
SMEDLEY CROOKE MEMORIAL CUP ROUND 1
SUTTON UNITED v FAIRFIELD VILLA

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1 Group "A"
GRESLEY v LICHFIELD CITY
WALSALL WOOD v BROCTON
Group "B"
COTON GREEN v TIPTON TOWN

RESERVE DIVISION
ROCESTER v CADBURY ATHLETIC

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1 Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK v HIGHGATE UNITED 12.30
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED v BROCTON 11.00
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v DROITWICH SPA G & B 10.30
Group "C"
BROMSGROVE SPORTING v WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 10.30
COLESHILL TOWN v LEEK TOWN 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
KETTERING TOWN v H O W ACADEMY 10.30