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Midland Football League Newsletter
9th November 2016

League News

Redditch Borough were charged with playing an ineligible player in their Division 2 fixture on Saturday 13th August against Paget Rangers. Following a disciplinary meeting and a subsequent appeal to the Football Association the Club were found guilty of the offence, as Redditch Borough won the fixture 3-2 and as prescribed within Rule 8(O), they are to be deducted 3 points from their playing record.
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In the draw for the 2nd round of the Emirates FA Cup, Westfields have been given a home tie against either Bury or AFC Wimbledon should they beat Curzon Ashton in next week’s replay.
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Travels of the Press Officer

Saturday 5th November
FA Cup Round 1 (30)
Westfields 1 Curzon Ashton 1
The biggest day in Westfields 50 year history beckons as the FA Cup 1st Round proper comes to Allpay Park. The ground had been transformed with TV trucks outside, a TV gantry on the half-way line, food tent and a media tent for the large number of press that had requested passes. To see an MFL club getting this amount of press exposure is great for the club, the league and the other clubs in the league. In the media tent before the game, there were various predictions as to the result but everyone expected it to be very tight. Curzon Ashton, from National North, were clear favourites to make the 3 league difference count. A healthy away following equipped with flags, banners and a rather loud drum obviously thought so as the game got under way. The first chance fell to Curzon but Iain Howard couldn't keep his header down following a cross from Connor Hampson. In the 8th minute, Aidan Thomas skipped into the Curzon area where he was tripped by Alex Brown with the referee pointing to the spot. Up stepped Craig Jones and he made no mistake to give Fields the lead. On the quarter hour mark, Joe Guest had a chance but chose to pass and Phil Glover made the clearance. Curzon were dominating possession but Kieron Blackburn was not called upon to make a save. On 30 minutes, a free-kick from Jones was just in front of Glover and the ball was knocked away from James Febery at the far post. Four minutes later, Westfields came close to a second. A direct run from Sirdic Grant ended as he was brought down on the edge of the area. Jones took the free-kick which grazed the Curzon crossbar. A forceful run from Matt Reeve saw him cut through the Curzon defence but his shot was caught at full stretch by Hakan Burton. In stoppage time, Hampson ran into the area and forced a fine save from Blackburn at his near post.
Curzon were close to an equaliser straight after the resumption but Howard's cross was inches in front of Niall Cummins. In the 48th minute, a volley from Howard was goalbound however the head of Glover was in the way to clear. Howard was closer still 4 minutes later. Picked out on the right, he beat Blackburn with a fierce shot which hit the outside of the post. Curzon were dominating the play with Westfields restricted to the occasional break. In the 68th minute, Cummins had the ball in the Westfields net but it was ruled out for offside. The Westfields defence were working overtime, throwing themselves in the way of shots to frustrate Curzon. The visitors equalised with 9 minutes left. A corner from Rory Gorman was headed onto the post by Hampson and, as the ball bobbled in the 6-yard area, Adam Morgan forced it home. Morgan had a chance 4 minutes into stoppage time but headed over but a defeat would have been harsh on Westfields. A replay at The Tameside Stadium on Monday 14th beckons – don’t rule out another Westfields win.

Tuesday 8th November
Walsall Senior Cup (31)
Rushall Olympic 3 Brocton 0
On a cold and wet night, there is nothing better than a football match to warm you up! Well, you could think that, but with the weather set to deteriorate, it was a night for the diehard fan particularly as this was the 1st round of the Walsall Senior Cup. Home club Rushall Olympic are having a superb season and sit in 3rd place in the Northern Premier League. Visitors Brocton are struggling at the foot of the MFL Premier Division and are in danger of being cast adrift in the league. Rushall started with three members of their successful Under 18 side in the starting lineup while the Badgers welcomed back record goalscorer Gary Fife. Rushall started the better and an early effort from Stan Mugisha was off target. Brocton were saved by the woodwork in the 5th minute when a shot from Mickael Partodikromo cannoned against the post. The ball was not cleared and George Forsyth curled a shot over the bar. The home side took the lead in the 12th minute. Jack Edwards was caught in possession by Partodikromo and he took the ball forward, picked his spot and beat Aiden Stone with a low shot. In the 21st minute, Jazz Luckie was on target but Stone parried well. In the 32nd minute, Kadeem Samuel-Brown found himself in space but he was well marshalled by Matt Hardiman and Brocton survived. Brocton were not overawed and should have equalised in the 37th minute but Fife's effort was cleared off the line. The missed chance hurt, even more, three minutes later when Rushall doubled their lead. A shot from Mugisha was saved by Stone but Joel kettle reacted quickest to fire home the rebound. Just before the break, Brocton went close again when a long range effort from Connor Leek was tipped over the bar by Jose Veiga.
The rain continued to pour making the surface more and more tricky to contend with. In the 53rd minute, Mugisha should have done better but his effort was wild. Luke Wright tried his luck from distance for Brocton while Stone was forced into a save at the other end from a Luckie shot. Rushall took a 3-0 lead in the 66th minute. A direct free-kick from Isaac Cooper bounced directly in front of Stone, skipped off the surface and beat the Badgers keeper. That goal inspired Brocton to play the best football of the match as they knocked the ball around and started to ask questions of the Rushall defence. Dominic Dell hit a shot on target which was easy for Veiga. Another mistake by Brocton let in Partodikromo who played the ball into the path of Luckie. His shot was well struck and well saved by Stone. In the 83rd minute, Paul McMahon was through on goal for Brocton and Veiga made a fine save. Brocton continued to press and 4 minutes from time they missed their best chance of the night. A cross to the back post by Jack Edwards picked out the unmarked Fife, but his header was wide of the post.
A comfortable win for Rushall but Brocton were their own worst enemy gifting goals through mistakes. The Badgers played some excellent football in the second period but they had no luck in front of goal.

Review
FA Cup
Westfields came within 10 minutes of knocking out National North Curzon Ashton in a pulsating cup-tie at Allpay Park. Fields took the lead through a Craig Jones penalty in the 9th minute but the pressure from their Mancunian visitors finally told with an equaliser from Adam Morgan. Fields go into the second round draw with a replay at The Tameside Stadium on Monday 14h.

Premier Division
Leaders, Alvechurch were too strong for bottom of the table Brocton, Church running out 3-0 winners with another brace for Josh March. 2nd placed Lye Town matched the result away at Shawbury United with Ben Billingham scoring twice from the spot. Coleshill Town move up to 3rd following a 4-2 win away to Loughborough University, Craig Milligan scoring twice. An 85th-minute goal from Lei Brown gave Highgate United a share of the spoils with Sporting Khalsa at The Coppice, 2-2 the final score. St Andrews left it late against Heanor Town at Canal Street, A goal in the 92nd minute from Elliot Putman, his third of the afternoon, giving Drews a 4-3 win. Two goals from Martin Smyth helped Rocester to a 4-1 win over 2nd bottom Tividale at Hillsfield. A Joel Carta goal was enough to give Shepshed Dynamo all three points at home to Walsall Wood. Coventry Sphinx picked up all three points at Stourport Swifts winning the game 3-2 with the winner from Darren Eggleton coming in the 93rd minute. Boldmere St Michaels had an excellent win on the road, beating Quorn 4-0 with two goals from Ben Usher-Shipway. Another side to win well away from home were AFC Wulfrunians. They raced into a 3-0 lead at Long Eaton United with Marvin Robinson scoring twice but two goals from Rob McCormick just failed to pick up a point for the home side.
St Andrews moved up to 6th with an emphatic 5-0 win at Coventry Sphinx. Sam Hollis and Shay Brennan both scored twice for Drews. Coventry United moved up to 7th place with an excellent 3-1 victory at Loughborough University. Westfields moved back into 3rd place with a 3-1 win at Allpay Park over Tividale. Aiden Thomas broke the deadlock before the break with further goals after the hour from Richard Greaves and Phil Glover. Charlie Wilson pulled one back late on for Tividale who also had a goal disallowed.

Division 1
The top of Division 1 gets ever tighter as leaders Bromsgrove Sporting were held 2-2 at home by Atherstone Town. It was looking good for The Adders as they took a 2-0 lead through Aaron O’Neill and the prolific Alex Naughton but a goal on the stroke of half-time from Chris Lloyd and a second from Will Tibbetts just after the hour gave The Rouslers the point. That result allowed Leicester Road to close the gap to just two points with a game in hand as they beat Heather St Johns 5-1 with Joe Lyne scoring twice. Lichfield City are third after a narrow win at Nuneaton Griff courtesy of an early goal from Ben Lund. The goal machine that is Hinckley AFC continues to flourish, a 5-3 win over Cadbury Athletic with two more for Ryan Seal meaning they are just three points behind the leaders. Racing Club Warwick are well and truly in the promotion mix, a 4-3 win at Heath Hayes with two goals or Wade Malley lifting them up to 6th. Bolehall Swifts are another team to be within 5 points of the summit, Joe Obi scoring twice in a 3-2 at Chelmsley Town. At the bottom of the table, basement team Southam United pushed Uttoxeter Town close but ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 defeat. Stafford Town remain 2nd bottom as they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Littleton, the goal scored by Kyonn Evans. Coventry Copsewood climbed out of the bottom three win a 4-2 win at Studley, swapping places with their hosts. Two goals from Sean Cooke enable fast improving Pershore Town to move up to 11th place as they beat Pelsall Villa 4-1 at The Bush Ground.

Division 2
Alvis Sporting Club are new leaders of Division 2 following a comprehensive 4-0 win over Barnt Green Spartak. Dildale Linton scored twice as Alvis remain unbeaten in the league. A Nick Seabourne goal was enough to give Droitwich Spa all three points at home to Leamington Hibernian. Hampton are off the bottom courtesy of a 1-0 win at home to Knowle, Gareth Parfitt with the goal after 10 minutes. Earlswood Town now prop up the table, a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Bloxwich Town who move into the top half of the table. Smithswood Firs and Redditch Borough shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, the result enough to move Redditch up to 5th place.
Alvis Sporting Club extended their lead at the top with a 3-2 win over Continental Star.

Division 3
Shipston Excelsior move up to 3rd in the table following a 5-2 win at London Road over Moors Academy with Lewis fathers scoring twice. The game between the bottom two went the way of Castle Vale Town who climb to 12th after they beat AFC Solihull 5-1 at Tudor Grange, Daniel Moore with a brace. Coventrians are now in the bottom two as they were beaten 4-1 by Inkberrow at Holbrooks Park. A goal from Kieran Downey gave Alcester Town all three points at Barton United moving Alcester into the top 6. Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons climbed out of the bottom three with an excellent 2-0 win at Enville Athletic.

Challenge Vase
A hat-trick from Paddy Behan sealed a semi-final place for Northfield Town as they beat Montpellier 4-3 after extra time in a cracking quarter-final at Shenley Lane. Stuart Hendrie scored twice for Montpellier.

Les James Challenge Cup
FC Stratford will meet Knowle in the quarter-final after they beat Coton Green 4-3 with Freddy Murphy scoring twice. Feckenham will meet Redditch Borough in the last eight following a 5-0 win over Continental Star at The Entaco with Ben Cox scoring twice.

Presidents Cup
Fairfield Villa ruined Paget Rangers homecoming as they progressed to a quarter-final against Continental Star with a stunning 4-3 victory. Connor Collins was the hero grabbing a hat-trick for Villa in the first game to be played on the 3G at The Trevor Brown Memorial Ground.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Pelsall Villa pulled off the shock of the round with a 2-1 victory at Sporting Khalsa. Two goals from Jack Till helped Lye Town on their way to a 3-1 win over Heath Hayes at Stourbridge Road. Chelmsley Town eased past league rivals Littleton winning 2-1 at Pack Meadow. Boldmere St Michaels also progressed winning 3-1 at Bolehall Swifts with Ged Oldnall scoring twice. AFC Wulfrunians continued their recent good form with a 5-1 win at Castlecroft over Shawbury United.

Other Cups
Brocton were knocked out of the Walsall Senior Cup losing 3-0 at Northern Premier Division Rushall Olympic. Quorn were knocked out of the Leicestershire Westerby Cup losing 2-1 to Leicester Nirvana at Farley Way with the winner coming in the 89th minute. Heanor Town were dumped out of the Derbyshire Senior cup losing 3-1 to Aston United at The Town Ground. Paget Rangers progressed in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup beating FC Stratford 3-1 at The Trevor Brown Memorial Ground with a double from Mark Bellingham. Barnt Green Spartak were giant killers in the same competition beating Pershore Town 2-0 at The Coppice.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1, Group "B"
COTON GREEN 0 v 9 ROMULUS
RESERVE DIVISION
WALSALL WOOD 2 v 3 GRESLEY

Leading scorers
Ezekiel Agyemang Tipton Town 14
Terence Davies Tipton Town 14
Oliver Roome Rocester 13
Zain Thomas Romulus 11
Daniel Craythorne Lichfield City 11
Josh Dutton Gresley 10

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1 Group "A
KETTERING TOWN 3 v 0 HIGHGATE UNITED
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED 7 v 0 KINGS HEATH CONCORDE
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
AYLESTONE PARK 0 v 5 COLESHILL TOWN
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 0 v 2 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
ALVECHURCH 2 v 1 DROITWICH SPA G & B
H O W ACADEMY 1 v 3 BROMSGROVE SPORTING

Others
BIRMINGHAM SATURDAY AMATEUR CUP ROUND 2
BULKINGTON S & S 0 1p4 0 COVENTRY UNITED u21
CONTINENTAL STAR RES. 3 v 1 TIPTON TOWN RES.
TRIUMPH ATHLETIC 1 v 3 CADBURY ATHLETIC RES.
TWO GATES 1 v 0 TAMWORTH u21
LEICESTERSHIRE INTERMEDIATE CUP ROUND 2
HIGHFIELD RANGERS 1 v 5 N K F BURBAGE
STAFFORDSHIRE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 2
BRERETON SOCIAL 3 v 0 LEEK TOWN u21
HDFC SENIORS 2 v 3 BROCTON RES.
LICHFIELD CITY RES. 9 v 0 STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS RES.
NORTON CANES 0 v 2 ROCESTER RES.
ST MATTHEWS WALSALL 1 v 2 BROCTON u21
WHITTINGTON RES. 2 v 10 HEATH HAYES u21
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LOWER JUNIOR CUP ROUND 2
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 1 v 2 CORBY EAGLES

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Josh March Alvechurch 18
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 16
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 16
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 15
Jack Till Lye Town 14
Richard Greaves Westfields 14
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
Craig Jones Westfields 12
Nathan Hodge Shawbury United 12
Callum Riddell Rocester 11
Shay Brennan St Andrews 11
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 24
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 23
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 16
Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 13
Ben Lund Lichfield City 13
Tom Bates Nuneaton Griff 12
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 12
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 12
Joe Obi Bolehall Swifts 12
Matt Brennan Nuneaton Griff 12
Division 2
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 21
Thomas Craine Knowle 18
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 12
Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 12
Connor Collins Fairfield Villa 11
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Pedro Douglas Continental Star 10
Division 3
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 12
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 10
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 10
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 8
Dale Wigmore Coventrians 8
Jess Adcock NKF Burbage 7
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7

Preview
FA Vase
Alvechurch (MFLP) vs Sporting Khalsa (MFLP)
A clash of two sides that know each other well and one both would rather have avoided. Alvechurch have had an excellent run of late taking over at the top of the table while Khalsa are unbeaten in 11 games in the league. The two sides drew 2-2 at Lye Meadow earlier this season – there won’t be much to choose between the two
Hucknall Town (CML) vs Rocester (MFLP)
Hucknall are lying in 3rd place in the South Division of the Central Midlands League and boast a 100% record. Last weekend they won 6-0 to go into the game full of confidence. Rocester are in good form and beat Oakham United 8-1 in the previous round. Watnall Road is a tough place to visit but Rocester should have enough to get through.
Long Eaton United (MFLP) vs Holbeach United (UCL)
Long Eaton are having a difficult season in the Premier Division and a home defeat last week has left them in 16th place. Holbeach, on the other hand, are flying high in the United Counties League and currently sit in 4th place, some 13 points behind runaway leaders Peterborough Sports. Form points to a narrow away win but it could go either way.
Quorn (MFLP) vs AFC Wulfrunians (MFLP)
Two sides in contrasting form in the Premier Division with Quorn not in the best of form and Wulfs rapidly climbing the table after a string of good results. This is another match which promises to be extremely tight and extra-time at Farley Way would not be a surprise.
Radford (EMCL) vs Shepshed Dynamo (MFLP)
Radford sit in 7th place in the East Midlands League winning 8 out of their last 9 games. Shepshed have found some decent form and a 1-0 win over Walsall Wood last week saw them into the top half of the table. On form, Shepshed should have the edge but they will need to stay tight at the back
Uttoxeter Town (MFL1) vs Coleshill Town (MFLP)
A fascinating game is in store at Oldfields as Division 1 Uttoxeter face Premier Division high-flyers Coleshill Town. Coleshill will start firm favourites as their recent excellent form indicates. Uttoxeter have had mixed results but a 5-4 win over Leicester Road in the previous round shows their potential. Expect goals
Westfields (MFLP) vs Sherwood Colliery (CML)
FA Cup heroes Westfields are at home again as they face Sherwood Colliery of the Central Midlands League South. Fields may have one eye on their FA Cup replay at Curzon Ashton however, the FA Vase is the competition where there is a realistic chance if reaching Wembley. Sherwood are in great form winning their last 10 games in all competitions. Westfields at home are a tough nut to crack and they should make progress.
Wolverhampton Casuals (WMRL) vs Nuneaton Griff (MFL1)
A cracking cup tie is in store at Brinsford Lane as West Midlands League Wolves Casuals face Nuneaton Griff. Cassies have won 7 out of their last 8, the only defeat being 4-3 at Premier Division Highgate United in the JW Hunt Cup. Griff have slipped down to 8th in Division 1 but are always likely to score goals. This could be a tough afternoon for Griff but a high scoring game is anticipated.
Bromsgrove Sporting (MFL1) vs Lichfield City (MFL1)
Two of the promotion chasers from Division go head to head at The Victoria Ground on Sunday. When the two sides met recently in Lichfield, Bromsgrove came out on top by a solitary goal. The Rouslers remain unbeaten this season while Lichfield keep close tabs on them in 3rd place. The biggest crowd of the round is expected with Bromsgrove hoping for a record attendance and to progress to Round 3.
Paget Rangers (MFL2) vs Hinckley AFC (MFL1)
Paget Rangers from Division 2 had the result of the previous round winning away at Premier Division St Andrews. They are flying high at the top of Division 2 with Daniel Carter and Mark Bellingham scoring 30 goals between them. Hinckley are one of the form sides in Division 1 and the league’s leading scorers. Ryan Seal leads the way with 23 goals and with the game being played on the new 3G surface at The Trevor Brown Memorial Ground, this could be a classic.

Premier Division
Lye Town could join Alvechurch at the head of the table if they can pick up three points at home to bottom side Brocton. St Andrews could move into the top 4 with a win at home to second-bottom Tividale. It’s a red letter day for Boldmere St Michaels who play their first home game of the season with Walsall Wood the visitors. Two sides with games in hand on the leaders meet in an attractive game at The Town ground with Coventry United the visitors to Heanor Town. Coventry Sphinx suffered a heavy home defeat on Monday and will be hoping for better luck as they entertain Loughborough University. Two of the bottom five meet at Wem as Shawbury United welcome Highgate United to Shropshire.

Division 1
With leaders Bromsgrove Sporting on FA Vase duty, Leicester Road could take over at the top should they win at Heath Hayes. There is a tasty derby at Rene Road as Bolehall Swifts entertain Atherstone Town. A win for The Adders would send them into the top three while a win for Swifts would see them climb to 4th. At the bottom of the table. 19th place Stafford Town can pull away from Southam United if they can beat Cadbury Athletic at Evans Park. Likewise, Studley can move out of the bottom three with a win at St Johns Park over Heather St Johns and other results going their way. Coventry Copsewood are unbeaten in their last 4 league games and they would overtake visitors Chelmsley Town with a win at the Pavilion. Pelsall Villa are without a win in 6 and they welcome Littleton to the Bush Ground.

Division 2
Droitwich Spa will move into the top two if they can pick up all three points at The Coppice against Barnt Green Spartak, who have picked up just one pint out of the last 12. Thirteen points out of fifteen has lifted Fairfield Villa into contention and they face a tough trip to 6th placed Knowle. Two of the bottom three meet at The Hub with a win for either Continental Star or Leamington Hibernian moving the victors up the table. Hampton had an excellent win last week and they travel to Redditch Borough hoping for back to back results. 10th meets 9th at The Entaco where Feckenham host Sutton United. It is also 11th versus 12th at New Mill Lane as Coton Green, with games in hand on all the clubs above them, entertain Smithswood Firs.

Division 3
Northfield Town can close the gap on leaders NKF Burbage to 9 points should they beat bottom of the table AFC Solihull at Shenley Lane. Montpellier get back to league action welcoming FC Stratford to Badsey where a win for The Pellers would keep the pressure on the top three. Third-placed Shipston Excelsior entertain Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons who come into the game on the back of an excellent away win last week. 8th meets 9th at The Recreation Ground as Inkberrow host Enville Athletic. Two sides that had good away wins last week meet at Vale Stadium with Castle Vale Town welcoming Alcester Town.

Challenge Vase
Moors Academy and Barton United meet at the Beehive with a place in the semi-final of the Challenge Vase at stake. The teams met recently in the Birmingham Vase with Moors running out 5-1 winners.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1 Group "A"
BROCTON v WALSALL WOOD 3.00
LICHFIELD CITY v ROCESTER 3.00
Group "B"
TIPTON TOWN v COTON GREEN 2.00
RESERVE DIVISION
CADBURY ATHLETIC v CONTINENTAL STAR 2.00

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

Other Cups
COVENTRY CHARITY CUP ROUND 2
AEI RUGBY v ALVIS SPORTING 1.30
SMEDLEY CROOKE MEMORIAL CHARITY CUP ROUND 2
EARLSWOOD TOWN v UPTON TOWN 1.30
BEDWORTH NURSING CUP ROUND 2
BRINKLOW v COVENTRIANS 1.30
DERBYSHIRE DIVISIONAL CUP (SOUTH) ROUND 2
SHERWIN FIRST ATHLETIC GRESLEY RES. 1.15

Redditch Borough were charged with playing an ineligible player in their Division 2 fixture on Saturday 13th August against Paget Rangers. Following a disciplinary meeting and a subsequent appeal to the Football Association the Club were found guilty of the offence, as Redditch Borough won the fixture 3-2 and as prescribed within Rule 8(O), they are to be deducted 3 points from their playing record.
 
Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League

Midland Football League Newsletter
2nd November 2016
League News

The team of the month for September has been announced
Overall – Westfields
Division 1 – Hinckley AFC
Division 2 – Alvis Sporting Club
Division 3 – NKF Burbage

Congratulations to all of the winners
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The team of the month for October has been announced

Overall – Paget Rangers
Premier Division – Alvechurch
Division 1 – Bromsgrove Sporting
Division 3 – NKF Burbage
Reserve Division – Romulus
Under 21 - Tamworth
Congratulations to all of the winners
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The Annual Dinner will be held at The Banks Stadium, Walsall on Saturday 10th June 2017. Ticket prices will remain at £37.50.
Premier Division and Division 1 club to take a minimum of 4 tickets, all other clubs to take a minimum of 2 tickets each

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 29th October
MFL Division 3 (28)
NKF Burbage 5 Barton United 0

Division 3 new boys, NKF Burbage, have taken the MFL by storm winning their first 10 league games top open up a 12 point lead at the top of Division 3. My previous visit to Kirkby Road was to see Barwell In the Northern Premier League and the ground is well appointed for Step 3. It has rather a genteel feel as you drive past the cricket pitch on the left with the pavilion directly ahead. The main stand at Kirkby Road offers a great view and I took my customary place near the back, ostensibly to get a better view. I was impressed with Barton united last season and expected them to provide the league leaders with a stern challenge. NKF had their first attempt on goal inside the first 30 seconds, Kieron Iliffe's volley being easily dealt with. Tom Smith saw a fierce shot blocked in the 4th minute but the home side weren't to be denied and they took the lead in the 6th minute. A low ball from the left from Alex Coultas was tapped in by Smith inside the 6-yard box. Coultas had a shot deflected goalwards which Michael Graves did well to hold. The first chance for the visitors came in the 13th minute but Peter Martin’s effort was well off target. Coultas was causing problems down the left and another low cross was gathered at the second attempt by Graves. The second goal for the leaders came in the 21st minute. Smith created an opening on the left, whipped the ball into the box and Iliffe reacted quickest forcing home from close range. In the 25th minute, Martin forced a save from Jordan Pickering his well-directed header easily held. It should have been three in the 32nd minute when a mistake by Andy Lee, let in Iliffe but he decided to pass to Jess Adcock when a shot would have been a better option. Adcock looked likely to score but a fine challenge from Will Capper took the ball away. Tom Green missed a decent chance for Barton, heading over when he should have hit the target. In the 40th minute, Smith beat Graces to the ball but Capper was on hand to clear his lines. A minute later, a fine save from Pickering maintained NKF's 2 goal lead, as a deflected effort from Green was saved one-handed.
The second half continued the theme with the home side well on top. Adcock was unlucky in the 52nd minute, his shot fractionally off target. A piece of sublime skill in the 53rd minute deserved a goal. Smith watched the ball as it dropped over his shoulder, hit a perfect first-time volley which beat Graves and rattled the crossbar. Smith was a real thorn in Barton's side and another decent effort was just off target. In the 64th minute, Smith was on target with his shot but Graves did well to tip the shot round the post. A minute later, Adam Zia got in on the act, hitting the crossbar with a header from a corner for the home side. There was no stopping the home side and Smith teed up Coultas who forced another good save from Pickering. In the 69th minute, Barton's goal led a charmed life as three efforts were somehow cleared off the line. In the 72nd minute, Coultas set up Smith but his shot was deflected just past the post. Goal number three arrived in the 73rd minute to cheers of relief from the home support. An excellent cross from Coultas found the head of Smith who headed it across the keeper and into the corner. Some fantastic passing football from NKF created goal number 4 in the 80th minute with Coultas supplying the finish. NKF made it 5 two minutes from time when Coultas supplied the finish after Smith’s shot had been blocked. In stoppage time, barton went close to a goal when George Stack was just off target. A fantastic advert for Division 3 football and what a performance from the league leaders. A cracking day out and one I would recommend to anyone.

Tuesday 1st November
Polymac Packaging League Cup 2nd Round (29)
Rocester 2 Heanor Town 1
On the 1st night of November, real football weather arrived with plummeting temperatures and a feeling that the season starts here. The choice of game tonight is a League Cup tie between Rocester and Heanor Town, two mid table premier Division sides, at Hillsfield in the shadow of the JCB Academy. Both sides made changes from the previous weekend’s league fixtures with a mixture of unavailability and rotation (!). Heanor had a great chance inside the first 20 seconds when Matt Brian’s shot was deflected for a corner. In the 7th minute, Elliott Reeves went close for Heanor, his header cleared off the line and then Gary Conway fizzed a shot just wide of the target. In the 12th minute, Callum Riddell had a chance for The Romans but he headed over the bar when he should have tested Joe McCormack. Heanor were given a gilt-edged chance in the 27th minute when Reeves was brought down in the area by Jake Hudson with the referee awarding the penalty. Chris Smith took the spot kick but it was at a good height for keeper Callum Noon who made a fine save. Most of the chances were falling to the visitors and Greg Marriott was off target with another effort when he should have done better. Noon again rescued Rocester in the 32nd minute, acrobatically tipping over a free-kick from Jay Cooper. Heanor took the lead 5 minutes before half-time and it was a scrappy goal befitting a scrappy match. A goalmouth scramble in the Rocester box had four Heanor players waiting to strike the final blow and it was reeves that forced the ball home. Reeves could have doubled his and Heanor’s tally on the stroke of half-time when a well-worked free-kick saw Reeves hit the target but Noon was on hand to save.
Rocester were close to a leveller in the 49th minute but Riddell’s header was cleared off the line. Rocester had the ball in the net two minutes later. A superb free-kick from Joe Brockley hit the underside of the bar, bounced down where Riddell tapped it into the empty net. Unfortunately for Rocester, he was in an offside position when the kick was taken and the ‘goal’ was chalked off. The hoped for improvement in the game failed to materialise as both sides struggled to string any passes together. Out of the blue, Rocester equalised in the 66th minute and it was a goal of some quality. Riddell picked up the ball to the left of the are and hit a shot which swerved viciously as it flew past McCormack. The goal lifted Rocester who were now looking the most likely. In the 78th minute, Oliver Roome failed to get enough of his head on the ball and McCormack gathered. Riddell was offered a great chance with 10 minutes left but, in front of goal, he delayed his shot, and the chance went begging. A minute later, Brockley attempted a long-range chip but it was over the bar. With two minutes remaining, Rocester scored the winner. An excellent run down the right from James Frost saw him whip a cross into the box where Liam Shaw headed powerfully home. From my position, there was more than a hint of offside about the goal but no-one appealed and it is Rocester that go into round 3. Not a great game of football on a cold night but credit to Rocester for the way they took control once they had equalised.

Review
Premier Division
Alvechurch extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to three points as a last-minute goal from new signing, Jamie Willetts gave them all three points at home to Coventry United, who had two players red carded. Lye Town are in 2nd place after they picked up three points in an excellent 3-1 win away to faltering Walsall Wood. Westfields suffered their first home defeat of the season, going down 4-0 at the hands of 4th place Coleshill Town which puts the two sides level on points in the table. Sporting Khalsa remain in 5th place after they beat Rocester 5-3 at The Aspray Arena. The game was held up for 30 minutes in the second half as Danny Ashton from Khalsa suffered a serious leg injury. In the game, David Meese added to his impressive season's tally with a first-half hat-trick while Karl Ashton scored twice for the Romans. Quorn stay in 6th place following a 2-0 win at AFC Wulfrunians. Loughborough University are a place further back, Hafeez Sunusi with the only goal of the game against Stourport Swifts. St Andrews are level on points with the Scholars, a goal two minutes from time giving them all three points against bottom of the table Brocton. Heanor Town are up to 9th after they beat struggling Highgate United 2-0 at The Town Ground. Boldmere St Michaels remain in the bottom three following a goalless draw at Coventry Sphinx. Shepshed Dynamo and Long Eaton United shared 4 goals at The Dovecote with both sides in the bottom half of the league table.
Coventry United are up to 8th following a 2-0 win at home to Quorn on Tuesday evening. Goals from Kevin Thornton and Dylan Otshudy gave United the points and they are 13 points behind leaders Alvechurch with 6 games in hand. The only downside was another red card, a second in a week for Jean Dakouri in an altercation with Quorn’s Jimmy Brooks who also saw red.

Division 1
An 18th-minute goal from Jason Cowley settled the game between the top two in Bromsgrove Sporting’s favour at Lichfield City. Leicester Road gained ample revenge on Uttoxeter Town for their FA Vase defeat with a resounding 5-1 win at Oldfields, Jake Holt with a brace. Managerless Studley upset 4th placed Atherstone Town at Sheepy Road coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. The result of the day was at St Johns Park as Hinckley AFC scored 12 without reply against bottom club Southam United. Ryan Seal scored 4, Paul Sullivan 3 and there were doubles for Javia Roberts and Peter Williams in the rout. A Joe Obi hat-trick helped Bolehall Swifts beat Stafford Town 4-2 at Rene Road, Queenton Mananse scoring twice for The Reds. Coventry Copsewood move up to 18th following a 3-3 draw at home with Pelsall Villa. Racing Club Warwick beat Littleton 3-1 at Townsend Meadow to remain 8th. Cadbury Athletic shared 4 goals at home to Heather St Johns while there was a similar scoreline in the game between Pershore Town and Heath Hayes

Division 2
Paget Rangers are new leaders of Division 2 after they won 6-0 at Hampton. Daniel Carter grabbed a hat-trick for Paget who are now the division’s leading scorers. Fairfield Villa are joint second after coming back from a goal down at home to Smithswood Firs to eventually win 4-1. Earlswood Town are off the bottom after they drew 3-3 at Barnt Green Spartak with James Giblin scoring twice. A goal from Liam Fullerton gave Redditch Borough all three points at Coton Green. Three games ended all square – Leamington Hibernian and Bloxwich Town couldn’t find a goal between them, while Continental Star and Feckenham and Sutton United and Knowle both ended 1-1

Division 3
NKF Burbage continued on their merry way with a superb 5-0 victory over Barton United at Kirkby Road. Tom Smith and Alex Coultas both scored twice as NKF remain 12 points clear. Northfield Town are up to 2nd place after they beat Shipston Excelsior 3-1 at Shenley Lane. A hat-trick for Montel Okoro saw Moors Academy beat Enville Athletic 3-1 at The Beehive. The sides in 12th and 13th place, Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons and Castle Vale Town, shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Challenge Vase
Alcester Town are into the semi-finals of the Challenge Vase after a strange game against Coventrians. The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead with Lewis Chester scoring twice. Back came Alcester to drew level and send the game into extra time. That proved goalless and it was Alcester that won the penalty shoot out 3-2.

Polymac Packaging League Cup
Lichfield City had the result of the round with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Premier Division Long Eaton United at The McDonalds Community Stadium. Ben Lund continued his fine form with a hat-trick. Hinckley AFC were also giant killers, beating high-flying Coleshill Town 4-2 after extra –time at Pack Meadow. Andy Westwood and Javia Roberts clinched the game for Hinckley in the second period of extra-time. Leicester Road also made it through to round three with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Heather St Johns at St Johns Park. Pershore Town made it four Division 1 sides through on the night as they beat Cadbury Athletic 4-3 on penalties after the sides had finished 3-3 after extra-time. A goal two minutes from time from Liam Shaw saw Rocester through to the next round as they beat Heanor Town 2-1 at Hillsfield. Two goals in the first 15 minutes from Marco Adaggio saw Highgate United on their way to Round 3 with a 2-1 win at Stourport Swifts. Last year’s losing finalists, Walsall Wood were the night’s other winners, a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Beeches to knock out league rivals Tividale. Jack Edwards scored a hat-trick as Brocton managed a morale boosting win at Nuneaton Griff, 5-2 the final score.

Other Cups
In the Coventry Evening telegraph Cup, two goals from Kieron Fitzgerald helped Chelmsley Town to a 4-0 win at AFC Woods. Nuneaton Griff showed their class with an 8-1 win at Ambleside Sports- Tom Bates with a hat-trick and a double from Matty Brennan amongst the goals. Two MFL sides bowed out of the competition, Alvis Sporting Club lost 2-0 at Stockton while FC Stratford lost 1-0 at Whitnash Town. In the Worcestershire Junior Cup, Droitwich Spa progressed winning 2-1 at Welland. Montpellier also made it through beating Bromsgrove Sporting U21 4-1 at Badsey. It wasn’t all success though as Inkberrow were knocked out of the competition being beaten 3-0 by Worcester Raiders. A first half goal from Marvin Nisbett gave Sporting Khalsa victory at Bolehall Swifts in the Walsall Senior Cup. In the JW Hunt Cup, Paget Rangers racked up 8 goals as they beat Old Wulfrunians 8-1 at Castlecroft. David Franklin, Mark Bellingham and Daniel carter all scored twice for in-form Paget. In the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup, a solitary goal from Chris Conway gave Bromsgrove Sporting the victory at home to Knowle. Redditch Borough were in fine goalscoring form beating AFC Solihull 8-1 at The Valley with a hat-trick for Billy Garvey and a double for Jak Albutt. In the Coventry Charity Cup, FC Stratford bowed out losing 1-0 at home to Woodlands WMC. Littleton went out of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup, losing 5-4 on penalties to Bewdley Town

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

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK 4 v 6 KETTERING TOWN
COVENTRY UNITED 7 v 0 HIGHGATE UNITED
GORNAL ATHLETIC 3 v 2 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN
Group "B
BROCTON 5 v 1 DROITWICH SPA G & B
TAMWORTH 8 v 0 KINGS HEATH CONCORDE
Group "C"
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 3 v 2 LEEK TOWN
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
HEATH HAYES 2 v 2 COLESHILL TOWN
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
BEDWORTH UNITED 3 v 1 AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Josh March Alvechurch 16
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 15
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 15
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 14
Richard Greaves Westfields 13
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
Jack Till Lye Town 12
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 23
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 21
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 16
Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 13
Tom Bates Nuneaton Griff 12
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 12
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 12
Ben Lund Lichfield City 12
Division 2
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 19
Thomas Craine Knowle 18
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 12
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Pedro Douglas Continental Star 10
Division 3
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 11
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 10
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 8

Preview
FA Cup
Saturday promises to be a red-letter day for Westfields as they play in the 1st Round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in their 50 year history. Curzon Ashton from National League North are the visitors to Allpay Park. Westfields have already beaten two sides from Step3 and one from Step 4 in this season’s competition and will not be unduly concerned about facing a side from Step 2, albeit 5 places higher in the pyramid than Leiston who they beat in the previous round. Westfields slipped up in the league last week but with National Coverage beyond all expectations, they will be hoping to put on a show this weekend. The Nash (as the visitors are known) have a far better away record this season having failed to win at The Tameside Stadium. They have a team full of experience at Football League and Conference level and will provide Westfields with a real challenge. Whatever happens, it promises to be a great day – BBC filming Football Focus from the ground, extended highlights on Match of the Day! Good luck to Westfields from all at the Midland football League.

Premier Division
It’s a bottom versus top clash in the Premier Division as leaders Alvechurch travel to basement side Brocton. Church have won 7 out of their last 8 league games which has seen them take over the top spot. The Badgers have only two wins all season so it would be quite an upset should they make it win number three. 2nd placed Lye Town are on an excellent run of form and they travel to Shropshire hoping to keep the run going at lowly Shawbury United. Coleshill Town had an excellent win last week at Westfields and they can go third with a win at 7th placed Loughborough University. Sporting Khalsa are unbeaten in 10 league games and they travel to The Coppice to face Highgate United who are surprisingly just outside the relegation zone. Three wins in the last four has lifted Tividale off the bottom and they travel to Hillsfield to face a Rocester side in decent form. Two sides locked together in the lower reaches of the table meet at Grange Park with AFC Wulfrunians travelling to Long Eaton United. Boldmere St Michaels have drawn their last four and face their 14th game on the road as they travel to 6th placed Quorn. Shepshed Dynamo welcome Walsall Wood to The Dovecote with both sides struggling to string results together. St Andrews arrested a run of four straight defeats last week and will be hoping for another win as they welcome Heanor Town to Canal Street. Stourport Swifts welcome Coventry Sphinx to Walshes Meadow and with both sides having mixed results of late, this could go either way.

Division 1
A full programme of fixtures in Division 1 and a big game at the top of the table as leaders Bromsgrove Sporting entertain 4th placed Atherstone Town at The Victoria Ground. The Adders were surprisingly beaten at home by Studley last week after an excellent run of results while the Rouslers beat Lichfield City in a top of the table clash. There is an attractive looking local derby at 2nd placed Leicester Road as they entertain Heather St Johns. The home side have won 5 on the trot in the league while Heather are unbeaten in 5. Lichfield City aim to bounce back following last week’s defeat but it couldn’t be more difficult as they travel to The Pingles Stadium to face 6th placed Nuneaton Griff. Hinckley AFC are in wonderful goal scoring form and they face the league’s draw specialists, Cadbury Athletic at St Johns Park. Southam United are still searching for their first victory of the season and they welcome Uttoxeter Town to Banbury Road. 2nd bottom Stafford Town travel to Littleton, where a win could lift them out of the bottom three. Studley had a superb win last week at Atherstone Town which moved them above this week’s visitors Coventry Copsewood. Pelsall Villa and Pershore Town are both nearer to the relegation zone than they would want to be and the two of them meet at the Old Bush Ground. Bolehall Swifts could move into the top 6 if they can take all 3 points from their clash with Chelmsley Town at Pack Meadow. Racing Club Warwick are level on points with Bolehall and with only two defeats this season, they will be hoping to climb the table as they travel to Heath Hayes.

Division 2
Each week, we seem to have a new leader of Division 2 and the pattern could well follow this week. With leaders Paget Rangers in cup action. Alvis Sporting Club can take over at the summit should they beat Barnt Green Spartak at Green Lane. Droitwich Spa can move into the top three with a win at home to Leamington Hibernian. Redditch Borough can also climb into the top three should they pick up all 3 points at Smithswood Firs. At the bottom, Hampton face 7th placed Knowle where a win for the home side could see them rise 4 places in the table. 2nd bottom Earlswood Town welcome Bloxwich Town to the Pavilions – a win for the home side would see them leap over their visitors in the table,

Division 3
Moors Academy, in 4th, travel to 5th placed Shipston Excelsior where a win for either would move them into the top three. The bottom two meet at Tudor Grange with bottom club AFC Solihull still pointless while visitors Castle Vale Town have won 1 and drawn two. Two of last season’s leading sides are finding it much tougher this season. Barton United will look to put last week’s heavy defeat at the hands of leaders NKF Burbage behind them as they welcome Alcester Town to Holland Sports Club. A win for Enville Athletic over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons at Hall Drive would see them in the top half of the table for the first time this season. 11th meets tenth at Holbrooks Park as Coventrians entertain Inkberrow.

Les James Challenge Cup
3rd Division FC Stratford will be hoping for a cup upset as they entertain 2nd Division Coton Green with a quarter-final at home to Knowle the prize for the winners. Division 2 rivals Feckenham and Continental Star meet at The Entaco with a quarter-final at home to Redditch Borough on offer.

Presidents Cup
Two in-form sides meet at Church Lane with the winners at home to Continental Star in the quarter-final. Paget Rangers have won 8 games on the spin in all competitions while Fairfield Villa have won their last three. With goalscorers from both sides in good form, this should be a great game.
Challenge Vase
2nd and 3rd in Division 3 meet in the quarter final of the Vase at Shenley Lane. Northfield Town have won their last 4 games in all competitions scoring 19 goals in the process. Montpellier are the only side to have beaten runaway leaders NKF Burbage this season (in the Les James Challenge Cup). When the two sides met in the league earlier this season, Montpellier ran out 5-1 winners. Expect this one to be much closer.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1, Group "B"
COTON GREEN v ROMULUS 3.00
RESERVE DIVISION
WALSALL WOOD v GRESLEY 3.00
Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A
KETTERING TOWN v HIGHGATE UNITED 10.30
Group "B"
BEDWORTH UNITED v KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 11.00
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
AYLESTONE PARK v COLESHILL TOWN 12.30
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY v SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
ALVECHURCH v DROITWICH SPA G & B 10.30
H O W ACADEMY v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 10.30

Other Cups
BIRMINGHAM SATURDAY AMATEUR CUP ROUND 2
BULKINGTON S & S v COVENTRY UNITED u21 1.30
TRIUMPH ATHLETIC v CADBURY ATHLETIC RES. 1.30
TWO GATES v TAMWORTH u21 2.00
LEICESTERSHIRE INTERMEDIATE CUP ROUND 2
HIGHFIELD RANGERS v N K F BURBAGE 1.30
STAFFORDSHIRE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 2
BRERETON SOCIAL v LEEK TOWN u21 1.30
HDFC SENIORS v BROCTON RES. 1.30
LICHFIELD CITY RES. v STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS RES. 3.00
NORTON CANES v ROCESTER RES. 1.30
ST MATTHEWS WALSALL v BROCTON u21 1.30
WHITTINGTON RES. v HEATH HAYES u21 1.30
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LOWER JUNIOR CUP ROUND 2
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS U21 v CORBY EAGLES 1.30