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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

Midland Football League Newsletter
26th October 2016
League News

The draw has been made for Round 2 of the FA Vase. Fixture to be played the weekend of 11th/12th/13th November
Long Eaton United vs Holbeach United
Wolverhampton Casuals vs Nuneaton Griff
Hucknall Town AFC vs Rocester
Paget Rangers vs Hinckley AFC
Westfields vs Sherwood Colliery
Alvechurch vs Sporting Khalsa
Radford vs Shepshed Dynamo
Uttoxeter Town vs Coleshill Town
Bromsgrove Sporting vs Lichfield City
Quorn vs AFC Wulfrunians
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Les James Challenge Cup – Quarter Final Draw
FC Stratford or Coton Green v Knowle
Montpellier v Barnt Green Spartak or Northfield Town
Bloxwich Town or Paget Rangers v Alvis Sporting
Feckenham or Continental Star v Redditch Borough
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Challenge Vase – Quarter Final Draw
Alcester Town vs Coventrians
Enville Athletic vs NKF Burbage
Northfield Town vs Montpellier
Moors Academy vs Barton United
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Presidents Cup – Quarter Final draw
Paget Rangers or Fairfield Villa vs Continental Star
Knowle vs Alvis Sporting Club
Hampton vs Coton Green
Droitwich Spa vs Barnt Green Spartak
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Studley FC have parted with their manager Kevin Kingham by mutual agreement. Studley FC would like to go on record and thank Kevin for all his hard work and are sorry that things have not worked out for him this season and would like to wish Kevin all the best in the future and he will be welcomed at Studley anytime. Keith Draper has taken over in the interim with any interested applicants applying to bobtheat@hotmail.co.uk with the deadline being Friday 28th October.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 22nd October
FA Vase 1st Round (26)
Shifnal Town 1 Quorn 4

The FA Vase proved to be a wonderful competition for the MFL last season and hopes are high that one of our teams can emulate Hereford and go all the way to Wembley. The first round is 8 matches away from Wembley and has give us some intriguing ties not least the game between West Midlands Regional League Shifnal Town and MFL Premier Division Quorn. Neither side were in great form coming into the game but league form goes out of the window in the Vase. Quorn made the perfect start taking the lead in the 6th minute. Liam Turner played a short ball into the stride of Leavi Oshungbure who controlled the ball and slid it under keeper Symkaitis Vytautas and into the net. Shifnal’s first attempt came via Seth Ellis but his shot was straight at keeper Leighton Smith. On the quarter hour mark, Shifnal came close to an equaliser when the impressive Tom Hill drove across the face of the goal but no-one was on hand for the final touch. Oshunbure almost created an opening for Turner but his cross went behind the ctriker. Hill was on target again for the home side in the 20th minute with Smith making a decent save. Simon Alcott looped a header over the bar for Quorn and also hit the sidenetting after a good piece of control. William Wells created an opening for Shifnal cuttin in from the left but dragging his right footed shot wide of Smith’s goal. Reece Medway was finding space down the right for Quorn but the final delivery failed to find his man. Oshungbure had a great chance for Quorn in the 37th minute but he couldn’t finish. With three minutes to go before the interval, Nathan Dale for Quorn had a shot comfortbaly saved. Shifnal went straight donw th other end and equalised. It was poor defending by Quorn which allowed Hill to nod the ball into an empty net. On the run of play, an equaliser Shifnal deserved.
Shifnal started the second half on the front foot and Craig Love saw a volley saved withi a minute of the restart. Nick Goold was not quite so accurate for Quorn despathing a ball into the gardens of the new housing estate behind the goal. Shifnal were well on top and Hill and Wells had efforts saved or blocked. Quorn finallyregained some momentum and took the lead in the 68th minute. A free-kick from the right was headed home by Dale giving Vytautas no chance. The goal settled Quorn and they took the game to Shifnal. Vytautas saved twice from Turner, a header and a shot before Quorn extended their lead in the 75th minute. Oshungbure’s first effort was well saved but the rebound fell at the foot of the Quorn skipper and he made no mistake. In stoppage time, Medway intercepted a pass and drove forward but the finish was off targtet. Four minutes into added time, Quorn grabbed a fourth when Goold was on hand to sidefoot home a cross from James Hicks. A comfortable scoreline for Quorn but a game that was anything but. A good cup tie played in an excellent spirit Shifnal are a friendly club and well worth a visit if you are ever in Shropshire.

Tuesday 25th October
Staffordshire Senior Cup Round 1 (27)
Sporting Khalsa 0 Stoke City 1

A rare chance to see Premier League opposition at an MFL ground albeit the Stoke City Under 23 side and a chance for Sporting Khalsa to test themselves against full-time professionals. It was Khalsa that made the first inroads with Marvin Nisbett racing down the right and sending in a low cross which was easily cut out. Nice control by Nisbett carved out a chance for himself which Hungarian keeper Dan Gyollai saved well. Stoke responded with an effort by Danny Jarvis which Sheridan Martinez palmed around the post. Craig Bannister stung the palms of Gyollai with a shot which the keeper saved at the near post. Khalsa wasted a good chance in the 16th minute when Simeon Townsend made poor contact on an excellent corner from Danny Ashton. Khalsa were looking far more dangerous with Stoke content to play passing football around the middle of the park with no end result. Elliot Turner was off target with a free-kick in the 20th minute. An excellent cross field ball from Joel Taylor picked out Lewis Banks but he was superbly marshalled by the imposing Tes Robinson. Against the run of play, the impressive Oliver Shenton rattled the woodwork with a shot out of nothing.
The second half continued in the same vein with Khalsa the more dangerous and Stoke more content on playing keep ball. The introduction of Belgian midfielder Thibaud Verlinden added some much needed energy to the Premier league side. On the hour, banister hit a free-kick into the defensive wall and then hammered the rebound high over the bar. An excellent turn and cross from Verlinden was well handled by Martinez in the Khalsa goal. In the 69th minute, an Ashton corner was headed fractionally wide by Carlo Franco. Khalsa continued to ask questions and a low cross from Bekir Halil was turned behind for a corner. Garfield Robinson attempted to chip Gyollai but the big keeper caught it underneath his cross bar. With the crowd expecting a penalty shoot out, Stoke took the lead with 2 minutes to go. A poor back pass let in Tyrese Campbell, son of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, and he showed great composure with a classy finish. All of a sudden, we had a game of football on our hands instead of chess as Khalsa went for the equaliser. Three minutes into time added on, a superb effort from banister was tipped onto the post by Gyollai, a stunning save, and Stoke were through to round 2 and a trip to Hanley Town.
A valiant effort by Khalsa who looked the most likely winners all game. The pass, pass, pass style of Stoke may be great for the purists but give me the cut and thrust of the Midland football League any day.

Review
FA Vase
Pride of place in the first round of the FA Vase has to go to 2nd Division Paget Rangers who won 2-1 at Premier Division St Andrews courtesy of a Daniel Carter double. Division 1 front runners Lichfield City were also giantkillers, a late Luke Chapman goal giving them a 2-1 win over premier Division Shawbury United. There was a 9 goal thriller at Oldfields as Uttoxeter Town got the better of Leicester Road winning 5-4. Luke Lewis and Harry Price scored twice for Uttoxeter while Matty Stenson scored twice for Leicester Road. Bromsgrove Sporting and Cadbury Athletic were involved in a topsy-turvy game at The Victoria Ground. The Chocolatemen were 2-0 up at half-time and 3-2 into the final minutes of the game. The Rouslers equalised late on and two goals in extra-time saw them through to the next round, 5-3 the final score with two goals for Jason Cowley. There were 9 goals at Hillsfield but this one was wasn’t close as Rocester beat Oakham United 8-1. The visitors took the lead in the 4th minute but braces from Rob Ritchie Smith and Karl Ashton saw the Romans into Round 2. Shepshed Dynamo were involved in a tight encounter at Handsworth Parramore. Sam Denton scored a hat-trick for the home side but a Ben Haseley double plus goals from Karl Whymark and Liam Read gave Dynamo a 4-3 win. Westfields continued their sparkling cup form with a 6-0 win at Allpay Park over league rivals Walsall Wood, Aidan Thomas and Nick Harrhy with a couple each. Two goals from skipper Leavi Oshungbure were the highlight of Quorn’s 4-1 win at Shifnal Town. Two goals from Rob McCormick gave Long Eaton United the victory over Coventry United at Grange Park, 2-1 the final score. Hinckley AFC needed extra time to beat Wolverhampton Sporting Community at St Johns Park with Sam Agar scoring twice in a 3-1 win. A goal from Carlo Franco was enough for Sporting Khalsa to edge past Hanley Town at The Aspray Arena. It wasn’t all good news for the MFL as three sides were knocked out by teams from other leagues. Biggest shock came at The Town ground where Heanor Town were surprisingly beaten 4-0 by Central Midlands side Blidworth Welfare. Chelmsley Town took the lead at Brinsford Lane against Wolverhampton Casuals but couldn’t hold on as Casuals ran out 2-1 winners. Coventry Copsewood couldn’t quite bridge the gap against United Counties League Holbeach united who returned to Lincolnshire with a 2-0 win.

Premier Division
The only game in the Premier Division gave us new leaders as Alvechurch took over top spot with a 2-0 win over Coleshill Town. Josh March scored both for the home side as former ‘Church striker Jordan Nadat saw red late on in the game.
On Tuesday evening, Rocester and Shawbury United shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Hillsfield

Division 1
Atherstone Town climb into the top three following a 4-2 win at Stafford Town. Stafford led 2-1 before the Adders finished the game strongly. Alex Naughton continued his excellent goalscoring form with another double. Bolehall Swifts are 8th after a 2-1 win at Heath Hayes. Southam United remain rooted to the bottom after they went down 2-0 to Littleton at 5 Acres. Studley are one place above Southam as they went down 2-1 at home to Pershore Town.

Division 2
Alvis Sporting Club are the new leaders of Division 2, following a 1-0 win over Droitwich Spa, Rickie Cutting with the goal. Fairfield Villa are up to 4th after they beat Barnt Green Spartak 2-1 with both goals courtesy of Stuart Hall. Leamington Hibernian are off the bottom as they picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at Feckenham. There was a 9 goal thriller between Smithswood Firs and Sutton United with Sutton winning the game 5-4 in stoppage time. Graham Deakin scored twice for Sutton while David Barfield bagged a brace for Smithswood. Bloxwich Town are moving up the table and now sit 11th following a 3-1 win at home to Hampton.

Division 3
NKF Burbage maintained their 100% record with a 5-2 win at bottom club AFC Solihull. The home side took the lead from the penalty spot but two penalties from Nathan Astill and a double from Jack Whitehurst ensured that NKF have a 12 point lead at the top of the table. Northfield Town are up to 3rd after putting 8 goals past Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Three players scored twice – Will Parker, Dan Lawrence and Stephen Deeley. Enville Athletic are up to 8th after their 4th win in 5, 2-0 at home to FC Stratford with both goals coming from Adam Wooldridge. Coventrians move up to 11th following a 2-0 win over Castle Vale Town, Dale Wigmore with both goals.

Les James Challenge Cup
In the 2nd round of the Les James Challenge Cup, Division 3 Montpellier were giantkillers winning 2-1 away at Division 2 Earlswood Town. A double from Tom Craine helped Knowle on the way to a 3-1 victory over Alcester Town. Redditch Borough were 2-1 winners at Shipston Excelsior to set up an away quarter final at Continental Star or Feckenham.

Presidents Cup
Hampton made it through to the quarter final of the Presidents Cup, beating Redditch Borough 4-1 on penalties after the game ended goalless.

Other Cups
In the Worcestershire Senior Urn, Highgate United got the better of Lye Town at Stourbridge Road winning 4-3 on penalties after the sides had been level 1-1 at full time.
Chelmsley Town were knocked out of the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup losing 2-0 at Packmeadow to Cradley Town. In the same competition, Coventry Copsewood had an excellent 3-0 victory over Atherstone Town. Nuneaton Griff proved too strong for Gornal Athletic running out 5-0 winners with doubles for Mitch Thomson and Tom Bates. Jake Brown scored four and Wade Malley two as Racing Club Warwick beat Dudley Town 6-1 at Townsend Meadow. A double from Jordan Francis helped Bolehall Swifts to a 3-1 win at Smethwick Rangers. In the Birmingham Senior Cup, Highgate United overcame Coleshill Town 3-2 at Pack Meadow with Lei Brown scoring twice. A young Coventry United side were beaten 3-0 at Sphinx Drive by Walsall. Burton Albion beat Lye Town 2-0 at Stourbridge Road while Tividale went down to Rugby Town courtesy of a 10th minute goal from Leigh Phillips. In the Staffordshire Senior Cup, a goal two minutes from time from Tyrese Campbell gave Stoke City victory over Sporting Khalsa. In the Leicestershire Westerby Cup, St Andrews, reduced to 10 men, pulled off a remarkable 5-4 victory at Ashby Ivanhoe with both Sam Hollis and Shay Brennan scoring twice. Two goals from Brad Munn gave Coalville Town victory over Loughborough University. In the Worcestershire Senior urn, Bromsgrove Sporting edged past Bewdley Town winning the game 3-2 on penalties. A penalty shoot out was the order of the day too as Stourport Swifts beat Alvechurch 5-3 on spot kicks after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes. In the Leicestershire Jelson Homes Senior Cup, Leicester Road ran riot beating Ingles 8-0 with hat-tricks for Darryll Thomas and Jake Holt. Two goals from Ahkeem Rose helped Heather St Johns to a 3-1 win at FC Guru Nanak Gurdwara. Hinckley AFC suffered a surprise home defeat at the hands of Lutterworth Town, 2-1 the final score. A hat-trick from Callum McFarlane helped AFC Wulfrunians top a 3-2 win over Wellington Amateurs in the JW Hunt Cup. Lichfield City Reserves knocked the holders Barton United out of the Fazeley Charity Cup, 3-1 the final score. Westfields progressed in the Herefordshire Challenge Cup beating Fownhope 4-1 at Allpay Park.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1, Group "B"
TIPTON TOWN 2 v 5 CADBURY ATHLETIC
RESERVE DIVISION
CONTINENTAL STAR 0 v 4 ROCESTER
COTON GREEN 0 v 1 WALSALL WOOD
ROMULUS 2 v 1 GRESLEY

Leading scorers
Ezekiel Agyemang Tipton Town 14
Terence Davies Tipton Town 13
Oliver Roome Rocester 13
Daniel Craythorne Lichfield City 9
Zain Thomas Romulus 9

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
ALVECHURCH 2 v 0 HIGHGATE UNITED
COVENTRY UNITED 4 v 2 KETTERING TOWN
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 3 v 3 AYLESTONE PARK
Group "B"
DROITWICH SPA G & B 1 v 9 HEATH HAYES
KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 1 v 1 BROCTON
TAMWORTH 3 v 1 BEDWORTH UNITED
Group "C"
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 1 v 2 BROMSGROVE SPORTING
LEEK TOWN 2 v 2 COLESHILL TOWN

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Josh March Alvechurch 16
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 14
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 14
Richard Greaves Westfields 13
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 12
Jack Till Lye Town 12
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 22
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 16
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 16
Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 13
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 12
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 12
Division 2
Thomas Craine Knowle 18
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 14
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 10
Division 3
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 8
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 8
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 8
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 7
Jess Adcock NKF Burbage 7

Preview
Premier Division
Match of the week in the Premier Division is undoubtedly Westfields vs Coleshill Town at Allpay Park. Westfields dropped to 2nd place last week With Alvechurch taking over top spot. Coleshill were the side beaten by Alvechurch and they are in a healthy fourth place. Leaders Alvechurch have a difficult looking game at home to Coventry United who are settling into life in the Premier Division and sit in 8th place with loads of games in hand. 3rd place Lye Town travel to Oak Park to face a Walsall Wood side that have dropped off the pace in recent weeks. There’s an attractive looking game at The Aspray Arena as 5th placed Sporting Khalsa welcome in-form Rocester to Willenhall. AFC Wulfrunians have won their last two league games and they welcome Quorn to Castlecroft with the visitors having lost 3 out of the last 4. Basement team Brocton suddenly find themselves 7 points adrift of safety and they get back to league action with a trip to mid table St Andrews. Two wins in the last three has lifted Tividale off the bottom and they can close the gap on visitors Shawbury United to just 2 points with a victory at The Beeches. Boldmere St Michaels have drawn their last three games and they travel to Coventry Sphinx where a win could lift them out of the bottom three. Highgate United find themselves just two points above the relegation zone and they face a tough trip to mid table Heanor Town. Two sides whose league position is somewhat lower than either would expect or accept are Shepshed Dynamo and Long Eaton United and they meet at The Dovecote. Loughborough University are in 7th position in the table and could put pressure on the top 6 with a win at home to Stourport Swifts.
Division 1
There is a huge game in Division 1 where the top two go head to head. Leaders Bromsgrove Sporting travel to the McDonalds Community Stadium to face 2nd place Lichfield City days after the two sides were drawn to face each other in the FA Vase. Should the game involving the top two end in a draw, Atherstone Town could take over at the summit if they beat managerless Studley at Sheepy Road. Leicester Road travel to Uttoxeter Town in a rematch of last week’s FA Vase game. Uttoxeter came out on top in that one but Leicester will want revenge to keep their excellent league run going. Hinckley AFC can close the gap on the leaders when they entertain bottom side Southam United at St Johns Park. Coventry Copsewood are in the bottom three but will be confident of improving their position with a home game against Pelsall Villa. Stafford Town are ahead of Copsewood on goal difference and they have a short journey to Bolehall Swifts who are comfortably in the top half of the table. Racing Club Warwick are in 7th and looking upwards and a home win over Littleton will certainly help their ambitions of the top 6. Ten points in their last 5 games has lifted Pershore Town up to 14th in the table. They face a Heath Hayes side who have lost their last two. Heather St Johns are unbeaten in 6 matches in all competitions and they take this improved form to Cadbury Athletic. When the two sides met three weeks ago it finished all square.
Division 2
FA Vase heroes Paget Rangers can retake top spot with a win at 14th place Hampton. Fairfield Villa can move joint second should they beat Smithswood Firs at The Recreation Ground. Barnt Green Spartak can also move into the top three with a win at home to bottom club Earlswood Town. With four sides level on 7 points at the bottom of the table, Continental Star can pull away should they manage to beat free-scoring Feckenham at The Hub. Leamington Hibernian will move ahead of visitors Bloxwich Town if they come out on top at Bishop Tachbrooks. Coton Green have played fewer games than all other sides in Division 2 and they can move up the table with a win at home to Redditch Borough. Knowle have won 6 out of the last seven in all competitions and they travel to Hollyfield Road to face Sutton United
Division 3
Runaway leaders NKF Burbage welcome Barton United to Kirkby Road eager to maintain the league’s remaining 100% record. Third meets fourth at Shenley Lane with Northfield Town welcoming visitors Shipston Excelsior. Enville Athletic have won 4 out of their last 5 and they travel to The Beehive to face 5th place Moors Academy. The sides immediately off the bottom in 12th and 13th meet as Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons host Castle Vale Town
Challenge Vase
The first quarter final of the Challenge Vase takes place with Alcester Town hosting Coventrians. Alcester are without a win in their last 5 games while Coventrians have won their last three. Alcester will start favourites with home advantage but expect it to be close.
Other Cups
COVENTRY EVENING TELEGRAPH CUP ROUND 2
AFC WOODS v CHELMSLEY TOWN 2.15
AMBLESIDE SPORTS v NUNEATON GRIFF 1.30
STOCKTON v ALVIS SPORTING 1.30
WHITNASH TOWN v FC STRATFORD 1.30
WORCESTERSHIRE JUNIOR CUP ROUND 2
INKBERROW v WORCESTER RAIDERS 2.30
MONTPELLIER v BROMSGROVE SPORTING u21 2.30
WELLAND v DROITWICH SPA 2.30

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

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK v KETTERING TOWN 12.30
COVENTRY UNITED v HIGHGATE UNITED 10.30
GORNAL ATHLETIC v SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 10.30
Group "B
BROCTON v DROITWICH SPA G & B 10.30
TAMWORTH v KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 9.45
Group "C"
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY v LEEK TOWN 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
HEATH HAYES v COLESHILL TOWN 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
BEDWORTH UNITED v AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 11.00

Midland Football League Newsletter
19th October 2016
League News
Westfields Chief Executive, Andrew Morris, was guest of the BBC at the Live FA Cup Round 1 draw in Manchester on Monday. Andy did his club proud as he was interviewed in front of the watching millions. Westfields reward for beating Leiston is another home time in the 1st Round proper against National North Curzon Ashton. The Nash, as they are known, are only 5 places higher than Leiston in the pyramid so Westfields will not be overawed as they battle to reach the 2nd round.
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It is with great sadness that Stourport Swifts announce the passing of former secretary and long-standing club stalwart John McDonald. All at the MFL pass on our sincere condolences to family and friends.
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The draw has been made for the 3rd round of the Polymac packaging League Cup
Rocester or Heanor Town vs Nuneaton Griff or Brocton
Lichfield City or Long Eaton United vs Coventry Copsewood or St Andrews
Coleshill Town or Hinckley AFC vs Bolehall Swifts or Boldmere St Michaels
Heather St Johns or Leicester Road vs Loughborough University
Stourport Swifts or Highgate United vs Pershore Town or Cadbury Athletic
AFC Wulfrunians or Shawbury United vs Tividale or Walsall Wood
Alvechurch or Westfields vs Lye Town or Heath Hayes
Sporting Khalsa or Pelsall Villa vs Chelmsley Town or Littleton
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Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 15th October
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round (25)
Westfields 2 Leiston 1
The biggest day in Westfields 50-year history begins with the FA Cup on display for fans, players and officials to have their photos taken. Visitors to Allpay Park are unbeaten Ryman Premier League leaders Leston who are based in deepest Suffolk. Leiston could have made a dream start wjen Byron Lawrence had a shot on target after just 6 seconds! Christy Finch raced theough on goal inside the first minute but he was foiled with a superb challenge from Kane Kahaki. The first Westfields opportunity came it the 5th minute with Dan Polan’s shot blocked. Joe Jefford headed wide for Leiston as the visitors dominated possession. Patrick Brothers was off target for the visitors in the 20th minute before Westfields went close at the other end. After Richard Greaves’ shot was blocked, Dylan Bonella curled a shot that skimmed the bar. Leon Ottley-Gooch heade wide agin for Leiston after a good cross from Seb Dunbar. Kieron Blackburn made a fine sabe on the half hour to thwart Finch. Ottley-Gooch wasted another chance for Leiston as the visitors pressed forward. Just before the break, Sirdic Grant skipped through the Leiston defence but his shot was weak and easily saved. In stoppage time, Ottley-Gooch had another decent chance but his header hit Phil Glover and the sends went into the break on level terms
Ottley-Gooch continued to waste chances for Leiston, off target twice in the first three minutes of the second half. This seemed to spur on Westfields who began to impose themsleves on their higher ranked visitors. A good rin and cross from Aidan thomas was heade wide by Greaves. A rare mistake from Kahaki, let in Joe Francis but Kahaki recovered the siutuation with a fine challenge. Franic was on target with a stinging shot which Blackburn held. In the 57th minute, the home supporters were in dream land as Westfields took the lead. Jones floated a free-kick into the box where Glover gort the faintest of touches to take it past Danny Potter. Back came Lieston and Lawrence’s effort was well saved by Blackburn. Space was opening up for Westfields as Leiston pushed for the equaliser and Jones was narrowly off target with a dcent effort. In the 65th minute, Leiston should have scored but Finch sidefooted the ball past the post. Grant forced a save from Potter but the visitors levelled in the 73rd minute. Excellent approach play from Brothers ended with a low cross which was turned in by substitute Tim Winter. Jones again went close for Westfields as neither side was settling for a replay. In the 87th minute, Westfields scored what was to be the winner. Great work by Ben Miller saw the ball played into the box and when it ran loose, Greaves was on hand to finish from 12 yards. The nerves jangled in more than 6 minutes of stoppage time but Westfields were not to be denied and they take their place in the 1st round proper. A wonderful, wonderful day for Westfields and for the Midland Football League. They rode their luck at times but they can now dream of a glamour tie and maybe the TV cameras!

Review
FA Cup
What a day! Westfields are through to the 1st round proper of the FA Cup after a thrilling and sometimes nerve wracking over Ryman Premier league leaders Leiston at Allpay Park. With fans queuing to have their photo taken with the FA Cup, there was a carnival atmosphere for the game. With three minutes left it looked like a long midweek trip to Suffolk but hitman Richard Greaves settled the tie with a clinical finish to create history for Westfields.
Premier Division
Coleshill Town closed the gap at the top to just three points with a 2-1 home win against 10 man Highgate United. Dean Rathbone was the hero for the Colemen scoring both. Alvechurch are third but they had to fight all the way to beat Loughborough University at Lye Meadow coming back from 2-1 down to win 3-2. A Ben Jevons goal 5 minutes from time gave Lye Town all three points against St Andrews to maintain their 4th position. Substitute Simeon Townsend grabbed the winner for Sporting Khalsa over Shepshed Dynamo, 3-2 the final score. Coventry United continued their climb up the table with a 2-0 home win over Shawbury United. Mykel Beckley and Kai Williams scored in the last 15 minutes to move Coventry up to 8th. At the bottom of the table, Tividale moved off the foot with a 2-1 win at Quorn, Matt Jones and Joe Hull with the goals. Boldmere St Michaels drop into the bottom three following a goalless draw at Stourport Swifts. AFC Wulfrunians move up to 18th with a 2-0 win at Castlecroft over Heanor Town, another game that was settled with goals in the last 15 minutes. Rocester’s good run continued with Rob Ritchie-Smith getting the only goal of the game at Long Eaton United. There was an excellent win on the road for Coventry Sphinx as they overcame Walsall Wood 3-1 at Oak Park.
Alvechurch put an end to Westfields winning run as they secured a 2-0 win at Lye Meadow to close the gap at the top to just 1 point. Lye Town join Alvechurch just a point behind the leaders as they came from a goal behind to win 2-1 at Coventry United. It’s been a good week for AFC Wulfrunians. They made it two wins on the bounce with an excellent 2-1 victory at St Andrews.
Two goals from Nathan Benger helped Heanor Town to a 3-1 win over Walsall Wood and moves the Lions into the top half of the table.
Division 1
We have new leaders again in Division 1 as Lichfield City return to the summit following a tight 2-1 win over Heath Hayes. Nuneaton Griff are second following a 6-0 win over Studley, Matt Brennan scoring twice. Previous leaders Bromsgrove Sporting drop to third following a 2-2 draw at Uttoxeter Town who twice came from behind to grab the point. In-form Leicester Road are only 3 points off the summit, their latest victory, courtesy of two early goals, coming at Cadbury Athletic. Atherstone Town are level on points with Leicester Road and they maintained their push for the top with a 4-1 win over Chelmsley Town, Alex Naughton adding two more to his impressive season’s tally. Hinckley AFC are a further point back but their recent goalscoring exploits continued with a 6-0 defeat of Pelsall Villa – Sam Agar with a hat-trick and Ryan Seal with a brace. Stafford Town are off the bottom after picking up their first win of the season, 3-0 at Southam United. Coventry Copsewood slip into the bottom three despite picking up a point at Racing Club Warwick thanks to a double from Lawrence Rawlings. Heather St Johns move up to 7th in the table following a 2-2 draw at Pershore Town. Littleton picked up their third win of the season beating Bolehall Swifts 2-1 at Rene Road.
Bromsgrove Sporting return to the top of the league following a 2-0 win at The Victoria Ground against Littleton. Racing Club Warwick move up to 7th after they beat Pelsall Villa 2-0 at Townsend Meadow. A goal from Joe Lewis gave Uttoxeter Town all 3 points at Chelmsley Town.
Division 2
Droitwich Spa missed the chance to go top as they were held 3-3 by Feckenham for whom Ben Cox scored twice. A Connor Collins goal 12 minutes from time gave Fairfield Villa all three points at Bloxwich Town.
Division 3
There was a shock result in the only game in Division 3 with second place Montpellier being beaten at home, 2-0, by Inkberrow.
Challenge Vase
Division 3 leaders NKF Burbage are through to an away quarter final with Enville Athletic after a comprehensive 6-1 win over FC Stratford at Kirkby Road.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
A goal from Joe Broachie 5 minutes from the end of extra time gave Loughborough University a 2-1 win over Quorn at Farley Way.
Other Cups
BIRMINGHAM VASE ROUND 1
AFC SOLIHULL 0 v 2 KNOWLE
AMBLESIDE SPORTS 2 v 1 LEAMINGTON HIBERNIAN
BARNT GREEN SPARTAK 3 v 2 WRENS NEST
BOLDMERE S & S 0 1p4 0 JET BLADES
C P A 2 3p4 2 ALCESTER TOWN
CASTLE VALE TOWN 1 v 2 AEI RUGBY
CHRIST THE KING 3 v 1 SUTTON UNITED
CONTINENTAL STAR 2 v 5 ALVIS SPORTING
COTON GREEN 4 v 2 WEST BROMWICH UNITED
CRUSADERS 0 v 5 PAGET RANGERS
EMERALD ATHLETIC 0 v 1 ENVILLE ATHLETIC
FC PREMIER 0 v 3 SMITHSWOOD FIRS
FOLLY LANE O.B. 1 v 2 COVENTRIANS
HENLEY FOREST 2 v 1 FC STRATFORD
JAGUAR-DAIMLER 1 v 2 EARLSWOOD TOWN
MOORS ACADEMY 5 v 1 BARTON UNITED
REDDITCH BOROUGH 6 v 2 OLD HILL
VILLAGE 1 v 3 NORTHFIELD TOWN
WAKE GREEN AMATEURS 0 v 2 HAMPTON
WHITNASH TOWN 5 v 2 SHIPSTON EXCELSIOR
Highlights in the Birmingham Vase included Josh Singleton scoring all four goals for Coton Green in their victory over West Bromwich United. Jak Albutt scored a hat-trick for Redditch Borough in their 6-2 win at home to Old Hill. Myles Phipps scored twice as Division 2 leaders Paget Rangers won 5-0 at Crusaders. Charlie Cook scored twice for Alvis Sporting Club in a 5-2 victory at Continental Star. Ainsley Selvwright scored both goals for Hampton in their 2-0 win at Wake Green Amateurs.
Shepshed Dynamo made progress in the Leicestershire Westerby Cup beating Kirby Muxloe 2-0. Highgate United were involved in a 7 goal thriller at the Coppice as they beat Wolverhampton Casuals 4-3 in the JW Hunt Cup. Shawbury United progressed through to the second round of the Shropshire Premier Cup following a 6-1 win at Wem Sports Ground over St Martins with Nathan Hodge helping himself to a hat-trick.

Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
BROCTON 0 v 2 GRESLEY
Group "B"
CADBURY ATHLETIC 6 v 2 TIPTON TOWN
RESERVE DIVISION
ROCESTER 2 v 6 LICHFIELD CITY
ROMULUS 5 v 2 COTON GREEN

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

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 14
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 14
Josh March Alvechurch 14
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 12
Jack Till Lye Town 12
Richard Greaves Westfields 12
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 20
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 16
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 14
Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 11
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 11
Joe Hartshorne Heath Hayes 10
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 10
Division 2
Thomas Craine Knowle 16
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 12
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 10
Division 3
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 8
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 8
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 7
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 7

Preview
FA Vase
Bromsgrove Sporting vs Cadbury Athletic
Division 1 leaders Bromsgrove face local rivals mid-table Cadbury Athletic at The Victoria Ground. The Rouslers are unbeaten in the league and a big crowd will be on hand as they anticipate a home win.
Coventry Copsewood vs Holbeach United
Copsewood have had a big upturn in form in recent weeks but they will need it against Holbeach United who lie 5th in the United Counties League (Step5). Holbeach have lost 3 of their last 5 games but will go into the game as clear favourites
Handsworth Parramore vs Shepshed Dynamo
Shepshed Dynamo face a tough trip to Sandy Lane, Worksop to face Handsworth Parramore who sit 4th in the Northern Counties East football League. Both of these sides score plenty of goals and this promises to be one of the games of the round.
Heanor Town vs Blidworth Welfare
Heanor will start as very strong favourites at home to Blidworth Welfare who are struggling near the foot of the Central Midlands League South (Step 7). The Lions have had a mixed season but have reserved some of their better performances for cup competitions.
Hinckley AFC vs Wolverhamnpton Sporting Community
Unbeaten West Midlands Regional League pacesetters, Wolverhampton Sporting Community travel to St Johns Park to face in-form Hinckley. The visitors leading scorer, Daniel Westwood has 23 goals to his name already this season while the home side have Ryan Seal and Sam Agar with 27 goals between them. Don’t expect a goalless draw.
Lichfield City vs Shawbury United
Division 1 hosts Premier Division at the McDonalds Community Stadium. Visitors Shawbury had a difficult start to the season but have found their MFL legs while Lichfield have maintained a place in the top three of Division 1 all season. A tough one to call and it promises to be a closely fought tie.
Long Eaton United vs Coventry United
An all Premier Division tie at Grange Park with the visitors shoeing the better recent form. Long Eaton’s last victory was in the previous round of the FA Vase so they will think they are long overdue. Coventry will start as the narrowest of favourites but it should be close.
Rocester vs Oakham United
Unbeaten in 8 and with 5 wins on the trot, Rocester will head into the tie full of confidence. Visitors Oakham play in the United Counties League Division 1 (step 6) and are without a win in their last 6 games. Form favours a victory for the Romans.
St Andrews vs Paget Rangers
A fantastic game for the MFL with Premier Division St Andrews hosting Division 2 leaders Paget Rangers. A two step difference would seem to favour the home side however Paget have been in fine form this season . Six wins on the spin and plenty of goals for Daniel Carter and Mark Bellingham signifies that Paget should not be underestimated.
Shifnal Town vs Quorn
There is an intruiging tie in Shropshire as mid-table West Midlands Regional League Shifnal Town host Premier Division Quorn, who have slipped down the table in recent weeks. Shifnal knocked out MFL1 Bolehall Swifts in the previous round and could prove a handful for Quorn.
Sporting Khalsa vs Hanley Town
A repeat of the FA Cup tie between the two sides which Khalsa won in a replay in the Potteries. Both sides come into the game in form, Khalsa 5th in the Premier Division and Hanley 6th in the Hallmark Security League. In Dan Cope, Hanley have a goalscorer in form with 14 goals this season while Khalsa’s David Meese has 12. A good game in prospect.
Uttoxeter Town vs Leicester Road
An all Division 1 tie with visitors Leicester Road on a run of seven consecutive victories in all competitions. Uttoxeter are unbeaten in four and a 3-0 win over Wellington Amateurs in the previous round will give them a confidence.
Westfields vs Walsall Wood
FA Cup heroes Westfields are at home in a cup competition again this time against fellow Premier Division side Walsall Wood. Westfields lost their 100% record on Tuesday at Alvechurch but their cup record this season has been sensational. Walsall Wood have had a mixed season and you never quite know which Wood will turn up. On their day, they are a match for anyone. Should be a cracker.
Wolverhampton Casuals vs Chelmsley Town
A trip to Brinsford Lane for Division 1 Chelmsley as they face West Midlands regional League Casuals. Cassies are mid table in the league and were involved in a seven goal thriller at Highgate in midweek in the JW Hunt Cup. Chelmsley were giantkillers in the previous round knocking out Premier Division Brocton at Silkmore Lane. Three defeats on the trot has not helped their league position and this could be a tough test.

Premier Division
Only one Premier Division this week but it could result in new leaders as 2nd place Alvechurch host 4th placed Coleshill Town. A win for Church would take them top while a win for the Colemen would see them draw level with Westfields. Two in-form sides with everything to play for.
Division 1
A shortened programme this week due to the FA Vase. Atherstone Town could go second if they can win well at 17th placed Stafford Town. Southam United are still looking for their first win of the campaign and this week they are on the road to Littleton. Studley host Pershore Town and could move out of the relegation zone with a victory. Heath Hayes and Bolehall Swifts sit in 10th and 9th respectively and a win for either at The Coppice will push them up the table
Division 2
3rd meets 2nd this week with the winners guaranteed top spot. Alvis Sporting Club are the hosts with Droitwich Spa the visitors in what is an important game at the top of the table. 4th placed Barnt Green Spartak could go top with a win at Fairfield Villa and a draw at Alvis, such is the top of Division 2. Basement club Leamington Hibernian travel to free scoring Feckenham in what looks like another goal filled afternoon. Bloxwich Town and Hampton are level on 7 points just one off the bottom and they meet at The Old Red Lion Ground. Smithswood Firs and Sutton United are two points better off on 9 points and a win would take the victors into the top half of the table.
Division 3
It’s bottom versus top this week with pointless AFC Solihull at home to NKF Burbage who possess the league’s remaining 100% record. Coventrians and Castle Vale Town are the two sides immediately above AFC Solihull and they meet at Holbrooks Park. Enville Athletic have put together a decent run of results and they can continue their rise up the table if they can beat FC Stratford at Hall Drive. Northfield can go joint 2nd if they can beat Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons at home.
Les James Challenge Cup Round 2
In the 2nd round of the Les James Challenge Cup, 3rd Division Montpellier will be hoping to be giantkillers as they travel to 2nd Division Earlswood Town. 2nd Division Knowle have made a strong start in the league and they will be strong favourites to defeat 3rd Division Alcester Town at The Robins Nest. 3rd Division takes on 2nd Division at London Road as Shipston Excelsior entertain Redditch Borough.

Other Cups
WORCESTERSHIRE SENIOR URN ROUND 2
LYE TOWN v HIGHGATE UNITED 3.00
Reserves
CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
GRESLEY P v P BROCTON
Group "B"
TIPTON TOWN v CADBURY ATHLETIC
RESERVE DIVISION
CONTINENTAL STAR v ROCESTER
COTON GREEN v WALSALL WOOD
ROMULUS v GRESLEY

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

Midland Football League Newsletter
12th October 2016
League News
Coventry United's Academy manager, Matthew Brown, will be leaving the club to start a new role with Chelsea. Brown joins Chelsea as Lead Coach for 16-18 year old Male and Female players at the Premier League club. He will also be working on international programmes travelling abroad with the first-team on their summer tours of the USA and Asia.
Formerly a footballer himself, Brown has enjoyed an exciting playing career throughout the UK, Europe and America, while gaining the relevant coaching qualifications. Terry Anderson, the current first-team manager at Coventry United, will take over Matthew's current responsibilities with the Academy.
A statement from the club said: "As you can imagine this is a massive opportunity for Matthew, and everyone connected to Coventry United Football Club would like to wish him all the very best in his new role."
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Joel Ambalu has signed on non-contract terms for Torquay United. He spent a promising youth career at West Bromwich Albion before injury stalled his progression. He has spent time with Redditch United, Aylesbury, and Dudley Town and has just left Midland Division One side Heather St. John’s.
“Joel is, in effect, an extended trial. He’s come highly recommended by Courtney Richards. We spoke to the people from West Bromwich Albion where he was at as a kid and they said he was a little bit unfortunate with injury. They thought he had a very bright future ahead of him. It seems he’s a player that has slipped through the cracks and is now looking for that next opportunity.
“He’s one of those football stories that could work out great, or not. But for him I think it is fantastic and it gives us someone who we know is more than capable of taking a place on the bench, and then we’ll take it from there.”
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Another player on the move is Romario Martin who moves from Division 3 Moors Academy to Northern Premier Division Barwell, a jump of 5 steps in the non-league pyramid. Good luck to Romario as he makes his way at the higher level.

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 8th October
Division 1 (23)
Leicester Road 4 Lichfield City 1
With both of these sides amongst the pace setters in Division 1, it was a good opportunity to guage their prospects with the season a quarter of the way through. I had visited the stadium a number of time when it was the home of Hinckley United and I was well wrapped up as I remembered how cold the main stand could be with even a breath of wind – good job too. The home side had a great chance in the 2nd minute but Alex Kent was off target with a header. Both sides settled ino the game playing crisp passing football. It was Leicester Road that took the lead in the14th minute when a wonderful cross from Kent was headed past Amrick Virdee by Joe Lyne. Greg Downes should have made it two a couple of minutes when he was teed up by the impressive Tom McGlinchey but the skipper’s shot was high over the bar. Lichfield cmae back and Chris McComiskey tested Ricky Blewitt from a free-kick. Ben Lund was gifted a chance by the Leicester Road defemce but his shot was saved by the legs of Blewitt. Lichfield had two penalty appeals waved a way by the referee as they pressed for an equaliser. There was a penalty appeal at the other end when McGlinchey’s shot was saved and Amarvir Sandhu went down under a challenge. Lichfield again had a penalty appeal turned down when Dan Griffiths went over in the box. With the first half appraoching stoppage time, Kent misseda glorious chance for Leicester Road hitting the keeper from inside the 6 yard box. Into stoppage time, Jake Holt was off target when well placed for the home side. Lichfield went close when Downes headed the ball against his own bar. In the fifth minute of injury time, Leicester Road doubled their lead, Sandhu beat 3 defenders and set up Downes who hammered the ball home.
Lichfield almost pulled a goal back 3 minutes into the second hald. Josh Haston hit a fierece shot golawards which was somehow blocked by a mixture of Blewitt and Nick Hawkins who needed treatment due to the ferocity of the shot. Luke Chapman was on target with a free-kick but it was into the midriff of Blewitt. Leicester Road looked the most likely and Virdee saved well from both Sandhu and Kent. In the 57th minute, Leicester Road were awarded a penalty when Sandhu was brought down by Richard Deavall. Nick Hawkins stepped up and made no mistake from the spot. An excellent run by Lyne wasended with a fould by Jordan Hunt earning the Lichfield midfielder the game’s first yellow card. A wonderful move by Leicester Road led to their 4th goal. McGlinchey, a constant threat all game, played the ball into the path of Lyne and he grabbed his second of the game. Ken turned provider to McGlinchey who only needed to divert the ball past Virdeee but he miss kicked and Virdee gathered. Lichfield pulled one back in the 83rd minute when substitute Lewis Bourne curled a shot from the edge of the area into the top corner. Both sides continued to look for goals but the game ended 4-1 to the home side. A wonderful advert for Division 1 between two very good sides.

Tuesday October 11th
Staffordshire Senior Cup (24)
Stafford Town 1 Walsall Wood 5
A Tuesday evening with County Cup games gives me my first chance to see the new playing surface at Evans Park, home of Stafford Town. Town have struggled in the league this season with a completely new team and have yet to register a win. Visitors Walsall Wood have had an up and down start to the season in the Premier Division but are still expected to challenge for the title. Town almost made the perfect start, skipper Ryan Pace missing the target after just 17 seconds. The impressive Queenton Mananse fired over in the 6th minute and Wood struggled to contain the youngster all evening. The visitors’ first effort came from Craig Deakin but his shot was comfortably saved by Tom Degg. Shepherd Machingauta was played in by Callum Whittaker but the Wood keeper, Charlie Price, was stronger and the ball was cleared. Walsall Wood went close in the 23rd minute when Harry Harris played a free-kick to Lewis Taylor-Boyce and his 25 yard effort skimmed the bar. Steven Hayles just failed to get the final touch on a Deakin cross and Whittaker was just off target for Town as the game remained pretty even. In the 27th minute, the visitors took the lead and it was a goal to grace any occasion. Louis Harris controlled the ball and sent a shot from some 30 yards into the top corner. Drew Aiton went close to doubling Wood’s lead before Mananse shot wide for Town. Nick Wright went close for Walsall Wood and then Machingauta had a great chance for the home side but he was shepherded (sorry!) by the Walsall Wood defence and his effort was blocked. In the 38th minute, Stafford equalised and it was another goal of great individual skill. Mananse picked up the ball on the half way line, ran straight through the middle of the Wood defence and despatched his shot underneath Price.
Into the second half and the Division 1 side were more than matching their higher ranked opponents. Shawn Boothe deflected a ball towards his own goal but price reacted well to make a save at full stretch. Jordan Fincher then had a shot deflected for a corner as Stafford asked questions of the Wood defence. From a corner, Mananse was unlucky to see the ball drift wide of the post. In the 55th minute, Walsall Wood regained the lead with another superb effort. Aiton was picked out with a pass, and picking his spot, he placed the ball in the corner of the net from some 20 yards. The visitors went close again a few minutes later when Aiton’s cross was met by Louis Harris but his shot hit Taylor-Boyce. A great move from Stafford almost produced an equaliser when a back heel from Sow Mohamed sent Mananse clear and his shot was well saved by Price. Walsall Wood grabbed their third in the 72nd minute when a cross from the right was headed goalwards by Boothe. His effort was blocked but Leon Taylor was on hand to force home the rebound. It was four six minutes later when Taylor diverted a shot from Harry Harris post Degg for his second. In stoppage time, Aiton made it 5 for Walsall Wood with another superb effort from 25 yards. 5-1 was an unfair reflection on Stafford Town who more than matched Walsall Wood for large portions of the game. The pitch? It played very well and suited the pace and trickiness of the home side.

Review
Premier Division
League leaders Westfields went 2-0 down at home to Shepshed Dynamo inside the first 12 minutes. A 100% record this season indicates that they have some resilience and back they came to snatch all 3 points with a Richard Greaves goal in the 85th minute. 2nd placed Coleshill Town needed an 86th minute goal from Dean Rathbone to beat Brocton, 3-2 the final score. Two first half goals were enough to give Alvechurch all 3 points away to Coventry Sphinx. Lye Town are 4th following a 2-0 win at home to Stourport Swifts. Tividale won for the first time this season, Dan Smith scoring twice in their 3-1 victory at home to AFC Wulfrunians. Sporting Khalsa and Boldmere St Michaels shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at The Aspray Arena. Danny Ashton scored both for Khalsa while Joel Ayettey did the same for the Mikes. Coventry United picked up a valuable three points at St Andrews, a goal in each half giving them a 2-0 victory. Sebastien Szondi scored a hat-trick for improving Rocester in a 3-2 defeat of Quorn at Hillsfield. Heanor Town raced into a 3-0 lead over Shawbury United with Elliot Reeves scoring twice. Their Shropshire visitors staged a fightback, scoring twice in the last 15 minutes despite being down to 9 men, but The Lions held on for a 3-2 win. A goal two minutes from time from Lei Brown earned Highgate United a point at 10 man Long Eaton United. Walsall Wood drew for the first time in the league this season as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Loughborough University at Oak Park.
Loughborough University climb up to 7th following a 4-2 win over bottom side Tividale. The game was evenly balanced but three goals in the last 13 minutes gave the Scholars all three points.

Division 1
Bromsgrove Sporting take over as leaders of the division following a 4-2 win over Nuneaton Griff in front of a wonderful crowd of 567 at The Victoria Ground. Lichfield City drop to 2nd after they were beaten 4-1 at Leicester Road, who move 3rd, Joe Lyne scoring twice for the home side. Atherstone Town are up to 4th after they won 5-2 at Racing Club Warwick with Kyle Turner scoring 4. Joe Hartshorne scored twice for Heath Hayes in a 3-0 win over Studley at The Coppice Colliery ground. Stafford Town are still looking for their first win of the season but it looked on the cards at home to Chelmsley Town until the visitors equalised from the penalty spot late on. Bolehall Swifts took a 3-0 first half lead at home to Pershore Town and although the visitors came back, Swifts ran out 3-1 winners. Heather St Johns and Cadbury Athletic can’t be separated in the league table and they couldn’t be separated on the park either as they drew 1-1 at St Johns Park. Pelsall Villa and Uttoxeter Town couldn’t find a goal between them at The Bush.
Nuneaton Griff move back up to 3rd place after a hard fought 2-1 win at Chelmsley Town. Hinckley AFC remain in 6th with a Ryan Seal penalty gaining a point in a 2-2 draw at Coventry Copsewood.

Division 2
Paget Rangers are the new leaders of Division 2 following a 3-1 win at Sutton United. Alvis Sporting Club are second after Fairfield Villa came back from 2 goals down to draw. Previous leaders, Barnt Green Spartak came unstuck at Coton Green, the home side winning 4-1 with Andrew Millan scoring twice. Knowle are up to 4th after a close fought game with Droitwich Spa, the home side running out 2-0 winners. Smithswood Firs took a 2-0 lead at home for Feckenham but the Millers fought back to take a point.
Droitwich Spa are up to 3rd after a 4-2 win at Redditch Borough.

Division 3
NKF Burbage maintained their 100% start to the season with a 3-0 victory at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. A Stuart Hendrie goal gave Montpellier all 3 points at Alcester Town. Enville Athletic upturn in results continues with a 2-0 win over Castle Vale Town at Hall Drive, Adam Wooldridge with both goals. FC Stratford move up to 6th place following a 2-0 win at Inkberrow. Two goals from Joe Godson helped Shipston Excelsior to a 4-2 win over bottom club AFC Solihull.

Presidents Cup
Continental Star are through to the quarter final of The Presidents Cup following a 5-2 win over Earlswood Town at The Hub. Earlswood took the lead in the 13th minute but goals from Lamaar Rhule and Ronaldo Myers gave Star a half-time lead and they never looked back.

Polymac Packaging League cup
St Andrews are through to the next round after beating Coventry United 2-1 with all the goals coming in the first 25 minutes.

Other Cups
In the Coventry Charity Cup, Coventry Copsewood made progress with a 7-2 win at Brinklow. Copsewood goals came from David Aknull with a hat-trick and doubles from David Blenkinsopp and Craig Civzelis. It wasn’t such good news for Southam United who were knocked out by Peugeot Milpool, 2-0 the final score. Leamington Hibernian were 2-0 winners in the same competition defeating Whitnash town. In the Bedworth Nursing Cup, Coventrians made it through to the next round with a 3-1 win at home to Dunlop. Bloxwich Town were dumped out of the Staffordshire Vase going down 4-0 at Silverdale Athletic.
Ten-man Coventry Sphinx knocked AFC Wulfrunians out of the Birmingham Senior cup with a 2-1 win at Sphinx drive. In the Staffordshire Senior Cup, Brocton suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of WMRL Wolverhampton Casuals. Walsall Wood were 5-1 winners at Stafford Town with Drew Aiton and Leon Taylor both scoring twice. Rocester progressed into the second round, defeating Eccleshall 4-0 at Hillsfield. Heath Hayes came from a goal behind to beat Pelsall Villa 3-1 at The Coppice. Lichfield City and Uttoxeter Town were level at 1-1 at full time and it was Uttoxeter that progressed winning the penalty shoot out 3-2. In the JW Hunt Cup, Babucar Sauane scored a hat-trick for Alvechurch who beat Continental Star 7-0. In the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup, Cadbury Athletic are safely through to the next round following a 2-0 win at Black Country Rangers.
In the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup, Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons pulled off a giantkilling winning 2-1 at Bilston Town Community
Reserves

CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND 1
Group "A"
BROCTON 1 v 3 ROCESTER
LICHFIELD CITY 2 v 2 GRESLEY
Group "B"
ROMULUS 3 v 2 CONTINENTAL STAR
RESERVE DIVISION
CADBURY ATHLETIC 0 v 5 COTON GREEN
TIPTON TOWN 1 v 5 WALSALL WOOD

Under 21
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
ALVECHURCH 1 v 3 KETTERING TOWN
COVENTRY UNITED 4 v 1 GORNAL ATHLETIC
Group "B"
BROCTON 1 v 0 KINGS HEATH CONCORDE
DROITWICH SPA G & B 0 v 13 TAMWORTH
Group "C"
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 2 v 3 LEEK TOWN
BROMSGROVE SPORTING 1 v 2 COLESHILL TOWN
UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH
SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 1 v 1 HEATH HAYES
WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 1 v 3 AYLESTONE PARK
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
H O W ACADEMY 1 v 4 BEDWORTH UNITED

Leading Goalscorers (all competitions)
Premier Division
Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 14
Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 13
Jamie Molyneux Westfields (now Hereford) 12
David Meese Sporting Khalsa 12
Jack Till Lye Town 12
Josh March Alvechurch 12
Division 1
Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 18
Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 14
Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 14
Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 10
Joe Hartshorne Heath Hayes 10
Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 9
Jamie Clarke Pershore Town 9
Division 2
Thomas Craine Knowle 16
Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 12
Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10
Division 3
Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 8
Lee Hendrie Montpellier 7
Montel Okoro Moors Academy 7
Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 7
Tom Smith NKF Burbage 7

Preview
FA Cup
Westfields are one game away from being in the hat with Football League Division 1 and 2 sides as they face Ryman Premier League leaders, Leiston in the 4th qualifying round at Allpay Park. Both sides are unbeaten in the league with Leiston two rungs higher up the non-league pyramid. For the visitors Matt Blake is the leading scorer with 13 goals but watch out for formerly Kings Lynn man Joe Francis who has 9 goals to his name. Westfields have been in tremendous form this season and have already beaten Step 3 and Step 4 opposition on their way to this round. Can they make the 1st round proper in this their 50th year? There is every chance – good luck from all at the MFL

Premier Division
With the league leaders in cup action, second placed Coleshill Town can close the gap to just three points if they can beat Highgate United at Pack Meadow. There is an attractive looking game at Lye Meadow as 3rd placed Alvechurch entertain in-form Loughborough University. 4th placed Lye Town welcome St Andrews to Stourbridge Road for the first time with the chance to move into the top three. Shepshed Dynamo pushed Westfields all the way last week and they are on their travels again as they face Sporting Khalsa at Aspray Arena. Quorn have lost 4 of their last 5 league games and will hope to bounce back to form when they face bottom club Tividale at Farley Way. Coventry United can continue their move up the table if they can take all three points from visitors Shawbury United. Heanor Town are unbeaten in their last 6 league games and a win at struggling AFC Wulfrunians could see them move into the top half of the table. Stourport Swifts and Boldmere St Michaels sit in 18th and 19th place respectively so a win for either would move them further away from the bottom two. Walsall Wood and Coventry Sphinx have had mixed results of late which is why neither are challenging towards the top end of the table. The game at Oak Park could go either way but expect goals. Two wins and two draws from their last four games has seen Rocester move away from the bottom. They can continue their rise should they beat Long Eaton United at Grange Park.

Division 1
League leaders Bromsgrove Sporting take their unbeaten record to 14th placed Uttoxeter Town. 2nd placed Lichfield City have a tricky home derby against in-form Heath Hayes. Nuneaton Griff climbed back into 3rd place in midweek and they welcome lowly Studley to The Pingles Stadium. Leicester Road are on a long unbeaten run and they are in fine goalscoring form too as they travel to mid-table Cadbury Athletic. Atherstone Town host Chelmsley Town with the visitors looking comfortable in their first season in Division 1. Hinckley AFC have only been beaten once in the league this season and they will be favourites to beat Pelsall Villa at St Johns Park. There is a huge game at the bottom of the table as the two winless sides Southam United and Stafford Town go head to head at Banbury Road. Bolehall Swifts welcome Littleton to Rene Road with the home side in touching distance of the top four. Two sides that have shown improved form of late meet in Worcestershire with Pershore Town entertaining Heather St Johns. Racing Club Warwick welcome Coventry Copsewood to Townsend Meadow with the visitors finding form.

Division 2
Only two games in Division 2 and a chance for Droitwich Spa to go top of the league as they entertain Feckenham in what is sure to be a keenly contested game. Fairfield Villa can move into the top 6 with a win at 2nd bottom Bloxwich Town.

Division 3
One game in Division 3 and Montpellier can close the gap at the top with a win at home to Inkberrow

Other Cups
BIRMINGHAM VASE ROUND 1
AFC SOLIHULL v KNOWLE
AMBLESIDE SPORTS v LEAMINGTON HIBERNIAN
BARNT GREEN SPARTAK v WRENS NEST
BOLDMERE S & S v JET BLADES
C P A v ALCESTER TOWN
CASTLE VALE TOWN v AEI RUGBY
CHRIST THE KING v SUTTON UNITED
CONTINENTAL STAR v ALVIS SPORTING
COTON GREEN v WEST BROMWICH UNITED
CRUSADERS v PAGET RANGERS
EMERALD ATHLETIC v ENVILLE ATHLETIC
FC PREMIER v SMITHSWOOD FIRS
FOLLY LANE O.B. v COVENTRIANS
HENLEY FOREST v FC STRATFORD
JAGUAR-DAIMLER v EARLSWOOD TOWN
MOORS ACADEMY v BARTON UNITED
REDDITCH BOROUGH v OLD HILL
VILLAGE v NORTHFIELD TOWN
WAKE GREEN AMATEURS v HAMPTON
WHITNASH TOWN v SHIPSTON EXCELSIOR

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

Under 21s
CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1
Group "A"
AYLESTONE PARK v SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 12.30
GORNAL ATHLETIC v ALVECHURCH 10.30
KETTERING TOWN v COVENTRY UNITED 10.30
Group "B"
HEATH HAYES v KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 10.30
BEDWORTH UNITED v TAMWORTH 11.00
Group "C"
COLESHILL TOWN v WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY 10.30
LEEK TOWN v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 10.30
UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS v DROITWICH SPA G & B 11.00
HIGHGATE UNITED v H O W ACADEMY 10.30