Midland Football League Newsletter
16th March 2016
League News

REGION’S FOOTBALL CLUBS LIMBERING UP FOR INAUGURAL DING DONG DERBY CUP!

FORGET El Classico, AC Milan v Inter or even the Old Firm.
The mother of all derbies is set to be contested on Birmingham’s streets – as local clubs bid to get their hands on the inaugural Ding Dong Derby Cup at the Great Birmingham 10k. All clubs across the region are invited to join Villa, Blues, West Brom, Wolves, Walsall and Coventry in entering teams into the Sunday, May 1 running challenge. From Premier League outfits at the tip of the footballing pyramid down to Sunday League sides at grassroots level, clubs of all sizes can enter. Each team must be at least four-a-side, up to a maximum of eight runners, although there is no limit on how many teams each club can enter. Any club that enters 12 or more runners will receive its own personalised engraved plaque in the name of its fastest runner.
The Ding Dong Derby Cup gets its name from the phrase made famous by Free Radio’s Tom Ross in describing local affairs down the years. Mark Gillett, Albion’s Director of Performance, is captaining a team comprising members of the Baggies’ medical and sports science staff. “Anyone who plays or is involved in sport tends to be ultra competitive and we’re in it to win it,” declared Mark, who is also chair of the Premier League Doctors’ Group.
“To compete against teams from all over the region, from all levels of the game, at the Great Birmingham 10k should be great fun and will create plenty of banter. We’ll aim to be as competitive as possible. We want to win that cup!”
Wolves and Coventry have stated their intention to deny Albion the silverware. “We’re delighted to have been asked to take part in the Great Birmingham 10k and look forward to coming up against our counterparts from the other Midlands clubs, and proving again that we are without doubt the fittest backroom staff in the region,” said Phil Hayward, head of Wolves’ medical department who will be part of the Molineux team. “I’m sure the staff at Villa, Blues, Albion, Walsall and Coventry will also be relishing the challenge. The race will no doubt be viewed to be very important by all clubs as an opportunity to get on a ‘good run’ towards the end of the season.” Jamie Clapham, first-team coach at Coventry and a former Blues and Wolves defender, said: "I've got full confidence in the team we've put together and we're definitely in it to win it. "Having experienced a few big derbies myself, I know how important it is to get the edge over your local rivals and it'll be no different in the Great Birmingham 10k. Our running team will be put through a difficult training course ahead of the 10k to make sure Coventry will be lifting the Ding Dong Derby Cup on Sunday, May 1." The four fastest times posted by each team will be accumulated to determine who is the fittest and fastest club in the region – and secure the ultimate derby bragging rights!
Erdington-based Paget Rangers, of Midland Football League Division Two, are the first non-league club to enter. Midlands football legend Cyrille Regis MBE, who played for Albion, Coventry, Villa and Wolves, will present the Ding Dong Derby Cup to the winning team. Cyrille said: “I played for four of the clubs involved and know how competitive they all are. They’ll be desperate to beat their local rivals and get their hands on the Ding Dong Derby cup!
“But this is a chance for the smaller teams in the region to go head to head with the big boys and pip them to the silverware. May the fittest team win. I’ll look forward to presenting them with the trophy.” Tom Ross, who hosts the Goalzone on Free Radio 80s on Mondays and Fridays from 6 pm, said: “Events like the Great Birmingham 10k and the Great Birmingham Run make me even more proud of my city. “I care passionately about local football and the fact teams from all levels of the game are being invited to come together to compete for a trophy named after one of my catchphrases is, on a personal level, really special. “There promises to be one hell of a Ding Dong Derby during the Great Birmingham 10k. Let the fittest club win!”
David Hart, Communications Director at The Great Run Company, said: “The region boasts several huge football clubs but also hundreds at non-league level and thousands more at the very grassroots of the game. “This is a chance for them to come together and compete for silverware on a level playing field, so to speak, at the Great Birmingham 10k. We’ll hopefully see lots of friendly local rivalry and some classic David and Goliath contests.” Starting at 11 am, more than 7,000 people are expected to take part in the Great Birmingham 10k which begins and finishes in the city centre.
Ding Dong Derby Cup signs-ups can be made via the Great Birmingham 10k Business Challenge page. The full club name should be typed in the ‘name of company’ box. To enter, visit: https://www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-10k/business-challenge
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Polymac Packaging League Cup Semi-Final Details All k.o. 7.45pm 1st Leg: Stourport Swifts or Nuneaton Griff v Hereford...Thursday 21 April 2nd Leg: Hereford v Stourport Swifts or Nuneaton Griff...Thursday 28 April 1st Leg: Lye Town v Walsall Wood...Thursday 14 April 2nd Leg: Walsall Wood v Lye Town...Thursday 28 April Cup Rule 3 applies...1st Leg 90 minutes 2nd Leg 90 mins, away goals to count double...if level then 2 x 15m extra time, if still level the tie goes to "penalties"
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Smithswood Firs are hosting their third qnnual Charity match this Sunday (20th March)
All proceeds go to The Birmingham Children’s Hospital and this will be the third match that Neil Armstrong and Paul Ryder have organised and has seen greats like Dele Adebola, Robert Hopkins, Maik Taylor, Paul Peschisolido, Jeff Kenna and many more play against the teams that have been put together. They have raised just under £9000 so far for the Cancer Ward at the Hospital.
The match will be played at the Mackadown Pitch, Mackadown Lane, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0JJ on Sunday 20th March 2016 11am Kick-off. Gates open at 0930.
Prices on the gate are £5 adults and £1 Under 12’s

Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 12th March
Bromsgrove Sporting 4 Coventry United 2

Only one place to be as the top two in Division go head to head at The Victoria Ground. The sense of anticipation was very high as I walked towards the ground with supporters from both sides eager to witness what promised to be a classic between two in-form sides. I always enjoy my visits to Bromsgrove and it was a pleasure to talk to officials of both teams prior to kick-off. Both clubs are ambitious and eager to progress and today, while not a decider, could have a big bearing on promotion at the end of the season. The opening ten minutes were somewhat cagey but this all changed in the 11th minute. A flick on from Connor Collins sent Sean Brain clear and he finished superbly to put the Rouslers 1-0 up. The lead was doubled three minutes later when the same pair combined this time for Collins to find the bottom corner. Reece Hewitt picked up the ball in midfield, ran forward and hit a screamer into the top corner from the edge of the box. 19 minutes gone and the league leaders 3 goals to the good. It took United some time to recover from this onslaught but recover they did and they gradually started making some inroads into the Bromsgrove defence without causing Chris Jay too many problems. Just before the break, Liam Spink should have made it four but he inexplicably blasted over with the goal at his mercy.
Brain missed another good chance at the start of the second half before United grabbed a foothold, Ross Briscoe finishing well at the far post. Bromsgrove were not done and Richard Morris was forced into a decent save to thwart the ever dangerous Brain. The home side increased their lead in the 63rd minute when United failed to clear their lines allowing Aaron Roberts to thump home a volley giving Morris absolutely no chance. At 4-1, the Rouslers were comfortable and try as they might, there was no real way back for United. With two minutes left, Josh O’Grady skipped into the box and was needlessly brought down to give Coventry a penalty. Chris Cox made no mistake but there was little time left and Bromsgrove increased their lead at the top of the table.
A fantastic advert for Division 1 and what a crowd and atmosphere. 924 with a healthy following from Coventry made it into something special. Whoever come out on top in the promotion race, and you must include Nuneaton Griff in this, will thoroughly deserve their place in the Premier Division. Bromsgrove are on a roll and look to be in prime position. How Coventry respond to this defeat will be the key.I’m sure it will go the wire.

Tuesday 15th March
Sporting Khalsa 2 Brocton 2

My work schedule dictates a second Tuesday in succession at the Aspray Arena. This time, it is a league game between Sporting Khalsa and a club I know well, Brocton, having commentated on many of their games. Khalsa still had an outside chance of joining the promotion party while Brocton, after a poor start to the season, were looking comfortable in the middle of the pack. The early stages of the game were competitive without ever really catching fire. A deep cross from Tim Jackson was pushed around the post by Callum Barrett and Barrett also had to react well to stop Craig Bannister after the striker was in on goal. Brocton had a great chance in the 16th minute. Dave Berks’ corner found the head of the unmarked Ed Booth but his header was off target. Khalsa went close in the22nd minute when an excellent run by Nicky Campbell was played into Bannister but he couldn’t find the target. Bannister was agin off target after a run down the left from Marvin Nisbett. Brocton went close in the 32nd minute, a cross from Berks picked out Dan Lomas but, under pressure from James Pemberton, he could only hook it over the bar. The home side took the lead in the 38th minute with an absolute purler from Bannister. Some 35 yards from goal, he spotted Barrett off his line and volleyed over him and into the net. The Badgers response was swift and incisive. A poor back pass by Jackson was intercepted by Jack Edwards who calmly rounded Pmeberton and tapped the ball into the net.
The game was pretty even with Brocton a threat on the break. This was to prove the case in the 55th minute when the visitors took the lead. A quick break from the back sent Edwards clear down the right and his cross was hit first time with the outside of his left boot by Berks, the ball flying into the net. Khalsa continued to have the majority of the play without threatening Barrett. A cross from Bannister flew across the box with no-one getting a touch while at the other end a free-kick from Gary Fife was headed goalwards by Lomas but Pemberton was in the perfect position to make a comfortable catch. Brocton were playing some nice football and a classy move with Sean Kinsella heavily involved saw the final cross drift past the far post. Khalsa were now applying pressure and Bannister forced a fabulous save from Barrett with the ball arrowing towards the top corner. Substitute Simeon Townsend also found Barrett in inspired form as his shot on the turn was well saved by the Badgers’ keeper. Two minutes into stoppage, Khalsa grabbed their equaliser. Carlo Franco had a header cleared off the line but David Meese was on hand to fire home through the massed penalty area.
A fair result on the night with both sides feeling that they could have taken all three points. The two finishes from Bannister and Berks will stay with me for some time.

Review
FA Vase

Hereford hold the upper hand into the second leg of their FA Vase semi-final against Salisbury. A headed goal just after half-time from Mustapha Bundu was all that separates the two sides as they go again at the RayMac. It could have been so much better as the Bulls hit the woodwork four times, however, a save late on by Martin Horsell may be the biggest factor over the two legs.

Premier Division
It was all change at the top of the Premier Division as Alvechurch reached the summit with a 2-1 win over Walsall Wood. They needed a Nick Wright free-kick in the last 5 minutes to take all 3 points and are now two points clear of Hereford having played the same number of games. Sporting Khalsa are still on the heels of the leaders and with both Alvechurch (twice) and Herford to play, they could have a big say on the destination of the title. They maintained third position with a 2-0 at Bardon Hill (played at The Aspray Arena). A Liam Read double saw Shepshed Dynamo beat Long Eaton United 2-0 at the Dovecote and they stay 4th. Big winners of the day were Westfields who put 7 past bottom club Continental Star at Dales Lane, skipper Jamie Cuss with a hat-trick. There was a huge win at the bottom for Coventry Sphinx who beat fellow relegation threatened Dunkirk 2-1 at Sphinx drive. Quorn did their survival prospects the world of good with a 3-0 win at Stourport Swifts. A stoppage time winner by Ben Wilkins gave Lye Town a 2-1 victory over Heanor Town whose title tilt now looks to be over. The Staffordshire derby at Hillsfield between Rocester and Brocton ended in a 2-2 draw, Ed Booth with a late equaliser for the Badgers. There was another late goal at Pack Meadow as Josh Quaynor’s effort 4 minutes into added time gave Coleshill Town all 3 points against AFC Wulfrunians. Highgate United moved into the top 6 with a 2-0 win at Boldmere St Michaels.
On Tuesday, Alvechurch had the opportunity to move 5 points clear but they went down to a Roland Agbor goal at Boldmere St Michaels. The Church had keeper Matt Sergeant sent off early on but the numbers were evened up when Joseph Lyng saw red for The Mikes. Nick Wright missed a penalty for Church when the scores were level – that’s two missed spot-kicks in recent weeks. It was a good night for Hereford with 3rd placed Sporting Khalsa being held 2-2 by Brocton. Khalsa needed a stoppage time equaliser from David Meese to pick up the point. Shepshed Dynamo move into 3rd place, 9 points behind Alvechurch, with a 3-2 win over Bardon Hill who drop into the bottom three. Quorn now look much safer, a 3-1 win over Long Eaton United moving them 11 points clear of the drop zone. Westfields picked up their second away win in four days with a 2-0 triumph at Highgate United. Walsall Wood suffered their second defeat in 4 days with a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Stourport Swifts. Ben Wilkins grabbed another late goal for Lye Town to give them a 2-1 win at Rocester. Coventry Sphinx slipped back into the relegation zone on goal difference following a heavy 4-1 defeat at Heanor Town. Kieran Debrouwer was on target twice for the Lions who stay 5th.

Division 1
In the big game at the top of the table, it was Bromsgrove Sporting that came out on top beating Coventry United 4-2 at The Victoria Ground. 924 spectators saw the Rouslers go 4 points clear at the top of the table. Nuneaton Griff make it a 3-way tilt for the title, Pilkington XXX their latest victims in a 4-1 win. A huge result at the bottom for Bolehall Swifts as they swapped places with Southam United following a 4-0 win, Joe Obi with a hat-trick. Stafford Town are still in trouble and they threw away a 2-0 lead at Coventry Copsewood, 3-2 the final score to the home side. The local derby between Hinckley AFC and Atherstone Town ended honours even after a 2-2 draw. Pelsall Villa gained a vital point in their quest to avoid relegation with a 2-2 draw at Leicester Road. Heather St Johns are another side who picked up a welcome point on their travels in a 1-1 draw at Studley. Two goals from Chris Conway sent Littleton on their way to a 3-2 win over Cadbury Athletic.
A Luke Shorthouse goal gave Nuneaton Griff all three points at bottom club Southam United on Tuesday, closing the gap to the leaders to 5 points. Two goals from Jordan Francis, the second in stoppage time, earned Bolehall Swifts a 2-2 draw in the A5 derby against Atherstone Town. It wasn’t such a good night for some of the other relegation threatened sides. Stafford Town went down 3-1 at Racing Club Warwick for whom Ashley English scored twice. Daniel Fraser helped himself to a hat-trick as Coventry Copsewood beat Heather St Johns 4-0 at Allard Way. Heath Hayes climbed to 7th in the table with a 3-0 win at Cadbury Athletic. On Wednesday, there was a stunning away win for Studley, 4-1 at Littleton. The win moves Studley up to 13th while The Ton Boys remain 9th.

Division 2
The big game of the day saw third-placed Droitwich Spa beat leaders Rostance Edwards 3-0 in front of a huge crowd at King George Playing Fields. This result means that Chelmsley Town are now top after they beat Coton Green 2-0 at New Mill Lane. Keep a close eye on Alvis Sporting Club as they play their games in hand. Fairfield Villa were put to the sword with the home side running out 6-0 victors, Dildale Linton with a hat-trick and Shane Brassington a brace. At the bottom, there was a welcome point for Earlswood Town in a goalless draw with Austrey Rangers. Barnt Green Spartak swap places with Hampton following a 2-1 win at The Coppice. Knowle are one place higher following their 2-0 win over Sutton United.
Alvis Sporting Club moved to within 4 points of the top with a 4-1 midweek win over Hampton, Rickie Cutting scoring twice. Coton Green and Austrey Rangers fought out a 1-1 draw under the lights at New Mill Lane.

Division 3
Leaders Leamington Hibernian exacted revenge on Coventrians following last week’s defeat, winning 3-2 at Holbrooks Park. In a game between two of the promotion contenders at The Valley, it was Redditch Borough who came out on top with a 2-1 win over Northfield Town. Martin Kendashki scored twice as FC Stratford got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Alcester Town remain the form team with a 6-0 win over Perrywood, Nick Dance with a couple. Ignore Smithswood Firs at your peril as games in hand may make all the difference. They picked up another 3 points with a 4-1 win at Inkberrow, Daniel Charlton with a couple. Despite two goals from Callum Howells, basement side AFC Solihull went down 3-2 at home to Shipston Excelsior. Adam Wooldridge was the hero for Enville Athletic as his hat-trick helped sink Burntwood Town 4-1 at Hall Drive. Barton United are in the thick of the promotion battle and they won a tight game at Badsey Rangers 2-1.
On Tuesday night, Redditch Borough moved to just a point off the top with a 1-0 win over Barton United.

County Cups
The Staffordshire Vase final will be between Heath Hayes and Lichfield City as both won tough semis on Saturday. Heath Hayes beat Audley & District 3-0 while Lichfield had to come from behind to beat Abbey Hulton United 4-1, Dave Yonwin with two. In the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup, Chelmsley Town beat Feckenham 5-1 at Pack Meadow while Northfield Town edged past Rostance Edwards 2-1 at the Red Lion Ground.

Reserves
Results
Brocton 0 Solihull Moors 1
Cadbury Athletic 2 Rocester 1
Coventry United 2 Romulus 2

Under 21s
Results
H.O.W. Academy 0 Stourport Swifts 1 (South Division)
Newcastle Town 5 West Midlands football Academy 3 (Bowl)
Basford United 5 Tipton Town 1 (North)
Walsall Wood 0 Anstey Nomads 1

Preview
FA Vase

Hereford head to Salisbury with a single goal lead as they aim for a Wembley final in May. Steve Claridge’s side have an excellent home record but that is probably bettered by the Bulls on their travel. I expect Hereford to score which puts the onus on Salisbury to win by two goals. Good luck to Hereford and we’ll all be keeping a close eye on the score.

Premier Division
With Hereford on Vase duty, Alvechurch can move 5 points clear if they can taste victory at AFC Wulfrunians. The defeat in midweek would have hurt Alvechurch and they will need the three points to put pressure on Hereford when they return to league duty. Shepshed Dynamo can close the gap between themselves and the top two should they win at Highgate United. Sporting Khalsa are still in the promotion shake up but need to be picking up maximum points on a regular basis. This week they travel to inconsistent Stourport Swifts. At the bottom, it’s looking like an almost impossible task for Continental Star and they must win most of their remaining games starting this week with Loughborough University. Dunkirk are 8 points adrift with games running out. It will be important to win all their home games, Lye Town being the visitors on Saturday. Coventry Sphinx are battling for survival and they travel to Walsall Wood who have lost their last two. Bardon Hill are battling to both get away from the relegation zone and to get games played. They face Rocester this weekend at Coalville Town FC. Seven points out of the last nine has given Quorn hope that relegation will not be an issue. This week they welcome Boldmere St Michaels to Farley Way. A run of four straight defeats has dented Heanor Town’s excellent debut season in the Midland Football League. They face Coleshill Town this week in a fixture that promises lots of goals. Two sides that have flirted with the foot of the table but who are now showing vastly improved form are Westfields and Brocton They meet at Allpay Park in another attractive fixture.

Division 1
Leaders Bromsgrove Sporting will be hoping to consolidate their position at the top of the league when they welcome struggling Stafford Town to the Victoria Ground. Coventry United welcome Studley to Sphinx Drive and it will be interesting to see if last week’s defeat at Bromsgrove is still on their minds. All 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff can do is keep on winning to pile the pressure on the top two. Cadbury Athletic are the visitors to the Pingles Stadium intent on stopping Griff in their tracks. Focus at the bottom is on a rematch between the bottom two at Rene Road with Bolehall Swifts entertaining Southam United. 4 points in the week has certainly given Swifts encouragement – can they keep the momentum going? Heather St Johns are in Bolehall’s sights and they face a tough encounter at home to Leicester Road. Racing Club Warwick have scored 12 in their last three games and have won 3 out of the last 4. They welcome Littleton to Townsend Meadow hoping to maintain this upsurge in form. Coventry Copsewood have also scored 12 in 3 with 9 points being amassed. They take their good form to 4th placed Lichfield City. Pelsall Villa are still looking uncomfortably over their shoulder and in-form Hinckley AFC are the visitors this week. Pershore Town have shown improved form since the turn of the year and they welcome Heath Hayes to the King George V Stadium. Pilkington XXX recent results have been a real mixed bag and it’s hard to predict how they will fare this week at home to Atherstone Town.

Division 2
Rostance Edwards can return to the top of the table if they can beat Coton Green at The Red Lion Ground. Droitwich Spa will, in turn, leapfrog Chelmsley Town should they take all 3 points at Austrey Rangers. Feckenham are hoping to return home for the first time in many months when they entertain Fairfield Villa. Bottom club Earlswood Town travel to Paget Rangers looking to build on last week’s point against Austrey Rangers. Hampton have slipped into the bottom three and are only 5 points clear of Feckenham. They welcome Knowle needing points to move up the table. Barnt Green Spartak picked up an important 3 points last week against Hampton and will be hoping to repeat this when they travel to Sutton United.

Division 3
It is always difficult to know quite where to start in Division 3 as things change on a weekly basis. Leaders, Leamington Hibernian have seen their lead cut to one point and they travel to 2nd bottom Perrywood. 5th meets 7th this week with Barton United hosting Smithswood Firs. With sides above them not in league action, there is an opportunity for both to climb nearer to the top. At the bottom AFC Solihull have suffered narrow defeats in recent weeks, Can they go one better as they travel to Coventrians? Enville Athletic had an excellent victory last week at home to Burntwood Town and they travel to mid-table Inkberrow. Burntwood Town have won 3 and lost 3 in the last 6 so who knows what they’ll do this week when they welcome Badsey Rangers to Ravenhill Park. In the final game Shipston Excelsior entertain Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons.

Challenge Vase
Two big games in the Challenge Vase this week involving a quartet of promotion chasers. In the quarter-final, Northfield Town entertain FC Stratford with the winners facing a trip to Smithswood Firs in the semi-final. In the first semi-final, two sides in cracking form go head to head at Old Stratford Road with Alcester Town welcoming Redditch Borough.

Midland Football League Newsletter
9th March 2016
League News
LONG EATON UNITED ANNOUNCE NEW MANAGERIAL APPOINTMENT
Long Eaton United Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Sucharewycz and Ian Robinson as their new managerial duo for next season. Gary and Ian have considerable experience of both managing and playing in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League with Grantham Town, Rainworth, Hucknall Town and Loughborough Dynamo.  Shaun Rickford will continue as acting manager until the end of the season which will allow Gary and Ian time to prepare for the new season which will be the start of an exciting and ambitious period for the club.
Chairman Jim Fairley advised “We are delighted to welcome Gary and Ian on board. As a Club we have been progressing our off field plans and now have a Stadium and Infrastructure set for the Evo-Stik level - with those plans advanced, we were clear we wanted a management team with access to players to progress to that level and who also share our long term aims and ambitions for this Football Club. We are confident that Gary, Ian and the management team they bring with them will generate some real excitement at Grange Park next season”.  Jim added “We would like to go on record in thanking Shaun and his management team who have been a credit to themselves and the Club. Shaun will continue until the end of this season, supported by Gary and Ian where possible, and will always have a role to play at the Club”.

Long Eaton United continue to work with Sport England and the Football Foundation in developing Grange Park with a further phase of work planned over the close season.
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BROCTON held a sportsman's dinner at the White Eagle Club in Riverway with former Liverpool and England full back Alan Kennedy as the guest speaker. Kennedy was the first man to score the winning goal in two European Cup finals, following up his strike against Real Madrid in Paris in 1981 with the 1984 winner in a penalty shootout against Roma at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.
He told guests of a playing career that spanned 22 years and saw him make over 500 appearances, beginning at Newcastle United before Bill McGarry sold him Liverpool for £330,000, where he collected five league championships four League Cups and those two European Cups. After Liverpool, he moved to hometown club Sunderland, and while some players choose to quit at the top it was clear from the way he spoke of the game that Kennedy simply loved playing and from Sunderland he moved on to Wigan Athletic, then Hartlepool United and Wrexham before finally ending his professional career at non-league Barrow.
The evening raised £1,250 for local charities as well as raising funds towards Brocton's running costs. The Badgers were supported by Premier League sponsors Barclays, who match-funded monies raised by Peter Russell and Eddie Wright to a total of £1,750.

Hereford Chairman Jon Hale has been speaking ahead of the Bulls FA Vase Semi-Final against Salisbury FC.
“What an absolutely phenomenal achievement to sell out of our home tickets for the FA Vase semi-final in just 6 days. Over 4,000 tickets in total. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in selling tickets and manning the club shop last week whilst tickets were being sold. Hereford FC has an extremely dedicated team of staff and volunteers who go way beyond the call of duty time after time to ensure that supporters are looked after. Whether it is to inform of ticket arrangements, take online orders or be in place to receive orders at the ground, they put the supporters first. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes for such games is really astonishing, so to see such a reaction from our incredible fans is extremely satisfying for all of those people.
Furthermore, a huge thank you to our supporters. The support and togetherness this season has been humbling. As each game has come along our fans have turned out in great numbers and for this momentous occasion we will be sold out in all home areas of Edgar Street. What better way to give the players the maximum backing we can. It is testament to the appetite within the supporter base that this game is widely deemed a ‘must-see’ game and I can only imagine the noise we will make in the first leg. I’m sure the same can be said for the away leg a week later. The club shop – which will open at 12 midday on the day of the game – is well stocked up ahead of the 1st Leg, so get along early on the day to buy your scarves, jester hats, wigs and merchandise to show your colours and make the atmosphere even more special. The two games against Salisbury can’t come soon enough I’m sure you will agree. Thanks again to staff, volunteers and supporters for making Hereford FC what it is”
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Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 6th March
Brocton 0 Alvechurch 2
With only one point splitting the top two in the Premier Division, I head to Brocton for what promises to be a tough encounter for 2nd placed Alvechurch.  The Badgers started the season slowly but have had a decent run of late and sit comfortably 17 points clear of the relegation zone at kick-off.  Alvechurch could have gone top in midweek but a missed penalty from Nick Wright meant that they were still chasing Hereford. One surprise in the team sheet saw Brocton record goalscorer, Gary Fife lining up in the heart of the Badgers defence. The game commenced at a decent tempo with neither side establishing ay control. Jordan Nadat was the first to have an attempt on goal for Church but his header was easy for Callum Barrett.  Andrew Parsons was off target for the visitors as they began to create the better openings. A shot from Wright was well gathered by Barrett and Jack Cresswell was unlucky with a shot that flew over the bar. Barrett had to react quickly, racing off his line to hack the ball away from Wright as the striker raced through on goal. Brocton’s first chance came courtesy of a Sean Kinsella free-kick which was deflected off the wall for a corner. From the corner, Dan Lomas’ header was over the bar. A nice move from the visitors saw Zack Foster’s shot blocked and Creswell’s follow up saved. Brocton went close to grabbing the lead 5 minutes before the interval. A mistake at the back by Mark Smith let in Matt Dean but Parsons saved his defensive partner blocking the shot on the line. In stoppage time, Connor Deards hit a superb shot from 25 yards only to see it rebound off the post. A minute later, Deards thought he had broke the deadlock but his deflected shot was cleared off the line by Dave Ablewhite.
Brocton should have taken the lead two minutes into the second half when Church failed to deal with a corner but Fife put his shot from inside the 6-yard box, over the bar. Church responded immediately but Nadat’s run and shot was blocked by Kenny Devoir. Lomas was just off target with a left footed shot for Brocton but the pressure began to mount on the Badgers’ goal. A back pass from Devoir was short for Barrett but the keeper beat Nadat in a 50/50 challenge. The introduction of Karl Edwards had an immediate impact for Alvechurch and Nadat should have done better after the dub had laid the ball perfectly in his path. In the 65th minute, Alvechurch came might close to opening the scoring. A shot from Wright was well saved by Barrett. The rebound fell to Josh March whose shot rattled the crossbar. The ball fell at the far post where Edwards shot hit the outside of the post and Brocton escaped. Brocton were still a threat on the break with Lomas firing just over and Dean forcing Matt Sargeant to make a last ditch challenge. Smith headed a corner wide when he really should have hit the target. With the game entering stoppage time, it was substitute Edwards who sent the Church fans wild, beating Barret to the ball and  heading a high hanging cross from Chris Field into the net. Three minutes later, a long throw from the left was headed on by Nadat, and Edwards applied the coup de grace with a volley past Barrett. A hard earned three points for the visitors but their staying power was very much in evidence. The introduction of March and Edwards made a big impact and the use of the entire squad will be crucial as they go head to head with Hereford for the title.
 
Tuesday 8th March
Sporting Khalsa 2 Lye Town 3
After witnessing Walsall Wood’s passage to the semis last week, a chance to see who they will meet as the league cup rolled into the Aspray Arena.  In the early stages, it was clear that the referee intended to let as much go as possible as physical challenges were the norm. It was refreshing to see players challenge each other in the air without the constant whistle for an infringement. Khalsa had the first chance but David Meese slipped as he was taking his shot.  Three Lye players beat the offside trap, allegedly, but Scott Gennard wasted the opportunity with a poor delivery. An excellent break down the left by Matthew Martin set up Khalsa leading scorer Craig Bannister but he missed his kick. Khalsa took the lead in the 17th minute. A free-kick from Tim Jackson reaching Marvin Nisbett at the far post and he did well to finish through a crowded box.  Dreniz Bala went close with a header for Lye and Martin forced a save from Jake Bedford with a 25 yard volley. Khalsa doubled their lead in the 27th minute, Martin finishing off an excellent cross from Meese. Khalsa were cruising at this stage but Lye grabbed a foothold in the 37th minute when James Spray controlled a shot past James Pemberton after a good move down the Lye left. The game turned in the 40th minute. Tes Robinson was brought down in the middle of the park but his reaction of a swinging right arm in retaliation ended with the inevitable red card and Khalsa had to play for 50 minutes with 10 men. 
The home side re-organised at the break with Brad Lawley replacing Simeon Townsend but inside a minute Lye were level, another excellent finish from Gennard.  Khalsa were indebted to a fantastic double save from Pemberton thwarting both Bala and Kallum Evitts when it looked certain Lye would score.  Nisbett wasted a decent chance for the home side when put through down the middle, he took it too wide and finished with a weak shot. A lovely ball into the box by Bannister fell at the feet of Meese but he couldn’t control the ball and it ran to safety.  Lye took the lead in the 62nd minute. An in swinging free-kick from Evitts evaded everyone and found its way into the far corner. Lye almost gifted Khalsa an equaliser as the ball skimmed off the head of a defender and went agonisingly wide.   Bannister missed a good chance for Khalsa but the final word went to Lye keeper Bedford who made a fine save from a powerful shot from Khalsa sub Ben Hadley. Despite 6 minutes of time added on, it was the visitors who triumphed to take their place in the last 4. As for Khalsa, a wild swinging arm was their undoing. A wonderful evening’s entertainment for the neutral and a proper physical cup tie. A word of praise for the referee who tried to keep the game flowing rather than constantly blowing for infringements.

Review
Premier Division
I am going to start this week with arguably the biggest result of the day with bottom club Continental Star winning 1-0 at Coleshill Town.  The goal came courtesy of Dan Holgate and was Star’s second victory of the season. At the top, there were good away wins for the top two. Leaders Hereford gave the students of Loughborough University a lesson as they came away with a 5-0 victory. This keeps the gap at the top to a single point as second placed Alvechurch, with two injury time goals from Karl Edwards, edged past Brocton at Silkmore Lane.  Sporting Khalsa take over 3rd spot following a 5-2 home win over Highgate United, Craig Bannister notching up his 37th goal of the season.  There was a dramatic game at the bottom of the table between Quorn and Coventry Sphinx.  With 12 minutes remaining, Sphinx held a 3-1 lead. Back came Quorn to draw level in the 89th minute but Kieran Nesbitt popped up with a winner for Sphinx in the 4th minute of stoppage time. That win means Sphinx are now just three points from safety. Rocester’s fine run continued with a 3-1 win at Boldmere St Michaels. The Romans have now picked up 13 points out of the last possible 15.  Westfields and Long Eaton United looked to be ending goalless until stoppage time when Westfields thought they had bagged all three points. That was until 2 minutes into added time, Elliot King snatched an equaliser for the visitors.
Coventry Sphinx remain in the relegation zone following a 3-0 Monday night defeat at Sphinx Drive at the hands of Brocton. Veteran striker Paul McMahon scored twice in the 2nd half to send the Badgers 14th in the table.  Shepshed Dynamo missed out on the chance of going 3rd being beaten by a Callum Riddell goal at Rocester.  Walsall Wood climb to 6th after a 2-1 win at Continental Star.  Dunkirk led 2-0 at Loughborough University but a strong second half from the Scholars saw them eventually win 4-3.  Quorn salvaged a point at home to Stourport Swifts with a last minute equaliser from Leavi  Oshungbure.
 
Division 1
Only three fixtures survived the weather and the game of the day came at Evans Park where Stafford Town entertained Racing Club Warwick. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 8th minute when Jamie Vadasz was shown a red card. Tom Green gave Town the lead from the spot but it was the 10 men from Warwick that went into the half-time break 3-2 ahead. In the second half Town raced into a 5-3 lead before the visitors again closed the gap. Craig Hulme’s second of the afternoon gave Town a 6-4 victory with Jamie Smith becoming the second Racer to be shown a red card in the dying minutes. The win moves Stafford up to 16th in the table. Heather St Johns are one of the teams no below Stafford after they slipped to a heavy home defeat at the hands of Coventry Copsewood. The visitors ran out 5-1 winners with Ryan Harkin netting twice. Pershore Town’s recent good run was ended by a Phil McKerdy goal for Lichfield City, who are now 4th.
Bromsgrove Sporting take over at the top of the table following a 4-0 win over Cadbury Athletic.  Racing Club Warwick made it 9 away goals in 4 days with a 5-0 win at Pelsall Villa, a hat-trick for Terry Morton. Sam Agar went one better for Hinckley AFC scoring all 4 in a 4-1 win over Pilkington XXX.  Dan Scragg was another to get a hat-trick, this one for Heath Hayes who keep Southam United in deep trouble with a 4-1 win.  
 
Division 2
The big game at the top of Division 2 went the way of Chelmsley Town who beat Droitwich Spa 2-1. The win sees the two swap places with Chelmsley now in 2nd just three points behind the leaders with three games in hand. The aforementioned leaders, Rostance Edwards beat bottom club Earlswood Town 3-0 at The Red Lion Ground to maintain their narrow lead.  Paget Rangers move up to 5th place after a 4-2 win at Hampton with Mark Bellingham netting a hat-trick.

Division 3
What a strange day in Division 3. Leaders Leamington Hibernian reversed their fixture with Coventrians and probably regretted it as a Sean Brennan penalty gave their mid table visitors all three points.  2nd placed FC Stratford have now only picked up 1 point in 5 games as they went down to a single goal defeat at Burntwood Town. These results allowed Redditch Borough to move in to 2nd place as they improved their goal difference significantly with a 13-0 victory over AFC Solihull at The Valley.  Jason Cowley led the way with a double hat-trick and there were braces for Jak Albutt, Liam Fullerton and Brandon Mutivbu. Smithswood Firs are very much in contention as they have 6 games in hand on the leaders. They maintained their promotion push with a 6-1 win over Badsey Rangers, Anthony Short with a couple.  Perrywood moved 10 points clear of AFC Solihull with an excellent 4-2 win over Inkberrow. They are now level on points with Enville Athletic who lost at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons, Lewis Gorle with the only goal of the game.  On Tuesday night, Redditch Borough closed the gap at the top to just 4 points with a 4-2 victory over Perrywood.

Polymac Packaging League Cup Quarter Final
Hereford are through to the semi-finals after an extra time victory at Highgate United. Goals from John Mills and Ross Staley booked a two-legged semi against either Stourport Swifts or Nuneaton Griff.  Lye Town will meet Walsall Wood in the other semi after a dramatic 3-2 victory at Sporting Khalsa. The home side were cruising at 2-0 but James Spray pulled one back before Tes Robinson saw red for the home side. Lye took their chance and two second half goals sent them through.
 
Presidents Cup
Alvis Sporting Club will meet Hampton in the semi-finals of the Presidents Cup following a 3-1 win over Feckenham.
 
County Cups
Northfield Town are through to the quarter-final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup following a 3-2 win over Sutton United. Northfield took a 2-0 lead but Sutton came back with a double from George Ford. The home side were not to be denied and David Glaze grabbed a late winner. They travel to Rostance Edwards in the next round.  Barton United are through to the final of the Fazeley Charity Cup following a 1-0 win over FC Premier 2000, Jono Douglas with the only goal of the game. Barton will meet BT in the final on Good Friday, March 25th at Coton Green with a 7.30 pm kick off.  An 88th minute goal from Dave Yonwin gave Lichfield City a 1-0 win at AFC Wulfrunians in the JW Hunt Cup.
 
Reserves
Only one game played in the reserve division where Sutton United and Romulus drew 1-1.

Under 21s
In the Bowl, Bromsgrove Sporting were comfortable 4-0 winners over Anstey Nomads.  In the Nottinghamshire Junior Cup, Basford United progressed beating Bilsthorpe Reserves in a penalty shoot-out.

Preview
FA Vase
We have reached the semi-final stage of the FA Vase and the two favourites, Phoenix clubs Hereford and Salisbury have been drawn together. The first leg will take place in front of a packed house at Edgar Street with all 4,000 home tickets sold a week before the game. Salisbury have won 18 of their last 19 games in all competitions and go into the game top of the Wessex League by 8 points. The Bulls have had a tremendous first season in the Midland League and hold on to top spot by one point.  Hereford have scored 90 and conceded 26 in the league while Salisbury have scored 84 and conceded just 15. This promises to be a fantastic occasion for all concerned with a trip to Wembley the carrot for the victors over the two legs.  Good luck to Hereford from everyone at the Midland Football League.
 
Premier Division
With Hereford on FA Vase duty, Alvechurch have the opportunity to take over top spot when they entertain in-form Walsall Wood at Lye Meadow. A win for Alvechurch would see Alvechurch take a two point lead over Hereford with 13 games to play.  Sporting Khalsa are 13 points back with three games in hand and they will be hopeful of three points when they travel to relegation threatened Bardon Hill.  Shepshed Dynamo slipped up in midweek and will need to get back to winning ways at home to Long Eaton United if they are to remain in the title race. Likewise Heanor Town can’t afford to drop too many more points if they hope to break into the top two and they have a tough looking fixture at Lye Town. At the bottom, Continental Star are 15 points adrift of safety with 13 games remaining so 3 points are a must as they welcome Westfields to Dales Lane. There is a big relegation scrap at Sphinx Drive as two of the bottom three meet with Coventry Sphinx entertaining Dunkirk, a win vital to both teams.  Two Staffordshire sides who had good results in midweek meet at Hillsfield with Brocton visiting Rocester.  Quorn sit just above the drop zone however they have played more games than the sides below them. They travel to Walshes Meadow to face improving Stourport Swifts in the reverse of the fixture held on Tuesday.  Two mid-table sides meet at Packmeadow with Coleshill Town at home to AFC Wulfrunians. Highgate United could jump into the top 6 if they can take all 3 points at Boldmere St Michaels.
 
Division 1
The top two go head to head this week in arguably the biggest game of the season. Bromsgrove Sporting have taken over top spot and they have home advantage at The Victoria Ground over long time leaders Coventry United.  A draw would probably be a great result for 3rd placed Nuneaton Griff as they attempt to chase the top two down. They have a home game this week at The Pingles Stadium with Pilkington XXX the visitors.  There is a big game at the bottom as the teams in the relegation spots meet with Southam United at home to Bolehall Swifts.  Heather St Johns are deep in relegation trouble and they will be looking for points at Studley. Pelsall Villa are on a poor run of form and it is not likely to get any easier this week as they travel to high flying Leicester Road. Stafford Town have turned their season around and have an attractive fixture at Coventry Copsewood. There is a big local derby at St Johns Park with Hinckley AFC at home to Atherstone Town.  In the other game on Saturday, Littleton play host to Cadbury Athletic.
 
Division 2
The big games keep on coming this week and its 3rd vs 1st in Division 2. Droitwich Spa are the hosts as they look to bounce back from defeat last week at Chelmsley Town. Rostance Edwards, the leaders, have been consistent of late and this promises to be a cracker. Depending on the outcome, 2nd placed Chelmsley Town could take over at the summit providing they win at Coton Green.  Alvis Sporting Club have only dropped two points in the league all season and they back to league action at home to Fairfield Villa.  Basement side Earlswood Town are at home to Austrey Rangers with a chance to close the gap on Feckenham.  Its 12th versus 11th at the Coppice with Barnt Green Spartak at home to Hampton, in what looks a particularly tight game.  In the other game in Division 2, Knowle entertain Sutton United.
 
Division 3
The battle for the Division 3 title is as intriguing as all of the other MFL divisions. Leaders Leamington Hibernian slipped up at home to Coventrians and they have an immediate chance of revenge this week with the return fixture.  2nd placed Redditch Borough have scored 17 goals in the past week and they are at home to 4th placed Northfield Town. FC Stratford have been in free-fall for some weeks and they need to arrest their slide at home to Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Alcester Town remain the form side and they face second bottom Perrywood with a chance to go 3rd if results go their way.  Smithswood Firs have games in hand on the leaders and a win at Inkberrow would keep them in the thick of the action.  Bottom side AFC Solihull were stunned by the heavy defeat last week at Redditch and they will be wanting to answer some questions when Shipston Excelsior visit Tudor Grange.  Barton United were celebrating reaching a cup final last week but its back to league action and a trip to Badsey Rangers. Struggling Enville Athletic welcome Burntwood Town to Hall Drive, 10 points clear of the bottom.
 
Les James Challenge Cup
Feckenham host Paget Rangers in the quarter final of the LJCC with the winners travelling to Knowle in the last 4.