Shropshire County League

Premier Division

Saturday 29th April 2023

Kick Off 15.00 Actual 15.03

Shrewsbury Up & Comers 4 Ercall Colts Evolution 3, attendance 26

3’ 0-1

5’ 1-1

31’ 2-1 (pen)

51’ 2-2

62’ 2-3

71’ 3-3

75’ 4-3

@ Shrewsbury College of Arts & Technology

London Road

Shrewsbury

SY2 6PR

No Admission or Programme.

I got lucky with this one. The Referee from my morning game was listed as also doing this match (as Linesman) so I was able to confirm that the game was going ahead okay. However, I never thought to confirm the location, so turned up at the ground listed on the F.A. Full Time website, where Shrewsbury Up & Comers are shown to have played all their home games so far this season, but found a cricket match in progress. I was told that the football ‘always move to London Road once the cricket start’ and that was where the game would be. It’s only half a mile away, but the problem was, I had already done a game at S.C.A.T. before, as I had seen Shrewsbury Town U18 play there back in 1997.

Having driven past here dozens of times over the years, I was well aware of the layout, so had no problem in knowing if this was being played on a different pitch to the one I had seen a game on already. When I came before, the match was on the pitch that runs lengthways away from the old changing room building. Both remain, but the building looks as if it is no longer used. Today’s game was being played on a pitch beyond the hedge, running widthways to the former, so I was okay. There was even a game taking place on the 3G pitch as well, which has been installed in the intervening years, where Wellington Amateurs Development were hosting Ercall Colts Revolution in a Shropshire County League cup match, which also wasn’t shown as being played here on the F.A. Full Time website!

As for the match, I wasn’t expecting too much, as it was another mid-table game, as 6th hosted 8th. It turned out to be a cracker though. Ercall were ahead within three minutes, coolly lobbing the ‘keeper when put through, but their lead only lasted a couple of minutes. Up & Comers went ahead from the penalty spot just after the half hour mark, following a trip by the ‘keeper and it was still 2-1 at halftime. By the hour mark Ercall had turned things round to lead 2-3, but Up & Comers levelled it up at 3-3 with twenty minutes left. They then went 4-3 up just four minutes later and Ercall had their ‘keeper sin binned for arguing about a ‘foul’ during the build up to the goal. Up & Comers could have added a fifth in stoppage time, but the penalty was well saved by the ‘keeper.

Even on the results section of F.A. Full Time, neither game are being shown as having been played here. Very poor.

Shropshire County League

Premier Division

Saturday 29th April 2023

Kick Off 12.00 Actual 12.09

Prees United 3 Wrockwardine Wood 1, attendance 23

35’ 1-0

39’ 1-1

53’ 2-1

68’ 3-1

@ Prees Cricket and Recreation Club

Brades Road

Prees

SY13 2DX

No Admission or Programme.

I had assumed this was an early kick off due to it being played at a ground shared with cricket, but it was in fact due to the social club hosting a wedding reception later on. Anyway, the noon kick off had been confirmed via Twitter, so it was an early start for the 194 mile drive to the north Shropshire village of Prees, just south of Whitchurch. There are two pitches here, either side of the cricket square, with the main pitch furthest from the car park. There are dugouts here and an old bandstand that acts as cover, as well as training lights (they were used during a 19.15 kick off on Tuesday evening).

Although there was nothing riding on the game, as both were comfortably mid table (5th v 7th), it was keenly contested and at times had a nasty under current, which threatened to boil over a number of times. It was a dull opening half hour, before the visitors had a header disallowed for offside, followed almost immediately by Prees having one chalked off for a foul on the ‘keeper. Within minutes Prees did open the scoring though, tapping in from 6 yards from a ball pulled back from the left. The visitors soon levelled, shooting into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Prees went ahead early in the second half, clipping the ball into the far corner after being played clear and their third goal arrived with just over twenty minutes left, heading in at the near post from a long throw in. Deep into stoppage time the visitors missed a penalty, which was well saved by the ‘keeper.

There were six hoppers present, planning to head off to four different games in the afternoon, although the late kick off and subsequent later than expected finish, meant revised plans for some. I had plenty of time to get to my intended match. It also helped that the Referee was actually running the line at my second game, so it certainly wouldn’t be starting until he got there. What could possibly go wrong?……

Suffolk & Ipswich League

Division 1

Thursday 27th April 2023

Kick Off 18.15 Actual 18.19

Somersham 0 Stowupland Falcons 3, attendance 87

1’ 0-1

29’ 0-2

74’ 0-3

@ Somersham Playing Field

Main Road

Somersham

IP8 4PF

No Admission or Programme.

This was a huge game, not only in the title race, but also the promotion places in this division, as only two teams go up and there are still 5 teams in the running. Coming into this Cockfield United were top on 46 points (+46 GD), level with Somersham (+30 GD), followed by Tattingstone United (+31 GD) on 45 points, all having three games left. Bacton United ‘89 were fourth with 43 points (+32 GD), but only have one to play, whilst Stowupland were fifth with 42 points (+32 GD) but crucially have 4 games left.

Stowupland got off to a perfect start, going ahead within a minute, hooking in from close range following a diagonal free kick into the box. It was 0-2 just before the half hour mark and again the goal came from a free kick played into the box, this time touched in from close range right in front of the ‘keeper as he came to gather the ball. Both teams were creating chances throughout, in an intriguing match. Stowupland made it 0-3 through an own goal with sixteen minutes left, when a free kick inside the centre circle was punted into the box and as the full back tried to clear, the ball span into the air and looped back over his own ‘keeper and dropped into the net.

Luckily, the forecast heavy rain was little more than drizzle, which stopped around halftime. The drive home through the roadworks on the A12 (not due for completion until next year) was much quieter than it had been en route.

Sevenoaks & District League

Premier Division

Wednesday 26th April 2023

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.27

Hawkenbury 4 Penshurst Park 0, attendance 25

4’ 1-0

40’ 2-0

47’ 3-0

57’ 4-0

@ Cadogan Recreation Ground

St. John’s Road

Tunbridge Wells

TN4 9XD

No Admission or Programme.

I had seen Hawkenbury play home games at two previous venues. Last April I saw them at Hawkenbury Recreation Ground (their regular home ground) and then a month later at Bayham Road Playing Field, but tonight was an opportunity to tick them off at a third venue, as they were unable to use their normal home ground tonight, presumably as it is shared with cricket. The entrance to Cadogan Recreation Ground is on the left hand side of theA26, when heading south into Tunbridge Wells. The entrance leads into the car park that is shared with Tunbridge Wells Masonic Centre and the local tennis club. There are two pitches here, running parallel, with tonight’s game being played on the one nearest to the changing rooms. The second pitch is slightly narrower.

The match was a basement battle, as third bottom hosted bottom (already relegated) in the league table, although Hawkenbury still have enough games in hand to finish fourth. Despite Penshurst Park only picking up three points this season (3 draws) they have only lost narrowly in the majority of games, although Hawkenbury did beat them 6-1 in the reverse fixture and have also beaten them 6-2 at home in a cup match.

Hawkenbury were ahead after just four minutes, but never managed to add their second goal until five minutes before halftime, with a cracking finish into the top corner from the edge of the box. The game was made safe when they added a third goal two minutes into the second half, with goal number four coming ten minutes later, when a cross from the left was finished with a cushioned volley from 6 yards. Penshurst Park battled to the end and on this performance it is hard to believe that they haven’t managed to win a game this season.

Mid Sussex League

Division 4 North

Tuesday 25th April 2023

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.34

Wakehams Green 4 Balcombe III 3, attendance 13

9’ 1-0 (pen)

20’ 2-0

34’ 2-1

48’ 3-1

55’ 3-2

73’ 3-3

83’ 4-3 (pen)

@ Grattons Park

Grattons Drive

Pound Hill

Crawley

RH10 3AG

No Admission or Programme.

The attraction of this game was that it was being played at the unusual venue of Grattons Park. It is a huge park that was very busy with youth team training taking place. The pitch was at the furthest point from the changing rooms, which may have had a bearing on why the players actually got changed pitch side. The players put the nets up themselves about half an hour before kick off and the game was played without corner flags. It shows just how poor the facilities are that Crawley Council hire out for local football. Just in case we were in doubt about how far down the pyramid we were, there was a no show by the appointed Referee, so a club official took on the job, and to be fair, he did okay.

Wakehams Green had already won the league last week, with a 100% winning record, but actually lost away at Ifield on Saturday, once the title was already in the bag. Balcombe III were sitting safely in sixth place and contributed to an entertaining game, although it was somewhat lacking in skill. An early penalty, followed by a header that just crossed the line before being hacked clear, saw Wakehams Green go 2-0 up after twenty minutes, but Balcombe pulled a goal back before halftime, finishing with an angled shot into the bottom corner.

Wakehams Green made it 3-1 within minutes of the restart, but a quick reply and a near post finish with seventeen minutes left, saw Balcombe pull it level at 3-3. Seven minutes from the end a second penalty of the night saw the hosts win it 4-3. It was harsh on Balcombe. They certainly deserved something from the game.

Above : Wakehams Green score their first penalty of the night.

West Sussex League

Championship Division

Monday 24th April 2023

Kick Off 18.15 Actual 18.17

Barnham Trojans 3 Watersfield 1, attendance 25

16’ 0-1

20’ 1-1 (pen)

51’ 2-1

77’ 3-1

@ Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre

Olivers Meadow

Westergate

PO20 3YA

No Admission or Programme.

This was 2nd versus 3rd in the league table and a game Watersfield had to win to have any realistic chance of getting one of the two promotion places, as they would only have one game left after tonight. Felpham Colts are top with 34 points (5 games left), whilst Barnham Trojans are a point behind, but with this game in hand, with Watersfield also on 33 points. The top two have yet to meet this season, so still all to play for.

Watersfield got off to a great start when a long range effort was somehow misjudged by the ‘keeper to give them the lead after sixteen minutes. Barnham levelled four minutes later, through a very generously awarded penalty. Six minutes into the second half the hosts went in front, scrambling in from close range, after a corner wasn’t cleared. Watersfield never really looked like coming back into it and it was no surprise when Barnham made it 3-1 with thirteen minutes left, volleying in at the far post from a corner on the left.

The journey heading to the game was very wet, with a lot of surface water on the roads. Thankfully, it was dry on arrival at the ground, although there was light rain/drizzle for most of the first half and light was fading quickly towards the end of the match.

Arthurian League

Arthur Dunn Cup Final

Saturday 22nd April 2023

Kick Off 14.45 Actual 15.02

Old Carthusians 0 Old Reptonians 0 (AET) (0-3 pens) attendance 172

@ Merchant Taylors’ School War Memorial Sports Ground

Rugby Pitch

East Drive

Northwood

HA6 2HT

No Admission

£5 Programme, 12 pages, proceeds donated to charity.

Old Carthusians are the Arthurian League Premier Division champions and have won the Arthur Dunn Cup 30 times, including six wins since 2014. Old Reptonians finished as runners up to them in the league and are the cup holders, having won the cup on 12 previous occasions.

Sadly, the game never lived up to expectations. In fact, it was absolutely dreadful and one of the worst games I have ever watched. It was absolutely turgid, as both teams played not to lose, rather than trying to win. The only goal chance came two minutes from time when Reptonians saw a shot tipped over the crossbar. Even worse, we had to suffer extra time, which just degenerated as it dragged on. The only ‘attempt on goal’ of the first period saw a Carthusians striker go clear, but his shot went out for a throw in! Four minutes from the end of the second period Reptonians had only their second attempt of the match, but the shot was deflected for a corner.

Carthusians were bad during the match, but their penalties were even worse. In fact, they were dreadful. The first hit the outside of the post, with the next two hit over the crossbar. Reptonians netted all three of theirs to retain the cup.

Unlike the first two finals today, this was played on the rugby pitch, which runs parallel to the running track, but is slightly nearer to the changing rooms. It is the only football match that is played on this pitch, so this was a rare opportunity to tick this ground off. Sadly, the small stand that was once here (was still there in 2019 when I came here to watch Old Merchant Taylors’ play on the cricket ground) has now gone. The pitch is roped on three sides through wooden stakes.

This was my first 0-0 since visiting Hawkenbury of the Sevenoaks & District League back on 10th May 2022, ending a run of 114 matches without one.

Arthurian League

Junior League Cup Final

Saturday 22nd April 2023

Kick Off 12.30 Actual 12.39

Old Alleynians II 2 Old Kimboltonians 1, attendance 72

5’ 0-1

49’ 1-1

90’ + 4, 2-1

@ Merchant Taylors’ School War Memorial Sports Ground

Running Track Pitch

East Drive

Northwood

HA6 2HT

No Admission

Programme free, 8 pages.

The second final of the day was also played on the pitch inside the running track and this time involved two teams from Division 2 as 5th played 4th in the league table. A lob over the ‘keeper, from just inside the box, saw Kimboltonians take an early lead and they came closest to adding to the scoring when they saw a cross/shot finger tipped over the crossbar just before halftime. Four minutes into the second half Alleynians levelled the scores, when a one-two on the edge of the box was finished with a shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar. The game flowed back and forth as both sides had chances to win it. Alleynians thought they’d won it late on, when they headed in from a corner, but it was ruled out for a foul. Four minutes into stoppage time they did finally get a winner though, when another header, again from a corner, was put in at the far post.

Arthurian League

David Woolcott Trophy Final

Saturday 22nd April 2023

Kick Off 10.00 Actual 10.03

Old Haberdashers 4 Old Brentwoods III 2, attendance 49

17’ 0-1

24’ 0-2

29’ 1-2

53’ 2-2

58’ 3-2

88’ 4-2

@ Merchant Taylors’ School War Memorial Sports Ground

Running Track Pitch

East Drive

Northwood

HA6 2HT

No Admission

Programme free, 8 pages.

Today I decided to do ‘Finals Day’ in the Arthurian League, where all three cup finals were being staged at Merchant Taylors’ School. I had been here back in October 2021, when I saw O.M.T. play on the Colts Cricket Club Pitch, which is the furthest pitch in the far right corner of the sports ground when entering from the car park/buildings. This mornings match was being played on the pitch inside the running track, which is still about 300-400 yards walk and was between two teams in Division 4. It was 1st versus 3rd as far as league positions go.

Brentwoods got off to a great start, opening the scoring after seventeen minutes, finishing off from close range after the ‘keeper failed to punch clear from a corner. They doubled their lead seven minutes later, finishing off a break down the right with a side foot finish from 10 yards. A shot on the turn saw Haberdashers pull it back to 1-2 after half an hour and eight minutes into the second half they made it 2-2, squeezing in a shot at the near post. The turnaround was complete before the hour mark, when a free kick from just outside the angle of the 18 yard box sailed over the ‘keeper into the far top corner. The killer fourth goal, aided by a deflection, saw them finally make it safe when they made it 4-2 with a couple of minutes left. There was still time for Brentwoods to have a man red carded in stoppage time, but the game was out of reach for them by then anyway.