Midland Football League Newsletter
27th August 2015
League News
The official opening of Coventry Copsewood’s new changing rooms and community area will take place Sunday 6th Sept. Photos will appear in a future newsletter. If you are looking for a football fix on Sunday, Alcester Townare hosting the Graham Weale charity shield with a kick off at 10:30. The game sees Alcester Old Boys take on Alcester young guns.
The travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 22ndAugust
AFC Wulfrunians 3 Loughborough University 1
On a baking hot day and with thunderstorms in the offing, I decided to make the short trip to Castlecroft to see two sides with 100% league records. The home side had surprised themselves with the start they had made and had followed up their league wins with an FA Cup victory over Southam United. The Students had suffered a couple of heavy league defeats but an FACup victory over Barrow Town was hopefully, the start they needed. The first half was pretty even with both sides missing chances before Wulfrunians took the lead just before the interval when Chris Lait’s shot was half-stopped by keeper Matthew Donvito but it still managed to cross the line. The home side doubled the lead three minutes into the second half when Jake Sedgemore made no mistake from the penalty spot after Ricky Anslow had been tripped. Loughborough bounced back with a Max Herbert penalty after Jeremiah Dasaolu had been clipped. Anslow restored Wulfrunianstwo goal cushion with a calm finish. The heat took its toll and the Students were unable to get back into the game.
Tuesday 25thAugust
Brocton 3 Rocester 0
A Staffordshire derby at Silkmore lane and two sides already desperate to get their league seasons underway. Both came into the game without a point although Rocester had progressed in the FA Cup. The first half was a cagey affair with Dan Lomas going close for Brocton and Callum Barrett pulling out a fine double save to thwart the Romans. Brocton snatched the lead just before the break when Gary Fife looped a header over Richard Froggatt from an excellent David Berks free-kick. The arrival of Josh Wilson after half-time gave Brocton an additional attacking threat. Minutes after crashing a shot against the post, the youngster found the bottom corner from 20 yards. Fife hit the woodwork before grabbing his second and Brocton’s third with a clip over the keeper. Rocester responded but when Karl Demidh rattled the crossbar it was clear that it wasn’tto be their night.
Wednesday 26thAugust
Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Stafford Rangers3
A rare opportunity to watch my own team so a short trip up the M6 to Kidsgrove. Last season’s gamebetween the two sides ended in a 6-0 victory for rangers but with Kidsgrove having strengthened their side a much closer encounter was anticipated. Stafford are clear favourites to win the Evostik South this season and they underlined those credentials with an excellent display of fast accurate football and quality finishing. In fact, with the rub of the green from the officials, they could havematched last season’s scoreline. Stafford took the lead in the 25thminute. A Kidsgrove clearance cannoned into Christian Dacres causingpanic in the home penalty area. Alex Melbourne reacted quickest to hook the ball home. Rangers second half goals were tremendous. Nathan Rooneyscored number two from a ridiculously tight angle and the 3rdowed everything to the tenacity and work rateof Ben Haseley who beat umpteen defenders, somehow managed to keep possession and then rattled the ball into the top corner. The eveningwas finished with me conducting the post match interview with Rangers’ manager Neil Kitching – it was good to be back, if briefly.
I will not be at a game over the Bank Holiday weekend as I will be trying to keep dry at Shrewsbury Folk Festival!
Weekendreview
Premier Division
Pride of place on Saturday has to go to Hereford. Three nil down after 13 minutes at Rocester, the Bulls came back and scored 4 in the last half an hour to take the points back to Edgar Street. At the top of the table, Highgate Uniteddropped their first points of the season having to settle for a point at fellow high flyers Long Eaton United. Stourport Swiftscontinue on the winning trail beating Bardon Hill3-0 away from home, Ben Maund on the score sheet again. AFC Wulfruniansalso have a 100% record beating Loughborough Universityat Castlecroft and they are joined in the top group by
Shepshed Dynamowho also maintained their 100% record with a narrow win at Brocton, Matt
Langham on target. League new boys Heanor Townhave a perfect record winning 4-1 at Coleshill Town. Boldmere St Michaelscontinue to struggle going down 3-0 atCoventry Sphinx. Alvechurchare gaining some momentum and were 4-1 winners at Dunkirk. Lye Townlost their 100% record with a 2-1 defeat at Walsall Woodwhile at the other end of the table Quorngot off the mark with a
2-1 win at Westfields. At the Aspray Arena, Sporting Khalsaeasedpast Continental Starwining 3-0.
Division 1
If it’s goals you are looking for, Division 1 is the place to be.Nuneaton Griffheading the scoring charts with a 9-1 win at Racing Club Warwick, Luke Shorthouse with a hat-trick. There were 10 goals at St Johns Park with Hinckleybeating Studley8-2, Marco Adaggio and Luke Richards with hat-tricks. Cadbury Athleticcontinue their good run of form with a 6-2 victory at Pelsall Villa. Two fancied sides met at Brownsfield Parkwith Lichfield Cityedging out Leicester Road3-2. At the top of the table, there is no stopping Coventry Unitedas they recorded their 5thwin out of 5. The Joshes, O’Grady and Blake, were on the scoresheet again as they beat Bolehall Swifts5-1 at Rene Road. Elsewhere, Atherstone Townbeat Pershore3-0;Southam Unitedwon the battle of the Saints beating Heather St Johns3-2 and Bromsgrove Sportingeased past Stafford Townat Evans Park winning 2-0.
Division 2
Alvis Sporting Club, Chelmsley Townand Sutton Unitedcontinue to lead the way with 100% records. Alviswon a tight game at DroitwichSpaby the odd goal in 5 while Sutton Unitedand Chelmsley Townhad 4-0 victories over Feckenhamand Earlswood Townrespectively. Attendance of the day was at Paget Rangerswhere a crowd of 91 witnessed a 1-1 draw with Coton Green.Austrey Rangersgot their first win of the campaign 4-1 away to FairfieldVilla. Elsewhere there were draws at Hamptonversus Barnt Green Spartakand for Rostance Edwardsat Knowle.
Division 3
FC Stratford, Barton Unitedand Enville Athleticall boast 100% records after the second week of the season. Stratfordtop the pile ongoal difference after a 5-0 win at home to Northfield Town. Enville Athleticare next after a thrilling 4-3 win at Badsey Rangers. Bartonneeded a stoppage time winner to beat league new boys Coventrians. There were 7 goals at Stratford Road, as visitorsShipston Excelsiorbeat hosts Alcester Town4-3 withtwo goals from Craig Robins. Inkberroware up and running after a 2-1 win at Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. Leamington Hibernianremain unbeatenafter a 3-2 win over Smithswood Firs.
Midweek Review
Premier Division
I don’t know what’s in the water at Edgar Street but Herefordwere again involved in a goal fest against Coleshill Town. Three goals inside the first 17 minutes was a sign of things to come as the free-scoring visitors warmed up for their FA Cup tie at Stafford Rangers with a stunning 5-4 victory. Dean Rathbone scored a hat-trick for Coleshill with strike duo John Mills and Pablo Heysham on target for the Bulls. Stourport Swiftssit proudly on top of the table, a 4-2 victory over Westfieldscame courtesy of a Ben Maund hat-trick. Quornwere the night’s biggest scorers putting 6 past Bardon Hillwho slipped to 19thin the table. Heanor Townstill have a 100% record but their game at
Loughborough Universitywas abandoned at half-time due to afloodlight failure. Previous leaders Highgate Unitedwere held to a draw by Sporting Khalsawhose equaliser came from the penalty spot, three minutes into stoppage time. Shepshed Dynamofailed to win for the first time this season following a goalless draw with Coventry Sphinx. Another 100% record to go was that of AFCWulfrunianswho were beaten by Boldmere St Michaels, Gurpal Singh Mandair with the only goal of the game. Alvechurchare on the march and a 2-1 victory over Lye Townmoves them up to 6th. Rocesterare still looking for their first points of the season as they lost 3-0 at Broctonwho got their season up and running thanks to a brace from Gary Fife. On Wednesday evening, Long Eaton Unitedmoved up to 3rdplace with a 2-0 win over Dunkirk. Bradley Wells and Tom Cooper-Richards got the goals for the home side.
Division 1
You can’t take your eyes off leaders Coventry Unitedwho made it 6 out of 6 with a 6-1 win over Atherstone Town. The double act of Josh O’Grady and Josh Blake both bagged a brace for United who have a 6 point cushion at the top of the table. Racing Club Warwickgave their manager a positive reaction to Saturday’s 9 goal defeat by winning4-1 at Pershore Town. Bromsgrove Sportingare unbeaten and up to 4thin the table following a 3-1 win over 2ndplaced Littleton. Bolehall Swiftsremain pointless following a 3-0 defeat at Leicester Road. Hinckley AFCwon the battle of the fancied sides atSt Johns Park beating Lichfield City2-0. Cadbury Athleticwere held to a draw by Coventry Copsewood; Heath Hayesedged the Staffordshire derby with Stafford Townthanks to a
Joe Pickering goal; Pilkington XXXwere amongst the goals with a 4-2 win at Pelsall Villawhile
Studleyshared the spoils with Southam United.On Wednesday, the goal machine that is NuneatonGriffwent one better than the weekend, beating Heather St Johns10-0. Luke Shorthouse followed up his Saturday hat-trick with four goals for Griff who are up to 2ndin the table.
WeekendPreview
FA CUP
Plenty of fixturesinthe preliminary round of the FA Cup and opportunities for giant killings. AFC Wulfrunianshost Romuluswho are mid table in the Evostik South. Shepshed Dynamowill fancy their chances at another Evostik side Carlton Townwho have lost their opening two home game
Coleshill Townhave a tough task as they travel to Evostik South favouritesStafford Rangers, the game being switched to Marston Road with the agreement of the FA. Dunkirkhost NCEL1 Bottesford Town and would expect to progress. Rocesterhave a Staffordshire derby travelling to Harrison Park to face Evostik South Leek Town. League form would indicate a home win but this is the FA Cup. Two Premier Division sides meet as Loughborough Universityentertain Long EatonUnited. Continental Starface a difficult trip to Evostik South Newcastle Townand will do well to bring them back to Dales Lane for a replay. Coventry Sphinxmake the short journey to Rugby Townand must have a good chance of causing a shock. Division 1 Cadbury Athletictravel to Premier Division Sporting Khalsaand this game could be filled with goals. Two in form sides meet at Walshes Meadow with Premier Division high flyers Stourport Swiftsand Alvechurchlocking horns. Westfieldswelcome Evostik South Kidsgrove Athletic to Allpay Park and will want to win at the first time of asking.An intriguing game at The Victoria ground as Division 1 heavyweights Bromsgrove SportingandHinckley AFCmeet. A replay and penalties wouldn’t be a surprise.
Premier Division
Only one game on Saturday as Broctonhost Bardon Hill. The Badgers got theirseason underway in midweek and will be looking to back that up against a Bardon hill side who themselves will want to bounce back from a 6-1 defeat at Quorn. Cup replays permitting, there is a full fixture list on Bank Holiday Monday. Leaders Stourport Swiftshost Coleshill Townin what promises to be an entertaining game. All eyes in the City of Hereford will be on Allpay Park where Westfieldswill host neighboursHerefordin an all-ticket sell out. At the top of the table, Alvechurchtake on Highgate Unitedat Lye Meadow while Shepshed Dynamotravel to Hillsfield to face Rocesterstill searching for their first league points of the season. Heanor Townwill be hoping to maintain their 100% records as they host Dunkirkwhilst AFC Wulfrunianswill expect to get back in winning ways when they face pointless Continental Starat Castlecroft. Loughborough Universitywill be looking to get their first points of the season when they travel to a Quornside that have won their last two after a slow start. Elsewhere, Broctonhave their 5thhome league game of the season against Long Eaton United; Boldmere St Michaelswill be looking for back to back wins when they face Walsall Wood; and Coventry Sphinxwill be favourites to beat Bardon Hillat Sphinx Drive.
Division 1
Leaders Coventry Unitedhave games at home to Pershore Townand away at Leicester Roadas they look to keep their winning start to life in Division 1 going. 3rdplaced Littletonhave two home games against Coventry Copsewoodand Pershore Townwith an opportunity to consolidate their excellent start to the season. Heather St Johnsand Racing Club Warwickmeet on Saturday and both will be hoping to get their season moving on the upward curve. Watch out for high scoring Nuneaton Griffas they entertain Pelsall Villaon Saturday and then travel to bottom club Bolehall Swiftson Monday. Struggling Stafford Towntravel to Pilkington XXXon Saturday before hosting Lichfield Cityin another Staffordshire derby on Monday. Atherstone Townhaven’t made the start to the season they would have hoped and they will be wanting to put that right with games at Studleyon Saturday and a t home to Coventry Copsewoodon Monday. Tenants face hosts at St Johns Park on Monday as Hinckley AFC‘host’ Heather St Johns; Unbeaten Bromsgrove Sportingtravel to Pilkington XXXon Monday; Heath Hayes, recovering well from relegation, are at home to Pelsall Villa; and Studleyhost Cadbury Athletic, the Chocolatemen fresh from their FA Cup exploits.
Division 2
A busy weekend in Division 2 with games on Saturday and Monday. Leaders Alvis Sporting Clubplay on Saturday only and travel to Earlswood Town, pointless after two games. The blank Monday offers Chelmsley Townthe chance to open up a gap if they can beat Paget Rangersat home on Saturday and then win at unbeaten Rostance Edwardson Monday. Sutton Unitedtake their 100% record to Droitwich Spaon Saturday which promises to be a stern test. Feckenhamare yet to score this season and they travel to Austrey Rangerson Saturday. 5thplaced Coton Greenentertain Knowleon Saturday and then travel to Hamptonon Monday which could be a close battle. Bottom of the table Fairfield Villahost Barnt Green Spartakon Saturday in what should be a tight game. Rostance Edwardshave thechance to put pressure on the sides above before that game on Monday when they welcome Hamptonto The Red Lion Ground on Saturday afternoon. Elsewhere on Monday, Barnt Green Spartakwelcome Droitwich Spato The Coppice while Knowleface Earlswood TownatThe Robins Nest.
Division 3
Lots of activity in Division 3 this weekend with most teams in action twice. Leaders FC Stratfordare one of the exceptions and the will have to wait until Monday when they face fellow high flyers Leamington Hibernian. 2ndplaced Enville Athletictake their 100% record on the road with trips to Redditch Boroughand Northfield Town. 3rdplace Barton Unitedare also on their travels with games at Leamington Hibernianand Burntwood Town. Burntwood Townplay their first game at their new home on Saturday when Coventriansare the visitors. AFC Solihullare looking for their first points in the MFL and they travel to Inkberrowand Badsey Rangersover the weekend. Boldmere Sports & Social Falconsare still to get off the mark this season and they host Perrywoodand Smithswood Firs. Elsewhere on Saturday, Alcester Townhost Badsey Rangersbefore travelling to Inkberrowon Monday; Shipston Excelsiortravel to Smithswood Firsbefore hosting Coventrianson Monday; and on Monday, Perrywoodwelcome Redditch Boroughto Neel Park. It is fair to say, that the league table will look a lot different after the weekend.