League News
Pershore Town F.C. is pleased to announce, that following the resignation of Scott & Kevin Walsh and following interviews conducted last week, that Glen Brotherton has been appointed as first team manager. Glen has resigned from his assistant manager role at Littleton F.C. to return to Pershore Town F.C. where he was previously assistant manager to the first team and held management positions with the reserves. Back room appointments are to be announced in the near future. Glen started his spell in charge with a win over Nuneaton Griff.
Pershore Town F.C. is pleased to announce, that following the resignation of Scott & Kevin Walsh and following interviews conducted last week, that Glen Brotherton has been appointed as first team manager. Glen has resigned from his assistant manager role at Littleton F.C. to return to Pershore Town F.C. where he was previously assistant manager to the first team and held management positions with the reserves. Back room appointments are to be announced in the near future. Glen started his spell in charge with a win over Nuneaton Griff.
Southam United have also seen a change at the helm following last Saturday’s draw with Stafford Town. After the game Manager Quentin Townsend and Assistant Kim Casey resigned their positions. In accepting the resignations, Chairman Charles Hill was keen to go on record to thank both for their efforts on behalf of the Club. "Quent achieved a seventh place finish in the league in his first season in charge and two runners up spots in important cups. We enjoyed some good times together and his contribution in certain off field areas is also greatly appreciated. Kim only joined us this preseason but is a good man. We wish both of them well in their future endeavours."
Southam reacted quickly by appointing Lee Constable as manager. “We have an exciting period ahead of us in the lead up to our new ground and Lee brings considerable playing and coaching experience with good contacts in the local scene. He already makes considerable contributions to the Club not least in his role as organiser of our popular Annual Festival, universally acknowledged as one of the best around. Lee is a UEFA B coach and his new set up will see Hugh McCluskie, himself part way through his own B Licence course, take on an enhanced coaching role. Stu Floyd moves up from Assistant to the Manager position of the Academy Under 16's although Lee will continue to help out there as time permits.”
October 10th has been designated Non League Day and Bromsgrove Sporting are delighted that their home game with Pershore Town has been nominated by Non League Day as one of their 4 showpiece games. Bromsgrove are hoping to see a crowd in excess of 500 pack into the Victoria Ground. They will be running a Facebook and Twitter campaign at the following addresses - BromsgroveSportingFC @SportingFC
Any likes will be gratefully received.
Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 12th September
Sporting Khalsa 3 AFC Wulfrunians 2
An FA Cup 1st Qualifying round tie which drew my attention immediately the draw was made. With a guaranteed Premier Division side through to the 2nd qualifying round, and both teams in good form, a classic FA Cup tie was expected. We were not to be disappointed. There was a lively start with the home side screaming for a penalty after just 39 seconds when Marvin Nisbett went down under a challenge from Wulfs keeper Danny Tipton. The visitors were first to strike when Ben Jevons headed a Jake Sedgemore free-kick past James Pemberton. Khalsa came back after the break putting Wulfs under pressure without getting back on level terms. The game changed on a double substitution with the appearance of Craig Bannister and Michael Nelson. Bannister equalised in the 69th minute with a shot from outside the area and then made it two ten minutes later with a shot that took a deflection past Tipton, to send the Khalsa bench wild. In the 90th minute, Tipton was shown a red card after bringing down Simeon Townsend in the area. Bannister despatched the penalty for his hat-trick. With the home side celebrating, Kyle Brady made it interesting pulling a goal back for Wulfs but the home side had done enough to progress.
Tuesday 15th September
Brocton 3 Nuneaton Griff 5
With major traffic problems on the M6, a late change of plan saw me head to Silkmore Lane rather than to the Newcastle Town vs Coleshill Town FA Cup replay. With Nuneaton Griff being the league’s leading scorers, a Polymac Packing League Cup tie against Premier Division strugglers Brocton promised goals, and my, did we have goals. It took 22 minutes for the opening goal and it was a rare effort, Chris Sockett giving Griff the lead direct from a corner. Josh Wilson equalised, scoring at the second attempt, just before half-time to send the sides in at the break level. The pace and quality of the game continued in the second half and Brocton took the lead on the hour with a 25 yard rocket from Dominic Dell. The lead lasted a mere seven minutes – Griff leading scorer Luke Shorthouse with a fine finish. Back came Brocton and they retook the lead two minutes later through an Ed Booth header. There was no stopping and they equalised again When Josh Hake failed to hold Darren Eggleton’s effort. Griff’s fourth came with quarter of an hour remaining, Danny Edmond knocking the ball past Hake. Things got worse for the home side when Charlie Jones received two yellow cards within the space of two minutes thus reducing the home side to 9-men after losing defender Shaq Lee to injury after using all 3 subs. Brocton sub Jon Hodnett hit the bar with an audacious lob from the half way line before Edmond finished the scoring in the final minute – another mistake by the young keeper. This goal was Griff’s 49th of the season – talk about entertainment! This week, I will be at the Division 2 clash between Rostance Edwards and Alvis Sporting Club on Saturday and at games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Review
FA Cup
Another excellent FA Cup weekend for the Midland Football League. Pride of place goes to Hinckley AFC of Division 1 who saw off the challenge of Redditch United, some 62 places ahead of them in the non league pyramid. Their reward is an away tie with Chasetown. Dunkirk also beat higher ranked opposition, a 3-1 win at Belper Town earning them a trip to Stourbridge. Coleshill Town were giantkillers again. After knocking out EvoStik South league leaders Stafford Rangers in the previous round they faced the challenge of another Evostik South side in Newcastle Town. Simeon Colbourne bagged 2 and a last minute equaliser from rob Evans sent the game to a replay at the Aspire Stadium. Coleshill again triumphed on their travels with a 3-1 victory. They now face Step 3 Stamford at home. Sporting Khalsa saw off the challenge of AFC Wulfrunians at the Aspray Arena and now face last years MFL champions Basford United, who edged past Long Eaton United. Shepshed Dynamo took Evostik Premier Division Rushall Olympic to a replay but an Alex Reid hat-trick put the Pics through. Stourport Swifts took a 2-0 lead at Holbeach United before being pegged back and forced into a replay at Walshes Meadow. It was the visitors from Lincolnshire who took the honours. And extra time being enough to seal a home tie with Worcester City. Westfields couldn’t add to their FA Cup heroics as they succumbed to Barwell.
Premier Division
Heanor Town moved up to second in the table thanks to a Joe Naylor goal against Bardon Hill. Hereford are third after coming from behind to beat Boldmere St Michaels at Edgar Street, Pablo Heysham with the winner. Lye Town are up to fourth following a comfortable 2-0 win over Coventry Sphinx. At the bottom, Rocester picked up their first points of the season following a 2-1 win at Loughborough University, leaving the Students the only side without a point. Continental Star got off the mark with a point from a goalless draw with Quorn while Brocton grabbed an injury time equaliser against Walsall Wood.
Division 1
The top two in Division 1 were both beaten to shake up the league table. Coventry United lost their 100% record, going down 3-0 at home to Leicester Road. High scoring Nuneaton Griff lost 3-2 at a Pershore side under new management. Bromsgrove Sporting took full advantage to close the gap with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Heather St Johns. Pilkington XXX continued their good for with a 3-0 win at Studley. At the bottom, Bolehall Swifts remain point less after a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Heath Hayes, Joe Pickering with a brace. Stafford Town surrendered a 2 goal lead at Southam United while the Pelsall Villa resurgence continued with a 3-1 win at Cadbury Athletic. Two goals from Kyle Turner helped Atherstone Town to 3 points with a narrow victory at Racing Club Warwick.
Division 2
Chelmsley Town are top following a 2-0 win at Hampton, Chris Lloyd with both. Rostance Edwards are third after a 3-0 win at Fairfield Villa, Jordan Evans with a brace. Droitwich Spa had an emphatic 4-0 win at bottom placed Earlswood Town to cement a top four place. Mark Bellingham scored two of Paget Rangers’ four in their win over Feckenham, while Coton Green and Barnt Green Spartak won by the only goal in games at Sutton United and Knowle respectively
Division 3
Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons were the day’s high scorers beating Barton United 6-3. Smithswood Firs move up to second with a 5-1 win at Northfield Town. AFC Solihull are still searching for their first point going down 3-1 at Leamington Hibernian. Redditch Borough moved up the table with a 2-1 win at Coventrians but with 2 points separating the top seven, the league is too tight to call.
Les James Challenge Cup
2nd division Austrey Rangers beat Perrywood 7-0 with Benn Minshull bagging 4. In the other game Division 2 again triumphed over Division 3 as Alvis Sporting Club beat Enville Athletic 4-2.
Challenge Vase
Plenty of goals in the Challenge Vase with Alcester Town leading the way, 6-0 victors over Shipston Excelsior, Matthew Layton with a hat-trick. FC Stratford scored 5 away at Badsey Rangers to progress while Inkberrow edged home by the odd goal in five at home to Burntwood Town.
Polymac Packaging League Club
Plenty of interest in midweek in the League cup. Nuneaton Griff were the big winners, 5-3 away at Premier Division Brocton scoring their 49th goal of the season. Karl Edwards scored four for Alvechurch as they saw off Boldmere St Michaels 5-1. New signing Lewis Rankin scored two for Coventry Sphinx in a 4-1 win at Atherstone Town. Dunkirk followed up their FA Cup win with victory over Long Eaton United, Kieran Whalin with a double. A fantastic gate of 567 descended on Pershore Town as they hosted Hereford and it was the visitors that progressed thanks to a Nathan Hughes goal. Sporting Khalsa needed a goal 5 minutes from time to beat Heath Hayes, Ben Hadley with the all important goal. A remarkable comeback for Stafford Town at Evans Park as from 3-0 down they drew level only for Heanor Town to break their hearts with a stoppage time winner. Bromsgrove Sporting are through thanks to Sean Brain’s goal in the 86th minute against Studley. FA Cup heroes Hinckley AFC won again, this time Coventry United being the victims; 4-0 the scoreline.
Weekend preview
Premier Division
With leaders Long Eaton United without a game, Heanor Town can go top if they can win at Quorn. Quorn are unbeaten in four so this could go either way. Hereford could go level with Long Eaton United with a won over unbeaten Shepshed Dynamo in what is undoubtedly the match of the day. 4 th placed Lye Town have not been great on their travels and they face a difficult game at Highgate United. Stourport Swifts return to league action and would expect to win at Continental Star. AFC Wulfrunians have started well this season and travel to inconsistent Coventry Sphinx, themselves looking to push on. In form Alvechurch travel to Bardon Hill who have found their feet in the Midland league with some good recent results. Bottom of the table Loughborough University host FA Cup heroes Coleshill Town still searching for their first point of the season. Rocester and Westfields meet at Hillsfield with both clubs in need of a result to move away from the lower reaches of the table. Two sides with good FA Cup victories under their belt meet at the Aspray Arena as Dunkirk travel to Sporting Khalsa. At Oak Park, Walsall Wood entertain Boldmere St Michaels with both sides in unfamiliar territory in the bottom half of the table.
Division 1
League leaders Coventry United face a tough trip to Atherstone Town with the opportunity to extend their lead at the top. Two defeats in the last week have halted United’s fine start and it will be interesting to see how they react against the Adders. Game of the day in Division 1 is 5th placed Leicester Road against 4th placed Bromsgrove Sporting. A win for the unbeaten Rouslers would see them jump into second place. The bottom two meet at Evans Park with Stafford Town entertaining Bolehall Swifts. Something has to give in this one and it could be an interesting afternoon. Heather St Johns are having a tough season and they face mid table Heath Hayes at St Johns Park. Pelsall Villa have picked up 7 points from the last three games and they face high flying Lichfield City at The Bush. Elsewhere Pilkington XXX will hope to continue their recent run of results at home to Pershore Town; Racing Club Warwick could have a tough afternoon at home to FA Cup heroes Hinckley AFC; and Coventry Copsewood face Studley in a game near the foot of the table.
Division 2
Two unbeaten sides go head to head at the Red Lion Ground as 3rd placed Rostance Edwards welcome 100% Alvis Sporting Club, a win for either would see them go top. 4th placed Droitwich Spa will expect to keep the pressure on the leaders as they host Fairfield Villa. Mid table Austrey Rangers and Sutton United meet at Austrey Fields while Coton Green host Barnt Green Spartak, inconsistency being the watchword for both sides.
Division 3
Any one of 4 teams could head the table after this week’s round of matches. 2 nd placed Smithswood Firs meet 6th placed Barton United with current form favouring the home side. 3rd meets 4th in Stratford as FC Stratford host Redditch Borough. Leamington Hibernian could go top if results go their way and they travel to Shipston Excelsior. Elsewhere Coventrians play host to Badsey Rangers and Enville Athletic have their first home game of the season against Alcester Town.
Les James Challenge Cup
The highlight in the Challenge cup this weekend sees Division 3 leaders Inkberrow hosting Division 2 Hampton. Division 2 Feckenham host Division 3 Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons while there is an all 3rd Division clash between Burntwood Town and AFC Solihull.
Challenge Vase
Just one game in the Vase where Perrywood host Northfield Town in an all Division 3 clash.
Presidents Cup
Division 2 leaders Chelmsley Town host rock bottom Earlswood Town while Paget Rangers welcome Knowle to the Trevor brown Memorial Ground
Any likes will be gratefully received.
Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday 12th September
Sporting Khalsa 3 AFC Wulfrunians 2
An FA Cup 1st Qualifying round tie which drew my attention immediately the draw was made. With a guaranteed Premier Division side through to the 2nd qualifying round, and both teams in good form, a classic FA Cup tie was expected. We were not to be disappointed. There was a lively start with the home side screaming for a penalty after just 39 seconds when Marvin Nisbett went down under a challenge from Wulfs keeper Danny Tipton. The visitors were first to strike when Ben Jevons headed a Jake Sedgemore free-kick past James Pemberton. Khalsa came back after the break putting Wulfs under pressure without getting back on level terms. The game changed on a double substitution with the appearance of Craig Bannister and Michael Nelson. Bannister equalised in the 69th minute with a shot from outside the area and then made it two ten minutes later with a shot that took a deflection past Tipton, to send the Khalsa bench wild. In the 90th minute, Tipton was shown a red card after bringing down Simeon Townsend in the area. Bannister despatched the penalty for his hat-trick. With the home side celebrating, Kyle Brady made it interesting pulling a goal back for Wulfs but the home side had done enough to progress.
Tuesday 15th September
Brocton 3 Nuneaton Griff 5
With major traffic problems on the M6, a late change of plan saw me head to Silkmore Lane rather than to the Newcastle Town vs Coleshill Town FA Cup replay. With Nuneaton Griff being the league’s leading scorers, a Polymac Packing League Cup tie against Premier Division strugglers Brocton promised goals, and my, did we have goals. It took 22 minutes for the opening goal and it was a rare effort, Chris Sockett giving Griff the lead direct from a corner. Josh Wilson equalised, scoring at the second attempt, just before half-time to send the sides in at the break level. The pace and quality of the game continued in the second half and Brocton took the lead on the hour with a 25 yard rocket from Dominic Dell. The lead lasted a mere seven minutes – Griff leading scorer Luke Shorthouse with a fine finish. Back came Brocton and they retook the lead two minutes later through an Ed Booth header. There was no stopping and they equalised again When Josh Hake failed to hold Darren Eggleton’s effort. Griff’s fourth came with quarter of an hour remaining, Danny Edmond knocking the ball past Hake. Things got worse for the home side when Charlie Jones received two yellow cards within the space of two minutes thus reducing the home side to 9-men after losing defender Shaq Lee to injury after using all 3 subs. Brocton sub Jon Hodnett hit the bar with an audacious lob from the half way line before Edmond finished the scoring in the final minute – another mistake by the young keeper. This goal was Griff’s 49th of the season – talk about entertainment! This week, I will be at the Division 2 clash between Rostance Edwards and Alvis Sporting Club on Saturday and at games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Review
FA Cup
Another excellent FA Cup weekend for the Midland Football League. Pride of place goes to Hinckley AFC of Division 1 who saw off the challenge of Redditch United, some 62 places ahead of them in the non league pyramid. Their reward is an away tie with Chasetown. Dunkirk also beat higher ranked opposition, a 3-1 win at Belper Town earning them a trip to Stourbridge. Coleshill Town were giantkillers again. After knocking out EvoStik South league leaders Stafford Rangers in the previous round they faced the challenge of another Evostik South side in Newcastle Town. Simeon Colbourne bagged 2 and a last minute equaliser from rob Evans sent the game to a replay at the Aspire Stadium. Coleshill again triumphed on their travels with a 3-1 victory. They now face Step 3 Stamford at home. Sporting Khalsa saw off the challenge of AFC Wulfrunians at the Aspray Arena and now face last years MFL champions Basford United, who edged past Long Eaton United. Shepshed Dynamo took Evostik Premier Division Rushall Olympic to a replay but an Alex Reid hat-trick put the Pics through. Stourport Swifts took a 2-0 lead at Holbeach United before being pegged back and forced into a replay at Walshes Meadow. It was the visitors from Lincolnshire who took the honours. And extra time being enough to seal a home tie with Worcester City. Westfields couldn’t add to their FA Cup heroics as they succumbed to Barwell.
Premier Division
Heanor Town moved up to second in the table thanks to a Joe Naylor goal against Bardon Hill. Hereford are third after coming from behind to beat Boldmere St Michaels at Edgar Street, Pablo Heysham with the winner. Lye Town are up to fourth following a comfortable 2-0 win over Coventry Sphinx. At the bottom, Rocester picked up their first points of the season following a 2-1 win at Loughborough University, leaving the Students the only side without a point. Continental Star got off the mark with a point from a goalless draw with Quorn while Brocton grabbed an injury time equaliser against Walsall Wood.
Division 1
The top two in Division 1 were both beaten to shake up the league table. Coventry United lost their 100% record, going down 3-0 at home to Leicester Road. High scoring Nuneaton Griff lost 3-2 at a Pershore side under new management. Bromsgrove Sporting took full advantage to close the gap with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Heather St Johns. Pilkington XXX continued their good for with a 3-0 win at Studley. At the bottom, Bolehall Swifts remain point less after a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Heath Hayes, Joe Pickering with a brace. Stafford Town surrendered a 2 goal lead at Southam United while the Pelsall Villa resurgence continued with a 3-1 win at Cadbury Athletic. Two goals from Kyle Turner helped Atherstone Town to 3 points with a narrow victory at Racing Club Warwick.
Division 2
Chelmsley Town are top following a 2-0 win at Hampton, Chris Lloyd with both. Rostance Edwards are third after a 3-0 win at Fairfield Villa, Jordan Evans with a brace. Droitwich Spa had an emphatic 4-0 win at bottom placed Earlswood Town to cement a top four place. Mark Bellingham scored two of Paget Rangers’ four in their win over Feckenham, while Coton Green and Barnt Green Spartak won by the only goal in games at Sutton United and Knowle respectively
Division 3
Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons were the day’s high scorers beating Barton United 6-3. Smithswood Firs move up to second with a 5-1 win at Northfield Town. AFC Solihull are still searching for their first point going down 3-1 at Leamington Hibernian. Redditch Borough moved up the table with a 2-1 win at Coventrians but with 2 points separating the top seven, the league is too tight to call.
Les James Challenge Cup
2nd division Austrey Rangers beat Perrywood 7-0 with Benn Minshull bagging 4. In the other game Division 2 again triumphed over Division 3 as Alvis Sporting Club beat Enville Athletic 4-2.
Challenge Vase
Plenty of goals in the Challenge Vase with Alcester Town leading the way, 6-0 victors over Shipston Excelsior, Matthew Layton with a hat-trick. FC Stratford scored 5 away at Badsey Rangers to progress while Inkberrow edged home by the odd goal in five at home to Burntwood Town.
Polymac Packaging League Club
Plenty of interest in midweek in the League cup. Nuneaton Griff were the big winners, 5-3 away at Premier Division Brocton scoring their 49th goal of the season. Karl Edwards scored four for Alvechurch as they saw off Boldmere St Michaels 5-1. New signing Lewis Rankin scored two for Coventry Sphinx in a 4-1 win at Atherstone Town. Dunkirk followed up their FA Cup win with victory over Long Eaton United, Kieran Whalin with a double. A fantastic gate of 567 descended on Pershore Town as they hosted Hereford and it was the visitors that progressed thanks to a Nathan Hughes goal. Sporting Khalsa needed a goal 5 minutes from time to beat Heath Hayes, Ben Hadley with the all important goal. A remarkable comeback for Stafford Town at Evans Park as from 3-0 down they drew level only for Heanor Town to break their hearts with a stoppage time winner. Bromsgrove Sporting are through thanks to Sean Brain’s goal in the 86th minute against Studley. FA Cup heroes Hinckley AFC won again, this time Coventry United being the victims; 4-0 the scoreline.
Weekend preview
Premier Division
With leaders Long Eaton United without a game, Heanor Town can go top if they can win at Quorn. Quorn are unbeaten in four so this could go either way. Hereford could go level with Long Eaton United with a won over unbeaten Shepshed Dynamo in what is undoubtedly the match of the day. 4 th placed Lye Town have not been great on their travels and they face a difficult game at Highgate United. Stourport Swifts return to league action and would expect to win at Continental Star. AFC Wulfrunians have started well this season and travel to inconsistent Coventry Sphinx, themselves looking to push on. In form Alvechurch travel to Bardon Hill who have found their feet in the Midland league with some good recent results. Bottom of the table Loughborough University host FA Cup heroes Coleshill Town still searching for their first point of the season. Rocester and Westfields meet at Hillsfield with both clubs in need of a result to move away from the lower reaches of the table. Two sides with good FA Cup victories under their belt meet at the Aspray Arena as Dunkirk travel to Sporting Khalsa. At Oak Park, Walsall Wood entertain Boldmere St Michaels with both sides in unfamiliar territory in the bottom half of the table.
Division 1
League leaders Coventry United face a tough trip to Atherstone Town with the opportunity to extend their lead at the top. Two defeats in the last week have halted United’s fine start and it will be interesting to see how they react against the Adders. Game of the day in Division 1 is 5th placed Leicester Road against 4th placed Bromsgrove Sporting. A win for the unbeaten Rouslers would see them jump into second place. The bottom two meet at Evans Park with Stafford Town entertaining Bolehall Swifts. Something has to give in this one and it could be an interesting afternoon. Heather St Johns are having a tough season and they face mid table Heath Hayes at St Johns Park. Pelsall Villa have picked up 7 points from the last three games and they face high flying Lichfield City at The Bush. Elsewhere Pilkington XXX will hope to continue their recent run of results at home to Pershore Town; Racing Club Warwick could have a tough afternoon at home to FA Cup heroes Hinckley AFC; and Coventry Copsewood face Studley in a game near the foot of the table.
Division 2
Two unbeaten sides go head to head at the Red Lion Ground as 3rd placed Rostance Edwards welcome 100% Alvis Sporting Club, a win for either would see them go top. 4th placed Droitwich Spa will expect to keep the pressure on the leaders as they host Fairfield Villa. Mid table Austrey Rangers and Sutton United meet at Austrey Fields while Coton Green host Barnt Green Spartak, inconsistency being the watchword for both sides.
Division 3
Any one of 4 teams could head the table after this week’s round of matches. 2 nd placed Smithswood Firs meet 6th placed Barton United with current form favouring the home side. 3rd meets 4th in Stratford as FC Stratford host Redditch Borough. Leamington Hibernian could go top if results go their way and they travel to Shipston Excelsior. Elsewhere Coventrians play host to Badsey Rangers and Enville Athletic have their first home game of the season against Alcester Town.
Les James Challenge Cup
The highlight in the Challenge cup this weekend sees Division 3 leaders Inkberrow hosting Division 2 Hampton. Division 2 Feckenham host Division 3 Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons while there is an all 3rd Division clash between Burntwood Town and AFC Solihull.
Challenge Vase
Just one game in the Vase where Perrywood host Northfield Town in an all Division 3 clash.
Presidents Cup
Division 2 leaders Chelmsley Town host rock bottom Earlswood Town while Paget Rangers welcome Knowle to the Trevor brown Memorial Ground