League News
Coleshill Town striker, Danico Johnson, has made a three league jump to sign for National North
Hednesford Town. The lad can’t stop scoring and managed to find the net on his debut at home to Nuneaton Town. Paget Rangers Football Club was originally formed in 1938 and currently plays in the Midland Football League 2nd Division. They are at the heart of the local community, based in Erdington, Birmingham and play home games from Church Road in Boldmere. Due to the withdrawal of a major sponsor they need to raise essential funds to ensure that the football club can continue, become self-sustainable and then go on to grow and prosper in the future. Already members of Glasgow Rangers Supporters Trust have rallied to the cause with donations. Coton Green are delighted to announce that Rob Masefield has been appointed as the new 1st team manager. Rob brings a wealth of managerial experience and football knowledge. Local to the Tamworth area, Rob has managed several teams bringing success and stability to Bolehall Swifts, Walsall Wood, Castle Vale and Heather St Johns. His enthusiasm, professionalism and desire to help the club move to the next level along with his excellent football CV made him the first choice candidate for the position. Final word on the Sporting Khalsa FA Cup run has to go to the press release released by them on Sunday, and included her in full.
“Although we weren’t quite able to bridge the gap of three leagues yesterday, there are a few
important reflections to be made now the smoke (ahem) has cleared.
First, to the visitors. A more fantastic, passionate and all-round brilliant bunch you really couldn’t wish to meet, from the playing and coaching staff to the fans and committee. We’d all heard the rumours and everything was true. That was our first defeat at home in any competition in more than a year and we imagine FCUM will know they’ve been in a game. It was a superb contest, played in the right spirit (just the one booking in a pretty competitive match) and we hope organisationally we did the visitors proud. As a club, Sporting Khalsa genuinely hope our paths cross again in the future and we wish you the very, very best in the next round of the competition and for the rest of the season. Please, please, don’t ever change.
Second, on behalf of the club, a huge thank you to our players and the coaching staff. The work that Rowey and his coaching staff do with his players, proudly wearing the badge of Sporting Khalsa, never ceases to amaze and inspire everybody involved at the club. Once again, the players went and battled against a really, really good side, lifted themselves when others might have given up and did themselves and the name Sporting Khalsa proud. There is so, so much more to come from these and we know Rowey will be picking them back up to go again as there’s everything still to play for this season.
Thirdly, to everyone who helped to prepare for the big occasion. At Sporting Khalsa our view is that what goes on on the pitch is down to players and staff, but what’s most important are the thing that keep the game alive, the supporters. That a lot of work went into organising the big day is no secret and there were many, many hours of volunteering graft that went into making the day the success it was. There are too many to mention, but a massive debt of gratitude to everyone who went above
and beyond to make the occasion so successful.
Fourthly, if you’re local and came to see the match and enjoyed yourself, don’t be a stranger! The food and drink is a standard and on a normal day the 442 Bar and Lounge is open, so keep an eye on our twitter and website. We’re actually at home on Tuesday night in another cup game. Go and have a look at our fixtures.
Fifth, we received so many good luck messages from around the world and it seems our story and history has captured the imagination. Thanks to everyone who took the time to wish us well. Make sure you follow our story, it’s only just begun!
But – and, in life there’s always a but, isn’t there? – we’re conscious of the fact that a small number of local troublemakers seemed determined to spoil the day for everyone. We’re pretty confident these people had to look up ‘Noose Lane’ on the school computer during the week in order to find us. Let’s be absolutely crystal clear, these people are nothing to do with Sporting Khalsa, they’re nothing to do with non-league football and are sadly just something society has to tolerate, whether
we like it or not. You would also think that if you go looking for fights, the pre-requisite is that you’re good at fighting. It seems not. We’ve co-operated with our friends at the police, they’re happy with the arrangements we put in place and will continue to co-operate. We desperately hope the actions of a few idiots didn’t take any enjoyment from FC United or any of the neutrals.
All in all, however, everyone at the club is delighted. So, to everybody who played a part in making yesterday such a success, we thank you.
One love,
Sporting Khalsa
P.S. Did we mention we have MORE games coming up?
Travels of the Press Officer
Saturday October 24th
Sporting Khalsa 1 FC United of Manchester 3
The 4th and final Qualifying round for this season’s FA Cup and the biggest game in their history for
Sporting Khalsa. Facing side 3 leagues above them and being the last remaining step 5 club left in the competition, meant the media spotlight would b e well and truly on a little corner of the Black Country. I arrived at the ground just after 1pm and it was clear that we were going to see a big crowd. To cater for the expected gate, Khalsa had created two fan zones with marquees at either side of the ground with the famous Sporting Khalsa curry on sale. With BBC and ITV cameras present, live radio commentary too, the officials must have been pinching themselves as to how far
they had come. When the game started, FC United flooded the midfield to give themselves a numerical advantage. Marvin Nisbett was a thorn in the side of the FCUM defence and keeper David Carnell had to react quickly, racing off his line to nick the ball away from the striker. FCUM took the lead in the 27th minute. A corner from their left taken by Liam Brownhill was headed home unmarked by Luke Ashworth. Greg Daniels could have added a second but his shot was well stopped by James Pemberton. Nisbett went close for Khalsa, his flick headed clear by Carnell, outside of his area with Craig Bannister’s follow up blocked. An excellent passing move by Khalsa ended with Nisbett’s creating space and seeing his shot blocked. FCUM cleared their lines and a mistake by
Mensah Kinch saw the ball reach Daniels and he lobbed it over Pemberton to double the FCUM lead. Just before the break a shot from Bannister was fumbled by Carnell but he grabbed it at the second attempt.
Khalsa continued to ask questions after the break and deservedly pulled a goal back through Tesfa Robinson who slid home from Bannister’s cross. It was now all Khalsa and Nisbett just failed to get
on the end of a header back across goal from Robinson. With 11 minutes left, Khalsa felt they should have been awarded a penalty as the ball clearly hit the hand of an FCUM defender in the area. With Khalsa piling forward, there were gaps at the back and FCUM increased their lead with 4 minutes left through Craig Lindfield following a quick break. Greaves could have added a fourth for FC United of Manchester but that would have been very harsh on Khalsa. Both sides were applauded off the park after what was an excellent FA Cup tie. On another day, this would have gone to a replay. Hat off to Sporting Khalsa on what has been achieved both on and off the pitch.
Tuesday October 27th
Brocton 1 Port Vale 3
First round of the Staffordshire Senior Cup and a chance for Brocton to face up to a young full-time professional outfit. After teaming rain, the pitch had a zip about it and the league side shocked Brocton by taking the lead after 27 seconds. A mistake by Ed Booth gave Tom Ashton a glorious chance and he gave Callum Barrett no chance. To their credit, Brocton didn’t let the goal affect them and they took the game to Port Vale, out passing their full-time opponents. Craig Holland made an excellent run in the middle of the park and saw his shot flash just wide of the post. At the other end, Barrett had to be alert to save well from Alex Morris. A quick free-kick from player-boss David Berks was handled in the area with the referee pointing to the spot. Dave Ablewhite despatched the penalty bring the Badgers level in the 24th minute. Brad Ede went close to re-establishing Vale’s lead but his shot rattled the upright. Brocton should have taken the lead in the 51st minute. Vale keeper
Ryan Boot went walkabout and with the goal at his mercy, leading scorer Gary Fife saw his shot
rebound off the bar. The ball fell to Ablewhite and with the goal at his mercy, he shot into the side-netting. Jonny Kapend had a good effort for Vale with Booth being forced to block his goalbound effort. Brocton again hit the woodwork when Kinsella’s shot cannoned off the bar. Vale went
straight down the other end and Barrett did well to foil Kapend. Unfortunately for the Badgers, Kapend was not to be denied and he tapped in at the far post in the 71st minute. Ten minutes later, the game was all over when Brain Barton finished well after excellent approach play by Port Vale. Ben Farrell should have reduced the deficit but shot straight at Boot as Port Vale progressed to the second round. An excellent game of football between two well matched sides. Vale were constantly in the ear of the officials and the referee did lose his patience in the second half. I worry for the professional game if academy players have this attitude.
Review
FA Cup
Sporting Khalsa’s cup run is over after bowing out of the competition at the hands of National North FC United of Manchester. Over 2,200 spectators packed into the Aspray Arena and saw the visitors take a 2 goal lead in the first half. Khalsa responded through Tesfa Robinson after half-time and at 2-1 a shock was on the cards. A controversial decision not to award Khalsa a penalty was compounded in the dying minutes by a third goal for FC United. When the final whistle went, both sides were applauded off the park and FC United know they have been in a battle.
Premier Division
The top four in the Premier Division all chalked up victories as the race for promotion hotted up.
Leaders Hereford needed two second half goals from Adam Page to see of the challenge of Quorn at
Edgar Street. 2nd placed Heanor Town had to come from behind to beat Stourport Swifts at Walshes
Meadow, Jay Cooper with the decisive goal. Third placed Alvechurch went goal crazy against basement boys Continental Star scoring eight without reply. Jordan Nadat helped himself to a first half hat-trick while Karl Edwards and Connor Deards helped themselves to a couple apiece. Highgate United were 1 down at the break at Bardon Hill but four second half goals including a double for Lei Brown sealed the points. Shepshed Dynamo capped an excellent week with a 6 goal battering of Coventry Sphinx at Sphinx Drive. Liam Read grabbed his second hat-trick in 4 days as Dynamo move up to 6th. Another side to have a good week are AFC Wulfrunians who won 4-1 at
Brocton with Jamie King scoring a brace. At the bottom Boldmere St Michaels moved up two places with a 3-2 win over second bottom Dunkirk. The Mikes took a 3-0 first half lead but were made to sweat as Dunkirk came back at them. Loughborough University made it 4 wins out of 5 with a 4-1 win over visitors Lye Town, Cameron Gordon with two. An equaliser two minutes from time from skipper Jamie Cuss gave Westfields a point at Long Eaton United. Coleshill Town left it even later against Walsall Wood, a goal from Luke Chapman two minutes into stoppage time enough to seal the points.
Division 1
We have new leaders of Division 1 as Nuneaton Griff now sit top of the pile. They climbed to the summit courtesy of a 4-0 win over Coventry Copsewood taking their remarkable scoring record to 61 in 14 league games. Leicester Road move up to the top 3 following a 4-1 win at basement side
Bolehall Swifts. Pilkington XXX are up to 5th leapfrogging their hosts Littleton after a 1-0 win. Game of the day was undoubtedly at St Johns Park as Hinckley AFC raced into a 3-0 half time lead over
Heath Hayes. The visitors responded in emphatic style with four goals from Daniel Scragg to win it late on. At the bottom two struggling sides met at Evans Park and it was visitors Pershore Town that took the points with a 1-0 win courtesy of Simeon Smith leaving Stafford Town one off the bottom. Heather St Johns took a 2-0 lead at Racing Club Warwick only to see the home side win it with a goal from Junior Bennett. Spencer Blackham scored the only goal of the game for Pelsall Villa at Southam United. Studley held Lichfield City to a 2-2 draw at the Beehive while Cadbury Athletic edged past Atherstone Town by 2 goals to 1.
Division 2
Alvis Sporting Club dropped their first league points of the season being held to a goalless draw at Fairfield Villa. This result enabled Chelmsley Town to open up a 6 point gap at the top of the table after they beat Feckenham 4-1 at The Pavilion, the prolific Chris Lloyd with a hat-trick. Rostance Edwards are flying high in 3rd place, a 4-0 win at Austrey Rangers with Johnny Griffiths on the mark with 2. A Macauley Finch double kept Droitwich Spa in the mix as they beat Paget Rangers 2-0. Bottom club Earlswood Town couldn’t add to their points tally as they lost 4-1 at home to Sutton
United. Hampton won the local bragging rights with a 2-1 victory at neighbours Knowle.
Division 3
A Matt Layton penalty gave Alcester Town all 3 points against visitors Redditch Borough who missed the chance to go top of the table. Northfield Town are just a point off top spot after a 4-1 win at AFC Solihull, Elliott Nash with a hat-trick. Leamington Hibernian are the division’s leading scorers and a point further back after a 6-1 win over Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons with doubles for Jack keeling and Sam Smith. Inkberrow are up to 6th after a 5-2 win over FC Stratford, Sean Parish with 2.
Burntwood Town moved up the table after a 2-0 win over Enville Athletic while Shipston Excelsior move up 2 after a 3-1 win at Perrywood.
Polymac Packaging League Cup
Hereford won the local derby against Westfields despite going a goal down inside 10 minutes. The Bulls came back and Pablo Heysham sealed the 4-1 win with an injury time double. The game was watched by a league cup record crowd of 1,797. Lye Town edged past AFC Wulfrunians at
Castlecroft courtesy of a solitary goal from Matt Johnson. Division 1 leaders Nuneaton Griff took the Premier Division scalp of Bardon Hill thanks to an Alex Naughton goal.
Presidents Cup
Barnt Green Spartak progressed to a home tie with Droitwich Spa after beating Coton Green 2-1
Challenge Vase
A comfortable win in the Vase for Smithswood Firs who beat Coventrians 5-0 at Mackadown
Stadium.
County Cups
Port Vale beat Brocton 3-1 at Silkmore Lane to progress in the Staffordshire Senior Cup. Alvechurch eased past Dudley Sports in the Worcestershire Senior Urn. The game between Highgate United and Stourport Swifts in the same competition went to penalties with victory ultimately to the Gate. In the Leicestershire Senior Cup, Division1 sides Leicester Road and Heather St Johns made progress, the latter needing penalties to beat Melton Mowbray. Paget Rangers hosted Pelsall Villa in the Fazeley Charity Cup and it was the visitors who got through winning by the odd goal in five. In the Walsall Senior Cup, Continental Star bowed out at Evostik South Romulus. Sporting Khalsa took 58 minutes to break the deadlock but eventually beat Bolehall Swifts 4-0 at Aspray Arena. Lichfield City were giantkillers beating Evostik South Chasetown thanks to a goal from Jonathan Huckfield. In the JW Hunt Cup, there was an excellent win under the lights for Rostance Edwards as they beat Wellington Amateurs 2-1 at The Red Lion.
Reserve Division
League leaders Coleshill Town were held to a draw away at Sutton United. This allowed Solihull Moors to close the gap with a 4-0 win at Continental Star. Gresley moved off the bottom with a 4-1 win over Brocton. Romulus are now the basement club losing 4-2 away at Lichfield City. Coventry United are in 3rd position following a 3-1 home win over Cadbury Athletic. In the Trophy, Rocester are through to the semi final beating Evesham United 5-1, Oliver Roome scoring four.
Under 21 Divisions
One league game in the North division where Newcastle Town went top after beating Heath Hayes 2-0 away from home. In the Challenge Bowl, there were wins for Stourport Swifts, Kings Heath Concorde, Bedworth United and Walsall Wood.
Weekend preview
FA Vase
This weekend sees the first round proper of the FA Vase with our sides just 8 games from a Wembley final. How about an all Midland Football League final and a day out for all? There are some interesting all MFL ties. Boldmere St Michaels welcome Division 1 pace setters Coventry United to the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground and the visitors will fancy their chances of an upset. Division 1 Bromsgrove Sporting travel to Premier Division struggles Dunkirk and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them progress. Hinckley AFC have had a good season in the FA Cup and it will be interesting to see whether they can upset Long Eaton United. There is an all Premier Division tie at Hillsfield and if the league encounter between the two sides is anything to go by, this could be a cracker. On that occasion Hereford came back from 3-0 down to beat Rocester and I’m sure the Romans will be after revenge. Westfields have an arduous journey to face Cleethorpes Town, who sit 5th in the Northern
Counties Eastern League (NCEL). Alvechurch also face a long trip to Wisbech Town of the United
Counties league. Plenty of our sides have winnable home ties. AFC Wulfrunians welcome Harrowby United (UCL) to Castlecroft and should progress. Coleshill Town face a side from Step 7 in the form of Hucknall Town. Coventry Sphinx are one step above their visitors Black Country Rangers but the WMRL side have already accounted for Stourport Swifts in the competition. In form Highgate United should be too strong for Radcliffe Olympic at The Coppice. Likewise, Loughborough University are in great form and this looks a step too far for their visitors, Uttoxeter Town. Quorn have an
intriguing tie at home to Clipstone Welfare and this could go either way. FA Cup heroes Sporting
Khalsa travel to Mansfield to face Shirebrook Town and expect Ian Rowe’s men to progress. Division 1 leaders Nuneaton Griff welcome Anstey Nomads to the Pingles Stadium, with recent results favouring a home win. A well balanced tie will take place at Townsend Meadow where Racing Club Warwick entertain WMRL Ellesmere Rangers.
Premier Division
Just two games in the Premier Division this weekend. Shepshed Dynamo have won four on the trot and could go 5th with a win at home to Stourport Swifts. Basement side Continental Star with only one win this season are going for a league double at Bardon Hill.
Division 1
Leicester Road can close the gap on the top two if they can beat Southam United. Pilkington XXX could move into the top three if they can win at a Heath Hayes side, themselves looking to move up the table. Littleton will move into the top 5 if they can win at Coventry Copsewood. Bottom side Bolehall Swifts will be encouraged by their performance at Sporting Khalsa in midweek but will need to be on form to take anything from Lichfield City. Atherstone Town will be looking to move
into the top half of the table if they can beat Studley at Sheepy Road.
Division 2
Alvis Sporting Club will want to get back to winning ways when they travel to Feckenham. Third placed Rostance Edwards are still very much in the hunt and will expect to beat inconsistent Paget Rangers at The Red Lion. Bottom club Earlswood Town have been involved in some tight matches of
late and will be looking to add to their solitary point away to Coton Green. Sutton United had a good win on the road last week and they will want to back that up at home to Austrey Rangers. Fairfield Villa became the first side to take points of Alvis Sporting Club last week and they travel to Knowle looking to build on that result.
Division 3
League leaders Smithswood Firs have a one point advantage at the top of the table and travel to
Enville Athletic who have a decent record at Hall Drive. Redditch Borough were surprisingly beaten last week and face a difficult game at home to 5th placed Barton United. There promises to be an excellent game at Shenley Lane when 3rd placed Northfield Town host 4th placed Leamington Hibernian. AFC Solihull are still searching for their first point of the season. They travel to 14th placed Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons who have lost their last 4 league games. Alcester Town beat 2nd placed Redditch Borough last week and travel to Coventrians knowing that a win will lift them over their hosts. Shipston Excelsior and Burntwood Town have been going quietly about their business in the middle of the table and there could be a tight encounter when they meet at London Road.
Reserve Division
Cadbury Athletic vs Solihull Moors (Trophy)
Coventry United vs Sutton United
Romulus vs Gresley
Brocton vs Coleshill Town
Under 21 Divisions
Bromsgrove Sporting vs H.O.W. Academy (U21S)
Kings Heath Concorde vs Heath Hayes (Bowl)
Leamington vs Basford United (Bowl)
Stourport Swifts vs West Midlands Football Academy (U21S)
Bedworth United vs Gornal Athletic (U21S)
Sutton Coldfield Town vs Walsall Wood (U21N)
Tipton Town vs Newcastle Town (Bowl)