17 December 05

Premier Division – Bedford Town maximised Salisbury City’s absence from the League programme on Saturday to go top of the table with a sound 3-1 win at Merthyr Tydfil. Rene Howe put the Eagles ahead in the 6th minute, but Garry Shephard equalised for the Martyrs on the half-hour. Christopher Dillon and Craig Rydeheard wrapped it up for the visitors with goals in the last ten minutes. Third placed Chippenham Town could only draw at Cirencester, 1-1. David Gilroy put the Bluebirds ahead by converting a penalty in the 52nd minute, but loan signing Mark Danks earned Ciren’ a valueable point in their battle against relegation by levelling in the 80th minute.

With new signing Martin Paul making his debut, after his transfer from Bath City, Mangotsfield United were shocked to find themselves trailing 3-0 against Rugby Town - and unable to do much about it. Rugby’s David Stone was running the show. After Delroy Gordon opened the visitors’ account, Stone set up Christopher Tullin and then scored one himself. Ross Casey plundered a consolation goal for Field just before the final whistle. Tiverton Town continued their rise up the table with an incredible 5-0 win at Aylesbury United.

Chesham United and Gloucester City are moving in opposite directions in the table. The Generals have conceded eleven goals in their last three matches, without scoring. Gloucester’s Luke Corbett scored the latest two against Chesham to help the Tigers to a 2-0 victory at The Meadow. Northwood are running through treacle at the moment. Just as new signings raise hope, Wood lost by the narrowest of margins against promotion chasing King’s Lynn. The Linnets’ Adam Smith scored the only goal of Saturday’s game at Northwood Park.

Division One East – Enfield Town inched their way to the top of the Eastern section table on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Barton Rovers. Rudi Hall put the Towners ahead in the 32nd minute but Paul Barnes equalised, and then put Barton ahead, within four second-half minutes. Hall, though, converted a penalty in seventy, and Bryan Hammatt secured victory with three minutes to go. With Boreham Wood and Corby Town fixtureless, Waltham Forest missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on the leading trio. Fourth placed Forest were held at home 2-2 by Arlesey Town.

Towards the foot of the table, Great Wakering Rovers leap-frogged Enfield by soundly beating their relegation rivals 6-1. Neil Richmond bagged four goals for Rovers. Berkhamsted Town’s home match against Sittingbourne fell victim to the frost, so Potters Bar Town had the opportunity to put daylight between themselves and the bottom club. But Wivenhoe Town, relegation candidates themselves earlier in the season, are now a team on the ‘up’. The Dragons won 2-1, with goals from Paul Hillier and Andreas Proske.

Division One West – Ashford Town (Middlesex) underlined their position at the top of the Western section with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Taunton Town on Saturday. And the Tangerines even gave the Peacocks a goal start, when Lee Passmore put through his own net. Passmore’s red face did not last long; Russell Canderton (2), Steven Battams (2) and Ryan Lake can to his, and Ashford’s, rescue. Willenhall Town moved into second spot when two Dean Perrow goals defeated Brackley Town. Clevedon Town slipped to third when Marlow completed a double over the former leaders of the Division. Jack Smillie delivered the winning blow in the 64th minute.

At the foot of the table, the bottom two – Thame United and Beaconsfield SYCOB – were both unemployed over the weekend. Stourport Swifts, on the other hand, lifted themselves three points above the relegation trapdoor with a resounding 5-1 win over Dunstable Town. The Bedfordshire side have now plummeted to 20th position, at the foot of three clubs on 19 points.

The errea Cup Third Round – Championship chasing Chippenham Town squeezed past Swindon Supermarine on Tuesday night, by the narrowest of margins. The Bluebirds set up a Fourth Round Tie against Team Bath with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Marine. Cirencester Town won the Gloucestershire derby against Gloucester City 4-2, to fix a trip to promotion chasing Salisbury City in Round 4. And Rushall Olympic won an away Tie at Banbury United or Halesowen Town, following their 2-0 win over Premier Division Rugby Town.

The FA Trophy First Round – Three Southern League clubs, one from each Division, survived the First Round proper of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Premier Division Salisbury City defeated Harlow Town from Division One East, 1-0. A Matthew Tubbs penalty in the 44th minute decided the encounter. Promotion hopefuls from Division One East, Boreham Wood, also won by a single goal. Wood defeated Divisional colleagues Leighton Town with a 67th minute goal by Christopher Watters. And Solihull Borough, who are currently towards the wrong end of Division One West, defeated the 2004 winners, Hednesford Town,
2-1. Peter Barry and David Pearson were the goal scorers.

Sadly, despite taking an early lead in their match with Tamworth (the 2003 Finalists), Halesowen Town lost 2-1. Uxbridge lost by the same score at home to Woking, and Barking & East Ham United lost by the odd goal in five at Weston-super-Mare.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) – Prolonged negotiations over the Club’s new Lease with Spelthorne Borough Council are hopefully nearing an end. The Club will be meeting the Council on 19 January when, hopefully, matters will be finalised and the Tangerines can look towards Stage 3 of their long term development plan. This will be the construction of new changing accommodation, which in turn will allow the bar area to be doubled in size, an improvement that is sorely needed: the club has outgrown its current facilities in this area.

Banbury United – Puritans’ goalkeeper, Simon Tricker, made his 150th consecutive League appearance at home to Team Bath on Saturday. In the same match Jody McKay completed his 600th senior appearance for Banbury. McKay already holds the Club’s appearance record. The match against Team Bath was also George Redknap’s 300th senior appearance.

Dartford - Since the days of Peter Taylor, when the Darts scored over 100 goals a season for four seasons, goals have been harder to come by. So James Carter’s treble against Enfield last Saturday was well received and the striker was rewarded by being made Darts’ Patrons’ Club Man of the Match, for the second time this season. Early research shows Carter’s hat-trick was the first for the Darts in competitive football since 8 March 1997! On that occasion Ricky Bennett scored three times in a 6-0 away win at Clevedon Town. Ironically, when Darts played Clevedon at home on 17 October 1996 defender Paul Hennessey scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory

Darts’ Player of the Year in 2004/05, Tostao Kwashi, finally arrived home in Zimbabwe after his coaching/playing exploits in Vietnam during the summer. But when he turned up at the airport to check in for his flight to England, to rejoin Darts, he had his ticket confiscated (the price was refunded) by immigration officials. It appears his Visa allows him entry to England for his graduation, which takes place in January. This set-back means the popular player will spend Christmas under the African sun. The saga of Tostao’s return is set to continue running.

Princes Park - Since the official ‘turning of the first sod’ ceremony in mid-November the bulldozers have moved onto the site of Darts new eco-friendly stadium project. Dartford Borough Council has installed a web-cam on the roof of the neighbouring Next Generation complex so supporters can monitor progress from the comfort of their own homes. Not much of interest has occurred so far, mainly ground levelling and earth-moving, but more interesting things are expected to happen early in the new year.

Darts, who appeared in three FA Trophy semi-finals in the 1980s, have just enjoyed their best run in the competition for nearly twenty years. This season’s run ended in a replay defeat at AFC Wimbledon. Prize money plus shared gate receipts have netted Darts around £13,000.

Hitchin Town – The Canaries have signed Northampton Town’s 20 years old midfelder, David Hicks, on temporary transfer for one month. The Enfield born player began his career as a scholar with Tottenham Hotspur. Since joining Northampton Town in February 2004 he has made one Football League appearance and two as a substitute for the Cobblers.

Rugby Town – Leading scorer David Stone has signed a contract that will keep him at Butlin Road for the next 30 months. Since signing for Rugby from Daventry Town in the summer, Stone has scored 11 goals in 19 matches.

Transfers:- Rytis Leliuga (Exeter City to Taunton Town [temporary]), James McGowen (Dartford to Chesham United), Martin Paul (Bath City to Mangotsfield United), Derek Payne (Hemel Hempstead Town to Chesham United), Nicholas Stanley (Cirencester Town to Chippenham Town), Lee Vickerman (Taunton Town to Yate Town).

10 December 05

Premier Division – With other results also going in their favour, Salisbury City romped back to the top of the Premier Division table with a 6-0 drubbing of Chesham United. Chesham’s recent results have seen an improvement on a disappointing start to the season, but on Saturday, the Eagles didn’t bargain for a Paul Sales hat-trick. Alexander Haddow and Matthew Tubbs (2) got the Whites’ other goals.

Chippenham Town also moved up the table, into second spot, following a narrow 2-1 win at Yate Town. David Gilroy and Alan Griffin netted for the Bluebirds before Darren Edwards pulled one back for Yate. Mangotsfield United slipped from first to third place following a 1-1 draw at King’s Lynn. But since the Linnets have been defeated only once at home this campaign, it was a good result for ‘Field. Bedford Town are now fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw at home against Cheshunt.

Bath City’s new signing from Brislington, Craig Davidge, made an immediate impact at Twerton Park. Just as the game against Grantham Town looked to be heading towards stalemate, Davidge made his debut as a substitute and with his first touch, set up Scott Partridge with the first of his brace of goals that decided the match. With Banbury United staying in touch with the leaders, following a goalles draw at Evesham United, the top five are covered by two points.

At the foot of the table Northwood narrowed the gap on the teams immediately above them by demolishing Halesowen Town 3-0. The next three teams, Cirencester Town, Cheshunt and Evesham all drew.

Division One East – Boreham Wood’s 3-1 defeat at Wivenhoe Town has eroded the leaders advantage over Corby Town to goal difference. Earl Sterling and Keith Martin scored for the Dragons before Darrell Cox reduced the arrears for the visitors in the 83rd minute. But instead of mounting a grandstand finish, Wood conceded a third, by Simon Thomas. Corby, meanwhile, were salvaging a point from a 2-2 draw at Berkhamsted Town. The Steelmen were twice in arrears, but their second equaliser came in the 88th minute. Barking & East Ham United’s thirteen game unbeaten run, in all competitions, came to an abrupt end at Enfield Town. Third place Town won 3-0.

As the season approached the halfway stage, Dartford are moving into a comfortable position behind the leaders. James Carter notched a hat-trick for the Darts in Saturday’s 4-2 success over Enfield. Elsewhere in the Eastern section a hat-trick by Darren Hay helped Arlesey Town harvest a 4-0 win over Potters Bar Town.

Division One West – Leaders Clevedon Town proved too strong for an injury hit Burnham on Saturday. Thomas Jacobs, Kye Holly and Jack Pitcher all scored in a 3-1 win at The Gore, although a Ryan Bird goal kept Burnham in touch until the 70th minute. Ashford Town (Middlesex), in second spot, also enjoyed a 3-1 away win. The score suggests Bromsgrove Rovers were never really ‘at the races’ as the Tangerines sprinted into a 3-0 lead by half-time, as Gavin Smith (2) and Scott Todd scored for the visitors. Bromsgrove’s only response was a Kevin Banner free kick in the 88th minute. Despite a brace by Paulton Rovers’ Daniel Cleverley, a pair by Gary Hay helped Willenhall Town reap a 3-2 win at Winterfield Road. Third placed Willenhall are a single point behind the leading two.

At the foot of the table Stourport Swifts moved above Beaconsfield SYCOB by winning 5-1 at Bracknell Town. And leading 4-2 in Sunday’s match against Hemel Hempstead Town, Thame United looked set to reduce their deficit at the bottom, with new signing Robert Eason (a central defender) having scored twice. Sadly for Thame, they conceded two late goals, one an own goal by Eason, as Hemel salvaged an unlikely point in a 4-4 draw.

The errea Cup Third Round – Mangotsfield United progressed to the last sixteen of the Errea Cup in midweek, at the expense of Merthyr Tydfil. The Martyrs were eclipsed 4-1.

The FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round – Halesowen Town lifted the complement of Southern League clubs remaining in the FA Trophy to eight on Tuesday evening, with a sound Replay victory over Sutton Coldfield Town. Simon Forsdick netted as half-time approached; Natham Lamey and Stephen Pope scored late in the second period. Halesowen entertain Tamworth in the First Round Proper.

Barking & East Ham United – Looking to equal their best performance in the FA Trophy, the Blues will be without Liam Baptiste and Joel Palmer for next Saturday’s First Round trip to Weston-super-Mare. Both are suspended for three games following their dismissal against Waltham Forest. Palmer faces a further suspension following his 2nd successive red card against Enfield Town on Saturday. Wayne Vaughan, John O’Sullivan, Jon Higgs and Gary Waters are nursing injuries, ahead of next Saturday’s game.

Bedworth United – The Greenbacks have signed 20 years old midfielder Nick Heath from Stratford Town. Sutton Coldfield born Heath was previously a professional with Kidderminster Harriers between 2002-2004. He made one Football League appearance.

Burnham – The Blues have entered a side in the Wycombe Senior Cup for the first time in many years. The competition is the oldest cup competed for in Berks & Bucks. The Final is held at The Causeway Stadium, Wycombe. Burnham are exempt until the Second Round, when they play Holmer Green at The Gore on 20 December.

On Saturday 17 December Burnham’s Wymers Road Ground will host the Berks & Bucks FA Youth representative side. B & B play Dorset FA youth in the South Western Counties Championship at 2pm. It is the second time in a few weeks the County FA has used the club’s new facilities. The County’s Ladies team recently hosted Middlesex Ladies.

Jon Horsted, Burnham’s influential defender, has been injured for the last three weeks. A specialist has now told him he needs surgery on a torn cartilage in his knee. To make matters worse, Horsted has also chipped a bone and damaged ligaments. He will have the operation on the 22 December.

Chippenham Town – The Bluebirds won ‘the most gallant losers award’ at the BBC West Sports Awards evening held last Sunday in Bristol. The evening was
sponsored by BBC Radio Swindon/Wiltshire. The award was for the team going ‘so close but so far’ twice in the last six months. Chippenham’s defeat in the
play-off final at the end of last season against Hednesford Town was followed by a superb run in this seasons FA Cup, which ended after a replay at Worcester City in the First Round Proper.

Dunstable Town – Former Luton Town forward, Liam George, has signed for Dunstable. The former Republic of Ireland Youth & u/21 International (4 caps) is returning after a long term injury. George scored 20 goals in 102 appearances for the Hatters before joining Bury where he scored once in 8 appearances (5 as a substitute).

Gloucester City – The Tigers have introduced some new commercial ventures, which are available as downloads from the official site at www.gloucestercityafc.com The new ½ season ticket, new restructured hospitality, match day and ball mascot packages have been introduced by new Chairman Stuart Pike. Gloucester City are hoping the new branding will be more of an incentive to local businesses, as the aim is to raise the club’s profile within the community.

Gloucester City's youth team and first team squad player, Michael Noakes, is hoping to gain a place in the 16-man English Colleges' football squad for the forthcoming Home Nations' Tournament. Noakes is a student at Hartpury College and he has reached the final 20. Noakes has recently returned from an injury sustained last season, just after making his debut for the first team.

Ilford - The London Football Association has considered Ilford's complaint against Redbridge Football Club, following the recent departure of the club’s Manager, Assistant Manager and six players to Redbridge FC. The LFA found Redbridge had a case to answer and a formal charge will be issued soon. It is understood a joint panel of London and Essex officials may hear the case. Failing that, The Football Association may hear the case.

Mangotsfield United – Exeter City are looking closely at ‘Field’s speedy winger, Luke Prince. The Grecians seem keen to take Prince on a week’s trial.

People were beginning to talk about the relationship between Southern League rivals Mangotsfield and Merthyr Tydfil. After the teams re-scheduled a League game postponed earlier in the season for 22 November, the pair were drawn to play one another in the errea Cup on 29 November. When the League fixture was abandoned because of fog, it was re-arranged for 6 December, effectively planning a third meeting between the clubs in three consecutive weeks! But it didn’t happen. The errea Cup Tie was postponed because of a frozen pitch and was slotted in on 6 December, therefore, replacing the re-scheduled League game. Meanwhile, Mango’s League encounter against Evesham United was also frozen off. Confused? That just reflects the life of a Fixtures Secretary at this time of year!

Northwood – Two very familiar names, Shipperley and Ferdinand, have joined the Woods. The brother of much travelled striker Neil Shipperley, 21-year-old defender James, has joined Northwood. He signed from Wealdstone, after he had missed much of the last two years with injury problems. Shipperley made his league debut in the surprise 1-0 win at Merthyr Tydfil, and the home team’s match reporter made
him Man of the Match.

18-year-old Aaron Ferdinand, son of former England forward Les, has also signed Southern League forms. Aaron has broken into Northwood’s first-team squad after some impressive performances in the Reserve Team’s front line. Co-incidentally, Aaron was set to make a possible debut for the Woods against Halesowen on Saturday - the side father Les played against in his last game for Southall, in the FA Vase Final in 1986.

Swindon Supermarine – Reg Baverstock, father of well known Southern League player & Manager, Ray, has passed away. Reg will be remembered for his services to Cirencester Town and more latterly at Swindon Supermarine. A service held last Friday saw several people from his clubs join others from local football to celebrate Reg’s life. Reg, and his wife Sylvia, were particularly well known for their warm welcome to visiting Directors. They will be missed. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Taunton Town – Peacocks’ Secretary Martin Dongworth was destined not to see a full game last weekend. On Friday fellow Taunton supporter, Martin Bamforth, called the Secretary to see if the evening match between Devizes Town and Odd Down was still on. Believing the game was on, the two Martins set out to a ground neither had visited for three years, enduring heavy rain for most of the journey. They arrived at the ground 15 minutes before kick off time to find the game had been postponed a few minutes earlier.

On Saturday morning the Peacocks game at Willenhall Town was postponed. Where could they go for their football fix?. A mad idea to go to Lewes was dismissed (just as well, the match at the Dripping Pan was also off). Their next idea was to venture to Alphington, near Exeter, for a Devon League match against Newton Abbot Spurs. The game was declared ‘on’ following a morning inspection but the rain failed to relent and the Match Referee called the game off just before kick off.

The two Martins hot footed it to Ottery St Mary for another Devon League fixture against Cullompton Rangers. The rain followed them, but the game got under way on a perfectly playable pitch. At half time the home side led 1-0 and the visitors were down to 10 men. But after another look at the pitch, the Referee called time. 264 miles travelled for 45 minutes of football!

Perhaps it was no co-incidence Ray Pratt, the former Merthyr Tydfil, Exeter City, Tiverton Town and Taunton Town striker, was also at the game. Ray recently left Cullompton after 13 years as Manager.

Waltham Forest – The Stags are hoping supporters will put a hold on late night Christmas shopping for one evening and will make their way to Wadham Lodge on Monday 19th December, where the club’s u/18 team will be playing West Bromwich Albion in the FA Youth Cup 3rd Round. Forest have already accounted for Billericay Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Leyton Orient and Yeovil Town in the competition, and their results must rank as one of the best giant killing efforts this level of the game has seen. Nearly all the boys are part of Waltham’s youth system, which has seen eight players graduate to the first team this season. The boys study at Barking Abbey during the day and train & play football with Waltham Forest. Professional clubs are watching all the lads. Fans are urged to see if Waltham can add the Baggies to their impressive list of scalps.

Transfers:- Duane Brewster (Enfield to Ilford), Daniel Clay (Exeter City to Tiverton Town [temporary]), Michael Cooper (Salisbury City to Taunton Town [temporary]), Mark Danks (Forest Green Rovers to Cirencester Town [temporary]), Lee Howells (Mangotsfield United to Clevedon Town), Matthew Judge (Northwood to Waltham Forest), Carl Kavanagh (Aylesbury United to Berkhampsted Town).

3 December 05

Premier Division – Goals by Christopher Dillon and Rene Howe earned Bedford Town three valuable points at promotion rivals Chippenham Town on Saturday. Whilst coming as a setback to the Bluebirds hopes, the victory lifted the Eagles into second place in the table, level on points with leaders Mangotsfield United, whose match at home to Evesham United was postponed.

Leaders for much of the season so far, Salisbury City, slipped into third place, after their third defeat of the campaign. The Whites lost 1-0 at Grantham Town. Banbury United joined Salisbury on 32 points after beating Cirencester Town 2-1. Ciren’ are second from bottom, four points ahead of Northwood, after the Middlesex club won 1-0 at Merthyr Tydfil, thanks to a Luke Garrard goal.

The thriller of the day must have been at Chesham United, where the home team led 3-0 with 17 minutes to go. Visitors Tiverton Town, however, salvaged a point by scoring three late goals.

Division One East – Two Leon Archer penalties guided Boreham Wood to a 2-0 win over Berkhamsted Town, enabling the Hertfordshire club to jump back to the top of the table, after last week’s leader, Corby Town, were held to a goalless draw at home to Uxbridge. Enfield Town leapt into third spot after winning 4-2 at Sittingbourne. Waltham Forest, third last week, drop one place after being held to a 1-1 draw at Barking & East Ham United. Arlesey Town crept into the top half of the table by winning 1-0 at Chatham Town. A goal by Ryan Nicholl won the game and halted, temporarily anyway, Chats’ charge towards the top.

At the bottom of the table Potters Bar Town opened a one point gap above Berkhamsted, when they gleaned a point from a 2-2 draw against Ilford. Richard Howard scored both the Scholars’ goals.

Division One West – With Clevedon Town’s game against Bedworth United postponed, Ashford Town (Middlesex) drew level with the League leaders by defeating Rushall Olympic 2-1. Rushall’s David Read gifted Ashford the lead when he put through his own net in the 41st minute. But Tyrone Barnett equalised for Olympic. Scott Todd, however, snatched victory for the Tangerines with a goal two minutes from time. Leaders at the end of last Saturday’s programme, Willenhall Town, had their match against Taunton Town postponed. As a consequence Willenhall slip to third.

At the foot of the table, second from bottom Stourport Swifts collected three precious points at basement club Thame United. Rory May, recently released by Sutton Coldfield Town, bagged a brace for Swifts in a 3-1 victoty.

The errea Cup Third Round – At the main point of entry of Premier Division clubs, into the Competition, six immediately lost their place.

Evesham United crashed by the biggest margin, 5-0, at home to regional Division side Bromsgrove Rovers. Matthew Barnes-Homer and Benjamin Porter each scored a brace for Rovers. Scott Hadland bagged the fifth. Another Regional Division team, Ashford Town (Middlesex), also defeated opposition from the Premier Division. Scott Todd scored twice in the Tangerines 2-1 defeat of Northwood.

The only consolation for the remaining four Premier clubs that lost their places; colleague clubs from the Premier beat them. Salisbury City’s victory over Aylesbury United was the most convincing of these. The Ducks were plucked from the League Cup 3-0, with Robert Matthews bagging a brace for the Whites. Last season’s losing finalists, King’s Lynn, showed Division One East promotion hopefuls what life in the Premier Division might be all about. The Linnets unceremoniously dumped the Steelmen out of the Cup 5-0.

Elsewhere in the competition, Chatham Town and Potters Bar Town enjoyed 4-1 away wins at Wivenhoe Town and Hemel Hempstead Town, respectively.

FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round Replays – A 28th minute goal by Kevin Swift pulled off an excellent victory for Uxbridge at Sutton United on Tuesday evening. And Leighton Town’s Mark Burfoot went one better on Wednesday by netting both his club’s goals in a fine win at Eastleigh. Sadly, Dartford were unable to make it a Southern League hat-trick, when they leaked two goals in the last three minutes of their replay at AFC Wimbledon. Halesowen Town’s Tie against Sutton Coldfield Town fell victim to Tuesday afternoon’s snowfall.

Aylesbury United – The Ducks’ match against Merthyr Tydfil on 20 December carries great significance to the home team as Aylesbury United FC is allowing the local newspaper , The Bucks Herald , to hold an event in order to raise money for Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s Special Baby Care Unit. The evening will consist of a draw where for £1.00 a person can win a car. The car in question is a Ford Fiesta, which has been renovated on the principle of the Sky television programme “Pimp My Ride”. It has undergone a complete overhaul, which includes a full re-spray in electric blue , new wheels and tyres , stainless steel exhaust , professionally fitted audio system , Blue tooth phone system and DVD player , parking sensors along with speed camera warning alarm.

The basis of the night’s promotion will be, Aylesbury United will donate money to The Special Baby Unit based on the attendance at the match. For every paying spectator from 200 to 499 Aylesbury United will donate £1 per paying spectator to the S.B.C.U. If the attendance exceeds 500 then Aylesbury United will donate £2 per paying spectator. Should the crowd exceed 1000 then for every adult paying £8.00, Aylesbury United will donate £3 and for every concession at £4 the club will donate £2.00.

So the bigger the crowd to support the game on the 20th December then the bigger the donation to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and someone could drive away in a Sporty looking Ford Fiesta adorned with gadgets galore.

Boreham Wood – Defender Denis Paratusic and the club have mutually agreed to cancel the player’s contract. Paratusic has just returned to Meadow Park having spent four weeks on loan at Enfield.

Dunstable Town – Luton Town’s 17 years old forward, Matthew Kenneford, has signed for Dunstable on work experience.

Grantham Town – Notts. County’s 18 years old midfielder, Chris Rhodes, has signed for the Gingerbreads on work experience. Rhodes has already time this season with Rugby Town.

Swindon Supermarine – Supermarine’s man from the land of the ‘Bullet Train’, Ryo Matsunaga, has just spent two weeks visiting his hometown of Tokyo. Well, it diden’t take long for Ryo to acclimatise himself once again to what British travellers have to suffer every day.Having arrived back in the UK Ryo was on course to play for Swindon in last Tuesday’s Errea Cup Tie against Chippenham Town, until that is, he boarded a train! Instead of heading straight for Chippenham, his train was diverted to Reading. But that’s not all. When it arrived at Chippenham it passed straight through the station, leaving Secretary Judi Moore helpless in the car park. Welcome back Ryo! At least you didn’t miss the match. Our weather saw to that.

Uxbridge - When the Reds won 1-0 at Sutton United, thanks to John Swift’s first half volley, they equalled their best ever run in the FA’s Premier non-Football League national cup competition: a statistic that has survived since the 1988/89 season. Over the two matches against Sutton, Uxbridge played exceptionally well, particularly in the home tie, where they would have won convincingly but for an outstanding performance by Sutton custodian Phil Wilson. Wilson’s saves kept Sutton within range of Uxbridge, when an equaliser in time added on forced a replay.

In the replay at Gander Green Lane goalkeeper John Peacock and his defence were outstanding. And Mick Swaysland would have added to John Swift’s goal had he not been denied by the woodwork. Uxbridge will now entertain Woking in the First Round Proper on 17th December.

In the League Uxbridge have had a disappointing season, so far, after reaching the play-off finals in Division One East last term. But one area they have impressed is with the loyalty of their players and staff. Manager George Talbot is in his 15th season with the club, the last 14 as Manager, being in charge of well over 800 first team matches. Assistant Manager Sean Dawson made 615 appearances between the sticks for the club, and is still registered as a player in case of emergencies. Player/Coach Mark Gill completed his 500th appearance for the Reds against Enfield Town early this season. He has scored 145 goals. Jamie Cleary is nearing his 540th appearance, Gavin Bamford has made 525, and elder brother Stuart Bamford is approaching the 390 appearances. Lee Tunnell is nearing 285 appearances and Mark Weedon is close to 275, while John Swift is nearing the 200 mark. Five other current players have all made well in excess of 100 appearances during their time at Honeycroft - impressive figures in these days of such ‘freedom of movement’ amongst players.

Transfers:- Paul Aldridge (Chesham United to Hemel Hempstead Town), Robert Bixby (Northwood to Chesham United), Shaun Byrne (Chesham United to Burnham), James Conmstable (Chippenham Town to Walsall [temporary]), Matthew Corbould (Chesham United to Boreham Wood), Matthew Denton (Taunton Town to Team Bath), Alan Foster (Chesham United to Banbury United), Jeff Hammond (Enfield to Ilford), Christopher Holland (Bath City to Weston-super-Mare [temporary]), Alfred Kamara (Hemel Hempstead Town to Chesham United), Paul Kelly (Northwood to Hemel Hempstead Town), John Lawford (Chesham United to Aylesbury United), Dean O’Neill (Harlow Town to Great Wakering Rovers), Andrew Purcell (Enfield Town to Aveley), Ben Steane (Halesowen Town to Brackley Town), Alex Sykes (Bath City to Gloucester City [temporary]), Liam Watson (Beaconsfield SYCOB to Northwood).