29 October 05

PREMIER DIVISION – Salisbury City maintained their four point advantage at the top of the Premier Division. The Whites also sustained their 100% home record when defeating King’s Lynn 1-0. Matthew Tubbs was the match winner, converting a 76th minute penalty. Chippenham Town moved into second spot by beating Merthyr Tydfil 2-1 in midweek and Rugby Town 4-0 on Saturday. Mangotsfield United lost a fraction of ground on the leaders when they were held at home 1-1 by Tiverton Town on Saturday, after winning by the odd goal in nine against Gloucester City last Tuesday. Bedford Town also suffered a minor setback at the weekend. The Eagles were also held 1-1 at home, against Team Bath. An 89th minute goal by Andrew Phillips snatched a point from the jaws of defeat.

At the bottom of the table, after a 3-1 reverse at Chesham United on Tuesday, Northwood won 1-0 at Banbury United. A goal by Alistair Heselton gave ‘Wood their first away victory of the season.

DIVISION ONE EAST – Two 1-0 home wins by Corby Town, against Rothwell Town and Wingate & Finchley, enabled the Steelmen to reduce Boreham Wood’s lead at the top of the table. Corby are now five points behind Boreham, but with a game in hand. After a comfortable 4-1 win at Ilford on Wednesday, Boreham Wood could only manage a 1-1 draw at Potters Bar Town on Saturday. After a 78th minute goal by Andrew Martin, the Scholars came within nine minutes of being the first team this season to prevent ‘Wood scoring. But Christopher Bangura broke the Potters grip on the game. Waltham Forest are third following a 1-0 win at Uxbridge on Tuesday, courtesey of a Wesley Thomas goal, and a 2-0 victory at Berkhamsted Town on Saturday. Didier Batunga and Matthew Judge sentenced Berko to defeat, and bottom place in the table.

DIVISION ONE WEST – While former leaders Ashford Town (Middlesex) were being held to a 2-2 draw at Sutton Coldfield, Clevedon Town opened a three point gap at the top of the table by defeating Stourport Swifts 3-1. The Tangerines had won soundly in midweek, 4-1 at Leighton Town. Clevedon, meanwhile, were crushing Solihull Borough 4-0. Jack Pitcher scored on both games, to help keep his side in top gear. But Ashford have a game in hand. Third place Swindon Supermarine also scored four on Tuesday. Marine disposed of Sutton Coldfield 4-2. On Saturday a single goal by Jeremy Newton was enough to beat Bromsgrove Rovers.

At the bottom of the table Thame United won their second away game of the season. After a 4-2 reverse at Dunstable Town in midweek, Thame won at Leighton 2-1. The three points lifts them level with Stourport on seven. But they are five points adrift of Bracknell Town.

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING REPLAYS – Despite falling behind to a 20th minute goal by Canvey Island’s Kezie Ibe, Burnham recovered to take their place in the First Round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.Yashwa Romeo notched just before half-time and Adam Logie converted a penalty in the last minute.

Sadly, Tiverton Town were unable to join Burnham, Chippenham Town and Merthyr Tydfil in Saturday’s First Round. Tivvy lost to an 88th minute goal by Nuneaton Borough’s Quailey.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) – After two impressive displays in the Reserve team, the Tangerines have invited goalkeeper Scott Chalmers-Stevens to sign Southern League forms. 19 years old Chalmers-Stevens has represented Kent Schools, and has also spent time with Mansfield Town and last season as a professional with Rushden & Diamonds.

BEACONSFIELD SYCOB – First team goalkeeper Liam Watson has been transfer list. The 20-year-old former England youth international, who served his professional apprenticeship with Watford prior to helping the Rams win League & League Cup success in 2003/4, is now available for a nominal fee. Interested parties should contact club secretary Robin Woolman on 01753-853607 or e-mail robin.woolman@btopenworld.com

BEDFORD TOWN – Former Peterborough United midfielder, Mark Coulson, has moved from Dunstable Town to Bedford Town. In three seasons as a professional with the Posh, the Huntingdon born player made seven Football League appearances – all last season.

BRACKLEY TOWN – In the recent 2-1 victory over Marlow, Brackley Town custodian Richard Knight made his 5th penalty save of the season. Knight has been beaten only once from the spot so far. It is certainly a club record, and one which ‘keepers at any level would be proud. Robbie Beard has returned to Brackley after a brief sojourn at Redditch United. After one start and another on the bench Beard decided it was not to his liking and has returned to the South Northamptonshire club.

With the club’s squad being wafer-thin at the moment, Manager Mike Ford (39) has been rolling back the years with some vintage performances in midfield. With 486 Football League appearances for Cardiff City and Oxford United under his belt, his experience has been instrumental in his team’s recent run of form.

BURNHAM – 23 years old forward, Aaron Lennon, has agreed to the cancellation of his contract with Burnham. The Blues forthcoming FA Cup First Round Tie against Aldershot Town is all-ticket and the kick-off has been brought forward to 1.00pm.

CHESHAM UNITED – Manager Steve Bateman resigned after last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Yate Town. The reverse left the Generals just four points above the relegation zone having won only three of their thirteen League outings so far this season. Chesham have also been knocked out of the FA Cup & FA Trophy, at the point of entry in both competitions, by First Division opposition.

CORBY TOWN – Just over three weeks later than expected, The Steelmen returned to the Rockingham Triangle on Tuesday following completion on work to re-lay the athletic track that surrounds the football pitch. The return to the club’s customary home venue, for the first time this season, co-incided with the visit of local rivals Rothwell Town. Supporters, believed unwilling to travel to the club’s temporary home venue at Kettering, returned in considerable numbers. An Eastern section ‘high’ for the season, of 408, watched the match.

EVESHAM UNITED – Just a few days after Robert Taylor’s contract with Solihull Borough was cancelled by mutual consent, the 20 years old midfielder signed for Evesham United.

GRANTHAM TOWN – Work has been completed on improvements at the Gingerbreads’ South Kesteven Stadium, costing in the region of £140,000.The project has been funded by a joint venture between the club, the stadium owners (South Kesteven District Council) and the Football Foundation. The work has centred largely around improved facilities for supporters with a disability. A lift has been installed giving access to the upstairs social club and to the upper tier of the main stand. Areas have also been created in the upper tier of the stand for the disabled and ‘shields’ have been constructed on the ends of the stand to protect spectators from the elements. In addition, a new first aid room has been provided for the public; a protective cage has been installed between the dressing rooms and the pitch; a new toilet constructed adjacent to the boardroom; new dugouts provided and a new pitch irrigation system has been installed. As part of a totally separate project, involving the town’s athletic club who also use the stadium, the running track has also been re furbished.

GREAT WAKERING ROVERS – Secretary Roger Sampson is celebrating 25 years in the club’s major administrative role. Having cut his administrative teeth on his employer’s team, The Fire Brigade, Roger took over the Treasurer’s job with GWR before being appointed Secretary in November 1980. He has overseen the club’s development and successive promotions through the Southend & District League, the Essex Intermediate & Senior Leagues, the Isthmian League to the Southern League. Throughout all the traumas of a Secretary’s life, Roger’s biggest surprise (or shock) was reserved for his domestic being. Returning from holiday in 1999 Roger found his house had been destroyed by fire, the very thing he has spent a working career, fighting.

Roger, now 62 years old, began his allegiance to Great Wakering Rovers as a player in September 1957. He will soon be celebrating 50 years service to the club. In the meantime, club Officials are planning a special Dinner to mark 25 years as Secretary. On the same theme, but just a little behind, Danny Pitts recently received a signed certificate to mark his 100th appearance in the club’s first team.

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN – Former Oxford United forward, Jefferson Louis, is a target for Hemel. Louis began his career with Thame United. He joined Oxford in 2001 and scored 8 goals in 56 appearances during four seasons. After a spell with Forest Green Rovers he signed for Bristol Rovers and made one appearance for the Pirates last season.

RUGBY TOWN – Christopher Rhodes, an 18 years old scholar with Notts County, has been given permission to play for Rugby on work experience. Rhodes is a midfielder.

SITTINGBOURNE – The Brickies President, Jim Clarke, passed away last Friday (21 October) after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. Jim was a very popular person in Kent football, always busy raising money for his club and attending to visitors in the Boardroom. Jim was in his early seventies.

SWINDON SUPERMARINE – Marine have arranged to play a friendly match at home to Forest Green Rovers on Friday 4 November, k.o. 7.00pm

TRANSFERS:- Paul Catlin (Marlow to Beaconsfield SYCOB), Mark Coulson (Dunstable Town to Bedford Town), Tristan Heywood (Hemel Hempstead Town to Beaconsfield SYCOB), Avun Jephcott (Rugby Town to Solihull Borough), Richard Kear (Gloucester City to Cinderford Town), Michael Lenahan (Aveley to Barking & East Ham United), Carl McCluskey (Hemel Hempstead Town to Leighton Town), Rory McFarlane (Rushall Olympic to Stourport Swifts), Dean Nyman Enfield Town to Ilford), Kevin Randall Hemel Hempstead Town to Leighton Town) and Shaun Wimble (Cirencester Town to Swindon Supermarine).

SOMERSET PREMIER CUP

The Second Round Draw of the Somerset Premier Cup has pitched Team Bath against Odd Down; Bath City at Bishop Sutton; Clevedon Town at home to Brislington; Taunton Town at home to Bristol Manor Farm and Mangotsfield United at home to Frome Town.

22 October 05

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – Salisbury City’s 3-0 win over Rugby Town, assisted by a Paul Sales brace, enabled the Whites to stretch their lead at the top to four points, as rivals Bedford Town were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation threatened Evesham United. King’s Lynn strengthened their place on the leader board with a 4-2 win over Team Bath. Jack Defty notched twice for the Linnets. Jake Reid scored both the Students’ goals.

Dean Clark scored twice for bottom club Northwood, and new signing Alistair Heselton added a third. But Woods’ defence continued to leak goals (31 in 12 League games) and Mangotsfield United won 5-3.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – Boreham Wood’s 3-0 win over Chatham Town gives them a seven point advantage at the top of the Eastern section. Corby Town’s 1-0 win at fellow challengers Enfield Town keeps the Steelmen in second spot, whilst four goals by Waltham Forests’ Wesley Thomas has lifted Forest into third place.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Leaders Ashford Town (Middlesex) were held at home to a 1-1 draw by Dunstable Town, enabling Clevedon Town to take over at the top following their 2-0 win at Bracknell Town. Swindon Supermarine sustained their forage towards the top with a 3-1 win at Beaconsfield SYCOB. Matthew Pratley and Ryo Matsunaga got the goals. Amongst the chasing pack, Hemel Hempstead defeated Willenhall Town 3-2. Anthony Thomas (2) and Keith Newby scored for Hemel; Dean Perrow scored twice for Willenhall.

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND – Chippenham Town and Merthyr Tydfil are definitely in the First Round of this season’s FA Cup. Burnham and Tiverton Town will contest replays. Aylesbuey United, Bromsgrove Rovers and Cirencester Town all lost their places. A goal by Chippenham’s Iain Harvey seven minutes from time defeated Basingstoke Town. Merthyr’s Michael Fowler and Craig Steins scored either side of half-time to knock-out Farnborough Town. Tiverton Town held Nuneaton Borough to a goalless draw. And Burnham’s Matthew Miller equalised a Kezie Ibe goal at Canvey Island, in front of the day’s smallest Cup crowd, 361.

FA TROPHY FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAYS – Eleven ties; eleven winners. Tuesday proved to be a good evening for the majority of Southern League clubs, although sadly seven of the successes were at the expense of colleague clubs. After Dunstable Town’s traumatic journey to the west country led to a late start at Bath City, the Bedfordshire side eventually found their feet and held the Romans in the second period of the match. But the trip had taken its affect on the visitors in the first period, when Bath City ran in all five of their goals.

Banbury United and Brackley Town met for the fourth time in Cup competitions this season. Having drawn an FA Cup encounter last month, the Puritans won the replay. Recent history repeated itself in the FA Trophy when Banbury once again progressed, by a three goal margin, following a tie at Brackley on Saturday. Grantham Town also won by three goals against Bamber Bridge. The Gingerbreads 3-0 victory has set up another local derby against neighbours Lincoln United.

Barking & East Ham United and Corby Town both progressed 2-0, against Dulwich Hamlet and Hastings United, respectively. And Dart beat their Kent rivals Dover Athletic 3-2. Perhaps predictably, Chippenham Town overcame the challenge from Cinderford Town, 3-1. But Salisbury City needed extra-time to dispose of their First Division opponents, Paulton Rovers, by the same score. Halesowen Town also required overtime, eventually fending off First Division Willenhall Town 3-2. But despite falling behind in the 31st minute, visiting Tiverton Town defeated Mangotsfield United in normal time, 2-1. Hemel Hempstead also won ‘on the road’, 1-0 at Swindon Supermarine.

Sadly, Aveley failed on Wednesday to make it a ‘full-house’ when they lost 1-0 at home to Kingstonian.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) – Ever since its formation, Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC has enjoyed great loyalty from many players. In the current 1st team squad seven players have recorded over 100 appearances for the Tangerines. Leading the way is goalkeeper Paul Burgess, who joined Ashford in 1990 when they had just entered the Combined Counties League. Paul currently has 534 appearances to his name. Another player from the CCL days, Anthony Eggington, is on 340, and next is Vinnie O’Sullivan, with 301 matches behind him, despite being onoly 23 years old. Andy Frost is not far behind on 287, followed by Scott Todd on 161 and Russell Canderton on 156. The latest player to hit the 100 mark, ‘keeper Tony Wells, is now on 101. Tony would have recorded many more appearances but for the presence of Paul Burgess. The general feeling in the Club being, there is little to choose between them. In fact, Wells currently holds the 1st Team jersey, following an injury sustained by Burgess, which has kept him on the bench in recent weeks. The next player due to celebrate 100 games is Adam Foulser, currently on 93.

The player situation has been mirrored at managerial level. The Club has had only four managers since entering senior football in 1990. Mick Snowden, now back running the Reserves, was at the helm in those days. Dave Kent then took over, followed by Nathan Wharf, who is also still with the Club, and now Mark Butler. Although not designed as a deliberate policy, every appointment has come from within the Club.

BEACONSFIELD SYCOB – Simon Delahunty’s appointment as Caretaker Manager, following the departure of Colin Barnes, has now been made permanent. It is Mr. Delhunty’s second spell with the club. In his first spell with the club Delahunty led the Rams to their first League Championship, the Spartan South Midlands League. Delahunty opened his second spell with a well earned point from a goalless draw at Solihull Borough.

BOREHAM WOOD – Wood have signed Darrell Cox, a striker from Wealdstone; Luke Garrad, a midfielder from Bishop Stortford and Jon Stevenson, a defender from Enfield Town.

BROMSGROVE ROVERS – I read in the week, with great sadness, that former Bromsgrove Rovers forward Malcolm Dunkley passed away after suffering a heart attack. After making a big impression at the Victoria Ground Malcolm left in February 1989 and signed for Lincoln City. He made 9 appearances for the Red Imps, and 2 as a substitute, scoring 4 goals. Malcolm was 44 years old.

CLEVEDON TOWN – Phil Bater has been appointed as Clevedon’s new Manager, following Kevin Hodges’ departure to become Assistant Manager at Yeovil Town. Mr. Bater, who will be 50 years old in a few days time, won two caps for Wales’ u/21 level in a professional playing career spanning fifteen seasons. As a full-back he played for Bristol Rovers (212 apps), Wrexham (73 apps), Bristol Rovers (98 apps. In a second spell), Brentford (19 apps) and Cardiff City (76 apps). The former Bristol Rovers Caretaker Manager and youth team Coach, took immediate responsibility of Clevedon’s side ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bracknell Town.

DARTFORD - Deputy Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Jeremy Kite, has now signed the letter of intent authorising Jackson Construction – builders of Darts’ new Princes Park Stadium – to commence work. The final problems relating to cost have been resolved. Work is scheduled to commence on 14 November. The project is planned to be completed in 36 weeks, so occupancy is expected around the third week of July 2006.
The July date relates to the completion of all work. It is hoped football related work would be complete well before that time. Several aspects of the project will be built concurrently. Work on the pitch will progress whilst terracing and stands are constructed. Other construction work related to the project, e.g. the Fastrak bus system linking Dartford Station with Gravesend Station via the Bluewater Shopping Complex is due to be completed at about the same time. Fastrak will run past Princes Park so supporters will be able to connect with the dedicated bus route to get to the stadium.

Tostao Kwashi, Dartford’s Zimbabwean International, was expected to arrive at Heathrow last Tuesday following a sojourn out of the country. Kwashi has not played for the Darts this season.

HALESOWEN TOWN – The Yeltz have signed Walsall’s 19 years old midfielder, Jonathan Harkness, on temporary transfer for one month. Harkness was born in Co. Antrim and joined the saddlers as a scholar. He has made one Football League appearance.

MANGOTSFIELD UNITED – Manager Martyn Grimshaw has signed an eighteen months contract, taking his tenure with the club to May 2007. Assistant Manager Nigel Webb has signed a similar commitment.

MERTHYR TYDFIL – 17 years old Mathew Glassey was elevated from the Martyr’s Youth Team to the First Team, ahead of Saturday’s F A Cup Tie against Farnborough Town.

SALISBURY CITY – Midfielder Craig Davis has signed a contract extension for the Whites.

TIVERTON TOWN – Weymouth defender, Ian Hutchinson, has signed for Tivvy on a month’s loan. 32 years old Hutchinson graduated from Halifax Town’s youth scheme and made 8 Football League appearances for the Shaymen. He moved to Cork City before joined Gillingham, for whom he made 5 appearances, including four as a substitute.

WALTHAM FOREST – A policy to promote the club’s youth, started by Harry Ramis when he became Chairman three years ago, is beginning to pay dividends. Martyn Fitch and David Muir successful coaching of the u/17 squad has seen several players mature in recent seasons. Muir is now First Team Assistant Manager, to Hakan Hayrettin, and the pair have been looking closely at the clubs young players. Five have now appeared in the First Team this season. One in particular is catching the eye, Wesley Thomas. Thomas scored all four Waltham Forest goals in the 4-0 victory over Ilford at the weekend. He is now the Division’s leading scorer with 12 goals.

WIVENHOE TOWN – Colchester United have given Russell Pond, their 18 years old trainee, permission to play for the Dragons. Pond is a midfielder.

TRANSFERS:- Daniel Boateng (Wingate & Finchley to Barking & East Ham United), Jerome Boyce (Aveley to Wivenhoe Town), Luke Corbett (Mangotsfield United to Gloucester City), Robert Gibson (Marlow to Beaconsfield SYCOB), Jacob Giles (Taunton Town to Team Bath), Jonathan Harkness (Walsall to Halesowen Town [temporary]), Scott Hendy (Mangotsfield United to Clevedon Town [extention to temporary]), Alistair Heselton (Enfield to Northwood), Ian Hutchinson (Weymouth to Tiverton Town [temporary]), James Pritchard (Marlow to Beaconsfield SYCOB), Andreas Proske (Wivenhoe Town to Clacton Town), James Richardson (Bedworth United to Racing Club Warwick [temporary]), Jon Stephenson (Enfield Town to Boreham Wood).

15 October 05

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – League leaders Salisbury City suffered their first defeat of the season on Tuesday night when going down 2-1 at Chippenham Town. David Gilroy put the Chipps two up in the first half. Wayne Turk pulled one back for the White two minutes after the re-start. Salisbury City enter a weekend when all Southern League clubs enter the FA Trophy, still two points to the good in the League. Bath City lifted themselves into the top half of the table with a 3-0 win over Cirencester Town. Jon Holloway and Scott Partridge (2) were City’s goal scorers. Halesowen Town raised the bar, in terms of goals scored in one Premier match this season, when they thrashed Yate Town 7-2 Tuesday evening. Nick Smith and Howard Forinton both poached a brace and Nathan Lamey scored a hat trick.

Bottom club Northwood picked up a point in a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Hitchin Town on Tuesday. But the Woods are still four points adrift of Evesham United, and must start winning matches soon if they are to climb the table. Evesham United also drew 0-0, with relegation battlers Gloucester City.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – The top two met on Tuesday night at Enfield Town, when leaders Boreham Wood were the visitors. Boreham Wood won 2-0, with goals by Ian Cooper and Christopher Bangura, to increase the advantage over the chasing pack to seven points. The defeat set Enfield Town back to fourth place, being overtaken by Corby Town and Chatham Town Corby Town returned to second spot with a 2-1 victory over Berkhamsted Town on Wednesday night. Robert White and Alan Campbell scored for the Steelmen; Vincent Somers netted for the visitors. Chatham Town, meanwhile, garnered a point from a 1-1 draw at Harlow Town. Steven Best put Chats ahead after 15 minutes but Samuel Winston equalised with a penalty in the 39th minute.

The bottom two, Aveley and Wivenhoe Town, were paired on Monday night. Honours ended even, 1-1. Uxbridge lost at home 1-0 to Wingate & Finchley. Wingate, therefore, move up three places, leaving the bottom three on eight points.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Ashford Town (Middlesex) sustained pole position when a Paul Johnson goal in the 30th minute of Tuesday evening’s game against local rivals Marlow secured all three points. Clevedon Town stayed hot on the heels of the leaders by winning 2-0 at Cinderford Town. Jack Pitcher scored both the Seasiders goals. But third placed Willenhall Town lost ground on the leader board when they were defeated 3-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town on Monday night. Darren Massingham, Liam Hebberd and Justin Rowe netted for the Royals; Gary Hay replied for the Reds.

At the foot of the table Thame United, with four points from eleven outings, remain two points adrift of Stourport Swifts after going down 2-1 at fourth place Swindon Supermarine. Stourport lost 3-2 at home to Paulton Rovers; a victory that lifts Rovers into fifth place.

FA CUP THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAYS– Aylesbury United became the seventh Southern League side in the last Qualifying Round of the FA Cup when they defeated Wroxham 4-2 in Tuesday’s Replay. Gavin Jaggard opened the Ducks account, before Drew Roberts grabbed a brace and Jamie Kearns complete a comfortable score line. Mangotsfield United, though, failed to make it eight teams in the Fourth Qualifying Round, when they lost at home to Bromley 1-0 in Tuesday evening’s Replay.

FA TROPHY FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND -

Amongst many successes in the First Qualifying Round of this year’s FA Trophy, Rushall Olympic’s 3-0 victory at Merthyr Tydfil must rank as one of the best. After a goalless first half that veteran of all veterans, Joe O’Connor scored twice for Rushall. Ian Mitchell added the third. Solihull Borough, from Division One West, also defeated Premier Division opposition. Justin Marsden and John Grady scored for Borough in a 2-0 success at Evesham United. Despite falling behind in the 2nd minute against Chesham United, Sutton Coldfield Town also toppled Premier opposition. Richard Field and Liam Hebberd scored for the Royals. Burnham struck once in each half to dismiss Premier Division Yate Town. Steve Jones and Jamie Leacock scored for the Blues.

Three more First Division sides held Championship challengers to draws. Paulton Rovers fell behind in the 15th minute when Paul Sales scored for Salisbury City. But loan signing Dean Seavill took only 60 seconds to equalise. Cinderford Town audaciously took the lead against Chippenham Town. Adam Mayo struck on the hour. But Samuel Allison levelled for the Bluebirds. And Willenhall Town forced Halesowen Town into a replay by drawing 0-0.

Bedford Town saved the blushes of the Premier Division’s big guns by defeating Bracknell Town 3-0. Aylesbury United also won comfortably, 5-0 ‘away’ at Thame United. Brackley Town, meanwhile, held Banbury United, for the second time this season in Cup Competitions. Brackley’s Matthew Murphy opened the scoring in the 61st minute, from the penalty spot, only for Stuart Bridges to level for the Puritans three minutes from time.

With only two wins ‘on the road’ so far this season, Stamford will be delighted with their comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Corinthian Casuals. Uxbridge, with no away wins all seasons, will be equally pleased at defeating Windsor & Eton 2-1. Two delicate touches by Paul Feeley got the goals. Although Enfield’s Sid Nelson holed the starboard side of Fleet’s defence in the 70th minute, Alec Rose single-handedly denied Nelson victory with a goal in each half.

CLEVEDON TOWN – Manager Kevin Hodges has left Clevedon Town to take a position as Assistant Manager at Yeovil Town. In his playing career Hodges made a record breaking 530 appearances for Plymouth Argyle, scoring 81 goals. He also made 71 appearances for Torquay United. He now leaves Clevedon challenging for promotion.

HALESOWEN TOWN – The Yeltz’s match against Yate Town in midweek was Halesowen’s 400th home game in the Southern League. The club has won 202, drawn 117 and lost 81. 746 goals have been scored; 448 conceded.

HITCHIN TOWN – The Canaries 32 years old Assistant Manager, Ken Gillard, has signed a player’s registration form for the club. The Dublin born former Irish Republic u/21 International began his career with Luton Town but he did not make his Football League debut until he moved to Northampton Town in March 1993. He made 22 appearances, and 1 as a substitute, for the Cobblers before injury ended his professional career.

STAMFORD – The Daniels have signed 26 years old midfielder Adam Buckley. After beginning his career as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion, Buckley made 8 Football League appearances, and 7 as a substitute, in the 1998/99 season for Grimsby Town during his father’s spell as Manager at Blundell Park. He was subsequently transferred to Lincoln City, for whom he made 19 appearances and 15 as a substitute.

TIVERTON TOWN – Forest Green Rovers’ 27 years old defender, Darren Davies, has signed for Tiverton Town on a month’s loan. Davies went straight into Tivvy’s team as a replacement for Shaun Goff who has sustained a broken toe for the second time this season.

WALTHAM FOREST – Wesley Thomas scored all three Waltham Forest goals in a 3-2 victory over Gt. Wakering Rovers on Tuesday night.

GX SOCCER Clubs of the Month for September

Three League victories during the month, plundering 12 goals in four matches and a goal difference of 12, has earned King’s Lynn the September GX Soccer Premier Division Club of the Month Award.

A 100% record in five League matches and one League Cup game has earned Rothwell Town the GX Soccer Award in Division One East.

And four wins from four League and one League Cup fixture, and a goal difference of four, has won Leighton Town the Division One West GX Soccer Award for September.

TRANSFERS:- Dean Clarke (Merthyr Tydfil to Bath City), Darren Davies (Forest Green Rovers to Tiverton Town [temporary]), Kevin Fewell (Sittingbourne to Chatham Town), James Hammonds (Merthyr Tydfil to Cinderford Town), Ricky Hulbert (Bath City to Swindon Supermarine [temporary - extention]), Caleb Kamara-Taylor (Bath City to Yate Town), Trevor Paul (Aveley to Enfield Town), Darren Sarll (Dunstable Town to Hemel Hempstead Town), Sean Seavill (Chippenham Town to Paulton Rovers [temporary]), Mark Sheils (Willenhall Town to Halesowen Town), Benjamin Smith (Chesham United to Dunstable Town), Paul Stonehouse (Forest Green Rovers to Yate Town [temporary]), Paul Szewczyk (Hednesford Town to Bromsgrove Rovers [temporary]).

8 October 05

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – A 3-0 win at Cheshunt in midweek enabled Bedford Town to narrow the gap on leaders Salisbury City to two points. It proved to be a tough week for Cheshunt; the Hertfordshire club lost 4-1 at Yate Town on Saturday. Neighbours Northwood also lost 4-1, at Gloucester City, leaving the Middlesex club two points adrift at the bottom of the table. In the only other Premier Division match played on Saturday, Grantham Town gleaned a point in a 2-2 draw at Chesham United, enabling the Gingerbreads to remain in the pack chasing the leading two.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – Barton Rovers raced into a 2-0 lead at top of the table Boreham Wood, only to be denied victory by goals from Christopher Bangura in the final minute of each half. Enfield Town remain in second spot after garnering a point in a goalless draw at Ilford. But Chatham Town moved up to third following a 3-1 win over Rothwell Town. Another Kent side, Sittingbourne, crashed 6-2 at Stamford. Garath Pritchard scored four for the Daniels.

Wivenhoe Town moved off the bottom, thanks to a 1-0 victory over Harlow Town. Aveley are now in the basement position after a 6-2 defeat at Waltham Forest.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – After a brief flirtation at the top of the table Clevedon Town were held to a goalless draw at home to Sutton Coldfield Town. The loss of two points allowed Ashford Town (Middlesex) to return to pole position, after a 2-1 win at Paulton Rovers. Scott Todd scored both Tangerines goals, either side of a strike by Paulton’s Lee Collier. Willenhall Town’s 3-1 win over Cinderford Town keeps them in third place.

Botton club Thame United were without a fixture, but Stourport Swifts joined in the relegation places following a 5-0 rout at Brackley Town. Beaconsfield SYCOB moved up one place after gaining a point at Hemel Hempstead Town.

FA CUP THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND – Fourteen Southern League clubs took part in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup; six have definitely reached the next Round and two have home replays, in which they should now start favourites to join their colleagues.

Burnham reached the Fourth (and last) Qualifying Round for the first time in the club’s history when they defeated Wealdstone 4-2. The last time Burnham reached this stage they were defeated 2-0, by Wealdstone! But on this occasion the Blues were two up in three minutes, when Adam Logie converted a penalty and Yashwa Romeo netted. The Stones drew level before half time but Burnham regained the initiative when Jonathan Horsted scored early in the second half. An own goal followed and Burnham cruised through.

Chippenham Town also took an early lead; Samuel Allison scored after two minutes. Opponents Sutton United, Cup heroes in the past, were unable to respond. Cirencester Town were ahead in the first minute against former Southern League colleagues Havant & Waterlooville, when Kevin Halliday netted. And Marc Richards doubled the Ciren’s lead before the visitors grabbed a consolation with five minutes remaining.

Regional Division club Bromsgrove Rovers pulled off a surprise victory over Premier Division Halesowen Town. Goals by Jason Ramsay and Anthony McGuire in the last ten minutes won the tie. Merthyr Tydfil felled Southern League colleagues Salisbury City 2-1. Craig Steins and Lewis Sommers scored for the Martyrs, either side of a Matthew Tubbs goal for the Whites. Mangotsfield United ground out a goalless draw at Bromley and Hemel Hempstead Town were pegged back in ‘time added on for stoppages’ at Wroxham, after taking a 6th minute lead.

Sadly, Banbury United ran out of time after battling back from a 4-0 deficit against Hednesford Town. The Puritans lost 4-3. Bath City and Solihull Borough also lost by a single goal. Weymouth pulled the plug on Bath with a 90th minute strike, to win 1-0, and Solihull also lost by a lone goal at Thurrock. Hitchin Town were overrun in the second half of their match at Cambridge City. The Canaries took a 16th minute lead with a Daniel French goal but eventually lost 4-1.

AVELEY – The Millers and Manager Amin Levitt mutually agreed to part company after last Saturdays' defeat at home against Potters Bar Town. Amin and the club agreed a new man should be sought to take the club forward. The Millers thanked Amin for his hard work and commitment during his time at ‘Mill Field’, and wished him well for the future. In the meantime, Keith Day, Amin's assistant will take over the 1st team duties prior to the club advertising the position. Interested parties are invited to apply by contacting Secretary Craig Johnson on 07946-438540 or by e:mail Craig_johnson@btinternet.com

BEDFORD TOWN – Eddie Lawley made his 500th appearance for the club a week last Tuesday night at Grantham. Eddie made his debut for the Eagles on January 6th 1996 at Ware. Mick Foster had just taken the Manager’s job and he had brought Eddie from Buckingham Town. The Eagles won 5-2. Since then Eddie has been a regular in the side, serving under Managers, Mick Foster, Jason Reed & Tony Luff, Roger Ashby, Kevin Wilson, Dave Randall and Nick Platnauer. Eddie helped the club win promotion in 1998/99 and 2000/01. He has also picked up Vandanel Trophy winners, Bedfordshire Senior Cup winners and Southern League Cup Runners Up medals. One of Eddies biggest disappointments, though, was when he missed the club’s FA Cup 1st Round games against Peterborough United through injury. Eddie has shown great loyalty to the club through many changes and hopefully he can make up a few more appearances before he hangs up his boots.

BOREHAM WOOD – Leon Townley’s contract with Boreham Wood has been cancelled by mutual consent. The 29 years old defender has since joined Hitchin Town.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN – The Bluebirds have been drawn to play at Swindon Supermarine in the Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi-Final First Leg on 8 November. The Second Leg will be played at Chippenham in the New Year. The second Semi-Final is between Swindon Town and Salisbury City.

GLOUCESTER CITY – The Executive Committee of Gloucester City Football Club has announced the appointment of Stuart Pike as Club Chairman. Mr. Pike replaces Ken Turner, who stated his desire to step down in the summer after many years loyal service in the most senior positions at the club.

Mr. Pike has experience of Football League and the non-League game, having been Chairman and Commercial Manager of Fairford Town for three years before joining Swindon Town Football Club’s Sales & Marketing Team. At Swindon Mr Pike was responsible for running the Box Office, Distribution & Marketing of season tickets and the marketing of various Club related products, also maintaining the IT for Club ticketing purposes. He left Swindon Town Football Club in July 2004

NORTHWOOD – The Woods have signed 18 years old defender Leigh Harrington from Watford on work experience and Matthew Ruby, a 19 years old defender from Woking, on loan.

SALISBURY CITY – Simon Browne and Michael Cooper have signed contracts extending their respective positions with the Whites.

SWINDON SUPERMARINE – After a spell in Sweden playing for ‘Skelleftea’ Nathan Edwards has returned to the UK to sign for Supermarine. Edwards is currently awaiting International Clearance.

TAUNTON TOWN – Peacocks’ Manager, Peter Beadle, has left the club to join Newport County. Beale was offered the job of lifting the Exiles out of relegation trouble at the bottom of Conference North following an interview last Thursday. One of his first jobs at Spytty Park, however, will be to serve a three match touchline ban, as a result of being sent from the dug-out during Taunton Town’s match at Solihull Borough.

TRANSFERS:- Maurice Byfield (Enfield Town to Enfield), Jamie Campbell (Hemel Hempstead Town to Arlesey Town), Shaun Findlay (Rushall Olympic to Stourport Swifts), Stephen Good (Braintree Town to Wivenhoe Town [temporary]), Robert Gould (Rugby Town to Aylesbury United), Darren Hay (Aylesbury United to Arlesey Town), Lance Lewis (Gloucester City to Swindon Supermarine), Leon Mitchell (Bromsgrove Rovers to Solihull Borough), Matthew Ruby (Woking to Northwood [temporary]), Gavin Smith (Bracknell Town to Ashford Town [Middlesex]), Paul Spacey (Bedworth United to Brackley Town), Chris Taylor (Halesowen Town to Evesham United), Benjamin Thomas (Rushall Olympic to Bromsgrove Rovers),

SOMERSET PREMIER CUP

Bath City, Taunton Town and Team Bath all won First Round Ties in the Somerset Premier Cup. Clevedon Town and Mangotsfield United will join them in Round 2 Draw as follows:-

Clevedon Town v Brislington
Taunton Town v Bristol Manor Farm
Bishop Sutton v Bath City
Mangotsfield United v Frome Town
Team Bath v Odd Down.

1 October 05

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – There’s no holding Salisbury City, at the moment. The Whites defeated Grantham Town 3-0 on Saturday to open a five point lead at the top of the table. Paul Sales (2) and Matthew Tubbs were their scorers. The contest in the chasing pack is so tight, second place Mangotsfield United lost their first game of the season on Saturday (2-1 at home to Banbury United) and slipped to fourth. Matthew Gooderick and Paul Lamb scored for the Puritans after Robert Claridge had put ‘Field ahead.

Bedford Town moved into second spot following a 5-3 win over luckless Gloucester City. The Tigers were twice in the lead in a see-saw encounter but a brace from Christopher Dillon helped the Eagles to victory. The return of Richard Pears to Tiverton Town has meant a return to winning form for the Devon club. After a 7-1 victory in the FA Cup last week, Tiverton turned their attention to the League on Saturday and defeated Northwood 4-1. After going ahead in the 3rd minute, Northwood were humbled by a James Mudge goal and a hat-trick by Pears.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – Despite being held to a 1-1 draw at Sittingbourne, Boreham Wood still hold a comfortable three point advantage at the top of the table. Bradley Spice put the Brickies ahead as half-time approached but Ryan Moran salvaged a point for Wood with eight minutes remaining. Corby Town took the chance to close the gap on the leaders, and recover second place, with a 3-0 win over bottom club Wivenhoe Town. Carl Holmes, Glen Turner and newly signed Jamie Clark scored for the Steelmen. Corby had lost 2-0 in midweek at Stamford. Corby’s near neighbours, Rothwell Town, are third after being held to a 1-1 draw by Waltham Forest. Interestingly, behind Boreham Wood at the top, four points cover the next ten clubs.

THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Clevedon Town are the new leaders of Division One West. A very narrow 2-1 victory over Leighton Town enabled the Seasiders to take full advantage of Ashford Town (Middlesex) being held at home 2-2 by third placed Willenhall Town. Last week’s leaders opened their account in the first minute against Willenhall, when Paul Johnson scored. Scott Harris increased Ashford’s lead in the 40th minute. Dean Perrow pulled one back for the Red’s as the hour approached before Harris netted an own goal to present Willenhall with a point.

Clevedon, meanwhile, fell behind to an Enzo Silvestri penalty at Leighton. But it only took Jack Pitcher four minutes to equalise, and the Seasiders were ahead in a further seven minutes when Thomas Jacobs scored. After a midweek home defeat at the hands of Bedworth United, Kevin Banner lifted Bromsgrove Rovers by scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Dunstable Town. Matthew Barnes-Homer scored Rovers’ fourth. Solihull Borough were another side that recovered from a unexpectedly heavy defeat in midweek. Solihull crashed 5-0 at Willenhall Town on Tuesday but recovered to win 6-1 against Bracknell Town on Saturday. Former Rugby United forward, Justin Marsden, bagged four.

FA CUP SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAYS – Four more Southern League clubs won places in the Third Qualifying Round of this year’s FA Cup by winning midweek replays. Sadly, though, three of these were forced to eliminate colleague clubs.

Two Gavin Jaggard goals for Aylesbury United knocked out Northwood, 2-0. After falling behind in the fifth minute, two Adrian Fuller goals for Banbury United helped the Puritans past Brackley Town, 5-2. And after Taunton Town had taken the lead, Dale Griffiths and Jason Welsh scored for Merthyr Tydfil, enabling the Martyrs to win 2-1. Burnham’s Matthew Miller scored after five minutes at Lowestoft, only for Adam Logie to level matters with an own goal on the stroke of half-time. After matters remained equal at the end of 120 minutes, Burnham won on penalties. Enfield Town’s progress was ended 3-0 at St. Albans City.

ENFIELD TOWN – Enfield Town defender Russell Penn has been nominated for The FA’s prestigious FA Cup ‘Player of the Round’ award after his Second Qualifying Round heroics at the weekend. Penn was a stalwart in Enfield Town’s defence after a red card reduced the Southern League underdogs to ten men. Penn’s performance earned him a Player of the Round nomination from FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick, following a recommendation from The FA’s historian David Barber, who was a spectator at the game.

SOLIHULL BOROUGH – Solihull Borough’s Jamie Petty has also been nominated for The FA’s ‘Player of the Round’ award after his Second Qualifying Round goal scoring feats last weekend. Petty hit the net with two glorious goals in Solihull Borough’s 3–0 home victory against Ilkeston Town. After beating Ilkeston’s keeper Ben Scott with a superb curling strike into the far corner, Petty broke through the defence before chipping the keeper for his second goal earning him a Player of the Round nomination from the Non-League Paper’s David Watters.

STOURPORT SWIFTS – Manager David Titterton and the Swifts have parted company. Stourport’s new Manager is Roy Rencher, a former Youth Team Manager at Sutton Coldfield Town.

SWINDON SUPERMARINE – Swindon Supermarine’s Dave Slattery suffered a broken ankle in last weekend’s FA Cup match against Mangotsfield United. David was taken to Swindon’s Great Western Hospital and was operated on Sunday morning. Two screws have been placed in his ankle.

Ryo Matsnuaga made his home debut against Paulton Rovers in the 1st round of the Errea Cup. Ryo’s parents have travelled from Japan for a short stay in the U.K. with Ryo, and were able to be at the game. Mr. & Mrs Matsnuaga were, in fact, match ball sponsors. A few presentations were made before the game. Ryo (a Dr) is currently working for a degree in English.

TAUNTON TOWN – The Peacocks’ recent F A Cup tie with Merthyr Tydfil gave former Martyrs’ chairman John Eastment, the opportunity to renew some old acquaintances. John is now Financial Director with Taunton Town and could not believe it when the two sides were drawn together.

The match was very competitive and Taunton sensed a shock when midfielder Jason Heath opened the scoring after 66 minutes. But the Martyrs’ captain, Mike Fowler, equalised 12 minutes later to send the tie to a Penydarren Park replay. Once again Taunton took the lead, this time through Gary Fisher after 43 minutes but the lead lasted only two minutes, when Dale Griffiths hooked in the equaliser on the stroke of half time. Taunton never gave up but the crucial goal came after 67 minutes when Taunton keeper Scott Corderoy did a passable impression of Bruce Grobbelaar, enabling Jason Welsh to head in the winner, thus earning Merthyr a home tie against fellow Premier Division side Salisbury City, who overcame Yate Town.

UXBRIDGE – During the close season Uxbridge Football Club replaced their floodlights with a new, ‘state of the art’ system. New pylons were erected, along with new lamps and fittings with a lux value in excess of 350. The work cost in excess of £60,000, which included improvements to the lighting on the adjoining training pitch, saving the main pitch from excess wear. The new installation also includes additional wiring which will allow a further two lamps to be added to each pylon. This would bring the floodlighting up to Football League Standard. This is the latest major project in successive years by the Middlesex club, following the rebuilding of the clubhouse and the resurfacing and enlargement of the car park over the previous two years.

WILLENHALL TOWN – Amongst a flurry of signings Willenhall have recruited midfielder Dave Woodvine from Newcastle Town and defenders Christopher Curran & Dominic Reece from Newport County.

TRANSFERS:- Jason Bowler (Hemel Hempstead Town to Beaconsfield SYCOB), Jamie Clark (Stamford to Corby Town), Michael Crawford (Sutton Coldfield Town to Brackley Town), Matthew Denton (Team Bath to Taunton Town), Thomas Etheridge (Cirencester Town to Chippenham Town), Steven Farmer (Halesowen Town to Rugby Town), Jermaine Ferreira (Thame United to Brackley Town), Andrew Findlay (Hemel Hempstead Town to Hitchin Town), Liam Francis (Enfield Town to Ilford), Dominic Hallows (Stamford to Corby Town), Stuart Hammonds (Bracknell Town to Hitchin Town), Craig Herbert (Solihull Borough to Rugby Town), Christopher Hughes (Sutton Coldfield Town to Stourport Swifts), Karl Lewis (Evesham United to Rugby Town).