Midland Football League Newsletter

22nd February 2017

League News

The FA has awarded one of its ‘66 for 66’ grants to Westfields FC, the Midland Football League club formed in the

summer of 1966 by a group of schoolboys inspired by England’s World Cup win at Wembley Stadium.

Westfields FC was formed by current Chief Executive and Secretary Andy Morris, after he and a group of friends

watched their national side lift the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley in July 1966. Fifty years on, the Hereford based

team famously enjoyed their best ever run in this season’s Emirates FA Cup competition. Embodying the ‘magic of

the cup,’ they won six rounds against a number of sides several tiers higher than them to make it through to the first

round proper of the historic competition for the first time. They were eventually knocked out by Vanarama North

side Curzon Ashton, after holding them to a draw in the first leg to force a replay.

Over the course of the year, The FA has commemorated the 50th anniversary of England’s ultimate footballing

accomplishment by making 66 awards of £1,966 to football projects across the country. These have been made

either via County FAs to grassroots football clubs, or centrally by The FA to causes such as charities which the players

of 1966 are associated or support.

Chief Executive and Secretary Andy Morris, Chairman John Morgan, and Vice-Chairman Chris Williams were

presented with their award at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Thursday 16 February by Andy Ambler, Head of

Professional Game at The FA.

Andy Morris said: “It’s been an amazing 50th anniversary season so far and despite all the arrangements by the club

committee to celebrate the historic occasion, we could not have imagined our 8 match Emirates FA Cup run and the

surrounding media opportunities and public attention. For the club to be awarded the ’66 for 66’ grant is yet another

element to an amazing season. The funds will be put to good use by helping us construct a new covered spectator

stand, which will be known as The Anniversary Stand. On behalf of everyone at Westfields FC I thank the Football

Association for this wonderful award. It is much appreciated.”

Andy Ambler said: “Westfields FC’s historic run into the first round proper of The Emirates FA Cup was extraordinary

and really embodied the magic of the competition. Andy has been describing the impact the prize money has had on

the club and I’m delighted to now present them with this ‘66 for 66’ grant – particularly fitting given the club was

founded in the summer of 1966. I hope the grant will help to provide a fitting legacy for Westfields in their

memorable 50th anniversary season.”

The overall ’66 for 66’ fund was generated from income from the 2015 Community Shield between Arsenal and

Chelsea – with many of the 1966 players and/or relatives in attendance at last year’s clash between Leicester City

and Manchester United at Wembley in August.

Other recipients have included Fulham FC, who used the money to help fund the sculpting of a statue of George

Cohen MBE, Fulham legend and England’s right-back in the World Cup win, and the Moore Foundation, run by Bobby

Moore’s daughter Roberta. The Army FA received a grant, which they put towards increasing female participation by

organising a series of small-sided games and offering training sessions and football kits. Elsewhere, the Westmorland

County FA in Cumbria were given £1,966 which they used to repair some of the damage done to their clubhouse by

Storm Desmond in 2015, and Brent Council put their grant towards running an educational project with a 1966

theme from the classrooms at Wembley Stadium.

Overall, the ’66 for 66’ initiative ensures there is an FA legacy from the series of activities and events that took place

last year. These kicked off in April with ‘Football Shirt Friday’ to raise funds for the Bobby Moore Fund into bowel

cancer research. May saw a first for Wembley Stadium – hosting the world premiere of ‘Bobby,’ a poignant film

about the life and untimely death of England’s World Cup-winning skipper.

Further 1966 activities and events culminated on the actual anniversary of England’s World Cup win, Saturday 30

July 2016. The day featured ‘World Cup 66 Live’ at the SSE Arena Wembley – a show re-living the afternoon when

England won the World Cup.

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The 25 February 2017, marks the 50th anniversary since Highgate United's Tony Allden was tragically struck by lightning during an FA Amateur Cup quarter final v Enfield at our Coppice ground in Tythe Barn Lane, Shirley.

Back in 1967 there was huge excitement as local football fans watched in anticipation to see if Highgate United, the minnows from the Worcestershire Combination could beat the 'giants' of non-league football. They had already exceeded expectations with a number of giant-killing victories. A huge crowd of over 3,500 came to see if 'The Gate' could take another step closer to Wembley. However, with 28 minutes on the clock and Enfield leading 1-0, the skies turned black and a bolt of lightning shot down from above striking Tony Allden and knocking other players to the ground. The stunned crowd, including his wife of just 5 months, watched in shock as Tony was given the kiss of life before being rushed to Solihull hospital, where sadly he passed away the following day.

To commemorate this tragic event and to honour his memory, on the 25 February 2017 Highgate United are renaming their stand "The Tony Allden Stand". To unveil the new sign, we have successfully located his widow Sue and sister Chris, who have bravely agreed to return to The Coppice, for the first time since that tragic day, to be our Special Guests of Honour. Supporting them will be the ex team mates of Tony that we have also managed to locate. Sadly, some players have since passed away, but players confirmed in attending are Gordon Cooper, Tony Sawyer, Hughie Doherty, Eric Taylor, Roy Taylor, Tony Hughes, Trevor Jones and Ken Barnett. Only Maurice Donaghy is unable to attend. The special guests will be joined by representatives of The FA, senior members of Birmingham County FA, Worcestershire FA, The Midland Football League amongst others so far confirmed.

The unveiling will take place at 2pm on Saturday 25th February, before our Midland Football League Premier match v Long Eaton United. Tony, who worked at The Rover was a popular man with many friends and the club would like to invite members of the public to join us, in paying our respects 50 years on.

Our year of commemorations will also see an in-depth fact based book featuring personal recollections and photos never seen before in public of the Highgate United team of 1966/67 and their unbelievable giant-killing cup run that saw them reach the quarter finals, just 2 games away from an incredible appearance at Wembley. But that's where the dream turned into a nightmare when Tony was tragically struck by lightning. Follow the story through the rounds, the tragic day, how the general public of Birmingham and further afield flocked to the rematch in tribute as over 31,600 packed in to an emotional Villa Park. The publication of the book has been part-funded by The FA and we're hoping to raise funds in time to get the book published in the late Spring.

Anybody with any personal memories or recollections is also invited to email them to us for consideration to be added to the book, they can email us at highgateunited@virginmedia.com

We also have a pre-season friendly planned for the summer of 2017 v Enfield Town (phoenix club of the now defunct Enfield)

We're also in discussion with local sports guru Tom Ross about a possible charity game featuring a Midlands Allstars team

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The draw for the semi-final of the Buildbase has been made and two cracking ties are in store

BROMSGROVE SPORTING v CLEETHORPES TOWN

COLESHILL TOWN V SOUTH SHIELDS

Two legs to take place on Saturday March 11th and March 18th

Travels of The Press Officer

Saturday 18th February 2017

Buildbase FA Vase Quarter Final (51)

Coleshill Town 2 Sporting Khalsa 0

With three MFL teams through to the last 8 of the FA Vase, it was almost inevitable that two would come face to

face in the quarter final. Coleshill Town and Sporting Khalsa are two of the frontrunners in the Premier Division and a

tight encounter was anticipated as the two sides met at Pack Meadow. A large crowd in excess of 900 surrounded

the ground as the game got under way. The early play was dominated by Sporting Khalsa. A cross from Tim Jackson

was dropped by keeper Paul Hathaway but the referee decided that a foul had been committed. Another cross from

Jackson was headed away by Tom Fishwick as Khalsa piled on the pressure. Craig Bannister was fouled on the edge

of the area which earned Craig Milligan a booking. Bannister got up and delivered a good free-kick which was well

held by Hathaway. With their first attack, Coleshill took the lead in the 8th minute. Danny Tymon broke down the left

and his ball in was perfectly into the path of Dean Rathbone who sidefooted past Tom Turner. Michael Perks

responded for Khalsa but his shot was easily dealt with by Hathaway. At the other end, a long throw from Tom

Weale was headed wide by Rob Evans who would have expected to hit the target. In the 19th minute, Jordan Nadat

worked his way into the area forcing Brad Lawley to concede a corner. Rathbone was a constant threat and a low

ball in from the left evaded everyone with Reece Leek arriving late at the far post. A cross from Luke Shearer was

headed goalwards by Marvin Nisbett but it was comfortable for Hathaway. Coleshill took the ball straight down the

other end with Tes Robinson blocking a goalbound effort from Rathbone. Khalsa had the ball in the net in the 40th

minute when an excellent finish from Yusifu Ceesay was chalked off for offside. Within a minute, Coleshill had

doubled their lead. Leek found space on the right and his excellent cross was diverted past his own keeper by

Lawley.

Coleshill sat back at the start of the second half allowing Khalsa to gain the momentum however apart from a Ceesay

cross which was easily dealt with, the visitors failed to trouble the home goal. Nadat had a great chance to make it

three, ten minutes into the half but his shot was straight at Turner. A mistake by Hathaway, gave a chance to Simeon

Townsend but his effort was poor and Robinson headed the rebound wide. With 20 minutes left, Ceesay had a good

opportunity but again he was off target. More good work from Rathbone created an opening for Milligan but he

fired over the bar. Milligan then turned creator, giving Nadat the perfect opportunity but he too failed to keep the

ball down. With nine minutes to go. Hathaway pulled off a fine save to thwart Ceesay. Khalsa leading scorer David

Meese had been marked out of the game and when the chance finally came his way in the last minute, he couldn’t

hit the target. Deep into stoppage time, Nadat could have made it three but Turner was equal to it and saved at

point blank range.

An excellent game between two well matched sides that were a credit to the MFL.

Sunday 19th February 2017

Buildbase FA Vase Qtr Final (52)

Bromsgrove Sporting 2 Buckland Athletic 0

A remarkable effort by everyone at Bromsgrove Sporting ensured that today’s FA Vase quarter final with Newton

Abbott based Buckland Athletic would be a 3,000 sell out. The crowds built up early as they hoped to see The

Rouslers take yet another Step 5 scalp following victories over Sun Sports and Bristol Manor Farm in the previous

two rounds. Buckland arrived at The Victoria Ground in great form with 14 straight victories including an extra-time

defeat of MFL side Hinckley AFC in the previous round. Buckland started the game on the front foot with the

impressive Richard Groves being thwarted by Ahmed Ali. Bromsgrove first opportunity fell to Robbie Bunn in the 6th

minute, his shot deflecting off Liam Head and into the side-netting. Buckland had the ball in the net in the 15th

minute when Simon Laughton headed home a free-kick but he was adjudged to be offside. The visitors were having

the better of things and they were given a gilt-edged chance in the 19th minute when Aaron Roberts clumsily brought

down Groves in the penalty are giving the referee an easy decision to award a spot-kick. Lloyd Gardner stepped up

and Nathan Vaughan became an instant hero of the home supporters, making an excellent full length save low to his

left. A good ball over the top of the Buckland backline from Luke Edwards found Sam Wills, the striker wanting too

much time and the chance evaporated. Bromsgrove were having a better spell and Bunn saw a shot blocked for a

corner. On the stroke of half-time, a wonderful block by Ali on Groves saw a goal-kick given much to the dismay of

the Buckland man who was booked for his protest.

Bromsgrove made a change at half-time bringing on Chris Lloyd for Ali as they attached the packed Shed End. Lloyd

was soon into the action, causing problems down the right with his pace, forcing Grant Fisher to gather well

underneath his crossbar. Bromsgrove were taking control and Liam Spink was foiled with a superb block by a

Buckland defender. Bunn was well off target with another effort as the game turned in the 59th minute when Reece

Hewitt was brought down by Fisher, the referee pointing to the penalty spot for the second time in the game. After a

couple of minutes’ delay, Spink stepped up and made no mistake to give Bromsgrove the lead. Bromsgrove were in

total command and another low ball in from Lloyd was turned behind by Jason Cowley. In the 67th minute, only

brilliant defending kept out Bromsgrove as first Cowley and Lloyd saw shots blocked by the defence. A piece of

sublime skill almost grabbed a 2nd as Roberts cross was acrobatically volleyed by Bunn with the bun striking the

crossbar. Still the home side powered forward and Hewitt stung Fisher’s palms from 25 yards. With 15 minutes to

go, Bromsgrove doubled their lead. Skipper Craig Jones had an effort well saved by the legs of Fisher. When the ball

was played through to Lloyd, he took the ball wide, beat his defender and struck a low shot across Fisher into the far

corner. Five minutes later, Bromsgrove were appealing for another penalty as Hewitt went tumbling in the area.

Buckland were still in this and a shot from Jared Lewington was deflected for a corner. It should have been three,

five minutes from the end of normal time when Cowley played the ball perfectly into the path of Lloyd who had to

score but fired wide. Sub Keenen Meakin-Richards was off target in stoppage time and Cowley was foiled by a

fantastic save by Fisher but the day belonged deservedly to The Rouslers.

A fantastic achievement by Bromsgrove Sporting and a wonderful day. Bring on Cleethorpes Town!

Tuesday 21st February

Premier Division (53)

Brocton 1 Coventry Sphinx 0

After the excitement of the FA Vase at the weekend, it was back to Premier League action with bottom of the table

Brocton desperate for 3 points against Coventry Sphinx. Sphinx set-up very attack minded which promised to leave

gaps at either end. Aron Wint had the first opportunity for the visitors but was off target after a quick break from

midfield. Brocton should have opened the scoring in the 11th minute when player-manager Dave Berks, looking to be

in an offside position, raced through one-on-one with Sphinx keeper Scott Dutton but the stopper was equal to it.

Sphinx had the ball in the net in the 19th minute but Liam Cairns was ruled offside. Brocton had another great

opportunity when Nick Wellecomme was one-on-one with Dutton but the ball was hit straight at the keeper’s nether

regions and he was alert enough to block Wellecomme’s rebound effort. Dan Lomas played the ball over the top for

Wellecomme but again his shot was saved by Dutton. A cross from Berks was met by Craig Holland whose shot was

cleared off the line by Scott Lower. Brocton continued to ask questions and in the 34th minute they wasted the

easiest chance of the evening. Wellecomme again forced a fine save from Dutton and the ball fell to Berks with the

goal at his mercy and he volleyed over from 3 yards out. On a rare Sphinx attack, a shot from Wint was straight at

Aidan Stone. A good move from Brocton saw Craig Holland tee up Matt Hardiman but he sidefooted over the bar. In

stoppage time at the end of the half, another Brocton chance went begging. Berks cross squirmed away from Dutton

but the keeper reacted well to foil Wellecomme.

Sphinx started the second half brightly and Gary Fife brought down Cairns on the edge of the area. Ryan Harkin’s

free kick hit the defensive wall and went out for a corner. An excellent run by Berks was foiled by a last-ditch tackle

from Richard Lavery. In the 64th minute, Berks had another excellent one-on-one chance but again Dutton was equal

to it. From Berks’ resulting corner, a powerful header from Lomas looked a goal all the way until the acrobatic

Dutton tipped the ball over the bar. Brocton were totally dominant and when Berks teed up Wellecomme, the

forward failed to keep the ball down. Brocton took the lead in the 72nd minute. Berks took a free-kick from wide on

the left and the ball deceived Dutton and flew in via the keeper’s fingertips. A minute later, Dutton made another

fine save to thwart Wellecomme. The same two players were involved in the 76th minute with Dutton excelling again

with a decent save. Lomas was fractionally wide in the 83rd minute with a superb left foot drive. With two minutes

left, Hardiman played the ball into the path of Paul McMahon who raced forward but couldn’t beat Dutton who

remained resolute. In the 90th minute, Joe Hartshorne saw his shot blocked by Lower after decent approach play.

Into stoppage time and the game which had been feisty throughout finally boiled over. Lavery had a coming together

with Hartshorne and a melee ensued which included the coaching staff of both sides. The referee brandished a red

card to Lavery and a number of players can consider themselves fortunate not to have joined him. Seven minutes

into stoppage time, Hartshorne was again involved as he was fouled by Callum Woodward who then appeared to

kick out with Hartshorne on the floor. Cue another coming together of both teams and red cards for Woodward and

Wellecomme (a second yellow). As the game restarted, the referee blew for full time on what was a breathless

evening.

How Brocton didn’t win this by a huge margin was down to one of the best goalkeeping displays I have seen for a

long time – well done Scott Dutton, 7 yellow cards and 3 red cards gives a hint on the feisty nature of the game. A

stronger referee may well have shown red to at least three more players, such was the intensity of the battle. It all

added to on exciting game of football

Review

FA Vase

Coleshill Town made it through to the semi-final of the FA Vase with a 2-0 win at Pack Meadow over league rivals

Sporting Khalsa. There was little to choose between the two sides but an 8th minute goal from Dean Rathbone plus a

Brad Lawley own goal just before half-time saw the Colemen home.

Premier Division

The all-important game at the top of the Premier Division went the way of the league leaders with Alvechurch

winning 2-1 at Lye Town, all the goals coming in the last 10 minutes. The result means that Lye are now 11 point

behind with just three games in hand. Westfields again scored a very late goal as they were held 2-2 at home by

Coventry Sphinx, Richard Greaves grabbing an 89th minute equalizer. Heanor Town are up to 6th place after a fine 3-

1 win at Highgate United with Nathan Benger scoring twice for The Lions. At the bottom, Brocton remain in 22nd

place after they lost 3-0 at Shepshed Dynamo, a win that moves the home side 7 points ahead of the drop zone. 2nd

bottom Tividale picked up a point in a 2-2 home draw with Rocester, Nathan Jones scoring twice including a last-

minute equaliser. It was a good day for Boldmere St Michaels as they beat Shawbury United 3-0 thanks to a couple

of goals from Joe Lyng. There was a seven-goal thriller at Castlecroft as AFC Wulfrunians edged home 4-3 over

visitors Long Eaton United. Long Eaton though they had salvaged a point with an Andy Todd equaliser 5 minutes

from time but Alex Woodhouse sealed a vital win for Wulfs. Walsall Wood halted their run of losses with a 1-1 draw

at home to Coventry United. It was the same scoreline at Farley Way as Quorn were held by Loughborough

University.

Sporting Khalsa bounced back from their FA Vase defeat with a bang beating Long Eaton United 5-0 at the Aspray

Arena with the goals shared across the team. There was an 8-goal thriller at Hillsfield as Rocester and St Andrews

drew 4-4 with four goals in the opening 16 minutes. Brocton are off the bottom as a goal from player-manager Dave

Berks gave them all three points in a bad-tempered affair with Coventry Sphinx. Seven yellow cards and three red

cards made it a busy night for the officials. Stourport Swifts are now just two points from safety after an excellent 3-

0 win over Shepshed Dynamo with Joe Phillips scoring twice.

League Table

1 Alvechurch 32 22 6 4 76 25 51 72

2 Coleshill Town 30 20 3 7 80 43 37 63

3 Lye Town 29 18 7 4 58 25 33 61

4 Westfields 29 16 8 5 74 46 28 56

5 Sporting Khalsa 26 15 5 6 57 29 28 50

6 St Andrews 31 15 3 13 71 64 7 48

7 Heanor Town 29 13 8 8 55 46 9 47

8 Coventry United 30 14 5 11 45 40 5 47

9 Coventry Sphinx 29 10 8 11 53 56 -3 38

10 Quorn 29 11 5 13 35 50 -15 38

11 Rocester 29 9 10 10 52 58 -6 37

12 Long Eaton United 29 10 7 12 51 61 -10 37

13 Walsall Wood 31 11 3 17 43 61 -18 36

14 Loughborough University 31 8 11 12 54 52 2 35

15 Shawbury United 32 11 2 19 57 76 -19 35

16 Shepshed Dynamo 28 9 7 12 41 45 -4 34

17 Boldmere St Michaels 30 8 8 14 39 47 -8 32

18 Highgate United 27 9 5 13 43 52 -9 32

19 AFC Wulfrunians 30 9 5 16 38 60 -22 32

20 Stourport Swifts 28 7 9 12 44 52 -8 30

21 Brocton 29 7 3 19 32 74 -42 24

22 Tividale 30 6 4 20 39 75 -36 22

Division 1

With leaders Bromsgrove Sporting on FA Vase duty, Atherstone Town reduced the gap at the top to three points

after a 1-1 draw at home to 5th placed Lichfield City. At the bottom, Pelsall Villa eased their relegation worries with a

4-0 win over basement side Southam United. 2nd bottom Pershore Town gained a valuable point in a goalless draw

at Heath Hayes. They are now 1 point behind Stafford Town who went down 3-1 at Racing Club Warwick with Jake

Brown scoring twice for The Racers. Studley climbed above Stafford with a remarkable 4-0 win at Coventry

Copsewood, Gareth Evans adding two more to his tally. Chelmsley Town are just 4 points ahead of safety after they

lost narrowly at Nuneaton Griff, 2-1 the scoreline. Heather St Johns got back to winning ways jumping up to 8th in

the process as Callum Rudd scored the only goal of the game with Bolehall Swifts. Cadbury Athletic sit in 7th place

just 4 point outside the top 4 after they beat Littleton 3-2 at the TSA.

Hinckley AFC moved up to 3rd with an emphatic 7-1 win at Racing Club Warwick, Ryan Seal scoring three. Nuneaton

Griff moved up to 12th with a 4-2 win at Bolehall Swifts, Matty Brennan and Jack Colley scoring twice.

1 Bromsgrove Sporting 23 18 5 0 72 19 53 59

2 Atherstone Town 27 17 5 5 75 38 37 56

3 Hinckley AFC 24 17 3 4 86 32 54 54

4 Leicester Road 23 17 2 4 71 22 49 53

5 Lichfield City 26 15 5 6 50 29 21 50

6 Racing Club Warwick 28 14 6 8 71 53 18 48

7 Cadbury Athletic 28 12 11 5 54 36 18 47

8 Heather St Johns 25 12 3 10 53 45 8 39

9 Littleton 26 12 2 12 50 45 5 38

10 Bolehall Swifts 26 12 1 13 58 62 -4 37

11 Coventry Copsewood 27 11 4 12 56 61 -5 37

12 Nuneaton Griff 27 11 3 13 55 56 -1 36

13 Uttoxeter Town 24 11 3 10 42 52 -10 36

14 Heath Hayes 25 8 4 13 47 51 -4 28

15 Pelsall Villa 27 7 5 15 38 63 -25 26

16 Chelmsley Town 27 7 4 16 46 55 -9 25

17 Studley 28 7 3 18 50 84 -34 24

18 Stafford Town 28 5 7 16 43 61 -18 22

19 Pershore Town 26 6 3 17 29 65 -36 21

20 Southam United 25 0 3 22 8 125 -117 3

Division 2

Droitwich Spa maintained their 4-point lead following a 3-1 win at home over Smithswood Firs. A second half goal

from Dildale Linton gave Alvis Sporting Club all 3 points in a 1-0 win at Hampton. 3rd placed Fairfield Villa lost

ground on the top two after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Knowle. Redditch Borough put 9 past Bloxwich Town

last week but a solitary goal from Gareth Hodgetts gave them all three points in the return fixture this week.

Continental Star remain bottom as they were beaten 3-1 by Feckenham at The Entaco. Leamington Hibernian and

Sutton United fought out a 1-1 draw which leaves them in 13th and 5th places respectively.

Paget Rangers moved closer to the top three coming from behind to beat Knowle 3-2 at The Trevor Brown Memorial

Ground.

1 Droitwich Spa 23 16 3 4 62 24 38 51

2 Alvis Sporting Club 17 15 2 0 39 10 29 47

3 Fairfield Villa 20 13 2 5 50 31 19 41

4 Redditch Borough 21 12 4 5 52 22 30 37 *

5 Sutton United 23 11 4 8 50 56 -6 36 *

6 Paget Rangers 17 11 2 4 49 21 28 35

7 Knowle 21 9 5 7 45 33 12 32

8 Barnt Green Spartak 21 8 2 11 35 46 -11 26

9 Feckenham 23 6 7 10 36 52 -16 25

10 Coton Green 17 6 6 5 36 30 6 24

11 Bloxwich Town 24 7 3 14 26 59 -33 24

12 Earlswood Town 22 6 4 12 33 44 -11 22

13 Leamington Hibernian 24 6 4 14 36 57 -21 22

14 Smithswood Firs 21 5 5 11 42 56 -14 20

15 Hampton 21 4 4 13 23 48 -25 16

16 Continental Star 23 2 7 14 25 50 -25 13

Division 3

Leaders NKF Burbage maintained their 10-point lead with a 4-0 home win over Inkberrow, two goals apiece for Jess

Adcock and Tom Smith. Montpellier are their nearest challengers, the Pellers beating Boldmere Sports & Social

Falcons 5-3 at Badsey, Stuart Hendrie getting another hat-trick. 3rd placed Northfield Town are very much in the

promotion hunt, a 4-2 over FC Stratford meaning they are just three points behind Montpellier. Moors Academy are

5th with 5 games in hand on 4th placed Shipston Excelsior who they beat 5-0 at The Beehive with Kyle Mulally scoring

twice. Doubles for Thomas Cuppleditch and Dale Wigmore gave Coventrians all three points in a 4-1 win at

struggling Enville Athletic.

1 NKF Burbage 19 17 2 0 63 11 52 53

2 Montpellier 17 14 1 2 65 20 45 43

3 Northfield Town 17 13 1 3 56 25 31 40

4 Shipston Excelsior 21 11 4 6 47 46 1 37

5 Moors Academy 16 11 1 4 43 27 16 34

6 Alcester Town 21 9 4 8 31 26 5 31

7 FC Stratford 20 9 2 9 55 40 15 29

8 Barton United 20 7 5 8 39 33 6 26

9 Coventrians 19 8 2 9 41 53 -12 26

10 Inkberrow 19 6 2 11 34 51 -17 20

11 Enville Athletic 20 5 1 14 15 43 -28 16

12 AFC Solihull 21 4 2 15 27 61 -34 14

13 Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons 24 3 4 17 21 62 -41 13

14 Castle Vale Town 20 3 3 14 26 65 -39 12

Polymac Packaging League Cup

Alvechurch progressed to the semi-finals with a 4-1 win over Pelsall Villa. They had to play for nearly 75 minutes

with 10 men as Daniel Dubidat was sent off early on. Ryan Edmunds scored in either half to ensure Church made it

through to a two-legged semi-final with Highgate United.

Other Cups

Coton Green reached the final of the Fazeley Charity Cup with a 4-1 win at Lichfield City Reserves. In the final they

will meet Tamworth U21 who beat FC Premier 3-2 after extra-time.

Leicester Road scored 4 times in the last 15 minutes against Lutterworth Town to reach the final of the

Leicestershire Senior Cup, 4-0 the final score.

Shawbury United are through to the final of the Shropshire Premier Cup following a 6-0 win over Newport Town.

Matthew Elsmore scored a hat-trick to send Shawbury through to the final against Market Drayton Twon.

An Andy Nicol penalty was the only goal of the game as Bromsgrove Sporting beat Barnt Green Spartak in the

Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup.

Reserves

RESERVE DIVISION

BROCTON 3 v 5 WALSALL WOOD

CONTINENTAL STAR 1 v 1 CADBURY ATHLETIC

COTON GREEN 1 v 0 ROCESTER

1 Cadbury Athletic Reserves 10 6 2 2 21 15 6 20

2 Rocester Reserves 9 5 3 1 33 14 19 18

3 Walsall Wood Reserves 10 5 2 3 26 18 8 17

4 Romulus Reserves 6 5 0 1 18 12 6 15

5 Coton Green Reserves 11 4 0 7 19 27 -8 12

6 Lichfield City Reserves 7 3 1 3 26 20 6 10

7 Gresley Reserves 6 2 1 3 8 9 -1 7

8 Tipton Town Reserves 7 1 1 5 11 35 -24 4

9 Continental Star Reserves 5 0 3 2 3 8 -5 3

10 Brocton Reserves 7 0 3 4 17 24 -7 3

Leading scorers

Ezekiel Agyemang Tipton Town 14 Terence Davies Tipton Town 14

Daniel Craythorne Lichfield City 13 Oliver Roome Rocester 13

Chad Barrett Cadbury Athletic 13 Kieran Smith Brocton 13

Josh Dutton Gresley 12 Stephen Wilkins Lichfield City 12

Zain Thomas Romulus 11 Romano Graham Walsall Wood 11

Jorge Eley Rocester 9 Anthony Smith Romulus 9

Under 21

UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH

BROCTON 2 v 0 COLESHILL TOWN

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 6 v 1 LEEK TOWN

CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1

Group "A"

ALVECHURCH 1 v 1 AYLESTONE PARK

Group "B"

KINGS HEATH CONCORDE 1 v 8 HEATH HAYES

UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH

AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS 2 v 3 BROMSGROVE SPORTING

BEDWORTH UNITED 3 v 2 KETTERING TOWN

COVENTRY UNITED 7 v 0 DROITWICH SPA G & B

H O W ACADEMY 0 v 0 HIGHGATE UNITED

U21 North U21 South

1 Aylestone Park U21 8 6 1 1 31 14 17 19 1 Bedworth United U21 12 8 1 3 41 19 22 25

2 Coleshill Town U21 11 4 1 6 21 20 1 13 2 Kettering Town U21 8 6 0 2 23 18 5 18

3 Sutton Coldfield Town U21 8 3 2 3 19 20 -1 11 3 Alvechurch U21 8 5 2 1 23 11 12 17

4 Tamworth U21 4 3 0 1 20 5 15 9 4 AFC Rushden & Diamonds U21 12 4 1 7 20 37 -17 13

5 Brocton U21 4 2 2 0 9 5 4 8 5 Coventry United U21 5 4 0 1 21 4 17 12

6 Heath Hayes U21 4 0 2 2 6 14 -8 2 6 Bromsgrove Sporting U21 6 3 1 2 9 8 1 10

7 Leek Town U21 5 0 0 5 4 32 -28 0 7 Highgate United U21 7 3 1 3 8 11 -3 10

8 H.O.W. Academy U21 10 2 1 7 15 22 -7 7

9 Droitwich Spa BG U21 9 1 1 7 11 34 -23 4

10 Kings Heath Concorde U21 3 0 0 3 2 9 -7 0

Leading scorers

James Parker Aylestone Park 23 Reece Snape Coventry United 24

James McGrady Heath Hayes 22 Ryan Palmer Coventry United 14

Lewis Ludford Coventry United 14 John Dodd Tamworth 13

Jacob Dodds Bedworth United 13 Brad Rolston Heath Hayes 13

Jordan Wilson Kettering Town 13 Jack Tonks Brocton 12

Josh Oultram Leek Town 11 Ryan Sappleton-Williams Sutton Coldfield 11

Bailey Beddows H.O.W. Academy 11 Ben Cooling Heath Hayes 10

Michael Wright Tamworth 10 Callum Harper H.O.W. Academy 10

Ryan Murphy Bedworth United 10 Jack Cook Tamworth 10

Premier Division – Leading goal scorers

Shay Brennan St Andrews 34

Josh March Alvechurch 27

Richard Greaves Westfields 27

David Meese Sporting Khalsa 26

Nathan Hodge Shawbury United, Westfields 25

Craig Jones Westfields 24

Lei Brown Highgate United 20

Jack Till Lye Town 18

Kieran Debrouwer Heanor Town 18

Jordan Nadat Alvechurch, Coleshill Town 18

Dean Rathbone Coleshill Town 18

Ben Billingham Lye Town 18

Andrew Bridge Loughborough University 16

Marco Adaggio Highgate United 15

Mykel Beckley Coleshill Town, Coventry United 14

Callum Riddell Rocester 14

Daniel Dubidat Alvechurch 14

Elliot Putman St Andrews 13

Drew Aiton Walsall Wood 13

Nathan Dale Quorn 13

Martin Smyth Rocester 13

McCauley Manning Highgate United 13

Dan Polan Westfields 12

Craig Bannister Sporting Khalsa 12

Sam Hollis St Andrews 12

Kai Williams Coventry United 12

Eight players on 11 goals: -

Kevin Hemagou (Long Eaton United), Charles Knowles (Shawbury United), Liam Read (Shepshed Dynamo), Reece

Shilvock (Stourport Swifts, Alvechurch), Dan Smith (Tividale), Nathan Benger (Heanor Town), Joey Butlin (Walsall

Wood) and Elliott Reeves (Heanor Town)

Division 1 – leading goal scorers

Alex Naughton Atherstone Town 41

Ryan Seal Hinckley AFC 40

Matthew Stenson Leicester Road 25

Connoll Farrell Studley, Coventry Copsewood 23

Wade Malley Racing Club Warwick 22

Matt Brennan Nuneaton Griff 22

Gareth Evans Pershore Town, Studley 21

Jason Cowley Bromsgrove Sporting 20

Kyle Turner Atherstone Town, Bolehall Swifts 18

Daniel Carter Littleton 17

Sam Agar Hinckley AFC 17

Paul Sullivan Hinckley AFC 16

Luke Lewis Uttoxeter Town 16

Jamie Smith Racing Club Warwick 16

Joel Ambalu Heather St Johns 16

Tom Bates Nuneaton Griff 15

Joe Obi Bolehall Swifts 14

Ben Lund Lichfield City 14

Sean Brain Bromsgrove Sporting, Littleton 14

David Akinuli Coventry Copsewood 13

Chris Lloyd Bromsgrove Sporting 13

Darryl Thomas Leicester Road 12

Jake Holt Leicester Road 12

Dan Griffiths Lichfield City 12

Jordan Francis Bolehall Swifts 11

Joe Hartshorne Heath Hayes 11

Daniel Holloway Littleton 11

David Blenkinsopp Hinckley AFC, Coventry Copsewood 11

Division 2 – leading goal scorers

Daniel Carter Paget Rangers 28

Nick Seabourne Droitwich Spa 22

Connor Collins Fairfield Villa 20

Thomas Craine Knowle 18

Mark Bellingham Paget Rangers 18

Andrew Millan Coton Green 16

Liam Fullerton Redditch Borough 16

Dildale Linton Alvis Sporting Club 16

Pedro Douglas Continental Star 16

Jak Albutt Redditch Borough 15

George Ford Sutton United 14

Dan Pidgeon Alvis Sporting Club 14

James Lemon Droitwich Spa 12

Ross Dempster Paget Rangers 11

Sam Hulme Smithswood Firs 11

Joseph Wright Leamington Hibernian 10

Martin Crawford Smithswood Firs 10

Benet Parchment Barnt Green Spartak 10

Tyron Smith Smithswood Firs 10

Charlie Cook Alvis Sporting Club 10

Joshua Sherington Coton Green 10

Jack Brimmell Feckenham 9

Josh Duggan Sutton United 9

Eight players on 8 goals:

Ben Ellicott (Knowle), Luke Molloy (Droitwich Spa), Ellis Blakemore (Fairfield Villa), Stuart Hall (Fairfield Villa), Billy

Garvey (Redditch Borough), Daniel Murphy (Feckenham) and Ben Cox (Feckenham)

Division 3

Stuart Hendrie Montpellier 34

Daniel Priest Northfield Town 19

Dale Wigmore Coventrians 17

Jess Adcock NKF Burbage 17

Jay Tilbury FC Stratford 16

Tom Smith NKF Burbage 14

Montel Okoro Moors Academy 12

Dan Lawrence Northfield Town 12

Peter Martin Barton United 11

Liam Connolly Coventrians 11

Alex Coultas NKF Burbage 10

Charlie Adcock NKF Burbage 9

Nathan Astill NKF Burbage 9

Lewis Chester Coventrians 9

Lewis Fathers Shipston Excelsior 9

Daniel Moore Castle Vale Town 9

Freddy Murphy FC Stratford 9

Jake Harris Shipston Excelsior 9

Lee Hendrie Montpellier 9

Thomas Cuppleditch Coventrians 9

Ben Hill FC Stratford 8

Lewis Jones Northfield Town 8

Ashley Wilkes FC Stratford 8

Matthew Layton Alcester Town 8

Paddy Behan Northfield Town 8

Thomas Clewes Inkberrow 7

Callum Coyle Moors Academy 7

Romario Martin Moors Academy 7

Adam Wooldridge Enville Athletic 7

Preview

Premier Division

Game of the day is undoubtedly 3rd versus 2nd at Stourbridge Road as Lye Town welcome FA Vase heroes Coleshill

Town. Both sides need to win to keep on the coat tails of the leaders while a draw would be welcomed elsewhere.

Both sides are in great form with Coleshill on a run of 12 consecutive victories. Leaders Alvechurch travel to

Loughborough University, a venue from which they returned pointless last season. With the Scholars only 5 points

above the drop zone, points for both sides are vital. 4th placed Westfields have given themselves a monumental task

if they are to catch Alvechurch and nothing but three points at relegation threatened AFC Wulfrunians will suffice. If

Sporting Khalsa win all their games in hand, they can close the gap to just 4 points but they need to keep winning.

Coventry Sphinx visit the Aspray Arena looking to cement their place in the top 10. Tividale dropped to the bottom

of the table in midweek and they have a vital game at The Beeches against Boldmere St Michaels who sit 10 points

above them. Brocton lifted themselves off the bottom with a home win in midweek and can close the gap on the

pack with a win at Silkmore Lane against free-scoring St Andrews. Stourport Swifts are just two points adrift of

safety following an excellent win in midweek and they will hope to move out of the bottom three with a win at home

to mid-table Rocester. It is a big day at The Coppice as Highgate United unveil The Tony Allden Stand. On the pitch,

they are just two points ahead of the relegation zone and, despite having games in hand, they need to start picking

up points starting this week against Long Eaton United. There’s a good-looking fixture at Wem as Shawbury United

host Heanor Town. Heanor are just outside the top 6 while Shawbury are 15th and 5 points above the relegation

zone. A poor run of results has left Walsall Wood on the fringe of the relegation battle and they travel to 10th placed

Quorn who are two points ahead of them in the table. Coventry United welcome Shepshed Dynamo to Sphinx Drive

in a game probably more important to the visitors as they try to move away from the lower echelons of the table.

Division 1

Leaders Bromsgrove Sporting, fresh from their FA Vase exploits, welcome Heath Hayes to the Victoria Ground as

they look to maintain their unbeaten record and the 3-point lead at the top of the table. 2nd placed Atherstone Town

travel to 2nd bottom Pershore Town with both sides needing the three points. 3rd placed Hinckley AFC went goal

crazy in midweek and they welcome improving Uttoxeter Town to St Johns Park. Leicester Road travel to Littleton

needing a win to apply some pressure on the sides above them. Stafford Town sit just outside the bottom two but

improved results of late point to a home win when they welcome basement team Southam United to Evans Park.

Pelsall Villa climbed to 15th with a win last week and can put more space between themselves and the bottom two

with a win at home to Cadbury Athletic. Chelmsley Town find themselves embroiled in the relegation battle and

they welcome high flying Lichfield City to Pack Meadow. Two sides who had heavy home defeats in midweek meet

at Rene Road as Bolehall Swifts entertain Racing Club Warwick. Two sides firmly in the middle of the pack meet at

Allard Way with Coventry Copsewood entertaining Heather St Johns.

Division 2

Leaders Droitwich Spa host Barnt Green Spartak as they try to keep ahead of the chasing pack. Leading the chase

are unbeaten Alvis Sporting Club who entertain Coton Green. 4th meet 3rd at The Valley Stadium as Redditch

Borough welcome Fairfield Villa in what could be a cracker. Paget Rangers have games in hand on the sides around

then and a win at home to Feckenham could see them back in the top four. The bottom two meet at The Hub where

a win for Continental Star over Hampton would see the two swap places. 12th meets 13th at The Pavilions where

Earlswood Town welcome visitors Leamington Hibernian. Five defeats in the last seven has seen Bloxwich Town

slide down the table and the visitors to the Red Lion Ground this week are 7th placed Knowle.

Division 3

Big game this week sees leaders NKF Burbage host 3rd placed Northfield Town in what could be a big test of

Burbage’s unbeaten record. 2nd placed Montpellier are scoring heavily at the moment and they travel to 4th placed

Shipston Excelsior who shipped 5 last week. AFC Solihull welcome Enville Athletic to Tudor Grange where a win for

the Solihull would see them leapfrog Enville into 11th place. 5th placed Moors Academy welcome 6th placed Alcester

Town to The Beehive in what could be a tight game. Inkberrow entertain Barton United and when the two sides met

in December Barton ran out 5-0 winners.

Reserves

RESERVE DIVISION

COTON GREEN v CADBURY ATHLETIC

GRESLEY v TIPTON TOWN

LICHFIELD CITY v ROCESTER

WALSALL WOOD v ROMULUS

Under 21

CHALLENGE BOWL ROUND 1, Group "B"

TAMWORTH v DROITWICH SPA G & B 10.30

UNDER 21 DIVISION NORTH

BROCTON v AYLESTONE PARK 10.30

HEATH HAYES v SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN 10.30

UNDER 21 DIVISION SOUTH

AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS v COVENTRY UNITED 10.30

BEDWORTH UNITED v BROMSGROVE SPORTING 11.00

KETTERING TOWN v HIGHGATE UNITED 10.30

KINGS HEATH CONCORDE v ALVECHURCH 10.30