Hellenic League – Proudly Sponsored by uhlsport – "Where every game matters"

Author: Craig Davenport (Admin)

  • 👏 LEGENDARY MILESTONE ALERT 👏

    👏 LEGENDARY MILESTONE ALERT 👏

    Today, the Hellenic League celebrates an incredible achievement as Darren McMillan and Graham Pugh marked their 50th game officiating together – a true milestone for one of the league’s most iconic partnerships.

    Now, does the league officially know if this is some kind of record? Probably not. Records for this sort of thing simply aren’t kept. But let’s be honest — as assistant referees, virtually every club in the league knows exactly who this pair are. When “McMillan & Pugh” appear on the team sheet, it’s instantly recognisable. And for that reason alone, we felt it only right to stop, take notice, and show our appreciation for the invaluable and often unseen work they do week in, week out.

    Affectionately known as the “Ant and Dec” of the Hellenic League, this legendary duo first teamed up back in September 2020 at Brimscombe. What started as a single appointment has grown into something truly special. Between them, Darren and Graham have now officially officiated over 200 games for the league, with the last two seasons seeing them operate almost exclusively as a pair – building chemistry, trust, and a reputation that precedes them wherever they go.

    Their 50th game together, fittingly completed today at Mangotsfield vs Fairford, is a testament not only to their commitment, but to the standard, consistency, and reliability they bring every single matchday. Graham said “it’s a magic day, it’s great to not only have the game but also be with my mate and of course my favourite referee!”

    Of course, no appreciation post would be complete without mentioning Graham Pugh’s permanently smiling face – a smile so constant it’s widely believed he sleeps with it on 😄. Win, lose, rain, hail or sideways wind… the smile never leaves. Meanwhile, Darren balances things out perfectly, creating a partnership built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and a not-so-secret love for each other that would make even the strongest bromance proud.

    They’re also well known (and occasionally feared) for the harmless tricks they play on referees they work with — always pre- or post-match, never during (professionalism first… mischief later). If you’ve worked with them and haven’t been caught out at least once, you’re probably still waiting for it.

    Darren and Graham embody everything that’s great about officiating in the Hellenic League: teamwork, humour, dedication, and selfless commitment. Their contribution may not sit in a record book, but it certainly sits firmly in the respect of clubs, referees, and administrators alike.

    Here’s to 50 games together, countless smiles, and many more touchlines shared.

    Congratulations, Ant & Dec — and thank you for everything you do for the league 👏⚽

    All Images Credit of Pete Kinsella

  • Saturday Football Round-Up: Penalties, Goal Gluts and 1,555 Reasons to Love the Hellenic League

    Saturday Football Round-Up: Penalties, Goal Gluts and 1,555 Reasons to Love the Hellenic League

    Saturday 17 January delivered a full menu of non-league entertainment across the Isuzu FA Vase and the Hellenic League, with penalty shoot-out drama, emphatic league victories and no shortage of goals — all watched by a combined 1,555 supporters who braved January conditions to back their sides.

    And if you ever needed 1,555 reasons to come and watch the Hellenic League, this was it: action packed with drama, great goals, epic saves and just a tiny touch of referee controversy — the good kind that keeps everyone talking on the way home. Give us this any day over the so-called top flight.

    FA Vase: Nerves of Steel Required

    There was knockout tension in the Isuzu FA Vase, starting at Downton where 190 spectators were treated to a goalless stalemate between the hosts and Slimbridge. Clear chances were at a premium, and with neither side able to break through, penalties were required. Downton kept their composure to edge the shoot-out 4–3 and book their place in the next round — goalkeepers and heart-rate monitors earning their keep.

    Hallen and Hythe & Dibden served up a similar script in front of 110 fans. Harrison Fairman put Hallen ahead shortly after the break, only for Harrison Clarke to respond almost immediately for the visitors. With the scores locked at 1–1, it was once again down to penalties, where Hallen proved the cooler customers, winning 4–2 from the spot.

    Premier Division: Big Wins and Big Statements

    In the Hellenic Premier Division, Cirencester Town were in ruthless form, dismantling Westfields 5–1. Harlie Price stole the headlines with four goals, supported by strikes from Zac Powell and Theo Jeremy, as 148 supporters watched a second-half blitz that left little doubt about the outcome.

    The biggest crowd of the day — 259 strong — was at Droitwich Spa, though the home supporters endured a tough afternoon as Cinderford Town ran out 4–0 winners. Jack Watts helped himself to a second-half brace, underlining a dominant away performance.

    Corsham Town did their damage early at Hereford Pegasus, with Nick McCoottie netting twice before half-time. From there, Corsham managed the game well to secure a 2–0 victory in front of 65 spectators.

    Mangotsfield United claimed a solid 2–0 home win over Fairford Town, breaking the deadlock after the hour before sealing the points late on. A disciplined performance watched by 233 fans.

    Pershore Town and Cribbs shared the spoils in a competitive 1–1 draw. Cribbs led through Kieran Clayton, but Pershore showed resilience, with Jamie Lucas grabbing a late equaliser to earn a point in front of 119 in attendance.

    Tuffley Rovers and Royal Wootton Bassett Town produced one of the games of the day, with the visitors edging a 3–2 thriller. Goals flew in at both ends, keeping the 118-strong crowd fully entertained and goalkeepers permanently on edge.

    Worcester Raiders made home advantage count, defeating Lydney Town 3–1. Goals in both halves ensured a deserved win, with 112 spectators watching Raiders continue their positive run.

    Division One: Clinical Finishing on Display

    In Division One, Bewdley Town were efficient and controlled in a 2–0 win over Chipping Sodbury Town, scoring once in each half to secure the points in front of 62 supporters.

    FC Stratford delivered one of the standout performances of the afternoon, sweeping aside Cheltenham Saracens 4–0. Toby Nichol was in devastating form, helping himself to a hat-trick as 61 fans enjoyed a comfortable home victory.

    Malmesbury Victoria were equally convincing on the road, defeating Ludlow Town 4–0. Lewis-James Bexton-Shaw bagged a hat-trick, ensuring the visitors left with maximum points — and the Ludlow goalkeeper left with plenty to think about — watched by 40 spectators.

    Newent Town completed the day’s action with an impressive 4–1 away win at Wellington. After falling behind early, Newent responded emphatically with four goals of their own, turning the game on its head in front of 38 supporters.

    📊 By the Numbers

    Across 13 played fixtures, a total of:

    1,555 spectators

    turned out to support local football — proof once again that the Hellenic League delivers week in, week out. Drama, goals, saves, stories… and you’re close enough to hear the shouts from the dugouts. What more do you want?

    Written by: AI (with a touch of human help!)

    Cover Photo: Pete Kinsella

  • Final Score review 10/01/26

    Final Score review 10/01/26

    Saturday 10 January 2026 – Goals, groans and one or two long afternoons

    Premier Division

    Highworth Town P-P Fairford Town

    The pitch said “no”, the weather said “absolutely not”, and everyone sensibly went home.

    Corsham Town 3–0 Lydney Town (Att: 140)

    Corsham kept it tidy and professional. McCootie opened the scoring, Plummer added a penalty (VAR still unavailable at this level, thankfully), and Freckleton finished things off. Lydney arrived, tried their best, and left with a long journey to reflect.

    Longlevens AFC 0–1 Cirencester Town (Att: 114)

    Theo Jeremy scored after nine minutes and Cirencester then defended like they’d hidden the ball behind the clubhouse. Not pretty, but very effective.

    Mangotsfield United 0–1 Droitwich Spa (Att: 355)

    A big crowd for a game decided by a single Josh Hurdman strike. Droitwich grabbed the goal, Mangotsfield pressed the panic button, and 355 people debated “how that didn’t go in” on the way out.

    Roman Glass St George 3–0 Westfields (Att: 80)

    Early goal, steady control, job done. Roman Glass barely broke sweat and Westfields were left wondering where the afternoon went.

    Royal Wootton Bassett Town 0–3 Slimbridge (Att: 218)

    Two Jack Smiths scored in two minutes, causing confusion in the stands and probably in the changing rooms too. Evans-Harriott then made sure Slimbridge’s bus home was a happy one.

    Thornbury Town 0–0 Pershore Town (Att: 160)

    A game that had everything… except goals. Both keepers stayed warm, the defences stayed busy, and the scoreline stayed exactly where it started.

    Tuffley Rovers 2–2 Cinderford Town (Att: 172)

    End-to-end stuff and a late sting in the tail. Just when Tuffley thought they’d cracked it, Preston Mason popped up in the 89th minute to spoil the celebrations.

    Worcester Raiders 2–1 Hereford Pegasus (Att: 133)

    Raiders nicked this one with a late winner. Pegasus briefly soared after equalising, only to be grounded again before full time.

    Division One

    Alcester Town P-P Cheltenham Saracens

    Another postponement, another afternoon saved from muddy socks.

    Clanfield 85 3–3 Chipping Sodbury Town (Att: 106)

    Clanfield looked to have a much-needed win wrapped up after a flying start but less than a minute later it was all square and with a strong second-half spell, taking the lead proved trickier than finding the net. Chipping Sodbury kept knocking, Clanfield kept letting them in, and by full time the hosts were left wondering how three points turned into one.

    Redditch Borough P-P Carterton

    No football, no drama — just the promise of a rearranged fixture.

    Shortwood United P-P Thame United Reserves

    Yet another pitch that lost its battle with winter.

    Stonehouse Town 1–2 FC Stratford (Att: 94)

    Stratford struck early and late, Stonehouse rallied, and the visitors left quietly pleased with themselves.

    Wantage Town 7–1 Newent Town (Att: 198)

    Absolute carnage. Wantage were five up by half-time and didn’t ease off. The scoreboard had a tougher workout than some of the defenders.

    Wellington 3–2 Brimscombe & Thrupp (Att: 42)

    A cracking little contest played out in front of those dedicated enough to brave the cold. Goals, drama and three points for Wellington

    Written by: AI

    Cover picture: Credit Pete Kinsella

  • Hellenic Division One – Saturday 20 December

    Hellenic Division One – Saturday 20 December

    Late drama, hard-working volunteers, and one scoreline that keeps turning heads

    Brimscombe & Thrupp P–P Redditch Borough

    (Match called off Friday – pitch flooding)

    This fixture was rightly called off on Friday after flooding left the pitch unplayable. Anyone involved at Brimscombe knows the effort that goes into maintaining a local community ground, often by volunteers working around jobs and family life. Despite their best efforts, the weather won this round. The right call was made early, Redditch Borough avoided a wasted journey, and football will return when the pitch — and the people who care for it — are ready.

    Carterton 2–2 Bewdley Town

    (HT: 1–0 | Att: 35)

    Finlay Baker put Carterton ahead on 41 minutes before Zach Scott equalised on 49. Carterton responded through Kai Del Kiffen, but Ryan Bangay’s 90+5 strike rescued a point for Bewdley at the very end. Another reminder that in Division One, the final whistle is never early.

    Cheltenham Saracens 1–1 Clanfield 85

    (HT: 0–1 | Att: 40)

    Clanfield struck early through Kenzie Taylor and then spent long spells defending their lead. Ryan Dobbins levelled on 60 minutes, and while Saracens pushed on, Clanfield held firm to secure a point — not glamorous, but points count just the same.

    Chipping Sodbury Town P–P Ludlow Town

    Another fixture lost to the conditions. Behind the postponement is a community club where a small group of volunteers work tirelessly to keep football running week after week. Sometimes the weather has other ideas, but the commitment at Chipping Sodbury ensures the game will be back soon enough.

    FC Stratford 2–0 Malmesbury Victoria

    (HT: 1–0 | Att: 55)

    A composed performance from Stratford. Jake Williams opened the scoring early before Tony Nicoll sealed the win late on. Efficient, controlled, and well managed.

    Shortwood United 1–4 Newent Town

    (HT: 0–1 | Att: 71)

    Newent Town were sharp and decisive, with George Brand netting twice. Goals from Kyle Taylor and Sam Judge added to the tally, while Alfie Bradshaw grabbed a late consolation for Shortwood.

    Stonehouse Town 4–0 Woodford United

    (HT: 2–0 | Att: 72)

    Stonehouse dominated throughout. First-half goals from Harley Hudd and Spencer Martin set them on their way, with Finn Rees and Josh Beadle adding further goals late on in a convincing display.

    Wantage Town 7–0 Thame United Reserves

    (HT: 1–0 | Att: 164)

    Congratulations once again to Wantage Town on another standout scoreline this season.

    A hat-trick from Callum Crook, two goals from Matthew Cheetham, an own goal, and a late finish from Josh Davis completed a ruthless performance that continues to raise eyebrows across the division.

    🏁 Division One Summary

    Postponements reminded us of the people behind the scenes, late goals delivered the drama, and Wantage underlined their credentials in emphatic fashion. Division One — powered as much by community effort as it is by footballing moments.

    Written By: AI

    Cover image credit: Bewdley Town “X”

  • Dacres Hat-Trick Seals Chipping Sodbury Town Victory

    Dacres Hat-Trick Seals Chipping Sodbury Town Victory

    Chipping Sodbury Town secured a deserved 3–1 home victory over the University of Bristol on Friday 13 December, thanks to a superb hat-trick from Tyler Dacres.

    Playing in front of the home support at Chipping Sodbury, Dacres delivered a clinical performance in front of goal, scoring all three of the hosts’ goals to put the game beyond doubt. His finishing proved the difference in a competitive contest, with the visitors unable to contain his attacking threat.

    The University of Bristol did manage to find the net, but Chipping Sodbury Town remained in control throughout, showing composure and resilience to see out the win.

    In recognition of his outstanding performance, Tyler Dacres was presented with the match ball after the final whistle by Chipping Sodbury Town Chair, James Mapstone, a fitting reward for a memorable individual display.

    The victory adds another positive result for Chipping Sodbury Town as they continue to build momentum on home soil.

    Written by: AI

  • Wantage Town 8–1 Woodford United

    Wantage Town 8–1 Woodford United

    Alfredian Park | Attendance: 100

    Wantage Town turned on the style at Alfredian Park with an emphatic 8–1 victory over Woodford United in a game that showcased attacking football, clinical finishing, and two memorable individual performances.

    The hosts were out of the blocks quickly and established control early on. By half-time, Wantage had built a commanding 4–0 lead, thanks to sharp movement and ruthless use of possession. Josh Davis led the way in the opening period, helping himself to two goals before the interval and setting the tone for the afternoon.

    The second half followed a similar pattern, with Wantage continuing to press forward. Luke Whelan took centre stage after the break, completing a superb hat-trick, while Davis added his third to claim one of two match balls on the day. Michael Miller also found the net twice, and Thomas Rees added another as the goals continued to flow.

    Woodford United’s task became even tougher when they were reduced to ten men, and to their credit they continued to compete despite the numerical disadvantage. The visitors were rewarded with a well-earned consolation goal, showing determination and spirit even as the scoreline grew.

    While the final result was a heavy one, it reflected a very strong Wantage performance rather than a lack of effort from Woodford, who battled throughout under difficult circumstances.

    A highly entertaining afternoon for the home support, with Wantage Town combining teamwork, tempo, and finishing to produce a performance — and scoreline — that will live long in the memory.

    Hat-Trick Hero No.1: Josh Davis

    Josh Davis clearly arrived at Alfredian Park in the mood for goals. Two before half-time wasn’t enough, so he added a third later on just to make sure nobody else walked off with his match ball. Constantly on the move and always asking questions of the Woodford defence, Davis turned in a performance that defenders dread and goalkeepers replay in slow motion later that evening. To top it all off, Josh posed with his best Christmas smile for the cameras when collecting the match ball!

    Hat-Trick Hero No.2: Luke Whelan

    Not to be outdone, Luke Whelan decided that if one Wantage player was having a hat-trick kind of day, then two definitely should. Calm, composed, and seemingly always in the right place at the right time, Whelan completed his treble with the air of someone who’d done it all before, and might have fancied a fourth if time allowed.

    Written By:

  • A Little Late, But the Goals Were Right on Time!

    A Little Late, But the Goals Were Right on Time!

    We might be a bit late reporting this, but we’re thrilled to share that the goals were perfectly on point!

    James Baldwin delivered an incredible performance, scoring four goals in an away match against Carterton. This marks his second hat-trick in just one month, and he didn’t stop there, he added an extra goal for good measure.

    What a phenomenal run of form from Baldwin is clinical, confident, and unstoppable!

  • Hat-Trick Hero Strikes Again: Aidan Clark Bags Second Treble Against Tuffley!

    Hat-Trick Hero Strikes Again: Aidan Clark Bags Second Treble Against Tuffley!

    If Tuffley had nightmares after the first encounter, they’ll need therapy after this one. Aidan Clark has done it again, netting his second set of three goals against the same unlucky side this season. That’s right, two hat-tricks, one victim. Somewhere in Gloucestershire, defenders are running scared.

    The match started with Tuffley showing promise, but that lasted about as long as a chocolate teapot in a heatwave. Clark opened the scoring with a finish so calm it could have been sipping tea. His second? A thunderbolt that nearly needed planning permission. And the third? Well, let’s just say the goalkeeper is still checking if the ball had a tracking device.

    Fans were chanting, teammates were grinning, and even the referee looked impressed, though he still booked someone for celebrating too hard. With this performance, Clark has officially become Tuffley’s least favourite person since whoever invented away fixtures.

    The big question now: Can anyone stop him? Or should Tuffley just start sending him Christmas cards and hope for mercy?

  • Weekly Update 07/11/25

    Weekly Update 07/11/25

    It’s a Fixture packed weekend –

    In the Isuzu FA Vase Second Round this Saturday, we have 7 teams left in the competition. Cinderford Town are at home to Helston Athletic and Roman Glass St George are at home to Hamworthy Recreation. Hallen are away to Andover New Street, Corsham Town are down in Devon to play Bovey Tracey, Thornbury Town travel to Southampton to play Hythe & Dibden, Slimbridge are in South Devon to play Ivybridge Town and Shortwood United are not too far away in Wiltshire where they play Downton FC. Shortwood United deserve a mention having had their away game v Street in the previous round abandoned in the 75th minute due to a serious injury to a Street player, then having to go back again and win the rearranged game. They went 1-0 up in the 82nd minute only for Street to equalize in the 87th minute and then winning 5-3 on penalties. There is every chance to progress for all of our teams and I hope to be reporting further success next week. All the very best to you all.

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, there were no League games as the fixtures were dominated by the UHL Challenge Cup. There were several games involving Premier Division Sides v sides in Division One and the Alliance league sides. Most notable results saw Wantage Town (D1) win 3-0 over Lydney Town (Prem) and Cheltenham Saracens (D1) travelling away to Cribbs (Prem), drawing 1-1 and then winning 4-3 on penalties. Fairford Town (Prem) hit 8 without reply v Penn & Tylers Green United (Alliance East), Westfields (Prem) winning 5-1 against Headington Amateurs (Alliance East), Pershore Town (Prem) travelled to Carterton (D1) and won 4-1. Mangotsfield United (Prem) won 6-0 at home v Malmesbury Victoria (D1), Highworth Town (Prem) travelled to Brimscombe & Thrupp (D1) and won 2-1 and Hereford Pegasus (Prem) winning 3-0 at home v Bewdley Town (D1). Other games saw Longlevens travelling to Cinderford Town and winning 2-0, Royal Wootton Bassett Town traveling to Cirencester Town and winning 2-1, a healthy crowd of 188 was at Droitwich Spa to see them win 2-1 with an 88th minute winner v FC Stratford, Hallen with an 87th winner in the Glos Derby v Thornbury Town winning 4-3, Slimbridge winning 3-1 v Corsham Town, Worcester Raiders beating Roman Glass St George 3-2 and Stonehouse Town beating Wellington 3-0 at home. 

    One game in the UHL Premier Division on Tuesday saw Corsham Town hitting a 92nd minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw v Mangotsfield United.

    In UHL Division One, again League games were limited last Saturday, but the 7-1 home win for Shortwood United v Ludlow Town was the most standout and reduced Shortwood United’s minus goal difference significantly. There was a nice spread of goals amongst the players, but no hattrick award. Woodford United won 3-0 v Newent Town and Alcester Town had a narrow 1-0 home win v Thame United Reserves.

    One game in the UHL Division One on Tuesday saw Newent Town returning to winning ways 2-0 v Wellington.

    Hungerford Town Reserves travelled to Eastington Sports Dev and won3-1 in Alliance East.

    Highworth Town Reserves v Wantage Town U23’s finished 0-5 in Alliance West.

    In the Wiseman Lighting (UHL) Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, Alcester Town (D1) won 7-1 v UDA Glos Development (Alliance West).

    There were 2 games and 1 postponement in the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup.

    There were 2 games in the Vets Premier Division and 5 games in the Vets Division One during the week.

    Finally, I am delighted to announce the UHL October Teams of the month:

    Premier Division – Corsham Town, Division 1 – Wantage Town, Alliance – UDA Glos. May the ball run smoothly for you all

    Regards, 

    Ian 

  • ⚡ Hellenic Division One – The Battle for Supremacy Tightens ⚡

    ⚡ Hellenic Division One – The Battle for Supremacy Tightens ⚡

    As November kicks into gear, Division One is serving up pure entertainment — goals, shocks, and a title race that’s tighter than a linesman’s shorts after Christmas dinner.

    Sitting proudly at the top, Bewdley Town continue to lead the charge with 31 points from 13 games. Ten wins already, and they’re showing no signs of slowing. It’s been a ruthless, no-nonsense start — and everyone else knows it.

    FC Stratford, though, are hot on their heels. Only five points behind with a game in hand, they’ve been slick, organised, and quietly confident. Redditch Borough and Cheltenham Saracens are right in the mix too — both sides boasting eight wins and an eye firmly fixed on top spot.

    Just below, Malmesbury Victoria and Wantage Town are proving that style and substance can go hand-in-hand. Malmesbury have turned consistency into an art form, while Wantage’s recent run has them within touching distance of the top five.

    The middle pack is where things get spicy — Newent Town, Woodford United, and Stonehouse Town all locked in the same postcode on points, separated only by goal difference. Brimscombe & Thrupp aren’t far behind either, quietly building momentum with games in hand.

    Further down, there’s a real dogfight brewing. Alcester, Chipping Sodbury, and Ludlow Town are all doing their best to stay in touch, while Carterton will be hoping October’s spark carries into the winter months.

    And then, at the bottom… well, it’s been a long autumn for Clanfield 85, who seem to have misread “Division One” as “Division Fun.” With just two wins from fourteen and a goal difference that looks like a helpline number, they’ll be desperate to turn things around before the Christmas lights go up. Still — football’s a funny game, and if anyone can pull a rabbit out of the hat, it’s the 85ers… though right now, it might be more hamster than hare. 🐹⚽

    With Shortwood, Wellington, and Thame United Reserves also searching for form, every point down there matters — and every fixture feels like a cup final.

    So as we head into this weekend, buckle up. Division One’s got drama at both ends of the table — and no one’s safe when the whistle blows.

    Picture Credit:

    Helen Warwick

    @HelenWarwick5