Author: Craig Davenport

  • CLUB NEWS UPDATE — LONGLEVENS NAMED SEPTEMBER TEAM OF THE MONTH!

    CLUB NEWS UPDATE — LONGLEVENS NAMED SEPTEMBER TEAM OF THE MONTH!

    In a standout moment for the club this week, our Chair, Bill, paid a special visit to present Longlevens with the September Team of the Month Award.

    Rather than a full team gathering, Bill met privately with members of the management team, who proudly accepted the award on behalf of the entire squad. The presentation was a moment of quiet significance, a recognition of the relentless effort, discipline, and togetherness that have powered Longlevens through an exceptional September.

    Bill praised the club’s professionalism and commitment, highlighting the consistency and character that made Longlevens stand out among their peers. The management team expressed their gratitude and their excitement to carry that winning momentum into this weekend’s upcoming fixture.

    This award marks an important milestone and adds an extra spark ahead of a big match on the horizon.

    Congratulations to Longlevens — September’s Team of the Month.

    A proud achievement. A big weekend ahead. Let’s keep the momentum rolling.

  • Weekly Update 1/11/25

    Weekly Update 1/11/25

    We got away fairly lightly on the weather front so far, let us hope it stays that way!

     

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, Fairford Towngot an 85th minute winner away v Cinderford Town for a 2-1 win. Cirencester Town picked up 3 points in their 3-0 win v Thornbury Town. Corsham Town won 3-2 in an entertaining game v Slimbridge. Hallen continued their revival with a 3-0 home win v Westfields. Hereford Pegasus v Tuffley Rovers ended 0-0 and Highworth Town v Lydney Town was also a draw at 1-1. Longlevens had a strong 3-1-win v Worcester Raiders. The local Derby between Mangotsfield United and Cribbs was 2-0 toMangotsfield United up until the 87th minute until 3 late away goals resulted in a 3-2 away win for Cribbs in front of 251 watching spectators. Pershore Town v Royal Wootton Bassett Town ended 1-1 and the top of the table clash between Roman Glass St George and Droitwich Spa finished 3-1 to Roman Glass St George. On Tuesday evening, Cirencester Town and Hallen drew 1-1, Thornbury Town travelled to Lydney Town and won 2-0 and Slimbridge hosted Tuffley Rovers and won 3-0 in front of a watching 174. It is still tight at the top with Roman Glass St George in pole position closely followed bySlimbridge and Droitwich Spa. At the bottom Lydney Town are 4 points behind Royal Wootton Basset Town. 

    In UHL Division OneBewdley Town continued their strong form with a 1-0 away win v Thame United Reserves, but left it late with their winner coming in the 87thminute. Redditch Borough won 2-0 v Chipping Sodbury TownCheltenham Saracens travelled to Ludlow Townand the game finished 0-0. FC Stratford moved into 2ndplace with a 2-1 win over Newent TownStonehouse Town on a good run of form won 3-0 v Clanfield 85 and Wantage Town won 5-1 at home v Wellington with a crowd of 209 watching. Malmsbury Victoria v Carterton was postponed due to an area of the pitch being unplayable. Bewdley Town are currently 5 points in front of a very closely packed top 6 with Thame United Reservescurrently in bottom place. 

    There were wins for Banbury United Dev, Headington Amateurs and Marlow Reserves in Alliance East. 

    There were wins for University of Bristol (9-0) andEvesham United Reserves in Alliance West. 

    There was one game in the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup with Bourton Rovers Dev winning away v UDA Glos Dev. 

    Golden Glove award winners for October have been announced, congratulations to Ronnie Newbury of Cirencester Town and Kai Lloyd of Bewdley Town respectively who will soon be in receipt of their Uhlsport Gloves. 

    Enjoy the football over the weekend, 

    Regards, 

    Ian

  • Hellenic League joins in the celebration of Roger Sansom’s 50 years of service to Lydney Town FC

    Hellenic League joins in the celebration of Roger Sansom’s 50 years of service to Lydney Town FC

    To celebrate a remarkable 50 years dedicated to his club, Lydney Town FC, a surprise ceremony has bestowed upon Roger Sansom one of the greatest honours any club servant could receive recognition for his outstanding devotion and loyal service.

    The clubhouse was filled to capacity with members, colleagues, and friends from across the football community, including representatives from our own League, as Roger was surprised to learn that from this day forward, the ground would proudly bear the name “Sansom Park.”

    The Gloucestershire Northern Senior League and the Hellenic League join together in offering their warmest congratulations to Roger on this incredible milestone. His five decades of tireless commitment have helped shape not only Lydney Town FC but also the wider grassroots game in Gloucestershire and beyond.

    League Chairman’s Comment:

    “Roger’s commitment to Lydney Town FC and to grassroots football as a whole is truly inspirational. For 50 years, he has given his time, energy, and heart to the game, shaping not only his club but the wider football community around him. The naming of Sansom Park is a wonderful and fitting tribute to a man whose dedication stands as an example to us all. On behalf of the Hellenic League, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and deepest respect, a truly remarkable achievement

  • Weekly Update 17/10/25

    Weekly Update 17/10/25

    The weather is turning from Sunday so make the most of it!!!! 

    The Isuzu FA Vase First Round Proper takes center stage this weekend and we have strong representation with home games for Slimbridge, Hallen, Fairford Town, Cirencester Town, FC Stratford and Malmesbury Victoria. Travelling we have Highworth Town, Cinderford Town, Thornbury Town (to Fairford Town), Droitwich Spa, Corsham Town, Lydney Town, Newent Town and Shortwood United. There are some very long trips ahead, most notably; Lydney Town (who were supposed to be going to Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police – susequently expelled for playing an ineligible player) and now they are travelling to Helston Athletic in sunny Cornwall and Newent Town travelling to Barnstaple Town. Good luck to all of our teams and keep the UHL flag flying high.

    In the UHL Premier Division which kicked off on Friday with Slimbridge v Thornbury TownSlimbridge continued their pursuit of the big prize with a 1-0 home win v Thornbury Town. It was a late strike in the 87th minute which sealed the 3 points. On Saturday, fellow top 3 club Droitwich Spa were held to a 0-0 away v Cinderford Town, while top placed Roman Glass St George travelled to Tuffley Rovers and won 3-2. I was involved in this game and it really was an entertaining one. Roman Glass St George were 2-0 up at half time, even though Tuffley Rovers had hit the post twice and had other good chances. Roman Glass St George added a 3rd goal in the 87thminute which seemingly put the result firmly their way, only for Tuffley Rovers to score in the 88th and 89th minute and no doubt cause some ‘squeaky-bum’ time on the Roman Glass St. George bench. Cirencester Town hit 6 without reply in the home win v Lydney TownCorsham Towntravelled to Worcester Raiders and won 3-1, Pershore Town travelled to Mangotsfield United and won 2-0 with their 2nd goal coming in the 92nd minute, Cribbs won 1-0 at home v Fairford TownHereford Pegasus won 3-2 at home v Longlevens, despite being 2-0 down up to the 53rd minute, Hallen v Highworth Town finished 2-2 in a game that Hallen were leading 2-0 at halftime and Westfields v Royal Wootton Bassett Town ended 1-1. On Tuesday Slimbridge travelled to Worcester Raiders and won 1-0 with a 92nd minute goal scored by Dan Hannson. This leaves the top 3 grouped very closely together with a little gap developing below them. At the bottom sit Lydney Town, but there are still plenty of games to go. 

    In UHL Division One, we only had 3 games due to the majority of teams being involved in UHL Challenge Cupgames. The games that did take place included a 7-goal thriller between Shortwood United and FC Stratford which was 3-0 to FC Stratford at halftime. The second half produced 4 more goals with FC Stratford eventually winning 4-3. Woodford United won 2-0 at home v Clanfield 85 and Alcester Town won 1-0 v Chipping Sodbury TownFC Stratford moved into 3rd place and Clanfield 85 stayed 2nd bottom. The UHL Challenge Cupgames included some fixtures that produced a glut of goals. Current D1 leaders Bewdley Town hit 12 goals at home v lower division Evesham United ReservesBrimscombe & Thrupp hit 10 at home v lower division Kidlington FC Development and Wantage Town hit 6 at home v lower division Ardley United FC ReservesCarterton appear to be hitting some form and won 3-0 at home v Redditch BoroughStonehouse Town won 3-1 at home v University of BristolMalmesbury Victory won 2-0 at home v Thame United ReservesWellington won 2-1 away v Ludlow Town and Cheltenham Saracens and Newent Town drew 1-1, with Cheltenham Saracenswinning 6-5 on penalties. 

    On Tuesday night we had Wiseman Lighting (UHL) Floodlit Cup action with Chipping Sodbury Town winning 4-1 away v Brimscombe & ThruppCarterton winning 4-2 at home v Kidlington FC Development, Malmesbury Victoria winning 5-1 at home v University of Bristol, Shortwood United winning 2-0 v Bourton Rovers Development, Stonehouse Town winning 2-1 v Clanfield 85, Hungerford Town Reserves beating Marlow FC Reserves 3-2 and Thames United Reserves winning 5-3 v Ardley United FC Reserves.  

    Wednesday included Wantage Town travelling to Banbury United Dev and winning 3-0 in the Wiseman Lighting (UHL) Floodlit Cup, 3 x Hellenic Veterans Premier Division games and 2 x Hellenic Veterans Division One Games. 

    May the ball roll sweetly for you all, 

    Regards, 

    Ian

  • 🚨 Hat-Trick Alert! 🚨

    🚨 Hat-Trick Alert! 🚨

    Better late than never! We’ve finally got the photo in! 😅

    A massive shoutout to Kai Del-Kiffen, who bagged a superb hat-trick against Wellington back on 12th August, leading Bewdley to an impressive 5–3 away win. Three goals, three points, and one very happy dressing room (once they’d all stopped chasing the match ball around).

    Kai, huge congratulations on a top performance, that’s how you make a statement! ⚽🔥

    Welcome to the Hat-Trick Club, even if your photo took longer to arrive than one of your goal celebrations! 😉👏

    #BewdleyTown #HatTrickHero #BetterLateThanNever #uhlsport

  • Weekly Update 10/10/25

    Weekly Update 10/10/25

    Weather set fair for the weekend!

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, Droitwich Spacontinued their stay at the summit by beating Royal Wootton Bassett Town 2-1, Roman Glass St Gerogetravelled away to Pershore Town and won 3-1 to stay 2ndSlimbridge were away at Cribbs and were looking defeat in the eyes being 2-1 down up until the 96th minute when they equalized and then goal machine Jack W Smithscored the winner in the 98th minute. The top 3 appear relentless in their pursuit of silverware at the present time. Worcester Raiders were held to 0-0 draw away at Fairford Town and Corsham Town won 2-1 v Hereford Pegasus to maintain 5th place. Highworth Town turned the formbook upside down with a comprehensive 4-0 win v Westfields, near(ish) neighbours Thornbury Town and Mangotsfield United drew 2-2, Tuffley Rovers were beaten at home 2-0 by Cirencester Town and Lydney Town and Longlevensdrew 2-2. Big news of the day though was Hallen claiming their first win of the season by beating Cinderford Town 3-2 at home. They moved out of bottom place as a result. In midweek, Fairford Town v Roman Glass St Georgefinished 2-1 to the home side; with Fairford Town drawing their last 2 games 0-0, they will have been glad to score some goals and win their game. 

    In UHL Division One, leaders Bewdley Town continued with a 2-0 away win v Chipping Sodbury TownCheltenham Saracens moved 2nd with an impressive 5-4 away win v Wellington. They led 4-1 at half time, Wellington came back at them, but they held on for victory. Redditch Borough had a 3-0 win v Stonehouse Town to move into 3rd place, Malmesbury Victory travelled to Carterton and suffered a 5-2 defeat which ripped the current form book up and dropped them to 4th place. Newent Town’s fantastic start to the season suffered a blip where they were beaten 4-2 at home v Wantage Town,Alcester v Ludlow ended 1-0 to the home team, Brimscombe & Thrupp won 2-1 at home v Thames United Reserves with their winner in the 93rd minute and Clanfield 85 and Shortwood United ended 1-1 in a bottom 3 battle.  

    Both the UHL Premier Division and Division One look set for an exciting season both at the top and at the bottom which is a great advert for the league. 

    In the Alliance East, we had 2 games with an away win for Headington Amateurs who scored 8 without reply and a draw between Eversley & California Reserves v Banbury United.

    In the Alliance West we had 4 games with all home wins for Mangotsfield United Development, UDA Glos Development, University of Bristol and Wantage Town U23’s. 

    I am happy to say our Results Officer Chris L returns to the Results hotseat this weekend. I stood in for him last Saturday and midweek, trying to officiate on a game, rush home and do the results as well as doing my League Secretary role has been a challenge. So welcome back Chris, hope you had a good holiday. 

  • Saturday Round-Up: 4th October Goals, Drama, and Late Action Across the Hellenic!

    Saturday Round-Up: 4th October Goals, Drama, and Late Action Across the Hellenic!

    Another wild Saturday in the Hellenic League saw comebacks, late goals, and enough talking points to keep the clubhouse buzzing. From high-scoring thrillers to gritty draws, here’s how the weekend unfolded.

    Hellenic Premier Division

    Corsham Town 2–1 Hereford Pegasus

    Corsham hit back after the break to turn things around, with Lewis Gilchrist and Nick McCootie cancelling out Rory Thompson’s opener. The game we hear was played in very good sprits.

    Cribbs 2–3 Slimbridge

    Slimbridge produced the comeback of the day, three goals in the second half and late chaos saw them snatch the win after trailing at the break.

    Droitwich Spa 2–1 Royal Wootton Bassett Town

    Early goals from Tilley and Moss did the damage for Spa, who held firm as Bassett pushed hard late on.

    Fairford Town 0–0 Worcester Raiders

    A goalless draw, but both sides defended like their lives depended on it. Clean sheets all round.

    Hallen 3–2 Cinderford Town

    Five goals and plenty of drama. Hallen edged it with early strikes and some determined defending late on.

    Highworth Town 4–0 Westfields

    Highworth were ruthless, running riot in a dominant display that keeps their momentum rolling. Westfields had no reply.

    Lydney Town 2–2 Longlevens

    An end-to-end contest saw the points shared after four goals and some superb attacking play.

    Pershore Town 1–3 Roman Glass St George

    Laurent Wilson’s double and a late Stoneman strike sealed it for Roman Glass, who were clinical on the road. Pershore grabbed a goal and fought hard.

    Thornbury Town 2–2 Mangotsfield United

    A crazy finish, goals in the 97th and 98th minutes meant both sides left equally relieved and exhausted. Tired legs may have been a factor in two later goals less than a minute apart.

    Tuffley Rovers 0–2 Cirencester Town

    An early strike from Harlie Price set the tone before Alfonso Dias wrapped things up late. Solid, professional, job done.

    Hellenic Division One

    Alcester Town 1–0 Ludlow Town

    A single first-half goal from Adam Bourn was enough as Alcester got it done in businesslike fashion.

    Brimscombe & Thrupp 2–1 Thames United Reserves

    Late heroics from Terry Francis in stoppage time secured the win after a tough battle.

    Carterton 5–2 Malmesbury Victoria

    Goals, goals, goals! Carterton were flying, with braces from Fullerton and McGhee-Parsons lighting up the afternoon.

    Chipping Sodbury Town 0–2 Bewdley Town

    Bewdley were clinical, taking their chances well to silence the home crowd.

    Clanfield 85 1–1 Shortwood United

    A big step forward for Clanfield as they earned a hard-fought point with Tyraiq Hunt’s late equaliser well deserved after a gritty performance, a team that were for sure a team to watch this season after previous seasons performances.

    Newent Town 2–4 Wantage Town

    Wantage were lethal in front of goal, with Whelan and Crook leading the charge in an entertaining six-goal clash.

    Redditch Borough 3–1 Stonehouse Town

    A hat-trick from Jamie Install saw Borough cruise to victory, job done in style.

    Wellington 4–5 Cheltenham Saracens

    The game of the day! Nine goals, chaos, and late drama, Saracens edged a thriller where defences definitely took the afternoon off.

    Hellenic Alliance

    In the Alliance East, UDA Glos Dev edged Clanfield Reserves 3–2 in the West. Wins too for Wantage Town U23s and Mangotsfield United Dev in a busy day across the divisions.

    Another weekend of late drama, goalfests, and a few hard-earned draws, just the way we like it in the Hellenic! Not much planned action midweek, but keep an eye out for the games that are playing. Next Saturday sees an action packed fixture list.

    Header picture from @slimbridgeafc << “X” account

    Showing the true head in hands moment, a moment that shows the true love for the sport we all play!

  • Weekly update 3/10/25

    Weekly update 3/10/25

    How are we in October already??

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, the big fixture of the day saw Slimbridge v Roman Glass St George end all square at 2-2 with Roman Glass St George equalizing in the 98th minute. Droitwich Spa continued their strong season and took advantage to move into top spot with a hard fought 2-1 away win v Lydney TownWorcester Raiders march on with a narrow 1-0 away win v Mangotsfield United. Recent high scorers Westfields only managed 1 goal this week and were on track for a home victory until Cribbs equalized in the 93rd minute. Another form side Corsham Town were evidently very impressive in their 4-0 away win v Pershore TownCirencester Town v Hereford Pegasus ended in a high scoring 4-4 draw, Cinderford Town with Lewis Powell again appearing on the score sheet won 2-0 at home v Thornbury TownLonglevens who are right up there as an in-form side won 1-0 at home v Highworth TownTuffley Rovers travelled away and won 2-1 v Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Fairford Town V Hallen ended 0-0. The current top 5 have developed a little gap at the top and Hallen are still awaiting their first win at the bottom. 

    In UHL Division One, we have new leaders in Bewdley Town, who won the top of the table clash v Cheltenham Saracens 2-1. Malmesbury Victory leapt into 2nd place by winning 2-1 at home v fellow top five side Redditch BoroughFC Stratford maintained their top 5 place by beating bottom side Thame United Reserves 4-0. Stonehouse Town won 3-1 at home v Carterton and currently struggling Clanfield 85 lost 4-1 at home v Wellington. The other sides were involved in UHL Challenge Cup games which saw Newent Town continue in their stride with a 5-1 home win v UDA Glos DevelopmentWantage Town hitting 5 without reply away at Bourton Rovers DevelopmentUniversity of Bristoltravelled away to D1 Chipping Sodbury Town, drawing 2-2 and then winning 4-3 on penalties, Alcester Town and Ludlow Town drew 2-2 with Ludlow Town winning 3-2 on penalties. The Gloucestershire Derby between Brimscombe & Thrupp and Shortwood United finished 1-1 with Brimscombe & Thrupp equalizing in the 94thminute and winning 5-3 on penalties. Headington Amateurs v Hungerford Town Reserves finished 2-1 with Headington Amateurs scoring their equalizer in the 88thminute and their winner in the 97th minute. 

    On Tuesday night we had Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cupaction with Alcester Town winning 3-2 away v Cheltenham SaracensMarlow FC Reserves winning 2-1 away v Eversley & California Reserves and in-form Newent Towntravelling to Wellington and winning 6-2. 

    In the Alliance East, we had 4 games with both Marlow Reserves and Easington Sports Dev both hitting 7 goals against their opponents. 

    In the Alliance West we had one game on Friday night and two on Saturday with Clanfield (85) Reserves and Wantage Town hitting 3 a piece against their opponents and Carterton Dev winning 4-2 at home on Friday evening. 

    UHLSPORT Golden Gloves for September results are in with Worcester Raiders’ Charlie Emery winning the Gloves in the Premier Division and Brimscombe & Thrupps’ Anthony Brown winning the Gloves in Division One. Congratulations to both goal-keepers.

  • Weekly Up Date 25/09/25

    Weekly Up Date 25/09/25

    The weekend saw the Isuzu FA Vase Second Round Qualifying games played with good representation from UHL teams. 

    Fairford Town travelled to Cheltenham Saracens and won 6-5 on penalties, Corsham Town won 2-0 v Clanfield 85Hallen had a goal fest and won 8-1 v Milton UnitedLonglevens and Slimbridge drew 4-4, with Slimbridgewinning 3-2 on penalties, Lydney Town won 3-2 v Evershley & CaliforniaCirencester Town travelled to Mangotsfield United and won 4-1, Pershore Town and Chelmsley Town drew 2-2, with Chelmsley Town winning 6-5 on penalties, Cinderford Town travelled to Wokingham & Emmbrook and drew 1-1 before winning 5-4 on penalties, Bewdley Town went down 3-1 at home v Atherstone TownHereford Pegasus made the journey up to Bilston Town and were hit for 6 replying with 1, Wellington travelled to Brocton and were also hit for 6 without reply, Shortwood United travelled to Longwell Green Sports and drew 1-1 before winning 5-4 on penalties. Malmesbury Victoria won 3-0 at home v AEK BocoNewent Town with a healthy crowd of 162 won 2-0 at home v Keynsham Town to maintain their good start to the season. Stonehouse Town lost 3-1 at home to Calne TownThornbury Town won 3-1 at home v Brislington on Friday night. 

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, due to the FA Vase games we had 4 fixtures and the big one between 2ndplaced Droitwich Spa v 1st placed Roman Glass St George finished in an emphatic 4-1 win to Droitwich Spa, thus ending Roman Glass St George’s unbeaten league record. Royal Wootton Bassett Town v Cribbs ended 3-1 to the home side. Westfields v Tuffley Rovers finished 7-2 to the home side with Westfields Aidan Clark claiming the match ball with his hattrick. and Worcester Raiders v Highworth Town finished 3-0 to Worcester Raiders. In midweek Mangotsfield United V Highworth Town ended 1-0 to Mangotsfield United. Slimbridge v Westfields was a thriller with Westfields continuing their goal scoring exploits, winning 4-3 and ending Slimbridge’s unbeaten league run. Longlevens v Royal Wootton Bassett Town produced 8 goals with Longlevens winning 6-2. This Saturday sees Slimbridge host Roman Glass St George in a localish Derby which is probably too early to call a 6 pointer!

    In UHL Division One, the FA Vase games again resulted in only 4 fixtures, Alcester Town v Wantage Town finished 2-1 to the visitors. Brimscombe & Thrupp v Ludlow Townalso finished 2-1 to the visitors, Chipping Sodbury Town v Thame United Reserves was won by the home side 1-0. Woodford United v Redditch Borough finished 2-0 to the home side. 

    The Alliance East had 4 games with the stand-out score being the 11 goals Hungerford Town Reserves hit away v Kidlington FC Development without reply.  

    The Alliance West had 3 games with the 4-4 draw Evesham United Reserves and Clanfield (85) Reserves shared in Evesham being the thriller of the day. 

    There was a Batemans Sports Division Two (Chairmans) Challenge Cup as well as some GFA Senior Amateur Cupand GFA Senior Challenge Cup games involving UHLTeams. 

     More Vets games were played in midweek, with three in the Premier and five in Division One.

     Enjoy the football over the weekend,

    Regards,

    Ian

  • Alliance Round Up Table Review

    Alliance Round Up Table Review

    Alliance East round up

    Marlow FC Reserves sit proudly at the top of the Alliance East, unbeaten in their opening four games and boasting 10 points. But it’s Hungerford Town Reserves who have stolen the early headlines, smashing in a staggering 26 goals in just three outings. With a game in hand on the leaders, they’re the team everyone’s watching.

    Eversley & California and Headington Amateurs are keeping pace too, both with six points on the board. Headington in particular look dangerous, two games, two wins, and yet to taste defeat. Easington Sports and Banbury United Development are hovering just behind, waiting to kick-start their campaigns.

    At the other end, it’s already looking bleak for Kidlington Development and Hambleden, both winless and leaking goals at an alarming rate. Hambleden’s defence has been torn apart, conceding 24 in just three matches, while Kidlington have shipped 18 themselves. Penn & Tylers Green and Ardley United Reserves have at least managed to get off the mark, but both remain searching for that elusive first win.

    Alliance West around up

    Carterton FC Development are top of the pile in the Alliance West after three games, unbeaten and sitting on seven points. But their grip on first is anything but secure, with University of Bristol and Wantage Town U23 breathing right down their necks.

    The Students have impressed with two wins from three, boasting a healthy +6 goal difference, while Wantage have been clinical, two games, two wins, and looking like serious contenders if they can keep up the momentum.

    Clanfield (85) Reserves sit mid-table with four points, steady but inconsistent, while Mangotsfield United Development and Highworth Town Reserves both hover on three points, still trying to find their rhythm.

    At the other end, Bourton Rovers and Evesham United Reserves have at least got off the mark, but UDA Glos Development and Newent Town Development are stuck at the bottom with zero points and leaky defences