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

Author: Craig Davenport

  • Weekly Update 30th Jan 26

    Weekly Update 30th Jan 26

    Pleased to report a pretty full fixture list last Saturday. Thoughts go out to Westfields having seen the recent photos of their pitch. They always seem to bounce back quickly which is a testament to all the hard-working folks at the club. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, it was a very interesting day in terms of results. Leaders Roman Glass St George had a relatively short trip across to Mangotsfield United for the Bristol Derby and lost 3-2 with recent signing Lewis Powell scoring a hat trick for Mangotsfield. Droitwich Spa moved into 2nd place after their long journey down to play Corsham Town ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Droitwich were 2-0 down at half time and they got their equalizer in the 92nd minute.  The result of the day had to be at Slimbridge; Fairford Town were the visitors and the game produced 10 goals with Fairfordultimately winning 7-3 which included a Harrison Edwardshat trick. Worcester Raiders and Longlevens who were both in good form played out a 4-2 at Worcester with Raiders the victors. It was 3-2 up until the 94th minute when Raiders got their 4th to make the game safe.  Lydney Town hosted free scoring Cirencester Town and battled out for a point in the 1-1 draw.  Hereford Pegasus and Royal Wootton Bassett Town played out a 2-2 draw. There was another goal fest at Highworth where Highworth Townscored a 92nd minute winner in the 3-2 game v Tuffley Rovers. Cinderford Town hosted Pershore Town in a game made possible due to the hard-working grounds team at Cinderford who were rewarded for their efforts with a 3-1 win. There was a Friday night game which resulted in a 1-1 draw between Cribbs and Thornbury Town. Suffice to say it is even closer at the top. With games in hand, it is still all to play for at the bottom as well. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, with Bewdley Towns’game away at Alcester Town being postponed, we had new leaders again, with FC Stratford leap-frogging Bewdley in their away game v Wantage Town with a 2-1 victory. Stonehouse Town hosted Ludlow Town and won 3-2, Newent Town travelled to play Clanfield 85 and duly won 4-0. Redditch Borough travelled to play Chipping Sodbury Town and were soundly beaten 4-0 with George Box scoring all 4 for the hosts. Malmesbury Victoriastayed in the hunt for play-off places with a 2-0 away win at Thame United Reserves. Brimscombe & Thrupp hosted Cheltenham Saracens and won 1-0. Carterton won 2-1 at home v Shortwood United with 2 second half goals. Wellington travelled to Woodford United and won 3-0. The top 3 who have been interchanging over the past few weeks have a bit of a gap and there are still places up for grabs in the play-off places below them. At the bottom with games in hand, there are still movements to be made to the safety zone. 

    Two games in Alliance West saw University of Bristol win 3-0 v Wantage Town U23 and Clanfield (85) Res travel to Bourton Rovers and win 1-0. 

    In the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup, we had wins for Headington Amateurs andHighworth Town Res. 

    We had 3 Vets games survive the weather on Wednesday with a win for Thame United Vets in the Premier and wins for Bicester Town Vets and Goring United Vets in the Vets League Cup. 

    Fingers crossed for all of our scheduled games to be played tomorrow!

    Best wishes, 

    Ian

  • 🚨 BREAKING NEWS: THE HELLENIC LEAGUE HAS SHAKEN UP THE SEASON FINALE ⚽️✨

    🚨 BREAKING NEWS: THE HELLENIC LEAGUE HAS SHAKEN UP THE SEASON FINALE ⚽️✨

    Players, managers, officials, volunteers and supporters,

    At last night’s Hellenic League Management Committee Meeting, we agreed it was time to freshen up how the Hellenic League brings the season to a close. Not change for the sake of it — but a rethink designed to give the biggest matches the space, focus and build-up they deserve.

    👉 The way we finish the season is changing.

    This new structure allows the league run-in to breathe, gives cup finals the spotlight they merit, and builds a proper sense of occasion right through to the final kick of the campaign.

    Because let’s be honest — there is nothing quite like the magic of the cup.

    One game. One chance. Form out the window. Heroes where you least expect them. And a story that will be told in the clubhouse for years, usually starting with: “No one gave us a chance…”

    Here’s how the 2025/26 Hellenic League Season Finale will unfold:

    🏆 THE RUN-IN: DATES & DRAMA

    ⚡ Floodlit Cup Final

    📅 Tuesday 17th March 2026

    Football under the lights, where moments feel bigger and memories last longer.

    🔥 Challenge / Supplementary Cup Finals

    📅 Saturday 28th March 2026

    Two finals, two trophies, and ninety minutes where anything can happen.

    📊 Final League Games – Premier Division & Division One

    📅 Saturday 18th April 2026

    The day every point matters, every goal counts, and the table tells its final story.

    🚀 Play-Off Semi-Finals – Premier Division & Division One

    📅 Week Commencing 20th April 2026 (Tuesday / Wednesday)

    High stakes, fine margins, and a place in the final on the line.

    👑 Chairman’s / President’s Cup Finals

    📅 Saturday 25th April 2026

    A celebration of competition, tradition and silverware earned the hard way.

    🧓 Veterans Cup Final

    📅 Wednesday 29th April 2026

    Experience, composure and the kind of football intelligence you can’t coach.

    🏁 Division One Play-Off Final

    📅 Friday 1st May 2026

    A season distilled into one defining night.

    🏆 Premier Division Play-Off Final

    📅 Monday 4th May 2026

    The ultimate finale — promotion, pride and history all on the line.

    🤔 WHY THE CHANGE?

    Because the season deserves a proper crescendo.

    Because finals should feel like occasions, not footnotes.

    And because the magic of the cup deserves its own moment to shine.

    This refreshed format delivers:

    ✔️ Clearer scheduling

    ✔️ Standalone showcase finals

    ✔️ A smoother, more exciting run-in

    ✔️ Football that matters right to the very end

    🎉 IN SUMMARY…

    The Hellenic League isn’t just ending the season —

    we’re letting it tell its full story.

    From floodlit finals to promotion deciders, this is a run-in built on drama, opportunity and the kind of moments that make non-league football special.

    Same league.

    Same passion.

    A new way to finish the season. ⚽✨

    Picture Credit: Pete Kinsella
  • Weekly Update 15/01/26

    Weekly Update 15/01/26

    All, 

    Some important dates for your diaries at the bottom of this week’s news. 

    The weather relented somewhat last weekend and despite some postponements, we actually got a good selection of games in.  

    We only had 1 postponement in the Premier Division and 3 in Division 1. Thanks to all of you clubs for your efforts to get the games on. 

    I have to start this week with tomorrow’s Izusu FA Vase 4thround games with Slimbridge travelling down to Wessex Premier Division Downton near Salisbury in Wiltshireand Hallen hosting Hythe & Dibden, also from the Wessex Premier Division; they are travelling up from the Southampton area. Downton are currently 20th in the table and Hythe & Dibden are 18th. The very best of luck to Slimbridge and Hallen – keep the UHL flag flying. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, leaders Roman Glass St George hosted Westfields and won 3-0,Droitwich Spa made a 150-mile round trip to Mangotsfield United and came away with a close 1-0 victory in front of a watching 355 spectators. Slimbridge travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and won 3-0 with two 2nd half goals, Corsham Town hosted Lydney Town and won 3-0, Cirencester Town travelled to play Longlevens and scored a 9th minute goal to win 1-0, Worcester Raiders hostedHereford Pegasus and won 2-1, Tuffley Rovers and Cinderford Town drew 2-2 with Tuffley’s equalizer scored in the 89th minute, Thornbury Town and Pershore Townshared the spoils with the game finishing 0-0. In the Friday night game, the very local Derby between Cribbs and Hallen ended 1-1. 

    In the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, Hallenhosted Corsham Town and won 1-0, Carterton hosted Malmesbury Victoria and lost 0-4 with Malmesbury’sLewis James Bexon-Shaw scoring a hat trick, Wantage Town hosted Pershore Town and won 2-0 with goals in the 88 and 92nd minutes, Worcester Raiders hosted near neighbours Droitwich Spa in front of 212 spectators and won 3-1. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, we had new leaders in Wantage Town who won 7-1 v Newent Town and Bewdley Town having no game. 3rd v 4th played at Stonehouse Town and it was visitors, 3rd placed FC Stratford who won the game 2-1. With the rest of the chasing packs’ games’ being postponed there are still places up for grabs in the play-off places. Chipping Sodbury Town travelled to Clanfield 85 and despite being 3-1 down at half time, they scored twice in the 2nd half to draw the game 3-3. Wellington hosted Brimscombe & Thrupp and won the game 3-2 to keep their survival hopes alive.   

    One game in Alliance East between Hambleden v Easington Sports Development finished 3-7. 

    One game in Alliance West on Friday evening saw Carterton v Highworth Town Res finish 1-1 and Saturday’s game finishing UDA Glos Dev v Wantage Town U23 2-1. 

    Following the totaling up of the scores on the doors,December Team of the Month awards go to:

    Longlevens – Premier Division

    Wantage Town – Division One

    Congratulations to both Teams – awards will be presented in due course.

    At the Hellenic League Management Committee Meetinglast night, we decided upon the method that we will be finishing the season and it is a change to previous seasons:

    The Floodlit Cup Final will be on Tuesday 17th March 2026.

    The Challenge / Supplementary Cup Finals will be onSaturday 28th March 2026.

    The Final League Games of the season for Premier / Division 1 will be Saturday 18/4/2026.

    The Play-Off Semi-Finals for Premier / Division 1 will be played W/C 20/4/2026. (Tuesday/Wednesday)

    The Chairman’s / President Cup Finals will be onSaturday 25/4/2026.

    The Veterans Cup Final will be on Wednesday 29/4/2026.

    Division 1 Play-Off Final will be on Friday 1/5/2026.

    Premier Division Play-Off Final will be on Monday 4/5/2026.

    All the best for a dry weekend with all of our scheduled games being played!!

  • Weekly Update – 9/01/26

    Weekly Update – 9/01/26

    The weather took an almighty toll on us last weekend and continues to be a feature this week. (Fingers firmly crossed for some more football tomorrow)

    We had 5 games played in the Premier Division, 3 in Division 1 (1 on the Friday evening), 1 in the Challenge Cup, 1 in Alliance West and 1 in the Chairmans Challenge cup. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, leaders Roman Glass St George travelled to Worcester Raiders and were involved in a 5-goal thriller. The game finished 3-2 to Worcester Raiders with their winning goal being scored by Adam Taylor in the 88th minute. Droitwich Spa travelled down the M5 to play Hallen and won a hard-fought game 1-0 to leapfrog Slimbridge into 2nd place as Slimbridge were in action in the cup. With Corsham Towns’ game being postponed, Cirencester Town moved closer behind them by winning 3-1 at home v Cribbs. (Harlie Pricescored another hat trick in the game.) Tuffley Roverstravelled down to play Thornbury Town and were involved in a 6-goal score fest. Tuffley were leading 2-1 at half time and then 3-2 up until the 96th minute when Thornbury got their equalizer through Tom Black as the game finished 3-3. Mangotsfield United travelled up to play Pershore Townand travelled home with a 3-0 win. 

    In the UHL Challenge Cup, Slimbridge hosted Westfieldsand progressed to the next round with a 4-0 victory. 

    In UHL Division One on Friday evening, we had an attendance of 265 for the Brimscombe & Thrupp v Stonehouse Town game where a tribute was paid following the tragic fire in Brimscombe over Christmas. It was good to see the Brimscombe Chairman being interviewed by the regional news before the game, giving his thoughts, including the donations from the game going to the go fund me page. On a bitterly cold evening, the game ended 1-1.  On Saturday, we only had 2 games to beat the freeze with Bewdley Town reclaimed top spot with a 4-1 home win v Wellington. 9th placed Ludlow Town travelled to play 6thplaced Newent Town and despite being 1-0 down at the break, they scored two second half goals through Ryan Clarke and won 2-1. (The winning goal coming in the 86thminute)

    One game in Alliance West saw Wantage Town U23 v Clanfield (85) Res finish 8-0. 

    One game in the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup saw Evesham United Res v Headington Amateurs finish 1-5. 

    One game was played in the Vets Premier Division which saw Penn & Tyler Green Vets travel to Rotherfield United Vets and win 4-1. 

    One game in the Vets Division One saw Goring United Vets winning 1-0 against Chinnor Vets. 

    Golden Glove Award winners in December go to James Walker of Highworth Town in the Premier Division and Thomas Rees of Wantage Town in Division One. They can both look forward to the uhlsport Goalkeeping gloves. Congratulations James and Thomas. 

    There was some sad news in regards to Penn & Tylers Green reported to the league recently – Secretary and all-round Club Legend Andreas Latta passed away just after Christmas. Condolences to all at the club and of course thoughts go out to the family and friends at this very sad time. 

    Regards, 

    Ian

  • Andreas Latta Passing

    Andreas Latta Passing

    We were deeply saddened to receive the news just after Christmas that Andreas Latta, Secretary of Penn & Tylers Green FC and a true club legend, had passed away.

    Andreas was the very heartbeat of Penn & Tylers Green behind the scenes. His dedication to the club was unwavering, and his administration was consistently of the highest order — meticulous, reliable, and always carried out with genuine care. He was someone clubs, officials, and league administrators could depend on without hesitation.

    Andreas was also well known and highly respected across the league. During Penn & Tylers Green’s previous spell with us in the former Division One East, He served as club secretary and built strong relationships throughout the competition. His knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help left a lasting impression on many.

    Football clubs rely on people like Andreas — those who give their time selflessly, often away from the spotlight, to ensure the game continues week after week. His contribution to Penn & Tylers Green FC, and to the wider league community, will not be forgotten.

    Our thoughts are with Andreas family, friends, and everyone at Penn & Tylers Green FC at this very difficult time.

    The Service will be held at the Chilterns Crem on Friday the 30th Jan at 1315hrs, Anyone who knew Andreas is welcome to attend.

  • Hat-Trick Hero Griffiths Fires Wellington FC to Victory

    Hat-Trick Hero Griffiths Fires Wellington FC to Victory

    Wellington FC forward Sam Griffiths produced a clinical finishing display to claim the match ball, netting a superb hat trick in a commanding performance for the hosts.

    Griffiths opened the scoring with a striker’s instinct, meeting Tom Dixon’s low ball across the box with a perfectly timed first-time finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

    The second goal showcased Wellington’s sharp wing play. After excellent work down the right from Elliott Potter, a well-weighted cut-back found Griffiths in space, and the forward made no mistake, calmly placing his effort into the bottom corner.

    Griffiths completed his treble in spectacular fashion. From a corner delivered by Fin Davies, the forward unleashed a thunderous first-time strike, sending the ball high into the net and sealing a memorable afternoon.

    It was a ruthless display of finishing from Griffiths, underlining his importance to Wellington FC and providing a performance that will live long in the memory of the home supporters.

  • Callum Crook… Rocket Man!

    Callum Crook… Rocket Man!

    Better late than never! When Wantage locked horns with Thame, one man stole the show — Callum Crook 💥

    Crook was in unstoppable form, smashing home a brilliant hat-trick in style. Two of his goals came through pure grit and determination, refusing to be beaten as he threw himself at the ball to force it over the line. But he saved the best for last — an absolute rocket that left everyone watching with their jaws on the floor.

    A hat-trick full of heart, hunger, and highlight-reel quality. Take a bow, Callum Crook 👏🔥

  • HARLIE PRICE “he’s scoring for fun!”

    HARLIE PRICE “he’s scoring for fun!”

    Harlie Price was simply unstoppable, firing a magnificent hat-trick to inspire the Centurions to a fully deserved away victory at Mangotsfield United on Saturday 20th December 2025.

    Played in front of a healthy crowd of 231 at Cossham Street, the league’s leading marksman wasted no time in underlining his quality, netting all three goals inside the opening hour. Each finish was delivered with trademark composure and ruthless efficiency, leaving the home side with no answer.

    Price’s clinical treble sealed a vital three points on the road and further strengthened his grip on the Golden Boot, adding yet more goals to an already outstanding season tally. A dominant individual display, a professional team performance, and a night to remember for the travelling Centurions.

  • Hellenic League – Statement

    Hellenic League – Statement

    The Hellenic Football League is deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred within the Brimscombe community over the recent holiday period. This devastating incident has profoundly affected loved ones, neighbours, and the wider community at Brimscombe & Thrupp Football Club, and at times like this football rightly takes a back seat.

    We would like to go on record in expressing our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the entire Brimscombe community during what must be an unimaginably difficult time.

    In response to the profound impact of this event, a fundraising appeal has been established to support those most directly affected. We respectfully encourage anyone who is able to contribute — no matter how small the donation — to consider doing so as a way of showing solidarity and support in this darkest of hours. Donations can be made here: Go Fund Me

    The Hellenic Football League stands ready to offer support in any way it can, and we are committed to working with Brimscombe & Thrupp Football Club and the local community as they begin the process of healing and recovery. We hope that our collective compassion and generosity can provide some comfort and practical assistance at this time.

  • End of Year League Round-Up: 2025 Signed Off with Everything Still to Play For

    End of Year League Round-Up: 2025 Signed Off with Everything Still to Play For

    As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the first part of the season has flown by. With games played right up to the end of the year and the first full round of fixtures in 2026 kicking off on 3rd January — mercifully giving everyone plenty of time to sober up after New Year’s parties — both the Premier Division and Division One now head into the business end of the season with promotion races, play-off battles and relegation scraps all very much alive.

    Premier Division: Pressure at the Top, Tension at the Bottom

    At the summit, Roman Glass St George end 2025 setting the pace. With 52 points from 26 matches and a healthy +26 goal difference, they have been the benchmark so far. However, with a clutch of teams below them holding games in hand, there is little room for complacency as the chasing pack lurks.

    Slimbridge sit second on 48 points from just 21 games and boast the strongest goal difference in the division. Their form suggests they are primed to make a serious push in the New Year. Droitwich Spa remain firmly in the hunt in third place, their consistency keeping them well within touching distance of the leaders.

    Just behind, Corsham Town occupy fourth and remain well placed to capitalise on any slip-ups above them. Cirencester Town and Worcester Raiders round out the top six, both well positioned to make their presence felt as fixtures begin to stack up in early 2026.

    The middle of the table is where things become particularly congested. Longlevens AFC, Westfields, Hereford Pegasus, and Tuffley Rovers are separated by only a handful of points, meaning one good run — or one bad one — could dramatically alter their outlook.

    Further down, Fairford Town, Mangotsfield United, Highworth Town, and Cinderford Town will be keen to find greater consistency as the season enters its defining phase. Turning solid performances into points will be crucial.

    At the foot of the table, the pressure is unmistakable. Pershore Town, Royal Wootton Bassett Town, Lydney Town, Thornbury Town, Hallen, and Cribbs all face a critical period ahead. With plenty of football still to be played, survival remains achievable — but January will quickly separate those ready for the fight from those already glancing nervously over their shoulders.

    Division One: Promotion Race Alive and Kicking

    Division One also signs off 2025 with momentum building across the table. With one fixture still to be played before the year ends and the rest now resuming in January, the division is shaping up for a fascinating second half.

    Wantage Town lead the way at the turn of the year, losing just twice in 20 matches and boasting an eye-catching +38 goal difference. However, Bewdley Town are just two points behind, while FC Stratford sit ominously in third with games in hand and an impressive win record that makes them a genuine promotion threat.

    The chasing group remains tightly packed. Stonehouse Town and Redditch Borough sit level on points, while Newent Town and Cheltenham Saracens continue to hover with intent. A strong January could see any of these sides force their way firmly into the promotion picture.

    Mid-table remains finely balanced, with Malmesbury Victoria, Alcester Town, Ludlow Town, and Brimscombe & Thrupp all separated by narrow margins, where consistency — or lack of it — will prove decisive.

    Lower down, Woodford United, Chipping Sodbury Town, Carterton, and Shortwood United will see the New Year as a chance to reset and regroup.

    At the bottom end, things are rather more bleak. Wellington and Clanfield 85 have endured a testing campaign so far, though Clanfield in particular appear to be stuck in a season where the goal difference does most of the talking. With just three wins and numbers heading in the wrong direction, 2026 may be less about climbing the table and more about stopping the slide — and finding the net with greater regularity.

    Propping up the division are Thame United Reserves, for whom points have been painfully hard to come by. If nothing else, the New Year offers a clean slate — and surely the chance to improve on a return that can only go one way.

    Looking Ahead to 2026

    As both divisions head into January, the story is the same throughout the league: nothing is settled, and everything is still to play for. Promotion dreams remain alive, relegation battles are taking shape, and with the first full set of fixtures in 2026 landing on 3rd January, there’s just enough time for everyone to recover from New Year’s celebrations before the real work begins.

    2025 may be done — but if the first half of the season is anything to go by, 2026 is where it all kicks off.

    Cover photo credit: SJ Photography-

    https://linktr.ee/SJPhotography1989?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=08da4f20-15be-48b2-a9b4-d6974d1076c4

    Written By: AI