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  • 🌧️ SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2026 – MATCHDAY ROUND-UP

    🌧️ SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2026 – MATCHDAY ROUND-UP

    Football: 4 games. Rain: absolutely rampant.

    If you turned up expecting a full programme of football, you were wildly optimistic.

    If you brought wellies, a snorkel, and low expectations — you were spot on.

    This was not a football Saturday.

    This was a hydrology conference.

    🏆 ISUZU FA VASE

    Hallen vs Gornal Athletic – P-P

    The Vase will have to wait. Hallen’s pitch joined the witness protection programme.

    ⚽ HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

    Inspectors arrived. Inspectors laughed nervously. Inspectors postponed everything.

    Highworth Town vs Worcester Raiders – P-P Cinderford Town vs Royal Wootton Bassett Town – P-P Corsham Town vs Cirencester Town – P-P Cribbs vs Westfields – P-P Droitwich Spa vs Lydney Town – P-P Longlevens AFC vs Mangotsfield United – P-P Thornbury Town vs Hereford Pegasus – P-P

    At this point, clubs were just sending “P-P” messages pre-emptively.

    🌟 THE TWO THAT SURVIVED (SOMEHOW)

    Pershore Town 2–3 Slimbridge

    One of the few pitches brave (or foolish) enough to host football.

    Pershore led 2–0, Slimbridge responded with three goals and zero mercy.

    Football happened. Everyone immediately went home to dry out.

    Roman Glass St George 0–4 Fairford Town

    Yes. This one was real.

    Yes. Fairford absolutely turned up.

    Fairford made light work of conditions that looked borderline inflatable, storming into a 2–0 half-time lead before pulling away after the break.

    Goals from:

    Charles Holliday (17) Harrison Edwards (37) Sol Pryce (48) Elliott Haffenden (70)

    Attendance: 105

    All heroes. All soaked. All questioning their life choices.

    ⚽ HELLENIC DIVISION ONE

    More water. Less football.

    Alcester Town vs Clanfield 85 – P-P Cheltenham Saracens vs Redditch Borough – P-P Ludlow Town vs Chipping Sodbury Town – P-P Newent Town vs Bewdley Town – P-P Shortwood United vs Carterton – P-P Thame United Reserves vs Brimscombe & Thrupp – P-P Woodford United vs Stonehouse Town – P-P

    One lonely survivor:

    Malmesbury Victoria 2–2 Wantage Town

    Football played. Goals scored. Conditions described as “character building”.

    🟡 ALLIANCE EAST

    Hambleden 1–6 Ardley United Res Goals flowed freely. Hambleden… less so. Kidlington Dev vs Easington Sports Dev – P-P Banbury United Dev vs Hungerford Town Res – P-P

    🔵 ALLIANCE WEST

    University of Bristol vs Highworth Town Res – P-P Bourton Rovers Dev vs Carterton Dev – P-P

    🏆 CUPS

    Bateman Sports Alliance (Chairman’s) Challenge Cup: UDA Glos Dev vs Newent Town Dev – P-P Oxon FA Intermediate Cup: Clanfield 85 Res vs Headington Amateurs – P-P

    ☔ FULL-TIME SUMMARY

    Football tried.

    Football lost.

    The rain remains unbeaten, ducks top the fair play league, and fixture secretaries are now legally entitled to cry.

    Seriously — when will this weather stop?

    We want our football back. ⚽🌧️🦆

    Photo Credit: Pete Kinsella

    Written By – AI

  • 🔥 HELLENIC LEAGUE DIVISION ONE – AS IT STANDS 🔥

    🔥 HELLENIC LEAGUE DIVISION ONE – AS IT STANDS 🔥

    Where the title race is spicy, the middle is feral, and one dog might be barking a bit louder than the table allows…

    🏆 THE TOP: Big Dogs, Bigger Statements

    Out front, FC Stratford are setting the standard. 53 points, a healthy goal difference, and the look of a side that enjoys suffocating teams slowly and professionally. The league leaders know exactly what they’re doing – and they’re doing it well.

    Right on their heels are Bewdley Town, just two points back and refusing to blink. Every dropped point at the top feels like blood in the water, and Bewdley are circling.

    Then there’s Wantage Town. Third place, ridiculous goal difference, and quietly lurking like they’re more than happy to peak at exactly the right moment. If anyone’s got “late charge” written all over them, it’s Wantage.

    🚀 THE CHASERS: Play-Offs or Bust

    Stonehouse Town and Newent Town are locked in that awkward zone where you’re good enough to dream, but one dodgy run sends you tumbling back into the pack.

    Malmesbury Victoria and Redditch Borough are hovering menacingly, with games in hand and momentum threatening to cause problems for anyone above them. Blink, and they’re knocking on the door.

    Meanwhile Cheltenham Saracens are doing just enough to stay relevant, refusing to let the top half pull away completely.

    😵‍💫 MID-TABLE MAYHEM: Choose Your Own Adventure

    From Ludlow Town down to Woodford United, this is Division One’s no-man’s-land. Win two on the bounce and you’re sniffing the play-offs. Lose two and suddenly you’re Googling relegation permutations at midnight.

    Alcester Town, Brimscombe & Thrupp, Chipping Sodbury, and Carterton are all living dangerously – inconsistent, unpredictable, and one Saturday away from either hero status or panic stations.

    🚨 THE BOTTOM: Survival Mode Activated

    Things get grim quickly.

    Wellington are battling through a tough campaign, Shortwood United are still searching for momentum, and then… well.

    Clanfield 85 sit second bottom. 14 points, a rough goal difference, and plenty of noise for a team that’s still looking for answers. The confidence is admirable. The league table, less so. Let’s call it ambition slightly ahead of evidence.

    And at the foot of it all, Thame United Reserves are enduring a season they’ll want to forget – five points, brutal numbers, and a long road ahead.

    ⚽ THE VERDICT

    Top: Three teams, one prize, zero mercy Middle: Absolute carnage Bottom: Hard truths and harder Saturdays

    Division One is delivering exactly what it promises: drama, tension, and enough storylines to fill the bar after full-time.

    And as for the barking from down below? Results talk. The table listens. 🐕😉

    Cover photo credit: Clanfield 85 FC

    Written by AI

  • 🔥 HELLENIC LEAGUE – AS IT STANDS 🔥 7/02/26

    🔥 HELLENIC LEAGUE – AS IT STANDS 🔥 7/02/26

    Where promotion dreams are alive, mid-table is chaos, and the bottom is clinging on for dear life…

    🏆 THE TITLE RACE: Blink and You’ll Miss It

    At the summit, Droitwich Spa are setting the pace with 57 points from 28 games. Not flawless, but consistent enough to keep everyone else nervously checking the fixtures list.

    Hot on their heels are Roman Glass St George, who’ve played more games but are still very much swinging punches at the top two. Meanwhile, Slimbridge are lurking ominously in third with games in hand and the best goal difference of the lot – the kind of team nobody wants to see hit form in March.

    Add Worcester Raiders and Corsham Town into the mix and suddenly we’ve got five teams separated by just six points. This isn’t a title race – it’s a full-on street fight.

    🚀 THE PLAY-OFF DOGFIGHT: Elbows Out

    Cirencester Town sit just outside the top five, refusing to go away quietly, while Mangotsfield United are clinging onto mid-table respectability with a goal difference that screams “fine margins and squeaky bum time.”

    From 7th to 13th, it’s absolute Hellenic League chaos. One good Saturday and you’re looking up. One bad one and you’re staring nervously over your shoulder.

    Tuffley Rovers, Longlevens, Fairford, Cinderford, Hereford Pegasus and Westfields are all separated by vibes rather than points. Consistency here is optional. Drama is guaranteed.

    😬 THE DANGER ZONE: Welcome to the Stress Factory

    Down the bottom, things get spicy.

    Highworth Town and Royal Wootton Bassett Town are hovering awkwardly above the trapdoor, while Pershore Town and Thornbury Town are knee-deep in the scrap and still arguing with gravity.

    Then it gets serious.

    Lydney Town are taking punches weekly with a brutal goal difference, Hallen are fighting hard but need wins fast, and Cribbs are deep in survival mode – calculators out, fixtures circled, prayers whispered.

    For Hallen in particular, games in hand offer hope, but the margin for error is officially gone. Every match now feels like a cup final… minus the champagne.

    ⚽ THE VERDICT

    Top: Five teams, one trophy, zero breathing space Middle: Pure anarchy Bottom: Survival instincts only

    If you like drama, late winners, angry WhatsApp groups, and league tables that change faster than referee appointments… the Hellenic League has you covered.

    And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. 🍿🔥

    Cover Photo Credit: Phil Britt

    Written By : AI

  • Team of the month alert!!

    Team of the month alert!!

    Our Secretary Ian Hamilton has been out and about once again, this time visiting Longlevens to present them with the December Team of the Month award.

    A well-deserved recognition for a strong month of performances, consistency, and results, Longlevens set the standard throughout December and thoroughly earned the accolade.

    Congratulations to everyone at Longlevens on being named December Team of the Month, and thank you to Ian for continuing to represent the club and recognise excellence across the league. 👏⚽

  • Edwards Ignites Fairford Fightback with Stunning 20-Minute Hat-Trick

    Edwards Ignites Fairford Fightback with Stunning 20-Minute Hat-Trick

    Late or not, this is one performance that simply couldn’t be missed.

    In what can only be described as an incredible game of football, Harrison Edwards produced a sensational 20-minute first-half hat-trick to turn Fairford’s fortunes on their head against third-placed Slimbridge.

    The context made the challenge even greater. Fairford found themselves 2–0 down, facing one of the league’s strongest sides, and having failed to score in their previous three league games. Add to that a four-game losing streak, and the signs were ominous.

    But football, as ever, had other ideas.

    A goal shortly after Fairford conceded their second proved to be the spark — and from that moment on, the match belonged to Edwards.

    Club Football Director Jody reflected on the turnaround:

    “In an incredible game of football Fairford found themselves 2–0 against 3rd placed Slimbridge and having not scored in their previous three league games, the omens did not look good. However a goal shortly after conceding the second proved to be the catalyst for Fairford and Harrison Edwards in particular, who went on to score a 20-minute first-half hat-trick to completely alter the course of the game and bring an end to a losing streak that has seen Fairford lose their previous four league games.”

    Edwards’ treble wasn’t just clinical — it was transformational. In the space of 20 minutes, belief returned, momentum swung, and a game that appeared to be slipping away was completely rewritten. His goals carried urgency, composure, and conviction, lifting teammates and unsettling an opposition that had looked comfortable only moments earlier.

    More than just goals, this was leadership through action. When Fairford needed inspiration, Edwards delivered it decisively — ending the scoring drought, halting the losing run, and reminding everyone just how quickly football can change.

    Congratulations to Harrison Edwards on a remarkable hat-trick performance — one that didn’t just change a game, but reset a season’s momentum. ⚽🔥

  • Bexton at the Treble as LJ Shines Against Ludlow

    Bexton at the Treble as LJ Shines Against Ludlow

    Lewis Bexton produced a clinical and commanding performance as he struck a superb hat-trick against Ludlow, delivering a display of quality and confidence in front of goal.

    Club reporter George Wadsworth captured the moment perfectly:

    “LJ delivered a superb hat trick against Ludlow. A breathtaking first goal before powering on to complete his treble — his second in the same week after his first came in the 4-0 Floodlit Cup win against Carterton.”

    The opening goal set the tone — a breathtaking finish that immediately lifted the contest and showcased Bexton’s attacking intent. From there, he grew stronger as the game progressed, driving forward with purpose and composure to complete his treble in emphatic fashion.

    Bexton’s movement, confidence, and ability to seize key moments proved decisive, ensuring Ludlow were kept under constant pressure. Each goal added control and clarity, turning a competitive fixture into one defined by his influence.

    Completing a hat-trick is an achievement in itself. To do so twice in the same week highlights not just form, but focus and consistency — attributes that continue to serve both player and team well.

    Congratulations to Lewis Bexton on an outstanding hat-trick performance, capped by a goal that will live long in the memory. ⚽

  • Lewis Powell joins the most exclusive club – Hat-trick Hero’s!

    Lewis Powell joins the most exclusive club – Hat-trick Hero’s!

    With hat-tricks suddenly becoming the hottest membership card in town, Lewis Powell has officially added his name to the board — and he did it in style when it mattered most.

    In the heat of the North Bristol Derby against Roman Glass St George, it was Powell who stepped forward to swing the momentum back in Mangotsfield United’s favour. With the visitors trailing, Powell struck on 30 minutes to draw The Field level, calmly finishing to restore belief and settle any early nerves.

    That goal, however, was merely the opening act.

    After the break, Powell went from composed to ruthless. In a blistering seven-minute spell, he added two more goals, completing a superb hat-trick and firmly putting Mangotsfield out of reach of any late Roman Glass comeback. Where derbies often tighten, Powell delivered clarity — decisive, controlled, and clinical.

    The speed of the turnaround left the opposition with little time to react. One moment the contest was finely balanced, the next it was being quietly escorted beyond reach by a forward playing with confidence and conviction.

    While the jokes may continue about expanding the “hat-trick heroes” board, Powell’s performance deserves serious recognition. Derby matches demand temperament as much as talent, and Powell showed both — taking his chances, managing the moment, and delivering when his side needed him most.

    Congratulations to Lewis Powell on a memorable hat-trick in one of the toughest fixtures of the season. On a day when pressure was guaranteed, he turned it into opportunity — and earned his place among the season’s standout performances. ⚽🔥

  • Harlie Price Does It Again: Three Games, Three Hat-Tricks… Should We Open Him a Goal Shop?

    Harlie Price Does It Again: Three Games, Three Hat-Tricks… Should We Open Him a Goal Shop?

    There comes a point in a season when statistics stop being helpful and the match reporter simply shrugs. We appear to have reached that point with Harlie Price.

    Another game, another hat-trick — or possibly another two — if we’re honest, we’re struggling to keep up. What we do know is this: Price has added three more hat-tricks to his season tally, and at this stage it feels less like a purple patch and more like a weekly subscription service.

    The running joke around the club now is whether Harlie is planning to open a new football shop, because he’s collecting match balls at a rate that suggests bulk storage will soon be required. Failing that, we may simply dedicate an entire page of the programme — perhaps even a supplement — to documenting the sheer volume of goals he’s producing.

    Defenders are trying everything. Different systems. Different partners. Different prayers. None of it seems to matter. Price keeps finding space, finding chances, and finding the net with the kind of regularity that turns “man of the match” into a formality.

    But behind the humour is a serious point. You don’t keep scoring hat-tricks by accident. It takes movement, sharp finishing, composure under pressure, and a mentality that demands more every time the ball hits the back of the net. Price is showing all of that — week after week.

    So while the club media team scrambles to update stats and double-check score sheets, one thing is absolutely clear:

    Congratulations to Harlie Price on adding three more hat-tricks to an already remarkable season. We’ll keep counting… as best we can.

    Next game?

    We’ll bring extra paper. ⚽🔥

  • 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

  • 🚨 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