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. ⚽🔥
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highworth Town produced a composed and controlled performance to claim a deserved three points at home. Bailey Gallagher broke the deadlock on 30 minutes, steering the hosts into a half-time lead after a measured opening period. Roman Glass searched for a route back into the contest, but Highworth’s discipline held firm. The result was sealed late on when Ethan Murehwa struck in the 76th minute, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback and ensuring a professional afternoon’s work.
Cinderford Town 1–4 Slimbridge
(HT: 0–2 | Att: 135)
Slimbridge ran riot at Cinderford with a ruthless display that punished every defensive lapse. Jack Smith opened the scoring inside 14 minutes before a cruel own goal doubled the visitors’ advantage on 23. Any hope of a second-half revival was dashed when Aaron Evans-Harriot struck just four minutes after the restart. Bogdan Mora added further gloss on 62 minutes before Jaxson Hundt grabbed a late consolation for Cinderford in the 85th. Slimbridge were clinical, decisive, and dominant throughout.
Hereford Pegasus 4–0 Cribbs
(HT: 0–0 | Att: 75)
After a goalless first half, Hereford Pegasus exploded into life. Harry Pitman was the catalyst, scoring twice in the space of 23 minutes with strikes on 57 and 80. Matt Green added a third on 71 as Cribbs struggled to stem the tide, before Harrison Summers capped the performance deep into stoppage time at 90+2. A patient first half gave way to a devastating second-half assault.
Longlevens AFC A–A Pershore Town
(Match abandoned – Floodlight failure)
An unfortunate end to proceedings at Longlevens, where the match was abandoned due to floodlight failure. A disappointing outcome for both sides after preparations were undone by circumstances beyond their control.
Mangotsfield United 1–3 Cirencester Town
(HT: 1–2 | Att: 231)
The headline act of the day belonged to Cirencester’s Harlie Price, who delivered a stunning hat-trick. He struck early on nine minutes, responded immediately after Mangotsfield’s equaliser from Spike Weaver on 17, and completed his treble just before the hour mark on 58 minutes. Cirencester were sharp, incisive, and carried constant threat, silencing a strong home crowd with a performance of real authority.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town 2–2 Droitwich Spa
(HT: 0–2 | Att: 107)
A tale of two halves at Royal Wootton Bassett. Droitwich Spa stunned the hosts early, racing into a two-goal lead through Alex Dugmore on three minutes and Josh Hurdman on 40. But the second half belonged to Bassett. Rudi Hopkins struck twice in seven minutes — goals on 57 and 64 — to drag his side back from the brink and secure a hard-earned point in an absorbing contest.
Thornbury Town 2–0 Fairford Town
(HT: 1–0 | Att: 140)
Thornbury Town showed resilience and patience to see off Fairford. Harry Brock converted a penalty on 40 minutes to put the hosts ahead, and despite Fairford’s resistance, Thornbury remained composed. The result was sealed dramatically in stoppage time when Callum Chalmers struck at 90+6, sparking celebrations and confirming a deserved clean sheet.
Tuffley Rovers 3–0 Lydney Town
(HT: 1–0 | Att: 149)
Tuffley Rovers delivered a commanding home performance, blending control with cutting edge. Corey Warrington opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, setting the tone for the second period. Harley Mustoe doubled the lead on 75 minutes before Karnell Chambers converted a late penalty at 90 to complete a convincing victory.
Westfields 1–2 Corsham Town
(HT: 1–1 | Att: 136)
Corsham Town edged a tightly fought encounter in Hereford. Westfields struck first through Aidan Clark in the fourth minute, but Jake Wilson responded on 31 to level the contest. With both sides probing for a winner, it was Allow Ashton who delivered the decisive moment, netting on 70 minutes to secure all three points for Corsham in a disciplined away performance.
Worcester Raiders 3–1 Hallen
(HT: 2–0 | Att: 135)
Worcester Raiders set the platform early with first-half goals from Emmanuel Olaloko on 31 and Prince Henry on 35. Hallen rallied after the break and reduced the deficit through Cam Montieth on 76 minutes, injecting late tension. But any hopes of a comeback were ended when Keanu Miller struck on 86, restoring the two-goal cushion and sealing victory.
🔥 A Day That Had It All
Hat-tricks, late penalties, stoppage-time goals, second-half surges, and even an abandoned fixture — this was a reminder of why the Hellenic Premier Division continues to deliver drama in abundance. December football at its finest.
