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  • Fairman Fires Hat-Trick as Hallen Cruise Past Slimbridge

    Fairman Fires Hat-Trick as Hallen Cruise Past Slimbridge

    Harrison Fairman was simply irresistible on Saturday afternoon as he helped himself to a stunning hat-trick in Hallen’s emphatic victory over Slimbridge.

    The striker opened the scoring in style on 42 minutes after Jack Busby produced a moment of quality, sliding a perfectly timed pass down the left-hand side. Fairman showed electric pace to burst beyond the Slimbridge defence before coolly slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Hallen a deserved lead.

    Not long after the restart, Hallen struck again – and once more it was Fairman on the scoresheet. Luke Jones was the architect this time, delivering another excellent ball down the left flank. Fairman did the rest, finishing confidently into the bottom right corner to double both his tally and Hallen’s advantage.

    The hat-trick was sealed in the 68th minute with a goal worthy of putting the game to bed. Hallen’s top scorer combined brilliantly with skipper Thomas Barker, whose perfectly weighted pass allowed Fairman to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from just inside the box, completing his second hat-trick of the season in emphatic fashion.

    A clinical performance from Fairman and a dominant team display ensured Hallen left no doubt about the outcome, with the striker once again proving why he remains the focal point of their attacking threat.

  • Weekly update – 6/02/26

    Weekly update – 6/02/26

    The rain is starting to get a tad boring now! We have already lost games this upcoming weekend!

    Weather dependent, there is a massive game in the 5thround of the Isuzu FA Vase seeing our remaining survivors in the competition, Hallen, hosting Gornal Athletic who sit 2nd in Division One of the Midland Football League. All the very best to Hallen to keep the UHL flag flying into the next round. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, previous leaders Roman Glass St George had no game, so 2ndplaced Droitwich Spa took full advantage in their home 4-0-win v Cribbs and duly moved into top spot. 3rd Placed Slimbridge travelled to bottom club at the time Hallen and were soundly beaten 4-0 with Harrison Fairman scoring a hat trick. Hallen moved off the bottom as a result and Slimbridge dropped to 4th place as Worcester Raidershosted Westfields and two 2nd half goals saw them leapfrog Slimbridge into 3rd.  Corsham Town travelled to Tuffley Rovers and suffered a 3-2 defeat, Cirencester Town hosted Pershore Town and two 2nd half goals saw Pershore Town travel home with 3 points in the bag.  Mangotsfield United hosted a resurgent Cinderford Townand lost 3-2, Fairford Town v Hereford Pegasus was postponed due to a heavy downpour just before kick-off resulting in the pitch becoming un-playable. Highworth Town hosted Thornbury Town and with the game poised at 1-1, Thornbury popped up with an 87th minute winner to take the 3 points. Lydney Town travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and travelled home on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat. A few twists and turns this week and no doubt many more to come over the next few weeks. 

    On Tuesday evening we had Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup action which saw Malmesbury Victoria travel toWantage Town and win 5-3 and Worcester Raiders v Hereford Pegasus end 1-1 in normal time with Worcester Raiders winning 5-3 on penalties. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, Leaders FC Stratfordhosted Chipping Sodbury Town and kept top spot with a 3-1 win. Bewdley Town travelled to Shortwood United and won 2-1, Wantage Town were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Ludlow Town, Stonehouse Town v Cheltenham Saracens was also a draw, but this one finished 1-1. Alcester Town v Wellington ended in a 2-0 home win. Woodford United v Carterton ended 2-2. Redditch Borough v Malmesbury Victoria and Clanfield 85 v Brimscombe & Thrupp were both postponed.

    One game in Alliance East saw Headington Amateurs v Banbury United Dev end 2-1. 

    Two games in Alliance West saw Bourton Rovers Dev v UDA Glos Dev finish 3-0 and Evesham United Res v Highworth Town Res finish 2-1. 

    In the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup, we had wins for Ardley United Res v Easington Sports Dev and Marlow Res v Hambleden.

    We had 3 Vets games survive the weather on Wednesday in Division One with wins for Goring United Vets away at Bicester Town Vets and Chinnor Vets at home v Marcham Vets.  

    Golden Glove Awards for January saw Harry Pickering of Malmesbury Victoria in Division One and Joe Stocktonof Droitwich Spa in the Premier Division pick up the UHLSPORT Gloves. Congratulations to both goal-keepers.

    Great news received from Highworth Town in regards to the new stadia and 3G pitch. It looks like work will start at the end of March and be ready for pre-season friendlies in time for season 2026-2027 to start. It has been a long wait with some hard work by the Highworth Stalwarts, but hopefully they will get their rewards with the new development. 

    Yours in sport, 

    Ian

  • 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. ⚽🔥

  • 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

  • 👏 LEGENDARY MILESTONE ALERT 👏

    👏 LEGENDARY MILESTONE ALERT 👏

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    All Images Credit of Pete Kinsella

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

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

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

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

    FA Vase: Nerves of Steel Required

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

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

    Premier Division: Big Wins and Big Statements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Division One: Clinical Finishing on Display

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

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

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

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

    📊 By the Numbers

    Across 13 played fixtures, a total of:

    1,555 spectators

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

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

    Cover Photo: Pete Kinsella