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  • Weekly update 26th Dec 25

    Weekly update 26th Dec 25

    I hope you all enjoyed Christmas Day and are ready for the festive fixture list. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, we had a full fixture list. Leaders Roman Glass St George travelled to Highworth Town and suffered a 2-0 defeat. 2nd placed Slimbridge travelled to Cinderford Town and won 4-1. 3rdplaced Droitwich Spa travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and despite going into the break 2-0 up came away with a 2-2 draw. Corsham Town travelled to Westfieldsand won 2-1 and Cirencester Town also travelled to Mangotsfield United and won 3-1 with a hat trick from Harlie Price. Worcester Raiders hosted Hallen and won 3-1, Hereford Pegasus had a convincing 4-0 home win v Cribbs, Longlevens and Pershore Town were stuck at 0-0when a Floodlight failure caused the game to be abandoned, Tuffley Rovers had a 3-0 home win v Lydney Town and Thornbury Town won 2-0 at home to Fairford Town. It was nice to see some healthy crowds in attendance to watch the games and let us hope folks want some fresh air and the 27th December fixtures are well attended. It is still very competitive at the top and bottom of the division. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, leaders Bewdley Towntravelled to Carterton and a 91st minute Carterton goal appeared to have settled the game only for a 95th minute equalizer which saw the game finish 2-2. Wantage Town v Thame United Reserves finished a resounding 7-1 win to Wantage who scored 6 goals in the 2nd half after leading 1-0 at half time. FC Stratford hosted Malmesbury Victoriaand won 2-0. Redditch Borough’s away game v Brimscombe & Thrupp was postponed on Friday due to Seven Trent Water pipes suffering a breach and the far end of the pitch away from the clubhouse was very waterlogged. (Update – it appears that Seven Trent have rectified the situation so hopefully Brimscombe & Thrupps’ next scheduled home games will be ok to be played). Newent Town travelled to Shortwood United and won 4-1 to stay in the final play off place. Stonehouse Town who are in great form hosted Woodford United, won 4-0 and kept close to the play-off pack. Cheltenham Saracens v Clanfield 85 ended 1-1 and Chipping Sodbury Town v Ludlow Town was postponed as Ludlow Town could not raise a full team. 

    One game in Alliance East saw Marlow Res beat Hambleden away and one game in Alliance West sawHighworth Town Res beat Bourton Rovers Dev away.

    In the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup, Wantage Town travelled to Kidlington Dev and won 6-1.

    I wanted to use this occasion to thank all of the volunteers out there in your clubs, they are the ones who make all of this possible. I also wanted to thank my fellow UHL Committee members, who like you will be hard at work over the holiday period to ensure the League can continue functioning at this busy footballing time of the year. 

    I will close by wishing you all a Happy New Year and let us hope that 2026 is a great one.

    Best Regards,

    Ian 

  • Hellenic Division One – Saturday 20 December

    Hellenic Division One – Saturday 20 December

    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.

    Written By: AI

    Cover image credit: Bewdley Town “X”

  • Hellenic Premier Division – Saturday 20 December

    Hellenic Premier Division – Saturday 20 December

    Highworth Town 2–0 Roman Glass St George

    (HT: 1–0 | Att: 73)

    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.

    Written by: AI

    Cover Image by: Pete Kinsella

  • Dacres Hat-Trick Seals Chipping Sodbury Town Victory

    Dacres Hat-Trick Seals Chipping Sodbury Town Victory

    Chipping Sodbury Town secured a deserved 3–1 home victory over the University of Bristol on Friday 13 December, thanks to a superb hat-trick from Tyler Dacres.

    Playing in front of the home support at Chipping Sodbury, Dacres delivered a clinical performance in front of goal, scoring all three of the hosts’ goals to put the game beyond doubt. His finishing proved the difference in a competitive contest, with the visitors unable to contain his attacking threat.

    The University of Bristol did manage to find the net, but Chipping Sodbury Town remained in control throughout, showing composure and resilience to see out the win.

    In recognition of his outstanding performance, Tyler Dacres was presented with the match ball after the final whistle by Chipping Sodbury Town Chair, James Mapstone, a fitting reward for a memorable individual display.

    The victory adds another positive result for Chipping Sodbury Town as they continue to build momentum on home soil.

    Written by: AI

  • Wantage Town 8–1 Woodford United

    Wantage Town 8–1 Woodford United

    Alfredian Park | Attendance: 100

    Wantage Town turned on the style at Alfredian Park with an emphatic 8–1 victory over Woodford United in a game that showcased attacking football, clinical finishing, and two memorable individual performances.

    The hosts were out of the blocks quickly and established control early on. By half-time, Wantage had built a commanding 4–0 lead, thanks to sharp movement and ruthless use of possession. Josh Davis led the way in the opening period, helping himself to two goals before the interval and setting the tone for the afternoon.

    The second half followed a similar pattern, with Wantage continuing to press forward. Luke Whelan took centre stage after the break, completing a superb hat-trick, while Davis added his third to claim one of two match balls on the day. Michael Miller also found the net twice, and Thomas Rees added another as the goals continued to flow.

    Woodford United’s task became even tougher when they were reduced to ten men, and to their credit they continued to compete despite the numerical disadvantage. The visitors were rewarded with a well-earned consolation goal, showing determination and spirit even as the scoreline grew.

    While the final result was a heavy one, it reflected a very strong Wantage performance rather than a lack of effort from Woodford, who battled throughout under difficult circumstances.

    A highly entertaining afternoon for the home support, with Wantage Town combining teamwork, tempo, and finishing to produce a performance — and scoreline — that will live long in the memory.

    Hat-Trick Hero No.1: Josh Davis

    Josh Davis clearly arrived at Alfredian Park in the mood for goals. Two before half-time wasn’t enough, so he added a third later on just to make sure nobody else walked off with his match ball. Constantly on the move and always asking questions of the Woodford defence, Davis turned in a performance that defenders dread and goalkeepers replay in slow motion later that evening. To top it all off, Josh posed with his best Christmas smile for the cameras when collecting the match ball!

    Hat-Trick Hero No.2: Luke Whelan

    Not to be outdone, Luke Whelan decided that if one Wantage player was having a hat-trick kind of day, then two definitely should. Calm, composed, and seemingly always in the right place at the right time, Whelan completed his treble with the air of someone who’d done it all before, and might have fancied a fourth if time allowed.

    Written By:

  • Weekly Update 12/12/25

    Weekly Update 12/12/25

    The weather had some effect on fixtures last weekend, but credit to all of the clubs and ground staff who did all they possibly could to get games on. I did a video call with Hungerford Town Reserves on Friday afternoon/evening when a late downpour put paid to all their efforts to get their game on v Eversley & California Reserves.! 

    The Isuzu FA Vase Third Round where we had 3 clubs still involved only produced one result which saw Cinderford Town going down 4-0 away to AFC Stoneham. The other two games – Hallen V Hamworthy Recreation and Slimbridge v Amesbury Town go again this Saturday. All the best to Hallen and Slimbridge.  

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, we lost 3 games to the weather. Roman Glass St George took advantage of Slimbridge being involved in the Vase by returning to top spot with a 3-0 win over Cirencester Town. Droitwich Spatravelled to Fairford Town and despite being 1-0 down, then 2-0 down, came back to equalize and then scored a 93rd minute winner to claim all 3 points. Tuffley Roversproduced a stunning display to win 4-0 at home v 5th placed Worcester Raiders, Royal Wootton Bassett Town climbed out of the bottom three with a 1-0-win v Pershore Town, Highworth Town and Mangotsfield United shared the spoils with a 0-0 draw. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, we only lost 1 game to the weather. Wantage Town took over top spot with FC Stratford’s game being postponed and did it in style winning 8-1 v Woodford United; there were hattricks for Josh Davis and Luke Whelan. Bewdley Town won 3-0 v Clanfield 85, Redditch Borough travelled to Wellingtonand won 3-2, Newent Town travelled to Brimscombe & Thrupp and lost 2-1, Stonehouse Town continued their march up the table and won 4-1 at home to Thame United Reserves, Shortwood United won 2-1 at home to Cheltenham Saracens in a rain swept game, Malmesbury Victoria and Ludlow Town drew 2-2 and Cartertontravelled to Alcester Town and won 1-0.

    All scheduled games in Alliance East and Alliance Westwere postponed. 

    The scheduled Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup game was also postponed.

    In the Vets we had 5 League Cup games on Wednesday evening with wins for Watlington Town Wanderers Vets, Didcot Town Old Boys Vets, Goring United Vets and Penn & Tylers Green Vets with a draw between Woodley United Vets and Faringdon Town Vets. 

    The League Exec have been holding some respect meetings with UHL Premier Division and UHL Division One teams who have breached the respect marks during the first half of the season over the past couple of weeks. These all went well and action plans are now in place at the various clubs to address this. Hopefully this will address the matter. 

    With a better looking forecast for the next few days, fingers crossed we get plenty of football played, 

    All the best, 

    Ian

  • League Update 28/11/25

    League Update 28/11/25

    A good selection of fixtures was played, despite the wetness. Looks like some more rain on the way tomorrow, so let us hope the fixtures do not get affected. 

    In the UHL Premier Division on Saturday, only Slimbridgein the current top 5 won. They beat Hereford Pegasus 3-1 at home, but the result does not tell the story of a very even game with Pegasus finding the woodwork on a number of occasions. Roman Glass St George v Worcester Raidersended 0-0, Droitwich were on the end of a dominant 5-1 defeat away v Cirencester Town with Harlie Price scoring a 2nd half hattrick for the hosts who went in 1-0 down at half time. Corsham Town lost the Wiltshire derby 3-2 away at Highworth Town with the winner from Highworth coming in the 85th minute. Longlevens continued their remarkable current run with an 85th minute winner away at Mangotsfield United. Lydney Town continued their recovery with a 3-1 away win v Hallen, Royal Wootton Bassett Town travelled to Cribbs and won 2-1 with all the goals being scored in the 1st half. Fairford Town v Tuffley Rovers ended 1-1, Thornbury Town v Westfields also ended 1-1 and Pershore Town v Cinderford Town finished 0-0.  The top 3 and the bottom 5 are now all closely bunched together and the League is looking set for a very exciting 2nd half of the season. 

    In midweek in the UHL Premier Division we saw Lydney Town continue there escape from the bottom 3 and win 2-0 at home v 5th placed Corsham Town, leaders Roman Glass St George travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and won 4-2 after being 2-1 down at half time, 2ndplaced Slimbridge popped over to Hereford and won 3-0 v Westfields, Fairford Town also travelled, to Pershore Town and won 1-0, it was late goals at Thornbury Town, who must have thought they won their game v Hallen by scoring in the 87th minute, only for Hallen to equalize in the 92nd minute to share the points. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, we lost 2 games to the weather at Alcester Town (v Stonehouse Town) and Thame United Reserves (v Malmesbury Victoria). Leaders Bewdley Town won their away gave v Ludlow Town 3-1, FC Stratford travelled to Wellington and won 4-0, Wantage Town v Cheltenham Saracens played out a thrilling 5-4 after being tied at 2-2 at half time, RedditchBorough travelled to Carterton and showed no mercy hitting 7 goals without reply with James Baldwin scoring 4 of them. Newent Town won 3-1 v Chipping Sodbury Town, Shortwood United travelled to Woodford Unitedand won 1-0 with Ollie Whelan scoring in the 90th minute, Brimscombe & Thrupp v Clanfield 85 finished 2-2. At the top, it is very close with the top 4 and at the bottom, there is a gap to Thame United Reserves, but above them there are 4 teams very close together and like the Premier Division, this is going to be an exciting 2nd half of the season. 

    In midweek we had Wiseman Lighting (UHL) Floodlit Cupaction – with Premier Division Cinderford Town and Division One Alcester Town drawing 2-2 and Alcester Town going on to win on penalties. In the Glos derby, Tuffley Rovers travelled to Shortwood United and won 3-2. 

    In the Alliance East, only one game saw Banbury United Dev winning 3-2 v Easington Sports Dev.

    In the Alliance West, there were two games, withHighworth Town Res v Newent Town Dev ending 6-1 toHighworth and University of Bristol winning 4-1 vCarterton Dev. 

    In the UHL Supplementary Challenge Cup, Marlow Res won 2-1 v Ardley United Res. 

    In the Vets we had 3 games on Wednesday with Goring United Vets v Benson Lions Vets finishing 7-3, Holyport Vets v Henley Town Vets ending 4-2 and Watling Town Old Boys Vets v Bicester Town Vets finishing 3-2. 

    All the best, 

  • A Little Late, But the Goals Were Right on Time!

    A Little Late, But the Goals Were Right on Time!

    We might be a bit late reporting this, but we’re thrilled to share that the goals were perfectly on point!

    James Baldwin delivered an incredible performance, scoring four goals in an away match against Carterton. This marks his second hat-trick in just one month, and he didn’t stop there, he added an extra goal for good measure.

    What a phenomenal run of form from Baldwin is clinical, confident, and unstoppable!

  • Wantage Town Named Team of the Month for October – Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One

    Wantage Town Named Team of the Month for October – Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One

    Wantage Town have been crowned Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One Team of the Month for October, capping off a superb run of form that has put the Freds firmly in the spotlight.

    Throughout October, Wantage delivered a series of dominant and disciplined performances, showcasing both attacking fluency and defensive resilience. Their consistency saw them collect an impressive haul of points, climb the Division One table, and record multiple clean sheets along the way.

    Manager and players alike have earned praise from across the league for their focus, work ethic, and togetherness. The squad’s commitment on and off the pitch has been highlighted as a driving force behind their excellent month, with supporters also playing their part during a packed run of fixtures.

    The Uhlsport Hellenic League announced the award earlier this week, noting Wantage Town’s strong results, goal difference, and overall match conduct throughout October. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the club as they continue their push for higher honours this season.

    Wantage Town will now aim to carry their momentum into the winter schedule, with attention already turning to maintaining their high standards in the months ahead.

    Congratulations to everyone at Wantage Town on a well-deserved award.

  • Hat-Trick Hurricane: Josh Davis Tears Through Malmesbury in Ten Minutes

    Hat-Trick Hurricane: Josh Davis Tears Through Malmesbury in Ten Minutes

    A complete first-half masterclass from our number 10, Josh Davis, a man clearly on a mission, and apparently allergic to not scoring goals. He delivered a blistering ten-minute hat-trick that left Malmesbury looking like they needed a group meeting, a breather, and possibly a new game plan.

    The opener came when Josh reacted quicker than anyone else in the box, honestly, he moved like someone who’d just heard the last slice of pizza was up for grabs. He smashed home from six yards with so much power the goalkeeper could only wave at it politely as it flew past.

    Barely had the celebrations died down when Josh was at it again. He broke through the Malmesbury back line with the confidence of a man who’d already decided he was scoring, strolled toward goal, and calmly slotted it past the advancing keeper. Cool. Composed. Clinical. Probably didn’t even break a sweat.

    But the third… that one had everything. Determination, drama, maybe even a touch of comedy. Josh beat a defender, rounded the goalkeeper, and looked certain to finish, until his effort was blocked on the line by a very determined defender. No problem. Josh just picked up the rebound and hammered it home anyway, completing his hat-trick in style and confirming that yes, this was absolutely his half.

    An outstanding treble in ten minutes, and a performance that had the crowd wondering if Josh had somewhere he needed to be, because he certainly wasn’t hanging around.

    The team signed his match ball and Josh posed for a picture!