As we head into the weekend, FC Stratford sit top with 62 points from 25 games—a solid position, with Wantage breathing down their necks on 55 points after 26 games. Bewdley Town are also pushing hard, 54 points from just 24 games, meaning every point is vital for them. Stonehouse Town, in fourth, have played only 23 games, so they’ve got a real chance to leap up if they keep that momentum. Cheltenham Saracens currently hold the last playoff spot, fifth, with 39 points from 24 games—so a lot still to play for.
Key Fixtures This Weekend
• Cheltenham Saracens vs. Wellington Cheltenham Saracens have been in decent form, two wins, two draws, one loss in their last five but they’ll need to keep that up against Wellington, who are just above the relegation zone. Every point could be a lifeline.
• Wantage Town vs. Alcester Town
At home, Wantage will be keen to keep their promotion dream alive, two wins and two draws in their last five, so momentum is with them. Alcester, though, have struggled with three losses in their last five, so Wantage will be looking to pounce on that. With the new 4g at wantage town this game is for sure to be on!
• Thame United Reserves vs. Chipping Sodbury Tame may be bottom, but they’re not giving up two draws in the last five. Chipping Sodbury, in 12th, also haven’t had a great run just one win in their last five, so this could be a scrappy, hard-fought battle.
• Redditch Borough vs. Shortwood United Redditch are quietly dangerous seventh, 35 points from just 21 games. Shortwood United, in 16th, have lost three in their last five so Redditch will be hoping to grab another big win and keep climbing.
Weather Watch
And yes, the weather because no football weekend is complete without a weather plot twist. Keep an eye on those pitches whether it’s a soggy start or a surprise sunny spell, it could shake up these crucial results. But it could also see more games off and the fixture team with more head scratching to
Hellenic League Premier Division Table Update (After 28 Games)
Hold onto your hats—this season is tighter than your shin pads after a muddy match! Worcester Raiders are top with 58 points (and a goal difference so good, it could probably score a goal on its own). Right behind them, Droitwich Spa are snapping at their heels with 57 points—like a dog chasing a ball, just one point behind! Roman Glass, in third, have 55 points but a few extra games—so they’re like the tortoise in this epic promotion race.
Slimbridge (our plucky fourth place) and Corsham Town (fifth) are also in the mix, proving that every game counts—like a penalty shootout in the last minute.
This Weekend’s Showdowns:
• Worcester Raiders vs. Tuffley Rovers Raiders will aim to stretch their lead, but Tuffley are sitting in seventh, who are no pushovers. A bit like David versus Goliath, except both are wearing studs. Lets keep them in the ground please.
• Droitwich Spa vs. Cirencester Town Second vs. sixth, like a top-of-the-league dance-off. If Cirencester win, it’s a bit like a mic drop that could echo into the playoffs. This is a game to watch!
• Fairford Town vs. Cribbs Fairford will fancy their chances, Cribbs are bottom, like a footballer stuck in their boots, but never under estimate a team like Cribbs. One thing is for sure manage Sam Collier will want to forget the 5-2 loss midweek and get to winning ways.
• Hallen vs. West Didsbury (FA Vase) Not a league game, but Hallen have a golden chance in the FA Vase, fingers crossed, lads! Go out there and show them what Hallen are made of!
• Westfields vs. Cinderford A three-point scramble, Westfields just three points behind Cinderford. It’s like a sprint to the finish, and we all know football sprints are the best kind of sprints! We are confident that the home team will want to wash away the loss at Tuffley last weekend, in fact their last league win was the 27th of December.. anyone growing their hair out for this one?
Weather Update
And of course, we can’t forget the weather—because what’s football without a bit of mud, rain, and kit chaos? If it rains, keep your fingers crossed for those 4G pitches—no one wants to be cleaning mud off the kit for a week. But, hey, if the sun sneaks out, we might just have a cracking weekend of football!
From what looked like being a complete washout last weekend, things actually turned out far better than expected. If we end up with a hosepipe ban this summer, perhaps it’s time for the Hellenic Lawyers to take on the water companies! Cheltenham today has delivered what feels like four seasons in one day, so let’s hope for a return to some settled, dry weather.
In the Isuzu FA Vase 5th Round last Saturday, Hallen produced an outstanding performance, beating Gornal Athletic 3–0. Harrison Fairman grabbed two of the goals in a superb display that sees Hallen progress to the quarter-finals. They have another home tie on 28th February, which I’ll highlight again in the coming weeks — a great occasion for the club.
In the UHL Premier Division, with several sides involved in cup action, we had three league fixtures last weekend. Corsham Town travelled to in-form Cinderford Town and were beaten 3–1. Tuffley Rovers made the trip to Pershore Town and came away with an impressive 3–0 win, with the ever-reliable Karnell Chambers once again finding the net. Royal Wootton Bassett Town hosted Westfields and continued their steady climb up the table with a convincing 3–0 victory. Longlevens v Cribbs fell victim to Friday’s downpours despite Longlevens’ best efforts to get the game on.
On Tuesday evening, Lydney Town hosted Hereford Pegasus, with Pegasus running out 2–1 winners. Fairford Town travelled to Westfields and continued their own climb up the table with a 2–0 victory. Reports suggest both pitches were in excellent condition despite recent flooding, so huge credit must go to the grounds staff at Lydney and Westfields for their hard work.
In the UHL Challenge Cup, Hereford Pegasus edged past Highworth Town 1–0. Slimbridge made the short trip to Stonehouse Town for a Gloucestershire derby and secured a 3–1 win. Worcester Raiders faced a long journey to Mangotsfield United, with the match finishing 2–2 in normal time before Raiders prevailed 5–3 on penalties.
In the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, Highworth Town made the long midweek journey to Alcester Town and returned with an emphatic 5–0 win, including a hat-trick from Bonsa Teshome. Cribbs hosted Longlevens but were beaten 3–1.
In UHL Division One, five league matches were played on Saturday. FC Stratford maintained top spot with a 2–0 away win at Ludlow Town. Wantage Town kept up the pressure with a 2–1 home victory over Brimscombe & Thrupp. Malmesbury Victoria were narrowly beaten 3–2 by Clanfield 85 in a five-goal thriller. Cheltenham Saracens drew 2–2 with Thame United Reserves, with Thame equalising in the 88th minute. Wellington enjoyed a welcome 4–1 win over Chipping Sodbury Town. Redditch Borough v Bewdley Town was postponed.
In the UHL Supplementary Challenge Cup, Shortwood and Hungerford Town Reserves drew 1–1 before Shortwood triumphed 4–2 on penalties. In midweek, Marlow Reserves beat Thame United Reserves 3–1.
Finally, in the Batemans Sports Alliance Challenge Cup, Evesham United Reserves hosted Banbury United Development but were beaten 7–1.
Let’s hope for a full programme and plenty of football to enjoy this weekend.
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.
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. 🐕😉
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?
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
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.
