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Tag: Hellenic League

  • Hallen fall at semi-final stage

    Hallen fall at semi-final stage

    Written by: Matthew Rickwood

    No Wembley date for Hallen 

    Well, here we are. The second leg of the FA Vase, with Hallen chasing a 0-3 deficit and Stoneham sitting comfortably.  

    In the first leg Stoneham cruised to victory scoring three goals in the first half. However, Hallen showed a better performance in the second half to make it a more even contest.  Hallen can turn this around with the goal tally they have created so far in the cup with seventeen. Whereas Stoneham is on an incredible run lasting thirty games in league and cup. 

    The first five minutes was a very even game with both teams struggling to get a hold of the game. 

    As the first ten minutes approached Hallen had shown they had settled the best forcing Stoneham to defend some long balls and early crosses. 

    The game showed no sign of breaking into life as the half approached it’s twenty-minute mark, all the action we had was a corner to speak of, which came to nothing. The first goal on the twenty-minute mark from the home team, a good one two between Alex Welch and Tyrrell Sampson resulted in a fired finish from about 12 yards out from the captain.

    The half looked to be ending with the one goal, but Stoneham found the net for a second time on forty-two minutes through their captain Alex Welch for his second of the game. A through ball breaks the offside trap and the skipper ran through unchallenged to slot in past Harry Thomas-Barker in the Hallen goal. 

    A minute later the away side showed their first bit of attacking intent with captain Cory Thomas- Barker forcing Callum Lee into a decent save. 

    The second half started as the first half with lack of intent from either side to force an attack.  

    The first action came from a free kick from the right of the box by Lewis Nagle brilliantly saved by Harry Thomas-Barker. The home side started to turn up the pressure mid-way through the half as they searched for a third goal. 

    The third goal came for Stoneham in the sixty-seventh minute from a quick free kick which the Hallen defence were sleeping and Tyrrell Sampson fired into the goal from a tight angle. 

    However, Hallen did find their first goal of the game and tie with a long throw-in flicked on by Dylan Tate and quick feet in the box resulting in a shot by Sam Deuchars which nestled neatly into the corner of the goal which sparked wild celebrations from the away following. 

     

     

    Stoneham line up: 

    Lee, Nagle (Dyer), Miller, Wells (Annetts), Welch (C), Sampson (Cluett), Jenkins (Orvis), Martins, Laycock (Fee), Kerton, Thomson. 

    Hallen line up: 

    H Thomas-Barker, Holden (Greenwood), Iles (Tate), Blundell, Bence, Camper (Courtier), Jones, C Thomas- Barker (C), Fairman, Busby (Ford) Deuchars.

    Written by: Matthew Rickwood – @mattrickwoo1

     

  • Weekly Update 6/03/26

    Weekly Update 6/03/26

    Spring has sprung and hopefully our final canter towards the end of a very exciting season. It’s Cheltenham Races next week, so be mindful of traffic if you are travelling through!

    The Izusu FA Vase Quarter Final game between Hallenand West Didsbury & Chorlton turned into a photo finish with Hallen equalizing in the 92nd minute through Harrison Fairman and then winning 6-5 on penalties in front of a watching 402. Fantastic result and congratulations to everyone at Hallen on progressing through to the semi-final with the 1st leg scheduled at their home ground on Saturday March 28th. One final push to get to Wembley!

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, we lost three games to the weather. Morning leaders Worcester Raidershosted Tuffley Rovers and their fantastic recent form ended with Tuffley winning 3-2. Roman Glass St George took advantage and regained 1st place with a 3-0-win v Pershore Town. Slimbridge travelled to Hereford Pegasus and despite taking a 2nd minute lead, lost 3-2. Other title contenders/play-off hopefuls; Droitwich Spa, Corsham Town and Cirencester Town all had the games they were due to be involved in, postponed. Fairford Townwon 2-0 at home to Cribbs, but left it very late with goals in the 88th and 95th minutes. Mangotsfield United won 3-1 at home to Lydney Town with a Brandon Bak hattrick. Royal Wootton Bassett Town had a 3-1 home win v Thornbury Town. On Tuesday evening, 2nd placed Worcester Raiderstravelled across to Highworth Town and lost the game 2-1, Slimbridge hosted Royal Wootton Bassett Town and were 1-0 down going into the 92nd minute where a Jack W Smith goal made it 1-1 and then in the 94th minute a Bassett own goal gave them a dramatic 2-1 win to thrust them back into title contention. Fairford Town hosted Cinderford Town and won 2-1. Hallen, fresh from their FA Vase ¼ Final win travelled across the bridge to Lydney Town and climbed out off the 2nd bottom place with a 2-0 win. On Wednesday, Longlevens (who have been suffering with their pitch) hosted Pershore Town and won an entertaining game 4-2, although they were made to sweat at the end when Pershore came back from 3-0 down at half time to 3-2. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, we also lost three games to the weather. With FC Stratford not in action, Wantage Town hosted Alcester Town and won 3-1 to maintain 2nd place. Bewdley Town were not in action either and Cheltenham Saracens’ game was postponed. Stonehouse Town hosted Malmesbury Victoria and left it until the 94th minute to equalize in the 1-1 draw. Thame United Reserves put up a good fight in their home game v Chipping Sodbury Town, but lost it 3-2. On Tuesday evening, Stonehouse Town travelled to Carterton and came away with an impressive 4-2win, Shortwood Unitedhosted Chipping Sodbury Town and lost 2-1. 

    In the UHL Supplementary Challenge Cup Newent Town v Marlow Res ended 2-1 to Newent. In this cup on Tuesday evening, Woodford United hosted Alcester Town and lost 2-1. 

    In the Alliance East on Saturday, we had wins for Easington Sports Dev and Headington Amateurs. On Tuesday we had a win for Hungerford Town Res. On Wednesday we had a win for Banbury United Dev.

    In the Alliance West on Saturday, we had wins for Clanfield (85) Res, University of Bristol and UDA Glos Dev and a draw between Bourton Rovers Dev and Carterton Dev. On Wednesday, we had a win for Carterton Dev. 

    In the Vets Premier on Wednesday, we had a win for Windsor & Eton Vets. In Vets D1 we had wins for Bicester Town and Watlington Town Old Boys. 

    In the Vets League Cup we had wins for Didcot Town Old Boys and Thame United. These two will meet in the Vets Cup Final on Wednesday 29th April. Congratulations to both Teams. 

    Enjoy the weekend and hopefully all the football that will be played,

    Regards, 

    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