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Tag: Highworth Town

  • 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

  • Final Score review 10/01/26

    Final Score review 10/01/26

    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

    Written by: AI

    Cover picture: Credit Pete Kinsella

  • Weekly Update – 9/01/26

    Weekly Update – 9/01/26

    The weather took an almighty toll on us last weekend and continues to be a feature this week. (Fingers firmly crossed for some more football tomorrow)

    We had 5 games played in the Premier Division, 3 in Division 1 (1 on the Friday evening), 1 in the Challenge Cup, 1 in Alliance West and 1 in the Chairmans Challenge cup. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, leaders Roman Glass St George travelled to Worcester Raiders and were involved in a 5-goal thriller. The game finished 3-2 to Worcester Raiders with their winning goal being scored by Adam Taylor in the 88th minute. Droitwich Spa travelled down the M5 to play Hallen and won a hard-fought game 1-0 to leapfrog Slimbridge into 2nd place as Slimbridge were in action in the cup. With Corsham Towns’ game being postponed, Cirencester Town moved closer behind them by winning 3-1 at home v Cribbs. (Harlie Pricescored another hat trick in the game.) Tuffley Roverstravelled down to play Thornbury Town and were involved in a 6-goal score fest. Tuffley were leading 2-1 at half time and then 3-2 up until the 96th minute when Thornbury got their equalizer through Tom Black as the game finished 3-3. Mangotsfield United travelled up to play Pershore Townand travelled home with a 3-0 win. 

    In the UHL Challenge Cup, Slimbridge hosted Westfieldsand progressed to the next round with a 4-0 victory. 

    In UHL Division One on Friday evening, we had an attendance of 265 for the Brimscombe & Thrupp v Stonehouse Town game where a tribute was paid following the tragic fire in Brimscombe over Christmas. It was good to see the Brimscombe Chairman being interviewed by the regional news before the game, giving his thoughts, including the donations from the game going to the go fund me page. On a bitterly cold evening, the game ended 1-1.  On Saturday, we only had 2 games to beat the freeze with Bewdley Town reclaimed top spot with a 4-1 home win v Wellington. 9th placed Ludlow Town travelled to play 6thplaced Newent Town and despite being 1-0 down at the break, they scored two second half goals through Ryan Clarke and won 2-1. (The winning goal coming in the 86thminute)

    One game in Alliance West saw Wantage Town U23 v Clanfield (85) Res finish 8-0. 

    One game in the Batemans Sports Alliance (Chairmans) Challenge Cup saw Evesham United Res v Headington Amateurs finish 1-5. 

    One game was played in the Vets Premier Division which saw Penn & Tyler Green Vets travel to Rotherfield United Vets and win 4-1. 

    One game in the Vets Division One saw Goring United Vets winning 1-0 against Chinnor Vets. 

    Golden Glove Award winners in December go to James Walker of Highworth Town in the Premier Division and Thomas Rees of Wantage Town in Division One. They can both look forward to the uhlsport Goalkeeping gloves. Congratulations James and Thomas. 

    There was some sad news in regards to Penn & Tylers Green reported to the league recently – Secretary and all-round Club Legend Andreas Latta passed away just after Christmas. Condolences to all at the club and of course thoughts go out to the family and friends at this very sad time. 

    Regards, 

    Ian

  • 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