Hellenic League – Proudly Sponsored by uhlsport – "Where every game matters"

Tag: Premier Division

  • 🎉⚽ January Team of the Month – Presented in Style! ⚽🎉

    🎉⚽ January Team of the Month – Presented in Style! ⚽🎉

    Today, our Chair made the trip to see Worcester Raiders to proudly present their well-earned January Team of the Month award! 🏆

    After a fantastic run of performances, full of commitment, teamwork and quality football, it was only right that the squad received recognition for their outstanding month. From the players to the coaching staff, everyone has played their part in making January one to remember!

    A huge congratulations to Worcester Raiders – your hard work, determination and team spirit have truly paid off. 👏🔥

    Here’s to building on that momentum and seeing what the rest of the season brings! 💪⚽

  • 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

  • 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. ⚽🔥

  • 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.

    đź“Š 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

  • Weekly Update 15/01/26

    Weekly Update 15/01/26

    All, 

    Some important dates for your diaries at the bottom of this week’s news. 

    The weather relented somewhat last weekend and despite some postponements, we actually got a good selection of games in.  

    We only had 1 postponement in the Premier Division and 3 in Division 1. Thanks to all of you clubs for your efforts to get the games on. 

    I have to start this week with tomorrow’s Izusu FA Vase 4thround games with Slimbridge travelling down to Wessex Premier Division Downton near Salisbury in Wiltshireand Hallen hosting Hythe & Dibden, also from the Wessex Premier Division; they are travelling up from the Southampton area. Downton are currently 20th in the table and Hythe & Dibden are 18th. The very best of luck to Slimbridge and Hallen â€“ keep the UHL flag flying. 

    In the UHL Premier Division last Saturday, leaders Roman Glass St George hosted Westfields and won 3-0,Droitwich Spa made a 150-mile round trip to Mangotsfield United and came away with a close 1-0 victory in front of a watching 355 spectators. Slimbridge travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett Town and won 3-0 with two 2nd half goals, Corsham Town hosted Lydney Town and won 3-0, Cirencester Town travelled to play Longlevens and scored a 9th minute goal to win 1-0, Worcester Raiders hostedHereford Pegasus and won 2-1, Tuffley Rovers and Cinderford Town drew 2-2 with Tuffley’s equalizer scored in the 89th minute, Thornbury Town and Pershore Townshared the spoils with the game finishing 0-0. In the Friday night game, the very local Derby between Cribbs and Hallen ended 1-1. 

    In the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, Hallenhosted Corsham Town and won 1-0, Carterton hosted Malmesbury Victoria and lost 0-4 with Malmesbury’sLewis James Bexon-Shaw scoring a hat trick, Wantage Town hosted Pershore Town and won 2-0 with goals in the 88 and 92nd minutes, Worcester Raiders hosted near neighbours Droitwich Spa in front of 212 spectators and won 3-1. 

    In UHL Division One on Saturday, we had new leaders in Wantage Town who won 7-1 v Newent Town and Bewdley Town having no game. 3rd v 4th played at Stonehouse Town and it was visitors, 3rd placed FC Stratford who won the game 2-1. With the rest of the chasing packs’ games’ being postponed there are still places up for grabs in the play-off places. Chipping Sodbury Town travelled to Clanfield 85 and despite being 3-1 down at half time, they scored twice in the 2nd half to draw the game 3-3. Wellington hosted Brimscombe & Thrupp and won the game 3-2 to keep their survival hopes alive.   

    One game in Alliance East between Hambleden v Easington Sports Development finished 3-7. 

    One game in Alliance West on Friday evening saw Carterton v Highworth Town Res finish 1-1 and Saturday’s game finishing UDA Glos Dev v Wantage Town U23 2-1. 

    Following the totaling up of the scores on the doors,December Team of the Month awards go to:

    Longlevens – Premier Division

    Wantage Town – Division One

    Congratulations to both Teams – awards will be presented in due course.

    At the Hellenic League Management Committee Meetinglast night, we decided upon the method that we will be finishing the season and it is a change to previous seasons:

    The Floodlit Cup Final will be on Tuesday 17th March 2026.

    The Challenge / Supplementary Cup Finals will be onSaturday 28th March 2026.

    The Final League Games of the season for Premier / Division 1 will be Saturday 18/4/2026.

    The Play-Off Semi-Finals for Premier / Division 1 will be played W/C 20/4/2026. (Tuesday/Wednesday)

    The Chairman’s / President Cup Finals will be onSaturday 25/4/2026.

    The Veterans Cup Final will be on Wednesday 29/4/2026.

    Division 1 Play-Off Final will be on Friday 1/5/2026.

    Premier Division Play-Off Final will be on Monday 4/5/2026.

    All the best for a dry weekend with all of our scheduled games being played!!

  • 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