Tag: soccer

  • Hellenic League Div 1 Battles Pending

    Hellenic League Div 1 Battles Pending

    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 Weekend Incoming!

    Hellenic Weekend Incoming!

    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!

  • Fairman Fires Hat-Trick as Hallen Cruise Past Slimbridge

    Fairman Fires Hat-Trick as Hallen Cruise Past Slimbridge

    Harrison Fairman was simply irresistible on Saturday afternoon as he helped himself to a stunning hat-trick in Hallen’s emphatic victory over Slimbridge.

    The striker opened the scoring in style on 42 minutes after Jack Busby produced a moment of quality, sliding a perfectly timed pass down the left-hand side. Fairman showed electric pace to burst beyond the Slimbridge defence before coolly slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Hallen a deserved lead.

    Not long after the restart, Hallen struck again – and once more it was Fairman on the scoresheet. Luke Jones was the architect this time, delivering another excellent ball down the left flank. Fairman did the rest, finishing confidently into the bottom right corner to double both his tally and Hallen’s advantage.

    The hat-trick was sealed in the 68th minute with a goal worthy of putting the game to bed. Hallen’s top scorer combined brilliantly with skipper Thomas Barker, whose perfectly weighted pass allowed Fairman to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper from just inside the box, completing his second hat-trick of the season in emphatic fashion.

    A clinical performance from Fairman and a dominant team display ensured Hallen left no doubt about the outcome, with the striker once again proving why he remains the focal point of their attacking threat.

  • Team of the month alert!!

    Team of the month alert!!

    Our Secretary Ian Hamilton has been out and about once again, this time visiting Longlevens to present them with the December Team of the Month award.

    A well-deserved recognition for a strong month of performances, consistency, and results, Longlevens set the standard throughout December and thoroughly earned the accolade.

    Congratulations to everyone at Longlevens on being named December Team of the Month, and thank you to Ian for continuing to represent the club and recognise excellence across the league. 👏⚽

  • Lewis Powell joins the most exclusive club – Hat-trick Hero’s!

    Lewis Powell joins the most exclusive club – Hat-trick Hero’s!

    With hat-tricks suddenly becoming the hottest membership card in town, Lewis Powell has officially added his name to the board — and he did it in style when it mattered most.

    In the heat of the North Bristol Derby against Roman Glass St George, it was Powell who stepped forward to swing the momentum back in Mangotsfield United’s favour. With the visitors trailing, Powell struck on 30 minutes to draw The Field level, calmly finishing to restore belief and settle any early nerves.

    That goal, however, was merely the opening act.

    After the break, Powell went from composed to ruthless. In a blistering seven-minute spell, he added two more goals, completing a superb hat-trick and firmly putting Mangotsfield out of reach of any late Roman Glass comeback. Where derbies often tighten, Powell delivered clarity — decisive, controlled, and clinical.

    The speed of the turnaround left the opposition with little time to react. One moment the contest was finely balanced, the next it was being quietly escorted beyond reach by a forward playing with confidence and conviction.

    While the jokes may continue about expanding the “hat-trick heroes” board, Powell’s performance deserves serious recognition. Derby matches demand temperament as much as talent, and Powell showed both — taking his chances, managing the moment, and delivering when his side needed him most.

    Congratulations to Lewis Powell on a memorable hat-trick in one of the toughest fixtures of the season. On a day when pressure was guaranteed, he turned it into opportunity — and earned his place among the season’s standout performances. ⚽🔥

  • 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

  • Andreas Latta Passing

    Andreas Latta Passing

    We were deeply saddened to receive the news just after Christmas that Andreas Latta, Secretary of Penn & Tylers Green FC and a true club legend, had passed away.

    Andreas was the very heartbeat of Penn & Tylers Green behind the scenes. His dedication to the club was unwavering, and his administration was consistently of the highest order — meticulous, reliable, and always carried out with genuine care. He was someone clubs, officials, and league administrators could depend on without hesitation.

    Andreas was also well known and highly respected across the league. During Penn & Tylers Green’s previous spell with us in the former Division One East, He served as club secretary and built strong relationships throughout the competition. His knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help left a lasting impression on many.

    Football clubs rely on people like Andreas — those who give their time selflessly, often away from the spotlight, to ensure the game continues week after week. His contribution to Penn & Tylers Green FC, and to the wider league community, will not be forgotten.

    Our thoughts are with Andreas family, friends, and everyone at Penn & Tylers Green FC at this very difficult time.

    The Service will be held at the Chilterns Crem on Friday the 30th Jan at 1315hrs, Anyone who knew Andreas is welcome to attend.

  • 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”