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!
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.
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. ⚽🔥
Lewis Bexton produced a clinical and commanding performance as he struck a superb hat-trick against Ludlow, delivering a display of quality and confidence in front of goal.
Club reporter George Wadsworth captured the moment perfectly:
“LJ delivered a superb hat trick against Ludlow. A breathtaking first goal before powering on to complete his treble — his second in the same week after his first came in the 4-0 Floodlit Cup win against Carterton.”
The opening goal set the tone — a breathtaking finish that immediately lifted the contest and showcased Bexton’s attacking intent. From there, he grew stronger as the game progressed, driving forward with purpose and composure to complete his treble in emphatic fashion.
Bexton’s movement, confidence, and ability to seize key moments proved decisive, ensuring Ludlow were kept under constant pressure. Each goal added control and clarity, turning a competitive fixture into one defined by his influence.
Completing a hat-trick is an achievement in itself. To do so twice in the same week highlights not just form, but focus and consistency — attributes that continue to serve both player and team well.
Congratulations to Lewis Bexton on an outstanding hat-trick performance, capped by a goal that will live long in the memory. ⚽
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?
Players, managers, officials, volunteers and supporters,
At last night’s Hellenic League Management Committee Meeting, we agreed it was time to freshen up how the Hellenic League brings the season to a close. Not change for the sake of it — but a rethink designed to give the biggest matches the space, focus and build-up they deserve.
👉 The way we finish the season is changing.
This new structure allows the league run-in to breathe, gives cup finals the spotlight they merit, and builds a proper sense of occasion right through to the final kick of the campaign.
Because let’s be honest — there is nothing quite like the magic of the cup.
One game. One chance. Form out the window. Heroes where you least expect them. And a story that will be told in the clubhouse for years, usually starting with: “No one gave us a chance…”
Here’s how the 2025/26 Hellenic League Season Finale will unfold:
🏆 THE RUN-IN: DATES & DRAMA
⚡ Floodlit Cup Final
📅 Tuesday 17th March 2026
Football under the lights, where moments feel bigger and memories last longer.
🔥 Challenge / Supplementary Cup Finals
📅 Saturday 28th March 2026
Two finals, two trophies, and ninety minutes where anything can happen.
📊 Final League Games – Premier Division & Division One
📅 Saturday 18th April 2026
The day every point matters, every goal counts, and the table tells its final story.
🚀 Play-Off Semi-Finals – Premier Division & Division One
📅 Week Commencing 20th April 2026 (Tuesday / Wednesday)
High stakes, fine margins, and a place in the final on the line.
👑 Chairman’s / President’s Cup Finals
📅 Saturday 25th April 2026
A celebration of competition, tradition and silverware earned the hard way.
🧓 Veterans Cup Final
📅 Wednesday 29th April 2026
Experience, composure and the kind of football intelligence you can’t coach.
🏁 Division One Play-Off Final
📅 Friday 1st May 2026
A season distilled into one defining night.
🏆 Premier Division Play-Off Final
📅 Monday 4th May 2026
The ultimate finale — promotion, pride and history all on the line.
🤔 WHY THE CHANGE?
Because the season deserves a proper crescendo.
Because finals should feel like occasions, not footnotes.
And because the magic of the cup deserves its own moment to shine.
This refreshed format delivers:
✔️ Clearer scheduling
✔️ Standalone showcase finals
✔️ A smoother, more exciting run-in
✔️ Football that matters right to the very end
🎉 IN SUMMARY…
The Hellenic League isn’t just ending the season —
we’re letting it tell its full story.
From floodlit finals to promotion deciders, this is a run-in built on drama, opportunity and the kind of moments that make non-league football special.
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.
