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  • 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

  • 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

  • 🚨 BREAKING NEWS: THE HELLENIC LEAGUE HAS SHAKEN UP THE SEASON FINALE ⚽️✨

    🚨 BREAKING NEWS: THE HELLENIC LEAGUE HAS SHAKEN UP THE SEASON FINALE ⚽️✨

    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.

    Same league.

    Same passion.

    A new way to finish the season. ⚽✨

    Picture Credit: 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

  • End of Year League Round-Up: 2025 Signed Off with Everything Still to Play For

    End of Year League Round-Up: 2025 Signed Off with Everything Still to Play For

    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.

    Cover photo credit: SJ Photography-

    https://linktr.ee/SJPhotography1989?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=08da4f20-15be-48b2-a9b4-d6974d1076c4

    Written By: AI