B&B Intermediate Cup: Ath Development head to Eldon Celtic in the last four

January 22, 2019 / / Comments Off on B&B Intermediate Cup: Ath Development head to Eldon Celtic in the last four

Buckingham Athletic Development head to Eldon Celtic in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup, semi-final draw made today.

Jake Honor’s side travel on Saturday 16th February with a place in the final awaiting the winners.

The Athletic progressed as they defeated Bletchley Park 4-2 last Saturday.

A Tom Summers brace, plus strikes from Chris Wright and Chris Parr securing progress from the quarter final.

SSMFL D2; Pitstone & Ivinghoe 1-0 Mursley United

January 22, 2019 / / Comments Off on SSMFL D2; Pitstone & Ivinghoe 1-0 Mursley United
Pitstone & Ivinghoe – 1
Mursley United – 0

Mursley United made the journey to Pitstone & Ivinghoe on Saturday (19th January 2019) and were defeated 1-0.

The visitors welcomed back Luke Williamson from injury and he slotted in at right back, replacing the absent Anthony Lands.

Luke Williamson

The hosts started brightly and were ahead within three minutes when a swift counter-attack saw Ryan Mellor finish neatly past Dan Willett. Following this slow start, Mursley started to get a foothold in the game and Nathan Skelton’s effort from eighteen yards came back off the bar. Tom Brazier also had an effort turned away by Steve Birchenall in the home goal. In one of Pitstone’s intermittent attacks, Willett made a fine double save from Kieran Doughty to keep the visitors in the game.

Mursley dominated the second period, although the home side still looked dangerous on the break and with five minutes remaining, Austin Dickson bore down on Birchenall as he came out of his area to clear; the latter drove the ball against the striker and the ball rebounded agonisingly past the post. This was the last chance for Mursley who left without a point which many felt they deserved.

Dan Willett

Attendance: 30

Report: Justin Daley

FA SC; AFC Jacks 3-4 Aylesbury Flooring

January 22, 2019 / / Comments Off on FA SC; AFC Jacks 3-4 Aylesbury Flooring
AFC Jacks – 3
Aylesbury Flooring – 4

(after extra-time)

20.01.2019

This game will long live in the memory of those who attended, the contingent from Aylesbury went through every possible emotion during the one hundred and twenty minutes it took to separate these two exceptionally good sides, but it was eventually their team who progressed and go through to the FA Sunday Cup quarter-finals, the only trophy to elude this club in their short existence. For the opening twenty-five minutes it looked as though Flooring had come to the end of their cup dream as their hosts raced into a two goal lead and looked dangerous every time they crossed the half way line, but a wonder strike from Alex Kedzierski just before the break gave them hope and in the second period they matched their opponents all the way until just eight minutes before the end they found their equaliser to take the tie into an additional thirty minutes. Again they fell behind early on but drew level within six minutes, then shortly into the second period Taylor Collins put his side ahead for the first time in the fixture and despite some heavy pressure they held on for a memorable win at the Aspray Arena, home of Sporting Khalsa.

The home side tore into their guests from the off, just twenty-five seconds in Gurjit Singh tore past the Flooring defence and flashed a shot across goal and wide of Liam Smith’s back post, a minute later they did take the lead when David Meese tried his luck from outside the box and it squirmed inside Smith’s left hand post. Aylesbury struggled to get to grips with their hosts in the early stages and their first two attacks saw Ollie Hogg & Ty Deacon simply play the ball straight through to Jacks custodian Gurtej Bhullar, and it took until the sixth minute for their first shot in fury when Lynton Goss found some space just inside the eighteen yard box to fire narrowly wide.

David Meese opens scoring for AFC Jacks

Jacks were denied a second by a brilliant instinctive save from Smith on nine minutes, a cross from the right saw Nathan Stone divert towards goal and somehow the keeper stuck out a hand to push the ball up onto the crossbar and the bounce took it away from danger, at the opposite end Goss fed Sean Coles in the box & with his back to goal a challenge from behind brought him down, his team mates calls for a penalty were waved away but Goss simply followed in and drove across goal and wide of the far upright, a free kick shortly after half cleared out to Dave Brown saw the midfielder volley back towards goal but Bhullar was under it all the way.

A run down the right wing from the Jacks full back saw him dispossessed and with the space behind Deacon was sent downfield, as two other defenders came across to cover he simply played inside to Goss who powered over the crossbar, followed closely by a cross that was cleared straight into the path of Brown who fired wide. From the goal kick the ball was played straight back in behind the Jacks defensive line for Deacon to chase after, from twenty yards he drove inches wide of the goal frame, at the other end a free kick floated into the Aylesbury area was flicked on and on the penalty spot Singh rose to bicycle kick wide.

Despite the play gradually beginning to level out Jacks scored again on twenty-one minutes with a simple routine, from the right Stone delivered the perfect cross into the six-yard box where all on his own Sean Williams headed into the bottom corner. Moments later it was almost three when Nicky Dodds saw a dipping drive fall inches over the crossbar, their next cross found Nicholas Turton eighteen yards out who fired back across Smith but wide of the far post, Aylesbury trying to get back into the game won a throw out on their left that was directed to Deacon inside the area, he controlled on his chest before swivelling and firing straight at the Jacks goalkeeper.

Alex Kedzierski pulls a goal back just before half time

With five minutes of the half remaining the breakthrough came for the visitor’s, a corner swung in by Mitchell Collins was headed back out to the defender on the flank, he pulled back across midfield to Kedzierski some twenty-five yards from goal whose first time effort flew into the top corner. The goal lifted Flooring and a Hogg free kick some twenty yards out was curled around the wall but straight into Bhullar’s hands, there was still time for Mitchell Collins to push forward down the flank and unleash a low drive that the keeper had to get both hands on to stun and gather at the second attempt. H/T: 2-1

The second half started slowly and took over ten minutes for a shot at goal, a Jacks free kick curled over the top by Singh ahead of Dodd getting down the wing and fizzing the ball across the six yard box which saw Turton throw himself at it but missing by inches, he ended up in the back of the net whilst his target rolled away for a throw in. Aylesbury then won a free kick which Mitchell Collins curled towards the bottom corner forcing the keeper down low to save and as he parried it a mass of bodies rushed in but the referee blew for a foul, from the off Dodds again got down the right and into the box where his cross caused panic in the Flooring defence, it was eventually sliced back to the defender who smashed across the crowded box and wide.

Back came the Buckinghamshire side, a clearance found Mitchell Collins out wide who advanced before dragging his shot wide of goal, Deacon was next to shoot from eighteen yards trying to curl inside the back post but clearing it by just a yard, and a long distance free kick from Hogg sailed high over the crossbar. Chances still came along and with seven minutes left Goss found some room out on the left to get forward but pulled his effort wide of the front post, then just sixty seconds later they got their reward when excellent work by Goss saw him get to the byline and smash across the six-yard area where Deacon got enough of a touch to turn it in to spark wild celebration.

Ty Deacon levels the game

Injuries & cramp started to delay the final proceedings but eventually the away side won another corner which Hogg curled in and despite several bodies attacking it, it sailed out for a goal kick whilst the last action saw the home side throwing the ball into the box where Smith came out and climbed highest to gather with both hands. F/T: 2-2

Seconds in extra time Deacon centred a great cross which Brown met a full stretch but with no conviction it looped up onto the top of the netting, but then three minutes in Jacks retook the lead when a simple throw on their right was sent long and the cross met at the near post by substitute Kieron Miller who side footed home. Flooring refused to be floored once again, straight back at the other end Kedzierski absolutely thumped at goal where a last gasp outstretched boot diverted for a corner just as it seemed destined for the back of the net, and just five minutes after falling behind they levelled once more.

A free kick out on their left was angled in by Goss inch perfect to the head of Jordan Jenkins who was never going to miss from close range, and again the Aylesbury tails were up. Legs were tiring at this stage and full credit to both sides who never gave up, testament to a great game of football despite the majority having played less than twenty-four hours previously for their Saturday sides, a free kick some twenty-five yards out saw Kedzierski clear the defence but not Bhullar, the final action saw a Jacks attack break down and Goss come away with the ball, driving at the defence he unselfishly slipped a pass through for Deacon but a raised flag halted the play. H/T: 3-3

The hosts attacked from the off for the final fifteen minutes knocking long up to Lawley on the edge of the box but he wildly smashed over the top, a Flooring cross was headed out and met on the volley by Kedzierski and initially it looked to be flying over until a late dip saw the keeper having to jump and gather underneath his own crossbar. Three minutes in came the goal to put the visitor’s into the lead for the first time in the fixture, a cross into the hosts box saw Ben Seaton sandwiched between two defenders but the ball bounced down in front of Taylor Collins who lifted over the committed Bhullar into the bottom corner.

Taylor Collins scores fourth goal

Goss almost sealed the game within a minute of taking the lead, played down the channel he left his marker behind but the keeper advanced and the strikers low drive was brilliantly saved and eventually cleared, the follow up from Kedzierski again goal bound before a deflection took it away to safety. Jacks pushed for an equaliser of their own and put some real pressure on their guests in the final stages, a huge throw into the box found Meese on the twelve yard spot where he turned but could only side foot over the top, their next throw again launched like a missile into the box where Smith powered his way through a mass of bodies to claim.

Another long throw found Singh inside the six yard box where he managed to work the slightest amount of space and attempted to arrow his header into the opposite corner but only succeeded in clearing the woodwork, in the dying seconds Deacon was sent away on goal on his own and from the edge of the area he tried to lob the keeper who brilliantly got himself up to save with both hands, as he went to kick long the final whistle blew on a pulsating cup tie. Flooring now face another away trip to Black Horse (Redditch) in the quarter-finals on the seventeenth of February. F/T: 3-4

Please Note: If you use any of our material or images, please ensure you credit sportsshots.org.uk

After the game Sports Shots caught up with Flooring manager George Tomlin: 

For match day photography (please note there are 142 images, 2 pages worth) please click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmxn5adt

HCPCL T20 : Full draw, dates and venues announced!

January 21, 2019 / / Comments Off on HCPCL T20 : Full draw, dates and venues announced!

The 2019 Home Counties Premier League T20 draw has been announced with venues and dates allocated as follows:

Rounds 1 & 2 on Saturday 4th May 2019.

The draw has now been made and is as follows:

At Banbury CC

1. Banbury CC v Great & Little Tew CC
2. Buckingham Town CC v Horspath CC
3. Winner of 1 v Winner of 2

At Wokingham CC

1. Wokingham CC v Slough CC
2. Burnham CC v Finchampstead CC
3. Winner of 1 v Winner of 2

At Aston Rowant CC

1. Aston Rowant CC v Harefield CC
2. Datchet CC v Henley CC
3. Winner of 1 v Winner of 2

At Tring Park CC:

1. High Wycombe CC v Amersham CC
2. Tring Park CC v Chesham CC
3. Winner and 1 v Winner of 2

These games, which will be played in Coloured Kit using the Pink Ball which the League will supply, will follow the ECB format of all games being played on one pitch sequentially.

SL; Banbury United 4-2 Coalville Town

January 20, 2019 / / Comments Off on SL; Banbury United 4-2 Coalville Town

Banbury United – 4

Coalville Town – 2

19.01.2019

Banbury United saw off Coalville Town on Saturday in a performance far more convincing than the score line suggests, three up by the break they had to endure fifteen minutes of early second half pressure before they added a fourth which most thought was enough to kill off the game, however credit to the visitors who never gave up and grabbed two late consolation goals in the final ten minutes to give the final score a slightly different reflection to the Puritans dominance. A fairly uneventful start to the game was turned round by two United goals inside four minutes and from there the home side never looked back, a killer third just before the interval from Ravi Shamsi wrapped up an excellent first half performance, after the game manager Mike Ford expressed he was a very happy man in terms of the result and his squad.

The hosts had the first chance when Greg Kaziboni played Ravi Shamsi through on goal in the fourth minute, he opted for power but Town keeper Richard Walton stood strong and blocked with both hands, at the other end an attempted lob by Steve Towers over Puritan custodian Jack Harding from twenty-five yards never really troubled the keeper, returning between the sticks as Manny Agboola had been called back to Oxford for under twenty-three duties. An early booking for Kaziboni for a foul on Joe Doyle-Charles didn’t seem to affect the flow of the attacks and on fourteen minutes he won his side a penalty when Shamsi picked him out on the right flank and his run into the box was ended by the outstretched boot Scott McManus, Giorgio Rasulo tucked home into the bottom corner to give Banbury the lead.

That lead was doubled just four minutes later when Ricky Johnson out on the left fed a pass inside to Kaziboni and turning his marker he strode across field before firing past the despairing dive of Walton into the far corner from inside the penalty arc. A Coalville free kick into the area was then headed clear by the home defence and meeting it on the volley from some twenty yards out Doyle-Charles lifted high over the top, followed very closely by a superb curling effort from Tom McGlinchey which flew a couple of yards wide of Harding’s back post, Luke Shaw then tried his luck from the eighteen yard line but fired straight along the ground into the waiting gloves of Harding.

Ravi Shamsi on his way to third United goal

Just past the half hour mark Tim Berridge had a stinging shot straight at the Puritan custodian saved with both hands, at the opposite end a free kick from Rasulo had Walton diving to the base of his near post to push away for a corner, then with just a couple of minutes of the half remaining Banbury bagged their third. Coalville conceded possession inside their hosts half and the ball was knocked down the wing for Shamsi to chase after, defender Kieran Fenton seemed to have it under control but the United man knocked him off it to drive into the box before curling around the keeper & inside the far upright. There was still time for another close miss for the home side, a misplaced pass amongst the visitors defence saw Shamsi given the ball some thirty yards out, spotting Walton out of position he went for the far corner but drove wide of the target. H/T: 3-0

Coalville certainly started the second half looking like a side that had had a half time talking to, but the Banbury defence stood firm and repelled anything thrown at them, whenever the ball did get in behind Harding was happy to collect or clear long, as the half wore on the hosts started looking to extend their lead again, Shamsi collecting a pass deep at the back of the penalty area turned inside before curling straight into the gloves of Walton. They then won a succession of corners that lead to the fourth goal on sixty-four minutes, Rasulo on the corner of the box fired low towards the near post where Johnson got a touch that Walton somehow saved at point blank range, however the ball bounced off him and across the six yard box where Lee Henderson was unmarked to run in and tap into the unguarded net.

Lee Henderson scores fourth

Still the visitors refused to back down and within a minute of the goal they almost snatched an unlikely lifeline when a cross from the wing was met in the middle by an unmarked Kairo Mitchell who did the right thing by heading back across Harding but it bounced a yard wide of the back post. Kaziboni then had another run at the away defence and they allowed him the room to travel into the box and shoot low that forced Walton to his right to gather, then with ten minutes left Coalville did get on the scoresheet when defender Alex Dean ran the length of the pitch evading a couple of challenges on route before tucking into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

As the game drifted to a close Coalville enjoyed long spells with the ball, which was rewarded in the final minute of the ninety when a mass scramble in the United box saw Curtis Burrows get enough of a touch to loop over Harding and in, the three minutes of added time saw the visitor’s throw everything at their hosts but it was all too little too late, the win makes it three out of four for the Oxfordshire outfit as they run into the final third of the season looking for a play-off place. F/T: 4-2

Attendance: 360

Please Note: If you use any of our material or images, please ensure you credit sportsshots.org.uk

After the game Sports Shots caught up with Banbury manager Mike Ford: 

For match day photography please click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmzAuGfu

SL D1C; Thame United 0-1 Didcot Town

January 19, 2019 / / Comments Off on SL D1C; Thame United 0-1 Didcot Town
Thame United 0
Didcot Town 1

Report: Carl Catling

Evo-Stik Southern League Division One
Central
Saturday 19th January 2019@ The ASM
Stadium
Attendance – 129
Weather – 4 Celsius and Dry

The big Oxfordshire clash
between Thame United FC (4th) against Didcot Town (5th)
kicked off in Thame on Saturday and had vital points for
both sides up for grabs in the race for making the playoffs.
Even in winter the pitch at The ASM Stadium continues to
impress and provides a feast of entertaining foootball.
Thame were aware before kick off that a draw or win would
keep them above Didcot in the league. Thame entered the
match with 3 wins in a row where as Didcot were coming off
an away defeat to Bromsgrove.

*** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
Thame United FC – Craig Hill (GK),
Harry Mepham, David Lynn, Jamie Essex, Andy Gledhill, Jack
Tutton, Liam Tack, Ben Sturgess (C), Lynton Goss, Dan West
and Matt Peake-Pijnen
Subs used – Duran Martin
Didcot Town FC – Leigh Bedwell (GK),
Sam Bardell (C), Morgan Williams, Lewis Hayden, Cameron
McNeil, Luke Carnell, John Dennis, Callum McNish, Lance
Williams, David Murphy and Greg Hackett
Subs used – Ollie Thomas

*** FIRST HALF ***
HT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT
It was a tentative start for both sides
with very little chances created. Didcot had control of the
game in terms of possession and were awarded multiple throw
ins and freekicks in midfield. Thame played sensible at the
start trying to avoid any early mistakes. It became evident
early on that Didcot’s approach was to attack the flanks.
Didcot in attack were pushing numbers of players forward and
Thame were trying to close down early.
The deadlock was broken when a
controversial throw in was awarded to Didcot on the left
wing. From the throw in Hackett made a run into the box and
was able to pass the ball back across goal to an unmarked
Murphy who was able to pass it into the net. Murphy nearly
made it 2-0 when a cross directed towards him was headed
over the bar and at this point Thame were losing the
midfield battle. Thame had to rely on Gledhill at the back
numerous times to clear the ball with strong headers away
from the box. During the first 25 minutes neither goal
keeper had much to deal with and Thame’s West had to drop
deeper to try and influence the game in Thame’s favour.
Thame’s winger Peake-Pijnen did manage
to create half a chance when his chipped cross towards Goss
was unable to be guided into the net. The last 15 minutes
proved to be a positive period of play by Thame. There was a
change in tactics whereby the defence had pushed higher up
to try and maintain that play was in Didcot’s half. Thame
were awarded a free kick upon 31 minutes which was treated
as shoot on goal by Peake-Pijnen which found the middle of
the goal and comfortably saved by Bedwell. tham continued to
be knocking on the door and put multiple chances wide of
goal. Both teams continued to show a high work rate
throughout the first half until the 45 minutes were up. This
half had a strong flow to the game with very little
stoppages in play.

*** SECOND HALF ***
FT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT
This half began at a slower pace due to
a few stoppages in play. Didcot were awarded a freekick from
a long distance which when taken took a nasty deflection and
only just went over the crossbar. Didcot created another
positive run in the game on the left side which was taken
inside before a 25 yard attempt found both hands of Thame’s
Hill. Not long after this Mepham made a surging run up the
right wing and was able to fire a dangerous cross but
players were too far away to capitalise. Thame had upped
their tempo of play and were attempting to get behind the
Didcot back line which was proving a difficult challenge. As
Thame were then attempting for the next few minutes shots
from distance whereby one example West attempted a 30 yard
strike highlighting his side’s frustration. Despite this
Didcot still were on the back foot and a further chance came
to Tutton on a difficult half volley which again could only
find the goalkeeper. Didcot were determined to have men
behind the ball and counter when possible and this led to a
threatening attack which was anticipated by Mepham before he
made a switching pass to Peake-Pijnen on the run which was
fired along the ground shaking the post. Thame manager could
be heard from the Dug Out saying to his players that the
goal will come. Thame brought on Martin with 15 minutes left
and he was able to find space on the right and fire a cross
which took a huge deflection that went out just pass the
Didcot post. A dramatic few minutes then followed whereby a
penalty was awarded to thame following West being held by
the Didcot goal keeper who was booked for the offence. There
was a delay in play before Goss was able to take the penalty
which did find the target but was saved by Bedwell to his
right side which was tipped wide for a corner.
Thame finished the game with some more
late chances such as Essex’s half volley which went straight
down the middle to Bedwell. A final chance to save a point
was when Goss was able to push forward and put in a cross
towards his team mate West who couldn’t get the right angle
to avoid it going wide. After 4 minutes of injury time the
whistle blew and Didcot were joyful in their celebrations.

Today’s game highlighted that literally
one chance can win a game. This was an entertaining game for
a neutral but a nervous affair for fans of either side.
Thame gave everything in the second half but no equaliser
found the net. Didcot dug in deep in the second half and
Carnell provided some great leadership in the back line.
Didcot will be pleased to leave the ASM Stadium getting back
to winning ways and climbing to 4th positon. Thame Utd have
dropped to 5th place but results elsewhere were favourable
and Thame remain 4 points clear of 6th placed team
Berkhamstead FC. Thame Utd should be proud of their
performance and on balance a draw would have been a fair
result.

*** INTERVIEW –  Comments following
today’s game by Thame United’s # 9 Captain Ben Sturgess ***
We knew Didcot are a very good team and
they were on top the first 15 minutes before we got into
the game. In the second half we dominated in possession and
the chances created. It’s important not to get too downbeat
over the result as last week we came from behind to win.
Also, we don’t have the time to dwell on the result as we
have a big week ahead back in training Tuesday/Thursday and
the next game comes around quickly. Next week we are away to
Bromsgrove and it is a massive game for us as In this
division any one can beat any one.

*** MAN OF THE MATCH – sponsored by
Figaro’s Barber in Thame ***
The Thame United man of the match today
was Harry Mepham. Thame’s right back displayed a high work
rate throughout full of energy. Harry made numerous
attacking runs and dribbles, not to mention putting in some
dangerous crosses. In regards to his defensive duties Harry
had a touch opponent to deal with and Harry more often than
not won the battle.
Despite the defeat Harry’s performance
has earned him a wash and cut at the our sponsor’s new
Figaro’s Barber shop on Park Street in Thame.

*** KEY STATS ***
Shots on target –  Thame 4 – 3 Didcot
Corners – Thame 7 – 3 Didcot
Yellow Cards – Thame 2 – 2 Didcot
Red Cards – Thame 0 – 0 Didcot
Penalties – Thame 1 – 0 Didcot

*** NEXT GAME ***
AWAY @ The Victoria Ground,
Bromsgrove
Saturday 26/1/2019
Kick Off 15:00 – Bromsgrove Sporting V
Thame United

FOLLOW US AT
Website – www.thamefootball.co.uk
Facebook – @THAME UNITED FC
Sports Shots –
www.sportsshots.org.uk/?cat=213

*** Admission Prices @ The ASM Stadium
***
Adult £8
Concession £5
Child £1
There is ample free parking at the
Stadium. The Club also has a fully licensed bar on site.

CLUB ADDRESS –
The ASM Stadium
Meadow View Park
Thame
Oxfordshire
OX9 3RN

SSMFL; INANE RAMBLINGS FROM UP NORFF 19.01.2019 – South Midlands League update #44

January 19, 2019 / / Comments Off on SSMFL; INANE RAMBLINGS FROM UP NORFF 19.01.2019 – South Midlands League update #44
THE INANE RAMBLINGS FROM UP NORFF
 ‘NOWT SO QUEER AS YORKSHIRE FOLK’
BY KAREN BROWNE

 

The Views Expressed Are Solely My Own, Are Written Tongue In Cheek

And Should Be Taken With A Pinch Of Salt

 

TUESDAY 15th JANUARY / WEDNESDAY 16th JANUARY

 

MIDWEEK HEADLINES

Risborough Rangers booked a cup final date whilst Colney Heath secured a semi-final place. Harefield United march on towards a potential title success and Old Bradwell United continue to close the gap at the top of Division Two.

.

15/16 January Stats: 9 games played of which 2 were home wins, 5 were away wins and 2 draws.

 

Highest Midweek Attendances: 95 Biggleswade FC v Leighton Town, 85 Risborough Rangers v Buckingham Athletic and 84 Arlesey Town v Biggleswade United.

 

LEAGUE CHALLENGE TROPHY Quarter Final

Premier Division Colney Heath were made to work hard before they secured the final semi-final place in this season’s League Challenge Trophy. Having taken a 2-0 lead they had to see off a spirited second half display by Division One side Winslow United, the visitors scoring once to reduce the arrears but failed to find the net again and thus it was the hosts that booked a home semi-final date with Baldock Town. Full result and goalscorers are listed below.

2-1 Colney Heath v Winslow United (Devine, Woods) / (Desmond) Attendance: 55

 

PREMIER DIVISION

Biggleswade FC missed the opportunity to move into second place when they were held to a goalless draw by visiting Leighton Town. It was also a share of the spoils when 6th met 4th as Arlesey Town were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Biggleswade United. Cockfosters remain in the bottom two after a 1-2 home defeat by Edgware Town while the night’s other action North Greenford United FC v London Colney saw a very feisty game in which four red cards were shown, London Colney winning the game 3-0. Full results and goalscorers are listed below.

1-1 Arlesey Town v Biggleswade United (Lannon) / (Holmes) Attendance: 84

0-0 Biggleswade FC v Leighton Town Attendance: 95

1-2 Cockfosters v Edgware Town (Beattie) / (Fisher, Benavides) Attendance: 63

0-3 North Greenford United FC v London Colney (Beevor, Holding, Opponent Own Goal) Attendance: 33

 

HINCHINGBROOKE CUP Quarter Final

The SSML’s interest in this season’s Hinchingbrooke Cup ended when Potton United were beaten by the odd goal in five by visiting United Counties League side Peterborough Northern Star. Full result and goalscorers listed below.

2-3 Potton United v Peterborough Northern Star (Smail, Webb [pen]) / (Hill-Seekings [2] [1 pen], Sansby) Attendance: 60

 

DIVISION ONE

Harefield United increased their lead at the top of the table thanks to a 3-2 win at Park View, the winner coming five minutes from time and completed a hat-trick for Tashan Jordan. Full result and goalscorers listed below.

2-3 Park View v Harefield United (Williams [2]) / (Jordan [3]) Attendance: 40

 

DIVISION ONE CUP Semi Final

Risborough Rangers reached their second Division One Cup Final with a hard fought solitary goal home win over Buckingham Athletic, Rangers will now face London Lions in the Final and will no doubt be looking to improve of their last Final five yeats ago when they lost 0-3 to Kings Langley. Full result and goalscorers listed below.

1-0 Risborough Rangers v Buckingham Athletic (Woodfine) Attendance: 85

 

DIVISION TWO

Old Bradwell United moved into third place with this 3-1 away ‘derby’ win at Unite MK. Old Bradwell with games in hand on the top two will certainly have one eye on the result when the top two clash this weekend. Full result and goalscorers listed below.

1-3 Unite MK v Old Bradwell United (Rawson) / (Darryl Smith [2] [1 pen], O’Neill) Attendance: 40

 

AND FINALLY

With the winter weather finally coming to light as the first flakes of snow falling I was advised by the AA that anyone travelling in icy conditions should take a shovel, blankets/sleeping bag, extra clothing (including scarf, hat & gloves), 24-hour supply of food and drink, de-icer, rock salt, torch, spare battery, petrol can, first aid kit and jump leads.

I looked a right twit on the bus.

SL P; Banbury duo admit burning desire for play-offs ahead of visit from Coalville

January 18, 2019 / / Comments Off on SL P; Banbury duo admit burning desire for play-offs ahead of visit from Coalville

Saturday 19th January 2019

Banbury United v Coalville Town

Southern League Premier Division

Banbury Community Plant Hire Stadium

K.O. 3.00pm

Banbury United host Coalville Town on Saturday knowing victory will bring them level on points with their guests although they have played four games more, but more importantly three points could bring them within another win or two of the play-off positions as the division starts to show a slight split between the top and bottom halves, but a good run from anyone could still shake this league up despite the top two sides being streets ahead of the rest. Stourbridge & Kettering seem to be battling it out for automatic promotion at this stage, but then just six points separate third placed King’s Lynn and eleventh place Banbury, and United thought they were on a roll with two successive wins in January however defeat last weekend at Stourbridge means they need to regroup and start again, Coalville haven’t lost in their last six matches with four wins and two draws and victory could edge them into those top five positions so both teams have it all to play for.

Greg Kaziboni

This week Sports Shots caught up with midfielder George Nash & firstly winger Greg Kaziboni to ask when he joined the club and what brought him here:

I’ve been at Banbury since the start of this season, the thing that attracted me here was the gaffer as I liked his vision and his ideas so I jumped on board

George has been at the club a little longer:

I joined the club in October 2015 and by my maths – albeit very limited – that means I’ve been here for just over three years. I initially came on loan from Worcester City at a time when Banbury were just entering a new chapter in their history, but despite the change it was the club’s noticeable ambition, the loyal support, the commitment to a playing philosophy, and the warm palpable sense of community that drew me in and confirmed almost instantly, that this was where I wanted to play my football. I’ve enjoyed great success at Banbury that far exceeds the tangible rewards, promotion from the South and West division being the obvious example that inevitably come as a result of being part of a great club. I’ve shared some memorable moments with some great people, the players, staff & supporters that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time. The pleasure has always been, and always will be mine

What does George believe is his best position in the side, and what formation most suits his style?

I’m not hugely particular when it comes to formations, but I’m most effective as a holding midfield player – my goal to game ratio can attest to that – where I can pick things up in front of the back four and distribute to our attacking personnel. It’s a fairly unglamorous responsibility, but a role I’m suited to and one that hopefully enables our forward players to go and do their business

Greg likes the position he’s been played so far:

I’m one of those players who will play anywhere that the gaffer tells me to,  but I do enjoy being out on the wing, I would say from our results this season our best formation is four-four-two

How has Greg’s season been personally and as a team on the whole?

Previous to this season I had a really bad injury that saw me miss a couple of years of football so as this is my first season back it’s been good, I’m currently the top goal scorer from a wide position so I can’t complain. I think the team has done well and we are still on course to achieve our goal of finishing in the play-off places, we are very good at home and just need to try and pick up some more points on the road and we should be fine

George Nash

George also started this season after some time away from the game:

Coming back from a period of extensive travelling without a proper pre-season meant I was always going to be playing catch-up, but even so I’ll be the first to admit that my performances weren’t up to the standards I expect of myself in those first couple of months. More recently though I’ve been getting back to the level I need to be at, so I want to ensure I retain those standards going forward

Coalville this week at home, what does George remember of the draw at there place back in November?

The game was a tough physical affair but was also an important turning point in our season, coming back from a goal down with ten men away from home was testament to our character and belief that day, so if we can once again replicate that determination for ninety minutes in front of the home crowd, we have every chance of picking up an important 3 points

Greg believes the home form can over turn their guests:

We drew at their place following a bad run of form so the objective that day was just to get something from the game which we did. I remember their midfielder with long hair scoring a screamer that probably deserved all three points but our captain Ricky (Johnson) made sure that wasn’t the case with a great header in the dying minutes. This Saturday we just need to do what we have done at home and start on the front foot, they will have threats but nothing we can’t handle, hopefully we can get all the cherries!

We asked Greg if he thinks Banbury are good enough to make those play-off places?

I do think we are good enough to make it, but we’re just a bit of an underdog in the race when you consider other sides budgets, we are one that will surprise a lot of people come the end of the season. The play-offs are something we do talk about frequently but we take each game as it comes and don’t get too far ahead of ourselves, its always about the next game and that’s what we focus on

George agrees on the one game at a time theory:

The play-offs at this stage, aren’t something we ever discuss but there’d be no point in turning up for training and games every week if we didn’t have belief in what we can collectively achieve this season. We certainly have the footballing ability, but this league has consistently shown that to be successful, you need to be prepared to do all aspects of the game and do them well. It might be a cliché, but we are very much taking every game as it comes

Two wins and a defeat since the turn of the year, how does George view those games?

Given our results against Stratford and Halesowen, it was important that we started picking up points again quickly and so the results against Alvechurch and Barwell were huge. It also meant we continued our strong recent home form which is vital for any team hoping to do well. Of course, the result at Stourbridge was disappointing, but there were plenty of positives to be taken from our performance. It’s certainly something to build on

Greg feels they did well in all three games:

These were three games which we played well although not winning the last one, so for me that’s a positive as we’ve lost to a team that for me, will probably go on and win the league so we can’t be too down about it, I feel we have done well

Who does Greg think will finish in the top five spaces?

Being honest I couldn’t say who will finish in the top five because its been a season where everyone has beat everyone, and the gap between the top ten teams is really tight. I do think Stourbridge & Kettering will be up there along with Banbury but I don’t know which other teams will be joining us

George concurs with the top two places:

Presently it’s likely that Kettering and Stourbridge will be up there come the end of the season, but other than that it really is anyone’s for the taking. Our own results have shown that in this league, nothing is guaranteed so every week is going to be a battle. Our hope is that in April we still have something to play for, but there’s still a long way to go and plenty of points up for grabs

Finally we asked George to pick anyone in the squad he could give a new job to just for twenty-four hours:

Good question. I’d probably pick Edmund Hottor to be my personal bodyguard for the day. No one would dare come near me…

Greg picks a defender:

I’d get Charlie Wise to be a referee because every game without fail he gives them abuse so it would be nice to see him on the receiving end!

Sports Shots would like to thank Greg & George for their time this week

BBFA IC; Athletic defender confident his team can find code to success at Bletchley Park

January 18, 2019 / / Comments Off on BBFA IC; Athletic defender confident his team can find code to success at Bletchley Park

Saturday 19th January 2019

Bletchley Park v Buckingham Athletic Development

Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final

Scot Sports & Social Club

K.O. 1.30pm

Buckingham Athletic Development travel the short distance to Bletchley Park on Saturday for their Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final and come up against a side who sit third in the North Bucks & District Football League Intermediate Division table and haven’t lost a North Bucks competitive game since they were defeated in their opening two games of the season back in August. Park have scored fifty-nine goals in their thirteen league games this season and have only conceded three at home so Athletic will need to be on their game at both ends of the pitch, although go full of confidence after a fantastic season that sees them sit third in their Spartan South Midlands development league table with games in hand that would take them top without having to win them all. Buckingham won last week-end after a battle with their top of the league contenders Berkhamsted but had to come from behind twice to win by the odd goal in five after a two-legged mauling of Harpenden in the divisional challenge trophy either side of Christmas, so with eyes on three lots of silverware this season will be given a tough test by the boys from Bletchley.

Luke McAndrew

This week Sports Shots caught up with defender Luke McAndrew to ask how long he’s been at the club and what it means to be there now:

I started playing for the Ath youth team when I was fifteen, I hadn’t found a position then as a player so played both right back and left back but played most of the games that season on the left as we didn’t have anyone to play that side. Since then I have played all across the back four for youth, development and the first team but my main position nowadays is at centre half. I used to watch the Ath when I was younger and watch my brother play so once I finished playing junior football I knew that I wanted to play for the club and I can’t see myself playing for any other now

What is Luke’s preferred position these days and in what formation?

My favourite position in the team is at centre back, which would be my preferred position as I feel I can play at my best leading from the back. At youth level we played four-two-three-one and then the first & development team both used that formation so I have adapted to that, as a team I feel it gives us the best all round

How has the season been so far in terms of fitness and performances?

Fitness personally and as a team has never been better as we set our targets at the start of the season and all are working hard to ensure we reach those, and that is seen as we are still involved in both cups and in a good position in the league with games in hand, so we need to ensure that we keep pushing ourselves to get what we want out of this season. Again I and the team are having one of our best seasons that the development has ever had, and when I’m given the chance by Jake (Honor) & Ben (Townsend) I give my all as we have a big squad where people are constantly fighting for places. I’m contributing both on the field helping the team defensively by being vocal and talking to everyone, but also off the pitch where it is a great environment for everyone

Just how good is the development squad this season and which players have impressed so far?

The squad this year is the best I’ve seen since I joined the club, we are a young squad that are working hard for each other as we know what we want to get out of this season, so we’ve all been working hard for it off the pitch and especially on it. We have only conceded fifteen goals in fifteen games this season with four clean sheets, but we have scored forty-three goals which shows the strength in our squad, we also haven’t lost at home for almost three hundred days! Being three points behind top spot with four games in hand & recently beating Berkhamsted means the outcome of our season is down to us, if we win all our remaining games we win the league which is our goal whilst being in the quarter-finals of both cup competitions means we expect to win even more. It’s hard to pick out certain players when everyone has contributed to each game & playing in great form, a lot of players have boosted the squad this year such as our keeper James Green who has saved us in many situations, dominating in the air inside the box. Charlie Wright has helped with our attacking options with eight goals in six games, both Ollie Golding & Harry Heritage have helped dominate midfield and control the game all season & have made a real impact, all across our back four has been solid all season ensuring that we are playing from the back, creating chances, scoring goals & ensuring we don’t concede

A thumping two-legged win over Harpenden either side of Christmas was followed by an epic battle last week with Berko in league matters, how were those games?

During the six-one win over Harpenden in the first leg we went out and played the best football we have in a long time in the first half, but it was just a minute of losing concentration which created their goal. In the second leg I didn’t play as I was away with the first team in a good four-one win at Amersham. The first half against Berko was the worst we’ve played all season and nothing was going right but going a goal down woke us up a bit, at half-time we all knew it and some changes saw Corey (Bulley) come on to press every ball and to get us higher up the pitch as they kept playing at the back. Getting the equaliser from Dan McAndrew woke us all up and we had the majority of the ball and all was going our way but from a couple of mistakes we conceded again. However we didn’t let that stop our game plan, as we then kept fighting & pressing for every ball, for me to score our second equaliser to make it two-two was massive personally, to be able to contribute and help the team out, it’s rare that I ever score! It then came down to a battle of who wanted it more & credit to them they didn’t back down easy, but with a late goal from Kieran (Brady) we were all pumped with the hope that we can go all the way and win this league

Big cup game this week at Bletchley, what do Ath know about their hosts and will it change how the play?

We don’t know too much about them but we know that they are going to be a physical side and to get this far in the cup they must be a good side so we can’t under estimate them. We aren’t going to change how we play as we’ll still try to get the ball down and play, but know that’s going to be physical and are prepared for it

With the position the team are now in, what needs to be achieved for it to be classed as successful?

With being in such a great position in the league and also in the quarter-finals of both cups, for it to be successful we are expecting to at least finish with some silverware, but to get more than one would be a real bonus. The whole squad know that if we don’t finish with something we will all be disappointed with ourselves when we know we have such a good chance from here, so it’s up to us to finish the rest of this season on a high

Finally, we asked Luke if he could pick one player from the squad to have a different job for twenty-four hours, who and what would he choose:

I’d probably pick Louie Walters to do something in entertainment as he always brings a good atmosphere to the team & to the dressing room, he picks people or the team up when we are down

Sports Shots would like to thank Luke for his time this week

SL D1C; Thame striker reveals squad will be United in search of play off place

January 18, 2019 / / Comments Off on SL D1C; Thame striker reveals squad will be United in search of play off place

Saturday 19th January 2019

Thame United v Didcot Town

Southern League Division One Central

ASM Stadium

K.O. 3.00pm

Thame United host Didcot Town on Saturday at the ASM Stadium and look to gain revenge for two defeats to their guests already this season, losing by five goals to three in September in the cup and then by the odd goal in three at the beginning of October in Southern League Division One Central action. Going into the fixture the home side sit in fourth place whilst Didcot are a place and a point below and a win for either side would then put the pressure on third place Corby who sit five points ahead of United albeit with a game in hand, the top eight or nine sides are starting to pull away from the rest as the season nears its final third and the race for promotion and play-off places hots up. The visitors were eight unbeaten before Tuesday night’s defeat at Bromsgrove, whilst Thame are unbeaten this year and have only lost three times in their last fourteen fixtures, this is quite possibly the game of the weekend in this division!

Lynton Goss

This week Sports Shots caught up with United striker Lynton Goss to ask how long he’s been at the club & how he joined:

I’ve been at Thame United for nearly three years now and loved every second of it. I was young and wanted to get game time, Westy (Mark West) rang me and we had a good chat, which was when he told me that was exactly what I would get at this club

What position and formation gets the best out of Lynton?

Well I player striker obviously, playing four-four-two with a strike partner has been the most successful for me so far since being here

How is the season going so far?

I feel like it’s going really well this season, I was injured for the whole of pre-season and some of the games at the beginning of the league campaign so my fitness levels are not one hundred percent yet. Personally, I think my performances so far have been good but I still need to score more goals, I’ll always work my hardest and give it my all no matter who we are playing

Didcot this week who’ve beaten Thame twice this season already, how will the squad adjust for this one?

I wasn’t available for either of those two games at their place so can’t really answer that, but I am looking forward to this one, if everyone works hard then I am positive we can come away with the three points

We asked Lynton if he thinks they can still win the league or are the play-offs all they are concentrating on now:

As a team we are happy to be playing for something and to be in this position makes all the boys work even harder and want to win even more, I don’t feel like we can win the league as the gap is too big. I’m happy to play anyone in the play-offs, it doesn’t bother me as on our day we know we can beat anyone in this division

Rounding up, we asked Lynton how Thame have fared in their last three games that have seen wins at Kidlington & North Leigh sandwiched by a home draw with Cambridge City:

We could have won all three of those games, it’s nice to win but we do need to start controlling games more and be more positive straight from kick off, it seems to take us too long to get going in most of our games

Sports Shots would like to thank Lynton for his time this week

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