29 August 2010

Weekend Action

Premier Division - Cambridge City, three up after just eleven minutes, went top of the table with a 5-0 home victory over Tiverton Town as previous leaders Salisbury City were held to a 1-1 draw at home by fifth in the table Hemel Hempstead Town while Stourbridge, despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Brackley Town, maintained third place but Chesham United dropped to fourth as a result of a 2-0 home defeat by Banbury United who scored a goal in each half. Truro City, one ahead at the interval, scored eight minutes from time to win 2-1 at home against Oxford City but Chippenham Town were held to a 0-0 draw at Leamington while Hednesford Town maintained their hundred percent away record with a comfortable 3-0 win at Didcot Town and Swindon Supermarine secured their first victory of the season when a first half penalty gave them a 1-0 home win over Bedford Town. Halesowen Town were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cirencester Town and Bashley twice came from behind to take a home point from a 2-2 draw with Windsor & Eton while Weymouth closed the gap at the bottom with their first win of the season, 3-1 at Evesham United.

FA Cup Preliminary Round - Eleven Zamaretto clubs recorded home wins with Bedworth United leading the way with a 6-1 victory over Dudley Town and Mangotsfield United beat South & West leaders Abingdon United 5-0 while Bishops Cleeve went through 4-0 against Westbury United and Paulton Rovers beat Larkhall Athletic 4-1. A further ten clubs progressed to the First Round Qualifying with away wins including Clevedon Town, 6-0 at Bridport, Biggleswade Town, 5-1 conquerors of Newmarket Town, and Slough Town, 4-1 winners at Lancing, while Arlesey Town, Atherstone Town, Aylesbury, Gosport Borough, Leighton Town, Northwood, Rugby Town, Stourport Swifts, and Thatcham Town all face replays next week. Beaconsfield SYCOB bowed out on Sunday when they lost 3-1 at Romford.

22 August 2010

Weekend Action

Premier Division - Chesham United maintained their hundred percent record when a goal early in the second half gave them a 1-0 home win over Brackley Town, who still await their first goal of the season while Salisbury City scored two late goals at Cambridge City to draw 3-3 and drop their first points of the season as did Chippenham Town who were held to a 0-0 draw at home by promoted Cirencester Town. Hemel Hempstead Town lost their perfect record when Hednesford Town scored soon after the break to record a 1-0 away victory and Windsor & Eton scored in the first minute of the second half to record their first win, 1-0 at home against Leamington. Evesham United were held 0-0 at home by Halesowen Town, the visitors' third successive goalless draw, while Tiverton Town came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Banbury United, Bashley and visiting Didcot Town each picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw, Truro City drew 1-1 at Bedford Town, and Weymouth were held 1-1 at home by Oxford City to record their third successive draw. On Sunday Stourbridge, two ahead at the break, recorded a 5-1 home win over Swindon Supermarine which took them into fourth place in the table.

Division One Central - Arlesey Town, a goal behind after just seven minutes, won 2-1 at Leighton Town to maintain their hundred percent start and top the table and newly promoted Aylesbury moved into second place with a comfortable 3-1 win at Uxbridge and are level on points with Woodford United, 3-0 winners at home against Burnham, and last season's runners-up, Hitchin Town, who ended Slough Town's perfect start with a 3-2 home win. Northwood scored in the second half to win 1-0 at Beaconsfield SYCOB leaving the home side still looking for their first point, Marlow also scored after the break to win 1-0 at home against Soham Town Rangers, while Bedworth United and newly promoted North Greenford United both gained their first points with victories, 2-1 at home against Ashford Town (Middx) and 3-1 at Barton Rovers respectively. Two other clubs also picked up their first point of the season with Daventry Town, two goals ahead with just thirty minutes remaining, drawing 2-2 at AFC Hayes and Bedfont Town who scored in time added on to snatch a 1-1 home draw with Atherstone Town while elsewhere Biggleswade Town drew 1-1 at home against Rugby Town.

Division One South & West - Abingdon United were made to fight hard to maintain their hundred percent record and place at the top of the table when, after trailing 3-1, visitors Cinderford Town drew level at four goals each in the third minute of time added on but the home side scored a minute later to win 5-4. Paulton Rovers, a goal behind after just seven minutes against Andover, moved into second place with a 2-1 home win while Gosport Borough had a comfortable 3-0 home win against Stourport Swifts and Mangotsfield United scored two second half penalties to defeat visiting Thatcham Town 4-2. Almondsbury Town scored two minutes from time to win 1-0 at home against North Leigh while Frome Town scored four in the first eleven minutes on their way to a resounding 6-0 home win over Bridgwater Town and Yate Town had a comfortable 3-0 win at newly promoted Wimborne Town. Elsewhere relegated Clevedon Town picked up their first point of the season from a 2-2 home draw with last season's runners-up, AFC Totton, Bishops Cleeve drew 0-0 at home against Sholing, who were making their first outing, and Taunton Town were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Hungerford Town.

Bromsgrove Rovers

Bromsgrove Rovers' membership of the Southern Football League was withdrawn at a meeting of the League's Board of Directors on 11 August 2010. As the decision is subject to the right of Appeal to the Football Association, the Club will be suspended from participating in any League or League Cup fixtures until such time as the Appeal procedure has been completed. In the meantime no further comment from the League will be possible. Ken Turner, Chairman

19 August 2010

Midweek Matches

Premier Division - Chippenham Town scored twice either side of the break to record a comfortable 4-1 home win over Tiverton Town while Chesham United won 2-0 at home against Oxford City, Salisbury City won 2-0 at Bashley, and Hemel Hempstead Town defeated visiting Brackley Town 1-0. Cirencester Town and Hednesford Town each scored twice either side of half time to record resounding 4-0 wins at Windsor & Eton and Banbury United respectively while Truro City scored five minutes from time to win 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Evesham United. Cambridge City, 3-2 against Leamington, and Stourbridge, 3-1 against Didcot Town, both recorded home wins while Bedford Town were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Halesowen Town. On Thursday evening Weymouth, who opened the season with a goalless draw at Halesowen Town, were held to another 0-0 draw at home by Swindon Supermarine

Division One Central - Ashford Town (Middsx) opened their account when they scored three times in the final nineteen minutes overturning a two goal half time deficit to win 3-2 at Beaconsfield SYCOB on Monday evening. Arlesey Town, a goal behind after just eight minutes, scored from the spot a minute from time to record a 2-1 win at Bedworth United and Aylesbury also came from a goal down to win 3-1 at Marlow while Uxbridge won 3-1 at home against North Greenford United. AFC Hayes scored twice after the break to win 2-0 at home against Burnham and first half strikes gave Barton Rovers and Biggleswade Town 1-0 home wins over Soham Town Rangers and Daventry Town respectively while Hitchin Town scored early in the second half to win 1-0 at home against Northwood. Leighhton Town were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Atherstone Town and Woodford United drew 0-0 at home against Rugby Town. Bedfont Town went down 2-1 at home when Slough Town scored from the spot in time added on.

Division One South & West - On Monday evening Gosport Borough recorded a 2-1 home win over Thatcham Town to replace the visitors at the top of the table where they were joined by Mangotsfield United who scored a penalty a minute from time fo take a point from a 2-2 home draw with Bridgwater Town who had taken a two goal lead ten minutes after the break. Abingdon United scored twice in the second half to record a 2-0 home win over North Leigh while Cinderford Town, a goal behind after just ten minutes, came back to win 3-1 at Taunton Town and Stourport Swifts also recorded a 3-1 away win over relegated Clevedon Town. Elsewhere Wimborne Town scored a minute from time to take a home point from a 1-1 draw with Paulton Rovers. Promoted Bideford continued their perfect start when a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 victory at Frome Town and fellow newcomers Almodsbury Town scored three minutes from time to record a 1-0 home win over last season's runners-up, AFC Totton, while Bishops Cleeve scored in the second minute of time added on to win 2-1 at home against Yate Town..

15 August 2010

Opening Day Action

Premier Division - Salisbury City, who competed in the Conference Premier last season, opened the new campaign with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Stourbridge while newly promoted Chesham United share top spot after recording an impressive 3-0 victory at Truro City with all their goals coming in the second half. Hemel Hempstead Town won 3-1 at Swindon Supermarine and Chippenham Town scored twice after the interval to win 2-0 at Hednesford Town while Evesham United, at Didcot Town, and Leamington, at home to Bashley, both came from behind to win 2-1 after conceding first half penalties. Brackley Town and Halesowen Town were held to a goalless draws at home by Cambridge City and Weymouth respectively while Banbury United scored a late equaliser at Cirencester Town to share the points in a 1-1 draw and Oxford City also drew 1-1 at home to Bedford Town as did Tiverton Town who were hit by a Windsor & Eton equaliser just a minute from time.

Division One Central - Northwood celebrated their return to the Southern League with a resounding 5-2 home win over Bedfont Town but Ashford Town (Middsx) went down 3-0 at home to Leighton Town. The newly promoted clubs had mixed fortunes with Daventry Town going down 1-0 at home to Marlow while North Greenford United conceded two goals in the final ten minutes to lose 3-2 at home to Woodford United but Aylesbury recovered from being two goals down at the break to grab a point from a 2-2 home draw against Biggleswade Town. There were 2-1 home wins for Atherstone Town against AFC Hayes, Burnham, who had to come from behind against Bedworth United, and Slough Town against Barton Rovers while Arlesey Town scored on the stroke of half time to record a 1-0 home win over Beaconsfield SYCOB. Elsewhere relegated Rugby Town drew 1-1 at home against last season's Runners-up, Hitchin Town, and Soham Town Rangers, two goals down after just twelve minutes, scored twice in the second half to grab a home point from a 2-2 draw with Uxbridge.

Division One South & West - Thatcham Town became first day leaders with a resounding 5-0 home win over relegated Clevedon Town while the newly promoted clubs had mixed fortunes with Almondsbury Town going down 4-1 at Paulton Rovers, who scored three times after the break, Bideford winning 2-1 at home against Andover and Wimborne Town picking up a point from a 1-1 draw at Hungerford Town. Abingdon United recorded a comfortable 3-0 win at Bridgwater Town while Taunton Town scored a goal in each half to win 2-0 at North Leigh and Mangotsfield United won 1-0 at home against Stourport Swifts. Last season's runners-up, AFC Totton, were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Bishops Cleeve and Yate Town also drew 0-0 at home with Frome Town while Cinderford Town drew 1-1 at home after trailing at half time to Gosport Borough.

Club News

Burnham - Ian Gould has stepped down as Chairman of club and has been replaced by Bob Breen. Gould told the club's AGM on Monday he could no longer commit to the role as his commitments abroad while working on the Elite ICC Panel of Test Cricket Umpires had become too great. His successor Breen, who is the already the club's CEO and company director, paid tribute to his predecessor: "I would personally like to thank Ian for what he has done to help profile the club.

"When he joined theboard last August, the club was under-achieving. Twelve months on, and with the continued support of Malcolm Higton, Burnham Football Club has become a viable proposition for business and one that serves to provide a number of opportunities for local people. For me personally, I am pleased that Ian still wishes to remain part of our vision in whatever way he can."

Weymouth - It is with great regret that Weymouth Football Club report that President Bob Lucas passed away on Thursday morning after fighting his battle with cancer. Everyonee connected with the League share with the Club in expressing sympathy at this time for Bob's wife Jean and his daughters.

8 August 2010

Championship Match

The season got under way at Farnborough as the Zamaretto Champions hosted Red Insure Cup Winners Cambridge City. In a competitive but highly sporting encounter the home side's crisp football eventually overcome the resolute defence of the visitors with a goal in each half from Bradley Bubb making the difference. The Cup was presented to Farnborough by League Chairman Ken Turner, assisted by League Director Judi Moore, and League Secretary Jason Mills.

6 August 2010

Steve's challenge for Acorns

Steve Barker, aged 43, husband of League Admin Assistant Amanda, last week completed the gruelling Alpe d'Huez triathlon in France in nine hours and twenty minutes. Steve's mammoth effort was in aid of the Worcester children’s charity Acorns for which he is aiming to raise about £5,000. The triathlon consisted of a 2.2km open water swim, a 115km ride finishing with the climb of d'Huez – 13.8km with 21 switchbacks and an average gradient of 8.1 per cent – and then a half-marathon of 21km to finish. Alpe d’Huez is one of the legendary climbs on the Tour de France.

Steve, who is a fitness fanatic, said he chose to do the event for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice.“I am very lucky to be the proud dad of four healthy children, Amy, Joe, Sam and Alice, but it is something I take for granted too often. There are parents who don’t have healthy children, so I want to help in some way,” he said. Anyone wishing to sponsor him can visit www.justgiving.com/SteveBarker-Alpedhuez

Club News

Chesham United - Following the untimely passing last month of former secretary David Stanley, Chesham United Football Club will be dedicating their Community Open Day on Saturday 7th August to his memory.

The Generals host Hendon in a pre-season friendly at 3pm which will mark the inaugural contest for the David Stanley Memorial Shield. This is set to become an annual competition amongst clubs with which David was associated. As one of the best-known figures in the local football scene, David was also chairman of the Suburban League and had held positions at many clubs including Hendon, Barnet, Berkhamsted Town and Hemel Hempstead Town. Chesham United chairman, Alan Calder, hopes that as many of David’s friends and colleagues as possible will be able to attend: “David had an amazing passion for football at all levels and worked tirelessly on behalf of so many clubs to help them continue playing the sport he so loved. His knowledge of the game at this level is second to none. It is fitting on a day when we will be opening our club up to the local community that he should be remembered and honoured.”

The match will be free of charge and will provide the centre piece for the annual Open Day at Chesham United where a wide range of community organisations are invited to come along as guests of the club to set up stalls alongside a host of other attractions on the day. Gates open from 1pm.

31 July 2010

Club News

Didcot’s press officer Steve Clare explained how the sponsorship came about: “I am a big fan of Black Swan Lane and during some exchange of emails between myself and the band’s founder member and lead singer, Jack Sobel, he explained his frustrations at not being able to market their new album in this country. The band are receiving great reviews but unable to tell anyone about it over here.”

Although based in Atlanta in the US, Black Swan Lane is made up of a number of UK musicians too including Mark Burgess, former frontman of the Chameleons, who were highly influential on bands like Oasis and the Stone Roses in the 1980s and 90s. Another English-based musician who has collaborated regularly with the band is actor Andy Moore (real name Andy Whitaker), who plays PC Mike Swirling in ITV soap opera Emmerdale.

It’s not the first time a rock or popular music act has got involved in football sponsorship: Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) used his local club Brighton & Hove Albion to advertise his ‘Palookaville’ album in 2004 and Wet Wet Wet famously sponsored their local club Clydebank. In non-league football Margate were once sponsored by Bad Manners, Goldie Lookin Chain were involved with Newport County and indie-band Mega City Four supported Farnborough Town in the 1990’s. But the link between Black Swan Lane and Didcot Town is particularly unusual since all the other deals involved acts that were supporting their hometown clubs.

Clare continued: “It’s possibly unique for a US-based band to get involved in a relatively small club like Didcot Town but not so daft when you think about it. The football club have a popular official website and it’s a great outlet for Jack to publicise his band’s new album ‘Things You Know and Love’ while supporting us at the same time. I’m not sure how I would describe their music, it has a unique sound; but anyone who likes the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division or even the Beatles I’m sure will hear something on the album they like.”

Didcot, who host newly promoted Oxford United in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday 13th July 2010, kick-off their second season in the Zamaretto Premier Division in mid-August hoping to emulate the encouraging mid-table finish of last season. “It’s not going to be easy for us, finances are tighter than ever and each pound is important to us right now. So we are grateful to Black Swan Lane for their valuable support and remain quietly confident about our chances of maintaining our Premier Division status this season.”

Frome Town - The sun shone brightly as Frome Town launched its new youth section with a mini-soccer tournament at the Aldersmith Stadium. Sponsored by the Jhalmuri restaurant the event saw 28 teams aged from 7-11 playing in a series of mini-leagues. The games were played in a great spirit and everyone had an enjoyable day. Gary Collinson, chairman of the youth section said, “It was great to see so many local footballers playing with such skill and sportsmanship. The day has been a great success and the help and support we’ve had from the senior club, parents and local businesses has been fantastic.”

Kevin Stone, manager of Worton and Chevrell commented, “All at Frome Town should be congratulated on delivering such a well run and thoroughly enjoyable event. The day was great fun for the all the parents and players – thank you”

The players were thrilled to see Frome legend Mark Salter, who was on hand to present the trophies to the winning sides. The under-7s and under-8s played a festival of football with all players receiving medals. The Referee’s Fair Play awards were presented to Frome Town under-7s and Worton and Chevrell under-8s. The under-9s league was a tight affair with the winners only being decided in the last minute of the last game when a fantastic 20 yard goal gave Wells City a narrow victory over Holcombe. Nicholas Wanderers needed a victory in their final match to win the under-10s league. Despite a heroic effort they just could not do enough and the trophy went to Chew Valley by just one point. The most exciting group was the u-11s where four teams, Frome Town, Frome Collegians, Chew Valley and Norton Dragons all finished with the same number of points. Even goal difference couldn’t split the teams and the trophy went to Norton Dragons by virtue of their having scored more goals than the others.

The Youth Section would like to thank the age group sponsors, The Venue and Sports Batr, Trojan Construction, Pink Planet and VIP-IT Solutions for their support. The main tournament sponsors were the Jhalmuri Bengali, Nepalese and Indian Restaurant whose support was invaluable in helping the Club to set up and run the tournament.

Leamington - Leamington’s local independent builders’ merchants Building & Plumbing Supplies (BPS) has maintained its long-term partnership with Leamington Football Club by renewing and signing an increased three-year sponsorship deal with the Brakes. BPS – who last year celebrated its 75th anniversary by adding to its building and plumbing, timber, Kudos bathrooms and Gardenforce landscaping business with a fifth depot in Shipston-on-Stour – has agreed to continue its proud support of Leamington FC. BPS are ‘front of shirt’ sponsors of both the home and away strips and will have an increased presence at the New Windmill Ground with ‘double’ advertising boards behind either goal plus new advertising coverage on the Harbury Lane End Stand. The deal also sees BPS supporting the club’s Community Development Scheme as sponsors of one of the Leamington Brakes FC boys’ teams and also a Leamington Lions Girls FC team.

Emma Dibble, Marketing Director of BPS, said: “We are delighted and proud to continue our support of Leamington Football Club as they clearly have an exciting future ahead of them. It gives us great pleasure to assist their progress both on the field of play and within the community. The club has come a long way in its first ten years and we firmly believe that the partnership will help benefit the club and the local community.”

Jim Scott, Chairman of the Club, added: “This is wonderful news for the club and fits with our aim to build long-term partnerships with local businesses. BPS has been a strong supporter of the club for a significant number of years and we are delighted to see this continue for a further three years. The company’s support for the club and the community is substantial and helps provide a solid financial base within which the club can develop.”

Former Shrewsbury Town trainee Danny Edwards has agreed terms with Leamington manager Paul Holleran to join the Brakes for the forthcoming season. Left sided midfielder Edwards has plenty of Conference North experience with Stafford Rangers, Redditch United and AFC Telford. The 27 year old joined AFC Telford in November 2008 from Redditch United and, although offered a deal by new Telford manager Andy Sinton for season 2010-11, he has made the decision to opt for a fresh challenge at the Zamaretto Premier Division outfit. Edwards' first involvement with the Brakes will be in their pre-season friendly at Rushall Olympic FC on Saturday 24th July.

Manager Paul Holleran said, 'I am delighted to have acquired Danny's services. He has been on my radar for some time. Hopefully he will settle in quite quickly at the club as he already knows a number of the lads here. Good left-sided players are difficult to find and Danny will give us good balance and competition within the squad'.

Stourbridge - Stourbridge are delighted to announce that the club's current reverse shirt sponsors Baldwins Accountants have agreed to extend this sponsorship for the next 2 seasons. The leading Midlands firm of accountants, founded in 1971 with offices in Stourbridge, Ashby, Leamington, Nottingham, Nuneaton, Tamworth & Walsall and with over 125 staff, became reverse shirt sponsors for the Walsall FA Cup tie last November and then extended their support to the end of the season.They have now committed to supporting the Glassboys for the next two seasons and are also members of the Glassboys Business Club at the football club.

Mark Craddock is the local Partner of the firm who runs the Stourbridge office and is regularly seen at home games and was in fact a decent non-league footballer himself. Mark said today of the extended deal: "I am delighted that Baldwins can support our local community football club and we are proud to be associated with the Glassboys with this two season deal. We had excellent publicity last year with the FA Cup exposure and there is no better local advertising medium for local businesses to promote their services than Stourbridge FC. The firm are committed to providing long term support to the Glassboys as they grow and develop both at first team level and with their recently-formed Football in the Community Programme and I know exciting times lie ahead both for Baldwins and Stourbridge FC."

Commercial Manager, Jonathan Martin, said of the deal: "Baldwins first became associated with the football club when they joined the Glassboys Business Club shortly after their move to their existing premises in the town centre. It was very clear from the outset that Mark and the firm wanted to support the club further as they saw our development and plans for a genuine Community football club and I am delighted and very grateful that they have extended their existing reverse shirt deal for the next two seasons. I am sure Baldwins and Stourbridge FC will continue to enjoy a long and successful relationship."

19 July 2010

Club News

Hungerford Town - Manager Bobby Wilkinson has made a major signing in former Aberdeen central defender Richie Byrne. Byrne signed for Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2000 from Stella Maris FC and made his debut in a 6-2 Leinster Senior Cup victory away to St. Francis on 21 November 2000. He was Young Player of the Year for the 2000–01 season. He made his full league debut on 16 September 2001 in a 3–0 win over Shelbourne and made a total of six appearances in European competitions for the Hoops, two in the UEFA Cup and four in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

He joined Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic in August 2003 and helped the club reach the 2004 Scottish Cup Final, where they were beaten 3–1 by Celtic at Hampden Park. He was signed by former manager at Dunfermline, Jimmy Calderwood for Aberdeen in January 2005 for £50,000. After his release by Aberdeen in April 2008, he had trials at Wigan Athletic and NEC Nijmegen and was given a one week trial with Oldham Athletic, eventually being given a one month contract with the club. He was given the number 3 shirt and made his debut coming on as a substitute in the 3–3 draw with Hartlepool United. In January 2009, Byrne joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a contract until the end of the season. He was then loaned to First Division club St Johnstone.Following Inverness's relegation to the 1st Division Byrne was released as the club began reshaping its squad. In February 2010, Byrne joined Football League Two side Darlington for whom he made only two starts and two substitute appearances and was released before the end of the season. In November 2007, Byrne made his international debut for Republic of Ireland B national team, in a match against Scotland B. Byrne scored Ireland's goal in the 63rd minute, in a 1–1 draw.

North Leigh - After four memorable seasons at Eynsham Park, Millers' favourite Chris Allen is returning to his first professional club Oxford United in a full-time role as Youth Team Coach. Chris began as a youth team player at the Manor before progressing to England Under 21's and playing in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest following a £500,000 transfer in 1996 after 179 first team appearances for United. Chris and his family moved into the village at the end of his professional playing career and joined North Leigh FC in 2006, quickly establishing himself as a firm favourite with fellow players and fans. He played a key role during the Yellows' memorable 'double season' of 2007/08 when he was particularly proud to play at the Kassam Stadium as North Leigh lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup with victory over Banbury United and just a couple of weeks later he struck four goals in the final league game of the club's successful Hellenic League Championship campaign to secure promotion to the Southern League, where his experience proved invaluable as the Millers more than held their own in the first two Southern League seasons.

Everyone at Eynsham Park wishes Chris the very best in his new role and, having already obtained his UEFA A licence for coaching, we look forward to seeing his coaching career flourish the same as his playing career did. Thanks for the memories Chris, look forward to seeing you at Eynsham Park during the new season.

30 June 2010

Constitution 2010/11

Salisbury City have lost their Appeal against the Football Conference decision to exclude them from membership of the Competition and will now line up in the Premier Division in place of Weston-Super-Mare who will continue to compete in Conference South. It is hoped that this will now be the final alteration to the League's constitution.

Premier Division

Banbury United
Bashley
Bedford Town
Brackley Town
Cambridge City
Chesham United
Chippenham Town
Cirencester Town
Didcot Town
Evesham United
Halesowen Town
Hemel Hempstead Town
Hednesford Town
Leamington
Oxford City
Salisbury City
Stourbridge
Swindon Supermarine
Tiverton Town
Truro City
Weymouth
Windsor & Eton

Division One Central

AFC Hayes
Arlesey Town
Ashford Town (Middsx)
Atherstone Town
Aylesbury
Barton Rovers
Beaconsfield SYCOB
Bedworth United
Bedfont Town
Biggleswade Town
Burnham
Daventry Town
Hitchin Town
Leighton Town
Marlow
North Greenford United
Northwood
Rugby Town
Slough Town
Soham Town Rangers
Uxbridge
Woodford United

Division One South & West

Abingdon United
AFC Totton
Almondsbury Town
Andover
Bideford
Bishops Cleeve
Bridgwater Town
Bromsgrove Rovers
Cinderford Town
Clevedon Town
Frome Town
Gosport Borough
Hungerford Town
Mangotsfield United
North Leigh
Paulton Rovers
Sholing (formerly VT FC)
Stourport Swifts
Taunton Town
Thatcham Town
Wimborne Town
Yate Town

Club News

Leamington - Leamington boss Paul Holleran has swooped on Premier Division rivals Halesowen Town again to sign towering central defender Liam Daly. The 22 year old, who spent the latter part of last season at The Grove after switching from Conference North outfit Solihull Moors, has a weallth of experience at Southern League Premier Division level, despite his relative youth. He began his career at Birmingham City but has also enjoyed spells at Corby Town, Redditch United and Evesham United. He was unfortunately injured in a bad car accident in 2009 whilst enjoying a good run in the Moors side and linked up with Halesowen following his recovery. At 6ft 6 he will add height and presence to the Leamington back line and Holleran was delighted to be able to add to this area of his squad saying: "Liam is the kind of player I've been trying to bring in, he's got good experience at this level and above, he's dominant in both penalty areas and will be a great asset to us."

Sholing - The FA, County FA, and League have all given approval for VT FC to change the club's name to Sholing FC.

25 June 2010

David Stanley

I am very sad to report that I have received the following letter from Philip Stanley, son of David Stanley. I am sure that everyone connected with the League will join me in expressing sincere condolences to Philip and all family and friends of David.

'I am writing this letter to inform you that my father, David Stanley, passed away suddenly last Thursday (10th June). This was a shock for us all and he will be sorely missed. David Stanley was Club Secretary most recently for Hemel Hempstead Town FC, and he was similarly involved with Chesham United and Berkhamsted Town.

I would be extremely grateful if you could place the funeral arrangements on the Southern League web-site so that all who knew my father and wish to pay their last respects have the opportunity to do so.

The funeral will take place at 10.40 a.m. on June 25th at West Herts Crematorium, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 0JS. This will be followed by a reception (wake) at 12.15 p.m. at Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club, Vauxhall Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HW, where sandwiches and tea and coffee will be provided.

In lieu of flowers the family would be very grateful for any donations made to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, based at Room 203, Cheviot Court, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN.'

15 June 2010

Club News

Didcot Town - A major opportunity for youngsters in South Oxfordshire to plan their future and develop their sports related career has emerged with a major new project launched by three experienced and respected partners.

This unique partnership brings together the experience and strengths of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, Premier Sports Group and Didcot Town Football Club to provide the perfect platform for learning. Within a full time education programme, carefully designed courses will offer the student a range of industry recognised awards and hands on experience whilst drawing upon the community involvement of each of the partners - providing important social awareness and experience for students.

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College has an established infrastructure and first class tutors with over a decade of experience in full time football education achieving outstanding results and many players progressing onto University as well as professional football clubs.

The formal linking of the Didcot Town youth structure and the full time education programme is a natural progression for the club who can also boast strong school links within its structure of over 20 teams across all age groups. Didcot Town President, Ed Vaizey MP, the newly appointed Culture, Media & Sport Minister, commented. "I welcome this fantastic new initiative which is yet another string to Didcot Town's bow. With their many youth teams, a fantastic first team and now involved with sports education, the club is at the very heart of Didcot's sporting community"

Justin Merritt, who has played and coached in many Oxfordshire teams during the past 10 years is managing director of Premier Sports Group who have an excellent reputation in delivering innovative and tailored education courses on behalf of schools and colleges throughout Oxfordshire. The combined internal tutorial strength of the partner organisations makes the flexibility and educational quality of the course opportunities second to none — the integration of the students into the structure and environment of the football club will add a unique social dimension to their personal development.

The Partnership can offer work experience and contacts into industry and this ‘real life’ awareness will be a key advantage for the students as they seek employment after gaining their selected BTEC, NVQ, and FA Coaching qualifications including Refereeing and First Aid for Sport. For those choosing to extend their education to degree based courses there are also links in place with several universities as well as scholarship opportunities overseas. At all stages of the career development of the students the focus is on flexible choice together with relevant and appropriate experience.

The students, aged from 16 to 18 will have the opportunity to represent Didcot Town in the Allied Counties League with other midweek matches against professional, semi-pro and college/university teams. Students will also have the opportunity to join other Town teams and training sessions and have every support to develop both technically & tactically. This progressive club has a modern facility at the nPower Loop Meadow Stadium with over 10 acres of playing surfaces.

Taster Evening Thursday June 10th 2010 at Didcot Town Football Club

The Taster Evening will provide potential apprentices with an insight into this exciting Football Programme. The Evening will consist of an overview presentation about the programme from Premier Sports Group and Oxford & Cherwell College, followed by a practical football session on the pitch with one of our professional football coaches.

Connexions
T: 0845 6029299
E: didcot@connexionsoxfordshire.com
Or visit your school connexions office

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College
T: 01865 551015
E: football@ocvc.ac.uk
W: www.ocvc.ac.uk

Premier Sports Group Ltd
T: 0845 2641152
E: t.bracher@premiersportsgroup.co.uk
W: www.premiersportsgroup.co.uk

Didcot Town Football Club
T: 07882 154612
E: didcot@fernring.co.uk

Hungerford Town - The Club is looking for a local manager/coach with local connections to help run the new 'A' team. Hungerford have already appointed Martin Crane a level 3 coach new to the area from Essex and are now looking to recruit a second manager to help with local connections and attract players. The new 'A' team will be playing in the Hellenic Reserve League next season and training will be taken by former Reading winger Michael Gilkes and Noel Hunt starting on the 24th June at the John O'Gaunt School. If you are interested in applying please contact Garry Cook on 07931311829.

Leamington - Manager Paul Holleran finally tied down one of his pre-season targets when he agreed terms with Halesowen Town wide man Alex Cowley. Cowley is a skilful two footed player who will bring versatility to the squad with his ability to play on either side of the pitch in full-back or wide midfield positions. 27 year old Cowley has plenty of experience in the Premier Division having spent 5 years at Halesowen from 2004-2009 before transferring to their local rivals Stourbridge at the start of last season and then making the return journey to the 'Yeltz' midway through the campaign. His previous clubs include Stourport Swifts, Redditch United and Hednesford Town.

Holleran was delighted with the signing, saying, "I managed Alex as a young player and know exactly what he brings to the team. He is experienced at Southern Premier League level, good with both feet, composed on the ball, and versatile. As a youngster he played predominantly on the left of midfield but has adapted his game to also play full-back and can also do a decent job on the right side of the pitch as well."

Tiverton Town - The Club have appointed Chris Vinnicombe as their new manager. The new chief has quit as boss of South West Penisula Premier DivisionWitheridge in order to take up his new role. Speculation surrounding Vinnicombe’s future has been rife in recent weeks, as the 39-year-old was immediately installed as the favourite for the role when Martyn Rogers quit last month.

Vinnicombe had not been slow in declaring his interest in the job, saying last month: “I would certainly think about the job if I was approached. I played for Tiverton for a few years and I made some good friends there. My name’s been linked with the role for years so it’s nothing new to me. Obviously it would be a step up from where I am at the moment with Witheridge.” Vinnicombe has been in charge of Withy for just under two years and the former England under-21 international has also been managing the Tivvy's under-18 side for the past two years with plenty of success.

17 May 2010

Club News

Chesham United - Having guided Chesham United to promotion via the play-offs last season, Chesham United has agreed a new two-year contract with Manager Andy Leese and his assistant Jon Meakes. Commenting on the new arrangement Andy Leese says: “Now that promotion has sunk in and the new League constitution is clear, Jon and I have agreed a new 2 year deal which will see us continue the journey at Chesham. It is a great club to be part of and I hope that some of the new support we had in the play off games will return to see us next season. I am delighted we have the opportunity to continue to build on what we have achieved in the last 3 years and everyone benefits from the continuity. “

New Chairman Alan Calder revealed that the Board were delighted that Andy has agreed to stay and take on the challenge of performing in a higher division: “Andy and I have been in constant communication since the end of last season, making sure that we have a full understanding of what Chesham United is trying to achieve and how we anticipate moving forward. We are fortunate to have a Manager who gives 100% to the job, wants to play the style of football we believe the people of Chesham like to watch, and, just as importantly, wants to be a part of the football family we are looking to create at Chesham. We have also talked about the Youth and Reserves sides for next year and how they can play an important role in continuing to develop our role within the community”

With the contract signed Andy Leese has already been turning his attention to looking at the squad: “We know we have to work harder than last season to establish ourselves in the Southern League Premier Division but we have a number of players who have played at that level and I will look to strengthen where we can. I am hoping we keep the majority of the current squad and it is my intention to strengthen our Reserve team set up to make sure we attract the best of the young talent in the area. We want to be competitive in the new division and the new Chairman has given us the resources to do that. The hard work starts here!”