Clarendon 3 Merry Monk (Rugby) 1

We played a strong side last night and managed to come out on top with goals from Everton Morrison, Roger and a penalty from Ashley Innis. We controlled the came but let them score through a bit of a mix up. Tommy Woodward Clarendon

St Mary's 3 Sheldon 3

Nick Sprason from St Mary's writes: Just a quicky to say we drew three-all against Sheldon tonight. Our goals came from Ian Coleman, Henry Blunt and Jon Bignell. It was a tough game and Sheldon look better equipped this season than before but we feel given the way the chances fell we should have sneaked it. The result was overshadowed by a nasty injury to Leigh Watts who has broken his arm in two places within moments of coming on the pitch and now has a lengthy recovery spell.

Lyndon Fisher adds: A competative and hard fought friendly with both teams playing bright attacking football.Overall a draw was a fair result.
Best wishes to Liegh Watts for a speedy recovery.

Renewal Solihull 2 Real Riverside 3

Roger Lynch from Real provides a report: A well contested match between two good footballing teams. The game was frustrated by the sodden pitch and uneven surface which saw fairly serious injuries to two Real players. Real took a 2-1 lead in the first half, which became 3-1 on the stroke of half time with a delightful chip from Rabbi Rowe over the advancing keeper. Second half saw Renewal fight back and score a well-deserved consolation goal mid way through the half. A good hard match; great preparation for the season ahead!

Many thanks to Roger. Real don't even play in WMCFL, although they were considering entering a second string eleven this year; they play in the AFA. I hope you do enter a team next season though Roge and good luck this...

Pre-Season Friendlies

Another hat-full of pre-season friendlies to report on. Once again, many thanks to those who have sent texts and match reports through. It seems as though the 5-5 or 5-4 result is getting common-place, rather than unusual.

I normally kick off with the team that's top of the League and work my way down-ish, so with 16 emails to attend to, I wasn't sure where to start with no League table to go on. So I'll report as they came in:

MBD United 2 West Bromwich Beacons 3

MBD's Neil Howard writes: MBD played their final pre-season game at home against Second Division side, West Bromwich Beacons. MBD were very short of numbers today having only one outfield sub available to them and several players carrying injuries they really should have been resting.

The game kicked off and all the early pressure came from MBD. Matt J (captain for the day) and Nick G were creating a lot from the wide positions and forced several early corners which MBD were unlucky not to score from. After the early spell of pressure the game levelled out with both sides creating openings. Beacons converted two of their chances and it looked like the first half was going to finish 2-0 before Ryan Reynolds pulled one back before the half time whistle. Sadly Andres Senior had to go off before the end of the first half with an ongoing ankle injury leaving MBD with no subs for the second period.

MBD resumed after the restart half strongly and of the two teams looked the most likely to score. Our persistence soon paid off when Nick G won a penalty after attacking the right wing again. Ryan cooly put the penalty away taking his pre-season tally to seven in four games. Not long after though West Brom regained the lead when the MBD defence seemed to lose concentration slightly and conceded a somewhat sloppy goal. The game then evened out again with both keepers having to make saves to keep their teams in it and MBD marginally edging it. West Brom's ability use rolling subs really showed in the last ten minutes though and you could see MBD fading.

A solid team performance though, saw out the of the the game which finished 3-2 to Beacons. MBD wouldn't be out of place for feeling they deserved the draw or more today. Overall, even though it was a loss it was one of the best performances MBD have put in, with ten players having to play for 90 minutes in hot conditions.Special mention to the two Marks, who had only had one session with the team before today's game; and also Matt J as captain.

West Brom's Alex 'Alfi' Westwood adds: A good game today, the ground was perfect and the sun was shining. We had between us forgotten to sort a ref out today so big thanks to Harry Westwood (my Dad).

MBD started well. The number of friendlies they had played made them look fitter and sharper than West Brom. I had plenty of time to watch after a spot on the bench was handed to me but West Brom settled and went about their business well taking a deserved lead through Stuart Rogers. Then Sammy popped up to give West Brom a 2-0 lead, that's when things went a bit wayward. I had just come on when the ball was cleared by MBD and accidently flicked on by our own Jay Lawrie to play in their Number 9 (Ryan Reynolds) who chipped over Dougie in goal.

Five mins into the second half MBD winger broke into the box dropped his sholder in front of me, too late! I had commited to the challenge: penalty (remember my Dad was reffing. I couldn't believe it and will be letting him know about it over Sunday Dinner). So after a well taken pen. it was all square. Feeling it would have been better for Trig' to leave me on the bench West Brom pressed on and a cracking ball pumped into the box, up pops debutee Paul Beagen to head home. Overall we did well but should do better.

E K Corinthia 3 Rockmount United 5

EK's Chris Morrison texted: A good game. They are strong and quick. One of the top sides in Division Three I reckon. EK with a few players out and no keeper but battled well. Well done lads.

Amblecote 3 Zion Athletic 2

Jallen texted: Amblecote win with the last head of the game! Injuries and the resulting change in shape made it hard for Zion to hold out against Amblecote's pressure. Well done both teams for a competitive game.

Amblecote's Jim Wilkes adds: I wasn't feeling too good last night, so I turned up to make the numbers, I didn't fancy a game, but there was no ref, so I stepped in! I ref school matches Under 11s. This one was well behaved with no screaming parents on the touchlines. (We do get that in WMCFL sometimes - lol - Ed). A good game though, Zion are a very good young team, very impressed! Amblecote played well, looking more positive each game. Scoreline finished 3-2. Amblecote winning it "ROY OF THE ROVERS STYLE" with virtually the last kick of the game.

St Boniface 5 Malremo Rangers 5

James Gray from St Boniface texted: A hat-trick from Si Laidley and two from Jimmy Cutler give us a good result against a very good Division Five AFA side. We never dropped our heads.

Rowley College 5 St Matthew's 5

Steve Hughes from Rowley says: a comeback from 5-1 will please St Matthew's. Plenty of goals for the neutral.

St Matthew's Martin Nicholls adds: A useful run out today for us as we turned up with a few players missing to play Rowley. Both sides played good football first half but Rowley went in to a 4-1 lead at half time. This was an odd half time score as we felt that we were in the game for most of the half. Ricky Roberts got our goal close to half-time.

We dissected our performance at half time and came out with an amended plan for the second half. We fell further behind after Hunter scored a neat fifth. We then began a come-back that showed our determination and team character. Nicholls got two goals and an own goal saw us pull it back to 5-4 before up stepped Mattias Wihlborg. In what was his first appearance of the pre-season from 25+ yards he found the top corner to level late on.

Both teams played out a great draw which was played in good spirits.

Pete Bennett also chips in: Thankfully a decent turnout today (as I had my lad with me!): we had two subs and they had one and when I left just after half time everything was going swimmingly. We had had the better of the first half and were 4-1 up. An early goal from the returning Alan Micklewright had settled the nerves against a decent St Matt's side and when their defender brilliantly lobbed their keeper for 2-0 we looked set fair. We then played some really good stuff and it was no surprise when Ross Hughes scored a third. Craig Micklewright, who was helping out in goal had had nothing difficult. Then St Matt's got one back before Ross added his second and I was pleased.

Unsurprisingly Martin's lads came at us hard at the start of the second half but with Southall and Staien strong in midfield, Williams marshalling the back and Hunter causing constant problems I felt it safe to take my lad home! An hour or so later Steve Hughes called me with the 5-5 final score and the following:

Second half details:

Hunter finished off an excellent move involving several interchanges of passing,[5-1].

St Matt's benefitted from three lapses, one was a clinical finish from Nicholls. The own goal was a gift when a neat flick from Alan’s head gave them a goal when no danger existed—that’s football. Rowley stopped their running off the ball and getting men behind the ball--this allowed St Matt's back into it. If the game had gone on any longer we would have lost. Could have been fitness--without the fitness of Warr and Hill, plus no Craig up front. However get the positive from the game—it’s never won 'til the whistle goes. We scored some good goals and created some decent chances.

St Mary's 3 Brierley Hill 0

St Mary's Jon Jackaman reports: We won 3-0 today against Brierley Hill - scorers Josh "Henry" Blunt, Luke Wieldman, and John Moanatt.

Today was rarity, something none of us have seen for a while. And before anyone asks, no it wasn't a Moanatt header on target. Instead it was a hot summer's day which was good for our fitness in the run up to the start of the season.

Fielding a much changed line up for the third friendly in a row, (why do people arrange holidays for the last weeks of August?!) and a completely different midfield to our "usual" midfield, we put in a competent display against a hard working Brierley Hill side. Josh "Henry" Blunt scored a nice composed goal after a one on one with the keeper to put us one up in the first half. With the exception of the goal, although we played some nice football we rarely threatened, although we did miss an open goal just before half time.

Half time saw three players dash off back to Aldridge for; a wedding (not his own); a driving test (his own) and a cricket match. Our midfield at this point resembled a crèche with all four players under the age of 21. In saying that they all played superbly and it's a shame that three of them are off to university in September, however it makes my job easier in picking the team! Luke Wieldman scored our second with a sweetly-timed volley after a superb cross from "stalwart" (lol-Ed) left back Ross Capp and John Moanatt scored our third with a nice flicked finish following a free kick.

In the second half we applied a lot more pressure to the Brierly Hill goal and forced the keeper into a number of saves, and were frustrated a number of times by close offside calls. We are heading in the right direction, and I am pleased mostly with the clean sheet today. Can't wait for the start of the season now!

St Thomas' Aldridge 2 Selly Oak Methodist 1

A rare Jon Clements goal seals a victory for St Thomas' with Matt Challinor and (I think) Mike Knowles also scoring.

Walsall Olympic 4 King's AFC 5

Walsall's Paul Gisbourne sent me a report through Facebook: A good friendly between two competitive teams. King's came out of the blocks early scoring early and putting a fair bit of pressure on the Olympic defence. As the first half wore on, we started to get into the game, passing the ball around and after a series of close off-sides and close calls, we managed to draw level with a good volley from Andy Marshall, Nathan Brain added a further two goals after judging the offside trap well and out pacing the King's defence to round the keeper and slot the ball home.

On the whole Olympic edged the first half, although not easily, taking a 3-2 half time lead. To use an old cliché it really was a game of two halves. The second half was a different story, the game became more like a tennis match between the defences as the ball kept getting lobbed over the midfield, not pretty at all, but effective from King's point of view as they managed to cause a bit confusion in the Olympic defence and scored three goals from set pieces, the last coming right at the death.

Olympic had few bright spots in the second half, although the highlight had to be Andy Marshall's delicate chip over the King's defence for Carl Lawrence to get his goal. All in all, a good game, if not pretty at times (well almost all of the second half). All the best to King's in the coming year.

All Nations 4 D C Dynamos 2

This was All Nations’ fourth friendly of the pre-season, and the benefits were clear to see. After an even opening 20 minutes, All Nations raced into a three goal lead with goals from Liam, Jay and Curt. It was a fully deserved lead at this point as we were the dominant team. Towards the end of the first half our good start seemed to take it out of us. DC Dynamos took advantage and scored a goal to get back in the game. It finished 3-1 at half-time.

The second half began with All Nations again dominating the match, the back four was outstanding not giving an inch, while we still looked dangerous going forward. The fourth goal arrived with Liam striking from distance. After the fourth All Nations seemed to relax and DC Dynamo again came back strong into the match and scored a cracking second. After ten minutes of pressure from DC, All Nations regained their composure to see out the game comfortably.

All in all it was a fantastic game, much praise goes to DC Dynamos who played well and will be a strong contender in the league. Well played to our boys as well we are beginning to grow as a team.

Chawn Hill Church 2 City Church 3

City's Martin Ogbourn reports on last night's friendly: It was a competitive friendly. Chawn Hill started off strongly and scored two well-taken goals early in the first half. City settled down after 20 minutes (and after our 11th player had arrived!) and deservedly got back into the game before half time with a great solo effort from Louis Quaintance. This was after several good chances had been squandered by City. The second half was hard fought and fairly open. Both sides had some good attempts with last gasp challenges, saves or blocks preventing further goals, but City pushed forward and had the majority of the play as the half went on. City left it late to claim the victory from a rebounded penalty by Louis Quaintance (which followed a good penalty save) to draw level, and finally from a wonderfully flighted free kick from Andy Tranter, who assured us that it was a perfectly executed shot and not a cross!

Best wishes to Chawn Hill for the coming season.

Rowley College 4 Shiloh United 3

Rowley's Pete Bennett provides a match report: Rowley had seventeen players last week but no sooner had I returned from my summer break than the 'excess' disappeared, leaving only EIGHT for this week's friendly. Luckily one of our new lads, Tom Grossett, brought a mate (Sunny) with him and we were able to press myself and would-be referee Tommy Woodward into service: Sunny and Tommy were excellent but my inept performance in goal made a game of it.

Shiloh showed a terrific attitude and played with great energy: they just need competetive matches. For a long time they looked as if they might get something from the game and this kept it interesting. We had much of the attacking threat and lots of chances but their endeavour, a cracking goalkeeper and some poor finishing from our first choice front two kept the game close. With Matt Williams and Tommy commanding at the back Shiloh had very few chances but took the lead when I fluffed a backpass from Tommy and left their lad a tap in. They then led 2-0 after one of their lads stroked a good shot into the corner. Having had the chances we became very frustrated and were relieved when Craig Micklewright ran on to finish just before half time.

A stirring speech from Tommy Woodward at half time reminded us that we were supposed to be enjoying ourselves (and that the F-word for today was 'friendly') and we came out second half much brighter. The only blot was my collision with Ross Hughes to give them a 3-1 lead early in the half. With Johnny Warr driving us on we started to play some football and finally broke Shiloh's resolve with three goals. Ross Hughes and Sunny were busy wide, Nic Hadley got on the ball, the full backs got forward and Craig and Hunter showed some deft toughes against tenacious defending. Sunny cracked a stunning drive for 2-3, Johnny Warr controlled a wheeler drive and tucked it hme for 3-3 and then Hunter got the goal he deserved, lobbing the keeper for 4-3. Their keeper also made three or four top drawer saves.

Good luck to Shiloh who will likely do well in their league: they were a credit to themselves and a valuable addition to the league.

Champions Church 3 Amblecote 3

I managed to scoot down to Dudley Wood to catch the closing minutes of this match. Unfortunately, the Rowley match started late and the Champions game was early. But as I pulled onto the car park, Shawn Devonport was rounding the Amblecote keeper, stand-in Jadon Silva to pull his side back to 2-2. Amblecote took the lead again but Shawn completed his hat-trick to level the scores.

On shouting from the side-lines 'You'd think it was the Cup Final', I was corrected that it was more important than that. With five former Amblecote players having joined Champions and the connections that the churches have had over the decades, I supposed you could understand the banter.

Amblecote's Jimmy Wilkes emailed a brief report: With our regular keeper away, I volunteered. I told the lads that I'd done the job before, but that was for the school team. What I didn't tell the boys was the school team's best score was a 5-0 defeat!

Champions played well, good battling young side. As for Amblecote, well to sum up I was calling the playing next to me Stuart but at half time he said his name was Matt! We are still getting to know each other, good run out, missed Deano in goal. Sorry lads for my costly keeping.

Shawn Devonport adds: Well as soon as the five us said we were leaving Amblecote last year this friendly was being talked about so with all the banter this was always a little more than a friendly, with bragging rights at stake!

We started well and for the first half an hour we were equal if not the better team by closing everything down quickly but it was Amblecote who went into the lead when they broke our offside trap, everyone stood still but there was no flag and there man running onto it smashed it past the keeper. That goal knocked us back a bit and up until the break Amblecote started to have the better of things.

After half time Amblecote started to up the ante and played some very good football. Before long Curtis scored a fantastic lob to make it 2-0. The match threatened to get away from us, with Amblecote going close on a few occasions with even Simon Ashby finding his way forward and going close. With 25 minutes to go then came the turning point. Josh Burchell played a fantastic long ball over the top and Rion Mills was fouled in the box and we converted the penalty. Within 30 seconds we were level when a poor back pass was intercepted and I had the easy task of rounding the keeper. We then hit the cross bar with Tim Bamber being very unlucky from 35 yards and Mark Goule going close of the rebound and just as we were looking to push on for the winner Amblecote hit us on the break. Jonny Dowman beat off three defenders and scored a fantastic goal with his left foot. But again we hit back when Jimmy Wilkes came rushing out of goal to collect a flick on from Rion Mills but he misjudged it under pressure and left me with an open goal to complete the comeback. With 5 minutes to go we threw everything at them with Rion Mills almost getting the winner but it was not to be.

Fantastic friendly, was physical but fair and was good to see the Amblecote lads again. Both teams missing 4 or 5 players but everyone who came in did well on not a great pitch for August!

For us we got smashed by St Matthew's 4 weeks ago but have hit back with 2 very good performances with a win against St Thomas and a very creditable draw against Amblecote who will run Clarendon close this year so we are happy with how things are going and can't wait for the big kick off!

St Boniface 3 West Bromwich Beacons 0

Bilston have changed their name back to West Bromwich Beacons.

There's a new man at the helm at St Boniface, James Gray. He's brought in a few fresh faces, two of whom scored today, so it will be interesting to see how they get on. James provides a report here: It was Kev's and my first competitive (friendly) game in charge of St B's, as expected nothing seemed to be going right, players dropping out, nets missing and to top it all off no one at the ground to let us in. Regardless both teams we eager to get the game on, so the outside changing rooms served us well and we got the game going.

We took on Bilston today who last season proved a decent opponent scoring six past us over two games, both teams looked fit and played the ball around very neatly maybe it helped us we only had one sub with them using roll on disjointed them a little. We looked to get forward and we determined to score but to give them credit, dealt with most that we threw at them. We did however open the scoring midway through the first half with a real 'goalscorers' goal Jimmy Cutler opening his account with a toe in from a few yards out. We took confidence from this and pushed on with another debut goal from Jason Walsh who scored a peach of a goal from around 30/35 yards out, lifting the ball over the keeper. Bilston didn't drop their heads and continued to take the game to us and without some decent defending (unlike us) kept them at bay....Despite me having all week to take a ball and still fumbling it. Half time 2-0 up...the first half time team talk and no one to give the hairdryer treatment, just a lot of encouragement from our potential new club captain Simon Laidley (another new boy).

The second half started and we continued to press them and played some attractive build up play we created many chances and were rightly/wrongly flagged off side for 3/4 goal scoring opportunities but it was Laidley from the right after beating his man pulled the ball back across the area for Kev unmarked to slot into the net. Bilston came back and caused a few problems there big chance coming from a poor goal kick from me giving their striker a good opportunity shooting high to my left but I managed to get a strong hand to it and push it over from around 8/9 yards off my line. So a 3-0 win, everyone on a high, pre season fitness looking good and at least six players to come back into contention they face a fight to get their shirts. Things are looking good in the St B's camp. Once again thanks to Bilston for the friendly and look forward to playing them in the league I'm sure by then both teams will be doing well, by the way they look great in the pink strip.

A final thank you to Stephen Bache who ref'd today I believe a new additon to the league for 2008/09 season.

Ed - I realised a few weeks ago that Stephen live in the house behind mine. His kids, especially Adam used to boot their footballs over the hedge and into our garden. Adam's a bit older now and it's my kids booting the balls over into Steve's garden!

Sheldon 7 E K Corinthia 2

Sheldon's Lyndon Fisher emails: Another great performance by us today, we pretty well controlled the game in all areas of play, even with players coming on and off in different positions. E K were short of a few players and left wanting in some areas. But we have a stronger squad this season with the new signings adding a blend of youth and experience. Good luck to E K this season.

Birmingham International 4 Elim Athletic 5

Incredibly, Birmingham International lose 5-4 for the second week running. I suppose the encouraging thing is that they are firing in goals having scored eight in two games. International's Richard Taylor emailed this report: A good spirited game today, conditions were great apart from a heavy pitch but the two teams added a bag-full of goals to their pre- season account. Elim opened the scoring with an own goal but we responded well and came back to score. The game took a different shape after we had a player sent off. I felt with ten men we give a great account of ourselves with lots of chances. With the holiday season upon us many of our team were away which meant I had to wear the goalkeepers gloves!!! Elim are a great bunch of lads and credit to their manager, we enjoyed playing them and look forward to a season together in the Third Division. I would also like to thank the referee for a great job.

PS We still need a goalkeeper!

Jon Earp from Elim adds: Well another win today 5-4 but this was no easy game. Birmingham International were well up for the game and made us work for the result. We were missing a couple of players from the team today but we managed to get the result. The first half was even with Elim taking the lead from a deflection after a Matt Spillane cross was deflected in. Birmingham International were back in the game after scoring from the spot after a spell of good pressure. The half finished 1-1 with both teams playing good football.

The second half started and before long we were 2-1 up after Sean McKenna got in behind to score. Birmingham International scored again to make it 2-2. We then got a third after a move down and a nice cross found Sean McKenna to score his second lobbing the keeper. The score then went to 4-2 when Dean O’Leary scored at the back post with a nicely taken half volley. Birmingham International then came back strongly with two well taken goals to draw level. We then found the net for the fifth time after Chris Smith scored from close range. Finally this was enough to see off a good solid team for the victory. I am pleased with this result as we had a few players missing and a couple of players not a 100%, so it showed we have a good squad that can step it up when needed, but take nothing away from Birmingham International who played well.

St Matthew's 4 Zion Athletic 4

Zion's Jallen texted a brief report, he says: Both teams turned up to today's game with a bare eleven players. St Matt's perhaps should have scraped it but Zion battled out a draw.

Apologies to St Matt's for the previous publication.

Walsall Olympic 4 St Mary's 4

Walsall's Steve Breeze emailed: A good workout today and a pleasure to play against a quality team who used their skills and talents to play against us. Nice not to be kicked around the pitch. All the best for the new season St Mary's.

St Mary's Jon Jackaman added: It was an entertaining pre season friendly, with St Mary's going 4-0 up in the first half with goals from me (the customary penalty) Ian Coleman 2 and Matt Bignell, with Walsall Olympic pulling a goal back from a free kick shortly before half time. In the first half some of our football was a joy to watch (I'm getting older so I tend to watch a bit more now and let the youngsters get on with it!) and we showed real quality. The second half was a different story. The goal before half time affected us and gave renewed impetus to Walsall, and they duly capitalised, forcing us into uncharacteristic errors to pull it back to 4-4. All in all some pleasing aspects and also some areas to work on before the season starts. The game was played in a good spirit and was a credit to the league. Walsall Olympic seem to have a decent squad and could well be up there challenging this season if they maintain the battling qualities they showed today.

Chawn Hill Church 2 D C Dynamos 2

Dynamos' Mark Crouch says: A very entertaining 2-2 draw with two wonderful goals from James Cole from DC. A first half free kick that went like a thunderbolt from twenty-five yards and a second half screamer from twenty yards. End to end stuff. Darren Neeson was DC's player of note putting himself everywhere tackling hard and setting a great work ethic example.Chawn Hill hitting the post on two occasions and DC squandering numerous chances to win a very hard fought entertaining match played in a great spirit.

Good luck to Chawn Hill for the forthcoming season.

I've got quite a few results through from yesterday and last week. Some games I have detailed reports for and others, nothing more than the scoreline. If you have a report, I will do what I can to include it. - Ed.

Elim Athletic 9 Brierley Hill AOG 0

Jon Earp reports: Another great performance today against Brierley Hill AOG showed what we are capable of. Unlike last week we were straight out of the blocks when a smooth switch of play found Chris Smith open the score. The second followed shortly after when Michael French was played through to score. The third quickly followed as Michael French scored another after a great through ball by Emeka Agbeze. Michael French then played in Chris Smith to grab his second. Michael French who has been on electric form so far completed his hat trick with an amazing driven shot from the right wing. Michael French then scored his fourth before halftime after their keeper fumbled in the wet conditions to make it 6-0. Our defence looked sharp and focused and played well and with the midfield working hard we went into halftime very comfortable.

Mark Southall emails: A "brilliant" Craig Micklewright hat trick and neat singles from Jamie Hunter and New signings Adam Rose and Scott Bowen sealed a another hard fought victory against a very fit, physical and fair Selly Oak. (I think they will surprise a few teams next season).... It was a good game with some neat interchanges from two footballing teams who both tried to get the ball down and play on a very slippy and fast astro turf surface, which is often ruthless in highlighting that pre-season rust some players are still feeling...(I am 32).!!! Seperately We are looking for a new goalkeeper at present, having played the last two games without one. If anyone is interested in playing please contact myself of Matt Williams 07984189067/07825293092.

Steve Hughes, also of Rowley College slightly contradicts Mark's message: Rowley 6 Sheldon 3 Another decent work out for the two teams. Score is not really significant because players coming on and off in different positions. Special word for an excellent display of first half finishing from Craig Micklewright, a hat trick of clinical goals. Rowley had 17 players today, surely a record for them pre-season.

Well at least they agree that Rowley won, scored six with Craig getting three. Ed.

MBD United 5 Birmingham International 4

I refereed this match and I have to say I really enjoyed myself, despite the soaking we all got. Two great bunches of lads, enjoying a Saturday morning full of goals and incidents.

MBD broke the off-side trap after eleven minutes and took the lead. They then scored again, literally five seconds from the restart. The score remained the same until the half time interval. After the teams settled back into play, MBD extended the lead in the 52nd, then once again followed this up with another, for me the pick of the goals a minute later. MBD soon made it five with another crisp strike and at that you would have thought that it was all over. Within two minutes, Birmingham pulled one back, followed by another two minutes later and then another two minutes after that!

MBD managed to regroup and settle themselves and appeared to be able to keep International at bay. But in the last five minutes, MBD's keeper pulled off a couple of good saves, tipping shots around the post and over the bar. In the 94th minute, International did manage to scramble one more in but it was too late to stop the defeat.

Some familiar faces from Renewal Solihull in the line-up along with one or two from King's. Good luck to both teams for the coming season. If you both play like that, you are going to score some goals and have some fun.

E K Corinthia 2 St Thomas' Aldridge 2

E K can take heart from this result. After being out-played on Wednesday night against St Mary's, a 2-2 scoreline is something to be proud of and to build on. Once again, E K have a big squad for pre-season and look forward to improving on their 8th place in Division Two last year. EK have quite a few friendlies already played and more to come before the season starts. Hopefully they will have ironed out a few creases before they commence.

D C Dynamos 1 Dynamo Kingswinford 5

In the battle of the Dynamos, Kingswinford came out on top. New secretary Jason Russell provides the report, although he did originally think it was 4-1, not 5-1, so apologies to Dave Trask for missing one of your goals. The report: My first game in charge of the mighty Dynamo Kingswinford after the legend known as Gary Lamsdale stepped down from the helm of this great ship. Big shoes to fill and a lot of responsibility but with Gary still involved the load is lightened. Our first game commenced in a monsoon and against DC Dynamos. We started well and gained a two goal advantage within ten minutes down to the rejuvenated James Pinches who was on fire for us. Our new signings added depth, value and passing ability and together with the old school a total of nine players in the squad today that started our first game in the WMCFL six years ago there were signs of opportunity for us.

The game was delayed whilst one of DC Dynamos players received urgent medical attention after a brave challenge and was taken to hospital via ambulance to receive treatment for a broken leg. Up to this point the game was bubbling along, but some things are just more important and our thoughts and prayers are with Gavin from DC Dynamos at this time.

The second half meant changes and a number of subs were brought on adding pace and new ways of playing the beautiful game. Two further goals were added by us from Mark Davis and Dave Trask. A late gift from Gary Lamsdale who was playing in goal meant that DC Dynamos got the goal that they deserved.

In summary, DC Dynamos played with spirit and determination and the game was played in a great ways with both teams playing their part in difficult conditions. We had a number of players out due to Audacious commitments however the squad stepped up to place and will make my job of team selection more difficult over the coming weeks. Great performances from Greg Poole and James Pinches deserve a mention although the squad enabled these guys to make their mark.

I feel confident that with the new additions, new tactics and a different style we will have a good season.

Ed - Just a quick note: I'm very sorry to hear that Gavin broke his leg yesterday. Unfortunately, these things do happen. Football is a very physical game and somethimes quite serious injuries happen in innocuous circumstances, as I know only too well myself.

Please ensure that if you play football, that you will be able to make ends meet if you are unable to work because of an injury.

Bunch of Bluebells 3 Amblecote 1

Amblecote lose against long-time, once a year opponents 'Bunch of Bluebells', a team named after a pub in Netherton. The score was nil-nil at half time and Amblecote were understrength.

Clarendon 5 AFA Team 1

Clarendon warm up with a convincing win against a team from the AFA. I'm told that the battle for places in the Clarendon team will be hotter this season with twenty players in the squad.

This Week's Friendlies

St Thomas' Aldridge 2 Champions Church 4

I popped down to refresh the dated St Thomas' team photo today and watched them take on Champions Church at St Thomas' new ground. The pitch was like a billiard table compared to many surfaces that we normally encounter. I understand that it was Walsall FC's old training pitch.

St Thomas' do seem to have lost Mark Hadden to Sheldon and they will miss him as they missed him today. But it was St Thomas' that opened the scoring. Chris Preece beat all Champions defenders to the ball and nodded against the bar. A St Thos player was first to react and made sure with the rebound. Champions were almost back on level terms straight away as they had an effort chalked off for off-side but it stayed 1-0 until half time.

Champions were straight out of the blocks in the second half with Devonport hitting the post after a defensive error. It was a little while before Champions drew level but when they did, they seemed to pull away. Three more goals were added to the total as well as hitting the post again and squandering several good opportunities to wrap the game up.

St Thomas' came back at Champions late on, having a goal written off for off-side before adding another late on. The result will send out a warning throughout WMCFL that Champions will be looking for immediate promotion.

Champions Church's Shawn Devonport emailed a report: After last week's battering from St Matt's we took on another Division One team and were looking to bounce back and get back to winning ways.

The first half started at a fast pace and we thought we had taken the lead but it was given off side and St Thomas' soon took the lead after their man was first to react from a corner. The rest of the half was even-stevens, with neither team creating many clear chances.

Then came the second half and with it came a change around in our fortunes. We hit the post after ten seconds and went on to dominate the second half creating chance after chance. We were slightly disappointed to only get four goals but a much better defensive performance plus a much better attacking display meant we went home happy. Now we can't wait for the start of the season, which will now have to be a tough Cup game against Divison Two EK.

Selly Oak Methodist 4 St Matthew's 1

Selly Oak's Jason Weston-Tate reports: Our first friendly game of the season was a great start for us as we won 4-1 against a Division St Matt's team. We arrived over half an hour late with car trouble and when we finally got there we only had eleven players. Two players played out of position but a solid squad performance. We went 1-0 down to a nice finish but came back strongly and finished the half 1-1 with a nicely placed header from last season's 3rd place player of the year Jamie Williams.

First half was 50-50 but second half was a different story but still both teams created good chances. A couple of mazy runs from some St. Matt's players caused problems but we out played them when we had the ball and our top scorer last season Knowles scored two, and Dan making his debut for us scored a very good goal lobbing the goalkeeper. Overall a very positive performance for us that we can take confidence from especially with eleven players missing including some regular first teamers last season.

Elim Athletic 5 All Nations 2

Elim's Tracey Earp reports: After going two-nil down within the first twenty minutes, Elim Athletic was able to pick up the pace and get our game together to start playing some football. The defence quickly sorted things out at the back and looked solid for the rest of the game. Ten minutes before the end of the first half we pulled one back after a sweet move down the left hand saw Michael French score from close range after a good cross. This picked the team up and got us going and a few more chances went begging before half time.

The second half started much better and we were soon level after a corner was flicked on by Dean O’Leary only to be turned into the net by their defender. 2-2 and we were right back in the game. Elim got the ball down and started to play some nice football with Ryan Reeson and Dean O’Leary working the flanks well. It was soon 3-2 to Elim when we were awarded a penalty after a foul on Michael French. Michael stepped up and slotted the ball home at the second time of asking after the first pen was saved but was ordered to be retaken for infringement. All Nations were reduced to ten men at this stage. It was soon to be 4-2 when a good move down the right saw Matt Spillane score a curling shot from just inside the area. With All Nations reduced ten men and Elim took every advantage to move the ball from side to side creating a number of good chances. Our midfield really took hold of the game in the second half and drove the team forwards. Elim made it 5-2 when Dean O’Leary broke down the left and cut in to score. The game finished 5-2. Well done to all the lads who all played well after a shaky start. The referee gave Man of the Match to Walter Mapako and Chris Mansell after both players had very good games.

Rowley College 3 Birmingham International 2

A good workout on an all weather pitch at Newman College, played in good spirit. Rowley boasted a squad of 15 players, unusual at this stage of the season, and the visitors had 12. A back header from Mark Southall was punched into his own net by International's keeper to give Rowley the lead and this was cancelled out just before half time. Rowley regained the lead and went 3-1 up through goals from Jamie Hunter and Mark Southall but International closed the gap when there was indecision in Rowley's defence. A fine late attempt almost levelled matters but Chris Staien brought off a fine save. Apologies for having no names for International.

Last Week's Friendlies

It's just click past the hour, so I'll change the date on the update. I'm jet-lagged: I fell asleep at about seven and got three or four hours but though I'd put my insomnia to good use by publishing a few reports that people have kindly sent in.

Champions Church 1 St Matthew's 6

St Matthew's Martin Nicholls emailed: A game on a scorcher of a day that took its toll on both teams who took as much advantage as possible, in balls going down the hill and rolling subs for water breaks!

We were not sure what to expect from Champions as they are a new team and have had some impressive wins pre season but it was St Matt's who took the lead when Luke Hopson latched on to a through ball to notch his first of the game. A neat finish from Ricky Roberts and a poacher's goal from Nicholls added to the lead after Devonport had got Champions back in the game. Half time saw us leading 3-1.

The second half saw the temperature rise, several subs and three more St Matthew's goals. Hopson added to his tally, Nicholls got a late header but I must describe the volley from Knowles in detail. Robin Davies went on a left wing run, crossed and then Knowles arrived around the edge of the box at the far post to jump and volley the ball back in the direction it came in to the far corner. It was like Robin Van Persie/Paulo Di Canio (Knowlsey now stated a claim for Right Mid instead of Right back).

A good start by us and Champions look a good outfit going forward. They have a mix of youth and a few old heads (like Lee Ralph) and should put in a good challenge and may cause a few upsets in the new look WMCFL.

Champions' Shawn Devonport adds: Our unbeaten run came to an abrupt end today against a very good St Matthew's side. We were not overawed though and to our credit had periods of pressure. The difference was a very tight St Matthew's defence were as our defence had a total off day winning almost nothing in the air against the two St Matthew's forwards.

St Matt's took the lead after an even first twenty minutes after a fine through ball was converted by their striker. We soon equalised when I caught there keeper off the line from thirty yards out. St Matt's then went in front again with a similar goal to their first and scored the killer third just minutes before the break after a defensive mix up which allowed St Matt's to score from one yard.

After the break we forced their keeper into a good save and Mark Goule then fired just wide but St Matt's killed the game off with three goals, with Martin Nicholls looking very impressive in the second half winning everything in the air. Our keeper also made a fantastic reaction stop to keep the scoreline down but we did have chances of our own hitting the bar and Tim Bamber, Shawn Devonport and Rion Mills went very close but again the St Matt's defence were impressive and kept us at bay. Martin Nicholls then hit the bar from range close to the end.

St Matt's thoroughly deserved the win but sometimes you learn more from a defeat and we got taught some valuable lessons today but we still battled away. It's St Thomas' away next week.

MBD United 2 Elim Athletic 4

I'm not sure who was at home for this match. Like quite a few friendlies, this was played at a neutral venue, I think! Two reports again, firstly Neil Howard from MBD: The match was played under blisteringly hot conditions at Tipton Sports Academy. Elim started strong and were winning everything in the midfield. They dominated the first half and MBD United struggled to settle. Elim got three early goals and had two disallowed. Towards the end of the half MDB settled but the half finished 3-0 and elim fully deserved the lead.

In the second period MBD seemed to remember how to play football and it was fairly even for the first twenty minutes before Elim scored again. This seemed to finally kick-start MBD United who got two quick goals in reply and were looking for more. The final whistle came too early as MBD had started to control the game in the last ten minutes but the three first half goals were just too much to over come. So for the second time MBD lost the game to Elim but will take positives in winning the second half.

Elim's Jon Earp adds: Elim Athletic FC’s season kicked off with a solid 4-2 victory against MBD United with a great team performance in very difficult conditions. Within a minute we scored from a corner. The corner was swung in from the right and found the head of our centre back Chris Mansell. Elim Athletic FC were quick and sharp in closing down the ball and after a quick break away, Walter Mapako was able finish a nicely worked goal. Shortly after Walter should have had a second but this was disallowed by the referee, we thought the goal seemed good but the referee must have spotted an infringement that we missed. Elim continued to push and threatened the MBD goal on many occasions. Elim were passing and moving the ball at pace and Ryan Reeson gave no end of trouble to their right back with his quick feet. The third quickly followed after another corner which found Max Tully who finished with a neat header past the keeper. Michael French played very well up front with some nice movement and was unlucky not to get a goal when his effort was disallowed for an infringement by another player. Richard Knowlen gave another good performance down the right hand side, with some nice passes. Elim saw out the first half and both teams were grateful for the half time break. Credit has to go to our back line as they were solid in the first half and dealt with everything.

We started the second like the first moving the ball well and being compact and solid in defence, Walter Mapako and Sam Lynch bossed the midfield with some good solid tackles. I made a change shortly after the break which saw John Hyde come on for Richard Knowlen. Dean O’Leary was a threat all game long and after 17 hour flight back off his holiday did well to complete 90 minutes. Mid-way through the second half we finally found our fourth and without a doubt our best move of the match which started with our left back and after some nice triangle play, the ball was played through to Dean O’Leary who’s drilled cross was nodded in by Michael French. With ten minutes left MBD Untied started to apply some pressure and after lazy marking their forward produced an overhead kick which found the back of the net. Shortly after that they scored a second.

We saw out the rest of the half and picked up the win. This is a great start and despite having so many players away and only one sub we picked up the win. With the first game out of the way, we will look to carry this form into our next game. Thanks to the ref who had a good game.

E K Corinthia 3 D C Dynamos 2

A typical pre season game where fitness and getting back together was the main aim for tonight. We played on one of the worst pitches ever (not DC's homepitch so don't worry - but thanks for getting the pitch sorted Ben). It started brightly with EK going in front through an own goal. Many changes were made through the game which always makes it harder but DC took the lead and went 2-1 up.

EK kept swapping things around and the fitness and experience from a full season in WMCFL showed through in the end as EK came back and saw the game out at 3-2. Well done to DC as this was there first ever game and we wish them all thebest for the coming season!

MBD United 5 All Nations 2

MBD's Neil Howard reports on their friendly today: A good game today that finished 5-2 to MBD United and should of really been more. MBD started the first half strongly and were 2-0 up within 15 minutes with a superbly taken shot from Nick George and a fine finish from Robert Lee soon after. MBD controlled the first half having chance after chance, with their two wingers creating havoc down both sides, before scoring another two from Ryan Reynolds and Karl Martin and having a goal disallowed(correctly!) for hand ball just before the break.

The second half started the same way and before long it was 5-0 when Karl got his second of the game. Then there was a ten minute spell where MBD lost their composure and All Nations got two quick goals and started to pressure MBD's defence alot more. The game soon settled again and although All Nations were much stronger than they were in the first half, MBD were having the better of the chances and had a second goal disllowed (we thought it was good) for a foul on the keeper. All Nations forced a few good saves from the MBD keeper but MBD saw out the game solidly and could have scored another two or three before the final whistle.

Credit to All Nations, they fought 'til the final whistle and played a good, clean game. I am sure they will do fine next season with a few more games under their belts.

Known as ankylosing spondylitis it is an inherited arthritic disease which it looks like he will have for life. This will mean he will no longer be able to play football and is a major blow to the lad. It's knocked the stuffing out of me a bit as he is only a young man, a really great lad and a cracking footballer.

Can I encourage everyone connected to WMCFL to pray for a miracle for Nugget, I want to report great things about him in the near future so get praying!

Many Thanks - Gary

Bilston Beacons

Bilston Beacons will be reverting back to their old name of West Bromwich Beacons for the coming season. Alfi Westwood sends the following message: West Bromwich Beacons are attempting to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research charity. They will do this by wearing a mostly pink strip for this season. If anyone is interested in sponsoring us please contact Alfi on the email below.

West Bromwich Beacons would like to thank Magnet Trade Stourbridge for the funding and www.team-colours.co.uk for supplying the strip.

alfi@hotmail.co.uk

Ten weeks until the start of the season. Can you tell I'm bored?..Please let me know if you have a friendly, I'll come and watch or maybe even ref.