Saturday Review

League Cup Round Two

Well, we're down to the last eight. With Clarendon and St Mary's in seperate side of the competition, the signs are ominous for another Cup Final between the two teams. Whilst that wouldn't be a bad thing, as I believe the two teams to be the best in the League, they both have a couple of obstacles to clear before that happens.

Clarendon have Champions Church to negotiate in the next round and then Halesowen or Amblecote. St Mary's play Wolves next and then the rampant St Boniface if they beat City Church. It's turning into a great show. Half the teams have previously been to a Final in the past, there's just St Mary's left in that have won it. Predictably, Champions Church are the sole Division Three representatives, with W&P and St Boniface from Division Two.

Dynamo Kingswinford 0 Halesowen Zion 2

Halesowen Zion are through to the last eight but they didn't have an easy ride. Dave Walters says: A real stalemate of a game until extra time today. In normal time both teams seemed to match each other with hardly a chance throughout. A couple of long range shots well saved by DK's keeper and DK always looking likely, winning headers from free kicks and corners but never on target. I guess on the balance of possession DK were more disappointed than us to finish normal time at nil nil, but as extra time started we changed our formation and looked more dangerous immediately. We eventually took the lead at almost the end of the first period with a fine strike from outside the area by Jon Lea which flew low into the corner of the net. In the second period we again made three or four great chances with Tom Doran and Wayne Spicer going close before the latter made the game safe with a closely angled shot at the far post which beat the keeper. A week off for us next Saturday and then back to the business of the League.

Grant Doran adds: We arrived at the pitch today with 16 players and being the Cup we made a few changes from the team that played against DK last week. Again the game went along the same lines as the previous match with both sets of players working hard to press the opposition. Unlike last week there were not too many chances with most of the play from both teams breaking down on the final pass.

The second half carried on with lots of effort but no end product, with most of the ball being played in the centre of the pitch. Zion switched formations and it started to pay dividends as we managed to create a few good chances culminating in what we thought was a push in the box. Extra time and still 0-0, but we had now opened up DK so were confident that we could pinch a goal. Having been sent off last week, Jon Lea made another impact on this fixture, this time firing us in front after winning the ball back in midfield and shooting hard and low into the corner of the net. The inevitable push from DK followed but Zion held firm and had a few chances to nick the second that would have killed the game off. We had to wait till late in the second half of extra time before we did get the goal that sealed the win with Spicer drilling in an effort after the keeper had made several great blocks to keep his team in the match. Today was a pleasing result as we really had to battle for the win, credit to DK as they never allowed us to take a breather and pushed us right up to the last minute.

King's AFC 0 Amblecote 2

Amblecote beat King's again to move into the quarters against Halesowen. Amblecote almost always make it to this stage and have been through to the semis three or four times but seem to fall at the last or last but one hurdle each time. Simon Ashby reports: We have had three visits to the Saltley Leisure Centre this season and won all three games, I wonder if its worth having it as our home pitch next year.... it's only an hour drive.... but definitely worth thinking about. Yesterday, we had a really tough game on a boggy pitch against a good King's team. They played well against us earlier in the season and I think they played better yesterday, and we were happy with our 2-0 win!

In the first half, we marginally had the better of it, with a couple of chances and some good passing, but there wasn't one team clearly on top. The first goal as always was going to be important, and fortunately for us we grabbed it ten minutes after the break. A great chipped cross from Phil Deeley floated over the keeper and Darlo slid in at the back post to make the breakthrough.

The rest of the game was a real battle, everyone covered in mud, tackles flying in but generally played in a good spirit. King's began to push more men forward and created a few chances, one being cleared off the line. But then with ten minutes remaining, Wayne Reep picked the ball up on the left hand side, cut inside a few players and cracked a 20 yarder off the near post, a great goal. King's continued to push, but couldnt quite get the goal they were after.

So onto Halesowen Zion! Our Cup record has always been good, a few quarter finals and three semi-finals in last seven years but we have yet to make a final. It will be tough this season as the top half of the draw is loaded full of good teams, but maybe this will be our year!!

Rockmount 1 Clarendon 6

Another four goal haul from Everton Morrison sees off the challenge from Division Three new boys. That's now twelve in three games for him and twenty all season. Clarendon face Champions Church in the quarter-final. It will be an interesting match and a test to see how good the Division Three leaders really are.

Clarendon's Tommy Woodward says: Two games in one day was a lot to ask of any team, but we done ourselves proud in both. Our first game of the day was against Rockmount. Rockmount are a cracking team but with our attacking players bang on form they were always gonna struggle. We welcomed back Aaron Williamson into the side and him and Everton they ran the show. Almost every goal was a counter attack as we showed discipline in defence and some very quick attacking play. In our second game we left the pitch convinced we could beat them had we not played earlier that morning. Ray Saunders came back from injury and Lee Roberts returned after a lengthy absence to put in some good performances. We had to do without a few key players, Everton being one of them. Focus and Quest are a very good footballing side, the best we have faced this season. They passed and moved very well, they were quick and strong and very passionate. Its a shame we had a few tired legs as Clarendon could have done very well in this cup. On the plus side we can concentrate on our own Cup now. Champions Church next.

And in the bottom half of the draw...

St Mary's 9 Walsall Olympic 1

St Mary's blow away the one-time runaway leaders of Division Two by the massive margin or nine goals to one. John Myatt gives us an eye-witness account: Walsall play some nice football and i can see why they are doing well in Division Two. The score at half time was only 2-1 to us, although we could (maybe should) have been further ahead if Jackaman and Coleman had their shooting boots on.

The second half was a different matter as we seemed to score from every attack bar a ten minute period mid-half when Walsall had a some pressure. And even I got on the the scoresheet (thats two in a row now), I'll leave it to Jack to describe as I wouldn't want to seem immodest, however I don't think I've scored many better...

So Jack adds: A superb second half performance saw us move emphatically into the quarter finals of the Cup. We knew before the game that Walsall would pose a threat as we had played them in a pre-season friendly and that was proved to be the case in the first half. We took a one nil lead when Coleman was played thorugh one on one with the keeper and slotted home. Walsall were playing some nice football without really threatening our goal, and debutant keeper Simons was rarely called into action, his one taste of action was being booked before the game had even kicked off! In spite of this we created numerous chances, which I managed to miss the majority of, one shinned shot flew back to the edge of the area where Coleman was fouled. Jon Bignell took the resultant penalty and although the keeper saved his initial shot wasn't quick enough to prevent Jon from knocking the ball past him to make it 2-0.

Just before half time it was one all in the penalty stakes, and 2-1 in the goals tally. We were wary to not let Walsall back into the game and we started the second half in ruthless fashion as two quick goals killed the game. Coleman finished another one on one in composed style and I finally scored although managed to scuff my initial shot but fortunately put away the rebound. Further goals followed from Sprason (right footed volley) Wiedeman (2) including a left footed piledriver from the edge of the area. However the worst was still to come. John Moanatt scored, beating the defender and putting it in the top corner from six yards out, the team groaned in pretty much similar style to the way in which he moans about everything and anything. One player was heard to say "I'd rather we had lost than him score". I finished the scoring off with the last kick of the game. This sets us up for December which will prove whether we have what it takes to take the title as we face difficult matches against Amblecote, Clarendon and Rowley.

Zion Athletic 2 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 7

Wolves catch Zion in a bad patch of form and make the most of it, scoring seven in the process. Jallen texted: We've been saying every week recently that this was the worst we've ever played but this week really was. Well played Wolves who destroyed us playing with ten men for half the match.

Wolves' Tom Baugh reports: John Morris smashed home four goals to send Wolves into the quarter finals of the Cup at the expense of Zion Athletic.

With Tom and Olly departing at half-time and only Chris on the bench it meant Wolves would have to play the second half with only ten men. Added to that, the pitch was terrible, there was fog everywhere and it was freezing cold - just the right conditions for a cup tie then.

Wolves really started with the bit between their teeth and soon took the lead when a long throw-in from Phil went all the way through to the back post where Olly guided the ball home for his sixth goal of the season. Jason quickly made it two when he latched onto a precision through ball from Olly to finish smartly from a tight angle. With only ten minutes gone and Wolves threatening every time the ball was sent into the Zion area, more goals seemed sure to follow. Mozza duly obliged with a fine brace, firing home from a rebound before heading in at the back post to make 4-0.

With the game seemingly killed off as a competition, Wolves seemed to slightly take their foot off the gas. However, we knew that in James Toomey, Zion had great delivery from set pieces and for a period of about ten minutes all we seemed to do was gift him opportunities to try his hand from distance. He set up the first Zion goal when his free-kick was cleverly flicked in by Jon Taylor, and when his flighted free-kick looped over the top of Rich to make it 4-2, the game was on again.

Half-time: Zion Athletic 2 W&P 4

Unfortunately, I departed at half-time so I’m relying on a text from Pag to describe the second period. However, I did stick around long enough to hear the team-talk, which basically consisted of “don’t give away silly free kicks”.

To Pag’s text summarising the second half: We played really well. Zion did very little even with the extra man. They had someone sent off with about 10 to go for swearing. Mozza got the fifth, poking home after good work from Chris and Phil. Nat scored the 6th from the spot after Mozza was tripped. Then Mozza’s fourth goal was from a cracking delivery from Chris from a free-kick. Well pleased.

A tough quarter final against St. Marys is on the cards now, where we’ll have to be at our best to get anything.

Rowley College 2 St Boniface 7

St Boniface batter their way into the quarter-finals with a convincing 7-2 score line against Division One Rowley College. Pete Bennett reports: I suggested at the start of the week that this might be a season-defining match for us and I’m now hoping I was wrong. The level of disappointment is always magnified by the special draw of cup football and the best day in the WMCFL experience. Equally after eighteen competitions (and only one ‘unbeaten’ cup run) you know the way it goes. Fortune dealt us rough today against a very good attacking side, when due to a family illness our keeper, Alun Inett, was unable to get to Lion Farm before half time. We were already short of defenders (I played three midfielders in the back four) so full marks to Michael ‘Jonah’ Jones for taking the gloves. Sadly by the time Alun arrived we were 5-1 down in a ridiculously open game in which we’d also had our share of chances.

The St Boniface number 8 caused most of our problems: he looks a very good player AND has proper football fitness. Otherwise both teams attacked and defended recklessly and they showed why their goals for column is so healthy. They raced into a 2-0 lead and then the game settled down and we were very much in it only to fall further behind to Jonah’s only real howler: he dropped the ball, dribbled it and then picked it up again (possibly the last time he played in goal this rule was not active!). No.8 crashed in the resultant free kick. Our only hope of a foothold came from the next fifteen minutes when we were dominant. The returning Craig Micklewright scored a good goal and we went close on a number of occasions. Another goal and the game was back on with Alan ten minutes away: sadly it was not to be.

The second half was rather pointless, though many good chances were missed by both sides (and blocks and saves). Our new French signing, Jean-Yves Rabeau, came on and did well and we kept playing despite the pain. Mark Southall nodded out second to show how easy it could be but there is no consolation in this case. Good luck to St Boniface!

City Church 4 Shiloh United 0

St Boniface meet City in the next round as they beat Shiloh 4-0. Martin Ogbourn says: It was a scrappy game today at Rowheath on a boggy pitch. The game was physical, yet fair, but it was a straight forward win for City.

Daniel Atkins scored four well-taken goals - two in each half to complete a solid, yet unspectacular victory. City ended the game with nine men after City endured three injuries (mainly due to the pitch rather than heavy challenges!) after the alloted subs had been used. Shiloh were a pleasant group of lads, who equipped themselves well and competed until the end. The number seven and sixteen were useful players. Special mention to City's Kaine Barr, who had a solid game in goal, and Andy Thomas and Rob Stokes who had good all round performances.

National Christian Cup

Mansfield 4 Champions Church 3

A rare first defeat of the season for Champions but it sounded like a tough game. Shawn Devonport reports: Well we arrived after an 90 minute drive to very foggy conditions, it was only just playable but on a good flat surface we were in store for a good game.

The game started with AFC coming at us and putting us under pressure creating a few decent oppurtunities, we hoped to ride the storm and get into the game but the pressure intensified and they missed a few good chances with Craig Harris in goal making some impressive stops, then with our first chance we were 1-0 up after a good through ball found its way to me and I beat two defenders and slot it past the oncoming keeper. AFC responded and absolutely dominated for 20 minutes but we defended well putting our bodies on the line and Craig making more fine stops. We were lucky to be 1-0 up but we went 2-0 up when Rion Mills played a one two with me and produced a fantasic left foot finish to beat the keeper. We finally had a little bit of the ball and were 3-0 up after another counter attack lead to a defensive error. Half time came and we were lucky to be winning never mind winning 3-0.

Second half and AFC came at us from the off. I've never in my life seen a team be under seige like we were, it was wave after wave and we had 10 men behind the ball, got rid and it kept coming back. AFC made it 3-1 after their striker did well under pressure to slide in and after more pressure it was soon 3-2. The equaliser came in contraversial surroundings when every player stopped including their players as the ball went out but the referee said play on and a bemused striker put the ball into an empty net. We were very aggrieved as the ball went out by about a foot but we should have played to the whistle. This bought about a tactical change we went to 5-4-1 and finally had our first shot of the second half when there keeper made a very impressive save to keep it level, we had a few half chances but AFC came again and after about their 6th corner inside three minutes, they finally scored with a towering header, they still had time to hit the bar and it finished 4-3.

To lose a 3-0 lead is gutting but they were head and shoulders above anyone I've ever played in our League. I thought Amblecote knocked the ball around well but these guys were at a totally different level, we came close to a positive result with Craig Harris performing heroics in goal but we just came up short and even though their one goal should have been clearly chalked off they were still the better team by far and they could have won by ten.

Back to the League next week and we move on with DC at home.

Clarendon 1 Focus and Quest (Liverpool) 3

I think some of these people may have been Liverpool fans. They had a red mini bus with a wopping Liverpool FC crest on the back door and they played in a full Liverpool kit, badges, European numbers, even the keeper had a full Pepe Reina replica kit.

Focus and Quest are two clubs in the Merseyside Christian League that have combined forces to make an assault on the National Cup. It'd be like Clarendon and St Mary's entering a team. And with Clarendon having played in the morning, half their squad were missing. So it was a bit like two teams playing half a team, although it was eleven v eleven.

The wide flat pitch suited Focus and they knocked the ball around very competently; first touches and flicks found players in space. They were two up after about twenty-five minutes, both shots taking slight deflections. Clarendon got one back just before half time, Jason Garwood finishing competently from fourteen yards from a rebound.

Focus scored from a penalty early on in the second period. The initial shot had been saved but the Liverpool striker managed to fumble the ball into the net. After that the game petered out somewhat without many clear-cut openings.

Friendly Matches

Brierley Hill AOG 2 Sedgley Community Church 1

Sedgley Community Church played their first ever eleven-a-side fixture yesterday at Brierley Hill. There are plenty of familiar faces in the line-up, mainly from the old Bilston team. The club are considering applying to join the League next season. Sedgley's Jim Wilkes says: Good game today, first time weve played as a side. Many thanks to Brierley Hill for the game. Both sides wanted to win this one. Brierley Hill went 1-0 up in the first half (Josh Owen, credit good header), bit of dodgy defending though. 1-0 at half time. Second half was much different, in a friendly you put blokes on who wouldn't usually play, to give them a game, but sometimes it backfires. Today it did for their 2nd goal, credit Christian Jones for smart finishing after the delayed defending at the back. Time to make changes (the team decided). Credit the Sedgley team, which majority consists of 17-18 year olds, who kept going, Robbie Cox scored a good goal, then for the last 20 mins, we started to really make them work, playing good football and were dissapointed we didn't get an goal to share the spoils. But Brierley took their chances. So, so much to learn, more players to find, more friendlies needed.

So if any team has a spare Saturday in December, that would like a friendly let me know Jim Wilkes 07975 757021.

Chawn Hill Church 2 Elim Athletic 4

Jon Earp says: A straight-forward win today with some players rested. Michael French continued his excellent form up front scoring a hat trick, best of the lot was a sweet left footed free kick dispatched into the top corner and Ryan Reeson heading in from a corner completed the scoring for us. Michael Knowles was given a run out after moving from Selly Oak Methodist and put in a good shift up front. There were some good performances throughout the 90 minutes despite us never really getting out of first. I think Richard Nolan deserves a mention as he showed some nice touches and intelligent passing down the right.

Saturday Preview

This Saturday we see the second round of perhaps our most prestigious competition: The League Cup. The reason that the tournament has its status as such is probably down to the finale at Halesowen Town FC. We're very much hoping to shortly secure the ground for a night in April, Chairman Graham Brazier is currently in advanced negotiation. This year will be the tenth final at the Grove.

For many players in WMCFL but by no means all, to play at Halesowen would be the highlight of their playing days. Whilst it's not exactly Wembley Stadium, the Grove suits our Cup Final very well. It's just a shame that more people don't turn up. When you think that we have 31 teams in this year and with about 700 people a day hitting this site on average, surely we could muster a gate of 500.

League Cup Round Two

So the matches: The first match on the list is Dynamo Kingswinford v Halesowen Zion. These two teams played each other last week and despite being bottom of Division One, DK still pulled off a draw after trailing 2-0 early on. Dynamo won this competition in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and many of their current squad have medals from all three, so they are no strangers to the final. And to add a little spice the 2006 final saw DK beat Halesowen 3-2 in extra time, so perhaps Halesowen will have a score to settle. From my perspective, you'd perhaps back Halesowen to win but they are away from home and Dynamo have not been mullered week in, week out, so it may be another close one.

Next up is King's AFC v Amblecote. Whilst King's are second only to Chawn in the all time League winners' stakes, they haven't won the Cup for a while. In fact, the archives say that King's were the first ever winners back in 1982. They have since changed their name from Calvary Temple to Calvary, then to King's AFC. They also got to a fairly recent final and lost. Amblecote's fortunes are not so good. They have lost in several semis but keep getting knocked out at the penultimate match. They may have got to a final in the 80s but I'm not sure.

Amblecote won the corresponding League fixture last month, but it was close. Also, the Stourbridge team have been toothless up front in recent weeks, so this one will be another tight match. Perhaps King's will redress the balance, depending on whether Amblecote's keeper plays.

So the top quarter of the draw is all First Division. It then starts to get interesting: With Champions already through to the next round and awaiting the winners of the next match, there's a possibility that we could have an all Division Three quarter final. Clarendon visit their old stomping ground, Hamstead where they take on new boys Rockmount. With the strange quirk that Rockmount knocked out St Thomas' and St Thomas' beat Clarendon, logically Rockmount should win. But football is far from logical. The odds are heavily stacked in favour of Clarendon and I would expect them to win this one.

With one or two ex-Clarendon players on the Rockmount team and the fact that Clarendon have not yet won the Cup as perhaps we'd have expected them to by now, the match is not straight-forward. Rockmount have been impressing of late, although their results have been mixed. Sounds like a good one, wish I was there.

The first match in the bottom half of the draw is St Mary's v Walsall Olympic. This is another intriguing tie. Whilst St Mary's are riding high in the League, at the top of Division One, I'm sure they will be taking this match very seriously and treating Walsall as a genuine threat. St Mary's are looking to retain the trophy and win it for the third year in a row, something that's not been done ever before. They may also have their eyes on a League Cup double, which was last done by none other than Walsall Olympic in 1994. Walsall's results have been a little shaky over the last week or two and a win against St Mary's would be excellent tonic. You'd expect St Mary's to win though but don't rule out an upset.

Next out of the hat is a a tie between two teams in close contention for the Division Two title, Zion Athletic and Wolverhampton and Perton Churches. So it'll feel like a standard Saturday for them. It's anyone's guess as to who wins this one as both teams seem evenly matched. Neither team are in the best of form having both lost last week in fairly emphatic fashion, so who knows with this one.

With just three Division One teams in the bottom half of the draw, Rowley may count themselves as one of the lucky ones having been drawn against St Boniface from Division Two. A couple of years ago Rowley may well have stomped on St Boniface but as it stands, St B's are top of Division Two and are the highest scoring club out of the entire 31. This is no easy task for Rowley and home advantage goes out of the window with both teams effectively at home in the cauldron of WMCFL that is Lion Farm. (Greets Green used to be the favourite for our clubs for a while but that venue is no longer used by us).

The match will be a litmus test for St Boniface should they get promoted this season, which as it stands is a very real possibility. I'd not like to guess the outcome of this game, it is that close.

And lastly, City Church play Shiloh United. It's nice to see teams playing each other that perhaps would not otherwise. You'd expect a club that pushed Clarendon to a nine-goal thriller to easily win against a team from the League's nether regions. But Shiloh are well prepared and well organised. I hope they give City a game. The match is Shiloh's first escursion in the League Cup as they were the only team to receive a bye in this year's 31 club knock-out.

National Christian Cup

Both Clarendon and Champions are in action this week-end against non-League opposition. Clarendon claim to have such a big squad that they are able to play two games in one day. I'm just concerned about the kick-off time. If the game goes to extra time and penalties, we could have a problem with the light. I reffed my son's U12 match last Sunday which kicked off at 2.15 and was 30 minutes each way. It was going dark by the time we finished.

Good luck to both teams, I hope you do WMCFL proud.

Friendlies

We have a number of friendly fixtures taking place on Saturday. Let me know how you all get on and I'll publish the results here.

Good luck everyone, have great games.

Chairman Graham Brazier provides 'Scripture of the Week'

John Chapter 15 verses 16 and 17

Saturday Review

Division One

Two games lost yesterday, both at the Moor Lane Pavilion. So there were just three matches played in Division One, with five clubs out of action. Whilst it's disappointing to have games cancelled, we can't have it both ways. If we play on the pitches when they are soft, they will cut up and we'll suffer for it later. You have to say the facilities at Moor Lane are superb.

Amblecote 0 St Thomas' Aldridge 1

Amblecote's Simon Ashby says: Another terrible result for us today and a real shock to the system. I think its fair to say that if we don't begin picking up points then we face the very real danger of a relegation battle and I dont think an identical 12 points from our last 10 games which is what we have done so far, will be enough to keep us up. (When there were 10 in the Division, I used to say you needed 20 points to stay up, although Wolves went down with 21-Ed).

On today's game, quite simply as a team we seem to have lost the scoring habit so faced yet another one goal reverse having dominated the first half enitrely. Football is a funny game as our last seven games have seen us only concede one goal in six of them (we won't mention the seventh game in that list in which we shipped six goals to Clarendon) yet we find ourselves in a dreadful position in the League. I reckon most defenders in WMCFL would take conceding one goal every game as you don't see many clean sheets, but for us it hasn't been enough the last two weeks.

In the first half we really put the pressure on St Thomas' and I think they would agree that we should really have been two or three goals in the lead. We'd had a lot of attacking possession and they didn't create too much the other way. We missed a good chance just a few seconds before the break, as well as hitting the bar and having a number of good opportunities. The second half, neither team really created anything of note other than the winning goal which came about 30 seconds after the break when we gave the ball away.

So our season potentially hinges on next week with a Cup game at King's. Although we hope to begin a good run and avoid the relegation battle.

Rob Hill adds: Amblecote dominated the first period and we were glad to go in at half time level as they had hit the bar and been denied by a fine save from our keeper Rob Wood right on the interval. We scored in the first minute after the break when young Ashley Thorpe, making a fine debut, put Matt Brady in to finish clinically. The goal lifted us as we put in a much better performance in the second half. It was pleasing to get a win after three defeats on the bounce.

And a late one from Stuart Bottomer The first half contained few chances and although Amblecote probably had the lion's share of posession which included some decent football. In the final third they failed to create any clear cut chances and I can only recall our keeper making one decent save following a corner. Although Amblecote hit the top of the bar with a long range effort, the best chance of the first half fell to St.T's. when the ball was cut back from the byline to find Matt Brady only four yards from goal. Unfortunately Brady did not make the best contact and the keeper saved easily down to his right.

The second half started well for St.Ts with new superstar signing Ash (definitely one to watch) splitting the defence almost straight from the kick off with an exquisite pass to find Brady through on goal. Brady finished cooly with a left foot strike into the bottom corner (first left foot goal for Brady in 211 games). The save of the game was made by Rob when Amblecote created a good opprtunity for (I think it was No10 who was Amblecote's best player) to hit a powerful drive from about 12 yards out. This was pushed away brilliantly by Rob making it hard to believe he is actually nearly 50!

St.Ts also created a couple of good chances in the second half with both Brady and Sean rounding the keeper only for Brady to rush his finish across the face of goal and for the keeper to recover brilliantly to save down at Sean's feet.

All in all it was a well deseved win for St.T's as yet again we had key players missing.

Dynamo Kingswinford 2 Halesowen Zion 2

Another precious point for DK but as previously mentioned, I think teams will need to secure twenty points or more to stay up. With DK on just four, I think they have a mountain to climb. Nevertheless, a draw against the team in third is a good start.

Dynamo's Jason Russell says: What can I say? Two goals down in the space of twenty minutes. Defensive sub made after Matt Wildsmith hurt his shoulder, that being our only available sub. The signs didn't look good I have been saying week on week that we were performing better every game we played and this is true of this game. At Dynamo our legency has been built on never giving up and this was true today. A goal just before half time made the second half very interesting. We believed that we could get something from this game and we did. If we want to be critical we should have won the game in the closing minutes but we are happy with what we got. Halesowen will be disappointed as they had their chances and we rode our luck but nothing will change that they are a great side.

Next week we do it all again at the same place and the same time but in the Cup where I have a lot of catching up to do. Our dessing room was a different place this weekend. Credit to each and everyone of the players they deserve today and next week one thing I am sure of we will be ready for it.

Dave Walters adds: A game I thought we should have won today. We started brightly and were soon in front after a tricky run from Cocky. He was brought down in the box and Gouldy put away the resulting penalty. We continued to press and midway in the first half Gouldy hit along range shot which cleared the keeper for our second. I can hardly think of chance for DK, but with a couple of minutes to half time a DK player miss hit a cross which wrong footed our keeper and went in.

The second half started with plenty of possession for DK who passed it around well but never troubled our keeper until one lofted cross which our keeper, Hutch, claimed came out of the sun and needed a heroic goal line clearance from Chris Noon. We, however missed a number of very presentable chances and a couple of fine saves from DK's keeper kept it to 2-1 until Hutch mishandled a fairly routine claim which was pounced on and driven in from a tight angle for 2-2. We continued to let chances go until the final whistle saw DK celebrate their draw and us feel very disappointed.

We are back there again next week for a Cup game and cannot say I'm looking forward to it.

And lastly Grant Doran: Having beaten St Matt's last weekend, we went into this game full of confidence that we would be able to add another three points to this seasons tally. However, as so often happens in football, you can't take anything for granted. We started fairly well and were 2-0 up after 20 minutes with Gouldy converting a penalty and firing in a long range effort. The first half had gone to plan as DK had not tested Hutch in goal and with only minutes left to go until half time, we thought we could see out the half. I have to be honest and say DK's goal looked a fairly routine cross until the wind got hold of the ball and arced it into the back post and the net. Despite the set back we felt that we still had enough in the tank to go on and secure the win, but having got the goal back, DK started the second half on the front foot. They started to move the ball about the pitch well and always had options with runners from midfield creating openings that had not been there in the first half. Despite the increased threat from DK we still had four clear chances to extend our lead and seal the win with Tom missing two openings, myself heading over from 5 yards and Skell drawing a good save from the keeper after being put clear through. Having missed the chances we did we can't complain about not walking away from the game with maximum points. Throughout the game DK worked tirelessly and the luck that they got for the equalising goal was just rewards for that effort. We have to go back next Saturday and do it all again but this time in the Cup. Let's hope that we can get a better result next week.

King's AFC 4 St Matthew's 3

King's move up to fifth in the table after coming back from three goals down to rescus the points. Willis Mullin says: A deserved win after being 3-0 down after ten minutes. Good character shown by a weakened team. Martin Nicholls adds that five of his players got injured during the game.

Division Two

Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 0 St Boniface 3

Well done to St Boniface who top the table after beating Wolves and Perton 3-0 away. With Walsall stuttering just a little over the last few weeks, I think unless they get it back together, this Division will go all the way. St B's have scored more goals than any other team in the three Divisions and have the second highest Goal Difference, so I think the lead is well deserved. St Boniface are a different club this year, playing at a new ground, with some new players but the club still has many players playing for them who've been around for a while.

Selly Oak Methodist 5 Zion Athletic 0

Finally, a result becoming of last year's Selly Oak. Zion's James Hamilton says: Well played Selly Oak who fully deserved the win. We were shocking! Selly Oak are just five points off the lead of Division Two despite sitting in seventh. They will need to string a few wins together in the second half of the season if they are to mount an assault for promotion.

Chawn Hill Church 2 West Bromwich Beacons 2

Chawn in particular could have done with the points today. They are slightly adrift in the relegation zone with ten points from ten games. They need to win more or face the prospect of dropping down another division. As for West Brom, I would imagine that they are satisfied with their progress at this point of the season.

Sandwell United 0 Renewal Solihull 4

Renewal have the rather interesting statistic of conceding the fewest number of goals in the League apart from Champions but have lost four of their nine matches played. Yesterday they stuck four past Sandwell, all of which were in the second half. Tim Payne says: First half we were awful, second half we were average but a win is a win.

A second half of the season surge could see Renewal propelled up the table but more of the same against the stronger teams could spell trouble.

Division Three

Rockmount United 1 Champions Church 3

A key game yesterday in Champions' progress towards the Division Three title. Shawn Devonport says: Well I said Rockmount were the hardest team we had played yet and no disrespect to Lighthouse and Birmingham International, they lived up to that tag again today and we walked of the very muddy and bumpy pitch knowing we had been in a real battle.

For the second week on the trot, we were 1-0 down early on after Greg Timmington gave away the ball and Parnell scored with an excellent right foot finish. We then hit back with a flurry of corners and other chances but couldn't find the net until on 20 minutes we got a deserved equaliser when a left wing corner got flicked on by Greg Timmington and rebounded of the Rockmount defender into the roof of the net. We countinued to press and created a few more chances but Rockmount continued to hit us with their pace on the break and had a chance to take the lead again but there striker fired straight into the keeper's arms.

Half time came and after the break the game became very scrappy and end to end with myself rounding the keeper and missing the open goal and our keeper Craig Harris getting down very well to save at the Rockmount striker's feet. We then bought on Lee Ralph who changed the game for us with a great free kick and Rion Mills headed it over the keeper and into the empty net. We then got the killer third when Tim Bamber released me with a fantastic through ball and I beat the keeper from 18 yards out. We then could have gone on and scored at least another four or five with Rockmount pushing forward but Myself, Rion and Ashley Devonport all missed when we should have scored but a bigger scoreline would have been harsh on Rockmount. Today we defended well with Wally and Greg exceptional at the heart of defence and Timmy Bamber being back to his best with an awesome display in centre midfield alongside Dave Oakley who was again at his commanding best, all though saying that every player played well today even the subs with Lee Ralph doing very well when coming on.

The results went our way today and with another three points things are starting to look very good. I'm still adamant Rockmount will make up the six points on third and fourth place and get up but we will see. We travel to Mansfield next week in the National Cup so hope to do WMCFL proud.

Lighthouse Lions 2 MBD United 5

A great result for MBD away at Lighthouse, which sees them gaining confidence and respect from the other teams in the Division. The Division appears to be split in four, with Champions streets ahead in the lead, followed by MBD, Inter, Lighthouse and Elim all within two points of each other. Rockmount and DC are now the mid-table two and then Shiloh, Brierley Hill and All Nations bringing in the rear.

Lighthouse's Darren Cartwright says: A cold wind chill and soft pitch and a determined MBD side made Lighthouse struggle for form. The game started with both sides playing a hard fought game. MBD struck first after 18 min. The game continued with good football from both sides, then after 40 min Lighthouse were awarded a penalty, Conner Hare slotting the ball home in the left corner. But after 2 min MBD scored again which was scored from the left to make it 2-1. At 44 min our goalkeeper had to come off with a damaged foot to be replaced by Alex Hutchinson. After half time MBD controlled the next 25 min to score 3 more goals. The last 15-20 minutes Lighthouse began to get into the game which resulted in an 81 min o.g. A disappointing game for Lighthouse, But well done to MBD United.

DC Dynamos 3 Birmingham International 2

Three wins on the bounce for DC as they made home advantage pay. Inter's Richard Taylor says: If we had the advantage of Sky Sport's stats today would have been a statistical disaster we had over 15 shots on goal with 4 on target with only 2 finding the back of the net. It's demoralising for any team to play well and not convert chances to produce results if we carry on with this vein of form we will soon find ourselves dropping down the table. After playing every team in the division, our ability should see us in second spot to Champions Church at the end of the season, however if we keep failing in front of goal we will have no chance of promotion.

DC Dynamos are not a bad side but honestly we all felt robbed, which I'm sure has been the case with us against other teams early in the season. Mark's men battled hard to grind a good result for them which will have added to their confidence for the rest of the season. I always think Christmas is a good indicator of where teams will be come the end of the season and so we need to start finding some goal scoring form to match our quality that comes through our passing game. At the end of the game I had nothing but admiration for my lads because they did everything I asked of them, each of them will have time reflect before the next game on the importance of seeing weaker teams off instead of conceding poor goals. Our top striker Saman's work rate was outstanding and I know he feels he didn't perform this weekend but the reality is this was as they say in football 'A bad day at the office'. I know that our next game may face a backlash after this result so bring on Elim Athletic in two weeks!

Ed says: This really was a cracking game yesterday. I think Inter psyched themselves out of the first half a little, as their pitch at Moor Lane is a far better surface. Poeple laugh at me when I say that home advantage pays in this League, but today proved that theory right. Apart from being familiar how to play a pitch, often there are stragglers when travelling to grounds, whereas the home team is often settled.

DC shocked Inter taking an early lead. Inter attempted to play the ball across the back four. An Inter defender mis-controlled; I'm sure the uneven surface didn't help. Timo Lall stole the ball away and cooly finished. Neither team really threatened for the rest of the half and the teams went in with DC in the lead.

Inter came out in the second period all guns blazing. Within ten minutes, they had taken the lead and I thought now that they had found their feet, they would be away with the match but it wasn't to be. A free-kick was awarded down DC's right flank. The ball was floated over and flicked on at the near post by James Fisher's head into the far corner giving the keeper no chance. With DC back in the game, they pressed forward and what turned out to be the winner materialised. A right-wing cross was turned into the net by the out-stretched boot of Dave Rich, who was clearly delighted to score.

As Richard alluded to earlier, there were two chances in particular that Inter should have put away: Saman inexplicably headed over from four yards and then right at the death, with 44:58 on the clock the Inter striker fired straight at the keeper in Shevchenko style, when a goal seemed the only outcome.

Credit to Inter, whilst they were bothered by the defeat, they were genuinely gracious.

All Nations 0 Elim Athletic 5

A straight-forward win for Elim away at bottom club All Nations leaves them well and truly back in the promotion hunt with eighteen points. They have a big game away at Inter in a fortnight and I think that's a real six-pointer. Elim's Jon Earp says: A much better performance today resulting in a pleasing 5-0 win. We welcomed back the influential Max Tully for his first game of the season after missing half of the season through injury and work commitments. Elim started brightly with All Nations trying to hit us on the break. Michael French opened the scoring after being sent through by Adam Beebee. Sean then added the second after a lovely through ball by Max Tully to make it 2-0. All Nations rattled the bar from a nice shot inside the box. We then scored a third as Michael French finished off a nice move. We finished the first half 3-0 with our defence looking solid and the forward six playing some lovely football.

The second half carried on as the first did with Elim knocking the ball around and looking to create openings. Elim were awarded a free kick which Max Tully curled towards goal only for the keeper to spill into the path of Dean O’Leary to knock in. Sean Mckenna was then sent through by the in-form Michael French to finish nicely and make it 5-0. We saw the game out and maybe should of had a few more goals, but all in all a good solid performance. We now have a friendly with Chawn Hill to look forward to next week, maybe rotate and rest a few players before we go into a run of games we need to win.

Shiloh 3 Brierley Hill AOG

Another win for Shiloh condemns Brierley Hill to their seventh defeat of the year and moves them away from their closest rivals. I don't think either team are particularly poor and perhaps they don't deserve to be where they are. I think they'll both pick up points as the season continues.

Shiloh's Roberto Gocan reports: A sign of better things to come from Shiloh as we defeated Brierley Hill 3-0. Shiloh were on the attack from the off creating chances in the opening 20 minutes. Brierley Hill were defending very well and frustrating Shiloh, until five minutes before half-time. Jordan Gocan found space and placed his shot across the keeper into the bottom corner, to give The Doves the lead in the interval.

With Brierley Hill chasing a goal, they changed their tactics to try and get an equaliser in the second half. Their hard work was un-done when they gave away a soft penalty. Peter Gocan doubled Shiloh's lead from 12 yards with half an hour remaining. Then, not long after coming on as a substitute for the injured James Queensborough, Bawo Jarrett sealed the win after beating the keeper in a one-on-one.

A great performance from Shiloh with a clean sheet as a bonus. Next week, we've got a tough tie in the Cup away to top division side City Church.

Brierley Hill gave us a tough task and will certainly cause a few upsets in our division. Well done to the ref for letting the game flow as much as possible.

Saturday Preview

Division One

With St Mary's taking the day off, Clarendon can close the gap to five points if they beat Sheldon at home this Saturday. But Sheldon need the points as badly as Clarendon but for different reasons: They are hovering perilously close to the drop zone and a win would be a major boost at this point of the season.

Halesowen will hope to maintain their third place they gained last week with a win against Dynamo, but DK need to start winning soon or they will be doomed to relegation.

Amblecote will hope to restart their season with three points at home to St Thomas' but like Dynamo, they are desperate for a win. St Thomas' started the year well with a couple of great wins, including against Clarendon but the winning habit has deserted them of late.

The King's v St Matthew's game is a key fixture, with both clubs hovering in mid-table as we speak. St Matt's will want to quickly irradicate the memory of a poor second half last week-end and likewise King's will too. Both clubs were winning 2-1 but conceded three goals in the second half to lose 4-2.

Division Two

After clinging onto the lead of Division Two, Wolves play St Boniface this week-end. The reverse fixture earlier in the year was one of the first games I refereed. It was an amazing game: St Boniface raced into a 3-0 lead with Wolves down to ten men (nothing to do with me! There was a kit mix-up). W&P settled after they were fully staffed and eventually won the game 5-3. I'd say St Boniface have improved since then and will fancy a bit of revenge. It should be a close match though.

Walsall sit right behind W&P, with games in hand but face an away game at EK. EK seem to have lost their way of late, so you'd have to say that Walsall are the favourites to keep the pressure on W&P.

Zion Athletic drew against Selly Oak in one of their opening games and perhaps have emerged as the better side so far this year. Selly Oak are desperately trying to get a run going but they are mis-firing at the moment. A win against Zion would be a major confidence boost and a spring-board from which a run could be launched.

West Brom past last week's test against Selly Oak. They face another this week against Chawn Hill. Chawn are another team that could do with a few wins under their belts. Just nine points from nine games has seen them languishing in eighth.

Sandwell go looking for their first points of the season again. Will they find them this week? They play Solihull at home and home to catch them off guard.

Division Three

At the top of the table Champions visit Rockmount in a bid to extend their ten match winning streak. Shawn Devonport says that Rockmount are the strongest team that they have faced in this division, so perhaps we'll see a shock result. Rockmount need this win more than Champions if they are going to get themselves promoted in their first year. Champions can afford a slip or two and still retain the top spot, such is their lead.

Lighthouse, in second, will be keen to close the gap should Champions capitulate. They take on MBD who will overtake Lighthouse should they win.

Inter will be aiming to spoil DC's winning ways as they visit Dudley Wood. DC have won their last two fixtures and could rise to six if they win by enough. They will also rely on Champions to beat Rockmount but I'm sure three points will be sufficient to satisfy DC. But they have a big job on their hands. Inter have put together a firm set of results this season so far with 19 points from nine games.

Elim will want to erase the memories of last week's defeat at the hands of DC by beating bottom club, All Nations. But All Nations will be keen to get that first win on the board. They're the only club that haven't won a match in Division Three so far.

And finally, Shiloh and Brierley Hill clash at East Park. I think that both teams have looked better recently. Shiloh pushed Champions to the last minute before conceding and Brierley have bolstered their squad since the start of the season and Josh Owen is finding the net regularly. Whoever wins will end the day in eigthth place.

Good luck everybody, have fun and be nice to the ref.

In a new feature, Chairman Graham Brazier provides 'Scripture of the Week'

Matthew 6 v 25 to 27

A Late Report from Saturday

Halesowen Zion 4 St Matthew's 2

When Martin Nicholls told me that he couldn't remember the second half, I thought he was alluding to the fact that his team had conceded three goals and he'd rather not think about it. Apparently, he really did take a blow to the head, so I hope you are feeling better Mart!

Halesowen's Grant Doran says: Saturday's match was a big test as St Matts are a pretty useful team, and it looked like it might be a long day after we shipped two goals inside the first 20 mins. We kept trying to play our football and get the ball moving around the pitch and as we moved closer to half time we had managed to create a couple of chances and were attacking as much as we were defending. With only minutes left in the half Skell drove the ball into the net to give us the life line we needed. At half time we said that we needed to carry the momentum forward from that goal and really go after St Matts in the first 10 mins of the second half.

The second 45 minutes was a complete contrast to the first as we dominated from the first whistle to the last and could have scored more than the four we got. The equalising goal came from Debney after he followed up on a free kick which the keeper could only parry back into the box. Mark Boyle added the third after Cocky played a neat pass along the 6 yard box for him to tap home at the back post and the scoring was completed by Gouldy with a crisp half volley from 30 yards. We were very pleased with the last hour of the game as we produced some great football both going forward and defending. A good win that has given us a small cushion over the teams below us and a real boost for the confidence.

New Fixtures and the Secondary Cup Competitions

David Davies the Fixtures Secretary has released the schedule for January to 7 March, so I will posting the matches in due course.

At the Committee Meeting last week we discussed the issue of the Secondary Cup competitions, which was spoken about at the AGM back in June. We concluded, as the Division One teams have two extra matches than the other two divisions and most will go further in the primary League Cup, that the Division One secondary cup will be a straight knock-out. I can't remember that we agreed on a name for the competition, so I'm going to Christen it the 'Division One Cup', unless anyone objects!

There will be a another secondary competition for the Division Two and Three teams. The competition will be in a group format, with four groups of five clubs and the winner of each group progressing to a semi-final. Each team will play the other clubs once, guaranteeing a further four matches. You will play two home and two away games, with the Fixtures Secretary determining the order of the games and who plays at home when. We will set the draw up so that there will be two or three clubs from each division in each group. This will give all teams the opportunity to play teams that they perhaps haven't already played.

Saturday Preview

League Cup Round One

The very last of the Round One games is played tomorrow as St Boniface play Renewal Solihull, that is if it goes ahead. The pitches are very soft with the rain we've had recently and where games have been played, the turf has been churned up quite badly.

I think I'd have to have St Boniface down as favourites for this one. They've played well recently and could have gone top of Division Two last week-end. They are at home and as Renewal play their games on an afternoon, I think that will be a factor. However, Solihull have a pedigree in the Cup in recent years, twice making it to the final and so I wouldn't rule them out. If the full Solihull squad decamps, then it could be tough for St Boniface.

Division One

League Leaders St Mary's visit King's and perhaps would expect to win but Willis' team have not rolled over in any of their games and are at home for the match this week-end.

Clarendon take the day off as do Amblecote, so Halesowen could move up to third if they beat St Matthew's but so could St Matthew's if they win. St Matt's are perhaps best positioned to take a run at the top spot as they've only played six but I'm told that they face a dire shortage of players.

Rowley are another team that can leap-frog teams above them but they play City Church. City have felt robbed over the last few weeks as they have been beaten narrowly in their last three games, most notably against Clarendon last Saturday when they lost 5-4 to an 'at the death' Clarendon winner.

And lastly in this Division, tenth plays eleventh, as St Thomas' visit Dynamo.

Division Two

Walsall have the chance to retake the lead of Division Two as they play Wolves. Alternatively W&P could open up a four point gap and really announce their intentions if they beat Olympic.

Zion Athletic have the easy job of beating bottom of the table Sandwell United, at least on paper. I think the reality is that Sandwell are not half as bad as their position suggests and they will spring a surprise in due course.

Selly Oak Methodist, languishing just above the relegation zone play West Bromwich Beacons who are just three points off the top of the table. Is it a lofty position for West Brom or is it the real deal? Time will tell but a win away at Selly Oak will surely answer the question this week.

Division Three

Champions Church now nurse the one and only 100% win record in the League. Add the Cup scalps of St Matthew's and EK to their seven League wins and you have a perfect start to the season for the new-comers. They play away at Brierley Hill tomorrow and I believe this will be a most interesting fixture. Brierley Hill, despite their lowly League placing, are playing their best football for years in my opinion, with some older heads introduced to the side recently. Champions' form has been mixed of late, with slim wins against All Nations and Shiloh United, so I wouldn't put it past Brierley to get something from the fixture.

There's a good mix of players playing for both teams but with half of Champions being ex-Brierley Hill and both teams fielding ex-Amblecote players, we should have a cracker of a game. You'd have to say that Champions youth and pace up front may be too much for the dated Brierley Hill back line but sometimes these older players read the game well and snuff out the threat. We will see...

Birmingham International's game against Rockmount is under severe threat as they play at the same ground as EK's whose match is off. A win for Inter would extend the gap between the two teams to nine points and leave Rockmount facing a big ask to challenge for a top three place. In my opinion, this is a must win game for Rockmount if they want an automatic promotion spot.

Lighthouse, in third, play one team yet to find its feet this year, All Nations. If All Nations turn up and play like they did in the first seventy minutes of last week's game against DC, then they'll get trounced. If they play like they did in the last twenty, they'll take Lighthouse all the way.

Elim, back up to fourth with a win last week, will face another test against a DC side bhoyed by last week's win. DC had been playing well with little return for their efforts but they knocked the ball around nicely at times last week. If they can adopt this style against Elim, then they may come away with something.

And last but not least, MBD play Shiloh United. Shiloh are winning the 'My Favourite Other Team' award in the reviews they are getting. They are also one of the cleanest according to the disciplinary table, so well done lads. MBD could do with three points from this one to keep up with those that come after Champions but Shiloh have started to put a bit of form together, so the jury's out on this one.

Have a good day lads and lasses. Respect the ref, even if he or she calls your game off.

Ed

Adam Earp

A personal message from Adam: Hi Ed, this is Adam Earp from Elim Athletic, just writing to let you know that my transplant was a success and there is no sign of the cancer, so I'm in complete remission. This is great news for me and my family as it has been a testing few months recently. I would also like to give a personal thank you to everybody who emailed me with words of support, I must say they did help me through some difficult times, so once again thank you very much and I expect to be back playing some time in the future!

Ain't that great? I have a lump in my throat, really! - Adam was diagnosed with leukaemia some months ago and has had a stem cell transplant from a close relative that was successful - Ed

Saturday Review

League Cup Round Two

Champions Church sweep into the quarter-finals of the League Cup as they knock out Division One St Matthew's 4-1 with Shawn Devonport scoring all four. It was the other ex-Amblecote striker, Martin Nicholls who scored what turned out to be a consolation for his team. The winner of the Rockmount versus Clarendon game will play Champions and I don't think either of them will be approaching the game thinking it will be easy.

Shawn Devonport reports: Well this was a match that was going to show exactly how far we had come and we passed it with flying colours. St Matthew's like every team were missing a few players but every player except one or two were there playing for them last year, so this was still a tough match.

The game started with us applying the pressure and had a few half chances and a few corners and we took the lead 20 minutes in after a fine through ball from Tim Bamber. We then carried on applying the pressure and went close a few more times and we were soon 2-0 up when a ball ended up at my feet for an easy tap in from six yards out, the flag went up as the ball hit the net but the referee over-ruled and it was 2-0. St Matt's then had a few set pieces and a free kick from 18 yards out but our defence stood strong and within two minutes we were 3-0 up when another 40 yard Lee Ralph ball evaded the defence and allowed for the hat trick. Then straight from the kick off we took the ball from the St Matthew's right back and the ball just whistled past the post. By now we were dominant and a few more chances came our way but it was 3-0 half time.

The second half started and we expected St Matthew's to come at us but we gained control again and created a few more chances with Tim Bamber, Rion Mills and myself going close. On the hour mark St Matthew's started to play and zipped the ball around better and after their first bit of pressure they scored after good work from the St Matthew's right back and Martin was there to score from two yards out. However we still looked dangerous on the counter with Rion flying down the wings and Tim and Dave getting forward at every oppurtunity and created more chances and we got our fourth from the spot after Rob Moody was fouled in the box, the ball was placed right in a puddle and the keeper got a hand on to the post but it crept in.

There were more chances as St Matt's pushed men forward but it was our best performance yet and all though St Matthew's will say they didn't turn up we have to take some credit for that as for 80 minutes we played them off the park, we just wanted it more. All 11 players played out of their skins and me and Tim are proud of every one of them for what they achieved today but its feet on the ground time as there is along way to go with possibly Clarendon, Amblecote and St Mary's still to play! Talk about having to do it the hard way.

Its Brierley Hill next week and with seven of our guys having played a game for them before it will be interesting game. We have a few knocks and people recovering from injuries so we will use our squad and rest up a few players.

Division One

Dynamo Kingswinford 0 St Mary's 5

St Mary's and Clarendon move away from the chasing pack at the top of Division One. The win for St Mary's was fairly rountine as they beat Dynamo 5-0. John Myatt says: A textbook win today for St Mary's. We dealt with a decent start downhill by DK, then picked them off.

City Church 4 Clarendon 5

It's a shame the TV cameras weren't at City today, as it sounds like this one would have been one of those to make it back onto ESPN Classic on a regular basis. The notion that Clarendon are unbeatable has gone out of the window as they rescued the points at the death as City were pressing for a winner. City's Martin Ogbourn takes up the tale: To lose by one goal to Clarendon is not a disgrace, but it was the manner of the defeat which was hard to take. We twice led, did well to battle back from 4-2 to 4-4, only to lose in the dying seconds.

City started strongly and had a good share of possession and the better chances in the first half from some nice passing football. It was particularly pleasing that we competed physically which we have not always done against Clarendon. We scored two good finishes from corners from Neil Solomon with a great volley and Louis Quaintance with a fine run and header to lead 2-1 at half time. However, Clarendon always looked dangerous on the break with their two quality, sharp forwards, and scored a goal (against the run of play) from a well-taken penalty after good inter-play.

Clarendon started in a determined fashion in the second half as conditions worsened, but they did not look like scoring until a routine headed back pass slipped through our keeper's hands. He slid in to collect the ball, but could only knock the ball just over the line under pressure. It looked a marginal decision, but it went against us. This changed the game as Clarendon became more dominant for the next 15 minutes and scored two more goals from open play.

City showed great character to rally after two subsititions and we played good, competitive football. Louis Quantaince, (who was excellent with Ed Uff in midfield) scored his second, and then David Louden scored a cool run and finish. It was now 4-4 with only five minutes remaining. However, we got a litlle bit over-excited going for the winner which left us vulnerable at the back. A clearance was hit back from the Clarendon left back and landed at the feet of the forward (who appeared to come back from an offside position), who scored with a good finish. From our viewpoint it was another soft goal to concede and a difficult way to lose the game with virtually the last kick of the game.

Clarendon took their chances well and have two very good strikers, good pace and strength throughout the team. City matched Clarendon and should have got something from the game, but we need to learn from it and stay focused for 90 minutes.

Amblecote 0 Rowley College 1

Rowley's Pete Bennett reports: Full marks to both sides and referee Len Perry for getting this one played. Players from both sides worked with improvised implements to clear the standing water and, despite neither side having their first choice eleven, neither went for the ‘tactical postponement’ that was otherwise on offer. The result was an absorbing game on a sticky pitch that went with the slope.

Amblecote had most of the attacking intent in the first half and forced one outstanding save from our stand-in keeper Alun Inett. There was plenty of pressure around our box but the closest they came was when Olly Staien headed onto his own bar! We were unlucky to lose Chris Staien reasonably early but then lucky that replacement Danny Wheeler had a blinder. Our play picked up before half time and we threw in a couple of useful crosses that came to nothing.

Second half was very different as driven forward by Southall and Warr we took the game to them. By this point every footballer knew in his water that the first goal was going to be vital (possibly decisive). Southall headed Hunter’s long throw onto the bar and we forced a series of corners. Pete Widdicombe wasted two and then with the game’s significant piece of skill delivered a pretty much undefendable one right onto Johnny Warr’s head for the game’s only goal.

Amblecote, of course, weren’t finished, but our defence stood largely firm against their top quality attacking options (Stanton and Rowe were excellent as was McIvor). Moreover we matched their man-of-the-match, ex-Rowley ‘Quisling’ Stu Lester. Inett stood firm despite a couple of scares and Alan Micklewright, returning from the bench after three weeks away, might have had two on the break (the second after he’d gone around the goalkeeper). Given Amblecote are our all-time bogey team (this was only our second win since they returned to the League), this was a much prized win and, in an incredibly compact league a vital three points.

Simon Ashby from Amblecote adds: A disappointing day today. 1-0 is an unusual score in our League, but it was always going to be first goals wins as both teams struggled going forward. Really we lacked creativity in our play and never looked like snatching a goal, although we pressed quite well first half. Fair play to Rowley who kept us at bay before half time and then took their chance from a corner midway through the second half. Maybe a draw a fair result, but if we keep playing like we did today we shouldnt expect anything out of games and our early season optimism may turn into a fight down the bottom. Hopefully though as we only had a bare twelve again today, as players come back we should be in better form. (It was noted at the end that our entire midfield quartet from our recent 8-1 win against Sheldon were not present), but we still have the players to do the job, just not quite gelling still.

St Thomas' Aldridge 1 Halesowen Zion 3

Halesowen are up to third with a 3-1 win away at St Thomas'. The worm has turned with these two clubs from their early season form: Firstly Halesowen seem to have calmed down on the goal front, 3-1 is not exactly a feast of goals and St Thomas' early season form seems to have abandoned them. Halesowen's Dave Walters sent in a report: We had enough chances in this game to win three games but never looked totally at ease due to St Tom's sustained work rate.

The early exchanges in the first half saw us missing chance after chance and should have been three up after ten minutes, but against the run of play St Tom's had a rare attack and a cracking shot from outside the box hit both posts before going over the line to put them one up. The half carried on in the same way and we eventually got our equaliser after a shot from Skell hit the bar and Tom Doran was on hand to nod in the rebound. Shortly after Chris Bennett unleashed a thunderbolt from about thirty yards for a second goal to take us to the break 2-1 in front.

In the second half we maintained our pressure and again should have had two or three in the first fifteen minutes with a penalty being well saved and Cocky missing a couple of headers and Gouldy hitting the bar from a 35 yard free kick. At 2-1 down St Tom's were always in it and almost levelled after our keeper was grateful for seeing a shot rebound off the post into his arms (I think it was our player who had the shot!). It wasn't until the fortieth minute that we made the game safe with Grant Doran heading in on the far post after some great skill by Spicer on the left to supply the cross.

We could and should have won by more than 3-1 but credit to St Tom's for thier work rate and especially the goalkeeper.

Grant Doran adds: Having dropped points last week, Zion needed to make sure that we took full points from today’s game. Again the first twenty-five minutes should have seen Zion two or three goals clear but as with last week we missed chances. Most notable of these was a one on one with the keeper for Tom (Doran) who has not really hit 100% so far this season. Aldridge had not tested Zion’s keeper when they scored to take the lead. To be honest even when they scored they didn’t test Hutch as the shot from the edge of the box rifled past him and in off the far post without him moving. However unlike last week we kept our shape well and carried on with our passing game.

Despite not being at full throttle Tom got us the equaliser with a flicked header after the initial shot from Skell had cannoned back off the bar. We kept passing the ball around the pitch well and after more concerted pressure Chris Bennett smashed us in front with an angled drive from the edge of the box. Zion subbed Tom for Gouldy at half time and it looked like a great change as he went through with the keeper and won us a penalty. He picked himself up and took the kick but the Keeper saved his effort well, low down to his left. (There was a hint that it might have been a soft penalty and that justice had been done).

As the game progressed the nerves grew as despite Zion having most of the ball we were still only one bad pass or missed tackle away from drawing a game we felt that we should have already won. We finally got the third goal that allowed us to relax with about ten minutes left to play. Yours truly rose like a badly injured salmon at the back post to head the ball into the bottom corner. (Actually it hit me clean in the face but who cares?) Overall we felt that we deserved the win and were disappointed not to have added more goals. Credit must also go to Aldridge as they never stopped battling and I think they were also missing several players judging from that last time we played them.

King's AFC 3 Sheldon Community Church 5

Three vital points for Sheldon lifts them out of the relegation zone as they beat King's 5-3. Sheldon's Nathan Atkins reports: A tough game for both teams today on a very heavy pitch at the Saltley “San Siro”. Sheldon started the game the brighter of the two teams but failed to convert pressure into goals, and as the half progressed, Kings began to play more fluent passing football and pegged Sheldon back. Despite losing their top-scoring striker to a hamstring injury during the first half, Kings creditably converted two chances to lead Sheldon 2-0 at half-time.

The second half saw another bright start from Sheldon and a mazy run from Mark Hadden, and cool finish got Sheldon back in the match, before a great long distance strike restored King's two goal advantage. Sheldon continued to press and two quick goals from Mark Hadden (pen) and Nathan Atkins drew the scores level. King's looked very dangerous on the counter-attack, but another great run from midfield from Sheldon’s Josh Lea took him behind the King's defence before slotting the ball past the keeper, and Mike Hinton secured the points for Sheldon with a late strike.

Division Two

Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 3 Chawn Hill Church 1

Wolves take a shock lead of Division Two as both Walsall and St Boniface lose. It's still all very tight at the top but W&P have the points and deserve to be there. A little like St Mary's, Wolves have a core of players that have been there for years and have drafted in a few new faces over the last few months. Walsall still have the iniative as they are only one point behind and have two games in hand. So, another crucial game in the Division Two Championship as Wolves visit Walsall. I think they'll like the pitch, so a cracking game in store.

Wolves' Tom Baugh reports: Wolves made it three wins in four matches with a hard-fought victory over Chawn Hill in a typically competitive match between the two sides. It was strange seeing Chawn with so many new players having been used to them fielding a very familiar team over the years. A few of their players defected to Amblecote after their relegation, which surprised me to be honest but they’ve been replaced with some very capable fresh faces.

The first half of the match was quite cagey with defences largely on top. However, Wolves did manage to open the scoring before the interval when a long ball forward fell invitingly for Phil who made no mistake, smashing the ball home from just inside the area with his weaker right foot. It was a particularly impressive finish given that Phil is our left back and that he had to shove Stevie out the way before lashing home.

Despite being a goal up, Pag recognised that Wolves weren’t playing particularly well and made two changes at the break. Frenchie came on to sit in midfield in place of Chris and Nat was a straight swap for Stevie on the right. I felt sorry for Stevie and Chris as going off at half time is always frustrating. Neither did anything wrong and after the game Pag admitted it was a toss up between a number of players as to who was going to make way.

At the start of the second half Wolves were much more in control of the game. With the strong wind against them, Chawn often found it very difficult to clear their lines and Wolves were able to sit much further up the pitch.

The second goal took a while to come but was probably deserved on the balance of play. Nat put pressure on the Chawn full back and eventually stole the ball, before pushing it through to Tom who managed to find the inside of the post from a tight angle. It should have killed off the game, but credit to Chawn who came back strong and got their goal. I couldn’t see it very well, but a corner was played in and headed down for Greg Lloyd to convert from close range. There were appeals for handball but the referee was happy with the goal. After that, Chawn could easily have gone on to get a point but for all their possession, I always felt they were lacking a cutting edge.

At the other end, Wolves were suffering a similar problem with Tom wasting a number of good chances. However, when Nat was put through he fired home at the near post to ensure the home side picked up all three points.

Renewal Solihull 2 Walsall Olympic 1

So the Walsall's 100% record goes as they are beaten by a stronger Renewal side. This is Walsall's third season back in WMCFL and they are doing the name proud. There was some resistance to the new boys using the old name, although there was continuance through the Coventry League; Walsall never actually stopped as a club. Nevertheless, things are going well this year.

I've had a few texted reports and there does seem to be agreement that Solihull deserved this one: Walsall's Paul Gisbourne says: They could and should have had more. We need to start a new run I guess. Renewal's Tim Payne adds: A good hard game that we deserved to win with the amount of chances we had.

Renewal's Joe Clarke emailed: We approached yesterday's game in a determined frame of mind: We didn’t feel that we deserved to lose against Chawn and this was reflected in our bumper turnout of about 19 players, several didn’t even make the bench! We knew it was going to be a hard game as you don’t get a six game winning run in this league easily!

The match started at a good tempo, with us pressing from the start. Our midfield duo of Dennis Bailey and Richard Allen in particular were tough in the tackle and provided some quality on the ball. Paul Meadows coming in on the right wing put in some good early crosses for Scott Murrell and Jon Follows. Eventually after going close on several occasions, most notably Jon Follows narrowly missing with a dink over the keeper, our pressure told. Scott Murrell was the goalscorer, chipping over the keeper at the second attempt from the edge of the penalty area. We continued to pressure and push for the second with their keeper making a few good saves. Walsall equalised about five minutes before half time with a mazy midfield run and a slide rule pass splitting our defence allowing their player to run through and finish nicely past our keeper John Purvin.

The second half started off a little slower but with Walsall applying all the pressure. Gradually we came back into it and it was a fairly even game for 15-20 minutes. We re-took the lead from a great headed goal into the far corner from Jon Follows. With our defensive linchpin John Hunt going off injured, Walsall started to pin us on the eighteen yard line. Our defence coped well with what they had to throw at us. Walsall had a great five minute spell where they forced about half a dozen corners in quick succession. A combination of great keeping, heroic defending and some good fortune with the woodwork saved us. The game became stretched over the last ten minutes with Tim Payne narrowly firing over from a tight angle and Walsall missing a one on one.

Overall I thought we deserved to win, we certainly showed a greater hunger in the first half. It was a tough game on a very heavy pitch, but the game was played in a good spirit. I fully expect Walsall to be right up there come the end of the season and I hope that if we can continue to get turn outs like yesterday then we’ll have a great chance of being there also.

St Boniface 3 Zion Athletic 4

St Boniface also drop points as the top half of the table concertinas together and Zion close the gap: St Boniface's James Gray texted: The red card issued to our goalkeeper changed the game but fair play to Zion for making the best of very poor conditions. Zion's James Hamilton adds: Today we put last week's disappointment against Walsall behind us with a battling display against a physical St Boniface side. It was touch and go whether this game would be on today as there were some areas of that pitch where arm bands would have been more useful than boots!

St Boniface took an early lead and deservedly went into the break two goals up but were one man down after their keeper was harshly sent off for a professional foul.

The second half was a different story with us finally finding our passing game in the difficult conditions. Jon Taylor smartly finished a neat through ball and then bundled in a second to bring the scores level. Ethan Bennet came off the bench to net our third with a glancing header. And after conceding a late penalty we thought we were in for a repeat of last week's last minute turn around. But Pete Allen rose above the defence like a salmon to nod the ball into the far corner to seal all three points. Ed was right about this being a six pointer and now we feel we are right back in it. I have a feeling that this division is going to go all the way to the wire.

West Bromwich Beacons 9 EK Corinthia 0

EK seem to be in a re-run of last season. After a good start, the wheels seem to have come off and West Brom took full advantage to give EK a miserable day. Dek Dudfield went along to watch: This week I travelled to see the West Brom Beacons take on EK Corinthia. An evenly matched game for the first twenty minutes until EK pressed the self destruct button. Two goals then a penalty down the middle saw the Beacons three up at half time. This was never going to be a game of two halves as the Dudfield prediction of an onslaught took place in the second period.

EK's chances were very limited although at times there was good passing and movement from the visitors but the homeside were having none of it.An extra six goals hit the net second half making it 9-0 which will help tremendously with West Brom's goal difference.

Naturally, Alfi Westwood's report was ebullient: What a performance! What a game! That is the best West Brom performance I have been a part of. When we arrived this morning, I explained how important this game was to the players that were still in the team after the famous player exodus of 2006. Our new boys delivered. Chris Morrison had left me a message in regards to the ferocity of his right foot. Well done Chris for lighting the fuse. We started well and both teams probed the goal mouth in the first twenty minutes but it was Mike Davies who broke the deadlock by tapping in a spilt shot from Sammy. It was Mike again after about five minutes of pressure, that was his second of the game.

EK then sprang to life but our back four soaked it up and took control. The EK keeper then gave away the most foolish of penalties for Ash Hamer to score from the spot. 3-0 at half time and during our team talk Trig told us not to sit back and we had more in us. Second half started and the EK defence walked into a nightmare of pink attack after attack and Mike Davies scored to complete his hat-trick. No sooner EK kicked off Sammy scored. No sooner EK kicked off Ash Hamer scored. No sooner EK kicked off Paul Beagen scored.

EK then turned up a gear and played some real good football but like a sponge the West Brom defence soaked it up and were on the attack again. Mike Davies scored a great fourth goal, a great day for him. We were happy to ride out the rest of the game. I swapped with Stu Rogers to move up into the middle of the park but anyone who knows me will know I'm not the midfield type so I agreed to swap with Beagen. Within a few seconds I had found myself leading the West Brom attack (you know where this is leading don't you). I thought my big chance had come but I blazed it wide. I thought my big chance had come but I blazed it over. I thought my big chance had come but i blazed it over and wide. I was starting to take a bit of stick from the lads, was I about to blow my big chance as star striker, NO I WAS NOT. with only a minute to go Pete Mellor put the ball through and after a fantastic piece of control I buried the ball into the back of the net to make the final score WEST BROM 9 E K 0. Well done West Brom and thanks to EK who were graceful in defeat. Also, what a ref John Weston, who was fantastic in the middle of the park and really let the game flow.

Sandwell United v Selly Oak Methodist postponed

Sadly this game was postponed due to the weather. In some ways I think this was a good decision, although I wasn't there. The game that I ran the line at suffered because of it. It didn't wreck the football, we had a great game and I'll get to that in a bit. But the pitch looked more like the top of a chocolate cake by the time we'd finished. Hopefully it will recover whilst the weather is mild. It could do with it being left for a fortnight with warm sun on it and a sprinkling of rain every now and again. I can't see it happening.

Division Three

Brierley Hill AOG 2 Birmingham International 3

Inter keep up the pressure on Champions, closing the gap to two points. But I think they will need to see a few skids from the leaders if they are going to win this Division. Richard Taylor texted: A tough game against a much-improved Brierley Hill.

Brierley's Matt Cherry says: A good performance by the lads but another defeat. For most of the first half Brierley Hill were strong and believing that they could win the game. A lovely bit of play led to the opener from Rhys (a cracker of a goal). Birmingham then pressed and scored a goal from a long throw: 1-1. We then had a bit of a brain lapse and let in another two goals. The interval came with Birmingham 3-1 up.

The second half saw a spirited performance by Brierley Hill and a number of saves from our keeper! (me lol). We pressed and from a long ball we scored - well done Josh! We attacked but to no avail, it ended 3-2. Well done to Birmingham who played well and well done to the Brierley Hill lads, a beautiful game where we battled hard and were unlucky not to get anything form the game! BRING ON CHAMPIONS!

Shiloh United 2 Lighthouse Lions 4

Lighthouse Lions get their season back on track with a 4-2 win away at Shiloh. Shiloh are setlling down as a team and getting used to each other. I don't think it will be long before they are competing with the top teams in this Division.

Shiloh's Azeem Ahmad reports: Shiloh United were beaten 4-2 by Lighthouse Lions at East Park yesterday.

Football is most certainly a game of two halves and this was never truer than this game. Lighthouse were two-nil up inside the first 10 minutes, as Shiloh failed to find first gear, let alone get out of it. Their first goal came from a superb free kick that our keeper didn’t have a chance of stopping. Still reeling from conceding so early, we conceded again.

Our first half performance was non existent until the last five minutes, when a period of pressure resulted in us pulling one back through Paul Johnson, whose cross towards the far post evaded everyone and curled all the way in.

In the second half, Shiloh began more brightly and a defensive error let them in for another but we knew the game was far from over. We created more chances than the first half, and striker Leon Brown was rewarded for his persistence with a brilliant individual goal, receiving the ball from myself outside of their box and bursting through two men, rifling it into the net.

All in all, we were punished for our poor first half show and we will have to improve next week as we’re back on the road for the first time in a month.

Lighthouse's coach Darren Cartwright adds: First may I say thank you to Shiloh for their hospitality, they made us feel most welcome. The game kicked off and straight away we had a free kick about 25 yards out. Lewis Cotterill fired the shot and scored after only 36 seconds (Is this a League record for quickest goal?). (No, Brierley Hill scored against Amblecote in 17 seconds. We won 8-2 though-Ed).

After four minutes Lighthouse were awarded a penalty, which Conner Hare neatly tucked away. Play continued with Lighthouse having some good chances but missing the target. Then after 35 minutes Shiloh had a free kick which was scored, our goalkeeper got a touch but the ball went into the net. After 39 minutes the ball was in the penalty area and Cotterill got a touch and scored his second goal.

The second half started just like the first with Lewis Cotterill scoring a hatrick after just 38 seconds. Shiloh didn't give up and pressed hard and scored a well taken goal after 49 minutes, making the score 4-2. Shiloh continued to press for more goals but the Lighthouse defence stood strong. Shiloh were awarded a penalty in the closing stages which resulted in our keeper Adam Campbell making a fine save.

Thank you to Shiloh for making this a good game played in a good spirit.

Rockmount United 1 Elim Athletic 3

Elim are up to fourth with a 3-1 win away at Rockmount. Elim's Jon Earp says: A great performance from Elim today against a very good Rockmount United team. Rockmount started well pegging us back for the first 10 minutes and yet again we suffered an injury to our keeper after our he took a knee to the chin and was out of it for a while. (It seems like a dangerous position as that's about the fifth crocked Elim keeper this year). On came Adam Wooldridge to take the jersey and gloves. I knew Wooldridge had been a goalkeeper years ago, so I was confident with the sub. Elim were denied a what we thought was a goal after the ball was scooped from what looked like behind the line by the Rockmount keeper. Elim should have gone one up after Sam Lynch burst down the right and made his way into the box but his shot did not match the run. Michael French was sent through off a Sean Mckenna through ball but shot over. Rockmount then took the lead after a scramble in the box and the ball was knocked in from close range. Elim responded well and created a string of chances before Michael French hit a rocket past their keeper after Sean Mckenna sent him clear for a second time. Elim then had two more injuries to deal with which both required substitutions, all three subs on by half time. Rockmount's speed was nullified by the pace of our back line which was organised and disciplined.

After giving instructions at half time Elim came out with a purpose. We matched Rockmount physically and got the ball down and played some great football. Elim again had a string of chances and forcing the Rockmount keeper into making some good saves. Rockmount continued to play direct and created some good chances which forced our stand in goalkeeper into acting. Our defence continued to be disciplined and gave the team a solid platform to build on. Our midfield started to dominate play and was picking holes in the Rockmount defence, Dean O’Leary and Walter Mapako were working industriously in the centre of the park. We then had a big penalty call which was denied, but minutes later we had a freekick on the edge of the area which was duly dispatched by Sean Mckenna. We then scored our third goal when Sean Mckenna closed down Rockmount’s keeper to score his second of the game with 17 minutes left. Elim continued to be strong in the tackle and using the ball well. With ten minutes left Rockmount put the pressure on but our defensive play was brilliant with all eleven players working as one. Elim could have had a few more goals on the break but their keeper and defenders recovered well.

This was our best performance to date and I fully believe that Elim are now finding the form and level of play we are capable of.

DC Dynamos 4 All Nations 3

A cracking game down at Dudley Wood saw DC secure their second win of the year but were pushed to the wire by All Nations. DC were the better team by a mile in the first half and raced into a 2-0 lead. At that point, we felt that they were going to run away with it but they failed to capitalise on their dominance with All Nations keeping the score down until half time. The surface soon changed from green to brown as twenty-three pairs of boots churned the fragile grass to mud. All Nations seemed to find it harder going as DC passed the ball around sweetly at times. They closed All Nations down quickly all over the park to great effect.

DC soon had the ball in the net after the interval. Then both clubs had efforts chalked off for off-side, then DC converted a penaly for a foul on Temo Lall and the match seemed to be well and truly over with about fifteen minutes to go at 4-0.

All Nations scored a crisply finished goal, which seemed like a consolation. But then another came and DC were begining to look uneasy. By this time All Nations were playing with passion and urgency, which unsettled DC. If All Nations was a car, it was as if they suddenly realised they'd had it stuck in first gear and there were another four to chose from. With about five left on the clock, Curt Stewart completed his hat-trick after the DC keeper had spilled a shot and it was well and truly game on. By this time DC looked equally likely to score. It was a shame that the game ended as it was end-to-end stuff and more goals looked imminent.

So, 4-3 was the final score. I'd say that on the whole DC deserved to win this as they dominated all but the last fifteen minutes of the game. If All Nations had managed to play all game like they did in the dying minutes, then they could have won this.

Finally, the match was refereed by Emily Hanson, a 16 year old girl! She had a brilliant match, a natural.

Saturday Preview

League Cup Round Two

Champions are playing in the National Cup, so their Second Round match is moved to tomorrow from the end of the month when the rest are due to be played. It'll be a real test for the Division Three leaders as they take on one of the top clubs in WMCFL. Whilst St Matthew's lie in fourth in Division One, they have a game in hand and have beaten the team that many regard as the best in the League. The winners will play the team that progresses from the Rockmount, Clarendon match.

Division One

League leaders hope to extend the gap at the top as they take on bottom club Dynamo. Whilst I expect St Mary's to win this one, it may not be the stroll in the park that many are expecting. It's true that DK have lost six out of seven so far but they have competed in most of them, especially lately.

City will be looking to get back up the table but they face an uphill task against Clarendon. Roger's boys had a shaky start to the season but the wheels seem to be back on at full speed as they crushed Amblecote last week. City are a decent side and may catch Clarendon off guard.

Rowley College travel to one of their bogey sides, Amblecote and hope to play them at a time when confidence is perhaps low. Amblecote have also had a mixed start but Rowley will be anxious to win this one or be drawn into a relegation struggle.

The in form King's play Sheldon tomorrow. I'm pretty sure there are several players involved in this fixture that have played for both teams, so expect a bit of extra spice in the procedings. And lastly St Thomas' play Halesowen.

Division Two

Walsall look to preserve their 100% win record in Division Two tomorrow. They came very close last week but came away with the points with a last gasp winner against Zion Athletic. Renewal away is not an easy fixture and if the Solihull boys turn up, they can win this one.

It's second versus fourth as St Boniface entertain Zion Athletic in the all Lion-Farm match tomorrow. It's a real six-pointer that I believe Zion must win if they are to keep tabs on the top of the table. St Boniface can take the lead should Walsall slip up. In fact, things are so close that St B's can take over even if Walsall win if their result is two goals better.

Wolves have been quietly going about their business and lie in third. They take on a Chawn Hill team that has taken on a new look this year and are still really trying to find their feet with a mixed bag of results.

After a promising start to the season, EK's form has abandoned them. They hope to get it back on the rails when they visit West Brom this week-end. But Alfi's team lie in fifth and will hope that they can add to the three points they mustered against Sandwell last week, who take on Selly Oak. Whilst the results seem dire, the performances, even when they conceded hat fulls have been reasonable. They have turned in a few decent results but still no points.

Division Three

Whilst Champions are distracted by the Cup, Inter can close the gap to two points if they beat Brierley Hill tomorrow. Again, Brierley gave Elim a game last week, especially in the first half. They seemed well organised with a strong centre-half pairing, although not brisk-paced, Pilk and Carl read the game well and were strong in the air. Harper and Owen seemed to have formed a good understanding up front and with a couple of ex-Amblecote boys in midfield, Brierley seemed a better outfit than the four points they have returned so far. But Inter are second only to St Boniface in the scoring stakes this year and I'd be suprised if they didn't add to that again on Saturday.

Down in third, MBD are the odd men out and take the day off. Below them are Rockmount who take on Elim. If results go their way, Elim can jump up to third but Rockmount are begining to turn all that great play into wins, instead of compliments.

Lighthouse Lions in fifth take on Shiloh just two places below them. However there is an eight point gap. This is an interesting one: Lighthouse took a fair pounding in a first thirty minutes against Champions last week, conceding six. But when Shiloh played the leaders the week before, they held them off until the very last minute. So taking that statistic alone, Shiloh have the upper hand and they are at home. But this is football, the funny old game that it is.

And finally, the bottom two teams play each other down at Dudley Wood. DC will see this as a chance to close the gap with the top six, whilst All Nations will want to break their duck. There's only All Nations and Sandwell yet to win.

Enjoy yourselves lads and lasses.

Late report from Saturday

Amblecote 3 Clarendon 6

Amblecote's Simon Ashby says: One thing you can't do against Clarendon is make defensive errors, so gifting them four goals probably wasnt the best way to approach this one! In fairness two of their goals were cracking individual efforts, but all the others were preventable from our point of view.... but Clarendon are a good team so you expect them to create chances and they didn't disappoint.

For us, scoring three goals at home and losing is very disappointing. The first half an hour was pretty even and when we equalised midway through the half I think we were on top, playing and passing well but then three goals in ten minutes before the break to make it 4-1 killed us off. It was hard to come back from that. The second half was pretty even, although Clarendon did take their foot off the pedal somewhat, but we are still confident about the season ahead. Thats four defeats for us so far but losing to St Matt's, St Marys and Clarendon isn't always surprising. We will need to reverse all three of these results in the corresponding fixtures to have any chance now.

Saturday Review

It really felt more like winter than autumn yesterday, with a frost to welcome us to the morning. Whilst there was ice formed on the puddles, the pitches were nice and soft where I was, so no problems with getting the matches under way.

Division One

St Mary's 5 Halesowen Zion 2

Another convincing result for St Mary's as they extend their lead to five points at the top of the table. I think they may need the buffer as Clarendon appear to be back on the tracks as they win too. We have several reports from the game:

Firstly, Halesowen Secretary Dave Walters: No Complaints about this result today, although at times we played our best football of the season so far. We took the lead within the first five minutes through a well delivered corner which was well headed in on the far post by our centre back Chris Noon. For the next twenty or so we looked in control, creating a number of chances but not converting. As the half went on Saints started looking more dangerous with Ben Doran doing well to clear off our line. From the resulting long throw there was a scramble with the ball eventually looping up for their player to overhead kick into the net to equalise ten minutes before half time.

The second half saw Saints come out attacking at every opportunity, and again from a long throw and a goal mouth scramble the ball was forced over the line for 2-1. A route one move put their forward away who passed the ball underneath our keeper, Hutch, for the third goal. We did then hit back with a great move which had Chris Bennett smash the ball against St Mary's bar and a couple of minutes later we got a goal back when Chris Noon headed a deep cross under the bar for Tom Doran to finish off. As we looked for a point and pushed players up Saints took advantage to score two goals on the break.

Saints played a good game and look an accomplished team and will do well this season, but we should take some positives from this game.

Also from Halesowen, Grant Doran adds: It is a real shame that a football game doesn't last for twenty-five minutes because up to that point Zion had been the best team by a mile. We were 1-0 up and had created several good chances whilst at the same time holding St Mary's at arm's length. I can remember reading Ed's Eye last season when you asked how big the gap was between the 1st and 2nd divisions. Well I think that the main difference is not so much about the level of quality of the players but the work rate that a team needs to put into a game to get a win. There were several games last season that we would have won on today's opening performance scoring three or four then seeing the game out. However St Mary's simply dug in, stayed in the game and then began to play their football as we slowed our efforts.

One-all at half time should have been a good score to take but the Zion lads had let their heads drop and the second half started with St Mary's on the front foot. I have to say that they deserved to go in front as they were now playing some pretty slick football. Zion made a little fight of the game when we scored to take the game to 3-2 and then rattled the bar from about five yards. However two good counter attack goals from the home team sealed the win and the points and left Zion with exactly what our overall performance deserved.

If Zion can get the work rate to the required level, then we have the firepower to cause a few problems for any team in the League, but at present we are nowhere near.

And lastly, the St Mary's view. Jon Jackaman tends to agree with the previous two commentators: If ever a match was the cliched game of two halves this was it. An awful first ten minutes saw us one down and in truth it could have been two or three. Halesowen tested us defensively as much as any side have done this season. We started to come back into the game as the half wore on, and a Nick Sprason overhead kick got us back on level terms at half time, which was all we barely deserved.

The second half however was a different story. Right from the whistle we were sharper hungrier and showed why we have had a decent start to the season. Jon Bignell was causing havoc down the right and Shaun Green could have had a hat trick within five minutes had he had his shooting boots/head on. The second goal was bundled in by Josh Blunt, reward for his hard work again and Ian Coleman, who had another fine game scored following a through ball which left him one on one with the keeper. Almost immediately Halesowen pulled one back, but within ten minutes our lead was restored when Coleman (makes me think of Trading Places-Ed) got his second after a ball over the top from Green. We started passing the ball round with a bit more confidence and scored a great fifth goal following a passing move in which nearly every member of the team touched the ball, and was finished with a lovely chip over the keeper from Tom Locke. Credit to Halesowen they caused us as many problems as any team has this season and I'm sure they will finish high up this season.

Amblecote 3 Clarendon 6

A four goal haul from Clarendon's Everton Morrison helps his side to a well-deserved win away at close rivals Amblecote. The four strikes means that Everton sits at the top of the Division One Top Scorers' charts. Twelve goals in Division One by the first week of November is some achievement. Clarendon leap-frog Amblecote into second place and as they have a game in hand, I would anticipate the top two will disappear into the distance.

Clarendon's Tommy Woodward says: Another win under our belts against a top side. Our big squad has been paying off due to a few injuries and absentees. After Jason Greene gave us an early lead, Amblecote hit back with a quick goal and we knew we would have to step up our game. Jason then scored another and Everton Morrison added another two excellent strikes to give us and 4-1 half time lead.

Sadly Jason had to come off at the break due to a injury but we continued to press and were rewarded with another superb Everton strike. Then we got complacent going forward and Amblecote grabbed two goals to make it 5-3 and we were in danger of self destructing. Everton then bagged his fourth of the game and along with some fine defending, killed Amblecote off. Some great performances from Everton, Conrad and 'Squadie', were too much for the Amblecote players today but to their credit they don't give up easily.

St Matthew's 4 St Thomas' Aldridge 1

St Matthew's back up to fourth with this result. And if they take three points from their game in hand, then they will be even-stevens with Clarendon

Dynamo Kingswinford 1 Sheldon 2

Sheldon nick the points away at strugglers Dynamo as they begin to make their way out of the bottom three. Dynamo may feel a little robbed as an independent observer Derek Dudfield reports: I decided to go a Division One game today and watch DK v Sheldon. I couldn't believe that DK lost this one after all the possession they had along with the chances to score. I think they'll play worse than this and win games. Well done to Sheldon who's frontline and midfield did them no favours. Had it not been for a resolute back four it would have been a different scoreline. Man of the match Nathan Atkins, who's mother makes a nice cup of tea!

DK's Jason Russell adds: What can I say about todays game? A game where we dominated for the whole game, yet came away without the victory or more importantly the three points. Our best performance of the season reminded me of our Cup winning seasons. Crisp fast passing, movement, energy and spirt from our players littered the whole game. I am very pround of the players response and with two goals ruled out for offside and numerous chances missed means this season I think we have to do it the hard way. Bring on St Mary's next week.

Sheldon's Lyndon Fisher says: Both teams played their part in an entertaining bottom of the table clash, with chances falling to both sides although DK edged them. We battled well against a lively DK side with our defence outstanding, and came away with the most needed three points. PS Derek only came along for the tea bless him.

Division Two

Zion Athletic 2 Walsall Olympic 3

Walsall were pushed all the way this week-end by a Zion team on a mission to get promoted this year. But nevertheless, they are still top of the League and have a 100% all-win record to boot. I would say that away at Zion was one of the more difficult matches in the fixture calendar. Zion's James Hamilton texted: I cannot believe that we played so poorly last week and won and then dominate this match and come away with nothing. We felt that we should have had at least a point but poor defending and a contentious off-side decision in the dying moments cost us. Well done to Walsall for not giving in.

Walsall's Mark Webb adds: Our problem in previous years has been consistantly fielding our strongest eleven. Today was a real test as this was the first time we have had to field a below strength side. From whistle to whistle Zion outplayed us today. (more agreement between opposing reporters! Whatever next? They'll be agreeing with referees next!-Ed). Their individual passing moves consisted of more passes than we mustered during the entire game on a difficult pitch. In a rare moment away from the torrent of pressure we opened the scoring after Karl Lawrence chased his own flick-on to volley home. Zion's pressure eventually told with two strikes before half time from set pieces, the second of which was very nicely taken. The game evened up a little second half but with Zion still in control. Teams exchanged disallowed goals before debutant James McCann equalised using somewhere near his groin to set up a frantic last five. Olympic squeezed home a contraversial winner, in keeping with the match, to surprise even themselves. On the balance of play, Zion were two or three goals better than us. Also, our central midfielders were full of praise for their opposite numbers in the middle of the park. We were terrible and Zion looked better than any side we have yet faced; but we're not complaining.

Selly Oak Methodist 2 St Boniface 6

Talk about difficult away games, Selly Oak away was also surely up there too. St Boniface's James Gray asks. 'Will we be noticed as real contenders now?'. Well after putting the mockers on Selly Oak's campaign, I am reticent to condemn St Boniface to a similar fate by saying they are in with a great shout. They are a team that once played in Dision One and indeed got to a Cup semi-final back in the nineties but have struggled in recent year. A change in management and personnel has brought about new fortunes along with a new approach. The facts are that there are eighteen league games in Division Two. St Boniface have played five and lost two, one to leaders Walsall and the other they were winning 3-0. They are the League's top scorers with thirty-two goals and a goal difference bettered only by the two teams with 100% win records.

Next week they play: wait for it.....Zion Athletic.

EK Corinthia 1 Wolverhampton & Perton Churches 4

Wolves cruise back into third place with a 4-1 win away at EK who seem to be struggling a little of late. The battle for promotion to the elite is hotting up and it will be difficult to predict who will make it to the top three come the end of the season. I'd have said Selly Oak for sure but their form has been patchy. Walsall surely after their meteoric rise and now winning away at top opposition despite playing badly; the form of champions. I think Zion will be up there and then it's between St Boniface, Selly Oak and Wolves I'd say.

Sandwell United 1 West Bromwich Beacons 3

West Brom come away with the points from their match with Sandwell this week-end. West Brom are up to fifth and Sandwell are still looking for their first win of the year. Alfi Westwood texted: A good game today and we won 3-1 but it could have been ten. The Sandwell keeper was quality.

Chawn Hill Church 3 Renewal Solihull 2

A narrow victory today for Chawn in their match with Renewal. They appear to have unearthed a gem in Jamie Sutton. The young lad has scored eight already this season including five against Sandwell when he didn't even start!

The result puts Renewal back in the bottom three from which Chawn escape.

Division Three

Lighthouse Lions 2 Champions Church 6

Champions go five points clear with a game in hand as they brush aside the challenge of Lighthouse Lions. After the two lack-lustre performances against opposition from lower down the table, I did think it was going to be one of those days when the leaders finally capitulated. But far from it. Champions were 6-0 up within half an hour.

Shawn Devonport says: Today was a funny one, a match that started so well soon turned sour as Mark Goule was down for 45 minutes with a suspected broken leg and had to take morphine and cleaned out a whole bottle of gas and air. For me to see my best mate of ten years in so much pain meant that by the end of the 90 the four goals I had scored meant nothing at all and the result was only a slight positive.

The match didn't start until late as the Council forgot we were there (no fault of Lighthouse at all) and the referee couldn't find the pitch either!! But after Ed saying the bubble may be bursting our lads needed no motivation and we were simply first class for the first 30 minutes and were 6-0 up, we totally took apart Lighthouse and they created nothing and could easily have added more to the six we scored with a few chances flashing wide and their keeper making a few stops.

The half time break came and being 6-0 up meant we did get slightly complacent and Lighthouse battled abit more in the second half and although we hit the post twice and missed several other oppurtunities with their keeper making saves Lighthouse did get two goals back after sloppy defending but we pretty much restricted them to that!

Mark Goule went down on 80 minutes and we didn't get going again until 45 minutes later, the pain he was in at the time was terrible and his knee was swollen badly but we prayed for him on the spot believing for healing. The good news is he only chipped a bone from the sheer force of the challenge and although it means he will miss a few months it looked like he would be missing for a good nine months because we were certain (and the doctor was) that he had broken it and the air ambulance was on the way so we fully believe that prayer worked!

So its seven out of seven in the League and it couldn't have gone any better really. Plenty of goals and a fantastic defensive record which has seperated us from the rest as other teams have scored as much as us. It's St Matthew's next week and will be our toughest test yet, if we play like we did first half then we can beat anyone but we would have to keep it up for 90minutes as St Matthews are a very good team. Hopefully Rion Mills will be back next week and Dave Oakley can do 90 minutes!

Ray Rose adds: Well, what can we say about today's match! Firstly Champions Church won with six goals to our two and secondly this was all down to their striker, Shawn Devonport, who when he gets the ball is like lightening and scores regularly. In the first half we did not know which way to turn. They scored all six goals in quick succession.

After James Doris gave our lads a dressing down at half time we came out fighting and scored twice until on 78 minutes a tackle for the ball between our Lewis Cotterill and Mark Goule ended with Mark on the ground with a suspected broken leg. This was a great shame as the second half had had some brilliant play. After he was taken off the pitch to hospital, the final twelve minutes were subdued.

Well Done to Champions Church.

MBD United 2 Birmingham International 3

Inter move back up to second after this tight game. Inter's Richard Taylor texted: A tough game today against a well-organised side. We didn't manage to play to our passing game today and it was a bit messy. On the plus side for us was that the big man Nathan was back for us. He managed 45 minutes and his presence made a huge difference. Saman was also back and managed to bag two goals, one of which had a huge touch of class. We also played a new goalkeeper who did a good job. Hopefull the worst of the injuries are out of the way now and we should return to full strength. Morgan scored our first goal with his belly!

Ed - The Division appears to have split in two or three I suppose. Champions are a lap ahead with Inter, MBD, Rockmount, Lighthouse and Elim all pretty close. If Lighthouse and Elim were to win their games in hand, there'd be just three points between the five teams. We then have Shiloh, Brierley Hill, DC and All Nations eight points adrift.

DC Dynamos 1 Rockmount United 4

Rockmount's improving form continues as they beat DC to move into the top four. DC's Mark Crouch says: A frosty Saturday morning and another must-win game for DC. The game started well and Mark Crouch should have put DC one up in the first minute but five months without a game meant he was half a yard short. Five minutes later and it was Rockmount that were one up as they passed the ball through DC and scored a well taken goal. Ten minutes later and Rockmount were two up as DC conceded a freekick on the left hand side of their penalty area and the ball was well placed inside the post of DC although if they had someone on the post as their manager was screaming they might not have conceded. DC had a few chances but the final ball was often found wanting. DC were also unlucky not to have a penalty as two of Rockmount's defenders were all over Ben Russell but only a free kick was given. An up and under was tonked into DC's area and their keeper was found wanting as instead of tipping it over he tipped it against the bar and Rockmount's forward ran in for an easy goal. 3-0 half time and it was noithing more than Rockmount deserved.

Second half and ten minutes in Lee Allan gets himself sent off for swearing in frustation. We knew the score and Zero Tolerance means Zero Tolerance. This was a far better half from DC and quite honestly this game could have finished 5-4 all be it to Rockmount. Ten minutes later it was 4-0 to Rockmount as their captain and best player by far scored a superbly struck goal from outside DC's 18 yard box which went left to right like a bullet and buried itself in the right corner of DC's goal. DC made subs and the fresh legs started to make a difference as attack after attack was let down by the final ball or a weak shot.

Dean Cole finally made a break through for DC with a great shot from just over the half-way line that sailed over the keeper's head and in, 4-1 Rockmount. Players of note: Josh Burford who worked tirelessly and was DC man of the match. Steve Burford and Dave Rich who stopped it being worse than 4-1 and Dean Cole for a really well taken goal.

Rockmount are a really well organised team who play with composure from defence to attack. They are a credit themselves and their manager. We really do wish them all the best for the season as for my part I enjoyed some great banter with some of their lads and thought their captain and number eight was by far the best player on the pitch.

Rockmount's Phill Turner adds: A steady performance today. We looked sharp in our forward play. Star men included Daniel 'Jr' Bowen Smith a goal and assist from centre back. The boss 'Gerald' gave the award to Donroy Joseph with a goal on his debut.

Elim Athletic 2 Brierley Hill AOG 1

Elim Athletic keep in the hunt for a promotion spot taking the points from their match with Brierley Hill. Elim's Sean Mckenna says: Today’s game was quite interesting on our behalf as we we’re short on players again, which meant our coach was having to be on the bench and myself (Sean) playing in midfield. We got off to a good start moving the ball well and having quite a few chances but with no luck. I thought our opponents were typical of this league with big long balls from their back line and their keeper who had a monstrous kick lol, which basically meant about ten players were taken out of the game with every goal kick. We dealt with it well and held a great line, with credit going to our back four. We played Brierley Hill in pre-season and won 9-0, so today’s score line showed us how different the competition is when there's points up for grabs. We went in at half time 0-0 and with it all to play for.

We started the second half as we finished the first, with us having a lot of the possession and Brierley trying to catch us on the counter attack. We had a free kick early on, which was swung into the back post. With Brierley trying to play a late high line, they rushed out and forgot about the ball that just floated straight in at the back post. 1-0 Elim. With a few subs coming on in we carried on in the same manner and got the ball down and picked our passes well. I personally felt at this point we could have probably been about seven up as we did get a lot of chances. But fair play to their keeper, big Matt Welch, and back line they never gave up, which we was quickly reminded of when a lapse of concentration allowed their striker to go through on our keeper, but fortunately the ball was put wide of the post.

Not long after getting our first goal the second followed with some nice quick passing in the middle. We released Chris Smith down the line and he finished his chance very well. For some reason with us going 2-0 up and missing a lot of chances that we’d normally take, we were still throwing men forward. I couldn’t understand this because last week’s game was very similar in terms of us not being able to put a game to bed, which cost us two points and it seemed as though we were trying to do it this week. With a big clearance from their goalie somehow their striker found himself in our box on his own and he put it into the top corner, 2-1. I was told after, their striker had hand-balled it but for some reason we stopped and waited for a whistle which never came. All in all it was a good game and our team played some nice football.

Brierley Hill's Neil Walters adds: With Brierley Hill losing to Elim 9-1 in pre-season, we went into this game with a general feeling that we won't be embarassed again. Both teams started well and were evenly matched in the first 45 Minutes. Neither Keeper really had a save to make. The score was 0-0 at half-time and we were happy with our first half performance. The wind was against us in the second half and Elim used this well bringing several saves out of our Keeper. Elim scored direct off a free kick with the Brierley Hill lads sure that there was an offside in the box. The ref (can't remember his name) (lol-Ed) deemed that there was no interference from the offside player. Elim had their tails up then, and manged to get another with a good finish from the left winger. Brierley pulled one back with a great finish from Josh Owen and piled on the pressure but it was too little too late Elim hung on for the victory.

Brierley's Matt Welch also says: On a blustery day Brierley Hill turned out looking well and confident after last week's win. We started well and looked good going forward. Half time came and it was 0-0. The second half started with Elim passing the ball well and had a few chances on goal. They scored a controversial goal from a free kick. Elim started to put more pressure on goal and eventually scored a second. I must say it was a cracking finish. We then dug deep and held off conceding any more in the final five minutes, a good ball played in by Christian was met by Josh to make the dying minutes very interesting. Elim held off and the game ended 2-1 to Elim. Congratulations to Elim, I thought it was a great match and both teams played well.

Shiloh United 6 All Nations 1

A couple of months of frustration ended today for Shiloh as they won their first match of the year and scored six in the process. Shiloh's Azeem Ahmad kindly provides a report. But first my apologies for spelling his name incorrectly last week. Shiloh United romped to an emphatic morale boosting victory over local rivals All Nations in a frosty Wolverhampton derby. All Nations, struggling with injuries, were forced to start the game with less than the maximum number of players, but after half an hour it seemed that they were playing for more than just a point. Shiloh began the first fifteen minutes impressively, with slick passing and creating several clear cut chances, just lacking the final killer touch.

Twenty minutes in, Shiloh were punished for slack defending when All Nations broke away and fired a shot across the goal that managed to sneak under the keeper. Shiloh were fortunate not to be two nil down five minutes later, when an almighty goal mouth scramble was eventually cleared to safety. This seemed to revitalise Shiloh and they managed to find another gear as the first half was drawing to a close, with striker Derek Rawlings scoring and having one disallowed only minutes later for handball.

After the interval, Shiloh began playing some great football in places, with good control and passing movements undoing the All Nations back line who were now tiring. Unable to cope with balls from the left side, Shiloh scored two more through centre-backs Nicky Brown and captain Luke Brown, who ran the length of the half to slide home Shiloh’s third, making it 3-1. As the half continued, Shiloh took further advantage with goals from Paul Johnson, and Jordan Gocan, and the rout was completed by a stellar shot from the outside of the box by central midfielder Adrian Grey.

Shiloh put a vital three point gap between themselves and All Nations and surely only a win will do again if they want to continue climbing the table next week as we welcome Lighthouse Lions to East Park. Credit where credit is due to All Nations, who battled to the end and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.