Goals three and four arrived midway through the second half before Wolves were awarded a slightly soft penalty, which Olly Jones blasted home. The game and the season also ended on a high for us with Dan Lodge firing in a free-kick from about thirty yards out to give the score some respectability.

Fifth place is a decent achievement for us, given the strength of the teams above, but I still feel we can challenge right at the top, if we can get our strongest eleven out on a regular basis. There’s probably a lot of teams that can say that though.

Anyway, congratulations to everyone in the WMCFL for another excellent season, particularly those who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure this great league continues to thrive.

Scott Lindsay - Wolves and Perton

Having played my last game for Wolverhampton and Perton FC last night (shame about the result) I felt like I should say a bit of a goodbye. I've been playing for W&P for more than a decade (it's so long I can't remember exactly!) and have enjoyed every season, every game and every minute on annd off the pitch.

I'm moving away this summer to start married life and one of the few things I will miss is this league. While not wanting to get all gushy and women-like, being part of Wolves and Perton and the league as a whole has been a wonderful time for me not to mention a haven in the low points I've had over the years. So whether you play in my team (it will always be my team!) know me by name, know me as the scruffy guy who plays at the back of Wolves and Perton or have no clue who I am and just are just part of the league I want to say thank you very much and a very fond fairwell. Scott.

Saturday Review

Congratulations to Junction Ten Village who secured the Division Three title yesterday with a 4-1 victory over Common Ground United. A few weeks ago it was looking as though they'd thrown it away but the title swung back towards Walsall as DC seemed to run out of puff after their Cup exploits. The 117 goals was a mammoth haul, just one short of the all time record held by Walsall Olympic in 2000/1.

Division One

Wolverhapton and Perton Churches 4 Clarendon 6

Clarendon take over at the top of Division One as St Mary's faulter against Halesowen. I was scratching my head as to when last Clarendon sat on top of the league. I think it could have been as long ago as 2008 but I could be wrong. But their timing is impeccable; with just three games to go they move into a two point lead. Without being disrespectful, on paper Clarendon should beat bottom placed Sheldon and Amblecote who have now lost ten on the trot. But then there's Halesowen who stuck a stick in St Mary's spokes yesterday and would love to do the same to Clarendon. However, on paper is different to on the football pitch. Sheldon are not done yet and Amblecote love to play Clarendon where pride is at stake.

And the match? Clarendon started the game on the front foot but despite the missing personnel, Wolves resisted all attempts to break them down. Wolves were missing Paggie in defence and Clarendon Pablo up front, so all square in the missing players department. Clarendon managed to take the lead with Laurie Cunningham tapping in mid-way through the first half, after a deep free-kick was headed back across goal. Jason Green doubled the lead minutes later and Clarendon were definately on top. It looked like they were going to run away with it but due to a combination of their profligation and Richie's excellent saves, the lead remained at two goals.

Just as I thought that Wolves were dead and buried, back they came. A corner was floated in and put away from close range: 2-1 and Wolves took a lift. And then just before half time they scored again from another corner. Typical Wolves: Never say die.

After the break once again Clarendon took the lead and then added two more. Richie was beaten by the flight of a corner, then a defensive hesitation for the first two proved costly. A disputed free-kick lead to Clarendon's fifth (I thought it was for the record) but perhaps frustration was boiling over at this point as with tidier defending Wolves would have been still in this.

But back they came again with a well finished header from Chris Bowen: 5-3 before Clarendon made it six. Jason Green, and everyone else, thought he'd made it seven but his chipped effort bounced off the firm ground onto the cross-bar and to safety. At this point I had to leave but Wolves pulled another back to give the score-line some respectability.

Tommy Woodward adds: We could have quite easily lost this one today as Wolves are one of the best attacking sides we have come up against this season. We controlled large parts of the game but Wolves have some outstanding attacking players and always looked dangerous on the counter. It could have been a totally different outcome today as our attitude was awful and only excellent displays from the in form Hunta, Laurie and our manager Roger Moorihno prevented us from letting Wolves back in. We have lost Pablo and Matt, two of our best players since the St Mary's draw so we need to dig deep if we are to win the league. But more importantly we need to man up and respect the ref's decisions!

St Mary's 4 Halesowen Zion 4

St Mary's injury crisis takes it toll as the finally cede the lead to Clarendon. It's three games without a win now with St Mary's taking just two points from nine as the title appears to be slipping away.

Dave Walters says: A goal feast here this morning, and it certainly was a game of two halves. The first half belonged to Saints who piled on the pressure from the first whistle, however it was against the run of play that we scored the opener, a superb flick header on from Tom put Dan in the clear and he made no mistake with his finish. A couple of minutes later it was all level again after a good move from Saints, and they took the lead a short time later when Noony our centre back scored a super own goal with a diving header, why I don't know? We were now under constant pressure and managed to hold on until the 43rd minute when saints got there third so we were 3-1 down at half time.

We came out for the second half knowing we needed the next goal early and it went to plan when John Williams scored a rare goal. Soon afterwards we got the equaliser with a goal from Tom and were now the team causing all the problem going close a number of times. On a rare Saints attack they won a penalty to once again took the lead, only for Tom to equalise with about 15 mins to go. We pushed for a winner but had to settle for a point, which I suppose we would have took at half time, but we feel as though we dropped two points. Thats two draws in a row for us now after not drawing a game all season but we should have converted both to wins and put pressure on the top.

Sheldon 1 City Church 5

Tim Atkins says: Well, they say that when you are at the bottom, things never go for you and today was again, one of those days! I think even City Church would admit that the final scoreline somewhat flattered how much we were in this game until the last 20 minutes.

We started well and could have been a couple goals up and City were lucky not to be down to nine men as our striker was twice pulled down, one just outside the box and one just inside - to our dismay, both were given as free kicks and no cards despite been through on goal! We got what what deserved from a bright start when Nick Bate rose highest to head home from a corner. City came more into the game and had their fair share of chances but we were holding on whilst creating chances ourselves, until a couple minutes before half-time when Dave Cooper looped a header over the keeper which he helped onto its way into the goal. 1-1 HT.

On a firm Saltley pitch and a warm day, we knew we would start to tire at some point but we continued to battle away. But credit to City they scored another couple to make it 3-1 and our heads dropped. We were denied another penalty when our striker looked to have been taken out by the City keeper and I think it was going to be one of those days where decisions were not going to go our way. The fifth should definitely go down as an OG to our stand in keeper Nathan Atkins (he will love me for saying that) after he pretty much just punched the ball into the back of the net with a couple minutes to go.

5-1 sounds like a drumming but it certainly wasn't the case when we look at the opportunities and decisions but onwards we go. Four games to get six points to avoid finishing bottom, is it possible.... We are certainly going to give it a good go! Well done to City and they deserve to be where they are. I'm off to conseal my shiner of a black eye!

Martin Ogbourn adds: All's well that ends well for City in this game. For the first 60 minutes the game was competitive and remained 1-1, but a scintillating final third of the game ensured City ran out comfortable 5-1 winners and it could have been worse for Sheldon as the bar was struck twice and other gilt-edged chances were missed. James Forrest scored what is surely one of the quickest hat-trick this season in the second half (he also hit the bar from long range in the first half). He should have also claimed the match ball, but several of them ended up on the railway track! The pleasing thing for City today was that we were patient and kept our composure even when the second goal took a while to come.

The game started in glorious sunshine more suited to cricket than football, but the this meant the pitch was bumpy and City were imprecise and hurried in their passing in the first half. Each team swapped header goals from corners to leave a poor first half 1-1. David Cooper scored the City goal which was merited. As has been demonstrated this season, City's second half performances and strength in depth have served City well and so it proved again. James Forrest scored a fantastic hat-trick in the space of a few minutes. The goals were all well taken and individual efforts. The scoring was completed when Daniel Atkins drove a shot which hit the bar and bounced down twice before it came off the keeper and into the net (it may be one for the dubious goals panel!).

Dan Atkins showed some excellent passing in the second half and deserved the goal. Louis Quaintance and David Cooper were immense in midfleld, and Steve Bailey worked tirelessly. John Sheppard also maintained his consistent high standard of performance. However the man-of-match was certainly James Forrest who joins Louden and Bailey in scoring excellent hat-tricks for City this season! We continue our end of season fixture congestion with another home game v Kings on Wed, and St Mary's on Sat when our squad depth will be tested again as we look to finish our league season strongly. Special mention to the referee, D Mann as well who had a very good game.

King's AFC 1 St Boniface 3

After beating St Mary's in mid-week, King's were put back in their place by a St Boniface side that prove they can still do it. I think the result sums up King's season: A win one week, followed by a defeat the next. I've said it before but I think that on their day, with a full squad, St Boniface are a match for the best in this league. It takes a lot of effort to run a team. Those sides that can get something like the same team out week after week seem to do better. These days there is so much else to do apart from play football.

St Thomas Aldridge 3 Amblecote 0

Alex Russon says: If the season had started in April we'd be in a European spot now, but it doesn't, we're not, so we're down. We've gone out with a bang though and Amblecote were the latest team to discover we're not the pushovers our league position suggests. The warm sunny day kept their squad at bay (bit of poetry there) and they had no subs while we were able to throw three fresh pairs of legs on after an hour with the game goal-less and this made all the difference. While Amblecote flagged, our subs put them to the sword with dynamo Green nodding in from close range and evergreen Pearsall laying on Gibbons' two goals, his second a net breaking screamer and his first a disputed 'was it over the line' effort. Our visitors spurned chances in the first half as we rode our luck but in the second threatened little as we took the game to them. Jadon had a superb game for Amblecote but struggled for support while we had everyone pretty much on song. (Mr Silva is that famous in these parts that he's referred to by one name, like Madonna or Jordan-Ed).

Our season ends while others have much to play for. Thanks to all at WMCFL committee and all you clubs out there for making this a league to be proud of. We look forward to gracing Division Two next season and forcing our way back up again. If any 40 goal a season strikers are looking for a club over the summer, Ed has our number.

Zion Athletic 3 St Matthew's 1

Zion consign St Matthew's to another defeat and leap-frog the Walsall based side putting them into the dreaded bottom three just as the season is drawing to a close. Zion have drawn too many matches this year; it's five wins, five draws and ten defeats from twenty games. Had they won those drawn games, they'd have thirty points and a mid-table berth. As it is, they are dicing with teams in the relegation zone.

Division Two

Dynamo Kingswinford 1 Selly Oak Methodist 4

Rob O'Neill reports: We've finally done it!! Promoted to Division One in second place with a solid win over Dynamo Kingswinford who are now relegated. It's such a relief to have it done with games in hand instead of it going to the last game like the previous two seasons, we now however have the dilema of choosing either to close the gap on Champions for pride or to have fun and let players play where they have wanted to try all season as with promotion and relegation sorted they are all dead rubber matches, I think it will probably be the latter.

The weather was absolutely lovely today and despite a bit of a sandy goal line, the pitch at Bantock Park was in good shape. We started the most lively and it wasn't long before Jamie Williams' tireless running at the back four paid off when he was brought down inside the area for an undisputed penalty. Rhyan Anderson stepped up and placed it in the bottom left corner with the keeper not far away, I think he maybe the highest scoring centre back in Div.2. We continued to apply pressure and it wasnt long before we added to our tally with some great football from Daniel Morris and Daryl Brandy down the right wing and the ball played in was calmly put away by Laurence Belgrave for his 9th of the season. I had very little to do in the first half with our full strength back four returning and limiting Dynamo to long balls allowing our midfield to push up and Jamie finally got his reward for a great first half performance when he was played through by Craig McNaught and he calmly lobbed the ball over the oncoming keeper.

Half time and the score was 3-0. We were very relaxed in the half time team talk as we soaked up how close promotion was and how comfortable this game had been. Dynamo began pressing early in the second half and they managed to pull a goal back when a mistake from me when coming to collect the ball allowed the striker through to put the ball in an empty net. With the heat playing its part we brought on all three subs in quick succession to stamp our authority back on the match and it was rewarded when Dan Jennings coming off the bench rifled a shot into the net to regain our three goal advantage. A bit of a scare when once again a striker almost broke through for Dynamo but I recovered to claim the ball. We could have scored ten today with shots hitting the bar, our own players on the line and some wayward striking but we were satisfied with the scoreline and the resulting promotion.

Three matches remaining now which could have been potential banana skins if promotion was still an issue (Lighthouse, MBD and Bournbrook) but we can enjoy them now and start thinking of testing ourselves against the Division One teams next season. Lighthouse next for our first ever Wednesday fixture. I think it was close last time between and despite maybe a few players playing out of position we will still be up for this.

EK Corinthia 2 Birmingham International 1

EK secured third place and almost certain promotion to Division One with a narrow victory over fellow Moor Lane team, Birmingham International. Like many clubs, EK have been back and forth this year: They had a super start to the year, beating almost everyone and putting up a majestic fight against those they lost to. But then around Christmas they went through a bad run but got it back together to get the third spot that they deserve. Inter have slumped to seventh but have two games left, so could finish higher.

Lighthouse Lions 2 Bournbrook Athletic 3

Jon Earp reports: A much needed win that keeps us up. We had to come from 2-0 down to get the win today. Two corners and lax marking on both of them put Lighthouse up and in control. We had to dig in and work hard to stay in the game, we were guilty of missing a few one on ones. Sean Boughton broke through to score his first with a neat finish to make it 2-1 at half time. We started the second half the better and started to create more chances. We made it 2-2 with a low drive from Sean Boughton after a Tully through ball. With time running out we then scored the winner and a hat trick for Sean Boughton after another key pass from Tully.

All in all a great result for us. One more game to go and no better way to finish the season than a derby game, as Tubz would say "come on guys".

Division Three

Common Ground United 1 Junction Ten Village 4

Junction Ten secure the Third Division title with an assured looking scoreline away at CGU yesterday. It was nice to see Martin Woodhall get a hat-trick. He's been the heartbeat of this club, is a great player and a gent. If they can keep this team together, then I'm sure that they will be challenging for the Division two title next season.

For CGU, I'd say it's been a great year for them to. Unlike J10, the lads from Common Ground are quite a bit younger and lacked the experience that playing football at this level requires. I hope they are happy with this year; I really think they should be. It's been a good grounding for next season. They finish fifth in Division Three and stand an outside chance of being promoted. They are below the automatic promotion places and will depend on the comings and goings at the AGM.

DC Dynamos 0 Sporting Zion 3

Mark Crouch reports: Well another game and yet another loss. It was a great day for football, it is just a shame that DC have forgotten how to play the game and have forgotten how we built our success. Our success has been built on our ability to battle and to be quite honest I have seen more 'battle' from a team of under 10's.

The first half was pretty much all DC but it was Sporting who actually came closest as a freekick took a wicked deflection off of Bluey and pinged the crossbar and over. 0-0 Half time.

Second half and Sporting got a quick goal when it looked easier for us to clear and followed it up with another in quick succesion when our keeper made no attempt to save a cross come shot. 2-0 DC's heads dropped and the togetherness we have had all season evaporated. The game finished 3-0 to Sporting.

DC had better pull their socks up, get their togetherness back along with their fighting spirit or the next couple of games will be leave us looking like laughing stocks and looking like a team that has been punching above their weight rather than a team that deserves higher Div football and a cup final. People need to remember that whilst we are in the cup final that they are playing for their places.

Good luck to Sporting....see you in the 2nd Div next season a fantastic end to your season. Hold onto that keeper of yours as he is the best keeper we have faced this season by far.

Brierley Hill AOG 1 St John's Church 3

A winning end to St John's first year in WMCFL. Many of the lads that have played for them this year had already plied their trade at other teams in the league. They now finish fourth, unless Sporting lose their last game 22-0. They've been a welcome addition to the league and have made a good impression.

Now then; Brierley Hill. The eternal hustlers of the league. Just when you think you've got a safe three points, they jump up and bite you. I'm pleased to see them do well this year. That's their best finish since the 2002/3 season when they also finished sixth in the bottom division. They won half of their matches this year, along with the customary 'shock' knocking DC back on their heels. I will point out that Brierley Hill are one of just seven sides that have a Division One title in the trophy in the cabinet currently competing. And the fact that they gave St John's, one of the top sides in Division Three a game is testament to their progress.

Cricket

Brian Follows says: Fancy a game of cricket? Any church interested in joining the Sandwell and Dudley District Christian Cricket league, please get in touch with Peter at peterhb62@yahoo.co.in

At the moment Brierley Hill, Sedgeley, Beeches and Renewal are the only members. The games are 28 overs a side played on a Saturday afternoon starting 2:00 and finishing about 6:00.

MBD United

MBD will be moving their home ground to Moor Lane for next season, although they'll still be training at Dudley Wood in the close season. They're looking for a couple of new players for 2010/11, so if you are interested please contact Neil Howard on 07506 122750.

Wednesday Night Review

King's AFC 2 St Mary's 1

St Mary's use up their three point advantage as they capitulate to King's on Wednesday night. The top two are now neck and neck at the top on 43 points with just four games to go. St Mary's significant advantage on goal difference remains as they cling on to top spot. They face a tough test this week-end as Halesowen pay them a visit.

St Matthew's 1 Clarendon 4

A deserved win today to take our minds off Saturday's result. Hunta's throws caused havoc and set up two goals. Man of the match performance from Leon Turton and an all round good team effort. We just need to keep focused and win our last few games.

City Church 0 Halesowen Zion 0

Grant Doran says: Looking back at this game we feel that it is two points dropped after playing extremely well and creating several clear chances. Both teams looked to play football and go for the win that would keep the pressure on the top two teams. The best chance fell to Tom Doran in the first half after some net play down the right wing. Having lost his marker four yards from goal he seemed certain to put us 1-0 in front but instead of side footing the ball home he went for a show boat finish, (think Nani's flicked goal against Bayern) unfortunately instead of flicking the ball in the net he totally missed it and it ran through his legs and out the other side of the box. To be honest that pretty much sums his season up, 95% of his play has been quality but the finishing that we have come to expect from him has not really been there. Ryan also came close after another good passage of play saw him steer his half volley just over the bar. At the other end we were restricting City to long throws from Conrad and corners which we managed to deal with pretty well. The second half continued with the same level of effort and good football from both teams. Again we had a few half chances which the City Keeper saved well with his feet from Spicer and then made a good diving save from a long range effort.

In truth this result has not cost us the chance of getting our hands on the title as a 0-0 v City when you have eleven players missing is a great achievement. The results earlier in the season have cost us, being 2-0 up at half time against Wolves, King's and Clarendon only to lose in the second half. If we are to improve then we need to cut out these as an extra six or seven points would see us top of the table.

Well played to the lads last night from both teams as it was an enjoyable game played in the right way.

Louis Quaintance adds: In rather blustery conditions City and Zion did battle for third spot last night although after this evening's results City will be kicking themselves that they lost to Wolves a few weeks back.

Zion had the better of the first half with the likes of Spicer and Cockcroft pulling the strings in the creativity department. Halesowen on a number of occasions went close to taking the lead but City's ever dependable Chris Chattaway saved brilliantly. The game probably saw a record for the number of long throws and the number of petty fouls given away by City especially second half but there was some really resolute performances from Sheppard, Youlden, Campbell and especially by Ogbourn in his new look Maldini role. Its encouraging to see the commitment of so many of the lads, its clearly a testament to Ogbourn's selfless contribution to the team.

Martin Maldini-Ogbourn texted: Tonight's game between two very good attacking sides again ended scoreless for the second time in three games. City started slowly and struggled to get a foothold in the first half as Halesowen were sharper and played the better football. However, another different back four (I've lost count of the number of different defensive combinations we've had this season) stood firm and were ably marshalled by another fine display from Chris Chattaway in the City goal.

The blustery conditions made passing football difficult as City only threatened occasionally in an improved second half. Halesowen had the clearer chances throughout which were either squandered or well saved. Overall City battled well to the end and could have snatched the points late on but need to show more consistency in the league.

David Grogan and David Cooper battled well and Louis Quaintance and Chris Chattaway had good performances. We are still looking for a top three finish in the league, with only two defeats in seventeen games and City maintain their unbeaten competitive record against Halesowen.

Shawn Devonport

I'm very sorry to report that Shawn Devonport broke his leg quite badly up at Powerleague on Sunday night. He's had it pinned and is now out of hospital after a successful operation to repair the four breaks. Tibia and fibula.

Shawn's been a big part of WMCFL over the last six seasons having played for Brierley Hill, Amblecote and more recently leading Champions Church to back to back Division Three and Two Championships. He is also serving on the Committee as Fixtures Secretary and has done a marvellous job under difficult circumstances during the winter.

Shawn would like to thank the many, many people that have wished him well and assure them that he is on the mend. He hopes to be making a return to playing next season but it is still early days, so I'm sure you'll join me in praying for his speedy recovery.

An important note to secretaries: Please direct all fixtures correspondence to Neil Kovacs, League Secretary for the time being. We'll let you know when Shawn is able to resume his normal duties. I will add that he texted me and Neil to ensure a fixtures matter had been taken care of whilst in hospital and waiting to go into theatre. If anyone's in any doubt about Shawn's committment to the WMCFL, that should answer the question.

Friendly wanted this Saturday

Living Hope Church

LHC are after a friendly this Saturday. The pitch is booked, their original opponents are unable to make it, so all you have to do is turn up with a team.

Please contact Steve Farley on 07753 371116 if you are interested.

More Saturday Reviews

Division One

Zion Athletic 3 Halesowen Zion 4

Grant Doran writes: We managed to keep the record going of never having lost to Athletic but it was very close with the winning goal coming about five seconds before the final whistle. From the start we were off the pace and to be honest looked as if we were more interested in chilling in the sun rather than playing football. Despite Athletic having some good possession we took the lead after Jon Lea found space in the middle of the box. Athletic hit back after winning a cheap free kick just outside the box. The initial shot was saved but the ball was poked home from close range after we failed to clear, to bring the scores level. As a spectacle this was not a classic and the second goal summed the game up as a long ball over the top was first missed by the defender (me) and then with the goal there for the forward to bear down on, his first touch sent him wide rather than in on goal. Noon, in trying to clear, smashed the ball hard and low into the bottom corner. It was a great finish, just a shame it was in the wrong net!!! HT 2-1

The second half really only improved slightly but it was enough to see us create a few chances and we thought that we had got the equaliser after Noon had challenged for a cross but it was ruled out for hand ball. Athletic worked hard to shut us down and even though they lost a man mid way through the second half they made life difficult for us and with the speed they have on the wings and up front had a few chances of their own. We finally drew level through Cocky after a ball down the middle was misjudged by the home defence putting Cocky through on goal and he finished well from a tight angle. The game appeared to be ours when Tom smashed home from just inside the area after beating the defence to the ball, again through a long ball that was misjudged by the defence. Athletic hit back though after yet more poor defending from us from a corner. The first ball in was missed and then the attempted clearance went about four yards before being turned in by the forward virtually on the line. With the final few seconds on the clock maybe Athletic switched off but again they misjudged a ball into the box and from the resulting melee Jon Lea turned the ball home to give us the lead and the win.

We will take the win but I can't say that we deserved it. Jal and his team worked hard and played some good football and losing with seconds left must be hard to take. Also just quick a word on the ref who I thought had a good game and got most of the big calls correct.

Dynamo Kingswinford 4 Chawn Hill Church 1

Jason Russell says: After the Easter break, today’s game was another cup final for us. It is important to remember that our last game was the worst DK defeat in the history of the club that started in 2002. I was interested in how the players would respond in this game against fellow strugglers Chawn Hill Church. I said to the players before the game that the Champions game was just one of those things that we shouldn’t focus on that score line but remember the positives from the game, like taking the lead twice and shocking Champions who may have thought that it would be an easier game than it was.

I looked at the team sheet and had to rule a number of players out due to injury, our captain Robert ‘Stevie Bruce’ being one them with a very similar injury to Wayne Rooney but without the hype. James ‘Bionic Knee Replacement Required’ Symons was also missing who up until his lay off was really starting to shine. Ross ‘Show Me the Money’ Hodgkins was unavailable due to work commitments. Ross is part of the future of DK and I knew we would miss his presence. Dave ‘Still Chasing Shadows aka Shawn’ Trask was unavailable also and I’m pretty sure he was gutted not to be able to put the record straight.

One of the positives of our season is the depth of squad that we have and despite our injuries and absence we were still able to draw upon a full team and 4 subs. We also had our foreign exchange European master ‘Stuart Yates’ available but some Muppet forgot to send his form off so Stuart was able to lap up the sun in sunny Wolverhampton, a far cry of the European cities that he has been accustomed to. We lined up today with a centre back pairing whose combined age was 80. Now this is another DK record, the injury to Gary ‘3 times Cup Winner’ Lamsdale (only three Gaz?-Ed) meant that DK only had 1 recognised centre half in the form of Ian ‘Hoppo’ Hopson, the experienced campaigner was brought in. Along side Ian, we had Neil ‘I’m not old, I’m ancient’ Hambly (He's exactly one year younger than me-Ed) to make up the odd couple. In goal we welcomed back the most injury prone goalkeeper in the world Chris ‘There’s nothing left of him to plaster’ Platts. Despite his broken thumb and knee gash that has kept him out for 5 weeks (I’m not going to describe the knee, just to say that you could see it) it was good to have another future DK legend back all for the 3 minutes he played before being injured. The always ready and available James ‘Bless Him’ Pinches was brought on to bring stability to the great DK ship.

We started with a hangover from the last game allowing Chawn plenty of space and causing us some real pressure. The Chawn midfield were winning everything but we started then to take hold the game and with Chris ‘Chesterfield is in the Midlands’ Sweetmore (Any teams applying from Chesterfield will be refused-Ed) closing down the Chawn defence at every opportunity we knew that things were beginning to slot into place. It was at this stage when we went a goal down. The Chawn striker slotting the ball home from a tight angle passed our replacement goalkeeper who shall remain a secret. We need to start again and the boys did, within the space of two minutes the ball was in the back of Chawn’s net only to be disallowed for offside. A tap in from the Sweets from a well worked move. We managed to maintain the pressure and got a corner that was delivered with perfection from the dynamic Andrew ‘Covered the entire pitch’ Waddams and was knocked in by Ian ‘We will let you off with the mistake’ Hopson. Back in the game.

We had the momentum that we were lacking in the first stages of the half and managed to score before half time with another well worked move finished off by the prolific Andy ‘Nani’ Aston, who has been a real bonus for us since returning from injury. I think its 3 goals in 4 starts and his performances have really lifted the whole team. We went into half time 2-1 up and fired up for the 2nd half.

The 2nd half started in a similar way to the 1st with Chawn having lots of possession but not really troubling the our defensive that seemed to have recovered from the shaky start only for us to watch the ball drift closely to our net, with a timely palm away from our replacement goalkeeper taking the ball away from the on coming Chawn striker who darted down the blind side. Our warning, so I demanded to know what our response would be. From this moment together with tiring Chawn legs we started to get ourselves on the ball and started to create chances. A fantastic headed goal from Chris Sweetmore was again ruled out for offside. But after some fantastic work from Scott ‘The Sandman’ Bradley down the flank, Chris was able to get that goal that his performance deserved a simple tap in but in our position, we will take anything.

In the later stages we made some subs to try and keep some of the players fresh for next weeks game and then the high light of the game and our final goal came from a sublime bit of skill from the ever hungry Andy ‘Gerrard’ Waddams, cutting in from the left flank with a delicate 20 yard curling strike that ended in the back of the net. It was game over and the game was over. Kevin ‘Roy Keane’ Hodgetts had a tough but great game today, Andy ‘Mac’ McCuskey was bright and together with John ‘Bumda’ Martin will spearhead our season next year. Dave ‘Has missed a DK game ever’ Abel was consistent has always. Andy ‘Now has Blisters’ Aston showed what wearing the DK colours means and I was proud over spirit today, the determination of going a goal down but fighting back reminded me of the glory days and flashes of when I wore the DK colours came back to me. This team has so much potential to recreate those moments and times, if they want to push on to the next level.

I must mention Chawn Hill and Neil who put himself about a bit in his 2nd half entry to the fray. Chawn played with real flair and battle that has become a trade mark of their setup and I wish them well. I have said before that we are just starting to click, it maybe a little to late but this squad have been great. They have turned up in the wind, rain and the cold to battle against the odds and have now started to taste what victory is after our long beginning to the season, playing some good football and working well as team and breaking records, this was our first double over a team since my tenure. We have a massive game next week against Selly Oak who I believe have been the best team that I have played against this year. We will welcome some of the warriors back next week and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Saturday Review

Division One

Clarendon 1 St Mary's 1

St Mary's edged closer to securing back-to-back titles with a draw away at Clarendon yesterday. I don't think the race is over by any means but they are ahead as we speak. With five matches remaining, the Aldridge based side have a three point lead and a considerable advantage should the points be level, as their goal difference is far superior.

Nick Sprason texted a brief report: Considering our dire injury situation, a one-all draw against Clarendon is a great result but we were the better team and should have won. Louis Williams confirmed that Jamie Hunter equalised towards the end of the game.

Zion Athletic 3 Halesowen Zion 4

Halesowen closed the gap on the leaders yesterday. As Clarendon and St Mary's took points off each other, Halesowen grabbed the points at the death with a 4-3 win in their deby game over sister club Zion Athletic. Many of the players have played alongside of each other, so I'm sure the banter was flying around. Jallen says: We felt we deserved at least a point today! Conceding in the last five seconds hurts, especially having played so well for the second half with ten men as one of the lads had to leave early. Roll on next week.

If Halesowen win their last four, they'll be within a sniff of the title, whereas Athletic are still struggling to stay in the top flight.

St Thomas Aldridge 1 City Church 4

Dan Atkins writes: Firstly, all the best to St Thomas. Regretably, we sealed their fate today and relegated them to the Second Division but fully expect an immediate return and wish them good luck. So, as City Church embarked on our 21st game of what is going to be a long season, we needed to produce something special to bounce back from the disappointment of last fortnight's defeat to Wolves.

As God blessed us with blistering sunshine and a fantastic surface, the opportunity arose against something of a bogey team for City; having not beaten St Thomas in the last two attempts. We knew from the outset that we would be tested and stretched with no less than eight (yes eight), players unavailable for selection. The game started lively with tackles and challenges flying in and neither team really establishing control or dominance across the pitch. After about ten minutes and some 'Classic Cooper' tackling, followed by a fabulous looped through ball, David Grogan cut inside and whipped a delightful shot towards the goal. The ball took a wicked deflection and wong footed the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

About five minutes later, young 'up and coming' centre half Conrad Campbell launched an unstoppable throw into the St Thomas box that eventually broke to Dan Atkins who controlled, swivelled and clipped the ball home to make it 2-0. We looked to be cruising and taking control of the game when some great play by Jason (always a threat) Garwood and again Dave Cooper released Dan Atkins on the right hand side of the box. He managed to bend a delightful left footed curling/dipping shot into the corner of the goal... All but game over at 3-0.

Fair play to St Thomas who battled, scrapped and created half chances and just lacked the quality in front of goal today. Ht: 3-0 The second half was all about City, really getting some excellent passages of play down flanks and through the middle making it very hard for St Thomas to create anything. City pushed and pressed and eventually the ball broke to Jason Garwood one on one. Jase showed composure beyond his years (??? He told me how old he is-Ed) and chipped the ball past the keeper and slotted it home: 4-0. Although St Thomas scored a late consolation goal, we looked like a different side to the weeks before, growing in confidence with everyone staking their claim and looking for a spot in the Cup final squad. Ft: 4-1.

Onwards and upwards as we look at a busy schedule with near eight games in twenty-eight days. Well done to Conrad, Matt Blount particularly to my man of the match Dave Grogan who has been consistantly brilliant since getting in the team. Our new addition James made his first appearance today dispite signing about six months ago and gave a very solid performance and was involved in some excellent moves. Finally, can I say well done to the referee who had a superb (first ever) game and really allowed play to flow. Good luck in your future.

Alex Russon adds: St Thomas have called an emergency board meeting following this 4-1 defeat to City Church which condemned them to relegation. It appears that Rob Hill's role as manager hangs by a thread, murmurings coming out of the Aldridge club suggest player dissatisfaction over several issues came to a head on Saturday when Hill demanded the players wear a team kit which once again had not yet dried properly. Closer inspection revealed a Morrison's own brand powder had been used rather than the traditional Persil, the socks had shrunk and white shorts turned grey. For some time now Hill has been under pressure for providing poor directions to away games, not remembering the water and choosing subs to run the line instead of himself and he had to concede after the game that "the players were revolting".

As for the game itself, early chances for St T's were spurned as we took the game to City and our profligacy was punished by a quickfire trio of goals from City who grew in confidence. 3-0 at half-time and a fourth added within a minute of the restart, St T's didn't crumble which really is a testament to our season, we've lost many games but never capitulated and always fought to the finish. A well worked Cashmore goal following some Green trickery gave us a deserved consolation in a game superbly refereed by Adrian Britton. City Church were worthy winners and if their level of intensity is repeated in the Cup final I reckon some silverware is coming their way. As for us, well we can look forward to a night of the long knives as we consider Rob Hill's position following 247 years in the hotseat. Messrs O'Leary, Mowbray and Hughes are standing by their phones.

Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 4 King's AFC 4

Wolves and King's consolidated their mid-table positions with a high-scoring draw at Aldersley. Wolves are almost certainly going to finish fifth, which I think they'll be pleased with as some were tipping them for relegation. King's could do with another win to make absolutely sure that they do not finish in the bottom three.

Tom Baugh says: With Kings going 4-0 up in this one ten minutes into the second half, Wolves looked dead and buried, particularly in such energy sapping conditions.

The visitors bossed the first half and scored some great goals to take control of the match. The fourth, a superb dipping drive from about twenty yards out looked to have put the seal on a fine win. But back came Wolves.

A long throw was bundled over the line by Nathan to start the revival. I was then able to stroke home a loose ball to reduce the deficit to two and Olly tapped in a superb cross from Phil to ensure an anxious finish. It looked like King's had done enough to hold on, but after they’d failed to capitalise on a number of good chances to put the game to bed, Nathan was sent tumbling in the penalty area and Olly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot to level things up with the last kick of the game.

Honours even. I imagine King's will wonder how they let it slip.

Good luck to them for the remainder of the season.

St Boniface 4 Amblecote 2

Simon Ashby says: Well its not going well is it! Another disastrous performance from us and not really sure when this rot is going to stop. We were two down at the break, and although it was an even half we had not really created a chance and made mistakes at back so to be expected. We started the second half better and having pulled one back through a towering header from Dave I thought we might at the very least get a draw but it was not to be as we found ourselves 4-1 down before a nice goal at the end finished by Dozza made it respectable! Good luck to St B's for rest of season, they looked pretty decent to say they have struggled.

On another note it's great to see some of our good friends and ex team mates at Brierley Hill having a great end to season. Hope it carries on next year chaps!

Division Two

Champions Church 9 Lighthouse Lions 2

Shawn Devonport says: After wrapping up the title last week without kicking a ball, we may have struggled to be up for this game but the boys wore the shirt with pride today and showed why we finished the season as Division Two winners.

To be honest at half time you would never have seen this scoreline coming. We came in 1-0 up after a very debatable penalty: I rounded the keeper, headed towards an empty net the Lighthouse defender cut in front we came together and he tripped over his own feet on top of the ball with his hands on the line, the referee pointed to the spot but it was the Lighthouse player who had to be substituted and ambulance called after also colliding with the post. It injury turned out not to be too serious injury but the penalty was converted. We did miss some gilt-edged chances missing three one on ones, so deserved to be leading with Lighthouse struggling to make an impact going forward but battling hard all over the pitch.

We soon killed the game after the break scoring five times in a devestating twenty minutes spell; the pick of the goals being a lovely lob from the on fire Josh Ball. The game became scrappy again but with fifteen minutes to go we scored another three goals in a ten minute period with again some fantastic finishing. Lighthouse simply coudn't cope with us going forward, we were calling to make it double figures with five to go but we really shot our self in the foot conceding two goals very late on. Two goals Dan won't look at to fondly but after not doing much all game it is a bit hard to expect him to be on it late on, but credit to Lighthouse they didn't stop and got two goals they probably deserved for keep going.

That's it for the season, another very sucsessful one. Rion Mills was different class in the middle part of the season, twenty-two assists he finished on and if he decides to go semi-pro next year he won't look out of place but we will miss him big time. His ability and personality will be missed. Josh Ball finished on twenty goals in fifteen games and deserves a large amount of praise, at the age of seventeen he is a tremendous talent and his workrate and finishing is different class as well as being a threat in the air. The defence have been brilliant all season all five of them along with Dan have all been consistent with Rob Moody being the most improved player, Jim Wilkes a great addition, Greg Mr Consitent as ever and Ralphy playing a big part whilst also being a threat with his left peg. Timmy Bamber is my player of the season, never putting in a bad performance, his workrate is just at a different level and is the man in the engine room that keeps us ticking. The rest of the guys have all played a big part, Joe Smith nearly being ever present and Nathan has stepped in the last seven or eight games and both are great talents at seventeen. Gouley has had a great end to the season and Greg Thompson and Robbie have played their part when called upon, never moaning when not picked and both putting in their best performances today. Sorry to bore some people with the end of season report but my guys deserve credit for another great season.

We will rest up for a few months then come back looking to make an impression in Division One. We arent at the level of the ''big 4'' yet but on our day were a match for anyone, a few new signings and we will see what we can do.

Just one last word on what a sucsessful season it has been for WMCFL, all three divisions have some good teams, DC making the Cup final from Division Three proving the standard is now at its highest in the six seasons I've been playing within the league. Division Two has been very tight, we ain't had many easy games at all and even after winning 11-3 and 9-2 the last two weeks we have only came in 4-3 and 1-0 up at half time in both.

Birmingham International 2 Selly Oak Methodist 3

Selly Oak finally move into second place with a narrow 3-2 win over Inter. Just one win from their last four matches would leave them in second. There's a chasm of a gap between first and second, with Champions now seventeen points in front. Despite the four games in hand, that's still a huge gap.

Bournbrook Athletic 1 MBD United 3

MBD keep their hopes alive of getting promoted with a 3-1 win against Bournbrook. I keep saying that I've heard a lot of rumours about teams folding and I've contacted ten people concerning applications. One of those ten has confirmed that they won't be joining and I'll eat my hat if all nine of the other sign up. But my point is that every place is worth competing for. Five clubs were promoted from Division Three last season.

Dynamo Kingswinford 4 Chawn Hill Church 1

Dynamo's season seems to have finally come alive. The back half of the year is now looking far better than pre-Christmas. They've now only been beaten in three of their last eight games, taking thirteen points from those games. Chawn will now definately finish in the bottom three and will only escape relegation if there's a shake-up.

Division Three

DC Dynamos 1 Junction Ten Village 5

Mark Crouch says: Well I am lost for words and that's a first. A must win game today after defeat last time out saw DC get turned over today and all but end our chances of winning the league.

It was DC who were fastest out the blocks today Adam Bradshaw scoring after ten minutes with a well taken goal. It could have been two a few minutes later but it was Junction 10 who scored next to level and within minutes took the lead after some sloppy defending from DC. A few minutes later Junction 10 extended their lead with a neat headed goal to make it 3-1. Junction 10 simply wanted it more today and the goals in quick succesion saw DC's heads drop. The half was capped by a goal keeping blunder to allow Junction 10 to pull further away and finish the half 4-1 up. They had five chances and scored four, we had eight good chances and scored one. Clinical finishing and more desire won Junction 10 the game in the first half as apart from Junction 10 scoring again, the second half was a complete non entity.

Good luck to Junction 10. They have been proven to be the more consistent team in the League and thats what wins you titles. We aren't out of it mathmatically but you would have to fancy them against CGU.

Steve B worked tirelessly today to try and get us back in the game but one mans efforts can't win you a team game. Sporting next and we will have to pick up our game to take it to the wire and pray CGU can do us a favour.

St John's Church 0 Sporting Zion 2

Sporting's run of fine form continued yesterday as they beat St John's Church 2-0 at Yate's with goals from Sam Cooper and Ashlee Guttridge. That's six wins from six games as they look assured for third place. Just one more win will do it. After a shaky start to the season, Sporting soon settled down and now appear to be one of the strongest sides in Division Three.

Sandwell United 2 Rockmount United 1

A disappointing last few matches for Rockmount, who look destined for another year in Division Three. They've failed to win any of their last six games. For Sandwell it's been a much better year. For a start, they've now scored seventy goals this season, just one fewer than DC. There are only about half a dozen sides up and down the league that have scored more. Scoring goals is fun and in some ways a team can take greater satisfaction drawing 4-4 than winning 1-0; unless you are King's of course.

Pye Green Towers 0 Brierley Hill AOG 5

In beautiful conditions, Brierley Hill took the long journey over to Cannock to play Pye Green in our last away match of the season looking to continue our recent good form.

The match began in an untidy fashion as both teams battled for dominance and the ball seemed to spend more time out of play than on the pitch. A penalty was awarded when a Pye Green player handled in the area. Mike Tyler expertly dispatched the ball into the corner of the net. With the lead the Hill began to take control and put one or two passes together creating a few chances, one move in particular led to the excellent Sam Wakelam hitting a fantastic shot which the Pye Greeen keeper expertly tipped onto the crossbar.

A second goal followed when another passing move led to Greg Poole slotting a wonderful pass into Mike's path and he smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal.

We went into the second half knowing we had to keep our heads and concentration so that we did not allow Pye Green a way back into the game. With our two experienced centre backs of Ian and Carl we did not look like conceding so we pushed on for more goals.

Mike followed in for a poacher's goal from a corner to complete his hat-trick and we scored direct from corner as our dominance began to show on the score board. Mark Smith was busy in midfield breaking up play and beginning our attacks and a fifth rounded off the scoring as another fantastic through ball was latched onto by the outstanding Mike Tyler to get his forth goal of the game.

A word about the ref and linesmen who were outstanding today, it's refreshing to have ref who lets the game flow which leads to a much better game of football.

With one game left we can look back on the most successful season that Brierley Hill have had in a while, we are still enjoying our football and have built a good team spirit that has been a major reason in many of our victories this season, if we can maintain our current squad and add a few more players next season may bring even more success!

I'm off to Gambia next week to do some teaching so its my last game of the season. Can I say thanks on behalf of the whole team to all the organisers of WMCFL, we all love our football and we know so much work goes on behind the scenes to make our league such a huge success.

Player looking for team

Dale Gordon is a winger that would like to play in the Saltley/Perry Barr area of Birmingham. Please contact him on 07909220611 or at liklegiz@hotmail.com.

Saturday Preview

From a league standpoint, I think this Saturday is probably the biggest week-end of the year. Both Division One and Division Three have fixtures where the top two meet. So we could see things pretty much decided, or should results go the other way it would leave us all in suspense.

In Division One, St Mary’s travel to Clarendon. These two teams have been in a three-year debate as to who’s the king of the castle. I think that St Mary’s have the slight edge having won the last two matches between the clubs. St Mary’s also have the Division One trophy in their cabinet and a slender three point lead in the title race. They also both drew 1-1 and lost on penalties in the Cup to City.

The form book favours neither side. Both have won eight of the last ten Division One games; St Mary’s are slightly more prolific in front of goal, whereas Clarendon are more efficient at keep the ball out of their own net. For the neutral, a Clarendon win would do fine, keeping the Division One championship race very much alive but I think St Mary’s will edge it, 2-1. Should St Mary’s win, Division One will be all but over with just three wins needed from their last five. A draw would probably play into the hands of the title holders too.

It is equally as tight in Division Three. Junction Ten appeared to have blown it until DC had a similar implosion at Brierley Hill. It just goes to show that a season is a long time in football and both sides have had their ups and downs with various things.

The mad thing is that after looking dominant at the start of the year, you just don’t know which Junction Ten will show up. DC are looking equally as fragile after expiring upon reaching the Cup Final. With both matches I can’t see a clear winner but I think perhaps DC in this game. DC may find the Sporting hurdle a little higher as they seem to be hitting the after-burners at present.

But both matches are top of the billing this week-end.

Friendly please

MBD United are after a friendly on 17 April. Please contact Neil Howard on 07506 122750 if you are interested.

Rowley College are also looking to play football in their spare weeks. Please email Mark Southall on southall51@btinternet.com or contact at 07984 189067; they are looking for friendlies when they are not playing.

St Matthew's 3 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 5

Tom Baugh reports on the sole Bank Holiday Monday fixture: A pretty good Bank Holiday dust-up this one. Lots of commitment from both sides, a fair few goals shared and no shortage of controversy.

First, the controversy: Just before half-time, St. Matt’s were 2-1 up and looked to have a scored what could have been a crucial third goal, when Pete Davies whipped in a free-kick that flew straight past Rich and into the net. After establishing whether it had gone directly into the net without interference, the ref chalked it off. St Matt’s can probably consider themselves pretty unlucky with that call, particularly Pete who already had two excellent goals to his name and was therefore denied an impressive hat-trick.

However, we came out all guns blazing in the second half and were good value for the win in my opinion, scoring four goals and creating a fair few chances aside. Nathan Lodge deserves a special mention for a superb hat-trick that did count; smashing home a goal a piece with his left and right foot, before rising like a salmon to seal the win with a late header.

Frenchie will also scald me if I don’t mention his 25 yard piledriver, which opened his account for the season. A penalty from Olly accounted for the other goal.

We showed excellent desire to get this win and more of the same in our remaining fixtures should see us finish significantly closer to the top than the bottom.

Good luck to St. Matt’s for the remainder of their season.

Brunel Manor

David Smith, the newly appointed Centre Director of Brunel Manor, a Christian conference centre in Torquay. www.brunelmanor.com has asked me to advertise their 2010 programme which includes a Mens' Weekend for 4 – 6 June with guest speaker Rev Matt Baker, Pastoral Director of English Football.

From their web site: Brunel Manor is situated in the midst of Brunel’s historic woodland sanctuary, the manor commands a prime position in the English Riviera and adjacent to the awe-inspiring rugged beauty of Dartmoor and the spectacular coastline. It is known as a place where people meet with God and is renowned for good fellowship, tranquil surroundings, magnificent location, excellent food and comprehensive facilities, with many guests calling it their second home. Brunel Manor puts on a wide variety of holidays, providing spiritual and physical rest and refreshment throughout the year. It is an ideal venue for conferences and church holidays, with residential and day facilities suiting both small groups and also larger ones of up to 150 people.

Tel Direct Line: 01803 329333

Email: info@brunelmanor.com

Saturday Review continued

Saturday Review

Christmas Review and Predictions

Tin hat at the ready and bunker down. Once I press the upload button, I'm going into hiding until spring. Good luck to you all for the second half of the season, when it happens! It looks like we are going to have a fascinating run-in with all three divisions wide open:

Ed's Mid-Season Predictions 2009/10

Ed's Pre-Season Predictions

I've been gradually writing my predictions over the past few weeks, taking note of what player changes I've heard about and factoring friendly results. I managed to finish them last week and was ready to publish and then we had a raft of friendly results and the Kevin Kovacs trophy.

I'll be honest, I thought St Mary's were going to be turned over by Clarendon yesterday. I thought City would start with a bang but have not turned in any results (that I know of) pre-season. I thought Dynamo would struggle this year, basing my rationale on their lack of goals; then I hear Chris Sweetmore is back and Neil Hambly played for them yesterday.

EK seemed to be getting pounded pre-season, then they beat Division One ZIon Athletic, albeit narrowly yesterday. I hear that St John's were heavily beaten yesterday too. So, most of what I have written appears to have been blown out of the water. I was going to revamp the lot, then I thought 'forget it, I'll put the page up anyway'.

So, by popular appeal, you can click here to read how I think everyone's going to do.

Ed's Pre-Season Predictions 2009/10