Pitch Inspections

From the FAMOA web site

Tim Atkins adds: We actually could have gone a couple goals up but for our usual defensive mistakes letting St Mary's in to score three quick goals past about our tenth different keeper of the season before one of our lads was sent off. We are actually disappointed not to come away with something from the game as we outplayed them for large parts of the second half with ten men and they do not look like a team that were going to win the league. Our striker shinned one over from three yards out before one of our defenders headed over unmarked from five yards along with a host of other opportunities. We deserve some credit from the game and especially considering the scoreline earlier in the season, we could have folded when down to ten, but I am pleased with our performance and am adament we will spring a couple of suprises before the inevitable relegation to Division Two.

City Church 2 St Thomas Aldridge 2

Martin Ogbourn says: Football is certainly unpredictable and that is one of the reasons we all love it even when it is hard when you are on the receiving end! City dropped two points today against a determined St Thomas side as City were 2-0 up and cruising with chances being created (and squandered, blocked or saved!) as City dominated the first half with some good attacking play.

We attacked well in numbers and passed the ball quickly to create lots of opportunities. At the back the fifth different enforced back four combination in five games was solid as St Thomas rarely tested our keeper from open play during the match. However, unless you finish your chances off the opposition are always in the game. (HT 2-0) Open goals, free headers, good saves and both posts were hit in the second half, but we could not find the third goal to kill the game off and we were made to pay in a sloppy second half performance.

A free kick was allowed to go straight through a crowded penalty area and beat an unsighted Chris Chattaway in the City goal (yes the sun does sometimes shine at Row Heath!), and just when it looked like the three points were secured a long punt up field allowed Mark Hadden to run through unaided (for the only time in the game!) before he was brought down for a penalty, which he duly finished. Aldridge battled hard in the second half and they most be commended for this. Last year they also came back well in both games we played. However City lacked composure and overplayed at times. We did not show the same commitment we have demonstrated in recent weeks. The positive thing is we remain unbeaten in eight games, and have lost only one in eleven, but we need to learn from it as we will need to improve attitude and workrate for the challenges ahead.

Marc Buller adds: There are two sides to St Thomas, the side that turned up last week and were outplayed in every department by a team we were predicated to beat and the other side who fought and matched top of the league yesterday.

The game itself started lively with both teams having chances to score but once the game settled down City dominated for a good twenty minute spell where St Thomas just couldn’t clear their lines which lead to two poor goals been given away from our viewpoint. A frustrating start to a game which was never going to easy, we had to switch on and look for ways to get back into the game before it was too late. City finished the half as the stronger, still looking the more likely to score.

St Thomas came out much more brightly for the second half now having the slope in our favour as well. However we still looked unlikely to score with only one up top so Rob changed it to 4-4-2 and within a minute we got one back from a free kick from Mark Hadden that missed everyone including the keeper. We continued to push for an equaliser and it finally came after Mark Hadden was hacked down in the box as he was one on one with keeper. Mark picked himself and converted to bring us level.

The game finished 2-2, a result we’re extremely pleased with after a disappointing performance the week before. We have got a massive game next week against St Matthew's to end the year with. I wonder which St Thomas side will turn up?

Clarendon 2 St Boniface 3

Simon Adams reports: What a performance! Ed hopefully got it right when he said “St Boniface are a team that I think are better than their league position suggests” however we are where we are because the performances haven’t been good enough, consistently enough. We lost to Clarendon in the second week of the season but felt we gave them a good game, so we went into this knowing that if we competed, and every player did their job then we stood a good chance of a positive result. Sure, Clarendon were short of a few players, but even the replacements would get regular starts in a lot of teams. We have been without three key players in Laidley, Watkins and Wilkes all season.

Clarendon started the brightest although St Boniface were defending well as a team. Most of the play was coming down the Clarendon right and on the first occasion we switched play to their weaker left side, a great run and cross from Ben 10 Fowler saw Obi miss a sitter at the back post, somehow side-footing wide. Midway through the half Clarendon hit us twice during a poor five minute spell, the first goal from a counter attack launched from our set-piece, which was worked into the box and slipped beyond James in goal. The second was probably the only long hoof played all game, Jonesy missing the header and the rest of the defence caught napping by a smart run in behind and lobbing the St Boniface keeper. 2-0 down and we hadn’t played badly.

Credit to us though, we began to work hard trying to retain possession believing we had earned the right to compete against a side as good as Clarendon, and we finally got a reward when a free kick saw Obi head towards goal where the ball seemed to be kept out by a defender’s arm and bounce out only for Obi to rifle it home. Good refereeing as the alternative would probably have been a penalty and red card and no one likes to see players hit with reds and fines, especially close to Christmas!!! Half time came and we came off 2-1 down but probably the better side overall.

The second half, there was only one team in it. Jim Gray only got his gloves dirty when setting the ball for his goal-kicks. We equalised when some persistence from Levi down the left saw the one moment in the season when we were glad that Levi can’t cross accurately as the ball nestled in the far side of the net. Game on. The winner came soon after from the same player when Jimmy Cutler, who had played superbly all game, holding the ball up and linking the play, cut in from the right and crossed for Levi to head home. There was still time for Yeos to make a run in behind the defence, found by Baby Walsh, only to appeared to run in slow motion “Chariots of Fire” style as James Bond (Roger Moore) gained 350 yards on him to make a tackle and win a goal kick too.

Credit to Clarendon who played in a great spirit, kept trying to play football even at the death, refusing to hoof it long, and to the referee who was excellent. We hardly noticed he was there. Unfortunately for Clarendon they met us on a day when all eleven St Bees were superb, none more so than Clive Haslam who, for a 17yr old, plays at the back with a maturity and quiet composure belying his tender years (I think I nicked that phrase from a Sports journalist!). The only downside was that Clive chose the aftermath of the game to tell us he was going to Botswana for six months after Christmas. Good luck to him but he needs to find us a replacement first!

Halesowen 3 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 2

Dave Walters says: Considering the pitch condition this was a good open game with both teams playing decent football, I thought we just about did enough to deserve our win.

The game started brightly with Wolves passing well and putting in some crosses which we dealt with, we then started to play creating a good chance that Dan Carver just hit over the bar, we soon took the lead when Dan hit a fierce shot from 25 yards for his fourth goal in three matches. Wolves had a good chance but was well saved by Grant Doran's leg (standing in again as keeper), but they later equalised with a penalty against the run of play.

The second half was played in similar fashion with both sides playing attacking football, we re-took the lead through a Wayne Spicer free kick from a ridiculous angle, I think everyone was expecting a cross but he shot direct at the near post. Cocky also had a great shot superbly saved by Rich in the Wolves' goal. With about ten minutes to go Wolves drew level again after a good passing move and were looking for a winner when we won a corner which Spice looped up way up into the air and it drifted in direct at the far post, a most bizarre goal, we then held on for the three points.

Grant Doran adds: We spoke before the game yesterday about how a win would give us a bit of breathing space and allow us to focus on trying to catch the teams above us without worrying about the teams below us. With a fairly strong team out it was a bit disappointing to see us start the game slowly. Wolves had a couple of good moves but didn't ask many questions of the keeper, with most of the shots they did get away sailing wide or over. At the other end we hadn't really tested the Wolves keeper but were starting to have good posession and were building good momentum. Having spent all last season looking for his first goal Dan seems to have found his scoring boots this year, as he rifled us into the lead with a cracking effort from about 25 yards out. With both teams looking to play open football, the game was swinging from one end to the other with both teams creating chances. Wolves equalised from the penalty spot, after a tangle of legs as a corner came in. Although I got both hands to the ball I couldn't keep it out and it spun up and into the roof of the net. Both teams had chances after that but neither managed to convert so we went in at half time 1-1.

The second half continued in the same style with both teams using the ball well and looking to keep possession. We again took the lead after Spicer bent in a free kick which the keeper could only palm into the goal. We pushed hard to find the third goal which would have sealed the points for us, and we had several good chances. The most notable of these saw the Wolves keeper making a great reflex block from a point blank effort from Cocky. Wolves play good football and they equalised with the best goal of the game. They worked the ball well across the back line and then down the right wing. With the Zion defence struggling to pick up the runners, any decent ball into the box would have given them a great chance to score. The cross was delivered perfectly and the forward steered the ball into the corner of the net from six yards out. 2-2 and in all honesty Wolves were in control. However the lads dug in and started to pass the ball around well and we started to create a few openings. With only five minutes left and the game looking to be heading for a draw, Dave Atton, who is not renowned for his scoring abilities bundled the ball over the line after a deep corner from Spicer. After the game he did say that it was already over the line so Spicer picked up his seventh of the season.

We are pleased with the win and are looking forward to next week, looking to keep the good run we are on going.

King's AFC 4 Zion Athletic 2

Jallen says: We should have won today but the lethal cocktail of missing sitters and poor defending is a recipe for defeat. It's that simple; roll on next week. Ed adds: Zion's season hit the half-way mark yesterday with the defeat to King's. They amassed just nine points from their eleven games. If they repeat this haul in the second half of the year and collect another eighteen points, it's almost certain that they will go down. I think they, as all clubs this year will need to be hitting the twenty-four point mark for safety, so they need to target fifteen points from their remaining eleven games.

Division Two

Chawn Hill Church 0 Champions Church 4

Apologies for reporting this as 3-0 on the front page. I really don't know what made me do that, I knew what the score was; not being able to chew gum and walk in a straight line: - Listing to Yusuf's new album at the same time as updating the site.

Paul Taylor says: With a depleted squad, Chawn were fearing the worse for today's game as we entertained top of the league.

Yet again South Road was almost bone dry despite the recent bad weather and Chawn set about he job in hand. Chawn and Champions both had chances early on with both keepers pulling of some good saves.

The deadlock was broken by Champions mid half and then it got worse!! Sooty who has been excellent of late and has been drawing alot of positive comments from the opposition pulled up sharply and collapsed in pain!! diagnosis is a pulled/torn hamstring, we hope he recovers soon as he has become a fundamental piece in the Chawn's attacking line. Half-time 0-1

Chawn dominated the second half up until a lapse in concentration gave the Champions the opportunity to double their lead which they took. Chawn continued to battle hard but never really threatened the Champions goal.

Two late goals gave Champions breathing space and in fairness flattered them a little. Chawn were always on a losing battle with this one with key players missing and then injuries. Champions played well (especially No.7-Rion Mills) and showed why they're top of the league as I feel they did not play as well as they can but still won, a good thing to have if your pushing for the league.

Chawn can hold their heads up after this one as we battled hard and with this new team ethic should continue to pull away from the bottom half of the table.

Shawn Devonport adds: Today was all about bouncing back and that we did in style. Everybody else seemed to be panicking because we lost a game last week, will the wheels fall off.... but we know our season is about twenty games and today was just another game and we went about it as normal with the same belief in each other.

The first half was one way traffic, Gouley headed fractionally over twice from close range, we hit the bar, Jim Wilkes went close and we were just camped in the Chawn half with numerous other chances and blocks. We went 1-0 up when I turned my man and it went in off the post. That was it as far as goals went but we were knocking the ball around well and Chawn couldn't handle our movement, I dont remember a Chawn chance first half but they were competing all over the pitch.

Second half and we were wary that the score was only 1-0 and to be honest we were poor for 20 minutes, Chawn were now getting into the game, only creating off long throws or set pieces but at 1-0 we were for the first time looking shaky allmost scoring an own goal and Bedda trying his luck from forty yards. We then when least looking like scoring made it 2-0 when a fantastic ball from Tim Bamber was met with a great header from Dave Oakley from twelve yards out. 2-0 we sensed it was now there to kill the game off and we then hit the post followed by the side netting and a goal bound effort from Josh Ball was blocked. It was soon 3-0 when I got my second and after hitting the post again we made it 4-0 when a flowing move from Greg Timmington to Lee Ralph, a great ball from Robbie Cox to Rion and he threaded in Josh Ball to get his first and make the scoreline look slightly better for us.

A good result for us, Selly Oak drew at Chawn and EK lost there so more points gained. Rion was excellent today and ran the show alongside Dave Oakley who was a match for Bedda's aerial and physical threat. And another clean sheet (third of the season) with a solid performance at the back llthough I don't feel we were tested too much at the back today with Chawn missing a few forward players and losing Jamie Sutton to injury thrity-five minutes in.

It's EK next week at our place, a match that I feel EK need to win more than us if they are to win the league so we look forward to the battle and hopefully a big three points.

EK Corinthia 7 Lighthouse Lions 5

Three points for EK as the Division two title race hots up with the top three seemingly pulling away from the rest of the teams. A typical result for Lighthouse Lions: scoring highly but not taking the three points this week; it's looking like a mid-table finish from them this season. But the big talking point must be EK's game with Champions. Should they lose, then I think the title will be as good as done but a win will mean a superb finish for this Division with Selly Oak hoping to pick up the pieces should either side slip up.

Renewal Solihull 2 MBD United 3

Brian Follows reports: Once again poor finishing cost a lively Renewal side dear. MDB went in front with their one and only shot at goal in the first half. Second half MDB were awarded a penalty and scored it to make it two. When Renewal left back swore after a poor bit of ball control Renewal found themselves down to ten men. A good MDB move down the left wing resulted in another good finish 3-0. Then another Renewal come back found them come up short at 3-2. It looks as if the enforced morning kick offs is the final nail for Renewal.

Division Three

Zion City 0 Junction Ten Village 5

J10 put their defeat last week firmly behind them with a solid 5-0 win against Zion City which sees them return to the top of the table as DC's game was off. In doing so, Junction Ten broke the record for goals scored in Division Three which is pretty amazing considering Champions' dominance of Division Three last season and that there's still one game to go until Christmas. The run-in for the Division Three title is fascinating this season, who knows who will win that one? Perhaps DC will be distracted by the Cup as they have a real chance to get to the final.

Pye Green Towers 0 St John's Church 1

A single Stu Rogers goal gives St John's a slim win and keeps them very much in line for a top three finish, if not higher! For Pye Green it was another defeat but the signs are very much pointing to a much brighter future. The seeds have long-since been sown and the green shoots are beginning to emerge.

Adam Wall adds: St John's went into this one aware of a massive improvment by Pye Green in recent weeks. So were determined not to take this a guaranteed win. It was far from that, Pye Green huffed and puffed but couldnt stop St John's collecting their third win on the bounce in the league.

It started with Pye Green giving St John's a couple of scares early on but both opening resulted in St John's clearing their lines before the opposition could get a shot off. After twenty minutes the away side got to grip with muddy, bobbly surface and took control of possession. They knocked it around but Pye Green stood firm keeping chances to a minimum. A few shouts went up for a penalty when Stuart Rogers appeared to be pushed by the keeper, the ref waved protests away. HT 0-0.

In the second half St John's completely dominated and were guilty of missing chances and over playing. It was finally 1-0 when a Jon Holmes cross was over hit, with everyone waiting for to go out for a goal kick Adam Wall chased, collected and crossed for Stuart Rogers to head home with a quality header. St John's continued to press and were awarded a penalty when the keeper, who I must add was the difference between 5-0 and 1-0 today, brought down a advancing ever lively Rogers. Ash Hamer stepped up smashed the ball down the middle and the keeper redeemed himself tipping it over. (Unusual for Ash to miss-Ed). The game continued as it went on, finishing 1-0. Pye Green gave everything today but one moment of geniue quality was the difference. Special mention to Pye Green keeper and Stuart Rogers.

Well Done Pye Green and Good Luck for the rest of the season.

All Nations 0 Rockmount United 3

Rockmount secure a fairly straight-forward 3-0 win against an All Nations side unable to repeat last week's heroics. What's nice to see is that both sides are improving season on season with Rockmount needing just one more point to equal last year's 25 and All Nations have already improved on last season by 600%! They took just one point from last season but have already mustered six this year.

Living Hope Church 2 Common Ground United 5

Pete Hopper says: Not much to say today but we were outplayed by a better team. They were quicker, sharper and more united than we were. We pressured well at times (both our goals resulting in sustained attack from the whole team). But two early goals from them knocked our confidence and we never looked like clawing things back. Gutted.

Congratulations to Common Ground who deserved their win today. Thanks also to the Officials who were great today. Pete ‘more-sad-than-a-sad-clown’ Hopper.

DIVISION THREE

DC Dynamos v Sporting Zion DC find themselves on top of the division unexpectedly after All Nations did them a favour. It does put a different complexion on things. Those three teams at the bottom of the division have been threatening to pull off a shock for some weeks. Sporting have lost their way a little over the last few outings and a win away at DC would do their cause a great deal of good. I’m expecting a home win though.

Zion City v Junction Ten Village I’m sure last week was just a blip and J10 will come back even stronger. Zion could do with the points though. Sandwell have now caught them, despite having played more games and Brierley Hill are above them too. Zion’s record is very similar to City’s first season: Mid-tablish having won just fewer than half their games. It just goes to show what is achievable. J10 to win though.

Pye Green Towers v St John’s Church St John’s seem to have been mooching around that third place for a while now and do seem nailed on for a promotion place. However, this is just the kind of game that they need to win. Pye Green have been improving steadily as the season has progressed and I’m sure will move out of the basement in due course, even if it takes a little while. Their draws with Rockmount and Common Ground are proof that they need to be respected these days. They will go into this match expecting a result but I think St John’s will win if they stick together.

All Nations v Rockmount United I think this is perhaps one result that everyone will look out for on Saturday afternoon. I’m working this week, so results will not be posted until a little later. I think us Brits all love the underdog and if the whole league had have turned up to their match last week, they’d have had some considerable support. The odds are heavily stacked against them though, I’m still going for a Rockmount win, a big one too. They will be ready.

Living Hope Church v Common Ground United You know, this might just be the week that I can say that every team in this division has won a match. Living Hope will need to contain David Walker though. It’s not an easy job though, he seems to thrive on close attention. CGU are not out of the promotion race yet and we could promote more than three if the league grows again and it’s voted through.

Sandwell United v Brierley Hill AOG This match takes bottom billing but I think that it can be classed as a mid-table game. Some progress for both sides who have long-since been the whipping boys of the league. Brierley Hill still seem a little shy in front of goal, but Sandwell don’t. Their 44 goals is more than all but the top two. I’m going for a home win in this one which would round off 2009 very nicely for Sandwell, whatever the result on 19th.

Christmas Services

City Church, Birmingham warmly invites you to our Christmas sevices on Sunday 20th December;

Family Carol Service at 10:30am at the Octagon, Edgbaston High School For Girls, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston
Carols by Cadlelight at 7pm at the Chapel, Blue Coat School, Harborne.

"Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke Chapter 2 verse 11)

More details on www.city-church.org.uk

Coach looking for a team

Matt Green, who played for Grenfell and Christchurch Hornets is looking for a team to coach. He has his Level One badge but will be working towards Level Two next year. If you are interested, please contact Matt on mgshrimper@googlemail.com He can also play.

New Synthetic Pitch Available

Our fantastic new 3G, full-sized, all weather floodlit football pitch will be available to hire from Monday 14 December 2009.

On an evening it will be divided into quarters and available for training from 6pm to 9pm. During the weekend it will be available for training and matches from 9am to 4pm. The cost is £38 + VAT per quarter for a one off booking and £30 + VAT per quarter for a block booking, minimum of 10 weeks required, £75 + VAT per match. Clubs may qualify for VAT exemption, conditions apply.

To book you place or for further information contact:

The Thorns Leisure Centre, Stockwell Avenue, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 2NU or phone from 4pm weeknights, 9am weekends 01384 816229 or Email nfisher@thorns-s.dudley.gov.uk

Players looking for a team

Ashley centre-midfield, Jonny winger or striker and Ben defender are all looking for a team. If anyone is interested, please call 07515 545933. They are in the Walsall, Wednesbury area.

Saturday Review

Well, what a day! There are a few congratulations to hand out: I don't know where to start. Certainly the most surprising was All Nations' win over Junction Ten. I sat in the changing room at St Thomas' and read the text, re-read it and thought it was a joke. Then Martin's text came through from J10 confirming it was true. I actually had phone calls to ask if it was correct and I hadn't missed a one from J10's score.

So well done lads. Whilst someone has to come bottom, I never like to see teams get done over, week in week out. I like to see everyone register a few wins.

Secondly, another club doing a little better recently: City Church top of the league. Granted, the situation may be temporary but top is top. Well done to you too; City are coming of age.

Yesterday, Martin Nicholls scored his 100th league goal in WMCFL. A brilliant achievement. He also bagged #101, which was his 100th Division One goal (I think he scored one for Bilston in Division Two). He currently lies third behind Shawn Devonport and Mark Hadden, the only two others that have scored more than 100, in the internet era (before I get emails from Fellows and Hambly). Well done Mart, you've been a big part of WMCFL recently, congratulations.

And lastly commiserations to Champions Church whose unbeaten record that lasted 28 games from September 2008 until yesterday. Congratulations to them on such a great run and to Selly Oak for breaking it.

Birmingham County FA Cup Third Round

Wollescote Villa 3 Clarendon 3 (Wollescote won on penalties)

Clarendon started this match well, quickly scoring and soon adding another. The match was played on Chawn Hill's home ground and the upward slope was suiting Clarendon's game. They appeared to be playing five at the back and another four in midfield. The scored another on the break to go in 3-0 up. Wollescote were counting themselves a little unlucky with one or two ping-pong clearances from the Clarendon back line or whoever could throw themselves in front of the ball.

I think they knew they were in for a torrid second half and it came to pass as Wollescote soon scored a couple of goals. They drew level a bit later and unless Clarendon could stay the onslaught, it would have been curtains. But the Clarendon defence were resolute and they got on top towards the end of the 90 minutes, with a couple of half chances going begging.

The match entered extra time and both sides threatened to score but as so often is the case, they didn't. Wollescote came mighty close when a shot looped up off Bigga in the Clarendon goal and hit the bar and bounced to safety. So on to penalties.

All eight spot kicks were successful and then Clarendon were presented with the opportunity to win the game as Big smothered a shot but Craige Birmingham could not put his away either. Bigga nearly saved Wollescote's sixth but he just diverted the shot into the top corner. By this time the gloom was gathering and the moon could clearly be seen but Tommy missed his too and Wollescote were through.

A little unlucky, but Clarendon have done the league proud.

Division One

Amblecote 2 City Church 3

Martin Ogbourn writes: Well what can I say about today's tempetous game with Amblecote which leaves City top of the league for the first time in their 101 game history in WMCFL! City took the three points late on with two excellent goals in the last ten minutes after City showed great character to twice come from behind.

City were off the pace in the opening exchanges, and it was not suprising when Amblecote took the lead early on with a clean strike after the ball was not cleared out of the City defence. However, as the half progressed City got a foothold in the game, and began to create more pressure as David Cooper drove the team forward from midfield. Daniel Atkins and David Louden started to get possession in dangerous areas to create opportunities. At the midway point of the half David Louden slotted home with aplomb in a one-one after a good through ball. Amblecote also had chances and had the better possession. City were a little fortunate to go in at half time on level terms (HT 1-1).

In the second half the match became more fractitious and threatened to get out of control with a lot of niggly fouls. However, both sides had opportunities as City hit the crossbar, and had two shots cleared off the line. Amblecote continued to pass the ball well with good possession from deep and took the lead with an angled shot after 80 minutes. It took a sublime, dipping free kick from 30 yards from Daniel Atkins to equalise (the keeper didn't move!) with 10 minutes left to leave a barnstorming finish! After end-to-end play City won the game with only two minutes remaining from another free kick in a similar position. Daniel Atkins drove a shot which was flicked in by David Louden from a few yards out (Atkins assures us it was going in anyway!).

City showed excellent team spirit again, and the strength and depth of the squad was demonstrated for the second week running. Even the lads who didn't come on showed great attitudes in supporting the team. At times we lacked shape and positional discipline, but we continued to create chances, battle and win! Martin Belshah had a good performance for only his second start of the season, and Joe Melia was as consistent as ever alongside the dependable Jonathon Sheppard to renew their centre back pairing. City are not getting carried away as we need to back it up with another win next week, but we have good momentum.

John Hawker adds: Another disappointing result this week in a game that could have gone either way, but was ultimately decided in the last minute. In wet conditions and on a pitch that wasn’t really suited to free flowing football, it was all about the hustle and bustle today, with a large number of fouls conceded by both sides with the resulting free kicks having an ultimate say on the points going to City.

We started off the better team and went ahead early through a nice move and the ball being swept home on the volley by Jadon Silva. Then the first turning point of the game – our centre half and arguably our player of the season so far, Simon Ashby, had to be taken straight to A+E after an innocuous incident where the ref had stopped play and Ashby turned to collect the ball for a free kick. Then, unfortunately he got his studs stuck in the turf and pop went his ankle. There wasn’t another player within 10 yards of Ashby when this happened. News on Simon is that he is in plaster and may be out for some time – we all wish him a speedy recovery, not only to return to play for Amblecote, but also, as Simon does a hell of a lot of charity work in the local community this will also be affected by the injury. We know he is disappointed and upset about this fact, but unfortunately accidents do happen so try to keep your chins up Simon! This injury meant yet another reshuffle, which seemed to break our concentration and we conceded a simple goal where City’s Centre forward was left all alone to receive the ball and slot home from around 15 yards to make it 1-1.

To finish the first half both sides had good chances, Spence crashed a long range effort against the crossbar, and City’s centre forward somehow managed to put a good chance over the bar from around four yards out, when it perhaps seamed easier to score. Half Time 1-1.

Into the second half and we scored a good goal after some swift passing ending in Kit slotting home with a tidy finish. City then equalised after a needless free kick was given away on the edge of the box and the City player curled the ball over the wall into the top corner with pace – a very well taken set piece.

Into the last 10 minutes of the game and chances were created and wasted at both ends. Then whilst attacking a free kick deep in the City penalty area, a hand ball was spotted by the referee and our remaining centre half received his second yellow card of the game and was sent off. In the final few minutes we then didn’t learn from giving away the last free kick and gave away another in a similar position. After a lot of confusion in defending the set piece, the same player who scored previously curled another effort goal wards which was touched in by another City player who was unmarked to snatch the win.

Perhaps a draw would have been a fair result today – but we simply gave away to many free kicks in dangerous areas and ultimately paid the price with defeat.

St Thomas Aldridge 0 Halesowen Zion 5

Dave Walters writes: A decent all-round display from us today, we were excellent at the back, creative in midfield and sharp up front. We dominated the early period of the first half and took an early lead through a Ben Doran goal, we looked like we were going to score more but couldn't find a finish. St T's started to come more into the game in the closing stages of the half and a couple of good saves by our stand in keeper Grant Doran kept our lead at the break.

We pretty much took control in the second half and when Dan Carver hit a sweet shot from 25 yards which flew in we looked comfortable. Ben and Dan both got their second and Cocky got the fifth which was surprisingly his first of the season.

Grant Doran adds: Today was a great result with a performance to go with it as we looked good from back to front. We started well and created several clear chances with Ben Doran finally putting the ball in the net after a nice passing move. We put the ball in the net a further three times but all were chalked off for offside plus Cocky cracked the bar after more neat football. Despite the chances we were creating, with only the one goal between the two teams it would only have taken one missed tackle or bit of skill and St Thomas would be back in it. They had there chance to draw level after a long ball down the middle was missed by the defence and found it's way to the forward. Unfortunately for St Thomas the forward saw his shot saved by the keeper and Halesowen went into the break 1-0 to the good.

The second half saw us convert the pressure we were enjoying into goals with Dan smashing home a cracker from just outside the box, Ben adding another goal and Cocky finishing the scoring late on. The only blemish was Tom seeing red with 20 minutes left. Credit to St T's as they played their part in a very entertaining game.

King's AFC 3 St Matthew's 3

King's and St Matthew's drew yesterday in a mid-table clash that St Matthew's were leading at one point. Martin Nicholls texted: We hit the bar with two minutes left and they went straight up the other end and scored.

Zion Athletic 2 Sheldon 1

Jallen reports: In all fairness on our first half performance we were lucky to be one up at half time. We improved in the second half to stretch our lead to two. But with a goal later onfrom Sheldon and us being reduced to ten men, it made for an uncomfortable finish. We played poorly but got the win but it's three points to kick-start our season.

Lyndon Fisher adds: We played Zion off the park in the first half, created numerous chances but guess what, never converted them. Football can be cruel game, and when you're struggling you never get the run of the ball. In the second half Zion came into the game more, they then went down to ten men for foul and abusive language aimed at our linesmen. We miss a quality forward who can score goals because we should have won this game, and again we were without our injured keeper. Swapping the team around week in week out doesn't help either. As my old manager used to say, goals win games not chances, that seems to be true in our case.

Division Two

Selly Oak Methodist 3 Champions Church 1

Shawn Devonport says: Well it's finally happened, Champions church first ever league defeat. The match in my opinion was very lucky to go ahead, plenty of puddles and mud but the referee said the game was good to go and it's always the same for both teams.

Selly Oak were well up for this and made the early running with a few corners but as the game settled we came into the game. We went very close off a corner ourselves when the ball evaded everyone and we then took the lead when a delightful Josh Ball chip made its way to Rion who finished with a sweet right foot finish. Selly Oak didnt let their heads go down though and kept the ball well on the difficult surface and Carl Jones made Dan make a good save and was wasteful on a few other occasions. They finally levelled when we switched off and their winger finished after it looked like he had wasted the chance, game on again. Selly Oak kept coming and were the team having all the ball but then came a big moment, we were countering well and I got half a chance, the ball was smashed towards the top corner but Rob produced a stunning save to tip it wide. We then had another chance when Greg headed just wide from a corner and Rion had another chance which he screwed wide. Half time came, Selly Oak had plenty of the ball first half but we had digged in well, defended well and created as many clear cut chances ourselves. 1-1 half time.

The second half started and the pitch was now a mud bath. Selly Oak were again the team in the acendency and the next goal was always going to be vital. It was Selly Oak who got it when Carl was left onside when he shouldn't have been and he lobbed Dan with a cool finish. Selly Oak were now well on top and although not creating lots they were up for it more, winning every 50-50s and were defending brilliantly. They soon made it 3-1 when Carl snapped into a tackle, we thought it was a foul but he ran on and it hit Dan's legs and just crept in. That was really it for the game, we huffed and puffed a little and created a few decent chances but it wasn't to be.

Fair play to Selly Oak, we lost to the better team today, two tough games against them and it's three points each and four goals each. They were just really up for it today and we were well off the pace just not being at our best at all especially up front and some silly errors at the back not helping as well as the lack of fight all over the pitch. Carl is a real threat, strong, quick and full off running and a mention to Jamie Williams today, he was disappointing at our place but he ran the show today on a difficult surface and was the best player today by a mile.

For us, I haven't mentioned the unbeaten run much which was at 28 games but now it's gone I must say a fantastic well done to the boys. A run like that is almost unheard of and although it was disappointing to lose today it's something to look back on and be very very proud of. It's a very hard thing to do as proven by Junction 10 today losing to All Nations, maybe teams will not be so up for it against us now! It's Chawn next week, South Road is always a difficult place to go but I'm sure we will have a point to prove, so we will be up for it. Again a very well done to an impressive Selly Oak team.

Rob O'Neill adds: Well first off I would like to start with congratulating Shawn and the Champions boys for an amazing run of results also for the way they handled themselves after the final whistle showing a great attitude in defeat. Also it was the reverse of this fixture that we wore black armbands in memory of Adam Earp and I would've dedicated that win and Champions first league loss to him, now I finally have that opportunity. RIP Adam, not forgotten.

Now to the business of the action I mentioned that if the right Selly Oak turned up we would beat Champions and although I don't feel we played our best football today, we did show a great deal of heart. We started brightly and put some pressure on the Champs back line and won a plethora of corners but it was Champs who struck first with a nice ball finding Rion Mills just inside the area. With good control he approached the six yard box and then showed great composure to find the far side of the goal. We knew however we had started the brighter and were more than capable of getting a goal back but Champs would break again with Shawn Devonport hitting a great shot which I was equal too and managed to tip round the post. This proved to be the turning point as at 2-0 we would've had a mountain to climb. We drew level when the ball found Joel Richards in the area, he seemed to dwell on the ball far too long before turning their right back and lashing the ball home. Selly Oak kept the pressure on forcing their keeper into at least two great saves before the half time whistle sounded. 1-1

There was a buzz in the Selly Oak team talk. We knew, even now at 1-1, that this was our day we had finished the first half well and our defence had stood firm with Luke Bird in particular being outstanding all game. We started the second half brightly also with Jamie Williams running the midfield; in top form Jamie would walk into any team in all three divisions and be one of their best players. We set about trying to take the lead. About ten minutes into the second half a through ball found Carl Jones who sprinted away from the defence, their keeper came out to meet him and Carl cooly lobbed the ball over him for 2-1, another player that has really made the difference this season. Champs had offered a lot of resistance in the midfield and defence but I can't remember having to do too much in the second half. It was Carl Jones again that would get our third and put the game to bed by slotting the ball under their keeper and duly taking a bow as a celebration. What a great result and one that opens the title race again.

We have a week off next week before our final game of 2009 against Chawn at Lion Farm, a place we are still undefeated home and away in all competitions but we will not take this game lightly as we drew with them 4-4 at South Road and will be more than up for getting a win this time around.

Renewal Solihull 3 Birmingham International 4

Inter come out on top of the Renewal derby and take three points to keep them on top of the mid-table pack. Solihull are in a spot of bother as they are one of the three clubs on ten points above DK on three at the bottom. Unless they start winning soon, it's going to be a relegation battle from here on in.

Dynamo Kingswinford 0 Rowley College 3

Pete Bennett says: I think we were spurred on today partly by the thought that we might be playing our always competitive encounters with DK in the Third Division if we’re not careful. I guess they were too but thankfully today they had the sinking feeling that we have experienced much too often this season when a fairly even game ends up with a very uneven scoreline. DK continue to play good football but today their spells gained them nothing and ours produced goals.

Looking back it may be that losing the toss was important since we otherwise like DK would have kicked up the hill first half. As it turned out the momentum we got downhill propelled us into the lead and DK were chasing the game with endeavour but understandably lacking belief whereas we had something to hold onto. We were very much on top for the first 25 minutes. Craig Micklewright, our man-of-the-match, gave the DK defence plenty to think about and our thoughts were all positive. However it was DK hitting the bar from a lob that sparked us into action. Firstly Stew Harvey hit a beauty from fully 30 yards and shortly afterwards the lino spotted an infringement and we got a penalty that Sammy Nelson confidently converted. DK then had a strong spell but we stood firm despite an injury to Rob Hill that led to him going off at half time.

DK came strong again second half and had a couple of really good chances and our defensive problems increased when Chrissy Staien had to go off. Mark had come on as a half time sub so I had to switch him to centre half for the remainder of the game (he was very solid there). Meanwhile Harvey was in on the act again, beating their keeper from a long way out and this time from wide. Still we pressed with Craig looking sure to get one. In fact the last chance fell to Harvey on a hat trick. Sub Alun Inett had gone around the keeper and squared it for Stew to somehow screw his shot wide with the goal open. A good day for us all round, but best wishes too to the DK lads who I suspect just need a bit of luck.

Division Three

DC Dynamos 9 Sandwell United 3

Mark Crouch writes: Well what a morning! At one point it looked as though this match might have been called off but some excellent team work from the lads got it into a playable state. The team work didn't stop there as a comprehensive win from DC took us back to the top albeit with a massive dollop of help from All Nations.

Today although we were playing in poor conditions, the passing game we played was as good as anything I have seen all season. The confidence to pass the ball to the man and the knowledge that the player is more than competent to do something useful with it is apparent for anyone to see. We scored early settling the nerves and we were handed a big boost playing against ten men ten minutes into the game as their player swore and was sent off.

Adam Bradshaw scored a first half hat-trick and Adam Doupe joined in with a well taken goal. It could have been a different game had their striker scored the two chances they made for themselves but Andrew Garvey made two outstanding saves when their striker was one on one with him. Good man.
4-0 half time

Ten minutes into the second half and the game was pretty much dead and buried as Adam Bradshaw helped himself to his fourth and Dave Rich to his first of two. I am told that his first was a real contender for goal of the season but as I was fetching the other ball from the brambles, I missed it. Steve Burford got a throughly deserved goal having been stopped on at least two occasions by some wonderful keeping from their man of the match their keeper. Dave Rich picked up his second and Ryan McCauley came on and scored a really well taken goal. Their keeper stopped the score going into double figues today with at least six great finger-tip saves.

Sandwell for their part never stopped battling and when they did score it just fired DC up again to score and nullify their attacks.

Man of the match today for us was Paul Bluey Blewitt who at right back controlled the tempo of the game and his passing today showed exactly why he used to play pro football. Dave Rich was like a pit bull in centre mid and he gave a true captain's performance. It feels harsh to give the Man of the Match to a right back who didn't scored especially as Adam Bradshaw scored four wonderful goals today but Bluey's first half performance just pipped Adam to it. A great team performance again today and back at the top where we belong.

Myles Wilson adds: I suppose our unbeaten run had to come to an end one day. I read last week's report of DC Dynamos v All Nations and it mentioned that it was like a mud bath and when I looked at the pitch on Saturday morning I thought it would be called off. Both goal mouths and the centre had puddles of mud in them. The rest of the pitch was OK. Obviously DC Dynamos did their best to clear all of the water and at the beginning it looked bad but playable. As time went on it was like a mud bath. I cannot use this as an excuse as both sides had the same problem.

We had to change our forward line up as one of our players had injured himself in warm up. They scored a goal in the first five minutes which I missed. It looked like we were going to come back with a few chances (saved by the keeper). One was a one on one which I think made a difference. Unfortunately for the team we had a player sent off for swearing. If we had scored before they got their next couple of goals we would not have dropped our heads.

The second half started better for us but then they scored a few goals and around the same time we lost one of our main midfielders, Matthew Hammond, through injury. Half way through Robert Gill collected the ball at the edge of the penalty area on the left hand side, turned around their defender and shot into the right hand corner of the goal. Later after they scored some more goals Gennaro Tervolino won the ball on the edge of the penalty area and swivelled and shot into the left hand corner of the goal. With five minutes to go we were awarded a free kick on the right hand side which was floated in by Stewart Winters that was met with a header by Mark Allsop in the six yard box and planted it in the goal.

Junction Ten Village 2 All Nations 3

Shane Wedderburn says: Well firstly thanks to Adam Wall from St John's, who predicted that if we kept our heads up we would win a few games, but we didn't in our wildest dreams think it would come today. We came into the game with mixed feelings some of us wanting to go out and really push Junction 10, some however felt keeping the score down would be good!

After an even start, Junction 10 were rightly awarded a penalty. However there was a reprieve for All Nations as the penalty was blazed over. There was just a feeling it could be our day. And that feeling was only enhanced when only five minutes later we were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately for us our penaltly also went over. However, by now we were starting to dominate proceedings and it was completely deserved when our man of the match Jay Proudman rounded the keeper and put us 1-0 up. Obviously we couldn't believe it but we knew we had to keep our heads. Well that was hard for us as after a few more chances we were awarded a second penalty. This time our captain put it away 2-0 up and in dream land.

Make no mistake we were up against a good side today and at times with their neat passing and danger men upfront, Junction 10 showed why they have been such a consistent side in the league thus far. However from our keeper Ritz who commanded everything today, to the defence who were rock solid, to midfield who worked their socks off, to Jay up front who was awesome. We were fully deserving of our 2-0 lead at half-time. Our only regret was perhaps was that the lead wasn't bigger.

Second half we knew Junction 10 were gonna come at us. And for most of the second half they had us pinned in our half but our defence was holding firm and we were always a danger on the break. From one of our breaks we earnt a free-kick which was taken by our skipper Lee Spence, from around 25 yards out it flew in! 3-0 and actually looking comfortable at this point. However I will again say we were up against a good side and Jjunction 10 kept probing and got the goal they were looking for with twenty minutes to go. This gave their boys some heart and they really started to pin us in our half. But again from our keeper to the front we fought for everything to protect our lead. It felt like the longest twenty minutes in history.

With the game approaching the last minute Junction 10 were awarded a free-kick on the edge of our area. It was brilliantly taken by their winger who was a constant threat all game. But the game was up and when the whistle went the elation was incredible. The scenes didn't quite match our celebrations after our first win in WMCFL but they were close! I want to say a personal thank to the boys. I see a honest commited bunch of lads who turn up week in week out, despite losing virtually every week and yet they still turn out and want to play, And today was a just reward for their efforts.

I want to say a well done to Jjunction 10, I think it will be a two horse race between them and DC Dynamos but they will definately be playing in Divsion Two next season. Hopefully now we can kick on and end 2009 on a high. Greater things are yet to come.

Sporting Zion 2 Rockmount United 3

Rockmount get their season back on track with a narrow victory against Sporting Zion. From the looks of things, both team stand a chance of moving up a Division next year but St John's are currently in the box seat for a third place finish. If like last year, more than three go up, then these sides along with Common Ground and maybe Brierley Hill will be in contention.

Common Ground United 1 Pye Green Towers 1

Pye Green's season took another boost yesterday as they managed another point against a Common Ground side that have collected several notable scalps in their brief history. I think that Pye Green could do with someone like David Walker: A lad who knows where the goal is; goal scoring seems to be the trouble.

Brierley Hill AOG 2 Living Hope Church 1

Jon Bennett says: A good game today where we came away winners but feel rather fortunate to do so. Having only twelve players we were aware at the start that this was going to be a difficult game and it proved to be so.

The game began with lots of endeavour from both teams on a fairly heavy pitch and chances came at both ends. The Hill took the lead when a through ball found Mike Tyler who unselfishly squared it to Josh Owen to score. This goal was very fortunate as Mike appeared to be a good few yards offside when the ball was played. We had two linesmen today but both teams thought it was offside but the man with the flag was in the best place to see. The half continued fairly evenly with chances for both teams.

After half time Brierley Hill took a two goal lead after good work and a fantastic ball from Mike Tyler found Ian Clifton who finished cooly on the outside of his right foot. This spurred Living Hope on and they began to create more chances, Matt Welch in the Hill goal making numerous quality saves. Living hope got their deserved goal with a penalty that led to a nervous last twenty minutes.

Having now played Living Hope twice we are still amazed at how they do not have more points on the board, it seems as though they are not having any luck at the moment which I am sure will change, a draw would have been a fair result today.

Pete Hopper adds: At the risk of repeating myself with a number of tired clichés like ‘we deserved more’ and ‘decisions went against us’ I’m going to press on anyway.

The last few weeks have been an emotional ride, following a heavy defeat with a narrow loss at the hands of the division’s top two, we were hoping to seal our obvious progress with some more points today.

With a squad basically unchanged from last week, we set ourselves in comfortably and quickly, with a few end to end chances and some last man clearances from both teams - This was looking like it could be an exciting game. I think we probably had the best of the game until a quick break from two Brierley Hill runners were allowed to continue their run into an empty box and punished our backline for flag watching rather than tracking back…the flag never lifted. 1-0.

This seemed to hit LHC like a fist to the gut, and it took the rest of the half for them to get focussed again, coming close to an equaliser several times with some beautiful switch play and (for the first time this season) some sublime pass and move football.

Our good performance was reflected in a team talk from the gaffer that basically consisted of such words as ‘keep doing what your doing’, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and ‘just keep on working’. The times when our heads dropped after going down a goal seem like a distant memory now, and from both teams, business was resumed from the first half, with some good passing play from LHC and some great chances from BH coming from textbook dead-ball kicks from the keeper. However BH went 2-0 up (I can’t honestly remember the details) leaving us with an increasingly large hill to climb. But climb it we did. Firstly, some helpful changes from the manager brought on some fresh legs in the form of Pete ‘speedy-gonzalez-bolt-of-thunder-speed-of-the-puma-speedy speed-speed’ Kirkby and Nathaniel ‘kicks-like-a-mule-have-it’ Watkins, who both helped to push on to the end, keeping a steady stream of pressure on the BH backline. Secondly, some great intelligent passing play and strong tackles from our MOTM Darren ‘the jiggler’ Giles meant he owned the midfield at times (he also wins the award for the loudest call for the ball on record, which saw balls from all over the West Midlands come over to him simultaneously as a result of his bellowing cry!) and was able to create some great chances by supplying the wings with consistently well placed passes.

We were rewarded for some good play with a penalty at about 70 minutes, after Nathan ‘slippery-like-a-fish-no-way-your-gonna-catch-me-check-out-my-skills’ Brain was given an affectionate albeit illegal ‘hug’ around the neck by a BH centreback. He converted to make it 2-1, but fair play to the keeper who got a hand to it. From here on in I counted at least ten good chances to equalise, but all were ended by good saves, great clearances or just plain silly finishing. All this, along with a great header from Peter K (he loves being called that) which just passed the wrong side of the bar, meant that the whistle was blown on yet another screamingly frustrating defeat.

We were all obviously deflated by an unjust scoreline, but I really do want to thank Ben from Brierley Hill who graciously came over to us and told us how wrong he thought the scoreline was. It's nice to hear, but we'd trade all the great comments from opposing teams for a few points, as unjustified or not, we are still propping up the league.

BH - you guys played with humility and gave us another great game - all the best for the rest!

Carol Service

Pete Hopper from Living Hope Church says: We're holding our carol service at The Old Park pub, Middlepark Road, Dudley. The landlord is dishing out mulled wine and mince pies and our band are leading us through the classics to get us in the mood for Christmas. Sunday December 13th, 6pm (doors open 5.30) All welcome (even the boys from St Johns!!)

St John's

St John's football club are looking for a manager, the club is based in the Walsall Wood area. if anyone is interested or would like more details please call Stuart on 07800518511.

Saturday Preview

County Cup

Clarendon will go into the Quarter Finals of the County Cup if they can beat Wollescote Villa on Saturday. After beating Aston Labs in the last round, you'd expect Clarendon to cruise it. But I'm sure they will need to be on their game if they are to win. There are some strong teams in this competition. Good luck lads. If they can get through to the latter stages of this cup, it would be a major boon for our league.

Division One

A crunch day for Amblecote. They are visited by City on Saturday and in my eyes need to win this game to have any chance of winning the league. In my eyes, the league is once again between St Mary's and Clarendon and this match is between the third and fourth place. But you never know, the top two may drop more points and they have to play each other. Amblecote will have their work cut out on Saturday; City have had some impressive results of late.

Second place St Mary's visit St Boniface and will be wary of the goal threat. Only City and St Mary's have scored more than St Boniface. Having said that St Boniface's defence is significantly leakier than all but Sheldon. St Boniface have had an unbeaten November, so will have their tails up but I expect St Mary's to win.

Halesowen travel to St Thomas who, despite losing, will have taken a big dose of the confidence pills after giving Clarendon a game last week. Halesowen had a rough November but managed to beat a weakened Amblecote last week. I fancy St Thomas if they can get a team out.

King's versus St Matthew's is a bit of a mid-tabler but Zion Athletic against Sheldon is the basement battle. If St Thomas do manage to beat Halesowen and Sheldon lose, then there'll be a chasm between Sheldon and the rest.

Ed's 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