AGM

We had a great AGM last night which was well attended. I'll bring the news in detail but in short, we are back up to 36 teams for next season. Zion City, formerly known as Shiloh United have left the league and we have five new sides: Beacon Church, Charlemont Star, Darkhouse, Halesowen Athletic and Revival Fires.

We will be running with twelve sides in each division, which is a great number.

We also drew the Cup and the big news is that the two sides that have dominated the league of the past few years, St Mary's and Clarendon have been drawn against each other.

I'll be updating the site in due course with the full draw and details of who plays in what division.

Goalkeeper Needed

Goalkeeper needed for Amblecote FC. Guaranteed nice new, well maintained pitch, for home games, so no diving into the mud. Our keeper has retired due to bad knees, so we are after a new no 1. If you want the job, call me on 07921 891298 or jadonsilva@hotmail.com.

Player Looking for a Team

Mike Davies, formerly of West Brom and Bilston Beacons, is looking for a team nexxt year. He is a good player that can play in midfield or up front and chipped in with twelve goals in his last season. His mobile is 07523 709401.

AGM this Friday

Our AGM is this Friday evening at Zion Christian Centre, Halesowen at 7.30pm. Attendance is mandatory by all Club Secretaries. If you cannot make it, you must send a representative.

Amongst the usual business such as adopting the balance sheet, statement of accounts etc, we will be electing new clubs. At present we have four definates and two possibles.

We will be deciding on the constitution of the competition for next season: i.e deciding how the Cup will be run, who will be in each division and how many divisions there will be.

Player Looking for a Team

Paul Jones, formerly of St Boniface, a left footed 29 year old centre half/left back who's ability to head a ball (whether a 90mph hoof with snow on, or a 2cm off the ground daisy cutter) is second to none, is looking for a new team next year. His mobile is 07889189136 or email: draftek@hotmail.com

Presentation Night

A very big thank you to everyone who came to, participated in and contributed to the presentation event last night at Lion Farm. There was well over two hundred people there.

Special thanks to Shawn Devonport who headed up the event and put hours into arranging the whole thing to make it all work. Thank you too to Simon Ashby who put together an excellent quiz, Tim Fellows who gave a superb message and Neil Kovacs for organising the trophies. These people have sacrificed many hours getting things in place.

Thank you to Tony Sadler and Richard Webster who helped out on the night too.

The night was a great success and we are already planning next year's.

Player of the Year

We ran two competitions this season: Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year. It was great to see six different people collect the trophies. And David Walker was the only person to top score and win a player award, so nine different people winning ten awards this season.

The awards were announced at the Presentation Night last Friday. Here's the details and some comments from their managers:

The Players' Player of the Year

Division One

In Division One 321 players were registered to vote and 112 nominated their favourite player.

In third place was Jon Allen from Zion Athletic. James Hamilton says: It is with mixed emotions that I send you this message about Jon Allen. I am delighted that he has been nominated as WMCFL Player of the Year and as Players Player of the Year. However, I am now dreading the fact that we won't hear the end of this for the whole of next season, so please vote for somebody different next year!!

Jal has always been a great footballer, telling us on many occasions that he should have been a pro. There is no doubting Jal's footballing prowess on the field, but what actually marks out Jal as a worthy nominee for these awards is his strength of character off the field. Jal is a fantastic role model for the younger players in our team - of which there are many at Zion Athletic. His leadership on the pitch is matched by his ability to lead young people in the changing room, on the training ground, and more significantly, as they journey through life. Jal will always give you 100%, always give you passion and commitment when he plays, always helps the referee to know that 'Jal is right,' always demands effort from the players around him and always knows that football really is . . .only a game. As a friend and colleague, I really do congratulate Jal on being nominated for these awards and know that he will be a deserved winner - even if we don't stop hearing about it for the next 12 months!

In second equal were Dave Cooper and Jason Garwood from City Church with eight votes each. Martin Ogbourn says about Dave: Dave Cooper has had a great season for City Church this year and he has been very influential in the centre of midfield. He has always been very committed and has driven the team forward. He has been extremely strong on the ball and has rarely lost possession. At times he has played with injuries, but has still given his all to win for the team and dominated many games. Other strengths include his speed and pace. Coops has also chipped in with crucial goals running from deep. In the Cup his performances have been outstanding and instrumental in our successful campaign culminating in his cup final man of the match award.

Martin says about Jason: Jason Garwood has been a great addition to the City team this season with his experience, class and positive attitude. Jason has contributed with quality distribution, attacking runs and range of passing. You will struggle to see a better goal than the one scored against St Boniface at home this season which was driven in from about 30 yards. His commitment in training and in support of the team has been first rate. Overall his abilities have been demonstrated throughout the season as his performance levels have rarely dropped as he has been involved in many of our best moves and goals.

But the winner with ten votes was Shaun Green from St Mary's. Nick Sprason says: Shaun has completed his second season with St Mary's and despite being the oldest player in the squad, he just seems to get better with age. In his youth Shaun was on the books of Manchester City, WBA and Notts County and more recently had spells with local semi-professional sides and it shows in his reading of the game even from left back.

He is a very gifted player and It was no coincidence that St Mary's league campaign faltered when Shaun amongst others were absent. In his two league seasons with us Shaun has only been on the losing side once! In my opinion he is the best player in the league by a long way and deserves to be Player of the Season and would still be more than capable of playing at a higher level.

Division Two

Division had fewer players registered to vote; about 286 and just 92 nominated. In third equal were the pals from Champions Church, Shawn Devonport and Rion Mills. They both received ten votes each. Shawn Devonport says about Rion Mills: Rion has been integral to the success of Champions Church over the last two seasons being a key member in helping Champions to back to back titles. He isn’t just a very talented footballer but also manages to brighten up the dressing room with his sense of humour and his a much loved character amongst the lads, He has contributed 15 goals from midfield over the two seasons and 22 assists this season alone which speaks volumes about how much he adds to the team with his creativity. He has also learned the knack of putting himself about and has a massive jump for a little lad and seems to keep men twice his size off the ball as well as landing a few crunching tackles, although his positional skills could still be improved he is for me a complete centre midfielder for this level.

The highlight of his season was the seven assists he accumulated in the 11-1 victory over Inter in front of the watching Lye Town scout who he went on to play for at the end of the season. Rion no doubtl has the ability to move up to semi-professional and would be a massive loss for us, so we hope he decides to stay as his energy and creativity that make him such a fantastic footballer would be sorely missed. For me he is the best player I’ve seen by far in Division Two so would be a worthy winner of the player’s award.

Tim Jackson says about Shawn Devonport: Shawn Devonport is the captain of Champions Church FC and has led us to back to back promotions as league champions. He is a natural leader and great example to his team mates on and off the pitch. He has used the team to bridge the gap from the football pitch to Sunday church and is an excellent witness for God. This season he has scored 41 league goals in 20 league appearances as well as numerous assists. He is a prolific goal scorer and our very own captain marvel. We wish him a swift and successful recovery from injury for our first season in the first division as he is crucial to our team. Well done Shawn.

In second place was Robert Morgan from Birmingham International.

The winner of Division Two's Players' Player of the Year award was Jamie Williams from Selly Oak Methodist. Rob O'Neill says: Jamie Williams, Selly Oak's No. 10. If Selly Oak Methodist FC was a car we are currently blessed as having a very high spec vehicle but Jamie is most definitely the engine. Our player of the season for 2008, 2009 and in my opinion 2010 proves that this season has not been a blip and that this nomination is thoroughly deserved. Jamie is a consistent high performer who doesn't settle for mediocrity from himself or the team and can constantly be heard spurring the team on. One instance of Jamie's character, commitment and quality was when this season he couldn't be there for the start of a match due to a hospital appointment, he did however turn up in the second half, come on for the last ten minutes, run past five players and stick the ball in the back of the net for an equaliser in a game we had been struggling to break down the opposition's defence. This is not an isolated incident either, Jamie can quite simply turn the tide of a match with his tireless running and superb skill on the ball.

Off the pitch his qualities as an individual are just as important, there is no superstar attitude Jamie is a committed team player and works just as hard as everyone else in the running of the club on match days. I am proud to call him a team mate and a friend off the pitch and as he is still in his early 20s I personally think he will develop into one of the best players this league has ever seen and a starting place in any all star team.

Division Three

Division Three had most players registered: 337 and we received 116 votes. In third place was Pete Falconer from Junction Ten. Martin Woodhall says: Pete has been playing in WMCFL for the last 3 seasons. When I started Junction Ten, Pete was one of the first players I asked to sign due to his experience of the league and his ability to change games with his exceptional technical ability.

This season Pete has weighed in with plenty of goals which was key to us winning the league. However, it is his ability to beat defenders and create chances which makes him one of the league's most respected players. He is an asset to the league as well as Junction Ten and would be a very worthy Player of The Year.

In second was Adam Wall from St John's Church. Stu Rogers says: Adam Wall has scored 21 goals this season for St John’s and he has spent half the season at centre back as well as centre midfield due to players not showing. Adam is the best finisher I’ve ever played with since my time in WMCFL. If any team wants to play one up front then Adam is your man, I have never seen anyone play that role as well as Adam does.

The winner was David Walker from Common Ground United. Tony Sadla says: : Firstly would like to Thank God for bringing Common Ground Utd together. Thank you to Our Pastor Gary for his support and wisdom, and Pastor Lorita of Riverstones Foundation for her continued believe and love for us, and also for the opportunity to play in the WMCFL. I would also like to thank the rest of the teams that we have played against this season, it’s been rewarding and creates character. I publically wish to thank every individual member of the team for their commitment and loyalty. Although it is difficult for everyone to receive a reward, you are all champions and winner's to me.

In every team there are certain individuals that shine through, on this occasion its David Walker. David has achieved so much this year, on the pitch as well as off the pitch. David did not start with team, but joined while we in the beginning stages of the season. David is an answer to prayer. When joining us, he brought a sense of professionalism to the team, but at the same time being humble.

He is a wall of strength when holding the ball, at times you can see two or three defenders on him, and at times he still scores. His passion at times has caused him to slip, however its not how you start, but it’s how he finishes that makes him strong. He has brought to the team a great mental attitude to play with your heart and to look out for your brother on the pitch, instead of scoring he has passed the ball to others who have also scored, attitude which is respectful and a delight to have him around.

I would agree with the rest of our division that David deserve this award for all the points made above.

Player of the Year

After each game the Club Secretary nominates a man of the match from the opposition on the match report form. These are collated at the end of the season; the player with the most Man of the Match nominations for each division wins.

Division One

In Division One there were five players tied on four nominations: Jon Lea from Halesowen, Jimmy Cutler from St Boniface, Jon Doman from Amblecote, Oliver Jones and Richard Webster from Wolves and Perton. Second was Jon Allen from Zion Athletic again, sorry James. Jal had five votes.

The winner of the Division One award with six was Roger Moore from Clarendon. Louis Williams says about Roger: Clarendon has got their own 007 in Roger Moore, a leader by example both on and off the field. He calls himself Roger Mourinho in team talks but not so sure about that! He has proved himself to be one of the hardest defenders to beat in the league; many strikers would agree, just when you think you’ve gone past him he is right back at you. Roger is an all round good leader and with his winning spirit he has helped to guide Clarendon to there fourth Division One title.

Division Two

Third in Division Two was Shawn Devonport. Second was previous winner Lee Bedford from Chawn Hill Church. But the winner was Max Tully from Bournbrook Athletic. Mark Greenwell says: After a strong pre-season in his performance on the training ground and pitch, Max Tully was named the new Captain of Bournbrook Athletic following an injury to the previous Captain Chris Mansell.

One of the many reasons why he was named captain was for his understanding of the game. Able to read the game across all areas of the pitch, the ability to pick out dangerous situations and find the gaps which would unlock any team we came up against. His determination not to lose any game was also key and it was felt that he would be able to pass this onto his team mates to bring the best out of them. Another side of Max which many may not see on the pitch is his humour of it, making people laugh both before and after a game, no matter what the result, allowing players and manager to look forward to the next game. This has allowed many players to enjoy their game and build a good team spirit.

It is well documented the troubles that Bournbrook have faced off the pitch within the past 12 months. Max was one of a group of players who kept the club going, helping out when possible, if it was taking training or picking the team for the next game, he wiliness to held that extra hand was always welcome.

Division Three

Third place in the Division Three award was Shaun Philpotts of Sporting Zion. Ben Lawrence says: Shaun has had a brilliant season scoring 16 from midfield, and claiming a fair few assists. Not only that but his attitude has been exemplary. His experience of the league has really shone through. Shaun will be the first to admit that he hasn’t got a perfect disciplinary record!! However he has really come on this year and improved that side of his game well. Shaun deserves to be recognised for his contribution on and off the field and the development of his character.

Second was David Walker from Common Ground United.

The winner was Nathan Brain from Living Hope Church. Steve Farley says: I have known Brainy as a footballer since he was 8 years old and he's not much taller now! I remember his first ever goal at a tournament and amazingly the goals he scores now are exactly the same as that one. You could say he's learnt nothing in 12 years of playing football - oh and he's still got the same goal celebration!

But seriously he has given his heart and soul to Living Hope this season. I love his phone calls on a Friday night when he likes to give me his low down on the opposition's weaknesses (or lack of them). At training he is always there to raise spirits but is also prepared to let somebody know if they aren't putting the effort in. He is passionate about his football. His pace on the ball is electrifying and his 19 goals this season has helped turn Living Hope from no hope to full of hope for next season. Nathan has scored his goals in a team that has mainly struggled this season. If he had been playing for one of the top four teams I dread to think what damage he would have done to Division Three defences. Congratulations Nathan on winning the Player of the Year award.

Fair Play Award

Congratulations to Brierley Hill for winning the Fair Play award last season. They collected the fewest yellow and red cards and are rewarded by getting their league fees paid for next season, usually £120. Dynamo Kingswinford were second, getting half theirs paid.

Here's the full result:

Brierley Hill A.O.G. 3, Dynamo Kingswinford 5, St Thomas Aldridge 6, Renewal Solihull 7, St Mathews 7, Wolverhampton and Perton 8, Halesowen Zion 9, Living Hope Church 9, City Church 10, Amblecote 11, Selly Oak Methodist 11, St Boniface 11, St Mary's 11, Bournbrook Athletic 12, Zion Athletic 12, Chawn Hill Church 13, Common Ground United 13, Sandwell United 13, Zion City 13, Champions Church 15, King's AFC 17, Lighthouse Lions 17, Clarendon 19, DC Dynamos 19, MBD United 19, Rockmount United 19, Sheldon 19, Rowley College 21, EK Corinthia 23, Pye Green Towers 23, Sporting Zion 23, All Nations 24, St John's Church 24, Birmingham International 31, Junction Ten Village 44.

Presentation Night

A very big thank you to everyone who came to, participated in and contributed to the presentation event last night at Lion Farm. There was well over two hundred people there.

Special thanks to Shawn Devonport who headed up the event and put hours into arranging the whole thing to make it all work. Thank you too to Simon Ashby who put together an excellent quiz, Tim Fellows who gave a superb message and Neil Kovacs for organising the trophies. These people have sacrificed many hours getting things in place.

Thank you to Tony Sadler and Richard Webster who helped out on the night too.

The night was a great success and we are already planning next year's.

Player Looking for Club

Ash Hamer, former of St Matthew's, West Bromwich Beacons and more recently St John's is looking for a new team this year. Contact him on 07729 543266 if you are interested in signing him.

Presentation Night

This Friday evening is our presentation night. There is a little bit more going on this time with one or two extra awards. There is also a football quiz being run by the legendary Simon Ashby, a visit from a couple of speakers: Tim Fellows to talk about his experiences in WMCFL and Darren Newton from Betel of Britain to explain about his charity and their tournament in August.

Doors open at 7.30 and the buffet starts at 8.15.

New Clubs and AGM

We are currently working with four new teams applying to join WMCFL for 2010-11. We have lost Birmingham International, St Boniface and St John's Church along with Walsall Olympic at the start of the season. So, fingers crossed we will be back up to 36 clubs, which is great news for the league.

I cannot confirm final numbers as yet as that will be decided at the AGM on Friday 11 June. So if you want to join WMCFL, you must get your application to Neil Kovacs by tomorrow night at the latest.

We are holding a meeting for new teams on Monday 7 June at Birchley Social club, above the changing rooms at Lion Farm, Brunel Road off Newbury Lane, Oldbury B69 1JD, 8pm.

Please note that all clubs, new or current must attend the AGM on 11 June. It is to be held at the usual place: Zion Christian Centre, Little Cornbow, Halesowen, B63 3AJ.

Players' Player of the Year

Many thanks to everybody who voted for the Player of the Year, especially to the Club Secretaries who worked hard to gather up the nominations. It's a new award that I dreamt up a year ago and it has gone quite well, although not everyone fully understood. Nevertheless, we have three winners. I'll be announcing them at the Presentation Night on 4 June.

Division One

We had about 964 players registered to play in the league last season and just over 300 voted, just under a third. 112 people told us who they thought was their favourite player out of 321 Division One competitors. The votes were spread over many different players, 39 in all were selected with many getting just one or two. Even Jamie Hunter got three. The top six were: Jon Allen from Zion Athletic, Dan Atkins, Dave Cooper and Jason Garwood from City Church and Andy Beeson and Shaun Green from St Mary's. There was a clear winner but it was very close with no one dominating the voting.

Division Two

Naturally, fewer people were registered in Division Two, as there were only eleven teams but out of the 286 players on our books, we received 92 nominations. The top six were Adam Elcock from Lighthouse Lions, Shawn Devonport and Rion Mills both from Champions Church, Carl Jones and Jamie Williams from Selly Oak and Robert Morgan from Birmingham International. Again no one really stood out as an overall winner. 24 People were selected and received at least one vote; Lee Ralph just missing out on the top six.

Division Three

Division Three was different. There was one person that stood out; he received about a third of the 116 votes. There were 337 registered players in our bottom division. Out of the 41 players that got a nod, the top six were: Nathan Brain and Dean Russell from Living Hope, Steve Burford from DC, Pete Falconer from Junction Ten, Adam Wall from St John's and David Walker from Common Ground United.

Sky Sports News

Did you see yourself? I did! Our League has been featured on Sky Sports News today, with interviews and action from our Cup Final ten days ago.

Well done to Joe Melia, Mark Crouch and Jonathan Sheppard who all got their interviews shown and to Steve Bailey who got a couple of his goals shown on TV.

They are re-running it every hour at about ten to this evening.

League Cup Montage

I've now finished putting together the League Cup montage of photos I got. Please click on Cups to see it. I have more photos if anyone wants them.

Players' Player of the Year and Player of the Year

We are running two Player of the Year awards this season: Firstly we have the Player of the Year award that has been running since 2005. After each game the Club Secretary nominates a man of the match from the opposition on the match report form. These are collated at the end of the season. I will be publishing the finalists very shortly and the winners (one from each division) will be announced at the presentation night on 4 June at Birchley Social Club above the changing rooms at Lion Farm.

The second award is new this season: It's the Players' Player of the Year. I have issued a nomination form to every Club Secretary. Everyone that's registered to play in the league has the opportunity to vote. I still have had nominations from only twelve secretaries, so please can I urge you to get your nominations in. There are lots and lots of different people getting nominated.

Players Looking for Teams

A couple of lads looking for teams for next season:

Chris Mellor is a utility outfield player c_mellor@hotmail.co.uk

And Ryan Venables, formerly of St John's and West Bromwich Beacons is also available ryan.venables@yahoo.co.uk or 07538 792110

Cup Final

Martin Ogbourn reports: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James Ch 1 v 17)

The biggest day in City's history ended victoriously after another strong second half showing that saw five unanswered goals. The final was played in front of a good crowd (despite the return of the British winter!) and the Sky Sports News cameras, which meant it was a surreal, yet enjoyable experience. There have been many ups and downs in the club's history, but this was a tremendous day and occasion for everyone associated with the club and the church. It has been thoroughly deserved after dispatching the top two in Division One along the way. City were behind for only one minute in the whole campaign (in quarter final extra time v St Mary's).

DC played their part in a nervous first half as the game was attritional. DC have some good players and the DC number 7 had a good game and won a lot of headers in the middle of the park, and Adam Bradshaw was a threat on the break. This was demonstrated when he hit the post after another good save form Chattaway. It is difficult to chose the player of the cup as Cooper has been immense throughout, and Bailey has ended up top scorer with 10 goals, but Chattaway has been fantastic and has even scored two penalties! The first half was a bit scrappy and the one quality move resulted in a good finish from Bailey after a sublime Atkins assist. (Half time 1-0).

The second half was a different story as City played some very good attacking football. A scoreline like this has been coming in recent weeks as we have created a lot of chances in games (including against St Mary's). Cooper and Quaintance got a grip on the midfield and dominated possession with incisive play as City pushed forward. A bullet header from Copper and a driven finish from Atkins made the score 3-0. Bailey slotted home a poacher's goal and a penalty with perfection to complete his hat-trick in his last game (the commute from Dubai is no excuse Steve!). Atkins finished the scoring and deserved his second goal of the game. David Grogan also hit a post after a he cut in from his wing after a good run.

I would like to thank the whole City squad for their support and great attitudes as we have fostered a tremendous team spirit. Stokes and John Shep were solid as ever at the back and have conceded very few goals since they have renewed their defensive partnership. I would like to back up Louis' comments about Conrad and Dave Louden who have been a big presence this season both on, and off the pitch, but also to Matthew Blount who was unfortunate to limp off in the first half yesterday. This meant that Joe Melia had to oil his ageing joints to join the fold as he slotted in seamlessly at the back, and together with Colvin on the other flank ensured a clean sheet. Players such as Andrew Thomas and Jason Garwood have made significant contributions in every round. Paul Snelgrove, Byron Youlden and Liam Youlden (who has been unwell this week) didn't get on yesterday, but they have all played their part in our most successful season.

Thanks to the League committee and staff at Halesowen Town who enabled us to have such a fantastic day. We look forward to seeing our ugly mugs on Sky Sports News!

St Boniface 8 St Matthew's 2

James Gray says: Well last game of the normal season tonight and also the last game St Boniface will play for the foreseeable future, its not easy letting a team fold especially when it’s a good footballing side but we could get no one who wanted too take on the responsibility of running the team (it’s not an easy job too say the least)

We all jokingly set Jimmy C a target tonight ‘score 5 and you will be top goal scorer’ he duly took the challenge (he’s not shy when it comes to backing his ability in front of goal) and had an amazing game where he could have easily doubled that if it wasn’t for posts last ditch tackles and there keeper making a few decent saves.

We all wanted to end the St B’s journey with a win and it showed by pretty much every player wanting to get forward and score (I think the quote at half time was ‘were keep leaving three at the back’ in which Jonsey replied ‘we're playing three at the back though??’) – if I’m honest the score flatters us, there is no way that St Matt's were a side that should be getting beaten by that margin but it happens when your down that end of the league, you just don’t get any rub of the green. They have a talented side from last night's showing and should pick themselves back up next season.

So it’s all done and dusted, we finish sixth – have I mentioned we have players that are keen to stay in the league?? Few have asked, no one has secured anyone as it stands!

It’s been a pleasure!!

Cup Final

The big news today is that Sky Sports News have told us that they will be attending our Cup Final. They plan to interview a few people from our league and hopefully get a little footage.

Whilst stuck at home nursing his broken leg, Shawn Devonport was watching a feature on the channel concerning the decline of 11-a-side football at grass-roots level. He emailed them saying that WMCFL was a growing and thriving league, with much going for it. They got in touch with me and have arranged to come to our Cup Final on Saturday to see what is going right for us.

So if you haven't made plans to come, then nows the time to get things sorted. DC Dynamos have bought 180 tickets and City Church have another 80 and there'll be many more past and present players, referees and officials from across the league. It should be a great occasion. You can pay on the gate, it's £3 to get in. If it rains, there are covered stands.

Friendly Results

A couple of friendly results: Firstly Revival Fires played their first ever match against fellow Dudley team Living Hope Church and were narrowly defeated in a thrilling 5-4 opener. They intend to join WMCFL for next season. Steve Farley reports from LHC: They were a bit shaky to start but soon settled and caused us a few problems as they got it together.

Division Three top scorer David Walker continued to find the net in their match with Chawn Hill. But his side, Common Ground, were held to a 2-2 draw with Chawn.

Cup Final

This Saturday WMCFL holds its 29th League Cup Final between DC Dynamos and City Church. The match is to be staged at Halesowen Town's ground at the Grove, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen B63 3TB and the kick-off is at 3pm.

The game is the culmination of the season and the most important fixture on our calendar, so please make the effort to be there. The match itself promises to be a classic with the up-and-coming City taking on Division Three's DC who have also had a marvellous season. So a real top team versus the underdog. It's £3 to get in and you can pay on the gate. There is limited parking, you will not be able to park on the club car park, so if you are going to drive you will have to park a short walk away.

Players' Player of the Year 2010

This season we are pioneering a Players' Player of the Year award. Every registered player gets one vote. You can vote for anyone who has played in the division in which you have competed, apart from players from your own team. So if you have played for Dynamo Kingswinford, you can select a player from Division Two etc.

I am in the process of sending out the nomination forms to Club Secretaries who will collate votes from their club and forward them on to me. I just need your help and co-operation to make this initiative a success. So have a think about who you consider your player of the year to be. Results will be revealed at the Presentation Night on Friday 4 June.

Simon Adams

Simon Adams of St Boniface ran in Sunday's London Marathon. He has been raising awareness and money for the Miscarriage Association. Simon and his wife have lost six pregnancies to miscarriage and so he was driven to raise awareness and funds through the London Marathon. Despite injury and not running in the 9 weeks prior to the marathon, Simon completed the course in five hours and seven minutes. If anyone would like to contribute to his sponsorship please do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/simonadams

Thanks for your support.

Saturday Review

Division One

Clarendon 1 Amblecote 2

There were one or two slightly odd scores yesterday and perhaps the oddest was this one. With Clarendon turning out pretty much a full strength side and Amblecote in abject desperation to get a side together, they even fielded me at one point.

Tommy Woodward says: More injuries than goals today with Roger and Hunta taking trips to the hospital with cuts. Stephen Green had to come off early with a bad looking ankle injury and the Amblecote centre half had a cut eye after clashing with Hunta. Roger shuffled things today as we were able to relax after clinching the title last week. But we can't take anything away from Amblecote, who had a lot of faces missing and had to field a lot of squad players including OAP Ed Walker. We had chances but never took them. Amblecote managed a goal from a set piece and a bit of a keeper error from the ageing Selvin Gayle who celebrates his 55th birthday tomorrow. Despite the injuries the game was fair and without malice. Great game by the ref.

Simon Ashby adds: I can not believe that we managed to beat Clarendon today!! This is my first game as stand-in manager away at the league champions, with 3 or 4 emergency signings and about 12 squad members unavailable, and Ed 'Diego' Maradona playing the last 25 mins up front.... yet we managed to pull it off to win 2-1.

Well once our final three players arrived bang on 10.30 and everyone was introduced to the people they didn't know, the first 20 minutes was actually a really even game and I think we looked solid and dangerous on the break. Then we committed the cardinal sin of giving the ball away on the edge of the box and found ourselves 1-0 down!! But the good thing about new players who hadn't faced Clarendon before is they were fearless and played the game rather than the reputation of the opponents. Within two minutes we were 1-1 when Andy Conroy found himself clear from a corner to score with a great header.

Then came two nasty but fair incidents either side of the interval. The first was a clash of heads between our centre half Adam Kirkby and Roger Moore, which left Roger with a horrible gash above his eye and he headed off to hospital immediately. Then after the break Adam again clashed heads with Jamie Hunter and both players had to leave the field with nasty gashes. Not one for the faint hearted.... but it did prompt the intro of Ed Walker!!! So not all bad.

Clarendon were pressing, but out of the blue a cross from our debutant young full back Matt Hindmarsh was fumbled into his own goal by the Clarendon keeper and we were in the lead. Then followed the Clarendon onslaught but we held firm and secured an amazing win for us.

I have to applaud our lads they were brilliant and I am sure the champions would agree that was one of their toughest games of the season!

On another note well done Clarendon. They are brilliant aint they really. Class players all over the park and Everton and Jason give me headaches how fast their feet move. Worthy champions as they are the best team we have played by a mile.

City Church 0 St Matthew's 1

St Matthew's take advantage of a City Church side with one eye on the Cup Final yesterday as David Broome scores to give his side all three points at Rowheath. The assured St Matthew's of ninth place; a little disappointing for them but they should be in Division One next season. I'm not sure who's got the worst form going into the Cup Final: City or DC. Neither side have looked anything like the sides that were in hot form going into the semis. Both teams have only won once in their last fives games, so it could be a nervy first fifteen for both teams next Saturday.

Martin Ogbourn says: Firstly congratulations to Clarendon for winning the First Division. It is fully deserved and they hit a winning streak at the right time, as others (including ourselves) faltered. As is often said, the table doesn't lie and we have had too many sloppy displays where we have dropped crucial points to trouble the top three.

We entered the last game of the season yesterday with a chance of third place, as we did at the same stage last season. However, the difference this year is that we have secured many more points and we are a lot closer to the top two. Although fourth place and 41 points is progress it could have been much better. The game itself was a scrappy affair and even though we were not consciously focusing on next week, psychologically is proved difficult. St Matt's were competitive and physical as you would expect and they had two clever, experienced forwards in Broome and Nicholls who held up play well and made good runs. The score was 0-0 at half time.

City had been flat, but a goal was disallowed, a shot was blocked from a defender when the keeper had left his line with the goal empty and Forrest had hit the crossbar. St Matt's were the more competitive and had some good openings. St Matt's took the lead from a break and lobbed finish over the keeper at the start of the second half. City piled on the pressure as St Matt's got deeper and deeper as the half wore on, but a combination of excellent goalkeeping, poor luck (the ball just would not drop in the penalty area). goalmouth scrambles, the post, solid blocks / tackles and profligate finishing ensured the St Matt's win.

Overall, St Matt's have played well in the two games against us. It's surprising to see them in the lower reaches of the league. I'm sure they will do much better next year. For City it is a disappointing end to the league season, but we need to be more consistent and clinical in our performances. We have made progress and have a very good squad and team spirit. There is certainly more to come in the league. City now move on the Cup Final where we face very difficult opponents next week. We need to have the right attitude and commitment for this game, but we are determined to enjoy the occasion and end the season on a high. Thanks to the League Committee for their dedication and hard work this season, but most importantly we give thanks and praise to God for enabling us to enjoy football, and for offering us hope in Jesus Christ.

Zion Athletic 2 St Mary's 3

John Myatt says: This was a definate end of season game... Let's start with saying that Nick claiming a goal in his 'last' apperance for St Mary's (he took the corner and it either came off Ash Turner or the defender...) is just slightly dodgier than Jon Allen claiming the one that hit my heel and spun into the opposite bottom corner than he intended... (I definately want my fourth goal at Lion Farm this year!)

Zion started with eight and I think that after about twenty minutes had ten. I don't think they would argue that in the first half we played like Arsenal (lots of possesion but doing nothing with it).

In the second half they decided to make a game of it and we were lucky to win as it was very even with Zion constantly hitting us on the break. If they've had eleven it would have been a very interesting game, but it seemed to take the pattern of us scoring, then stopping playing, Zion score, we play, Zion score, we play etc etc.

I must say that at (I think) 1-1 they had a fantastic strike which I thought (from 50 yards away) at the time (and after the game was confirmed) bounced over the line (but wasn't given by the neutral linesman)... to be honest though this made up for the Zion equaliser which was scored with an 'Henry'esque free kick as the referee lined up the wall then as he was telling us to move away 10 yards and our keeper was lining up the wall allowed the free kick to be rolled into the net.

But we still won, so bring on next season!

Sheldon 2 St Boniface 6

Sheldon sign off with another defeat in a forgettable season. After raising their hopes with three wins from five games, they've followed that up with none from five. Whilst we are seeing some sides slip out of the league this year, I don't think the comings and goings will save them from the drop. St Boniface however seem as bright as a button. A point against St Matthew's in mid-week, the last straggling league fixture, would give them seventh place; nothing less than they deserve. There are plenty of quality players looking for a new club.

Division Two

Selly Oak Methodist 3 Bournbrook Athletic 0

Selly Oak win the South Birmingham derby and with ease. It's been a very different season for these two teams: Selly Oak have had their best ever year, with a semi-final appearance (a vast improvement on their last appearance) and second place in Division Two. Whilst they finished up eight points behind Champions Church, they themselves were another seven points ahead of EK.

For Bournbrook, it's been a season of attrition. They seem to have done enough to remain in Division Two next season and will look to build for next year.

Division Three

DC Dynamos 4 All Nations 0

As expected, DC beat All Nations yesterday. The win elevates them to second spot and concludes the matches in Division Three. Win or lose the Cup Final, it's been a magnificent year in WMCFL for DC. They'll be disappointed that the title slipped out of their grasp but it's been a tough year with quite a few decent sides in this enclave of the competition. Everyone is saying that City are going to run away with the Cup Final but I'm not so sure. If they can get an early goal and settle, things may be different. DC have at times been a very strong side and have the results to prove it. There's no doubt that City are the favourites but there are so many instances where the stronger side have frozen on the day and the underdog's goal has led a charmed life.

Nevertheless, I'm sure it will be a facinating final. For many sides, they've come to the Cup Final, lost and then returned at a later date to win it. City Athletic are a fine example, losing 1-0 to Rowley in 2001 only to return the following year to win 3-1. Rowley themselves had been beaten at the death of extra-time after leading for so long in 1997.

Sandwell United 8 Zion City 2

Zion City end a fruitless last few matches with another heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Sandwell United. The West Brom lads have added a little grit and nous to the Sandwell team and I expect them to build on this result. If we wind the clock back two seasons, Sandwell conceded 113, scored 27 in the 07/08 year. This year scored 78, conceded 82. That's 160 goals in 22 games! Their aim must be top half next year.