Player Looking for Team

Jason Jackson is currently looking for a team to play for in the WMCFL. He has played for St Matts and West Brom Beacons before moving to play in the Midland Combination for the past two seasons and due to work commitments can only commit to play mornings.

He is a centre back/midfielder. Please contact him on 07792241834.

Friendly this Saturday

Bournbrook Athletic are after a friendly for this Saturday. Please contact Jon Earp if you are interested: je012p7005@sky.com

Referees

I'm pleased to say that we've added several more names to our burgeoning list of referees. As a league we are massively blessed by the number of people who are on our books. We are now in a hughly enviable position in that should everyone turn out, we could accomodate three officials on every match and still have a few left over. Most leagues at our level cannot cover their matches with one, let alone three.

Whilst we do have a substantial number of referees that are highly experienced and competent, there are some that are just starting out. You need to be patient with these people. If a referee makes a mistake, then it's not your job as a player or manager to point that out to him or her, let alone bawl at them. The referee is impartial and is doing their best to get things right but as we are frequently reminded, even the referees right at the pinnacle of football make errors. Refereeing errors are part and parcel of the game. Whilst it would be great to have perfectly refereed matches, this is never going to happen.

If you think that the referee needs some help, then the correct procedure is to get the club secretary to write a letter to the League Secretary who will take the appropriate action. Just remember: We really need to keep our referees. We have worked very hard to get ourselves into the position that we find ourselves in and we want to keep it that way and keep on improving. Speaking from experience, I find that once people start 'having a go', I find it much more difficult to referee accurately. Leave the ref to do their job and I think you'll find they will get more decisions right.

Christmas Events

If you would like to advertise your church's Christmas services and events, please drop me an email with the details and I'll do my best to include it where possible.

Luke 15:7 - I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Saturday Review

Division One

Amblecote 1 Halesowen Zion 2

Simon Ashby reports: Short and sweet today, as we look like we may have blown our chances for the league now with an absolutely rubbish performance against Zion. Halesowen are a decent team as they have been around a long time but the way we have played this year has been so much better that today. We were awful and beaten by a good team. With five creative midfielders missing on one day, we showed that at this level if you turn up with almost an entire midfield missing you will probably get beat. A last minute goal our only effort having gone 2-0 down not long after the break.

A quick note for our linesman as he got some stick early in second half for flagging. My understanding was the ref was not asking for confirmation as to whether he was offside, the ref had decided that, just whether the Zion player had touched the ball which he had. So the ref's decision not the lino’s.

Grant Doran adds: A good result for the lads today against the league leaders. We played some good football and if we had played the final ball better at times we could have scored more goals. Dan got the first goal for us after some good work by Tom and a little through ball which sent Dan in on goal and he shot high past the keeper and into the net.

Although Ambelcote had some decent possession they didn't really test the Zion Keeper and we went into the break in the lead and feeling pretty comfortable. We said at half time that we needed to keep the work rate high and look to take any chances that came our way to finish the game. Within the first five minutes of the second half we had put the ball in the net but Ben Doran was judged to have been offside, after Cocky had lost his marker and rolled the ball past the keeper. However it was only a temporary reprieve for Amblecote as two minutes later Tom Doran broke clear of the home defence after Cocky had flicked the ball on and slid it in to the corner of the net. We did have several chances to increase the lead but a combination of lazy finishing and some good defending kept the score at 2-0. Amblecote finally broke through almost on the final whistle, Jadon beat Barny at right back and fizzed a ball into the front post where it was touched home.

Overall a good game today, and from our point of view a good result. We need to get a few more points on the board to take us away from the battle to stay in the league but today was a good start.

John Hawker also says: The harsh reality of amateur football hit us hard today as five of our starting eleven were missing due to work and other commitments.

After a big reshuffle we never really got going and Halesowen took advantage with a battling performance and some good finishing. Their forwards and wingers stood out particularly as having good games. As a team we were disappointed with this performance. We didn't have enough shots on target and our work rate was not anywhere near good enough if we are to compete at the top of the table. We scored in the last minute with our best move of the game, with Halesowens keeper only having to make one notable save all game.

We move on to next week where hopefully the return of a full squad will kick start our season back into life, after two less than average performances.

And lastly Dave Walters: Another workman-like display from us today. We again turned up without key players and injury doubts about some of those who did, but we still had a strong starting line up and we looked the better team in the first half going ahead with a Dan Carver goal midway through the half. We started the second half strong having an early effort disallowed for offside, but that was soon forgotten when Tom Doran was put through on goal and hammered home for 2-0 soon after. Tom should have scored again blasting over the bar from six yards after a smart bit of team play. After that we seem to sit back and let Amblecote come at us but we soaked up the pressure and our back four looked solid throughout, Amblecote did pull one back late on in time added on but it was only a consolation.

St Thomas 2 Clarendon 3

Marc Buller says: This was always going to be a tough game and a task made even harder by the fact we only had ten players turn up and was lucky to be able to get hold of someone to play at 10.15! The game started very well for us taking the lead in the opening few minutes after a great team moved allowed Marc Buller to get on the end of a great through ball from Josh Khan. We seemed in control for much of the first half, Ash Thorpe in particular ran the show for us as Clarendon players struggled to get anywhere near him. We lost Ash after the first game of the season due to work commitments, he is such an irreplaceable player, he is to St Thomas as Ronaldo was to Man Utd. We created a number of chances an were unlucky not to build on the lead. Clarendon then equalised on the counter attack as a long ball wasn't dealt with properly leaving an empty net for the Clarendon striker to score from about 25 yards out. We hit straight back, winning a penalty after a trip on Marc Buller allowed Matt Challinor to convert. We nearly added to our lead a couple of times before the half time whistle went.

Clarendon came out of the blocks a little stronger for the second half and created a couple of chances of their own. A game changing moment then occurred. Ash Thorpe then got himself sent off. To lose any player is a blow but to lose a major player against Clarendon was always going to be a massive blow. Clarendon then scored off the resulting free kick, a double punishment for St Thomas. Clarendon went on to take the lead moments later after a corner was taken and what looked to a foul on our keeper was not seen by the referee and the ball that came back into the box found its way to the back of the net. The game then seemed to fizzle out with Clarendon keen to hold onto the lead.

We have matched St Mary's and Clarendon in the last two weeks but have came away with nothing. We were at our best today and if we carry on the same way next month I'm sure we will pick a few more points up because we are now twice the team we were at the start. Clarendon were never out of the game today but knew they were in a battle. A great group of lads and I wish them all the best next week in the County FA Cup.

King's 1 City Church 4

Martin Ogbourn says: For the second league game running City were not at their best, but still gained another three points in a tough battle which included some excellent attacking play from City. King's played their part offensively particularly in the first 30 minutes, and were competitive and physical throughout. City started strongly going forward and opened the scoring after good work and delivery from Jason Garwood, which allowed David Louden to score with a looping header in a flowing City move.

Another goal followed shortly after from a good run and finish from Stephen Bailey. After this though City allowed King's back into the game by giving the quick King's players too much space in all areas. After a couple of warnings, King's broke and scored to give Kings some much needed belief before half time. However, decisively for City David Louden struck another wonder strike from outside the area to give City a comfortable cushion at half time. (Half time 1-3).

The second half was much more attritional, and City were able to keep a second half clean sheet with some improved team defending. King's had some possession, but rarely (seriously) threatened the City goal even when they were in good wide positions. David Louden concluded the scoring with a close range finish to ensure another well-deserved hat-trick (he assured me it was the perfect hat-trick with goals with his left foot, right foot and with his head, although I'll have to take his word for it as I was unsighted for one!).

Although in truth we probably should have had more goals with other chances well saved or squandered. It was pleasing though that we consistently created lots of openings throughout. Overall it is now six wins out of six, and eight out of nine in all competitions so we have good momentum going into December. Chris Chattaway had another good game, and Jason Garwood was always a threat. Special mention though to Byron Louden and Martin Colvin who both came in and did useful jobs today.

St Matthew's 2 Zion Athletic 2

Jallen texted: The draw was probably a fair result on reflection of the whole game. We'll take the point but once again we conceded a late goal to have three points snatched away.

St Boniface 7 Sheldon 3

St Boniface cruise to an easy win against fellow strugglers Sheldon, helped on by a hat-trick from Jimmy Cutler. The Bees have now moved out of the bottom three but still have some work to do if they are to move up the league table. December sees the fixtures come around and so they have St Mary's, Clarendon and Halesowen in the run-in up to Christmas.

Simon Adams reports for the benefit of the ex-St Boniface diaspora (I had to look that one up but it's a great word-Ed): We went into the fixture against Sheldon believing we could win and after a lengthy delay where the referee inspected the wrong pitch we got underway on the narrowest pitch I have played on since school. From the early exchanges it became clear that throw-ins may have a bearing on the scoring as the Sheldon captain was hurling throws from quite deep looking for the big centre forward or the centre-back Nathan Atkins at these set plays. We repelled their early advances and even scored from one when a headed clearance from Obi, found the gaffer, Walshy, who fed Sam Reader for a clear run on goal with the defenders having gone forward for the throw. A smart finish from him under the keeper and we were a goal up.

A second quickly followed in similar circumstances, this time with Jimmy Cutler breaking free, beating a defender, rounding the keeper twice and lashing the ball high into the net. A Sheldon capitulation did not happen. Instead they hit back immediately with a half cleared corner returned from the taker to the edge of the box and with the St Boniface defence slow to close the shot, it crept in at the near post, 2-1. Midway through the half, Jimmy restored our two goal advantage with another smart finish from a St Boniface break away. Sheldon had exerted a reasonable amount of pressure on us, mainly through the throw-ins, but only testing our keeper on one further occasion in the half when a smart turn and shot had Jim Gray getting down well to turn the ball away.

At the start of the second half we probably had the better of the play, but it was Sheldon who scored first. "Shakey" the striker was dismissed for foul and abusive language after his rising drive cleared the bar, but this galvanised Sheldon into a fightback when good work by the left winger, fed a midfielder who curled a ball from some distance into the far top corner of the net. Game-on for the 10 men. That was as good as it got for Sheldon, after a couple of spurious penalty appeals, Obi netted following a typical solo run, arguably with team-mates better placed, and somehow scored from the tightest of angles cutting in from the right. Sheldon got their third with a header from Nathan Atkins from a throw-in.

Yeos got off the mark for the season getting on the end of his own chip beyond a defender and lifting the ball past the keeper. To be fair, Yeos has been a pretty consistent player the last 18 months, coinciding with him spending less time watching the Blues* (edited-Ed) and more time playing! He seems settled in midfield having been a utility player in previous seasons when available. Ben Fowler scored a "Ben 10" special with a screamer from the left edge of the area that cracked in off the far post, not quite as good as his goal against St Matthews, but pretty special nonetheless. The scoring was completed by Jimmy Cutler, sliding himself under the keeper (after the keeper had stopped the initial shot) and into the dog poo by the post for the last meaningful kick of the game. Pleased with the win, but we can play better, and will need to against St Mary's next week.

Lyndon Fisher adds: We went into this game as the others, with a positive attitude. Our midfield and forward play were very good, we created chances but never took them, St Boniface took theirs with clinical finishing. It is very frustrating; we have as much of the play as some of our opponents, but our defending at times is woeful, that is why we sit at the bottom of Division One. We had a couple of penalty shouts turned down which could have made a difference but after the sending off of one of our players, our fate was sealed and St Boniface went on to a deserved win. However morale is still good and we will fight on.

Division Two

Lighthouse Lions 2 Champions Church 6

Shawn Devonport says: Ed reckoned we had been less than convincing of late even though we still ain't lost a league game so the boys were up for this one. But so were Lighthouse who bought their own CD player and had Eye of the Tiger and You'll Never Walk Alone playing very loudly so we knew they meant business even though our guys found it amusing! Lighthouse players say we're the team they always look forward to playing and so badly want to beat us so it was no suprise they were there early to clear the puddles up and they did a good job to get the pitch looking in decent condition.

The game started at a frenetic pace with neither team creating anything although we had a one on one saved and numerous corners that caused problems as we started to take control of the game. We got 1-0 up when a goalkeeping error allowed for Josh Ball to walk the ball into an empty net and we soon made it 2-0 when I hit straight at the keeper and scored at the second attempt. We were still in control but it turned into a battle again and we were denied a penalty when the referee booked the centre back for the challenge but deemed we had our advantage by getting the shot away.

To be honest the first 20 minutes were shocking, just a battle and it took Lighthouse scoring on the hour to kick the game into life; a fantastic finish from Adam Elcock. They sensed a win now and the shouts were we can win this from the vocal support. However they were soon silenced when we went up the other end and made it 3-2 when a lovely Dave Oakley flick made its way to me and I smashed it home with Lighthouse appealing in vain for offside. Elcock had a snap shot that Dan saved well down to his left and we then made it 4-2 when Josh got his second nearly breaking the net with a fantastic finish. We then had a goal chalked off for offside but soon made it 5-2 when I got my third from a fantastic Lee Ralph ball and made no mistake from 10 yards out. We were now playing really well. Gouley went close twice just losing his footing at the wrong time but then a brilliant moment, Josh got his first hat trick and what a deserved one with a brilliant run and great finish across the keeper went in off the post. It was no more than our play deserved in a devestating period. Lighthouse went close twice late on when Dan made two impressive stops but by now the damage had been done and the small crowd silenced.

Just a mention to Dan today who was excellent when called upon, Lee Ralph with another two assists and keeping the tricky winger very quiet, the defence as a whole who were excellent again restricting Lighthouse to only five chances all game. Rion was excellent on the ball today and Dave was a rock in the centre of the park and enjoyed a good battle with Lewis. Tim Bamber was excellent in his new right wing position as well as Joe Smith who has really grown into his role over the last few weeks and lastly to Josh Ball who is a real talent and got another three goals, ten in eight now.

It was a good day for us with all results going our way and a little cushion now and its Selly Oak next week and a win will set us well on the way to acheiving the goal of promotion as its now an eleven point gap over Inter with a game in hand. Next week will be our biggest test yet.

Ray Rose adds: Lighthouse Lions were fired up today to play the leaders Champions Church, condidtions were not that good but both teams gave their all today, especially in the first 70 minutes.

The game started with Champions coming out with a strong and quick attack and great moves especially in their defence, Champions went 1-0 up when a fumble by Adam Campbell let them in and then they quickly followed that up with another and we found ourselves 2-0 down. On 37 minutes we finally got a reward in this game and a penalty was slotted home by our Adam Elcock, now we were 2-1 down with something to fight for.

In the second half a good midfield game was fought by both teams and on 65 minutes Adam Elcock scored a great goal to level us at 2-2, and we began to believe we had a chance, but you can never, not for a second let your guard down when the other team has Shawn Devonport in it, and he duly punished us with four goals in the last 20 minutes as our consistency was called into play.

We never gave up and hopefully we can work on our last quarter of the game and have good heart for the rest of the season.

Birmingham International 2 EK Corinthia 2

A result in the Moor Lane derby that will suit neither side but will perhaps favour EK a little in their push for promotion but not in their pursuit of the title. Shawn is right in saying that the results fell for Champions Church as everyone all the way down to Solihull dropped points. Whilst the title race is still on, EK can afford no more slips if they are to challenge Champions.

Bournbrook Athletic 2 Selly Oak Methodist 2

Jon Earp says: Well our first derby game with Selly Oak lived up to all the hype and banter in the build up to this game. Both teams wanted it and the game was a joy to watch, it had everything you wanted in a derby. Selly Oak took the lead but we soon pulled one back after a Tully assist found Adam James who found the net.

In the second half, both teams were creating chances and it was Selly Oak who took the lead with an excellent finish. We then got back into the game after a Richard Nolan flick on found our super centre back David Long for the finish. Both teams could have nicked it towards the end but a draw is a fair result. The lads done us proud today with all players playing well and giving their all. It proves a point that if we are up for it we can match anyone in the league. If we find that consistency we will start to climb the table because we have the players. Selly Oak left the pitch looking like they just lost after all the friendly banter before the game and we left as if we just won. I look forward to the next game between us.

Rob O'Neill adds: We played awful today, simple. There was an audible buzz in the dressing room before the game. Selly Oak were in great form and we were expecting to make light work of a Bournbrook side at the opposite side of the table in the relegation battle. We started brightly and took control of the game as Bournbrook kept backing away from our midfield when we ran at them and it wasn't long before Carl exposed a slight lack of pace rounded the keeper and slotted away for his 21st (24th if you count Walsall) of the season.

I think all of Selly Oak were guilty of thinking that was the beggining of a roll over and a few players took their foot off the pedal and Bournbrook gained momentum. I think I have these incidents in the right order when I say Bournbrook thought they had the ball in the net when a free kick floated onto the back post and headed goalwards, I managed to tip it onto the bar and the ball dropped and stuck in the mud on the goal line I turned around on the floor to see it stuck there and one of my defenders pounds the ball trying to clear it off the line only for it to hit me but the ball goes straight into my arms Bournbrook felt it had crossed the line but there was no way it had. It gave them life and belief however and a move down their right flank where there was a clear call for offside however our linesman wasn't up with the play and so didn't make the call the ball was played into a free Bournbrook player inside the box to slot away in the far corner from close range as Selly Oak were still appealing for the offside.

A glimmer of the old Selly Oak then reared it's old head as we started to implode as a few of the more hardworking players on the day asked a few questions of those who were having a bit of an off day. Bournbrook I'm sure couldn't have been more happy with the situation and another ball towards the back post saw a shot go accross the goal face off the pitch but there was that much spin on the ball it came back on the lineman put his flag up to signal the ball had left the field and Selly Oak Stopped he then lowered his flag before he'd been spotted by the ref and Bournbrook carried on playing and put the ball in the back of the net a bit of confusion ensued before the ref spoke to the linesman and the goal was chalked off and it was a goalkick. An eventful first half and the scored were 1-1.

The second half was far less eventful, Selly Oak once again took the early initiative when a cross to Jamie Williams was superbly chested down and then struck with precision into the net. Bournbrook rallied again however and weren't about to roll over as expected and a corner mid way into the second half floated into the back post. I found myself surrounded by players and unable to make it across the goal mouth and the ball was thumped in to make it 2-2. Both teams had their chance to win it with Bournbrook and Selly Oak both missing two clear cut chances apiece but the scored remained 2-2 for what was probably a fair result. Again I will say however that this was the worst we have played all season but credit due to Bournbrook for battling hard in what was a tough but fair first derby.

Some positives to take forward would be that we are still undefeated in eight. We are the third highest scorers and have the second best defence in the league. We are undefeated home and away in all competitions at Lion Farm including a 6-1 demolition of a solid King's side in the Cup. We welcome Champions next week play like we did today and we will be eleven points off the top before we know it as they are a quality side more than capable of turning us over. Play like we did against King's and I'll guarantee we'll be the first team to beat Champs in the league. Which Selly Oak will turn up? Lets see.....

Rowley College 4 Chawn Hill Church 4

Paul Taylor says: Football can be a frustrating game to watch and today was a perfect example. The inadequacy of Chawn's ability to kill off a game almost drove me to tears! I suppose it is easy to be judgemental from the sideline but a win today would have pushed us clear of the relegation battle and with other teams around us losing points making this result even more frustrating.

Rowley (Pete) will probably report on how the game was action packed with end to end action and both teams played their parts in a very enjoyable game! but as a Chawn supporter and player I would have to disagree. I was always told a game lasts for 90 minutes and as a player you have the ball to yourself for 3-4 minutes, what you do in the remaining 86 makes a good player. The simple truth is at any level you will not win anything by conceding soft defensive goals through individual errors.

To complete the formalities Chawn scored through Sooty x2, O.G. and a rare but well taken David Platt against Belgium Volley by JJ. Also good performances from Tiggs, Bedda and Chunk get a mention.

That's my toys right out of pram but I will have them back by the next match.

Pete Bennett adds: Although Chawn will be sore about conceding an equaliser in the dying minutes (and surrendering a 4-1 lead) I don't think they'll dispute that we played a full part in what was an excellent game of football despite muddy conditions. With a totally reconstructed defence welcoming back Rob Hill (at last) and Tom Maher and a strengthening front six and bench we were out to prove that league tables can sometimes be misleading (half way through a season). Chawn proved the same with lots of quality and heart and, in Jamie Sutton, a forward who will worry any defence in any of our leagues.

We started very well today and dominated the early possession only to see all undone when Rob Hill freakishly lobbed our keeper from 25 yards to gift Chawn the lead (I was beginning to feel that we had unwittingly backed the car over a pack of black cats). This was not a cause for alarm and we were straight back onto things with debutant Christy McKenzie already showing his class. However we then had our usual mad ten minutes and seemed to have lost the game. The trigger was a brilliant finish from Jamie Sutton, a lofted drive after he had sprung our offside trap but in the ensuing confusion Chawn then scored a third when we unforgivably failed to deal with a route one ball. This might, and perhaps should have been it but we rallied and were offered a way in when a Chawn defender dallied instead of clearing the ball and McKenzie robbed him, held off two challenges and then powered it Regis-like into the roof of the net. Would our luck turn? It seemed so. Just before half time we were awarded what I thought was a dubious penalty (in the sense I didn't understand what it was for). Result? Good save from their keeper from Stew Harvey. Chance gone!

Mark brought Craig Micklewright on at half time for the unlucky Sammy Nelson and he immediately had an impact setting Nathan Hylton up for a volley that hit the underside of the bar. Our pressure now was intense but Chawn's defending was immense with their lads putting their bodies on the line for their team. However they were also always dangerous on the break and when they got such a goal on 70 mins I thought it was over despite the quality of our play. Thankfully I was wrong. Mark Southall had just trotted on into the centre of midfield (a useful sub to have) and the final onslaught began with Chrissy Staien getting far more involved from the back and Micklewright and Harvey stretching play. Firstly quick feet in the box allowed McKenzie to expertly grab a second and thereafter it was the Chris McIvor show. Sporting his captain's armband (a gift from the keeper) he firstly crashed in a corker following clever work from Craig Micklewright. Then with minutes left he completed a tricky outside of the foot cross (after Mark Southall had won the ball for him) for Stew Harvey to power a header in for 4-4. Marvellous match. Two good sides. Excellent attitudes all round!

Dynamo Kingswinford 1 Renewal Solihull 3

With the season pretty much half over, Dynamo Kingswinford are in some serious trouble. Granted, we have seen the league grow significantly over the last few years resulting in a swelling of the divisions and clubs being saved from relegation. But DK seem to be on that downward spiral. They don't seem to be getting panned every week, just plain losing. Solihull's form isn't much to write home about either: Just ten points from eleven matches but a couple of wins over the next few weeks should see them creep to safety.

Division Three

Junction Ten Village 5 Rockmount United 1

Another sound win from Junction Ten keeps up the momentum in their quest for instant promotion from Division Three. If they don't go up this year, I'll be flabbergasted. Another plethora of goals was shared around between five different scorers yesterday, with Junction Ten players heavily featurd amongst the top scorers' charts.

For Rockmount, they are desperately struggling for form and losing heavily almost every week just of late. They must win all three of their games in the run up to Christmas if they are to stand any chance of gaining an automatic promotion place.

DC Dynamos 2 Living Hope 1

Mark Crouch says: Well we'll take those three points thank you but how hard were the lads made to work today? I am starting to wish we played top of the league every week as we play to a standard I am happy with for the whole game. Living Hope deserved a draw today as the muddy conditions made it a very unpreditable game as the ball was liable to do just about anything. Holding up all over the pitch in the mud puddles from the rain.

First half there was only one team in the game as first Chris Gee and then Adam Bradshaw made it two. Both goals were really well taken by lads in great scoring form. Some of the passing first half from DC was as good as anything I have seen so far this season and we could have run away with the game by half time but football is obviously a game of two halves and Living Hope had something to say about it second half.
2-0 Half time

Ten minutes into the second half we pretty much gifted them a goal but having said that their centre forward still had alot to do and he ran 20 meters and rounded the keeper and scored a really well taken goal. 2-1 DC.

Living Hope had the bit between their teeth now and their confidence was growing. Andy Garvey pulled off a couple of good saves and at their end their keeper and man of their match was in outstanding form. He cleary is their biggest asset. We were unlucky not to get a couple more but saying that it was Living Hope who actually went closest hitting the DC post. Dave Rich was outstanding in centre mid today but DC's man of the Match was Paul Blewitt who was calmness personified using all his experience to steady the game and use the wing to good effect.

I cannot see how Living Hope are rooted to the foot of the table. They remind me of us last season and I am sure they are only a few players short of a good side. Before this match I gave them no hope but quite frankly but after today they will be playing with renewed hope. Well battled. As for DC thats half the season done now. Just win every game and we win the league but I am sure lots of other teams will want a say in that.

Again the match was reffed wonderfully by Jon Nelson who let the game flow and played the advantage where ever possible.

Pete Hopper adds: In the wake of what could only be described as a spanking against Division Three leaders Junction 10, we were perhaps expecting similar treatment at the hands of second place chasers DC, who were high on confidence after seeing off Division One Amblecote in the Cup last week.

But it's with mixed emotions that I say that this was really not the case, as even though we equalled Amblecote's score line, we were convinced that we deserved more. Both teams seemed to be suffering from last minute changes to squad formations and players dropping out, with Dean Russell forced in between the sticks again, and DC starting with ten men.

In an arena more worthy of a mud wrestling bout, we conceded yet another early goal when our right back was tricked by a puddle that grabbed the ball from his feet, leaving DC's forward runner to pounce and score. Some mixed play in the half saw both teams battle each other and see chances missed but a push forward in numbers from DC saw LHC go down by two, ten mins from HT.

An inspirational team talk from the Cpt. Russell at half time really changed things for the second forty-five, and LHC finally got into a gear that has been eluding them since September. LHC pushed forward with confidence, their backline was strengthened and DC were a noticeably more casual and quieter team as they were forced to track back and defend against LHC's growing confidence. The good work was rewarded with a goal by Nathan Brain who finished off a forward press with a shot that seemed to take an age to cross the line. Amidst the bellowing cries from DC's frustrated captain, cheers of encouragement were being thrown around the LHC squad, who decided to praise every good pass, tackle, save and shot.

Not one single player had a bad game for us today, and the second half belonged to LHC. If it had been the Black Country Mud Wrestling Championships, the judges would have perhaps awarded the victory on points to LHC! But it wasn't. And they didn't.

Keep it up boys, as even DC's manager was suprised that they had played the bottom placed team, and perhaps like DC last year, LHC will find a good run of form in the second half of the season. Thanks to DC who gave us a competitive and physical game. Also a big thank you to the match officials who controlled the game with good measure and wisdom.

St John's Church 5 All Nations 0

Adam Wall reports: St John's went into this game feeling much better about life in the league after the 6-0 win last time out in the Division. They almost equalled that score line but ended one short.

The game started all St John's and a long ball freed Adam Wall who turned the defender and passed the ball beyond the keeper. 1-0. All Nations made things difficult also having chances of their own, but couldn't find a way past St John's. Ten minutes from half time Ash Hamer played Adam Wall through he squared and Craig Turton scored his seventh of the season. Half Time 2-0.

The second half was much the same All Nations battled and created a few decent chances. St John's finished the game as a contest though when Ryan Venables played Adam Wall in who dinked the keeper as he dived. 3-0. It was soon four when Adrian Partington and Daniel Platt played a one-two with the later crossing for Lee Pitchford to head home. 4-0. In the last minute of the game Lee Pitchford slotted in Jimmy Lowbridge who scored his first goal of the season. Full Time 5-0.

All Nations will win a few games this season if they keep their heads up!

Sandwell United 5 Sporting Zion 5

I have to admit that I thought that Sandwell's unbeaten run was going to come crashing down around their ears this week-end. Sporting Zion have played some good football of late and taken home some well deserved points. But it's a real 'well done' to the Sandwell boys. We got an inkling that there was something there towards the end of last season and they have stuck at it to bear fruit this year. The five-all score-line is a typical Sandwell result: All drama and action. Plenty to celebrate and get cross about.

In this half season, Sandwell have already secured as many points as in the previous two. They will need to play out of their skins if they are going to take anything off DC next week though.

Myles Wilson reports: Excellent game so much so that a couple of people said we would pay to watch the match. For the first ten minutes we were in control, we had a few shots, then two wingers collided into each other. The Sporting Zion player came off worse with blood pouring from his nose (not sure if broken, pray he'll be alright), after the incident we lost our concentration for a while, in this time they scored two quick goals, the first was from their first corner we left a player unmarked to head the ball.

Before the start of our unbeaten run (now six) we would have dropped our heads against top four team, this time we came back with two goals, the first one was across from right wing which keeper palmed out. ROBERT GILL was in the right place to stretch out leg to put it in the net. The second was a great volley by WAYNE WILLIAMS in the penalty area. After that they took the lead three times and we came back they must have wondered how to break us down. Our next came from clearance from our penalty area to Wayne inside our half. He ran with the ball into their half and passed it to Tony on our right wing who crossed it to THEO FORTUNE who had a shot that came back off the keeper then came back to him and he put it in the net. It stayed 3-3 until half time.

The second half started slower and it looked like there might be no more goals. As time went on we lost our concentration at a couple of throw-ins, they scored eventually from one of them as the ball came back from out of our area their player who was unmarked struck it well into the bottom corner. Within about ten minutes we had equalised 4-4. This time from a cross from our left. ROBERT GILL performed a diving header past the keeper. Their next goal was from the penalty spot then our final goal came through hard work by LUKE JAMES forcing his way in the penalty area and round the keeper to slot the ball in the net.

Common Ground United 3 Zion City 1

Common Ground are well and truly back on the march with another hard fought win. They are still well and truly in the hunt for automatic promotion as those clubs around them faulter. Whether they can break into the top three remains to be seen.

Brierley Hill AOG 3 Pye Green Towers 0

Wayne Capewell says: After our hard fought draw with Rockmount we went into this fixture with a little more optimism. We could see that to move up a place we would have to close the seven point gap that seperated us and Brierley Hill to stand any chance of climbing out of the bottom three.

Dispite missing Wayne Taylor, Dave Wright and David Blakesley, I looked at the team sheet and thought all teams have to deal with this, it's a big match and every player should be motivated. We kicked off the first 30 minutes and both teams had few chances, the veterans at the back for Brierley may lack at pace but they held their line well and read the game superbly just leaving our strikers with little but an odd sniff of goal. Brierley were looking more dangerous the closer we got to half time. A bounce from a long goal kick that our centre-half failed to deal with and a smart finish left us trailing 1-0.

Half time - Words were said we all tried to lift one another. It's not that we played badly we just didnt look like scoring which is rather frustrating. The half time team talk clearly had an affect on the players for at least five minutes and you could see that the game was balanced. Brierley then stepped up a gear and left us chasing shadows. Our midfield crumbled, picking up players didn't happen, resorting to desperate long balls that the veteran duo were more than happy to deal with. We were awful, Brierley played some fantastic football the second half carving our defence open at will, our midfield was non-existent. This was awful from our point of view.

We all know that if you don't pick players up outside your own box and allow the opposition time to shoot your in trouble hence 2-0 soon 3-0 in between goals. The curse of the debutant struck again for the umpteenth time: a swear word followed by a straight red card left us in that very same muck. All credit to Brierley Hill, this was a comfortable victory a job well done, they shouldn't need to look behind them for a while and concentrate on climbing the table.

From our point of view this was a chance of a respectable league position lost. We will continue to look over our shoulder and pick ourselves up, the next four games will be most difficult. But with three players coming back it won't be difficult to play better than we did. Thanks Brierley you brought us back down to earth with a bang. Our team enjoyed watching you.

Saturday Preview

Division One

Amblecote will look to stretch their lead again at the top of Division One as St Mary's sit the week-end out. But they are up against a Halesowen side who need to start putting some bread on the table or they will be joing the relegation dog-fight. After a good start to the year, they have waned somewhat and have slipped out of contention for the title. Once again, Amblecote play a must-win match if they are to add to their 2007 Division One title.

Clarendon can move into second place - If they win 20-0 at the week-end. Seriously, they can draw alongside St Mary's on the same points but Saints' goal-difference is so superior that Clarendon need to start winning matches by wider margins if they are to get anywhere near it. St Thomas' win last week-end against Sheldon meant they moved out of the bottom three. I can't see them doing it again but it wasn't so long ago that they did just that.

After being dumped out of the Cup last week-end and slipping down to seventh, King's could do with a morale-boosting win. But they are up against a City team that seems to be hitting its stride of late. City are on the cusp of the leading pack and need the win to keep in touch or if not will risk mingling with the also-rans.

St Matthew's sit at the bottom of the mid-table bunch and face a Zion side lacking that killer touch. Jallen's side just need a little rub of the green at the moment. A win could see them escape the bottom three or a loss could leave them well adrift of safety.

And lastly, two of the 'relegation zone' team clash again as St Boniface play Sheldon. These really are season defining games for Sheldon as they play those teams who are fellow relegation battlers. Another defeat could be another step towards an ever beckoning relegation from the top flight.

Division Two

We do seem to have a defined top three now in Division Two and tomorrow's matches could go even further to emphasise this point. If the top three win, they will open up a major gap but the games are far from straight-forward for all three:

Champions Church travel to Lighthouse Lions to face a team that will surely be bouyed and ready after their 10-0 demolition of Rowley. Champions have looked less than convincing over the last few weeks, could this be the game where their record comes to an end?

EK are set fair to pounce should the opportunity arise but they will have their work cut out at fellow Moor Lane team, Birmingham International. Inter will be disappointed in losing two tough games against Chawn and will want and need three points tomorrow. A defeat could leave them with a lot to do to get back into the promotion chase.

And last of the top three: Selly Oak play Bournbrook. Many of the players involved are friends and if I am not mistaken a player from either side were actually housemates. So to say this is a local derby is a bit of an understatement. The form book says there will be a trouncing but under such circumstances the form book goes out the window.

In the other two matches, all four clubs have been or are in the frame for relegation. Perhaps less so Chawn after their two wins against Inter. Chawn visit Rowley where a win would begin to stave off relegation and sit them safely in mid-table. Rowley, stunned by their worst defeat in many years will want to climb back on the horse and convince themselves that it was just one of those days.

Lastly, Saturday is a key day for Dynamo, where a win against Renewal will mean that they keep abreast with the other struggling sides but a defeat will move them closer to the precipice.

Division Three

Leaders Junction Ten are visited by a Rockmount side who must be devoid of confidence having taken just one point from their last nine after looking like they were going to break into the top three. DC will be hoping for a surprise from Rockmount and to take an expected three points from their game with bottom club Living Hope. I think Living Hope will get that elusive win one day soon but not tomorrow.

St John's will also expect to take three points as they play All Nations and Sporting Zion will also want to continue their good run and upset Sandwell's five match unbeaten run extending to six. I would expect Sporting to win but Sandwell have played well over the last few weeks.

Common Ground and Zion City re-run last week's Cup fixture in which CGU won in extra time, so I'm sure this will be another great game. And very lastly but certainly not leastly, Brierley Hill play Pye Green. Both sides are laden with decent blokes out for a good game of football and I'm sure that's what they'll get.

Saturday Review

A great day of football yesterday. It seems as though there were a few players that found their scoring boots: Stephen Bailey got three in the Cup for City to see his team through to the last eight. The league's top scorer Pete Major bagged a hat-trick as his team Junction Ten helped themselves to a dozen and back to the top of Division Three. Shawn Devonport got four which saw his side back on top of Division Two and he himself back on top of the Division Two table. David Walker bagged a double hat-trick, some of which were in extra time for CGU against Zion City to see his side through to the quarter-finals. But the largest haul was Adam Elcock's seven goals for Lighthouse against Rowley College.

The quarter-final line-up for our Cup looks exceedingly bottom heavy. All four clubs in the bottom half of the draw are from Division One, all of whom are top six teams. In the top half, Common Ground and DC clash to make it an all Division Three tie; so there will definately be a Division Three side in the last four. St Boniface are the sole Division One side but they play Selly Oak who have been teetering on the brink of Division One for a couple of years.

League Cup Round Three

Zion City 4 Common Ground United 7

David Walker was the star of the show, bagging six in a thrilling match up in Wolverhampton. With the scores level at 4-4 after ninety minutes, CGU ran away with it in extra time and booked their place in the last eight against DC Dynamos, also from Division Three.

Amblecote 1 DC Dynamos 2

Mark Crouch says: It was the Battle of the Giants today as top of the First went head to head with the top of the Third. Today DC Dynamos showed that quality runs right through the league with an impressive 2-1 win over Amblecote. You could be mistaken for thinking DC might have got a lucky win but the reality is somewhat different: To a man today DC were outstanding. When we had to mix it, we had Dave Rich, Adam Doupe and Shaun Capper batttling fiercely for any scrap. When we needed to defend we did it with consumate ease: Ben Russell, Paul Blewitt, Rich Rudge and Steve B all on top of their game. On the attack we possess what I think is the best strike force in the league. James 'twinkle feet' Cole, Chris Gee who beats his man with ease and Adam Bradshaw who possesses a real eye for goal. He was man of the match today for the two fantastic goals he scored. The first hit one post and went in off the other post, a lovely strike. The second was a sublime finish after a simply glorious ball from James Cole. Amblecote's goal came in the first half as DC did their usual trick of going a goal down. Andy knows he was at fault but he more than made up for it with some great keeping in the second half. We were unlucky not to be 3-1 up first half but it ended 1-1 Amblecote getting and scoring their only chance of the half.

The team talk did its usual trick and fired DC right up for the second half. We had been playing by far the better football and the second half we picked up where we left off and a real team effort won us the game. We out battled out muscled and out hustled Amblecote today and clearly they weren't expecting it. You can see the quality between a First and a Third Division side though as at times they played the ball around beautifully. Little triangles all over the park but if it comes to nothing you can't win and that's the difference. When we had our chances we took them and it could have been more.

Well done lads we came of age today and showed we are a force to be reckoned with. Good luck to Amblecote.... go on and win the League.

Simon Ashby adds: I don't really know what to say after today. We are absolutely gutted to have gone out of the Cup yet again to a team ranked well below us in the league hierarchy. This is my tenth attempt at winning it and once again we have let ourselves down and been dumped out. Do we have to enter next year?

Hats off to DC Dynamos today though, they did exactly what we expected, they were eager, fully committed and not short on some talented players particularly a skillful winger, strong centre forward and a pair of excellent centre halves. However while they are not a Third Division team by any stretch, neither are they yet a St Mary's, King's, City or any of the other teams we have got results against this year so we are gutted. But they definitely deserved the win! We were 'pants' as we used to say at school!

In truth we didn't deserve it. We had several first half chances and put three or four gilt edged chances wide of the post, but DC could easily have had a few themselves. They did take the lead when some lapse defending and excellent skill from DC combined to put us 1-0 down. But we equalised before the break when Spencer Harris found the bottom corner from outside the box.

The second half was a bit of a non event really and there was not much to split the teams. With about 15 minutes left, poor defending from us let DC sneak the winner. With the last kick of the game we somehow saw a corner cleared off the line which I am not sure how it happened but still we only have ourselves to blame.

Credit to DC, I am sure they will get promoted this year and we may see them in Division One in the coming years. It would not surprise me if they make the final this year given the draw, but good luck to them.... hopefully we have lost to the winners!

John Hawker adds more: Well, what can I say about todays game? Coming on the back of probably our best performance of the season against St Mary's, we just didn't turn up today at all. We were truly awful and I am extremely disappointed with the result. I don't think we were complacent going into the game, we knew it would be hard and we were there to be shot at. In reality, we were just out fought and didn't show the composure that we have shown all season. Congratulations to DC, they wanted it more, showed more passion and finished two of the chances we presented to them with monumental defensive errors, especially for their second goal. There were at least four other one-on-one chances that DC saw saved by our keeper though.

In truth, we had plenty of chances and just didn't hit the target enough. Our day was summed up in the last minute of injury time when all 22 men were in the DC box for a corner trying to get an equaliser. We finally hit the target with a goal bound effort only for the ball to be headed off the goal line when it was going in.....by our own player!

Good luck to DC in the next round - if they show this kind of commitment and will to win they could go all the way to the final.

St John's Church 2 St Boniface 3

St Boniface sneak through to the last eight by the odd goal in five against a spirited St John's display up at Yates'. James Gray texted: St John's were excellent today but just strong enough to beat them. Top marks to the ref!

St Boniface play Selly Oak Methodist in the next round.

Selly Oak Methodist 6 King's AFC 1

Selly Oak deliver a result that screams 'We should have been in Division One this year'. The goals were shared around but Carl Jones was in amongst them to grab his twentieth of the season.

City Church 4 EK Corinthia 2

Martin Belshah reports: A classic game of two halves today between City and EK. City dominated the first half creating a good number of chances and converting most of them. Simply put, we were better organised and seemed to make light work of it for the first 35 to 40 minutes. Jon Sheppard created the first by landing a long throw-in at Dave Louden's feet with uncanny accuracy; which the ever cool Dave turned and poked through a tunnel of legs to score. City's second was inspirational with a long ball to Steve Bailey who perfectly controlled it with his chest and then drove it into the back of the net with an impressive volley on the turn. Not long after that, some slick passing play between Dave Cooper and Andy Thomas slotted the ball through the defence to Steve Bailey who found the back of the net once more. It looked like City would crush EK with merciless proficiency when the fourth was launched into the top of the net, again by Steve Bailey for his hat-trick. At this point it was close to half-time and at four-nil down most teams would have sunk like the titanic into their own misery but not EK. With enviable spirit they picked this moment to lift their heads and fight back with some real gusto and quality football. A free kick to EK lead to a well placed shot from the edge of the box and the half finished with City 4-1 up.

The second half saw a City squander a few chances, rattle post and cross-bar and force one or two good saves by the EK keeper but no home goals. Now EK had the slope and the wind and they cranked their game right up in the second half blasting back into it fairly early on from a set play that pinged around City's box for a while before someone buried a shot (which I couldn't quite see, but that looked like an overhead kick). Despite pressuring City for most of the second half that was the last of the goals though. To give EK their dues, they piled the pressure on City the second half testing our keeper several times and missing a few good chances before the final whistle.

I thought the ref had a good game and there were particularly good performances for City by: Chris Chattaway, Dave Cooper, Andy Thomas and, of course, the magic touch of Steve Bailey deserves special recognition here.

Chris Morrison adds: Well was this a step to far for EK, was it a case of the div one team being better or was it a case of EK playing badly? I would say all three! City Church certainly came out of the blocks quicker and took a 4-0 lead within 30 minutes. The City Church number eight was pulling all the strings and really EK didn't know what had hit them. Sloppy goals from our point of view but the second City goal was a screamer and fair play not many keepers would have stopped it. Towards the end of the first half EK found some rhythm and looked as though they could be starting to get things together and scored a deserved goal through Matt Dormer.

Half Time 4-1. A few choice words were said and really the second half was about desire and wanting to improve and we did. Right from the whistle EK were playing better and really made a game of it. In the first seconds we hit the post and eventually got a goal back through an overhead volley from Sean Stewart. EK kept pushing but on the day City Church were just that little bit too organised through the midfield. A great game and EK can hold their heads high as a year ago we would have lost that by seven or eight goals! (at least) - Let's hope we can carry on and meet City Church in Division One next year!

St Matthew's 2 St Mary's 5

Nick Sprason reports: A quality performance today from a near full strength St Mary's team. Recent outings have not been up to our high standards but today saw a comprehensive victory in what looked a tricky fixture on paper. We were three up by half time and despite the occasional panic we saw the game out in clinical style.

Dynamo Kingswinford 1 Clarendon 3

Clarendon win 'at a canter' against their old sparring partners, Dynamo Kingswinford. The Cup holder's goals were scored by Jason Greene and Leon Turton whilst Chris Sweetmore grabbed a consolation.

Halesowen Zion 2 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 1

Dave Walters says: A game played out between two depleted sides and it showed, I cannot remember a chance for either side in the first half and the game had penalties written all over it.

The second however was better with chances for both teams with Wolves having the better opportunities but a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from our stand in keeper Chris Noon kept it a 0-0 until we crafted a good move with some great work from Tom Doran and a precision pass from Nick Bennett put Jon Lea through who turned, shot and scored. Wolves could have equalised but Nooney was on top form in goal and we went 2-0 up when Tom Skellern was in the right place to fire in from close range after the ball was pinging around the area. Wolves pulled one back to make the last 12 or so minutes tense but we managed to hang on.

Division One

St Thomas Aldridge 4 Sheldon 1

Marc Buller reports on the solitary Division One match today: A massive six pointer today against Sheldon, certainly a game we could not afford to lose.

We hit the ground running and scored in the opening minutes through a bit of luck as Matt Challenor found the back of the net with what was more of a cross then a shot but they all count, finally some luck for us! We scored our second goal not long after, a ball through to Stewart Hartshorne left him one on one with the keeper which he put away at the second attempt. After the goal we took our foot off the pedal and let Sheldon back into game. They created a number of chances and had two attempts cleared off the line. We lost a bit of shape and at times we were all over the place but this was one of our best halves of football so far.

The second half started just as the first had finished: plenty of chances been created for both sides but none been taken. We then scored our third goal after a great ball from Alex Mulloy was headed home by Mark Hadden to score past his former club. Our fourth goal was a repeat of the third when Marc Buller found the head of Mark Hadden to double his total. Sheldon then got a goal they were much deserved: A long throw into the box was not properly cleared which allowed Dean Starling to tap in. The game finished 4-1 but in reality it could of been much more to both sides.

A massive mention to Mark Roadway for a great performance in goal for us today, our regular keeper was injured and the lad we called up found out he was unable to make it just a couple of hours before the game so that left us without a keeper but Mark stepped up for us pulling off a great saves and also his kicking posed many problems for the Sheldon back four. We got the win we desperatly needed today and really must start picking up points on a more regular basis. We have a tough challenge next week against Clarendon but if play like we have the last two weeks we stand a chance of picking something up. Sheldon are a great bunch of lads and are a credit to our league. They might feel slightly hard done to today with the scoreline but should take heart for the performance because if they play like that every week they will have far more points than the one they currently have. All the best!

Lyndon Fisher adds: We dominated most of this match today, had numerous chances, but never converted them. What few chances they had, and one of them was an absolute fluke, they put away. We played some good attractive football with nothing to show for it, we needed to win this match today to stand any chance of turning our season around. The 4-1 score line really flattered them, I can't knock the lads today they never gave up, we were without our first choice keeper for the sixth time this season, but our stand in did a great job. Our fate is probably sealed now, but we will not give up, we will fight to the very end, you never know, football can be a funny old game.

Division Two

Champions Church 4 Renewal Solihull 3

Shawn Devonport says: There is a saying in football that is often used: 'A game of two halves'. It was so true today.

Renewal started lively and were snapping into everything. This was a good Renewal team out today so we knew we would have to be on our game. We went in to the lead when a fantastic Lee Ralph delivery was converted by myself under the keeper from 15 yards out. We then won a penalty for a push, not many get given but on this occasion the referee saw it, 2-0 from the muddy penalty spot. We were playing some really good football and made it three when a lovely one-two between Rion and Dave in the centre of the park opened Renewal up and Rion played a brilliant ball through and I slipped it past the keeper to make it 3-0. We made it 4-0 when a massive Dan Greatrex kick was bought down for the pick of my goals and a first time volley arrowed into the top corner, not easy talking about my own goals but was just one of those days were everything went in. Josh Ball was unlucky on three occasions with the Renewal keeper making some great stops and it was lucky to be only 4-0.

Then came the second half: We switched off, but I can't just say that because Renewal really upped their game and played some great stuff, knocking the ball about brilliantly at times with Dennis Bailey pulling all the strings although Rion gave him a real good game today. They pulled one back when a scramble resulted in a good finish and we then gifted them a second when we gave away a silly penalty, 4-2. Renewal's tails were up and made it 4-3 when another defensive error allowed for a simple goal. We were giving the ball away in daft positions and just didn't seem up for the fight and it was time to dig in and fight now. Renewal had one great chance to pull level but Scott Murrell just pulled it wide. It wasn't just all one way traffic though, the Renewal keeper made two excellent stops from me and Rion missed three good chances second half aswell as having a good penalty shout turned down, we just couldn't find the net to make it comfortable.

A good win though, it's the three points that matter and we move back on to top. Renewal played really well second half and if they keep that eleven out they will finish comfortably mid table. I guess the biggest battle is getting everyone to turn up every week as it is for most teams. I'll stick my neck out and say after today that the top three may pull away a little now but we will see how it pans out.

Birmingham International 2 Chawn Hill Church 3

Another spoke in the wheels for Inter as Chawn repeat the result from last week and take a much needed second win in as many weeks to lift the team up to seventh. There is a bit of a gap widening between the top and bottom half of the table as Chawn trail MBD by four points and have played an extra game. But they are looking upwards now instead of looking over their shoulder.

Inter have definately lost a bit of momentum as they lose ground on the top three but they can catch up a bit if they beat EK next week.

Paul Taylor says: Chawn were worthy winners last week and Inter were visibly frustrated with the loss, so in this reverse fixture Chawn were expecting a much tougher game. We arrived at Moor Lane and yet again the wind and rain were present.

Straight from the first whistle Chawn started the stronger and created chance after chance. 'Super' Kev who lead the front line first half excellently again had the best chances. Inter are a big set of players but surprisingly were found floundering on defending set pieces and it was from a set piece where Chawn took the lead. Super Kev delivered a perfect in-swinging corner which was headed goal-wards by Bedda and poached by Hovis just as the ball was crossing the line (brotherly love eh). Chawn threatened time and time again from dead ball situations, a very impressive 'Ashley Cole' like performance by Tiggs capitalised on some slack Inter marking but unfortunately defended the corner instead of scoring. Defenders!!!

Chawn dominated the first half and I can't recall any Inter chances. The desire and commitment first half came at a price though as the ever impressive Alfie and 'super' Kev limped off at half-time and were replaced. half-time 0-1

The second half followed the same pattern as the first initially with Chawn playing some brilliant football which was nice to see and a combination of good saves and last ditch defending kept the score line 0-1. Tiggs and his new looky likey brother JJ were superb on the left playing some lovely one-twos and over lapping. This paid off when a fluent move involving the two brothers separated at birth exploded down the left, then switching the ball to Hovis repaid some of the debt for poaching his brothers goal laid the ball back to Bedda who without hesitation drilled it first time from twenty yards finding the bottom left of the net: 0-2.

Chawn were truly in the driving seat and looking comfortable. Maybe then complacency was to blame as Inter's man of the match in my opinion no.11 took it upon himself to round four defenders before slotting the ball in the net. 1-2

In past games Chawn would have defended deep and invited pressure but not today!! Second half sub Greg Jones slotted into the diamond shape midfield and showed his experience on young shoulders, tackling hard and spraying the ball round the park. It was Greg who burst through the midfield and had the intelligence to realise he was running out of space and the prowess to spot the keeper off his line and had the audacity to lob the keeper from 35 yards, scrambling back the keeper could only parry the ball into the path of the predatory Sooty. 1-3

Sooty played up front on his own second half due to injury and formation change. He worked tirelessly playing against a back four who could intimidate the majority of forwards at any standard. He was a threat all day and has now got five goals in three games.

Inter were down and out at this stage of the game and started to lose some self discipline as the game opened up for Chawn to extend their lead. unfortunatly in the 80th min Inter were awarded a free kick, this was hopefully lifted into Chawn's Box. Just as Chunk shouted KEEPERS!! for a easy claim he said after the game, a ray of light shone down from the heavens and blinded him, allowing the ball to go through his legs into the empty goal, from the side line it looked like he had a shocker but he is my mate and I believe him???

This gave Inter a glimmer of hope of a point and in the 90th minute they almost got it if not for a goal saving block from Daz Lloyd. It was hard to pick a 'man of the match' this week as the team performed with a desire and commitment which has been missing of late. To name drop a few G.I. Jack and Daz Lloyd were solid at the back and were out jumping players nearly twice their size. Also Crouch had a strong performance but unfortunately got injured in one of his numerous crunching tackles.

Results have gone for us the last few weeks and have lifted us out of the relegation battle. Chawn have now taken nine points out of the top four teams but Chawn seem to struggle against teams below or around us. Chawn travel to Rowley next week hoping to carry on the vain of form we have found.

Well done today lads a really impressive performance and a tricky place to go and get a result. Enjoy your week back to hard work on Thursday ready for the big one on Sat!!

Lighthouse Lions 10 Rowley College 0

Ray Rose says: This was a day when eveything clicked for Lighthouse Lions, even playing on a very sticky pitch didn't hold us back. With four minutes played, Craig Marshall found Adam Elcock with a lovely through ball to score his frist goal of the game. This seemed to settle us and after the disappointment of the last few games we were ready to play our best. On twelve minutes Craig Marshall again found Adam Elcock to score from close range and we had made it 2 -0.

Now with great confidence in our play a corner from Carl Jones found Lewis Cotteril, who 'rose like a salmon' to score our third on 20 minutes played. Rowley, who seemed to find it hard going were again passed as on 24 minutes Jimmy Doris found Adam Elcock who again scored for his hatrick, we were now 4-0 up. On 34 Minutes a good Lighthouse move saw Adam Powell win the ball in midfield to set Jimmy Doris up with our fifth goal.

In the second half Rowley came out with more fire in their belly and their number ten was creating chances for them but to no avail. On 64 minutes Jimmy Doris supplied a ball to Adam Elcock and we again scored, and then a move with Adam Powell at the centre found Jimmy Doris who fed Craig, who passed it to Adam Elcock who turned and hit it from 25 yards out and we yet again scored for 7-0.

In the last ten minutes our Adam Elcock, just couldn't help himself and scored another twice. That made it 9-0 and seven of those were down to Adam Elcock (is that a record in a game for one player?) Finally on the 88th minute we finished it off with a great goal from Craig Marshall.

Rowley never gave up and played to the end, we wish then all the success in the rest of the season.

Pete Bennett adds: Since the website started I think I've always managed to submit a report (win, lose or draw) and this is probably the hardest since we got a proper pasting today without being a 0-10 team. Lighthouse were terrific today: they have some good young players and a great team spirit. We too have some good players, for my money Nathan Hylton was the best player on the park , but they had one of those days when everything came off and everything they hit went in. This is not luck (none of the goals were lucky: all were good finishes), it is confidence and momentum.

We were a few players short but, as Mark told them, we had a good enough starting eleven to give Lions a game today. We added Chris Staien, back for the first time this season and at half time Mark Southall himself back from injury and were much better. That said we lost both halves by 0-5, despite having good second half chances. We'd didn't lose at all last time we came down but are making up for it now. Next week an improving Chawn will assuredly give us a test in a six pointer! Referee (D Northwood) was excellent today.

MBD United 5 Bournbrook Athletic 0

A solid Ryan Reynolds inspired victory for MBD sees them back on the island again. They will need to put in a few more performances like yesterday if they are going to get back into contention for promotion this season. Getting promoted is as much about consistency as it is about anything else and MBD are currently unable to sustain a decent run as yet this year. I still wouldn't rule out a push later on in the season.

Division Three

Junction Ten Village 12 Living Hope Church 2

Junction Ten batter their way back to the top of Division Three with another double-figure goal haul to take their total to seventy-one this season. Just to put that into perspective: The next closest club is EK on 46 and Pete Major himself has scored more than fourteen clubs. Champions only managed 78 when they won Division Three last year and they were the league's top scorers.

Steve Farley says: Our first goal started from Luke Evans at right back feeding Cosso with a good through ball. Cosso looked up, saw Nathan Brain on a run and placed a great ball for him to sprint on to and beat his marker for pace before placing a great strike into the back of the net. Our second came when Cosso picked up the ball half way into Junction Ten's half and let fly from 20 yards with a shot that their keeper could only parry out to Nathan Brain who made no mistake from a very fine angle.

Seven of our regular players were missing and it showed. However there were some positives to take from the game. Josh Steventon gave a decent performance as a stand in keeper until he had to go off injured and at least from now on if our first choice keeper is missing I won't have to phone half of the Black Country looking for a replacement. We also scored two goals against a defence that had only conceded eight league goals up until today. Well done to Junction Ten. They are a very good team and a great bunch of lads. They gave us a good lesson in passing and how to hold up the ball waiting for the run. We now move on.

Brierley Hill AOG 1 Sporting Zion 2

Sporting Zion continue to assert themselves on Division Three and have now risen to fourth above Rockmount who have lost their footing of late. Brierley Hill have slipped down to ninth after a purple patch propelled them up the table earlier in the year.

Pye Green Towers 2 Rockmount United 2

Dave Spencer says: This week Rockmount were probably met with what was the strongest team we’ve put out all season and I think it showed. For the first 20 minutes we were looking very dangerous going forward just lacking the final touch to finish a number of chances. However, it was in the 20th minute our centre back discovered that Jesus’ grace and forgiveness is not extended to His West Midlands Football League when using an alternative name for dog muck. A defender down, Player Manager Wayne Capewell chose to sub himself to ensure we still a decent back four. However after seeing a red and being caught offside no less than eight times AND now playing a slightly dubious 4-4-1 formation it was only time before we seemed to slow down and a well struck header knocked us 1-0 down.

Second half started pretty much the same with us struggling for support on the counter attack and yet again we let a goal in when we allowed ourselves to be out manned in the box making it 2-0 down. Wayne then tactly announced that we would play 4-3-2 and within 15 minutes it was 2-2 with two goals coming from Ash Gilbert’s skilful reading of the game. Keen not to lose our momentum both sides battled on though neither were quite able to find the net resulting in our second draw of the season.

A special mention should go to Wayne Taylor who played his debut game for us after moving up from having played for a Division One side in the Hertfordshire and Border’s Churches football league. We were more than keen to grab a player who had played in the final of the National Christian Trophy, he played brilliantly and I am sure his personality and skill will be a huge asset to the development of the team.

All Nations 1 Sandwell United 2

Another week, another win for Sandwell, taking thirteen points from a possible fifteen over the last few weeks, a run that many a green eye will spot. Without wanting to sound patronising, Sandwell have played teams from the lower reaches of the league recently. If they can keep the record going up until Christmas, then I think I may have to reconsider my half-year write up.

Kieron Banks of All Nations says: All Nations went into this game knowing and feeling they must win after a good performance last time out against CGU.

Sandwell got the game underway and straight away we were under pressure from the off. It took All Nations five minutes to get into their flow until a mis-kicked goal kick saw Sandwells no.10 take advantage and latch onto it, good finish from the lad too: 1-0 Sandwell. The game settled for a while after that All Nations weren't prepared to drop their heads as they started to create numerous chances. Just to note Sandwell's captain Pete Broome had a fantastic game holding off Jay Proudman who was forced to shoot from distance. About 10 minutes from half time All Nations had a great chance to level things when a long distance shot was saved but Sandwells inform keeper, the ball had slipped from his hands and both Curt and Jay went for the tap only for the ball to hit the post. 1-0 HT.

The second half saw All Nations up the tempo a bit to try and push for an equaliser. Throughout the whole game our centre back Loz Mitchell was unbeatable with his pace and perfectly timed tackles. At about the hour mark Sandwell got their second through an own goal, it was their first corner of the game. Ritz had been challenged by two Sandwell players which made him drop the ball to the feet of Sam Gillet who was unlucky to slice the ball with his left foot into the net, 2-0 Sandwell.

Jay Proudman came very close to clawing one back with a low drive to the bottom left corner but the Sandwell keeper pulled out a fantastic save which kept All Nations at bay! All Nations made a couple of changes with myself coming off for Matty Simmons and then with about 10 minutes to go All Nations were awarded a penalty after Curt Stewart was brought down in the area. He stepped up for the spot kick and brought All Nations back to 2-1 but it was too little too late as All Nations started to push up with a 3-4-3 formation. Lee Spencer created a lot of opportunities with his long balls from midfield, but we just wasn't able to finish. Final Score 2-1.

Thanks to Sandwell for a fantastic and exciting game and we wish them well throught the rest of the season as for us lets push on and look for another result we deserve!

Des Crawford adds: Another good day at the office is how I would like to describe today result. Like last week we had the perfect start by obtaining an early goal which was dispatch by our top goal scorer Luke James.

Our previous encounter with All Nations was an 8-1 victory to Sandwell. However from the restart we could tell that the opposition was going to make a game of it and to be honest on the balance of play up to half time some may say that All Nations should have been level and possibly ahead.

The second half started with Sandwell and All Nations attacking and counter attacking. Eventually our second goal came from a corner albeit by a deflection from the All Nations defender and their keeper which allowed Robert Gill to add to his tally. At this point Sandwell should have closed the game out, but All Nations had another script and via a Penalty the opposition had cut our lead to one.

As the game drew to a close both teams had chances to score, but either because of poor finishing or good goal keeping the score line remained 2-1 to us.

All credit to All Nations because they did not lay down and made us fight for the points today. We have achieved a milestone today, because for the first time in our short history we have now exceeded ten points accompany that with the belief in ourselves we now look forward to every match.

Fixtures

With the conclusion of the Third Round of the Cup today, we will be making a few alterations to the fixtures over the next few days. Your secretary will have the full details, so keep your eyes peeled.

The schedule is nearly always a moving feast as we are at the mercy of the elements as well as clubs dropping out of the cup competitions not to mention other events. Shawn is doing a marvellous job of keeping almost everyone busy every week. If possible, we will be running auxillary competitions should the need arise but these are always difficult to organise due to the sporadic nature of the docket.

A Late Report

Rockmount 0 St John's Church 6

St John's travelled away to face Rockmount on the back of a terrible two weeks where key players were missing and poor performances allowed us to get hammered twice. Confidence was low but after much discussion in the week we decided we had to just enjoy it and not pressure ourselves. The results were there for all to see as we hammered one of the best sides in the division on their own turf.

The game started the way it was to continue: St John's firmly on top, a few half chances were all they had until the opposition keeper dropped the ball to in form front man Craig Turton who buried the chance. 1-0. It wasnt long before it was two for St Johns and two for Turton. A long ball ending in a straight chase between Adam Wall and the centre half, with Wall muscling through and squaring for Turton to tap home. 2-0. Just a minute later Ash Hamer ran from wide with ball a lashed a unstoppable strike into the top corner. 3-0. Just before half time Adam Wall beat two players but was hauled down as he tried to run clear. The resulting 25 yards free kick was put into air over the keeper by Adam Wall. 4-0. Wind assisted? Yes I would say so! HT 4-0.

It was much harder in the second half against the conditions driving wind and rain allowed Rockmount to pump their clearences well clear. Jon Blackshaw who was a rock at the back for St John's and was later named Man of the Match. Stuart Rogers just back from a five week lay off sent Adam Wall through who doubled his tally for the day with a cool finish. The best was yet to come though. When Steve (Stevo!) Watkinson signed for St John's he had only played half a season in over ten years, in the Sunday League, after being released as a youngster by a pro club. Thus meaning he hadn't scored in almost 13 years in a competitive match. Fair to say he has had some stick from the lads about it. He has been close a couple of times this year along with three man of the matches. Well the wait is over, STEVO has scored! The ball was pumped long but the clearence only found Stevo 20 yards out, he returned it with a unstoppable volley. it sparked wild celebrations and much chanting of Stevo, Stevo, stevo. Even Rockmount congratulated him! Well done St John's great results and go in to next week against St. Boniface with heads held high.

Saturday Review

It was one of those days that the weather just ruined the football. I had one person saying that they thought their game should have been played and then another saying that the game should never have gone ahead. I suppose if you played and won, then everything's OK.

Division One

St Mary's 5 St Thomas 1 St Mary's close the gap down to a point on long-time league leaders Amblecote with a safe looking score-line against strugglers St Thomas. Nick Sprason says: We won 5-1 yesterday but the score-line doesn't tell the tale. Only superior fitness and finishing meant we scored four in the last twenty minutes. St Thomas' were in the game for long spells and credit to them.

Marc Buller says: Football is a cruel game at times and scorelines can portray an unfair reflection of the game it speaks for. Yesterday was one of those games where we took on St Mary's and some how managed to come away with a 5-1 loss. The league table doesn't lie and we deserve to be where we are but yesterday for large periods of the game we were the better side or at least equal. We took the lead in the game after a mistake by a St Mary's defender allowed Mark Hadden to chip the ball over the keeper's head from just under 30 yards. For the rest of the first half both teams battled away looking for the next goal.

The second half started and we were keen to hold on to our lead however we were extremely unlucky to have conceded from what looked like the ball had gone a few yards (I think he means inches-Ed) over the byline in the lead up to the goal but when your down at the bottom luck hardly goes your way. We then missed a great chance to make it 2-1 after their keeper had spilled it; another one of those things that don't seem to go your way when your in the position we're in. St Mary's then scored four goals in the last 15-20 minutes of game which the majority if not all where gifted to them by us.

Overall some positives to take from today's game for us: For large parts we were equal to a top four side and seem to be getting better after a poor start to the season. I imagine St Mary's will be up there come the end of the season but not sure they're the best team in the league but certainly know how to win at all costs and that picks up points at the end of the day.

Zion Athletic 1 Clarendon 2 Jallen reports: We played fantastic yesterday and in my opinion were unlucky to lose the match. With numerous chances cleared off the Clarendon goal-line, it pains us even more to concede in the last three minutes of the game. Something will go our way soon and when it does I'm sure we'll start to pull away from the bottom three.

Tommy Woodward adds: Another scrappy win today in horrible conditions. Zion took the lead with a cross come shot which was helped in by the wind. To be fair to Zion they were unlucky to only get the one goal, but our defence was on top of their game today, making a few goal line clearances. A great turn and volley from Leon Turton saw us equalise and a late strike from the in form Jason Greene made sure we got all the points. We should of put the game to rest earlier in the second half but the conditions and a lack of composure in front of goal made it a tight finish.

Division Two

EK Corinthia 4 Dynamo Kingswinford 1 EK continue with their fine spell of form with another pleasing result, as DK continue their dive towards Division Three. Some are saying that Division Two is sorted now but I'm not completely convincing, although you'd have to fancy EK and Champions to go up the way they are going and Selly Oak to break their fourth place bogie.

Champions Church 2 MBD United 0 Shawn Devonport reports: We managed to get the game on at Coneygree today clearing the one puddle with the rest of the pitch in impressive condition considering the rain last week.

MBD only had ten players at the start and we were camped in their half and should have been 1-0 up within the first minute: A Lee Ralph free kick was parried to Joe Smith and with the goal at his mercy he somehow shot straight at the keeper. We then had a sucsession of corners that resulted in nothing. The eleventh MBD man then arrived with two substitutes but it changed nothing. Dave Roberts in the MBD goal saving a one on one and Greg Thompson having a goal disallowed for offside, so it stayed 0-0. We then managed to get that deserved goal when I rounded the MBD keeper and two defenders to slot into an empty net in the boggy penalty area. The game was now turning into a scrap and MBD brought on their first emergency signing who was a fantastic player but it still failed to change much with us doing the pressing just lacking that final ball. We made it 2-0 when a Lee Ralph corner was flicked on by Greg Thompson and Dave Oakley poached it off the line: a deserved 2-0 lead. MBD did create their first chance when Simon Lamour was presented with a great chance but he fired well wide. 2-0 half time.

We expected a MBD backlash second half, the strong wind was in their favour and a second emergency signing was bought on. They were now seeing more of the ball but still not creating much and we kept countering very well but some great last ditch blocks stopped us from adding to our lead. We got given a penalty when I went over expecting contact that didn't come but the referee still gave it even though there were no appeals from anyone but a flag went up for offside to stop any confusion. MBD also had a couple of shouts for a penalty but the referee who had a good game today waved both away, rightly in my opinion. We did have time to hit the post and go close on a few more occasions but some more great goalkeeping and last ditch blocks kept the score down. MBD had a great chance late on when Bob Lee misfired at the far post and a good free kick resulted in another chance that was headed away by our brilliant defence.

Another clean sheet today was very pleasing and to win in such a comfortable fashion was also satisfying. Dan in goal was top class and the whole back line was immense today. Coping with Temo, Si Lamour and Ryan as well as the two emergency signings that were also good players is never easy but today they made it look rather so and deserved another clean sheet. Rion Mills was top drawer today running the show in centre midfield and Tim Bamber did really well out wide which is not his usual position. Greg Thompson was man of the match with a performance, full of running was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal. So a good win for us after last week's disappointment and it's Renewal at home next week and we need another three points.

Selly Oak Methodist 3 Lighthouse Lions 1 Selly Oak seem to be having a typical season for them: Making light work of their opposition and scoring hatfuls. They have done this before but the big question is can they sustain it? They also seem to go to pieces or at least lose the really key games. For me the difference is one player: Carl Jones. They have unearthed a gem who appears to be a reliable, top-drawer striker. It could be a bumper season for Selly Oak or another fourth place, it's in their hands.

Rob O'Neill reports: Still undefeated at Lion Farm both home and away and undefeated in six now for Selly Oak. In those six games we've scored 33 and conceded five, bearing in mind we've played Birmingham Inter, MBD and Lighthouse Lions in those six games (Our three closest rivals for third spot) we are hitting the kind of form where we can now push ourselves to look above us at the top two rather than the chasing pack.

The weather threatened to postpone the fixture but apart from a bit of surface water our pitch started the match looking in good shape for us to take on Lighthouse for the first time. We started quite promisingly putting a lot of pressure on the Lighthouse back four with Carl, Jamie and Mozza causing problems with jinxing runs and we were rewarded with a reasonably early goal when a cross found Carl at the back post to slot the ball home. We then seemed to let Lighthouse back into the game slightly as they used the diagonal balls supplied by their Ravanelliesque centre back to find their pacey wingers but our defence stood firm with Sean, Rhyan, Luke and Dean and Daryl just infront of them battling hard and working the ball out nicely from the back. It remained 1-0 in a pretty uneventful first half.

Then the heavens opened, the winds picked up and Lighthouse were gifted the incredible weapon the wind can be when at your back. The pitch began to cut up and sliding tackles meant the player would slide five yards if at pace it was deffinately not goalkeeper weather as I ended up doing the occasional shuttle run in my box to keep warm. The second half began quite equal as both teams adjusted to the sudden turn in weather but it was Selly Oak who would strike next with a nice lay off finding Jamie Williams in the box to power a great finish past the keeper which visibly releived a lot of tension from the team. Lighhouse didn't fold however and a free kick on the half way line lofted over the group of players on the 18 yard line picked up speed when bouncing on the mud and went past the poorly possitioned goalkeeper (me) into the far corner for a bit of a freak goal but a goal none the less that gave Lighhouse hope again. Cue what became a bit of a 20 minute battle with Lighthouse pumping the ball high in the air trying to use the wind to their advantage and some nice wing play by Selly Oak forced by the bog that was forming in the middle of the pitch. My defence stood firm which has been a constant privelage this season and we dealt with the aerial threat and I redeemed myself with a few difficult catches. But we also managed to apply the pressure again on Lighthouse and two substitues would combine for our third to put the game beyond Lighhouse's reach with five minutes to go as Craig McNaught looped the ball over the defenders head to find Laurence Belgrave inside the area, he took one touch to get it out his feet then thumped it home again to visibly relieved celebrations.

If we get promoted at the end of the season we will definately highlight this game as key where we battled hard not playing our best football in tough conditions to beat a Lighthouse team that I think will mantain the chase for promotion for the rest of the season. With other results working in our favour we now have a three point and 23 goal cushion over fourth going into our week in the Cup. We face King's next week which is our toughest game of the season so far however a game I think we can win and with the added spice of a few playes knowing each other on either side it should be a great match!

We then return to the league with the first derby against Bournbrook and then start the second half of the season welcoming Champions into the Lion's Den haha some great weeks of football ahead.

Chawn Hill Church 3 Birmingham International 2 The legend that is South Road strikes again as Chawn grasp a vital three points and extricate themselves from the relegation zone. Paul Taylor reports: After Chawn's drubbing at the hands of EK last week, we approached this game with apprehension as Inter had a very impressive result against Champions. Unsurprisingly South Rd was bone hard even after all of the torrential rain over the last few days. The match was always going to be a game of two halves (obviously) with the persistent strong wind and the frequent downpours.

Chawn started kicking downhill with the wind and started the stronger, creating some good chances which were wasted. Continuous pressure with no goals ended in the inevitable as Inter took the lead through a soft defensive goal. Chawn took this as a wake up call and set about trying to make amends. From a Hovis corner Bedda powered a header into the top corner. Chawn continued to push and were rewarded when 'super' Kev played in last week's impressive Sooty who skillfully lifted the ball over the keeper who was stuck in no-mans land. Half-time 2-1

In the second half Chawn batterened down the hatches as Inter had the advantage of the slope and the wind. Chawn have been poor as a team defensively of late but excellent performances from the back four of Alfie, Tiggs, G.I. Jack and Daz Lloyd. Also Chunk pulled off some good saves in tricky conditions. Mr. Midfield, Bedda got my Man of the Match with a dog-like performance, winning everything in the air and snapping at heels.

The second half presented Chawn with few chances but a half chance allowed Sooty to get his second and his fourth in two games. Sooty's two goals today required different technical abilities and both were dispatched with natural ability. An own goal gave Inter a consolation goal to make the last few minutes exciting. Chawn deserved their win today and if results go for us could see them leap frog two places in the league.

Chawn travel to Inter next week and hope we can continue our new winning habit, although i feel Inter will be a different side at home. Well done to both teams as conditions were shocking and the game was played in a fair but competitive spirit. See you next week Inter!

Division Three

Pye Green Towers 1 DC Dynamos 2 Dave Spencer says: We were still a couple of men short to put out our best team against DC today but at least we had the option of subs this week. The first half proved difficult with the wind and sun (at times) against us though that didn’t stop a few chances coming from both sides. HT 0-0.

Second half DC were gifted two sitting goals both of which were identically made by marking errors and the first of which the defence insisted was offside. Fortunately we’ve stopped letting our heads drop and being behind only rallied the team to fight harder. Several shots later we were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area which was given a text book finish by captain Gaz Darby. FT 1-2

Today’s game was not the most entertaining for me to watch and we should have put a better finish on many shots – I’m sure it will come. DC will be pleased with the result, and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

Mark Crouch adds: The scoreline might suggest a close match but thats all. DC were by far and way the best side and the windy conditions help save Pye Green from a hammering today. DC started the match without a recognised keeper in the squad our right midfielder Ben Russell stepping into the breach without a moments hesitation. Well done son. For the cause!

Pye Green had no significant chances first half as DC peppered their goal as at least half a dozen shots missed by millimeteres and their keeper pulled off at least two fine saves. Half time 0-0.

DC came out all guns blazing and played some quite lovely football agian being undone by the wind. Adam Doupe was the midfielder stalwart today turning the ball over effortlessly at times winning everything in the air that Steve B or Richard Rudge didnt pick up. Some great play down the right saw a great ball across the six yard box which Chris Gee put in to make it 1-0 to DC. Ten minutes alter it was 2-0 as another well worked goal saw Clinton Dudson fire home from a tight angle.

Pye Green for their part never gave up and with one minute to go got a free kick on the edge of the DC box which they converted with aplomb; a really fine free kick.

I never thought for one second we would lose this today Pye Green battled well but there was only ever one team in this match. At the end of the season the only stat that matters is the three points on an awful day for football. Well done lads. Their keeper was their man of the match keeping them in the game first half and Adam Doupe for us who was outstanding in Midfield once again.

Sporting Zion 1 Junction Ten Village 2 Dave Guttridge says: What can I say? The best team on the day lost today. J10's keeper was outstanding, it was like Sporting v him. Sporting took the lead mid-way through the first half after three very good chances went begging. (The keeper saved the others). J10 levelled just before half time with their first clear shot on target.

We started the second half how we finished the first We created chance after chance but their keeper saved them all. J10 got the winner five minutes from the end again against the run of play. We even had a last minute shot saved and I still dont know how he did it. Have told Manchester United about him so he might be signed before we play them again. But two very good teams and a great game of football played in good spirit.

Comments made to us after game lifted us back up (they are the best team we have played this season), that is a big up just look at there goals against. Good luck for the second half of the season.

Rockmount United 0 St John's Church 6 After bigging Rockmount up, they suffer the commentators kiss of death. Not so long ago, they were the sole unbeaten team in this division. Since then they've lost all their matches, conceding eleven and scored one. St John's get straight back on the horse after their humiliating defeat with the largest win in WMCFL this week.

All Nations 2 Common Ground United 3 Dave Walker grabs his eighteenth and nineteenth of the season to help his side to the three points against an All Nations side down on their luck. CGU seem to have settled into a mid-table berth, although they are just four points off a top three spot. Last season five sides elevated to Division Two as the league spread its wings, so it will be well worth keeping in there.

Zion City 3 Brierley Hill AOG 1 A real mid table tussle saw Zion City come out on top as they beat Brierley Hill yesterday. The result means they leap-frog their closest rivals into seventh place.

Living Hope Church 1 Sandwell United 3 I was going to write a report for this game as I was the stand-in linesman for the game but we've had a couple sent in, so I'll let them tell the tale:

First, Steve Farley from LHC: Missing three of our key players from last Saturday we knew it would be difficult but we didn't allow for the freak goal we conceded after five minutes to get us off to the worst possible start. With the wind gusting against us a Sandwell defender cleared the ball from the half way line and the ball simply flew into the back of the net with our keeper stranded - Van der Saar wouldn't have stopped that one it was so well struck. We seem to concede a goal like that every week so I suggest our lads start doing the same at the other end. We have to start creating our own luck- We simply aren't shooting enough boys!

Nathan Brain quickly levelled the game one minute later. After conceding a 50 yard shot we went on and scored with a 50 yard run. Brainy received the ball on the half way line and skinned the right back for pace and produced a great finish past the keeper.

Conditions were very difficult but Sandwell gave us a lesson in passing and moving and played a much better team game than us. We did have chances to get back into the game at 2-1 down but once Sandwell got their 3rd from a good break the game was all over.

Des Crawford adds: Today we were away playing Living hope, because of the overnight down pour there was a chance that the game may have been called off but after the inspection from the officials the game was given the all clear. This was good news for Sandwell because in the last few weeks our results have been two wins & a creditable draw, so the feel good factor was something we wanted to maintained and this comes with playing and obtaining positive results week in week out.

Sandwell started off very positively and it was't long before we took the lead albeit a fluke to some, but a David Beckham to others. Our right back Liam Henry punted the ball forward from just inside their half, assisted by the wind and curled the ball. It must have travelled yards before looping over the Living Hope goal keeper, nestling itself under crossbar and the bottom corner of the net. This seemed to spark life into the opposition because with in minutes the score was level. For a while Living Hope started to be a threat by creating a few good chances of their own. The second goal from same person came in a similar way but with deflection of their defender head, made by the pressure and pressing of our game, so at half time the score was 2-1.

We resumed the second half with a clear goal of taking all three points, but as now the wind was against us Living Hope was not going to make it easy, so if it wasn't for a few good saves from our goalkeeper Mike a substitution and tactical change the score could have been level. Eventually our endeavour & determination paid it dividend by courtiously a third goal scored by Robert Gill. This was well created by the team but with the combination of our midfield play we were able to craft an opening which was dispatch with clinical poise. Robert also had two disallowed goals for offside and one well blocked by keeper.

Things are now coming together for Sandwell United and this is evident with our results of late.

Saturday Preview

Division One

St Mary's v St Thomas Despite their disappointment last week, I think that St Mary's should win this one easily. Both sides have played seven games; St Mary's have lost one St Thomas have won one.

City Church v St Boniface City have very much been on the up of recent weeks and sit in third place. I think this is one game that they need to win if they are to remain realistic title contenders. St Boniface have made a disappointing start to life back in Division One and need to start registering points if they are to make it last for more than one season. They will have their work cut out if they are to beat City, a feat within their grasp but I'm still going for a home win.

Zion Athletic v Clarendon This game is almost a repeat of the League Cup Second Round match played recently which Clarendon won 2-1. Zion have played well in their games and gave Clarendon a match. They need the points badly to escape the relegation zone but I cannot see Zion beating Clarendon: Away win.

Sheldon v Wolverhampton and Perton Churches Wolves sit nicely in fifth place as they take on bottom club Sheldon. Saltly Leisure is not the easiest place to get to and clubs often find themselves in disarray as people turn up late or get lost. I think Wolves know their way there by now. With Wolves as the only side to beat league leaders Amblecote, I cannot see any other result than a defeat for Sheldon.

Halesowen Zion v King's AFC These two sides went at it for the 2002/3 Division One title. Both teams have been into Division Two and back since then. Halesowen did look like a decent side earlier in the season but it's all gone Pete Tong over the last two weeks. King's have been up and down this year and the two teams have very similar records, winning and losing four of their eight matches and so they both sit smack bang in mid-table. Perhaps a draw?

Division Two

EK Corinthia v Dynamo Kingswinford Top versus bottom, you have to go for a home win. Once again Dynamo are way off the pace in the goals scored department. The only side yet to reach double figures in the whole league. EK seem to be getting stronger and stronger and have no such difficulties in that department, only being out-scored by J10. Another EK rampage?

Champions Church v MBD United MBD are one of only two teams to have taken points off Champions. They are very capable of winning this match but I have to say that Champions have proven extremely resilient since joining the league, whereas MBD seem to implode when they go behind. I am predicting a home win but another result is dependent on which MBD show up.

Selly Oak Methodist v Lighthouse Lions Selly Oak have looked the part over the last few weeks, whereas Lighthouse have taken a defeat. Both sides are decent teams and are capable of moving into the top division but it's in their own hands and consistency is the key. Saturday's game will go some way to detemining the final pecking order. I think Selly Oak will do it.

Chawn Hill Church v Birmingham International Both teams have had some eyebrow raising results this season but it's Inter that seem to be the better side so far. South Rd is a difficult place to get a result at the best of times but I still fancy Inter to get a result. Interestingly both sides have scored eighteen goals but it's the goals against where difference lies.

Rowley College v Bournbrook Athletic Neither side have set the division on fire this season, with perhaps Bournbrook looking slightly the better recently. A win for Bournbrook would stand them in good stead and plunge Rowley into deeper trouble. Another strange statistic: Both Bournbrook and Rowley have scored 16 and conceded 27, spooky. I think this will be a close game on Saturday, I'm going for a draw or a narrow win for either team, whichever way the rub of the green goes.

Division Three

Pye Green Towers v DC Dynamos Division Three leaders DC travel to Pye Green this Saturday. Pye Green looked lively towards the closing stages of their match with Sandwell last week; I hope they are enjoying their football. It's a bit of a jaunt over to Cannock and DC's results haven't been quite so good recently as in earlier weeks. Despite this I think DC will be too strong on the day.

Sporting Zion v Junction Ten Two sides in good form of late. There was a debate about was it eleven or twelve goals last week for Junction Ten, against St John's of all teams. If the Junction Ten side turn up in force, I'm sure they'll win. But Sporting are no push-overs, they'll play their game too.

Rockmount United v St John's Church Two clubs that were on the end of unexpected and heavy defeats last week. I think that Rockmount could count themselves a little unlucky, although CGU put their chances away, Rockmount didn't and that's what it's all about. It's a bit of a toughie to predict but perhaps Rockmount will do it as they are at home.

All Nations v Common Ground United After a brief flirtation with victory, All Nations have since been beaten several times. I think CGU will win, they are a good side when they play together and knock the ball around.

Zion City v Brierley Hill AOG After a torrid couple of weeks, Brierley Hill got it back on the island last week-end. Zion City have put together a nice little run of results including a League Cup win, so both sides are on the up. The teams seem to be fairly evenly matched in terms of their recent results, although Brierley Hill have a slightly better record. Both teams are unlikely to trouble the leaders or finish in the bottom four so this tie could be quite crucial in the final overall standings. I'm going for a ZIon win, although on paper it should be tight.

Living Hope Church v Sandwell United Living Hope, along with Sheldon are the only clubs yet to win a match. They may see tomorrow as another opportunity to put that bogie to bed. Sandwell will have other ideas though. They are on their best unbeaten run in their history and will fancy adding to that. Sandwell don't seem to have any problem finding the net, it's keeping it out the other end which is proving to be the tricky part. Living Hope have conceded 23, whereas Sandwell have let in 42. But Sandwell have scored almost three times as many as tomorrow's opponents. As I mentioned last week, I think Sandwell will out-score Living Hope.

Saturday Review

Birmingham FA Saturday Junior Cup Round Two

Clarendon 3 Aston Labs 0

Clarendon did WMCFL proud yesterday, progressing to the third round of the BCFA Saturday Junior Cup. They dispatched of Aston Labs, from the AFA Premier Division but were made to work for it; it was no stroll in the park. There is some debate amongst us that have been around for a while as to whether our current top sides would match teams from our league that dominated before: Walsall Olympic, Aldridge Parish, Chawn, Alpha, Woodgate to mention just a few. This result goes some way to answering that question or perhaps just adding more to debate.

Tommy Woodward says: A great win for us and the league today over a quality AFA side. Aston are very well organised team but I think they underestimated us due to our WMCFL label. There were comments during the early parts of the game which indicated they thought they were in for an easy ride. They dominated the play for large periods but we countered excellently with some fierce attacking. We didn't have Matt Williams today but 'Big Bad' Mark Lee stepped in with a Man of the Match display. The usual big players played their part but a special mention has to go to Ashley Innis and Leon Turton who ran Aston's full backs into the ground. Hopefully we can put in a similar performance in the next round.

Amblecote 2 St Mary's 1

Curtis Jordan says: The team were tremendous today - We dominated St Mary's for large parts of this game, playing some very good football and came away with the three points we deserved. Everyone put in a hard day's graft and once again this season, to come from 1-0 down shows the belief and character within this squad.

Credit to St Mary's who took their first defeat in over 12 months on the chin. They weren't short of support either, bringing an entourage of family and friends who didn't keep quiet for the full 90 minutes, but it was all about us today and we firmly answered any doubters.

A quick mention to the referee who did well under pressure and allowed a free flowing game, giving us the opportunity to play the football we know we're capable of. We've got a free week next week and will come back fully refreshed and ready for the Cup.

Simon Ashby (left) adds: Well a great result for us today with a win against unbeaten St Mary's who have been the best WMCFL team in the last 18 months. I must admit I am finding it difficult to recall all the events of the game as it was very high tempo and quality performance from both teams with a winner in the last five minutes from us, but the emotion of the game has made it all a bit blurry.

St Mary's won the toss and played with the slope and against the sun but I think the first half was fairly even despite that being in their favour. However we did fall behind to a header from a set piece which was a bit disappointing.

This season we have done really well in the second half and so it proved again. We really felt up for it after the break and were straight in from the kick off harrassing and chasing the ball and closing down the visitors at every opportunity.

We got a deserved equaliser about ten minutes in when a quality run and cross from Dozza was glanced in from the returning Spencer Harris who had missed the previous five games and he reminded us of his class.

Ed: A little bit of action from yesterday: Mark Thomas (I think) heads in to bring his side back from 6-2 down to 6-5 to give Sandwell United a fright against Pye Green Towers.

I thought that Sandwell were cruising to an easy victory but Pye Green had other ideas, giving them a panic stricken last few minutes.

Pye Green have not taken much from this season so far but I think they will have enjoyed today, apart from the result of course.

For Sandwell, they have now gone three matches unbeaten. Well done for sticking in there, I'm sure there's more to come.

Clarendon 4 St Matthew's 1 - Last Week

Today despite the score line, was a well fought contest. We didn’t start the day too confident going from a usual 16 man squad to just 12, missing key players. We started brightly, with Ade Hunt bossing the midfield and deserved to get off the mark with Chris Smith heading in from an excellent cross by winger Stuart Wilkinson. Both teams played fast attacking football and the first half was an entertaining game for the neutral. This was partially thanks to referee Bashford (He always does-Ed) who had an excellent game allowing the game to flow, and playing advantage whenever possible. Whilst we started the brighter, Clarendon came into it a lot towards the end of the half and just before halftime ‘Man of the Match’ Pablo finished a decent move, weaving through our defence and slotting home for Clarendon.

The second half started off at a rapid pace and both teams had good chances. Clarendon’s skipper pulled off a particularly impressive last ditch challenge as Chris Smith was put through. However the key moment for us was the hour mark. With the score still 1-1 we lost the ever reliable defender Andy ‘Pigeon’ Page to a leg injury and then five minutes later Rory’ Tank’ Taylor to a ‘dislocated elbow’ (fortunately it popped out and popped back in). Desperate times mean desperate measures, so on went my kit. I rarely play these days so I was really pleased to have to come on against the ‘quickest team in the league’. As the game went on we picked up a couple more knocks and the fatigue set into those who haven’t played much this season. Clarendon took full advantage bringing on fresh legs and it was one way traffic for the last 25 minutes creating numerous chances and scoring three. Dunc ‘Pink Panther’ Wilkinson did really well to keep it to 4-1 making several excellent saves. Furthermore players brought into the team like Gaz Slater, Shaun Cremins and Ant Kelly were a credit to the team.

It must be said today (like last week v St Mary’s) we really did give Clarendon a good game for 60 minutes! Unlike last season when we had all the luck in a fortunate 1-0 win, Clarendon showed their ruthless streak that I believe will see them towards the top again this season.

Saturday Preview

Birmingham County FA Saturday Junior Cup - Round Two

Clarendon v Aston Labs

Clarendon play their Second Round match in the FA Cup against Aston Labs. I've done a bit of scratting around and think they play in the Birmingham and District Amateur Football League. (The AFA?) There are a few familiar names, mainly from following this competition over the years but Aston Labs don't seem to be doing too well. Out of the fourteen clubs in the division, they are thirteenth but it is their Premier Division. The bad news for Clarendon is that there are nine other divisions, so to be fair to Clarendon, a win would be a result for them and for WMCFL.

Division One

Amblecote v St Mary's

This has got to be 'the Big One' this week-end. Perhaps a more important game for Amblecote than St Mary's. Should Amblecote win, then the race for the title is blown wide open. Whilst on the whole, Amblecote have given St Mary's a game over the past few years, especially last season when they were unlucky to lose the opener 2-1 and then the return on 6 December 5-4, the balance of power has swung towards Aldridge. You have to trail back three years for the last Amblecote win. I cannot see anything but a St Mary's win here.

City Church v Zion Athletic

I just found the Zion v Wolves report posted on the Wolves' web site and it's quite complimentary of the Zion side. One common theme coming through is that Zion play well but lack the finish. City seem to be very much in the acedancy after a slow start, beating Clarendon and Halesowen in the last two weeks and with that in mind are not written out of the title race by any means. I think that City will win this one but will be forced uphill by the Zion team. Perhaps Zion just need a little rub of the green to get them on their way.

Wolverhampton and Perton Churches v St Boniface

Wolves have had the results recently, amongst the positive scores: the only team to have beaten Amblecote so far in eight matches. St Boniface do not have the same, having taken just six points from their eight games. On paper, I really don't think there's that much between the sides and I think the game will be close on Saturday with perhaps just a goal to seperate the teams.

St Matthew's v Halesowen Zion

Both these sides were on the receiving end of fairly convincing defeats and will look to Saturday for a morale boosting win. St Matthew's have lost four of their seven games and 'need' the win a little more than Halesowen. Having said that, St Matthew's have only conceded nineteen which is not bad but it's the goals for where they are lacking; unusual for a side containing Martin Nicholls. If Halesowen lose this one, they are in serious danger of losing touch with the top teams.

King's v St Thomas

Neither side have set Division One on fire this year, with St Thomas securing their first win against the run of play last week. They'll need to pick up the pace if they are to stay in this division. I think King's will win and do enough to stay up. I have to say, with fifteen sides joining the league over the past two years and more to come, there is bound to be some settling in, with clubs like Junction Ten and Champions bound to progress.

Division Two

Birmingham International v Champions Church

Champions attempt to make it 25 league matches without defeat as they travel to Inter to secure the three points. I don't think they will have it all their way though as Inter have played well over the last few weeks in the main and are in an excellent situation in our second division. Like the Amblecote v St Mary's match, should the underdogs win it'll blow the title race open and put a chink in the armour of one of the strongest teams in the whole league. Champions should win it though.

EK Corinthia v Chawn Hill Church

On recent form, you'd have to back EK in this tie. Chawn need to start putting some points on the table or face a season battling relegation. Although there does appear to be five clubs in the running for the drop with the division splitting into a top and bottom half. EK will kick themselves if they lose this one if Champions slip up. The pitches are adjacent for the two games.

Rowley College v Selly Oak Methodist

Selly Oak seem to be putting a bit of a run together and are now the division's top scorers, whereas Rowley aren't yet firing on all cylinders. But after extricating themselves from the relegation places, Rowley will not lie down and accept defeat easily but I expect Selly Oak to take the points.

MBD United v Lighthouse Lions

Two teams who took heavy defeats last week-end, unexpectedly too. MBD seem to either win or lose by large margins, whereas Lighthouse were playing high-scoring close matches. It's hard to judge which MBD will show up this Saturday but if they do I think they'll be too much for Lighthouse.

Bournbrook Athletic v Renewal Solihull

Bournbrook do seem to be a team on the mend after their last two results, whilst Solihull are another side they can play a bit when they click. I'm going for a home win in this match despite the fact that should a good Renewal side turn up they could make mincemeat of Bournbrook.

Division Three

DC Dynamos v Zion City

Things are really hotting up in Division Three with no club really dominating or pulling away. DC looked a little off colour or short of troops last week, being made to battle for the points against a resillient All Nations. DC will hang on to top spot if they win at the week-end against a Zion side who sneaked into the top half of the table last Saturday. Zion have come on a little from last season but I still think DC will take the win.

St John's Church v Junction Ten Village

J10 reckoned they didnt play well last week. Well if they play that well and that's a poor show, then they should at the very least get promoted. I've seen both these sides this season and they both look full of ideas and running; well organised and spirited. I do think that on their day Junction Ten have a little more to offer. I think they'll win.

Common Ground United v Rockmount United

Rockmount do seem to have finally found their feet of late, rising into the top zone of the division within a spit of the top. They are the only side to have avoided defeat in this division as well. CGU looked good towards the end of their match last week, knocking the ball about nicely. If they can do that for ninety minutes then they may stand a chance but I think Rockmount will be too big and strong for them.

Living Hope Church v Sporting Zion

After a stuttering start Sporting seem to have hit the afterburners, blasting past top four side St John's last week and joining the promotion push. There are only two sides in the whole league still looking for their first win of the season and Living Hope are one of them. From that perspective, I hope they win but I can't see it.

Brierley Hill AOG v All Nations

An interesting match in store on the top pitch at South Road. Both sides have been on the end of double figure drubbings but also have positives to look back on too: All Nations won their first ever match and last week held DC for significant parts of the game. Brierley Hill have looked like a side about to break into a stretch of form only to catch two of the top sides in their stride. I think Brierley Hill back at home will be back to 2009 best and win the game.

Sandwell United v Pye Green Towers

On paper, you've perhaps got two sides of similar stature with similar records. The one big difference is the 'goals for' column, where Sandwell look a lot livelier. For this reason I'm putting my money on a home win; Sandweel will out-score Pye Greem.

Saturday Review

Division One

Sheldon 1 Amblecote 6

Spencer Harris reports: Well this was a game of top v bottom but on the pitch the table positions made no difference as the early exchanges were made in a frantic, physical manner. Both teams wanted to play good football as the game was a bit of an end to end affair without any real openings coming either teams way. The breakthrough was made when Jon 'Dozza' Doman latched onto a loose ball in the area and put us 1-0 up with a composed finish. Sheldon rallied late in the second half and got an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when the ball broke outside the box after our keeper came to clear and the Sheldon forward put in a good challenge to come away with the ball.

The second half was a different affair as we made the space count, playing some good one touch football and used the flanks really well. We got two goals in quick sucession when 'Dozza' applied another cool finish after good work down the left from Curtis Jordan, Stu Lester and Tim Fellows and then Tim Fellows latched onto a James 'Kit' Cartwright through-ball before ghosting past his man and finishing on the keeper's near post.

Sheldon came into the game again at this point and could have had a couple of goals after some lapses at the back but apart from that our defence were outstanding. We pushed on and found the fourth goal when 'Dozza' completed his hat-trick when following up on a good save from their keeper and stroking the ball home. As Sheldon tired we made the space count and got a fifth from Tim Fellows after great work down the left from Curtis Jordan again and the sixth on the strike of full time after Stu Lester followed up another good save from their keeper to tap in.

On this performance it is easy to see why we lie at the top of the table but baffling as to why Sheldon lie at the bottom as they played some good football and really made us work hard. I'm sure it wont be long before they start moving up the table and causing some teams real problems. All in all it was a good, physical game of football and a great advert for the standard of football played in this league.

St Mary's 4 King's AFC 1

St Mary's dispatch another side in their quest to secure back-to-back titles with a comfortable 4-1 win at home to King's. Despite lying in secong, their situation looks exceptionally good still holding on to their 100% record, scoring for fun and conceding just one goal a game so far. They have a key game this week-end against Amblecote, where the title could be thrown wide open or they could dump Amblecote out of the race.

Clarendon 4 St Matthew's 1

Back to business as usual for Clarendon as Pablo continues his excellent scoring form, returning back to the top of the goal-scorers' table, albeit the lead is shared with City's Dave Louden who scored a hat-trick yesterday and Tink Beeson from St Mary's. Importantly, they are just three points behind St Mary's, so still all to play for. I understand that St Matthew's were short of several key players but they seem to have settled into the bottom half of the table.

Halesowen Zion 2 City Church 5

Dave Walters says: I cannot argue with today's score (the two goals might flatter us), we were beaten by a good side who out-played us everywhere. The first half was pretty even at 1-1 until we conceded two avoidable goals in the last three minutes of the half from long range efforts which should have been closed down or saved. We didn't learn from this and within a couple of minutes in the second half, we let in another shot from outside the area and that was pretty much game over. City look a good side, the best we've played against this season, definatly top two material.

Martin Ogbourn adds: Another good win today for City against a strong Halesowen side. Halesowen started well and for the first twenty minutes played some good passing football. City had only played well in patches and were slowly into the game. However, Daniel Atkins scored a well-taken goal on the break to give City the lead against the run of play. Halesowen pulled a good goal back shortly afterwards, but for the second week running David Louden pulled off a spectacular individual goal to give City the lead and change the game completely. It was a dipping, powerful drive from around 30 yards which flew over the keeper. You will struggle to see a more cleanly hit shot! One more goal followed directly from a perfectly placed Tom Smith free kick (a carbon copy of his goal last week only just inside the opposition half!) before half time as City took control of the game at 3-1.

At half time we talked about killing the game off, and two early goals in the second from David Louden (to complete a well deserved hat-trick), effectively finished the game as a contest (although last year Halesowen were 5-1 down at half time v City and only lost 7-5!). City defended very solidly against the potent attacking players of Halesowen, and although they had a lot of possession it was too deep to threaten the City goal from open play. They finally scored with virtually the last kick of the game direct from a free kick to prevent a well-deserved second half clean sheet! Overall, it was a solid victory and builds some momentum for City as we have now played all the sides in the top six in the table.

There are still some areas to work on, but we have started to show character and convert good passages of play into all round team performances. Jason Garwood had an excellent attacking game and was a threat all afternoon, Tom Smith was close to man-of-the match with a masterful display at the back, but David Louden was exceptional with only one hour's sleep after a night shift! Amazing to imagine what he will do with a full night's sleep!

Zion Athletic 1 Wolverhampton and Perton 3

I have been talking about Halesowen and City being the sides to watch but Wolves have floated up the table and are nestled in between those two sides. Goal-difference is about the same but they have scored and conceded far fewer. Wolves may not be the most talented team but their grasp of the game more than makes up for any difficiencies; they deserve to be where they are.

Andy Page says: This weeks test was against a Zion team that on their day can be a real handful. W & P were a few short due to the Wolves v Stoke game but a reshuffle meant Stevie moving to a holding midfield role and starts for Gaz, Jase and Al. The majority of the game was played at a high tempo and in regards to amazing football, there were flashes but the small pitch made finding time and space tricky.

Wolves started pretty well and a ball through to Chris bought out a top save from the Zion keeper. With both team pushing Wolves got a huge slice of luck for their opener. Phil hoisted a long ball forward and as it bounced through to the keeper it skipped off the surface, over his head and into the net. This goal pushed Wolves on and it was soon 2-0. A great delivery from Jase from a corner was superbly met by Gaz who powered a header into the top corner – a great way to get off the mark for W & P. The rest of the half was pretty even with Wolves going close on a few more occasions and Zion drawing a couple of saves from Uncle Rich.

The second half was a bit more backs to the wall for W & P as they were kicking up the slope, but Zion never really got behind the back line. At the other end Chris was winning a great amount of the ball and feeding the onrushing midfielders and wingers. Both teams had a few efforts from distance and another fine save from the Zion keeper kept it 2-0. This lead was soon increased though when a trademark long throw was met by Nat who found the bottom corner via his shoulder/ear!! As Zion pushed on W & P created a few more chances but could not put the game out of sight. As the game entered the final 10 minutes Zion pulled a goal back when Jon Allen met a well flighted free kick to leave Rich with little chance. It was probably the first slack bit of defending by W & P in the game. The last few minutes were defended stoutly as W & P ran out worthy winners.

It was a top performance today with Chris getting man of the match. The lads that came in did a cracking job which means competition for places will be hotting up when the returning players come back on Sat.

St Boniface 1 St Thomas 2

Marc Buller reports on St Thomas' first win of the season: We took on St Boniface yesterday in what was something of a six-pointer for both teams. The game never really seemed to get going in the first half as both teams seemed to lack confidence getting the ball down and trying to play football. Chances in the first half were very few and far between, St Thomas were unlucky not to have a penalty awarded to them after a trip in the box (but I would say that as it was on me!). St Boniface then took the lead after a mistake in the St Thomas midfield allowed St Bs' Jimmy Cutler to run through and score in the dying minutes of the first half.

The Second half was a lot better for both teams, as a lot more football was played. St Thomas hit the blocks slightly quicker than St Boniface and created a couple of chances, although St Boniface also had their fair share of opportunities. St Thomas had to endure a tough 10-15 minute spell of pressure from St Boniface even clearing the ball off the line at one point. The equaliser came after a great cross in the box from Stewart Hartshorne and a fantastic leap with what seemed about three minutes of hang time from Mark Hadden got us back on level terms. We then scored the winner with a few minutes left after a good bit of thinking from Ben Richardson found Marc Buller off a throw who knocked the ball home from just outside the area.

Our first much needed win of the season. We need to kick on from here and start to pick up points on a regular basis. We were missing a few key players today but hopefully they will be back next week so hopefully onwards and upwards from here. A small mention for Ricky Patel who had a great game moving into centre defence and had everything together and fought away everything that was thrown at him.

Rob Hill adds: After a dire first half performance we were very lucky to be only 1-0 down at the interval. Mark Hadden got us back in it with a brave headed goal mid-way through the second half and young Marc Buller sealed it ten minutes from time with a sweet left footed strike. We rode our luck today but thankfully football is a grossly unfair game and we were just glad to take all three points.

St Boniface will quite rightly feel aggrieved but it was not their day. We wish them well.

Division Two

Champions Church 3 Dynamo Kingswinford 1

Shawn Devonport reports: Well so much had been said between the two teams before the game but it all comes down to what happens on the pitch.

We only had ten players today losing six all together including Rion who for me is the best player in the league, so we had to use the three emergency signings so we were under-strength and although we were playing bottom placed DK we knew they were up for this one and it would be a tough game. And it was.

The game started with two of the emergency signings starting having never played with the guys before but both aquitted themselves very well. The first half we were the more dominant side, we should have taken the lead from a corner that somehow eluded everyone. We were soon 1-0 up when I fired a cross field ball to Josh Ball who bought the ball down brilliantly and banged a half volley across the keeper from just inside the box. We carried on applying the pressure without creating loads but were soon 2-0 up when Lee Ralph bent a simple free kick round the wall. Josh then allmost got his second when he turned his man briliantly but Neil Hambly made a great last ditch block. DK were knocking the ball around well at times without creating anything except for a few long balls pumped into the box but did get back into the game when Scott Bradley finished off a lovely move to make it 2-1 at half time.

Second half and DK were sensing a comeback and were enjoying more of the ball. They were still not creating much however but did get a fair few corners and free kicks that caused us a few problems but our defence dealt with everything. We went close when a ball got fired past the keeper across the box that just missed the oncoming Dave Oakley and Gouley. Eventually, after a pretty dour second half, we made it 3-1 when Josh Ball played a fantastic ball to Gouley who chested the ball down to me and I rounded the keeper to make it 3-1. That was it for the contest and the game just drew to a close without much action.

DK aren't a bottom of the table team, they are actually a pretty solid unit at the back and across the middle but just lack a cutting edge going forward. Sweetmore was dealt with easily by Greg and Jim today and if you stop him you seem to stop DK. They should probably regret winding up our lads on Facebook because its hard to motivate the guys sometimes against bottom of the league but the rest is history. That being said they are a real good honest bunch of lads who I dont think justify bottom of the table and today's game was played with a fantastic spirit.

For us it was all about the three points missing six lads and that we did with relative ease. Every team has lost two games now except for us, so if we stay consistent we have every chance of acheiving the goal of promotion. Matt Day who was one of the emergancy signings was my man of the match today, but the backline were also immense with Greg Timmington man marking Sweetmore and never giving him a sniff for 90 minutes.

It's Birmingham International next week. I'll stick my neck out and say they will be our hardest match this season. Apart from their off day against Selly Oak. They have had a very good season and there physical power will be a test for us.

Jason Russell adds: Today I have broken my policy of not commenting on losses but a lot had said about this game during the week, some banter and some personal but that's football and when two local teams meet, with all to play for that's to be expected. We have had a number of disappointing results and we knew that our performances had to improve so expectations were high for today's game.

The first half started like I expected with DK having to defend for long periods of time and it was no surprise that we found ourselves two goals behind. After conceding the goals, our emergency defensive line played with their hearts on their sleeves and it showed by restricting and frustrating Champions. Our general play was quite good but the shock of going two goals behind was affecting the players belief in getting something out of this game. Just before half time we were the better team and deserved to get a goal. This goal came from a sweet back to front move and three passes later with Champions being carved open Scott Bradley one of new signings this season made his goal tally three in three.

The second half started and we played with confidence and belief and pinned Champions back for long periods and restricted their counter attacks by some world class man marking by Dave Trask and Neil Hambly. But in football I have learnt that if you don't score when you're on top you risk leaking at the back and we did. After this, the game was lost but our players carried on until the end, showing why I joined DKFC in 2002 and have stayed with them. They battled for everything and made Champions work for everything across the pitch.

Champions are very good team with a real goal threat but they are very beatable. Their best players today were their back line and I would have liked to have tested their goalkeeper more than we did, in particular set pieces. Our midfield were on top for most of the game. I think they missed Rion today who is an exceptional talent and without him, Champions look ordinary and a fully fit Rob Waddams may have capitalised on their frailties. In this game I can't choose our man of the match because we had eleven, and from this game I take a performance that will get us results.

Today I am extremely proud of everyone who is associated with DKFC, who turn up every week with the same commitment as when we were flying a few years ago. Our midfield today was immense, our defensive line were legendary and our strikers will batter many more defences whether man marked or not, they have real class and will score goals. Chis Sweetmore has showed what he can do against defences and has only played six competitive games since he left the league and he will score goals in the coming weeks. We have signed thirteen new players this season who have potential to be greats in this league. Mix that with the experience across the team, DKFC will rise again. I know what we need to do and that starts with a victory. I'm glad we have the week off next week so we can put behind us the near misses and disappointments and focus on the games to come including a home Cup game against Clarendon. But it's the league we need to start to engage in, we have done it before and I am sure by Christmas we can start our rise up the table.

EK Corinthia 2 Bournbrook 1

Chris Morrison reports: With five 'first team' players out with injuries, holidays or illness, we found ourselves fielding eleven players but as the saying goes it's a squad game, not team game, so it was up to the people who were available to stake a claim.

The game started and really was all the way through was pretty even. Both teams creating chances but not really testing the keepers. EK seemed to play slightly better football in the last twenty minutes of the first half but just couldn't get the opener. Half time 0-0.

Again EK came out brighter but Bournbrook took the lead with fifteen to go. The midfield for Bournbrook dominated due to their physical presence but within five minutes EK levelled the game with a fine move and cool finish from Chris Morrison. EK at the moment seem to have a 'never give up' attitude and this paid off again. From a free kick Ash Woodfield curled the ball in, missing everyone and went straight in the net. I said before the game that I didn't think Bournbrook's league position tells the whole story and I was right. They must feel gutted not to get at least a point from today. Well done EK. Battled for the full 90!

Lighthouse Lions 0 Birmingham International 4

Kwesi Okanta-Ofori reports: The team has been moaning about the lack of match reports from us, so here we are: I generally let the football do the talking and with a recent 9:1 defeat, I think that’s sometimes best. However, with better performances since then the team has bounced back well with a competitive showing against the league leaders (Amblecote) and two victories in a row. I also think today was our first clean sheet!

We started off well and went ahead in the first ten minutes or so with Ricardo (Ashford) latching onto a through ball and making no mistake after rounding the keeper. We kept the pressure on and after pressing their defenders, the ball squeezed out to Clarence (Morgan) and there was no catching him from that range and a finish was inevitable. Lighthouse are a decent side, but did not threaten much and we went in to half time 2:0 up.

The second half saw more of the same and Wayne (Woolley) got a brace. The first was a well taken smash into the top corner when the ball fell kindly from a corner kick. The second came later when he latched onto an excellent through ball from High Tower (Asfa) and flicked it past the keeper.

Chris “Carlton” Maycock had a goal disallowed and we spurned a few opportunities. We managed to limit an unusually quiet Lighthouse side to very few chances. They did keep fighting however, and after some good work, Elcock had the ball cleared off the line by Richard Blackwood. The game was played in good spirits on both sides and it’s always nice to see Doris. All the best for the season lads.

Selly Oak Methodist 6 MBD United 1

A big win for Selly Oak against an MBD side that seem to have trouble on their travels. The loss is not a disaster for MBD; if they win their games in hand, they will be right up there. I think we are going to see a titanic struggle for the promotion places. For Selly Oak, they seem to have settled into a rhythm and are now the top scorers in the division; the win boosts them up to fourth: Ominous.

Renewal Solihull 2 Rowley College 4

Pete Bennett reports: We had a couple of lads get lost in Solihull and, though they did find us, this did mean a disorganised start and Solihull were soon pressing. We then lost full back Kevin Simpson to injury and a well taken first goal directly from a free kick and, despite the sunshine, things were hardly looking up. However our lads reacted excellently and took a full part in an open game played in great spirit.

With all respect to both sides it’s relatively easy to see why neither side have yet ‘punched their weight’ in this division since neither ever looked likely to keep a clean sheet or at any point to ‘shut up shop’.Led from the front by the excellent Alan Micklewright and playing off the Simon Morris/ Nathan Hylton access in midfield we once again were able to play some decent football. Simon Morris got an equaliser, yet another valuable goal from midfield and then, vitally, Alan Micklewright slotted in following Nathan Hylton’s tackle: a classy finish.

There was certainly no room for complacency as a 6-5 was very much on the cards. Thankfully the next goal was ours with newcomer Sammy Nelson (less than half the team was ‘old Rowley’ today indicating the transfusion we have undergone) playing a elongated one-two with Alan before forcing it home. A little relief for the bench and then a second cracking freekick made it 3-2 and we were once again on tenterhooks. We had sent on Matty Dyer as extra defensive cover to see it out and Nathan Wilkins to hopefully find us a fourth. Both did their jobs with Nathan producing an emphatic finish for 4-2. Solihull played well with a great attitude and will I’m sure be OK but, as Ed rightly said, we needed it more.

Division Three

All Nations 2 DC Dynamos 4

A slightly less convincing victory for DC against a plucky All Nations side that put in the shift every week. Three points nevertheless leaves them top of the table, albeit a very tight top of the table with just a single point splitting the top four.

Mark Crouch reports: They say the mark of a good team is that they can win even when they are playing badly. Well we won 4-2 but were made to work hard for it by a very spirited All Nations side. Today we had three suspensions due to red cards, two injuries and two work committments from first team players, leaving us serioiusly depleted and me playing a full 90 for first time in two years at left back. Suffice to say pre-kick off we had eleven players only.

Today it was as if we had decided we would win regardless of the situation and that it was a foregone conclusion we would win. That certainly wasn't how it played out as All Nations had something to say about that. DC had most of the possesion first half peppering the All Nations goal but narrowly missing on a few occasions. DC finaly scored from a corner: Adam Doupe rising the highest to head the ball in from another great corner from Dave Rich.

Soon though it was 1-1 as the DC defence was guilty of ball watching and their striker hit a glorious shot into the top right hand corner giving keeper no chance. 1-1 Half Time.

At half time you could hear the All Nations team talk and they were really up for it second half. We made two substitutions at half time, bringing on James Cole and emergency signing Alan (or is it Adam or is it Alaine) Bradley. This turned the game for us as Alan was brought down in the box for a penalty that James Cole stepped up and converted. All Nations came right back into it though with a well taken goal. I managed to kick the ball into the direction of their striker, who controlled it well and slid it under our Keeper. 2-2.

From there onwards it was sall DC as our new signing scored twice in ten minutes to put us 4-2 up. That is what it stayed and DC were grateful for the win.

Fair play to All Nations that is the best we have seen them play helped in part by the lack lustre way in which DC played. Full squad next week as no suspensions so a headache for the Manager as eveytime he has asked someone to do a job for him its been done. Back to the top today but we will need to pick up our game to stay there.

Junction Ten Village 5 Common Ground United 0

Having refereed for most of last season, the website began to suffer a little. So to allow me to get more photos of clubs, especially the new teams, I said to James the Referees' Secretary that I would offer myself as a reserve. As a league, we are blessed with probably a greater match officials per game ratio than any league in the country at our level. The odd fly in the ointment is the unavoidable last minute call and at 9pm on Friday night, I was pleased to be able to say yes and get the game covered.

Martin the J10 manager mentioned that until he had actually done the job, he'd no idea how much work went into running a team, saying it was almost like a part-time job. Toni was in an agitated state too due to several of his teams losing their way but we got the game going on time and I got my photo to boot.

Within no time, J10 were ahead. Paul Gibbons was able to bring the ball down and blast it into the far corner from fourteen yards. They were soon two up and I was thinking 'how many?'. But CGU rallied and were giving J10 a game. I think the big differences between the sides yesterday was firstly the short passing game that they play. No-one seems to dwell on the ball for too long, it's mostly little triangles making their opposition run and chase whilst the ball does the work. There are few hopeful long punts up field and by and large possession is kept not squandered. They even knocked the ball around their own penalty to get out of trouble. They added a third before half time.

Due to an injury, Martin Woodhall introduced himself with just over half an hour to go and for the rest of the match marauded down the left flank. And it was he that set up the fourth goal: a tap in. J10 added a fifth but CGU stuck together and began to play the football that they are capable of, copying J10's short-passing style that was so effective.

CGU came up against an accomplished side yesterday, whom I'm sure will cruise into Division One.

Rockmount United 7 Brierley Hill AOG 1

Rockmount stick themselves right into the running with an impressive win against a Brierley Hill side who had shown resilience earlier in the season. The wheels seem to have come off a little for them during the last couple of games.

Sporting Zion 6 St John's Church 2

Sporting stun St John's with a 6-2 win and throw their hat into the ring for the promotion fight. Should they win their game in hand, then they'd be right in the mix. Dave Guttridge says: Well what can I say? We have come of age; a very good game from our side. We took the lead, then in ten silly minutes we were 2-1 down. But we played some great football going into the break 4-2 up. We finished the game dead, the second half running out 6-2 winners. A special shout to Shaun Philpotts with two great goals. But all the team were ten out of ten.

Zion City 1 Sandwell United 1

A point for Sandwell away at Zion makes them unbeaten in two matches. And with a home tie against Pye Green next week, they will be looking to add to that. Whilst the draw puts Zion City in the top half of the table, the Third Division does seem to be splitting into three: Those fight for promotion, the mini-league at the bottom and then Zion, CGU and Brierley Hill.

Pye Green Towers 1 Living Hope Church 1

Steve Farley says: The game was an end to end affair and but for a combination of missed easy chances and good goalkeeping the result could easily have been six goals apiece. Living Hope survived a series of scares as the Pye Green left winger repeatedly beat the offside by running on to some good through balls. However it was Living Hope who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute following a long kick from James Farley which was headed on from Ben perfectly into the path of Lee Smith who made no mistake. His pace taking him through the Pye Green defence to beat the keeper from eight yards out.

Pye Green responded four minutes later when their left winger again split our defence wide open only to see the keeper tip his shot against the cross bar only to rebound agonisingly onto the back of his head and bounced into the net.

The end to end tussle continued in the second half with both sides having chances to score the winner. Living Hope will rue some easy missed chances and Ben Davies, Kyle Smith and Lee Smith all went close but we just couldn't put the final finish in.

I was pleased with the performance of our two substitutes Nathan Watkins and Pete Kirkby whose fresh legs put life back into the team in the second half, whilst Dean Russell and Kyle Smith both gave us a new edge playing in their new positions. Man of the match was Josh Steventon who never stopped working down the left flank and was a constant thorn to Pye Green despite being the subject of some very close marking throughout the game.

At the end of the day we were disappointed not to get all three points but well done to Pye Green and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

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