New Clubs and Meeting

The closing date for new clubs to get their entries in to join the league for next season is fast approaching. The deadline is 1 June.

If you are thinking of entering a club next season, you must start talking to us now. edwalker30@hotmail.com or you will miss out. We almost always get teams asking to join in August, and usually by this time, the AGM has been held, format of the competition set and fixtures have been published; so it's impossible to thread in another club.

As per the previous few seasons, we have received plenty of interest. This year we are considering applications from about half a dozen teams, sometimes this figure grows and sometimes it shrinks as we close in on the AGM. We will see!

In the meantime, we have arranged a meeting at Halesowen Cycling Club, Manor Way, Halesowen, B62 8RW on Monday 21 May at 7:45, for those teams who are applying. If you are thinking of joining this year or may do so in the future, the evening will provide you with the necessary information to help you get things organised. There is a licenced bar, which sells light refreshment. And the club is very conveniently placed, just off Junction 3 of the M5.

Final Score Sports Quiz

John Millist says: A sports quiz run by Christians in Sport will be taking place at Monyhull Church at 7.30pm. All are invited and welcome.

For more info, click here.

Hopefully see you there.

Wollaston Free Athletic FC

Martin Nicholls says: We are looking for any clubs to play us (Wollaston Free Athletic) in friendlies over the next few weeks and in to preseason. We are a new club and want to get some playing experience. If you are interested, please contact Martin at mjnicholls1570@virginmedia.com

Roaring Lions FC

Roaring Lions FC are a new club who are intending to apply to join WMCFL this coming season.

Michael Miller says: We are looking for committed players to join us for the season 2012/13. Join us for football training at Perry Barr Park, next to Alexander Stadium, Walsall Road entrance every Saturday 11-1pm until 16 June. Walsall Road, Birmingham. Bus 51 from Bham City Centre. Roaring Lions is a Brand new Club with Positive and Uplifting Values.

If you are interested, please contact Michael on 07791866422 or mv.miller@hotmail.com

Saturday Review

Kevin Kovacs Memorial Trophy

Clarendon 2 City Church 0

Saturday (and Wednesday) Review

DIVISION ONE

Rowley College 2 Clarendon 4

Over 35s Team

King's AFC

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

Amblecote 2 Clarendon 7

Division Three League Player of the Year

Rowley College vs Clarendon

Match postponed due to the drought-ridden waterlogged pitch at Lion Farm. The game will now take place next Wednesday, 2 May.

Saturday Review

Clarendon 6 King's AFC 2

A masive congraulations to Clarendon on completing the Double this week-end. They are the first side to achieve this since Walsall Olympic back in 1994, eighteen years ago. I will add that it was done seven times before this by Chawn in 1991 and 1992, by Sparkbrook Elim in 1989 and 1988, Tipton Pentecostal in 1987 and 1984 and also Calvary Temple in 1982. (Willis was at centre-half). They also secured their fifth Division One title since joining the league back in 2002, ten seasons ago. This equals Chawn Hill's record of five Division One wins.

I would like to add personal congratulations in particular to Louis Williams and Roger Moore; both Christians and gentlemen. Well done lads, it's not easy running a football team.

Selvin Gayle says: First of all I must give ALL HONOUR & PRAISE to God for His many blessings both seen and unseen.

Also, I would like to say thank you to the various WMCFL committee members who work so hard to ensure the three divisions that we currently have function correctly. I can guarantee that without the tireless work of these committee members Clarendon would not have achieved the success that we have managed this season. Well done and thanks a lot guys.

It is debateable whether it is easier to win the "double" now or when the league was a lot younger. If you look at the professional game the "double" was achieved by the great Tottenham side in 1961, the first time that century. Then Arsenal did it in 1971 and Liverpool did it in 1986. So in 86 years it was only achieved 3 times. In the next 24 years it was accomplished 6 times!!! Is it easier now than it was then? Are the sides that win it now better than the teams of yesteryear? From my point of view it doesn't really matter because it can't be proved. We all have our opinions and, whether we like it or not, they are based on our own prejudices and biases. You can only win against the competition that you face.

WMCFL has not seen this feat attained for 18 years until today. I don’t think anyone can argue that the standard of the league in both playing staff and refereeing has been the highest it has ever been. This is what has made winning this season so fulfilling. As a club Clarendon likes to win. We have been very successful in our short existence but we have never done this. We have won cups and we have won the league but never in the same season. We had come close on two previous occasions but alas it proved elusive. This year we decided to make some adjustments and they seem to have had a positive effect on the club as a whole. I’m not saying this is the reason for our success but it didn’t hinder our progress.

Managing our club is not an easy task, despite the years of success but Roger Moore has managed to do this and play at the same time. Louis Williams and myself have ably assisted him for training and taken some of the pressure off him for match days.

We had a new keeper this year and he has managed to be a calming influence unlike the times I’ve had to go in goal!!! Well done Jimbo but we also can’t forget Bigga our resident joker!!!.

Our defence this season has been its usual miserly self. Unlike previous seasons it has not been the same 4 players. This year we have had the usual suspects of Matty, Roger, Craig and Daley but they have been supplemented by Ashley, Luke, Woody and Leon S who all played their part in maintaining our goal-a-game average.

Midfield has been a revelation this season where we have continually chopped and changed but still managed to maintain our “style”. Firstly we cannot forget Adam Rose, who only played a few games for us before his untimely death, but he contributed hugely to our success this season. Also we had Lawrie, Leon T, Leon H, Richard, Big Mike, Dre plus Ash and Luke.

Being a former forward myself I have enjoyed watching our strikers this season, even though they also have provided me with numerous moments of frustration. In no particular order - Jason, Chris, Pablo, Che, Damian, Dion, Stefan and Obi (yes he started the season with us!!).

To the other teams in WMCFL – thank you all making us go that extra yard. If you weren’t such great competition this title wouldn’t be worth winning. It’s easy to say you are a great team if you know there isn’t a team in the league that can beat you. We have to play every minute of every game and that is down to you. There were no “gimmees”, we earned every point and every cup-tie.

To Clarendon - we have achieved something special this season and it’s not over yet but you also know I think we can do better.

Congratulations guys – you’ve earned your success this season. WELL DONE.

Martin Ogbourn adds: Congratulations to Clarendon. The table doesn't lie and they deserve their title this season, particularly with everything they have had to deal with off the field. They have been the best team consistently throughout the year.

Tommy Woodward also says: First I'd like to say our whole season is dedicated to Adam Rose. Every point won, goal scored, clean sheet, tackle and balls cleared off the line have been for Adam. The trophies we have won have been for Adam, his dad Clive, his mom Anne, his sister Ellis, his grandparents and his girlfriend Amy, who have and are still living a nightmare. If Clarendon's success puts a smile on their faces then its all been worth it.

Well done to all the Clarendon management, Selvin, Louis and Roger. Without them Saturday mornings would consist of a morning wasted in bed. Selvin and Louis give up their free time to come and organise and make sure everything goes to plan and even dip into their own pockets for the privilege. Clarendon owes them them a lot. A special well done to Roger who has been the heart of Clarendon since they entered the league back in the 2002/03 season and has gone on to win five Division One titles, one Division Two title, three league cups, one Kevin Kovacs memorial trophy, three Division One runners up medals and one league cup runners up medal. He has also won Clarendon's player of the season four times and League player of the year once. Any striker in the league would tell you that Roger is an absolute nightmare to come up against with his speed, strength and his trademark toe poke which gets us all cringing every time he does it.

I must mention our new additions, Chris Brown, James 'Jimbo' Gray, Che' O'Connor, Richard 'Crazy Legs' Easie, Leon Henry, Mikey Miller, Andre 'Dawg' Smith, Leon Small, Stephen Brown, Dion Calder, Haydn McCalla and Obi Obiakor. Some only played through pre-season and other the odd subs appearance but without them we would of won nothing.

The usual suspects have been outstanding for Clarendon this season. Pablo, who in my opinion is the best player our league has ever seen has been on fire in front of goal. Matt Williams, who we have never lost a home game with and who is the best centre half in the league has been brilliant at the back and in midfield when needed. Craig and Daily have done a great job along side Matt and Roger, Laurie who is my player of the season has been a rock in central midfield assisted by Adam (RIP), Richard, Mikey, Leon 'Yam-Yam' Turton, Dre and Ashley Innis. Ashley has been outstanding these last two seasons and is continuing to prove his critics wrong. He is by far the fittest player in our team and shows this every game with his tireless running. Che' has come in and earned regular starts and considering he is fighting for a place with Pablo, Jason Greene and Chris Brown, that's an achievement in its self. Chris and Jason have had a great season scoring goals and putting goals on a plate for Pablo.

We owe a big thank you to the league committee and the players we play against who make up this great league, which continues to improve every season. A few years back players were leaving a league to play in the AFA for a higher standard. Now players leave to go semi-pro. Rion Mills and Andrew Westwood come to mind. We have ex full time professional Jason Garwood, who has played for Leicester City playing week in and week out for City Church, Dennis Bailey who has scored a hat-trick against Man Utd at Old Trafford playing for Renewal Solihull and Obi, also at City Church who has scored a hat-trick in the African cup winners cup final and who has also international caps. Along with those we have players such as Pablo and Shaun Green who have played for professional clubs and countless brilliant players like Jadon Silva, Jallen, Richard Ricketts, Dave Cooper and Mark Southall to name a few. At an amateur level it doesn't getter any higher than this. We should all be very proud of the league we play in and continue to up its standard a values every season.

I apologise for the long write up but I'm gonna finish off by congratulating Selly Oak and All Saints for winning their divisions. Thanks to City Church for pushing us and keeping our trophy warm, it looked out of place on Martin's mantelpiece. Well done to Zion who made the cup final a tough affair, we are still counting the bruises. I have looked in the archives and I'm going to share a few stats i've looked up. Clarendon become the 6th club in the league's history to win the double. We have the opportunity to win the first 'treble' on the 12th of May. Walsall Olympic and Clarendon are the only two teams to win the double while the league has had more than one division. Clarendon become the first team to win both the cup and league while we three divisions. Clarendon's last league defeat was at City Church on the 7th of May 2011. Our last home defeat was against St Mary's 11th of September 2010.

CC Sporting 2 St Mary's 2

Dave Bignell says: Enjoyable game (for the most part) today against sporting. On a huge pitch sporting started better without really creating an opening. We then started to click and boss the game and created four or five really good chances from wide positions where we had the upper hand. Without converting them we were hit with a sucker punch from a miss hit shot come cross that drifted in against the run of play.

Second half started scrappy with sporting hitting the woodwork and Shaun failing to time his runs properly on too many occasions, but we managed to get a level footing when Luke lashed home a volley from near the edge of the box. We kept pushing and created a few more chances when Alex roasted full back and winger before squaring it to Chris who finished smartly.

Sporting came back and levelled in the dying minutes through a defensive error which cost us all three points.

Overall given the personnel we were missing, I was relatively pleased with a point against a full strength sporting team. I look forward to playing them next year with a full squad to see how things fare. Must say that Sporting's standout players were Pete, Martin and Tim today. They're also the representatives in the Sporting team of the ethos of the league and what it stands for

Looking forward to next season now but hopefully we can finish on a high with a couple of wins.

Shawn Devonport adds: Firstly congratulations to Clarendon on securing their double this week, I don't think anyone can argue that they deserved it this year!

We took on St Mary's today who we have a very good record against and we knew we needed a big performance to secure three points towards finishing second. We started well, I should have scored after a minute, Dan's kick evaded Jon and I turned Myatt but for the St Mary's keeper to make a good block. We continued to press and at times in the first 20 minutes we completely bossed possession using the big flat pitch well and we went close with Dormer twice firing narrowly over and not making the most of numerous corners. St Mary's gradually came Into the game and started to have chances of their own, they had a few real good chances of breaks were the final ball just lacked and should have scored but for an awesome double block by Dan before Steve blocked one of the line. We then hit the post before we got the lead, me and Dormer played a 1-2 and having to use my left foot with this hernia problem smashed one top corner. That was it for the half a deserved 1-0 lead.

Second half and we just went to sleep for half hour, St Mary's were now bossing things and it was no surprise when they scored, corner cleared and Luke scored a fantastic volley into the corner, great finish, disappointing as I'd spoke about winning the second ball at half time. We still created some openings and a header was cleared of the line and Martin Woodhall smashed the post and the rebound of a St Mary's defender just looping over his own goal but the game got stretched and it was St Mary's who took the lead, the winger sprinted past Luxton and squared for Morrison who doesn't miss from there. One thing we have got is character and for the last 10 it was one way traffic, we got level when I got my second of the day turning and scoring with a left foot finish back across the keeper. With three to go we literally pummelled St Mary's for three minutes, there was two very impressive blocks, a great keeper save and the post hit for a third time, in truth we chose the wrong option twice when a pass would have surely resulted in a winner but it wasn't to be.

I think after hitting the post three times we created enough chances to merit the three points but sometimes that isn't the whole story and St Mary's never gave up today which can happen when you have nothing to play for but they contributed to a fantastic game and had chances theirselves so I'm sure they felt they were worthy of a point. Halesowen Zion next week and we aim for four points from our last two games to secure second place.

DIVISION TWO

Selly Oak put the icing on the cake with a 4-1 win over Chawn Hill Church; a win that sees them top the Division Two table by nine points, some margin that! So they look forward to life back in Division One, bouncing back at the first attempt.

Chawn now cannot get into the top three, so it's left to the whims of the AGM to see if they get the nod.

Living Hope finish their campaign in tenth place. I thought they'd do better but I think they missed Brainie's goals. Solihull finish mid-table.

Steve Farley adds: Renewal turned up with just nine players but we were at sixes and sevens early on and despite the obvious domination of the game we couldn't get going with our passing movements. Eventually we settled down to gain a two goal lead at half time courtesy of man of the match Lee Smith who scored the first before laying on the second for Bob.

In the second half Lee gained two more assists with Bob claiming his 19th of the season (well done Bob!) and Ashley scoring the fourth.

Credit goes to Renewal for a well organised hard working battling performance that made them very hard to break down. Their lone striker was excellent and deserved his solo effort of a goal. The referee Steve Castle and his assistants also had an excellent game.

I would like to sign off the season by playing tribute to the all of the officials we have had this season. The refereeing standard has been brilliant and I have no complaints at all. Thanks also to the committee of our WMCFL for all their hard work that goes into making this league such a success. Well done also to Clarendon on winning the double, a huge achievement. Finally a big thankyou to all the teams for contributing whether we played you or not.

We are having a well deserved break now but if anyone fancies a friendly against us in July or August please get in touch!

JUBILEE 60 CUP

The four sides for the semis are now decided and some great games we had too. I'm pleased we've been able to fit this competition in. St Mary's first trophy was the secondary cp in their day, so we'll see what snowballs from this season's competition.

In Group A, Common Ground made it three wins from three in their round robin. I thought All Saints were ging to cruise this group but CGU made it their own, topping it off with a 4-2 win over St Matthew's who'd beaten All Saints in the week.

Common Ground meet the winners of Group D, Corinthians SK. Well done to them, they won a tough game away at Bournbrook who'd been in good form of late.

In the other semi, Rockmount overcame Pye Green and will meet St Thomas who prevailed with a couple of late goals against the sole Division One team, Rowley College. Pete Bennett takes up the tale:

In my head I’d written this report with five minutes to go today, which is, of course, (and was) fatal. At that point our involvement in the Jubilee 60 cup seemed to be working into a classic football fable. Having welcomed the opportunity to extend our more than decent season we’d made this journey the hard way: despite being clear favourites in our group, we’d struggled to get back from 0-2 versus Revival, scored 3 in the last 15 to beat Darkhouse and today, in a must win game fallen behind to a Tommy Wright special from 30 yards. This was after a first half when we threatened to overwhelm St Thomas, who were nevertheless making a considerable contribution: it was good to see them and their excellent manager and all round good bloke, Rob Hill, back ‘on their feet’ after a challenging couple of seasons. They had a threat but we had half a dozen chances and missed them all.

This is the other part of the story: partly that we have been misfiring a little offensively (after a season of free scoring), but also that rather than our troubles here being caused by arrogance or complacency, we have actually been playing very well (and getting better) as befits a team handily placed in the top division. Thus it was no surprise when we answered Tommy’s wonderstrike with a quality one of our own via a flowing move which ended with Olly playing in Sammy for a sumptuous finish. At this point we’d stepped up a gear and full credit to St Thomas for sticking with it: old stagers Chris Preece and Mark Roadway were excellent for them at the back. However I was pretty confident we’d score even when the ref called ‘7 minutes to go': this had been the pattern of the competition. Sure enough with 5 left a scramble in their box saw Mark Turton toe poke it under their excellent keeper and their resistance was broken: three games three recoveries!

And so to the painful finale and the rewriting of my story: football in a nutshell. Having felt the high and seen their despair (after such a great rearguard action) we found the tables turned in controversial fashion. They got a corner and sent everyone forward. The ball was cleared and then sent back into the box. It came through to Tommy Wright six yards out and seemingly a couple of yards offside. All I can say is that both sets of players thought this, as did Rob and I: even Tommy’s finish was half-hearted. However, and I imply no criticism, the linesman was, to be fair, right in line and was adamant he was on. Of course we were upset (in both senses). Two minutes to go: time for another scramble and clearance which resulted in a break for St Thomas and a last kick penalty hat trick for Mr Wright. Good luck to St Thomas in the semi. We must finish our season with a match against the team officially the best in our league this year, Clarendon. Congratulations also to Roger and his lads! Let their double stand as a fitting tribute to Adam Rose, that excellent young footballer who also graced the Rowley shirt!

League Cup Final 2012

Please support our League Cup Final again this year. It's between two cracking sides, Zion Athletic and Clarendon: Can Zion upset Clarendon's charge to the League and Cup double and avenge last year's defeat? Or will Clarendon, the favourites in my book, win and capture their third League Cup in four years?

The match will kick off at 7.45pm at the Stourbridge FC, War Memorial Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge, DY8 4HN. It's only two quid to get in and there is a bar on site, I think they will be selling food. The weather forecast is cool but dry, so wear a warm coat. There is a covered stand if it does rain.

There is a small car-park on site but there is plenty of availability a short walk away. You can park on the Magnet car park just a hundred yards further up the street opposite the Vauxhall dealership or in Old Wharf Road back down the hill towards the town centre. But please be considerate wherever you park up.

Darren Moore, formerly of WBA, will be presenting the cup at the end of the match in front of the directors' box, so don't rush off.

Friendly please

Sheldon are after a friendly for this Saturday if your side is at a loose end (or even if your new side needs a run-out). Please contact Lyndon Fisher if you are interested: 07767 866872

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

Wolves and Perton 2 Sheldon 8

Richard Webster says: We were greeted by a fantastic spring morning at Aldersley for our last game of the season and we appeared to get the deck chairs out at the start of the game, with Sheldon attacking at will and carving us open a number of times. It was no surprise that Sheldon opened the scoring with a break through the defence to take the lead. This appeared to wake us up and we finally seemed to get the ball moving to start making our own chances, before a neat interchanges saw Ollie break free to finish between the keeper's legs. We were still vulnerable at the back and our main chestnut of defending set pieces raised its head again as Sheldon retook the league from a whipped in free kick, which saw three Sheldon players queuing up at the back post to head home.

The third was from a penalty, which was conceded on the far side of the box, one of those where the defender can’t get out of the way as the player cuts across them and the inevitable contact with the heels. We continued to play well in patches but continued to be pressed back by Sheldon, who scored again before half time.

The second half was very different at the start, we appeared to be determined to finish the season well and really pinned Sheldon back. However, the chances that came along were not taken and slowly we appeared to wilt, especially after Sheldon scored again, another set piece, that was followed by a second set piece goal.

We appeared to fade at this point and disappointingly, letting the game go where we have always shown a bit of pride and battled to the end. Sheldon scored their seventh and then we managed to get a consolation goal, before again conceding a penalty in the last couple of minutes (our tenth in the season!) The penalty was saved by our keeper, only for us not to follow in and the Sheldon penalty taker slotting away the rebound.

The close season will see changes within the management structure of the club, but this should not deflect from the clear message that this season has handed us. If we want to compete (and make no mistake division two is every bit as tough as division one), we must get on top of our fitness, be ready to go from the start of the game every game and improve our defending of set pieces. I strongly believe that we have the personnel to achieve this and hope to see us getting back to our best next season.

On a personal note, I have taken the decision to stop playing and step down as club secretary. I would just like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to every player who has pulled on a red and black shirt for Wolverhampton & Perton, it has been a honour to meet you all and the thing I will miss most is the dressing room banter before and after a game that has always been entertaining. I would also like to especially thank James Orotayo our chairman and Andy Page (better known as Paggy) who have been there during all the high and low points, especially the times where we were struggling to even get a team out each week and looked like we were going to have to fold, but we always found a way to get through in the end.

Finally, to all the other clubs, players and officials within the league, I would like to say thank you to you all as well. The strength of WMCFL is the diversity of people within it, who all have different reasons for competing in the league. The one thing that holds true for us all, is that we entered WMCFL because we want to play football without the issues that afflict other leagues and that is what makes the league special. This does require a strength of character to stand up and maintain a higher standard than seen elsewhere, but through all the ups and downs this entails, God stands alongside us to help us achieve this and this is something we should not forget. God bless you all.

King's AFC 1 Clarendon 3

Clarendon warm up for the Cup Final with a cool 3-1 win against strugglers King's. It's been eighteen years since the 'Double' has been achieved in WMCFL. For those competing at the time will argue but I think it may be more difficult these days. The number of teams competing these days is probably treble what the quota was back in 1994. Nonetheless, those clubs at the top: Walsall Olympic, Chawn, Alpha, Aldridge Parish were fine clubs and would probably win the league in 2012 if they could find themselves a Flux-capacitor powered de Lorean. But Clarendon are on track. If they beat Zion Athletic tomorrow night in the Cup Final, they would have to do a Devon Loch in Division One to bin the double.

For King's, the result combined with Zion Athletic's 2-1 win over Halesowen means King's will finish in the bottom three. And they are left to the vagaries of the comings and goings at the AGM to see if their relegation is confirmed. (We've had eight enquiries from prospective new clubs, my estimate is that we will see four added to our ranks).

CC Sporting 2 City Church 1

Martin Ogbourn reports: As the apostle Paul says, "...I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation..." (Philippians 4:12). We give thanks to God win, lose or draw.

Today City finally relinquished their league title after another hard fought match. City ended their league campaign as they started it with a narrow defeat and tasted defeat v Sporting for the first time.

The game started in perfect playing conditions on the smaller pitch. The first half was unmemorable in a narrow, tight battle. Early on Obi could have scored after the Sporting keeper dropped the ball at his feet. He was so surprised he mis-kicked it and the ball was rescued! Sporting passed the ball well and looked sharper (and fresher from their break) than City who were a little laboured in possession.

City got caught napping twice at the start of the second half with two sucker punches. Both goals were well taken, but defensively they were poor from our viewpoint. It took this twin setback to get us going and from this point we played with greater intensity. City have come back from worse positions so City had the confidence to do so again. Stokes pulled a goal back from a good far post header around the hour mark. There were good saves from the Sporting keeper, a shot cleared off the line (goal-line technology anyone?!) and other missed headers and shots. Sporting were still a threat on the break. We should have finished one of the chances, but the equaliser wouldn't come.

Overall City merited a share of the spoils, but Sporting are a good team and they defended very well. The determination and effort of the City players can't be faulted as we kept going well to the end as usual. Indeed the character and work rate of the whole squad has been excellent all season.

The season has been a little strange for City. We have had some great displays and scored a lot of quality goals. However, we have suffered from inconsistency away from home where our level has dropped slightly in some games, and such is the standard of the Division 1 teams at the moment that you can't afford to do that. However, the games we have lost still could have gone either way in narrow defeats. In the final analysis it has been a respectable title defence, but we look to come back strongly again next year.

Best wishes to Clarendon and Zion in the cup final, and congratulations to Selly Oak and All Saints for their successes. Also all the best to Clarendon and Sporting for the rest of the league campaign. We also want to thank the league committee for all their ongoing efforts. City still have one more hurrah for the 2011-12 season in the charity match in May as we look to finish on a high note!

Shawn Devonport adds: Well today was massive, it's the first time in 4 years of CC sporting's history that I can remember so much riding on one game, a defeat would mean no trophies or top 2 finish, a draw meaning we need to win our last 3 and a win meaning we would take a huge step towards securing the runners up spot and being in a position to pounce on a Clarendon drop in form (somthing I can't see happening). Both teams were missing players so it was set for a tight game.

City have somewhat been a frustration to me over the years, last season edging us out late on and thumping us 6-1 at their place and this year scoring two late goals at their place after we were down to 10 men for 75 minutes and winning 1-0 so we felt a little bit of payback was needed today not wanting to be edged out again.

In truth it was a tight game with few chances but I can't help but feel that we just edged it in a game we would have lost 12 months back. When City come to town you know it's going to be a physical battle, Cooper and Robbie are very good players in centre midfield both barriers who if you don't match will dictate the game which threatened to happen in the first 10. We soon settled though and Martin fired wide and Tim Fellows over and we soon had a few free kicks and corners which we created chances off but missed the target until Pete forced a tip over. City almost got in front though when Dan dropped a cross but he pounced just before Obi could. We felt we had a good penalty claim for a handball turned down and I shortly after fired wide when Dormer was well placed. We came in at half time knowing we had played well and edged it.

Second half and like against Rowley we started well, we got a 1-0 lead when a great Benham ball found Dormer who fired past the keeper who I'm sure will feel he could hand done better. It soon was 2-0 after we kept pressing and a neat move and great Greg pass found myself I beat two men and finished with a left foot finish. Credit to City they do not give up and they got a goal back with 20 to go from a corner and this led to City having their best spell of the game, they must have had six corners in a ten minute spell and a few free kicks one resulting in a fine tip over from Dan from Garwood. We sent on Mark Goule to match Cooper physically and it did the job breaking up play and we saw the last ten out comfortably almost adding a goal when Luxton forced Chattaway into a fine fingertip save and Nicholls on his return nodded wide.

So second place is well in our hands now, we deserved the three points just about. Benham was fantastic at left back, Sean awesome on return with Burford, Luxton had his best game for us, Greg matched Cooper and Robbie and Dormer was superb. Tim, Martin, Dan and Pete all played there part to as did the two subs, bring on next week!

Zion Athletic 2 Halesowen Zion 1

Zion Athletic escaped the bottom three with a 2-1 win over their friends Halesowen in their warm-up for the Cup Final. The 2012 final is a repeat of the 2011 match, with Athletic meeting Clarendon again. Good luck t both teams.

Grant Doran says: For Halesowen, the game was just a case of seeing the fixtures out really as there was nothing riding on the result other than bragging rights. Both teams had numerous players missing with Halesowen missing six through various reasons and Athletic missing their fair share with one eye on Monday night's cup final.

The first half saw us playing really well, keeping the majority of possession and making Athletic work hard to contain us. However despite this we didn't really test the keeper and it was Athletic that drew the first save after a quick counter attack down the left wing Ben tipped the ball over after one of the midfielders had a good drive from the edge of the box. When we did take the lead it had little to do with neat tidy football as it came from a route one ball down the middle. Tom did a great job to first hold off the last defender before steadying himself to drill the ball hard and low past the keeper into the bottom hand corner.

We started the second half looking to play the same passing football as we had done in the first half and although we were passing it well we never really tested Athletic at the back wasting the final pass time and again. By 65 minutes we had lost both Tom and Gaz to injury so our only two subs had been used and yet again we had to shuffle players around to fill holes. Athletic got the equaliser through a pen when Dan and Leon came together on the edge of the box, with Leon getting up to send Ben the wrong way from the spot. The rest of the second half went by without much incident really with neither keeper having anything to do much until the last five minutes when we should have scored through Boona at the back post two yards out unmarked. However instead of rolling the ball home he smashed it back to Dan on the wing??!! We couldn't believe it either!

Then with what turned out to be the last real kick off the game Athletic grabbed the winner. They played the ball through for the forward to run onto it but the pass was over hit and I came over to clear the ball. Dave who had been tracking the forward got a touch at the last second and poked it to the right of me and in doing so straight into the path of the midfielder how took one touch and from just inside the area bent the ball into the top right hand corner. Great finish but just a little bit of a shocker from our point of view. To be fair to Dave he did point out after the game that he wasn't trying to poke the ball to the forward although it looked very much like he did, he was infact trying to pass it to me hence making the goal my fault. Either way we the goal stood and we lost 2-1.

Never great to lose but we are safe for another season so onto the last match against CC then relax for the summer. Just want to wish Athletic all the best for monday nights final as they are a good team and with a little bit of luck they might just beat Clarendon.

DIVISION TWO

Sandwell United 2 Brierley Hill AOG 1

Mark Broome says: Our last game of the season today at home to the Hill and what a fantastic game of football it was! The game started with both teams really going for it and creating chances at both ends. Dibble would have had a first half hat-trick if it wasn't for the outstanding Dave Oakley in goal. Brierley Hill had similar chances and could also have scored three if it wasn't for some super saves from Kev and some poor finishing (I think Sam's chance had a big bobble). Towards half time Aaron hit a great 30 yard shot onto the crossbar but some how it was 0-0 at half time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with both teams going close. We took the lead with a super long ball into the Hill box from Stu, which Matty Hammond controlled brilliantly and finish well to give us the lead. Almost instantly the Hill levelled the scores with a knock down from big Carl for Sam to finish. The game continued to have opportunities at both ends. We won a penalty with ten minutes to go when Dave Broome was fouled on the edge of the box and up stepped the 'ice-man' Dibble to score the winner. Big Carl hit the bar with seconds to go but we hung on, just!

A good top three finish in Division Two has surpassed our expectations for this season and with the team gaining experience and maturing well everything is going along nicely at Sandwell. We will need to keep improving and would like to add to our squad for next season during the summer. All the squad would like to say a huge thank you to Roy and Miles for the enormous amount of work they put into the running and management of the team. With the discipline also much better now I think they have actually enjoyed this season!!!

A big thank you also to the committee for all the hard work they put in, Neil and the guys do a fantastic job and always have. Thanks also to Ed for the continued impressive web-site which we have, I think we need videos next season! God bless and have a great summer.

Corinthians SK 3 Chawn Hill Church 1

A good win for Corinthians sees Chawn stumble again. The win was just for pride and where in the mid table the Corinthians will finish, but for Chawn there's a little more riding on their results. All is not lost just yet but if Chawn win both of their remaining fixtures they will finish second.

Jubilee 60 Cup

A mix up with the changing rooms meant that the official Charlemont Star vs St Matthew's game didn't take place but elsewhere in the group, Common Ground look like favourites to proceed to the semis. That is unless St Matthew's win all their games.

In Group B Rockmount set up a show-down with Pye Green after beating Living Hope 4-2. Steve Farley says: Rockmount deserved their win playing in triangles and passing to feet whilst too many of our balls were hopeful punts upfield. I was pleased to see Jase get on the scoresheet earning a simple tap in when he blocked a clearance after chasing down a defender. Just as pleasing was seeing Lee score our second when a Webby long throw found him unmarked at the far post. When we did get the ball moving around we do look a good side and the potential is there for next season. A little piece of self belief in our passing ability and then get ourselves 10% fitter than we were this season and I am sure we will be alright.

Thanks to the three officials who had a busy time but refereed with a lot of common sense and finally, good luck to Zion and Clarendon in the cup final on Monday - let's pray for a classic!

In Group C, Rowley overcame a tough Darkhouse side to leave them needing a win against St Thomas. This competition is getting good! Pete Bennett adds: First all credit to Darkhouse who gave us a proper test and were a credit to themselves and their manager. We finally overpowered them as their legs started to give way after a concerted effort. We were decent today and so were they, particularly in the first half where their extra man in midfield gave us plenty to think about. They have some decent players and can only get better: their defenders gave our excellent forwards a real test today.

The game started evenly on a big flat pitch at Dudley Wood. Both sides tried to play football and both looked dangerous. Both Christie and Leon went close early on but Darkhouse also gave our defence, led ably by Dave Scott in Mark’s (temporary) absence, plenty to think about. We lost Ben Fowler to injury midway through the half allowing Nathan Wilkins to return and he added to a fully functioning midfield with Turton, Olly and Nathan Hylton. We hoped our extra quality and size would tell but at half time it was a fair 0-0.

Mark asked for more of the same second half but warned of the ‘sucker punch’ (only a win would do today) and once mentioned so it arrived five minutes into the second half when a clumsy challenge in the box allowed their excellent number 8 to dispatch a perfect penalty. We didn’t panic but from then on we were walking an elimination tightrope! By now they were tiring and we were getting in but as the shots went high and wide so the tension mounted. Sammy went on for Christie and put himself about. The ball fell to Leon in the box: he took his time, picked his spot and their keeper made a full length save!

Cometh the hour. Player-manager Southall, nursing an injury, wanting a week off, cajoled into action by Mr Rowley (mygoodself): three at the back, fifteen to go! Long ball out wide: Nathan Hylton was after it as it scurried towards the dead ball line with their defender close. The defender dived in to block it but Nathan had the presence of mind to pull away from him and deliver the perfect cross for Leon to head in. Still Darkhouse held on but we had the momentum. Mark Turton stormed in left hand side and clipped it expertly into the top corner. My over-riding feeling was relief! We then got a really good third when Sammy nodded on brilliantly and Leon finished just as well. This effectively makes next week a quarter final. All the beat to Darkhouse.

And lastly, Maple Leaf avoided the wooden spoon in dramatic style, earning a 4-4 draw against a team containg the last player to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford! Well done lads, I bet you were grinning at the end of the match. And for Solihull, they will finish sixth in Division Two should they beat Living Hope next week.

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

City Church 5 King's AFC 1

Division One's Top Scorer, Dan Atkins says: A very good result for City today testing the strength of our squad, our drive and determination... Clarendon still have to win their games now.

The game started really quickly with an attacking 4-3-3 formation deployed by City. The aim: to score early and put the game to bed. We passed the ball really well on the slick Row Heath surface and created some really good chances. The goal came after about 10 minutes from a delightful Andy Thomas 'trademark' drive from the edge of the box that thrashed through a group of bodies and into the net. We continued to press and pass the ball well from the back and through the midfield. Other chances came and went leaving the game 1-0 at the break.

After half time, City came out quickly again and the game started to open up with both teams creating chances. The second goal came from another corner, Thomas involved again - this time with the assist, a guided header into the path of the awesome Garwood who bundled the ball in from two yards. An excellent contribution from the returning Yeo was topped by an excellent cross for the third goal (which I headed in) and a slick finish for the 4th goal.

This was after a period of King's pressure that resulted in a goal and some chances at the other end. They briefly had their tails up before Yeo put the game to bed. The result was put beyond any doubt after Mr Garwood lashed in another goal of the season candidate after weaving in from the right flank and lashing in a 25 yard pile driver from which the keeper stood very little chance.

A good solid performance from City with only one league game and a 'friendly' with Clarendon. We have built up some good momentum and intend to finish strongly. Man of the match goes three ways - Andy Thomas for his three assists goal and dominating performance, Jason Garwood (at the ripe age of 40-something) for his wonder strike and constant threat but Olly Thorp was immense today from full-back to centre forward he worked tirelessly and no-one went past him. A stunning performance.

We look forward to next week's showdown.

St Mary's 1 Clarendon 2

Clarendon squeeze a win past the team that perhaps have been their most difficult opponent over the years. The win leaves them odds on favourites to capture the league and cup double. I can't see Clarendon slipping up. They need eight points from their last five games to make absolutely certain but with CC Sporting and City playing each other next week-end, it may be fewer than eight by lunchtime next week. You'd back Clarendon to beat King's next week too, if you cast a cursory glance at the league table.

Then there's the Cup. Zion Athletic have the personnel to make Clarendon's life uncomfortable next Monday night but once again, you'd expect Clarendon to win.

For St Mary's, they have faded from their heady days. They can still finish fourth, or drop as low as eighth depending on results.

Luke Wiedeman adds: St Mary's v Clarendon has over the years been billed as 'El Classico' of the WMCFL. Due to our league position this season it wasn't as important as previous years but it was still a very good contest. We've struggled this season with injuries plaguing our squad and this was the same case on Saturday, with only 12 players fit and available and players out of position it was always going to be a tough ask to get a result from in form Clarendon.

We started the game well and tried to get the ball down and play football as is our way of playing but got caught from a set piece and a lapse of concentration allowed the ball to drop in the box and it was quickly 0-1 Clarendon. Unlike many times this season we didn't allow this to affect our game, looking on from the sideline it was clear that the boys were enjoying the fierce competition of playing a very strong and fit Clarendon side. We got the ball down again and when it reached Alex Blackshaw on the right hand side he delivered an undefendable cross to the back post where Matt Bignell was on hand to guide it in. Half way through the first half we were on top, playing some lovely football and again trying to get it out wide and test the full backs.

At H/T we felt we were the better side and believed we could get a result, the start of the second half started as the first ended, we played some lovely football and again were testing Clarendon's full backs but unable to apply that vital touch in the area. With few chances in the second half a draw looked inevitable but again a sloppy mistake allowed Clarendon to catch us on the break with almost the last kick of the game and score a well taken goal. I think a draw would of been a fair result, we gave it our best shot but Clarendon, as champions do, managed to grind out a win when not at full steam. Fair play to them and I can't see them slipping up this season. As for us, we'll look to win as many of our remaining games as possible and look forward to having a full strength squad, hopefully, next season.

Amblecote 5 Rowley College 0

Simon Ashby says: Football is a complex but beautiful thing that sucks you in to false senses of security then slaps you in the face. This is how we felt after struggling for form all season, questioning why we were so low in the league and then delivering a performance like this. In our 5-0 win over Rowley yesterday not only did we keep a clean sheet against the league's top scorers but we also scored five goals having struggled recently to even muster chances.... afterwards we all sat there asking why we have not played like this every week! If we had I think we would be in the top four this year, but that's why we love football with all its many faults.

Today we played very well. We knew one more win would likely keep us in Division One and we put in probably our best performance of the season with five different goalscorers securing a much needed three points against a good Rowley team. Well played to the visitors, to Pete and the team. They continue to be a credit to the league, arriving early, intense warm ups and playing the game in the right spirit.

The first 20 minutes of today's encounter was quite even, and the first goal was always going to be crucial. But I must admit when Sam Crook picked the ball up in his own half we didn't think the breakthrough was on the horizon, but he ran the length of the pitch, evading two players to bury the ball and clinch a real goal of the season contender.

So we went in 1-0 up and I think it was deserved on the balance of play as we were quite untroubled by the dangerous Rowley attackers although when called upon, Stu again showed that he is a quality keeper. Well played to Jon, Joe, Dave and Stu for keeping a much deserved clean sheet. As Rowley came more into the game though they fell victim to a sucker punch when from a corner, a scramble saw Beechy turn the ball in from a few yards out and it was 2-0. This gave us a lot of belief and as we went on the front foot Al and Sparky both scored from inside the box to suddenly put us 4-0 up and the points were in the bag.

We could have scored more goals with all of our front six of Azza, Beech, Sparky, Kit, Al and Sam playing with great freedom and skill. The icing of the cake was an unstoppable free-kick from Kit from fully 30 yards out which curled and found the corner of the net to make it 5-0 and secure a great win.

Looking at the results today, unless King's turn Clarendon over heavily twice, we look to be in Division One for another season and hope to make a much better challenge in 2012-13.

Pete Bennett adds: Painful for us today, particularly after a long period without this kind of reverse and our first ‘no score’ of the season. However, in terms of our responsibilities to others fighting relegation (which the result seems to question), I hope Amblecote will confirm that we did ‘turn up’ today and compete: as linesman Terry Smith said to me after the game of the 0-5, “That’s a score I never saw coming”. The difference today was Amblecote’s ‘need’ versus our ‘want’: their desire to stay up against our playing for position. We were very much in this game until they scored the third: it was one of those games where nothing really ran for us and the opposition ran for all they were worth and ended up running the game.

On a flat and slightly greasy surface both teams served up top quality in a first half that was a terrific advert for our league. Both teams attacked and defended well. We had the misfortune to lose Mark Southall who had marshalled the back four against decent Amblecote forwards and a goal mid-way through the first half. All credit to Sam Crook who made the goal for himself by taking it in from halfway, holding off a couple of Rowley defenders. However when Leon got in one-on-one shortly afterwards we all waited for the net to bulge but their keeper made a vital save. They then missed a free header from a floated freekick, which prefigured problems we’d have defending set pieces after the break.

The second half started equally competitively. Nathan Hylton, Olly, Turton and stand-in McIvor all had good games today. I think we were just about on top. Then they scrambled one in after poor defending and we started chasing things with little end product (for once). Amblecote with their tails up then picked us off and by the end we were thoroughly beaten. All the best to them: they showed great attitude today as well as playing good football!

Sheldon 4 Zion Athletic 0

Sheldon secure their Division One status with a fine win against fellow strugglers Zion Athletic. It would appear that Sheldon had one eye on the Division One table, whereas Zion had theirs fixed on the Cup Final. It's a tough few days for Zion, as they have an important game on this Saturday, followed by the Cup Final on Monday night. It may turn out alright for them, as King's last two games are both against Clarendon.

For Sheldon, they are left to shuffle the mid-table pack with Rowley, St Mary's, Halesowen and Amblecote.

DIVISION TWO

Rockmount United 3 Common Ground United 1

Rockmount United finish off their Division Two campaign with a nice 3-1 win against fellow promotion challengers Common Ground. Whilst we operate a three-up, three-down promotion and relegation system, it rarely works that way. There are always teams joining and dropping out. MBD United were voted in as a Division two side, but left before the seson got under way. Lighthouse Lions quit after a brief dabble in Division One and I'm fairly certain that Beacon Church are leaving too. I've had several enquiries about teams joining, although it remains to be seen how many clubs make it.

CGU may have blown second place. Sandwell just need to beat Brierley Hill in their last match to pip the current second-placed team. Chawn Hill, currently in fifth can trump them all and finish on 41 points in second should they win all three of their remaining fixtures.

St Matthew's 7 Brierley Hill AOG 1

A fine win for St Matthew's moves them safely away from the bottom of the Division. It was the Williams' show as Dan and Simon scored, with Matt also bagging a hat-trick. Can I assume you're all related? I can remember once fielding a side of just three families when I was running Amblecote and Bilston. Mainly in-laws and cousins but the Mills clan dominated the team.

Jubilee 60 Cup

Monyhull Church 0 Living Hope Church 5

John Millist says that a poor first half did for them in this game.

Callum Oakshott adds: A grey skyline that pierced the air with delicate drops of rain, whilst the grass shimmered under the spring conditions; not a bad start for a football game. Today found a manager-less Living Hope travelling to Monyhull for the first time. Following the minute’s silence in respect of Luke Dovey, the game kicked off at a good rate. Living Hope put early pressure on their counterparts, closing down sharply and attempting to cut down any short balls. When in possession, we looked calmer and more assured than in previous weeks, keeping the ball on the floor and playing around our opponents, as opposed to playing over them. Having kept Monyhull in their own half for much of the opening period, our football was rewarded with a goal when a shot from Josh Steventon took a neat deflection and ended up in the back of the net. Monyhull were kept in the game by some sublime reflex saves – not to mention a potential miss-of-the-season (sorry, Bob!) – and had certain spells of bringing the game to us. This morning was possibly the best defensive display I’ve seen from our back four this season, so credit to them for shutting out much of the aforementioned attacks. I was pleased to see that even when under pressure we rarely rushed the ball forward, but looked to advance through measured pass’n’move football.

With roughly ten minutes until half-time, Josh had to leave the pitch to receive treatment, leaving us with ten men. In this time we managed to claim another two goals – both coming from centre-back, Chris Thomas – which set us up nicely to finish the half.

Little needed to be said during the break, thus unto the field we returned. The second-half opened in a similar fashion to the concluding moments of the first. More good football and attempts on goal that could have furthered our lead were sadly not converted. Monyhull soon appeared to find their footing and the game opened up with a more equal balance of play. Our opponents started breaking forward with a greater number of players, and began getting the ball out to their wide players, subsequently stretching the game for both teams. Thankfully our defence were on their game, with the midfield working excellently as a unit and supporting the defence in their endeavours, and ultimately keeping stand-in ‘keeper, Lee Ralph, bored. With the game now stretched, and Monyhull having thrown players forward in another bid for a goal, the ball ended up at the feet of Jahmal Patterson who delivered a perfect through-ball for Bob Shep to run on to and chip a half-volley over the approaching ‘keeper. The half continued much the same with both teams still searching for goals. Not long after, Living Hope were awarded a free-kick just outside the Monyhull area; up stepped recently liberated Lee Ralph to hit home our fifth, and his much-deserved third goal in Living Hope colours. The game seemed to tire upon this and the referee soon ended proceedings.

Overall, a confident performance from our boys, who should take pride in the fact they illustrated why this is called the ‘beautiful game’. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Monyhull for being great hosts, who played the game in the right fashion, battled hard and didn’t give up until the end; they have the basis for progressing in future seasons. We look forward to playing them again. Finally, thanks to the officials who allowed the game to run its course, only interfering when necessary.

Revival Fires 0 St Thomas Aldridge 1

St Thomas take prime spot for the time being in Group C after their slim win against Revival Fires. The key game in this group does appear to be St Thomas versus Rowley on 21 April. It will be a good test for St Thomas to see how far they've come in twelve months.

Corinthians SK 3 Renewal Solihull 1

Corinthians set up a show-down with Bournbrook Athletic with a neat 3-1 win against Renewal. The decider is also on 21 April to see who progresses to the semi-final of the J60. Bournbrook have a slight advantage as they have a better goal-difference and so if it's a draw, Bournbrook will go through.

Bournbrook Athletic 3 Maple Leaf Rovers 0

And lastly, Massimiliano Tully says: A score line that flattered Maple Leaf today, it was a game we dominated from start to finish and only a solid Maple Leaf defence kept the score down.

We started strongly and applied constant pressure but the deep Maple Leaf defence kept our chances down to shots around the penalty area. Eventually we got a breakthrough when I swung a corner in and their defender leapt well only to nod into his own net, fortunate but it is what we deserved. Soon after we were 2-0 up as Leo Salter slipped me in for a routine finish.

After half time we really took control with our goalkeeper a spectator and Maple Leaf struggling to get out of their own half, towards the end we made it three with Chris Price driving a low effort in from the edge of the box. Only to the credit of their stern defence and some bad final balls from us kept the score down.

We were very good yet again today with the whole team playing well. A decider in our group with Corinthians in a couple of weeks sure to be a great game. Final word for the referee I don’t know his name but did a magnificent job on our game today, wasn’t pedantic with his decisions and let the game flow, best referee I have had in this league.

Saturday Reports

As they came in.

Amblecote 4 Sheldon 1

Simon Ashby says: A great win for us this week which puts pressure firmly back on King's who now know they have to beat Clarendon or City to have a chance of staying up, which is a very tall order. All plaudits for Sam Crook who got all 4 goals to get us a vital win and steer us out of the bottom three.

It's always a slightly contentious game against Sheldon with most decisions being challenged from the sidelines, but the officials handled it well and we managed to come through with a comfortable win. The game was a tense affair to start with, but Amblecote had the better of a goalless first half with chances going begging but generally being in control of the game. That said, we were thankful to goalkeeper Stu Palmer who saved, diving high to his right from a 6-yard header to tip round the post. I reckon 21 of the 22 players thought the ball was in, but thankfully Stu had others ideas and made a save of the season contender.

At half-time we felt on top and the pressure finally paid after the break when Sheldon gave the ball away and a great through ball found Sam through on goal and an excellent Michael Owen style prodded finish over the advancing goalkeeper gave us the lead.

It was 2-0 shortly after when Sam kept his composure in the middle of a goal mouth scramble to flick the ball in, and he completed his hat-trick, when after a break way down the right a square ball found him with an open goal and he made no mistake.

Sheldon managed to get one back from the penalty spot. It was one of those frustrating decisions that the referee has to give but we have all been on the end of when a player hits the ball at an opponent from 2 yards and he simply can't move his hand. I never understand this rule. Handball in the box seems very easy to me, if the ball hits an opponent who is yards away and he doesn't motion to the ball it should not be a penalty. If a player has his hands above his head or is on the goal line when it hits him then give a penalty.... but Sepp Blatter never replies to my letters! Anyway rant over, Sheldon converted the penalty to make it 3-1.

There was a nervy few moments but when Sam broke away again - despite a brave attempt by the keeper to challenge him - he found the net to secure all three points.

We are now focusing on Rowley, where we hope another win will push us very close to safety.

Renewal Solihull 0 Bournbrook Athletic 5

Max Tully says: In a rush today so a short and sweet match report: Two goals from Leo Salter got us on our way before Nathan Pugh made it 0-3 at the interval and 45 minutes of Bournbrook domination.

Second half continued exactly the same with us stroking the ball about cutting them open at will. Chris Price added a brace to make it 0-5 at full time. We were three regular starters down also and players like Jack Wooldridge coming in did a tremendous job. We were very good today and Solihull were off colour. We have a great chance in this cup, we are unbeaten in four (maybe more can’t remember?) having played all the top teams. We are coming good at just the right time. Watch this space.

Brian Follows adds: A much depleted and patched up Renewal side turned out to face a very strong Bournbrook side. Constant Bournbrook pressure led to the first two goals. Renewal did get the ball in the net a very good turn and finish from Mark Hadden only to find the linesmans flag raised. A third goal right on the stroke of half was a massive blow.

Second half saw a lot more attacking play from Renewal but were unable to find the net: I was checking for cling-film at one stage. But Bournbrook, with the bit between their teeth added two further goals for a comfortable victory.

Wolves and Perton 0 City Church 3

Richard Webster says: After losing 6-0 two weeks ago to City, we had an opportunity to try and reverse the result in our penultimate fixture.

We started the game slowly, with a lot of the early possession to City as they took advantage of the slope, with a couple of half chances from headers at corners. We found our feet slowly in the game and started to press City back only to concede the first from a 25 yarder that moved in the air and dipped to zip off the slick pitch into the corner. We did push back and created a number of chances, Steve going close from six yards and Jase hitting a superb volley just over the bar. Unfortunately, the one long ball that we failed to deal with broke to the City forward, who chipped the keeper to increase the margin. Half time 0-2.

The second half was a tremendous performance from us, we created chance after chance, defended stoutly and it was clear to see that City were rattled. However, our failure to score cost us dear and in the last five minutes with us pressing forward, we conceded again from a City break, with their only shot of the second half.

While we were disappointed with the result, the performance today was a superb effort with every player contributing positively to the team, working hard and not giving up. I believe that if we had turned similar performances today week in week out, we would not be in the position we are and our challenge for our final game and beyond are to play more consistently at the level we know we are capable of.

Martin Ogbourn adds: Firstly, we are sorry to hear the sad news about Luke Dovey. May God comfort all his family and friends who grieve at this difficult time.

The game today started with some gilt-edge chances missed by Wolves on a decent playing surface. One shot was skied over, another shot slid wide and Chattaway saved another chance well with his legs. This was before the hastily arranged, makeshift City back four had time to introduce themselves to each other. City settled into the game after 10/15 minutes and had some sustained pressure. A Thomas header rattled a post and Obi and Atkins had some good interplay. It was left to Garwood to open the scoring by cutting in and unleashing a stunning shot from the edge of the box. Atkins continued his golden scoring streak with a delightful lobbed finish to give City a 2-0 half time lead.

In the second half City had some early chances, but couldn't find the third goal to kill the game off. The game lacked any structure as it opened up and Wolves pushed men forward. Wolves kept going well and had good possession as City failed to retain the ball for long periods. It was late in the game before Thomas finally finished the scoring by slotting home after a decent passing move and an assist from Melia.

In truth Wolves played with good determination despite their low confidence. It was a tough game and City were pleased with another three points and a (perhaps fortunate) clean sheet. Garwood was man-of-the-match with a tremendous attacking display. His goal was the icing on the cake. Atkins maintained his good form and Thomas and Bithell looked dangerous. Cooper covered well out of position and Chattaway was solid as ever. We now look ahead to our penultimate league match next Sat v Kings at Row Heath.

Living Hope Church 0 Sandwell United 1

Steve Farley says: Only seven regulars available to play but we have plenty of mates signed up to come to the rescue when needed. We battled hard but at the end of the day we hardly tested their keeper, even putting a second half penalty wide! Jay was awesome in central midfield and Ralphy who was carrying a calf injury donned the gloves and pulled off a couple of spectacular saves to keep us in the game.

The fat lady has now burst into her relegation swansong but I must say Division Two has been great for us this season. Apart from about two or three games I don't think we've been outclassed and we have remained competitive throughout. Thanks everybody and we will be back!

League Cup Semi-Finals

Ed says: Congratulations to our Cup finalists, Clarendon and Zion Athletic who will do it all again on 16 April at Stourbridge. These two sides battled it out twelve months ago.

Commiserations to Chawn Hill and All Saints Olympic, who put up a great fight, losing out at the final hurdle. A great effort though for both sides: Chawn rising back up Division Two and getting to the Cup semi is a good result. And I'm sure we'll see more of All Saints, Division Three champions already; still in the J60 Cup and last four of the main Cup is a superb first season.

Ashley Turner says: Semi final of the Cup saw us play at a neutral ground at Lion Farm; we knew it was going to be a tough game as many of us have played against Zion before. We started the better out the two teams and tried to get an early goal to give us the upper hand. Jonathan Ward scored from long range, which was then followed by us hitting the cross bar and creating several more chances, however Zion then grabbed an equaliser from a set piece, HT.

Second half began and was a tight game before Zion then created another chance for them too go 2-1 ahead. Again we hit the cross bar (5 times in total I believe) before Jonathan Ward grabbed his second to equalise. Commentators also say your most vulnerable after you have scored and I guess this proved correct with Zion scoring their third not long after we had equalised. We couldn't get an equaliser and would like to wish Zion all the best in the final.

We have beat Sporting CC, Selly Oak and Sheldon and ran Zion close till the end so we have nothing to be ashamed about.

Saturday Review

In light of the news we received last week-end, posting a full Saturday Review seemed inappropriate. Whilst the football seemed important at the time, as some of you have said, it's a million miles from the minds of those closest to Luke.

I have several match reports in my in-box, which I'll see if I can put together this week-end.

Luke Dovey RIP

Shaun Wilcox says: It is with great sadness that we heard the news that our dear friend and team mate Luke Dovey passed away yesterday.

He was a fantastic player and fantastic person and great friend to Beacon Church FC and the church itself.

He will be sorely missed by us all.

Maple Leaf Rovers QMC

Andres Senior says: We are keen to recruit new players next season. We are based at Quinton Methodist Church and train at Newman College on Tuesday evenings 8pm-9pm. If you are interested, please contact me on 07921 868769.

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

City Church 1 Clarendon 1

Martin Ogbourn says: The top of the table clash today in perfect playing conditions ended in a hard fought scoring draw for the second time between the sides this season. It's also City's third unbeaten game in a row v Clarendon after our win at the end of last year.

The match was not a free-flowing passing game, but rather an attritional, physical game with few chances for either side. Its often unfair to mention missing players for games (as every club has to deal with those problems each week), but this week has been particularly difficult because we have only had one fit and healthy striker. Therefore we had to adjust our formation accordingly. In the first half we had a few half chances. Garwood had some joy on the right and Obi won his fair share of battles. The clearest chance fell to three players who all appeared to header the ball simultaneously and the ball went narrowly wide. On the other hand we nullified Clarendon well and Pablo got away from us on only one occasion and such is his quality that he scored a good goal after he broke from our set play. They also thought they had scored from a corner which was disallowed for a foul. Half time 0-1.

At half time we knew we were still in the game as there was little to choose between the sides and we had the slope in the second half. It was more of the same in a tight battle. Clarendon shaded possession, but didn't create many clear opportunities despite their sharp forwards. Clarendon's dangerous attacking players were kept well marshalled by a good City defensive performance. As the game moved on City threw on substitutes and kept working hard to the end as Clarendon seemed to get deeper. The equaliser came late on from a City free kick which was bundled in by Sheppard who has made a history of late comeback strikes (as we have as a team). It wasn't a goal of the season candidate, but well deserved after City kept going strongly to the final whistle.

It was a great team effort and the lads all worked tirelessly such as Obi, Cooper, Sheppard and Garwood to name a few. All we can do is focus on next sat v Wolves and our final fixtures. Everything else is out of our hands. Clarendon deserve credit for their play and attitude. The game was an old fashion tussle. It was played in good spirits and there wasn't a need for the excellent ref to brandish any cards.

Dan Atkins adds: I just wanted to add a particular mention to the referee today. He handled himself impeccably and really enabled the game to be played competitively yet fairly. The right officials for this type of game! All the best to Clarendon. Just a reminder that it's not over 'til it's over!

CC Sporting 3 Amblecote 0

Shawn Devonport says: Another good win for us today, we only had one of our four defenders available: Missing Sean to injury and Benham and Kirby to work and with Martin Nicholls injured for the season. We had a small squad but the addition of Rion who had no match for Dudley today and Derek helping us out for the last ten, we had two subs. Amblecote themselves were missing players today, no Jadon, Homer, Sparky or Squadie, who all played in the 6-1 reverse earlier in the season.

After our recent good run we knew if we started well we were likely to give ourselves a great platform to win the game and we did that exactly. Rion found myself, I crossed to Dormer and he volleyed home despite a good save from the keeper. We continued to press, Dormer missed a one on one, Pete fired at the keeper as did Joe, Tim fellows fired narrowly wide. And so it was no real surprise when we made it 2-0 when I got on the end of a Greg throw-in. Amblecote had a long throw that threatened us but as soon as Dan found his range, he claimed everything thrown his way; half time 2-0.

Second half was mostly the same, we missed a host of chances, hit the bar twice, hit the corner flag, the cars in the car park, shot when we should have passed, passed when should have shot and we only had a Pete tap in to show for it to make it 3-0. Amblecote created chances late on, Dan being forced into one tip over but Steve and Martin Woodall were excellent at centre half, not bad for a winger Mart!!! (He's getting old, it's where we all end up-Ed).

So we have still won every game in 2012 and with City and Clarendon drawing, we gain ground on both. It's city next on 14th April, win that and we will be in a very strong position to finish second, which after our average start would be an outstanding achievement! Thank you to Rion for helping us out today, he had a quality game and well done to the makeshift back four who played so well and got a clean sheet! I'm sure Amblecote will agree, we were the much better side today but they smashed us 6-1 at their place, so a little bit of revenge today. It would be great if both teams had a full strength side as it hasn't happened over the last two seasons!

Lastly congratulations to Selly Oak on the Division Two title.

Simon Ashby adds: In our last two games we have been finding it very difficult to create chances, so when Jadon, Kit, Sparky and Homer four of our most creative players all declared themselves unavailable we knew the game against Sporting would be difficult, and so it proved as they ran out with an all to comfortable 3-0 win.

With the league table taking an interesting twist this week with the King's game against Sheldon being added to the table and leaving us in a better position, we knew the home games against Sheldon and Rowley would be our must win games, but we still felt we had a chance yesterday although it never quite materialised.

Early on we probably created our only real chance of the game which looped over the bar, and it wasn't long before Sporting took the lead when Shawn found space on the right hand side of the box and crossed for Dormer to finish with a good volley.

The next goal was always going to be crucial but in truth we were being outplayed and Sporting always looked the more likely with Rion, Shawn and Tim (All members of our '06 league winning side) pulling the strings and it wasn't a big surprise when Shawn ran clear down the right and finished across the keeper to make it 2-0.

As always, we continued to play nice football but as the game progressed we found ourselves really hanging on and Sporting could have had four or five before they extended their lead midway through the second half when Shawn squared for Pete who prodded into an empty goal.

The game just peetered out really and became a bit of a non-event and our minds were already drifting towards our crunch game against Sheldon. Hopefully four points from our last three games should keep our status as longest serving team in Division One.

Wolves and Perton 0 Zion Athletic 3

No joy for Wolves yesterday as Zion hammered the final nail in the Wolves coffin with a 3-0 win. The season is far from over for Zion though: They are still fighting for their Division One status and the three points has helped them on their merry way. Then there's the Cup semi-final.

Richard Webster adds: Another disappointing Saturday, which started brightly, both from a weather point of view and the number of substitutes available (four!).

Zion started the better of the two teams and really took the game to us, but we went toe to toe and kept ourselves well in the game without creating many chances. Zion’s first goal was from a cross which was not defended well, but the Zion forward had a lot to do, volleying the ball on the full, keeping it down and tight to the post. Zion had the opportunity to extend their lead from a penalty, fortunately a miss wide kept the score 1-0 at half time.
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We played better in the second half and continued to press for an equaliser, but subject to the Zion break which served them well and while we stayed in the game for a long period, the last two were scored in the last 10-15 minutes to kill the game off.

DIVISION TWO

Sandwell United 2 Selly Oak Methodist 3

Mark Broome says: Firstly, we congratulate Selly Oak on their title success today. They are the only team to do the double over us this season and are fully deserving of the title. I'm sure they will do well in the first division next season. An enjoyable game of football today between the two sides. For the first 30 minutes we dominated the game and had Selly Oak very much on the back foot. They had taken an early lead inside the first few minutes but we responded with two super goals from Dibble. Towards the end of the half Selly Oak started to play and got back into the game, levelling the scores from the penalty spot.

The second half saw us completely on the back foot and in all fairness we never looked like scoring. Selly Oak on the other hand had some good chances to score and got a deserved winner midway through the half.

Well done to the boys today who all played well, With three of the back four missing and only the injured on the bench we still put out a very strong team and competed well. Living Hope and Brierley Hill to play in our last two games. Still much to play for as well. We are looking at having the best defencive record in the division and need to help Dibble collect the Golden boot. Also nominations for player of the season.

Common Ground United 1 Bournbrook Athletic 2

Macks Tully says: A good result for Bournbrook and an even better one for Selly Oak. Common Ground showed in spells why they are challenging up the top because they have 11 athletes all with good football ability, Bournbrook in comparison have some athletes and 11 with football ability also. Therefore it made for a compelling game.

First half started brightly for Bournbrook who I would say edged the opening proceedings, the majority of the game was played in the midfield with no good chances of note. Then around the mid-way point, a cross field ball put Common Ground's Mario Mendez through who finished with a Messi type dink. The player in question has great technical ability but was kept relatively quiet due to good performances from the back line (Sam Bradshaw, Sean ‘chicken meat’ Boughton, Sam Lynch and Luke Brecknell). Towards the end of the second half we also had a string of injuries and players out of position and were really hanging on by half time with Common Ground on top.

Second half we got back on track and started making some chances with a shuffle round and some pace up front. Me and Taz battled hard against their tough midfield and the game was very even. Towards the end of the game I played a one-two and from the edge of the box had a shot which fortunately went through their keeper's legs; a goal from nothing and 1-1 game on. This gave us a belief and we pushed on creating chances. Common Ground were dangerous on the break and had it not been for the outstanding Adam Wooldridge playing out of position in goal they would have been out of sight. With three minutes left we got our break: Jake Fowler staying onside, going one on one and finishing well under the keeper. 2-1. For three minutes Common Ground put us under immense pressure but we held on thanks to great performances from subs Simon Mitchell and Jack Wooldridge, as well as players out of position such as Leo Salter and as for the rest of the team another great team performance.

A good win for us hopefully puts us a long way to being safe. I said earlier in the season with a full squad we could compete with any team and now that’s a win against Sandwell, Common Ground and a draw against Selly Oak in as many weeks. Championship winning form if we weren’t 8th. Oh and the weather was a delight.

Renewal Solihull 5 Chawn Hill Church 4

Brian Follows says: This was an absolutely incredible game! Renewal scored first: a fine header from Tony Tuiyott but back came Chawn with some good football and fine finishes to lead 3-1 at half-time. When another sharp finish from Sooty made it 4-1, it looked bleak for Renewal. But some incredible strikes from second-half sub Steve Bownds won the day for Renewal. A strong shout for a last minute penalty for Chawn was turned down, much to the relief of a passionate Renewal crowd.

DIVISION THREE

Beacon Church 4 Dynamo Kingswinford 0

Beacon Church signed off with a hefty win, this was their last game in WMCFL, so I'm led to believe. We wish them all the best.

For Dynamo, think puts a dent in their plans to move up a division next season. They must beat St Thomas in the division's final game next Saturday.

JUBILEE 60 CUP

Early days for this competition but All Saints opened their account in determined and typical fashion: A straight win. Monyhull were a tad unlucky, going down 3-1 to Rockmount. Rockmunt added a third with the last kick of the game.

St Thomas, like All Saints won a far from easy game, taking all three points and Maple Leaf went down 1-0 to a single Dicky Stanford goal for Corinthians.

Chris Preece says: An inglorious performance today didn't match the glorious sunshine in Streetley today, but we still managed to grind out a good win against a plucky Darkhouse side.

The first half consisted of a few good chances, but the game never really got going from either team, fluid passing was certainly not present, and both teams couldn't really be pleased with the quality of football on display. A gilt edge chance for Tommy Wright to add to his superb goal tally this season was missed, as the ball was struck from point blank range only to be thwarted by the legs of the Darkhouse goalkeeper, who was completely unaware he'd saved it. We simply did not compete enough in the first half and were second to every ball so were lucky not to have gone in a goal down.

The second half had to be better, and thankfully we responded to a few home truths were dished out at half-time. After 20mins or so Ash Hamer who had fired a few potshots during the game and narrowly missed, despatch a fine lobbing shot from all of 30yrds, that dipped underneath the cross bar past the helpless keeper, 1-0.

We stepped up a gear, and attacked the Darkhouse goal, but squandered several set piece opportunities despite some excellent deliveries from Luke Helsdon. I would say it was a bit like a Stoke City style performance all round, ugly and quite physical, and was even topped off with a Delap-esque throw from Hamer over the whole Darkhouse defence to a completely unmarked Tommy Wright who nodded home from three yards, not a good idea to leave WMCFL's leading scorer alone from that range! This put the tie beyond Darkhouse, who did create plenty of chances and should have scored but for a great save by Rob Wood, and a last ditch tackle from Ricky Patel, they also glanced the post towards the end of the game, but luckily for us, the Darkhouse forwards were just not ruthless enough in front of goal today, but a good bunch of young lads, and will no doubt do even better in the coming seasons.

We didn't play well today but won, and got a cleansheet, which is never a bad thing so chins up chaps! The officials were good today also!

Dynamo next week for the final league game, as we look to finish the season with another win. With 3rd place up for grabs, we owe it to the teams involved to give good account of ourselves so there will be no end of season mediocrity from us!

Pete Bennett reports on Rowley's two-all draw with Revival Fires: Revival Fires were an absolute credit today, to their manager, to themselves and for WMCFL Division 3. They worked tirelessly and effectively for ninety minutes and we needed the equivalent of a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card from the Community Chest.

While a couple of injuries had forced us into a change of formation (and with Mark sidelined a re-organisation of the back), we had the players and to some extent the individual performances to forego excuses. The truth is that 4-3-3 decreased rather than increased our attacking potency and for a long time it looked as if we might draw an unprecedented blank (and lose an unbeaten home record).

All this after Mark had made it very clear in his pre-match team talk, what was required: while Revival lived up to Mark’s script we just seemed to mirror only his warnings! The game started with plenty of endeavour from Revival while we were horribly tentative and a little static upfront. We lost Joe early but Scotty came on (a lad born in the same decade as me [other end though!]) and he did very well: Olly swopped sides and continued a fine season’s worth of performances. We were also excellent in midfield, despite being outnumbered: Turton and Hylton were both classy and competitive and Ben Fowler simply had his best game in a Rowley shirt, running all over the pitch, going past people and linking up play. Sadly much of this effort was inefficient since our forward options were for once misfiring and Revival were harrying us all over the pitch.

On a warm day, there were few real chances. Then on 35 minutes Revival scored something of a freak goal when their lad thumped in a free kick from just inside our half which Lee misjudged in the sun and it sailed in. They’d just about been the better side first half and we knew we had to start playing!

Despite the calm resolve at half time, if anything it got worse. We continued to huff and puff and they got better, matching work rate with some decent football. From a cracking free kick delivery Chris Staien put through his own goal and we were up against it (perhaps out of the cup before we’d learnt its name!). Leon had been given a rest this week, but we had to throw him into the action (needs must! This is a measure of Revival’s success today).

We got going in the last quarter of an hour. First Leon turned imperiously and buried one. Then we looked for an equalizer, which despite some chances never looked like coming! Mind you their keeper made a couple of good saves. Revival defended bravely and resolutely. Lee redeemed his earlier error when saving a one on one which might have settled it. Then , just as we had accepted their deserved win, Ben drizzled a ball into Sammy Nelson who managed to cut it back under their keeper and just beyond their defender’s despairing dive.

All the best to Steve and his lads. Referee, Kevin Dabbs, was also excellent!

Selly Oak Methodist

Congratulations to Selly Oak Methodist who secured the Division Two title today. A special mention to Rob O'Neill, who has guided this team over recent years, through thick and thin and has got his just rewards for his sterling efforts. Many people don't realise how much time and effort goes into running a football club and Rob is one of those people who makes it all possible.

Well done to the team too, who bounced back from a very difficult and fruitless season least year that saw them relegated from Division One, with just seven points to their name from twenty-two outings. Many teams would have folded under these circumstances. It shows true character to dig in there.

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

Halesowen Zion 0 Clarendon 3

Clarendon cruise to another three points with goals from Everton Morrison, Roger Moore and Che' O'Connor. The top of the table looks close as we speak, with the Clarendon lead being just a single point. But with three games in hand, it should be plain sailing.

Grant Doran reports: Where to start?? Today's game pretty much summed up this season for Zion five players confirmed missing midweek from the team that we had last weekend, so we were already going to have to shuffle players around and then we lose another player this morning with a txt at 10:43 saying that they were away! Helpful considering we had already kicked off when I got the text.

So we started with Ben in goal, a midfielder by trade and one of the lads that has been injured so was meant to be missing today. We had Tom our top scorer playing centre midfield with John Lea who has been in midfield all season playing at the back so not the ideal line up to go into a game with Clarendon. To make things just that little bit harder we then lost Dan Carver to a knee injury after 15 minutes so we had another change to an already makeshift side. As mentioned previously we had several players playing out of position and it showed as the first goal was one mistake after another. Ben took a goal kick which he totally scuffed dropping the ball midway in our half, Clarendon took posession and played a ball into the centre of the pitch. John sent Siv to win the ball, when really a midfielder would have been a better option and this left Morrison unmarked (never a good thing to do) Siv didn't intercept the pass in midfield and we where in trouble. The ball was played to the number 10 who cut inside John and played the ball to the unmarked Morrison on the edge of the box. With two Zion players closing him down he chose to shot first time, which I thought would have given Ben a fair chance of saving it. However Ben had got his angles totally wrong after taking the goal kick and had set himself two foot away from the right hand post leaving the whole goal open. Needless to say Morrison put the ball in the open net and I realised why he had opted to shoot first time.

However we dug in and whilst it was defence vs attack we held firm through to half time restricting Clarendon to one one real chance that forced Ben the push the ball round the post. Second half and again we found that we were defending as we where unable to get hold of the ball for more than a few passes. The second goal was again as much to do with our poor marking as the attacking prowess of Clarendon. A free kick on the edge of the box was swung over and although we had three men in there somehow we lost Roger and from three yards out he headed home. Goal number three and unfortunately for Ben again he showed that he is not a keeper when a pretty poor shot to be honest from Che' managed to bobble under his body and through his hands as he knelt down to collect the ball. Don't get me wrong Clarendon where the better team in every single area of the pitch and deserved to get the points but it is very frustrating when we had a hard enough job on our hands in the first place to get a win to then give them a three goal head start aswell.

Like I said at the start of this report it is hard to be to critical of the lads that did turn up today and play as everyone gave 100% and worked right through to the end regardless of the score. With only two games left this season for us it is more a case of seeing the season out now, but hopefully next year we can get a settled team with players turning up regularly to give us the best chance of doing well.

Well played Clarendon good display today and well deserved win.

City Church 6 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 0

Martin Ogbourn says: Firstly, thanks be to God, the giver and sustainer of life. Today City punished a Wolves side with clinical finishing. Wolves have been a bogey team for City in the past so three points was welcomed after last week's disappointment.

City struck an early blow with a looped volley by Atkins which lobbed over Webster in the Wolves goal. Wolves hit the outside of the post with a quick counter attack shortly afterwards. However, it was City who doubled their lead when a penalty was slotted home with ease by Atkins. City played with good conviction in the first half. Half time 2-0.

The key moment in the game came with the third City goal after Wolves had gone close early in the second half. Atkins completed his hat-trick after he rounded the keeper. Wolves missed a penalty at 3-0 and the game became very open as the intensity dropped. City added further goals from Atkins, and late on from Thomas and Melia (who returned to the side with a cameo appearance as an emergency 'striker').

City played well only in spells, but it was a good solid win after a lot of changes from the previous week. 6-0 was harsh on Wolves though as they remained competitive throughout and had their chances. Hunter, Thomas and Chattaway looked back to their best and Thorp was immense at the back for City. Atkins walked away with the match ball again with another four good goals! It's now 8 wins out of 10 in the league. We look forward to a nice little encounter v Clarendon next Sat.

CC Sporting 3 Rowley College 2

Pete Bennett says: This was our first defeat of the new year, so writing the report is a bit more painful than of late. We knew we needed to beat CC to stay where we were in the league (at least for the time-being) and we certainly didn’t do anything like enough to win the match today, though perhaps we did enough to merit a draw (?). CC are an impressive side with plenty of threat and an excellent defensive unit led by the outstanding Steve Burford which kept all of our sparky forwards relatively quiet for once.

The game started well for them with Shawn and Pete Falconer forcing Lee to an early double save. We then got into the game and spent long periods of the first half with the ball, though they did hit a post (via another decent stop by Lee). Their keeper then made a brilliant save from Ben which might well have been a goal against anybody else before we deservedly took the lead. Craig exchanged passes with Leon outside the box and then just as Mike (next to me) said “He won’t pass he’ll have a shot” (disdainfully), Craig unleashed a screamer to give their custodian absolutely no chance. The job was then to hold on for the ten minutes before half time. In fact we held on for one minute before Dave recklessly dived into a challenge in the box leaving Steve Castle (excellent as ever) little alternative but to give Shawn a shot from 12 yards which he dispatched. Half time 1-1.

We hoped to push on second half but it never really materialised. We laboured a little and they made more progress, taking the lead after a smart move. We made changes to no avail and in a mix up between Olly and Dave the ball dropped for Shawn one on one for 3-1. Cue Grandstand finish as we pushed, Dave scored after one of plenty corners, and they held on.

Shawn Devonport adds: I want to say as I start this report just how impressed I am with Rowley. Today they were at the ground by 930, big squad and a very very good warm up, to be honest when we turned up with a bare eleven and a last minute sub and half a warm up I feared the worst. Rowley really have been a breathe of fresh air this year, competitive team and great going forward.

We started well, I had a header saved and Pete had an effort saved, first 30 minutes and I felt Rowley were the better team but we had the better chances Dormer hitting the post after a finger tip stop. Then Rowley had their chances, Dan being pushed to full stretch twice before Rowley took the lead with a fantastic effort from distance which bent into the top corner. The lead lasted about a minute however when Greg was flattened by two defenders (one taking the ball, the other cleaning Greg out) and unbelievably this was our first penalty of the season. I've been looking on enviously at all the other strikers scoring them every week! That was 1-1 half time.

Second half and we started better and it was no surprise really when Dormer squared to Greg and made it 2-1 with a cool finish. That's three in three for him now. Rowley then started to come at us and we countered leaving an open game and it took a Rowley mistake to allow me to make it 3-1. Rowley credit to them once again came at us and just as we thought we had the game won, they scored and made it a tense last few minutes! But we just held on despite a succession of corners!

Burford and Benham were immense today, we said at the start it was a must that our centre halves matched the Rowley strike-force physically; which they more than did and restricted Leon to very little today and Christy when he came on. That's six wins and a draw in seven and even though it looks like having a bare eleven next week again, I have faith that we are battling so hard we can pick up points next week if we perform and battle like we did yesterday. I think we just about deserved three points today for our second half performance but Rowley were always in with a shout and maybe worthy of a draw.

St Mary's 3 Zion Athletic 2

St Mary's edge back into the top five with a slim win over struggling Zion Athletic. It's been a mixed season for St Mary's, one in which they have dropped down from their title-challenging days. But on occasion, they've been man for the job, showing glimpses of their old form. They have four games left, and if they win them all they will be back in the top four and maybe higher. They can also push a stick in Clarendon's spokes.

King's AFC 5 Sheldon 1

A crucial three points for King's as they pull away from the bottom. All five goals were scored by the Ricketts boys yesterday, with Adam grabbing the limelight and the match ball.

The win sucks Sheldon into the relegation battle. I think they'll be okay; they need one more win from their last five. Wolves will finish bottom or bottom but one if they win their last three and Zion lose all theirs. But who will accompany Wolves is the question. Maybe Zion with their Cup distractions.

DIVISION TWO

Selly Oak Methodist 3 Common Ground United 1

Selly Oak took a big step closer to their first ever proper trophy, with a win over their nearest rivals Common Ground. It could be pretty much over next week in Selly Oak win again. CGU would be only able to match their points and with them already six goals adrift, it would be as much as over.

Selly Oak's last three games don't look at all straight-forward though: Sandwell away next week, busting a gut for a top-three finish; then Corinthians, who may need the points to make Division Two football next year a certainty and lastly Chawn, who will have their Cup dilemma settled by then.

Sandwell United 4 Chawn Hill Church 2

Jason Jackson says: Our normal writer Mark Broome was missing today, so I thought I would attempt to write one. (Much appreciated-Ed).

We started brightly and Chawn knew that it probably was not going to be their day. They had forced a corner from the right which came in; we headed clear and it came again at pace I cleared it off the line and only as far as the Chawn Hill midfielder who hammered it from the edge of the box. Unfortunately for him Brave Matt Hammond had read the danger and got back on the line and let's just say took one for the team. From this scare we went up the other end after Mark Alsop won the ball and despatched a fine through ball to Aaron Morris who drilled it across the Chawn defensive line and it hit a defender and flew in.

Sandwell 1-0 up, from the restart we knew we would be in a game as tackles were flying in, fairly I add. The equaliser for Chawn came when Greg Jones got inbetween two defenders and jinked his way into the box and slotted past Kev 1-1. We began to ride our luck to be honest and myself, Stu, the impressive Ainsley and Spencer were all holding our own against a very pacey and skillfull front two of Chawn HT 1-1.

The second half started with us pushing up and taking the game to Chawn. We went close when Matty Hammond played in Dibble who fired first time at Alfie who made an instictive save. Chawn then pushed us up and Greg Jones got through. I got back and managed to put the ball out for the corner, from this corner, the Chawn Hill skipper headed goalwards and Stu Winters cleared off the line. It came back and I cleared off the line on to the bar, and Kev made a great save as well but got a whack on the head. From there we went down the other end earned a corner which came in and found Matt Hammond who jinked his way past a defender before being fouled and a penalty given. Up stepped Dibble to slot home 2-1. Straight from the restart Aaron took the ball off the Chawn defender and almost got a third for us but dragged his shot agonisingly wide. We were then awarded a free kick and Stu Winters put Aaron in and he squared for Luke who unselfishingly let the ball run to Matt who powered his shot past Alfie 3-1.

Wwe got our fourth not long after, direct from a corner when Matt H put it in a sublime cross straight in to the net, 4-1. Kev put a ball over the top and the Chawn defender pulled back Dibble. We thought he was last man and to be fair the ref sensibly just booked him. Chawn got their second via route one after Alfie smashed it up field and the striker got in to make it 4-2.

Special mention to Ainsley who was awesome at Left back and Matt Hammond for his goals and Stu Winters who cleared off the line at least four times, great team performance and cheers to Dave Broome who although he is injured comes every week to cheer us on. Great game today and well officiated, good luck to Chawn in the Cup, big game next week vs Selly Oak and I know we are already up for that one.

Corinthians SK 1 Brierley Hill AOG 0

Corinthians bounce back from their heavy defeat last week with a solid performance that will probably secure their Division Two status for next season. Tom Bird adds: A superb come-back for us after last week's shocker.

Brierley Hill are in deep trouble though. They needed to win that one if they are to stay in Division Two. It's not over yet but the fat lady is warming up. Next week's game against St Matthew's is critical. MBD United were voted in as a Division Two team at the AGM, so whilst it needs ratification by the Management Committee, they may count as one of the three in the relegation zone.

St Matthew's 3 Living Hope Church 3

The bigger picture for these two sides doesn't look too pretty but I'm sure they had a great game on Saturday, which in my opinion is what it's all about. Living Hope are looking favourites to drop back down and as it stands may collect the wooden spoon.

DIVISION THREE

Pye Green Towers 2 Monyhull Church 1

These two sides sign off the Division Three season with a result to form. John Millist says that his Monyhull side were very unlucky. I think they will improve next season after a difficult first year.

Pye Green may be a bit disappointed with their fifth place but they continue to improve. If we drop back a couple of seasons, it was Pye Green who finished second from bottom.

Revival Fires 3 Maple Leaf Rovers 1

An Aaron Lloyd hat-trick seals three points for Revival and sixth place for his team. It also consigned Maple Leaf to an ignominious start to life in WMCFL. Both sides will hope for better next year.

Deanery Links Five-a-Side Competition

Simon French says: The Deanery Links Five-a-Side football competition is to be held again on 19 May. Teams can comprise all ranges of ages, please see attached for details.

Application Form

Saturday Review

Rowley College 500

Pete Bennett says: Please forgive the slightly extended nature of this report but we today celebrated even more than a fine win over St Mary's: today was our 500th competitive match! Over twenty and a half years, 173 players have pulled on the Rowley shirt (a coat of many colours) in ‘earnest’ and I’d like to dedicate today’s win to all of them (with a special thought for Adam Rose [17apps, 2gls] RIP). I think I’ve missed 19 games over that period largely on family duties and have witnessed two relegations, two promotions, a league title, second division title, two cup finals (one a win!): it’s been emotional. It was fitting today that another excellent result was secured by a terrific performance from our all-time chart-topper Mark Southall (who has followed his debut in 1992 with 340apps and 91gls) and watched by three lads who played in the first game on 7/9/91 (Mike {30apps, 3gls], myself [163apps,1gl] and Alun Inett [302, 46] and the captain of all of our successful sides Johnny Warr [179,39]. It was also fitting that the game was against St Mary’s with whom we’ve always had such great (and close) encounters.

Today was no different with the result very much in doubt to the very end when Olly [191, 30] cleared off the line. Though down to only a starting 11 (which was a factor as the game wore on), St Mary’s were much stronger today than earlier in the season. They took an early lead when our excellent keeper Lee [69,0] had to leave his line to intercept a throughball and the ball was cut back and their lad finished smartly. We were slow to start though Mark Turton’s return to the fold [17, 0] in place of the injured Stew Harvey [184, 31] was welcome and Sammy Nelson [44,11] was looking good up top.

The game was turned by today’s captain Leon [34,34]. Firstly his powerful shot was deflected past their despairing keeper. Then he created a goal out of nothing, chasing down John Myatt and then rifling past the keeper. Still St Mary’s kept at us and Lee made a couple of good saves: they were fluent going forward and that Ian Coleman is ‘a bit of a player’!

Craig [60, 34] came on just after half time and had an immediate impact against a tiring team but we failed to emerge from a period of dominance any better off and paid the penalty when a defence splitting ball was expertly finished to leave it at 2-2. Thereafter both teams thought they might win it but Olly Staien did with a hook into the top corner that gave their keeper no chance. Good ref today and a good game of football. Not sure we’ll make another 500!

Dave Bignell adds: When Pete phoned me mid-week I knew I was scratching around for 11 fit (ish) players. When he told me it was their 500th game I knew they’d turn up with a full squad. I’ve questioned the level of commitment that we’ve shown generally this season, but I couldn’t question the determination and desire that the 11 who played showed on Saturday.

We took an early lead through Tom Locke, only to give it away sloppily by not defending a corner properly. We created a few more chances only for Rowley to capitalise on a sloppy pass and hit us on the break. Half time came and I felt we could genuinely win the game, even with tired legs. Alex Blackshaw and Ian Coleman started to run things and teamed up to draw us level. A couple more chances went begging only for a speculative hook to put Rowley back in the lead. With 10 minutes left we found another gear (from where I don’t know) and Aaron Jones, Matt Bignell and Tom Locke all went agonizingly close, and Jon Wynn had a header blocked on the line with the last kick of the game.

In all, I thought we deserved at least a point but it wasn’t to be and it seems that mid table is the best we can hope for this season. We find ourselves looking forward to next year already! Congratulations to Rowley and their 500 games. I’m not sure whether that will ever be equalled or bettered.

League Cup Quarter Finals

All Saints Olympic 4 Sheldon 1

All Saints breezed into the quarter-finals of the Cup with a convincing score at home to Sheldon. All Saints have not had easy teams to play, knocking out CC Sporting from Division One, then Selly Oak who probably will be in Division One next season and then Sheldon, who are also a mid-table Division One side.

They face Zion Athletic, last season's beaten finalists in the semis and I'm sure will fancy their chances.

Amblecote 1 Zion Athletic 2

Simon Ashby says: It is hard to believe that having been in Division One for so long, we have never reached a Cup Final, but once again we have succumbed to a combination of crazy factors that prevented us having our big night out.

To be honest, in this game we didn't bottle it as we have in previous years, we actually played very well, fought well, created chances and restricted Zion to very few chances but one poor decision and an own goal in extra-time cost us dearly.

For 70 minutes it felt like we were so comfortable, we were 1-0 up after a good header from Sam Crook in the first half and our goalkeeper Stu hadn't really seen the ball. Zion looked to be struggling to get a foothold in the game. But then came the pivotal moment which changed the whole momentum of the tie when an inswinging free-kick looked to be heading out before our gaffer Jadon knocked the ball away with this fist and the referee had to give the penalty out of nothing. To be fair after the game he was absolutely gutted as it was one of these moments where every other player stops and asks 'did that really happen' but football does drive you crazy sometimes and Zion converted the penalty to make it 1-1 and sent it into extra-time.

Suddenly Zion looked more threatening and for the 20 minutes that followed, the goal and the first period of extra-time they were better than us which culminated in the winning goal.

Zion got a free-kick and although I didn't hear the conversations the players said the referee asked Leon from Zion whether he wanted it quickly or for the wall to go back, he said the wall but as our wall marched back he whipped a quick free-kick in and it deflected off Jon and agonisingly bounced over the line. That said the Ref had a good game, so responsibility falls to us for totally switching off at the back.

To say we are gutted is an under-statement. But this is why we love football because its crazy sometimes and throws up moments we will be talking about for years.

Well done to Jal and Zion, always a really close fought game and best of luck to them in the Semi-Finals. Would be great to see them lift the trophy.

City Church 3 Chawn Hill Church 3 (Chawn won after extra-time and penalties 4-2)

Ian MacDonald says: City had required penalties to overcome a second division side (Living Hope) earlier in the competition but this time they were to lose on penalties to a second division side. The early exchanges were fairly even but it was the visitors who took the lead when a left footed free kick was swung in from the right hand side of the box and found its way into the net. City were stung by this set-back and equalised when Jonny Bithell brilliantly controlled a pass from Dave Cooper and smashed the ball home. At this point City would have been hoping to take control of the game but Chawn Hill hit the front again as a ball down the middle resulted in the visiting forward lobbing the ball over Chris Chattaway in the City goal.

Chawn added a third early in the second half with a breakaway goal. City showed fine fighting spirit in the second half to draw level. Firstly, Obi thrashed the ball home after Chawn Hill had failed to clear a corner. Then, with time running out, Olly Thorp scored the equaliser after some tremendous close control by Obi. City hoped to use the momentum they had built up to win the game in extra time but it was Chawn Hill who created the closest chance of the extra time period when Chattaway was called upon to claw out a header from close range. Chawn came out winners from the resulting penalty shoot-out and now progress to face Clarendon.

Sandwell United 0 Clarendon 3

Mark Broome reports: A super game of football between the two teams today in a great cup tie. We started with one of our strongest teams after patching up the injured! and knew that if we were going to do anything in the game we had to score first. We all started brightly and went for Clarendon who some how kept the ball out. First Dibble on the turn, then Stu hit a half volley just wide, closely followed by a good effort from Theo which went just wide. Then came a bit of a killer blow. Clarendon were awarded a penalty and took a 1-0 lead against the run of play. We continued to knock on the Clarendon door and Matt (who was fantastic today) hit a super 30 yard effort which hit the cross bar. 1-0 half-time.

The second half continued in much the same fashion for the first 15 minutes, with nothing between the two teams. Then, sadly for us Theo and Dave went off with injuries and our shape went a little. A loose ball in the middle of the park gave the ball to Clarendon and with some of our defence out of position this lead to Everton Morrison have a one on one with Kev and he finished very well, as you would expect. The game became a little streched after this with both teams having chances, but still quite even. In the last few minutes Clarendon hit us on the break and Everton Morrison completed a deserved hat-trick.

All the best to Clarendon, who are not just a fantastic team but all really nice guys who play the game in the right spirit, giving 100% every week and play with a smile! They were are a great example for all teams to follow. We can take heart that for most of the game there was nothing between the teams. Clinical finishing and fitness two things for us to work on. Well done every one for a super team performace today. Four games left now to try and give games to members of the squad who haven't played much this season.

DIVISION ONE

Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 1 Halesowen Zion 4

Richard Webster says: I have little to say today, we conceded the first goal in the first half before Frenchy equalised with a finish from the edge of the area.

Despite creating a number of chances, we couldn’t find the goals required in answer to the three Halesowen second half goals. We have four games left where we need to dig something out to finish the season well, whatever our final league position.

Grant Doran adds: The first 20 minutes were very good from Halesowen and we pretty much dominated with good passing and several half chances coming our way. We took the lead through a cracking left foot shot from Boyley, running onto a through ball and sending it high into the left top hand corner. Rather than kick on we took our foot off the gas and Wolves took advantage putting us under sustained pressure. They equalised through a good shot from the edge of the box after the forward had held off the defence and chested the ball down to his midfielder.

Half time 1-1 and it was a pretty even game. However the second half was a different story as we pressed right from the kick-off to get back in front. After several chances that we wasted Gaz made sure glancing a header into the far corner of the net after he lost his marker from a corner. Wolves did have a few chances but they were more half chances rather than clear cut. We extended our lead when Alex rifled home from the edge of the box after a corner was only half cleared, with the keeper unsighted. Possibly the pick of the goals was Dan Carver's effort to make it 4-1 late in the game. He carried the ball up the left wing before cutting inside the full back and centre half and bending the ball into the far corner leaving the keeper with no chance.

Overall a pretty comfortable game for us today and a further three points on the board. Next week we entertain Clarendon before a few weeks off whilst others catch up with games played.

DIVISION TWO

Bournbrook Athletic 3 Selly Oak Methodist 3

Massimiliano Tully says: A great game of football today, a tough tackling derby and a true game of two halves.

The first half was dominated by Bournbrook with Selly Oak for the first 20 minutes barely able to get out of their own half, around this time we scored our first goal after some nice football Leo Salter spread the play to Jake Fowler who buried from the edge of the box into the roof of the net. We were then soon two up after a scramble the ball fell to Sean ‘kebab meat’ Boughton (LOL-Ed) whose deflected shot fortunately found the bottom corner. Selly Oak began looking more dangerous towards the end of the half but nothing of note. On the stroke of half time I made it 3-0 with a 25 yard free kick after it was well won by Taz. Half Time 3-0 Bournbrook and some of our best play of the season, the midfield four today of myself, David James, Sean Boughton and Jake Fowler can match any team in any division, the defence was water tight and strikers linked well.

Second half was all change, Selly Oak came out with purpose and had us under pressure from the start, the ball spent most of its time in our half with us only looking to counter, soon in they had their incentive after a scrambled goal off a corner. Not long after they had another this time from a scramble off a free kick. By this time we were feeling the pressure and after the midfield four was disrupted by substitutions we looked unbalanced. Inevitably we conceded the equaliser off yet another scramble this time from a cross. The most frustrating thing about conceding off the set pieces is we are a tall team and they’re not. Anyway as we entered the final five, I sent Chris Price through one on one with the keeper but his lifted shot went just wide. The last chance of the game however fell to Selly out with their striker Laurence hitting the crossbar from 6 yards and then a Brave Sam Bradshaw header snuffed out the follow up. Selly Oak played a great second half and to be fair to them we were fortunate to finish with 11. However that can’t take away from a great game played in the right way. I hope they win the league and good luck to them in Div 1.

Common Ground United 4 St Matthew's 1

Division Two continues to entertain us innocent bystanders, frustrate managers and defy the odds. CGU dialled themselves back into the title race by beating St Matthew's with a sound 4-1 result as Selly Oak rescue a point from their derby with Bournbrook.

Next week is the big cruncher as CGU visit Selly Oak. A win for Selly Oak would give them one hand on the Division Two winner's trophy, a win for CGU would leave it wide open, neck and neck. And don't forget Chawn, they are pace behind the leaders and a draw would suit them fine. Chawn visit Sandwell next week. Three points is a must for Chawn but should Sandwell win, they are back in for a shot at third place and Division One?

Rockmount United 0 Renewal Solihull 3

A snappy 3-0 win for Solihull surely sures Division Two football for them, and probably confines Rockmount to accompany them next year too. Should Rockmount lose their last two Division Two games and Solihull win theirs, then Solihull will finish fifth.

Brierley Hill AOG 5 Corinthians SK 2

Brierley Hill were handed a lifeline yesterday with a result that revives the dead horse they've been flogging since Christmas called Division Two survival. Sometimes the league table can give a distorted picture when clubs have games to make up. Only time will tell. I think that Brierley Hill need three wins from their last seven games: possible?

Next week Corinthians away....hmmmm. My prediction: The loser gets relegated.

DIVISION THREE

Monyhull Church 0 St Thomas Aldridge 3

There's a cliche that goes 'It's still mathematically possible'. And I'm going to use it here: It's still mathematically possible for Dynamo Kingswinford to come second. But it's not going to happen. Firstly, they need to beat St Thomas (possible) and then make up the rest of the 25 goal deficit in their match with Beacon (unlikely).

So we'll put the Champagne on ice until the fat lady sings, but in all probability St Thomas will finish second.

Well done lads. And Bon Accord to Dynamo.

Beacon Church 0 Revival Fires 4

Revival win the battle for seventh spot with a 4-0 victory over Beacon with goals from Aaron Lloyd, Adam Brophy, Terry Shaw and Scott Alcock.

Secondary Cup

I have now received the fixtures for our secondary or charity cup, which I'll be posting shortly.

I did suggest to the Management Committee that we should perhaps think of a proper name for it. In absence of objections to my suggestion, it will now be called the Jubilee 60 Cup.

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

Zion Athletic 2 Clarendon 4

Clarendon press on towards their goal of achieving their fifth Division One title. And whilst there are three other clubs in close proximity, I cannot see them tripping up sufficiently to get overtaken. Despite Zion Athletic never having much luck against Clarendon, and their lowly league position at present, they still are a decent side. Coupled with the fact that it was Clarendon who beat them in the League Cup Final last season, there was sufficient motivation for Zion to up their game yesterday. But Clarendon took the points and look unstoppable.

City Church 2 Amblecote 1

Simon Ashby says: A really hard-fought game today, where both teams battled very well but City prevailed after a couple of early goals, which always meant their noses were in front, despite an even contest.

It was a terrible start for us, when from a set-piece, an unmarked City player headed towards goal. Stu pulled off a stunning save onto the bar but the ball eventually broke to City striker Obi, who prodded in from a yard out.

City then extended their lead before we even got going. CC Sporting player, Tim Fellows, always tells me epic stories of good players from the old days and he assures me that City winger Jason Garwood was one of the better players from that era, and to be honest, he wasn't too bad today, as we found today. He picked the ball up on the right wing, cut in past three Amblecote players to curl in from the edge of the box. A very good goal, avoidable but good nonetheless.

After this goal, on 15 minutes, we played an excellent game. City didn't create loads of chances and in the middle of the park it was a real tussle, with challenges flying in fairly and strongly. At times it felt like it was a 0-0 game and we both were waiting to find a breakthrough, the trouble for us was those first 15 minutes were City had taken control.

So into the second half and there were not many chances at either end until about 10 minutes from the end when City began to break and went close quite a few times. Perhaps the difference today, is that we didn't have a single shot on goal until the 89th minute. We managed to nick a consolation in injury-time when Al smashed home from a corner, but we never really looked like scoring up until that point.

Mention to our midfield three Beechy, Al and Sparky today who gave great performances and at times out muscled a strong physical City team.

Overall I would take this performance 8 out of 10 times as we played really well. But we will need to not make the little mistakes and start creating more chances if we are to progress in the Cup and avoid relegation.

Martin Ogbourn adds: Today was another fiercely competitive game throughout and we knew it would be a difficult game. In the past three seasons there has only ever been one goal difference in games between the sides. However, sometimes a scoreline accurately reflects a game and on other occasions it does scant justice to the balance of play. In terms of chances today there was no contest as City could have been out of sight inside the first 15 minutes, and it was not until the 91st minute that Chattaway in the City goal had a serious save to make.

Unlike the past two matches City started with good intent. The first goal came in the opening minutes with a goalmouth scramble (which must have come off about ten different players!) as the ball ricocheted around the area before Obi poked it home. The second should have followed after good City pressure created further chances from both open play and set plays. Obi could have had a hat-trick before the 'massed ranks of spectators' had taken their seats (well I counted about 12 standing at one point anyway!). The lead was doubled from the left foot of Garwood. It was a goal of the season candidate from a curling finish after a strong run. Amblecote were physical and competitive and recovered well after City's strong start (HT 2-0).

The second half was a battle and possession was shared. City could not find the third goal despite creating enough attacking opportunities. Both teams defended well and credit must be given to the resilience of Amblecote. It was a very solid defensive display from City and it looked like a deserved clean sheet would be the outcome. However, in injury time Amblecote brought Chattaway into action with a good save. From the resulting corner another scramble lead to Amblecote scoring with the last kick of the game.

Conrad's 90s retro green kit saw a reappearance today as Amblecote sported their new blue kit with players' names printed on the back. Despite this disparity in clothing style City produced some good passing play despite the swirling wind. Chattaway and Sheppard looked back to their commanding best at the back.

The league title race is in Clarendon's hands, but we won't give up our title without a fight as we were 8 points behind with 5 games to go last year! We take a break from the league next week as we look forward to another tough encounter v high flying, Chawn Hill in the cup.

CC Sporting 3 Sheldon 1

Shawn Devonport says: Another day with all the elements thrown at us, Heavy rain and a wind on arrival then beaming sunshine come the end!

Our last five games have ended 3-0, 4-4, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, so the 4-4 aside we had really hit a purple patch not conceding many goals after 6-0 and 6-1 defeats earlier on in October. Today was very similar to most of the previous wins with us being in a tight game until we got the first goal.

First half was a tight affair with both teams misfiring in front of goal, Joe missing two one on ones for us, Dormer and Pete forcing the Sheldon keeper into a few routine stops and one move which seemed to see the ball pi- ball around the box for 20 seconds. At the other end, Sheldon had just as many chances with George Stokes missing a few great opportunities firing just wide or over. Half time 0-0.

We felt we were playing within ourselves a little not playing to our strengths and we started the second half with purpose. Joe went close twice and Martin fired just wide so it was a better start to the half but Sheldon got back into it slowly and before we knew it we were back to a very even tight affair. 65 minutes were up and we opened the scoring: a very simple move, Pete found me out wide I slid In Greg who poked the ball past the advancing keeper. Sheldon went at us then and it was in the balance. We were countering well and they were throwing everything at us. We got the vital second on 80 minutes. Dan's goal kick found Pete, one touch to Dormer who slid a fantastic ball through and Martin Woodall finished well; another fantastic team move. We got a third late on when Dormer got played in by Martin Woodall, Dormer squared and I tapped in from close range. That was my first shot of the game, testament to how well the Sheldon centre back played (Josh Lea) who I must say is a fantastic player. Sheldon got a deserved consolation late on with a good left footed finish.

Another good win for us, Steve was immense at centre half with Benham and Dormer was back to his best in the centre of the park with another man of the match performance! Martin Woodall and Greg took their goals well and had good games and Pete was instrumental in our good moves. Sheldon had as many chances today, we just looked that bit more clinical, Powell and Lea both having fantastic games for Sheldon.

St Mary's 3 Wolves and Perton 2

Rich Webster says: Each week I have tried to lift the positives from our games, but the score lines have made it difficult. This week especially, I want to know who in the team has run over the black cat, because it seems that someone has decided to amuse themselves at our expense!

For the third successive week we started the game like a train, one up in the first ten minutes after a neat interchange of passes saw Steve finish with aplomb. As with every other game, we sat back too much and let St Mary's get a second wind and bring the game to us. A disallowed goal and sharp save from an unmarked header kept us ahead at half time and perhaps I am being a little harsh, as we did create chances but were unable to capitalise.

About half way through the first half, a strong wind developed at our backs and was against us for much of the second half. St Mary's came out for the second half determined to get back in the game and we appeared to fall back to deep, with the wind pushing us back. The equaliser came after around 10 minutes, with the ball falling to the St Mary's player to finish with a neat curling shot into the far post.

We appeared to be out on our feet as St Mary's pressed home their advantage and a foul 25 yards out gave them a chance. The free kick was swung in and having not taken heed of the warning in the first half, the St Mary's player rose unmarked to head home. The really disappointing thing was our keeper slipping on the muddy surface at the crucial moment, when the headed ball was straight at him and the despairing dive as he tried to regain his feet was not enough.

Two changes were made to get fresh legs on, with Jason and Jim who had covered a lot of ground and created a lot of pressure on the St Mary's defence, giving way for Sean and Ollie. We seemed to get a second wind and improved our play, with a couple of one on ones going begging. An equaliser came from a corner, whipped in for Steve to head home from close range to level the scores again.

This led to a manic last five minutes, with St Mar'ys again taking the lead. An inswinging corner caught the wind and I don’t know if it went straight in or was bundled in at the back post, but once again we felt that there had been a push on our defender that was unfortunately not spotted.

We didn’t give up and pushed again for the equaliser, getting a penalty in the last couple of minutes. I think that it was given for hand ball against the St Mary's defender, where the ball definitely struck his hand but, to be fair it did not appear deliberate. Unfortunately we were unable to convert to level the scores again and a minute later the game was over.

Again we need to look at our set piece defending, as I think that this has been a downfall for us this year but I take heart from the fact that we are still taking the game to teams, creating chances and competing well.

King's AFC 2 Halesowen Zion 2

I think that Halesowen have done enough now to retain their Division One status, now on 22 points. Mid-table is their most likely finish, whatever they turn out in their remaining games.

For King's, the struggle to survive goes on. With just three wins from their fifteen completed games, it's not looking good.

DIVISION TWO

Division Two served up the shocks and thrills again. It really has been the one to watch this year.

Selly Oak Methodist 4 Rockmount United 2

Selly Oak took another step towards promotion back to Division One, with a good win against a decent Rockmount side. As the year goes on, it looks more and more likely that Rockmount will consolidate their position in the league, rather than press on to the next division. Maybe next year.

Selly Oak will need to do a few more laps before they see the chequered flag, but a podium is not far off a certainty. Two wins from their last five games will do the trick.

Corinthians SK 2 Common Ground United 1

A great win for Corinthians sticks a spanner in the works for CGU. Sometimes, it can be hard to run a club, struggling for results and days like Saturday make it all worthwhile. I'm sure that it was quite a game. But I was not the only one with raised eyebrows as this result, along with several other in Division Two came through.

For CGU, all is not lost. They remain as one of the strong contenders for promotion and maybe the Division Two title.

Chawn Hill Church 2 Living Hope Church 5

Steve Farley says: After a long losing streak LHC were back on track with a deserved success. With a makeshift defence and Josh having to go in goal I was fearing the worst until somebody reminded me that the last time we had a makeshift defence was the last time we won! The early exchanges were quite even but we had to wait 25 minutes for our first meaningful chance when Jahmal made a good run from defence but nobody managed to direct his cross towards goal. Chawn took the lead on the half hour mark but we only had to wait five minutes to get back on level terms when a Webby free kick from 25 yards found its way inside the far post. After that LHC came more into the game and the half time team talk was pretty upbeat. Half time 1-1.

The second half saw LHC take control and on 50 minutes we took the lead. Webby's long throw was flicked into his own net by a Chawn defender but Chrissy T claimed he got a touch on the ball as well so he gets credited with the goal. Straight after that Ashley miscontrolled the ball in a one on one on the keeper then seconds later Callum nearly scored into an empty net only for the stranded keeper to stick out a foot and block his shot. For the next ten minutes it was all LHC. Ashley nearly scored from another one on one but hit the ball straight at the keeper then Lee skyed the rebound. On 57 minutes the ref awarded us a penalty when Ashley was pushed over in the area. Bob converted but it's a good job he put some power behind his shot because the keeper got a hand to it.

In the 64th minute Ashley scored his first goal in Living Hope colours when he rounded the keeper on the left of the box and crossed the ball into the net just beating Bob who was following up. In the 78th minute Chawn were awarded a penalty for a push in the back and it was 2-4. LHC then survived a Chawn revival when one of their forwards beat our keeper Josh to a loose ball only to hit the post and Jahmal headed clear. LHC then sealed the game in the 80th minute when some good chasing down from Lee saw Jase take the ball forward in acres of space who then unselfishly squared the ball to Ashley for a simple tap in past the stranded keeper. Really pleased with the lads display. This win may come too late to save us from the drop but at least we have shown what we are capable of and we look forward to the secondary cup.

Finally I would like to thank the officials. They were all very young and even adding their combined ages together I was sadly still older than them! Can we please support these young lads as they learn the game because without them parks football would be ruined. Thank you. (Hear, hear!-Ed).

Sandwell United 0 Bournbrook Athletic 1

Mark Broome says: A mid-table clash on a nice spring day at Lion Farm. Both teams looked to notch a few more points ready for another season in Division Two next season. Things started badly for us yesterday with Dibble running over Aaron's bike on the car park and Jay getting injured on a coat peg in the changing room. This coupled with Dave and Stu injured and a few new faces, we knew we were in for a hard game.

Bournbrook started much the better, playing some good football. They took a deserved lead after an error in defence lead to a simple tap in for the Bournbrook manager. After this the game had a similar pattern to it. Bournbrook played some good football but we created the better chances. Man of the Match, Max Tully hit the post for Bournbrook late on, but this was after several chances for us had been missed. Not one of our better games by a long stretch with only a few players putting in a good shift, Jay and Matt especially.

Next week we take on Clarendon in the Cup and with several players injured. If we can keep that one respectable I think we'll be happy. As for our league position, fifth would be good considering we only came up in fourth place from Division Three last season. We done to the ref and linesmen today. They did well considering Pye Green were playing on the next pitch in the same colours as Bournbrook. I'm sure at one point we were given on offside decision for a Pye Green player! All great fun.

DIVISION THREE

St Thomas Aldridge 8 Beacon Church 0

Last week I said that St Thomas were steaming towards second spot and this week it was no different, only perhaps more so. A win next week against Monyhull will leave St Thomas in an almost unassailable position going into their last game with Dynamo, after DK dropped points. The job's all but done.

Revival Fires 2 Dynamo Kingswinford 2

Revival, on their day, despite their disappointing position in the league, can turn it on and are a match for sides much further up the league on their day. And so it proved on Saturday.

Second place is still possible but my money's now firmly on St Thomas. For Revival, it serves only as a reminder to what could have been.

Maple Leaf Rovers 1 Pye Green Towers 5

Pye Green have been in the league for three seasons now and have improved year on year. I now consider them to be one of the stronger sides in the division and I think will be up for promotion next season.

Maple Leaf are still finding their feet.

Cup Draws

With the Quarter-Finals of the League Cup taking place, the teams taking part will now know who to expect in the Semis.

City Church or Chawn Hill Church vs Sandwell United or Clarendon

All Saints Olympic or Sheldon vs Amblecote or Zion Athletic

And as promised, our secondary cup draw is as follows:

Group A: St Matthew's, All Saints, Charlemont Star, Common Ground.

Group B: Rockmount United, Living Hope Church, Monyhull Church, Pye Green Towers.

Group C: Revival Fires, Rowley College, Darkhouse, St Thomas.

Group D: Bournbrook Athletic, Renewal Solihull, Maple Leaf Rovers, Corinthians SK.

More details of the games will follow shortly.

Local Winners

All Saints recently won a seven-a-side tournament at the Pulse gym. The prize was a box at Old Trafford to see Man Utd vs Ajax.

Saturday Review

DIVISION ONE

Wolves and Perton 1 Clarendon 4

Another step towards the Division One crown for Clarendon as they cruise past Wolves, who appear to have taken another step towards the wooden spoon. Clarendon can afford to lose three games and still collect the title, so long as they win the other eight. They are only just averaging three goals a game but what they are doing is more than enough.

It can be a bit tough at the bottom, no-one likes losing every week but Wolves are making a fist of it. But if twenty points are required to keep a team up, they will need to win all but one. Ironically, Wolves were relegated with twenty-one one year.

Richard Webster adds: ‘What if’ is a phrase that is regularly used in football, especially at grass roots level and could be applied by us at regular intervals today. The positives were there for us, we had three subs for the first time in I don’t know how long and Clarendon arrived with a bare eleven.

We opened brightly, carving Clarendon open in the first minute, only for the usually reliable Luke to skew his shot wide. I think it was telling that the number of hands that went on heads was high, (where you only see this usually towards the end of the game), with the realisation that chances are few and far between at the moment.

From that point, Clarendon put us under sustained pressure, but we held out well and created a further chance that beat the keeper, only for the defender chasing back to clear in the six yard box. Clarendon then took the lead from a corner that seemed to hit their player at pace and zoom straight into the net. They then scored a second from a neat passing move.

At half time we talked about putting Clarendon under greater pressure in possession and again had a half chance as the second half opened.

The second half was more balanced, both teams having good periods of possession and pressure that could have lead to further scoring, but only Clarendon took advantage, scoring a further two well taken goals.

We did continue to pressurise the Clarendon goal and eventually our hard work was rewarded with a goal in the last five minutes, a fantastic cross from debutant Steve with a headed finish by Nat.

While another defeat is unwelcome, there were positives today that give us hope that if we could get a win under our belt we may be able to go on a bit of a run, but we need to do this soon if we are to finish the season positively.

Zion Athletic 2 City Church 4

Martin Ogbourn says: The contrast with last Saturday could not have been starker. Instead of howling wind, rain and hail we had idyllic early spring sunshine. However, City started as though they still had a hangover from last week's travails on a difficult surface. Indeed the whole of the first half was scrappy and there were few saves for either keeper to make in a tight battle. The most notable aspect was the almost record number of free-kicks (for niggly fouls rather than bad tackles as it wasn't a dirty game). City flashed a couple of speculative efforts wide (of City old boy, Louden in the Zion goal!), and it was Zion who took the lead. Half time 1-0.

It was certainly a game of 'two halves' as City started the second half with much more intensity and pace. City dominated possession and territory and got back into the game through a strong Cooper header after the pressure told. City then took the lead from a great drive through a crowded penalty area by Atkins. Even when Zion equalised against the run of play after about 70 minutes (I think Chattaway's first contribution of the half was to pick the ball out of the net!), City had the belief and character to fight back. Atkins 'scored' a spectacular overhead kick that was disallowed for offside. It was left to Obi and Yeo to win the game with sharp finishes in the penalty area. Other chances came and went, but it was a satisfactory City victory after last week's disappointment to record a 9th league win (and 12th in total this season).

Overall Atkins was man of the match, and Garwood played well in two positions (at once knowing him-Ed) which included an assist for the fourth goal. Stokes marshalled a revamped back four well. The strength and fitness of the squad was apparent today because there was a lot of personnel changes and we finished strongly. Everyone played their part including all the subs who encouraged and supported the team. Zion have good individual players and like all games in the first division it was a competitive, hard fought match. The referee was fair and also had a good game.

Sheldon 1 Rowley College 1

Steve Hughes says: In the absence of the normal correspondent Pete Bennett, I have put together a brief summary of events. Overall it was a fair result because both teams had the chances to win but for one reason or another the chances did not go in. The game was an open match with both sides playing attacking football. Rowley were without Leon, Christy and Stewart who all are influential players but it provided an opportunity for Sammy to make a start up front alongside Craig. Sammy had a first half header which cleared the bar and Nathan Hylton saw two long range efforts narrowly go wide of the target. Ben had the best chance in the first half but his goalbound effort was cleared by Sheldon.

Lee pulled off a great save to keep the score level and was generally at his best to deal with Sheldon forwards. Rowley had to defend deeply for a period before half time and the two sides went off at half time without any score.

Second half was similar with both teams seeking a goal. Sheldon struck the post early in the second period. Ben had a shot off target when put through one on one as the game went from end to end. Eventually Rowley got their noses in front when Sammy rounded off a fine move and slotted home. Craig was unlucky when fouled in a move which looked as if he could go on to score. Following a Sheldon corner they drew level when the ball failed to be cleared by Rowley's defence, although they claimed Lee was impeded but the goal stood. With time running out Sheldon had claims for a penalty turned away and neither team managed the winner. For Rowley I felt Olly Staien was the man of the match with a non-stop performance of running and challenging in midfield. Dave at the back was also very solid and gave reassurance to the back line.

Altogether it was a solid performance between two sides evenly matched on the day.

The match was played in good spirit and the referee allowed the game to flow without trying to brandish any cards.

Halesowen Zion 1 St Mary's 0

Saturday Review

After a winter punctuated with interruptions and pauses for weather and seasonal celebrations, we appear to be back on track. And then I woke to a covering of snow this morning! Both my sons managed their footballing activities today, so maybe the worst is past. Despite several comments to the contrary, I'm not the Genius of the Weather but nevertheless, the BBC website claims a balmy fifteen degrees this Thursday. Referees will manage to write in their notebooks without a thawing their fingertips.

The Secondary Cup is still under review and I think we may shortly make a decision. But at present Division One sides look doubtful participants.

DIVISION ONE

Clarendon 2 Halesowen Zion 1

Clarendon look set for a fifth League Title if the results continue to go their way. The points were in the bag after yesterday and so long as the wins keep coming, there'll be no stopping these lads. They certainly seem to have built in a bit of a safety net. Whilst there is only one point separating the top four, there's a gulf in games played, with Clarendon afforded a three match start on two of the three chasing.

For Halesowen, from the neutral's perspective and seeing nothing but the result, the outcome of yesterday's game should give them heart to push on for the rest of the season. Despite me writing them off at the start, they are almost safe.

Grant Doran adds: A great display from the lads today and we felt with some justification that we deserved more from the game. Clarendon are a good team and took their chances when they came but we were every bit there equal in today’s match except in the one thing that counts, the score. Both goals came from us gifting possession back to them so we are a little disappointed with that and at the other end with a little more luck we could have scored a couple on top of the one we did get. The keeper pulled off a great save high to his left to deny Matt, Alex clipped the outside of the post and they also cleared one off the line.

As I said despite losing we were very pleased with our efforts and should take real confidence into the remaining fixtures.

Pete Bennett says: That’s 11-11 then over the two games (and eleven goals is what City have conceded in the rest of their games)! The 5-7 reversal at their place set us back for a while, since despite the goalfest we were significantly outplayed: here we held our nerve and took another step forward. City remain a very good side and therefore a benchmark.

Once again the game was a rollercoaster and both sides deserve credit for the way they continued to attack for 90 minutes (though not always defend as well: it might have been 10-8!). We started brilliant with Stew harvey getting hold of midfield and Christy and Leon giving City plenty to think about. Within 10 minutes we were 2-0 up: Leon beat the offside trap and finished clinically and then from a long throw, flicked on, Nathan Wilkins forced home. Wilks then had a great chance to make it 3-0 but hit it wide with Leon well placed.

Suddenly the game began to change. Stew twisted his knee in a fair 50:50 challenge with their full back and as we tried to reorganise, City took full advantage: firstly allowing almost the smallest man in our box to head in from a corner, then conceding a penalty when sub Stanton tangled with Atkins (we argued about it but hands were laid on their forward and later the ref gave us a similar one!). Dan Atkins tucked the pen away and all of our early work was undone. Still City came and were on top, taking a 3-2 lead from a smart header. Then captain Christy limped off and our day seemed to be going from bad to worse. However this brought Craigy to the fray: unlucky not to start and with plenty to show the manager. One of his first contributions was to score the equaliser, beating their keeper in a race to the ball. Their keeper then thwarted Leon in a 1-on-1. Half time 3-3.

Calming words from Mark brought us positively into the second half and he led by example at centre half. The game was very much in the balance for 43 of the next 45 minutes, though I feel we had the better of it, causing them more discomfort, though marvelling also at their resilience. A penalty from Leon gave us a 4-3 lead and we looked pretty good though the introduction of Obi hardly helped! In deteriorating conditions all 22 players were fully committed, yet there was genuinely hardly a bad tackle and certainly no need for an excellent ref (Alex Shaw) to use his cards. Their equaliser was a cracker: unstoppable from the edge of the box. I think there were 15 or so to go when I threw on new signing Tommy Morris to replace the tiring Ben Fowler. Within two minutes Tom popped up edge of the box, stepped inside their centre half and crashed a shot which even though their keeper got his feet to it, nevertheless looped over his head. And still they came with Southall drawing on all of his experience to rally a back four with Joe and Chris and Matt and the dogged workrates of Olly and Hylts. The hail came and finally Leon broke free, rolled in a sixth, his hat trick and put it to bed. A very satisfying morning but all credit to Martin and his lads!

Martin Ogbourn adds: The bare facts of the contest were that 10 goals were scored in a seesaw thriller (It is 11-11 in the two games between the sides and we have only conceded 11 in the other 11 games!). There was driving rain, wind and hail as both teams fought to a standstill. The scoring went as follows; 1-0, 2-0 (Rowley), 2-1 (Atkins), 2-2 (Garwood), 2-3 (Atkins pen), 3-3 (half time). 4-3 (Rowley), 4-4 (Thomas), 4-5 (Rowley pen), 6-4 (last minute, Rowley).

There were goals galore, goalmouth scrambles, penalties, strong tackles, some skilful play and shambolic defending on show. Credit to Rowley who defended bravely in the second half even when we pushed about eight up front towards the end of the game (after we went for broke and got caught on the break for the umpteenth time to finish us off).

Today City were very poor defensively as a team and there are no excuses. We were simply incapable of stopping or defending balls over the top or through balls. Rowley finished their chances well, were physically strong and showed good movement. We did hit a post late on and balls were flying around the penalty area. Maybe a draw would have been a fair result, but then the same could have been said about the previous fixture that City won.

Offensively, we played well and created enough opportunities to have made the game secure (scoring four away from home should have been enough!). Atkins kept his scoring streak going, Bithell came into the game well, Thomas scored the goal of the match, and Thorpe and Cooper put in a hard shift. Defeats happen and we did keep going until the final whistle. We win and lose as a team. City will regroup and bounce back by concentrating on next Saturday versus a resurgent Zion. There's a lot more water to go under the bridge yet.

CC Sporting 4 Wolverhampton and Perton Churches 1

Shawn Devonport says: Finally some football today!!! All though I'm sure it took our guys 45 minutes to realise we were playing this week! Today had all the ingrediants for a slip up: three players missing, one having to come off injured at half time and Dormer playing when advised not to and add to that a very determined Wolves & Perton team who were there early, got a good warm up and simply wanted it more for the first 45 minutes.

I dont think we were awful first half but just lacked fight. Maybe we were rusty or complacent but we still missed a few good chances with Rich making a few good stops and still tried to knock it about. Wolves got the ball down better and simply wanted it more, something we have done well of late but not first half today! Wolves took the lead when a cross was converted with a fantastic volley and for periods they looked like adding to it but seemed to miss the target or shoot a little to bit to far out; we were the opposite at times trying to walk it in. 1-0 half time and a deserved Wolves lead.

Despite pressure at half time, I decided to stick with the 4-5-1 and try and get the ball down and out wide and after 10 scrappy minutes we started to turn the screw. I think Wolves clicked self destruct a little and we raised it, the pressure of being bottom probably did for Wolves today. We got level when Martin Woodhall picked out Dormer who squared to leave me with a tap in. The second came five minutes later when another Dormer ball (at this point he could barely run!) played Joe in who got his second in two games and then we hit a third soon after when Pete turned excellently and finished beutifully! We got a contraversial fourth, Burford got an excellent header which Rich saved excellently and as he turned back we collided and I was left with a tap in. I fully expected the goal not to be given as usually when you touch a keeper a foul is given but the linesman deemed no foul. It didn't really have any bearing on the final result but I'm sure it will be bought up at the next comittee meeting!

We showed great character to get three points today and carry on our excellent run on (four wins and a draw) but I felt it was harsh on Wolves who are in no way a bottom of the table team. I think the pressure of needing wins didn't help them second half today. No game again next week so we sit back and hope for some more slip ups. Second place now seems a real possibility. Well done to Rowley on another win today, they have come up and given a great account of themselves.

Rich Webster adds: I think Mother Nature threw everything at us today: a strong gusting wind blew down the pitch all game, it rained a bit, then it rained a bit harder and finally decided to accompany the last few minutes with hail, which saw both teams and the officials exit the pitch at top pace at the final whistle!

The game itself was very close for 70 minutes. We came off at the end of the first half one up, from a cross Steve threw himself in the air to complete a superb waist high volley. While we had to defend well at times, we had the majority of the play and came off at half time agreeing that we had probably played our best half of football for some time and needed to keep going. However, the nagging feeling was that we probably didn’t make the best of our chances in the first half.

This proved to be the case and while we held out for 15-20 minutes, once Shawn scored the equaliser from a low cross, we seemed to give in to the inevitable.

A second came from a finish into the far corner after the offside trap on the edge of the 18 yard line was broken. The third was probably Sporting’s best goal as their player seemed to turn five or six times before despatching the shot into the net. The fourth was disputed, where the ball was tipped onto the bar by our goalie despite a push in the back which wasn’t spotted by the officials and dropped for a finish from two/three yards. To be fair to the referee, he did discuss the situation with the linesman, but neither had seen it and that was that.

To be honest, we know that it is highly unlikely that we will get out of the relegation spot with only seven games to go, but we need everyone to keep turning up each week, play each game to the best of our ability, give 100% as a minimum and most importantly try to enjoy each game.

St Mary's 3 Amblecote 2

Three points for St Mary's leaves them top of the mid-table bunch. They also have bit of catching up to do in the games played column and so when this is made up, the gap between the top four and the rest may well have compressed. They'll be pleased with the three points in what sounds like a typically close encounter between these two sides.

A little disappointing for Amblecote though, they were faring well.

Dave Bignell adds: Considering the spring-like weather we’d had in the week, Saturday's conditions were the polar opposite. Howling gales and a hail storm turned our game against Amblecote into a battle against the elements as well as the opposition. Amblecote played the first half with the wind and spent much of the game camped in our half. They took the lead through a well placed header from Jadon about mid-way through the first half. Ian Coleman then won and converted (just about) a penalty after a mazy run which has been a trademark of his season so far. Five minutes later, Amblecote were ahead again scoring, with the assistance of the wind, directly from a corner.

Second half and the wind was at our advantage. For a while anyway. Coleman won himself a freekick just outside the area and curled it in to the top corner. Level, we thought we could push home the advantage the wind was giving us and go for the win. Cue the sudden change in wind direction and a driving hailstorm. Never before have I seen 22 players and everyone on the sidelines facing in the same direction! The pitch became a mudbath, the football became just as messy. To be fair on Amblecote, they played the better football but chances for both sides were limited. In the dying minutes a shot come cross from Shaun Green took a deflection and looped over the keeper. It was probably going to take something like that from either side to pick up all three points.

I think a draw would have been a fair result and everyone came off the pitch saying it was a great game. I always like playing Amblecote as its physical but fair, and I’d rather be marking Jadon than having him mark my forwards as in my opinion. Amblecote are one of the best teams in the league when he plays at the back.

Good luck to them for the rest of the season.

King's AFC 2 Zion Athletic 5

A good result for Zion Athletic, with their five goals from five players, always a good sign. Zion needed this win to move them away from the relegation zone and given the two sides' position in the table, one would have though the result may have been tighter.

King's are in for a scrap if they are to save their Division One status though. At present they are arrowing towards a Division Two berth next year.

DIVISION TWO

Common Ground United 4 Living Hope Church 2

Another good result for CGU edges them closer to the top division. Yesterday's opponents were Living Hope, who are badly in need of a win and look destined for the drop at the current rate of knots. Like Zion Athletic, CGU are not relying on one or two players to score their goals; plenty of people are chipping in.

The top of Division two has spread just a little but still remains on a knife-edge. There are some key games to play, no less than this week-end coming.

Selly Oak Methodist 4 Renewal Solihull 1

A sound win for Selly Oak keeps their return to Division One on track and stops Solihull's good run in its tracks. Selly Oak need to win their game in hand by a good margin if they are to make up the ground on CGU but if they keep on ticking off the wins they will be up there come May.

For Solihull, they could do with another win to make things safe.

Chawn Hill Church 5 Brierley Hill AOG 2

This match was between two of the sides who were around when the league was formed all those years ago. Both teams have been ever present in the league. Chawn have had the best of it over the years, and so it was yesterday.

As things are panning out, Chawn could well rejoin the throngs in the top league and maybe if things go their way, take another title. For Brierley Hill, they are staring down the barrel of relegation again. A shame, they went well last year.

Corinthians SK 3 Rockmount United 4

Tom Bird said that yesterday 'was not a good day at all for us'. On the face of it, a 4-3 reverse to Rockmount, whilst disappointing is no bad score. Corinthians may avoid the drop though, although I think they will need a win or two.

I did think that Rockmont would be in the top two throughout this season but it's not been that way but their season's not over yet. If they continue to take the points, then I can see them being in the mix.

DIVISION THREE

Dynamo Kingswinford 2 St Thomas Aldridge 2

These two slugged it out in a battle for second spot. I think St Thomas may be slightly more pleased with the result, as they have one more point than yesterday's opponents but this contest will go to the wire.

Charlemont Star 4 Maple Leaf Rovers 1

Another good win for Charlemont leaves them well positioned in Division Three. A vast improvement on last year, more than double the points that they managed last season with a couple of games to go.

Lewis Cox adds: Two late strikes from Stuart Smith helped Charlemont Star to victory in their Saturday clash against bottom of the table side Maple Leaf Rovers. Smith’s efforts cemented the win after goals from Allan Wilde and Danny Holland sandwiched an unlikely Rovers' equaliser.

Conditions began far from ideally – with gale-force winds unquestionably likely to take a toll on the proceedings. Star though, were able to summon a strong XI, recalling recently absent Captain and goalkeeper James Grinsted, whilst maintaining a familiar back line in Chell, Walters, Williamson and Tiernan. Allan Wilde switched from the #1 shirt to accomplished right-wing position with Danny Holland down the left and Tom Collins and Lewis Cox in the centre. The continued absence of Rich Milner gave Dean Saunders the opportunity of a first start – with Andy Wilcoxson mixing his offensive line-up and giving Saunders and Stuart Smith a chance to gel.

The message was not to go in lightly, always a danger when pitting against a side at the foot of the table, stand strong against the monstrous wind first half and come out the second period with an advantage. Star began brightly and Rovers barely had chance to settle before the mid-table hosts were ahead – good hold-up play and release from debutant Saunders sent Wilde free down the left into space, he had time to check inside and send a great effort across the keeper – who was unfortunate after getting a palm to it – to see it nestle into his corner.

As has been common this term, the breakthrough goal did not knock Star from their perch – as they continued to knock the ball around well in awkward conditions. Cox struck an effort wide from the edge of Rover’s area and with Saunders and Smith combining excellently up-top it was the former who slipped Smith in only to see his left footed finish drag across goal. Danny Holland also came close to doubling Star’s advantage, with a marauding run and a stinging effort that flew a foot over the top.

Wilcoxson would not have been too dis-pleased with what he had seen so far, though perhaps his side's inability to add to their lead in such dominance would began to worry him. His worries became a reality when in their first real attack, an effort from the edge of the box pinged off a Maple Leaf deflection past the off-balance Grinsted. The tie was levelled ten minutes before the break.

The story of the second period was not only Star’s impressive run to victory, but the torrential, inhuman weather that set upon their Hydes Road home with 20 minutes to go. Indeed it was a wonder the referee didn’t call it a day with players buffeted by the viciously sharp hail and visibility for a short stint reaching a bare minimum. The home side would have fought tooth and nail against a postponement though as seven minutes after half-time Danny Holland unorthodoxly netted to put his side back in the driving seat. Great work from Tom Collins wide right was followed by a dangerous, whipped ball in which was met by the onrushing Holland, who after swinging his right boot at it appeared to follow the ball over the line – just to be sure. A bizarre goal yet enough for Star to now feel comfortable enough about picking up all three points.

The score-line stuck and it appeared the hosts were beginning to feel tense again with their narrowest of leads. Much like the first period, bombarding Maple Leaf’s box with crosses and testing the keeper a number of times could not bring that two goal cushion. Collins and Cox both came close with headers from Smith’s corners but no sign of a third followed. With the weather came a series of corners and set-pieces from the visitors. With the hail thundering down it would have been extremely demoralising if Maple Leaf again found the back of Star’s net.

They held firm though and with five minutes remaining counter-attacked themselves, after interplay with Chell and Cox down the right Smith was set away, sprinting inside the box and finishing well at the goalkeepers near post. The relief was plain to see as Star appeared to have broken some sort of psychological mind-barrier in holding firm and breaking to seal the three points. There was even time for Smith to add some gloss to the score-line and in truth give a fair account of proceedings on-field. With the Rovers defence now dejected, willing running and another fine centre from Tom Collins was met by the unmarked Smith who simply had to apply the volleyed finish from 6 yards. Star had been professional, tight at the back and creative going forward – the 4-1 score-line worthy of their performance.

Andy Wilcoxson had this to tell us: “We kept to our game in those difficult conditions – did what we do best and played in those little triangles they do so well at training”. Then adding “It was pleasing we held on, after conceding on the break in the first half I’m impressed the lads didn’t allow it to happen again and that they sealed it in style.”

Ed's Predictions

So here it is. I've had about a dozen texts or emails asking when I'm going to publish what I think of the runners and riders for the coming season. I'm not at all confident of what I've written this time. But best of luck to everyone. If I've said you'll come bottom this year, go out and prove me wrong:

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