Commonwealth of Baker Park Sports News

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Cup Review

The competition began with the largest first round in nearly 100 years, as all clubs entered below the 2nd Division were placed in an unrestricted open draw, last seen in 1931; this shortened the tournament to eight rounds as clubs no longer received seeded byes based on their finishing position from the previous year.

This change in format proved to be a hit with supporters, as there were many more interesting ties drawn and more upsets or replays than had been the case over the last 25 years.

It was also a popular change among clubs as it lessened fixture congestion and came with a restructuring of the particulars of revenue distribution. There was an enormous amount of positive commentary on the effect that such a shift in standard Cup procedures brought to the sport.

"It's been long overdue, and I think the reason most people took to it was the novelty, plus the sense that it wasn't really unfair to any of the clubs involved", said Alan Lilly, studio analyst for CommSport. "On the bigger picture thinking, bringing in the Conference sides right from the start will give the clubs in the Shield and the non-league clubs that have both men's & women's sides a chance to measure themselves. What I'd love to see the FAC come out and say is 'if you've got a coed academy, and you get drawn into a round against a mixed gender Conference club, you could field a mixed gender lineup if you wanted to', because I think that's how we're going to cultivate a larger mixed (gender) competitive environment."



1st Round
Shiloh FC 1–1 Salisbury County FC
Mel-Wood FC 2–1 Albion Borough SC
Engineers Club 2–2 Sorenberg Park
Hannover United 3–0 Blue Aces SC
Queens Park FC 1–1 Ridge Raiders SC
Crusaders FC 0–0 New Richmond FC
Jennings Borough 4–0 Brecon Borough
Georgetown Athletic Club 1–2 Fairport Harbor FC
Principia SC 1–0 Linden Lions FC
Deptford AC 1–0 Trinity FC
Battenberg Bruins SC 0–0 Charter Twp FC
East Endborough AFC 1–1 Haskins Blues
Lower Valley Lions 1–3 Alton Athletic Club
Dalton United 3–1 FC Monroe Central
Jacksonville City 2–0 Red Wing FC
Mooresville Celtic 1–1 Lewiston Town FC
Mansfield County SC 2–4 McIlroy Station FC
Patterson Park FC 1–0 Maplewood AFC
Ralston United FC 1–2 Kellerville AFC
Collinsville United FC 3–1 White River Twp FC
Bowling Green FC 0–1 Forest Park
Milton AFC 0–2 Liberty FC
Hampton SC 0–0 East Liverpool FC
Greenlea United FC 1–1 Pembroke St David's
Dragons FC 3–0 Frankenburg AC
ROCK Utd FC 2–1 Valley View SC
Western & Southern RR FC 1–0 Hardun AC
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 1–1 Union Miners FC
State Univ 0–1 East Linden SC
Cloppenburg Township SC 2–1 Center Point FC & RFC
Hartley Community Club 1–0 West Alden United FC
Lake County FC 0–1 Broadview AFC
Westphalia County FC 4–0 Griffith Borough Amateurs FC
Newmarket Saxons FC 0–0 Meadowlarks SC
Springfield City FC 0–3 Forresters FC
West Liberty Rovers FC 1–4 Tri-Village United FC
Edgewood Eagles SC 2–2 Bridgend Metros FC
Spring Valley FC 1–1 Ravens FC
Far Hills 1–1 Ellesmere Woods
Eastview SC 1–1 Greenville Twp
RFCP AC 3–2 West Oceana Athletic FC
Andover Borough SC 1–1 Jamestown Rovers FC
Jaynesville SC 2–0 Brentwood Borough
West Chester FC 1–0 St John's SC
Lynchana Borderers AC 2–0 Wagnerfield Kickers SC
Riverdale United FC 3–1 Carlisle FC
Paintersville FC 2–0 Jeromesville FC
Independent Laborers AC 0–3 Great Northern
Sherwood Forest FC 3–2 Lima City United
Alexandria Borough AFC 2–1 Bergholz Caledonian
Berwick Rangers FC 1–2 New Harmony FC
Castleford 4–0 Blacksburg Area FC

replays
Salisbury County FC 1–0 Shiloh FC
Sorenberg Park 3–1 Engineers Club
Ridge Raiders SC 2–0 Queens Park FC
New Richmond FC 5–4 Crusaders FC
Charter Twp FC 1–1 Battenberg Bruins SC (3–3 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Haskins Blues 0–1 East Endborough AFC
Lewiston Town FC 1–2 Mooresville Celtic
East Liverpool FC 1–1 Hampton SC (1–2 AET)
Pembroke St David's 1–0 Greenlea United FC
Union Miners FC 1–0 SK Leiderkranz-Turner
Meadowlarks SC 1–1 Newmarket Saxons FC (3–1 AET)
Bridgend Metros FC 3–1 Edgewood Eagles SC
Ravens FC 2–0 Spring Valley FC
Ellesmere Woods 3–2 Far Hills
Greenville Twp 2–0 Eastview SC
Jamestown Rovers FC 2–2 Andover Borough SC (2–2 AET) (2–3 pen.)

2nd Round
Ellesmere Woods 3–1 McIlroy Station FC
East Endborough AFC 0–0 Westphalia County FC
Dalton United 0–0 Jacksonville City
Jennings Borough 1–2 ROCK Utd FC
Patterson Park FC 1–3 Sorenberg Park
East Linden SC 1–2 Andover Borough SC
Union Miners FC 2–1 Liberty FC
Deptford AC 2–2 Western & Southern RR FC
Salisbury County FC 0–3 Dragons FC
Mel-Wood FC 3–0 Battenberg Bruins SC
Hannover United 3–1 Bridgend Metros FC
Greenville Twp 1–4 Forest Park
Lynchana Borderers AC 1–0 Meadowlarks SC
Collinsville United FC 1–0 Sherwood Forest FC
Great Northern 2–0 Cloppenburg Township SC
Tri-Village United FC 2–2 West Chester FC
Jaynesville SC 4–0 Hartley Community Club
Broadview AFC 1–0 Fairport Harbor FC
Paintersville FC 1–2 Principia SC
Kellerville AFC 5–0 New Harmony FC
Hampton SC 2–0 Castleford
Mooresville Celtic 1–1 Pembroke St David's
New Richmond FC 5–0 RFCP AC
Ravens FC 0–3 Alton Athletic Club
Riverdale United FC 0–0 Forresters FC
Ridge Raiders SC 2–0 Alexandria Borough AFC

replays
Westphalia County FC 3–0 East Endborough AFC
Jacksonville City 0–0 Dalton United (1–0 AET)
Western & Southern RR FC 2–1 Deptford AC
West Chester FC 1–0 Tri-Village United FC
Pembroke St David's 1–1 Mooresville Celtic (2–1 AET)
Forresters FC 0–1 Riverdale United FC

3rd Round
Fairport City FC 3–1 Richmond Station FC
Jamestown City FC 1–0 Eqriquay United FC
Mansfield C&W FC 0–2 Monmouth Park FC
Middlebourne City AFC 1–0 Ellesmere Woods
Westphalia County FC 1–0 Collinsville United FC
Clayton City SC 0–2 Asbury Park FC
Forest Park 1–0 New Richmond FC
Union Miners FC 0–0 Brentford FC
Nor-Dale AFC 1–2 Hamilton Wanderers FC
Maineville Marauders FC 1–1 Sorenberg Park
Westwood Sprites 4–0 West Chester FC
North Lima SC 1–1 Hannover United
New Bremen FC 4–1 Alton Athletic Club
Ridge Raiders SC 2–3 Meadowdale FC
Salisbury City FC 0–2 Linden Woods FC
Mel-Wood FC 1–1 Dragons FC
Pembroke St David's 3–0 Maritime Athletic SC
Learfield FC 1–0 St Warren City FC
Riverside City FC 1–0 Dalton Town FC
ROCK Utd FC 2–2 Shirley Metros FC
Marshallton Athletic SC 1–1 Corinthians
Kellerville AFC 3–0 Lynchana Borderers AC
Newport City FC 2–1 Hillsborough FC
Victoria & Albert SC 2–2 Western & Southern RR FC
Middletown City FC 2–3 Great Northern
North Royalton Town FC 1–0 Jaynesville SC
St Pats AC 1–3 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Southend AC 2–0 Principia SC
Midtown Athletic Club 2–0 Hampton SC
Andover Borough SC 1–2 Coolville United
Riverdale United FC 0–3 Sanborn Borough SC
Jacksonville City 1–0 Broadview AFC

replays
Brentford FC 2–0 Union Miners FC
Sorenberg Park 0–1 Maineville Marauders FC
Hannover United 0–2 North Lima SC
Dragons FC 3–1 Mel-Wood FC
Shirley Metros FC 2–1 ROCK Utd FC
Corinthians 3–2 Marshallton Athletic SC
Western & Southern RR FC 3–2 Victoria & Albert SC

4th Round
Westwood Sprites 1–1 Fairport City FC
Hamilton Wanderers FC 1–1 Newport City FC
Great Northern 2–0 Pembroke St David's
Riverside City FC 3–3 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Monmouth Park FC 0–2 Southend AC
Linden Woods FC 0–1 North Royalton Town FC
North Lima SC 1–0 Brentford FC
Westphalia County FC 1–2 Shirley Metros FC
Meadowdale FC 0–4 Jamestown City FC
Corinthians 2–2 Midtown Athletic Club
Coolville United 2–2 Learfield FC
Dragons FC 1–1 Asbury Park FC
Kellerville AFC 0–0 Jacksonville City
Western & Southern RR FC 1–0 Middlebourne City AFC
Maineville Marauders FC 1–3 New Bremen FC
Forest Park 0–1 Sanborn Borough SC

replays
Fairport City FC 2–0 Westwood Sprites
Newport City FC 1–1 Hamilton Wanderers FC (2–1 AET)
Llewellyn Turnpike SC 3–4 Riverside City FC
Midtown Athletic Club 2–1 Corinthians
Learfield FC 5–0 Coolville United
Asbury Park FC 2–0 Dragons FC
Jacksonville City 2–3 Kellerville AFC

5th Round
Midtown Athletic Club 1–0 North Royalton Town FC
Learfield FC 4–0 Jamestown City FC
Kellerville AFC 2–2 Western & Southern RR FC
Riverside City FC 3–0 New Bremen FC
Great Northern 1–1 Southend AC
Newport City FC 2–1 Fairport City FC
Asbury Park FC 2–1 North Lima SC
Sanborn Borough SC 3–0 Shirley Metros FC

replays
Western & Southern RR FC 0–3 Kellerville AFC
Southend AC 1–2 Great Northern

Quarterfinals
Asbury Park FC 3–2 Midtown Athletic Club
Learfield FC 3–1 Kellerville AFC
Sanborn Borough SC 1–1 Riverside City FC
Great Northern 1–3 Newport City FC

replay
Riverside City FC 3–1 Sanborn Borough SC

Semi-Finals (@ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven)
Riverside City FC 1-0 Learfield FC
Newport City FC 1–0 Asbury Park FC

Final @ BBP Stadium (att-71,618)
Newport City FC 5–1 Riverside City FC

For the second straight season it was Championship versus 2nd Division in the Final, and a lopsided encounter saw relegated Newport City regain a measure of pride with their third win overall in the 122nd FAC Cup.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Women's National League

Sherwood Forest entered the season looking to defend their title while also competing in the Liga B Champions Trophy with the other title chasers—Brentford Ladies, Ravens Ladies, Greenlea United Ladies—looking to slow down the high powered attack of the Little Janes.

Ravens Ladies brought in Holly Whitehouse from Euran side Holdenberg City for $3.3 million to strengthen their keeper situation, while Greenlea brought defender Phoebe Lewis over from Broadview AFC in the National Conference, and Brentford signing defensive midfielder Margo Travers from Great Northern.

Newmarket Ladies jumped to the top of the table a third of the way into the season by allowing only 6 goals in 13 played, followed close behind by Forest, Ravens and surprise package Shiloh; Brentford, Greenlea, and Middletown City stumbled out of the gate but got within striking distance of the leaders.

The midseason break saw a crowded group at the top, with Forest, Newmarket, MiddCity and Shiloh covered by just 4 points, as Clayton City and Ravens lurked in fifth and sixth respectively.

The Janes took 17 of 21 points when the second half resumed and opened a nine point gap to MiddCity, with Jamestown City and Shirley Metros Ladies gaining steam in mid table; Shiloh and Ravens were moving in the opposite direction and Newmarket went through a bit of a slump. losing three and drawing two immediately after the re-start.

Throughout the next 2 months, 'Market, Forest and MiddCity began to slowly leave the rest of the league behind, and with 5 matches remaining the lead at the top remained 10, with Ravens and Clayton still six points behind third.

Sherwood Forest clinched their second straight Championship with 3 matches to spare, with a final day loss to Ravens coupled with a Newmarket bringing the final margin to 8 points.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Sherwood Forest Ladies FC       38   25   6   7    71   39  +32    81 Champions
 2 Newmarket Ladies SC             38   21  10   7    65   35  +30    73  Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Middletown City FC Women        38   20   7  11    57   47  +10    67  Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Ravens FC Ladies                38   18   9  11    77   53  +24    63
 5 Clayton City Ladies FC          38   18   8  12    63   53  +10    62
   Shirley Metros Ladies FC        38   18   8  12    58   48  +10    62
 7 Jamestown City Ladies FC        38   18   5  15    58   46  +12    59
 8 Shiloh FC Ladies                38   14  15   9    55   46   +9    57
 9 Greenlea United Ladies SC       38   14  11  13    60   54   +6    53
10 Leiderkranz Ladies SC           38   14  11  13    49   48   +1    53
11 Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC   38   13  13  12    40   41   −1    52
12 Brentford Ladies FC             38    9  18  11    50   51   −1    45
13 Ridge Raiders Ladies FC         38   10  12  16    41   53  −12    42
14 Riverside City Ladies FC        38    9  14  15    45   57  −12    41
15 E Endborough Ladies FC          38   11   8  19    39   67  −28    41
16 Meadowdale Ladies FC            38   11   5  22    42   62  −20    38
17 Southend AC Ladies              38    9  11  18    41   61  −20    38
18 Westwood Sprites Ladies FC      38   10   8  20    43   60  −17    38
19 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC    38    9  10  19    50   64  −14    37
20 Linden Ladies FC                38    8  13  17    44   63  −19    37

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Women's Cup Review

1st Round
E Endborough Ladies FC 1–0 Queens Park SC Women
Ravens FC Ladies 4–0 Triad Rovers SC
Newport Ladies FC 1–1 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC
Ridge Raiders Ladies FC 1–2 Shiloh FC Ladies
Shirley Metros Ladies FC 2–0 Linden Ladies FC
Mel-Wood FC Ladies 2–4 Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC
Mansfield Ladies SC 3–2 St Warren FC Women
Middletown City FC Women 1–2 Clayton City Ladies FC
Nor-Dale Ladies AFC 3–2 Suburban Ladies SC
Riverside City Ladies FC 1–1 Leiderkranz Ladies SC
Salisbury County FC Ladies 3–2 Meadowdale Ladies FC
Westwood Sprites Ladies FC 0–3 Newmarket Ladies SC
Sherwood Forest Ladies FC 2–0 Southend AC Ladies
Pembroke St David's Ladies 1–0 White River Women FC
Jamestown City Ladies FC 1–2 Brentford Ladies FC
Greenlea United Ladies SC 1–1 Georgetown Athletic Club Ladies

replays
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 4–0 Newport Ladies FC
Leiderkranz Ladies SC 2–0 Riverside City Ladies FC
Georgetown Athletic Club Ladies 0–3 Greenlea United Ladies S

2nd Round
Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC 3–0 Shiloh FC Ladies
Clayton City Ladies FC 3–1 Nor-Dale Ladies AFC
Greenlea United Ladies SC 5–1 Mansfield Ladies SC
Salisbury County FC Ladies 1–1 Shirley Metros Ladies FC
E Endborough Ladies FC 1–1 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC
Brentford Ladies FC 4–0 Pembroke St David's Ladies
Sherwood Forest Ladies FC 1–2 Newmarket Ladies SC
Leiderkranz Ladies SC 2–1 Ravens FC Ladies

replays
Shirley Metros Ladies FC 1–1 Salisbury County FC Ladies (1–1 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 2–1 E Endborough Ladies FC

Quarterfinals
Clayton City Ladies FC 2–2 Leiderkranz Ladies SC
Shirley Metros Ladies FC 0–0 Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 3–2 Brentford Ladies FC
Newmarket Ladies SC 1–1 Greenlea United Ladies SC

replays
Leiderkranz Ladies SC 0–1 Clayton City Ladies FC
Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC 2–1 Shirley Metros Ladies FC
Greenlea United Ladies SC 1–3 Newmarket Ladies SC

Semi-Finals (both @ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven)
Newmarket Ladies SC 1–3 Clayton City Ladies FC
Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC 2–2 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC (2–3 AET)

Final @ BBP Stadium (att-61,075)
Clayton City Ladies FC 0–2 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC

Llewellyn Turnpike won the 53rd Women's FAC Trophy at the BBP Stadium in Belle Haven, their first victory in 18 years. Having been tied with Meadowdale Ladies and Leiderkranz Ladies for most wins in the final, LT now hold the top spot with their fifth Cup title.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Lower Division Review

Elsewhere in the National League, Meadowdale FC captured the club's first ever 2nd Division title, finishing level on points with Clayton City, but earning the trophy based on the head to head results. CC bounce straight back to the Championship after just one season while Ezriquay's long suffering “4th club” will make their debut in the top flight next year.

In the 3rd Division, Ravens FC and Brentwood Borough will make another attempt to stay up when they rejoin the second tier and Newmarket Saxons denied Bridgend Metros in the playoff for the third promotion place, the second season in a row Metros have come up short.

In the National Conference, Crusaders FC won their fourth title in the mixed gender era, ending Great Northern's three season reign; each club now have four NC trophies, with Haskins Blues the only other side to claim the crown in the nine seasons of coed pro soccer.

In the FAC Shield, New Harmony FC will play their first ever season outside of the Shield when they join the 3rd Division; located in the easternmost area of the Commonwealth, the club's promotion leaves only 5 other clubs (not including the six 'new' clubs that were made full members of the FAC several seasons ago) that have played their entire history outside of the National League.

2nd Division

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Meadowdale FC             38   21   9   8    58   36  +22    72
 2 Clayton City SC           38   23   3  12    67   47  +20    72
 3 North Lima SC             38   17  15   6    63   43  +20    66
 4 Linden Woods FC           38   18  11   9    57   42  +15    65
 5 Richmond Station FC       38   19   7  12    57   48   +9    64
 6 Middlebourne City AFC     38   18   7  13    60   53   +7    61
 7 Corinthians               38   16  10  12    63   51  +12    58
 8 Fairport City FC          38   17   6  15    55   49   +6    57
 9 Jamestown City FC         38   16   9  13    59   55   +4    57
10 Middletown City FC        38   17   4  17    47   45   +2    55
11 Mansfield C&W FC          38   16   7  15    56   50   +6    55
12 Riverside City FC         38   15   9  14    54   57   −3    54
13 Hamilton Wanderers FC     38   14  11  13    56   46  +10    53
14 North Royalton Town FC    38   14   8  16    44   53   −9    50
15 Sanborn Borough SC        38   14   8  16    53   52   +1    50
16 Brentford FC              38   14   6  18    57   55   +2    48
17 St Pats AC                38    9  14  15    44   61  −17    41
18 Maineville Marauders FC   38   10   7  21    34   62  −28    37
19 Coolville United          38    6   9  23    43   70  −27    27
20 Maritime Athletic SC      38    3   6  29    25   77  −52    15

3rd Division

Upper                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ravens FC               34   21   7   6    54   24  +30    70
 2 Brentwood Borough       34   22   4   8    63   39  +24    70
 3 Bridgend Metros FC      34   20   7   7    63   39  +24    67
 4 Newmarket Saxons FC     34   16  13   5    63   34  +29    61
 5 Trinity FC              34   18   4  12    49   32  +17    58
 6 Hardun AC               34   17   5  12    58   34  +24    56
 7 East Endborough AFC     34   17   4  13    54   41  +13    55
 8 Lewiston Town FC        34   13   9  12    42   44   −2    48
 9 Greenlea United FC      34   13   8  13    53   59   −6    47
10 Fairport Harbor FC      34   13   7  14    44   49   −5    46
11 Alton Athletic Club     34   11   6  17    42   50   −8    39
12 Jamestown Rovers FC     34   10   9  15    39   50  −11    39
13 Pembroke St David's     34   11   5  18    47   64  −17    38
14 Forresters FC           34    9   9  16    45   60  −15    36
15 Andover Borough SC      34   10   6  18    54   78  −24    36
16 Kellerville AFC         34    9   7  18    45   56  −11    34
17 Springfield City FC     34    8   5  21    33   64  −31    29
18 Patterson Park FC       34    8   5  21    40   71  −31    29

   Lower                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SK Leiderkranz-Turner   34   19   9   6    60   35  +25    66
 2 ROCK Utd FC             34   18  10   6    69   31  +38    64
 3 Eastview SC             34   18   7   9    63   42  +21    61
 4 Greenville Twp          34   15  13   6    58   35  +23    58
 5 Sherwood Forest FC      34   15  10   9    61   48  +13    55
 6 Jennings Borough        34   15   8  11    51   45   +6    53
 7 Carlisle FC             34   13  12   9    45   43   +2    51
 8 Lynchana Borderers AC   34   15   5  14    49   45   +4    50
 9 Westphalia County FC    34   11  13  10    56   53   +3    46
10 Principia SC            34   13   7  14    49   53   −4    46
11 Valley View SC          34   12   8  14    49   51   −2    44
12 Dalton United           34   11  11  12    46   45   +1    44
13 State Univ              34   12   8  14    62   62    0    44
14 East Liverpool FC       34   11   9  14    44   54  −10    42
15 Lower Valley Lions      34    7  17  10    47   54   −7    38
16 McIlroy Station FC      34    7  10  17    34   67  −33    31
17 Ridge Raiders SC        34    7   5  22    31   66  −35    26
18 Jeromesville FC         34    3   6  25    30   75  −45    15

Promotion playoff
Newmarket Saxons FC 1–1 Bridgend Metros FC (2–1 AET)


National Conference

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Crusaders FC           39   25   6   8    77   34  +43    81
 2 Great Northern         39   22  10   7    67   40  +27    76
 3 Haskins Blues          39   21   6  12    75   48  +27    69
 4 Ellesmere Woods        39   20   8  11    66   49  +17    68
 5 Jacksonville City      39   19   6  14    75   58  +17    63
 6 Forest Park            39   16  13  10    67   61   +6    61
 7 Bergholz Caledonian    39   16   8  15    57   58   −1    56
 8 Far Hills              39   16   7  16    42   51   −9    55
 9 Castleford             39   14   8  17    51   70  −19    50
10 Hannover United        39   12  11  16    51   57   −6    47
11 Broadview AFC          39   10  12  17    52   57   −5    42
12 Sorenberg Park         39    9   9  21    54   76  −22    36
13 Lima City United       39    9   7  23    39   62  −23    34
14 New Richmond FC        39    6   5  28    35   87  −52    23

FAC Shield

East                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Liberty FC                 38   23   9   6    68   30  +38    78
 2 New Harmony FC             38   20   8  10    64   44  +20    68
 3 Paintersville FC           38   19  10   9    63   39  +24    67
 4 Meadowlarks SC             38   20   6  12    63   48  +15    66
 5 Center Point FC & RFC      38   19   7  12    53   40  +13    64
 6 Dragons FC                 38   19   7  12    65   50  +15    64
 7 Charter Twp FC             38   17   9  12    57   51   +6    60
 8 Engineers Club             38   16  10  12    59   52   +7    58
 9 Mansfield County SC        38   15  12  11    57   50   +7    57
10 Union Miners FC            38   16   7  15    60   61   −1    55
11 Maplewood AFC              38   14  10  14    52   55   −3    52
12 West Liberty Rovers FC     38   14   9  15    59   51   +8    51
13 Red Wing FC                38   15   4  19    43   52   −9    49
14 Wagnerfield Kickers SC     38   11  10  17    46   67  −21    43
15 Riverdale United FC        38   12   7  19    49   63  −14    43
16 Spring Valley FC           38   11   8  19    47   66  −19    41
17 Blacksburg Area FC         38   11   8  19    46   61  −15    41
18 St John's SC               38    8  13  17    48   62  −14    37
19 Milton AFC                 38    8   8  22    45   66  −21    32
20 Mel-Wood FC                38    6  10  22    38   74  −36    28

   West                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Collinsville United FC     38   24   7   7    76   37  +39    79
 2 Mooresville Celtic         38   23   7   8    75   37  +38    76
 3 West Chester FC            38   17  15   6    67   45  +22    66
 4 Western & Southern RR FC   38   19   9  10    60   46  +14    66
 5 Shiloh FC                  38   18   8  12    71   55  +16    62
 6 Blue Aces SC               38   17   7  14    65   46  +19    58
 7 Independent Laborers AC    38   16   9  13    65   55  +10    57
 8 Linden Lions FC            38   16   6  16    53   52   +1    54
 9 Edgewood Eagles SC         38   14  12  12    59   49  +10    54
10 Berwick Rangers FC         38   13  13  12    54   51   +3    52
11 Georgetown Athletic Club   38   15   7  16    52   56   −4    52
12 FC Monroe Central          38   14   9  15    45   54   −9    51
13 East Linden SC             38   13  12  13    49   59  −10    51
14 West Alden United FC       38   12  13  13    55   60   −5    49
15 Battenberg Bruins SC       38   11  10  17    53   66  −13    43
16 Jaynesville SC             38   11   7  20    40   62  −22    40
17 Tri-Village United FC      38   10  10  18    39   63  −24    40
18 Brecon Borough             38   10   9  19    50   65  −15    39
19 Hampton SC                 38    7   8  23    28   63  −35    29
20 RFCP AC                    38    4  14  20    28   63  −35    26

Playoff Semi-Finals 1st Leg
Mooresville Celtic 1–2 Liberty FC
New Harmony FC 1–0 Collinsville United FC

2nd Leg
Liberty FC 1–1 Mooresville Celtic (Liberty win 3-2)
Collinsville United FC 2–2 New Harmony FC (New Harmony win 3-2)

Final @BBP Stadium, Belle Haven
Liberty FC 1–2 New Harmony FC

New Harmony FC win the 76th FAC Shield, the club's first ever trophy, on their fifth appearance in the playoffs. Liberty FC were making their fourth playoff run, and the showdown between the neighbors from the far eastern part of the Commonwealth drew 33,460 to the BBP.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Trophy/National League Cup Review

FAC Trophy

1st Round
West Alden United FC 2–0 Ralston United FC
Shiloh FC 1–0 West Liberty Rovers FC
FC Monroe Central 3–0 Lake County FC
Independent Laborers AC 3–1 Battenberg Bruins SC
Maplewood AFC 0–0 Hartley Community Club (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Albion Borough SC 1–2 West Chester FC
Spring Valley FC 5–2 Hampton SC
Cloppenburg Township SC 0–0 New Harmony FC (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Georgetown Athletic Club 4–4 Salisbury County FC (5–4 AET)
Berwick Rangers FC 1–2 St John's SC
Edgewood Eagles SC 1–0 Griffith Borough Amateurs FC
Riverdale United FC 1–1 Wagnerfield Kickers SC (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Red Wing FC 4–1 East Linden SC
West Oceana Athletic FC 2–1 Deptford AC
Center Point FC & RFC 1–1 Linden Lions FC (1–1 AET) (6–7 pen.)
Queens Park FC 1–1 Blacksburg Area FC (3–2 AET)
Milton AFC 1–0 Frankenburg AC
Meadowlarks SC 1–0 Jaynesville SC
Blue Aces SC 0–2 Tri-Village United FC
RFCP AC 3–3 Brecon Borough (4–3 AET)
White River Twp FC 2–0 Bowling Green FC
Mel-Wood FC 4–1 Alexandria Borough AFC

2nd Round
Spring Valley FC 4–3 Western & Southern RR FC
Milton AFC 1–1 Mansfield County SC (2–3 AET)
Charter Twp FC 5–2 FC Monroe Central
Dragons FC 0–0 New Harmony FC (0–0 AET) (4–1 pen.)
West Oceana Athletic FC 1–4 Meadowlarks SC
Engineers Club 0–1 Independent Laborers AC
Collinsville United FC 2–2 Linden Lions FC (3–4 AET)
Paintersville FC 3–1 RFCP AC
West Chester FC 2–0 Tri-Village United FC
Georgetown Athletic Club 0–1 Edgewood Eagles SC
Mel-Wood FC 0–3 Liberty FC
Riverdale United FC 1–1 Queens Park FC (2–1 AET)
Maplewood AFC 1–0 Union Miners FC
Mooresville Celtic 2–1 West Alden United FC
White River Twp FC 1–0 Red Wing FC
Shiloh FC 1–0 St John's SC

3rd Round
Mansfield County SC 1–0 Meadowlarks SC
Charter Twp FC 1–1 Linden Lions FC (2–2 AET) (1–4 pen.)
Shiloh FC 2–3 Dragons FC
Riverdale United FC 0–2 Liberty FC
Mooresville Celtic 4–1 Edgewood Eagles SC
Maplewood AFC 2–0 Independent Laborers AC
West Chester FC 3–0 Spring Valley FC
Paintersville FC 2–0 White River Twp FC

Quarterfinals
Liberty FC 1–3 Dragons FC
Linden Lions FC 0–0 Mansfield County SC (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Mooresville Celtic 1–1 Paintersville FC (2–1 AET)
West Chester FC 4–2 Maplewood AFC

Semi-Finals
Dragons FC 3–0 Mooresville Celtic (@ Salisbury Stadium)
West Chester FC 2–2 Linden Lions FC (3–2 AET) (@ Prince William Stadium, Newmarket)

Final @ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven (att-39,517)
West Chester FC 2–2 Dragons FC (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.)

Dragons FC win the 105th FAC Trophy over West Chester, 4-3 in a shootout after the sides were unable to separate themselves over 120 minutes. Both clubs were appearing in their fourth final, but it was the St Leon side that went home with its second victory.

NL CUP

First Round 1st Leg
Mansfield C&W FC 2–0 Principia SC
ROCK Utd FC 4–0 State Univ
Sanborn Borough SC 4–2 SK Leiderkranz-Turner
Fairport Harbor FC 1–0 Valley View SC
Jennings Borough 1–1 Lynchana Borderers AC
McIlroy Station FC 1–0 Pembroke St David's
Brentwood Borough 1–0 Alton Athletic Club
Ridge Raiders SC 1–1 Sherwood Forest FC
Trinity FC 0–2 Greenville Twp
Brentford FC 1–0 Corinthians
Ravens FC 2–1 Meadowdale FC
East Endborough AFC 5–1 Hardun AC
Bridgend Metros FC 2–2 Dalton United
Kellerville AFC 6–0 Carlisle FC
Lower Valley Lions 0–1 Jamestown City FC
Westphalia County FC 2–2 Newmarket Saxons FC
Andover Borough SC 0–1 Forresters FC
Jamestown Rovers FC 0–0 Coolville United
Maritime Athletic SC 3–1 Hamilton Wanderers FC
East Liverpool FC 0–1 Riverside City FC
Jeromesville FC 1–2 Springfield City FC
Patterson Park FC 1–2 Greenlea United FC
Maineville Marauders FC 3–2 Lewiston Town FC
Fairport City FC 3–1 Eastview SC

2nd Leg
Principia SC 3–2 Mansfield C&W FC (Mansfield C&W win 4-3)
State Univ 4–3 ROCK Utd FC (ROCK Utd win 7-4)
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 0–2 Sanborn Borough SC (Sanborn Borough win 6-2)
Valley View SC 2–2 Fairport Harbor FC (Fairport Harbor win 3–2)
Lynchana Borderers AC 1–0 Jennings Borough (Lynchana Borderers win 2-1)
Pembroke St David's 5–1 McIlroy Station FC (Pembroke St David's win 5-2)
Alton Athletic Club 1–1 Brentwood Borough (Brentwood Borough win 2–1)
Sherwood Forest FC 0–1 Ridge Raiders SC (Ridge Raiders win 2-1)
Greenville Twp 1–3 Trinity FC (tie drawn 3-3, Trinity win on away goals)
Corinthians 1–1 Brentford FC (Brentford win 2-1)
Meadowdale FC 2–2 Ravens FC (Ravens FC win 4-3)
Hardun AC 3–0 East Endborough AFC (East Endborough win 5-4)
Dalton United 1–4 Bridgend Metros FC (Bridgend win 6-3)
Carlisle FC 0–5 Kellerville AFC (Kellerville win 11-0)
Jamestown City FC 2–1 Lower Valley Lions (Jamestown City win 3-2)
Newmarket Saxons FC 1–1 Westphalia County FC (tie drawn 3-3, Newmarket win on away goals)
Forresters FC 2–3 Andover Borough SC (tie drawn 3-3, Andover win on away goals)
Coolville United 3–0 Jamestown Rovers FC (Coolville United win 3-0)
Hamilton Wanderers FC 3–0 Maritime Athletic SC (Hamilton Wanderers win 4-3)
Riverside City FC 0–1 East Liverpool FC (tie drawn 1-1, East Liverpool win 1–2 AET)
Springfield City FC 2–0 Jeromesville FC (Springfield City win 4-1)
Greenlea United FC 2–0 Patterson Park FC (Greenlea United win 4-1)
Lewiston Town FC 1–2 Maineville Marauders FC (Maineville win 5-3)
Eastview SC 0–2 Fairport City FC (Fairport City win 5-1)

Second Round 1st Leg
Middlebourne City AFC 3–0 Fairport City FC
Middletown City FC 0–2 Clayton City SC
North Lima SC 1–1 Brentford FC
East Endborough AFC 2–1 Newmarket Saxons FC
Fairport Harbor FC 2–1 Greenlea United FC
St Pats AC 2–0 Mansfield C&W FC
Trinity FC 3–1 Andover Borough SC
ROCK Utd FC 3–0 East Liverpool FC
North Royalton Town FC 4–1 Coolville United
Linden Woods FC 4–0 Ridge Raiders SC
Hamilton Wanderers FC 0–1 Ravens FC
Sanborn Borough SC 4–2 Lynchana Borderers AC
Kellerville AFC 3–2 Springfield City FC
Richmond Station FC 1–1 Jamestown City FC
Pembroke St David's 1–3 Maineville Marauders FC
Brentwood Borough 3–0 Bridgend Metros FC

2nd Leg
Fairport City FC 3–0 Middlebourne City AFC (tie drawn, Middlebourne City win 3–2 AET)
Clayton City SC 3–3 Middletown City FC (Clayton City win 5-3)
Brentford FC 0-0 North Lima SC (tie drawn, North Lima win 2-0 AET)
Newmarket Saxons FC 2–0 East Endborough AFC (Newmarket win 3-2)
Greenlea United FC 1–1 Fairport Harbor FC (Fairport Harbor win 3-2)
Mansfield C&W FC 1–1 St Pats AC (St Pat's win 3-1)
Andover Borough SC 2–1 Trinity FC (Trinity win 4-3)
East Liverpool FC 2–1 ROCK Utd FC (ROCK Utd win 4-2)
Coolville United 1–2 North Royalton Town FC (North Royalton win 6-2)
Ridge Raiders SC 1–3 Linden Woods FC (Linden Woods win 7-1)
Ravens FC 3–1 Hamilton Wanderers FC (Ravens win 4-1)
Lynchana Borderers AC 1–1 Sanborn Borough SC (Sanborn win 5-3)
Springfield City FC 3–2 Kellerville AFC (tie drawn 5-5, Kellerville win 3-3 AET)
Jamestown City FC 1–0 Richmond Station FC (Jamestown City win 2-1)
Maineville Marauders FC 3–0 Pembroke St David's (Maineville win 6-1)
Bridgend Metros FC 1–4 Brentwood Borough (Brentwood win 7-1)

Third Round 1st Leg
Linden Woods FC 1–0 Middlebourne City AFC
ROCK Utd FC 0–0 Maineville Marauders FC
Trinity FC 2–3 Clayton City SC
North Royalton Town FC 2–0 North Lima SC
Newmarket Saxons FC 2–0 Brentwood Borough
Jamestown City FC 1–1 Ravens FC
Sanborn Borough SC 1–0 Fairport Harbor FC
Kellerville AFC 1–2 St Pats AC

2nd Leg
Middlebourne City AFC 4–1 Linden Woods FC (Middlebourne City win 4-2)
Maineville Marauders FC 4–0 ROCK Utd FC (Maineville win 4-0)
Clayton City SC 1–2 Trinity FC (tie drawn, Clayton City win on away goals)
North Lima SC 1–1 North Royalton Town FC (North Royalton win 3-1)
Brentwood Borough 1–0 Newmarket Saxons FC (Newmarket win 2-1)
Ravens FC 0–1 Jamestown City FC (Jamestown City win 2-1)
Fairport Harbor FC 1–1 Sanborn Borough SC (Sanborn win 2-1)
St Pats AC 0–2 Kellerville AFC (Kellerville win 3-2)

Quarterfinals 1st Leg
Middlebourne City AFC 1–0 Jamestown City FC
North Royalton Town FC 1–1 Sanborn Borough SC
Clayton City SC 1–2 Kellerville AFC
Maineville Marauders FC 0–0 Newmarket Saxons FC

2nd Leg
Jamestown City FC 1–1 Middlebourne City AFC (Middlebourne City win 2-1)
Sanborn Borough SC 3–2 North Royalton Town FC (Sanborn win 4-3)
Kellerville AFC 0–3 Clayton City SC (Clayton City win 4-2)
Newmarket Saxons FC 5–3 Maineville Marauders FC (Newmarket win 5-3)

Semi-Finals 1st Leg
Sanborn Borough SC 1–1 Middlebourne City AFC
Clayton City SC 0–2 Newmarket Saxons FC

2nd Leg
Middlebourne City AFC 2–0 Sanborn Borough SC (Middlebourne City win 3-1)
Newmarket Saxons FC 0–1 Clayton City SC (Newmarket win 2-1)

Final @ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven (att--63,416)
Newmarket Saxons FC 1–1 Middlebourne City AFC (2–1 AET)

Newmarket Saxons won the 57th National League Trophy defeating Middlebourne City after extra time.

Both clubs were looking for their third win in the competition, but it was Saxons who joined the tie with Andover Borough, Salisbury City and Nor-Dale AFC for most victories.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Fans in St Leon and across the Commonwealth will be enjoying action from the PFD, UAC and National Leagues in style the season after next when completion of the CBP$112 million CONGCO Stadium is expected to be completed.

The 36,000 seat stadium will mark a new era for the city's sports profile, as the shift of football & soccer away from President's Park will enable the historic downtown venue to undergo a $30 million rebuild of its own for the purpose of remaining the home field of Shirley Pioneers in BPBA; the final plans have not been released but it is thought that this will include a change of the configuration and dimensions in addition to an entirely new West Stand.

The new complex is located 2 1/4 miles east of downtown, closer to the USL campus and the St Leon Expo Center, consisting of a lower bowl with 24,000 seats and a second tier with capacity for 12,000 more above both end zones and the side opposite the press box.

BP Consolidated Gas Company will the name sponsor, part of the $40 million contribution of Commonwealth Mining Corporation to the cost of construction, with USL adding $23 million and the state covering $49 million through bonds issued against a 0.15% raise in GST for 7 years.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Weekend 2022
FAC to embark on New Era
by Fiona Devlin, National Soccer Writer

In the wake of the Finals of World Cup 90 being completed, which saw The Holy Empire defeat surprise first time finalists Pemecutan for their fifth title, and Banija claiming 3rd Place with a victory against Valanora at the BBP National Stadium, the Football Association of the Commonwealth convened the 125th General Conference at the Gottfried Center for the Performing Arts at the Commonwealth Convention Center.

General Secretary Allison LeFleur brought the house down in her opening remarks when she said it was difficult year after year to come up with original ways to say the FAC had its best year ever. She then went on to discuss the financial health of the organization, with the proviso that the final numbers from the just completed event would probably not be available until the new year, but estimates were predicting a slightly higher than expected profit; the AOCAF brought in a profit for the FAC of $88 million on revenues of $393 million between Baker Park and Vilita & Turori, who earned the same share of net profit, for just the soccer tournament alone. Domestic revenue was up 2.1% over the previous year through increased sponsorship and overseas broadcast rights fees.

Day two brought the most significant announcements, as David Carlson, EVP and Executive Direct, announced that he would be retiring from his role effective December 31, as will Trevor Richmond from his role as Sporting Director. Carlson told the audience that he'd accomplished his goal set when he was hired, which was to transform the FAC into a top to bottom world class governing body that would support the National Teams and the National League together in raising the stature of the Commonwealth in the international soccer community.
Richmond pointed to his efforts to bring the clubs and the national setup into closer cooperation, citing the FAC Youth Academy League as an example of mutually beneficial development progress.

FAC Chair Cheryl Livingston praised both men for their tireless efforts on behalf of the organization in her keynote speech, calling them irreplaceable assets who leave the sport and the governing body in a position to carry on their vision without disruption to the Development Charter or the National Team's continued success.

On the final day, Manager Jennifer Prescott paid tribute to both men for their support of her and their influence on her career, then discussed the immediate future of the National Team as the transition to the "Third Wave" of Development Charter products moves forward.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Academy League to return to IFCF
by Oliver Stanley
The Post Chief Soccer Correspondent

Endborough--In the wake of the reorganization of the National Conference two seasons ago, the FAC Academy League declined to nominate a candidate to compete in the IFCF Rising Stars Cup, which is open to champions of recognized youth development leagues in addition to the youth teams of the clubs that qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Now that the eight clubs which chose to resume play in the National League (and the FAC Shield) as all-male squads have completed the resolution of the status of their respective academies, the league has drawn up a new format and will again submit the champion to the IFCF for participation in the RSC.

The Academy Premier Division will now consist of 16 club academies split evenly between boys and coed teams, with a 2nd Division for each cohort, also made up of 16 teams each; the specific conditions surrounding promotion/relegation were still being worked out at the conclusion of the General Conference.

A 3rd Division will be established with 60 clubs across four groups--one 14 team coed and one 14 team male league along with two other 16 team setups for the remaining male squads broken down on a regional basis to limit travel costs.

One fundamental change that will result is an increase in the number of matches played, which will open up more opportunities for U-17's to see action at elite level, although it remains to be seen if this will also require the curtailment or elimination of local, regional or state cup tournaments which have been a centerpiece of academy competition for over 70 years.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

National Conference Season in Review

Crusaders FC took their second straight--and fifth overall--title in the 10th season of the mixed-gender National Conference.
In addition, six clubs advanced to the 64 team Third Round of the FAC Cup, with Sorenberg Park and Great Northern reaching the Fifth Round before losing replays.

The Academy League was another source of pride, with Bergholz Caledonian finishing 4th and Broadview 5th in the 16 team Academy Premier League, Far Hills taking 3rd in Division 2-A and Crusaders winning the title in 3-A.

Conference            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Crusaders FC           26   15   7   4    48   25  +23    52
 2 Great Northern         26   14   4   8    51   44   +7    46
 3 Ellesmere Woods        26   13   5   8    32   28   +4    44
 4 Far Hills              26   13   4   9    65   55  +10    43
 5 Haskins Blues          26   13   4   9    51   47   +4    43
 6 Bergholz Caledonian    26   11   7   8    55   46   +9    40
 7 Castleford             26   12   3  11    43   38   +5    39
 8 Forest Park            26   11   5  10    36   34   +2    38
 9 Jacksonville City      26   10   7   9    39   36   +3    37
10 Sorenberg Park         26   10   4  12    40   43   −3    34
11 Hannover United        26    9   5  12    37   41   −4    32
12 Broadview AFC          26    6   4  16    39   65  −26    22
13 New Richmond FC        26    6   3  17    23   39  −16    21
14 Lima City United       26    4   8  14    20   38  −18    20

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Academy League & Youth Cup Review

A realignment of the Academy League saw the Premier Division become a truly mixed gender competition, with the top eight coed and men's sides placed into the top tier and the next 16 from each cohort competing for promotion places.

Academy Premier            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Westwood Sprites Coed       30   15   7   8    49   36  +13    52
 2 Nor-Dale Men                30   14   9   7    45   32  +13    51
 3 Newmarket Coed              30   13   9   8    48   36  +12    48
 4 Bergholz Caledonian Coed    30   12  10   8    40   30  +10    46
 5 Broadview AFC Coed          30   12  10   8    45   43   +2    46
 6 Jamestown City Coed         30   12   8  10    40   40    0    44
 7 Victoria & Albert Men       30   12   8  10    37   35   +2    44
 8 Shirley Metros Coed         30   12   5  13    46   40   +6    41
 9 Sanborn Borough Men         30   12   5  13    45   48   −3    41
10 Clayton City Coed           30   11   6  13    43   47   −4    39
11 Asbury Park Men             30   11   6  13    31   46  −15    39
12 New Bremen Men              30    9  11  10    42   41   +1    38
13 Monmouth Park Men           30    9   9  12    41   46   −5    36
14 Middletown City Coed        30   11   3  16    36   38   −2    36
15 St Pats Athletic Men        30    7   9  14    36   45   −9    30
16 North Royalton Town Men     30    8   5  17    29   50  −21    29

IFCF Rising Stars Cup entry

Division 2-A               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Southend AC Coed            30   17   9   4    51   27  +24    60
 2 Riverside City Coed         30   16   9   5    55   36  +19    57
 3 Far Hills Coed              30   15   7   8    42   32  +10    52
 4 Greenlea United Coed        30   15   6   9    47   38   +9    51
 5 Hamilton Wanderers Coed     30   14   8   8    43   33  +10    50
 6 Ravens Coed                 30   14   7   9    38   27  +11    49
 7 East Endborough Coed        30   12  10   8    37   33   +4    46
 8 Forest Park Coed            30   12   8  10    40   35   +5    44
 9 Sorenberg Park Coed         30   11  10   9    41   37   +4    43
10 Linden Woods Coed           30   11   4  15    37   45   −8    37
11 Sherwood Forest Coed        30    9   6  15    33   48  −15    33
12 Lima City United Coed       30    8   8  14    32   37   −5    32
13 Meadowdale Coed             30    7   9  14    40   54  −14    30
14 Llewellyn Turnpike Coed     30    5  11  14    32   43  −11    26
15 Brentford Coed              30    7   5  18    27   42  −15    26
16 Jacksonville City Coed      30    4   9  17    22   50  −28    21

Division 2-B               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 St Warren City Men          30   16  10   4    54   31  +23    58
 2 Corinthians FC Men          30   15   9   6    59   40  +19    54
 3 Dalton Town Men             30   14   6  10    47   37  +10    48
 4 Learfield FC Men            30   13   8   9    40   33   +7    47
 5 Richmond Station Men        30   13   5  12    40   43   −3    44
 6 Newport City Men            30   11   8  11    47   42   +5    41
 7 Hillsborough Men            30   11   7  12    39   39    0    40
 8 Mansfield C&W Men           30   10  10  10    43   45   −2    40
 9 North Lima Men              30   10  10  10    41   35   +6    40
10 Marshallton Athletic Men    30    9  12   9    36   41   −5    39
11 Brentwood Borough Men       30   11   5  14    36   41   −5    38
12 Salisbury City Men          30    9   8  13    32   35   −3    35
13 Middlebourne AFC Men        30    9   8  13    44   54  −10    35
14 Midtown Athletic Club Men   30    9   7  14    37   50  −13    34
15 Ezriquay United Men         30    8   9  13    36   43   −7    33
16 Fairport City Men           30    9   4  17    42   64  −22    31

The FAC Youth Cup was renamed the Academy Cup to distinguish it from the FAC Boys & Girls Youth Cup competitions (which Academy sides are also eligible for with single gender rosters of Under 18 players).
Southend Coeds defeated Mansfield C&W in the Final at Southvale in Belle Haven.

abbreviated results

Fourth Round
Clayton City Coed 0–3 Victoria & Albert Men
Shiloh Coed 1–2 Westphalia County Men
Brentwood Borough Men 1–2 Nor-Dale Men
New Bremen Men 2–3 Learfield FC Men
Mansfield C&W Men 1–1 Westwood Sprites Coed (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Valley View Men 1–2 Principia Men
Llewellyn Turnpike Coed 2–0 Asbury Park Men
Southend AC Coed 2–2 Meadowdale Coed (3–2 AET)

Quarterfinal
Principia Men 1–2 Westphalia County Men
Llewellyn Turnpike Coed 0–3 Mansfield C&W Men
Victoria & Albert Men 0–1 Learfield FC Men
Nor-Dale Men 0–0 Southend AC Coed (0–2 AET)

Semi-Final
Southend AC Coed 1–0 Westphalia County Men
Learfield FC Men 2–2 Mansfield C&W Men (2–3 AET)

Final
Southend AC Coed 3–2 Mansfield C&W Men

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Shield Review

East                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lower Valley Lions         38   20  10   8    84   46  +38    70
 2 Paintersville FC           38   21   7  10    64   44  +20    70
 3 Dragons FC                 38   19  11   8    61   36  +25    68
 4 Center Point FC & RFC      38   18  10  10    67   55  +12    64
 5 Charter Twp FC             38   18   8  12    69   52  +17    62
 6 Union Miners FC            38   17  10  11    55   48   +7    61
 7 Wagnerfield Kickers SC     38   17   7  14    42   44   −2    58
 8 Mansfield County SC        38   15   8  15    51   57   −6    53
 9 McIlroy Station FC         38   14  10  14    52   45   +7    52
10 Engineers Club             38   13  13  12    47   45   +2    52
11 Meadowlarks SC             38   15   6  17    54   63   −9    51
12 Maplewood AFC              38   14   8  16    47   51   −4    50
13 St John's SC               38   12  10  16    52   59   −7    46
14 Milton AFC                 38   13   7  18    56   65   −9    46
15 West Liberty Rovers FC     38   13   6  19    51   59   −8    45
16 Blacksburg Area FC         38   11  11  16    47   53   −6    44
17 Mel-Wood FC                38   11   8  19    41   64  −23    41
18 Red Wing FC                38   10  11  17    54   68  −14    41
19 Riverdale United FC        38   11   7  20    46   74  −28    40
20 Spring Valley FC           38    9  10  19    56   68  −12    37

West                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Shiloh FC                  38   23   6   9    71   40  +31    75
 2 Jeromesville FC            38   21   9   8    68   42  +26    72
 3 Ridge Raiders SC           38   20   7  11    61   39  +22    67
 4 Western & Southern RR FC   38   18   7  13    60   47  +13    61
 5 Hampton SC                 38   17   8  13    59   56   +3    59
 6 Edgewood Eagles SC         38   17   8  13    60   57   +3    59
 7 West Chester FC            38   16  10  12    54   46   +8    58
 8 Berwick Rangers FC         38   16  10  12    58   52   +6    58
 9 Linden Lions FC            38   14  12  12    57   54   +3    54
10 Blue Aces SC               38   14  10  14    44   49   −5    52
11 Battenberg Bruins SC       38   14   7  17    50   64  −14    49
12 FC Monroe Central          38   13  10  15    57   67  −10    49
13 Brecon Borough             38   12  11  15    55   52   +3    47
14 Independent Laborers AC    38   13   8  17    55   53   +2    47
15 Georgetown Athletic Club   38   13   6  19    49   57   −8    45
16 RFCP AC                    38   11  10  17    46   57  −11    43
17 West Alden United FC       38   12   7  19    45   62  −17    43
18 Jaynesville SC             38   12   6  20    48   65  −17    42
19 Tri-Village United FC      38   11   6  21    48   71  −23    39
20 East Linden SC             38   11   6  21    52   67  −15    39

Playoffs (all four teams promoted to the Third Division)
Semi-Final 1st Leg
Jeromesville FC 3–0 Lower Valley Lions
Paintersville FC 0–1 Shiloh FC

2nd Leg
Lower Valley Lions 1–2 Jeromesville FC (Jeromesville win 5-1)
Shiloh FC 0–0 Paintersville FC (Shiloh win 1-0)

Final @BBP Stadium, Belle Haven
Shiloh FC 3–1 Jeromesville FC

Shiloh FC win the 77th FAC Shield over Jeromesville in front of 32,492. Both clubs were in search of their fourth win, Shiloh having never lost in the Final in three previous appearances while the Jerry's were in their fifth title game and third in the last eight seasons. It was the fourth time since the Shield has gone to a two division format that the winner and runner-up from the same half both advanced from the semi-finals.

Lower Valley Lions returns to the Third Division after being relegated last term and Paintersville is promoted for the first time since they abandoned their mixed gender Conference foray three seasons ago.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Trophy Review

First Round
Edgewood Eagles SC 2–0 Mel-Wood FC
Dragons FC 2–0 RFCP AC
Spring Valley FC 1–1 Maplewood AFC (1–1 AET) (5–4 pen.)
Battenberg Bruins SC 2–3 Red Wing FC
St John's SC 1–0 West Oceana Athletic FC
Hartley Community Club 0–1 Linden Lions FC
Queens Park FC 2–2 Jaynesville SC (3–3 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Mansfield County SC 2–0 Griffith Borough Amateurs FC
Berwick Rangers FC 1–0 Wagnerfield Kickers SC
Hampton SC 1–0 Charter Twp FC
Milton AFC 2–1 Brecon Borough
Salisbury County FC 2–0 Tri-Village United FC
White River Twp FC 3–2 Bowling Green FC
Blacksburg Area FC 2–2 West Liberty Rovers FC (2–2 AET) (2–1 pen.)
Albion Borough SC 1–3 Independent Laborers AC
Deptford AC 1–3 Union Miners FC
FC Monroe Central 1–1 Georgetown Athletic Club (2–1 AET)
Blue Aces SC 1–2 Frankenburg AC
Riverdale United FC 2–1 Alexandria Borough AFC
Lake County FC 0–3 West Alden United FC
East Linden SC 0–1 Cloppenburg Borough SC
Ralston United FC 0–2 Engineers Club

Second Round
FC Monroe Central 1–1 Queens Park FC (3–1 AET)
McIlroy Station FC 1–0 West Alden United FC
Jeromesville FC 1–2 Paintersville FC
Shiloh FC 2–1 Salisbury County FC
Mansfield County SC 1–2 Spring Valley FC
Red Wing FC 4–1 White River Twp FC
Center Point FC & RFC 2–2 Independent Laborers AC (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Dragons FC 1–0 Riverdale United FC
Meadowlarks SC 4–1 St John's SC
Berwick Rangers FC 2–2 Ridge Raiders SC (2–2 AET) (3–5 pen.)
Blacksburg Area FC 3–3 Western & Southern RR FC (3–4 AET)
Cloppenburg Borough SC 0–3 Linden Lions FC
West Chester FC 1–1 Union Miners FC (1–2 AET)
Frankenburg AC 0–0 Engineers Club (0–0 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Lower Valley Lions 0–1 Milton AFC
Hampton SC 0–1 Edgewood Eagles SC

Third Round
Milton AFC 2–1 FC Monroe Central
Union Miners FC 2–0 Red Wing FC
Western & Southern RR FC 1–3 Engineers Club
Dragons FC 1–1 Paintersville FC (3–1 AET)
Shiloh FC 1–1 McIlroy Station FC (2–1 AET)
Linden Lions FC 2–2 Edgewood Eagles SC (3–2 AET)
Ridge Raiders SC 2–1 Center Point FC & RFC
Meadowlarks SC 0–1 Spring Valley FC

Quarterfinals
Spring Valley FC 2–2 Engineers Club (2–2 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Milton AFC 2–3 Dragons FC
Linden Lions FC 1–1 Ridge Raiders SC (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Union Miners FC 0–2 Shiloh FC

Semi-Finals
Engineers Club 3–2 Shiloh FC (@ Salisbury City Stadium)
Ridge Raiders SC 2–1 Dragons FC (@ Sportsmen's Park, Belle Haven)

Final (@ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven)
Ridge Raiders SC 4–0 Engineers Club

Ridge Raiders won the 106th FAC Trophy in front of 31,479 in Belle Haven, defeating Engineers Club 4-0, the largest margin of victory in the final since 2007. Raiders took the title for the second time in four appearances while Engineers was making its third trip, the last time being 1982, and have never scored in the Trophy Final.
Both sides survived penalty shootouts in both the Second Round and the Quarterfinal to advance, and EC went the entire tournament without playing a single tie at home.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

National League Cup Review

First Round, 1st Leg
Hamilton Wanderers FC 3–1 Dalton United
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 0–1 Trinity FC
Kellerville AFC 0–1 Lynchana Borderers AC
Middletown City FC 1–3 Sanborn Borough SC
New Harmony FC 0–3 Bridgend Metros FC
Eastview SC 0–1 East Endborough AFC
Newmarket Saxons FC 2–2 North Royalton Town FC
Greenville Twp 1–1 Brentford FC
Carlisle FC 0–1 Ravens FC
State Univ 1–0 Maineville Marauders FC
Fairport Harbor FC 1–2 St Pats AC
Jennings Borough 1–1 Alton Athletic Club
Coolville United 0–1 Valley View SC
Patterson Park FC 2–4 Jamestown City FC
Collinsville United FC 3–5 Mansfield C&W FC
Greenlea United FC 0–1 East Liverpool FC
Sherwood Forest FC 2–0 Principia SC
Brentwood Borough 1–1 ROCK Utd FC
Andover Borough SC 1–2 Liberty FC
Pembroke St David's 2–1 Maritime Athletic SC
Hardun AC 2–2 Mooresville Celtic
Forresters FC 0–0 Jamestown Rovers FC
Riverside City FC 5–0 Westphalia County FC
Springfield City FC 2–1 Lewiston Town FC

2nd Leg
Dalton United 0–1 Hamilton Wanderers FC (Hamilton win 4-1)
Trinity FC 2–5 SK Leiderkranz-Turner (Leiderkranz win 5-3)
Lynchana Borderers AC 1–2 Kellerville AFC (tie drawn, Kellerville win on away goals)
Sanborn Borough SC 1–3 Middletown City FC (Middletown City win 4-3 AET)
Bridgend Metros FC 1–1 New Harmony FC (Bridgend win 4-1)
East Endborough AFC 1–1 Eastview SC (East Endborough win 2-1)
North Royalton Town FC 2–2 Newmarket Saxons FC (tie drawn 4–4 AET, North Royalton win 4–2 on pen)
Brentford FC 2–1 Greenville Twp (Brentford win 3-2)
Ravens FC 1–0 Carlisle FC (Ravens win 2-0)
Maineville Marauders FC 2–2 State Univ (State Univ win 3-2)
St Pats AC 2–1 Fairport Harbor FC (St Pat's win 4-2)
Alton Athletic Club 1–1 Jennings Borough (Jennings win 3-2 AET)
Valley View SC 0–1 Coolville United (Valley View win 3–2 AET)
Jamestown City FC 2–0 Patterson Park FC (Jamestown City win 6-2)
Mansfield C&W FC 1–1 Collinsville United FC (Mansfield win 6-4)
East Liverpool FC 0–2 Greenlea United FC (Greenlea win 2-1)
Principia SC 2–2 Sherwood Forest FC (Sherwood Forest win 4-2)
ROCK Utd FC 3–2 Brentwood Borough (ROCK Utd win 4-3)
Liberty FC 1–1 Andover Borough SC (Liberty United win 3-2)
Maritime Athletic SC 2–0 Pembroke St David's (Maritime Athletic win 3-2)
Mooresville Celtic 1–1 Hardun AC (tie drawn, Mooresville win on away goals)
Jamestown Rovers FC 2–3 Forresters FC (Forresters win 3-2)
Westphalia County FC 3–3 Riverside City FC (Riverside City win 8-3)
Lewiston Town FC 2–0 Springfield City FC (Lewiston win 3-2)

Second Round, 1st Leg
Middletown City FC 0–0 Hamilton Wanderers FC
State Univ 4–2 Valley View SC
Brentford FC 1–1 Mansfield C&W FC
Mooresville Celtic 2–1 North Royalton Town FC
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 1–3 Corinthians
Fairport City FC 4–0 East Endborough AFC
Liberty FC 1–0 Kellerville AFC
Middlebourne City AFC 1–2 St Pats AC
Bridgend Metros FC 4–1 Sherwood Forest FC
Jennings Borough 2–2 ROCK Utd FC
Salisbury City FC 2–0 Greenlea United FC
North Lima SC 1–4 Linden Woods FC
Ravens FC 1–1 Maritime Athletic SC
Forresters FC 1–1 Riverside City FC
Richmond Station FC 1–0 Lewiston Town FC
Newport City FC 2–2 Jamestown City FC

2nd Leg
Hamilton Wanderers FC 0–3 Middletown City FC (Middletown City win 3-0)
Valley View SC 2–2 State Univ (State Univ win 6-4)
Mansfield C&W FC 0–1 Brentford FC (Brentford win 2-1)
North Royalton Town FC 3–2 Mooresville Celtic (tie drawn, Mooresville win on away goals)
Corinthians 2–1 SK Leiderkranz-Turner (Corinthians win 5-2)
East Endborough AFC 1–3 Fairport City FC (Fairport City win 7-1)
Kellerville AFC 4–0 Liberty FC (Kellerville win 4-1)
St Pats AC 2–1 Middlebourne City AFC (St Pat's win 4-2)
Sherwood Forest FC 1–1 Bridgend Metros FC (Bridgend win 5-2)
ROCK Utd FC 1–0 Jennings Borough (ROCK Utd win 3-2)
Greenlea United FC 1–3 Salisbury City FC (Salisbury City win 5-1)
Linden Woods FC 2–1 North Lima SC (Linden Woods win 6-2)
Maritime Athletic SC 1–2 Ravens FC (Ravens win 3-2)
Riverside City FC 2–2 Forresters FC (tie drawn, Forresters win on away goals)
Lewiston Town FC 3–2 Richmond Station FC (tie drawn, Richmond Station win on away goals)
Jamestown City FC 1–1 Newport City FC (tie drawn, Jamestown City win on away goals)

Third Round, 1st Leg
Middletown City FC 2–1 Corinthians
Kellerville AFC 1–2 Richmond Station FC
Linden Woods FC 0–1 Ravens FC
St Pats AC 0–1 State Univ
Fairport City FC 2–4 Brentford FC
Salisbury City FC 1–1 Forresters FC
Mooresville Celtic 1–2 Bridgend Metros FC
Jamestown City FC 2–3 ROCK Utd FC

2nd Leg
Corinthians 1–1 Middletown City FC (Middletown City win 3-2)
Richmond Station FC 1–1 Kellerville AFC (Richmond Station win 3-2)
Ravens FC 0–2 Linden Woods FC (Ravens win 3-0)
State Univ 3–2 St Pats AC (State Univ win 4-2)
Brentford FC 1–2 Fairport City FC (Brentford win 5-4)
Forresters FC 1–4 Salisbury City FC (Salisbury City win 5-2)
Bridgend Metros FC 0–1 Mooresville Celtic (tie drawn, Bridgend win on away goals)
ROCK Utd FC 2–1 Jamestown City FC (ROCK Utd win 5-3)

Quarterfinals, 1st Leg
Bridgend Metros FC 2–5 Brentford FC
ROCK Utd FC 3–2 Richmond Station FC
Ravens FC 1–1 Middletown City FC
State Univ 0–2 Salisbury City FC

2nd Leg
Brentford FC 0–1 Bridgend Metros FC (Brentford win 5-3)
Richmond Station FC 4–0 ROCK Utd FC (Richmond Station win 6-3)
Middletown City FC 2–3 Ravens FC (Ravens win 4-3)
Salisbury City FC 5–2 State Univ (Salisbury City win 7-2)

Semi Finals, 1st Leg
Salisbury City FC 3–0 Ravens FC
Brentford FC 1–1 Richmond Station FC

2nd Leg
Ravens FC 1–1 Salisbury City FC (Salisbury City win 4-1)
Richmond Station FC 1–1 Brentford FC (tie drawn 2–2 AET, Richmond Station win 5–4 on pen)

Final @BBP National Stadium
Richmond Station FC 1–3 Salisbury City FC

Salisbury City picked up the National League Cup to go along with their 2nd Division crown defeating Richmond Station in front of 70,668.
For both clubs it was a record sixth appearance in the 58th Final and the Plainsmen's win pushes them ahead of Andover, Nor-Dale and Newmarket for most wins with 4, and is also their third win in the last nine seasons; for Station it was also a record, their fourth defeat in the competition's ultimate match.

More impressively, it means that Salisbury are the first club ever to win the NL Cup/2nd Division double.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

National League 2nd Division Review

Salisbury City ran away with the 2nd Division crown, winning for the fourth time, but their first since 1949. They earned 41 points in each half of the season, losing only twice over the final 19 matches and topping the table for the final 32 rounds. At the bottom, Brentwood and Fairport City lagged behind the field most of the season and Brentford could only gain 13 points in the second half to send them down to the Third Division as well.

2nd Division            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Salisbury City FC        38   25   7   6    81   46  +35    82
 2 Richmond Station FC      38   21   6  11    76   69   +7    69
 3 North Lima SC            38   20   6  12    48   34  +14    66
 4 Newport City FC          38   20   4  14    72   59  +13    64
 5 Riverside City FC        38   17  12   9    85   76   +9    63
 6 Corinthians              38   18   7  13    80   67  +13    61
 7 Linden Woods FC          38   16   9  13    59   54   +5    57
 8 Middletown City FC       38   14  13  11    59   60   −1    55
 9 Jamestown City FC        38   15   9  14    76   69   +7    54
10 Middlebourne City AFC    38   16   6  16    76   72   +4    54
11 Mansfield C&W FC         38   14  10  14    61   58   +3    52
12 St Pats AC               38   15   6  17    58   69  −11    51
13 North Royalton Town FC   38   14   7  17    59   64   −5    49
14 Sanborn Borough SC       38   14   7  17    81   77   +4    49
15 Newmarket Saxons FC      38   10  14  14    72   78   −6    44
16 Hamilton Wanderers FC    38   11  10  17    50   57   −7    43
17 Ravens FC                38   11   8  19    58   76  −18    41
18 Brentwood Borough        38    8  12  18    34   54  −20    36
19 Fairport City FC         38    8  10  20    62   80  −18    34
20 Brentford FC             38    7   9  22    56   84  −28    30

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

National League 3rd Division Review

Bridgend Metros left nothing to chance as they romped home to the 3rd Division title after losing out in the playoff the previous two seasons. East Endborough and Jamestown Rovers leapfrogged Maineville on the final day, although Marauders recovered to earn the final promotion place

Upper                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Bridgend Metros FC        34   22   5   7    73   40  +33    71
 2 East Endborough AFC       34   15  12   7    68   50  +18    57
 3 Jamestown Rovers FC       34   16   8  10    60   46  +14    56
 4 Maineville Marauders FC   34   14  13   7    47   39   +8    55
 5 Hardun AC                 34   15   6  13    49   45   +4    51
 6 Coolville United          34   13  11  10    53   50   +3    50
 7 Trinity FC                34   12  12  10    52   51   +1    48
 8 Greenlea United FC        34   12  10  12    37   38   −1    46
 9 Lewiston Town FC          34   11  12  11    51   58   −7    45
10 ROCK Utd FC               34   11  11  12    43   43    0    44
11 Fairport Harbor FC        34   10  13  11    49   50   −1    43
12 Eastview SC               34   12   6  16    49   53   −4    42
13 Greenville Twp            34   12   5  17    52   62  −10    41
14 Forresters FC             34   10  11  13    48   59  −11    41
15 Alton Athletic Club       34   10   7  17    44   58  −14    37
16 SK Leiderkranz-Turner     34   10   6  18    47   57  −10    36
17 Pembroke St David's       34    8  12  14    43   52   −9    36
18 Maritime Athletic SC      34    8  10  16    42   56  −14    34

Promotion Playoff
Maineville Marauders FC 3–2 Jamestown Rovers FC

The 'B' half of the division saw Liberty United jump straight up after being promoted from the Shield at the beginning of the season and Sherwood Forest pipping Carlisle to the final promotion place on the final day in which the clubs faced one another. Collinsville and New Harmony avoided the fate of most of the recent clubs promoted from the Shield, with only Mooresville Celtic returning after a single year.

Lower                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Liberty FC                34   20   5   9    58   44  +14    65
 2 Westphalia County FC      34   17   5  12    61   53   +8    56
 3 Kellerville AFC           34   16   8  10    56   47   +9    56
 4 Sherwood Forest FC        34   15   9  10    51   48   +3    54
 5 Carlisle FC               34   16   5  13    55   49   +6    53
 6 Patterson Park FC         34   14  11   9    52   52    0    53
 7 Andover Borough SC        34   14   9  11    53   44   +9    51
 8 Springfield City FC       34   14   7  13    50   55   −5    49
 9 Collinsville United FC    34   11  13  10    54   52   +2    46
10 Lynchana Borderers AC     34   12  10  12    50   47   +3    46
11 Dalton United             34   13   7  14    50   57   −7    46
12 State Univ                34   11   9  14    40   49   −9    42
13 Principia SC              34   12   5  17    64   61   +3    41
14 New Harmony FC            34   11   8  15    54   54    0    41
15 Jennings Borough          34    9  11  14    45   51   −6    38
16 East Liverpool FC         34    8  13  13    46   51   −5    37
17 Valley View SC            34    9   9  16    54   60   −6    36
18 Mooresville Celtic        34    9   6  19    39   58  −19    33

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Women's National League Review

The Women's National League came down to final couple of rounds as Sherwood Forest Ladies overtook Newmarket Ladies on round 37 then held on to win their 3rd straight Championship and 5th overall. Market led much of the second half of the campaign after Ravens, Ridge Raiders and Shirley Metros all set the pace in the first quarter of the season; the final showed an 11 point gap from the leaders to third place Ridge Raiders, but that was mainly a function of the final few rounds that saw the rest of the league struggle as the leaders kept up a punishing run-in down the stretch.

The Little Janes title put them into a tie with Leiderkranz and Metros Ladies for most trophies won in the top flight, and it was their tenth piece of silverware overall (including two Second Division crowns and three FAC Women's Cups) moving them into top spot in that category, where they'd been tied with the previously mentioned pair and Llewellyn Turnpike with 9 each.

Raiders Ladies will get their first attempt at IFCF Liga B play alongside the returnees in first and second, although they hope that the experience doesn't affect them in the same way it did Middletown City Women, who crashed to 19th this year after their 3rd place finish the season before.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sherwood Forest Ladies FC       38   22   7   9    95   72  +23    73
 2 Newmarket Ladies SC             38   22   6  10    80   64  +16    72
 3 Ridge Raiders Ladies FC         38   18   7  13    82   72  +10    61
 4 Shirley Metros Ladies FC        38   18   7  13    70   61   +9    61
 5 Jamestown City Ladies FC        38   17   8  13    63   61   +2    59
 6 Clayton City Ladies FC          38   15  11  12    71   67   +4    56
 7 Ravens FC Ladies                38   14  14  10    76   71   +5    56
 8 Greenlea United Ladies SC       38   16   6  16    63   60   +3    54
 9 Shiloh FC Ladies                38   15   7  16    43   39   +4    52
10 Brentford Ladies FC             38   15   7  16    62   64   −2    52
11 Southend AC Ladies              38   14   9  15    59   63   −4    51
12 Linden Ladies FC                38   15   5  18    42   49   −7    50
13 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC    38   13   9  16    61   69   −8    48
14 Meadowdale Ladies FC            38   12  11  15    49   57   −8    47
15 Leiderkranz Ladies SC           38   12  11  15    70   69   +1    47
16 E Endborough Ladies FC          38   12  10  16    42   51   −9    46
17 Riverside City Ladies FC        38   13   5  20    67   78  −11    44
18 Westwood Sprites Ladies FC      38   12   8  18    59   71  −12    44
19 Middletown City FC Women        38   12   7  19    51   52   −1    43
20 Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC   38   11   9  18    58   73  −15    42

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Women's Cup Review

First Round
Suburban Ladies SC 2–2 Queens Park SC Women
Westwood Sprites Ladies FC 3–1 Greenlea United Ladies SC
Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC 1–1 Ravens FC Ladies
Middletown City FC Women 2–0 Leiderkranz Ladies SC
Riverside City Ladies FC 2–2 Mansfield Ladies SC
Meadowdale Ladies FC 4–0 Nor-Dale Ladies AFC
Pembroke St David's Ladies 0–4 Sherwood Forest Ladies FC
Brentford Ladies FC 4–1 Newport Ladies FC
White River Women FC 1–0 Georgetown Athletic Club Ladies
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 4–1 E Endborough Ladies FC
Shiloh FC Ladies 0–0 Shirley Metros Ladies FC
Newmarket Ladies SC 4–2 Linden Ladies FC
Triad Rovers SC 1–3 Clayton City Ladies FC
St Warren FC Women 0–2 Ridge Raiders Ladies FC
Southend AC Ladies 2–0 Salisbury County FC Ladies
Mel-Wood FC Ladies 0–0 Jamestown City Ladies FC

Replays
Queens Park SC Women 0–0 Suburban Ladies SC (2–0 AET)
Ravens FC Ladies 3–3 Hamiliton Wanderers Ladies SC (4–3 AET)
Mansfield Ladies SC 0–1 Riverside City Ladies FC
Shirley Metros Ladies FC 1–0 Shiloh FC Ladies
Jamestown City Ladies FC 2–1 Mel-Wood FC Ladies

Second Round
Ridge Raiders Ladies FC 1–1 Riverside City Ladies FC
Jamestown City Ladies FC 4–3 Ravens FC Ladies
White River Women FC 0–2 Southend AC Ladies
Newmarket Ladies SC 2–3 Sherwood Forest Ladies FC
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 4–4 Shirley Metros Ladies FC
Westwood Sprites Ladies FC 3–3 Brentford Ladies FC
Queens Park SC Women 1–3 Meadowdale Ladies FC
Clayton City Ladies FC 2–1 Middletown City FC Women

Replays
Riverside City Ladies FC 2–1 Ridge Raiders Ladies FC
Shirley Metros Ladies FC 1–2 Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC
Brentford Ladies FC 2–1 Westwood Sprites Ladies FC

Quarterfinals
Clayton City Ladies FC 3–1 Brentford Ladies FC
Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC 0–1 Sherwood Forest Ladies FC
Jamestown City Ladies FC 1–0 Southend AC Ladies
Riverside City Ladies FC 1–0 Meadowdale Ladies FC

Semi-Finals (both @ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven)
Sherwood Forest Ladies FC 4–2 Jamestown City Ladies FC
Clayton City Ladies FC 2–2 Riverside City Ladies FC (2–2 AET) (3–4 pen.)

Final (@ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven--att 67,859)
Sherwood Forest Ladies FC 1–2 Riverside City Ladies FC

Riverside City win the 54th FAC Women's Cup, their second victory in the last four seasons. They prevented Sherwood Forest Ladies from a chance at a second League/Cup double in the past seven years.
It marked the third time in the Final in the last four seasons for the winners and the fourth time in five they'd advanced to the Semis. They needed replays in both of the first two rounds to advance in addition to penalties in the Semi Final against Clayton.

Queens Park & White River made the non-league clubs proud as both advanced to the last sixteen, and Mel-Wood took Jamestown City to a replay.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

IFCF Review

It was another disappointing campaign in International club competitions for National League representatives, a trend that has carried over for the past several seasons; following IFCF 4, Baker Park were on the verge of joining the top 32, entitling the NL to an additional Champions League berth. But the next cycle began the decline that has seen their ranking fall to 49th.

The Champions League has always proven to be a bit of a steep hill to climb for NL clubs, as they are usually placed in one of the early qualifying rounds and Westwood Sprites were drawn to play U.S. Scudelli of Juvencus in the 1st Qualifying Round, getting a 1-0 away victory in the return leg to send them through after opening with a 3-2 win at Highview; next up were Lumineers of Quagpire, who stole away with a 2-1 advantage heading home, but Sprites turned the tables with a 4-1 road win to take the tie 5-3. The same pattern emerged in the 3rd QR as they welcomed RGS Athletic from Eastfield Lodge for the first leg, only to fall 2-0 before the return match, where once again Westwood won on the day, but this time only 2-1 to drop out of the competition 3-2 on aggregate.

In the Challengers Cup, New Bremen squared off against Montreaux Jazz from Southwest Eastnorth and showed off their defensive chops in the first leg away, winning comfortably 3-0, then finishing off the tie with a 2-1 win in New Bremen in the 1st Qualifying Round; also competing was Asbury Park who started with Algolia from Squornshelas, parlaying a 3-2 win at the Recreation Park with a 1-0 away victory to also advance. Only Nor-Dale AFC, making their IFCF debut, fell at the first hurdle, dropping a 5-1 aggregate decision to Tumbra's Inter Nantwich.

Asbury started on the road in the 2nd QR against Rololas in Valanora and earned a hard fought 1-1 result only to see the Vanorian side advance after 120 minutes in the Commonwealth, while Brem were against Railyards from Sanford, and splitting a pair of 2-1 away victories sending the tie to penalties, where Zack Johnston saved the second kick of the shootout to help the visitors get through 4-2.

That left Bremen the sole survivor into the 3rd Qualification Round where they faced off with Barracelio of Schima Bas, getting the first leg at home once again; they put in a impressive showing for the hometown faithful, carrying a 3-1 lead into the second 90 minutes and advancing to the 4th QR.

Westwood returned to action alongside Bremen as both are now just a step away from the Playoff Round; both begin on the road, with Sprites facing Atletik in Mytanija and Brem in Fafadillis to take on Rulandea Kosta and it was a forgettable night for both, Sprites going down 4-1 and the S-FPL side flexing its muscle in a 2-0 strangling of NB. The results on home soil were equally frustrating as Mytanars got a 1-0 victory and the Rulandese side made it back to back clean sheets winning 3-0 (marking two of the four matches Brem lost by 2 goals or more all season—the second leg was the only match they lost by 3!).

For the ladies, it was the Liga B Champions Trophy, with Middletown City Women & Newmarket Ladies battling it out in the early rounds with Sherwood Forest Ladies seeded through to the Playoff Round.
Midd City started off in the first round of qualifying against Varsayith from Acastanha and got straight to business with a 4-1 away win before returning to Barnitz Stadium to salt away a 5-1 aggregate victory, then were joined by Newmarket in the 2nd QR; MCW faced Bridgeside Giants of United Adaikes, who stunned the hosts with a 2-0 win in the first leg, heading home confident of making it through, but Midd City scored twice in regulation and another in extra time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the return fixture, meanwhile Newmarket went out on penalties 2-0 to Traal Athletics from Squornshelas following a 2-2 second leg at the Prince William Stadium kept the tie deadlocked.

The Third QR would be a contrast in highs and lows as Rozelle Alliance of Brenecia was the opponent, and a 4-1 home win had MCW supporters anticipating joining Sherwood Forest in the Playoffs, until the wheels fell off in Rozelle, a 4-0 defeat giving the Brencian side the aggregate victory.

It was the Little Janes left to carry the NWL banner as they traveled to Equestria to face Apaloosa, Alicia Craig giving Forest a 1-0 lead heading back to Frederickstown, where Ayana West's hat trick helped close the deal in a 5-1 romp. If Forest thought they were going to get a manageable group draw they were let down, joining another Brencian side Southrons-Errant, Everlin from Valanora and Sokattack Mliona of Turori in Group E; it was not a masterclass in defense, as they conceded 16 and only managed a 3-0 win against the Vanorians and 1-1 draw against the Turori side.

The Cup Winners Cup pitted FAC Cup holders Newport City against Corona Christiana of Omerica in the first round, and after a scoreless first leg in Newport, the Omericans edged by 3-2 to eliminate 'Port; the story was much the same in the Atlantian Oceania Champions League as Westwood Sprites actually took a 2-1 first leg lead for the trip to Vilita to face Eastal Lunar, before the home side put 3 past Robbie Diesler to eliminate Sprites.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

National League Championship Review

There is an accepted “storyline” that has gone around the block many times in the Championship to the point where it almost taken as gospel by media and supporters alike, it goes something like this:
clubs rise and fall within the table from year to year and all of a sudden, the bottom drops out for one or two of them and they go down. They regroup, reset, rebuild and then they come back up. Three seasons ago, Clayton City were in the Challengers Cup and Westwood Sprites were only spared relegation because the two clubs that went down had historically bad seasons. 12 months ago, Sprites were beginning what would be a title winning campaign while CC were prepping for the 2nd Division. The neighbors who personify “bad blood” in top flight soccer in this country swapped places so fast no one saw it coming. The Red Stripes quick return was overshadowed a bit at the end of last term by the feel good Meadowdale story, but few people were dumbfounded by their quick turnaround.

They weren't in the conversation of title contenders for this year, which centered mostly on the 'usual' suspects from the past 4-5 years—Sprites as defending champion but otherwise it's New Bremen, Asbury Park, Dalton Town and Midtown AC with Learfield and Southend as dark horses.

But, you never know where surprises might lurk in this division.

Weeks 1-6
There was more discussion about which sides were not doing well than there were about the one that was—New Bremen was in a serious mood to reclaim their crown and their mantle as THE outstanding defense in the entire League regardless of division; they owned the five best goals allowed totals in the history of the National League but had dropped to a tie for 7th a season ago. So far, they'd surrendered three (and thought that was 2 too many) and also ranked second in offense, as Tim Cassell had 4 tallies already and Idi Mboge had knocked in another to go along with his four assists.

Asbury Park had started with three straight defeats to open the season and Sprites had a pair of every result through six but it was Nor-Dale and Meadowdale propping up the table with no wins and just five points between them.

It was not as dire as the table looked at first glance—third place MAC and 16th place Monmouth Park(!) were only separated by six points while 11 clubs had between 7 & 10 points.

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 New Bremen FC              6    5   1   0    14    3  +11    16
 2 Hillsborough FC            6    4   0   2    13   10   +3    12
 3 Midtown Athletic Club      6    3   2   1     9    6   +3    11
 4 Ezriquay United FC         6    3   1   2     8    8    0    10
 5 Clayton City SC            6    3   1   2     9    9    0    10
 6 St Warren City FC          6    3   1   2     8    7   +1    10
 7 Victoria & Albert SC       6    3   1   2    12   12    0    10
 8 Southend AC                6    2   3   1    15   11   +4     9
 9 Llewellyn Turnpike SC      6    3   0   3    11   11    0     9
10 Westwood Sprites           6    2   2   2     9    8   +1     8
11 Asbury Park FC             6    2   1   3    13   17   −4     7
12 Dalton Town FC             6    2   1   3     9   10   −1     7
13 Learfield FC               6    2   1   3    12   14   −2     7
14 Shirley Metros FC          6    2   1   3    13   13    0     7
15 Marshallton Athletic SC    6    1   3   2     7    8   −1     6
16 Monmouth Park FC           6    1   2   3     9   14   −5     5
17 Nor-Dale AFC               6    0   3   3     5    9   −4     3
18 Meadowdale FC              6    0   2   4     2    8   −6     2

Weeks 7-10
Bremen shutout Meadowdale in week 10, coming a week after the Lions snapped their 8 match winless streak, although still at the foot of the table but now one of four sides in single digits in the points column; Nor-Dale had opened with seven winless matches and sat 2 points ahead in 17th, but able to overtake Monmouth and Sprites—with 8 & 9 respectively) should they be able to grind out another victory. The champs were 14 points off the lead after 10 matches, with pundits saying they'd need a minimum of 55 of the last 72 points to play for just to get into the top three.

Asbury had—in contrast—gone unbeaten in seven after their three losses, good enough to get them into the top 10, where Learfield, Clayton, Dalton and Llewellyn Turnpike were engaged in weekly hand to hand combat for the mid table lead. MAC and St Warren were keeping close to NB, whose only defeat in the 10 matches thus far was 1-0 to Midtown (a scoreline you might want to keep in mind).

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 New Bremen FC             10    7   2   1    19    6  +13    23
 2 Midtown Athletic Club     10    6   2   2    14    9   +5    20
 3 St Warren City FC         10    6   2   2    16   10   +6    20
 4 Ezriquay United FC        10    6   1   3    19   17   +2    19
 5 Hillsborough FC           10    6   0   4    23   16   +7    18
 6 Victoria & Albert SC      10    5   2   3    20   19   +1    17
 7 Clayton City SC           10    5   1   4    18   16   +2    16
 8 Dalton Town FC            10    5   1   4    15   12   +3    16
 9 Asbury Park FC            10    4   3   3    21   23   −2    15
10 Learfield FC              10    4   2   4    22   21   +1    14
11 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     10    4   0   6    21   25   −4    12
12 Southend AC               10    2   5   3    18   19   −1    11
13 Shirley Metros FC         10    3   1   6    20   23   −3    10
14 Marshallton Athletic SC   10    2   4   4    11   13   −2    10
15 Westwood Sprites          10    2   3   5    13   19   −6     9
16 Monmouth Park FC          10    1   5   4    13   23  −10     8
17 Nor-Dale AFC              10    1   4   5    12   16   −4     7
18 Meadowdale FC             10    1   2   7     7   15   −8     5

Weeks 11-14
Fun Fact: after 14 weeks, the top 10 clubs in the standings had a 9 point spread, and the bottom 8...also separated by only 9 points.

First things first, as A Series of Unexpected Events converged to create a degree of consternation across the League heading towards the mid-season/Christmas break. New Bremen suffered back to back defeats to Hillsborough and St Warren, both by 1-0 scores; MAC and St Warren let Ezriquay and V&A have a chance to keep up with the leaders; and thanks to Llewellyn Turnpike turning a 3 goal deficit with 20 minutes to go into a “Boxcars draw” at Bridewell, coupled with Meadowdale winning against Nor-Dale for their second straight victory, the Lions moved past Monmouth Park and out of the relegation places.
In the same category of a 6-6 draw as a rarity, the immediate change of management at a club during a season probably is even more bizarre in the National League, but Jason Phillips will go into the trivia books after his 10½ year tenure in charge at Bridewell came the day after the LT match; Academy Head Coach Andy Maas will take charge of the first team until the end of the season.

20 rounds left to play.

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 New Bremen FC             14    9   2   3    22    8  +14    29
 2 Ezriquay United FC        14    9   1   4    24   19   +5    28
 3 Victoria & Albert SC      14    8   2   4    28   24   +4    26
 4 Midtown Athletic Club     14    7   3   4    20   17   +3    24
 5 St Warren City FC         14    7   2   5    19   15   +4    23
 6 Dalton Town FC            14    7   2   5    21   17   +4    23
 7 Asbury Park FC            14    6   5   3    30   30    0    23
 8 Hillsborough FC           14    7   1   6    29   23   +6    22
 9 Clayton City SC           14    7   1   6    27   25   +2    22
10 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     14    6   2   6    34   36   −2    20
11 Westwood Sprites          14    4   5   5    26   29   −3    17
12 Marshallton Athletic SC   14    4   5   5    16   16    0    17
13 Shirley Metros FC         14    5   1   8    34   38   −4    16
14 Southend AC               14    3   6   5    21   24   −3    15
15 Learfield FC              14    4   3   7    28   32   −4    15
16 Meadowdale FC             14    3   3   8    12   18   −6    12
17 Monmouth Park FC          14    1   7   6    22   35  −13    10
18 Nor-Dale AFC              14    1   5   8    20   27   −7     8

Weeks 15-17
What happened to New Bremen? Losers of 4 of their last 5, they look up at Ezriquay United in the table at the halfway point, V&A loitering with intent as they have almost the entire season, MAC and St Warren creating turbulence in the bottom half; it's taken a desperate Metros side to stop the Lion Express, winning 1-0 at President's Park to snap Meadowdale's FOUR match winning run--which has put them seven points clear of MP and an identical record as Learfield (with 'Field leading on head to head).
Sprites and Marshallton in 11th and 12th are only 10 points from first (as is Turnpike in 10th); Westwood's late $3 million pre-season raid for Broadview's Narazia Ruaplal, the Vilita & Turori International, hoping for reinforcement for IFCF action, doesn't look as brilliant as it did three months ago (although Ruaplal himself has played superbly).

At the whistle for everyone out of the pool, the question remains who's treading water just to survive, and who's confident enough to try out the deep end?

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Ezriquay United FC        17   11   1   5    27   20   +7    34
 2 New Bremen FC             17   10   2   5    23   10  +13    32
 3 Victoria & Albert SC      17   10   2   5    33   26   +7    32
 4 Midtown Athletic Club     17    9   3   5    25   20   +5    30
 5 St Warren City FC         17    9   2   6    24   20   +4    29
 6 Hillsborough FC           17    9   1   7    36   28   +8    28
 7 Asbury Park FC            17    7   5   5    38   39   −1    26
 8 Dalton Town FC            17    8   2   7    22   20   +2    26
 9 Clayton City SC           17    8   1   8    34   31   +3    25
10 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     17    7   3   7    37   39   −2    24
11 Westwood Sprites          17    6   6   5    34   34    0    24
12 Marshallton Athletic SC   17    6   6   5    21   19   +2    24
13 Southend AC               17    5   6   6    29   32   −3    21
14 Shirley Metros FC         17    6   1  10    35   43   −8    19
15 Learfield FC              17    5   3   9    38   43   −5    18
16 Meadowdale FC             17    5   3   9    16   21   −5    18
17 Monmouth Park FC          17    1   8   8    25   40  −15    11
18 Nor-Dale AFC              17    1   5  11    28   40  −12     8

Weeks 18-23
Asbury climbed into the top three at the 2/3 mark of the season, winning 4 and drawing 2 since the beginning of the second half, but New Bremen had reclaimed top spot and V&A had helped put Ezriquay down to 4th place although just five points back.
Clayton was the only other big mover in the top half as they won three and drew two to climb back to sixth, while Dalton and St Warren were winless since the break. At the tail end, Monmouth had shown some improvement under caretaker boss Andy Maas, but still were 17th, although they had a seven point advantage over Nor-Dale.
The question making the rounds and at the Abernathy Stadium was deciding if last years top four finish an aberration or is the sudden freefall a result of previously unknown issues? The reality probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 New Bremen FC             23   13   5   5    32   14  +18    44
 2 Victoria & Albert SC      23   13   5   5    47   35  +12    44
 3 Asbury Park FC            23   11   7   5    56   50   +6    40
 4 Ezriquay United FC        23   12   3   8    34   32   +2    39
 5 Midtown Athletic Club     23   11   5   7    39   35   +4    38
 6 Clayton City SC           23   11   3   9    40   35   +5    36
 7 Hillsborough FC           23   10   4   9    44   38   +6    34
 8 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     23   10   3  10    53   56   −3    33
 9 St Warren City FC         23    9   6   8    35   33   +2    33
10 Dalton Town FC            23    9   5   9    29   27   +2    32
11 Marshallton Athletic SC   23    8   8   7    34   28   +6    32
12 Shirley Metros FC         23    8   5  10    47   53   −6    29
13 Westwood Sprites          23    7   7   9    41   45   −4    28
14 Southend AC               23    6   8   9    36   45   −9    26
15 Learfield FC              23    6   7  10    47   51   −4    25
16 Meadowdale FC             23    6   5  12    21   29   −8    23
17 Monmouth Park FC          23    3  11   9    35   48  −13    20
18 Nor-Dale AFC              23    2   7  14    32   48  −16    13

Weeks 24-28
Things got really interesting at both ends of the table during this five week stretch, as New Brem hit another cold spell offensively, sending them to a second four loss in five match streak, including their first loss by a score other than 1-0. Midtown AC were the beneficiary as they went on a 5 match unbeaten run which saw them overtake NB, Asbury and V&A into first place. Although Park lost two of their five contests, they took over second, just two points back and tied with the Coburgs with Brem another 2 points behind and Ezriquay another point back.
At the opposite end, the bottom three clubs were getting warmed up, with Nor-Dale winning 4 of 5, Monmouth Park winning 3 and drawing one and Meadowdale getting a pair of victories and draws apiece. Westwood and St Warren were being dragged further into the relegation scrap, the Saints remaining winless in 11 and Sprites picking up just 8 points in the same span; Southend, Metros and Learfield were not out of danger either, with just 10 points separating 11th and 18th.

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Midtown Athletic Club     28   15   6   7    48   40   +8    51
 2 Asbury Park FC            28   14   7   7    68   55  +13    49
 3 Victoria & Albert SC      28   14   7   7    60   50  +10    49
 4 New Bremen FC             28   14   5   9    35   20  +15    47
 5 Ezriquay United FC        28   14   4  10    38   37   +1    46
 6 Clayton City SC           28   13   4  11    51   46   +5    43
 7 Hillsborough FC           28   11   7  10    59   53   +6    40
 8 Dalton Town FC            28   11   6  11    35   32   +3    39
 9 Marshallton Athletic SC   28   10   9   9    43   35   +8    39
10 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     28   11   5  12    62   65   −3    38
11 St Warren City FC         28    9   8  11    43   48   −5    35
12 Learfield FC              28    9   7  12    55   61   −6    34
13 Shirley Metros FC         28    9   6  13    55   64   −9    33
14 Southend AC               28    8   9  11    49   55   −6    33
15 Westwood Sprites          28    8   8  12    49   58   −9    32
16 Meadowdale FC             28    8   7  13    25   32   −7    31
17 Monmouth Park FC          28    6  12  10    51   61  −10    30
18 Nor-Dale AFC              28    6   7  15    44   58  −14    25

Weeks 29-31
Asbury completed the climb from 18th on matchday 3 to 1st on matchday 29 and opened up a four point gap over MAC and five to Brem with three rounds left. V&A and Ezriquay rounded out the top five and were the only other sides with a mathematical possibility of taking the crown; Clayton could still finish second, but they were concentrating on their Cup run rather than the league at this point.
Monmouth Park, St Warren and Westwood all picked the right time to snap out of the malaise each were in, as a pair of wins and a draw got Park out of the bottom two, Saints snapped their 13 match winless drought (although they turned around the next week and lost to New Brem) and Sprites finally won back to back contests for the first time. Nor-Dale's 2-0 win over Meadowdale was the only points either team claimed over the 3 match span, certainly dooming them both to the drop. Meadowdale faces Asbury, MAC and Shirley in its final three fixtures, making six or seven points quite unlikely.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Asbury Park FC            31   17   7   7    76   59  +17    58
 2 Midtown Athletic Club     31   16   6   9    52   45   +7    54
 3 New Bremen FC             31   16   5  10    39   22  +17    53
 4 Victoria & Albert SC      31   15   7   9    64   55   +9    52
 5 Ezriquay United FC        31   15   6  10    43   41   +2    51
_____________________________________________________
14 Learfield FC              31    9  10  12    62   68   −6    37
15 Monmouth Park FC          31    8  13  10    54   62   −8    37
16 Southend AC               31    9  10  12    53   59   −6    37
17 Meadowdale FC             31    8   7  16    26   38  −12    31 
18 Nor-Dale AFC              31    7   7  17    47   61  −14    28

Week 32

Victoria & Albert SC 1–1 Marshallton Athletic SC
Dalton Town FC 1–2 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Monmouth Park FC 0–0 New Bremen FC
St Warren City FC 1–0 Ezriquay United FC
Hillsborough FC 1–1 Westwood Sprites
Southend AC 1–1 Clayton City SC
Learfield FC 1–1 Nor-Dale AFC
Meadowdale FC 2–2 Asbury Park FC
Shirley Metros FC 1–0 Midtown Athletic Club

The situation at the top remained unchanged as Meadowdale prevented AP from clinching the championship, while New Brem nor MAC could take advantage to close the gap; Nor-Dale officially were relegated and Meadowdale all but with a pair of games left in their first (and now only) season in the Championship.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Asbury Park FC            32   17   8   7    78   61  +17    59
 2 Midtown Athletic Club     32   16   6  10    52   46   +6    54
 3 New Bremen FC             32   16   6  10    39   22  +17    54
 4 Victoria & Albert SC      32   15   8   9    65   56   +9    53

Week 33

Shirley Metros FC 1–1 Victoria & Albert SC
Midtown Athletic Club 5–5 Meadowdale FC
Asbury Park FC 1–1 Learfield FC
Nor-Dale AFC 3–2 Southend AC
Clayton City SC 1–0 Hillsborough FC
Westwood Sprites 1–1 St Warren City FC
Ezriquay United FC 2–1 Monmouth Park FC
New Bremen FC 4–1 Dalton Town FC
Llewellyn Turnpike SC 2–1 Marshallton Athletic SC

Asbury held on to claim the title in the draw with Learfield despite Brem taking out their offensive frustrations on Dalton; as a result of the 1-0 AP victory in round 24, NB cannot overtake the champions elect. MAC could've pipped Bremen for the second slot, but Milot Stern, the Lions' club record signing from Nephara, smashed home the equalizer with 3 minutes left, closing out a frantic last 15 minutes that began with Quinton Harris scoring to bring the visitors to a one goal deficit. The local derby ended with the traveling supporter chanting “I-F-C-F, Not Bloody Likely” in response to the MAC taunts of “Going Down, that's what you are”. Ah yes, good clean rivalry.

Week 34

Victoria & Albert SC 6–2 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Marshallton Athletic SC 0–4 New Bremen FC
Dalton Town FC 1–2 Ezriquay United FC
Monmouth Park FC 5–1 Westwood Sprites
St Warren City FC 1–2 Clayton City SC
Hillsborough FC 0–2 Nor-Dale AFC
Southend AC 7–5 Asbury Park FC
Learfield FC 5–2 Midtown Athletic Club
Meadowdale FC 2–2 Shirley Metros FC

The final day was a bit anti-climatic given the twists and turns of the season. V&A leapt into third place and Ezriquay put the final twist of the knife into MAC by beating them to fourth.
Westwood Sprites suffered the indignity of being routed in their final match as Champions which allowed MP to finish level on points, as did Hillsborough, although their 2-0 defeat to Nor-Dale ensured that visitors would not finish last. Monmouth (30) and Nor-Dale (27) gained the second and fifth most points in the second half of the season, while St Warren and Hillsborough tied for fewest with 13; Westwood, Meadowdale and Marshallton were just slightly better, all getting 17 points over 17 fixtures.

For Asbury Park, it's their third title, all coming in the last 18 seasons and the second in an eight year span that has also seen them win the FAC Cup twice.

Championship             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Asbury Park FC            34   17   9   8    84   69  +15    60  Champions League
 2 New Bremen FC             34   18   6  10    47   23  +24    60  Challengers Cup
 3 Ezriquay United FC        34   17   6  11    47   44   +3    57  Challengers Cup
 4 Victoria & Albert SC      34   16   9   9    72   59  +13    57  Challengers Cup
 5 Midtown Athletic Club     34   16   7  11    59   56   +3    55
 6 Clayton City SC           34   16   6  12    62   55   +7    54
 7 Llewellyn Turnpike SC     34   15   5  14    76   79   −3    50
 8 Dalton Town FC            34   12   8  14    41   42   −1    44
 9 Shirley Metros FC         34   12   8  14    65   73   −8    44
10 St Warren City FC         34   11   9  14    49   57   −8    42
11 Learfield FC              34   10  12  12    69   72   −3    42
12 Westwood Sprites          34   10  11  13    59   69  −10    41
13 Monmouth Park FC          34    9  14  11    60   65   −5    41
14 Hillsborough FC           34   11   8  15    64   64    0    41
15 Marshallton Athletic SC   34   10  11  13    46   45   +1    41
16 Southend AC               34   10  11  13    63   68   −5    41
17 Nor-Dale AFC              34    9   8  17    53   64  −11    35  Relegated
18 Meadowdale FC             34    8  10  16    35   47  −12    34  Relegated

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

FAC Cup Review

First Round
Crusaders FC 2–0 Trinity FC
Jacksonville City 2–3 SK Leiderkranz-Turner
Kellerville AFC 1–0 Riverdale United FC
Blue Aces SC 2–1 McIlroy Station FC
Queens Park FC 1–1 Wagnerfield Kickers SC
Brecon Borough 2–3 Fairport Harbor FC
Jaynesville SC 2–3 Edgewood Eagles SC
Tri-Village United FC 0–1 Milton AFC
Alton Athletic Club 2–1 West Liberty Rovers FC
Forresters FC 1–0 Salisbury County FC
Sorenberg Park 1–0 Jamestown Rovers FC
Bergholz Caledonian 1–1 Red Wing FC
Greenville Twp 3–0 Principia SC
Lewiston Town FC 4–2 Independent Laborers AC
Westphalia County FC 2–0 East Liverpool FC
Lake County FC 1–4 Center Point FC & RFC
Sherwood Forest FC 1–2 Meadowlarks SC
Hartley Community Club 0–2 Hannover United
Jennings Borough 1–1 Deptford AC
Eastview SC 2–0 East Linden SC
Ridge Raiders SC 2–1 Bridgend Metros FC
Jeromesville FC 0–0 Georgetown Athletic Club
Far Hills 2–1 Hampton SC
Broadview AFC 2–1 Maplewood AFC
Union Miners FC 2–3 Greenlea United FC
New Harmony FC 1–0 Patterson Park FC
Pembroke St David's 0–0 Hardun AC
Western & Southern RR FC 2–0 ROCK Utd FC
Charter Twp FC 0–2 Spring Valley FC
Castleford 2–3 Dragons FC
Dalton United 1–1 Albion Borough SC
Forest Park 0–2 Maritime Athletic SC
Cloppenburg Borough SC 0–1 St John's SC
Battenberg Bruins SC 1–4 Ellesmere Woods
Mooresville Celtic 1–0 Springfield City FC
Engineers Club 2–1 RFCP AC
New Richmond FC 0–3 Great Northern
Blacksburg Area FC 0–0 FC Monroe Central
Coolville United 3–2 West Alden United FC
Collinsville United FC 2–0 Berwick Rangers FC
Mel-Wood FC 1–3 West Chester FC
Lynchana Borderers AC 0–0 Valley View SC
Griffith Borough Amateurs FC 2–1 Alexandria Borough AFC
Haskins Blues 1–2 Carlisle FC
Lower Valley Lions 0–3 Bowling Green FC
State Univ 2–1 Paintersville FC
Linden Lions FC 1–2 Mansfield County SC
Maineville Marauders FC 0–0 Liberty FC
White River Twp FC 0–3 Ralston United FC
Andover Borough SC 3–1 Shiloh FC
East Endborough AFC 1–2 West Oceana Athletic FC
Lima City United 1–2 Frankenburg AC

Replays
Wagnerfield Kickers SC 1–3 Queens Park FC
Red Wing FC 1–1 Bergholz Caledonian (1–2 AET)
Deptford AC 1–3 Jennings Borough
Georgetown Athletic Club 3–2 Jeromesville FC
Hardun AC 2–3 Pembroke St David's
Albion Borough SC 2–0 Dalton United
FC Monroe Central 1–3 Blacksburg Area FC
Valley View SC 1–1 Lynchana Borderers AC (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Liberty FC 0–5 Maineville Marauders FC

Second Round
Valley View SC 1–1 Mansfield County SC
Meadowlarks SC 2–0 Alton Athletic Club
Fairport Harbor FC 2–3 St John's SC
Great Northern 2–1 Blacksburg Area FC
Forresters FC 1–1 Carlisle FC
Engineers Club 0–2 Ridge Raiders SC
Mooresville Celtic 4–2 Spring Valley FC
Hannover United 1–1 Georgetown Athletic Club
Queens Park FC 0–3 Broadview AFC
Albion Borough SC 1–4 West Oceana Athletic FC
Griffith Borough Amateurs FC 1–0 West Chester FC
Pembroke St David's 2–1 Milton AFC
Blue Aces SC 2–1 Eastview SC
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 1–1 Greenlea United FC
Maritime Athletic SC 3–1 New Harmony FC
Maineville Marauders FC 0–1 Collinsville United FC
Ralston United FC 0–3 Frankenburg AC
Kellerville AFC 2–1 Bergholz Caledonian
Sorenberg Park 1–0 Crusaders FC
Westphalia County FC 1–1 Center Point FC & RFC
Ellesmere Woods 4–1 Dragons FC
Andover Borough SC 2–1 Lewiston Town FC
Edgewood Eagles SC 1–0 Coolville United
Greenville Twp 1–1 State Univ
Western & Southern RR FC 1–2 Jennings Borough
Bowling Green FC 0–3 Far Hills

Replays
Mansfield County SC 0–2 Valley View SC
Carlisle FC 0–2 Forresters FC
Georgetown Athletic Club 0–3 Hannover United
Greenlea United FC 1–1 SK Leiderkranz-Turner (1–1 AET) (3–5 pen.)
Center Point FC & RFC 3–1 Westphalia County FC
State Univ 2–1 Greenville Twp

Third Round
Brentford FC 2–2 Valley View SC
Riverside City FC 1–1 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Ezriquay United FC 2–0 Corinthians
Ellesmere Woods 1–1 North Lima SC
Fairport City FC 0–0 Shirley Metros FC
Center Point FC & RFC 1–1 Collinsville United FC
Learfield FC 4–0 Marshallton Athletic SC
Hillsborough FC 1–1 Pembroke St David's
Sanborn Borough SC 3–0 State Univ
Hannover United 2–2 Salisbury City FC
Great Northern 1–1 Jennings Borough
Blue Aces SC 1–1 Meadowlarks SC
Jamestown City FC 1–2 Midtown Athletic Club
Clayton City SC 1–0 Far Hills
Monmouth Park FC 2–1 Broadview AFC
Ravens FC 1–0 Mooresville Celtic
St Warren City FC 2–0 Victoria & Albert SC
Nor-Dale AFC 1–1 Hamilton Wanderers FC
Southend AC 1–0 Kellerville AFC
Maritime Athletic SC 1–3 Richmond Station FC
Mansfield C&W FC 0–1 New Bremen FC
Ridge Raiders SC 1–4 St Pats AC
Brentwood Borough 0-3 Meadowdale FC
Newport City FC 2–0 Griffith Borough Amateurs FC
Sorenberg Park 3–1 St John's SC
Forresters FC 2–1 Frankenburg AC
West Oceana Athletic FC 4–3 Linden Woods FC
North Royalton Town FC 2–3 Westwood Sprites
Newmarket Saxons FC 2–4 Edgewood Eagles SC
SK Leiderkranz-Turner 1–4 Dalton Town FC
Andover Borough SC 1–2 Asbury Park FC
Middletown City FC 0–1 Middlebourne City AFC

Replays
Valley View SC 0–3 Brentford FC
Llewellyn Turnpike SC 1–1 Riverside City FC (1–1 AET) (4–2 pen.)
North Lima SC 2–2 Ellesmere Woods (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Shirley Metros FC 3–0 Fairport City FC
Collinsville United FC 0–0 Center Point FC & RFC (0–0 AET) (5-6 pen.)
Pembroke St David's 1–4 Hillsborough FC
Salisbury City FC 3–0 Hannover United
Meadowlarks SC 1–1 Blue Aces SC (1–2 AET)
Jennings Borough 0–0 Great Northern (0–0 AET) (3–5 pen.)
Hamilton Wanderers FC 1–1 Nor-Dale AFC (1–2 AET)

Fourth Round
Clayton City SC 1–0 Ravens FC
Dalton Town FC 0–1 Meadowdale FC
Learfield FC 3–4 Llewellyn Turnpike SC
Ezriquay United FC 1–1 Westwood Sprites
Nor-Dale AFC 2–1 North Lima SC
St Warren City FC 2–2 Brentford FC
Southend AC 1–2 Sorenberg Park
Forresters FC 0–0 Blue Aces SC
Midtown Athletic Club 0–1 Center Point FC & RFC
Salisbury City FC 1–2 Sanborn Borough SC
Hillsborough FC 1–2 Great Northern
Middlebourne City AFC 3–0 Monmouth Park FC
West Oceana Athletic FC 0–2 Edgewood Eagles SC
Richmond Station FC 1–2 Newport City FC
St Pats AC 0–3 New Bremen FC
Asbury Park FC 0–1 Shirley Metros FC

Replays
Westwood Sprites 1–2 Ezriquay United FC
Brentford FC 0–2 St Warren City FC
Blue Aces SC 1–1 Forresters FC (2–1 AET)

Fifth Round
Ezriquay United FC 2–2 Middlebourne City AFC
Great Northern 1–1 New Bremen FC
Sanborn Borough SC 1–1 Sorenberg Park
St Warren City FC 2–2 Blue Aces SC
Meadowdale FC 1–1 Newport City FC
Shirley Metros FC 2–1 Center Point FC & RFC
Llewellyn Turnpike SC 0–1 Clayton City SC
Nor-Dale AFC 2–0 Edgewood Eagles SC

Replays
Middlebourne City AFC 0–0 Ezriquay United FC (0–1 AET)
New Bremen FC 2–0 Great Northern
Sorenberg Park 0–3 Sanborn Borough SC
Blue Aces SC 1–1 St Warren City FC (2–2 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Newport City FC 0–1 Meadowdale FC

Quarterfinals
Shirley Metros FC 1–0 St Warren City FC
Meadowdale FC 2–0 Sanborn Borough SC
New Bremen FC 1–3 Clayton City SC
Ezriquay United FC 1–2 Nor-Dale AFC

Semi-Finals (both @ BBP Stadium, Belle Haven)
Clayton City SC 0–0 Meadowdale FC (1–0 AET)
Shirley Metros FC 1–3 Nor-Dale AFC

Final (@ BBP National Stadium Att--74,759)
Clayton City SC 1–1 Nor-Dale AFC (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.)

Clayton City survived one of the most dramatic FAC Cup tournaments in memory to win the 123rd FAC Cup Trophy in front of an overflow crowd. It was the Red Stripes' fourth win in the last 18 years and fifth overall.

History was made when two clubs from the FAC Shield and two from the Conference made it to the Fifth Round, and it was nearly the first Cup Final in which both participants were relegated from the top flight, with CC eliminating Meadowdale in the semis.

No one can say the romance of the Cup is dead, at least not in this campaign. While the first two rounds are given over to the 3rd Division, National Conference, FAC Shield and associate member (non-league) clubs, the 26 survivors who joined the Championship and Second Division sides in the draw for the 64 team Third Round were surely as diverse a collection as has been seen for many years; the second season of straight unseeded draws for the lower level produced replays galore, shocks, and suspense enough for any casual fan to maintain interest. Nine of the 54 clubs that compete for the FAC Trophy made it through to the "grown-up table" along with six from the Conference and eleven (nearly one third of the league) from the 3rd Division.
Ten ties in the Third Round went to replays, while five of the eight in the round of 16 also needed more than 90 minutes to decide a victor.

Two sides from the Shield, Blue Aces SC and Center Point--the only dual FAC-CRU member, that didn't enter the Cup for the first 25 years of being eligible--advanced to the that Fifth Round; Aces won five straight 2-1 contests (two in regulation and two replays) before falling to St Warren on penalties after the sides drew 2-2 AET and Shirley Metros fans gave their in-state neighbors a deserved ovation at the conclusion of their tie (2-1!) for their showing, a scene repeated at Newport two rounds earlier after Griffith Borough Amateurs were eliminated by the hosts.

That Meadowdale and Nor-Dale used their Cup runs as solace for their poor league performance was another story that drew TV audiences in record numbers for the last three rounds of the tournament.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Daily 2022
WCQ Draw first assignment for Fleming
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

The complex logistics of what is known as "moving day" (which actually lasts about 10 days) at the FAC Training and Development Charter Center in Birkenfeld, Prince's Charter Township, Belle Haven County were finally brought to a conclusion so that Steven Fleming could get settled in for his first full week on the job as the Executive Director of the FAC as the successor to David Carlson.

It's part of the hundreds of "customs" that permeate the activity of the 124 year old governing body for soccer in the Commonwealth that changes in the top level leadership results in a series of office space swapping among the hierarchy; it's considered unlucky at Birkenfeld to occupy the same office as your predecessor used, hence the reason that Trevor Richmond, Pam Scott, Ichi Tuzzio and now Jen Prescott all have had their own private workspace as Manager.

Fleming took a liking to Richmond's Sporting Director office, which led Prescott to claim Carlson's space and new SD Liam Sullivan to express his satisfaction for Prescott's old digs.

Fleming's first major public appearance will be at the draw for the World Cup 91 Qualifiers; Baker Park will be one of the fifteen Pot One nations that will be the top seeded side in a group, with this edition--hosted in Græntfjall and Farfadillis (which was the co-host in the WC following Baker Park's previous co-hosting stint)--adopting a playoff format as used in WC80, with second & third placed sides in the fifteen groups matched up in a home & home tie to determine the qualifiers for the Finals.

It will be the first opportunity Fleming will have to meet with his counterparts from other nations that the FAC have extensive working relationships with--Banija, Cassadaigua, Qasden, Tikriot, Quebec & Shingoryeo, and others--and reaffirm that his vision is consistent with the association's current philosophy.

Jen Prescott announced that Sullivan will take up a role as an additional staff coach for the WCQ tourney separate from his Sporting Director duties;

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Halfway point of WCQ--Change Coming Overseas?
By Oliver Stanley
The Sunday Post Chief Soccer Correspondent

Belle Haven--Among the 165 nations currently taking part in the qualifying for the World Cup to be hosted in Græntfjall and Farfadillis, four previous Baker Park National Team managers or assistant managers are in charge of squads competing to be among the 32 nations that will play for the title; Pamela Scott (Banija}, Maestro Ichi Tuzzio (Savigliane), Shane Newman (Indusse), and Kate DiMarini (Zwangzug) have so far compiled a collective record of 20 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses, in addition to Jennifer Prescott's 6-1 record with the home side through eight match days.

There are no fewer than eight nations that entered the tournament in the 3rd, 4th or 5th pots which are currently underwater in their respective groups and could be looking to make a managerial change either before or during the start of the second half of qualifying; there are at least five current or former NT staffers that might be persuaded to take an offer if the circumstances were advantageous.

Will Barnard and Zoe Montgomery are currently in charge of clubs that have had significant success under their leadership; Barnard has led Gunzlach in Græntfjall to league titles and IFCF berths throughout his tenure, while Montgomery has done likewise in the Euran Overseas Territories at Bakermouth in addition to having an U18 title to her credit.

Tony Weiss is the number two assistant who's worked under Tuzzio and Prescott with the BPNT and led the Under-18 squad that won the 5th U18 World Championship, in addition to a Fourth Place finish in the most recent Women's World Cup, while former NT captain Matt Villareal worked under Brittany Byers in Cassadaigua before taking up his current post as U18/U21 AM; Danielle Harper had been in charge of the U18's since Montgomery's departure.

There are also wild cards without NT experience on their CV, but have lengthy club resumes--Larry Bryson at Megabrantid in the Squornshelan Remnant States following a long career in Baker Park and Skip Merriweather who led Felswyr to unprecedented heights in Chromatika's Red League. Another manager who's proven to be a resourceful boss in working with the talent on hand is Donna Brown, currently at Leiderkranz Ladies after guiding Crusaders FC to three championships in four seasons in the mixed gender National Conference.

The odds of any of these men and women on the bench of a foreign national team are long, but there is certainly no shortage of candidates in the Commonwealth worthy of consideration.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

OOC: The current National League Season in Baker Park is the 2031-32 campaign. References to managerial tenure are what year this is for them at the club.



Championship Season Preview (Part 1):

Ground: Asbury Recreation Park, Asbury (7,900)
Manager: Jeff Hazelton (19th season)
Colors: Blue & white
Jerseys: white shirts & blue shorts
Who are ya?: Founded in 1904 as Asbury Local FC, and joined the FAC in 1911, took over Pleasant Township SC in 1936.
Fan Support: AP used to have a small hard core base, but their success under Hazelton has seem them draw increased support.
Key players: Damnagoras (SRS) M, Uwu Lekoye (BNJ) M, Lubor Ofauwic (ZRH), F
Signings: none
Nickname(s): AP, Asbury, the Townies
Championships: 1st Division (2014, 2024, 2031) 2nd Division—(1967, 1984, 2010) 3rd Division (2000) FAC Cup—(1959, 1975, 2000, 2016, 2025, 2029) FAC Trophy—(1930, 1936) National League Cup (1994)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up—(1953, 2014, 2026) National League Cup runner up (2002)
Last Season Finish: 1st in the Championship
Team outlook: After crawling from the bottom of the table to the title over the course of the season, AP will begin this campaign looking to be the first repeat champion since St Warren City did it 12 years ago. They'll have a tough hill to climb as they'll be involved in IFCF action while fighting off the rest of the division.

Ground: Desjardin Meadows, Clayton (11,919)
Manager: Chris Farmer (17th season)
Colors: Red & black
Jerseys: white shirt with red diagonal stripe & black shorts
Who Are ya?: Founded in 1905 as Clayton AC, joined the FAC in 1909
Fan Support: loyal and bitter. CC suffers from a 'middle child syndrome' mentality; ignored by their bigger brother (Belle Haven clubs in general) and disrespected by their little brother (Sprites), they tend to do things to draw attention and generally seek approval from the rest of the soccer world.
Expectations: They'd love to win a second championship as they're once again being pushed for West County dominance by Sprites.
Key players: Jung Hyeok (JOS) GK, Peter Fairclough (TKT) F, Even Onarheim (VAL) F
Signings: Tatiano Zayas Díaz (MVE), M undisclosed from Deportivo Zaracas (MVE)
Nickname(s): CC, Red Stripes, City
Championships: 1st Division—(2008) 2nd Division—(1952, 1991, 2002) 3rd Division—(1935) FAC Cup—(1973, 2013, 2019, 2024, 2031)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner Up—(2007)
Last Season Finish: 6th in the Championship/FAC Cup winner
Team outlook: Diaz was brought in to add a spark to CC's one glaring weakness last year—consistent midfield play. They finished only 6 points off AP so Farmer doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, just continue to rely on the academy to keep providing him replacements for a squad that has gotten a little long in the tooth.

Ground: Park Lane, Dalton (9,543)
Manager: Eric Dunbar (5th Season)
Colors: White & Green
Jerseys: White shirts & shorts/teal shirts & white shorts
Who are ya?: founded in 1896 as Dalton Market SC. Charter members of the FAC in 1901.
Fan Support: expectant but not overbearing. Town have always had the cachet as "respectable" supporters who don't get too extreme depending on how the club is performing. There is still a reserved Englishness that permeates the terraces and "sure and steady" is seemingly the club's unofficial motto.
Expectations: It would be lovely if we were champions, but let's not sneeze at 5th place.
Key players: Dwayne Armstead GK, Jerome Brooks D, Ville Ulanov (SRS) F
Signings: Vasan Lakonda (SRS) F undisclosed from Sporting Jaglan (SRS)
Nickname(s): The Town, Townies
Championships: 1st Division—(1941, 1961, 1967, 1978, 1985, 1991, 1992, 2010, 2025) 2nd Division—(1936, 2006, 2013) FAC Cup—(1929, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1984, 2009)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up—(1908,1938, 1954, 1966, 1974, 1998, 2010, 2017)
Last Season Finish: 8th in the Championship
Team outlook: Dunbar begins his fifth season in charge looking for more firepower as Town were the second lowest scoring team in the division. He brought in Ulanov's countryman to address that issue which could see the club jump into the title contender picture as they had the second best defense (42 GA) behind New Bremen.

Ground: Queen Victoria Stadium, Ezriquay (37,475)
Manager: Mark Albert (9th season)
Colors: Red & Yellow
Jerseys: Red and yellow vertical stripes & white shorts
Who are ya?: founded in 1895 as Ezriquay Town FC, joined the FAC in 1902. Took over Home Ave Wanderers Youth FC in 1898, Workman's Sunday FC in 1899 and merged with Farmington SC in 1931.
Fan Support: Fanatical. They have the support of working class and middle class Ezrickans and they are known for having strong traveling support and plenty of nationwide supporters clubs.
Expectations: Winning. But the Cup is always good as a substitute.
Key Players: Sam Harrison D, Borti Goranic (ZRH) F
Signings: Rivelino Bomba (AUD) M, undisclosed from 1830 Cathair; Cristobal Elizondo “Cristo” Díaz (MVE) M, undisclosed from Francisco Teixidó (MVE); Agus Kusumawijaya (PMC) M, undisclosed from Pescam Campuhan (PMC)
Nickname(s): United, the Keys (a pejorative used by opposing fans, especially Midtown AC)
Championships: 1st Division—(1936, 1937, 1973, 2016) 2nd Division—(1934, 2008) 3rd Division—(1931) FAC Cup—(1938, 1953, 1995, 2015)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up—(1910, 1957, 1959, 1980, 1991, 2020) National League Cup runner-up (2001)
Last Season Finish: 3rd in the Championship
Team outlook: Albert had a definite area he wanted to address in the transfer window, perhaps you can guess what that was? Like Dalton, United were tight at the back (3rd in the Championship) but didn't have many goals to spare.

Ground: Hillsborough Stadium, Belle Haven (17,500)
Manager: Nick Griffith (13th season)
Colors: Blue & white
Jerseys: Blue jerseys and shorts/white jerseys & shorts
Who are ya?: The alpha and the omega of the sport in Baker Park, Hillsborough are the oldest club established here, in 1891 (as with everything else, there is a minimal dispute with V&A as to which one was actually established first) and were charter members of the FAC in 1901—In fact they hold the "certificate of dues paying membership" #001.
Fan Support: over enthusiastic. As Belle Haven's and the country's most successful club, they are vocal and savvy. Tend to be a suburban club, but draw fans from all over the Metro BH area across all class lines.
Expectations: What's second place?
Key players: Ben Kelley GK, Greg Bradford M
Signings: Jeff Barber F $275,000 from Fairport City
Nickname(s): Hillmen, 'Borough
Championships: 1st Division (1912, 1923, 1925, 1933, 1946, 1950. 1955, 1960, 1966, 1975, 1986, 1994, 2011) 2nd Division (1921) FAC Cup (1909, 1910, 1919, 1922, 1926, 1946, 1954, 1966, 1970, 1985, 2006)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up (1912,1933, 1940, 1963, 1975, 1981)
Last Season Finish: 14th in the Championship
Team outlook: An entire generation has grown up not knowing what winning a trophy looks like, and Griffith knows he's probably lucky to have not been replaced after last term's underwhelming effort. He did save Barber from a drop to the Third Division, but no one outside Hillsborough understands why the talent just isn't there for them to regain their status as the team everyone quietly fears.

Ground: Learfield Park, Oceana (9,400)
Manager: Seth Robinson (1st season)
Colors: eggplant purple & cream
Jerseys: dark jerseys with white horizontal band across the middle & white shorts
Who are ya?: Learfield were founded in 1896 as The Osheana Club, and joined the FAC in 1913. Merged with Western States Sports Club—who were charter members of the FAC and reportedly blackballed Learfield from membership for 12 years—in 1932.
Fan Support: consistently fickle. Learfield has a loyal fan base, but they have a tendency to lose interest if the season isn't going well. They're generally seen as the club of the "upper class" in Oceana, so there are a lot of jabs about glory hunters and prawn sandwich day trippers.
Expectations: Have grown under the tenure of Alec Pleasant—see all those trophies below? All the ones after 2012 were won by the now retired manager. Field have gone from middling afterthought to annual challenger.
Key players: Antoine Jones D, Mark Bouchard F
Signings: none
Nickname(s): Field, Aubergines (from a long time back, now detractors mainly call them "The Eggplants"), LFC
Championships: 1st Division—(1957, 2001, 2017, 2022, 2026, 2028) 2nd Division—(1937, 1953, 1992, 2012) 3rd Division—(1927) FAC Cup—(1940, 2014)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up--(1935, 1937, 1941, 1955, 1984, 2000) National League Trophy Runner-up (2012)
Last Season Finish: 11th in the Championship
Team outlook: Robinson steps into the shoes of the most successful manager in the club's history, who left him with a squad that's been completely rebuilt since their last title 4 years ago. They are young, talented and the ex-Shiloh boss may have lucked into the best situation of his cohort hired this offseason.

Ground: Tollgate Stadium, Oceana (9,000)
Manager: Tommy Bender (18th season)
Colors: Blue & White
Jerseys: White center with blue sleeves and sides, white shorts.
Who Are ya?: Both Llewellyn Borough SC and Turnpike Company SC were established in 1921, although Borough was admitted to the FAC in 1923 while Turnpike had to wait another two years. They merged in 1947, which was a strange omen as the actual Borough of Llewellyn was swallowed up by the neighboring Carmarthen Borough just 3 years later.
Fan Support: They've been Oceana's second club for going 70 years or so, and are the club of choice for a wide expanse of the suburbs. They have a strong sense of identity and pride in their accomplishments—should they be able to capture the Championship title, they would be only the third club to ever have won all four professional leagues, although what the other two (Sorenberg Park & St Pat's AC) can't claim is Turnpike have won all three knockout trophies meaning a top flight title would put them in a class by themselves.
Expectations: They were in the Second Division for 23 consecutive years before making a return to the Championship, and this eight year run has doubled their membership time in the division (1956-63 was their only other stint in the top flight). They've achieved a stability that they'd like to maintain for now.
Key players: Kaede Akiyama (SQU) GK, Larry Crossfield (TKT) GK, Radoš Delmirowić (ZRH) D, Zack Emmitt D, Marcus Milton M, Alexander Ekblad (NRH) M
Signings: none
Nickname(s): LT, Pike,
Championships: 2nd Division (1955, 2023) 3rd Division (1946,2001) Conference (1997) FAC Cup (1958, 2021) National League Trophy (2013, 2021) FAC Trophy (1989,1996)
Other Accolades: National League Trophy Runner-up (1997) FAC Trophy Runner-up (1990)
Last Season Finish: 7th in the Championship
Team outlook: LT allowed the highest number of goals in the Championship a season ago, but we're not being ironic by including their keeper tandem as key players. Only the champions Asbury Park scored more goals in the division, so you understand shootouts are part of the price you pay as a Pikeman. They've been one of standard bearers of “cavalier soccer” in Baker Park for nearly 85 years, even their women play like the rules say 'first to five, wins'.

Ground: Municipal Stadium, Marshallton (15,700)
Manager: Darrell Kennedy (1st season)
Colors: Red & white
Jerseys: red shirts & shorts
Who Are Ya?: Like nearly everything in Lynchana, Marshallton Athletic were an offshoot of something in the capital; Marshallton Athletic Club was affiliated with Alton Athletic Club from their founding in 1920; they became members of the FAC in 1925 and by 1932 had established itself as independent of the Alton Club, adding the 'SC' in 1933 when they were invited to join the National League.
Fan Support: excellent. Marshallton fans are usually not too contentious, even to their closest rivals. They are a surefire away day sellout for most of the other clubs in the league, because strangely enough, the ease of travel to and from Marshallton is rated as one of the best in the NSL.
Expectations: Play hard, stay ahead of Fairport and Alton.
Key players: Shane Handley GK, Christian Morrison M, Jacob Walsh F
Signings: Derrick Moore M, $175,000 from Dragons FC
Nickname(s): The A's, Marshtown, Reds
Championships: 2nd Division—(1956, 1968, 2007, 2015, 2027, 2029) National League Cup—(1979)
Other Accolades: National League Cup Runner-up—(1989) FAC Trophy Runner-up—(1930)
Last Season Finish: 15th in the Championship
Team Outlook: No one in Marshallton was happy to see Rashad Damman go, as he was a well liked man and the squad always played hard for him. He wasn't technically fired, as he'd reached the end of his contract and the board did authorize a “separation payment” in spite of the fact it had no obligation to do so.
Kennedy comes down from Center Point—99% of the media had him all but signed to the job at Middlebourne City AFC, as he was in their back yard—where he won the FAC Trophy twice in his eight seasons and only finished lower than fifth place in the division once.
Moore is a player he knows well from the Shield and looks like a shrewd acquisition.

Ground: Owens Park, Ezriquay (8,000)
Manager: Paul Julian (17th season)
Colors: Blue & white
Jerseys: blue shirts & shorts
Who Are Ya?: 'The Midtown Club' was founded in 1908 and didn't have a sporting element until 1920; joined the FAC in 1923 just in time to enter the first FAC Trophy competition.
Fan Support: very good. another club whose fans are really all about beating their neighbors and making life miserable for the big BH clubs.
Expectations: midtable is fine, as long as they are above United.
Key players: Do Manh Cuong (MVN) GK, Nirlo-Zylyz Bel (QUS) D, Ryan Tucker M, Chris Sonjini F
Signings: none
Nickname(s): MAC, Aces (not as popular as it was 50 years ago)
Championships: 1st Division—(1977, 2021) 2nd Division—(1965, 2003) FAC Cup—(1976, 2020, 2022) National League Cup—(1985)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up—(1918, 1967, 2009, 2021)
Last Season Finish: 5th in the Championship
Team outlook: In a similar way that Learfield saw their veteran boss shepherd a new generation of talent before retiring, Julian is doing something similar at Owens Park. The home grown Sonjini and Nirlo-Zylyz (who was among a group of Qusmi'i youth prospects that came to the Commonwealth and have advanced through the collegiate path to professional contracts) are the foundation of MAC's near-term future.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Championship Season Preview (Part 2):

Ground: Bridewell, Endborough (9,600)
Manager: Anthony Baxter (1st season)
Colors: Blue & orange
Jerseys: blue & orange vertical stripes and white shorts
Who are ya?: Founded in 1913 as Monmouth Athletic Club, they were admitted to the FAC in 1919; in the 1930's they effected mergers with the city's three Scots oriented clubs—Glenhannon in 1930, Sons of Clyde in 1932 and Dalcrieff in 1934.
Fan Support: rabid. Monmouth could probably sell twice as many season tickets than they do, but their Bridewell ground is pretty well beyond being expanded, and the fans don't want to leave for a new stadium. This explains the huge following the club attracts for away matches, as fans locked out of regular admission will travel to see the team.
Expectations: They used to be content with an occasional cup or the odd title every 10 years or so, but in the last 15-20 years they have gotten more demanding, as the club have actually been more successful, thus raising expectations, etc.
Key players: Ukamai Talingri (VIL) GK, Emilien Marsinack (NPH) GK, Raoul Lavigne (RCN) M, Kelvin Buxton M, Zaxac-Zenon Can (QUS) F
Signings: Spenser Neilson D, $140,000 from Crusaders
Nickname(s): The Park, MP, Sons of Clyde (not really been in use since the late 50's)
Championships: 1st Division—(1962, 1971, 1984, 1989, 2005, 2013, 2018) 2nd Division—(1940, 1980, 2000, 2021, 2024) FAC Cup—(1936, 1955, 1980, 1987, 2005, 2007) National League Trophy (1999)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up—(1951, 1971, 1989, 2006, 2024) National League Cup Runner-up—(1980, 2024)
Last Season Finish: 13th in the Championship
Team outlook: Baxter was THE biggest managerial signing of the off season for several reasons. He was the first hire directly from a National Conference club, after leading Crusaders to back to back titles; there will be four black managers in the Championship for the first time; many people believed that interim boss Tony Maas deserved the post on a full time basis (Maas was not one of them, as he has actually signed a new contract with the club to be Baxter's #2); and by most accounts was the only potential candidate who had his choice of which opening he wanted.
He brings his captain from Crus along with him and has made clear that Zaxac-Zenon is the future on the front line for Park. All eyes will be on Bridewell to see what transpires.

Ground: FSFB Bank Stadium, New Bremen (12,000)
Manager: Zack Wolff (15th season)
Colors: Green & gold
Jerseys: green & gold vertical stripes & green shorts
Who are Ya?: Established in 1919 as Bremen Borough SC, they joined the FAC in 1921 and adopted their current name in 1934 upon joining the National League.
Fan Support: iconoclastic. Bremen have been called a "small club" for so long, they don't know what it was ever like to not be looked down upon or sneered at by the city clubs. But they don't care, really. They feel superior to some of their local rivals now since they moved into their shiny new stadium 8 years ago and picked up a huge injection of sponsorship from FSFB Bank Corp.
Expectations: Now that they've broken into the top echelon in the Championship, they certainly believe they can remain there.
Key Players: Zach Johnston GK, Idi Mboge (BNJ) M, Tim Cassell F, Archibald Maxted (TKT) D
Signings: Birom Daramy (BNJ) D undisclosed from Herzegovina City (BNJ)
Nickname(s): New Brem, Bremen, Chickensh*ts (like many pejorative nicknames, Bremen fans have turned this one around by adapting it as their own)
Championships: 1st Division (2023, 2027, 2029) 2nd Division (1985, 1994, 2004) 3rd Division (1937, 1948) FAC Cup (1952, 2004) National League Trophy (1984)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up (1960, 1970, 1988, 2002) National League Trophy Runner-up (1994)
Last Season Finish: 2nd in the Championship
Team outlook: Brem have been the most prominent (and dominant) exception to the general rule of the National League over the past dozen or so seasons, as their orientation towards airtight defense is directly against the spirit of offensive play that has been historically the preferred system in Baker Park's top flight. They allowed 20 fewer goals than the next best defense a season ago and still went with strengthening the back four with the signing of Daramy. Expect them to be in the title race until the final day, and they can make a stir in the Challengers Cup with some fortunate qualifying round draws.

Ground: Richmond Dale (9,000)
Manager: Kevin Holland (7th season)
Colors: White & red
Jerseys: white shirts & shorts
Who are Ya?: Founded in 1906 as Richmond Dale AC, they joined the FAC in 1911 and merged with Melrose SC in 1927, then with Richmond County in 1960.
Fan Support: annoyed and feisty. The Station have suffered in the shadow of their main rivals, Southend & Newport, for years. They are not really much-loved outside of their own local area because their followers developed a bit of a bad reputation in the old days. They've improved 100% on that front over the last 20 years or so, but they still consider any Ezra club to be their mortal enemy, oh and they hate V&A and 'Borough just as much (mock surprise).
Expectations: Like the last time they were here, they'll want to focus on not going back down. Also getting one over on Southend is an eternal expectation.
Key Players: James Blackwood F, Greg McFall GK, Ben Owen D
Signings: Garth Mulvaney M free agent from St Warren City
Nickname(s): RichStay, Station, Melrose (Southend fans generally use this to refer to "those people"), Dale & County (not so much anymore, but right after their merger, fans tended to refer to the club as this.)
Championships: 2nd Division (2019), 3rd Division (1950, 1960, 1983) National League Trophy (1987, 2018), FAC Trophy (1931 as Richmond County)
Other Accolades: FAC Trophy Runner up (1947 as Richmond County), National League Trophy Runner up (1975, 1996, 2027, 2031)
Last Season Finish: 2nd in the Second Division (promoted)
Team outlook: Station are back for another go around in the top flight, 10 seasons after their four year introductory stint ended. Offense was there biggest problem then, but they come into this campaign in a better situation than they had back then.

Ground: Salisbury Stadium (25,900)
Manager: Evan DeCastro (6th season)
Colors: Blue & Gold
Jerseys: blue & gold stripes and black shorts
Who are Ya?: Founded in 1901 as Salisbury Plain SC, admitted to the FAC in 1906. They now are tied with Riverside City for most time promoted in history (15) and they are tied for second in most times relegated with Far Hills (13)
Fan Support: gradually advancing. Until it became a commuter town of Belle Haven, Salisbury generally gave their club a pretty strong showing. With the influx of people from the capital, the base got thinned out some as new arrivals kept their old loyalties. But the past several years have seen gradual upturns in season ticket sales and renewals.
Expectations: They know what they are—the textbook example of a yo-yo club, along with Riverside and Andover Borough (and previously Far Hills and Forest Park, now in the Conference where they are safe).
Key Players: Rey Guitierrez M, Corey Hunter F, Lee Sun Yi D
Signings: none
Nickname(s): 'Bury, Plainsmen, Sallies (previously this was mainly limited to Asbury Park supporters, but some of the other BH clubs use it now),
Championships: 1st Division (1939) 2nd Division (1927, 1935, 1949, 2031), 3rd Division (1924, 1985, 2012), FAC Cup (1989), National League Trophy (2005, 2023, 2025, 2031)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner up (1939, 1986, 1995), NL Trophy Runner up (1986, 2012)
Last Season Finish: 1st in the Second Division (promoted)
Team outlook: The Plainsmen should, by rights, stay in the Second because they have been one of the most consistent clubs there, having finished no lower than seventh over the last seven years. They got the added bonus of two trophies a season ago, as they became the second side to ever win the division and the NL Trophy double. It's hard to see them staying up once again, the gap in talent is too big for them to overcome.

Ground: CONAGCO Stadium (36,000)
Manager: Terry Mathias (13th season)
Colors: Blood Red
Jerseys: Red shirts & white shorts/white shirts & red shorts
Who Are Ya?: Metropolitans FC was formed in 1894 and are the third oldest active club in the Commonwealth. They merged with East Shirley SC in 1936 and adopted their current name two years later. They are tied with Dalton Town and Monmouth Park for fourth on the all time list of trophies won with 18.
Fan Support: bonkers. Metros carry the same spirit of much of the rest of St Leon—us against the World (or Commonwealth). Have a broad cross section of support, although the nearby smaller clubs tend to draw away the suburban, family oriented supporters.
Expectations: see above. Losing is not an option.
Key players: Sèitheach LUTHER (TLI) D, Ibilx-Forzu Val (QUS) D, Sebastian McClean F
Signings: Lennox Dragoslav (QAD) M, undisclosed ffrom National Academy (QAD)
Nickname(s): Metros, Mets, Big Reds (only old timers talk about the glory days of Big Red)
Championships: 1st Division (1911, 1913, 1930, 1948, 1954, 1964, 1974, 1976, 1995, 2009) 2nd Division (1925, 1941, 1989) FAC Cup (1932, 1982, 1991, 1999, 2011)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up (1909, 1928, 1947, 1949, 1964, 1994, 2012, 2018, 2027)
Last Season Finish: 9th in the Championship
Team outlook: It'll be interesting to see how Metros fare moving away from President's Park to their new CONAGCO Stadium. Although the pitch size is almost the same, the sightlines and background, as well as the lighting, are all much different than anyone in the squad is used to.

Ground: Old College Park, Southend (19,600)
Manager: Sam Treadwell (20th season)
Colors: Red & Black
Jerseys: red and black vertical stripes and black shorts
Who Are Ya?: Founded in 1923 as College Station SC, they were the club for the townies that didn't work for the Western & Southern railroad. Became members of the FAC in 1927. Took over Stanton Township FC in 1931.
Fan Support: very good; they don't really get very combative or antagonistic unless Newport or Ezriquay come to town. They do take lazy effort or lack of passion as a personal affront.
Expectations: finish ahead of the two mentioned above, although they now are wary of the drop after the last few campaigns.
Key players: Alonzo Boyle M, Victor Onikambe D, Ian Dickerson GK, Park Jong-Suk (HIN) D
Signings: Rory Drummond M, free agent from Bergholz Caledonian.
Nickname(s): Enders, Railmen
Championships: 1st Division (2015) 2nd Division (1954, 2001) 3rd Division (1967) FAC Cup (1994) National League Trophy (2007)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up (1987, 1992, 2004, 2019) National League trophy Runner-up (1992)
Last Season Finish: 16th in the Championship
Team outlook: There's a good deal of speculation that this might be Treadwell's last season regardless of what happens. Southend have struggled to discover an identity since Jamari Bozeman's retirement and with some excellent academy products already in the lineup or on their way to the first team squad, it might be the right time to make a change at the top.

Ground: MacIlwaine Park Stadium, St Warren (23,000)
Manager: James Montinelli (7th season)
Colors: Blue & Yellow
Jerseys: Yellow shirts & blue shorts
Who Are Ya?: St Warren City were established in 1898 as the club of the YMCA and joined the FAC in 1904. They've won a record seven 2nd Division titles while having only played a total of 29 seasons there.
Fan Support: serious as a heart attack. Like everything else in the city, they measure themselves against what the "bastards over yonder (Shirley)" and the "bastards up river (Coolville)" do.
Expectations: we dress like Brazil, we'd better play like them too.
Key players: Howie Sparrow (TKT) G, Bernardo Fransisco-De La Tomosa (XAN) D, Simon Olivera (JUE) M, Osito (MVE) F
Signings: Jesse Grant M, free agent from Dalton Town
Nickname(s): Saints
Championships: 1st Division (2019, 2020) 2nd Division (1947, 1966, 1974, 1988, 1996, 2009, 2016) 3rd Division (1930) FAC Cup (1939) National League Trophy (1993)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner-up (1915, 1946, 1978, 1983, 2016)
Last Season Finish: 10th in the Championship
Team outlook: Midtable was the welcome landing spot for the Saints last year after they took a precipitous second half nosedive. The 13 points they gained over the final 17 matches (2 wins, 8 defeats, 7 draws) tied Hillsborough for worst in the division yet they dropped only from 5th to 10th. They'll need to have a season that was more like their opening 10 match run (6-2-2) if they want to stay clear of the relegation battle.

Ground: BP Telecom Field at BBP Stadium (17,000)
Manager: Lucex-Kynda Uzo (QUS) (10th season)
Colors: Royal Blue, Red and Gold
Jerseys: red with blue shorts
Who are Ya?: Established in 1891 as Queen's Park SC, they are either the oldest or second oldest soccer playing entity in the Commonwealth (see Hillsborough) and charter members of the FAC. They lost out to Forest Park on a merger with Hempstead Park FC in 1933, but took over Triangle Park FC in 1951.
They are the second most successful club in history (13 Championship titles and 5 FAC Cup wins in 16 appearances in the Final) and are considered (or maybe consider themselves) as Belle Haven City's club.
Fan Support: over enthusiastic. Don't let their regal sounding name fool you, V&A have been for most of their history the club of Belle Haven's working class. They are loud, obnoxious and entitled. But they have a lot reasons to be so (see championships).
Expectations: Title or bust, all the time. It's been 24 years since they last won the Championship, so like archrivals 'Borough, they have an entire generation of supporters who've never seen them raise the trophy.
Key players: Christian Pisces (NPH) GK, Leighton McCabe (TLI) F, Hong Van Ha (MVN) D, Carlton Morgan M
Signings: Ray Overmans D, free agent from Lima City United
Nickname(s): The Coburgs, V&A, other unprintable derogatory ones.
Championships: 1st Division (1914, 1920, 1926, 1929, 1940, 1947, 1952, 1958, 1965, 1970, 1980, 1999, 2007) FAC Cup (1924, 1957, 1978, 2002, 2027)
Other Accolades: FAC Runner-up (1911, 1914, 1920, 1926, 1936, 1942, 1950, 1972, 1993, 2011, 2015)
Last Season Finish: 4th in the Championship
Team outlook: Lucex-Kynda Uzo has become something of a V&A club legend, after getting the club out of the 2nd Division and winning the Cup five years ago. They brought the club to the brink of the title last time out and will look to push the Coburgs over the finish line in a campaign that looks wide open at the top.

Ground: Highview, W Belle Haven County (5,614)
Manager: Freddie Sanders (11th season)
Colors: Claret & Silver
Jerseys: claret shirts & shorts
Who are Ya?: Founded in 1920 as Westwood Boys & Girls Club they joined the FAC in 1924 and merged with their neighbors Morgan Park FC in 1956.
Fan Support: persistent and wacky. Sprites are a club who don't think they take themselves too seriously, while at the same time harboring a serious persecution complex. They still believe in some of the antiquated mythology of their early years—that they are a 'small' club, that they have the best youth system, that their closest neighbors are jealous of them—but for the most part they're out for a good laugh and some fun. Unless it's Clayton City; then, there's going to be a problem.
Expectations: romantic and delusional, because it's not the 1950's anymore. Then again, they have won a Cup and the title within the last seven seasons.
Key Players: Narazia Ruaplal (VIL) M, Offrande Wintle (TKT) M, Eddie Waite F
Signings: Tristan yLleofflag (KOR) D, undisclosed from Idyllwild Academy (KOR)
Nickname(s): Sprites, Clarets (not as much now, but back in the day...), Morgan Park (anyone in West County who is not a Sprites supporter, as it is pejorative.)
Championships: 1st Division (1956, 1959, 1963, 1972, 1979, 1987, 2000, 2003, 2030) 2nd Division (2018) 3rd Division (1938) FAC Cup (1948, 1950, 1971, 1979, 2026)
Other Accolades: FAC Cup Runner up (1958, 1976, 2003, 2013)
Last Season Finish: 12th in the Championship
Team outlook: Sanders led Sprites back to the top of the Championship for the first time in 27 years in a dream season, and then went through the nightmare of defending last term, which included a dogfight at the bottom of the table and the IFCF/AOCL. Tied for the second fewest points over the second half with relegated Meadowdale and Marshallton (17).

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Academy Season Review

Under the most recent restructuring of the FAC Academy League, it had been the mixed gender academies that had dominated the Premier Division over the past few seasons; in the most recent campaign, the all-males squads flexed their muscles, taking four of the top six slots.
It was Southend AC who broke the two season stranglehold that Westwood Sprites held on the title, and they will take up the entry by the FAC to the IFCF Rising Stars Cup.

Academy Premier            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Southend AC Coed            30   17   4   9    50   34  +16    55
 2 New Bremen Men              30   15   5  10    43   35   +8    50
 3 Corinthians FC Men          30   14   8   8    36   29   +7    50
 4 Monmouth Park Men           30   14   5  11    38   34   +4    47
 5 Riverside City Coed         30   11  12   7    31   27   +4    45
 6 Nor-Dale Men                30   12   8  10    43   43    0    44
 7 Bergholz Caledonian Coed    30   11  10   9    44   41   +3    43
 8 Sanborn Borough Men         30   11   9  10    38   40   −2    42
 9 Victoria & Albert Men       30   12   6  12    42   40   +2    42
10 Jamestown City Coed         30   11   8  11    35   39   −4    41
11 St Warren City Men          30   10   7  13    32   32    0    37
12 Westwood Sprites Coed       30    9   8  13    36   40   −4    35
13 Shirley Metros Coed         30   10   4  16    38   43   −5    34
14 Asbury Park Men             30    8   9  13    34   41   −7    33
15 Broadview AFC Coed          30    8   7  15    36   44   −8    31
16 Newmarket Coed              30    7  10  13    39   53  −14    31

Division 2-A               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Clayton City Coed           30   16   6   8    58   31  +27    54
 2 Llewellyn Turnpike Coed     30   15   7   8    50   31  +19    52
 3 Lima City United Coed       30   14   9   7    40   30  +10    51
 4 Hamilton Wanderers Coed     30   14   6  10    46   37   +9    48
 5 Ridge Raiders Coed          30   13   8   9    43   44   −1    47
 6 Middletown City Coed        30   13   6  11    46   37   +9    45
 7 Greenlea United Coed        30   11   8  11    36   43   −7    41
 8 Forest Park Coed            30   12   5  13    44   45   −1    41
 9 Sherwood Forest Coed        30   12   5  13    40   48   −8    41
10 Sorenberg Park Coed         30   11   7  12    41   37   +4    40
11 East Endborough Coed        30   10   8  12    42   45   −3    38
12 Far Hills Coed              30   11   5  14    42   47   −5    38
13 Meadowdale Coed             30   11   4  15    38   51  −13    37
14 Crusaders Coed              30   10   4  16    33   46  −13    34
15 Linden Woods Coed           30    9   6  15    49   61  −12    33
16 Ravens Coed                 30    8   6  16    30   45  −15    30

Division 2-B               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Hillsborough Men            30   18   8   4    59   31  +28    62
 2 Learfield FC Men            30   15  11   4    54   28  +26    56
 3 Middlebourne AFC Men        30   14   8   8    42   42    0    50
 4 Dalton Town Men             30   14   6  10    40   41   −1    48
 5 North Royalton Town Men     30   13   8   9    43   37   +6    47
 6 Salisbury City Men          30   12  10   8    49   32  +17    46
 7 Marshallton Athletic Men    30   12   7  11    47   42   +5    43
 8 North Lima Men              30   12   5  13    42   40   +2    41
 9 Midtown Athletic Club Men   30   10   9  11    41   41    0    39
10 Brentwood Borough Men       30    9  10  11    36   43   −7    37
11 East Liverpool Men          30   10   6  14    42   44   −2    36
12 Coolville United Men        30   10   3  17    32   41   −9    33
13 Mansfield C&W Men           30    8   8  14    34   49  −15    32
14 Newport City Men            30    7   9  14    31   47  −16    30
15 Richmond Station Men        30    6  10  14    37   56  −19    28
16 St Pats Athletic Men        30    6  10  14    38   53  −15    28