Super League
Matchday 26
Langmere Green Rovers FC 2–1 Stanmorn FC
A great turnaround by Langmere Green Rovers that gives them a big boost, the sort of character potential champions are made of. A cagey first half was met by a rapid start in the second half. James King’s long ball was knocked down by Scott Coleman, and he perfectly placed the ball beyond Andrew Bullivant. Langmere Green Rovers’ hopes of an equaliser were met from a corner that Paul Rodwell headed in, rising above the defence. Then with time running out, Anpele Zork’s great ball through was met fiercely by Christopher Johnson, firing in to finish off the comeback. A vital 3 points for Langmere Green Rovers, but a big blow for Stanmorn’s IFCF dreams.
St Astons City FC 3–1 Kings Lunsel FC
The win for the hosts helps them try and make it into the Top 4, at the expense of their visitors. It was however the visitors who opened the scoring, a deflection from a corner falling at the feet of Tony Gardner, who did enough to turn the ball into the net. The lead didn’t last long, Victor Cooke playing in Christoper Ace who drove in from wide to score. A gutsy second half saw Victor Cooke eventually separate the two sides, when he got clear of the defence and placed it past Robert Jones. Marc Sharratt would then finish off the win, a tidy finish from a dribble. Hope of the Top 4 remains for St Astons City, but Kings Lunsel rue the kind of performance that lead to their title defence almost certainly failing.
Butterfield Rovers FC 4–2 South Maishop FC
Butterfield Rovers finally ended the winning streak of South Maishop, and with it kept their survival hopes going. Robert Gilbert’s flick in opened the scoring for the visitors, but Ian Wallace got in front close range following a scramble to equalise. In the second half, Philip Taylor saw his goal to give South Maishop the lead quickly nullified by Gary Watson. Then with not long to go, a loose pass out from the back allowed Gary Watson to take a shot on goal, and he delivered. A nervy finish was settled with Anthony Johnson scoring on the break. The 3 points from here could be crucial to staying up. For South Maishop, they have little to play for, but there’s always sadness to see a good streak end.
Waldster FC 3–1 Marthorpe City FC
A crucial game right at the top of the table here in the capital. A promising start by the home team was made even better when Brian Buttery fired in from just outside the box. That strike was soon matched by Jonathan Feld from a similar position at the other end. Joe Dargie restored the lead, meeting the ball in from Lancelot Wray to score. John Lawler was fouled in the penalty area not long before half time, and he scored the penalty. Marthorpe City attacked harder in the second half, but Waldster were resolute, taking a vital 3 points, that’ll please both them and Langmere Green Rovers especially.
Vale FC 2–2 Westwood Garden City FC
Vale couldn’t get a win here, that all but confirms their relegation back to the Challenge League. It started well enough, a poor clearance from a corner fell to Damon Pearce, who capitalised. Hopes of a win for the hosts were reduced significantly in the second half, when a Tarren Kidd double gave Westwood Garden City the lead. Clive Turner’s late equaliser was a boost, but ultimately it was just 1 point and not 3 for Vale, or for Westwood Garden City.
Bavingtor FC 4–0 Carston Green FC
Bavingtor’s hopes of the Top 4 are slim, but a result like this will definitely keep them alive. Almost straight from the kick-off, quick passing put Roger Hawkes in place for a half-chance, and he finished well to make it 1-0 inside 1 minute. Then a loose pass saw Mark Paul have a clear run to goal, and he took it and finished it off. 2-0 after just 3 minutes. Roger Hawkes and Mike Beeton added to the scoresheet later on, in an emphatic win.
Hadford Hill FC 1–0 Loxthorpe Rovers FC
It went right to the end, but Edward Barkes gave his side a crucial 3 points. A tense, nervy game saw the hosts have a better share of chances, but Loxthorpe Rovers really should’ve lead but Gary Carr shot over from just 7 metres out. That mistake cost the visitors, as in injury time, Edward Barkes was played in by Nigel Humphries, and swung the ball past Lucky Diamond. Hadford Hill aren’t safe, but this was a much needed 3 points.
Croxlich FC 1–1 Sporting Towerhaite
A point is a point, but Croxlich really needed 3. David Mercer’s header wasn’t exactly a thing of beauty, but it was enough to put the visitors in the lead. However, his effort was undone when he was to blame for a defensive error letting Derrick Henry score at the other end. Despite some late pressure from Croxlich, they couldn’t get an all important winner. A point for Sporting Towerhaite isn’t that helpful, as they just start to drop closer to the danger zone.
Matchday 27
Croxlich FC 4–2 Langmere Green Rovers FC
Both these teams needed wins for opposite reasons, but the relegation battlers looked like the title contenders in the first half. Robert Dyas and Anpele Zork’s strikes were a trade of blows in the first half. Leonard Slater, subbed on after Dyas limped off, got on the end of a cross to turn it in. Then a ball across the box was fired back across and in by Leslie Henry. Matthew Cope cropped up to add to his tally for the season, making it 4-1 just before the break. Christopher Johnson got one in the second half. However the title contenders, ahead on goal difference going into this Matchday suffered a poor defeat. Croxlich were 15th and 2 off Hadford Hill in 13th, but this 3 points could be huge as they play Hadford Hill next Matchday.
Sporting Towerhaite 1–1 Hadford Hill FC
Hadford Hill were close to another 3 points, but just couldn’t hold on. The first corner for the visitors was flicked on by Anthony Hannigan, and Ryan Hawkins turned it in. The visitors were usually composed but late on a lapse in concentration let Derrick Henry burst in, and he side-footed a shot down low and into the bottom corner. 1 point apiece, Sporting Towerhaite still not out of danger. As for Hadford Hill, their home match against Croxlich is being seen by many as potentially a relegation decider.
Loxthorpe Rovers FC 3–3 Bavingtor FC
Two teams with not a huge amount to play for played out an entertaining 3-3 draw. Roger Hawkes opened the scoring, his shot finally being the one to find its way into the net. Nick Bracken’s half-volley to equalise was quickly countered by Hawkes’ second. Mike Beeton’s low drive looked like it could’ve given Bavingtor an uncatchable lead. However a flourish by William Somers pulled it back to 3-3. A good game, even if it’s likely to be unimportant at either end of the table.
Carston Green FC 1–2 Vale FC
Vale get the win that for at least one gameweek more, keeps relegation on old. John Crewe opened the scoring, hitting Dean Palmer’s cutback into the corner. Bo Tsang made it 0-2 before half time, flicking in from Stephen Scott’s ball into the box. Devon Hamilton pulled one back, but the hosts would lose this one. Vale live on for another day. Carston Green are probably safe, but a bottom half finish is likely.
Westwood Garden City FC 3–1 Waldster FC
Waldster put themselves in precarious danger of dropping out of the Top 4 with this result. The visitors were the better side in the first half, but couldn’t get themselves a goal. The flow of the game flipped in the second half, and Valentine Richmond opened the scoring for the hosts with a well timed effort. Mark Chalmers then scored from the right, before Michael Upton’s late effort. Brian Buttery clawed one back with a late striker from the edge of the box, but it couldn’t cover up a poor second half performance.
Marthorpe City FC 0–0 Butterfield Rovers FC
Marthorpe City were on top for a lot of the game, and will feel this was 2 points lost. Butterfield Rovers come away with a point, which is better than zero and keeps their survival chances going. The visitors only registered one shot on target, and Max Watson’s effort was an easy save for John Burnie. As for the hosts, Terence Daley, Jonathan Feld, Colt Henderson and David Blythe all had shots either saved or just wide, another day and this could’ve been 4-0 or more.
South Maishop FC 0–1 St Astons City FC
St Astons are right in the fight to break into the Top 4 with this victory. 1 goal wins seem to be a favourite of St Astons City this season. This one came from a good give and go by Christopher Ace and Marc Sharratt to play the former into space, to shoot and he found the back of the net. South Maishop will be a little disappointed they’ve fallen away a bit from the top half, and they’ve not recovered from the loss that broke their win streak last Matchday.
Kings Lunsel FC 3–3 Stanmorn FC
Kings Lunsel were probably the happier of the two to take a point, in a thrilling game. Early on, and Scott Coleman broke clear and slotted past Robert Jones to open the scoring. However Kings Lunsel quickly got back on terms, Steven Hall scoring a similar goal. James King and Herman Kloscher hit from outside the box to make it 1-3 at half time. However Steven Hall’s brilliance down the wing set up Morten Christensen and Victor Adeyemo on separate occasions, to make it 3-3. Stanmorn will rue the dropped points to go closer to the Top 4, Kings Lunsel stay there for now.
Matchday 28
Langmere Green Rovers FC 1–0 Kings Lunsel FC
In the race for the title, and the race for the Top 4, this is an absolutely crucial match up as 2nd played 3rd going into this match. A rather frantic start saw Imram Ahmed fire in the opener just 7 minutes in. That would turn out to be the only goal of the game. Kings Lunsel probably had the better share of chances throughout, but just couldn’t get one over the line, and Langmere Green Rovers take a big 3 points so late in the season.
Stanmorn FC 2–0 South Maishop FC
Stanmorn’s chances of making the Top 4 were slim, but this win keeps them in the hunt. In truth, they were the better side for almost all of the game. James King’s opener came on the rebound from his own free kick. Scott Coleman slid in the ball from Herman Kloscher’s cross, after a period of sustained pressure. The hosts keep themselves in the hunt for the IFCF places. South Maishop have their Super League status confirmed for another season, but will be disappointed thatJon Davis’ great start has petered out.
St Astons City FC 3–1 Marthorpe City FC
Another crucial title match in the title race and the race for the Top 4. Marthorpe City let the pressure get to them early, Victor Cooke scoring after being left with too much space from a corner. Terence Daley equalised with a low driven shot 20 minutes in. Marthorpe City were better in the second half, but with under 10 minutes to go, Christopher Ace got clear down the wing, cut inside and shot well into the bottom corner. Marthorpe City had to go for broke, and conceded again with Christopher Ace scoring on the break. The result drops Marthorpe City 2 points behind Langmere Green Rovers, and they still have Stanmorn (H) and Kings Lunsel (A) to play. For St Astons City, for the very first time this season, they sit in the Top 4.
Butterfield Rovers FC 0–1 Westwood Garden City FC
For Butterfield Rovers, this loss puts them much closer to an immediate return to the Challenge League. A close first half saw Valentine Richmond break the deadlock with a looping shot from just inside the box. Butterfield Rovers pressed hard for an equaliser, but it never came, and only profligacy by the visitors on the counter attack meant they didn’t score more. Butterfield have it all to do if they want to stay up. Westwood Garden City have a very, very small chance of the Top 4, but at least a top half finish looks likely.
Waldster FC 1–0 Carston Green FC
For Waldster, it wasn’t a spectacular win, but it was enough at this stage of the season to get the key 3 points. The one goal came when Jimmy Straker’s long ball into the box was header across the face of goal and into the opposite corner by Michael Cole, the young striker continuing to impress this season. The win would move Waldster to 3rd, Kings Lunsel now displaced from the Top 4. Carston Green in 11th aren’t officially safe, but it’d take a lot of results to fall in such a way that they went down.
Vale FC 1–2 Loxthorpe Rovers FC
For Vale, relegation is confirmed. Results elsewhere made the result of this match irrelevant for their survival chances anyway, but relegation is always a bitter pill to swallow. Loxthorpe Rovers were buoyed by the return of Gideon Amos, making his second start since a long injury layoff. He repaid the faith of the team to not put him out for the rest of the year on the injury list, and scored twice to make up for lost time. Bo Tsang got a close range goal to put Vale with a chance, but in the end they lost, and their return to the Super League lasts just one season.
Bavingtor FC 5–2 Sporting Towerhaite
Bavingtor are still in the race for the Top 4, and an emphatic win like that certainly helps. It didn’t start well for the hosts though, when a badly cleared corner was tucked in by Derrick Henry. However Mark Paul quickly equalised for Bavingtor. Bavingtor then took the lead, when Alan Price deflected a corner into his own net. William Edwards and Mark Paul added to make it 4-1 at half time. Anthony Miles pulled one back for Sporting Towerhaite with a clever flick in, but Mike Beeton finished off the rout in injury time. Bavingtor in 6th play Croxlich (A) and Hadford Hill (H) in the run in, 2 winnable games in their mind. Sporting Towerhaite finish their season against rivals Vale (H) and nearby Waldster (A). With 32 points and safety still not official yet for them, they could be outside contenders for the drop.
Hadford Hill FC 2–3 Croxlich FC
Both on 28 points before this game, 13th played 14th in the textbook definition of a relegation 6 pointer. Despite early efforts by Hadford Hill, Matthew Cope got the opener, with poor defending from the hosts. Veteran Donald Fraser equalised, before Cope got his second. David Michael would equalise again with a characteristic shot from the left. Then, in the final minute of injury time, a corner in my Luke Sturgeon was met by the head of Leslie Henry, who steered it in. He leapt up and into the away fans, as Hadford Hill looked on in disbelief. Croxlich move up to 13th on 31 points, Hadford Hill drop to 14th on 28 points. The hosts now look much, much more likely to go down, having blown this opportunity to finally move to safety.
Matchday 29
Hadford Hill FC 0–1 Langmere Green Rovers FC
Both these teams had major reasons for needing to win. With the 8 games being played simultaneously, in the dying minutes, Hadford Hill knew without a goal, Croxlich holding to a win would relegate them. Langmere Green Rovers knew a 0-0 draw would drop them to 2nd, with Marthorpe City overturning their 3 goal lead in goal difference and leading as it stood on points scored. Then, in the 88th minute, it happened. A long ball forward was met by Christopher Johnson. Holding off David Thomas, he laid it into the path of Tony Elvidge. The shot was taken first time, it flew beyond the arms of Wayne Shaw and into the net. Jubiliation broke out in the away end with the deadlock finally broken. The final minutes saw desperate lunges, hoofs of the ball, and a very scrappy finish, literally as there were handbags on the sidelines with Robert Falconer managing to get a red card despite being on the bench. In the end it finished 0-1. For Hadford Hill, the pain of their 3rd relegation to the Challenge League, began to set in, and sad scenes as food packets, cups and shirts and scarves were thrown onto the pitch in disgust. Several players of Hadford Hill left the field quickly, possibly playing their last games in the famous all red colours.
Croxlich FC 1–0 Bavingtor FC
The scenes at Croxlich were pretty much the opposite than at Hadford Hill. The final home game of the season for Croxlich, the atmosphere was as tense as it could get in Hillyview. Every time the ball was in the Croxlich box, huge breaths were drawn, only to be met with huge sighs of relief when the back of the net wasn’t found. But then, in the 67th minute, everything changed. Robert Brown’s ball forward was played into the path of Matthew Cope. He watched it all the way, and hit it first time, an unsaveable shot even for David Meehan. That was the opener, Cope’s 21st goal of the season in the Super League, and unless Hadford Hill could score, would keep Croxlich up. The news of the Langmere Green Rovers goal brought jubilation to crowd, barely a soul was sitting as the chants of “WE ARE STAYING UP” rang around Hillyview. The full time whistle was met with the loudest cheers all season, and a pitch invasion as the Croxlich fans celebrated their club staying up, the only one of the promoted side to do so this season. As for Bavingtor, this loss and results elsewhere ended their hopes of the Top 4.
Sporting Towerhaite 3–2 Vale FC
In the end, the result of this game mattered little in the relegation battle. However nobody can tell fans or players in a derby that it was meaningless. The first half for a derby was somewhat lacking in intensity, with no major chances for either side. It changed in under a minute after the break, wen Alan Holdsworth speculative effort from range went in. Tensions rose as Sporting Towerhaite knew safety wasn’t certain at all with the current standings. However Nick Massey took 2 goals in under 10 minutes, to turn it around When Keith Murray was brought down by Ronald Edmonds in the box, Nick Massey was given the opportunity for his hat-trick and he made no mistake. Safety was all but secured, even more so when news that Hadford Hill were losing filtered through. Dean Palmer scored a late consolation for Vale, but they weren’t to stage a dramatic comeback. Sporting Towerhaite fans were happy to win the local derby, and got a rousing send off from their fans at the end of their final home game of the season.
Loxthorpe Rovers FC 2–1 Waldster FC
Waldster failed to secure their place in the Top 4 with this result in Loxthorpe, even more frustrating for them with the other results they needed going their way. The visitors always seemed quite nervy in this match, and it was Gary Carr who opened the scoring, a good strike from 14 metres out. Loxthorpe Rovers should’ve led at the break, but from a corner, a collision between Lucky Diamond and Stephen Moore allowed Eddie Killingsworth to have a tap-in. The keeper was furious his calls of “MINE!” were ignored, and he got booked for dissent in the aftermath. Nevertheless, after a break, a quick attack allowed Gary Carr to net the eventual winner. Loxthorpe Rovers look set to finish a little outside the top half this season. For Waldster, they drop to 4th, and will have to fight on to keep their Top 4 place, especially with rivals St Astons City still in play for that spot.
Carston Green FC 2–1 Butterfield Rovers FC
Results elsewhere meant Butterfield Rovers couldn’t save themselves anyway, but they return to the Challenge League immediately, disappointing from the team many thought had the best chance of staying up of the promoted 3. The goals from Benjamin Potter and Richard Doughty made survival look all but impossible, even without Croxlich leading yet. Gary Watson’s strike early in the second half gave Butterfield Rovers a glimmer of hope, but with results elsewhere falling unfavourably, they seemed out of ideas, and their dreams of survival died. As for Carston Green, they’ll go into the final Matchday in a bit of a crowded battle to determine the lower midtable placings.
Westwood Garden City FC 2–1 St Astons City FC
Westwood Garden City needed a win to have any chance of a Top 4 finish, and they delivered against another side fighting for the Top 4. Mark Chalmers from out wide opened the scoring shortly before half time. Brian Bayliss equalised not long after the break, the old timer showing he still had some goals left in him. However a good attack by the hosts was finished off by Valentine Richmond to get the winner. Results elsewhere ultimately eliminated Westwood Garden City from the race for the Top 4, but they went out of that race fighting. St Astons City now drop to 5th and aren’t in control of their own destiny in the final Matchday.
Marthorpe City FC 4–1 Stanmorn FC
Marthorpe City came into this game 2 points behind and 3 goals worse in goal difference than Langmere Green Rovers, and knew they needed a win to guarantee taking the title fight to the last Matchday. They did just that, and won big. Any nerves were settled by a quickfire double towards the end of the first half, by Julian Simon and Mark James, both heading in from set pieces. Ronald Peddie’s low driven effort in the 51st minute but Marthorpe City top of the live standings, and Colt Henderson added another from long range. Andrew Mason at least got a consolation for Stanmorn, and the hosts lost the Super League lead with Langmere Green Rovers late goal. Hadford Hill’s late goal conceded lead to a fair few, shall we say, impolite chants from Marthorpe City fans about their rivals. However the title fight goes to the final day, Marthorpe City 2 points behind, but just 1 behind on goal difference. As for Stanmorn, the Top 4 fight for them is over, the upper-midtable is all they can aim for to finish the season.
South Maishop FC 2–4 Kings Lunsel FC
For Kings Lunsel, this was the chance to make up lost ground in the race for the Top 4. Steven Hall opened the scoring with a simple finish to make it 0-1 at half time. However the visitors were asleep and the hosts quickly equalised after the break. Morten Christensen and Victor Adeyemo both made great use of balls in by Steven Hall to make it 1-3. John Bell gave South Maishop hope, but they overexerted themselves going forward, and Morten Christensen made them pay. With losses for Waldster and St Astons City, Kings Lunsel move to 3rd. The Top 4 isn’t confirmed for them yet, but Kings Lunsel are in a great position. South Maishop are safe, but would’ve liked to have ended their current poor run.
Sacked
Hadford Hill - James Mealing
Hadford Hill - James Mealing
He couldn’t keep them up, and James Mealing has been given the sack immediately, not even being tasked with seeing out the final Matchday. An undignified end for one of the managers in Flavovespia known for their tough reputation and (until recently) strength in battling relegation. Ian McMullan returns for the final Matchday.
Standings
Super League
Super League
Well the big story going into the final day, is of course at the top. Langmere Green Rovers are 2 points ahead of Marthorpe City, the former playing South Maishop (H), the latter Kings Lunsel (A). For Langmere Green Rovers, win and they’re champions. Draw or lose, and if Marthorpe City don’t win, they’re champions. Marthorpe City need to win, and hope Langmere Green Rovers don’t, and they’re champions. That is, unless the results were (for example) Langmere Green Rovers 2 – 2 South Maishop and Kings Lunsel 0 – 1 Marthorpe City. With both matches involving the top 2 being 2 – 0 earlier in the season, the top 2 would finish completely equal, and thus a final playoff would be needed. That would be an incredible set of circumstances, although one many neutrals would surely love to see.
The other key battle is for the Top 4 and the IFCF Challenger’s Cup places. Kings Lunsel only need a draw to assure themselves of that, although they are playing Marthorpe City (H) of course. Waldster will be in the Top 4 if they win against Sporting Towerhaite (H), although a draw will likely do it, unless St Astons City win by 5 or more against Carston Green (H) (with a difference of 15 goals for, we’re going to assume St Astons City can’t overtake Waldster on that tie breaker). For St Astons City, it’s simple. Win at all costs, and hope either Kings Lunsel or Waldster lose (or Waldster draw and St Astons City win big)
The relegation race is settled for the season. Newly promoted Vale go down with the wooden spoon. Fellow newly promoted side Butterfield Rovers also make an immediate return to the second tier, and they’ve only got 14th to play for now. Joining them is Hadford Hill, the once feared side have had a dreadful decade and a half, and have their third relegation to the Challenge League in that period.
Challenge League
Promotion is settled, and it’s the 2 teams predicted from the start to make an immediate return to the top flight, Apsbrooke and Binclestead Wood. Although Apsbrooke have edged ahead on goal difference, the title decider will be a big match, as it is in fact Binclestead Wood vs Apsbrooke. Binclestead win the Challenge League with a win, otherwise Apsbrooke win. Of course for Binclestead Wood, their season still won’t be over after that, they’re in the Flavovespia Gold Cup semis.
The other relegated side, Batchingtonwood Rovers have guaranteed a play-off place, and with the Flavovespia Gold Cup semis, still have plenty of football to play. Newly promoted side Gann’s good season becomes a great season with a playoff place. Incredibly 6 teams are still in the hunt however for the final 2 places. 5th play 6th, Millsea vs Henhaven Islanders. The hosts just need a draw to guarantee 5th, Henhaven Islanders of course need a win to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. Narrock Wood United, playing Capton Club (A) know a win puts them in the playoffs. North Mayshop at Whittlesbury Wanderers (A) can also make it in with a win, but because of goal difference, realistically need a Henhaven Islanders loss. Guildwell Football are away at Gann, they need a win, a Henhaven Islanders loss and North Mayshop and Narrock Wood United not to win to make it a 3rd playoff appearance in a row. Capton Club can make it in, but they need a Henhaven Islanders loss, North Mayshop and Narrock Wood United not to win, and because of goal difference realistically Guildwell Football not to win. Capton Club do have the Flavovespia Gold Cup semis in the future as well.
There’s no relegation battle at stake, just the final positions of the bottom 3. Whittlesbury Wanderers pulled off the escape in their first second tier season. However FC North Waldster couldn’t do the same in their first season at this level. Claychester end another season in the second tier with an immediate relegation, a shame after a good start. Rumlington Rovers send several years in the second tier sadly leaving at the bottom of the table, and not via the top of the table. All 3 will of course be inaugural National League Division 1 members.
Western League
Havermilly do go up, winning the Western League and to be honest, it never looked too in doubt this season. Behind them Westwood playing Melcave Meerkats (H), Old Marthorpe playing South Hadford United (H) and Slaton playing Langpool Capton (A) will battle for the final playoff spot. Westwood and Old Marthorpe are definitely in with a win, but a draw or loss leaves them vulnerable to Slaton. Slaton can make it in if they don’t lose, and Old Marthorpe do.
The race for the Top 8 and a National League Division 1 berth has just one place still up for grabs. Vitarias Legion play Sandneston Rovers (A) they must win, but even then goal difference can be a factor. Saltearth are 9th but 2 goals on goal difference behind Vitarias Legion. They need to better their result or get a margin of victory of more than 2 goals of Vitarias Legion. Saltearth’s task isn’t helped though by a match against their fierce rivals Boleland Wood Town (H). Should both these teams not win, then Caffchin could leapfrog them with a win over Magic Roundabout (H). A draw for Caffchin and big losses for the other 2 involved in the battle for 8th will do it as well.
Another division with relegation settled, it’s Hadford Dacorum in 15th and South Hadford United in 16th going down to the Western Alliance D1.
Eastern League
Buchraston are the champions and go up to the Challenge League, holding off Abbots Lunsel who will have to do it the hard way and go through the playoffs. The once great marquee side will desperately hope to make an immediate return to the second tier.
4 teams will contest the battle for the final playoff spot. Oxwich need only win at Henhaven Palace (A) to do so. Fail to do so, and Boll Lake Mariners take that spot with a win over Johns Park (H). Carstwood play Buchraston Heath, both with a chance of making it in. Buchraston Heath need a win, Oxwich not to, and realistically Boll Lake Mariners to not win either. They could also make it in with a draw, provided Oxwich and Boll Lake Mariners lose. Cartswood have to win, and hope Oxwich lose, and Boll Lake Mariners lose as well (or Cartswood run riot against Buchraston Heath, to overhaul the goal difference advantage of Boll Lake Mariners).
There’s no other battles in the Eastern League, the Top 8 is settled, and Henhaven Palace in 15th and Galling Rangers 7AU in 16th are confirmed to be relegated to the Eastern Alliance D1.
Matchday 30
Here we are, the final Matchday of the 29AU Super League. 232 games played, just 8 more to go. After today, almost certainly one of Langmere Green Rovers or Marthorpe City will be champions, unless they end up equal on points, goal difference and goals scored. Alongside the loser of that battle, 2 of Kings Lunsel, Waldster and St Astons City will join them in the IFCF Challenger’s Cup. The next 2 hours will be hugely important for fans of those 5 teams.
Langmere Green Rovers FC vs South Maishop FC: Well if you wanted any team to face in the title fight, South Maishop at home would be a good choice. They’ve lost their last four, and have little to play for. Langmere Green Rovers and their fans here in South Road know nothing is settled yet though, they have to see it through to lift their second title.
Kings Lunsel FC vs Marthorpe City FC: In contrast, quite possibly one of the toughest matches to play to try and win the title. Away in the Kings Bowl, against a side only needing a draw to reach their goal. Marthorpe City certainly have their work cut out, but their fans aren’t giving up hope yet.
Stanmorn FC vs Westwood Garden City FC: Both these sides saw their chances of the Top 4 end last time out. Stanmorn will be disappointed to miss out, but for Westwood Garden City, a top half finish does at least exceed expectations from the pre-season. The hosts can go above the visitors with a win, but other than that, not a game with a huge amount at stake. One last start for David Betts (Stanmorn) before he retires.
St Astons City FC vs Carston Green FC: St Astons City can’t guarantee a Top 4 finish with a win, but a win puts them in it, if other results go their way. The fans here would love nothing more than to knock historic rivals Waldster out of the Top 4. Carston Green don’t have a huge amount to pay for, but will be keep to get points to try and secure a position towards the top of the bottom half.
Butterfield Rovers FC vs Loxthorpe Rovers FC: Butterfield Rovers are down, so it’s only a matter of 14th or 15th to play for. Some of their players will no doubt be leaving in the end of the season, and may see this as a chance to impress potential suitors. A last start for Justine Gee, before he retires from the game, after over 20 seasons as a pro. A fun trivial fact, his career spans all the seasons the Western League and Eastern League existed in the modern era. For Loxthorpe Rovers, a slim chance of a top half finish, but it looks very unlikely.
Waldster FC vs Sporting Towerhaite: Waldster know a win guarantees them a Top 4 finish. So does a draw, unless St Astons City can win by a margin of 5 goals over Carston Green, which admittedly isn’t impossible. Sporting Towerhaite have little other than the minor placings to play for, but any of the Outer Waldster sides after their rivals, will want to win over Waldster. On the bench, Matthew Hunt might see some minutes in his final game before retirement.
Vale FC vs Croxlich FC: The wooden spoon is guaranteed for Vale, and so it’s just a matter of pride for them now. They’ve already got a handful of players retiring or leaving at the end of the season, so this will be their swansong for Vale. Croxlich went up with Vale, but were the only one of the three promoted sides to stay up. Many of their starters have been rested, and it’s a rotated side for them. Alfred Crawford maybe looking at potential starters in 30AU.
Bavingtor FC vs Hadford Hill FC: For Bavingtor, the season that started brilliantly hasn’t quite ended that way. They’ll (barring a mad set of results) finish in the top half, but it could’ve been more. As for Hadford Hill, a total disaster of a reason as they’re relegated and backroom drama has ensued. A row between the board and David Michael, who said he’d have no qualms about moving to rivals St Astons City, which the board said they’d never allow caused him to be thrown out of the Matchday squad. Wayne Shaw, Ryan Hawkins, Alan Holt, Ian Johnson, and John Dixon have all refused to travel to Bavingtor, in solidarity with David Michael. Thus a heavily rotated side for Hadford Hill. Patrick Cannon, former Flavovespian international, plays his final game for the visitors before retirement.
0 mins: And we’re away at the final 8 matches of the season, who will come out on top today?
12 mins: GOAL – Waldster FC 0 – 1 Sporting Towerhaite Oh a big score in Waldster, and it’s not what the hosts wanted. Not able to clear their lines after a set piece, the ball was bounced around the box and just outside it, eventually being set up nicely for Derrick Henry. His shot beats Jonathan Swain, who could’ve done better. A big score as well for Kings Lunsel and St Astons City. Waldster still 4th however.
14 mins: GOAL – Stanmorn FC 1 – 0 Westwood Garden City FC A good finish by Andrew Mason, he chested the ball down in the box, and too the shot before the defence could close in. Little Ike Barnes could do, as it flew into the net. Stanmorn up a few places in the live standings.
14 mins: GOAL – Vale FC 1 – 0 Croxlich FC Almost at the same time, 2 rivals score. Bo Tsang plays in Paul Crowley, who lifts it over Ernest Hunter and in.
18 mins: GOAL – Langmere Green Rovers FC 1 – 0 South Maishop FC And that’s the biggest goal news of the day so far! Ramon Martin had been a bit off pace in recent games, but this time he uses the ball in from Tony Elvidge well, and places it beyond the ex-Marthorpe City keeper Liam Nicholls. 1-0, and if they hold on, Langmere Green Rovers are champions.
45 mins: GOAL – Vale FC 1 – 1 Croxlich FC A quiet half of football across the nation, a surprise for the final Matchday. Croxlich equalise in the only game with more than 1 goal so far. Leslie Henry’s shot just inside the box was hard and on target, and Geoff Ashcroft in the Vale goal not having much chance at all with that.
Half time: Well Langmere Green Rovers have the lead, and that’s all they need for the title. Marthorpe City haven’t got going in the first half, and should’ve been behind, Steven Hall with a rare miss from a clear cut chance. Elsewhere St Astons City have been on top, but can’t find the breakthrough, frustrating as they know Waldster are losing. Not much to add from Butterfield or Bavingtor where it’s goalless and hardly a thrilling watch. 45 minutes of the season to go.
47 mins: GOAL – Stanmorn FC 1 – 1 Westwood Garden City FC Well at least one team have certainly made a flying start in the second half. Tarren Kidd lays off the ball into the path of Valentine Richmond. He knocks it into space, and then slides a shot into the corner of the net. One of this season’s breakout stars get another goal to add to his tally.
56 mins: GOAL – St Astons City FC 0 – 1 Carston Green FC A big blow for the hosts! Their failure to convert in the first half is punished. Kevin Norton’s long goal kick is headed on by Michael Morley into the path of George Bunting. He takes it on, beats Giles Smith and then John Holmes to give Carston Green the lead. Agony for St Astons who now need 2 to try and take that Top 4 place.
57 mins: GOAL – Butterfield Rovers 1 – 0 Loxthorpe Rovers FC Gary Watson with a typical strikers finish, just inside the box, he gets it first time and shoots well, just inside the post and beyond Lucky Diamond. Butterfield Rovers won’t be playing in the Super League next season, but maybe he will be.
61 mins: MISSED PENALTY Bavingtor FC 0 – 0 Hadford Hill FC John Dixon brings down Roger Hawkes in the box, and it didn’t need a video ref to see that. Mark Paul has had a great season, but puts a rare blight on it, slamming a penalty into the crossbar and it bounces out. Unfortunate for the hosts, who are the better side here.
63 mins: GOAL – Langmere Green Rovers FC 2 – 0 South Maishop FC The lead is doubled at South Road, and the title is getting ever closer. On top for most of the half, this goal was well deserved. Liam Nicholls parried away a good shot by Ramon Martin, but Christopher Johnson latched onto the rebound to score. South Maishop have a long way to do to get back into this, and Marthorpe City fans look on with glum faces in Kings Lunsel at that news.
64 mins: GOAL – Vale FC 2 – 1 Croxlich FC A goalmouth scramble after a corner, and it’s Michael Cosgrove with the final touch. There’s appeals for a handball here, and the video referee is checking it. The check is over, the goal stands, it hit the chest of Cosgrove, and not the arm in any way. They all count, and Vale take the lead.
80 minutes: We’re into the final 10 minutes here. At Langmere Green Rovers, many fans are cheerings, other nervously checking their phones and watches, and manager Alan Young paces the touchline like a father in a maternity ward waiting the birth of his first born child. In Kings Lunsel, Marthorpe City have improved, but still can’t score, and their fans are sensing it’s all over. Kings Lunsel fans urge their players on, but the team are defending more, a draw good enough for 3rd as it stands. In Waldster, Nick Cole seems to be playing a 4-2-4, angrily yelling at his players any time he sees an error. In St Astons City, similar scenes, not least as Marc Sharratt has just missed a great opportunity, getting the ball trapped under his feet when played in.
82 minutes: GOAL – Bavingtor FC 1 – 0 Hadford Hill FC The deadlock here finally broken. The corner in was flicked on by Andrew Hurst and into the net. A good finish, and that goal as it stands move Bavingtor to 5th and drops Hadford Hill to 15th.
89 minutes: GOAL – Vale FC 3 – 1 Croxlich FC A classic late counter attacking goal. The visitors were throwing men forward, which lead to 2 strikers vs 2 defenders and the keeper at the back. Substitute Clive Turner smartly played it back to Dean Palmer, who fired in to surely finish this game off. Vale will go down bottom, but at least it’s with some level of dignity after this result.
90 minutes: GOAL – Bavingtor FC 2 – 0 Hadford Hill FC Everyone but the corner taker and the keeper was in the Bavingtor box for a corner. The ball was hoofed clear and fell to Mark Paul, who had nobody near him. All he had to do was run it down to the box and finish the one vs one, and put it past the keeper, which he did, making up for that missed penalty. Bavingtor 5th unless there’s late drama elsewhere.
Full time: Kings Lunsel FC 0 – 0 Marthorpe City FC There’s no late drama here, Kings Lunsel keeping the ball in the dying minutes, depriving the visitors of a chance to get the win. That means, Langmere Green Rovers are the champions, even if play is not quite over there, and Marthorpe City finish in 3rd. Short of a big late turnout in Waldster, Kings Lunsel are 3rd. Both sets of players go to their fans for an end-of-season thanks and cheers, but somewhat despondently for the visitors.
Full time: Langmere Green Rovers FC 2 – 0 South Maishop FC It was confirmed moments before the full-time whistle here, but Langmere Green Rovers are champions, and the fireworks go off. The players, both on the pitch and on the bench run on in celebration. One of the youngest managers in all of the league, Alan Young, a player just a few seasons ago, is embraced by his players who hoist him up and throw him in the air before catching him. The fans, well behaved by staying off the pitch, are in euphoria in the stands, and the trophy is on its way to be delivered for the trophy lifting celebrations. South Maishop players give their congratulations to Langmere Green Rovers and go over to their own fans for a send off, but after 5 losses in a row, it’s not the end of the season they or Josh Davis wanted.
Full time: Bavingtor FC 2 – 0 Hadford Hill FC Still a bit of a wait for the other results to be confirmed and the final standings to come in, but the season ends for these sides. For Bavingtor, the promise of that brilliant start didn’t quite come to fruition, but they got that top half finish that was a pre-season target. For Hadford Hill, the nightmare season ends. A few of their fans and a few players acknowledged each other, but most headed down the tunnels, much like their team head down to the Challenge League.
Full time: St Astons City FC 0 – 1 Carston Green FC Agony here in St Astons City. 2 great chances late on were well saved. One of those was the last corner, that goalkeeper John Holmes nearly turned in before it was cleared off the line. With this, the dream of the Top 4 ended for the hosts. The players looked devastated on the pitch, even if they weren’t predicted to do that before the start of the season, the pain of missing out with the last 2 losses of the season plain to see. Carston Green season ends with a win, a good if not great season for them.
Full time: Vale FC 3 – 1 Croxlich FC Vale go down bottom, but at least they did end this one year stint in the Super League with a win. Croxlich had little to play for anyway, and the fact they’re still in the Super League is all their fans cared about. For both fans, it’s likely however plenty of the players today will be moving on in the off-season.
Full time: Waldster FC 0 – 1 Sporting Towerhaite A Top 4 finish was confirmed by the result in St Astons, but that didn’t stop Nick Cole demanding his team pushed for an equaliser. None did come, as the side fell to defeat to Sporting Towerhaite. Waldster however, the last of the Super League sides still with the Flavovespia Gold Cup to think about. Sporting Towerhaite end their season on a high note, another year in the Super League coming up for them in 30AU.
Full time: Butterfield Rovers FC 1 – 0 Loxthorpe Rovers FC Gary Watson’s goal confirms Butterfield Rovers finish 14th, and Loxthorpe Rovers 10th. A season where both sides fell short of expectactions to different levels. For Butterfield Rovers, a frustrating return to the Challenge League after a single season back in the top flight. For Loxthorpe Rovers, Carter Cromwell’s first year in charge ends, although he know he has time as the club are going through a bit of a transitional period it seems.
Full time: Stanmorn FC 1 – 1 Westwood Garden City FC And so the final final whistle blows, after late drama here, with the video ref needed to investigate a potential penalty for Stanmorn not given. The hosts underperformed this season, the visitors overperformed this season. Both end in the top half, and will look to the off-season to see where they can improve.
Standings
Super League
Super League
Challenge League
Apsbrooke managed a 2-3 win over Binclestead Wood, to take the Challenge League trophy. One of the more memorable trophy lifting moments, being performed in the ground of the side just defeated, with plenty of the home fans staying to boo Apsbrooke as they lifted the trophy. Still, there’ll no doubt be an open-top bus parade anyway in Apsbrooke at a later date.
Millsea’s 3-0 win over Henhaven Islanders put them up to 4th, thanks also to the 0-1 loss of Gann by Guildwell Football. With Narrock Wood United and North Mayshop losing, the team who were 9th before the final Matchday started, Guildwell Football, make the playoffs, and the previously mentioned sides end in the season in the bottom half. As mentioned previously, Rumlington Rovers, Claychester and FC North Waldster go down to the National League Division 1.
The playoffs are confirmed then. The first sees Guildwell Football vs Batchingtonwood Rovers in the first leg, before a reversal. Both these sides are one season wonders in the Super League, and will be looking to make their second appearance in the top tier. Guildwell lost the last 2 Challenge League playoff finals, and want to make it third time lucky. Batchingtonwood Rovers will be looking to make it a second consecutive season where the relegated 3 win promotion again. If they do, it’ll cap off a fine season for them, even if there’ll be the usual grumblings that the Super League clubs are obviously too rich and opening up too much of a divide. The other playoff match is Gann vs Millsea in the first leg, before the reversed second leg. Millsea have been in the second tier for a while now, but if they went up, would be one of the smallest sides ever to do so, and the first non-primary city team to do so, Millsea being a part of St Astons. The same for Gann, a coastal district of Waldster. Their good season after promotion is a great one as they make the playoffs. For them, it’ll be a dream come true if they go to the top flight for the first time ever, and the first team to win consecutive promotions to the Super League.
Western League
The big story is Old Marthorpe’s loss to relegated South Hadford United allowed Slaton to leapfrog them into the playoffs with a 0-0 draw in Langpool Capton. They’ll join Westwood for a chance to go into the Challenge League, with Havermilly going up as Western League champions.
Saltearth’s 1-0 win over rivals Boleland Wood Town was enough to send them into the National League Division 1, with Vitarias Legion held by Sandneston Rovers. Relegation for Hadford Dacorum and South Hadford United was already confirmed.
Eastern League
Buchraston were already up as champions. Abbots Lunsel were confirmed in second, but Oxwich failed to win at the relegated Henhaven Palace. Boll Lake Mariners won against Johns Park 2-1, to take a place in the promotion playoffs.
The Top 8 and the relegation places were already confirmed before the final Matchday, so outside of the playoff battle, there was little left to play for in the Eastern League.
The 4 third tier playoff sides will compete for the final Challenge League spot. Boll Lake Mariners vs Westwood is the first leg of one tie. Boll lake Mariners will hope to make up for their surprise loss in the playoff final against FC North Waldster last year with victory this year. Westwood will be looking for an impressive double promotion to make the Challenge League for the first ever time. Slaton vs Abbots Lunsel is the other first leg. Both these sides will be looking to make an immediate return to the second tier, but Abbots Lunsel are definitely seen as the favourites of all 4 playoff teams, and the most historically strong. Slaton though won’t be pushovers.
Flavovespia Gold Cup
Semi Finals
(CL) Binclestead Wood FC 3–1 (CL) Capton Club
Patrick Turner 31, Sam Fifield 61, Patrick Turner 89
65 Richard Foster
Binclestead Wood made home advantage count here. A good first half for them was capped off by Patrick Turner’s finish into the net, from a tight angle. Sam Fifield doubled the lead, sliding in to turn Robert Totten’s cross into the net. Richard Foster however pulled one back with a deft header o set up a nervy finish. But with Capton Club piling men forward, they were vulnerable at the back. On the counter Patrick Turner took advantage to settle it. It’s the fourth final for Binclestead Wood, and they won the other 3 they were in, although the most recent of those was almost 20 years ago.
(CL) Batchingtonwood Rovers FC 2–2 (SL) Waldster FC (3–2 AET)
Jaxson Henderson 10, Jaxson Henderson 56, Zac Wood 121
5 Lancelot Wray, 25 Joe Dargie
An absolute cup classic at Batchingtonwood Park. Early predictions seemed to have come true when Lancelot Wray fired in from deep just 5 minutes in. However Jaxson Henderson put his first shot on target and in to equalise. Joe Dargie’s close range effort after a period of pressure gave Waldster a 1-2 lead, which they held at the break. In the second half, Jaxson Henderson doubled his tally, drilling it in from 10 metres out. Waldster had many more chances, but couldn’t put them in. The game went to extra time, and was set to go to penalties, but Seamus Doherty unfairly challenged Franco Ferretti 25 metres out. Zac Wood stood over the ball, knowing the free kick would possibly be the last kick of the game. The veteran midfielder hit it perfectly, up over the wall, curling just inside the post, beyond Conor Harrington. Scenes of ecstasy as with that the full-time whistle blew, a pitch invasion broke out, and Batchingtonwood Rovers made the Flavovespia Gold Cup final, 15 years after their only other time they did that. That time they lost 1-3 to Marthorpe City, but this time they’ll be in the first ever all Challenge League final. Who knows how that will turn out?
