SOME STATS & FACTS ON THE NON-LEAUGE SEASON SO FAR

FGR TOP OF THE NON-LEAGUE TREE

FOREST GREEN ROVERS are unbeaten at home in the seven Vanarama National League games they have played this season so far. They have won six and the only points they have dropped was in a 2-2 draw with Wealdstone. 

THE FLEET STRUGGLING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE

EBBSFLEET UNITED have no wins in the Vanarama National League on their travels - they have drawn two and lost seven of nine games. In the 2024 calendar year The Fleet have won two away league (at Maidenhead United and Dorking Wanderers) wins in eighteen games.

THE NEW WINDMILL GROUND IS A FORTRESS 

The only team left without a home defeat in the Vanarama National League North are LEAMINGTON who are currently in thirteenth place. They have five wins and two draws from the seven league games they have played - On the road they have only one win in nine which came at Farlsey Celtic.

MARINE NEED GOALS

MARINE are the lowest scorers in the Vanarama National North scoring only seven times in their sixteen games played. Three came in one game which was 3-0 home win against Chorley They have failed to score in twelve league games. 

THE SILKMEN TOP OF THE TABLE 

MACCLESFIELD have won fourteen and drawn two of their Pitching In Northern Premier League games. Former Scunthorpe United, Boreham Wood and Boston United striker Danny Elliott has scored in seven of The Silkmen's nine home league games.

The average attendance at Moss Rose for league games is currently 2,746 people. This is a big increase on the average (1,892) for Macclesfield Town in their last League Two season in the 19/20 campaign. 

A NEW BOSS FOR COLP - WILL THE WINS FOLLOW? 

CITY OF LIVERPOOL who made the Pitching In Northern Premier Division One West play-off final last season are currently in the relegation with just two wins in their eighteen league games played. Manager Paul McNally has recently been replaced with former Marine, Prescot Cables and Colwyn Bay Manager Kevin Lynch. 

COULD QUORN BE A STEP THREE SIDE FOR NEXT SEASON?

QUORN are top of the Pitching In Northern Premier Division One Midlands with fifteen wins and two draws from their seventeen league games played. Could it be Step Three football for the first time in The Red's history for the 25/26 season?

MERIDIAN VP WITHOUT A VICTORY ALL SEASON 

MERIDIAN VP are still looking for their first point of the Southern Counties East Division One season. They have lost all fourteen of their league games played so far. In their cup games they have drawn 2-2 with Lewisham Borough in the Isuzu FA Vase (and then won on penalties) before losing to Haywards Heath. They have also lost at Forest Hill Park in the London Senior Trophy and lost 8-0 at Rusthall in their last game played which was in the League Challenge Cup. 

FROM THE NATIONAL SOUTH TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE IN A DECADE

BROMLEY's average attendance in the National South Division for the 12/13 season was 509. Their average for their eight League Two games so far this season is 3,356! Striker Michael Cheek has scored in six of those eight games. 

WINGATE & FINCHLEY PROVING ME WRONG IN THE PITCHING ISTHMIAN PREMIER DIVISION

I've never been known for my prediction skills - I'm most definitely wrong more times than I'm right! 

In the summer I said on social media I didn't think Wingate and Finchley would finish anywhere near the top of The Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division after the lost Ben Goode (to Chesham United), Alex Soloman (to Enfield Town) and Ruben Carvalho (to Maidenhead United) along with Anointed Chukwu and Elliott Long (both joined Welling United) who all played a huge part in getting the North London side to the play-offs last season. 

As you can see from the current table I was well wide of the mark (as usual!!) as The Blues are currently in third place and have won seven of their last ten league games. 

In centre-forward Ogo Obi, who joined from Maidstone United, they have one of the signings of the season. He has scored 16 goals in 20 league and cup game. 

Wingate have two tough home games coming up against teams lower down the table who with their playing squads should be higher up the table. 

They host Chatham Town on Tuesday evening - The Chats, runner's up and defeated in the play-off final last season, are currently in 12th place and are eight points off the play-off places. 

Horsham, currently in 15th, knocked out Vanarama South Maidstone United out of The Isuzu Trophy yesterday. 

CROWDS ON THE UP AT THE MAURICE REBAK STADIUM

Wingate's average attendance for their seven league games played so far this season is 245 which is up from the 179 average over their first seven league games last season and 140 for the 22/23 campaign! 

TABLE COURTESY OF FOOTBALLWEBPAGES.CO.UK

SINGLE GOAL FOR STOTFOLD WINS THE THREE POINTS VERSUS HERTFORD TOWN

MATCH PLAYED ON TUESDAY 29th OCTOBER

It was single well taken goal from former Wealdstone and Boreham Wood midfielder Matt Ball scored on 15 minutes which won this game in front of 239 at The JSJ Stadium. The victory ended a losing run of four league games in row for Paul Donnelly's side. 

Hertford Town's young right winger Riley Carr, who has also played for Baldock Town, looks a good and exciting player who likes to take players on and run into the box from the right hand side. He was made his first start for The Blues in this game. 

Since this game The Eagles have beaten Leighton Town (4-3) and Kidlington (3-2) followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Hadley and a narrow 1-0 defeat at Northwood yesterday. 

Hertford Town have draw 1-1 against Beaconsfield Town, won 1-0 at local rival's Welwyn Garden City and lost narrowly in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup against Potters Bar Town (3-4). Yesterday they had an impressive 4-1 home victory over Leighton Town. 

Ben Herd is doing an amazing job at the club in partnership with his academy helping young exciting players into senior football. A great example is left-back Kurai Musanhi joining Crystal Place for a club record fee two months ago. He is currently part of the Premier League's under 18 academy side. 

Hertford Town under 18's have also had an incredible run in The FA Youth Cup beating Cheshunt 3-0, Colney Heath 6-0, AFC Sudbury 3-0 and Cambridge United 3-2 to set up a very eagerly anticipated Second Round tie against Bristol Rovers which is being played on Tuesday 26th November - A huge crowd is expected with the winners hosting Arsenal in the Third Round!!! 

I'd say the Bristol Rovers game is one of the biggest played in the Town for a number of years.

Hertford Town's next games are away at Leverstock Green on Tuesday and Biggleswade FC next Saturday. Stotfold travel to North Leigh next Saturday.

SHORT HIGHLIGHTS

LONGER HIGHLIGHTS 

PLEASE HELP SAVE WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

This week has seen EBAC Northern League Division One side West Allotment Celtic Chairman David Dodds release the below statement on the club's future and the fact they are on the brink of folding.

If you are reading this and can help the club, which is approaching it's Centenary year in 2028, please contact them as soon as possible. 

Allotment were formed in 1928 and have played at their East Palmersville Sports Pavilion home since the summer of 2021. They have been members of the EBAC Northern League since 2004 with their best placed finish being fifth place in the 22/23 season. 

They have reached the Fourth Round of the FA Vase twice where they lost to two clubs based in the South of England - In the 03/04 season they lost to Cray Wanderers and 04/05 lost to Soham Town Rangers. 

For now their games against Redcar Athletic and Newcastle Blue Star have been postponed. Let's hope something can be sorted out to save them. 

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC STATEMENT

West Allotment Celtic Football Club is sadly on the brink of folding and has written to the Northern League to ask for two weeks suspension of fixtures to explore if the club can continue. A number of factors have led the club to this point. The loss of our main sponsor Wade Financial who over many years helped the club left a hole in club finances which has never been replaced, added to this was the rent this season tripling.

The club this season tried to make the match day experience much better by the provision of an on site catering unit and also a bar offering draught lager and cider. Increased social media and roadside boards advertising fixtures was also used.

Despite this the local community has shown very little interest in non league football and even when the club finished fifth in Division One the attendances were poor.

The club has probably the lowest playing budget in the league but even if this was reduced further the costs of running the club would not be covered. Our situation is not an isolated one with many clubs seeing falling attendances.

The other major factor is that like many we have an ageing committee and despite many attempts the failure to attract new members to step up and take on roles such as Secretary and Treasurer. Our current treasurer is stepping down after fifty years of service with many others on the committee having been involved with the club a similar amount of time.

As Chairman I have been involved with West Allotment for 25 years in one role or another and that role now involves making sensible decisions and in this case a very difficult one. The club did not wish to dig itself into a financial hole leaving lots of debts.

If anyone is interested in trying to help the club continue please get in touch directly. We will need investment and people to join the committee in roles such as treasurer and secretary.

Our junior and Ladies teams will continue as they are not connected financially to WACFC so the name will go forward to reach our 100th anniversary in four years time.

Any interested parties please contact me directly on 07977 413102

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - AN UPDATE ON THE SEASON SO FAR

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE 

DIVISION ONE CURRENT TABLE - TOP TEN ONLY 

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS	FORM
1.	EATON SOCON	18	12	2	4	40	25	+15	38	WWLWWW
2.	IRCHESTER UNITED	17	11	4	2	44	24	+20	37	DWLWWD
3.	DESBOROUGH TOWN	13	10	2	1	48	15	+33	32	WWWWDL
4.	AFC WELWYN	15	9	4	2	36	15	+21	31	WDDWLW
5.	MOULTON	14	9	2	3	35	26	+9	29	DLWWDW
6.	CRANFIELD UNITED	15	9	1	5	32	18	+14	28	WLWLWW
7.	AMPTHILL TOWN	14	8	4	2	16	8	+8	28	WWLDDW
8.	LETCHWORTH GC EAGLES	17	8	2	7	38	43	-5	26	LWWLWW
9.	LANGFORD	18	6	5	7	32	38	-6	23	LLWDLL
10.	LONG BUCKBY	14	5	4	5	30	26	+4	19	DLWDLD

BOLD denotes promotion to Step Five. 

Yellow denotes qualification for the end of season play-offs

TEAM	PLAYER	GAMES	GOALS	GPG
EATON SOCON	JAKE WILLIAMS	18	14	0.78
IRCHESTER UTD	LACHI CODRINGTON	12	9	0.75
DESBOROUGH TOWN	JEREMIAH ADAMS	12	14	1.67
AFC WELWYN	JACK ALLEN	15	9	0.60
MOULTON	NATHANIEL ANSU	12	16	1.33

Eaton Socon went top of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One on Saturday thanks to a very memorable 2-3 win at Desborough Town who had Iain Blaikie and Kye Little sent off. 

Irchester United drew 1-1 at Long Buckby and AFC Welwyn won 0-3 at Langford. The Roman's Manager Liam Errington resigned from his post in early November with club owner Tawhid Juneja taking over as Player-Manager - Leon Gutzmore and Jamie Dunn are to remain on the coaching staff. They have also announced Dave Wickham as new Chairman who has a background in senior leadership in IT and security leadership across various industries - the club have an aim of reaching the football league within eleven seasons. 

FACTS AND STATS ON THE SEASON SO FAR

Eighth placed LETCHWORTH GC EAGLES have let in 43 goals in their 17 games played - the same amount as RAUNDS TOWN who have played 15 games and are currently bottom of the table. 

Only RAUNDS TOWN (20th & 14 goals scored), RUSHDEN & HIGHAM UTD (19th & 15 goals scored), LONDON COLNEY (17th and 15 goals) and BUCKINGHAM (15th and 15 goals scored) have scored less goals than seventh placed AMPTHILL TOWN who have scored 16 goals. 

It's fortress Brunting Road for MOULTON who have won all six of their home league games played so far. They have also beaten LETCHWORTH GC EAGLES in The Division One Cup and Kettering Nomads in the Northamptonshire FA Les Underwood Junior Cup. Division Two leaders NEW BRADWELL ST PETER are the only side to win which was a impressive 0-4 Gladwish Trophy win in October. AMPTHILL TOWN were the last team to win at Brunting Road in the league winning 3-4 on Saturday 23rd March. The Magpies are the only side without a home defeat this season. 

DESBOROUGH TOWN love an away day with six wins for six league games played so far - AMPTHILL TOWN are also unbeaten on their travels with four wins and three draws. 

Every club has won at least one home game. BUCKINGHAM, LONDON COLNEY, RUSHDEN & HIGHAM UTD and RAUNDS TOWN are without an away win. RAUNDS TOWN have lost all nine of their game. It could be Step Seven football for The Shopmates in the 25/26 season if their results don't improve. The club spent four seasons in The Southern League from 1996 to 2000 and also, as a United Counties League side, famously beat then Conference side Northwich Victoria in the 92/93 FA Cup. 

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

TUESDAY 12th NOVEMBER

Ampthill Town v Rushden & Higham United

Leighton Town Reserves v Moulton

SATURDAY 16th NOVEMBER 

Long Buckby v Huntingdon Town

Moulton v London Colney

Raunds Town v Ampthill Town

Rothwell Corinthians v Langford

Rushden & Higham United v Irchester United

Stotfold Reserves v Buckingham 

REAL BEDFORD ON THE UP AND UP

Real Bedford are sitting top of The Pitching In Isthmian Premier Division and in a great position for a third successive promotion in as many seasons. It's been up and up since Bitcoin podcaster and businessman Peter McCormack took over the club in 2022 with the rebranding of the club for the 22/23 season. 

In 2024 American cyrptocurrency investor's Cameron and Tyler Winkevoss invested $4.5 million into the club. 

So far in the league they have won ten, drawn one and lost one of their league games played. 

Lots of people have criticised McCormack on social media but you only have to look at how he has transformed the club from top to bottom and also supported youth teams and women's team to see how positive his investment has been. 

Real Bedford LFC are currently playing in the FA Women's National League Division One South-East which is Step Four of the women's pyramid. 

CROWDS ON THE UP! 

Bedford FC averaged 51 for their four league Spartan South Midlands League Division One games played in the abandoned 20/21 season. For the six league games played so far this season they've averaged 251. 

Their next two games come at home against Biggleswade FC on Saturday and Leighton Town on Tuesday. 

ISTHMIAN PREMIER DIVISION - THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

GEORGE NIKAJ - 12 GOALS 

Twenty-One year old Nikaj has netted 12 league goals for Dover Athletic this season so far. He came through the club's academy and played in the National South for the club. 

OGO OBI - 11 GOALS 

The 26 year old centre-forward has been one of the Isthmian Premier signings of the season joining Wingate & Finchley from Maidstone United after the 23/24 season where he also spent time on loan with Southern League Premier South Champion's Chesham United. Before his spell with The Stones he played for Slough Town, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hanwell Town, Hayes & Yeading United, Hendon, Wealdstone and Hampton & Richmond Borough. He came through the ranks at Watford and did have a trial with Manchester United (who were then managed by Louis Van Gaal) as well as Liverpool and Arsenal also said to have shown interest in signing him. He signed for Cardiff City from The Hornets and then onto Hampton & Richmond Borough from there.

LUKE WANADIO - 10 GOALS 

32 year old winger/midfielder Wanadio is well known to many non-league fans having played for a whole host of clubs in the South-East area such as Staines Town, Dartford, Welling United and Bromley to name a few. He is well on the way to beating the total of 23 league and cup goals he got for Dulwich Hamlet last season. 

JIMMY WILD - 10 GOALS

Former Bognor Regis Town striker has made a brilliant start to life for Chichester City in the Premier Division. He netted 17 goals in just 11 Isthmian South-East games last season. 

THE BEST OF THE REST....

DANNY BASSETT - 8 GOALS (LEWES)

FREDDIY PARKER - 8 GOALS (CRAY VALLEY PM) 

RUBEN SOARES JR - 8 GOALS (DOVER ATHLETIC) 

STEVE CAWLEY - 7 GOALS (POTTERS BAR TOWN) 

ANTONIS VASILIOU - 7 GOALS (CHESHUNT)

FROM BODMIN TO BEDFONT AND ASHTON TO ATHERSTONE - THE ISUZU FA VASE CONTINUES ON THIS WEEKEND

There are four previous winners left in this season's Isuzu FA Vase - Whickham (1981), North Shields (2015), Newport Pagnell Town (2022) and last season's winners Romford.

Whickham, currently 20th in the EBAC Northern League Division One, have a very tough tie at current table topper's Redcar Athletic who beat them 4-0 in the league on Saturday 12th October. 

North Shields who are 9th in the table host Charnock Richard who are in 13th place in the North West Counties Premier Division. 

Newport Pagnell Town who were also finalists in 2023 are at home to Dereham Town. The Swans are currently in fifteenth place of the United Counties Premier Division with their visitors currently fourth in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division. 

Romford travel to fellow Essex Senior League side Takeley in one of the ties of the round. The home side are third and Romford are currently fifth. It was a 0-0 draw in the league game earlier in the season.

There is one game on Sunday in another all Essex Senior League game when White Ensign host West Essex. 

Isuzu FA Vase Second Round Proper

Saturday 9 November

Market Drayton Town v Bourne Town 

Bedfont Sports Club v Jersey Bulls

Northallerton Town v Crook Town 

Hallam v New Mills 

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v West Didsbury & Chorlton 

Abbey Hey v Atherton LR

Winsford United v Darwen

Ashton Town AFC v FC Hartlepool

Silsden AFC v Ramsbottom United 

North Shields v Charnock Richard 

Ashville v Wombwell Town 

Whickham v Redcar Athletic

Carlisle City v Blyth Town 

Albion Sports v Padiham 

South Liverpool v Chadderton 

Tividale v Sutton United

Stourport Swifts v Clay Cross Town

Atherstone Town v Abbey Hulton United

Northampton ON Chenecks v Kirby Muxloe

Yaxley v Melton Town

Sandbach United v Heanor Town 

Eastwood Community v Lincoln United 

Daventry Town v Staveley MW 

Ashby Ivanhoe v Droitwich Spa 

Newark Town v Lichfield City 

Rugby Borough v Skegness Town 

Whitchurch Alport v Coalville Town 

Walsham Le Willows v Potton United 

Newport Pagnell Town v Dereham Town 

Clapton Community v Thetford Town 

Biggleswade United v March Town United 

Great Wakering Rovers v Great Yarmouth Town 

London Lions v Stanway Pegasus

Tring Athletic v Harleston Town

Brantham Athletic v Benfleet 

Rayleigh Town v Harpenden Town

Takeley v Romford 

Rochester United v Fleet Town 

Windsor & Eton v Hilltop

Epsom & Ewell v North Greenford United 

Tunbridge Wells v Hassocks 

Egham Town v Haywards Heath Town 

Faversham Town v Billingshurst 

Whitstable Town v Lydd Town 

Peacehaven & Telscombe v Crawley Down Gatwick 

Bearsted v Erith & Belvedere 

VCD Athletic v Arundel 

Spelthorne Sports v Holmesdale 

Burnham v Cobham 

AFC Whyteleafe v Harefield United 

Hamble Club v AFC Stoneham 

Highworth Town v Sherborne Town 

Andover New Street v AFC St Austell 

Downton v Milton United 

Fareham Town v Barnstaple Town 

Buckland Athletic v Clevedon Town 

Thornbury Town v Okehampton Argyle @ Okehampton Argyle 

Roman Glass St George v Hamworthy Recreation 

Portishead Town v Paulton Rovers @ Bristol Manor Farm 

Brixham AFC v Elburton Villa

Tadley Calleva v Bridgwater United

Bodmin Town v Wells City 

Hartpury University v East Cowes Victoria Athletic

Saturday 10th November

White Ensign v West Essex

SPOTLIGHT ON EAST THURROCK COMMUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB

It was great to see East Thurrock Community Football Club forming shortly after the sad demise of East Thurrock United in September 2023. The new club was accepted into the Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Division for the 24/25 season. ETCFC is 100% fan owned with community at the core of it's founding principles.  

They play home games at The Wyldecrest Sports Country Club which is just a stone's throw from the old club's spiritual home at Rookery Hill. 

So far they have played thirteen league games with three wins, one draw and nine defeats. The wins coming against Barnston (1-0), Tiptree Heath (1-5) and White Notley (0-2). 

This Saturday they travel to Essex Olympian Division Division One side Harold Hill in the Essex FA Premier Cup before a trip to title challenger's Kings Park Rangers on Saturday 16th November. 

The game against Harold Hill will be a decade to the day that the old club played at then League Two Hartlepool United in the FA Cup First Round. The Pools won 2-0 on that day after The Rooks had beaten AFC Hornchurch, Metropolitan Police, Tooting and Mitcham United and Bath City to get to that stage.

It'll be a difficult game as Harold Hill are second in their division and have won their last three games in a row scoring twelve goals and letting in three. 

AS LONDON SCORING GOALS, GOALS AND MORE GOALS!!

Over the summer Thurlow Nunn First Division South side Park View FC were renamed "All Stars London" styled as AS London. It's certainly been an exciting season for the club which currently plays at The New River Stadium on White Hart Lane between Tottenham and Wood Green in North London. 

Their last three games have been as follows 

Saturday 26th October

AS LONDON 5 RAYLEIGH TOWN 0 (Att 30) 

Ayub Kadiri (2), Evander Lopes (2), Mohamed Mahmoud. 

Wednesday 30th October 

AS LONDON 5 FC BARESI 0 (Att 30) 

Alie Bangura, Evander Lopes, Mohamed Mahmoud, Reece Simpson (3), 

Wilson Mendes. 

Saturday 2nd November 

NEWBURY FOREST 0 AS LONDON 8 

Juan Tobon, Alie Bangura, Zivonimir Lopes (3), Mohamed Mahmoud (2), 

Wilson Mendes. 

AS London are currently fifth in the table and sixteen points off of current table topper's Hackney Wick. AS do have four games in hand. 

Former FC Romania and Cockfosters player Zivonimir Lopes, Alie Bangura (Berkhamsted, FC Romania, Kings Langley, Biggleswade United) and former NW London player Juan Tobon have been amongst the goals of late. 

Next Wednesday sees them face Enfield Borough for the third time this season having won 5-2 and 3-1 in the league games previously. 

One massive game coming up is on Wednesday 27th November when they host Hackney Wick which should be very contested and hopefully for the quality of players on show will have lots of people in attendance. 

Wicker's founder Bobby Kasanga posted a tik-tok video questioning why the AS London players were celebrating after winning a game like they'd won the league - they replied "Hey @RobertKasanga Football’s all about the vibes, unity, and collecting wins along the way. We're just soaking in the victories together as a team! But let's not forget, disappointment can sneak up on anyone. After all, no leagues are won in October!" 

NEXT THREE GAMES 

Saturday 9th November - Hoddesdon Town (A) 

Wednesday 13th November - Enfield Borough (H) - Middx FA Premier Cup 

Saturday 16th November - Lewisham Borough (A) - London Senior Trophy 

  

THE DOCKERS LEADING THE WAY IN THE PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE NORTH DIVISION

Essex Senior League Champion's Tilbury currently lead the way in The Pitching In Isthmian North Division - Could The Dockers move back up to the Premier Division they last played in between 1977 to 1980? 

The Management duo of Marc Harrison and Liam Wallace re-joined the club from East Thurrock United in March 2023 from East Thurrock United. They were unable to prevent relegation to the Essex Senior League but after just over 18 months in charge things are looking much more rosier at Chadfields. Harrison and Wallace have previously managed Basildon Town, Basildon United and East Thurrock United as well as a previous three year spell with Tilbury. 

Their only two league defeats so far have come at home to Ipswich Wanderers and on the road at Walthamstow. 

What is promising is the increase in attendances at Chadfields in recent years - In the 2014/15 season when they were playing at the same level their average crowd for their Ryman North fixtures was 72 people - the average for league games this season is 285 - This is great to see! 

The potential for the club is there to be seen as they attracted 629 for the recent FA Cup tie against Chelmsford City - Granted there would of been a good number of travelling supporters but there is no reason to think they couldn't attract 400+ if they were to be promoted. 

Former Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United centre-forward Alex Hernandez, 21, has been in fantastic form since joining The Dockers on loan from Vanarama National South side Aveley at the end of the September. He has netted nine goals in just nine league games. 

They are closely followed by Witham Town who have struggled towards the wrong end of the table in recent seasons having to beat Saffron Walden Town in the inter-step play-off at the end of the 21/22 campaign. 

It's been a fantastic season so far for Gary Kimble's side - He has been in charge since the summer of 2023 which is second spell with the club having been with them from 2011 to 2016 where he guided them to promotion from the Essex Senior League to the Isthmian Premier where they spent just one season being the 14/15 campaign.

They will miss centre-forward Josh Osude who scored 16 league and cup goals prior to his recent move to Premier Division Hashtag United whom he joins for a third spell having previously played for The Tags between 2019 to 2021 and September 2021 to February 2022.

Winger Deese Kasinga (who I wrote about here in 2019 and 2020 whilst he was playing for Tower Hamlets) has also been putting in some impressive performances for the club - I still think the former Newcastle United player could play at a higher level. It's good to see him playing well for Town for now. 

Bury Town, who were runner's up to Lowestoft Town last season, are in third place. They lost out to Brentwood Town in the play-off semi-final and are looking to return to the Premier Division they last played in the 14/15 season. Former professional player Cole Skuse (Bristol City, Ipswich Town and Colchester United) will be looking to achieve promotion in his second season in charge at Ram Meadow. 

After two defeats in row to Waltham Abbey in the league and Leiston in the Suffolk County Cup Round One they bounced back to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-4 victory at Cambridge City with Ed Upson, Luck Brown and Max Maughn on the scoresheet. 

Another Suffolk team who went close to promotion via the play-offs last season are in 4th place. Felixstowe and Walton United have games in hand over all of the top three so arguably are best placed at the moment. They currently have 100% winning record in the league at home winning all six games in a row - last season they lost just two games at The Martello Ground in the regular season and most crucially the play-off semi-final against Bowers and Pitsea who won on penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw. 

They have two home games coming up against Cambridge City and Redbridge before a eagerly anticipated Isuzu FA Trophy Second Round game at Vanarama South side Boreham Wood on Saturday 16th November. They have already beaten Basildon United, Enfield, Haringey Borough and Bishops Stortford to get to this stage. 

Young striker Carlie Warren who joined the club from Needham Market had attracted interest from clubs higher up the pyramid in the summer but he stayed loyal to Felixstowe & Walton United. This has paid of for him and the club as he has netted 18 league and cup goals so far. He's certainly a player with a big future in the game. 

Cameron Forde-Brown, on loan from Kings Lynn Town, has scored eight goals - seven in the cup and one in the league. 

Basildon United, Waltham Abbey, Brightlingsea Regent and Grays Athletic are in the group of teams from fifth to eighth. 

Waltham Abbey are unbeaten in their last six league games with fourteen goals scored and five conceded.

At the foot of the table the relegation zone is made up of teams all on nine points - Ipswich Wanderers, Newmarket Town, Haringey Borough and Wroxham. 

It's been a difficult season for the North London side who are in danger of a second successive relegation after dropping from the Premier Division last season. Their only two wins in the league have come at Ipswich Wanderers (1-3) and at home to Sporting Bengal United (2-0). Since the win against the East London side they have lost 0-5 at home to Brentwood Town, drawn 1-1 at Waltham Abbey, lost 7-0 at Gorleston, drawn 4-4 with Tilbury in The Velocity Cup and drawn 2-2 at home to Wroxham. 

Coles Park has seen an average league attendance so far of 269 in their five games which is down compared to the first five games of last season (531) but this did include a big bank holiday game against local rival's Enfield Town which saw 946 watching.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES 

Tuesday 5th November 

Newmarket Town v Bury Town 

Saturday 9th November 

Brentwood Town v Ipswich Wanderers 

Bury Town v Basildon United 

Felixstowe & Walton United v Cambridge City

Grays Athletic v Newmarket Town 

Maldon & Tiptree v Gorleston

Mildenhall Town v Brightlingsea Regent

Redbridge v Wroxham 

Sporting Bengal United v Haringey Borough 

Waltham Abbey v Heybridge Swifts 

Walthamstow v Concord Rangers 

Witham Town v Tilbury 

Tuesday 12th November

Cambridge City v Concord Rangers 

Felixstowe & Walton United v Redbridge 

Haringey Borough v Bury Town 

Ipswich Wanderers v Witham Town 

Wednesday 13th November

Sporting Bengal United v Brentwood Town 

Saturday 16th November 

Brightlingsea Regent v Sporting Bengal United

Concord Rangers v Mildenhall Town 

Gorleston v Bury Town

Haringey Borough v Waltham Abbey 

Heybridge Swifts v Grays Athletic 

Ipswich Wanderers v Walthamstow 

Newmarket Town v Maldon & Tiptree

Tilbury v Redbridge 

Wroxham v Witham Town

Tables courtesy of footballwebpages.co.uk

GIVE SOME SUPPORT TO PAKEFIELD DYNAMOS DEVELOPMENT

SEPTEMBER 

Saturday 14th - FLYING DUTCHMAN L 0-20  

Saturday 21st - SOUTHWORLD TOWN L 0-23 

Saturday 28th - Earsham Reserves L 0-17 

OCTOBER  

Saturday5th - Flying Dutchman L 0-23 

Saturday 12th - Oulton United L 0-26 (Suffolk FA Primary Cup Rd One) 

Saturday 19th -  Bohemians Development L 0-22 

Saturday 26th - Hopton & Hawthorn Development L 0-14 

NOVEMBER 

Saturday 2nd - Kessingland Reserves L 0-12 

Saturday 9th - Oulton United Reserves 

Saturday 16th - EARSHAM RESERVES 

Saturday 23rd - BOHEMIANS DEVELOPMENT 

It's been a difficult season so far for Pakefield Development in The Lowestoft & District League (sponsored by Lauren Lou Storage Facilities) Division Three. So far they have lost all seven of their league games conceding 131 goals. In their only cup game in the Suffolk FA Primary Cup they lost 0-26 to Division Two side Oulton United.

This coming Saturday they travel to Normanston Park to face Oulton United Reserves before two home games at Ormiston Denes Academy against Earsham Reserves and Bohemians Development. 

The first team are currently bottom of Division Two with some heavy defeats too but they have picked up a point with a 3-3 draw at home to Waveney 'A'. 

The club would welcome help from local people and players. Please contact them at facebook.com/PakefieldF

NATIONAL LEAGUE PROMOTION/RELEGATION - WHICH IS THE STRONGEST LEAGUE ISTHMIAN OR SOUTHERN LEAGUE?

CLUBS PROMOTED FROM THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH SINCE THE 04/05 SEASON

CHAMPIONS

2005 - HISTON - RELEGATED FROM NATIONAL NORTH 2014 

2006 - SALISBURY CITY 

2007 - BATH CITY   

2010 - FARNBOROUGH - RELEGATED 2015 

2011 - TRURO CITY - RELEGATED 2013 

2014 - HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN

2016 - POOLE TOWN - RELEGATED 2018 

2017 - CHIPPENHAM TOWN 

2019 - WEYMOUTH 

2022 - TAUNTON TOWN - RELEGATED 2024 

2023 - WESTON-SUPER-MARE

2024 - CHESHAM UNITED

Not including 2024 there have been eleven clubs have been promoted as Champions of the Southern League Premier Division with five relegated back down again. Histon, Salisbury City Bath City and Weymouth have achieved promotion to The National League. 

 

Salisbury City were promoted in 2006 and promoted again via the play-offs in 06/07 finishing 12th, 16th and 12th in The National League. Due to financial problems they were demoted to Step Three at the end of the 09/10 season.   

PLAY OFFS

2006 - BEDFORD TOWN - RELEGATED 2007   

2007 - MAIDENHEAD UNITED   

2008 - TEAM BATH  

2011 - SALISBURY CITY     

2013 - GOSPORT BOROUGH - RELEGATED 2017  

2014 - ST ALBANS CITY  

2015 - TRURO CITY - RELEGATED 2019 

2016 - HUNGERFORD TOWN - RELEGATED 2023   

2018 - SLOUGH TOWN 

2022 - FARNBOROUGH 

2023 - TRURO CITY 

2024 - SALISBURY 

Up to and including the 22/23 season eleven clubs have been promoted via the Southern League Premier Division play-offs with just four relegated back down again. 

Only Maidenhead United and Salisbury City have made it to Step One. 

Team Bath were only formed in 2009 and attached to The University of Bath allowing players to combine education with a good standard of football. They had made a rapid ascent up the football pyramid from The Western League Division One in 2001 to the National South for the 08/09 season where they finished in 11th place only for the club to be disbanded the summer of 2009 as the decision was made by the league not to allow any more promotions due to financial structure of the club. 

Salisbury City, after their two step demotion in 2010 made their way up to Step Two again in 2011 and after another two seasons made it back to The National League via the play-offs. The club were removed from the National League in 2014 due to financial problems and dissolved with Salisbury FC formed for the 15/16 campaign in The Wessex League Premier Division.

Bedford Town and Gosport Borough are the only clubs to have won the play-offs from fifth place but were relegated back down again.  

 

CLUBS PROMOTED FROM THE ISTHMIAN LEAGUE TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH SINCE 04/05 SEASON

CHAMPIONS

2005 - YEADING - RELEGATED 2009 

2006 - BRAINTREE TOWN

2007 - HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH - RELEGATED 2012

2008 - CHELMSFORD CITY 

2009 - DOVER ATHLETIC - RELEGATED 2024 

2010 - DARTFORD - RELEGATED 2024

2011 - SUTTON UNITED 

2012 - BILLERICAY TOWN - RELEGATED 2013 

2013 - WHITEHAWK - RELEGATED 2018 

2014 - WEALDSTONE 

2015 - MAIDSTONE UNITED 

2016 - HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH

2017 - HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE - RELEGATED 2024 

2018 - BILLERICAY TOWN - RELEGATED 2022

2019 - DORKING WANDERERS 

2022 - WORTHING 

2024 - HORNCHURCH 

Up to the end of the 23/24 season there have been sixteen teams promoted to the National South as Isthmian Champions with eight teams relegated back down. Braintree Town, Dover Athletic, Dartford, Sutton United, Wealdstone, Maidstone United, Havant & Waterlooville and Dorking Wanderers have all made it to The National League with Sutton United making it into The Football League. 

Yeading merged with local rivals Hayes in 2007 to form Hayes and Yeading United when both clubs were in The National South only to be relegated in 2009. 

PLAY-OFFS

2005 - EASTLEIGH 

2006 - FISHER ATHLETIC - RELEGATED 2009   

2007 - BROMLEY 

2008 - AFC WIMBLEDON 

2009 - STAINES TOWN - RELEGATED 2015 

2010 - BOREHAM WOOD 

2011 - TONBRIDGE ANGELS - RELEGATED 2014  

2012 - AFC HORNCHURCH - RELEGATED 2013

2013 - CONCORD RANGERS - RELEGATED 2023 

2015 - MARGATE - RELEGATED 2016 

2016 - EAST THURROCK UNITED - RELEGATED 2019 

2017 - BOGNOR REGIS TOWN - RELEGATED 2018 

2018 - DULWICH HAMLET - RELEGATED 2023 

2019 - TONBRIDGE ANGELS 

2022 - CHESHUNT - RELEGATED 2023 

2023 - AVELEY 

2024 - ENFIELD TOWN 

In the play-offs in The Isthmian League there have been sixteen teams promoted with ten relegated. Eastleigh, Bromley, AFC Wimbledon and Boreham Wood have made it to The National League with Bromley and AFC Wimbledon making up to the football league. 

Only Cheshunt have won the play-offs from fifth place and were relegated back down after just one season.

FACTS & STATS UP TO AND INCLUDING 23/24

FACTS & STATS FOR THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED AS CHAMPIONS - 11 

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED BACK - 5 (45.45%) 

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED VIA THE PLAY-OFFS - 11 

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED BACK - 4 (36.36%)

TOTAL PROMOTED - 22 

TOTAL RELEGATED - 9 (40.90%)

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED UP TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE - 4 (18.18%) 

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE - 0

FACTS & STATS FOR ISTHMIAN LEAGUE

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED AS CHAMPIONS - 16

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED BACK - 8 (50%) 

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED VIA PLAY-OFFS - 16  

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED -  10 (62.50%) 

TOTAL PROMOTED - 32 

TOTAL RELEGATED - 18 (56.25%)

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED UP TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE - 12 (37.50%)

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED TO THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE - 3 (9.38%)

HAS THE LEAGUE GOT TOUGHER OR EASIER?

SOUTHERN LEAGUE 

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED FROM 04/05 TO 14/15 - 13 

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED - 6 (46.15%)

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED FROM 15/16 TO 23/24 - 9

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED - 3 (33.33%)

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE 

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED FROM 04/05 TO 14/15 - 21 

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED - 12 (57.14%)

NUMBER OF CLUBS PROMOTED FROM 15/16 TO 23/24 - 11  

NUMBER OF CLUBS RELEGATED - 6 (54.54%) 

HADLEY DRAW AFC TELFORD UNITED IN THE ISUZU FA TROPHY SECOND ROUND

 

Hadley FC are having an amazing season so far and find themselves top of The Pitching In Isthmian Division One Central on eight wins, two draws and one defeat from eleven league games played. The Bricks only defeat came recently at home to Leighton Town who recorded a 1-4 win. 

They have an exciting home draw coming up in the Isuzu FA Trophy Second Round on Saturday 16th November when AFC Telford United are set to visit Brickfield Lane. They have beaten Grays Athletic, Ipswich Wanderers and Step Three Carshalton Athletic and Hastings United to get to this stage. AFC have a long associated history with the competition as do the previous Telford United club. They are currently in eighth position of The Southern League Premier Central Division. 

Isaac Stones, 22, has been in impressive goal scoring form for The Bricks netting eight league goals and six FA Trophy goals so far. The former Kimberley MW, Kettering Town and Loughborough Dynamo striker scored twenty-four goals in forty-two league and cup games for Anthony Clark's team last season.

Before the big game against AFC Telford United they travel to Hitchin Town tomorrow evening for a Hertfordshire FA Senior Cup game before hosting Leverstock Green (17th) and two away days at North Leigh (19th) and Stotfold (18th).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE UPDATE

Ebbsfleet United supporters have had a less than enjoyable few week losing 3-0 at their Kent rival's Maidstone United in the Emirates FA Cup last Saturday followed by a 4-0 defeat at York City. The Fleet brought in a new Manager in September in the shape of Harry Watling who won his first game in charge 1-0 at home to Hartlepool United. 

It's a brave appointment by the club as it's the 34 year old's first job in Senior Football in the United Kingdom. He was academy coach at Chelsea, Millwall and West Ham United before a move to the USA to coach USL Championship side Hartford Athletic in January 2021. Since moving back to England he has been coach at Queens Park Rangers and for Rangers before moving to Stonebridge Road.

Since the win against Hartlepool United they have lost to Sutton United, Maidenhead United and Oldham Athletic as well as a draw against Rochdale together with the recent defeats mentioned above. 

They have a very tough looking trip to title challenger's Forest Green Rovers tomorrow evening followed by a huge game at home to Wealdstone on Saturday. Skybet.com rate The Fleet at 6/1 to bring home three points tomorrow! 

Wealdstone are just above Ebbsfleet in the table with just one win (1-0 over fellow struggler's AFC Fylde) in fourteen league games. Since promotion to The National League in 2020 The Stones have finished in 19th, 16th, 13th and 16th positions in the table. It's been a tough start for new Manager Matt Taylor who has previously been in charge of football league team's Walsall and Shrewsbury Town. 

It's a massive week for the club as they host Braintree Town (20th) on Wednesday before the big trip to Stonebridge Road at the weekend. They have only scored nine goals in fourteen games - they have recently signed striker Alex Reid on loan from Oldham Athletic who has played for a number of National League during his career. He netted a hat-trick on his debut in the 4-1 FA Cup win over Gosport Borough.

Boston United were promoted back to The National League over the summer and like many clubs they have found the jump from Step Two to Step One a massive one. Ian Culverhouse's side were promoted via the National North play-offs after finishing in sixth place last season. It's a week of huge games at the bottom of the table as The Pilgrims host AFC Fylde (21st) on Wednesday. Both their wins have come away from home at York City and Sutton United. 

It'll be former Tottenham Hotspur. Norwich City, Swindon Town and Brighton & HA defender Culverhouse v Kevin Phillips on Wednesday evening. The former Watford, Sunderland, Southampton and WBA striker was recently appointed head-coach of The Coasters following the departure of Chris Beech. 

The difficult task at hand for Phillips has been underlined by his first two games in charge which have been a 1-4 home defeat in the FA Cup to Rochdale and a 4-0 away league defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge. 

Just above the drop zone at the moment are Braintree Town (promoted via The National South play-offs), Maidenhead United (who have struggled towards the bottom of the table since promotion in 2017 with a best placed finish of 12th), Woking, Hartlepool United, Aldershot Town and Southend United. 

Hartlepool United have recently parted company with former Woking, Stevenage and Yeovil Town boss Darren Sarll who had only been appointed in April. They have won four of their thirteen league games prior to his departure as well as a FA Cup defeat to Step Two side Brackley Town. 

Lennie Lawrence has taken over on a caretaker basis as the search for a new Manager begins. Seventy-Six year old Lawrence was in the dug out for their 1-1 draw at Maidenhead United at the weekend who have sixty-eight year old Alan Devonshire in charge making the game surely one of the oldest combined ages of Managers ever!    

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

TUESDAY 22nd OCTOBER

Dagenham & Redbridge v Eastleigh 

Forest Green Rovers v Ebbsfleet United 

Maidenhead United v Oldham Athletic

Rochdale v FC Halifax Town 

Tamworth v Yeovil Town 

York City v Barnet 

WEDNESDAY 23rd OCTOBER 

Aldershot Town v Southend United 

Altrincham v Hartlepool United 

Boston United v AFC Fylde 

Solihull Moors v Woking 

Sutton United v Gateshead

Wealdstone v Braintree Town 

SATURDAY 26th OCTOBER

AFC Fylde v Altrincham

Barnet v Rochdale 

Braintree Town v Sutton United 

Eastleigh v Boston United

Ebbsfleet United v Wealdstone 

FC Halifax Town v York City

Gateshead v Solihull Moors 

Hartlepool United v Aldershot Town 

Oldham Athletic v Dagenham & Redbridge

Southend United v Tamworth 

Woking v Forest Green Rovers 

Yeovil Town v Maidenhead United

Table courtesy of footballwebpages.co.uk