THE ROBINS ARE TOO GOOD FOR THE BLUE BOYS

A NEW START FOR THE BLUE BOYS 

It was Jason Beck's first game in charge of The Blue Boys on Saturday as his new look Hatfield Town welcomed Buckingham Town to Cotslandwick for a Spartan South Midlands League Division One game. 

The Robins went into the game in good form winning five of their previous eight league and cup games putting them comfortably in mid-table. 

Both clubs have something in common in that they don't have a ground in their own town. Hatfield Town, as readers of The Cold End will know, currently ground-share at London Colney after leaving The Gosling Stadium in Welwyn Garden City midway through last season. 

Buckingham Town left their Ford Meadow home in 2011 where they had played since 1883. They had a short stay sharing at Winslow United before moving to Manor Fields in the Bletchley area of Milton Keynes which they currently share with UNITE MK of the SSMFL Division Two. During the summer it was announced the club would fold however this decision was happily reversed and the historic club continue to play - they made the lateral move from the United Counties League Division One over the summer where they had finished in seventh placed last season.  

Their old home which hosted their famous FA Cup First Round Proper game against Leyton Orient in 1984 is now owned by the University of Buckingham. 

The Robins were 0-2 up with two goals the home side would been disappointed to concede from a defensive point of view especially the second which saw the Buckingham player in what seemed acres of space to head home. It was 1-2 just prior to half time when the Buckingham keeper picked the ball up from a pass back and Brian Simpson scored from the resulting free kick. 

Like the first half Buckingham were much the better side in the second 45 minutes running in three more goals with the fifth being particularly impressive. 

Both sides had a man sent off with the sending off for Buckingham being a real talking point which has been viewed on twitter over 2,500 times since i posted it and lots of people have commented as below. Have at the clip below and see what you think? 

RED CARD INCIDENT 



You don't need to make contact to be sent off for a challenge like that. Out of control and dangerous. That's an excellent decision,not one you see often but excellent none the less. This phrase "he won the ball" doesn't mean anything especially with the way the law is worded these days. You can't take out the man after you've played the ball either even if you can't avoid it. I don't agree with it but that is how it is expected to be enforced 
@townerboy70 

no question about it.2 footed , jumped in out of control. could've broken both his legs. 
@coalsie2 

At first I thought great tackle. On second look I still thought great tackle but this element of being “in control” of both feet are off the ground it’s deemed not to be. So by the way it’s judged these days, the red got it right.
@domcassells 

Think the reds a little harsh myself but if I don’t bottle it and jump, my leg gets broken 
@dazzaOB (who is the Hatfield player the challenge was made on) 

It's tricky. Could of gone either way. Can't jump/lunge like that....think ref got it right myself. 
@bellevuedog 

Watched it a lot of times and not sure ref has any choice given the intent when leaving the ground. Interestingly he pulls out a little and wins the ball with left foot with studs low which on its own would probably be yellow. For me Ref got it right particularly at normal pace 
@tull1908 

20 years ago no, but the lunge off the floor etc - I'm undecided if I'm honest but - he does give the ref a decision to make, so i wont be disagreeing with the red card. 
@steH1981 

For me, I think the way he jumps off the floor gives the ref no choice even though he does win the ball. Did he really need to go in like that would be my question to him as a team mate or manager? 
@rsgteps

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 

Buckingham Town's next two games come at Winslow United next Saturday followed by a home game against Risborough Rangers and then it's the big Christmas local derby on Saturday 29th December which sees Buckingham Athletic host The Robins at their Stratford Fields home. 

Jason Beck's Hatfield have a spare weekend coming up followed by a massive local derby at Codicote on Saturday 22nd December and then a trip to Rayners Lane on Saturday 29th December. A glance at the bottom of the SSMFL Division One table shows that it's not just local pride on offer in the Codicote game as it's a real relegation six pointer! The Cod have a home game against title chasing Hillingdon Borough on Saturday before the Hatfield game. 

JASON BECK IN THE DUG OUT FOR HIS HOME TOWN TEAM ON SATURDAY - LOTS OF HARD WORK AHEAD

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE 
CURRENT BOTTOM TWO 

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS	FORM
19	CODICOTE	18	2	4	12	-21	10	DLLLLD
20	HATFIELD TOWN	18	1	1	16	-51	4	LLLLLL

CLASSIC PROGRAMMES - SOUTHGATE OLYMPIC

Southgate Olympic 1st team are not having a campaign to remember in the Amateur Football Combination Premier Division this season with just one league win in eleven games and a current ten game league and cup losing run. The club formed in 1933 have a rich history in the Amateur game as the following programmes and newspaper clippings from the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

The first clipping we have is from date unknown for Olympic's Southern Olympian League Cup Final extra-time victory over Old Romfordians in a game played at Walthamstow Avenue's Green Pond Road ground. They were 1-3 down in the game but came back to win 4-3. 

And then onto a report of a 4-0 win over Old Bealonians with Broomfield Park in 'perfect shape' and conditions 'ideal'. 

Saturday 12th December 1959 saw Olympic host local rival's (although in the spirit of the Amateur game they are listed as 'close friends and neighbours' in the programme) Alexandra Park for an AFA Senior Cup 2nd Round Proper game. The 1st XI were members of SAL Senior Section Division Three at the time a division which contained Westminster Bank, Pearl Assurance, Midland Bank and Civil Service amongst other teams. 

For anyone who grew up in Enfield and Wood Green or the surrounding areas in the 1950s through to the 1990s they will remember visting Brigg Sports to be kitted out for their senior school kit -  The programme advertises the much loved shop's store in Palmers Green. All three shops have since shut down with Wood Green the last to close in 2010.  

Olympic were winners in the 2nd round game as on Saturday 23rd January 1960 they hosted Crown & Manor in the 3rd round. C&M were then members of the Arthenion League and they went into the game with a 2-1 victory over Tufnell Park (Edmonton) in the Middlesex Senior Cup. 

Olympic were members of the Southern Amateur League from 1957 through to 2015 when they moved across to the Amateur Football Combination where they have played since. 

They club's 1st XI famously won the SAL Premier Division in 1966 and 1972 along with the Amateur Football Association Senior Cup in 1974. In 1972 they memorably pipped local rival's Winchmore Hill to the title by just four points.  

The club currently have five team competing in the AFC and now count Clowes Sports Ground in Winchmore Hill as their home.  

THE ONLY WAY IS UP FOR HATFIELD TOWN

Regular readers of The Cold End will know I have seen many Hatfield Town games over the last few years and am a big supporter of the club who currently ground share at London Colney. The Blue Boys have been struggling in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One this season with just one win over fellow relegation fighter's Codicote in August. Manager Kevin Pearman left the club which saw Chairman Chris Maloney take over in the dug out whilst the search for a new manager took place. 

It's been real positive news for the club over the past week as former player and Hatfield boy Jason Beck has been appointed as boss in his first managerial appointment. He counts Hertford Town, Cockfosters, London Colney, Tring Athletic and Colney Heath amongst his former clubs. 

Beck's first game in charge was scheduled to be the home game against Ampthill Town last Saturday which was unfortunately called off due to a waterlogged pitch so it's a big day tomorrow as the new look team are due to host Buckingham Town at Cotlandswick in a league fixture. 

Beck has been very busy signing a large number of players up as follows - 

Jon McGrandles - has won the Spartan Premier twice with Royston Town and Welwyn Garden City. A really experienced commanding centre half.    

Ben Andreos - Striker who is always amongst the goals which ever club he had represented. Counts Codicote, Hertford Town, Hoddesdon Town and Northwood amongst his former clubs. 

Guy Hammersley - A very tall (6ft 4inch) midfielder formerly with Cockfosters. 

Luke Glover - Goalkeeper who joins after spending time with UCFB Wembley. 

Chris Tye - Midfielder who counts Wodson Park and Hertford Town as his former clubs. 

Brian Simpson - Signs on dual registration from Bostik South Central side Hertford Town. Born in the USA he is a creative ball playing midfielder. 

Kosi Basden - Attacker. Has played in Enfield Town's youth team as well as Hertford Town and Cockfosters. 

Hayden Evanson - A Hatfield boy and signs from Herts Senior County League Division One side Hatfield United. 

Their opponents tomorrow are in mid-table and come into the game in good form with four wins in their last six games played along with 14 goals scored and nine conceded. 

Both clubs have something in common in they don't currently have grounds in the home towns. Buckingham are currently playing at Manor Fields in Bletchley,  Milton Keynes. 

For a town the size of Hatfield (population estimated at 40,000) to not have it's football club, who were formed in 1886,  not playing at a ground it can really call it's own home for over 35 years is wrong and hopefully in the near future The Blue Boys can return home! 

After Saturday's game their next match comes in a massive Christmas local derby relegation six pointer on Saturday 22nd December 2018 when they travel to Codicote - It would be great to see a huge festive crowd for this one - why go Christmas shopping when you can go to the football? The bar is very nice here too for a Christmas drink.  

The Cod's last crowd for a Saturday game was 35 when they hosted Buckingham Town on 24th November. Wouldn't it be great to see 150 to 200 people in attendance at the John Clements Ground?   

GOOD LUCK TO JASON & HIS TEAM THIS WEEKEND AND FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. 

NEW SALAMIS THROUGH TO THE LONDON SENIOR TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL WITH COMFORTABLE WIN

It was Step Seven v Step Six in the London FA Senior Trophy at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium last weekend as New Salamis of the Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division took on Lopes Tavares of the Eastern Counties Senior League First Division South. 

New Salamis have moved across to Saturday football in the summer after an ultra successful period as a Sunday league team and had only lost one of their league games so far which came in their last one played which was an amazing 6-5 loss against Belstone. They included a number of players who had played at a higher level in their starting line up such as Ahmet Rifat (formerly of Wingate and Finchley who has made a couple of appearances for SSMFL Premier Hadley this season), Leon Fisher (formerly of Harlow Town, VCD Athletic, Dunstable Town and Witham Town amongst other clubs), Deniz Mehmet (lists Ware, Welwyn GC, Enfield Town and Haringey Borough amongst his former clubs) and Dean Fenton (Harrow Borough, Staines Town and Cheshunt). 

Lopes Tavares had moved from the Essex Alliance League Premier Division after a 8th place finish in 16/17 and 5th place finish in 17/18. The club were only formed in 2015 and did play at Memorial Park in the West Ham area before moving to The Terrance McMillan Stadium in Plaistow for this season. 

They are struggling towards the bottom of their division with just one win in their league games which came back in August when they won 3-1 at Frenford - this was followed by an action packed 5-5 draw at Harwich & Parkeston. 

Prior to this game they had drawn 4-4 with White Ensign with their scorers listed as Sado Djalo, Mario Embalo(2) and Raul Manuel Fernandes. 

THE LOPES TAVARES MANAGER

This game saw New Salamis run out comfortable 5-0 winners against a spirited Lopes side who had a number of skillful and technically gifted players with their number 7 in particular standing out for me. I don't know his name as I haven't got their team sheet but his forward runs and touch on the ball was very impressive. 

The home side took the lead when Ahmet Rifat headed home a corner and went 2-0 up when Deniz Mehmet lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from close range after a nice pass by Leon Fisher. It was 3-0 before half time when Perry Price who was playing left back for Salamis whipped in a cross for Richard Georgiou who rounded the keeper to easily slot the ball into the net. 

Georgiou netted again in the second half who was able to touch the ball home at the far post following a free kick from the left hand side. It was 5-0 when Dean Fenton touched the ball home following a mix up between an away defender and his goalkeeper allowed Price to pass the ball across the goal. 

Despite being 3-0 at half time you couldn't fault the commitment of Lopes Tavares who continued to play some neat football throughout the game. 

MINI-MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 


EXTENDED MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 


New Salamis travel to Chipperfield Corinthians in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division this weekend before two home games against Broadfields on 15th December and Weston on the 22nd December. 

They now face Sporting Club Thamesmead in the Quarter-Final which is down to be played on Saturday 19th January but likely to be re-organised as their landlords Enfield Town are at home to Corinthian Casuals in a league fixture on that day. Sporting Club Thamesmead are currently in seventh place of the Southern Counties East Division One. 

Lopes narrowly lost 2-1 at title chasing Hashtag United on Tuesday and welcome Halstead Town another side competing right at the top of the table this weekend. 

London FA Senior Trophy 
Quarter-Final Draw & Fixtures 
due to played on Saturday 19th January 
Bridon Ropes v Hackney Wick 
Erith & Belvedere v Phoenix Sports 
Tooting Bec v FC Elmstead 
New Salamis v Sporting Club Thamesmead 

MIKE SHOLLY'S VOLLEY MAKES IT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR STONEWALL FC

Friday evening's Middlesex County League Division One (Central & East) match between Stonewall FC and The Wilberforce Wanderers was so much more than 90 minutes of football as it was a celebration of the new partnership between the Football Association and Stonewall as the FA become a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Before the game there were some inspiring stories told to people gathered in the bar area - I thought those from Aslie Pitter MBE, who formed Stonewall FC back in 1991, were especially important and meaningful.

I'm sure back then none of the players involved in the club's early days would of thought that in 2018 The National Stadium would be lit up in rainbow colours with many of the 1,054 crowd gathered triumphantly singing 'Stand Up If You Love Stonewall' during the second half of the game.  

It was a truly amazing night and shows how far the beautiful game has come in respect of inclusion for all and showcased the hard work of many people who are striving to eradicate all forms of discrimination within football.    

WILBERFORCE WANDERERS PRIOR TO KICK OFF AT WEMBLEY 

Going into the game Stonewall had an impressive record of five wins in their seven league games played (two had come when wins were awarded against "Sporting Club of London" and "FC Star of London") with The Wilberforce Wanderers on four wins from eight played - two had been awarded against "The Curve" and "FC Star of London". 

The Wanderers had summed up their previous game against "FC Roast" by tweeting "10 goal thriller at @NewRiverSport this afternoon, Wilby running out 6-4 winners in a competitive game against @fcroast1, a wonderful game for the neutral and crowd of 1, if not the defensive coaches..." 

They were formed in 2002 and were originally an Old Boy's team of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. They have toured in countries including Malawi, Germany, Czech Republic, Norway and Ireland. Their goal keeper Joe Garrord has been with the club for sixteen years and has over 300 appearances to his name. 

Wanderers had taken the lead in the first half via Stuart Gardener to the delight of their fans in the stadium and could of made it 0-2 from the penalty spot which was put wide of the goal. 

Stonewall gradually got back in the game with James Baker placing a shot over the bar after a knock down by midfielder Jay Lemonius - they then equalised via a Nasar Nakhli looping header which the Wanderer's defender was unlucky not to keep out on the line. The half time score was 1-1. 

The Wanderers looked the brighter side in the second half with Toby Kirk and Joe Pak (who had scored four goals in the previous game) looking bright up front but it was Stonewall who scored two more goals to win the game. 

Mike Sholly made it 2-1 with a sensational volley just inside the box following a free kick from the right hand side and then just as the fourth official had indicated 2 minutes of added time it was Ollie Rabie who made it 3-1 with header from a corner. 

In their next game (this Saturday) Stonewall travel to "NW London" for a top of the table 1st v 2nd league game. NW London like to score lots with 31 goals scored in their 8 league games played with Stonewall being very strong in defence conceding just 5 goals in their 8 games played. 

The Wilberforce Wanderers travel to "Hereford Palace" who are struggling near the foot of the table having lost all of their league games played - they do have one win awarded against "Sporting Club of London" - they have let in 74 goals in their 8 league games officially played. 

Both games are played very close to each other with Stonewall's game at The Park Club in Acton Lane to the South of the A40 Westway and The Wanderers to the North on the pitches close the HMP Wormwood Scrubs. 

WICKERS WINNERS AT WORMLEY

Match played on Saturday 24th November 

Last season Hackney Wick were members of the step 5 Essex Senior League and Wormley Rovers the Step 7 Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division but for this season they are both members of the newly formed Step 6 Thurlow Nunn League Division One South as The Wickers were relegated and Rovers moved up after a fifth placed finish in their division. 

Going into this game the visitors had won six of their thirteen league games played with the hosts on three from fourteen. The Wormley Sports Club in Church Lane is a great place to watch footy with a very nice bar and cafe along with a small stand on one side - I thought it was great to see a local club doing well and moving up to step six over the summer. 

Interview with Rover's Manager Adam Arnold from June 2018

THE 'HEDGE END' OF THE GROUND 

The game was a tight one with not much between the two sides. The result was decided over a five minute period at the end of the first half when Wormley were awarded a penalty which was struck well wide of the keeper's right hand post - this was followed shortly by Jonas Fuadianitu's goal for Hackney as he tapped home from short range following a cross from the right hand side. 

They followed this win up with a nice 3-0 midweek home victory over May & Bakers on Wednesday - they host Burnham Ramblers this weekend at The Old Spotted Dog where they are currently ground sharing. The club will be unveiling their new anti knife crime kit. 

THROUGH THE HEDGE THERE WAS ANOTHER GAME TAKING PLACE AS WORMLEY ROVERS VETS TOOK ON BEALONIANS FC VETS IN THE VFA CHALLENGE CUP 

Wormley Rovers have a local derby against SSFML Division One side FC Broxbourne Borough in the Hertfordshire Senior Centenary Trophy which hopefully will be a well attended game. 

MATCH MINI-HIGHLIGHTS 

MATCH FULL HIGHLIGHTS 

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - THE SEASON SO FAR

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE CURRENT TABLE  

DIVISION ONE - TOP SIX  

POS	TEAM	P	GD	PTS	PPG	FORM
1	BROADFIELDS UNITED	16	+24	41	2.56	DWLWWW
2	HAREFIELD UNITED	14	+33	38	2.71	WWWWWW
3	HILLINGDON BOROUGH	18	+25	34*	1.89	LWLWWL
4	WINSLOW UNITED	13	+31	31	2.38	WWWWWW
5	ENFIELD BOROUGH	18	+12	29	1.61	WDLDLW
6	PARK VIEW	18	+5	28	1.56	WWWLWW

* 3 points deducted due to breach of rules

Broadfields United, with just one defeat in their sixteen league games played, currently lead the way in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One but are closely followed by local rival's Harefield United and Hillingdon Borough along with Winslow United who are ten points on the top with three games in hand. 

Harefield United are unbeaten in their fourteen games played winning twelve with two draws coming against Broadfields United (2nd game of the season) and London Lions (4th game of the season) - they have won their last eleven league games in a row. The Hares next two games come against two teams who are struggling down the bottom of the table away at Codicote on Tuesday evening and on their travels again at Amersham Town on Saturday. 

Enfield Borough, currently in fifth place, are the team to watch if you like goals. There has been an average of 5.56 goals per game in their eighteen league games played. 

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE CURRENT TABLE  

DIVISION ONE - BOTTOM THREE  

POS	TEAM	P	GD	PTS	PPG	FORM
18	AMERSHAM TOWN	14	-11	10	0.71	LLLLWL
19	CODICOTE	16	-20	9	0.56	WDDLLL
20	HATFIELD TOWN	17	-48	4	0.24	LLLLLL

At the bottom of the table it's been a really tough season for Hatfield Town who continue to ground share at London Colney's Cotslandwick along with Codicote who have improved of late winning two and drawing two of their last seven league games played - they have lost their last three games against two teams in the current top six Enfield Borough and Winslow United along with mid-table Buckingham Town. 

Amersham Town are just above them on ten points with their only win in their last seven league games coming against Hatfield Town on Saturday 17th November which they won 6-1 with former Aylesbury FC and Leverstock Green player Bertie Squire-Adams scoring twice. 

One team who have had a real mixed season are Wodson Park who are currently in fourteenth place as you'll see from the comparison table below. There next game is a tough one away at table topper's Broadfields United tomorrow night. 

WODSON PARK FORM COMPARISON

INFO	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
FIRST SEVEN	7	6	1	0	19	6	+13	19
SECOND SEVEN	7	0	1	6	6	13	-7	1
OVERALL	14	6	2	6	25	19	+6	20

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES 

TUESDAY 27th NOVEMBER 

Broadfields United v Wodson Park 

Codicote v Harefield United 

SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER 

Amersham Town v Harefield United
Buckingham Athletic v Brimsdown
Buckingham Town v Rayners Lane
Codicote v Langford
Hatfield Town v Ampthill Town
Park View v Winslow United
Risborough Rangers v Broadfields United
Wodson Park v Bedford

TUESDAY 4th DECEMBER
FC Broxbourne Borough v London Lions

SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER
Brimsdown v Amersham Town
Broadfields United v Winslow United
Codicote v Risborough Rangers
Enfield Borough v Harefield United
FC Broxbourne Borough v Bedford
Hatfield Town v Buckingham Town
Hillingdon Borough v Rayners Lane
London Lions v Buckingham Athletic
Park View v Wodson Park

SATURDAY 15th DECEMBER
Bedford v Buckingham Athletic
Codicote v Hillingdon Borough
Langford v Amersham Town
London Lions v Wodson Park
Park View v Brimsdown
Rayners Lane v Harefield United
Risborough Rangers v Enfield Borough
Winslow United v Buckingham Town

WEDNESDAY 19th DECEMBER
Brimsdown v London Lions

SATURDAY 22nd DECEMBER
Ampthill Town v Bedford
Buckingham Town v Risborough Rangers
Codicote v Hatfield Town
FC Broxbourne Borough v Brimsdown
Harefield United v Broadfields United
Langford v Wodson Park
London Lions v Enfield Borough
Rayners Lane v Amersham Town
Winslow United v Buckingham Athletic