RYMAN PREMIER - NEW YEAR FACTS AND STATS

The Cold End loves facts and statistics so I thought I'd start off 2015 with some regarding the Ryman Premier Division for the 2014/15 season -

THREE - Maidstone United (2nd) and Hendon (3rd) have the least amount of defeats so far. Hendon's loss ratio is the best at 12% (3 from 25 games) compared to Maidstone's at 13.04% (3 from 23 games). Current table topper's Margate have lost 5 from 27 games (18.51%). Wealdstone's loss ratio in their title winning 2013/14 season was 13.04%.

Bottom of the table Bury Town have won just three of their 28 games which is a win ratio of 10.71%. After 28 games last season Cray Wanderers were bottom winning 4 which is a ratio of 14.29%. On the plus side for Bury Town they have only conceded 47 goals compared to the 88 which Cray shipped last season over the first 28 games. Their next fixtures come away at Canvey Island, home to Maidstone United and then away on a long trip to Bognor Regis Town.

A comparison of league form after 25 games over last season and their current total makes great reading for fans of Enfield Town - 

SEASON	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
2013/14	25	4	6	15	31	61	-30	18
2014/15	25	11	3	11	35	36	-1	36

Bradley Quinton's side has only scored four more goals compared to this stage last season but have doubled their points total from 18 to 36 winning seven more games.

ZERO - Maidstone United  and Metropolitan Police are still unbeaten at home. There are no teams unbeaten on their travels with only Bury Town looking to pick up three points away from Ram Meadow.

Dulwich Hamlet are currently top of the current form table winning five and drawing one of their last six games. Table topper's Margate have only won once in their last six games. Bury Town are the only side without a win in their last six games.

HOW ARE THE 2013/14 PROMOTED SIDES DOING? 

Lowestoft Town are 15th in the Vanarama North division on a points total of 27 from 23 games which is seven points above the drop zone. 534 people saw their 2-0 win versus Gainsborough Trinity on Sunday afternoon.

After a difficult start to their Vanarama South campaign Wealdstone have gradually moved up the table. They are currently in 14th place winning 6 of their 22 games. They secured a point at second placed Bromley on Sunday afternoon. Four of The Stone's six wins have have come in their last six games which clearly indicates they are improving - They are second in the current form table.

HOW ARE THE 2013/14 DEMOTED SIDES DOING?

Carshalton Athletic are in 16th place in Division One (South) on 33 points from 27 games. They are 11 points from the play-off zone.

Cray Wanderers are 23rd of 24 teams in Divison One (North) on a total of 17 points from 25 games. Could they be relegated for a second successive season?

Thamesmead Town are currently 13th in Division One (North) winning 9 of their 25 games.

There are two sets of fixtures over the forthcoming New Year weekend as follows -

NEW YEAR'S DAY
AFC HORNCHURCH V GRAYS ATHLETIC
BOGNOR REGIS TOWN V PEACEHAVEN & TELSCOMBE
CANVEY ISLAND V BURY TOWN
DULWICH HAMLET V LEATHERHEAD
EAST THURROCK UNITED V BILLERICAY TOWN
HAMPTON AND RICHMOND BOROUGH V MET POLICE
HARROW BOROUGH V HENDON
LEISTON V WITHHAM TOWN
MAIDSTONE UNITED V TONBRIDGE ANGELS
MARGATE V LEWES
VCD ATHLETIC V KINGSTONIAN
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY V ENFIELD TOWN

TWO NORTH LONDON DERBY GAMES TAKE PLACE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY

SATURDAY 3rd JANUARY
AFC HORNCHURCH V LEATHERHEAD
BILLERICAY TOWN V MARGATE
BURY TOWN V MAIDSTONE UNITED
ENFIELD TOWN V CANVEY ISLAND
GRAYS ATHELTIC V HAMPTON AND RICHMOND BOROUGH
HENDON V EAST THURROCK UNITED
LEWES V DULWICH HAMLET
MET POLICE V VCD ATHLETIC
PEACEHAVEN AND TELSCOMBE V LEISTON
TONBRIDGE ANGELS V WINGATE AND FINCHLEY
WITHAM TOWN V HARROW BOROUGH

NIL POINTS LEAGUE - UPDATE

DIVISION	TEAM	P/L	GF	GA	NEXT LEAGUE GAMES
UNITED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE	STEWART & LLOYDS (Corby)	23/23	16	92	Bugbrooke St Michaels - 3/1/15
SUSSEX COUNTY DIVISION TWO	SEAFORD TOWN	19/19	10	57	MILE OAK - 3/1/15

Both Stewarts and Lloyds (Corby) and Seaford Town will go into 2015 as the only club's from Step One to Step Seven of the non-league pyramid without a solitary point in the 2014/15 season. S&L went down 1-0 to local rival's Rothwell Corinthians in their last game and Seatford Town lost 0-2 at home to Saltdean United.

THE CITIZENS CLAIM MEMORABLE LOCAL DERBY VICTORY

It was an eagerly anticipated Christmas local derby yesterday as table topper's Welwyn Garden City entertained second placed Hatfield Town in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One in front of an amazing attendance of 354*. I'm sure not many other Step 6 level non-league games will be that well attended this season. Heavy rain had fallen locally overnight putting the game in doubt but some great work by The Citizen's groundsman and helpers made the pitch playable... Okay it wasn't a bowling green surface from the Premier League but it was green in places, it's what many would call a a 'Proper Football Pitch'. Going into the game Welwyn had just lost their unbeaten league record in a 0-2 home defeat to another local side in Codicote but had made up for it with a 0-5 away victory over Amersham Town. The BlueBoys had been soundly beaten 5-1 away at Baldock Town on Saturday 20th December.  

* The last time Welwyn played Hatfield at Herns Lane was in the 2009/10 Spartan Premier season on Tuesday 22nd September when 160 people saw a 2-0 win. The three points were taken from The Citizens after it was discovered they had played an inelligable player. On Monday 28th December the return game was played with Hatfield the 'home' side as they ground shared with Welwyn at the time in front of a better crowd of 223.

The game was one to remember for both sides as some tough tackles made it a highly competitive but well contested affair. Adam Fisher's side dominated the opening proceedings quickly going 1-0 up via Marc Arnott and then 2-0 from a Daryl Smith header at the far post on the end of a quality looping free kick from Sam Perrin. The game was looking at getting away from Hatfield Town but credit to them as they dug deep and pulled the score back to 2-2 at half time. Their first goal came from the penalty spot after Jason Caswell fouled a player in the box. There were no appeals as it was a clear foul. Ben Collins confidently placed the kick in the right hand corner past the dive of Welwyn's Joe Croft. Shortly after Aaron Lewis made it 2-2 tapping the ball home following some great work on the left hand side and a mix up in the home box.

Welwyn made it 3-2 just after the break via a Joel Norris header. They looked the better attacking side from then on and it was Hatfield's keeper Allan Buck who made a number of impressive saves during the game to keep his side in the game. In particular towards the end of the 90 minutes when he tipped a Jason Caswell chipped shot onto his crossbar.

At full time every player looked exhausted having given their all for their team on a heavy pitch. The Welwyn boys recovered quickly to celebrate their victory with a "quite few pints in Romford" on their Christmas drink-up.

Don't worry if you missed the game or you want to see the action as there are full highlights below including all the goals scored and match action.......well worth a watch -  


It was great to see both managers complimenting each other's team on social media after the game. Ash Purser and Adam Fisher tweeted the below messages. Purser has done a fantastic job for The Blueboys since joining from Hertfordshire Senior County League side Bedmond Sports over the summer - 

The race for promtion to the Premier Division now looks very exiciting. The top two go up with Welwyn currently in a great position although Adam Fisher, with all his experence, will tell you it ain't all over by along way with many games to be played over the next few months.

Spartan South Midlands League 
Division One 
current table - top seven places only

TEAM	P	GD	PTS
WELWYN GARDEN CITY	19	+47	52
BEDFORD	22	+36	49
HATFIELD TOWN	20	+23	47
RISBOROUGH RANGERS	21	+23	45
CODICOTE	21	+18	37
HARPENDEN TOWN	19	+15	36
BALDOCK TOWN	10	+22	35

Forthcoming Fixtures of note

Saturday 3rd January
Harpenden Town v Bedford
Risborough Rangers v Codicote 

Saturday 10th January
Hatfield Town v Bedford
Risborough Rangers v Welwyn GC

Saturday 17th January
Harpenden Town v Hatfield Town

Tuesday 20th January
Risborough Rangers v Bedford

Wednesday 21st January
Baldock Town v Codicote

Saturday 24th January
Codicote v Welwyn GC
Risborough Rangers v Harpenden Town

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE COLD END

  MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE COLD END

Have a glance around the ticket prices for Premier League and Championship games and you'll see it's an expensive business taking a family to top-flight football which is why many people are turning to the non-league game for value for money entertainment and a great day out. I think the phrase that sums up the game at Enfield Town's level is 'BE MORE THAN JUST A SEAT NUMBER'.

You only have to check out Enfield Town's opponents this Saturday in Dulwich Hamlet. In 2011/12 they had average home league crowd of 376 which has grown to an amazing 894 for this season. Town's average has grown since the move form Goldsdown Road to Donkey Lane - In our last season at Brimsdown in 2010/11 over average for league games was 211 compared to this season's currently at 373.

"MARK KIRBY'S GOAL WAS AMAZING"

The best thing about non-league football for me is the fact that fans can turn up and speak with the players before and after the game. I know it makes my little lad's day when his favourite player and hero Mark Kirby gives him a high five before the game. The recent Bury Town game even inspired him to make the above Christmas card which made my day and showed how much he loves the game.

Merry Christmas to everyone reading this and thank you for your continued support for TheColdEnd. The blog has been going for five and a half years and is still independent and advert free. It's done for the love of the game and to promote non-league football in North London, Hertfordshire and beyond. I'll try my best to keep the match highlights, articles and news coming in 2015.

Why not come along to a match in 2015 and be more than just a seat number???

ENFIELD TOWN V DULWICH HAMLET  - SATURDAY 27th DECEMBER - 3pm

LOCAL CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL

There are a host of games taking place over the Christmas and New Year period with many ground hoppers and fans getting the chance to squeeze in doubles and even triples on some days. Some of the local fixtures are as follows (check with clubs to confirm kick-off times) on Boxing Day and Saturday 27th December :

BOXING DAY
Vanarama Conference
(selected games only)
ALDERSHOT TOWN v BARNET - 1pm
DARTFORD v BRAINTREE TOWN

Vanarama South 
BASINGSTOKE TOWN v STAINES TOWN
BOREHAM WOOD v BISHOPS STORTFORD
CHELMSFORD CITY v EBBSFLEET UNITED
CONCORD RANGERS v BROMLEY
HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE v GOSPORT BOROUGH
MAIDENHEAD UNITED v HAYES AND YEADING UNITED
ST ALBANS CITY v HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN - 1pm
WEALDSTONE v SUTTON UNITED - 1pm
WESTON-SUPER-MARE v BATH CITY
WHITEHAWK v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH

Ryman League Premier Division
BILLERICAY TOWN v AFC HORNCHURCH - 1pm
BURY TOWN v LEISTON - 1pm
KINGSTONIAN v HAMPTON AND RICHMOND
LEATHERHEAD v VCD ATHELTIC - 1pm

Evo-Stik Southern Premier League Premier Division 
(selected games only)
BIGGLESWADE TOWN v DUNSTABLE TOWN - 1pm
CHESHAM UNITED v SLOUGH TOWN - 1pm
HISTON v CAMBRIDGE CITY
HITCHIN TOWN v ARLESEY TOWN
ST NEOTS TOWN v CORBY TOWN

Evo-Stik Southern Premier League Division One (Central) 
(selected games only)
ST IVES TOWN v ROYSTON TOWN

Ryman League Division One (North)
AFC SUDBURY v BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT
CHESHUNT v WALTHAM ABBEY
HARLOW TOWN v WARE - 1pm
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS v MALDON AND TIPTREE - 1pm
TILBURY v BRENTWOOD TOWN 

SATURDAY 27th DECEMBER
Ryman League Premier Division 
ENFIELD TOWN v DULWICH HAMLET
GRAYS ATHLETIC v EAST THURROCK UNITED
HENDON v WINGATE AND FINCHLEY
LEWES v BOGNOR REGIS TOWN
MET POLICE v HARROW BOROUGH
PEACEHAVEN AND TELSCOMBE v MAIDSTONE UNITED
TONBRIDGE ANGELS v MARGATE
WITHAM TOWN v CANVEY ISLAND

Ryman League Division One (North)
BURNHAM RAMBLERS v GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
CHATHAM TOWN v CRAY WANDERERS
DEREHAM TOWN v NEEDHAM MARKET
REDBRIDGE v BARKINGSIDE
ROMFORD v THURROCK
THAMESMEAD TOWN v AVELEY
WROXHAM v SOHAM TOWN RANGERS
 
Evo-Stik Southern Premier League Division One (Central)
AFC HAYES v UXBRIDGE
AYLESBURY v MARLOW
BARTON ROVERS v BEDFORD TOWN
BEACONSFIELD SYCOB v CHALFONT ST PETER
DAVENTRY TOWN v KETTERING TOWN
LEIGHTON TOWN v AYLESBURY UNITED 
NORTH GREENFORD UNITED v HANWELL TOWN
POTTERS BAR TOWN v NORTHWOOD 

Essex Senior League
BASILDON UNITED v HARINGEY BOROUGH
BOWERS AND PITSEA v STANSTED
CLAPTON v TAKELEY
ETON MANOR v LONDON BARI
FC ROMANIA v NEWHAM
GREENHOUSE LONDON v SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN
ILFORD v SPORTING BENGAL UNITED
WALTHAM FOREST v HULLBRIDGE SPORTS

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division 
AFC DUNSTABLE v AMPTHILL TOWN
BERKHAMSTED v HOLMER GREEN
COCKFOSTERS v HADLEY
COLNEY HEATH v HODDESDON TOWN
HILLINGDON BOROUGH v HAREFIELD UNITED
LEVERSTOCK GREEN v KINGS LANGLEY
LONDON TIGERS v WEMBLEY
OXHEY JETS v LONDON COLNEY
ST MARGARETSBURY v HERTFORD TOWN
STOTFOLD v BIGGLESWADE UNITED
TRING ATHLETIC v SUN SPORTS

Spartan South Midlands League Division One 
AMERSHAM TOWN v RISBOROUGH RANGERS
ARLESEY TOWN RES v LANGFORD
BEDFORD v CRAWLEY GREEN
CODICOTE v HARPENDEN TOWN
FC BROXBOURNE v BUSH HILL RANGERS
LONDON LIONS v CHESHAM UNITED RES
SOUTHALL v EDGWARE TOWN
WELWYN GARDEN CITY v HATFIELD TOWN
WINSLOW UNITED v BUCKINGHAM TOWN
WODSON PARK v BALDOCK TOWN - 1pm

Spartan South Midlands League Division Two
ASTON CLINTON v TRING CORINTHIANS - 2pm
BRIMSDOWN v EALING TOWN
CLEAN SLATE v MURSLEY UNITED
GRENDON RANGERS v HALE LEYS UNITED- 2pm
NEW BRADWELL ST PETER v OLD BRADWELL UNITED - 1pm
THE 61 FC (LUTON) v KENT ATHLETIC - 2pm
TOTTERNHOE v PITSTONE AND IVINGHOE - 2pm
WOLVERTON TOWN v WILLEN - 1pm 
 
Middlesex County League Premier Division 
BROADFIELDS UNITED v TOOTING AND MITCHAM WANDERERS
@ Harefield United

ROYSTON TOWN TO PLAY ARSENAL IN FA YOUTH CUP

Following Arsenal under 18's dramatic 1-0 at home to Reading in the Third Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup tonight The Gunner's young side will now face the only side representing non-league football in Royston Town u18's in the Fourth Round Proper (the last 32). Reading hit the post and missed a penalty in the last few minutes of tonight's game played at Boreham Wood.

The game will take place in the week commencing Monday 12th January 2014. To get this stage The Crows have played an incredible seven games beating Romford, Bowers and Pitsea, East Thurrock United, Brentwood Town, AFC Sudbury, Welling United and Oxford City.

ENFIELD TOWN LADIES - THE SEASON SO FAR

FA WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE 
SOUTH EAST DIVISION ONE 
CURRENT TABLE

POSITION	TEAM	P	GD	PTS
1	C&K BASILDON	9	+18	24
2	MK DONS LFC	9	+21	20
3	CRYSTAL PALACE LFC	9	+7	19
4	CAMBRIDGE WFC	9	+3	15
5	LUTON TOWN LFC	9	0	13
6	ENFIELD TOWN LFC	10	-5	13
7	DENHAM UNITED LFC	10	3	11
8	BEDFORD LFC	11	-11	8
9	IPSWICH TOWN LFC	9	-12	4
10	NORWICH CITY LFC	7	-24	4

The season is well under-way for Enfield Town Ladies and they are currently in sixth place of the FA Women's Premier League South East Division One. From reading the table it looks like a battle between C&K Basildon, MK Dons and Crystal Palace for the title.

The town's next fixtures all come at Donkey Lane as follows -

Sunday 4th January - CRYSTAL PALACE - 2pm
Sunday 18th January - DENHAM UNITED (Middlesex FA Capital Women's Cup) - 2pm
Sunday 25th January - IPSWICH TOWN - 2pm
Sunday 1st February - BEDFORD LFC - 2pm

NIL POINTS LEAGUE - STILL S&L AND SEAFORD

DIVISION	TEAM	P/L	GF	GA	NEXT LEAGUE GAMES
UNITED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE	STEWART & LLOYDS (Corby)	22/22	16	91	NORTHAMPTON SPENCER - 20/12 Rothwell Corinthians - 26/12
SUSSEX COUNTY DIVISION TWO	SEAFORD TOWN	17/17	10	51	Bexhill United - 20/12 SALTDEAN UNITED - 26/12

Stewarts and Lloyds (Corby) and Seaford Town still occupy the no wins table as they are the only two teams in the ten levels of non-league football without a win or a draw so far in their league campaigns.

Stewart and Lloyds next two games in the United Counties League Division One come at home to 2nd placed Northampton Spencer and then a Boxing Day local derby trip to Rothwell Corinthians who are currently in 8th place.

Seaford Town go to Bexhill United (3rd place) before Saltdean United make the short trip to play them on Boxing Day. They are second from bottom in the table with only three wins in fifteen league games so this could be a great chance for Seaford Town to put some points on the board. Saltdean's last game was a 7-0 defeat away at Rustington.

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE ATTENDANCES

Below is a table of average attendances for this season's Essex Senior League and it shows the formation of the Clapton Ultras has had a really positive effect of The Ton's games. Their average of 123 is tiny in comparison to some non-league sides but in comparison to their averages from 2010/11 (35), 2011/12 (20), 2012/13 (43) and 2013/14 (83) it's a real increase. 88 more people are going through the gates at The Old Spotted Dog which equates to 251.42% on 2010/11's total.

Enfield 1893's move from Goldsdown Road out to ground share with Harlow Town at Barrows Farm has seen their average drop from 86 to 68.

 London Bari, the other side who play at The Old Spotted Dog, are bottom of the table in respect of crowds with an average of just 22.

Essex Senior League Attendances
up to and including Saturday 13th December 2014
League Games Only

POSITION	CLUB	PLAYED	LOW	HIGH	AVERAGE	TOTAL
1	CLAPTON	8	47	189	123	986
2	TAKELEY	9	50	87	71	635
3	ENFIELD 1893	11	42	105	68	744
4	BASILDON UNITED	9	32	102	67	604
5	TOWER HAMLETS	9	32	187	64	574
6	BOWERS & PITSEA	5	22	103	64	322
7	SOUTHEND MANOR	7	47	81	63	442
8	HARINGEY BOROUGH	9	30	108	61	550
9	HULLBRIDGE SPORTS	8	28	67	55	437
10	BARKING	10	35	88	53	529
11	SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN	7	31	73	52	361
12	STANSTED	9	27	87	50	447
13	SPORTING BENGAL UNITED	9	23	123	46	411
14	WALTHAM FOREST	13	16	116	45	581
15	ILFORD	13	23	107	42	545
16	FC ROMANIA	9	15	102	41	373
17	GREENHOUSE LONDON	9	9	107	38	338
18	NEWHAM	9	20	65	38	343
19	ETON MANOR	5	15	53	29	143
20	LONDON BARI	8	14	25	22	173

BIG CHRISTMAS LOCAL DERBY AT HERNS LANE

A large crowd is expected at Herns Lane on Saturday 27th December when Hatfield Town visit Welwyn Garden City for a top of table local derby. Looking at the currently league placings in Division One you can see there is alot riding on this game. The Citizens only dropped points of the season came at home to current third placed side Risborough Rangers in a 0-0 draw.

Prior to the game Hatfield Town travel to Baldock Town in this Saturday with Welwyn entertaining Codicote (8th) this Wednesday evening at Herns Lane in another local derby followed by a trip to Amersham Town (20th) on Saturday.

It's value for money too with £5 entrance for adults £3 for concessions and under 16's for free!

Current SSMFL Divison One League Table

1	HATFIELD TOWN	18	15	2	1	45	17	+28	47	WDWLWW
2	WELWYN GARDEN CITY	16	15	1	0	49	6	+43	46	WWWWWW

BURGESS HILL TOWN REPRESENT THE RYMAN LEAGUE IN THE TROPHY

Division One (South) side Burgess Hill Town's amazing 0-1 FA Trophy victory at Vanarama Conference side Aldershot Town on Saturday makes The Hillians the only Ryman League club left on the road to Wembley in the competition. Ian Chapman's side are now the only side in the top eight levels of English Football without a league defeat. The two other Ryman League side's went out - AFC Sudbury lost 1-0 at Vanarama Conference side Braintree Town and Leiston lost 2-0 at Vanarama South side Bromley.

Burgess Hill Town have drawn another Conference side in the Second Round. Dartford visit Leylands Park on Saturday 10th January 2015.

Barnet (who still have to negotiate their home replay versus Concord Rangers tomorrow evening) are currently 6/1 favourites followed by Forest Green Rovers and Woking at 10/1.

FA VASE 2014/15 - UPDATE

It was a bad day in the FA Vase for the Spartan South Midlands League in the Third Round as the remaining four teams (London Colney, AFC Dunstable, St Margaretsbury and Tring Athletic) were all knocked out. Hullbridge Sports (the remaining Essex Senior League side) won through thanks to a 1-0 win versus Great Yarmouth Town. The draw has been made for the Fourth Round Proper as follows -

FA VASE FOURTH ROUND PROPER
Games to be played on Saturday 17th January and Sunday 18th January 2015

WALSALL WOOD v SHAW LANE AQUAFORCE/SHILDON
NORTH SHIELDS v CONSETT AFC
THURNBY NIRVANA v HOLBEACH UNITED
CHADDERTON v AFC MANSFIELD
WORKSOP v GLOSSOP NORTH END
HEANOR TOWN v DUNSTON UTS
TADCASTER ALBION v BROCTON
BODMIN TOWN v PHOENIX SPORTS
STANWAY ROVERS v SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN
ACOT UNITED v COLLIERS WOOD UNITED
BRADFORD TOWN v MELKSHAM TOWN
ASHFORD UNITED v NORWICH UNITED
GREENWICH BOROUGH v AFC ST AUSTELL
FLACKWELL HEATH v HULLBRIDGE SPORTS
ERITH AND BELVEDERE v YAXLEY - Sunday 18th January
HIGHWORTH TOWN v TUNBRIDGE WELLS

There are three step 6 clubs left in the competition being Saffron Walden Town, Chadderton and AFC Mansfield. There are no clubs left in the competition who have previously won the competition and just two who have previously got to the final being Dunston UTS (2012) and Glossop North End (2009). 

CLUBS LEFT IN THE COMPETITION BY LEAGUE

STEP 5
* denotes replay to be negotiated

COMBINED COUNITES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 1 CLUB
COLLIERS WOOD UNITED

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 2 CLUBS
NORWICH UNITED 
STANWAY ROVERS

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE - 1 CLUB
HULLBRIDGE SPORTS

HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 3 CLUBS
ASCOT UNITED
FLACKWELL HEATH 
HIGHWORTH TOWN

MIDLAND LEAGUE - 2 CLUBS
BROCTON
WALSALL WOOD

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST LEAGUE - 3 CLUBS (possibly 4)
HEANOR TOWN
SHAW LANE AQUAFORCE*
TADCASTER ALBION
WORKSOP TOWN

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - 3 CLUBS (possibly 4)
CONSETT AFC
DUNSTON UTS 
NORTH SHIELDS
SHILDON*

NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 1 CLUB
GLOSSOP NORTH END

SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST LEAGUE - 5 CLUBS
ASHFORD UNITED
GREENWICH BOROUGH
ERITH AND BELVEDERE 
PHOENIX SPORTS 
TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 2 CLUBS
AFC ST AUSTELL
BODMIN TOWN
 
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 3 CLUBS
HOLBEACH UNITED 
THURNBY NIRVANA
YAXLEY 

WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION - 2 CLUBS
BRADFORD TOWN
MELKSHAM TOWN

STEP 6

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - 1 CLUB
SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN

NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - 1 CLUB
CHADDERTON

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST LEAGUE DIVISION ONE - 1 CLUB
AFC MANSFIELD

HENDON THROUGH TO LEAGUE CUP THIRD ROUND

Match played on Tuesday 9th December 2014 

97 fans braved the elements on a rainy wet evening to watch the North London derby between Enfield Town and Hendon last Tuesday. It was a much changed Town side from Saturday's 2-1 league defeat at VCD Athletic that took to the field with only Nathan McDonald, Phil Kane, Taylor Hastings and Tyler Campbell remaining in the starting XI. Hendon manager Gary McCann made only four changes to his starting XI with David Diedhiou, Charlie Goode, Sam Murphy and Aaron Morgan all coming in from their previous game at Bognor Regis Town.

Town started the game brightly with Ade Cole's shot well saved by Hendon keeper Ben McNamara the best chance of the first half but it was The Greens who gradually became the better side in a scrappy first half of few chances.

Hendon made it 0-1 just after the break via a nice finish from Kezie Ibe who broke free following a stray pass from Town in the midfield. The introduction of Corey Whitely for Town improved the home side's attacking options with his shot from the edge of the box expertly saved by McNamara which kept the score at 0-1.

Hendon face Hampton and Richmond Borough at home in the next round. 

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS BELOW

HITCHIN AND CHIPPENHAM SHARE A POINT

Long trip - Chippenham Fans on the terrace at Top Field.

On a chilly night at Top Field the loyal fans who made the 240 mile round trip from Chippenham went home happy with a well deserved point in a game which never really got going for both sides. The Bluebirds as they are known have a decent away record now with just two defeats, six draws and three wins in eleven games. Chippenham scored a hotly disputed goal in the first half that many of the Hitchin fans present in the crowd of 201 claimed was offside in the build up. They replay of the goal scored by Chippenham's tall centre forward target man Alan Griffin shows it was tight but is inconclusive unfortunately.

Hitchin equalised in the second half with a decent strike from Jonny McNamara and were marginally the better side for the rest of the game but all in all the score of 1-1 was about right.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ARE BELOW

HERTSAVERS COUNTY LEAGUE - THE SEASON SO FAR

Hertsavers County League Premier Division
Current table - top seven only 

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS	WIN%	PPG
1.	HATFIELD SOCIAL	17	10	4	3	53	24	+29	34	58.82%	2.00
2.	BELSTONE	13	11	1	1	43	27	+26	34	84.62%	2.62
3.	BOVINGDON	15	10	1	4	34	24	+10	31	66.67%	2.07
4.	MILL END SPORTS	14	7	3	4	30	21	+9	24	50.00%	1.71
5.	LETCHWORTH GC EAGLES	10	7	2	1	28	10	+8	23	70.00%	2.30
6.	SARRATT	16	6	4	6	29	34	-5	22	37.50%	1.38
7.	BUSHEY SPORTS CLUB	14	5	4	4	36	29	+7	19	38.46%	1.46

Hatfield Social currently head the Hertsavers County Premier Division but if you read into the form it looks as though Belstone (2nd) and Letchworth GC Eagles (5th) are best placed to be possible title winners. Should Belstone win their games in hand over Hatfield they would go 12 points ahead on 46 points with the Eagles on 44 should they win their seven games in hand.

The win% chart shows Letchworth and Belstone are best placed to fight for the title

 Both clubs only have one defeat with Belstone losing to Bedmond (0-1 on 26th August) and Letchworth defeated against Whitwell 2-3 on the same day.

Big game at Pixmore in the New Year

Saturday 3rd January 2015 sees what could be a pivotal game take place when Letchworth GC Eagles welcome Belstone to their Pixmore ground.

Hertsavers County League Division One 
Current table - Top Four Only 

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS	WIN%	PPG
1.	OLD PARMITERIANS	11	8	1	2	44	16	+28	25	72.73%	2.27
2.	BUNTINGFORD TOWN	11	8	0	3	37	15	+22	24	72.73%	2.18
3.	EVERGREEN	11	6	1	4	29	27	+2	19	54.55%	1.73
4.	BROADFIELDS	11	6	0	5	35	21	+14	18	54.55%	1.64

Old Parmiterians head Division One and are having their best season since finishing runner's up in Division One in 2000 and 3rd in Division One in 2002. They are followed by Buntingford Town who are looking to get back to the Premier Division since their relegation in 2012.

AUBERY CUP

The league's famous Aubery Cup is a Round Two stage with the following results of games already played -

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY EAGLES 5 LEMSFORD 1
KIMPTON ROVERS 0 BUSHEY SPORTS CLUB 3 
HATFIELD SOCIAL 6 COLNEY HEATH RES 1
CHIPPERFIELD CORINTHIANS 3 SANDRIDGE RANGERS 0
EVERGREEN 0 CUFFLEY 3 
to be played
OLD PARMITERIANS v STANDON AND PUCKERIDGE
AFC HATFIELD v WORMLEY ROVERS
BEDMOND SPORTS CLUB v HAMPSTEAD HEATH

FORM TABLE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AT VCD

As the saying goes football is a funy old game and this certainly was the case at Oakwood yesterday where VCD Athletic turned the form table upside down. Town's unbeaten run of eight games was ended as the home side recorded a valuable victory which moves them three points from 20th place and moving out of the relegation zone. Highlights from @etfctv are below which includes a fantastic free kick from Jon Constant.

FOOTBALL REMEMBERS 1914

The true spirit of football has been shown throughout this weekend as many clubs took part in taking photographs of the two opposing sides together to mark the anniversary of the 1914 World War I Christmas truce match. I think this should become a annual event to mark what an amazing game football is where friends can be made no matter where you are from or what you do.

The players of Ilford Reserves and Voy Rangers line up on Wanstead Flats before their Essex Sunday Football Combination Senior Division game. The Foxes won 2-5. 

The players of Winslow United and Hatfield Town line up prior to their Spartan South Midlands League Division One game which The Blue Boys won 1-2.

SAVE HITCHIN TOWN

It was a fantastic day for football in the Hertfordshire town of Hitchin yesterday as 1300 fans marched to protest against the proposed development of Hitchin Town's historic Top Field ground. Fans from many lcoal non-league clubs attended including some from Wingate and Finchley along with football journalist Guillem Balague. 

A huge turnout in the protest to save Top Field. From @hitchintownfc

The Canaries game against table topper's Poole Town saw 1,606 in attendance with a last minute winner for the home side to record a memorable 1-0 victory.

Surely this is proof the Town needs football to remain at Top Field and not another supermarket!

MIDDLESEX CUPS - UPDATE - TOWN U21s TRAVEL TO GREENFORD THIS MIDWEEK

Here is a quick update on three of the Middlesex Football Association cup competitions. Both the Senior Challenge and Charity Cups are at the quarter-final stage with the Premier Cup at the semi-final stage aside from Enfield Town u21s game at North Greenford United Reserves on Wednesday evening. 

Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup 2014/15

Quarter-Finals

BEDFORD SPORTS CLUB v HANWELL TOWN 

NORTH GREENFORD UNITED v HARROW BOROUGH 

WEALDSTONE v HAYES AND YEADING UNITED 

SPELTHORNE SPORTS v STAINES TOWN 

Help for Heroes Senior Charity Cup 2014/15

Quarter-Finals 

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX) v ENFIELD TOWN - scheduled for Tuesday 6th January

WEMBLEY v HARROW BOROUGH or HAYES AND YEADING UNITED 

COCKFOSTERS v STAINES LAMMAS 

UXBRIDGE v RAYNERS LANE 

Premier Cup 2014/15

Semi-Finals 

UXBRIDGE RESERVES v NORTH GREENFORD UNITED RESERVES or ENFIELD TOWN U21s

EDGWARE TOWN v BEDFONT AND FELTHAM 

The Enfield Town U21s game at North Greenford United Reserves is scheduled for this Wednesday evening kicking off at 7.45pm. Their Berkley Avenue ground is a short walk from Grenford Station (National rail or Central Line) or a little further walk from Sudbury Hill on the Piccadilly Line. North Greenford Reserves play in the Suburban League Northern Division and they are currently in second position having won seven of their twelve league games so far. On Saturday they drew 3-3 at Leverstock Green. 

ROBERT DYAS RYMAN LEAGUE CUP - 2014/15 - UPDATE

The remaining four ties in the second round of the Isthmian League Cup take place over the next week as follows

Monday 8th December - Billericay Town v Brentwood Town 
Tuesday 9th December - Enfield Town v Hendon and Walton Casuals v Kingstonian 
Monday 15th December - Barkingside v Grays Athletic 

The third round draw is below which shows Tonbridge Angels are through to the fourth round stage already following their 0-4 victory at Maidstone United last Thursday evening. Both sides were much changed with only Alfie Kitt the only player who started the game involved in Maidstone's FA Cup tie at the weekend  where he was a substitute. The Angels squad for Saturday's trip to Lewes included just Flavio Taveres, Royce Greenidge and Jack Brivio (all on the bench) from Thursday's game.

Including just the teams definitely through to the Third and Fourth round the Premier Division is represented by five teams, Division One (North) has two and Division One (South) four teams. 

Robert Dyas League Cup Third Round Draw

Billericay Town or Brentwood Town v AFC Hornchurch
Witham Town v AFC Sudbury
Enfield Town or Hendon v Hampton & Richmond Borough
Maidstone United 0 Tonbridge Angels 4
Margate v Burgess Hill Town
Cheshunt v Barkingside or Grays Athletic
Walton & Hersham v Walton Casuals or Kingstonian
Whyteleafe v East Grinstead Town

FOOTBALL REMEMBERS - 1914

Professional, semi-professional, youth, ladies, Sunday and Amateur teams up and down the country are being urged to take a pre-game photo of both opposing sides together to mark the anniversary of the 1914 Christmas truce match. They can then upload them to social media using the #footballremembers.

 More details can be found on the website FootballRemembers.com

WEEKEND PREVIEW - TOWN AWAY AT VCD

The last time Town played at VCD in 2009 in a Ryman Division One (North) fixture.
They recorded a 0-1 win via a goal from Stuart Blackburne

RYMAN PREMIER DIVISION WEEKEND FIXTURES

AFC HORNCHURCH v LEISTON
BOGNOR REGIS TOWN v HENDON
BURY TOWN v WINGATE AND FINCHLEY
EAST THURROCK UNITED v MARGATE
GRAYS ATHLETIC v WITHAM TOWN
HARROW BOROUGH v BILLERICAY TOWN
KINGSTONIAN v LEATHERHEAD
LEWES v TONBRIDGE ANGELS
MET POLICE v CANVEY ISLAND
PEACEHAVEN AND TELSCOMBE v DULWICH HAMLET
VCD ATHLETIC v ENFIELD TOWN

There is full programme of fixtures for the Ryman Premier Division on Saturday aside from Maidstone United's scheduled trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough which is postponed due to The Stones continued involvement in the FA Cup. They represent the league in the Second Round with a trip to Vanarama Conference side Wrexham. The Welsh side are currently in twelfth position and beat Woking 3-0 in the last round. Good Luck to Maidstone United in there big trip to Wales!

In the league currently table topper's Margate go to East Thurrock United who are undefeated in seven league games. They have only lost once in nine home league games but only AFC Hornchurch have scored less goals at home than them. The Urchins have hit the back of the net four times in eight games with John Coventry's side on eight goals in nine games which is the same total as VCD Athletic, Kingstonian and Grays Athletic. They will need to be at their very best to get a positive result against The Gate who recorded a decent home victory against Grays Athletic last time out.

WILL PRIOR BE ON FIRE FOR THE ROCKS? 

Third placed Hendon look to continue their good from with a trip to the seaside. Gary McCann's side are on a thirteen match unbeaten run of league games and received lots of positive comments from people at Ebbsfleet United following their FA Trophy 1-0 defeat last weekend. Striker Jason Prior will be back at Nyewood Lane this weekend on another loan spell from Margate - His next goal for Bognor will be his 100th!!

Enfield Town's recent form reads WWWWWW and on a points total of 33 from 20 games. A win at VCD Athletic would potentially see us move just one point from the play-off zone depending the result of Lesiton's game at AFC Hornchurch. With both VCD and Hornchurch in the relegation zone scrapping for points it's certainly not a given that either Town or The Blues will win although the bookies will make them big favourites. VCD have won two of their ten home league games against Witham Town and Harrow Borough with The Urchins still searching for a three point haul at Bridge Avenue. The have played eight home hames recording three draws and five defeats. Their last two home games have been drawn 2-2 v Met Police and 1-1 against local rival's East Thurrock United.

Right at the bottom of the table life as a Bury Town fan can seemingly only get better from here. The loyal supporters who made the 300 mile round trip to Sussex on Wednesday night witnessed a 1-0 defeat and saw them stay bottom of the table seven points from safety. Ben Chenery's side will need to start picking up points sooner rather than later.

If you fancy a bet on the Enfield Town game an away win is best priced at odds on of 8/15 and a home win is rated at 15/4 and the draw at 7/2.

FACTS AND STATS ON THE SEASON

MOST GOALS SCORED
MARGATE 51 (2.22 per game) and MAIDSTONE UNITED 44 (2.32)
MOST GOALS CONCEDED
HARROW BOROUGH, HAMPTON 46 (2.09) and BURY TOWN 43 (1.79)
LEAST GOALS SCORED
BURY TOWN 15 (0.63) and AFC HORNCHURCH 18 (0.86)
LEAST GOALS CONCEDED
MAIDSTONE UNITED 15 (0.79 ) and MARGATE 22 (0.96)
NO HOME WINS 
AFC HORNCHURCH (NO WINS IN EIGHT GAMES)
NO AWAY WINS 
BURY TOWN (NO WINS IN TWELVE GAMES)
NO HOME DEFEATS 
MARGATE (12 GAMES), MAIDSTONE UNITED (10 GAMES) and MET POLICE  (10 GAMES)
BIGGEST VICTORY
5-0 - ENFIELD TOWN v Harrow Borough (29/11) and LEISTON v Peavcehaven and Telscombe (23/8)
BIGGEST CROWD
2,856 - DULWICH HAMLET v HAMPTON AND RICHMOND
LOWEST CROWD 
87 - PEACEHAVEN AND TELSCOMBE v VCD ATHLETIC


OTHER LOCAL GAMES

The FA Vase Third Round takes place with a local preview here. Elsewhere in the Ryman Division One (North) Cheshunt welcome table topper's Needham Market to Theobalds Lane. The Ambers are without a league win in five games and have conceded seventeen goals in the process so it'll be a real turn around of form if they beat The Marketmen. At Barrows Farm it's a 2nd placed Harlow Town v 4th placed Brentwood Town Essex Derby with The Hawks looking to get back to winning ways following their first league defeat of the season on Tuesday night away at Maldon and Tiptree. Waltham Abbey play Thamesmead Town at Capershotts and a win for Ware at home v M&T could move them into the play-off zone.

In the Calor Southern League Central Division Potters Bar Town travel to AFC Hayes whom are bottom of the table. The Scholars are on a miserable run of form having lost seven league games in row. AFC Hayes only have two wins in nineteen league games which came at home to Daventry Town and away at Aylesbury United. The Ducks in fourteenth place have recently signed Lewis Putnam form Hanwell Town (third place) who has got back to his prolific scoring ways following his knee injury last season. He scored 16 times for the Middlesex side before his move to Aylesbury. Hanwell Town have one of the games of the season at home to table topper's Kettering Town who should bring a decent sized following to Reynolds Field.

In the Conference South Boreham Wood are top of the division and welcome Hayes and Yeading United (14th) to Meadow Park. There is also a Middlesex Derby when Wealdstone (19th) play Staines Town (20th) at Grosvenor Vale. A win for The Stones would put them nine points away from the relegation zone The Swans currently occupy with Weston-Super-Mare whereas an away win would put Staines three points away from the current Ryman Premier Division champions. The result could have a real say in who finishes where at the end of the season. Other local games see The Tudor Army of Hemel Hempstead Town travel to Essex to play Chelmsford City and Bath City visit St Albans City.

In the Spartan South Midlands League local games include Bush Hill Rangers who welcome Buckingham Athletic to Goldsdown Road, FC Broxbourne Borough going to Hertsavers Premier Division side Letchworth Garden City Eagles in the Hertfordshire Senior Centenary Trophy and the new look Edgware Town playing Codicote at Silver Jubilee Park.

EAST LONDON DERBY IN HERTFORDSHIRE

In the Essex Senior League Haringey Borough (1st place)  host Waltham Forest (4th) at Coles Park, Barking (2nd) go to Takeley (12th) and a East London derby takes place in Broxbourne? Newham who are having problems getting the correct grading for their Terrance McMillan Stadium play Clapton at Goffs Lane. There is also a real basement battle at Mile End when Sporting Bengal United (20th) play Greenhouse London (19th).

THREE YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

If you're an Enfield Town fan can you beleive it was three years ago on Saturday 3rd December when we played that famous match versus Grays Athletic at Donkey Lane which saw Steve Newing's side go top of the Ryman Division One (North). Goalscorers for Town in the 2-1 win were Mark Kirby and Jon Moore. The highlights are below -

NEW MANAGEMENT AT EDGWARE TOWN

The reformed Edgware Town are under new management after Dan Manzi and his assistant left the club following their poor start to the season. Mick Roche and Fabio Valenti, who recently left Cockfosters, have taken over as manager and assistant bringing with them a host of players including Fergus Moore, Stuart and Mark Blackburne and Paul Marks. Ex Enfield Town player Valenti and Roche used to play for the old club at the White Lion Ground so it's a real reunion of the old team.

Expect to see Town climb from their current seventeenth place in Divison One of the Spartan South Midlands League over the next few weeks.

They travel to CB Hounslow United for a Middlesex Premier Cup Quarter-Final tomorrow evening before entertaining Codicote at Silver Jubilee Park on Saturday which should be a well attended game.

RYMAN LEAGUE TEAMS IN THE FA TROPHY

After the FA Trophy games at the weekend only two Ryman League sides are definately through to the Firest Round Proper.

Division One (South) Burgess Hill Town continued their tremendous season with a win over Premier Division Leatherhead - they came back from 0-2 down to record a 3-2 victory. Premier Division Leiston received a bye so are also through. 

Two other sides are involved in replays tonight. Division One (North) AFC Sudbury play St Neots Town at home and Premier Division Tonbridge Angels travel to Vanarama South side Bromley.

Burgess Hill Town travel to Vanarama Premier side Aldershot Town and Leiston go to the winners of the Bromley v Tonbridge Angels replay so if their is a shock result tonight there will be an all Ryman game.

FA TROPHY THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAYS
involving Ryman League sides 

Bromley v TONBRIDGE ANGELS
AFC SUDBURY v St Neots Town

FA TROPHY FIRST ROUND
ties involving Ryman League sides 

Aldershot Town v BURGESS HILL TOWN
TONBRIDGE ANGELS/Bromley v LEISTON
Braintree Town v AFC SUDBURY/St Neots Town

THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY - FA VASE THIRD ROUND THIS WEEKEND

FA Vase Third Round Proper 
ties involving Spartan South Midlands and Essex Senior League teams 

Hullbridge Sports v Great Yarmouth Town 

London Colney v Holbeach United
Saffron Walden Town v AFC Dunstable
St Margaretsbury v Stanway Rovers
Tring Athletic v Norwich United  

The Third Round Proper of the FA Vase takes place this coming weekend with four Spartan South Midlands League teams and one Essex Senior League side left on the road to Wembley. 

Hullbridge Sports fly the flag for the ESL and welcome Thurlow Nunn Division One side Great Yarmouth Town to Lower Road. A victory for Sports would see them equal their best run ever in the competition which was last season when they were defeated at the Fourth Round stage by the eventual winner's Sholing. The Bloaters seem to be on their way back up after relegation from the Premier Division in 2012 - They have finished in 10th, 8th and are currently in 8th place of Division One. They didn't win a Vase game between 2004 and 2013. Last season they reached the Second Round stage where they were defeated by Hanwell Town at home 1-2.

It'll be no easy game for Hullbridge as Great Yarmouth Town have already defeated three teams from step 5 to get this stage in Hadleigh United (Premier Division of the Thurlow Nunn), Waltham Forest (ESL) and Boston Town (United Counties Premier Division). 

It's not just Hullbridge who are representing the county of Essex as Saffron Walden Town (also Division One of the Thurlow Nunn) welcome AFC Dunstable to Catons Lane. Town are top of their division with AFC Dunstable in fourth position of the Premier Division of the SSMFL. 

Other ties are London Colney (11th in the SSMFL) entertaining Holbeach United (2nd in the United Counites Premier) and St Margaretsbury (9th in the SSMFL) welcome Stanway Rovers (4th in the Thurlow Nunn Premier). Stanway have already beaten table topper's Sun Sports, Hertford Town, FC Clacton and Barking on their way to this stage. 

The county of Middlesex is represented by Combined Counites Premier Division side Hanworth Villa who have a home tie versus Southern Counties East League side Erith and Belvedere.  

The winners of the Third Round ties receive £1500 from the Football Association prize fund.  

HIGHLIGHTS OF ENFIELD TOWN V HARROW BOROUGH

Enfield Town recorded a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Harrow Borough on Saturday to continue their wonderful recent form. Highlights are below from the excellent @etfctv - Get following if you are a twitter user.

Well done to Bradley Quinton and all the team. Town's next game is at home to Peacehaven and Telscombe on Tuesday evening.