Contrary to reports on a well-known brand's social media account I can confirm that club football hasn't stopped due to a certain competition getting underway on Sunday.
There are, as usual, a huge number of non-league games taking place up and down the country. In these times of financial concern for many families you'll get value for money at your local football club so why not have an afternoon out.
Here are some details on the pick of the games around Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and London.
Firstly there are some games on Friday evening - Woodford Town host Barking in the Essex Senior League. Harlow Town Reserves host Grays Athletic Reserves and Barkingside Reserves host Cannons Wood Reserves in the Essex Senior League Reserve league. Basildon Town host St Margaretsbury and May & Baker host Wivenhoe Town in the Thurlow Nunn First Division South. Lymore Gardens host Sporting Hackney at Coles Park in the Essex Alliance League Senior Division. Why not wrap up warm and enjoy a game under the floodlights on Friday evening?
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
BARNET v TORQUAY UNITED
The Bees moved into 7th place in the table with their 0-2 win at struggling Oldham Athletic last weekend and host another former football league club who are down towards the bottom of the table on Saturday.
Both sides had FA Cup replays in midweek with Barnet winning 0-1 at Vanarama South side Chelmsford City in front of 3,015 people. They now travel to Accrington Stanley in the Second Round.
Idris Kanu, a full Sierra Leone International, scored the winning goal and is in good form having scored one of the goals at Boundary Park on Saturday.
Torquay United travelled to Derby County after their dramatic 2-2 draw in the first game but unfortunately were well beaten 5-0 at Pride Park to the League One side.
In the league The Gulls have only won three of their nineteen games played so far - Two of which have come on their travels at FC Halifax Town and Southend United. They are on a five-game losing streak in league away games with their last four ending by an aggregate score of 0-12. It has to be noted that two of those games were 0-6 at Wrexham and 0-4 at Notts County who are likely to be the top two of the division this season. Their last two league games have been at home in 3-3 draw with Dorking Wanderers and 1-5 at home to Chesterfield.
The Bees are in good form. They had a run of 'goals galore' games in late September and early October - losing 4-5 at Dagenham & Regbridge, 0-5 at home to York City, 4-3 at home to Maidstone United and then 5-7 at Wrexham!!!
Since that amazing game at The Racecourse Ground their form in league and cup reads WWWDLDWW so The Bees will be favourites for the game but
ISUZU FA TROPHY SECOND ROUND
KINGS LANGLEY v AFC TELFORD UNITED
Stpe 3 v Step 2 - Kings Langley are on the best ever run in the FA Trophy with victories over Ashford United and Carshalton Athletic to get to this stage. They are struggling towards the bottom of the Southern League Premier Central but did win 2-1 at home against bottom of the table Hednesford Town last weekend which was followed up by a 0-1 loss to Rushall Olympic on Monday evening.
AFC Telford United are rooted to the bottom of the Vanarama North Division with just one win all season which came on the opening at Chorley 0-1.
Since then, their form reads DLLDDLLLLLDLLLLLL which makes dismal reading for their supporters. Manager Paul Carden departed the club at the beginning of October who had been in charge since November last year. He was replaced by Kevin Wilkin who was sacked by Brackley Town at the end of September and has also been boss at Wrexham and Nuneaton Borough during his managerial career.
The Shropshire Town is synonymous with FA Trophy history with the former Telford United club winning in 1971, 1983 and 1989 as well as being finalists in 1970 and 1988. They were also Semi-Finalists in 1972, 2000 and 2004.
Since the new AFC Telford United were formed in 2004 they have got to the Semi-Final on two occasions in 2009 and 2019.
UXBRIDGE v DOVER ATHLETIC
Step 4 v Step 2 - Could there be a shock result on the cards at Honeycroft?
After relegation from the Vanarama National Division last season The Whites are currently in mid-table of the South Division under the management of Andy Hessenthaler who has been in charge in his second spell at the Kent club since 2018.
In their last six league games they have found goals hard to come by scoring four times.
The Middlesex side got to the Third-Round stage last season memorably winning 0-1 at Step 2 side Chippenham Town in the Second Round before losing at Folkestone Invicta. They also had an amazing run in the 2010/11 season getting through to the Second-Round stage where they played then non-league side Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in front of 1,958 supporters.
To get to this stage they have beaten Chertsey Town, Bedfont Sports, Walton & Hersham and Wingate & Finchley.
The 1997/98 FA Trophy saw Dover Athletic reach the semi-final where they lost to Cheltenham Town over two legs.
Also a mention has to go to two step four sides in action against step two sides as Stowmarket Town travel to Banbury United and Heybridge Swifts welcome Hereford FC to Scraley Road.
PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN PREMIER DIVISION
HARINGEY BOROUGH v POTTERS BAR TOWN
Not many fans would have predicted The Scholars would be riding high in the league table after 15 games played. They lost striker Lewis Manor who recently joined his former Bowers & Pitsea boss Rob Small who took over in the Concord Rangers hot seat in October. He had been a summer signing for the club.
Manager Sammy Moore moved quickly to make the eye-catching signing of Nick Dembele from Bognor Regis Town. The 25-year-old had joined The Rocks from Gosport Borough in the summer and also played for Braintree Town last season having represented Lewes and Cambridge City previously.
Dembele has scored three goals in his first four games for his new side including the winner in their 1-0 win over Bowers & Pitsea last weekend.
You could describe Haringey Borough's form as "up and down" this season. Recent results have been a good 3-3 draw at Hornchurch followed by a 3-0 and 5-2 home wins over Folkestone Invicta and Kingstonian. Last weekend they were roundly beaten at Hastings United losing 4-1.
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PITCHING-IN ISTHMIAN NORTH DIVISION
COGGESHALL TOWN v EAST THURROCK UNITED
This will be the first home league game for The Seedgrowers under the new management of former Saffron Walden boss Jason Maher.
They went down 2-0 at Basildon United last weekend which saw Richard Hayward, Warren Beattie, Ryan Dear, Jamie Riley, Jason Hallet make their debuts for the club.
In midweek they hosted Hullbridge Sports in the Essex Senior Cup Round Three which saw another debutant in goalkeeper James Askew make his first start for The Seedgrowers. It was a good 3-1 win for Jason Maher's side and a real confidence boost going into Saturday's game.
East Thurrock United, relegated from the Premier Division last season, currently find themselves in mid table of the North Division. An eight-game unbeaten run was ended at home to Maldon & Tiptree who recorded a 0-4 win at Rookery Hill in front of 277 fans and was the visitors only second league win of the season.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION
WARE v BERKHAMSTED
A top of the table clash at Wodson Park. A win for the visitors would put them 10 points clear with a home win moving Ware within 4 points of The Comrades.
Ware lost 2-1 at Harlow Town last weekend which was The Hawks fourth win of the season.
Berkhamsted are unbeaten in 11 league games and have won their last 9 - Ryan Blake has been in great scoring form netting 7 times in the last 5 games.
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH-EAST DIVISION
BECKENHAM TOWN v WHITEHAWK
Only Truro City, Spalding United and Whitehawk remain unbeaten in league games from Steps One to Four on the non-league ladder.
The Hawks, currently third in the table, have only conceded 6 goals in their 12 league games played. Beckenham Town have only played 5 home games (won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1) in the league due to their FA Cup run to the Fourth Qualifying Round. They drew 2-2 at Ashford United in midweek.
Former Billericay Town, Woking and Kingstonian striker Louie Theopanous has been in good scoring form for Beckenham Town netting three times in the last four games.
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
ST PANTELEIMON v POTTON UNITED
Two sides who are in great from meet at Hertingfordbury Park in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division. The Royals had an eye-catching win over top of the table Stotfold last weekend beating them 3-0 at The Hutchinson Hollow in front of a local derby crowd of 167 people. Jack Thomas, Alfie Warman and Callum Wilson scored the goals which saw Jimmy Martin's side go eight league and cup games without a defeat.
The Saints continued on the Road to Wembley in the Isuzu FA Vase last weekend in a dramatic game against Thurlow Nunn Premier Division side Sheringham which ended 3-3 and went to spot kicks which they won 3-2.
They then played Leverstock Green at home on Wednesday evening in a league game and won 2-1 in monsoon like conditions. The 3G pitch at Hertford Town held out for the game to finish though.
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
REAL BEDFORD v EATON SOCON
The home side are well clear at the top of the table winning fourteen of their fifteen games scoring 50 goals and letting in just 9. They are currently 12 points clear at the top of the table.
This is the club's first full season under the ownership of Bitcoin Businessman Peter McCormack and under the management of former Eynesbury Rover's boss Rob Sinclair. Their last two results have been a 0-1 win at Premier Division side Aylesbury Vale Dyamos in the Gladwish Challenge Cup and a 9-0 home demolition of Raunds Town with Tom Hitchcock scoring four goals. The Shopmakers have now played Real three times this season also losing 0-2 at home in the league and 9-1 at McMullen Park in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy.
Eaton Socon have had a great first season at Step Six after promotion from the Cambridgeshire County League. After losing 0-2 at home to in-form Rugby Borough (the only side to beat Real Bedford this season) they won at second placed Northampton Sileby Rangers 1-4 and then drew 1-1 with Burton Park Wanderers on Wednesday evening.
A huge game for both sides - Real Bedford are firm favourites for the title with the resources they have and should finish top of the table should their form continue but the visitors will want to give a good account of themselves and will be no push-overs I'm sure!
League crowds at McMullen Park have risen from an average of 49 last season to 180 for the games played this season.
THURLOW NUNN FIRST DIVISION SOUTH
CANNONS WOOD v BURNHAM RAMBLERS
The Ramblers go into this game in second place having lost on penalty kicks at Step Five Tring Athletic in the FA Vase last weekend.
The home side had a terrible start to life at Step 6 following their promotion from the Essex Alliance League but under the new management of Seven Wade are unbeaten in three league games winning their last two at home to Coggeshall United and away at Benfleet.
They were 2-3 down at home to Sporting Bengal United on Wednesday evening but in atrocious conditions with puddles of water forming on the 3G pitch at Harlow Town the game was abandoned with around 10 minutes to go.
THE PITCH AT HARLOW TOWN ON WEDNESDAY EVENING WAS DEEMED UNSAFE BY THE MATCH OFFICIALS WITH AROUND TEN MINUTES TO GO.
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
CODICOTE v MK COLLEGE ACADEMY
There could be goals at The John Clements Memorial Ground as these two teams played each other in the Division Two Cup last weekend in MK with the final score being 3-3 and Cod winning 3-4 on spot kicks.
It was a highly eventful cup tie as the visitors were 0-2 up at half time but the home side brought it back to 2-2 only for the visitors to miss a penalty to go 2-3 up. MK then went 3-2 with only a few minutes to go with the final score being 3-3.
A comparison of MK's league form home and away shows a stark contrast - At home they have 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat at home with 23 goals netted and 10 conceded. On their travels they have 2 wins and three defeats with only 6 goals scored and 11 conceded. Their goals scored per game is 3.83 at home compared to 1.20 away from home.
"IT WAS A GOOD REACTION AFTER THE DEFEAT AGIANST SANDRIDGE ROVERS"
Cod Manager Craig Meyrick said "The motorway wasn't too good on the way up and then we threw away a two-goal lead, missed a penalty kick to go 2-3 up. We showed good character to beat a decent young side on their pitch with penalty kicks always a lottery. It was a good reaction after the defeat against Sandridge Rovers"
HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
HERTFORD HEATH v WARE SPORTS
It's derby day in the Premier Division of the Hertfordshire Senior County League as Ware Sports make the short four-mile journey to St Margaretsbury FC to face Hertford Heath.
Both sides are having impressive seasons. Ware Sports warmed up for this game by winning 9-1 in the Anagram Trophy Second Round against Middlesex County Premier Division side OIR FC. In the league they have won six, drawn one and lost two games with Heath winning five and drawing three of their eight league games. However, they were well beaten 4-0 at Oracle Components in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy last weekend.
The two sides met in the Anagram Trophy First Round in October with Sports winning 1-2 - Connor Bancans got both of their goals in this game.
HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
HARPENDEN TOWN DEVELOPMENT v APSLEY ARGYLE
A top of the table clash in the Herts Senior County League Division One as Harpenden Town Development host Apsley Argyle.
"LOSING OUR FIRST LEAGUE GAME IN THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER DESERVES MASSIVE CREDIT ALL ROUND"
The hosts lost their first league games of the season last weekend going down 3-2 to London Lions Development who scored all of their three goals within the first ten minutes of the game. Manager Dan Welch stated after the game "Today was a bad day, we kicked off at 1pm & we took another three kick offs by 1.07pm which left ourselves with a huge mountain to climb but credit to London Lions Development who were good value for their win. Losing our first league game in the middle of November deserves massive credit all round - We will be back!!"
Apsley Argyle were promoted from Division Two last season and have been excellent in their first season at Step Eight of the non-league pyramid and are currently unbeaten in six league games drawing 2-2 at L7 Academy last weekend. They had to come from behind twice in the game to gain a well-earned point away from home.
"AFTER COMING UP THIS SEASON THE BOYS HAVE SHOWN GREAT DETERMINATION TO ADAPT AS A TEAM TO WIN"
Argyle Manager Charlie Beach told me after last Satuday's game "Ultimately we didn’t really turn up on Saturday versus L7, we only has small spells of good football. It became an uphill task after going down twice to a young and fit side but luckily the lads were able to rally together and take the chances they did get. This Saturday coming looks to be a great fixture against the top side, we have a strong hard-working squad who love a challenge so hopefully there will be some good football on show. After coming up this season the boys have shown great determination to adapt as a team to win and challenge for games. Hopefully, we can continue this attitude forward on Saturday"
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"WE'RE THE BLACK AND GOLD ARMY!" - HACKNEY WICK HAVE A SMALL NUMBER OF FRIENDLY, LOYAL AND SUPERB FANS WHO ALWAYS BACK THEIR TEAM AND MAKE FOR A GOOD ATMOSPHERE WHEREVER THEY PLAY - THIS WAS BACK IN NOVEMBER 2021 WHEN THEY PLAYED AT HARWICH AND PARKESTON.
LONDON SENOR TROPHY
HACKNEY WICK v FC PETROCUB
A Step 6 v Step 7 cup clash! It's a chance for Hackey residents to see the famous Hackney Wick in action on home turf as they are hosting this game at the Hackney Marshes show pitch. The Thurlow Nunn First Division (South) side are currently ground sharing with Witham Town.
Their opponents are Essex Alliance Senior Division side FC Petrocub were formed in 2018 by members of London's Moldovan Community and the name relates to FC Petrocub Hincesti who play in the Moldovan National League. They certainly have some cup pedigree having reached the final of the London Junior Cup last season. The club badge takes its design from the flag of the region of Sărata-Galbenă in Moldova.
Vasilica-Cristienl Ilie has been in great form for them this season netting 11 goals in just 10 games with Ion Spinu also great in front of goal with 9 in 8 games.
The Wickers were well beaten at home by Tower Hamlets in a league fixture last weekend which ended 0-4 to the visitors.
STONEWALL v AFC CUBO
West Ham United maybe taking a break due to the World Cup but their neighbours will be action at the London Marathon Community Track which is right next door to The London Stadium. The home side are in fifth place of the Middlesex County League Premier Division with the visitors currently top of the Surrey Premier County Football League. They were formed in 1999 and are based in Barnes, South London.
BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
ELSTOW ABBEY v CRANFIELD UNITED
A huge top of the table clash as Elstow Abbey, who have 26 points from 10 games and are currently unbeaten, entertain Cranfield United. The visitors lost their first game of the season but are now unbeaten in 10 league games. They won 7-1 against Biggleswade United Reserves last weekend which saw them gain revenge for a 3-1 defeat against the same side in the Beds Senior Trophy earlier in the season.
NRG 24HR GYM KENT COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
CROCKENHILL v CRAYFORD ARROWS
The Crocks are still without a win in the league with 2 draws and 7 defeats in 9 games. They welcome Crayford Arrows on Saturday who have 3 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats in 8 games. Crockenhill went down 5-0 at Long Lane with The Arrows recording a decent 0-4 win at Belvedere. A great chance to visit the wonderful and much loved Wested Meadow ground.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE NORTH/WEST
LONDON RANGERS v BRENT UNITED
A local derby at Step Eight of the non-league pyramid in the Middlesex County League Division One North/West.
The home side can trace its history back to 1938 and the formation of Ruislip Manor - After they lost their Grosvenor Vale home and moved across to the London Borough of Brent and were re-named Tokyngton Manor. The club played at the Viking Sports Ground in Greenford and were famous for attracting crowds in single figures for some of their Spartan South Midlands League games. They then ground shared at Hanwell Town and Amersham Town for a short time before becoming dormant in 2014. In 2017 the club was resurrected as London Rangers and have played in the Middlesex County League since.
Brent United were formed in 2021 and have many youth teams representing the club from under 6 to under 16 as well as the men's first team in the Middlesex County League. They did play a game at the Willesden Sports Centre earlier in the season but now play home games at Northwick Park.
Rangers have won two of their six league games with United winning five of seven played. Bradley Bubb has scored six goals in the three games he has played for Brent.
The game takes place at Kingsbury High School where London Rangers currently play their home games.
A special mention must go the management and players of Edgware & Kingsbury Reserves who recently got their first points on the board in the Hertfordshire Senior County League Division One. They drew 1-1 at home to Old Parmiterians on Saturday 29th October and followed this up with a 0-6 defeat against London Lions Development and a narrow 1-2 home defeat to Lemsford. They travel to Bovingdon Reserves on Saturday.
33 GOALS IN JUST 17 GAMES
THIS WEEK'S LOCAL NON-LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK IS.....Morrison Hashii of London Samurai Rovers. The 21 year old Japanese centre-forward has scored an astonishing number of goals for Rovers this season - He has netted 33 times in just 17 league and cup games for the Combined Counties League Division One side. That total looks even more impressive when you see that just one of those goals has been from the penalty spot. He has played for Al Hilal United (Dubai) and Albirex Niigate in the Singapore Premier League.
THIS WEEKEND'S RANDOM NON-LEAGUE MATCH IS......Fleet Spurs v Whitchurch United in the Wessex League Division One. The home side have lost all fifteen league games so far conceding 52 and scoring just 6 goals. Their visitors are in 16th place and have won just 1 gam in 8 on their travels. In home games Spurs have scored just one goal which Connor Knight scored back in August in a 1-4 defeat versus Petersfield Town.
AND FINALLY, A RANDOM NON-LEAGUE FACT.... Forest Hill Park have the best defensive record in the Southern Counties East League Division One but are second from bottom in the table!! They have only let in 11 goals in 10 league games but have only scored 6!! Their only win this season came on the opening day of the season at Rochester United. Their next game is the big Ladywell Arena Local Derby next Wednesday evening when they are the away side against rival's Lewisham Borough.
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