League Update

The League’s major honours are gradually being resolved as we approach the final few days of the season and congratulations go to Hartley Wintney FC, whose 2-0 victory at Westfield on Tuesday evening (26 April) clinched the League Championship with two matches to go.
It is richly deserved with Hartley having been consistent throughout the season, losing just four league matches (last season’s winners, Molesey, lost 10 games) and scoring 121 goals so far.

The runners-up spot, and with it promotion to Step 4, has still to be decided and it may all hinge upon the Bank Holiday match this coming Monday between Hartley and Camberley Town. The situation at the time of writing is that Ashford have a two point advantage but Camberley have a match in hand. Kick-off is at 1.00 p.m. at Hartley Wintney and the League Championship Trophy will be presented to Hartley following the final whistle. The presentation is to be made by League Officer David Havenhand, who is stepping down after several meritorious years of service to the League as the Fines Officer and as a member of the Grounds Inspection Sub-Committee. Prior to joining the League in 2003 when Division One was formed following the merger with the Surrey Premier League, David had spent numerous years as the Secretary of that League.

The first of the League’s cup competitions was resolved on Wednesday evening at Camberley Town FC when the RPM Records Division One Challenge Cup Final was won by Worcester Park with a solitary goal victory over Bedfont & Feltham. It was scored in the 30th minute by Worcester Park’s Johnny Phillips who later received the “Man of the Match” award, as chosen by League Officer Phill Nash. A healthy attendance of 175 was recorded and all spectators saw a keenly fought contest, well refereed by Andy Bennett and his two worthy assistants, which overall was a credit to the League. Camberley’s hosting of the event was impeccable, not least the home made lemon drizzle cake, of which the League Secretary ate three slices.

The result is a reversal of last season’s final between the same two sides, won on that occasion by Bedfont & Feltham on penalties.

The championship of Division One is still in the melting pot, between Abbey Rangers, CB Hounslow and Bedfont & Feltham, one of whom will clinch the league shortly, although it may not be until Saturday 7 May when CB play their final match.

In the Grant-McLellan Youth Cup, the two finalists are now confirmed with Bedfont Sports winning 3-1 at Chertsey on Monday evening. They will now face AFC Croydon Athletic U18 in the Final to be held at Frimley Green FC on Thursday 5 May, at Frimley Green FC, kick-off 7.45 p.m.

The League's Senior Cup Final, for the Cherry Red Records Premier Cup is all set to go on Saturday 7 May, at Windsor FC, kicking off at 3.00 p.m when Camberley Town and Farnham Town will battle it out in a local derby.