The Latest Musings

By Admin ccl

From Press Secretary Neil Morrell

Pride of place fixture-wise on Saturday last was the news that five of our member teams participated in the First Round Qualifying of the Emirates sponsored F.A. Challenge Cup comprising of four Premier Division sides, namely Chessington & Hook United, Ashford Town, Hartley Wintney and Farnham Town.

Bedfont & Feltham were the sole representatives from Division One having gallantly battled their way through four matches in the previous two rounds to find themselves paired with AFC Rushden & Diamonds who, as a Southern League, Division One Central, club where, currently, they top their division, are two steps superior in terms of standings in the National League System level wise.

In a simple case of how to spend my Saturday afternoon, a game like this was certainly far and away superior to any that might have crossed my mind as the 'Yellows', from just outside Hatton Cross, well and truly ticked my box especially as, just a few years back, their opponents as a Football League club pitted their wits against my local home side here in Northampton before their sad demise. Thankfully though, due to a fully dedicated team behind the scenes, a phoenix club called AFC Rushden & Diamonds rose from the ashes where, for a short while, they played in the Chromasport United Counties League playing in front of crowds at home games of over 400 at Wellingborough Town's Dog & Duck Stadium (United Counties FL) having been denied a return to their original Nene Park home which was where the original club hailed from. Attendance records which, prior to this game, as Bedfont & Feltham read 170, were well shattered as a very healthy crowd of 227 turned up (myself included) for what was, in prospect, a most interesting encounter. Great (as always) to see League Friend and President of the Middlesex County Football Association, Jim Taylor, in attendance and, per his normal kindness, put pen to paper for us on analysis seen through match play which we always look forward to as and when we have the pleasure of spending time with him at designated matches. My own opinions of the match are not a million miles away from Jim's observations on this occasion I will let him share with you. I will say, though, I thought Bedfont & Feltham, from a personal point, were, despite being in the end, worn down certainly did themselves and our League proud.

Our other F.A. Challenge Cup matches saw Hartley Wintney keep alive our interest League-wise as they and visitors Fleet Town (Southern FL) drew 1-1 in front of a wonderful crowd numbering 270 over at the Memorial Playing Fields. Ross Cook gave the 'Row' a 10th minute lead when he slotted home a penalty which, despite creating a number of additional chances, Hartley Wintney were unable to add to their early effort which they paid for in the 75th minute when Ben Toye made it 1-1. Result-wise, this was how things ended up meaning a trip to Calthorpe Park on Tuesday evening (15th September) will decide who, out of these two teams, progresses further - hopefully for us, it will be Hartley Wintney. We wish them well in their endeavours.

Over at Hoddesdon Town, a very much below strength Ashford Town, despite taking a 30th minute lead through Scott Elgar, fell victim to their Spartan South Midlands League, Premier Division, hosts in one of those matches that, despite selection setbacks, enough chances were created to see them through. Sadly though, this was not the case on the day and the boys from Hertfordshire move forward to the next stage of the competition.

No joy for hosts Chessington & Hook United as high flying North Leigh (Southern FL) won by the odd goal in five in a very entertaining encounter over at Chalky Lane.

Despite putting up a brave effort, Farnham Town went down 2-1 at Tooting & Mitcham United (Isthmian FL).

League-wise, Ashford Town remain top but, following their 6-2 victory over at Spelthorne Sports, Epsom & Ewell moved to within a point of the 'Ash Trees' having played one game more. Our other six Premier Division games saw Knaphill hit five without reply over at bottom club Cove who still seek their first point of 2015/2016. Second bottom Redhill also conceded five following their trip to Guildford City; 5-2 this one ended up. Again though, Redhill are still looking to secure their first League points of the season having played six League games. Other Premier Division winners on Saturday afternoon were Colliers Wood United 2-0 at AFC Hayes thanks to Dan Harding and Mario Embalo. Horley Town racked up a 3-1 home points maximum at the expense of visitors Raynes Park Vale while the games at Windsor and Westfield saw points shared 0-0 with Chertsey Town and Camberley Town respectively; the latter finishing 1-1.

Division One leaders C.B. Hounslow United hold a six point advantage following their seventh League win on the bounce this season; latest victims were hosts Banstead Athletic. Second placed Eversley & California were comfortable 6-2 home winners against Cobham. A very good result for Sandhurst Town as they picked up a very impressive 2-0 victory over at Farleigh Rovers and all square over at Sheerwater as they and visitors Ash United shared four goals. On the subject of four, both Staines Lammas and Worcester Park ran out 4-0 winners in their respective home encounters with Dorking Wanderers Reserves and South Park Reserves respectively. AND FINALLY, Saturday afternoon hosts Frimley Green needed just the one goal to secure maximum points following a visit from Abbey Rangers.

Where next?

News from Redhill FC Redhill's Chairman, Jerry O'Leary announces the appointment of first team coaches.

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