​Finally, with the new season approaching and the weekly SoReg Review planned to get under way a few weeks before the opening day, I would really like to establish modes of communications with every team. X has always been the chosen social media platform, but the engagement has begun to wane over the years (cheers Elon). Whilst it will not be going away, I am also going to be publicising posts and blogs through Facebook and Instagram. It would be good to get feedback from every team's media admins about how they plan to communicate during the season. In the background, it would be fantastic to establish an old-fashioned email link too. The mail address info@botp.co.uk is monitored constantly and can be used for any offline comms.

SDFA Cup Final
AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Southampton Women's
The Sirens took the lead in this game through Ella Wright's goal on the half-hour. However, Bournemouth were level seven minutes before half-time and then struck the winning goal with eight minutes remaining of second-half normal time.

AFC Portchester 11-0 Woodley United
Portchester signed off the season with a big win against Woodley. Layla Morgan, who was later to make her England Beach Soccer debut (congratulations Layla), ended her league season with five of the goals. Sophie Bell added a hat-trick, Lola Meyer struck twice and Lauren Aitken added to her season tally.

​That's the season done, and what a fantastic season it was! One team in each division stood out from the start, Wycombe Wanderers in the Premier, Denham United in Division One North and Farnham Town in Division One South. Ultimately, the starts they had got all three of them over the line, but credit to the chasing pack in each division for keeping them all honest until the end. This was especially true in the top flight where AFC Portchester, Southampton Women and, in particular Winchester City Flyers, had The Chairgirls chewing their fingernails into early May
On a personal basis, I enjoyed every minute of the season. A season that saw me get to more games involving SoReg teams than ever before.

​The season began for me with a first ever trip to The Den. Newcomers Denham United, who had moved laterally into Division One North from The London & South-East League, were taking on Oxford City's Development team, also in their first season in D1N after coming up from the Thames Valley League.  Match blog - Goal Den Girls

​Next up was the FA Cup and another new team to add to my list, Manorcroft United. The hosts were newly promoted into the South-East Counties Surrey League and were taking their place in the FA Cup for the first time in their history. Match blog - Lemons Squeezed Out By Royals

My longest round trip of the season came next. A first visit to Chapel Gate for Bournemouth Sports Reserves versus AFC Varsity. A tight game ensued, settled by a single Kayleigh Mackay goal for the second consecutive season. Match blog - ​Sports Suffer From Kayjà Vu

Following on from my longest journey of the season, I took the opportunity to visit the closest club to home for my next match. Kidlington Youth, who had been struggling for points taking on an Abingdon Development side who were following up last season's Chairman's Cup win with some good league form. Match blog - ​United Getting The Winning Habit

My first chance to see the attacking power of Wycombe Wanderers came next. They faced up to an Oxford City team that were not shy of a goal or two themselves. However, on the day, it was The Chairgirls who came out on top, making an emphatic statement. Match blog - ​Dominant Wanderers Sink City

Next on the agenda was a first trip of the season to Hillier Way for a very tasty looking clash between two of Wycombe's chasing pack, Winchester City Flyers and Southampton Women. The Sirens took a 1-0 lead into the break, but Flyers hit them with there second half strikes to take the points. Match blog - ​Flyers Ignore Siren's Call

As the end of November approached it was time for a first visit of the season to Marsh Lane. A tough ask for Oxford City as they took on a high-flying Swindon Town team in the FA Cup. Already one step above The Hoops and pushing for another promotion, The Robins were always going to be difficult opponents. Swindon hot-shot and captain, Annie Colston, hit a hat-trick in front of over 750 supporters. Match blog - ​Annie Gets It Done

December began with a long overdue first ever trip to AFC Portchester. Their FA Cup tie with a Worthing side in the step above them, but struggling for points, was just too good to miss. The home side did not disappoint, coming back from an early setback to win 4-1 in front of a stadium record, for women's football, of 332 spectators. Match blog - ​Royals Give Worthing The 2nd Half Blues

Next up was a re-visit to Holloways Park on a sopping wet afternoon. Beaconsfield Town's game with Oxford City was also part of the club's charity weekend supporting OneCan Food Bank & Trust (www.onecantrust.org.uk) with spectators being encouraged to bring along cans of food instead of an admission fee. A great idea that I was more than happy to support. The charity ran even deeper for the home side, who succumbed to a heavy 6-1 defeat to The Hoops. Match blog - ​Charitable Rams

The following weekend I was back on the long road south for a quick re-visit to AFC Portchester as they faced their toughest test yet, an FA Cup tie with WSL 2 side, Ipswich Town. Although the Tractor Girls were bottom of the league when this match happened,  the three step gap between the sides was always going to be difficult to bridge for Portchy.  Ipswich produced a throughly professional performance, taking control early on and never letting Portchester establish themselves. Match blog - ​End Of The Road For The Royals

My first game of 2026 was another first visit, and one a little closer to home. Newcomers Larkspur Rovers had been performing very well and were had only lost once, to leaders Denham United. Their visitors, Slough Town, had also been in good form recently, so it promised to be a good game. Match blog - ​A Double At The Rovers

Next up was an eagerly awaited south versus north FA Capital Cup clash. The leaders of Division One South, Farnham Town, facing off against the Division One North leaders, Denham United. Both teams came into the game with 100% league records.  What a cracker it was too. Farnham came out on top and were already in front when Denham were reduced to 10. However, both sides gave it their all. Match blog - ​North South Divide

Next up was a trip to Arbour Park for Reading versus Beaconsfield Town. The previous weekend The Royals had ended Wycombe's long unbeaten run when Jasmine King's goal had given them a 1-0 victory. The Rams had won their previous two games after suffering a bit of a mauling at Wycombe a few weeks previously. Match blog - Making It Count

Another first visit was next on the agenda, a visit to Bemerton Heath Harlequins who were also playing at a different venue, having switched to a sports ground in Whitchurch to help defeat the awful weather, which had rained off many games on grass pitches. Consequently, although a home game for Bemmy, then venue was actually closer to their opponents, AFC Stoneham. The game itself was a cracker between two fully committed teams, decided by a single added-time goal for Quins. Match blog - ​Harlequins No Joke For Purps

Early February saw me heading back over to the MGroup Stadium where, just the previous week, I'd watched my daughter play for Brackley against Oxford City. The Hoops were at home to Woodley United, who were still looking for their first win of the season. On the outside pitch City's Dev. team were taking on Farnborough, so there was a chance to keep up to date with two games simultaneously. Match blog - ​Super Stalley's Goal Statistics Make Woodley So Vivacious

My next game was back in Division One North as two teams looking to hunt down Denham went head to head at Arbour Park. Both Slough Town and visitors Penn & Tylers Green had the opportunity to move into second spot with a win. In the end Penn took the points in a game that was much closer than the final score line suggested. Match blog - ​Rebels Felled

A clash between the current top two in the Premier League was next on the agenda. Back to Burnham for Wycombe Wanderers versus Southampton Women. The leaders were given a scare by a very good Sirens team that took a two goal lead before The Chairgirls showed great grit to level it up. Match blog - ​Wycombe Survive The Sirens Call

The last action of February was a North Hants Divisional Football Association Cup semi-final between Division One South Andover New Street and Premier League Winchester City Flyers, who were looking to win the trophy for the second year on the bounce after beating Andover in last season's final. After initially exchanging goals, it turned into the Chelsie Hay show as the Flyers striker hit a hat-trick to seal their passage to the final. Match blog - ​New Street Knocked Out By A Haymaker

With the end of the season in sight, attention swung to the bottom of Division One North and a clash between the bottom two, Kidlington Youth and Ascot United Reserves. Battling relegation they may be, but the teams still managed to produce a thrilling game of football. Ascot battling back from two goals down to level it up before going behind again and then equalising in added time. Stunning stuff. Match blog - ​Bottom Two Battle It Out

Having barely got my breath back from the Yarnton Road game, I was soon heading off to Whitchurch for the NHDFA Cup Final between Winchester City Flyers and Division One North side Farnborough. Another Chelsie Hay hat-trick meant that Flyers retained the trophy, but they were given a run for their money by a plucky Farnborough team. Match blog - ​Back To Back Winners

Swapping from a cup final to a cup semi-final next, and another trip to Arbour Park for Reading versus AFC Portchester, battling it out for a place in the League Cup Final. Portchy had lost at this stage in the previous two seasons so had an increased incentive to stop the semi-final rot. They eventually did it but were pushed al the way by a Reading side who could count themselves a little unfortunate, especially in the second half. Match blog - ​Final. Finally

April dawned and the finishing line drew into sight across the divisions, the first title decider came in the North. Time to head down to French School Meadow where Denham United needed to beat their hosts, Penn & Tylers Green, to be crowned champions with a number of games still remaining.  United did so, and in some style, maintaining their 100% record in the process. No mean feat against a Penn side that would go on to finish as runners-up. Match blog - ​Ruthless, Relentless, Clinical

My next game was decided more by my dog keeping me awake half the night. Deciding to keep it close to home, I made the short trip down the A34 to see how Kidlington Youth fared in their fight to avoid the drop, as they took on Abingdon United Development at The Northcourt. The game ended in another defeat for The Greens, but they did enough to show their was still fight left in them. Match blog - ​Yellows Give Greens The Blues

The annual cup final day was next on the list. Both the Chairman's Cup Final and the League Cup Final, played on the same day, this year at Reading City's Scours Lane stadium, and an opportunity to meet up with Dave Reed aka The Wandering Tractor. Dave and I agreed to cover a game each. I took the Chairman's Cup and Dave the League Cup. We were honoured to also be asked to pick the PotM for each game.  Both were tight games on a bumpy, dusty pitch with Denham beating Oxford City in the Chairman's Cup and AFC Portchester edging out Wycombe Wanderers on penalties in the League Cup. Chairman's Cup match blog - ​Double Denham. Dave's League Cup Final blog here - SRWFL League Cup Final

May kicked off with another trip to The Charters Community Stadium for a crunch game between Winchester City Flyers and AFC Portchester. Both sides needed a win to stay in the hunt for the title. A draw would hand the title to Wycombe, who had already completed their league campaign. In the end, that was exactly what happened but, before the watching group of Chairgirls could celebrate, these two teams produced a football match of supreme quality, excitement and tension. Match blog - Everyone's A Winner

Having thought I'd seen the tensest and most nerve-racking game of football on Sunday, the following Saturday my daughter's team topped it with their 2-1 Oxfordshire Girls League Cup Final win. After being 2-0 up, they let a goal slip with 7 minutes remaining, leaving a heart-pumping, nail-biting few minutes in which their opponents hit the underside of the bar. I had to mention it because, not since Igor Balis smashed in a last-minute penalty at Bradford (if you know, you know), have I felt such emotion at a football match. We digress. Two more SoReg games to go, staring with the Oxfordshire FA Cup Final between Oxford City and Kidlington Youth, a repeat of last season's final which City won 4-0. I had the pleasure of watching this game with my (cup-winning) daughter, who spent a season and a half at Kidlington, a club that will always have a place in our hearts. I had always planned to just go as a spectator and not write a blog. After the result, I'm glad I didn't.

 My SoReg season was also to end at the MGroup Stadium. The conclusion of 2628 miles on the road and 28 matches.
There was noting really resting on this game and both teams had already lifted silverware. Oxford City the county cup (see above) and AFC Portchester the League Cup (see Wandering Tractor's blog). Nevertheless, both teams would have wanted to take a win into the summer break. Match blog - ​Hoops End On A High

If you got this far, well done. I know it's a bit of a long read.

I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of every game. My only regret is wasn't able to get to more games and didn't manage to see every team play, let alone get to every ground. I started the season with good intentions, including visiting Guernsey. Of course, life took over and it didn't quite happen. 

I'd really like to get to more games in 26/27 as well as expand the site to be the place to go for anything SoReg. So, if anyone out there wants to contribute articles, match blogs, photos or has any other ideas, let me know. The platform is definitely growing. This past season interactions on women's football posts have outweighed any of my men's football blogs. Let's keep the momentum going.

I'd also like to say a big thank you to all the players, coaches, physios, referees, assistant referees, unpaid volunteers, photographers, bloggers, supporters and readers of this blog. Have a great summer. I for one, can't wait for the next season.
​Finally, for those players who picked up injuries this season (too many to mention, and I am always worried I may miss someone), rest up and come back stronger than ever. A speedy and full recovery to you all.

Fleet Town 0-3 Winchester City Flyers
After being goalless at the break, Winchester upped their game, scoring three goals in seven second-half minutes. Shayne Prasad, in her last game for the club before she swaps being a Flyer for being a flier (joining the RAF), signed off in style with two goals, but it was Charlie Snelling who got the ball rolling on the hour mark. Read all about it in Wandering Tractor's excellent match blog. Listen Emma Pearmine's post-match thoughts.

Oxford City 2-1 AFC Portchester
Portchy, without their top scorer Becki Bath, bossed the possession stats but failed to take advantage. Ellie White, set up by the impressive Yasmin Edwards, opened the scoring for City in the first-half. The roles were reversed in the second half as White slid over the perfect cross for Edwards to double the lead. Kim Fuller was on target late on for Portchy. Read about it all in the BotP match blog (Hoops End On A High)

Sholing 1-3 Southampton
A Danielle Kjaer goal, four minutes before the break, had The Sirens in front going into the second half. That lead was doubled by Julia Petrzyk six minutes after the restart, and the same player made it three a minute past the hour. Evie Loveridge notched a consolation for The Boatwomen in the 67th minute.

​Denham United P-P Kidlington Youth

Farnborough 5-3 Tilehurst Panthers
Farnborough closed out their season with a convincing 5-3 defeat of Tilehurst. Their first goal was an own goal, forced by a Poppy Hawken cross. Lily Stride added a second with the third goal coming from Leighann May. Laura Quinn-Low and Eliza Andrews quickly added goals four and five. Deanna Cane struck a hat-trick for Panthers in reply.

ursledon 3-7 Farnham Town
After missing the entire season through injury, Emma Mutch was back on the Farnham team sheet on Sunday......in goal. Town celebrated her return and , of course, the league title, by putting seven past Bursledon. Rachael Manley led the way with a hat-trick, backed up by doubles from both Rebecca Price and Emily Foss. Watch all the gaols on the Farnham X feed.

​SDFA Cup Final
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton Women's
A final game of the season for The Sirens as they take on National League Bournemouth in the SDFA final. Southampton got to the final via a penalty shootout defeat of AFC Varsity, after a 0-0 draw, and a narrow 1-0 defeat of Winchester at Test Park.
The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, SO19 9PW

​AFC Portchester v Woodley United
Portchester need a point to claim third spot whereas Woodley are now safe from the drop but can't move any higher in the table. Both teams will be looking to end the season on a high ready for a fresh push after the summer. Portchy won the reverse fixture 4-0 in March. Sarah Butterworth struck twice with further goals from April Hill and Laurie Potvin.
Wicor Recreation Ground, PO16 9DP

​Kidlington Youth v Tilehurst Panthers
It's do or die for The Greens on Sunday. Anything less than a victory will see them end the season in bottom spot. When the teams met at Scours Lane in March two Leah Why goals helped Panthers to a 3-1 victory. This will be the final SRWFL game of the season for BotP. It could turn out to be a tense one.
Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

Another short trip over the to The MGroup Stadium this Sunday. Unlike last week's Oxfordshire Cup Final, this Sunday there wasn't too much hanging on the result. Hosts Oxford City had long been well clear of the drop zone, but had not been troubling the top three either. Their visitors from Portchester had still been in the running for the title until their thrilling 2-2 at Winchester  two weeks ago. Coming into today they did have an outside chance of the runners-up spot, but in reality third was a far more realistic target. When these two met on the south coast, back in October, Oxford took the lead through Georgina Tayman before goals from Mia Adaway (just prior to her devastating ACL injury that ruled her out of the Gibraltar squad) and Millie Bradbury, gave Portchy the lead. However, a late Ellie White goal earned the Hoops a point.

Following their emphatic county cup victory last weekend, City made just the one change with Keira Maskell donning the gloves in place of Hannah Gerrow. Portchester, meanwhile, were without top scorer Becki Bath and defensive stalwart Laurie Potvin.
It was the visitors who showed first, Gemma Hillier sending a strike straight at Maskell in the second minute. However, neither side managed another effort on goal until the 12th minute, when City took the lead. The architect of the goal was Yasmin Edwards who did well to win the ball back on the right. She then left Sarah Butterworth and Kim Fuller in her wake as she drive towards the edge of the box before cutting back perfectly for Ellie White. The City striker took a touch to control the ball before lashing a shot past Shannon Betteridge. 1-0
As you would expect, the goal prompted a response from the visitors. Five minutes later, Maskell had to be quick off her line to head a long ball clear. With the keeper well out of goal, Amelia Riley went for the immediate lobbed finish but couldn't find the target. A few minutes later Lauren Aitken did well up the left for Portchy, sending over a low cross that Riley had to take on the run and could only put the difficult chance wide of the post.
As Portchy pressed forward, Maskell was lucky to get away with a slip-up in the 26th minute, presenting the ball to Aitken on the left-hand edge of the box. He effort, from a narrow angle, flashed across goal and out for a goal kick. Immediately, City broke up the other end, Edwards burst through on the right side of the box but lifter her shot over the bar. Merely seconds later, City won the ball back and Edwards was again presented with a shooting chance, this time forcing Betteridge into a full-length diving save to her right.
Portchester continued to have the edge in terms of possession, but couldn't find a way through the City defence. City, on the other hand, looked more dangerous especially up the right, where Yasmin Edwards was causing concerns for the Portchy back line.
The next strike at goal came with eight minutes remaining in the half. Hermione Prescott-Luke struck it well, but it was always rising and never troubled Betteridge, A minute later, however, Portchester set Sophie Bell free on their right. The midfielder drove forward before sending over a cross for Lauren Aitken, who couldn't quite keep her effort below the bar. Aitken came even closer a minute later, latching onto a ball that Maskell has already decided to race off her line to clear. Aitken beat the keeper to the ball, took it wide of her, and struck goalward, only to see her effort, from a tight angle, hit the outside of the near post.
Portchy had one last opportunity to level before the break but free kick specialist, Kim Fuller, struck her 25 yard shot straight into the arms of Maskell.

HT Oxford City 1 AFC Portchester 0. Portchester had more of the ball, but Oxford did more with it. 

​Portchester had the ball in the City net within seconds of the restart. However, the assistant had already flagged after Gemma Hillier strayed offside. No complaint from the Portchy captain, who knew she was off.
Undeterred, Portchester continued to press forward. Layla Morgan did well to cut in from the left before sending a shot well wide of the target. Then Betty Barron-Clark split the City defence with a precision through ball for Sarah Butterworth. Once again the shot flew over the bar. Chances were being made, but not taken.
City, having weathered the immediate onslaught from their visitors, then pushed back themselves. Emily Harris was sent clear just before the hour, but Shannon Betteridge had spotted the danger, sprinting off her line to win a 50/50 with the speedy winger. Grace Craven then tried her luck from just outside the box, but in line with the theme of the day, put her effort over the bar.
Betteridge was then called into action again in the 67th minute when Ellie White, in full flight, sent a shot arrowing toward the top corner, only for the Portchy stopper to produce a superb, one-handed, save.
With just under twenty minutes remaining, Portchester had a big shout for a penalty when Layla Morgan and Keira Maskell collided whilst challenging for a ball played into the home penalty area. Both players were fully committed to the challenge and both ended up in a heap. Portchester were convinced that Maskell had taken their striker out rather than getting the ball. However, after consultation with the assistant, the referee brushed away their appeals for a spot-kick. I had exactly the same view as the assistant and, in my opinion, the decision was correct, although you could see why Portchester appealed.
To add salt into the Portchy wounds, just two minutes later, City doubled their lead. Ellie White did the initial damage with a burst of speed up the right and finding a cross, delivered perfectly for Yasmin Edwards to steer the ball past Betteridge. 2-0
Straight down the other end and a very similar 50/50 between the same two players, Maskell and Morgan. This time there were no penalty claims and only the City keeper was left requiring attention after being caught by the striker. Once again, both players were fully and fairly committed to the challenge.
The game had opened up even more by this point. Barron-Clark flashed a header just wide from a right-wing corner and Betteridge, once more, had to fly of her line, this time to block Yasmin Edwards, who had been found by a lovely Emily Harris through ball.
The visitors kept pushing and, two minutes into added time, got what was a deserved consolation goal. Lauren Aitken received the ball out wide on the left, cut inside and slotted a slide-rule ball diagonally between the City defence to find Kim Fuller, who then deftly lifted the ball over Keira Maskell. 2-1
With only a minute left on the clock, it was too late for Portchester to muster an equaliser before the referee drew a close to the game.

FT Oxford City 2 AFC Portchester 1. The defeat combined with Winchester's win at Fleet meant that Flyers would take the runners-up spot. However, both of these teams have lifted silverware this season, City retaining the Oxfordshire FA Cup and Portchester taking the League Cup. So, both can be pleased with their achievements as they look forward to what is shaping up to be an even more competitive Premier League next season.

Oxford City: Maskell, Gorman, Bough-French, Prescott-Luke, Ayres, Lester, Craven(c), Walecki, Harris, E.White, Edwards. Subs: Durham, L.White, Parsons, Tayman, O'Leary
AFC Portchester: Betteridge, Bell, Smith, Butterworth, Hillier(c), Fuller, Riley, Morgan, Barron-Clark, Nightingale, Aitken. Subs: Burchett, Meyer, Kelly

Ground Number: Re-Visit
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Reading 3-5 AFC Portchester
After taking an early lead, goals from Mia Parker, Nat Cowell, and an own goal, saw Reading lead 3-1 after 41 minutes. However, in a breathless first-half, the sides went into the break level at 3-3. Portchester then tightened up at the back and added two more second-half goals, to take the points. Kim Fuller helped herself to a hattrick, whilst the other Arancione goals were scored by Sophie Bell and Maisy Smith.

SDFA
Southampton 1-0 Winchester City Flyers
A Lucy Mear penalty twelve minutes from time, was enough to see The Sirens through to the SDFA Cup Final. Winchester had top scorer Chelsie Hay red-carded in the second half after picking up two yellows inside seven minutes.

​Badshot Lea 2-1 Woodley United
The Baggies won for the first time since the end of November last year, but it was still not enough to prevent them ending the season in the relegation zone. Despite drawing them level on points with Woodley, their inferior goal difference leaves them stranded. Ellie Gill scored both Badshot Lea goals, in the 43rd and 81st minute. Sumayah Zayadi pulled one back with a minute of normal time remaining. Both teams were reduced to ten after Laura Moss and Gergana Kehayova were dismissed. Take a look at the match action, captured by Andrew Batt

Fleet Town P-P Reading

Sholing 1-3 AFC Portchester
Portchy registered their second away win on the bounce to keep the pressure on Winchester in the race for runners-up. Top scorer Becki Bath added two more goals, taking her tally to 23 in 22 outings. Maisy Smith added the other goal, her second in two games. A Claudia Weston goal, just before the hour, was only a consolation for Sholing.

​Abingdon United Development P-P Ascot United Reserves

Denham United 2-3 Farnborough
Farnborough finally did what no other team had managed this season. In Denham's penultimate league game of the season, they lost their 100% record. After Farnborough led through Lara Quinn-Low, Brogan Moore levelled it up sending the sides into the break at 1-1. However, Farnborough got their noses in front again thanks to Lily Stride, only for Moore to equalise once more. With Denham pushing for a winner, Farnborough caught them out once more and deservedly took home all of the points through Leighann May.

​Andover New Street 1-4 Farnham Town
Farnham took the league title in some style, and with three games to spare, with this emphatic victory at Foxcotte Park. Lilly Varney opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Emily Foss made it two. However, Freya Twigg pulled a goal back before half-time to leave the game finely poised. Rebecca Price gave Town some breathing space just past the hour. Emily Foss scored her second to seal the win and the title with 16 minutes remaining. Watch the goals on the Farnham X feed.

Bursledon 9-1 AFC Stoneham
After losing at bottom side Shaftesbury in their last game, The Dons stormed back to form, handing Stoneham their biggest defeat in some time. Chloe Marshall scored the consolation for The Purps, but that was all it was, as Bursledon ran riot. Kirby Anderson led the way with two goals. Bethany Anderson, Laura Ingram, Isobel Pouncy, Nikita Rahman, Rosina Folkes, Samantha-May Gamble and Sophie Lunnon were the other Dons scorers.

​Oxford City 11-0 Kidlington Youth
The writing was on the wall when Yasmin Edwards scored for City after just 48 seconds. The City striker went on to complete a hat-trick, as did both Ellie White and Katherine Parsons. The later notching three goals in the space of 13 second half minutes. Emily Harris and Ellie Walecki were the other Hoops scorers. Kidlington's miserable day was compounded by a late head injury to goalkeeper Emily Murphy. Thankfully, although in some discomfort, she was a least able to walk off the pitch with assistance. Best wishes to Emily for a swift recovery.

​PDFA Cup Final
AFC Portchester 1 Moneyfields 2
Portchester led through a Sarah Butterworth goal, but eventually succumbed to their higher-ranked opponents, who took the PDFA Cup crown for the third successive season. Moneys equalised in first-half added time through Keira Haslam, direct from a corner.  Captain Sophie Phelps scored what was to be the winning goal four minutes into the second half.

​Fleet Town v Winchester City Flyers
Flyers can all but secure second spot with a win here. Although Portchester could still catch them, they would need to overturn at least a 9-goal difference swing. The reverse fixture ended 7-1 to Winchester wit both Chelsie Hay and Annie Northwood, who three goals came in fifteen minutes, hitting hat-tricks for Flyers.
Crookham Road, GU51 5FA

Oxford City v AFC Portchester
A late Ellie White goal earned City a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in October last year, after Portchy had come from a goal down to lead 2-1. City will be on a high after Sunday's 11-0 demolition of Kidlington in the county cup. However, in terms of the league, this is a dead rubber for them.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Sholing v Southampton
Not much more than local bragging rights at stake in this game. The Boatwomen will be looking to exact some revenge for their 3-1 defeat at Test Park in October. The Sirens also won 3-1 at Sholing in the league Cup the following month.
Test Park, SO16 9QZ

​Denham United v Kidlington Youth
After losing their 100% record last Sunday, Denham go into the final league game of the season against bottom side Kidlington. The Greens suffered a heavy county cup final defeat on Sunday and need to pick themselves up quickly. A win would take them out of the drop zone and a point above Ascot United Reserves. The reverse fixture ended in a 6-2 win for Denham and a hattrick for Annie Hewitt.
The Den, Oxford Road, Denham, UB9 4DW

Farnborough v Tilehurst Panthers
Although neither team has too much to play for in this game, Farnborough will certainly be on a massive high after becoming the first team to beat Denham in the league this season. The teams only met in early May, sharing four goals, although Panthers did have to come back from two down at half-time.
The Easy As HGV Stadium, GU14 8UD

​Bursledon v Farnham Town
With the title already in the bag, Farnham can afford to relax in their remaining three games. Bursledon don't have a lot left to play for, although they could possibly climb as high as seventh with two wins. They registered a superb 9-1 defeat of Stoneham in their last outing. They are also yet to travel to The Memorial Ground this season.
Priory Park, SO32 1SQ

​Reading 2-1 Oxford City
A second successive 2-1 defeat for City as they went down to Reading at Arbour Park. All of the goals came in a busy last 13 minutes, Reading's within four minutes. Ellie Szekeres put The Royals in front after 77 minutes, with Ellie Manners doubling it in the 81st. Grace Craven pulled a goal back for Oxford, but Reading held on to claim the points.

​Fleet Town P-P Sholing

Winchester City Flyers 2-2 AFC Portchester
What a game this was! Chelsie Hay gave Winchester an early lead that they held until half-time. However, back came Portchester through Becki Bath. When Sarah Butterworth stabbed home a second five minutes from time, it seemed that Portchy would go on to win. What they didn't bank on was Annie Northwood popping up with an equaliser in the 90th minute. The consequence of the draw was Wycombe winning the title. Read the full match report here (Everyone's A Winner). Check out the match action photos from Gary Marsh, and you can also listen to Emma Pearmine's post-match thoughts.

Woodley United 3-5 Oxford City
Woodley led this game 3-1 at half-time with two goals from Lucy Giles and one from Sumayah Zayadi. However, City staged a stunning second half comeback, scoring four answered to take the points. Emily Harris helped herself to two more goals, Grace Craven scored for the second successive game, Reese Ayres scored her second of the season, and Hermione Prescott-Luke scored a screamer.

​Ascot United Reserves 2-4 Kidlington Youth
Two goals each from Julia Rushmere and Courtney Sumner gave Kidlington the points in this relegation six-pointer. They now trail Ascot by two points with a game in hand. The greens travel to Denham on the 17th and then entertain Tilehurst on the 24th. With Ascot playing Abingdon this coming Sunday, Kidlington will know what they need from those two games.

Oxford City Development 4-6 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn consolidated second spot after a crazy game at Oxford City. Top scorer Tara Woodward took her season total to 32 with two more goals. Rachael Harnby, Molly Woods, Annalise Scott-Green and Ellie Lovelock rounded off the scoring.

Tilehurst Panthers 2-2 Farnborough
Farnborough took the lead just past the midway point of the first-half through Laura Quinn-Low. Ten minutes later Quinn-Low doubled the lead, which they held until half-time. Five minutes after the break Leah Why pulled one back and, with eight minutes remaining, Evie Barrett levelled things.

​Andover New Street 2-1 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Goals from Summer Williams and Violet Alen cancelled out Matilda Pitcher's strike, just after half-time, giving Andover all three points. With one game to play, New Street are in third spot, three points adrift of leaders Havant & Waterlooville. Should they defeat Farnham by three goals in their last game, they would be guaranteed of second spot at least.

Farnham Town 2-6 Havant & Waterlooville
Phoebe Fitzgerald scored a hat-trick and was backed up by goals from Tia Hooper, Millie McNamara and Ava Leather, as The Hawks kept their very slim title hopes alive against a Farnham side missing a few key first-teamers. For now, Havant are top of the table, a point clear of Farnham, who have four to play. Farnham player-manager Anya Kinnane scored a screamer to keep Town in touch at half-time, and then scored a second to level things shortly after the restart. Read the full match report from Wandering Tractor and watch all of the goals courtesy of the Farnham X feed.

Shaftesbury 2-0 Bursledon
Two goals from top scorer Nicola Castle gave Shaftesbury just their second win of the season. It's too late to save them from the drop, but gives them a morale boost ahead of the summer. 

​Reading v AFC Portchester
Second place is still a possibility for both of these sides. Portchy may be understandably deflated after Sunday's tense draw with Winchester. The teams drew 1-1 in the reverse league encounter at Portchester last month. However, Portchy did win 1-0 at Arbour Park when they met in the League Cup (Final. Finally).
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

SDFA - Semi-Final
Southampton v Winchester City Flyers
Familiar foes going head to head in the SDFA Cup semi-final. They've met twice in the league this season and Winchester have come out on top both times. The game at The Charters Community Stadium saw The Sirens lead 1-0 at half-time before City hit them wit three goals in the final 14 minutes. The game at Southampton saw Flyers edge a five-goal thriller.
Test Park, SO16 9QZ

​Badshot Lea v Woodley United
The Baggies go into their last game of the season knowing that they are all but relegated. They trail Woodley by three points but have a vastly inferior goal difference. Not only do they need to win this game by a large margin, they would require Woodley to lose very heavily in their final game at Portchester. An 18 goal swing is likely to be way too much to make up. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Fleet Town v Reading
Depending upon Wednesday's result with Portchester, Reading could still be in the hunt for second spot. Fleet can neither climb or drop a league place, so only have personal pride to play for. That said, they were beaten 8-0 by Reading in the reverse fixture just two weeks ago, so they have plenty of reason to redress the balance.
Crookham Road, GU51 5FA

Sholing v AFC Portchester
In the reverse fixture, back in November, Portchester came from a goal down to win 2-1. Although there's not too much riding on this game, you have to remember that there is only 13 miles between the teams and it's effectively a Southampton v Portsmouth derby. Portchester will also still be hoping to finish the season as runners-up.
The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, SO19 9PW

​Abingdon United Development v Ascot United Reserves
After defeat to Kidlington last weekend, Ascot will be anxiously looking over their shoulders at The Greens, who are just two pints behind and have a game in hand. Abingdon have nothing to play for aside form hanging on to third spot. The reverse fixture, very early in the season, ended in a resounding 6-1 win for Abingdon.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Denham United v Farnborough
Two games to go for Denham to go through their league season without dropping a point. The reverse fixture ended 3-0 to Denham. A similar result this week will leave them with one final game, at home to Kidlington next weekend. Farnborough meanwhile, with three games left, are still looking at a potential top four finish.
The Den, Oxford Road, Denham, UB9 4DW

​Andover New Street v Farnham Town
After losing top spot at the weekend, Farnham have four games remaining in which to pick up the one point they need to secure the title. Andover, in third, are not mathematically out of the race either. a win in this game, by three or more, would see them leapfrog Havant into top spot. It was New Street who inflicted Farnham's first defeat of the season when they won 3-1 at The Mem in early April.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA

Bursledon v AFC Stoneham
The Dons lost to Shaftesbury last weekend, which leaves them second from bottom but safe from the drop. They will want to climb a little higher with their three remaining games. This is Stoneham's final game. They can go above Bournemouth into fourth with a win, but can't get any higher. The reverse fixture was a thrilling 4-4 draw in which Stoneham though they had won it in the 93rd minute only for Bursledon to equalise in the 95th.
Priory Park, SO32 1SQ

Oxfordshire FA Cup Final
Oxford City v Kidlington Youth
A repeat of last season's Oxfordshire County Cup Final (Sweet Sixteen For City) that City won 4-0. City wil be determined to make amends for losing the Chairman's Cup Final a few weeks ago, also the second season running. Kidlington are still involved in a relegation fight with Ascot United Reserves, that looks like it may go to the wire.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Sunday was another pivotal day in the Southern Region League. Whilst Wandering Tractor was battling with the trains to get over to Farnham, who needed a point to take the Division One South title, I was en-route to the Charters Community Stadium where Winchester City Flyers were taking on newly-crowned League Cup winners, AFC Portchester.
The situation in the Premier League was that Wycombe remained top but had completed their league fixtures. Fixe points below, in second, sat Winchester, with two games remaining. In fifth were Portchester, fourteen points adrift but with five games remaining. All this meant that both Winchester and Portchester could overtake The Chairgirls by a single point, but only if they won all of their remaining games. A draw in this match would see Wycombe crowned champions.
The stage was set for a potentially nerve-jangling afternoon, and that was exactly what we were treated to.

​Portchester were immediately on the front foot. As early as the sixth minute a glorious Becki Bath strike looked to be dipping in until Ellie Parker stretched to tip the ball over the bar. Three minutes later Layla Morgan tried her luck, but saw her strike go wide of the mark.
So, with the visitors dictating the tempo, it was slightly against the run of paly when, in the 10th minute, Winchester took the lead. Charlie Snelling was the architect with a pinpoint through ball that found the run of Chelsie Hay. On touch to control and a second to send the ball past Shannon Betteridge and Flyers were indeed of to a flyer. 1-0.
Portchester came straight back at Flyers and were very unfortunate not to be level just two minutes later when Layal Morgan's dipping volley beat Parker but came back off the inside of the past and somehow stayed out. Two minutes after that, Flyers were almost the architect of their own downfall when, playing out from the back, Bath charged down Parker's clearance. Luckily for the home side they managed to clear the danger.
Portchester continued to press for an equaliser, but still had to be aware of potential danger from the break, as demonstrated in the 23rd minute, when only some last ditch defending prevented Hay from getting on the end of another good through ball.
The battle in midfield was also getting more physical and Winchester's enthusiasm to prevent Gemma Hillier from dictating the game was taken a little too far by Shayne Prasad, who went in late on the Portchy captain, earning a yellow card in the process. A minute later, a speculative ball into the City area saw Laurie Potvin, up form the back, get a glancing header in, only to be thwarted by good reactions from Parker.
Back at the other end, Sian Wylie drove forward to let a stinger fly from 25 yards that only just went over, grazing the roof of the net as it did. That was just past the 30 minute mark and, for a few minutes after that, the game calmed a little. It felt as if Winchester had weathered the Portchester storm, or maybe the visitors were taking a slight breather before stepping it up again?
Just before the break, Kim Fuller sent a volley, from out on the left, flying across the face of Parker's goal, only for it to bounce wide of the far post.
Time for the teams, and spectators, to take a rest

HT Winchester City Flyers 1 AFC Portchester 0. A first-half in which Portchester had dominated possession, but found themselves behind to a well-crafted Winchester goal. The tussle was fascinating from a neutral's perspective. After going ahead, Winchester had found themselves pressed back but Portchester could not commit too many forward because of the constant threat and pace of Hay, Prasad, McDonough and Wernham.

​As in the first half, Portchester began strongly, generating a very early chance for Layla Morgan, who could only fire straight at Parker. The comparison with the first half didn't end there, however. Five minutes in another Snelling pass dissected the Portchy defence for Hay to run onto. This time, Shannon Betteridge had read the danger, coming out quickly to just about beat the striker to the ball.
That scare prompted Portchester action and, a further two minutes later, they leveled the scores. Kim Fuller delivered a freekick from the right flank, sending the ball into the perfect area across the 6-yard box, behind the line of defence but just too far for Parker to come to claim. Becki Bath took full advantage, running in to plant a firm header past Parker form close range. 1-1.
As things stood, Wycombe were just over 30 minutes away from taking the title, something not lost on the group of Wycombe players who had made the trip to Hampshire to watch the game.
Just before the hour, Portchester produced a move of some beauty, exchanging first-time passes to open up the home defence and put Gemma Hillier clean through. Parker was quick, and brave, throwing herself at the feet of the captain to make the save, Layla Morgan then struck the loose ball just wide. Both Parker and Hillier needed 
Portchester continued to look the more likely to get a winner. Becki Bath sent a shot skidding over Parker's crossbar but, as we entered the last 20 minutes, Winchester again showed how Portchester could not afford to relax. A lightning quick break from the home team, sent Chelsie Hay free on the left, driving towards goal only for Betteridge to produce a great save. Snelling then headed the resulting corner over. Shortly afterwards, Shayne Prasad was sent clear on the left. shooting across Betteridge only to see her effort go agonisingly wide of the far post. The game felt as if it was opening up, as both sides went hell for leather for a winner.
Sophie Bell was the next to come close, smashing a 25-yard piledriver off Parker's crossbar. In the next minute Bath put Charmaine True in on goal, with a defender breathing down her neck. When the striker went down under pressure there were huge penalty shouts from Portchester, but the referee was unmoved. As they say, I've seen them given. 
Winchester, ignoring the protests, went straight up the other end and engineered a shooting opportunity for Annie Northwood, who could only put her effort straight at Betteridge. Portchester retaliated with Bath and True linking up, the former sending a shot whistling over the bar. Then, with five minutes of normal time remaining, Portchester won a corner on their left. The delivery caused chaos inside the home 6-yard box, with two efforts being blocked on the line before, in a sea of legs, Sarah Butterworth managed to poke the ball over the line. 1-2 and cue wild celebrations from the Arancione.
Winchester, however, are not in second place by accident. They showed a huge amount of resolve to pick themselves up and go back on the hunt. They were rewarded in the very last minute of normal time Emma Whitlock lifted a ball into the midst of the Portchester box. There appeared to be a moment's hesitation from the visitor's defence but not from Annie Northwood, who nipped in to turn it home past Betteridge. 2-2
What a game of football and the drama was still not completely over. Six minutes into added time, Becki Bath sent a stinger straight at Ellie Parker and, a minute later, the Winchester goalkeeper got an all-important fingertip to Charmaine True's effort to divert it for a corner. Even then, the drama was not quite done. As Portchy pushed everyone up for the corner, which was almost certainly the last kick, Winchester cleared it to the feet of Chelsie Hay on the halfway line. With no defenders back, she would have had a clear run on goal, but the referee blew the final whistle, much to Winchester disapproval, and the delight of the Wycombe crew on the side of the pitch.

FT Winchester City Flyers 2 AFC Portchester 2. Despite this being one of the best games of football I've ever witnessed, it was a tricky one to write up. Words cannot do justice to the sheer theatre that was produced. Even though I have no allegiances to either team on the pitch, or Wycombe, I found myself getting increasingly edgy as the end of the match approached. So much so, that my watch was telling me to relax.
Overall, on the day, I think even Winchester would agree that Portchester had more possession, although possession does not count for everything. Winchester seemed happy for Portchy to have the ball, knowing that their midfield and defence were on form and also that they had the threat of the break. Portchester kept doing what they do, safe in the knowledge that they would eventually make a chance pay, which they did. When Portchester went ahead with 5 minutes remaining, many teams would have folded but Winchester came out fighting to secure the equaliser.
Many congratulations to Wycombe Wanderers on security the league title, and best wishes for next season in the National League. A few months ago, it looked as if they might run away with the league, but great credit must go to Winchester, Portchester and the chasing pack (remember that Southampton and Reading also took points off The Chairgirls), who kept the title race alive.

Winchester City Flyers: 1.Parker, 2.Capel-Watson, 3.Vokes, 4.Snelling, 5.Moulding, 8.Hay, 10.Wernham, 12.McDonough, 14.Prasad, 15.Whitlock(c), 20.Wylie. Subs: 6.Warhurst, 7.Wilkinson, 9.Northwood, 16.Conti, 19.Powell-Rowland
AFC Portchester: 13.Betteridge, 2.Bell, 4>Smith, 5.Potvin, 7.Butterworth, 10.Hillier(c), 11.Fuller, 16.Morgan, 22.Barron-Clark, 24.Nightingale, 28.Bath. Subs: Burchett, Riley, Bradbury, True, Aitken


Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att:
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A

SDFA Quarter-Final
AFC Varsity 0-0 (p1-4) Southampton
A creditable goalless draw after 90 minutes for Varsity, against a team from the division above them. However, The Sirens came out on top in the penalty shootout, winning 4-1 with Lucy Mear, Manisha Kaur, Eliska Lynn and Katelyn Wort all on target

Dorset Cup Final
Wimborne Town 1-3 Sherborne Town
A first-half double from Erin Bloomfield put the Zebras in charge at half-time. Wimborne did pull a goal back after 79 minutes, but a late own goal sealed the trophy for Sherborne.

​Reading 8-0 Fleet Town
The Royals took an early lead through Keren Banduka's fifth minute strike. However, it was the 39th minute before Tia Johnson made it two. Johnson then made it 3-0 in first half added time. Three minutes after the restart, Johnson completed her hat-trick, Mia Parker then made it 5-0 before Nat Cowell got in  on the act with a 17-minute hat-trick. Read the match report from The Tilehurst End. 

Southampton 5-0 Badshot Lea
An Olivia Glover goal midway through the first-half gave The Sirens a 1-0 lead at he break. However, Southampton had increased that lead to four by the hour mark. Lucy Mear, an own goal, and Chloe Ball putting the game beyond The Baggies. A first goal for Daisy Saunders rounded off the scoring in the 69th minute.

​Abingdon United Development 2-0 Tilehurst Panthers
The yellows overtook last season's points total and climbed into third spot with a 2-0 defeat of Tilehurst at The Northcourt. Chloe Forrester scored both goals to take her season tally into double figures.

Kidlington Youth 0-3 Farnborough
Games are rapidly running out for Kidlington as they battle to avoid the drop. This result leaves them still five points adrift of Ascot with both teams having played sixteen. With the teams meeting on May 3rd, and both still having to face champions Denham, the clash between the sides on May 3rd could well be a relegation shootout. Farnborough's goals came through Laura Quinn-Low, Eliza Andrews and an OG.

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Larkspur Rovers

​Andover New Street 2-0 AFC Varsity
Goals from Rebecca Screech and Violet Alen kept Andover in touch with Havant & Waterlooville in the race for what's most likely to be second spot. That's four wins on the bounce and nine without defeat for New Street. Varsity have now completed their league campaign and currently sit ninth, a point above Bursledon who have four left to play.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0-4 Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks moved to within two points of Farnham to keep some pressure on the league leaders and keep their very feint title hopes alive. Captain Emma-Jane May led the way with a brace. Tia Hooper and Ava-Rose Leather both scored their first goals of the season.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 3-0 Wimborne Town
Bournemouth moved to 31 points with this win, almost three times their points haul from last season. Two first-half groups from Emma Whall set Sports on their way. Just past the hour Charlotte Kerr added a third to put the game beyond Wimborne's reach.

Farnham Town P-P Bursledon

​Denham United 2-1 Oxford City
A game that started with a yellow card for Denham's keeper and a penalty to Denham, both within the first three minutes. Brogan Moore slotted home the spot-kick and a second goal from Niamh Cashin, in first half added time, gave the Division One North Champions a two goal half-time lead. Ellie White reduced the deficit early in the second half, but Denham managed the remainder of the game to take the trophy. Read the match blog here (Double Denham).

​Wycombe Wanderers 0-0 (p1-3) AFC Portchester
Two familiar foes pretty much cancelled each other out on a difficult surface at Scours Lane. Chances at both ends were kept to a minimum despite the attacking prowess possessed by both teams. Portchester keeper Shannon Betteridge saved two Wycombe penalties in the shootout that The Arancione won 3-1. Read all about it and watch some of the penalties courtesy of the always excellent Wandering Tractor. You can also view the match action photos from the brilliant Andy Wicks.

​Denham United 13-2 Ascot United Reserves
Denham's hunger showed no signs of abating on Tuesday evening as they put a young Ascot side to the sword under the lights at The Racecourse Ground. There were hat-tricks for both Brogan Moore and Annie Hewitt. Chelsea-Rose Keary and Sofia Harris helped themselves to two each whilst Niamh Cashin, Rebecca Horwood and Daisy Baranowski were also on the score sheet.

​AFC Portchester 1-1 (p4-3) Maidenhead United
Another penalty shootout win for Portchy, following on from Sunday's League Cup Final victory. Up against a Maidenhead side from the division above them, Portchester took the lead through Kim Fuller. However, Izzy Stockton levelled the scores to set up a penalty shootout that Portchester edged 4-3.

​Reading v Oxford City
A win would see The Royals leapfrog Southampton into third with a game in hand on The Sirens. City are safely placed in mid-table, but will want to get back to winning ways after Sunday's Chairman's Cup Final defeat. They still have four league games to play and a county cup final date with Kidlington to look forward to. Reading won the reverse fixture 4-1 with two goals each from Tia Johnson and Tyra Wilson.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

​Fleet Town v Sholing
Nothing more than personal pride to play for in this game. Fleet sit one place above Sholing, but have five additional points than Sunday's visitors. The reverse fixture saw Fleet take three points home following a 3-2 win.
Crookham Road, GU51 5FA

Winchester City Flyers v AFC Portchester
A game that could decide the Premier League title. If the game ends in a draw then Wycombe will be champions. If Winchester win it, then they  will need to win their last game, at Fleet, to take the title. If Portchester win, then they too can still go on to take the title by winning their remaining four games. The reverse fixture, on the opening day, ended 3-2 in favour of Portchester.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Woodley United v Oxford City
United still require another point to make mathematically certain of their place in the Premier League next season. They did win 2-1 at Marsh Lane back in February, which was their first three-pointer of the season.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, ​RG5 3HE

​Ascot United Reserves v Kidlington Youth
Ascot's defeat to Denham on Tuesday night leaves them five points above Kidlington, but the Greens have a game in hand. So, this is pretty much a must-win situation for Kidlington. The reverse fixture was a thoroughly entertaining 4-4 draw at Yarnton Road with Ascot coming from two goals down twice before levelling in the fifth minute of added time (Bottom Two Battle It Out).
The Racecourse Ground, SL5 7LJ

Oxford City Development v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn only have second place to play for now and are in pole position to take the runners-up spot. However, City are not mathematically out of the relegation battle. They'll desperately want to pick up something from this, their final game of the season. Penn won the reverse fixture 6-2 just two weeks ago, after coming back from 2-1 down at half-time.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Tilehurst Panthers v Farnborough
Both teams still have four games to play this season including facing each other twice. They are both safe from the drop, but can't affect the top of the table, although Farnborough may well have their eyes set on a top three finish. There's currently seven points between the teams
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​Andover New Street v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
New Street are not yet mathematically out of the title race. However, they are probably looking at the runners-up spot as a more realistic option.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA

Farnham Town v Havant & Waterlooville
A win for Farnham would confirm the title. A draw would also probably suffice unless Andover manage to turn round a 38 goal difference deficit inside two games. Town won the opening day reverse fixture 4-0.
Memorial Ground, GU9 7DY

Shaftesbury v Bursledon
The current bottom two going head to head. For Shaftesbury, their fate has been sealed for a while, and even a win here would not lift them off the foot of the table. However, a point takes The Dons above AFC Varsity and a win would put them just a point behind 8th placed Bemerton Heath Harlequins, with three more games to play. Bursledon won the reverse league fixture 4-0.
Coppice Street, SP7 8PD

No, this is not a questionable style choice popular among German football fans, but rather a celebration of Denham United's victory in the Chairman's Cup, which they added to their already secured Division One North league title.

Sunday at Scours Lane featured a double header. The Chairman's Cup Final kicked off at 11am, followed by the League Cup Final at 3pm. I had the pleasure of covering the first match between Denham United and Oxford City. The second match, between AFC Portchester and Wycombe Wanderers, was to be reported by Dave Reed (Wandering Tractor).

Although they played in different divisions this season—something that would change next term after Denham's promotion—the Chairman's Cup finalists had already met this season in a thrilling FA Cup match at Marsh Lane that went to penalties. Denham had Chelsea-Rose Keary sent off before Oxford came back from 3-1 down, with Grace Craven scoring a 95th-minute equaliser to send the game to a shootout. Oxford edged it 5-3 but knew today's final would be tough.

​Some games start slowly and take a while to build up to speed. Not this one. Inside the first minute Oxford looked to attack down their left only for Denham keeper Zara Butt to coming racing out her box to win a 50/50 with Ellie Walecki, before blocking the loose ball with her hand. Freekick to Oxford on the edge and a yellow card for the United goalie. The blue wall blocked the free kick and, almost immediately afterwards, attention switched to the opposite end, as Denham launched an attack. This culminated in an attempt at goal being handled on the line. Penalty to Denham, and we still hadn't got 3 minutes on the clock.
Brogan Moore (not Kayleigh Currivan, as I had mistakenly posted. Must get my eyes checked), calmly slotted home the spot-kick. 1-0
Grace Craven, wearing the captain's armband for City today, then went close with a volley after battling for the ball in the ball inside the Denham box. Two defenders then exchanged goal attempts. Amna Butt saw her header flash wide of Maskell's upright whilst, at the other end, Hermione Prescott-Luke's acrobatic effort posed little trouble for Zara Butt.
The Denham goalkeeper was then called into action again on the quarter-hour when Billie Bough-French's stinging freekick was well dealt with by Butt. That save signalled something of a lull in goalmouth action as both teams took a bit of a breather on an increasingly warm morning.
On the half-hour mark Bough-French pushing up from the back, sent over a very dangerous looking ball across the face of the Denham goal, but it was slightly too far ahead of City players coming in on the back post. 
It seems that Denham were going to go into the break with a single goal lead. However, that got better for them a minute into added time when Daisy Baranowski got clear on the left before delivering a low cross. Niamh Cashin timed her run perfectly to get in front of her marker and apply deft finish past Maskell. 2-0

HT Denham United 2 Oxford City 0. After a blistering start, the game was largely played in midfield on a dry and uneven pitch that was causing plenty of problems for both teams. Despite that fact that Denham had managed two goals, both defences were being marshalled very well. Billie Bough-French for City and Denham's Annie Hewitt, in particular, were having very solid games.

​Kicking towards the car park end in the second half, Denham were first to show when Cashin was inches from getting a decisive touch to a corner inside the first five minutes. However, a couple of minutes later their defence, for the first time, allowed Ellie White some room which she took in some style, sending a glorious lob over Butt from well outside the box. 2-1 and game on.
It was time for Denham to dig in now. Oxford were clearly going to throw everything at them. Denham's back four looked solid and with Niamh Cashin, who appeared to be everywhere in the second half, dropping into more of a CDM role when they were out of possession, they continued to restrict opportunities for the Hoops.
Despite City’s efforts to equalise, Denham created the better opportunities and probably should have extended their lead. Special praise goes to City goalkeeper Kiera Maskell, who showed great bravery throughout the match. After receiving treatment in the first half, she was later hit on the head diving at Cashin’s feet. About 20 minutes from time, Maskell made a crucial save from a Liana Horwood cross, forcing Cashin’s shot wide but taking another knock. With no substitute goalkeeper available, this could have been a serious issue for City, but Maskell recovered and continued.
In added time, Denham had a golden chance to seal the win, but Brogan Moore, usually clinical, shot over from six yards, possibly affected by a bad bounce. Deep into injury time, Denham’s keeper Zara Butt was forced to scramble and hold onto the ball as Grace Craven closed in, recalling memories of the last equaliser in the FA Cup. However, the referee soon blew the final whistle, confirming Denham’s League and Chairman’s Cup double.​

FT Denham United 2 Oxford City 1. Massive congratulations to Denham United who collected both of their trophies at the end of the game. An excellent season that is not over yet. They still have an opportunity to complete a 100% record in the league with three games remaining. That run starts this Tuesday evening when the face Ascot United Reserves at The Den.
Commiserations to Oxford City who battled away against a strong Denham side and a pitch that was a million miles away from their home 3G pitch at Marsh Lane. For the second season running they fell at the final hurdle to teams from the division below them. However, they still have the opportunity of silverware when they take on Kidlington Youth in the Oxfordshire County Cup Final. A repeat of last season's final that Oxford won 4-0.
Thanks to the Southern Region League for inviting me to pick player of the match for the final. It was quite a responsibility and a tough decision. In the first half I thought that the two key players were centre-halves. Billie Bough-French for Oxford and Annie Hewitt for Denham. There's no denying the energy and incessant work put in by Oxford's Grace Craven, who was still running flat out in the last minute. However, my choice in the end went to Niamh Cashin who appeared to be omnipresent in the second half, getting on the end of crosses one second and propping up the defence the next. 

​Denham United: Z.Butt, Cox, A.Butt, Rragami, Hewitt, R.Horwood, Baranowski, Cashin, Keary, Moore, Currivan(c). Subs: Torr, Harris, Fletcher, L.Horwood, Barrell
Oxford City: Maskell, Gorman, Bough-French, Prescott-Luke, Wellngton-Faissal, Lester, Craven(c), Walecki, Ayres, E.White, Harris. Subs: Parsons, Davis, O'Leary, L.White, Ranxha

On a personal level, it was wonderful to meet so many fantastic people from the Southern Region community throughout the day. The Wandering Tractor (Dave Reed) took over the reporting duties for the League Cup Final, which allowed me to relax and simply enjoy the game. You can find his match report here (SWRFL League Cup Final).  
Thanks to Mark Rozzier and the entire Southern Region League team for making both Dave and me feel so welcome (and thanks for lunch, everyone). Also, thanks to Andy Moore, Lisa Parrett, and the rest of the Denham United staff; Portchester's Mark Dugan; Wycombe photographer Andy Wicks; Beaconsfield Town's Mollie Haynes; most of the Oxford City squad who stayed to watch the second game; and, of course, Fiona and the excellent team at The Crossbar.  
I’m sure I’ve missed some people from this list, so apologies if I have.