It occurred to me in the middle of last night's game that my hobby could well be seen as a little strange by many. Here I was on a Thursday evening, after an 80 minute drive, a 110 mile round-trip, standing in the pouring rain watching a step 6 team take on a step 5 team. For football supporters who spend their life watching Arsenal v Man City from the comfort of their armchair, that probably does seem odd, but you know what, I love it. Rain or no rain, you can't beat being out there watching live football. It's the armchair fans who are missing out.
Anyway, on to the game. I was in Andover to watch the NHDFA Cup semi-final between New Street and Winchester City Flyers, a repeat of last season's final, in which Winchester came out on top by 2-1 (despite Full-Time reporting it the opposite way). This was the second consecutive final defeat for Andover. The previous year BotP had the pleasure of watching the final where Andover fell at the final hurdle to Fleet Town (Fleet Usher In First NHDFA Cup Win), after knocking Winchester out in a semi-final penalty shootout.
League ranking and this season's form pointed to a Winchester victory in this game, but nothing could be taken for granted. New Street had got back to winning ways in their last league outing and Flyers, currently in second sport in the Premier league, may well have eyes on that prize rather than the cup.
Flyers made five changes to the team that started their last league game against Sholing, including Lauren Sayler taking over between the sticks, and Annie Northwood leading the line with top-scorer Chelsie Hay on the bench. New Street made three changes from their starting eleven in Sunday's defeat of Bursledon, including captain Keira Smith starting on the bench and Nicole Barnes taking over the armband.

​The rain, which began on my journey south, was still coming down steadily when the teams came out but the pitch looked in pretty good condition given the recent constant bad weather.
Kicking up the slope in the first half, it was Andover who started the better of the two sides. Inside the first minute, Freya Twigg fed Summer Williams but her shot was wide of the mark. A few minutes later, Twigg used her pace to burst into the box again, this time thwarted by a good block from Lauren Sayler. Twigg was proving to be a handful for the Winchester defence, especially her pace and direct approach. In the ninth minute this proved to be to source of the opening goal. Twigg burst into the box only the be thwarted by another good save from Sayler. However, the ball fell to Summer Williams on the edge of the box and she sent it into the far corner with a perfectly placed finish. 1-0.
Emily McDonough almost had the perfect response to the goal, bustling into the home area but missing the target. On the quarter-hour, however, the visitors were back on level terms with a well-worked goal, Kayleigh Tonks playing a quick one-two with Emily McDonough before sending the ball past Emily Evans. 1-1
Back came Andover. Less than 20 minutes had gone when they nudged in front again. This time Freya Twigg took it upon herself. Her pace, once again, took her clear of the defence and into the left-hand side of the box. With no-one in the centre, she opened herself up and planted a beautiful curling strike in off the far post. 2-1
With three goals in 20 minutes, it was no great surprise that the players and the goalmouth action took a short break. 
Breather over, on the half-hour, City were inches from an equaliser when a ball right across the face of goal was met by Shayne Prasad at the far post but, under considerable pressure, she wasn't able to get enough on it to squeeze it home. A few minutes later, only some superb last-ditch defending prevented McDonough from getting in a strike at goal from 10 yards out. Winchester were gradually ramping up the pressure. That pressure paid off on 34 minutes when Charlotte Warhurst rose highest to power in a header from a right-wing corner. 2-2
Twigg then let fly from way out, but couldn't beat Sayler and, almost immediately, Winchester quickly broke away and there was Chelsie Hay to put them in front for the first time on the night. 2-3
That still left enough time for Warhurst to almost replicate her earlier goal, sending the header narrowly over the bar this time.

HT Andover New Street 2 Winchester City Flyers 3. A very entertaining half of football. Flyers have the edge at the break, but the game is far from over. Andover have already shown that they can hurt Winchester and Freya Twigg's pace has caused numerous problems for the visitors.

​The opening of the second half proved to be a far more cagey affair than the first, with the vast majority of play being concentrated on the middle of the park. A few changes for both teams saw the pattern of play change. Winchester had a better hold on Freya Twigg now and Andover had to be aware of the constant treat posed by the pace and work-rate of Chelsie Hay.
Andover were working very hard to get back into the game but, with under twenty minutes remaining, Winchester struck again with a goal that looked to have put the game to bed. Emily Evans did well to save from Tilly Plummer but the ball broke loose to Chelsie Hay, who sent it sailing into the empty net. 2-4
The Andover response was a strike from Twigg that, whilst on target, didn't cause any problems for Sayler. That could not be said about Keira Smith's free-kick a few minutes later though. That had Sayler scrambling across her goal as the ball whistled just past her right-hand post. That was in the 79th minute. Two minutes later the hosts struck to breath some life back into the tie, and it was a move straight off the training ground. A corner played into the near post was then fed back into the path of Kyla-Mae Hayes, who smashed it past Sayler for 3-4.
It looked like we were in for a nail-biting last few minutes until, with three minutes of normal time remaining, Cheslie Hay was played in once more, making no mistake to restore the two-goal advantage and claim her hat-trick. 3-5
That one definitely sealed it. Even though there was quite a long period of added time, Andover could not find a way back again.

HT Andover New Street 3 Winchester City Flyers 5. A great effort from the hosts, pushing a high-flying Premier League side all the way. In the end, the difference was the predatory finishing of Chelsie Hay. Having said that, it's fair to say that Andover scored the two best goals of the day. One a piece of individual brilliance, the other a well-rehearsed set-piece. Winchester will now face either Farnborough or Aldershot Town in the final (Update: This will be Farnborough, after they defeated Aldershot 3-1 in the other semi-final).
However, before that, they have a massive game coming up on Sunday when they travel to Burnham FC to take on the league leaders in a game that could go a long way towards deciding the title race. Andover make the short trip to Whitchurch to take on Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Andover New Street: E.Evans, A.Payne, Hayes, Seddon, Barnes(c), Mullins, T.Williams, C.Evans, Ridley, Twigg, S.Williams. Subs: O.Payne, Smith, Screech, Casey, Batley
Winchester City Flyers: Sayler, Vokes, Moulding, Warhurst, Northwood, Tonks, Powell-Rowland, Prasad, Whitlock(c), Hughes, McDonough. Subs: Snelling, Plummer, Hay, Wylie, Wernham

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A

The two 100% teams, Denham United and Farnham Town, both maintained their records with excellent away wins, Denham at Slough and Farnham at Stoneham. In the Premier League Wycombe came from two down at home to Southampton to snatch a draw in added time. There was utter madness at Bulmershe Pavilion where Fleet edged out Woodley 5-4 in a game that saw five goals scored in eight minutes. Penn continued their pursuit of Denham in the North, winning at Abingdon whilst, in the South, Havant & Waterlooville leapt above Bemerton into second spot. Both Kidlington and Wimborne booked county cup final places.
It's also great to have Wandering Tractor back out there. You can read about Dave's latest visit to Woodley United below.

​AFC Portchester P-P Reading

Badshot Lea P-P Oxford City

Winchester City Flyers 4-0 Sholing
City had this one sealed up by half-time and, in the process, leapfrogged Southampton into second spot. Centre-half Lydia Moulding led the way, putting Winchester in front after 13 minutes. Chelsie Hay made it two just past the midway mark, with Kayleigh Tonks adding a third before the break. Hay then scored her 18th of a very productive season to make it four. Read the Flyers match report and  listen to coach Emma Pearmine's post-match thoughts. You can see the goals from Winchester's VEO footage on X.

Woodley United 4-5 Fleet Town
Woodley led this game 1-0 at half-time, thanks to Amelie Mayani's penalty. At that point no-one, including The Wandering Tractor, could have foreseen the glut of goals in the second half. Woodley's Caitlin Kemp added two more and Chante Bynoe-Gittens another. However, they were eclipsed by Layla Drury and no fewer than four goals from Lily Martin. You can read all about the game in The Wandering Tractor's match report 

Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Southampton Women's
What a game this was. Southampton started brilliantly, taking the lead after 4 minutes through Liv Glover. They held that lead until the break and then, four minutes into the second half, Danielle Kjaer made it 2-0. Wycombe's pressure finally told in the 80th minute when top scorer Kayla Potter pulled one back. Then, deep into added time, Chloe Melton popped up with the equaliser. Watch the Wycombe goals on their X feed. Read the match blog from BotP (Wycombe Survive The Sirens Call), check out the match photos courtesy of Andy Wicks, and read the Southampton match report on their web site.

​Abingdon United Development 1-4 Penn & Tylers Green
A Sasha Scott goal for Abingdon was the consolation as Penn scored four at The Northcourt. The visitors took a firm grip on second spot, and hung on to the coat tails of Denham, with goals from Shannon Read, Ellie Lovelock and two from Molly Woods. You can watch the Penn goals on their X feed.

Ascot United Reserves 1-5 Chesham United Development
Chesham got back to winning ways after losing to the leaders last weekend, condemning Ascot to a ninth defeat of the season. Three goals in the first half, from Sophie Bishop, Oana Filip and Ionie Morris set Chesham on their way. Bishop added her second on the hour before Annabelle Stanbridge scored the fifth with ten minutes remaining.

Larkspur Rovers P-P Farnborough

Slough Town 0-3 Denham United
Denham maintained their 100% record with a three goal haul at Arbour Park. Two from Brogan Moore and a Sofia Harris goal gave the visitors the points, keeping them five clear at the top with a game in hand. Slough now only have two league games left to play, both at home, and will be looking to push for a top half finish.

​AFC Stoneham 0-6 Farnham Town
Farnham's 100% record remains intact after this win at Stoneham Lane. The league leaders went ahead in the 23rd minute through Iesha Swaby and were two up just before the break thanks to Nicole Leys. Swaby then scored again just after the restart, before an own goal made it 4-0 after 56 minutes. Swaby's hat-trick was completed with two minutes remaining and Francesca Thornton made it a half-dozen a minute later. Watch the goals on the Farnham X feed.

Havant & Waterlooville 4-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
The Hawks leapfrogged their opponents into second on the back of this win. Millie McNamara had given the home side the lead early on, but Imogen Brady squared it up in first-half added time. Second half goals from Calla Swain, Jodie Burchell, and Ruby Harris-Pitt gave the points to Havant.

Andover New Street 3-1 Bursledon
Bursledon led at half-time through an Issy Pouncy penalty. However, New Street stormed back in the second period. Freya Twigg levelled the scores and then the same player put the home side in front. Zoe Ridley added the third and sealed the points, moving Andover 12 points clear of the  bottom.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 3-0 Shaftesbury
An eleventh defeat of the season for Shaftesbury as Sports lifted themselves from eighth to fourth. Shaianne Vakatawa started it all in the 17th minute. Isobel Weatherly then made it 2-0 eight minutes later. It took Bournemouth until the 85th minute to really seal the points when Weatherly added her second of the game.

​Kidlington Youth 3-1 Barton United
Some respite from a disappointing league season for The Greens. They'll now take on Oxford City in the final for the second year running. Despite moving the game to Barton's home ground, Kidlington were still too much for their lower-ranked opposition. Bethany Chapman scored the consolation for United.

Wimborne Town 1-1 (p3-1) Poole Town
A great result for Wimborne, putting out South West Premier League side Poole Town to progress in the VEO Women's Cup. Goalless at the break, the teams traded goals through Abigail Buck for The Magpies and Poole's Lucy Coalter, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Town held their nerve to win 3-1 from the spot. Wimborne will take on Sherborne Town in the final.

​Beaconsfield Town v Badshot Lea
The Baggies remain bottom of the table on goal difference. Beaconsfield sit in fifth spot, but just tree points off second place. The Rams won the reverse fixture 5-1 back in September thanks in the main to a Freya Harris hat-trick in the first half.
Holloways Park, HP9 2SE

Fleet Town v Oxford City
City are one place and four points below Sunday's hosts, but they do have a game in hand. Fleet scored five second half goals on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Woodley 5-4. Oxford are looking for their first league victory since their 6-1 victory at Beaconsfield in December. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw thanks to late City goals from Katherine parsons and Ellie White.
Crookham Road, GU51 5FA

Reading v Southampton
A big game for both teams who currently sit fourth and third respectively. The Sirens held leaders Wycombe to a draw last Sunday, after leading 2-0 early in the second half (Wycombe Survive The Sirens Call). Reading have won their last four in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat of Wycombe. The Royals also came from behind to win the reverse fixture by 3-1.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

Woodley United v AFC Portchester
United will need to shake off the disappointment of Sunday's narrow home defeat as they welcome Portchester to Bulmershe pavilion. With six games in hand on the leaders and an 18 point deficit, Portchester will not be counting themselves out of the title race. This will be their first meeting this season.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, ​RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Winchester City Flyers
For the second weekend running Wycombe host the team directly below them in the league and, if this is anything like last week's clash with Southampton, it should be a classic. The reverse fixture wasn't too shabby in itself. Wycombe came from 2-0 down at the break to snatch a 3-2 victory. Should Flyers win this match it would put them in a position to overhaul the leaders with their games in hand.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

​Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers
Neither side is completely clear of the dreaded drop zone, but with just a three point gap, Ascot are the team in the most need of points. The reverse fixture, in September, was awarded to Panthers as a walkover. Tilehurst have not won a league game since their 2-1 win at Oxford City Development in October. Ascot recently broke their losing streak by defeating the same team 4-1 at The Racecourse.
Racecourse Ground, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LJ

Kidlington Youth v Denham United
When you are bottom of the table and have only picked up one point form the last 30 available, a visit from the league's leaders, together with their 100% record, is probably not that enticing. However, that's the task that faces Kidlington this weekend. This will be the first meeting of the teams this season after the reverse fixture was postponed.
Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

Larkspur Rovers v Abingdon United Development
Third versus fourth with just a point separating the teams. Abingdon have stumbled a little recently, taking just one point from their last three games. Larkspur have managed six points in the same timeframe. This will be their first meeting of the season.
Lord Halsbury Memorial Playing Fields, UB5 5FE

Penn & Tylers Green v Oxford City Development
Five wins in the last six games has established Penn in second place and as the main challenger to Denham's title pursuit. City have only won once in their last ten league outings and have not managed any points on the road since winning back to back games in September.
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

​AFC Stoneham v Shaftesbury
One point from their last three league games has seen Stoneham drop out of the title race, but they'll be looking to get the season back on track against the bottom side on Sunday. Shaftesbury have lost all of their away games so far and are now nine points from safety. This is the first meeting of the teams this season.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Andover New Street
After a few disappointing results, Andover bounced back to form on Sunday with a good win over an in-form Bursledon team. Harlequins, meanwhile, lost second spot to Havant after going down 4-1 to The Hawks. New Street won the reverse fixture in some style, putting eight unanswered goals past Bemerton.
Barry Jackman Sports Pavilion, RG28 7FS

Farnham Town v Bursledon
The Farnham machine blasted six at Stoneham last Sunday, making it nine league games without dropping a single point. This will be their first meeting with Bursledon, who were beaten by Andover last Sunday, ending a good run of form. This game sees the division's top two scorers going head-to-head. Iesha Swaby has scored 22 for Farnham so far. Issy Pouncy has 17 for Bursledon. Along with Rosina Folkes and Emily Foss, the two sides have four of the top five scorers in the league.
Memorial Ground, GU9 7DY

Guernsey v AFC Varsity
Both teams have won just once in the last six, although Varsity have drawn two of those to Guernsey's one. They are yet to meet this season. Varsity, second from bottom, are still nine points clear of the drop zone. Guernsey are a further five points better off. However, I'm sure both will be looking to finish as high up as they possibly can.
Victoria Avenue, Guernsey GY2 4BB

Havant & Waterlooville v Wimborne Town
Five points and three places separates Havant, in second, from Wimborne. The reverse fixture only took place at the beginning of February, and was Wimborne's last league outing. Goals from Jodie Burchell and Isobel Humphrey won that one for The Hawks.
Westleigh Park, PO9 5TH

This Sunday BotP made the short journey down the M40 for the much-awaited meeting of the top two in the Southern region Premier league, and it certainly did not disappoint.
At the start of play home side Wycombe Wanderers sat atop the table having picked up 34 points from their 13 games. The only blemishes on their record so far had both come at the hands of Reading, who drew the away match and then followed it up with a 1-0 defeat of The Chairgirls at Arbour Park. Southampton Women's, their visitors, began the day eleven points adrift but with two games in hand.
The game was the first of four Wycombe fixtures that could well define the league season. Following the home match with The Sirens, Wycombe welcome third placed Winchester City next weekend, then visit Southampton and follow that up at home to AFC Portchester, who are also in the mix because of the sheer number of games they have in hand.
Having scored 60 league goals in their 13 outings, Wycombe have, far and away, the most potent strike force in the league. With 47 of the 60 in the league, the front three of Kayla Potter, Jessica Watkins and Chloe Melton, can pose a problem for any defence. However, with only five conceded on their travels, Southampton have already proven to be a stubborn defensive unit. Having recently lost goalkeeper Leah Etheridge to injury, the re-signing of former Sholing and Saints stopper Grace Jenman, could not have come at a better time for The Sirens.

​They say that defending starts from the front. Well, only four minutes into this game, Southampton proved that old adage to be correct. Keeping players high up the pitch, they were in a position to press the Wycombe defence as they tried to play out from the back. Olivia Glover dispossessed Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins, drove into the box and sent the ball whistling past Erin Radbourne. 0-1.
Whilst Wycombe tried to respond to the early setback, Southampton didn't let them settle into a rhythm, breaking up play well, getting a toe in and generally keeping the Wycombe attack out of the equation. In fact, The Sirens were almost two up after 11 minutes when Manisha Kaur sent a 35 yard free-kick dipping over Radbourne, only for the ball to clip the bar and go over. 
Just past the midpoint of the half, Chloe Ball let ply, sending a shot into the side-netting before, a few minutes later, Kaur again hit the target from way out. This time Radbourne was behind it and saved comfortably.
Wycombe's first major attempt came in the 25th minute when Chloe Melton hit the target but didn't unduly trouble Grace Jenman. Melton then did beat the goalkeeper, meeting a right-wing free-kick with her head, but sending the ball just over the bar. A very good effort and a little warning to Southampton.
The home side were beginning to make a few more inroads at this point, especially down the right where Jessica Watkins was looking to make things happen.
Having said that, Southampton did open up the home defence again on 36 minutes, when Glover was sent through by a precision through ball, only to send her effort wide of the mark. Two minutes later, with the first half-half ticking towards a close, Jenman was finally tested when Laura Hennessey fired a shot in, which the keeper parried for a corner.
There was no doubt that Wycombe were starting to come into the game more as the half continued, but Southampton's defence was standing firm and seemingly relishing the challenge. This was perfectly summed up by Chloe Tedman's roar of triumph when her tenacity caused Chloe Melton to send a cross over the bar.

HT Wycombe Wanderers 0 Southampton Women's 1. The Sirens were superb throughout the half, biting into tackles and making Wycombe work very hard to string passes together. It would be interesting to see if they could keep up the intensity level throughout the 90 minutes. 
During the break I caught up briefly with photographer Andy Wicks, who is now capturing the action for Wycombe. It's always good to chat with Andy, a big supporter of women's football and an excellent photographer into the bargain.

​Four minutes seems to be an optimum time in each half for The Sirens because, just as in the first half, they hit the net four minutes into the second period. Eliska Lynn's precision ball found Oliva Glover on the left. The tricky winger feigned to cut back before taking the ball past her defender, working enough space to send the ball flashing across the face of goal where Danielle Kjaer was running in unmarked to slam home the second goal. 0-2.
This was only the second occasion that Wycombe had conceded twice in a league match. The previous time was at Winchester when they had gone in 2-0 down at half-time, only to come back to win the game with three second half goals. Could they do it again?
To a certain extent, the second goal changed the pattern of the game. Wycombe immediately began to push Southampton back with the visitors looking fairly happy to defend their advantage. Wycombe were beginning to open up a few more chances though. Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins had a sight of goal on 53 minutes but sent her effort over the bar. Five minutes later Jenman produced a fantastic save to keep Wycombe out and then, just before the hour, Chloe Melton had the ball in the net from a right-wing corner, but the referee immediately signalled that she had put the ball in with the use of her arm. To be fair, there was little argument form Wycombe.
A few minutes later Jenman did well to hold onto a Jess Watkins strike and, a few minutes after that, the keeper was relieved to see Kimble's header flash marginally wide after a quick break up the right from Potter. In between those chances, Radbourne had been brave to throw herself at the feet of Ball when The Sirens got forward in an increasingly rare foray.
The incessant Wycombe attacks finally broke the Southampton defence in the 80th minute. Hoesli-Atkins sent over a ball from the left which allowed Kayla Potter to get in front of her defender, beating Jenman to the ball and running it over the line. 1-2.
Wycombe could sense a chance now but when captain Bobby Lynch was unfortunate to see her looping header drop wide of the far post, it was beginning to look like they'd left the comeback a little too late. That looked even more likely when, on 89 minutes, Kimble was sent to the sin-bin after saying too much to the referee. Wycombe were down to 10, and into added time. Cue Chloe Melton four minutes into added time. With the home side pressing forward, centre-half Cat Beaver found herself out on the left, sending over a cross that found Chloe Melton completely unmarked at the back post. Her powerful header left Jenman with no chance. 2-2.
There was still enough additional time for Kimble to re-enter the action. However, there was no more scoring before the referee drew a close to proceedings.

FT Wycombe Wanderers 2 Southampton Women's 2. What a game of football. Two very good sides going for it, with no quarter given. A fiercely competitive contest in which Southampton definitely held sway in the first half. Wycombe took control in the second, but only after going two goals down. In the end, a draw was probably the fairest result. Both sides should be proud of their performance and the fantastic entertainment served up.
The result keeps Wycombe top and ten points clear. However, Winchester's win against Sholing has lifted them into second spot, a point above Southampton. Next weekend Wycombe host Flyers in another top versus second clash. Southampton travel to Arbour Park to take on a Reading side who have won their last four in all competitions, and also won 3-1 at Test Park back in September.

Wycombe Wanderers: Radbourne, Harvey, Lynch(c), Beaver, Kern, Hoesli-Atkins, Hennessey, Hill, Watkins, Potter, Melton. Subs: Caralon, Mulvaney, Wardlaw, Kimble, Baker
Southampton Women's: Jenman, Kaur, Wort, Mear(c), Mills, Ball, Wright, Glover, Kjaer, Lyn, Tedman. Subs: Soares, Davies, Conti, Coulter

Ground Number: Re-visit
Att: 
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: N/A

Thankfully a lot more games beat the weather last weekend. Are we finally seeing the first blue skies of spring? It would certainly be a welcome relief to go to a match without getting soaked.
Things are beginning to hot up in all three divisions as we head into the final third of the season. Wycombe Wanderers, Denham United and Farnham Town still lead the way with the latter yet to drop any points. Southampton climbed to second in the Premier League whilst Penn & Tylers Green did the same in the North. Bemerton Heath still lead the chasing pack in the South.

​Beaconsfield Town 0-4 Southampton Women
The Sirens lifted themselves into second spot with two goals in each half at Holloways Park. Danielle Kjaer got them off to a good start by scoring after just 7 minutes. Chloe Ball made it two just past the midway point of the half. Ball added her second after 74 minutes before Eliska Lynn rounded off the scoring five minutes from time.

Fleet Town P-P Reading

Woodley United P-P Sholing

Wycombe Wanderers 5-0 Badshot Lea
Wycombe's terrible trio struck again to sink bottom side Badshot Lea. Kayla Potter opened the scoring after 24 minutes with Jess Watkins adding a second just past the half hour mark. Potter made it three a minute after the restart before Chloe Melton also got in on the act. Goal number 27 of the season for Kayla Potter arrived just before the hour, completing another hat-trick for the prolific striker. Watch the goals on the Wycombe X feed.

​Ascot United Reserves 4-0 Oxford City Development
A much needed three points for Ascot pulled them three points clear of the drop zone, consigning Oxford to a third defeat in four. Lily Pendlebury had United in front at half-time. Kezia Nzeribe then struck twice in five minutes just before the hour, before Pendlebury added a second with 20 minutes remaining.

Chesham United Development 0-2 Denham United
Denham maintained their 100% league record and have a five point lead at the top, with a game in hand on second placed Penn & Tylers Green. Annie Hewitt and Chelsea-Rose Keary scored the United goals.

Slough Town 1-4 Penn & Tylers Green
Penn leapt into second spot on the back of three points secured at Arbour Park. Two goals in the opening eight minutes, from Rachel Southby and Ellie Lovelock, gave the visitors a flying start. However, Nikhita Sangha pulled one back for Slough before half-time. Shortly after the restart Shannon Read added a third for Penn before Ellie Lovelock added her second and sealed the points. Read the BotP match blog (Rebels Felled​)

Tilehurst Panthers P-P Larkspur Rovers

​Andover New Street P-P Bournemouth Sports Reserves

Bursledon 6-0 AFC Varsity
The Dons pulled clear of the relegation zone with a big win over Varsity. Two goals in two first half minutes, from captain Charlet Norman-Tasker and Issy Pouncy, saw the home side lead 2-0 at the break. Sophie Lunnon made it there after 50 minutes and, five minutes later, Emma Holmes scored the fourth. Samantha-May Gamble made it 5-0, before Pouncy added the sixth with five minutes remaining.

​Oxford City H-W Easington Sports

Kidlington Youth P-P Barton United

Swindon Town 9-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Higher-ranked Town progressed to the final with a comprehensive defeat of Harlequins. Tori St Clair helped herself to a hat-trick and there were braces for both Annie Colston and Sarah King. Libby Davies and Billie Haynes were also on the mark for The Robins.

Farnborough 0-4 Southampton PGA u21
Southampton will face a home tie with AFC Bournemouth in the semi-final after seeing off Farnborough. Lorien McDonald-Howard led the way for Southampton, scoring a hat-trick. Safia Bolton was also on the score sheet for the visitors.

Havant & Waterlooville A-W Bournemouth Sports
Bournemouth Sports host Moneyfields in the semi-final

Moneyfields 1-1 (p4-2) AFC Portchester
Portchy took the lead in this game through Layla Morgan, two minutes into the second half. However, with four minutes of normal time remaining, they were pegged back by Shannon Albuery. Moneys then went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 and will travel to Bournemouth Sports in the semi-final. Watch the highlights on the Moneyfields YouTube channel

Winchester City Flyers 1-3 AFC Bournemouth
Zoe Barratt got The Cherries off to a great start, scoring after 4 minutes. Gemma McGuinness doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time then, with 11 minutes remaining, made the game safe with Bournemouth's third. Emma Whitlock added a consolation for Flyers just before the end. AFC Bournemouth travel to Southampton u21 PGA in the semi-final.

Shaftesbury 0-2 Sherborne Town
A goal in each half was enough for Sherborne to make progress in the Dorset Cup. Molly Gladwell opened the scoring after 11 minutes, but it took until the 85th minute for Erin Bloomfield to make the game safe. The Zebras will; face the winner of Wimborne Town v Poole Town in the final.

Wimborne Town P-P Poole Town

Leatherhead 4-0 Farnham Town
London and South-East side, Leatherhead, saw off Farnham Town to progress to the Capital Cup Intermediate semi-final. Two goals from Kacie-May Harlow and one each from Lauren Nicholson and Eva Keen. Watch the highlights from the Farnham X feed.

​AFC Portchester v Reading
Portchy, who have only played eight league games so far, are five points adrift of Reading, but have three games in hand. Both sides have won their last three league games. This will be their first meeting of the season. Portchy have not lost at home in the league since September's defeat to Beaconsfield. Reading's last away defeat in the league was in November at Winchester.
Wicor Recreation Ground, PO16 9DP

Badshot Lea v Oxford City
Both have lost their last four league outings, although bottom side Badshot Lea are the more desperate for the points. City still have an eight point margin between themselves and the drop zone. The reverse fixture, City's last league victory, ended 7-3 to the hosts with both Ellie White and Yasmin Edwards hitting hat-tricks.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Winchester City Flyers v Sholing
Flyers sit third, a point behind Southampton with a game in hand. Sholing, whilst having a five point gap on the bottom two, will still be looking for points to make their league status safe. This will be their first meeting this season. However, the teams are also scheduled to meet at Sholing on Friday evening in the SDFA Cup.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Woodley United v Fleet Town
Having won last time out, Woodley will be looking to push away from the relegation zone. They sit nine points adrift of Fleet, but with a game in hand. Town won the reverse fixture 7-0 back in October, Layla Drury and Avery Tolley both scoring twice.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, ​RG5 3HE

Wycombe Wanderers v Southampton 
The current top two going head-to-head. Wycombe have an eleven pint gap at the top, albeit having played two more than The Sirens, and are yet to lose at home in the league. The first meeting this season, with the reverse fixture scheduled for early March, these two results could have a massive effect on the league title.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

​Abingdon United Development v Penn & Tylers Green
Penn's win on Sunday kept them in contention with Denham, who are still holding on to their 100% record. The chasing pack can just keep winning and hope the leaders slip up at some point. Abingdon, themselves, are just two points behind Penn, but have played a game extra. Penn won the reverse fixture 2-1 in the middle of December.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Ascot United Reserves v Chesham United Development
Despite winning last weekend, Ascot are still in need of more points to pull away from the drop zone. Chesham are very comfortable in mid-table but will still be looking to finish as high as possible, especially after losing their opening three games. Chesham won the reverse fixture 4-0 with the aid of a Sophie Bishop hat-trick.
The Racecourse Ground, SL5 7LJ

Larkspur Rovers v Farnborough
A first meeting between these two this season. Rovers currently sit third, only six points off top spot. Farnborough are 12 points worse off than their hosts but have played three games fewer. Borough are eight points above bottom side Kidlington, reasonably safe, but a few more points would certainly be useful.
Lord Halsbury Memorial Playing Fields, UB5 5FE

Slough Town v Denham United
A local derby and a chance for Slough to avenge the 6-1 defeat suffered at The Den back in September. Denham are exactly halfway through their league fixtures and, as yet, still have an unblemished record. Slough's recent good form came to an end last weekend when they lost to Penn & Tylers Green (Rebels Felled)
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

​AFC Stoneham v Farnham Town
After going out of the League Cup and Capital Cup in the last two weeks, Farnham now have full focus on their 100% league record. They've only conceded four goals at home all season, but 50% of those were scored by Stoneham in their 4-2 defeat at The Mem in October. The Purps trail the leaders by seven points currently but have games in hand on the teams immediately above them.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

AFC Varsity v Wimborne Town
Despite there being six places between these two, the gap is only six points in a tightly congested table. Varsity are looking for their first win of 2026. The reverse fixture, in November, ended 3-2 to Wimborne after Varsity had led 2-0 after 52 minutes. Georgie Mitton popped up with the winner with 5 minutes to go.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romey. SO51 6EA

Andover New Street v Bursledon
If you want to see goals, Bursledon are the team to follow at the moment. A total of 46 goals have been scored in their last five games, including scoring 13 and conceding 13 in consecutive matches. The teams have met twince already, a win apiece with six goals scored in both. Bursledon won an early FA Cup game 4-2 whilst New Street won 5-1 at Bursledon in the league.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Shaftesbury
Sports will attempt to win a league game at home at the seventh attempt. Shaftesbury are looking for their first point on the road, so something has to give. Bournemouth won 4-1 at Coppice Street in November after coming from a goal down.
Chapel Gate, BH23 6BL

​Kidlington Youth v Barton United
These two will try again after the rain put paid to last weekend's clash. Although these two teams are separated by a division, they are effectively just one place apart with Kidlington bottom of Division One North and Barton currently heading Thames Valley Division One. Barton are unbeaten this season and full of confidence. This could be an interesting tie.
Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

Wimborne Town v Poole Town
Another rescheduled tie after last weekend's postponement. South West Premier side, Poole Town, make the short trip over to Wimborne and start as slight favourites in this one, although they have yet to play in the competition, having received a bye in the previous round, as did Wimborne.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, BH21 2FU

This Sunday BotP made the re4latively short journey back to Arbour Park for the Division One North game between fifth placed Slough Town and fourth placed Penn & Tyers Green. The sides started the day locked together on 22 points. However, Slough had already played six more games than today's visitors.
There had already been two meetings between the teams this season, both of which took place at Penn's French School Meadow ground. In October Penn beat Slough 2-1 in the county cup with goals from Tara Woodward and Sarah Harrison overriding Saj Turner's strike for The Rebels. A month later Slough got some revenge by winning 1-0 in the league. Daisy Skinner scored the winner a minute into the second half. Ellie Lovelock saw red for the home side.

​With two of the teams above them not playing, both sides knew that a victory would propel them into second place, and it was the visitors who took a firm grip early on. Only eight minutes were on the clock when midfielder Rachel Southby took aim from 25 yards out, sending her dipping drive sailing over Maisie Buckley into the keeper's top left corner. 0-1.
One minute later, having seen Southby's effort, Ellie Lovelock tried her luck from a similar distance, with a similar result. This time the ball flew into Buckley's top right corner. 0-2
The early double salvo was a big blow to Slough, who had come into the game with back-to-back victories and they were almost three down on 11 minutes when Tara Woodward latched onto a through ball before sending her low drive just inches past the far post. However, the home side rallied, stemmed the flow of Penn attacks and began to play their way back into the game. Slough captain Nikhita Sangha was looking lively in the centre of midfield and, when she once more got loose and began to drive forward, Ellie Lovelock dived in from behind, leaving Sangha on the deck and leaving the referee no alternative than to book the Penn player.
Slough's efforts to get back into the game were rewarded just past the half-hour mark. Awarded a free-kick some 40 yards out on the left flank, Emma Green put the ball in between goalkeeper and defence. Nikhita Sangha and a defender both went for the ball, with the Slough captain getting a toe in to send the ball spinning past Amy Whale. 1-2.
As if Sangha's goal was a personal challenge, Penn's captain Rachel Harnby then decided she wanted in on the act. First she got her head onto a left-wing corner, glancing the ball just wide of the post. Then she met a corner from the opposite side, this time powering the effort narrowly over the bar.
Then, with three minutes of normal time remaining, a moment of controversy. Lovelock, already on a yellow, flew in on Amber Saunders who had nicked the ball past her lunge. The challenge in itself was possibly a red card but, taking into account that Lovelock had already been booked, everyone was fully expecting to see her walking. However, the referee decided that it was only worth a talking to.

HT Slough Town 1 Penn & Tylers Green 2. Penn look very dangerous up front, but it's not one-way traffic. Too close to call at the break. Penn very lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch after Lovelock's two bad challenges.

​In a repeat of the first half, Penn scored again seven minutes after the restart and, once again, it was practically a carbon copy of the fits two goals. This time it was Shannon Read who struck, sending her shot arcing over Buckley. 1-3
Slough tried to respond immediately. Emma Green brushed off a challenge to break town the left before drilling a ball across the face of the Whale's goal, but no-one could get on the end of it. Then, on the hour, Penn struck again, effectively sealing the points. Megan Brockwell was the architect, bursting clear on the right before sending a ball across the penalty area. Buckley came but could only parry the ball out to the edge of the box where Ellie Lovelock was waiting to run salt into the wounds by sending the ball flying back past goalkeeper and defender to make it 1-4.
The points looked like they were heading back to French School Meadow, but Tara Woodward was still hungry for goals. She came close on 68 minutes after drifting in from the right and sending a drive whistling past the post. Five minutes later, Woodward danced her way into the penalty area only for Maisie Buckley to make a superb stop with her feet.
There was then a short delay whilst Penn's coach was asked to have a word with a couple of overly vociferous supporters on the far side of the ground, who had clearly upset the referee in some way. It was too far away for me to hear any comments.
Into added time, Shannon Read had an opportunity for a second goal but flashed a shot just wide before, in the final seconds, Slough substitute Taylor Spence showed great determination to get back and make a last ditch block to prevent a fifth goal.

FT Slough Town 1 Penn & Tylers Green 4. In the end it looked to be a comfortable win for Penn, but it doesn't really the whole story. True, Penn were very dangerous going forward and scored three long-range goals that displayed their collective shooting power. Slough, however, gave as good as they got for much of the game, even if they didn't quite carry the same threat in the final third.
The result sees Penn jump up to second spot, five points adrift of Denham who have played a game fewer. Next weekend Penn travel to fourth placed Abingdon. They won 2-1 in the reverse fixture. Slough remain in fifth spot as they prepare to face league leaders Denham next Sunday. A Liana Horwood hat-trick helped United to a 6-1 at The Den earlier in the season.

Slough Town: Buckley, Grinhaff, Lunn, Boparai, Green, Sangha(c), Duffy, Turner, Bewick, Saunders, Roberts. Subs: Jackson, Spence, Williams
Penn & Tylers Green: Whale, Wyncoll, Mackay, Harnby(c), Helmer, Southby, Troth, Brockwell, Read, Lovelock, Woodward. Subs: Jones, Baden, Misselbrook, Thompson, Woods

Ground Number: Re-Visit
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Entrance: £5.00
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More games survived the weather this weekend, mainly due to teams taking the matter into their own hands and relocating matches to 3G surfaces well ahead of time.
In the Premier League Woodley finally earned a victory with a 2-1 at Oxford City. Slough won again in the North and Guernsey finally got back to winning ways in the South, where Stoneham and Bursledon also shared eight goals. There were League Cup wins for Portchester, Reading, Winchester City Flyers and Wycombe Wanderers.

​Oxford City 1-2 Woodley United
Woodley clocked up their first league win of the season, consigning City to a fourth straight league defeat. Ellie Stalley gave United the lead in the first half. However, Yasmin Edwards levelled things up soon after the break. It stayed that way until the 90th minute, when Sumayah Zayadi blasted home a late winner. Read the BotP match blog (Super Stalley's Goal Statistics Make Woodley So Vivacious)

​Oxford City Development 0-0 Farnborough
Whilst the first team were losing to Woodley, Oxford's Dev. team were just next door, being held to a goalless draw by Farnborough. The point halted a run of consecutive defeats for City and a second consecutive away draw for Borough.

Slough Town 1-0 Ascot United Reserves
Two wins on the bounce now for Slough who are now just two points off the leaders, albeit having played double the number of games that Denham have played. The winning goal came from a long-range stunner from Sajunae Turner.

​Guernsey 2-1 Shaftesbury
The Green Lionesses won for the first time since October, leapfrogging Bournemouth Sports Reserves in the process. Guernsey goals were scored by Ruby Smith and a sixth of the season from Codie le Flem. Shaftesbury's consolation was scored by Becca Roberts.
 
AFC Stoneham 4-4 Bursledon
A real rollercoaster of a game for both teams as Stoneham and Bursledon shared the spoils. Nikita Rahman put the visitors ahead on 16 minutes, but that was quickly cancelled out by Abby Chow. Lucy Bicknell then put the Purps in front. Shortly after half-time, Emily Serridge made it 2-2, but Scarlett Darnton had Stoneham in front again on 65 minutes. Isobel Pouncy levelled again in the 88th minute. Abbie Awdas thought she had won it 3 minutes into added time, but Pouncy had other ideas, levelling again two minutes later.

Andover New Street P-P Wimborne Town

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0-0 AFC Varsity
Varsity halted their two game losing streak with a hard-fought goalless draw at Sarum Academy. Harlequins held on to second spot with the point, but have Havant breathing down their necks now.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 Havant & Waterlooville
An Amber Marsh goal was all it took to give The Hawks all three points in Dorset. Havant jump above Wimborne Town and move to within a point of Bemerton, in second spot, with two games in hand.

​Farnham Town 3-3 (4-5p) AFC Portchester
Another topsy-turvy cup match finally swung the way of the Premier League side after a penalty shootout, after ending 3-3. Sarah Butterworth and Gemma Hillier had given Portchy a 2-0 lead, but that was reduced to one when Francesca Thornton scored before the break. Iesha Swaby then levelled the scores before Rachael Manley put Town in front, only for Kim Fuller to send the game into a shootout. Watch the goals on the Farnham X feed.

Larkspur Rovers 1-5 Reading
Reading's recent good form continued with a comprehensive League Cup win at Larkspur. Emi Tong gave The Royals the lead on 20 minutes, which is how it stayed until after the hour mark. Then Tyra Wilson scored twice, Ava Broke-Smith added a fourth. Sarah Thompson for Reading and Larkspur's Shenice Dyer then added a goal each to round of the scoring. Read the match report courtesy of The Tilehurst End.

Winchester City Flyers 5-2 Abingdon United Development
Abingdon's League Cup run came to an end at Winchester despite goals from April England and Chloe Forrester. City did the majority of the damage in the first half. Charlie Snelling, two from Chelsie Hay and one from Sian Wylie meant they chalked up four before the break. Emily McDonough added a fifth shortly after the restart.

Wycombe Wanderers 6-0 Beaconsfield Town
The Rams lost goalkeeper Sophie Cheadle through injury after 17 minutes, Ash Harte taking over in goal. Jess Watkins opened the scoring for Wycombe before Chloe Melton made it two before the break. Kayla Potter then added the third just after the restart, following it with her second and Wycombe's fourth.  Catherine Beaver added the fifth before Jess Watkins rounded off the scoring. Watch all the goals on the Wycombe X feed.
Best wishes to Sophie Cheadle for a swift recovery.

​Beaconsfield Town v Southampton Women
Only two points separate The Rams, in fourth, from The Sirens, a place below. The reverse fixture was also a close contest which Southampton won 2-1 after taking a two goal lead and holding off  a late fightback from Town.
Holloways Park, HP9 2SE

Fleet Town v Reading
A first meeting of the season for these two. Fleet will be looking to bounce back from their League Cup exit at Abingdon in their last game. Reading, who have hit something of a purple patch, are looking for their fifth straight win in all competitions, and could re-take second spot with a point or more.
Crookham Road, GU51 5FA

Woodley United v Sholing
Buoyed by their first win last weekend (Super Stalley's Goal Statistics Make Woodley So Vivacious), Woodley now have their sights set on reigning oin9th placed Sholing, currently five points above them. The Boatwomen have lost three on the bounce, but did beat Woodley 5-1 in the reverse fixture.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, ​RG5 3HE
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Wycombe Wanderers v Badshot Lea
Top versus bottom. Highest scorers versus the team with the most porous defence. A nailed on home win? You never know in football. The teams are yet to meet this season. To give some perspective to the size of task for The Baggies, three Wycombe players, Kayla Potter, Jess Watkins and Chloe Melton, have each individually scored more goals that Badshot Lea collectively.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

​Ascot United Reserves v Oxford City Development
Suddenly, following Kidlington's three point award for Chesham fielding an illegible player, Ascot find themselves level on points with the bottom side, although out of the drop zone on goal difference. They'll be looking to put some points on the board against a City side who have not won since December. Ascot won the reverse fixture 3-1.
The Racecourse Ground,
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Chesham United Development v Denham United
Chesham, despite losing three points for an illegible player, are still comfortably in mid-table. They become the next team to try to find a way to break Denham's 100% league record. Denham won the reverse fixture 8-0 which included a hat-trick for former QPR player, Brogan Moore.
Chiltern Hills Academy, HP5 2RG

Slough Town v Penn & Tylers Green
Unbeaten in three, Slough will be looking to do a league double over Penn, after winning 1-0 at French School Meadow in November. However, that did come on the back of a 2-1 win for Penn in the county cup. A win for either team could, potentially, take them top, depending upon other results.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

Tilehurst Panthers v Larkspur Rovers
Rovers may have lost top Reading in the League Cup, but they have won their last two league games without conceding. Conversely, Panthers have lost their last three in the league and are winless since a 2-1 victory at Oxford in October.
The Rivermoor, Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

​Andover New Street v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
New Street will be looking to bounce back in the league, after going down 2-1 at Shaftesbury in the last outing, and they have the boost of a 1-0 at Chapel Gate in the reverse fixture. Sports lost to Havant on Sunday, but had previously take 4 points from their last two, including a 3-2 win at Guernsey.
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA

Bursledon v AFC Varsity
Tied on 12 points and having both played 11 games, this promises to be a close contest. The Dons registered a very good draw at Stoneham last weekend, coming on the back of an absolute mauling of Shaftesbury in the Chairman's Cup. Varsity drew at the weekend, breaking a run of two consecutive defeats. This will be their first meeting this season.
Woodlands Community College, SO18 5FW

​Oxford City v Easington Sports
After losing at home to Woodley at the weekend, City will be looking to take out their frustrations on lower-ranked Easington. The Thames Valley Div. 2 North side are currently mid-table in their league and have put out Banbury United and Summertown Stars to get this far.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Kidlington Youth v Barton United
Although these two teams are separated by a division, they are effectively just one place apart with Kidlington bottom of Division One North and Barton currently heading Thames Valley Division One. Barton are unbeaten this season and full of confidence. This could be an interesting tie.
Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

Swindon Town v Bemerton Heath Harlequins
A tough ask for Harlequins as they travel to high-flying Women's National South-West side Swindon Town. Swindon have a 100% record at home and have only conceded three goals in five games. However, Quins have kept a clean sheet in their last two games. BotP saw Swindon beat Oxford City in the FA Cup earlier this season.
Green Lane Playing Fields, SN10 5EP

Farnborough v Southampton PGA u21
After putting out Andover New Street, Farnborough now face a different challenge against a Southampton team who put ten past Moneyfields Reserves in the last round. 
The Easy As HGV Stadium, GU14 8UD

Havant & Waterlooville v Bournemouth Sports
A big test for The Hawks as they welcome National League South-West Sports to town. Bournemouth got past Premier League Southampton Women on penalties in the last round. Havant edged past AFC Varsity by two goals to one.
Westleigh Park, PO9 5TH

Moneyfields v AFC Portchester
National League South-West leaders, Moneyfields, will provide a serious test to Portchy, although the Premier League side have already knocked Moneys' league-mates, Worthing, out of the FA Cup. (Royals Give Worthing The 2nd Half Blues​)royals-give-worthing-the-2nd-half-blues.html
Venue: Moneyfields Women

Winchester City Flyers v AFC Bournemouth
A massive game for Flyers. AFC Bournemouth make the short journey north, currently sitting in third spot of the National League Southern Premier with an unbeaten league record. The Cherries put out Sholing in the last round, beating the Boatwomen 4-0. City won 3-0 at AFC Stoneham and are unbeaten since November in all competitions.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Shaftesbury v Sherborne Town
A Dorset derby with the home side starting the game as underdogs against their South West Regional Premier rivals. Sherborne are third in their league and progressed to this stage with a 9-0 defeat of Dorchester Town. Shaftesbury got here via a 5-0 defeat of Wimborne Town Development.
Coppice Street, SP7 8PD

Wimborne Town v Poole Town
South West Premier side, Poole Town, make the short trip over to Wimborne and start as slight favourites in this one, although they have yet to play in the competition, having received a bye in the previous round, as did Wimborne.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, BH21 2FU

Leatherhead v Farnham Town
These two currently play at the same level, although in different league. Leatherhead are fourth in The London & South East Division One South, Farnham sit top of Southern Region Division One South. Leatherhead won 3-1 at Actonians to get here. Farnham beat Denham United 6-1 (North South Divide).
Fetcham Grove, ​KT22 9AS

This Sunday BotP headed back to The MGroup Stadium, home of Oxford City having only been there last week watching my own daughter play. With City's first team at home to Woodley United and their Development team at home to Farnborough, on an adjacent pitch, it was a rare opportunity to keep an eye on two Southern Region games at the same time. My main focus was the Premier League clash but I was also able to see the Division One North game through an open gate between the pitches.
The lead up to the game saw City in eighth spot with twelve points form their ten games. However, they were on a poor run of form, having lost their last four in all competitions, including three league games and a Chairman's Cup exit to lower-ranked Wimborne Town. Woodley were arriving still looking for their first league win of the season, although recent performances had started to improve as the squad rebuild continued, and they had progressed in the Chairman's Cup with a 6-3 defeat of Chesham United Development.
This was the first time I had seen Woodley play this season. Good to bump into Mark Rozzier prior to the game too. Thanks for sharing the team sheet with me.

​City made three changes to the starting line-up that began last week's home defeat to Reading and it was one of those players, Georgina Tayman, who had the first strike in anger. Her 7th minute strike was very well hit but flashed wide of the goal. A few minutes later, with City looking quite lively, Ellie White got down the left and fired over a low cross, only for Jo-Anna Nowak-Allum to make a good stop, preventing the ball reaching its intended target, Lucy White, on the back post.
Oxford were using both flanks to good effect with both Lucy White and Kira Ranxha finding space behind the Woodley defence. However, the next opportunity fell to the visitors after a left-wing corner was looped goalward by the head of Ellie Stalley only for the ball to be hacked off the line.
Approaching the midpoint of the half, Ellie White found Lucy White with a delightful through ball. City's number 14 looked odds-on to score before Nowak-Allum pulled up a tremendous, one-handed save to keep the game scoreless.
Grace Craven was the next to try her luck, after being set up by a deft lay-off from Emily Harris, she could only loop her shot over the bar. 
City were looking the more likely to break the deadlock, although a cross from a quick break, that narrowly evaded Stalley, just past the half-hours, was a warning to the home side. Ten minutes later that warning became reality, as the visitors took the lead, somewhat against the run of play. It came from a long ball that cleared the City defence, leaving Ellie Stalley to race on, narrowly beating the onrushing Kiera Maskell to the ball, and lobbing it over the keeper into the net. 0-1. The collision between striker and goalkeeper left the City stopper requiring attention, but she was soon back on her feet.
Stunned into action, Oxford pressed to get back on level terms before the break and, with a minute of normal time remaining, briefly thought they had done just that when Kira Ranxha ran onto a Harris through ball and slotted past Nowak-Allum. However, the flag had gone up long before the ball crossed the line. Offside.

HT Oxford City 0 Woodley United 1. Whilst Oxford would be unhappy to be behind at the break and were marginally the better team, Woodley dealt with the game well and took their big chance when it was presented.
On the other side of the fence, City's Dev team and Farnborough were goalless at the break.

​In response to going in behind at the break, Oxford made a couple of changes, bringing on Yasmin Edwards up front and Kate Parsons in midfield, and the hosts were back on the front foot right from the kick-off.
Ellie White, with a great strike, tested Nowak-Allum but, once again, the Woodley stopper was equal to the task, producing a save to match the shot. However, seven minutes into the second half, even Nowak-Allum was powerless to prevent the equaliser, and it was the half-time changes that did the damage to Woodley. Kate Parsons sent over a left-wing corner, met at the near post by a powerful Yasmin Edwards header. 1-1
The goal immediately gave Oxford a lift, an extra yard and a little more bite in the tackle. You felt that they smelled blood, and set about the task of getting another goal. 
Stalley's long-range effort on the hour, which flew wide, was just a small piece of relief form the City attacks. A few minutes after that Ellie White and Yasmin Edwards combined well, with the former's turn and shot going wide of the mark. Emily Harris then saw her shot blocked but was quick to latch onto the loose ball inside the area. She was immediately closed down and, as a group of players came together, Harris ended on the ground. There were calls for a penalty from the home side, but nothing was given.
That could have proved to be a big turning point two minutes later when Stalley was once again left in the clear. However, Keira Maskell was out quickly, narrowing the angle and making a good block with her legs. That break aiside, Oxford were soon pressing at the other end. Captain Billie Bough-French displayed some excellent ball-juggling skills to make some space on the edge of the box, only to fire over the bar, as City kept Woodley pinned inside their own half. Then Grace Craven pounced on a loose ball some 25 yards out and let fly, only for her dipping drive to graze the roof of the Woodley net.
A short stoppage in play saw Woodley's captain, Shannon Hobson, require treatment and have to leave the pitch after a brilliant, battling performance in the centre of midfield. Another former Caversham United player, Caitlin Levy, took her place in midfield and, right on the stroke of full-time, yet another former Goat made the telling contribution. Once again, Ellie Stalley was central to Woodley's raid, slipping a short, precise pass inside for Sumayah Zayadi to run on and lash a shot past Maskell form just inside the box. 1-2


FT Oxford City 1 Woodley United 2. The result sees Woodley move off the bottom of the table for the first time since late November. Their recent revival is in no small part thanks to the firepower provided by recent signing Ellie Stalley. Since coming in from Farnborough, where she had scored twelve goals in nine games, the striker has added five goals in three games. That's one hell of a return.
Oxford remain in eight spot, but their recent run must be cause for concern. Next weekend The Hoops have a break from the league, as they welcome Thames Valley Division 2 North side Easington Sports to the MGroup in a county cup semi-final. Woodley have another crucial league encounter to look forward to as the team directly above them, Sholing, come to Bulmershe Pavilion. Sholing are five points ahead of United, but have played three games more.

The game next door ended Oxford City Development 0 Farnborough 0.
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Oxford City: Maskell, Durham, Davis, Bough-French(c), Ayres, Gorman, Harris, Craven, Ranxha, L.White, E.White. Subs: Edwards, Lyne, Parsons, Wellington-Faissal, Barrett
Woodley United: Nowak-Allum, Thorne, Kehayova, Sharp, Griffiths, Evans, Hobson(c), Giles, Mayani, Kemp, Stalley. Subs: Bynoe-Gittens, Browning, Hamblin, Levy, Zayadi

Ground Number: Re-Visit
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​For the second week running the weather played a major part in the weekend's fixtures, with games being postponed across the country. In the games that survived, Reading won again in the Premier League, as did leaders Wycombe. Beaconsfield and Winchester shared four goals, the first draw of the season for both teams. In the North only one game survived, Slough beating bottom side Kidlington 8-1. In the south Bemerton took over second place after a last ditch win over Stoneham, whilst Wimborne were beaten at home by Havant & Waterlooville. Abingdon's Dev. team caused a "cupset" by knocking Fleet out of the League Cup. There were also cup wins for Portchester, Woodley and Bursledon.

​Beaconsfield Town 2-2 Winchester City Flyers
A first draw of the season for both of these teams. It was a topsy-turvy affair with Chelsie Hay giving Flyers the lead in the 27th minute. Isabella Ellis levelled the scores eight minutes later and, two minutes after that, Ruby Harris fired in Town's second to give them a half-time lead. However, Chelsie Hay converted an 83rd minute penalty, after she had been felled in the box, to square things up again. Watch the goals courtesy of Beaconsfield's YouTube channel, and listen to Emma Pearmine's post-match thoughts.

Oxford City 1-4 Reading
City fell to their third league defeat on the bounce against in-form Reading, who leapt up to third place on the back of this win. A brace from Tia Johnson had the Royals two to the good by half-time. Tyra Wilson added two more in the second half, including one in added time. Billie Bough-French rattled in a superb consolation, but it was not enough for City. Watch all the goals from the Reading X feed.

Sholing 0-6 Wycombe Wanderers
Two goals from top scorer Kayla Potter and two more from Chloe Melton, saw Wycombe go into half-time four goals in front. Not to be outdone, the third part of the goalscoring triumvirate, Jessica Watkins, added two more of her own in the second half. That's a total of 57 goals scored by Wycombe's forward line this season, and a commanding nine point lead at the top of the table. Watch the goals courtesy of Wycombe's X feed.

​Farnborough P-P Denham United

Larkspur Rovers P-P Penn & Tylers Green

Slough Town 8-1 Kidlington Youth
Kidlington's bad season continued with a mauling at the hands of Slough Town. Daisy Franczak put The Rebels in front after 21 minutes. Tygun Hart then added a second before Alicia Grinhaff made it three on 42 minutes. Courtney Sumner then pulled a goal back for The Greens, only for Madeleine Armstrong to make it 4-1 before half-time. After the break there were further goals for Grinhaff, Hart, Megan Duffy and Bethan Bewick. Watch the goals on the Slough Town X feed.

​AFC Varsity P-P Guernsey

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1-0 AFC Stoneham
BotP had the pleasure of witnessing this thoroughly entertaining clash between to evenly matched teams. The competition was fierce and threatened to boil over once or twice, but credit to both teams for just getting on with what was a fascinating tussle. The deadlock was eventually broken with virtually the last kick of the game, Rachel Adkin stabbing home from close range following a left-wing corner. Read the BotP match blog here (Harlequins No Joke For Purps)

Bournemouth Sports Reserves P-P Farnham Town

Wimborne Town 0-2 Havant & Waterlooville
Wimborne lost second spot to Bemerton after going down at home to a Hawks team now unbeaten since mid-November. Havant's goals were scored by Isobel Humphrey and Jodie Burchell.

​Abingdon United Development 2-1 Fleet Town
United caused something of a League Cup upset by defeating higher-ranked Fleet Town at The Northcourt. Goals from April England and Chloe Forrester were enough to override Lily Martin's strike for Fleet, sending the Yellows through to face Winchester City Flyers in the quarter-final.

Southampton Women 0-3 AFC Portchester
Portchester booked themselves a quarter-final visit to Farnham Town in this twice postponed League Cup tie. The visitors got off to a flyer and were two goals up inside 12 minutes, increasing that to 3-0 before the half-time break. Portchy goals came from April Hill and two from top scorer Becky Bath.

​Bursledon 13-2 Shaftesbury
The Dons progressed in the Chairman's Cup with a resounding result against Shaftesbury. Isobel Pouncy led the way scoring five. Rosina Folkes added four and Eleanor Fitzgerald two. The other two goals were scored by Kirby Anderson and Samantha-May Gamble. Chelsie Johnson and Nicola Castle were on the scoresheet for Shaftesbury.

Woodley United 6-3 Chesham United Development
Putting aside their league worries, Woodley went through to Round Two wit a solid defeat of Chesham United Development, although they did need to come from behind twice. Oana Filip put the visitors in front after 4 minutes with Ellie Stalley equalising 13 minutes later. Nell Coster then fired Chesham back in front, but Amelie Mayani, another from Stalley and an added time Lucy Giles effort saw Woodley take a 4-2 lead into the break. Ruby Slade reduced the deficit just before the hour, but Ellie Stalley completed her hat-trick and Zara Nurcellari grabbed her first goal to send Woodley through.

​Oxford City v Woodley United
Woodley travel to Marsh Lane still in search of their first win. A win that could take them out of the relegation zone. City have lost their last two home league games, so will be looking to make the most of their first meeting with the division's bottom side.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

​Oxford City Development v Farnborough
Only a point separates Oxford, in eighth from Farnborough in ninth. However, City have played seven additional games to Farnborough's seven. The reverse fixture, in November, was postponed, so this will be their first encounter this season.
Venue: Oxford City Development

Penn & Tylers Green v Chesham United Development
Something of a local derby as Chesham make the 9 mile jaunt to Elm Road. With the top three not having league games, Penn could go top of the table with a win. They'll be buoyed by the knowledge of a 4-1 win at Chesham in the first game of the season.
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Ascot United Reserves
A repeat of the opening day fixture in which the sides played out a 2-2 draw at The Racecourse. On that day Ascot came from behind to lead 2-1 before Alicia Grinhaff tied the game seven minutes into added time.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

Guernsey v Shaftesbury
Since Guernsey beat Shaftesbury at Coppice Street back in October, the Green Lionesses have won just one more game and are currently on a run of one point from their last six games. Shaftesbury themselves have only picked up 3 points in their last six games. 
Victoria Avenue, GY2 4BB
 
AFC Stoneham v Bursledon
You can't say you don't see goals in Bursledon matches. Their last two outings have ended 0-13 and 13-2. Stoneham, meanwhile, were a little unfortunate to lose 1-0 at Bemerton last weekend, in a very tightly contested game (Harlequins No Joke For Purps). This will be the first meeting of the teams this season. Last season they met three times and all were close encounters. Stoneham's Zoe Bache could be facing her old team for the first time since her move.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

Andover New Street v Wimborne Town
Wimborne lost second place on Sunday after defeat to Havant. New Street, despite their NDFA walkover at the weekend, have not won a game since the 1-0 win at Bournemouth in November. This will be their first meeting this season
Foxcotte Park, SP11 0TA

Bemerton Heath Harlequins v AFC Varsity
Bemerton's last gasp winner on Sunday (Harlequins No Joke For Purps) saw them leapfrog Wimborne into second spot. Varsity sit second from bottom currently, but have an eight point gap between themselves and Shaftesbury. The reverse fixture, in October, ended in a goalless draw.
Shrewton Recreation Ground, SP3 4JU

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Havant & Waterlooville
The Hawks are on a bit of a roll. Three consecutive wins in all competitions and clean sheets in their last two league games. However, they did lose the reverse fixture to Sports in October. Two goals from Freya Jennings and one from Kaitlyn Elliott saw Bournemouth leave Westleigh Park with a 3-1 victory.
Chapel Gate, BH23 6BL

​Farnham Town v AFC Portchester
With their 100% league record still intact, Farnham will be looking forward to pitting their wits against Premier League Portchester. Portchy's 3-0 win at Southampton last weekend was the result that set up this fixture
Weydon School, GU9 8UG
​
Larkspur Rovers v Reading
To ensure that this game goes ahead, Rovers have already moved the fixture away from their normal home ground, having seen their last two home games postponed. This is going to be a big test for Larkspur against a Reading side that have won their last three, including inflicting a first defeat of the season on Wycombe.
Brunel University Sports Park, UB8 3PW

Winchester City Flyers v Abingdon United Development
Flyers held on to second spot with their draw at Beaconsfield on Sunday. Despite the one division gap between the teams, Division One North Abingdon will be full of confidence, having already put out Premier League Fleet in the previous round.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Wycombe Wanderers v Beaconsfield Town
This will be the third meeting between these sides this season. The first two, in the league, did not go particularly well for The Rams, losing 7-1 at home and 9-1 away. However, Beaconsfield have won two of their last four games. Having gone out of the county cup and FA Cup on penalties, Wycombe will be hoping to continue their League Cup progress.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

 ​Badshot Lea v Tilehurst Panthers
Both of these teams will welcome a break from league action after only registering two victories between them since October.  The  Baggies have yet to register a league point at home., although they have not played at Wrecclesham since November. The winners will face Havant & Waterlooville in the next round.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Kidlington Youth v Sholing
Kidlington's only successes have come in cup games this season, so they'll be happy to take a break from their difficult league campaign, even if it means the visit of a Premier League side. The Boatwomen have lost their last three in all competitions but are still nine points clear of the drop zone.
​Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

​This Sunday BotP headed south for on e of the few remaining Southern Region games being played on grass. The weather had beaten the majority of games again but, after a venue switch, Bemerton Heath Harlequins v AFC Stoneham was still on. This had been top of my list all week, so I was very pleased that the game had survived, even if I didn't get to visit Shrewton, the original location. The switch to the Barry Jackman Sport Pavilion meant that, although this was a home game for Bemmy, the ground was actually closer to Stoneham.
This was going to be the first league meeting between third-placed fourth placed Stoneham, although they had already met earlier in the FA Cup. In the league, Harlequins had that one place advantage and were a point ahead of their visitors. However, Stoneham came into the game with three games in hand. They also had the psychological advantage of that 3-1 FA Cup win. On that day Lucy Bicknell scored twice and Chloe Marshall once for the Purps. Amy Sanger scored for Harlequins.
Stoneham were also in the better form recently, despite being a place lower. They had won their last three outings whereas Bemerton had won one, drawn one and lost one in their last three games.
Unfortunately, I didn't get sight of the team sheets, so one or two names are missing. I will edit whenever possible.

This looked like a close game on paper, and it became clear early on, that it would be a close game on the pitch. Having seen Stoneham a number of times before, I knew that he were very capable of paying excellent football and, what's more, they could mix it with anyone. It soon transpired that Bemerton are very much in the same mould. A very good footballing team who are also happy to put a tackle in.
It was Harlequins who were first to show when Charlotte Eastman tried her luck from way out in the fifth minute. A decent effort but not enough to trouble Emma Stait. A few minutes later Eastman fired a free-kick just over, as the home side looked to establish an early lead.
Stoneham then engineered a chance of their own when Abbie Awdas sent Mis Flood racing clear. However, the home defence responded sharply to force Flood wide and eventually into a shot that went over the var. Minutes later Stoneham broke again sending 21 through on goal. However, Daisy Burnfield made a very good block before Chloe Marshall sent the loose ball just over. Bemerton responded again through Eastman, but once again her effort was narrowly off target.
Just before the half hour mark Stoneham did have the ball in the net after Burnfield had once again raced off her line to make a good stop. When the loose ball was turned in past a player on the line a Stoneham player had strayed beyond the stranded keeper and into an offside position.
Chloe Marshall then had two chanced inside a couple of minutes. The first, a speculative effort from way out on the right, was dealt with comfortably by Burnfield. The second was gifted to her when Burnfield inadvertently gave her the ball on the edge of the box. her strike beat the keeper but, unfortunately for Stoneham, came back off the foot of the post. Almost immediately Stait made  similar gift at the other end, giving Leanne Harvey a sight of goal, only for the ball to be sent back into the body of the grateful keeper.
With the game rapidly heading towards the half-time whistle, Stoneham almost took the lead following a left-wing corner that caused carnage inside the home 6-yard box. Somehow the ball was scrambled clear when it looked odds on to be forced home and, as it happened, the referee blew for a foul anyway.

HT Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0 AFC Stoneham 0. A hotly contested half of football. No quarter given on either side. Both teams had chances to go in front, neither managed to take their opportunities. A great watch from a neutral perspective.

Within two minutes of the second half starting, Bemerton launched an attack down their left and, when the ball was delivered dangerously across the face of goal, Tiegan Stevens came close to lashing the ball past her own keeper when trying to clear. The response from Stoneham was to attack up their right flank. Mia Flood burst clear of her marker and then saw her miscued attempt at a cross beat Burnfield before crashing back off the bar. A few minutes later Burnfield was tested again, this time having to make a sharp stop from Chloe Marshall's stinging drive.
Bemerton's Leanne Harvey was next to go close, using her pace to break down the left and sending a shot, from a tight angle, into the side-netting.
There was no let-up in the intensity of the game. Tackles were still flying in and one or two battles were beginning to get a little more heated as the game wore on. There were times when this match had more the feel of an Auld Firm derby. Credit to the players on both sides though. There was no play-acting or histrionics, just solid tackles. The match-up of Chloe Marshall and Harlequins captain Caitlin Lower was particularly interesting until Lower was moved onto the opposite flank following a substitution.
Stoneham's 21 tested Burnfield again but, once more, the home keeper was up to the challenge. Burnfield had already made a series of good saves in this game but she saved the best for the 80 the minute, flying off her line to make a brilliant and very brave one-handed block at close range from 21.
Leanne Harvey's pace then generated another half-chance for the winger, but she couldn't find the finish and, with time beginning to run out, it looked like we were heading for a goalless draw, especially when Quins number 7 put a good chance over the bar after being fed by Imogen Brady.
Into added time and, in the third minute, Bemerton won a corner on the left. The ball was delivered into the 6-yard box by Caitlin Lower, causing chaos, much like the Stoneham chance in the final few minutes of the first-half. However, this time the outcome was different as substitute Rachel Adkin poked the ball over the line. 1-0. There was barely time to restart the game before the referee brought proceedings to an end.

FT Bemerton Heath Harlequins 1 AFC Stoneham 0. What and ending to a superb game of football. As a neutral, I had to feel the Stoneham pain. In a tight game, they had generated more chances than their opponents, but came up against an inspired goalkeeping performance from Daisy Burnfield. There was certainly no lack of effort or commitment from either team.
The result sees Harlequins move up to second, following Wimborne's defeat to Havant & Waterlooville, who leapfrog Stoneham into fourth spot. Coming up next weekend. Harlequins are at home again as AFC Varsity come to visit. The reverse fixture ended in a 0-0 back in October. Meanwhile, Stoneham entertain Bursledon at Stoneham Lane. The first meeting between the teams this season.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins: Brown, Burnfield, Clarke, Frier, Harvey, Keating, Kidd, Lang, Lower(c), Brady, Eastman. Subs: Adkin, Cummings, Hayward, Sanger

The Ground
This game was moved from the original location (Shrewton United's ground) to the Barry Jackman Sport Pavilion, a community hub situated in Whitchurch, Hampshire. The facility is directly behind Whitchurch United's ground, but is accessed via a road that runs through a new housing development. There's a moderately sized car park with additional parking on the service road leading into the ground. The pavilion itself is next to the car park and has four changing rooms as well as two officials changing rooms. The pitches themselves, of which there are three, are a short walk away up a small slope. These are community facilities open to the public, so there's no spectator cover or dugouts, although there are several benches around the site. The pitch that this game was played on looked to be in good condition, flat and well drained considering the amount of rain we've had recently.

Ground Number: 477
Att: 
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A