​This Sunday, in much need of relaxation after my daughter's team out us all through the wringer on Saturday (before eventually winning a penalty shootout), I was pleased to find that the postponed FA Cup match between AFC Portchester and Worthing was going ahead. Having already purchased a ticket for the postponed game, I set off down the A34 for my first ever trip to The OnSite Group Stadium.
The second round FA Cup game was a big one for both teams. For Worthing, struggling i the National League Division One South-West, it was the opportunity to progress into Round Three for the second consecutive season. For Portchester, a division below Worthing in The Southern Region Premier, it was a chance to make history and get to the 3rd round for the first time.
Despite being bottom of their league with only one win, Worthing have been in good FA Cup form. They have already put out two fellow Division One South-West teams, beating Abingdon United 4-1 and winning 2-1 at Maidenhead United.
Portchester have already played three cup games. They began by edging out Havant & Waterlooville, 3-2 on the road. They then went goal crazy at home to Weymouth, hitting 19 goals without reply. In the First Round they defeated South-West Premier side Gloucester City 6-2 at home. 

It was surprising to see Worthing appear in their all red kit. Whilst Portchester's orange shirts and black shorts didn't create an exact colour clash, the shirts were sufficiently similar to cause confusion. However, the referee didn't seem to be to worried, and we were soon under way with Worthing kicking towards the sea end, and with the slight slope in their favour, in the first half.

​There was an initial period of jousting in which Worthing saw plenty of the ball in their own half, but didn't pose any threats going forward. Portchester swung a couple of earlier free-kicks into the Worthing box, but these were dealt with by the visitors defence. However, it was noticeable that the vast majority of the game was being played between the halfway line and Worthing penalty area.
However, as happens on many occasions in football, the home side fell behind against the run of play and to Worthing's first real foray into Portchester territory. Jasmine Smith did the early damage, breaking free and driving towards the left edge of the penalty area, before firing across the face of goal to provide Lucy Jellett with the relatively simple task of slamming the ball past the exposed Shannon Betteridge. 0-1.
Undeterred, Portchester immediately went on the hunt for an equaliser. There minutes after going behind, Layla Morgan came close when she volleyed narrowly wide. A minute after that Becki Bath came close to making it double-figures for her in the cup, also shooing just wide of Ella Hunkin's post. The same Portchy player then swung in a free-kick from the right flank that evaded everyone before Hunkin got down well at the far post to deal with it.
When, midway through the half, Gemma Hillier saw her volley bravely blocked and Hunkin, once again, thwarted a close-range effort, Portchester must have been staring to wonder what they needed to do to score.
That said and despite being a goal down, Portchester were not being threatened by Worthing, who were defending brilliantly but not posing much threat at the other end. It had the feeling that it was just a matter of time until the home side broke through.
The second half of the first period was much quieter when it came to goal attempts. Portchester were still probing, but Worthing stood firm at the back, and the home side were beginning to run out of ideas to break them down. That was until deep into added time, when Sarah Butterworth broke a tackle to get free on the left. Her cross found Charmaine True, who was closed down quickly. The chance looked to have gone, but True laid the ball off the Layla Morgan who side-stepped her marker before drilling the ball low to Hunkin's right and into the bottom corner. 1-1.

HT AFC Portchester 1 Worthing 1. A half of football played almost exclusively in the Worthing. However, after scoring on the counter early one, the visitors defended just like their nickname, The Lions. Portchester kept plugging away and finally got a deserved equaliser in added time.

​There was a plenty of conferring going on between the officials and the Worthing bench as the players left the pitch at the break. The conversation topic became clear when Worthing appeared for the second half wearing Portchester's pale blue change shirts. Obviously, the officials felt the colour clash was affecting the game in some way.
The kit may have changed, but the pattern of the game remained the same. Portchester, now attacking the sea end goal and backed by their vociferous Arancione support's club behind the goal, set about their visitors with a renewed vigour.
Five minutes after the restart they played in Sarah Butterworth on the left again. Her first time cross was half-cleared by a Worthing defender, but only into the path of Charmaine True, who returned it straight past Hunkin, into the bottom corner. 2-1. The home side were now on a roll. Only a further three minutes had passed before they extended their lead. Once again the danger for Worthing came down Portchy's left. Butterworth, their chief tormentor, sent free by another clinical through ball. Her low ball across the six-yard box was perfect for Becki Bath to finish with ease. 3-1
Once again, credit to Worthing for not letting their heads go down. The two quick goals could easily have seen them fold, but they dug in and stemmed the flow of orange, for a while at least. Hunkin, who had already made a number of very good stops, was called into action again just past the hour, when Portchy captain and midfield controller, Gemma Hillier, latched onto an errant clearance before firing goalward, only for Hunkin to make another good stop.

The Ground
The OnSite Group Stadium or Wicor Recreation round is situated a stone's throw from the coast of Portsmouth Harbour, around 6 miles to the North-West of Portsmouth. There's ample parking available, but note that charges do apply, even on Sundays. Access to the ground is through a turnstile just off the main car park. 
The stadium is a great example of a traditional style non-league ground. None of these out of the box, pre-built and lifted into place stands here. This ground has grown organically and it's brilliant. Upon entry, immediately to your right is the snack bar and entrance to the clubhouse, which runs along abut a third of one side. Just pas the club house and players entrance to the pitch, is a small covered seating area. The remainder of this side of the ground is taken up by a covered standing area. At the far end of the ground, the goal is backed by a large advertising hoarding. On the opposite side to the clubhouse there are two further covered seating stands, either side of the non-symmetrical dugouts (the home one is noticeably larger than the away one). Finally, to the left as you enter, behind the goal of what is known as the sea end (according to the stadium announcer), is the Arancione Supporters Club shop. The only gripe I have about this stadium is that it is too far away for me to visit more often.


Ground Number: 472
Att: 332 (new stadium record for women's football)
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: Online

The weather got the better of many games at the weekend, with seven games being postpones, including BotP's original game at AFC Portchester. However, all of the Premier League fixtures were played. There were wins for both the top and bottom club. Wycombe continued their 100% start and Badshot Lea finally took all three points. The West Brom supporter in me couldn't resist the blog title. In the North Abingdon ended Slough's recent winning run and extended their lead at the top. In the South, Shaftesbury are still searching for a point, but did manage to get themselves on the score sheet against Bournemouth Sports Reserves.

Combined Counties Trophy
CB Hounslow & Abbotts 0-0 (p4-3) Penn & Tylers Green
Penn bowed out of the Combined Counties trophy on penalties after a goalless draw at Green Lane.

​Sholing 1-3 Badshot Lea
A first win of the season for The Baggies as they lifted themselves off the foot of the table and out of the drop zone. The Baggies lost 4-1 at home to Sholing earlier in the season, but goals from Ellie Gill, Alyssa Hall and Charlotte Traxler finally gave them the three points. Sophie Lee grabbed the consolation for Sholing.

Southampton Women 5-1 Fleet Town
The Sirens came back from a goal down after 13 minutes. Chloe Tedman levelled the scores just past the midway point of the first-half. Eight minutes into the second period, Izzy Crooks put the hosts in front, and they never looked back. Just past the hour Chloe Ball extended the lead and two minutes later Olivia Glover made it 4-1. Eva Coulter rounded off the scoring with 6 minutes remaining. x.com/SotonWomensFC/status/1993062771941048628?s=20Lloyd Stevens captured some great shots of the game (@stevenssportshots on Instagram)

Winchester City Flyers 3-1 Reading FC Community Trust
Flyers won 3-1 at home for the second week running and, once again, there were late goals involved. Laura Vokes put Winchester in front after half an hour, and it stayed that way until the 87th minute. That's when Kayleigh Tonks looked to have sewn up the points. However, on the stroke of full-time Nat Cowell pulled a goal back foe Reading. Annie Northwood made certain of the win, seven minutes into added time. Read the match report on the Winchester web site and listen to City coach Gabriel Heidler's post-match thoughts.

Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 Woodley United
Jess Watkins put Wycombe ahead in this game, only for Shannon Hobson to equalise for Woodley in the 21st minute. However a second Watkins goal had the league leaders 2-1 up at the break. Kayla Potter made it 3-1 after 56 minutes, and Anisha Hill added a fourth with 22 minutes remaining. Potter's second came eight minutes later, before Jess Watkins completed her hat-trick with an 87th minute penalty. Watch all of the Wycombe goals.

​Denham United P-P Tilehurst Panthers

Kidlington Youth P-P Ascot United Reserves

Larkspur Rovers P-P Farnborough

Penn & Tylers Green P-P Chesham United Development

Slough Town 1-2 Abingdon United Development
United ended Slough's four game winning streak and extended their lead at the top. However, they had to come from behind, and left it very late to grab the points. Nadine Roberts gave The Rebels a 40th minute lead with a well taken volley. It looked as if Slough were going to make it five on the bounce until two late goals, in the 86th and 97th minute, from April England and Isabel Hughes, snatched the points.

​AFC Stoneham 3-0 Andover New Street
Back to back wins for Stoneham, who jump up to second in the table. After an even and goalless first hour, three goals in 17 minutes settled the game. Abbie Awdas started it on the hour, followed seven minutes later by Emma Simpson. Zoe Bache added the third on 77 minutes.

Bursledon P-P Havant & Waterlooville

Guernsey P-P Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Shaftesbury 1-4 Bournemouth Sports Reserves
A seventh defeat for Shaftesbury but they did finally add a number to the For column. In fact, they took the lead in this game, through Melissa Colston in the 31st minute. Sports got back on level terms before the break, through Matilda Pitcher. Soon after the restart Charlotte Kerr put Bournemouth in front. Emily Phillips gave them a two goal advantage on 74 minutes, and Olivia Palmer rounded off the scoring with a minute to go. 

Wimborne Town 3-2 AFC Varsity
The Magpies came from two goals down to gain their first home points of the season. Kayleigh Mackay had Varsity in front after 32 minutes, a lead they held into half-time. Shortly after the break Gurinder Rayat made it 2-0 to the visitors. However, Grace Batsford pulled one back almost immediately before Daisy Preston, on 75 minutes, and Georgia Mitton, on 85, secured the comeback win for Town.

​AFC Portchester P-P Worthing

Oxford City 0-3 Swindon Town
A record attendance at the MGroup Stadium witnessed a brave fight from City against an excellent Swindon Town side who play in a division above The Hoops. Captain and top scorer Annie Colston was chief tormenter, scoring a hat-trick to ensure Swindon progressed to Round Three. You can read the BotP match blog here (Annie Gets It Done). Watch Colston's penalty and the excellent third goal. You can also view the fantastic match day video from Swindon Town's YouTube channel.

​Oxford City v Badshot Lea
Whilst City were putting up a brave, but ultimately fruitless, fight in the FA Cup, Badshot Lea were winning for the first time this season, 3-1 at Sholing. This will be their first meeting this season. Last season City beat The Baggies 6-1 in this fixture, having been five goals up by half-time.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Sholing v Southampton Women
A cross city derby as the high-flying Sirens pay a visit to a spluttering Sholing team. The home side have not won in any competition since a 4-1 victory at Badshot Lea in October, a run of five consecutive defeats. This run includes a 3-1 home defeat to Southampton in the League Cup. With Wycombe in League Cup action, a win for Southampton would put them top of the table.
The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, SO19 9PW

​Chesham United Development v Denham United
Neither of these teams played last weekend. Denham lost some ground on Abingdon and are now four points off top spot, but with four games in hand. Chesham are currently in seventh spot, but a win could lift them as high as fourth. However, for that to happen, they'll need to banish thoughts of the reverse fixture, which Denham won 8-0 back in October.
Chiltern Hills Academy, HP5 2RG

Tilehurst Panthers v Kidlington Youth
Two more teams who had a rest last weekend. Panthers are currently in third spot, seven points adrift of the leaders but with three games in hand. Kidlington are currently propping up the table, three points from safety and with an inferior goal difference that, effectively, makes it four points required to escape the drop zone. A first meeting this season, but there were goals galore between these sides last term. A total of 17 goals scored in two games, both won by Tilehurst.
Scours Lane, Tilehurst, RG30 6AY

​Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Havant & Waterlooville
Separated by two places, Havant are only above Harlequins on goal difference. Quins have only played two home league games so far. However, they have won both of them and are yet to concede a goal. A win for either team would see them go level on points with second-placed AFC Stoneham.
Western Way, Salisbury, SP2 9DR

Bursledon v Shaftesbury
The current bottom two go head-to-head. Shaftesbury are still without a point this season, but they did finally get o the score sheet last weekend and, for a short time, were leading against Bournemouth Sports Reserves. The Dons drew last time out, also against Bournemouth. They have not yet met this season after the reverse fixture was postponed a few weeks back.
Priory Park, SO32 1SQ

Wimborne Town v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
The Magpies came from two goals down to finally register a home win last weekend. Sports also came from behind to win 4-1 at Shaftesbury. A first meeting this season. However, both Dorset derbies last season ended in away wins. Sports won 2-1 in this fixture, whilst Wimborne won 3-1 at Chapel Gate.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, BH21 2FU

​Farnham Town v Ascot United Reserves
A tough draw for Ascot as they make the short journey to Division One South leaders Farnham. Town have a 100% league record and have clocked up 34 goals in their 6 games so far. Due to postponements and byes, Ascot have only played two games since early September. They won at Oxford City Development last time out, but that was almost a month ago.
Memorial Ground, GU9 7DY

Larkspur Rovers v Andover New Street
Larkspur 100% at home in the league, but they did go out of the county cup at home to Farnham Town. New Street's form has been a little up and down recently, but they are still sitting in a very respectable third spot in their league.
Lord Halsbury Memorial Playing Fields, UB5 5FE

Penn & Tylers Green v Reading 
It's one cup game after another, and one big name after another, for Penn in recent weeks. Their last three games have all been cup encounters and this will be the third out of four that they have faced higher-ranked opposition. Reading lost at Winchester last weekend. However, previously to that they put eleven past Kidlington in the previous round of the League Cup.
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Beaconsfield Town
A very local derby as Beaconsfield make the short trip to Arbour Park to face a Slough team that, until last weekend, had been on a great run of form. The Rams themselves have also been on a good run, winning their last three in all competitions. They played each other twice last season, Beaconsfield winning both games without conceding, on their way to the Division One North title.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

Winchester City Flyers v Farnborough
Flyers have won their last two home games by a 3-1 score line. Farnborough are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions, a run that includes two away victories in previous League Cup rounds.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Wycombe Wanderers v AFC Varsity
Wanderers have a 100% home record and their only defeats, in ay competition this season, have come in penalty shootouts. They put six past Oxford City in the previous round and another six past Woodley in their last league outing. Varsity progressed via a bye in the last round. They have already knocked Premier League leet out of the county cup.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

AFC Portchester v Worthing​
Re-arranged after last week's postponement. If you purchased a ticket last week, I believe it is still valid for this game.
Worthing travel along the coast hoping to avoid an orange banana skin. Although Worthing play in the step above Portchester, there's only four places between them. Portchester currently occupy fifth place in the Southern Region Premier. Worthing are bottom of the National League Division One South West. Worthing have gone five without a win in all competitions. Their last victory came at Maidenhead in the previous round, which they won 2-1 win two goals in second-half added time.
Wicor Recreation Ground, PO16 9DP

Once again the weather took a hand in my plans this weekend. I had originally purchased a ticket for AFC Portchester v Worthing but, when that was called off early on Sunday morning, it was an easy decision to switch my plans to Oxford City v Swindon Town. City's MGroup Stadium was playing host to two Women's FA Cup matches on Sunday. I the early kick-off Oxford United beat Luton Town 3-1. I'm not a native to the Oxford area, but I've been here long enough to know the significance of an Oxford - Swindon game. So much so that, even if the two Oxford teams were in the same division, matches against Swindon would still the more important derby.
Add to that, the fact that it was a cup tie where the lower-ranked team was at home, and there was the making of a classic game. There was no doubt that City started the game as underdogs. Their Southern region Premier League form had been patchy by their standards but they already created history by winning three cup ties to reach the second round. Their opponents, from the Women's National Division One South-West, came into the game in about as good a run of form as any team could have. Second in the league with a game in hand and defending an eight game 100% record, this would be game 18 in all competitions. The previous 17 had all ended in Swindon wins. An incredible record. Their last outing prior to this match was a county cup game in which they had scored 19 unanswered goals. Captain and top-scorer, Annie Colston, had already helped herself to 19 goals in 15 matches.
That was the size of the task facing The Hoops.

​In front of what turned out to be a record-breaking stadium attendance for a women's game (757), Swindon did what any visiting team would want to do in this situation, they went on the attack and didn't give the home crown the opportunity to get behind their team. Even the City drummer was quiet as the visitors immediately took control of the game. They had their first opportunity inside the opening 30 seconds and continued to keep City penned into their own half.
Only six minutes had elapsed when Elise Clayton drove into the box and was clipped as she shaped to shoot. Penalty!
Annie Colston stepped up, sending the ball past Hannah Gerrow to register her 20th goal of the season. 0-1.
Following the goal, Swindon continued to pile the pressure onto the City defensive lines. Gerrow and her defence, led by captain Billie Bough-French, also had a little help from the woodwork in the 12th minute, when a long-range effort crashed off the bar. Oxford were not being allowed out of their own half with Ellie White and Emily Harris also having to drop back to assist their beleaguered midfield. Having said that, City were still hanging in there.
Just past the midway stage in the half Swindon must have wondered what else they needed to do to increase their lead. Gerrow bravely threw herself into a sea of boots to block from Colston, then her defence blocked two more goal bound efforts on the line, before the ball dropped to Elise Clayton, who saw her strike crash back off the bar again.
The problem for City was, with White and Harris dropping deeper, they had no real out ball. Every time they broke down a Swindon attack, they could only clear their lines and wait for the next onslaught. So, just after the half-hour, it was no great surprise when Town finally doubled their lead. Yest another ball into the box was not completely dealt with and, when it broke loose, who was on the end of it? Annie Colston. Slamming the ball past Gerrow for 0-2.
A two goal advantage meant that Swindon could now relax a little. Gerrow was having a very busy day between the City sticks, but was making save after save. She was beaten by a 37th minute Libby Davies effort, but the flag had already gone up.
City finally threatened Hannah Cox's goal in the 41st minute when Emily Harris latched onto some defensive indecision, before seeing her effort deflected wide of the mark.

HT Oxford City 0 Swindon Town 2. A half of attack versus defence, as City were kept penned in their own half for the vast majority of the 45 minutes. Credit to Oxford though, they dug in and defended very well, never letting their energy levels drop even though they spent a lot of time chasing shadows.

​The second half began in much the same way as the first. Swindon were immediately on the front foot and, within two minutes, Sarah King came close to adding to their tally. Colston then almost grabbed a hat-trick when her sharp turn and shot saw the ball whistle over Gerrow's bar.
The difference in the second half was that, when City did manage to break down a Swindon attack, they were beginning to hold onto the ball a little longer, giving their defence a breather before the next wave. Gerrow was still having to work hard in goal though, getting down well to save from a Davies header just before the hour.
Oxford looked much livelier up front in this half, Emily Harris taking a more central role with Ellie White dropping deeper and Yasmin Edwards coming on to add some more pace.
Harris looked the most likely to cause damage and only a brilliantly timed Lacey Liggett tackle prevented her getting a shot off just past the hour. A few minutes later Liggett was again called into action, making another timely interception to break down a City attack. Harris then brought the best out of Hannah Cox after winning a race with her marker and getting off a shot from a tight angle.
City were certainly giving their visitors something to think about in the latter stages, but couldn't quite find the illusive goal that may have changed the complexion of the game. Of course, they were still open to the power of the Swindon strike force too, and that was the case in he 85th minute. Annie Colston controlled a ball in from the right, on the edge of the box. Juggled it into position and then unleashed a volley, low past Gerrow's right-hand. 0-3 and a hat-trick for Colston.
City were beaten, but they did almost have the final say when Yasmin Edwards burst down the right and sent of a cross that deceived Cox and came back off the bar.

FT Oxford City 0 Swindon Town 3. Swindon deservedly Round Three and, in all honesty, could easily have doubled their goal tally. However, Oxford can be proud of their performance. They battled for the entire game. Never gave up and even gave Swindon something to think about in the second half. As a neutral it would have been good to see them score a consolation, but it was not to be. Swindon are a very good team. Solid at the back, fluid across the middle and lethal up front.
If you want to catch either of these team in action in the coming week, you can. Oxford City are back at the MGroup Stadium on Sunday as they welcome Badshot Lea in a a league fixture. Swindon have a massive fixture at The County Ground as they take on current unbeaten league leaders, Moneyfields.

Oxford City: 13.Gerrow, 2.Ayers, 3.Leach, 7.Parsons, 8.Lester, 10.Harris, 11.E.Whit, 15.Gorman, 16.Graven, 18.O'Leary, 19. Bough-French(c). Subs: 13.Maskell, 4.Tayman, 5.Wellington-Faissal, 6.Davis, 9.Walecki, 12.Edwards, 14.L.White
Swindon Town: 1.Cox, 2.Sherwood, 5.Osbourne, 9.Colston(c), 11.Diaz-Butcher, 13.Liggett, 15.Waylen, 17.King, 18.Davies, 22.Clayton, 24.Holden. Subs: 33.Hannam, 7.Beck-Esson, 8.MacDonald, 14.Wilson, 16.St.Claire, 20.Russell-Cartwright, 26.Haynes

Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 757
Entrance: £7.00
Programme: N/A - Team sheet available

BotP was at The Charters Community Stadium on Sunday, watching Winchester City Flyers come from a goal down to beat Southampton. That result, combined with Beaconsfield's defeat of Sholing saw The Rams take over second spot in the Premier League. In Division One North, Abingdon went back to the top with a draw at home to Farnborough. Slough won for the fourth game in a row. In the South, Stoneham got back to winning ways at home to Havant, but Farnham stay top of the pile. Across the County Cups five SoReg sides made it through, including both finalists in last season's Oxfordshire FA Cup, Oxford City and Kidlington Youth.
Good luck to the two remaining SoReg teams, AFC Portchester and Oxford City, as they prepare for historic Second Round ties in this season's Women's FA Cup.

​Combined Counties Cup
Penn & Tylers Green 1-3 QPR Development
Amber Cattell's goal was not enough to prevent battling Penn falling to defeat in the Combined Counties Cup at the hands of a strong QPR side. Listen to Dan Gray's post-match thoughts.

​Beaconsfield Town 3-1 Sholing
Goals from Henna Hussain and Katie Riddington had The Rams 2-0 up at the break. Sophie Lee's tenth of the season, just after the hour, got Sholing back into the game. However, a second Henna Hussain goal on 71 minutes was enough to guarantee the three points. Watch the home goals on the Beaconsfield YouTube channel.
​
Fleet Town 2-4 AFC Portchester
Portchester moved to within a point of leaders Wycombe courtesy of a commanding first half performance. Sarah Butterworth scored two in the opening quarter of an hour. Rebecca Bath, just past the half-hour and Charmaine True on the stroke of half-time, rounded off  great first 45 minutes. Two Keira Simpson goals for Fleet were not enough to prevent Town from slipping to a third league defeat at home.

Winchester City Flyers 3-1 Southampton Women
The definition of a game of two halves. An Izzy Crooks screamer gave dominant Southampton a 1-0 lead at the break. However, Flyers woke up during the interval and finally got back on level terms through Lydia Moulding on 76 minutes. Two late firecrackers from Chelsie Hay and Shayne Prasad, won it for Winchester. BotP had the pleasure to witness the game. Read the match blog here (Flyers Ignore Sirens Call). You can also listen Emma Pearmine's post-match comment and read the Winchester match report.

​Abingdon United Development 1-1 Farnborough
Honours even at The Northgate, but the point was enough for Abingdon to regain their place at the top of the league. It's now three without defeat for Farnborough, thanks to Ellie Stalley's eleventh goal of the season. April England, with her sixth, was the United scorer.

Chesham United Development 5-1 Oxford City Development
City's woes continued at Chiltern Hills as they fell to their sixth straight defeat. The damage was done early in the second half, although Bo Edwards scored for Chesham as early as the 8th minute. After the half-time break, Wede Akpata, Henrietta Cunnison and Marcia Itani added three more inside the opening 10 minutes. Cunnison then added her second after 71 minutes. Megan Fillary hit the consolation for City.

Slough Town 3-2 Tilehurst Panthers
Town are now one of the form clubs in the Southern Region. This was their fourth on the bounce and sees them move up to fifth in the table. They did it the hard way though, coming from a goal down after Abbie Why put Panthers in front after 10 minutes. Emma Green levelled the sores in the 36th minute. However, Leah Why put Tilehurst back in the driving seat on the hour. The lead lasted 9 minutes before Megan Duffy equalised, leaving Madeleine Armstrong to score the winner in the 78th minute.

​AFC Stoneham 4-1 Havant & Waterlooville
Without a win in any competition since late September, Stoneham got back on the horse with a big win over The Hawks. Two goals from Mia House and one each from Lucy Bicknell and Scarlet Darnton, were enough or the Purps to take all three points and leapfrog their opponents in the table. Emily Wernham scored Havant's consolation.

AFC Varsity P-P Guernsey

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 1-1 Bursledon
Bursledon remain just one place outside the relegation zone, even after a good point at Bournemouth. Sports are still yet to win at Chapel Gate, even though Matilda Pitcher's goal gave them a point.

​MK Dons 14-1 Woodley United
Woodley held The Don at bay for 20 minutes, but were then hit by a barrage of goals from the National League aside.
Amelie Sarll, Favour Omenazu and Cheyanna Norman scored three in five minutes. Mollie Knox and Alex O'Neill then had the hosts five to the good before Woodley pulled a goal back in first-half added time. In the second half both Sydney Wootton and Maddie Pollard hit hat-tricks, Amanda Chimbima grabbed a brace and Ruby Bishop-Jones scored her first Dons goal. As always, Andy Wicks was there to capture the action for us.

Penn & Tylers Green 0-2 Maidenhead United
A second cup match against higher-ranked opposition within three days for Penn. Once again they battled hard but couldn't quite match their visitors. Alex Dover in the first-half and Isabella Stockton soon after the break, helped Maidenhead to progress. This despite Myah Baksh picking up a second yellow in the 56th minute. Listen to Sean Hillier's post-match interview.

Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 (6-7p) Abingdon United
The Chairgirls underlined their promotion credentials with a solid display against National League opposition. Jessica Watkins had put Wycombe in front after Kayla Potter was brought down in the box. However, Erin Hartigan levelled for United just past the hour. A nail-biting shootout ensued, which Abingdon won 7-6.

Kidlington Youth 5-2 North Leigh
Last year's beaten finalists, Kidlington, progressed to the next round and gained a welcome boost following a tough start to the season. Courtney Sumner claimed a hat-trick with Kiera Isaac and Julia Rushmere adding the other two goals. North Leigh's goals were scored by Cherniel Wright and Sherleigha Wright.

Launton 0-3 Oxford City
City warmed up for their huge FA Cup game on Sunday with a solid win at Thames Valley side Launton. Ellie White opened the scoring after only four minutes. Lucy White doubled the advantage eight minutes later. They had to wait until the 87th minute to comepletely seal the deal, when Katherine Parsons got on the score sheet.

Abbey Meads 0-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Wiltshire Premier side Abbey Meads put aside the one league difference between the teams, holding firm against last season's champions. However, shortly after half-time, Charlotte Eastman put Harlequins in front. A lead they managed to hang onto.

Clapton Community 1-4 Denham United
Maria Mendonca put Clapton in front in this game, but it didn't dent the confidence of a buoyant Denham side. They bounced back with goals from Liana Horwood, Niamh Cashin, Daisy Baranowski and Chelsea-Rose Keary, to progress. Watch the highlights on the Clapton CFC YouTube channel and listen

Larkspur Rovers 1-4 Farnham Town
Rachael Manley put Farnham in front after 20 minutes, only for Larkspur top-scorer, Savana Fearon, to level it on the half-hour. All-square at the break, Iesha Swaby had Town in front shortly after the restart. Two Francesca Thornton goals, on 65 and 85 minutes, saw Farnham through.

Ashford Town 5-0 Badshot Lea
Town took a firm hold on this game inside the opening half-hour. Chanel Morris started it with a goal after only 2 minutes. Ellie Nitsche made it two on 14 minutes and, three minutes later, Zu Wojtaszewska added a third. Just on the half-hour Abigail Carpenter made it 4-0 to Ashford. The scoring slowed in the second half but there was still time for Ellie Nitsche to add her second and Ashford's fifth.

Combined Counties Trophy
CB Hounslow & Abbotts v Penn & Tylers Green
After losing out in the Combined Counties Cup, Penn get to fight again in the Trophy. Their opponents on Thursday play in the Greater London Division 1 South and are currently propping up the table having won once in eight. Penn have faced consecutive games against higher-ranked opposition and will now find themselves to be the favourites in this game.
Green Lane, Hounslow, TW4 6DH

​Sholing v Badshot Lea
The Baggies are still in search of that illusive first win and travel to the coast in the knowledge that their sole point so far also came on their travels. However, Sholing won 4-1 at The Operatix back in October, which was also their last win in any competition. They'll be keen to get more points on the board to pull themselves clear of the drop zone.
The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, SO19 9PW

Southampton Women v Fleet Town
Four points separate The Sirens, in third, from Fleet in sixth. Both teams lost on Sunday, Southampton at Winchester and Fleet at home to Portchester, and will be looking to get back to winning form. They met at Crookham Road on the opening day where a double from Chloe Ball helped Southampton to a 4-2 victory.
Test Park, SO16 9QZ

Winchester City Flyers v Reading FC Community Trust
Flyers will be looking to continue their form from the second half on Sunday, where they scored three times to see off Southampton. Reading will still be buzzing from their doble-figure League Cup win over Kidlington two weeks ago. This will be their first meeting this season. However, Reading may still be smarting from the 8-0 defeat they suffered in this fixture last season.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Wycombe Wanderers v Woodley United
A very tough ask for Woodley, who are still in search of a first win and are only off the bottom on goal difference. Meanwhile, Wycombe are holding on to their 100% league record and are averaging over five goals per game. They are yet to meet this season, but last term Wycombe won this fixture 5-1.
18i78 Stadium, SL1 8JG

​Denham United v Tilehurst Panthers
United lost top spot at the weekend, but are only a point adrift of Abingdon with three games in hand. They are also yet to drop a point this season, having won six of six. Panthers are six points behind Denham but only one place lower in the table. This will be their first meeting this season.
The Den, UB9 4DW

Kidlington Youth v Ascot United Reserves
Something of a basement six-pointer as 11th placed Kidlington take on 10th placed Ascot. Three points separate the teams, but Ascot have played two fewer games than the Greens. Kidlington had a morale-boosting cup win at the weekend. Can they take it forward into the league? Although they have no met this season, Ascot will be encouraged by their 2-1 win at Exeter park last season.
Yarnton Road, OX5 1AT

Larkspur Rovers v Farnborough
Two of the newly promoted clubs in the league, who are yet to meet this season. Both have had reasonably good starts and are more than holding their own so far. Farnborough are unbeaten in four across all competitions, including two very good away wins in the League Cup. Rovers are defending a 100% home league record.
Lord Halsbury Memorial Playing Fields, UB5 5FE

Penn & Tylers Green v Chesham United Development
Penn's home defeat to Slough in early November, ended their 100% start to the season. However, with their games in hand, they could still be pressing the top of the table once caught up. Chesham's season has been a bit of a roller-coaster so far with win following defeat. This is the reverse of the opening day fixture in which Penn ran out winners by four goals to one.
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

Slough Town v Abingdon United Development
Abingdon's draw that the weekend saw them take over top spot again. However, they face a difficult trip to Arbour Park to match up to the league's form team. Slough have won their last four in all competitions. This is their first meeting of the season. However, this fixture last year saw Slough run out 3-2 winners after being 2-1 down at half-time.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

​AFC Stoneham v Andover New Street
Third versus second and, with the leaders not playing, a chance for the gap to be closed or, in New Street's case, a chance to go top. The teams met in the League Cup a few weeks back. Andover came out on top that day, winning 3-1
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, SO16 2PA

Bursledon v Havant & Waterlooville
The Dons currently sit just two points above the relegation zone but have played two more games then Wimborne, the team immediately below them. The Hawks are five points off the leaders, in fourth place, having played two extra games. The teams met in the reverse fixture back in October. Havant edged a seven goal thriller in that game.
Priory Park, SO32 1SQ

Guernsey P-P Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Shaftesbury v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
A first league meeting between these two sides. Shaftesbury are in desperate need of a kick-start to their campaign, having lost all six so far without scoring. Bournemouth have a much better record on the road than back at Chapel Gate. Nine of their eleven points have come on their travels.
Coppice Street, SP7 8PD

Wimborne Town v AFC Varsity
The Magpies are looking to break their home duck and drag themselves clear of the drop zone. Varsity are five points better off, but have played two additional games. A victory for Town would drag their visitors back into the mire.
Wyatt Homes Stadium, BH21 2FU

​AFC Portchester v Worthing
Worthing travel along the coast hoping to avoid an orange banana skin. Although Worthing play in the step above Portchester, there's only three places between them. Portchester currently occupy fourth place in the Southern Region Premier. Worthing are bottom of the National League Division One South West. Worthing have gone five without a win in all competitions. Their last victory came at Maidenhead in the previous round, which they won 2-1 win two goals in second-half added time.
Wicor Recreation Ground, PO16 9DP

Oxford City v Swindon Town
Oxford versus Swindon is a big game in any context, but this one is massive. The Hoops will be testing themselves against their higher-ranked neighbours. Swindon come to Marsh Lane in second place in the National League Division One South West. They are a point behind Moneyfields with a games in hand, having won all of their 8 league outings so far. Captain Annabelle Coulston has already notched 19 goals in 15 games. It's going to be a tough test for City, but there'll no doubt be a big home crowd behind them.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

This Sunday I was torn between two games. Larkspur Rovers v Farnham Town or Winchester City Flyers v Southampton Women's. A quick X poll ended all-square so I decided on the toss of a coin. Heads for Flyers, tails for Rovers. Heads it was. No doubt I will get to Larkspur and Farnham at some point this season but, for now, it was the A34 for me.
Of course, I've been to Hillier Way a number of times before and seen Flyers play there and away from home, but I've never seen Southampton Women's play, either at home or away. In my eyes The Sirens are women's football royalty. They've won the FA Cup on no fewer than 8 occasions. To put this in context with the men's games, that's the same number of cup wins as Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs. Admittedly, these were the early days of the competition but, nevertheless, Southampton dominated. They played in 10 of the first 11 finals, winning eight. Only Arsenal, with fourteen, have won more.
The current day Southampton team were coming into this game sitting second in the Premier League table, a point off leaders Wycombe but having played two more games than The Chairgirls. Flyers started the day in sixth spot, five points adrift of The Sirens but with two games in hand. They were also coming into the game on the back of a very narrow defeat to Wycombe last weekend. A game in which they led 2-0 before succumbing to a second-half fightback from Wanderers. Southampton were unbeaten in their last four league outings and yet to lose on their travels.

Whilst putting the notes together for this blog, it was very hard not to focus on the match officials rather than the game itself. I try not to criticise referees and assistants. It's a hard enough job to do and most of us would not put ourselves into that position. However, let's just say that the quality of the game yesterday was affected by the officials. Having said that, everyone has an off day, players, coaches, and officials. 

​Southampton started the game in a lively fashion and seemed to have the upper hand in the opening minutes. However, it was Winchester who came the closest early one when Shayne Prasad's 5th minute cross-shot was came back off the Southampton crossbar. The ball fell to Chelsie Hay, who looked odds-on to score before seeing her shot deflected wide for a corner.
That effort aside, it was the visitors who were looking the more likely to open the scoring. Both Scarlett Kirby and Ashleigh Mills came close, the latter forcing a good save from Ellie Parker. Then on 10 minutes, only a superb, last-ditch tackle from Lydia Moulding prevented Kirby from getting a shot off from no more than 12 yards. 
Southampton kept pressing and, 15 minutes in, they got their reward. Izzy Crooks took aim from 25 yards out and sent a screamer into the top corner. Parker got fingertips to it, but nothing was keeping that one out. 0-1
The pattern of play continued for the next 10 minutes or so. Southampton looking more likely to increase their lead rather than concede an equaliser.
Winchester did begin to look a little more fluid after the half-hour mark however. Amy Smith replaced Annie Northwood, who had not got a lot of change out of a solid Sirens defence, with Chelsie Hay moving into the central striking position. This change helped the home side to generate a few more half-chances, but Etheridge was unduly worried until deep into added time when Charlie Snelling got on the end of a ball into the 6-yard area, only for her to plant her header within reach of the keeper, who held on well.

HT Winchester City Flyers 0 Southampton Women 1. A deserved lead for The Sirens at the break and an excellent strike to put them ahead. Flyers seemingly a little sluggish and that yard or two off the pace.

​The second half looked like a different prospect straight away. Within three minutes the home side could, and probably should, have been back on level terms. Chelsie Hay controlled a cross well, creating herself a shooting chance inside the penalty area, but with the goal at her mercy, she struck the shot wide of the post. Just a few minutes later Hay turned provider, slipping the ball through to Kayleigh Tonks only for her shot to fly straight into the arms of Leah Etheridge.
Just after the hour, with the home side now well on top in terms of possession, Sian Wylie cut in from the right and launched an effort at goal, only for Etheridge to pull off an excellent save, throwing herself to her right and holding onto the ball.
The home side continued to knock at the door. Snelling headed a corner over the bar and Moulding came close, putting a header wide of the mark. Just when it was starting to look like 'one of those days' for Winchester, they got a break. A corner from the right was spilled by Etheridge and Lydia Moulding was there to nudge the ball over the line. A scrappy goal, but they all count. 1-1
The equaliser sparked a response from Southampton and, six minutes later, they came within a fingertip of re-taking the lead. It was goal scorer Izzy Crooks again, unleashing a free-kick that looked to be dipping over Parker, until the home stopper got that all important fingertip to the ball, sending it crashing against the bar and away to safety. A great save that proved to be something of a turning point. Two minutes later Southampton found themselves down to 10 when Ella Wright was sin-binned after being cautioned. There minutes on from that, Winchester took the lead for the first time through Chelsie Hay's piledriver. 2-1.
That knocked the stuffing out of Southampton. To their credit, they tried to respond, but a player light and time running out, they were really up against it. There was, however, plenty of added time to come. So much so that it was the 97th minute when Shayne Prasad unleashed another rocket to seal the three points. 3-1

FT Winchester City Flyers 3 Southampton Women 1. Two very well matched teams but Winchester's second half performance earned them the three points. They stay in fifth spot but close the gap on the teams above them, to the point that winning their games in hand on the three immediately above them, would have them clear in second spot. Southampton drop to third place after Beaconsfield beat Sholing 3-1 to leapfrog them.
Next weekend Winchester are at home again as they welcome Reading to town. The Royals have only played four league games so far and have only lost once, so they'll no doubt pose another tough test for Flyers.

Winchester City Flyers: Parker, Snelling, Moulding, Vokes, Whitlock(c), Tonks, Warhurst, Prasad, Wylie, Hay, Northwood. Subs: Powell-Rowland, Smith, Sayler, Chalk, Byway
Southampton Women: 1.Etheridge, 5.Mear(c), 6.Mills, 8.Davies, 9.Ball, 10.Wright, 11.Glover, 14.Kirby, 15.Crooks, 18.Lynn, 32.Tedman. Subs: 7.Soares, 16.Wilson, 17.Conti, 22.Coulter, 23.Thomas-Hardman

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

Penn & Tylers Green's defeat to Slough Town means that the only teams with a 100% league record are the three current leaders, Wycombe Wanderers, Denham United and Farnham Town. Wycombe came from two down to find a way to win at Winchester, Denham didn't play after their game against Milton was postponed, and Farnham ended Guernsey's unbeaten start with a victory on the island. For the stattos out there. Denham lead the way in the goalscoring stakes with an average of 6.6. goals per league game. Both Wycombe and Farnham are averaging 5.6 per game.

​AFC Portchester 2-1 Sholing
Sholing fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions, after taking the lead in this game. Ella Wilson put the leaders in front after just 13 minutes. However, Sophie Bell struck the equaliser 11 minutes later and, shortly after the half-hour, Charmaine True gave Portchester the lead, which they held for the remainder of the game. Portchester sit in fourth spot, three points off second with a game in hand.

Badshot Lea 0-7 Southampton Women
The winless Baggies held Southampton at bay for 34 minutes but still found themselves two goals down by the break, thanks to a Scarlett Kirby brace. Shortly after the restart Izzy Crooks made it three and five minutes after that Lucy Mear made it four from the spot. Three goals in six minutes, just after the hour, completed the scoring. Chloe Ball added two and Eva Coulter also getting in on the act. The Sirens remain a point behind Wycombe.

Oxford City 2-2 Fleet Town
An early Layla Drury goal saw Fleet take a one goal lead into the break. This lead was doubled in the 77th minute, giving Town the hope that all three points were heading back to Hampshire. However, Kate Parson got City back in it before Ellie White completed the comeback to earn The Hoops a point.

Woodley United 0-6 Beaconsfield Town
United remain winless and only off the bottom on goal difference after another defeat. The Rams lifted themselves into third spot thanks to two goals from Freya Harris, two from Evie Bloxham-Phillips and one each from Katie Riddington and Alix Todd. You can watch the highlights on the Beaconsfield YouTube channel and check out the always excellent match photos from Andy Wicks.

Winchester City Flyers 2-3 Wycombe Wanderers
Chelsie Hay had the Flyers off to a flier, scoring twice in two minutes to give the home side a 2-0 advantage after only 17 minutes. Wanderers made wholesale changes inside the first half hour and, just before the hour mark, they paid dividends when Kayla Potter pulled one back. Then one of the first-half substitutes, Meira Ashby, took control, scoring twice to send The Chairgirls home with the points. Watch the highlights on the Wycombe YouTube channel.

​Larkspur Rovers 3-1 Chesham United Development
Savana Fearon's ninth of the season put Rovers ahead in the tenth minute. Shenice Dyer then made it two before the break. Ruby Slade gave Chesham some hope, reducing the deficit after 70 minutes. However, Fearon hit double figures for the season four minutes later, sealing the three points for Larkspur.

Oxford City Development 1-3 Ascot United Reserves
City's run of consecutive home defeats was stretched to five games following this reversal. Olivia Day scored for Oxford but they were undone by three Ascot goals.

Penn & Tylers Green 0-1 Slough Town
A third win on the bounce in all competitions for Slough and a kind of revenger for the 2-1 county cup defeat at Penn last month. Daisy Skinner scored the all important goal two minutes before the interval, bursting Penn's 100% league record in the process.
Photographer Sinead Thompson captured some of the action.

​AFC Stoneham 1-3 Wimborne Town
A first home defeat of the season for Stoneham and a first league point of any kind for The Magpies. Brooke Suddaby got the first for Town after 20 minutes. Ellie Chaffe made it two before the interval. Five minutes from time, Emilie Regnart scored for the third match in a row.

Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 Shaftesbury
The struggle goes on for Shaftesbury who are still to score in the league and remain rooted to the bottom after their sixth straight reversal. The visitors almost made it to half-time on level terms but them conceded twice, through Imogen Brady and Charlotte Eastman, inside the final six minutes of the half. Brady added her second and Bemerton's third just before the hour.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 Andover New Street
Sports remain winless at home after going down to a Freya Twigg goal on Sunday. Andover continue to pressure leaders Farnham, staying two points behind, although having played two more games.

Guernsey 2-6 Farnham Town
Three goals in the opening 13 minutes gave the Green Lionesses a mountain to climb. Emily Foss, Maya Adams and Iesha Swaby giving Farnham a healthy lead which they held until the break. Scarlett Kenneally pulled one back from Guernsey but two Rachael Manley goals had Town 5-1 in front with a quarter of an hour remaining. Rochelle Mullen then headed one back for Guernsey before Francesca Thornton rounded off the scoring deep into added time. Read the Guernsey match report and take a look at the match highlights on the Farnham YouTube channel.

Havant & Waterlooville 1-1 AFC Varsity
A good away point for varsity at Havant, who moved up to third spot after Guernsey's defeat to Farnham. The Hawks goal was courtesy of Ruby Harris-Pritt's first strike of the season. Kayleigh Mackay's sixth of the season earned a point for the visitors.

​Abingdon United Development 2-0 Tilehurst Panthers
Goals from April England and Olivia Ward sent Abingdon through to the third round of the league Cup where they'll face Premier League Fleet Town at The Northcourt.

Bursledon 1-5 Farnborough
Farnborough booked themselves a trip to Winchester City Flyers in Round Three after a comprehensive defeat of The Dons. Poppy Hawkin put them in front, but that was cancelled out by Rosina Folkes just after half-time. However,  Borough top scorer Ellie Stalley and Eliza Andrews both helped themselves to two goals apiece in the second half. 

Reading 11-1 Kidlington Youth
Nat Cowell put Reading ahead after 15 minutes but when Kidlington equalised a minute later through Abi Haynes, there was no sign of what was to come. That all changed just past the hour. Cowell scored two more inside two minutes to claim her hat-trick, then Keren Banduka popped up two minutes later to make it 4-1 at the break. Poppy Whitburn added the fifth a minute after the restart before Nat Cowell added her fourth. Jasmine King, another from Whitburn, one each from Lucy Bolitho and Ellie Manners and a second from Keren Banduka, completed a big win for The Royals. Read the match report courtesy of The Tilehurst End.

Combined Counties Cup
Penn & Tylers Green v QPR Development
Both teams went out at this stage last season. Penn were beaten by Beaconsfield in a feisty encounter whilst QPR went out to Ascot United. The winners of this tie will take on either Haringey Borough or London Bees in the Third Round
​French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

​Beaconsfield Town v Sholing
The Rams went into third spot with their big win at Woodley on Sunday, whilst Sholing were edged out by the odd goal in three at Portchester. With Wycombe not in league action, a win for Beaconsfield would take them level on points at the top, depending upon Southampton's result at Winchester.
Holloways Park, Beaconsfield, HP9 2SE

Fleet Town v AFC Portchester
Only a point separates Fleet, in fifth, from Portchester, in fourth. However, Town have played one more than Sunday's visitors.  Portchester are yet to lose on the road in the league. The teams last faced each other in the league back in April 2024 when Portchester, on their way to promotion from Division One South, won 3-1 at Crookham Road.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Winchester City Flyers v Southampton Women
After three consecutive league victories, Flyers were defeated by Wycombe at the weekend, after being two goals up early on. The Sirens made it four league outings without defeat with a comprehensive 7-0 win at Badshot Lea. Five points currently separate the sides. However, Winchester have two game sin hand on their high-flying visitors.
​Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

​Abingdon United Development v Farnborough
Both teams made progress in the League Cup last weekend. Abingdon defeating Tilehurst at home and Farnborough recording an excellent 5-1 win at Bursledon. They've already met in the league. Abingdon recorded a 4-0 victory at the Easy As HGV Stadium back in October.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL

Chesham United Development v Oxford City Development
An away game may come as some relief to City, and will at least break their current run of five home defeats on the bounce. They still sit in fifth spot but have already played half of their league games. A win for Chesham would move them to within three points of their visitors, with a game in hand.
Chiltern Hills Academy, HP5 2RG

Slough Town v Tilehurst Panthers
Confidence will be high in the Slough camp after their excellent 1-0 win at Penn last weekend. They'll be looking to register a first home league win on the back of it. Panthers, despite going out of the League Cup at Abingdon on Sunday, are unbeaten in the league since their opening day defeat, also against Abingdon.
​Arbour Park, Slough, SL2 5AY

​AFC Stoneham v Havant & Waterlooville
The Purps slipped to sixth after their first home defeat of the season on Sunday. They sit three points adrift of third placed Havant, but with a game in hand. The Hawks are defending a 100% away record and have the knowledge that they won 1-0 at this venue last season.
Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO16 2PA

AFC Varsity v Guernsey
The Green Lionesses are back on the road (or should that be in the air) after suffering their first home defeat to Farnham on Sunday. Varsity, who also lost their last home game to Farnham, earned a very good 1-1 draw at Havant last weekend.
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romey. SO51 6EA

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Bursledon
Sports have won three of four on the road, including a 2-0 win at Bursledon in September. However, they have yet to win at Chapel Gate. Bursledon, meanwhile, have struggled on their travels, losing both away games so far.
Chapel Gate, ​BH23 6BL.

​MK Dons v Woodley United
Woodley face a very tough test as they travel to Buckinghamshire to take on Women's National League South-East side MK Dons. United got through on the basis of a home walkover from Tilehurst Panthers, whereas MK Dons won 1-0 at home to Chesham United. However, that was MK's only win in their last nine outings in all competitions.

Penn & Tylers Green v Maidenhead United
A second tough cup clash inside a few days for Penn. Follwoing Thursday's Combined Counties clash with QPR Development, they will welcome National League Division One outfit Maidenhead Town to French School Meadow on Sunday. The Magpies are currently mid-table with 9 points from 8 outings.

Wycombe Wanderers v Abingdon United
This could be the tie of the round. Wycombe, who have aspirations to follow Abingdon into the National League, get a chance to test out their credentials. United are currently in top half of Division One South West after their 2-1 win at Worthing last weekend. It's been three years since these two faced each other in the league. Abingdon won 2-0 that day, on their way to the league title.


Kidlington Youth v North Leigh
It's been a tough season for Kidlington so far. Winless in the league and thumped by Reading in the League Cup last weekend. A tie against a team two divisions below them could be a good or bad thing at this point. North Leigh, who saw off Longford Park in the last round, currently sit third from bottom of Thames Valley Division Two, but do have games in hand on the majority of their rivals.

Launton v Oxford City
Thames Valley Division Three North leaders Launton will be looking to bridge a four division gap as they welcome Oxford City to Launton Playing Fields. Winning has become a habit for the home side, who have a 100% record in all competitions so far this season. City should have the experience to negotiate this tie, but it is still a banana skin in waiting.

Abbey Meads v Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Since losing their opening league match, Wiltshire Senior League Abbey Meads have won 7 on the bounce in all competitions, scoring 46 and conceding just 3. So, confidence should be sky high. Harlequins were promoted from the Wiltshire League last season but did not meet Abbey Meads, who were only formed in the Summer. They too are in pretty good form and have not conceded a goal since defeat to Andover on early October.

Clapton Community v Denham United
Two sides who compete at the same level in different leagues. Clapton, currently third in Division One North of the South-East Region taking on Southern Region Division On North leaders, Denham United. United are still defending a 100% league record and only went out of the League Cup by the odd goal to Premier League Winchester. Clapton have won their last four in all competitions

Larkspur Rovers v Farnham Town
With four wins from six league games, Larkspur can consider themselves to have started life in the Southern Region League very well. However, Farnham's league record of played six, won six, trumps Rovers. It will be interesting to see how this North versus South clash pans out.

Ashford Town v Badshot Lea
Middlesex based Ashford Town are currently ninth in the London & South East Premier League having taken 9 points from their opening 10 games. Badshot Lea, it has to be said, are not having a great season so far. Across 11 games in all competitions they have won one, drawn one and lost nine so far.

Greetings from sunny Ludwigshafen. This week's edition comes to you from the banks of the Rhine, and I'm missing out on a beer to get this typed up.
The weekend was largely dominated by the League Cup where the only 'cupset' was provided by Slough Town, who saw of Premier League Woodley by a goal to nil. Only two league games took place. Abingdon United Development inflicted another home defat on Oxford City Development whilst AFC Varsity and Farnham Town scored 10 second half goals between them with the visitors running out 8-4 winners.

Oxford City Development 0-3 Abingdon United Development
After a surprise defeat to Chesham, Abingdon got back to winning ways, inflicting Oxford's fourth straight home defeat in the process. April England, Beth Hawtin and Jessica Exell were on the mark for United.

Tilehurst Panthers P-P Kidlington Youth

​AFC Varsity 4-8 Farnham Town
Farnham made it five wins from five league games in an extraordinary game at Hatches Farm. An Iesha Swaby goal, cancelled out by Sofia Ryan had the sides level at the break. Then both teams went goal crazy. Kayleigh Mackay put AFC in front but that was quickly levelled by Nicole Leys. Swaby then grabbed a second to put Town ahead. Sofia Ryan and Emily Foss then exchanged goals to leave it a 3-4, before Mackay equalised again. Then Town took control with four goals in 10 minutes. Rebecca Price scoring twice, Rachael Manley once, and Iesha Swaby securing yet another hat-trick. Watch the Town goals on their X feed.

​Andover New Street 3-1 AFC Stoneham
New Street progressed in the League Cup with a hard-earned victory over Stoneham. The teams swapped goals early on through Violet Alen for the hosts and Stoneham's Scarlet Darnton. However, despite a penalty miss, goals from Keira Smith and Zoe Ridley secured the win for New Street.

Badshot Lea 0-4 AFC Portchester
Two goals in each half eased Portchester through to the next round. Sophie Bell got them off to a great start in the 6th minute. Charmaine True added a second before the half-hour. Then Layla Morgan on 57 and Lauren Aitken on 78, rounded off the scoring.

Beaconsfield Town 6-1 Chesham United Development
Comprehensive from The Rams. An early Freya Harris goal got them started. Evie Bloxham-Phillips and Henna Hussain them made it 3-0. Shortly after the break Ruby Slade pulled a goal back, but Hussain added her second to restore the three goal lead. Katie Riddington added a fifth before Bloxham-Phillips notched her second to make it six.

Denham United 2-3 Winchester City Flyers
Flyers took control of this game before the break. Chelsie Hay on 18 minutes, Shayne Prasad three minutes later and Hay again, just after half and hour, had the visitors three to the good at half-time. United came out fighting in the second half but there was only 10 minutes left when Sofia Harris reduced the deficit. Liana Horwood got a second with a minute to go, but Denham just fell short. Read the match rep[ort courtesy of the Winchester web site.

Fleet Town 1-1 (p4-3) Wimborne Town
Goals from Fleet's Layla Drury and Wimborne's Emilie Regnart, had the sides level at half-time. It stayed that way throughout the second period, sending the game into penalties, which the Premier League outfit won 4-3.

Penn & Tylers Green 1-1 (p3-1) Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Olivia Palmer had Sports in the driving seat at half-time. However, Tara Woodward levelled the scores and took the gamed to penalties. Penn came through the shootout by 3-1.

Shaftesbury 1-3 Larkspur Rovers
Rovers led 1-0 at the break through Savana Fearon's seventh of the season. The lead was increased just before the hour by Polina Avramova before Rebecca Roberts gave the home side hope three minutes past the hour. That was extinguished in the 71st minute when Fearon added here second of the game to send Larkspur through.

Sholing 1-3 Southampton Women
Sirens new signing, Olivia Glover, announced herself with the opening goal of this game in the 40th minute. Scarlett Kirby made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. When Kathryn Littleboy pulled one back on 89 minutes, Sholing had hope. However, Glover was on the mark again in the fourth minute of added time.

Slough Town 1-0 Woodley United
Woodley were sent crashing out of the League Cup by Division One North Slough Town and, just to make it worse, it was former Woodley player Sajunae Turner who scored the winning goal for The Rebels. Andy Wicks was on hand to capture the match action.

Wycombe Wanderers 6-0 Oxford City
The BotP match of the day saw Wanderers display their top of the table credentials. Goals from Ellen Wardlaw, direct from a corner, Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins, from the spot, Kayla Potter and Chloe Melton saw The Chairgirls go off 4-0 up at the break. Another penalty, dispatched by Ailish Carolan and Chloe Melton's second, wrapped up the scoring. Read the match blog here (Dominant Wanderers Sink City). You can also watch some the action on the Wycombe X feed.

Farnham Town H-W Bemerton Heath Harlequins

AFC Varsity H-W Nursling & Shirley

Milton United A-W Ascot United Reserves

​AFC Portchester v Sholing
Just once place and two points separates 7th placed Portchester from their visitors, one spot below them. However, Portchester have two games in hand. This is a repeat of the final game of last season when Portchester were 2-1 winners. Portchy also won the reverse fixture by the same score.
Venue: AFC Portchester Womens

Badshot Lea v Southampton Women
The Baggies remain bottom of the league after their draw with Woodley in their last league outing. The Sirens sit second, a point behind Wycombe and two clear of Winchester. However, they have played more games than their closest rivals. This will be only their second away league game but they are defending a 100% record on the road.
Westfield Lane, Wrecclesham GU10 4PF

Oxford City v Fleet Town
The Hoops will be looking to bounce back to form after their League Cup defeat to Wycombe on Sunday. Fleet, meanwhile, edged past Wimborne on penalties after a 1-1 draw. They've already won twice on the road, but City won their only other home league game.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Woodley United v Beaconsfield Town
United picked up their first point in their last league game. They've only played three prior to this one and will be looking to get their season going. The Rams have been up and down so far, winning three and losing three of their opening six games.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, RG5 3HE

​Larkspur Rovers v Chesham United Development
A mid-table battle as sixth takes on seventh. Rovers have a two point advantage on their visitors and have played three fewer games. Chesham won their last league game, 1-0 at Abingdon. However, Larkspur won the reverse fixture 5-2 back in early September.
Venue: Larkspur Rovers Ladies

Oxford City Development v Ascot United Reserves
City have already played 10 league games this season. Ascot have played three and are yet to win. This will be City's fifth home league game on the bounce. They have lost the last four, including last Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Abingdon. Ascot have only played one game since their home defeat to the same team in mid-September.
Venue: Oxford City Women & Girls Development

Penn & Tylers Green v Slough Town
Slough travel to Penn in the knowledge that their away form is better than their home form. In fact, all of their six points have come away from Arbor Park. Penn have only played three league games, but they are defending a 100% record. The teams met in the county cup a few weeks back, Penn edging it 2-1 at French School Meadow
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

​AFC Stoneham v Wimborne Town
The Magpies make the trip to Stoneham still looking for their first point of the season, with four games played. Stoneham have a 100% home league record but have lost three of their last four in all competitions, including a 3-1 League Cup exit at Andover last weekend.
Stoneham Lane Football Complex, S)16 2PA

Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury are another team looking for their first point, and their first league goal. This will only be the second home league game of the season form Quins, who won their only other home game.
Western Way, Salisbury, SP2 9DR

Bournemouth Sports Reserves v Andover New Street
With third placed Guernsey taking on leaders Farnham Town, Andover will see this one as an opportunity to either consolidate second or even return to the top. Sports have been far more productive on their travels this season and are yet to take all three points at home.
Chapel Gate, BH23 6BL

Guernsey v Farnham Town
Third facing up to the leaders. Farnham take their 100% league record to the Channel Islands hoping to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat last weekend. Guernsey have not yet been beaten on their own turf and have shred 22 goals in three matches at home. As Farnham have already scored 19 in their three away games, expect goals in this one.
Victoria Avenue, Guernsey, GY2 4BB

Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Varsity
The Hawks occupy fourth spot currently, three points adrift of the leaders but having played a game more. Both sides went out of the League Cup at home last weekend. Varsity lost 8-4 at home to Farnham whilst Havant were beaten 2-1 by Farnborough. Havant won the corresponding fixture 6-0 last season.
Westleigh Park, Havant PO9 5TH

​Abingdon United Development v Tilehurst Panthers
A repeat of the opening league game of the season, which took place at Scours Lane. Tilehurst will want to forget that one though, going down 7-0. On the plus side, they've won every league outing since that day.
The Northcourt, OX14 1PL 

Bursledon v Farnborough
Farnborough won at Havant to progress to this round whereas Bursledon received a bye in Round One.  either have been in sparkling leaguer form, so a cup run could be exactly what's needed.
Priory Park, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1SQ

Reading v Kidlington Youth
With just a single point in the league, Kidlington could probably do without a visit to a Premier League side in the cup. They'll need to be on their game against a Reading side who won their last outing, 2-1 against Sholing, and put up an excellent fight against National League Ascot in the County Cup, eventually bowing out to a 1-0 score line.
Arbour Park, SL2 5AY

This Sunday I decided to make the short journey down the M40 to Burnham, my old stomping ground from 25 years ago when I lived in neighbouring Taplow. The game in question was an all Southern Region Premier League, League Cup tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford City. The hosts have started the season like a house on fire. A 100% record in the league with 25 goals scored in four games, through to the next round of the County Cup and only narrowly beaten on penalties by higher-ranked Bridgwater United in the FA Cup. Today's opponents, Oxford City, have been sluggish in comparison, winning one and drawing two of their league games. However, they too had progressed in the County Cup (even though it was by a walkover) and, more to the point, had made it through to Round Two of the FA Cup after a 4-2 home defeat of high-flying South West Premier side, Sherborne Town.

Wycombe were at the races from the very first minute in this game, yet it was Oxford's Ellie White who struck the first shot in anger, firing wide of the mark in the 8th minute. Three minutes later, Wycombe had the ball in the City net. Kayla Potter got a toe to a through ball, beating Hannah Gerrow to it and poking it to Chloe Melton, who applied the finishing touch from an offside position. No goal.
The home disappointment was short-lived however. With 13 minutes on the clock Ellen Wardlaw's right-wing corner somehow evaded everyone, nestling into the far corner. 1-0. City tried to respond through Yasmin Edwards, but her shot was wide of the mark.
Wycombe could have increased their lead on 19 minutes when Kayla Potter delightfully cushioned a through ball with her head but could only send her shot straight at Gerrow. Again the disappointment was brief. Three minutes later Potter latched onto another through ball before being bundled over inside the area. Penalty! Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins took the responsibility, converting low to Gerrow's right. 2-0
Just past the half-hour Oxford generated their best opportunity of the half. Edwards created the break with a burst down the right. She squared for Ellie, who saw her shot well blocked by Sophie Harvey. Emily Harris could only hit the rebound straight back at Courlander, and the chance was gone.
With eight minutes remining in the first-half, Kayla Potter won a header some 30 yards out, ran on to her own flick-on and, beating Gerrow to the ball, poked it past the keeper into the net. 3-0. Already three goals up and looking good to progress, Wycombe then hit Oxford with a late fourth goal a minute into added time. Potter evaded the offside trap on the left, drove past a covering defender and laid the ball back to the edge of the box where Chloe Melton met it first time, guiding the ball into the top corner. What a classy finish! 4-0

HT Wycombe Wanderers 4 Oxford City 0. A dominant display from the hosts. Their movement, speed and accuracy in the final third proving to be too much for City.

​With the tie already as good as decided, the second half was never going to such a spectacle. However, it started just as the first-half had finished, with a Wycombe goal. Only two minutes had passed when Chloe Melton got to a loose, bouncing ball in the box a split second before the defender, resulting in the striker taking a sore one for the team but winning them a second penalty. Ailish Carolan was on duty for this one, but the result was the same. 5-0 and a first goal of the season for the defender.
Ten minutes in, Kayla Potter planted a header just wide but, after that, the chances for Wycombe dried up somewhat, as they took their foot off the gas a little. That said, they were still keeping things tight at the back and, despite the industry of the Oxford midfield and forward line, the Hoops couldn't find a way through the home defence.
Then, with 17 minutes of normal time remaining, it was six. Laura Hennessy's right-wing corner volleyed in at the far post by Chloe Melton. 6-0. Oxford continued to work hard and, as a neutral, it would have been good to see them get a consolation. However, aside from a long-distance lob from Katherine Parsons, that went well wide, and a shot from Yasmin Edwards that flew across the face of goal, they didn't really stress Axelle Courlander.

FT Wycombe Wanderers 6 Oxford City 0. The game was effectively over by half-time. An extremely professional performance from Wycombe. City are no pushover and continued to battle throughout the game. However, they were no match for The Chairgirls on the day. To be fair, not many teams are going to be able to contain Wycombe this season. 

Wycombe Wanderers: 25. Courlander, 3.Harvey, 6.Lynch(c), 5.Beaver, 14.Kern, 8.Hennessy, 16.Hoesli-Atkins, 12.Carolan, 17.Wardlaw, 10.Potter, 9.Melton. Subs: Mulvaney, Hill, MacDiarmid, Baker
Oxford City: Gerrow, Ayers, Prescott-Luke, Bough-French(c), Leach, O'Leary, Craven, Parsons, Harris, E.White, Edwards. Subs: Davis, L.White, Wellington-Faissal, Tayman, Lester

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

Once again the FA Cup took centre stage last Sunday. It was a mixed bag as far as Southern Region interests go, but two teams safely made it through to Round Two. AFC Portchester and Oxford City will be flying the SoReg flag in the next round.
This weekend the main focus of attention id the League Cup which features some interesting ties. One of the most intriguing is Denham United, top of Division One North and yet to drop a point, taking on high-flying Premier League side Winchester City Flyers.

​Southampton Women 2-1 Beaconsfield Town
The Sirens jumped four places in the table to sit in second place, one point behind the leaders having played two extra games. The game was goalless at the break, but soon after the restart Chloe Ball put the home side in front. With just under twenty minutes to go, Scarlett Kirby helped herself to a debut goal to put Southampton two to the good. Molly Carter then set up a nervy finish when she pulled one back for The Rams with just under ten left.

Reading 2-1 Sholing
Reading moved into fourth spot and maintained a 100% home record. Keren Banduka opened the scoring in the 26th minute, pouncing after Nat Cowell's effort was saved. The roles were reversed in the 56th minute when Banduka set up Cowell to make it 2-0. Ella Wilson pulled a goal back for Sholing in the 81st minute, but they couldn't find an equaliser. Read the match report courtesy of The Tilehurst End.

Woodley United 1-1 Badshot Lea
A first point of the season for both teams as the bottom two fought out a draw that did neither of them any favours. Megan Giles scored her first Woodley goal, Ellie Gill notched the Badshot Lea goal. The draw doesn't really help either team and they still occupy the bottom two spots in the table, Woodley outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Andy Wicks was there to capture the match action.

​Denham United 6-0 Larkspur Rovers
Teams are having a devil of a time trying to stop Denham this season, and it was a case of 6-6-6 for United on Sunday. Six games, six wins and a six-nil victory. Sofia Harris, Rebecca Horwood and Lauren Cox sent Denham into the break three goals to the good. Harris then hit her second, and sixth of the season, before Daisy Baranowski and Annie Hewitt also got their names up in lights. Denham now have a three point gap at the top.

Milton United P-P Abingdon United Development

Oxford City Development 1-3 Slough Town
A third straight home defeat for Oxford even after going in front in this game. They found themselves 2-1 down at the break thanks to Slough goals from Maddi Armstrong and Emma Green. In the second half, Green scored her second and Slough's third, to wrap up the points.

Penn & Tylers Green 5-0 Kidlington Youth
Incredibly, this was Penn's first home league game of the season and only their third overall. This result sees them secure a 100% record and leaves the winless Greens in the drop zone. Ellie Lovelock was the star of the show, hitting four goals to take her season's tally to double-figures. Tara Woodward was also on the mark, to also grab her tenth of the season. Listen to Penn manager Dan Gray's post-match comments and watch all the goals.

Tilehurst Panthers P-P Chesham United Development

​AFC Varsity 0-0 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
A rarity. This was the first goalless draw across all three divisions this season. The result has no effect on either team's league position. Quins in seventh and Varsity one place and three points back, with a game in hand.

Andover New Street 4-0 Shaftesbury
New Street bounced back from last week's home defeat to Guernsey, leapfrogging four teams to take over at the top of the league. For a team with zero points and zero league goals, Shaftesbury put up a solid defence in the first half, only trailing 1-0 at the break, to a last-minute Ruby Allen goal. However, Allen completed her hat-trick in the second half. Charli Wright added the other goal in her first appearance of the season.

Bursledon 2-2 Guernsey
The Green Lionesses maintained their unbeaten start to the season, but were knocked off top spot following this point gained at Toynbee School. Bursledon started the game in fine form, racing into a two goal lead before the quarter-hour. However Calleigh Hedley, with her 16th goal of the season and 40th goal for the club in 21 games, reduced the deficit after 23 minutes. Jess Frampton then equalised in the 78th minute, her first goal of the season.

​Havant & Waterlooville 1-2 Farnborough
Goals from Kelly Rutledge and Ellie Stalley saw Farnborough through to the second round of the League Cup. Jodie Burchell scored for The Hawks, but it was not enough. Farnborough now face a trip to Bursledon in Round Two.

​AFC Portchester 6-2 Gloucester City
A Rebecca Bath hat-trick helped Portchester to book a place in the Second Round of the FA Cup. Sarah Butterworth helped herself to two goal and two assists, with Sophie Bell also getting on the scoresheet for Portchy, her first of the season. Amanda Reimer had earlier levelled things at 1-1 for Gloucester but, by the time Sachi Kaneko-Grun scored for City, Portchester were already well in front. Portchester now face a home tie with National League South-East side Worthing in Round Two.

Bowers & Pitsea 3-2 Wimborne Town
The Magpies gave their higher-ranked opposition a big fright in this First Round tie. Ruby Kilden edged the hosts in front after 39 minutes, but Eillie Chaffe levelled it just before the break. Kilden then put Bowers back in front after 88 minutes, only for Emilie Regnart to get Wimborne level again four minutes into added time. Penalties were looming before Olivia Harris popped up in the 96th minute to break Town hearts.
Bowers have been drawn at home to Sutton United in Round Two.

Farnham Town 0-8 Leyton Orient
After seven wins on the bounce, Farnham were brought back to earth by their higher-placed visitors. Orient took the lead through Lucy Porter's 7th minute strike. Sammy Rowland added a second midway through the half. The killer blows were struck right on the stroke of half-time, first through Kallie Balfour and then Wiktoria Fronc, making it 0-4. Soon after the restart Porter hit her second. Sammy Rowland then added two more to claim a hat-trick before Porter also sealed her hat-trick with a 77th minute goal. Leyton Orient's reward is a home tie with AFC Bournemouth.

Oxford City 4-2 Sherborne Town
City's first appearance in the First Round for 15 years got off to a great start when Yasmin Edwards put them ahead in the 2nd minute. Kate Parsons doubled the lead on 20 minutes, but Sherborne immediately hit back through Immy Miller. Ellie White, crucially, restored the two goa lead in first-half added time. Charlotte Harmer then pulled Town back into it after 76 minutes, before Amy Leach sealed the win in the 95th minute.
A massive game awaits The Hoops in Round Two, as they welcome National League South-West Swindon Town to Marsh Lane.

Winchester City Flyers 0-4 Gwalia United
Despite the eventual score line, Flyers more than held their own against higher-placed opposition, especially in the first half. However, they failed to take their opportunities and trailed to  Tia Asker goal at the break. United took until the 73rd minute to get a second goal, when Ellie-Mai Sandford netted. The final two goals, from Manon Pearce and Eliza Collie, both came in added time. Read the Gwalia United match report here and get the Winchester point of view here. You can also hear Emma Pearmine's post-match comments.
Gwalia will travel to Plymouth Argyle in Round Two.

Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 (p6-7) Bridgwater United
Penalty heartbreak for Wanderers after holding National League Bridgwater to aa draw in normal time. The Chairgirls went ahead through Jess Watkins, in the 26th minute. Abbie Carslake got United level eight minutes later, which is how the score stayed. Bridgwater then edged the shootout 7-6 to earn a home tie with Royston Town. Listen to the post-match comments from Bridgewater's Steve Perkins. You can also watch the excellent Bridgewater match day video.

​Oxford City Development v Abingdon United Development
After three straight home defeats, City will be looking to get back to winning ways with the visit of second placed Abingdon. United lost last time out, going down 1-0 at Chesham. However, a win on Sunday could put them level with leaders Denham. A win for City would see them draw level on points with their visitors.
Venue: Oxford City Women & Girls Development

Tilehurst Panthers v Kidlington Youth
Kidlington are still looking for their first win of the season and are currently in the relegation zone on goal difference. Panthers have started well, winning four of their opening five games, and are sitting third. This fixture, last season, ended 7-1 to Panthers with Georgia Hayes grabbing a hat-trick for Tilehurst. The reverse fixture ended 6-3 to Panthers. So, no shortage of goals when these two meet.
Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane, RG30 6AY

​Andover New Street v AFC Stoneham
The new league leaders welcome fifth placed AFC Stoneham to town on Sunday in the League Cup. Stoneham currently sit in fifth place, but it's a very congested table and The Purps are only three points back, with two games in hand. They have not yet met in the league this season. Stoneham received a bye at this stage last season, going out to Havant in Round Two.
Foxcotte Park, Andover, SP11 0TA

Badshot Lea v AFC Portchester
The Baggies finally picked up their first league point last weekend. Now they have the tough task of taking on Portchester i the League Cup. Portchy won 3-0 at The Operatix earlier in the season, with second half goals from Gemma Hillier and brace from Lauren Aitken. The Baggies fell at this stage last season, losing 5-3 to Fleet. Portchy made it to he semi-final, where they lost to eventual winners Ascot United.
Operatix Community Ground, Wrecclesham, GU10 4PF

Beaconsfield Town v Chesham United Development
Something of a local derby between Premier League Rams and Division One North Chesham. Whilst the Rams to lost to Southampton at the weekend, United had their game postponed. Beaconsfield did the double over United on their way to the league title last season, being awarded the points in the away game and winning 4-1 at home.
Holloways Park, Beaconsfield, HP9 2SE

Denham United v Winchester City Flyers
This could be a fascinating tie. Denham have been flying in the league tis season, especially at home. They'll relish the challenge of Premier League Winchester coming to The Den. United only went out of the FA Cup on penalties at another Premier League team. Oxford City, after a 3-3 draw. Flyers have also been in good form, winning every league game since their opening day defeat at Portchester.
The Den, UB9 4DW

Farnham Town H-W Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Fleet Town v Wimborne Town
On their way to promotion last season, Fleet did the double over Wimborne, winning 5-0 at the Wyatt Homes Stadium and 4-1 at home. Last season in the League Cup, The Magpies fell at the first hurdle against Premier League Portchester. Fleet made it to he Quarter-Final before losing 4-0 to Sholing.
Crookham Road, Fleet GU51 5FA

Penn & Tylers Green v Bournemouth Sports Reserves
Both of these sides went out quite early on in last year's competition. Sports were beaten 6-3 at home by Milton United in Round One. Penn made it to the second round before succumbing to Premier League team Wycombe Wanderers. 
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

Shaftesbury v Larkspur Rovers
Some light relief for Shaftesbury as they step away from their league woes. Their only goals so far this season have come in cup games, three against Dorchester and one against Wimborne, both in the FA Cup. Rovers have had a pretty good start to their league campaign, winning three and losing two of the opening five.
Coppice Street, SP7 8PD

Sholing v Southampton Women
Last season's beaten semi-finalists Sholing, who lost 3-1 to Winchester, take on The Sirens in a south coast derby. They've already met at Test Park in the league this season. Southampton came out on top that day, winning 3-1 after trailing at the break.
The Mortgage Decisions Stadium, SO19 9PW

Slough Town v Woodley United
Woodley make the short trip across the A4 after picking up their first league point last Sunday. Last season both teams went out of this competition to the eventual winner, Ascot United. Woodley were beaten in Round One whilst Slough conceded their second round meeting, after beating QK Southampton in the first round.
Arbour Park, Slough, SL2 5AY

Wycombe Wanderers v Oxford City
A tough task for City as they travel to a Wanderers side riding high in the league with a 100% record. They met in the second game of the season with The Chairgirls coming out victorious by 3-0. In lats season's competition, City went out to Sholing in the first round. Wycombe made it to the quarter-final stage before losing to AFC Portchester.
18i78 Stadium, Burnham, SL1 8JG

With rain lashing down across the country, two of the newly promoted teams were making a splash in more ways than one on Sunday. Denham United, with a 100% record, sit proudly atop Division One North. Unbeaten Guernsey also had top spot for a while, following their early kick-off victory at Andover. They were then overtaken by another new team, Farnham Town, who also boast a 100% record.
In the carious County Cup competitions there were wins for Wycombe Wanderers Pen & Tylers Green, Kidlington Youth, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Winchester City Flyers and AFC Varsity. Farnborough, Woodley United and Oxford City also progressed through byes.

​Badshot Lea 1-4 Sholing
Sholing won away from home for the first time this season, consigning Badshot Lea to their sixth defeat on the bounce. Siena Millen and Sophie Lee had the Boatwomen two up at the break. The Baggies responded just past the hour mark, but another Sophie Lee goal on 82 minutes and an Emily Surridge strike five minutes later, sealed the deal for Sholing.

Southampton Women 2-2 AFC Portchester
Portchester fought back from behind twice to earn a point at Test Park. Jessica Soares got the Sirens off to a great start, putting them in front after just two minutes. Lucy Nightingale levelled the scores just before the half-hour mark. However, Southampton restored their advantage through Chloe Ball in first-half added time. Portchester snatched a point when Rebecca Bath equalised with five minutes remaining.

​Chesham United Development 1-0 Abingdon United Development
After two defeats without scoring, Chesham sprung something of a surprise on the league leaders. Ruby Slade scored the only goal after 80 minutes, helping the home side to a mid-table position and toppling Abingdon from top spot.

Oxford City Development 1-7 Denham United
City will be glad to see the back of Denham this season after conceding a total of sixteen goals in two games against the new league leaders. Niamh Cashin helped herself to a hat-trick, making it five for the season against Oxford. Sofia Harris scored twice with Pia Davis and Brogan Moore also weighing in. Megan Fillary scored her sixth of the season for City as a small consolation.

​Farnham Town 4-2 AFC Stoneham
The Purps lost their unbeaten start but Farnham continued their 100% start, making it seven in all competitions. Town had to come from behind after Stoneham took the lead after just six minutes. Iesha Swaby levelled the scores on the half-hour. Four minutes later a Swaby penalty was saved, leaving the teams level at the break. Swaby them made up for it, scoring just after the restart. Emily Foss made it 3-1 on 70 minutes and Rebecca Price sealed the points three minutes later. Stoneham got a late reply, but the points stayed in Surrey. Stoneham goals were scored by Lucy Bicknell and Chloe Marshall.

Andover New Street 1-3 Guernsey
This was planned to be the BotP game of the weekend. However, due to a few logistical issues at my end, I missed a fair bit of the action. And what a lot of action there was! Way too much to detail here, but you can read the match report on the Guernsey web site. In brief, Freya Twigg put New Street ahead. Alice Seddon was sent off, Emily Evans saved a penalty and Calleigh Hedley claimed a hat-trick, taking her total to 15 for the season. Watch Hedley's first goal on the Guernsey X feed.
​
Havant & Waterlooville 4-3 Bursledon
This fixture produces goals. Eight last season and seven this time. The Hawks went in front after ten minutes through an own goal but the Dons levelled after 24 minutes. Two minutes later they were in front, and stayed that way until just before the hour. Emma-Jane May the equalised for Havant before Bursledon went back in front with 22 minutes to go. Emily Wernham levelled things again in the 77th minute before Jodie Burchell popped up with the winner with a minute to go.

​Beaconsfield Town 0-2 New Bradwell St Peter 
A Cara Brooker goal early in the first half and a Sapphire Roman goal with four minutes remaining were enough to take The Petes through to the next round of the County Cup. Check out some action shots from the game courtesy of the Beaconsfield web site.

Newport Pagnell Town 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Despite the one step gap between the clubs, Newport Pagnell gave their higher-ranked opponents a real game. Wycombe, who have been flying all season, needed an Anisha Hill goal in first-half injury time to take the lead. Hill then grabbed a second early in the second half. Watch the goals on the Wycombe X feed.

Penn & Tylers Green 2-1 Slough Town
Heartbreak for Slough as a very late Tara Woodward goal sends Penn through to the next round. Sara Harrison had given the home side the lead, but former Woodley United and Reading striker Sajunae Turner levelled the scores.

Kidlington Youth 4-2 East Oxford
Without a win in the league, Kidlington bagged themselves a much needed County Cup victory against their Thames Valley neighbours. Olivia Ward, with two goals, led the way. Courtney Sumner and Isobel Rushmere hit the other two for the Greens. Perri Termine and Melissa Webby were on target for East Oxford.

Melksham Town 0-6 Bemerton Heath Harlequins
It took Harlequins 44 minutes to break the deadlock, Kyra Ward sending them into the break a goal to the good. Charlotte Eastman made it two shortly after the restart. Caitlin Lower then scored twice in eight minutes after the hour, before Hollie Keating also grabbed two goals in the last 10 minutes.

Bournemouth Sports Reserves 0-1 Winchester City Flyers
A third consecutive clean sheet for Winchester as they edged past Bournemouth Sports Reserves. Sian Wylie's first goal for the club settled the deal just before the half-hour. You can watch the goal on the Flyers' X stream.

Fleet Town 2-4 AFC Varsity
Varsity came back from a goal down at the break to claim a higher division scalp. Kayleigh Mackay levelled the scores a minute into the second half. Bethany Ebert scored on the hour mark and, six minutes later, Katie Finn added Varsity's third. Mackay rounded off the scoring for the visitors in the 76th minute.

Farnborough H-W Nursling & Shirley

Abingdon United H-W Milton United

Woodley United H-W Tilehurst Panthers

Oxford City H-W Tower Hill

​Southampton Women v Beaconsfield Town (ko 13:00)
After five games only a single point separates Beaconsfield, in third, from sixth placed Southampton. With the top two both in FA Cup action, it's an opportunity to close the gap at the top. For Beaconsfield, a win would take them level on points with the leaders, for Southampton, three points would also take them into second spot but a point back.
Redbridge Community School, Southampton, SO16 9RJ

Reading v Sholing
The sides currently sit seventh and eighth respectively, separated purely by goal difference, although Reading have three games in hand on the Boatwomen. Having not played since the early-October FA Cup defeat to Brentford, Reading will be coming into the game very fresh. Sholing, meanwhile, clocked up a morale-boosting 4-1 at Badshot Lea last Sunday.
Arbour Park, Slough, SL2 5AY

Woodley United v Badshot Lea
Two sides both in urgent need of getting points on the board. Neither have yet managed to secure a league point, although The Baggies have already played six games and Woodley have only played two. Last season both encounters went the way of United, winning 4-2 at Bulmershe and 3-2 at The Operatix. Out of the eight scorers of those eleven goals last season, only one player is still playing for either club, Badshot's Alyssa Hall.
UofR Bulmershe Pavilion, RG5 3HE

​Denham United v Larkspur Rovers
Nine points from their first four games signifies a really good start for Rovers. However, they face a very tough test as they travel to The Den to take on a Denham side flying high with  100% league record after five games. United have scored 34 goals in these five games, conceding just five along the way.
The Den, Oxford Road, UB9 4DW

Milton United v Abingdon United Development
Abingdon lost top spot at the weekend after being beaten by Chesham United Development. Milton, meanwhile, have only played two league games so far, losing both. Last season this fixture ended in a 7-5 away win for Abingdon, despite Milton being 4-2 up at half-time.
Venue: Milton United Women

Oxford City Development v Slough Town
Slough were unlucky to go down to a very late goal at Penn on Sunday. City lost heavily to leaguer leaders Denham. Both will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. Slough are still looking for their first league victory but have picked up all of their points. so far, on their travels. City won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in September.
Venue: Oxford City Women & Girls Development

Penn & Tylers Green v Kidlington Youth
A replay of the last league game last term. Kidlington won that one 2-1 despite having Kiera Isaac red-carded. Penn have won both of their league games so far, Kidlington are yet to register a win in the league.
French School Meadow, HP10 8LG

Tilehurst Panthers v Chesham United Development
Panthers currently sit third but, just as last season, it's their away form that has got them there. They are currently 100% on the road whilst winning one and losing one at home. Chesham had a good 1-0 win over Abingdon last Sunday and will be on the lookout for back-to-back victories. Tilehurst win this fixture 3-2 last season, coming from 2-1 down with two late Leah Why goals.
Rivermoor Stadium, Tilehurst, RG30 6AY

​AFC Varsity v Bemerton Heath Harlequins
Three points separate Varsity, in eight, from Harlequins in seventh. However, Varsity have a game in hand on their visitors. A win for Harlequins could lift them as high as fourth spot.  
Hatches Farm Sports Ground, Romey. SO51 6EA

Andover New Street v Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury travel to Foxcotte Park still in search of their first points and first league goal of the season. After going through last season unbeaten, it's been a tough start for the Dorset team. It won't get any easier on Sunday against a New Street team that gave Guernsey a real game on Sunday, despite playing well over half the game with 10 players.
Foxcotte Park, Andover, SP11 0TA

Bursledon v Guernsey
The Green Lionesses are still unbeaten in the league, having won three and drawn three so far. In Calleigh Hedley they have a striker who has already scored 15 goals this season. However, they have also conceded plenty, despite currently sitting second. Bursledon are looking for their second win of the season. They were a little unfortunate to go down 4-3 at Havant & Waterlooville on Sunday, conceding a very late winner after leading twice.
Priory Park, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1SQ

​Havant & Waterlooville v Farnborough
Since promotion from the Hampshire League, Farnborough have won two and lost two of their league games so far. They did not play at the weekend, progressing in the County Cup via a bye from Nursling & Shirley. The Hawks edged past Bursledon with a late Jodie Burchell strike.
Westleigh Park, Havant, PO9 5TH

​AFC Portchester v Gloucester City
Gloucester City disposed of AFC Stoneham in the 3rd qualifying round with a 2-0 win at Stoneham Lane, whilst Portchester ran riot against Weymouth. A great test for Portchy, taking on a team from the division above them. In the league City have lost one and won one
Venue: AFC Portchester

Bowers & Pitsea v Wimborne Town
A long journey and a tough test for The Magpies as they travel to Essex to take on Eastern Region Premier side Bowers & Pitsea. Bowers currently sit third in their league, three points shy of leaders Stevenage.
Len Salmon Stadium, Basildon, SS13 2BE

Farnham Town v Leyton Orient
Greater London Premier league leaders Leyton Orient have an extremely impressive 100% record so far this season. They have won all six games they've played, scored 71 goals and conceded zero. However, Farnham are also defending a 100% record in all competitions. They've played seven and won seven, scoring 42 and conceding six. This promises to be a cracking cup tie.
Memorial Ground, Farnham, GU9 7DY

Oxford City v Sherborne Town
Currently sitting second in the South West Premier, Sherborne travel to Oxford on the back of three consecutive victories in all competitions, including a 5-1 at Bitton in the last round. By their high standards, City have had a slow start to their league season, winning just one of their first four games. They did, however, earn a very good point at Portchester last time out.
Marsh Lane, OX3 0NQ

Winchester City Flyers v Gwalia United
A very interesting test for Flyers, who currently occupy second spot in the Premier League. They welcome Women's National Southern Premier outfit Gwalia to The Charters Stadium. United are in mid-table having won three of their seven outings, two of which came on the road.
Hiller Way, Winchester SO23 7SU

Wycombe Wanderers v Bridgwater United
A real opportunity for Premier league leaders Wycombe to measure their progress against a team currently sitting fourth in the league above them. United put out Southern Division side Bursledon in the last round and were 3-0 winners at least season's Premier League champions, Ascot United, two weeks ago. The Chairgirls have won every game they've played so far this season. Can they keep the momentum going?
18i78 Stadium, Burnham, SL1 8JG