SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWSLETTER
BY BILL SCHOLES
No. 7
SATURDAY 6th OCTOBER
After the deluge on Friday night came a very pleasant and warm Saturday afternoon and, to the surprise of many, all
fixtures, with one exception, were able to go ahead.
There were four hat trick heroes – one in each Division and one in the Beds Senior Trophy. In the League, Anthony
Anstead scored three for St. Margaretsbury, Danny Simpson did likewise for Stony Stratford and Mickey Swaysland
popped up with three for Tring Corinthians. Bedford’s Ash Kersey notched three times in the Beds Senior Trophy.
PREMIER DIVISION
There was no change at the top as the three top teams, Dunstable Town, Aylesbury United and Oxhey Jets, all won their
respective games. Dunstable Town maintained their unbeaten record beating Harefield Utd 3-0 with goals from Newman
Carney, Tony Burnett and Lee Roache whilst Aylesbury Utd reeled off their 6th straight victory, beating visitors
Biggleswade Utd 3-1. On the scoresheet for the Ducks were Ben Baines and Ben Butler in the first half and although Utd
pulled one back immediately after the restart, Zac Reynolds made it safe for the home side. Oxhey Jets kept in touch with
a good 2-1 away win at London Colney. All the goals came in the second half, Jets going two up through Andy Lomas
and Danny Tilbury before Lewis Foster scored for the homesters. Another bright sunny day saw promoted Ampthill Town
entertain visitors Berkhamsted at Woburn Park and it was Berko that collected all three points in a 2 – 1 win. Berko
started well and had the best of the opening minutes. Connor Calcutt had his shot saved by Tom Kennard in the Town
goal and a last ditch defensive tackle prevented Berko from scoring a certain goal. Town were strangely subdued and
living dangerously at the back as Berko stormed forward to see a shot blocked on the Town goal line. The home crowd
had to wait until 24 minutes for Town to muster any threat on the visitor’s goal, but that effort was blocked. Two Berko
chances went begging as players, twice through on goal, could not score as each time Kennard saved the day for Town.
As the half came to a close Town’s only real effort on goal saw the ball hit the Berko post and bounce clear. There was
just time for another gilt-edged Berko chance, but the player shot wide when clean through. Only Berko will know how the
half ended goalless. The second half saw some early improvement in Town but without creating any goal threats. Berko
scored their deserved goal on 56 minutes when Calcutt’s shot was deflected into the bottom corner of the Town net.
Town responded and Lee Coulter’s shot was pushed round the post by Carl Tasker in the Berko goal. It was fairly even
now and Town missed a great chance to equalise when Michael McKennzie shot wide from a good position. That
prompted Berko into action and they scored their second goal on 79 minutes when Josh Chamberlain ran in off the left
wing to meet a cross and score. Town were now pressing for an unlikely point as they attacked the Berko goal in the
closing stages and they were rewarded when substitute Shaun Cooksley shot the ball into the Berko net from the edge of
the penalty area on 87 minutes. However, despite a last ditch Town header that just missed the far post, Berko ran out
worthy winners. AFC Dunstable won their sixth league match in a row with a 3-0 win away at Colney Heath. Lee
Burgoyne and top scorer BJ Christie gave AFC the best possible start, going two up within 17 minutes and Hayden Wills
added the third in the second half. After a slow start, Haringey Borough have put together a decent run of league form
and moved up to 6th with a 2-0 home win over lowly Holmer Green, both goals coming in the second period from Roland
Namquita and Darrell Cox . After a disappointing start to the season Tring Athletic seem to have discovered their shooting
boots, scoring 11 goals in their last two games. In the second of these, a Vinnie Iannone hat trick and a brace from
Stewart King helped Athletic to a 5-1 home win over cellar dwellers London Tigers. St. Margaretsbury scored their 4 th
league win on the trot after a 3-1 win away at Hertford Town who fell to their 7th league defeat of the season. Anthony
Anstead scored all three of Bury’s goals- the last two in added on time - and to add insult to injury, Bury even scored
Hertford’s goal! Leverstock Green took a two goal lead, both goals coming from Tobi Akin, in their away game at
Hillingdon Borough but the home side battled back to share the points with goals from Jimmy Froud and Jon Constant.
Stotfold followed their midweek away win with a 3-2 success at Hatfield Town. Nyasha Sagwete put the away side ahead,
only to find themselves 2-1 down after goals from Matt Hodges (penalty) and Dean Barker early in the 2nd half. However
Stotfold rallied and goals from Lewis Holmes and Sean Herr in a 4 minute period late in the half were enough to secure
the points. Hadley and Hanwell Town shared the points in a 1-1 draw, after Ricky Pither opened the scoring for Hanwell
after 4 minutes, only for a Terry Smith OG to restore parity before the twenty minute mark had passed.
DIVISION ONE
Match of the day was undoubtedly at Chalk Lane where second placed Cockfosters entertained leaders Harpenden
Town. The home side started brightly, moving the ball around quickly, and it was no surprise when they took the lead
after just 5 minutes, Emond Protain rising unmarked at the far post to meet an excellent cross and head powerfully home.
The remainder of the half was fairly even, the final ball often letting Cockfosters down, whilst Harpenden’s Jimmy Hill, a
throwback to old fashioned centre forwards, always seemed capable of making a breakthrough. Both teams made
substitutions at half time, but sadly the secondly half deteriorated into a rumbustuous and often bad tempered affair, with
the pitch at times resembling the waiting room of the casualty department at the local hospital. Delays occasioned by
injuries, substitutions, and a rash of cards late on caused the second half to last around an hour, and saw the dismissal of
Harpenden’s Mark Hitchcock. Overall a well deserved three points for Cockfosters and a disappointing performance from
Harpenden. On any other day, the clash between London Lions and Codicote would have claimed top billing. The Lions
put the disappointment of Wednesday night’s defeat against Harpenden Town firmly behind them as they produced an
excellent performance to bring an end to Codicote’s 10 match unbeaten run as they beat their promotion rivals 2-0 at
Rowley Lane. Adam Bolle gave the Lions the lead with a 20th minute header and sub Matt Stock added the second
towards the end of the second period to secure all three points and move themselves up to third place. Whilst not in
league action, Langford are in 4th spot, also on 24 points, and there are a clutch of clubs just below them, all on 21 points.
Southall head this group on goal difference after beating Welwyn Garden City 3-1 at home, despite going behind to a Ben
Awad goal after 10 minutes. Curtis Herbert equalised right on the stroke of half time before Kabi Marlon and Cyrus
Vanterpool added two more in the second period. Kings Langley will probably look at their home 2-2 draw with Kentish
Town as two points dropped, particularly after going two up after 22 minutes through Joe Gallagher and Nathan Pooley.
Town came back strongly in the second half to draw level with goals from Joe Fox and Jordan McFarlane. These dropped
points allowed Hoddesdon Town to close the gap after they came back, despite conceding an early goal, at Chesham Utd
Reserves with a 2-1 victory. Jack Read gave Chesham the early lead, Ben Andreos equalised just before the break and
Jamie Brandon got the winner with 17 minutes left. After a bright start to the season, Buckingham Athletic appear to have
lost their way of late and they slipped to a 6th league defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Amersham Town, who deserved the
win but, as usual, gave their supporters a stressful last fifteen minutes before the referee blew the final whistle. Town’s
opening goal on fourteen minutes sprang from a header by Buckingham keeper, Tom Clark who advanced well outside
the penalty area to head the ball clear. The ball fell to Town’s Scott Chapman who had the presence of mind to slip it to
Oliver Woodall. His shot, from 30 yards, flew into the unguarded net. Buckingham retaliated immediately and equalised
when an Adam Bone corner drifted over the head of Town keeper, James Weatherill and into the net. Amersham
regained their lead on the stroke of half time. Another breakaway led to Town having a four to one advantage but Phil
Sole was brought down on the edge of the area. Chapman slammed the free kick into the corner of Clark’s net, giving the
keeper no chance. The second half was much more even as Buckingham pressed forward but Town extended their lead
on sixty seven minutes after good work from Phil Sole allowed Shane Thomas to slide the ball into the net off the far post.
As Amersham tired, Buckingham created chances and reduced the deficit with 9 minutes left when a break down the right
resulted in a pinpoint cross for a Martin tap in. However, Town held on for a valuable three points. Danny Simpson scored
three goals in 13 minutes as he helped Stony Stratford Town to a comfortable 6-0 win away at Sun Postal Sports whilst
Wodson Park also had a comfortable away victory, but an important one for them as they beat fellow strugglers Winslow
Utd 4–0 and move above their hosts and out of the bottom two as a result.
.
DIVISION TWO
Aston Clinton have closed the gap to leaders The 61 FC to one point after winning 2-1 away at Broxbourne Boro, with
goals from Peter Weirich and Sam Ward. Boro’s late consolation in added on time came from Shane Bambridge. A late
goal from Curtis Woodroffe enabled Risborough Rangers to overcome stubborn resistance from visiting Old Bradwell Utd,
whilst Tring Corinthians ran riot at home to Hale Leys Utd, clocking up nine goals without reply. The old warhorse, Mickey
Swaysland, returning to one of his former clubs, showed that he hasn’t forgotten where the net is, notching a second half
hat trick, whilst there were also doubles for Trevor Gibbs and Ryan Sturges.
DIVISION TWO CUP –FIRST ROUND
A tremendous fightback from Pitstone & Ivinghoe saw them eventually triumph 3-2 after extra time in their home tie with
Mursley Utd. The visitors went into the break two goals up thanks to Paul Parkinson and James Griffiths, but goals in the
second period from Ashley Higgins and James Gray levelled the scores on 90 minutes before Shane Bush scored the
winner in extra time.
BEDS SENIOR TROPHY – FIRST ROUND
There were 7 ties in this Round involving SSMFL clubs, but only one pitted two of our clubs together, in-form Langford
winning 3-1 away at Cranfield Utd. All 3 of Langford’s goals came in the first 25 minutes, with Cranfield’s sole reply
coming near the end. Three goals from Ash Kersey helped Bedford dispose of Oakley Sports 4-1, whilst Kent Athletic
beat Wilshamstead by the same score line, Junior George collecting a brace. Also scoring twice was Bradley Currington
who helped The 61 FC to another 4-1 victory, this one being at home to Lidlington Utd. Two games went to extra time,
Caddington eventually winning through 3-2 against Flitwick Town (Eric’s new home club) whilst Crawley Green’s game
against Potton Utd went even further…… to the dreaded penalty shoot out before they emerged victorious. It was 1-1
after the 120 minutes. The only SSMFL club to taste defeat was Totternhoe, who lost 5-2 at home to Renhold Utd.
FOOTBALL – UGANDA STYLE
By our own inimitable Man with Flag, Man with Whistle and undoubtedly Man on the Spot Bill Hamilton
We all encounter the odd Saturday when nothing seems to go right. Thank goodness, those occasions tend to be few and
far between but before we start feeling sorry for ourselves, perhaps it would serve no harm to think of what confronts
some of our colleagues in other parts of the world who, unfortunately, don’t enjoy most of the benefits that we simply take
for granted. On a recent visit to Uganda, I was asked to referee a match between two school sides who included many
boys orphaned after their parents succumbed to the HIV/AIDS virus. Their excitement over a game of football had to be
seen to be believed. Normally, they play with a ball made from the fibres of banana leaves. I had brought a real leather
football which most had only seen when watching games on television. Before the game could commence, the boys had
to scythe through huge mounds of grass and weeds to create a proper playing surface.
There were no touchlines and the pitch was over 200 yards wide, the ball only deemed to have gone out of play when
either landing in the bush on one side or a school classroom on the other. There were no nets, no crossbar either and the
PT teacher told me they have to replace the goalposts every few weeks as they are eaten by termites. When the ball was
sent into the air, he screamed at the boys to keep it on the ground. The players had been provided with kits from a
Christian charity based in Macclesfield but they had forgotten to send boots. So most of the boys played in their bare feet,
yet the skills they demonstrated were quite an eye-opener. After the final whistle, they crowded round and asked me to
give a verdict on their performance and on how they had behaved. If I hadn’t realized it before then here was the living
proof … for tens of thousands of the world’s poor, football is not just another game. It is a passionate and emotional
experience that unites and holds together not just for 90 minutes but long after the game is over. It was a real privilege to
have participated in such a moving and exhilarating experience.
It makes you wonder whether any of our clubs could learn from the experience!
It also makes you wonder why gentlemen of a certain age pack black Lycra shirts, shorts and socks in their suitcases
when holidaying in hot countries………
LET THEM EAT CAKE – 2
It seems that anything Val Haynes can do with her homemade cakes, Ampthill Chairman Bernie Stuttard can also
accomplish. Guests in the Town boardroom on Saturday were treated to a half time cuppa and a slice of homemade
Victoria sponge cake. South Midland League committee member, Bob Flight, was put to shame after assuming the cake
was shop bought - but was quickly shown the error of his ways. The cake tasted wonderful, a fact with which Eric
Harrison can concur. (Sounds like we could be getting into the Great SSMFL Bake-Off…….now there’s a challenge for all
you lovely ladies and Gentlemen, in your lovely tea bars…..come on, Nigella!)
NEW MANAGER AT HILLINGDON BOROUGH
24 year old Sam Hurrell has been appointed as the Gaffer at Hillingdon Borough, replacing Jesse Smith. Sam won the
first series of Football Icon on TV in 2005 to earn a youth deal at Chelsea. After two seasons in the youth team at
Stamford Bridge, he was released in the close season of 2007. He has gone on to play for St Albans City, Welling United,
Worthing, Woking, Boreham Wood and was recently playing for New Orleans Jesters.
AN OPEN LETTER FROM PAUL TOMKINS
After 20 years as a Manager and Coach, I have decided to retire from this all consuming "hobby". I have thoroughly
enjoyed my nine seasons involved with SSML Clubs, Welwyn Garden City, Berkhamsted, Aston Clinton, Harpenden
Town and most recently Chesham Reserves. I would like to thank all the Officers and Committee of the League who have
been most helpful and friendly down the years. I have made many friends along the way and I will very much miss the
dressing room and after-match banter with "the lads". Having just moved from St. Albans to Dunstable, a few visits to
Creasey Park will probably be on the agenda after we settle in!!!!
Once again, thanks for everything.
Regards
Paul Tomkin
All news, views etc for inclusion in the Newsletter to
Bill Scholes
billscholes@hotmail.co.uk