The Non - League thread

[Linden Jones]

Farnborough update
http://twohundredpercent.net/?p=27230

In brief in two years they've managed to pay off precisely £19.69 of their £1.2 million debt.

[Royalist]

non league football ownership is extremely murky. Can we get the FBI to look into it!

[Four Of Clubs]

Flackwell Heath refuse promotion due to travelling costs. It really is a huge difference between the central and the south and west in this area and clubs are right on the cusp around here. Shame but financially sensible.

Indeed real shame as 'Heathens' stormed the league last season and might have thrived at the level above.
Difference in aggregate mileage between Central and S&W is staggering in their case.
Fully expect Marlow & Burnham to struggle - all 3 clubs were summarily transferred to S&W having thought their allocation would be Central. Think Flackwell have taken a wise but disappointing decision to step down - the switch was a very late decision from the SL.
Fleet Town were on the point of financial ruin but may have been saved by a transfer in the opposite direction.

... as above Farnborough have been allocated to the Ryman - still some question as to if it will be Premier or One South.

Sholing lost their appeal vs grading and return (again) to the Wessex League. Gives them a chance to defend the FA Vase they won in 13/14.

UPDATE i): According the SL they (Sholing) have actually resigned (AGAIN!) - the League were slightly miffed too .... definitely the two sides spouting different accounts.
- Sholing have refuted the League's claim that they simply tendered their resignation. They did indeed submit one in March but only to avoid a hefty fine, as it appeared the SL deemed their ground grading incomplete - having allowed them up in the first instance: - quite staggeringly it would appear they have gone down due to the lack of toilet facilities in the clubhouse!

UPDATE ii): Constitution of the SL becoming ever more farcical, following Flackwell's decline of a promotion spot. Redhill were offered and refused a reprieve (seems highly unlikely but they were earmarked Flackwell's place in SOUTHERN League S&W )
- a reprieve would normally have meant a transfer of the most westerly club from Ryman One South - but that has potentially insurmountable issues - for a start the footprint has drifted a long way east now - actually making Redhill one of the most likely candidates.
- could perhaps have been someone like Cor-Cas or they could have opted to completely destabilise one of the promotes:
Molesey (CCL) or Dorking Wanderers (SUSS) (nb not the CCL version of Dorking) - since they'd NEVER be likely to contemplate moving either of the 'Waltons' - I believe the Chairman/Owner of one of those, is the Isthmian Leagues' main sponsor.

...now this is getting harder to follow but at the SL AGM Winchester City were offered a Div One S&W place - which, of course, if they'd failed a 'spot inspection' on grading, meant it might have been someone like Hereford or Salisbury (whoever re-invented themselves the most post 14/15) back at STEP04 ! The respective STEP05 leagues 'losing' those would doubtless have had a hefty compensation claim brewing.....

Will cause further reprieves at STEP05 (i.e. Totton & Eling might stay in Wessex Prem - or they could even promote Tadley up from Wessex One & heaven knows what the line-up of the Hellenic Prem will be - could be an odd numbered division or they'll tell Lydney to &^%$ off?)

Was rumoured for a while to be an outside chance that Highmoor/IBIS could be offered promotion to STEP04 - but many doubted Palmer Park would pass muster for a while yet, in spite of some groundworks ongoing at the back end of last season. Was some talk of plans of a new stand over the far side from the Athletics Grandstand - not sure there's much room with the Velo-track there? Certainly had been tidying up the surround in general - believe it had become almost possible to walk all the way round the perimeter outside the cycle track. Still got the ol' 'skeleton' hanging around from way back in the Peppard days about pitch dimensions too ... but it's evidently been deemed OK for Hellenic.

... So ....as it stands today: Winchester City have been promoted from the Wessex Premier to SL 1S&W where they join reluctant transferees Burnham & Marlow as well as Bashley and Bps Cleeve BOTH of whom were reprieved.
..somewhat perversely Petersfield will be going up from the Wessex into SL 1C along with transferees Ware (from Ryman 1N) and Fleet. AFC Rushden & Diamonds (UCL) and Kings Langley (SSML) are promoted up from STEP05. North Greenford were reprieved.

...plenty to follow ....

[dizzynewheights]

Forgot to post in here, Margate won their playoff final

Hope I can make the Margate-Maidenhead game, Maidenhead haven't had a closer game to me in the 8 years they've been in Conf South and I've thought about going to Margate in the past anyway, so it would be ideal.

Anyone know when the fixtures usually come out?

9 Jan 2016

[Royal Rother]

Margate coming to Windsor next week for our first friendly.

[Royalist]

Slough should be in their new ground by next year although it won't be fully finished for a while. Part of a £8 million development

Will be interesting to see if the crowds go back to what they were able to get at Wexham Park of if the damage has been done.

[paultheroyal]

Harrisson Gilkes looked amazing on the right wing yesterday for Basingstoke - electrifying pace.

Yes he is the son of the great Michael - maybe, just maybe.

[Albert Moss]

Harrisson Gilkes looked amazing on the right wing yesterday for Basingstoke - electrifying pace.

Yes he is the son of the great Michael - maybe, just maybe.

Harrison was conceived in the toilets of Utopia following a 2-0 defeat at WBA during which Gilkesy was sent off. He had to get the frustration out of his system somehow.

[From Despair To Where?]

I remember that game. The defender spent most of the first half kicking him so Gilkesy grabbed him by the throat and pushed him over.

[Four Of Clubs]

...since the 2nd Test doesn't look as if it's worth staying in for ... here's some 'local' offerings to get you out and about on Sat PM

..bear in mind these are 'friendlies' so subject to late change - I've tried checking them as best I could but some may already have changed venues/times or even, in some cases, opponents ...

Pre-Season Friendlies
AFC Stoneham v Whitchurch United
Andover New Street v Andover Lions
Aylesbury United v Harefield United @ Thame FC The 'Ducks' new lodgings for 15-16
Banbury United v Nuneaton Town
Basingstoke Town FC v Reading U/21
... of some interest perhaps ... from the Dragons own site- a list of who have played for both sides in recent years:
Ricky Allaway, David Bass, Sal Bibbo, Nicholas Bignall, Kelvin Bossman, Jason Bristow, Mitchell Bryant, Patrick Cox, Robert Dickie, James Harper, Tom Hateley, Simieon Howell, Ross Kitteridge, James Lambert, Simon Locke, Angus MacDonald, Stuart Moore, Frankie Raymond, Steve Richardson, Neville Roach, Louie Soares, Neville Stamp, Toby Sumner, Andrew White, Paul Wilkinson, Jamie Young
Bedfont & Feltham FC v Walton & Hersham
Bedfont Sports v Holyport
14:00 Berkshire County Sports v Wokingham & Emmbrook
14:30 Brackley Town v Chesham
Cove v Sholing
Didcot Town v Oxford City
Egham Town v Metropolitan Police
Eversley & California v Marlow
13:00 Fleet Town v Hungerford Town (2 squad games)
12:00 Hartley Wintney v Godalming at the Aldershot Garrison 3G pitch - GU11 2LF
Kidlington v Flackwell Heath
Kintbury Rangers v Letcombe ( 1st team kick-off now 16:00 preceded by Reserves vs Aldermaston @ 14:00
Knaphill v Winchester City
Maidenhead United v Barnet
Penn & Tylers v Ascot United
Petersfield Town v Sw!nedon Town
Sandhurst Town v Farnborough
Staines Town v Woking
Tadley Calleva v Alresford Town (at Everest College. Basingstoke)
Uxbridge v Haringey Borough (@ Sandgate FC)
Wantage Town v AFC Hayes
Windsor v Binfield

... note Slough were booked to play a Friendly at Whyteleafe (nr Croydon) but have had to call it off due to lack of fit/available players - are making assurances that they WILL have enough to take on Burnham FC at the Gore on Tuesday evening.

[Four Of Clubs]

... bit late but here's some of the other PSF's on round here tonight (Tue):

19:30 Alton Town v Godalming Town
Amersham Town v Aylesbury FC
19:30 Badshot Lea v Ascot United
@ Aldershot Garrison
19:00 Bedfont Sports v Staines Lammas
Burnham v Slough Town
18:30/19:00 Eversley & California v Bracknell Town
Farnborough v Egham Town
Fleet Town v Basingstoke Town
19:30 Hartley Wintney v Walton & Hersham
Highworth Town v Melksham Town
19:30 Letcombe v Milton United
Sandhurst Town v Henley Town
Spelthorne Sports v Hampton & Richmond Borough
Thame United v Didcot Town
Thatcham Town v Petersfield Town
Wantage Town v Binfield
Winchester City v Eastbourne Borough

... might pop along to Waterside or Bottom Meadow to see how the Kingfishers/Fizzers are shaping up - will decide when I'm 'on the road'

[floyd__streete]

Maidenhead 2-0 Fulham U21s last night, a comprehensive performance apparently.

I am going to say it.....Maidenhead will do well next season.

[handbags_harris]

I remember that game. The defender spent most of the first half kicking him so Gilkesy grabbed him by the throat and pushed him over.

I understood it that Paul Raven had racially abused Gilkesy which is what upset him so much. Can't remember where I heard it or indeed clarify whether it holds any weight, but would maybe explain such an out of character reaction...

[dizzynewheights]

Maidenhead will do well next season.

It'll be turgid to watch though. I'd take 5-4 defeats and the annual relegation flirtation every time thanks

[Four Of Clubs]

Maidenhead 2-0 Fulham U21s last night, .....Maidenhead will do well next season.

... and I know it was only a friendly but on the evidence before me on Tue evening, Thatcham could be in for a much brighter 15-16 season too.

Bags of power and pace up front - strong in the middle - new chap from Diddy (Baines) scored a brace in a 4-1 win - gelling really well with other new boy Marcus Mealing.

They gave new STEP04 boys and Wessex League champs Petersfield Town a real run-around.

Some other scores from Tuesday:

Alton Town 0-3 Godalming Town
Badshot Lea 6-1 Ascot United
Bedfont Sports 4-3 Staines Lammas
Burnham 2-6 Slough Town
Eversley & California PP Bracknell Town - called off excessive Goose Crap on the pitch!

http://www.bracknelltownfc.com/football-club-news/first-team-news/19300/geese-stop-play-bracknells-trip-to-eversley-halted-by-goose-poo/

Farnborough 1-2 Egham Town
Hartley Wintney 2-1 Walton & Hersham
Letcombe 0-0 Milton United
Sandhurst Town 3-2 Henley Town
Spelthorne Sports 1-1 Hampton & Richmond Borough
Thame United 1-2 Didcot Town
Wantage Town 2-0 Binfield
Winchester City 0-2 Eastbourne Borough

[From Despair To Where?]

I remember that game. The defender spent most of the first half kicking him so Gilkesy grabbed him by the throat and pushed him over.

I understood it that Paul Raven had racially abused Gilkesy which is what upset him so much. Can't remember where I heard it or indeed clarify whether it holds any weight, but would maybe explain such an out of character reaction...

I vaguely remember something about that now you mention it but from my recollection of the game the defenders had earmarked him for a few poor challenges. It's entirely feasible that giving him a kicking didn't get the desired reaction so Raven resorted to racial abuse and as you say, it was completely out of character as Gilkesy was a really honest player and an absolute gent.

[Sutekh]

Eversley & California PP Bracknell Town - called off excessive Goose Crap on the pitch!

http://www.bracknelltownfc.com/football-club-news/first-team-news/19300/geese-stop-play-bracknells-trip-to-eversley-halted-by-goose-poo/



Must be the most unusual reason for a game in the professional or amateur leagues to have been called off

Unless you know better....

[paultheroyal]

Eversley & California PP Bracknell Town - called off excessive Goose Crap on the pitch!

http://www.bracknelltownfc.com/football-club-news/first-team-news/19300/geese-stop-play-bracknells-trip-to-eversley-halted-by-goose-poo/



Must be the most unusual reason for a game in the professional or amateur leagues to have been called off

Unless you know better....

Agreed.

I lost a game once because of a sink hole and another reason was a death of a player on the way to the match.... Goose crap wins.

[Four Of Clubs]

... here's a selection of 'local' Pre-Season games that should be played today:
(late cancellations and weather permitting)

AFC Aldermaston v Colden Common
Andover Town v New Milton Town (11am) @ Sparsholt College
Basingstoke Town v Aldersh!t
Brackley Town v Northampton Town ( Maunsell Cup Final )
Camberley Town v Moneyfields
Chalfont St. Peter v AFC Hayes
Flackwell Heath v Hayes & Yeading
Fleet Spurs v Cove
Fleet Town v Romsey
Godalming v Metropolitan Police
Guildford City v Broadbridge Heath (1pm) @ Ash Manor School
Hartley Wintney v Hampton & Richmond
Letcombe v Crowmarsh Gifford
Old Woodstock Town v Abingdon United
Sandhurst v Wokingham & Emmbrook
Shrivenham v Devizes Town 17.15
Staines Town v Maidenhead United - OFF Waterlogged
Tadley Calleva v Eversley & California
Thame United v Aylesbury
Westfield v Chipstead (3pm) @ Ash Manor School
Whitchurch United v Milton Town
Windsor v Burnham @ Stag Meadow (apparently was originally to be at Eton - not sure if that meant 'school' or 'Wick' )
Woodley United v Holmer Green 10.30 Cantley? - bit late with this one

...few NL news snippets:

Farnborough appear to have been granted yet another 11th (or should it be 13th) hour reprieve - someone (anon.) has stepped in with financial assurances in the form of a bond vs their outstanding debt meaning they might be able to start the season on schedule in the Ryman Premier.
- slight concern is they've pulled out of their friendly this PM @ Tonbridge Angels. They are due at Stubbs Lane (Binfield) on Tuesday evening 28th, to play 'Moles' - worth seeing if they turn up?

Didcot Town have lost the prolific Mills and Pablo Haysham to Hereford Utd (due to start in the Midland League Premier i.e. a level below the Railwaymen) - evidently the 'phoenix' outfit have money to chuck about.

Binfield will have a completely new squad for 15-16 - many of the old guard have left in droves to join Flackwell or Burnham.

... as usual not sure of where to toddle off to this PM - got a fair local selection to choose from, in addition to some of those above. Will let Lad choose as he'll be 'getting a new ground in' - no new ones in sensible range for me.

[Royal Rother]

Binfield looked ok against Windsor last week.

They were pretty unfortunate to lose 3-2. Our 2nd goal was flagged offide but over-ruled by the ref.

Our 3rd goal was a penalty not given by the ref but flagged by the lino. Definitely "bought" imo. (I'm not suggesting corruption amongst the officials in non league friendlies btw!)