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Matchman · 18/2/2022 8:11 PM

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FROM RUTLAND AND STAMFORD MERCURY :

Stamford Manager Graham Drury thinks that Chasetown will be Champions

Stamford AFC visit Chasetown in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division
By James Bedford

Manager Graham Drury wants his Stamford side to grasp the opportunity of having their play-off destiny in their own hands.

The Daniels remain in fourth spot in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division table despite seeing their four-match winning run end at Sutton Coldfield on Saturday.

They have a four-point cushion over sixth-placed Carlton Town who are one place outside of the play-off spots.

With Stamford facing a tough trip to third-placed Chasetown this weekend and Carlton hosting a Halesowen side currently in second spot, Drury is calling for his side to make sure they continue to shape their own destiny.

He said: "We're not getting too carried away by losing on Saturday. We have been beaten but we now have to go and try to turn a really tough fixture into a victory.

"I said to the boys after the game on Saturday that their destiny is in their own hands.

"They have got themselves into a play-off position and have got the chance of achieving something this year.

"We can't be this team that everyone goes on about being unlucky because of what has happened with Covid over the last two seasons."We can't be that team that everyone is feeling sorry for. We have to grab it with two hands and make sure that we stay in this play-off area.

"I have had my times of promotions and play-offs and it's now the players' time but they have to want to grab it themselves.

"I want it badly but they have got a real chance of gaining something out of a season of football and not every player or group gets the chance to do that. We now have 10 games to show that we want it.

"We have got a serious amount of injuries again, but I don't want them feeling sorry for themselves because we're patched up and whoever is out there has to roll their sleeves up."

Chasetown were impressive 3-1 winners in the September meeting of the two sides at the Zeeco Stadium.

The third-placed Scholars are just two points adrift of table-topping Ilkeston and boss Drury feels the Staffordshire side are strong contenders for the title.

He commented: "I have said all along that Chasetown will be the team which wins it and I won't be changing my view.

"The pressure is on them this weekend because they want to win the league and they know that they have to win their games now.

"We have got to win our games to cement our place in the play-offs but the pressure is perhaps more on them to win this game.

"We will just be taking every game as it comes and not get too down with any defeats because, if you let it fester and worry you, then that's when problems happen and it becomes three or four games.

"We just have to dust ourselves down, put Saturday's defeat behind us because it's gone and I'm just looking forward to the next game and so should the players."

Matchman · 22/2/2022 9:53 AM

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Three consecutive Saturdays that will make or break Chasetown's automatic promotion bid

Chasetown FC@ChasetownFC1954·18h
Key dates for your diary;
Sat 5th March v Stamford (home)
Sat 12th March v Ilkeston (home)
Sat 19th March v Halesowen (away)
Sat 26th March v Cambridge (home)
We look@forward to your continued support

Calling ALL good people, we need YOU
Saturday 12th March
We are trying to break our League attendance record against high flying Ilkeston.
Put it in your diaries and help us make history.
Please spread the word (3pm Kick off - arrive early)
Your Club Our Community
💙🤍❤️🤍💙💙🤍💙

Last edited by Matchman (22/2/2022 12:34 PM)

Matchman · 22/2/2022 10:27 AM

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Chasetown are totally reliant on Jack Langston and Joey Butlin for goals
This is their list of goal scorers from FootballWebPages

1   Jack Langston 26
2   Joey Butlin 20
3   John Atherton 4
4   Danny O'Callaghan 4
5   Liam Kirton 3
6   Dilano Reid 3
7   Ryan Wynter 3
8   Aaron Ashford 2
9   Harry Crook 2
10 Oli Hayward 1
11 Ben Lund 1
12 Luke McGinnell 1
13 Alex Melbourne 1
14 Andy Parsons 1
15 Kris Taylor 1
16 Nehemia Zazi 1

Alex · 22/2/2022 12:44 PM

I still think Stamford have some say in this. Dont know why but i just do

Matchman · 22/2/2022 10:19 PM

Alex wrote:
I still think Stamford have some say in this. Dont know why but i just do

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NEW TRIO FOR DANIELS (FROM NON LEAGUE TODAY)

Graham Drury, manager of Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club Stamford AFC, has made a triple swoop.
Monday 21 February 22

Forward Nyle Blake joins the Daniels came through the ranks of SkyBet League Two Mansfield Town`s academy, signing a professional contract in May 2018.
The now 22-year-old made his first-team debut in November 2018 against Scunthorpe United in a game in which he scored.
Having been on loan to Alfreton Town in the later part of season 2018/19 he signed for the Vanarama National League North side in the summer of 2019 and then switched to Frickley for the first time in September 2020.
A move to NPL Division One Midlands side Carlton Town followed later that season before joining NPL Premier outfit Hyde United in August 2021 but stayed only a very short time before moving to league rivals Gainsborough Trinity.
He returned to Frickley in November 2021.

Winger Rio Molyneaux arrives at the Zeeco Stadium from Alfreton.
The 20-year-old had joined the Reds ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and spent time on loan at NPL Premier Division outfit Gainsborough Trinity earlier this season before joining the Daniels.
He was also previously at Mansfield and featured heavily for the Stags under-18 set up including in the FA Youth Cup and the EFL Youth Alliance league and cup.
The former Colchester United and Ipswich Town man is keen to learn, still harbouring ambitions to play at the highest level.

Centre-back Marshall Willock joins Stamford from Southern League Premier Division Central outfit Stourbridge.
The 21-year-old had only been with the Glassboys since December 2021 after arriving from league rivals Redditch United, where he had been since August 2021.
He had joined another league rival, Peterborough Sports, in July 2019 and then moved to NPL Division One Midlands outfit Wisbech Town in early January 2020.
In July 2020 he moved to Finnish side Kemi City before returning to England to sign for Redditch.
The Montserrat-born defender spent the majority of the 2018/19 season with National League side Solihull Moors.
He was a product of the Moors academy having been released from a similar position at Walsall.
He had earlier trialled with Birmingham City and Scunthorpe United and turned down a trial at Grimsby Town to stay with Moors.
He signed a two-year contract with Chesterfield at the start of the 2017/18 season but went out on loan at Kettering Town to enhance his development.
After returning to the Spireites he then spent the remainder of the season with NPL Premier Division outfit Matlock Town.
The 6`4” defender has represented Montserrat at international level, winning his first cap when he came on as a sub against El Salvador in November 2019.

Last edited by Matchman (22/2/2022 10:37 PM)

Matchman · 24/2/2022 11:47 AM

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After two unfinished seasons due to Covid and a non league re-organisation that took place, we now have a season finale to look forward to. We didn’t know the strength of new teams coming into our league. Before the season began Stamford were most peoples favourites for automatic promotion but they’re now outsiders. Newcomers, Halesowen were regarded as possible contenders and they have lived up to expectations. I don’t think anyone expected such good results and consistency from Chasetown and they are now in with a real chance of finishing as Champions. We hoped that Ilkeston could maybe sneak into the playoffs but today we are top of the table by a single point.

It must be quite rare for three teams to be neck and neck with ten games to play. All three teams know that a slip up in the run in could cost them the title. Although seven points behind; Stamford are good enough to be not written off and Belper will feel they also have a chance.

Every result is vital between now and the final Saturday. At the moment Ilkeston are in pole position but that could change at any time. Results can be affected by conditions, injuries, sending offs, bad luck or a refereeing decision. All the contenders are desperate to finish in the automatic promotion spot but for those who miss out there is a second chance in the playoffs. The playoffs will be a real contest between four teams with very little to choose between them and this could be Stamford’s targeted way to go up.

Last edited by Matchman (24/2/2022 4:17 PM)

Matchman · 24/2/2022 5:03 PM

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There are plenty of fixtures left for the promotion contenders to drop points but I can’t help thinking that our visit to Chasetown is crucial to our chances of finishing as Champions. We said that ahead of the Halesowen match but it finished as a draw so neither team gained an advantage. The Chasetown match gives Ilkeston an opportunity to go five points ahead of the Scholars. But Chasetown will be thinking that a win for them will put them a point ahead of Ilkeston.

It’s been said that every game from now on is a cup final and it is. Every match needs to be won to ensure success. Having said that, It’s unlikely that either Halesowen or Chasetown will pick up maximum points from their remaining matches so there should be a bit of leeway for us in case we slip up.

Last edited by Matchman (24/2/2022 6:07 PM)

Matchman · 02/3/2022 11:50 AM

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MATCH PREVIEW FROM MEDIA STUDENT TOM BOWEN
BY PAUL MULLINS 3 HOURS AGO

Sat 5th March 2022 - Chasetown v Stamford: Match Preview

Chasetown are on a run of a magnificent seven consecutive wins, and have the chance to reach the top of the table on Saturday afternoon as they host Stamford in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One. The game was pushed backwards due to a postponement caused by the bad weather from the recent storms on the weekend of the 19th February.

Having gone unbeaten in the league at home for the last thirteen games, and not losing a game in the last eight, The Scholars’ currently boast the best form in the league.

Chasetown’s last game against bottom of the table Soham Town Rangers quickly sparked into life with two early goals from Danny O’Callaghan and Liam Kirton respectively. Soham Town’s top scorer Ollie Ward also chipped in with a goal at the end of the first half, but Chasetown held on to achieve the vital three points that were necessary to keep the pressure on Ilkeston and Halesowen.

Stamford are only two places behind Chasetown in fifth, and The Daniels will be fully aware that they have failed to pick up wins in both of their last two games. Instead, they have come away with just one point, having salvaged a 2-2 draw with Cambridge City at home. They managed to find the net twice in the final two minutes of the match.

Despite recent form, Stamford are second only to Ilkeston Town in goals scored in the league this season, while Chasetown are third. Therefore, goals are expected from both teams, as Jack Langston has managed to find the net in two of the last three meetings between the pair. However, Stamford have been clinical from the spot, scoring penalties in all of the last three matches against the Scholars. Entry to The Scholars Ground is £9 per adult, while under-16’s entry costs £1. Kick-off is on Saturday 5th March at 3pm.

Last edited by Matchman (02/3/2022 11:55 AM)

Matchman · 02/3/2022 12:04 PM

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Match Preview : Carlton Town v Halesowen Town
Northern Premier League – Midlands
Saturday 5 March 2022 – 3PM Carlton Town FC, Stoke Lane, Nottinghamshire, NG4 2QS
Adults £9, Concessions, £7, Kids £3

Halesowen Town Football Club,

Get ready for the next league fixture on the road, as we visit Carlton Town this weekend. The Yeltz re currently just one point off top spot, with 67 points. Last time out, The Yeltz boys were at The Grove where they took all the points from Loughborough Dynamo. The visitors had a couple of early chances but Platt got there. It was Nat Kelly who opened the scoring in the 6th minute from a Yeltz corner. Gregory quickly got his 13th of the season just after to give his side a 2-0 early lead. Halesowen kept up the pressure from all over the pitch but went into half time with a 2-0 lead. Second half didn’t take long to get going when Jack Holmes who has been struggling for goals of late got the next goal for The Yeltz on 49 minutes. Gregory got his 14th for the season and the 4th for The Yeltz on the day right on the hour mark. Halesowen kept attacking but couldn’t add to their tally. Loughborough got one back late on but it wasn’t enough and Halesowen keep all the points and keep within one place of top spot.

Last time out for Carlton, they were on the road against top of the league Ilkeston, where after just six minute they were ahead with a early goal from Aaron O’Connor. The lead didn’t last long as Ilkeston got it level after 11 minutes. Again on the 24th minute, Carlton did score again but this time in the wrong net to give Ilkeston a 3-1 lead going into half time. Second half there was only the one goal coming from Alex Troke for Ilkeston to make it 4-1. Carlton are currently just outside the playoffs with 52 points. They’ve only won two out of their last five games.

Let’s take a good noisy Yeltz following over to Nottinghamshire this week and help the Halesowen boys bring all the points back to The Grove. #UpTheYeltz

Matchman · 05/3/2022 10:23 PM

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According to FootballWebPages Halesowen are set to win the League. They are predicted to drop just two more points before the end of the season (against Belper)
Ilkeston are predicted drop six points with draws against Chasetown, Coleshill and Bedworth.

https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/northern-premier-league-midlands-division/league-table/predicted

Last edited by Matchman (05/3/2022 10:24 PM)

Matchman · 13/3/2022 5:06 PM

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Our defeat at Chasetown has seriously affected our automatic promotion hopes.

Promotion favourites must now be Halesowen
If Halesowen win at Chasetown next week then in my opinion they are the most likely to finish top and take the automatic promotion spot. After playing Chasetown, Halesowen have the easiest run in. We have to hope that Chasetown get a draw but with home advantage I think Halesowen will win. The only other tricky game they have is Belper away. Halesowen’s remaining matches are against Chasetown (H), Soham (A), Histon (H), Bedworth (H), Belper (A), Sutton Coldfield (H) and Daventry (A)

Second favourites must be Ilkeston.
Right now we’ve hit a bad patch which is affecting confidence so we must beat Coleshill next week to get back on track. We then have a tricky away game at Cambridge to negotiate. Ilkeston’s remaining fixtures : Coleshill (H), Yaxley (H), Cambridge (A), Daventry (H), Bedworth (A), Shepshed (H) and Wisbech (A)

Third favourites must be Chasetown.
Much depends on the result of next weeks match at Halesowen but whatever the result, Chasetown have a much tougher run in than Halesowen and Ilkeston. But they have belief. Their remaining matches are Halesowen (A), Cambridge (H), Carlton (A), Sutton Coldfield (H), Wisbech (A), Sporting Khalsa (H) and Spalding (A)

Last edited by Matchman (13/3/2022 5:10 PM)

Dick Durrant · 13/3/2022 6:35 PM

Still think we’re favourites. 4 out of 7 at home. 5 out of 7 on plastic

Halesowen have shown they’ve no bottle when it matters over the last two weeks

We just need to rediscover our belief. Forwards need to fire again. I think they will. Can Gibson step up? He looks sharp to me

The key to me is getting up the pitch. If we defend deep the midfield can’t engage with the forwards as we’ve seen recently

I’d like to see Wakefield more central. He’s our best player. Needs as many touches as possible for me

But I don’t pick the team. Ghandi does. We’ve conceded joint fewest goals. Scored by far the most. Plastic suits our style. That’s why I think we’ll win it

Matchman · 25/3/2022 6:30 PM

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FROM LICHFIELD LIVE

Second half strikes secure victory for high-flying Chasetown FC
by Paul Mullins

Two second half goals against Halesowen Town were enough to ensure Chasetown FC remain level at the top of the table with Ilkeston.

Chasetown’s players celebrate Joey Butlin’s goal against Halesowen. Picture: Paul Mullins

Joey Butlin and Liam Kirton were on target as The Scholars also clocked up their 3,000th goal.

But there wasn’t much to choose between Chasetown and Halesowen in the opening exchanges as neither side created a chance of real note.

A hooked effort from Danny O’Calloghan and a shot wide of the post were the closest The Scholars went.

But Mark Swann’s Chasetown side started the second half well and looked the most likely to score, before the Yeltz then had their first spell of pressure after making two substitutions midway through the half.

However, the visitors regained control of the game though and deservedly took the lead when Joey Butlin’s fired home from outside the box for the club’s 300th goal since they became Chasetown FC.

The travelling fans were given more to cheer when Liam Kirton rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home from a tight angle.

The result means that with six league fixtures remaining, Ilkeston and Chasetown sit on 72 points, with Halesowen three behind. Stamford and Belper currently occupy the other leading berths.Results also mean that The Scholars need just one more win or a defeat for Carlton will secure at least a spot in the play-offs – but Swann’s men will still have their sights firmly on the title chase.

Matchman · 02/4/2022 10:30 PM

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FROM LICHFIELD LIVE

Chasetown FC see title hopes dented by defeat at Carlton Town
by Paul Mullins 2nd April, 2022

Chasetown FC saw their title hopes dealt a blow after they lost on the road at Carlton Town.

Despite having a play-off spot confirmed, The Scholars were hoping to keep up the pressure on Ilkeston Town and started on the front foot. Ben Lund and Liam Kirton fired over several crosses that kept the hosts on their toes, with Danny O’Callaghan heading straight at Shaun Rowley. The Scholars then went even closer when Joey Butlin saw his effort clawed off the line by Rowley.

Carlton were vastly improved after the interval and the visitors were restricted to long range efforts. Eventually, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 81st minute. Former Chasetown player Aaron Opoku stole in at the far post to slide the ball past Curtis Pond. Town added a second when Aaron O’Connor netted as the Nottinghamshire side kept their own play-off hopes alive, while The Scholars also saw an Ilkeston win add more misery to their afternoon.

Last edited by Matchman (02/4/2022 10:31 PM)

Matchman · 09/4/2022 9:35 AM

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The Pitching In Northern Premier League @NorthernPremLge

MIDLAND PERMUTATION

@BelperTownFC will secure the last playoff spot with a victory over Carlton Town and Coleshill fail to beat Sporting Khalsa

8:12 am · 9 Apr 2022

Matchman · 10/4/2022 7:59 AM

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Can Carlton snatch the last playoff spot from Belper?
After Carlton’s late winner against Belper on Saturday, the gap is now only 4 points.
Next week Belper play Halesowen so the gap could be down to one point if Carlton beat Cambridge.

Matchman · 10/4/2022 8:11 AM

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The Pitching In Northern Premier League @NorthernPremLge
In the @PitchingIn_Mid. @ilkestontown_fc keep 3pt lead but all of top 4 win. @CTFC1904 win v Belper keeps thin opportunity of playoffs open while @wisbechtownfc 5-1 against Histon gives chance of survival but 18th will now be involved in the playoff (Subject to FA Confirmation)

[/url] [url=https://twitter.com/NorthernPremLge/status/1512859278364885002/photo/2]

Matchman · 11/4/2022 9:16 AM

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Busy last two weeks of season for Chasetown
Before their two Easter matches Chasetown have a Walsall Senior Cup semi final against Rushall Olympic. Five matches in 15 days

Chasetown FC @ChasetownFC1954·Up next: Walsall Senior Cup Semi-Final @ROFCOfficial vs. Chasetown Tuesday 12th April, 7.45pm

Sat 09 April Sutton Coldfield won 1-0
Tue 12 April Rushall Olympic (A)
Sat 16 April Wisbech Town (A)
Mon 18 April Sporting Khalsa (H)
Sat 23 April Spalding United (A)

Last edited by Matchman (11/4/2022 9:19 AM)

WhiteBallProject · 11/4/2022 10:35 AM

Northern Premier League Midland Division The Title Chase

Ilkeston Town   Pl W D L   F A Gd Pts Pos Pts/g   PossPts
28 20 5 3 79 30 49 65 1st 2.32     95
26.02.22 Carlton Town h 4-1 29 21 5 3 83 31 52 68 1st 2.34     95
05.03.22 Spalding United a 0-0 30 21 6 3 83 31 52 69 1st 2.30     93
12.03.22 Chasetown a 0-1 31 21 6 4 83 32 51 69 1st 2.23     90
19.03.22 Coleshill Town h 3-2 32 22 6 4 86 34 52 72 1st 2.25     90
26.03.22 Yaxley h 1-0 33 23 6 4  87 34  53 75 1st 2.27     90
02.04.22 Cambridge City a 2-1 34 24 6 4 89 35 54 78 1st 2.29 90
09.04.22 Daventry Town h 2-1 35 25 6 4 91 36 55 81 1st 2.31 90
16.04.22 Bedworth United a
18.04.22 Shepshed Dynamo h
23.04.22 Wisbech Town a

Halesowen Town   Pl W D L F A Gd Pts Pos  Pts/gPossPts
28 20 4 4 62 26 36 64 2nd 2.29 94
26.02.22 Loughborough D h 4-1 29 21 4 4 66 27 39 67 2nd 2.31 94
05.03.22 Carlton Town a 3-3 30 21 5 4 69 30 40 68 2nd 2.27 92
12.03.22 Corby Town a 2-2 31 21 6 4 71 32 41 69 2nd 2.23 90
19.03.22 Chasetown h 0-2 32 21 6 4 71 34 39 69 3rd 2.16 87
26.03.22 Soham Town R a 6-1 33 22 6  4 77 35 44   72 3rd 2.18 87
02.04.22 Histon h 3-0 34 23 6 4 80 35 45 75 2nd 2.21 87
09.04.22 Bedworth United h 3-0 35 24 6 4 83 35 48 78 2nd 2.23 87
16.04.22 Belper Town a
18.04.22 Sutton Coldfield T h
23.04.22 Daventry Town a

Chasetown     Pl W D L F A Gd Pts Pos  Pts/g PossPts
28 19 6 3 65 29 36 63 3rd 2.25 93
26.02.22 Soham Town R a 2-1 29 20 6 3 67 30 37 66 3rd 2.28 93
05.03.22 Stamford h 0-4 30 20 6 4 67 34 33 66 3rd 2.20 90
12.03.22 Ilkeston Town h 1-0 31 21 6 4 68 34 34 69 3rd 2.23 90
19.03.22 Halesowen Town a 2-0 32 22 6 4 70 34 36 72 2nd 2.25 90
26.03.22 Cambridge City h 3-0          33 23 6 4 73 34 39   75   2nd   2.27      90
02.04.22 Carlton Town a 0-2 34 23 6 5 73 36 37 78 3rd 2.21 87
09.04.22 Sutton Coldfield T h 1-0 35 24 6 5 74 36 38 81 3rd 2.23 87
16.04.22 Wisbech Town a
18.04.22 Sporting Khalsa h
23.04.22 Spalding United a

Stamford Pl W D L F   A Gd Pts Pos Pts/g PossPts
28 17 5 6 66 33 33 56 5th 2.00 86
26.02.22 Cambridge City h 2-2 29 17 6 6 68 35 33 57 5th 1.97 84
05.03.22 Chasetown a 4-0 30 18 7 6 72 35 37 60 4th 2.00 84
12.03.22 Bedworth United a 3-0 31 19 7 6 75 35 40 63 4th 2.03 84
19.03.22 Spalding United h 1-0 32 20 7 6 76 35 41 66 4th 2.06 84
26.03.22 Sutton Coldfield T h 6-0      33  21 7 6  82 35 47   69 4th 2.09     84
02.04.22 Daventry Town a 2-0 34 22 7 6 84 35 49 72 4th 2.12 84
09.04.22 Loughborough D a 2-0 35 23 7 6 86 35 52 75 4th 2.14 84
16.04.22 Coleshill Town h
18.04.22 Yaxley a
23.04.22 Carlton Town h

Belper Town   Pl W D L F   A Gd Pts Pos Pts/g   PossPts
29 19 2 8 59 38 21 59 4th 2.03 86
26.02.22 Spalding United h 1-2 30 19 2 9 60 40 20 59 4th 1.97 83
12.03.22 Cambridge City a 1-1 31 19 3 9 61 41 20 60 5th 1.94 81
19.03.22 Daventry Town h 1-0 32 20 3 9 63 42 21 63 5th 1.97 81
26.03.22 Shepshed Dyn a   A-A         32 20  3 9 63 42  21   63   5th 1.97 81
29.03.22 Shepshed Dyn a 1-3 33 20 3 10 64 45 21 63 5th 1.91 78
02.04.22 Wisbech Town h 2-1 34 21 3 11 66 46 22 66 5th 1.94 78
09.04.22 Carlton Town a 1-2 35 21 3 12 67 48 21 69 5th 1.89 78
16.04.22 Halesowen Town h
18.04.22 Loughborough D a
23.04.22 Corby Town h

Matchman · 11/4/2022 2:23 PM

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You Yeltz! @YouYeltz Watching Bedworth get two players sent off yesterday, only to realise they’ll be serving their suspensions next week……
.......against Ilkeston

https://twitter.com/YouYeltz/status/1513228472025501699

The two Bedworth players sent off were Ryan Moore and Richard Blythe. They are both regulars in the Bedworth team. Ryan Moore has made 37 appearances and Richard Blythe has made 33 appearances. Richard Blythe is their second highest goalscorer with 6 goals

Things seem to be falling into place for us

Last edited by Matchman (11/4/2022 3:02 PM)

Alex · 12/4/2022 8:38 PM

Chasetown getting there pants pulled down tonight. They was losing 4-0

kevilsonlad · 12/4/2022 8:59 PM

Alex wrote:
Chasetown getting there pants pulled down tonight. They was losing 4-0

But what side have they put out .

Matchman · 13/4/2022 12:02 PM

kevilsonlad wrote:
Alex wrote:
Chasetown getting there pants pulled down tonight. They was losing 4-0
But what side have they put out .

Rushall are in a playoff position in the Southern League Premier Central but they have lost six of their last seven matches. They are another team to hit a bad patch towards the end of the season.
Rushall were 2nd in February, 9 points ahead of 3rd placed Peterborough Sports. Now Peterborough Sports are six points ahead of Rushall.

Last edited by Matchman (13/4/2022 12:12 PM)

Matchman · 01/5/2022 8:50 AM

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HALESOWEN TOWN FC CLUB STATEMENT

Club Statement - Smudger stays

HALESOWEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB are delighted to confirm that First Team Manager Paul Smith will be staying with the club next season. Since joining the Yeltz in the summer of 2019 Paul has brought a harmony back to the club and has seen the average attendance more than double. His first season in charge brought frustration as the season was declared null and void following the worldwide Covid pandemic, a season that potentially would have bought promotion and a possible Wembley Cup final with a two-legged semi-final. A cup run never to be forgotten.The 2020-21 season ended before it hardly got started with only 12 games played before Covid again took hold.

The 2021-22 season saw Paul Smith’s men never out of a play off spot all season, ending cruelly with a semi-final playoff defeat. But regular crowds of over a thousand were a testament to how the club, and indeed the town had grown under Paul’s tenure.

On securing Paul’s services Director of Football Keith McKenna had this to say, ‘’Karen and I are delighted to announce that Paul Smith will continue as manager of our club. We are all disappointed that we haven’t been promoted but can see Paul is more determined than ever to get us into the next league above and has our full support.

The hard work begins today….’’‘’I’m delighted to have signed another contract with the club for this coming season.’’ Paul Smith stated. ‘’Although we didn’t achieve our goal of promotion on the pitch, the growth and development of the club in the three years since my arrival is clear for all to see.Keith and Karen’s support and drive are infectious, and it was a very easy decision for me to make to work alongside them again .The club has come a long way in such a short space of time, yet this is just the beginning.I’m more determined than ever to achieve the goals on and off the pitch that we have all set out to get.It’s been a brilliant three years so far and I am excited to see what next season brings.’’Up The Yeltz

[img]https://static.wixstatic.com/media/03ced2_210f6dff69aa48a998dfa4f9e1077d9b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_680,h_638,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/JPE_0179_JPG.jpg[/img]

Matchman · 07/5/2022 7:36 AM

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Belper Boss Hails Unbelievable Promotion

 about 24 hours ago By James Gordon

Belper Town manager Grant Black praised his side after they earned promotion from fifth spot in the NPL Midlands Division.
The Nailers won away at both Stamford and Chasetown to secure the play-off title. Black told The Derbyshire Times: “Everyone was a bit apprehensive at the start of the season after the two curtailed campaigns and nobody was really sure how things would pan out.
"But we were up there for most of the season alongside really strong sides like Ilkeston, Halesowen, Chasetown and Stamford and although we couldn’t maintain our challenge for the title, our next aim was the play-offs and we earned our place.
"We were underdogs for both play-off games which suited us in some ways but we also felt we could beat anyone in a one-off match and that the league positions didn’t matter at all.
"Stamford were adamant they’d push hardest to finish second as they wanted to play us. That galvanised our lads and no team talk was needed from me.
"We embraced that game and the Chasetown match, had no fear and handled it really well. I’ll never forget these last few weeks, it’s been unbelievable.”

Belper weren’t the only side that finished in fifth place to earn promotion. Marine did the same, finishing fifth in the NPL West Division, and then beating Workington and Runcorn Linnets away to go up. They join the respective champions of their divisions, Ilkeston Town and Warrington Rylands, in going up to step 3 - along with Liversedge and Marske United from the NPL East Division.