Monday Morning Quarterback 2019-2020 Issue 20 Upon Further Review
Well a much shorter review this week, due to our game being postponed at fog-bound Cinderford on Saturday.
Around ten miles from our destination, it was noticed that there was a mist across some of the fields in front. However, as we did a second circuit around the ground, trying to find the entrance to the small Causeway ground, it became very quickly noticeable of the fog/mist that had descended across the pitch. With an hour before kick-off the home officials were clearly concerned about the game and it was no surprise when the referee delayed the kick-off to 3.15pm.
The level of fog would improve only to then worsen a few minutes later and after another pitch inspection, the game was called off, despite numerous home fans raising their disappointment.
I have to state yet again, Cinderford club officials and helpers were perfect hosts once again.
A date for a likely Tuesday night trip back up the mountainside is still to be rearranged.
Quickly moving on to the games at the top of our league, and league leaders Thatcham Town, were to be initially disappointed as they threw away two points on the road at Bideford. The Kingfishers led through a third minute toe-poked shot from Sam Barder, but Bideford pushed Thatcham back, but as the visitors looked to have held onto all three points a 93rd minute volleyed equaliser from Alex Byrne split the points for both teams.
However, upon hearing second-placed Frome Town’s 1-0 defeat at Willand Rovers, the Kingfishers increased their lead back to five points.
In third sit the improving Larkhall Athletic, who twice in four days, this time a 2-1 home win over Mangotsfield Utd. A 12th minute goal by their leading goal-scorer Lewis Powell, was then doubled just past the hour via a Toby Rennie own goal. However, Utd then pulled a goal back just two minutes later, but despite further chances failed to get an equaliser.
Winchester City dropped to fourth after a late equaliser at home to Evesham Utd.
In the final playoff place sits Melksham Town who won 1-0 through a 78th Steven Murray goal.
The Top Five in Our League
TEAM | PLD | WON | DRAWN | LOST | PTS |
Thatcham Town | 22 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 52 |
Frome Town | 23 | 14 | 5 | 4 | 47 |
Larkhall Athletic | 22 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 42 |
Winchester City | 21 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 41 |
Melksham Town | 22 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 38 |
The Division One South league goal-scoring chart.
Another two goals for Slimbridge’s Soloman Wanjau-Smith, this time both penalties against Barnstaple Town, now puts him clear at the top of the table.
Player | Team | League Goals |
Soloman Wanjau-Smith | Slimbridge AFC | 17 |
Ben Bament | Paulton Rovers | 15 |
Kyle Tooze | Thatcham Town | 14 |
Lee Chilton | Evesham Utd | 14 |
Lewis Powell | Larkhall Athletic | 14 |
Felipe Barcelos | Thatcham Town | 13 |
Daniel Demkiv | Mangotsfield Utd | 13 |
Well as we sat in the clubhouse awaiting the referee to call off our game, our closest rivals Barnstaple were taking a pounding at Slimbridge. The only surprise being that four first half goals, were not added to in the second-half as Slimbridge ran out 4-0 winners. This gives us a one point deficit on Barnstaple but three big games in hand.
For that good news, there was some bad news as 18th placed Moneyfields, picked up a point at home in a 1-1 draw at home to Paulton Rovers.
In 17th were AFC Totton, who have continued their revival run, this time winning 1-0 at home to Bristol Manor Farm. A Bradley Targett 39th minute strike was enough to push them up one place, but more concerningly nine points clear of bottom place.
In 18th now sit Sholing, who lost 2-1 on the road at Cirencester.
Highest Crowd of the weekend was Melksham’s game against Highworth Town with 438. Whilst Moneyfields fell to a new low of just 68 against Paulton Rovers!
The Bottom Five in our League Now Looks Like This
TEAM | PLD | WON | DRAWN | LOST | PTS |
AFC Totton | 21 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 23 |
Sholing | 18 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 21 |
Moneyfields | 20 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 18 |
Barnstaple Town | 24 | 5 | 0 | 19 | 15 |
Basingstoke Town | 21 | 4 | 3 | 14 | 14* |
* Point deducted for illegal player.
Basingstoke Town Goal Scorers Chart (No game, therefor no change to the league table)
Name | League Goals | Cup Goals | Total |
Ben Wright | 5 | 2 | 7 |
Zach Robinson * | 3 | 3 | 6 |
Dean Stow | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Claudio Herbert | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Bradley Wilson | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Mikey Davis | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Scott Armsworth | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Own Goals | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Reece Rusher * | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Adam Everiss | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Harrison Cliff | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Riccardo Andrady | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Ben Cook | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Jordan Edwards | 1 | 0 | 1 |
* Players no longer with the club
Ok, currently there are two league games in the league this week, as tonight Melksham Town host Sholing. Then Cinderford Town will hope the fog will have lifted by Tuesday evening as they host Bideford.
Moving onto the important games at the bottom of the table that could affect us are, and to be honest it is a huge one, a massive six-pointer to us as;
Moneyfields (18th) vs Barnstaple Town (19th)
Ok for those who are not already aware, your Basingstoke Town side will be hosting the Army FA at Winklebury this Tuesday evening. Kick-off 7.45pm with the gates opening at 6.45pm. There is no admission price, but a donation, to help your Community Club with ongoing costs would be much appreciated.