2005-2006 Season

Eagle Bitter United Counties League

325 News Items

NOTICE

Issue 1 of the 'UCL MAG' is now out, priced £1 from all member clubs. The 16 page all colour magazine includes features on developments in the non league pyramid, club spotlights on Blisworth, Cogenhoe, Northampton Spencer and Sileby Rangers, a look at media coverage, a 'young guns' feature, news items, referee feature and around 50 colour photographs. It really is a must read for all Eagle Bitter UCL players, officials and supporters. Buy one at your local club this Saturday. The magazine can also be obtained from League Press Officer Jeremy Biggs at 'The Essendine', Essendine, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4LD. Please enclose an A4 SAE and make cheques payable to the Eagle Bitter United Counties Football League.

2006-07 Hinchingbrooke Cup draw

Preliminary Round (to be played by 15 October) WELLINGBOROUGH v DEEPING; HUNTINGDON v YAXLEY; EYNESBURY v Biggleswade United; Somersham v BOURNE; BLACKSTONES v Cranfield; Langford v ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS; Biggleswade Town v WOOTTON. First Round (to be played by 30 November) STOTFOLD v Biggleswade Town/WOOTTON; Langford/ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS v Godmanchester; Somersham/BOURNE v AFC KEMPSTON; ST IVES v POTTON; Barton Rovers v NORTHAMPTON SPENCER; BLACKSTONES/Cranfield v HUNTINGDON/YAXLEY; ST NEOTS v EYNESBURY/Biggleswade United; Arlesey Athletic v WELLINGBOROUGH/DEEPING.

2005-06 attendance statistics

The emergence of Wellingborough Town saw Division One football draw a higher average attendance than the Premier in the 2005-06 season. Top flight matches were watched by 30,654 spectators, an average of 66.35 per game, while 21,004 attended Division One games, an average of 68.64 per match. The Doughboys attracted an average of 327 spectators per game in their comeback campaign but the biggest individual gate was for their away derby at Whitworths on Christmas Eve, 1,150 in attendance in the league's largest crowd since 1976! That massive attendance helped the Flourmen to an average of 121, in excess of the Premier best average of 93 who watched Raunds. Champions Woodford's success left them second in the top flight table with an average of 87 spectators per match. The Premier's best attendance was 223 for a late season match between title contenders Woodford and Northampton Spencer. At the other end of the scale just ten people watched Ford Sports take on Stewarts and Lloyds. Lowest Division One attendance was 15 for a match between Blisworth and Sleaford. Premier averages: Raunds 93, Woodford 87, St Neots 84, Holbeach 80, St Ives 79, Buckingham 76, Desborough 75, Potton 74, Northampton Spencer 72, Blackstones & Cogenhoe 70, Long Buckby & Stotfold 67, Boston Town & Newport Pagnell 64, Yaxley 62, Deeping 60, Stewarts & Lloyds 52, Bourne 50, Wootton 46, Harrowby 35 & Ford Sports 31. Division One averages were: Wellingborough 327, Whitworths 121, Eynesbury 71, Huntingdon 68, Sleaford & ON Chenecks 64, Peterborough Northern Star 56, Thrapston 54, Irchester 51, Daventry 49, Olney 47, Burton PW & Higham 46, AFC Kempston & Blisworth 37, Sileby & Bugbrooke 34, Rothwell Corinthians 30.

Harrowby withdraw

2005-06 Premier Division bottom markers Harrowby United have withdrawn from the league after 16 years in membership. The Arrows, who had been placed in Division One for 2006-07, have quit for financial reasons and plan to play in the Grantham League next term.

Young the Star choice

Peterborough Northern Star have unveiled Darren Young as their new manager. He succeeds Mel Landin at the Chestnut Avenue helm. A cruciate injury ended Young's playing career prematurely when he was playing for Corby Town Reserves. He moved into coaching with Castle Rise and for the last four years he has managed the Corby Town Under 18 side, enjoying considerable success notably in the 2003-04 campaign when the Steelmen became the first club in history to win a clean sweep of the Northants Senior Youth League's trophies. For the last two seasons Young has also been at the helm of AFC Corby in the Northants Combination, winning promotion in the 2004-05 campaign.

Carlin takes charge at Chenecks

Scott Carlin has been appointed manager of ON Chenecks following Simon Abbott's decision to step down due to pressure of work. Abbott's seasons and a half at the helm proved a great success with the Billing Road club enjoying their best campaign in years during 2004-05. Incoming manager Carlin joins Chenecks from Blisworth. He left the Courteenhall Road club after their end of season resignation from Division One.

Swannell appointed at Huntingdon

Huntingdon have unveiled Paul Swannell as their new manager. He joins the Jubilee Park club from Ridgeons First Division club March where he took charge at the turn of the year after intially joining the Hares as coach. Swannell played in the Ryman League for Ware and Hertford before taking coaching roles at Ryman League Maidenhead and Southern League Burnham.

Sleaford Town FC

At the league management committee meeting held on 8th May 2006 the promotion of Sleaford Town FC to the Premier Division for season 2006-07 was approved, subject to the club completing improvements to facilities at the RAF Cranwell ground in accordance with a timetable stipulated by the league. Failure to complete upgrades on the due dates would generate the payment of a bond for non compliance. Due to unforeseen planning issues Sleaford Town FC have now advised the league that they consider themselves unable to meet the proposed timetable and have withdrawn their application for promotion to the Premier Division. The Premier Division will therefore have 21 clubs in membership for season 2006-07 with 17 in Division One.

Constitution 2006-07

Premier Division Blackstones, Boston Town, Bourne Town, Buckingham Town, Cogenhoe United, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Ford Sports Daventry, Holbeach United, Long Buckby, Newport Pagnell Town, Northampton Spencer, Potton United, Raunds Town, St Ives Town, St Neots Town, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby, Stotfold, Wellingborough Town 2004, Wootton Blue Cross, Yaxley (21). Division One AFC Kempston Rovers, Bugbrooke St Michaels, Burton Park Wanderers, Daventry Town, Eynesbury Rovers, Harrowby United, Higham Town, Huntingdon Town, Irchester United, Northampton ON Chenecks, Northampton Sileby Rangers, Olney Town, Peterborough Northern Star, Rothwell Corinthians, Sleaford Town, Thrapston Town, Whitworths (17). Reserve Division One Blackstones, Bourne Town, Cogenhoe United, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Ford Sports, Northampton Sileby Rangers, Northampton Spencer, Raunds Town, Rothwell Corinthians, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby, Stotfold, Whitworths, Woodford United, Yaxley (15). Reserve Division Two Bugbrooke St Michaels, Burton Park Wanderers, Eynesbury Rovers, Higham Town, Holbeach United, Huntingdon Town, Irchester United, Long Buckby, Northampton ON Chenecks, Olney Town, St Ives Town, St Neots Town, Thrapston Town, Wellingborough Town 2004 (14).

Club movement for season 2006-07

Premier Division 2005-06 membership 22 clubs LESS Woodford United (promoted to Southern League Division One Midlands), Harrowby United (relegated to Division One) PLUS Wellingborough Town 2004 (promoted from Division One) = 2006-07 membership 21 clubs. Division One 2005-06 membership 18 clubs LESS Wellingborough Town 2004 (promoted), Blisworth (resigned) PLUS Harrowby United (relegated) = 2006-07 membership 17 clubs. Reserve Division One 2005-06 membership 16 clubs LESS Eynesbury Rovers (relegated to Reserve Division Two), Newport Pagnell Town and Rothwell Town (both resigned) PLUS Woodford United and Rothwell Corinthians (promoted from Reserve Division Two) = 2006-07 membership 15 clubs. Reserve Division Two 2005-06 membership 15 clubs LESS Woodford United and Rothwell Corinthians (promoted), Daventry Town (resigned during season) and Spalding United (resigned) PLUS Eynesbury Rovers (relegated), St Ives Town (from Cambs League) and St Neots Town (from Bedfordshire Reserve League) = 2006-07 membership 14 clubs.

Daventry to continue

Following the emergence of new backers Daventry Town have rescinded their resignation from Division One and will continue in membership of the league for the 2006-07 season.

Three clubs resign

The league's May management meeting received resignations from three clubs. Blisworth leave Division One while the reserve sides of Rothwell Town and Spalding United leave Reserve Divisions One and Two respectively.

Proposed start dates for season 2006-07

Premier Division - Saturday 12th August 2006 Division One, Reserve Divisions One & Two: - Saturday 19th August 2006

Shake up for Reserve Knockout Cup

Following the loss of clubs from the Reserve Divisions the Reserve Knockout Cup will be played on a revised format during the 2006-07 season to provide clubs with additional fixtures. The 29 clubs in membership of the Reserve Divisions will be divided into three groups of seven clubs and one of eight, with clubs playing each other once. The group winners will progress to the semi finals.

Mason the season's top boss

Woodford United manager Phil Mason has been chosen as the league's Manager of the Year. The one time Newcastle United player steered the Reds to their first Premier Division championship and with it promotion to the Southern League. Woodford also reached the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, one of the best runs by a member club in recent seasons.

Clegg wins new award

A new trophy for the 'Administrator of the Year' will be presented for the first time at the 2006 AGM. The first recipient of the award will be Bill Clegg, long serving secretary of Stotfold.

Landin steps down at Star

Mel Landin has resigned as manager of Peterborough Northern Star after a single season at the helm. The former Deeping and Blackstones boss took charge at Chestnut Avenue last summer after Alex Brown's departure, and after being forced into a major rebuilding of the squad, took Star to their second successive Northants Junior Cup final where they lost 2-0 to Wellingborough.

Deeping go for Korkmaz

Deeping have filled their managerial vacancy by handing skipper Tuncay Korkmaz the Outgang Road reins. The 33 year old Turk is in his second spell as a Rangers player having returned from Yaxley early in the 2004-05 season. Korkmaz started out as a youth teamer back in his home country with Fenerbahce, he was a professional with them for three years and had loan spells with Second Division clubs Kasimpasa, Istanbulspor and Bandirma. Since moving to England in 1993 he has had spells with Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge City, Stamford, Wisbech and Spalding. Dave Simpson will assist Korkmaz, having previously been number two in Chris Beckett's spell at the Outgang Road helm, while Peter Hall has been appointed first team coach.

Ashby in Doughboys switch

Raunds player manager Nick Ashby has left Kiln Park to take charge at newly promoted neighbours Wellingborough Town 2004. Despite losing only once in a highly successful debut campaign in senior football Wellingborough have parted company with title winning boss Colin Ridgway and assistant Kelly Meagan. The Doughboys felt that a manager with wider contacts was required to continue the club's quest for further advancement. 35 year old Ashby took the Raunds helm late in the 2004-05 season and steered the Shopmates to Premier Division safety before achieving a top eight finish in the current campaign. He kicked off his playing career with Nottingham Forest before spells on the non league circuit with the likes of Rushden Town, Aylesbury, Kettering, Rushden & Diamonds, Enfield and Burton. He then enjoyed a playing spell with Raunds before becoming player/assistant manager at Stamford. Ashby's right hand man at Raunds, Les Hornby, will also be moving to Wellingborough in a similar capacity. His clubs as a player included Rothwell Town, Burton and Yeovil and he also managed VS Rugby for a time.

Foster steps up at Fords

Reserve team boss Darren Foster has stepped up to the first team hot seat at Ford Sports following the end of season departure of Shane Geary. Geary had been at the Royal Oak Way helm since the summer of 2000, stepping up from assistant when Darren Wood left the club. He led the Motormen to their second title in 2002 and their best ever Vase run in the campaign just ended. Oncoming boss Foster (34) had been in charge of the Fords second string for three years, leading them to the Reserve Division Two championship in 2005. He previously managed both Daventry Town and Woodford United, the latter in partnership with Craig Robson.

Woodford promotion confirmed

Woodford United will play in the Southern League's new Midland Division in the 2006-07 season following their championship success. Among the Reds' opponents in their new surroundings will be other former UCL clubs Brackley Town, Rothwell Town and Spalding United, who have been switched from the Unibond League 1st Division.

Stotfold part company with Benton

Stotfold have parted company with manager Jim Benton after 12 months at the helm. The former Northampton Town player replaced Steve Cook at the Eagles helm last summer.

Joyce takes the Robins' reins

Buckingham have appointed Tony Joyce as their new manager. He is a former professional with QPR and Aldershot and has played for a number of high level non league clubs. He is a UEFA 'B' qualified coach and has previous managerial experience with Thame and Aylesbury in the Southern League. He also had a spell as reserve manager at Kettering in the season just ended. He has had two previous playing spells with the Robins. Stuart Blaik, who has spent the closing weeks of the season as caretaker manager, will now revert to his former post as assistant manager. The new manager's first match in charge will be the James Victory Cup game against Buckingham Athletic on 16th May.

April/May award winners

The April/May awards have been shared by two clubs. After winning their last four Premier Division matches without conceding a goal, Newport Pagnell's Terry Shrieves has been named Manager of the Month in the top flight with Joe Purcell the Goalkeeper of the Month after his quartet of shut outs. Maximum points from six league games en route to the Division One title, coupled with success in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'B' have earned Sleaford chief Brian Rowland the Division One Manager of the Month accolade with eight goal Jamie Shaw adding to his collection of Goalscorer of the Month prizes.

Premier Division leading goalscorers

Mark Paul (Yaxley) 45 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 37; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 33; Gary Bull (Boston Town) 30; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 28; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 26; Gary Walker (St Neots) 25; Wes Byrne (Potton), Paul Goodhand (Boston Town), Nicky Gordon (Woodford) 24; Darren Collins (Cogenhoe) 23; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 22; Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham), Ashley Stevens (Blackstones) 21; Ben Foster (Raunds), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 20; Chris Johnson (Wootton) 18; Michael Byrne (Desborough) 17; Paul Garrett (Potton), Rob Goldring (Cogenhoe) 15.

Division One leading goalscorers

Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 42 goals; Peter Collins (Eynesbury), Adam Taylor (Wellingborough) 21; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 20; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 19; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star), James Westley (Whitworths) 17; Lee Bradley (ON Chenecks), Dave Briffa (Rothwell Corinthians), Leigh Roberts (Daventry) 16; James Blake (Thrapston), Damian Grant (Irchester) 15; Gavin Batt, Craig Damon (AFC Kempston), Ronnie Fortune (Peterborough Northern Star), Paul Nevill (Huntingdon) 14; Paul Bass (Huntingdon), Rob Foster (Whitworths), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 13; Hamish Carmody (Blisworth), Shaun Daly (Bugbrooke), Matt Freeman (Whitworths) 12.

Reserve Division One leading goalscorers

Gary Evans (Desborough) 25 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 16; Karl Bates (Northampton Spencer) 14; Glenroy Bell (Rothwell Town), Callum Donnelly (Stotfold) 12; Cornell Haughton (Rothwell Town) 11; Dan Jarman (Deeping), Marcus Keirle (Sileby) 10.

Reserve Division Two leading goalscorers

Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 21 goals; Andy Bennett (Woodford) 18; Jonathan McNeillie (Bugbrooke) 16; Danny Atkins (Olney), Allan Harrison (Thrapston), Ryan Luckett (Woodford) 14; Justin Betts (Rothwell Corinthians), Karl Guy (Irchester), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 12; Martyn Fletcher (Bugbrooke) 10.

Potton go back to the future

Potton have gone back to the future will the unveiling of their new management team for the 2006-07 season, reuniting the backroom staff which enjoyed spectacular success in the 2004-05 campaign. Roy Bloxham, co-manager in that three trophy winning season, will be the new Royals manager after spending 2005-06 initially running the reserves and then assisting Ian Donnelly. Dick Newman, his former co-manager, returns to The Hollow as assistant after a year long break from the game, while Neil Rodney returns to a coaching role with the Royals after spending the current campaign in a similar post with St Neots.

Doughboys end Star reign

Wellingborough rounded off a highly successful first UCL campaign by carrying off the Northants Junior Cup at the first attempt, beating holders Peterborough Northern Star 2-0 after extra time at Sixfields. Goals from Chris Goode and Jon Mitchell gave the Doughboys the trophy.

Ling steps down at Huntingdon

Manager Gary Ling has stepped down as Huntingdon Town manager after leading the Jubilee Park club to their most successful UCL campaign. Ling took over from Dave Blackwell in November and led Town to 12th place, their best in three UCL seasons. Ling was previously part of the reserve management team at Jubilee Park. General manager Michael Hunt has also stepped down.

Promotion for Corinths Reserves

Rothwell Corinthians secured second place in Reserve Division Two on 2nd May with a 2-0 victory at fellow contenders Olney. Corinths join champions Woodford in winning promotion to Reserve Division One.

Bank holiday cup final round up

The 1st May cup finals saw disappointing results for our clubs. St Neots suffered their second final defeat in five days losing 1-0 to Ortonians in the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup final at Somersham. League champions Woodford missed out on a second piece of silverware losing 4-2 at Aylesbury Vale in the Buckingham Charity Cup final at Ford Meadow, Jason Burnham scoring two spot kicks for the Reds. Potton retained the North Beds Charity Cup beating league rivals Wootton 3-1 at Langford. Brett Donnelly, Paul Garrett and Wes Byrne gave the Royals victory in Ian Donnelly's last game at the helm, Steve Gentle replying for Blue Cross.

Woodford crowned champions

Woodford are Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division champions for the first time after winning their final match at Raunds 2-0 on 29th April. Goals from Tom Fountain and Russ Dunkley enabled the Reds to pip Potton on goal difference, the Royals finishing second for the second season running. Woodford's neighbours Long Buckby face an anxious wait to see if they retain their top flight status after finishing second bottom. They ended their campaign with a 2-0 home win over Desborough with a Darren Harmon spot kick and Danny Finlay effort, but finish two points behind Deeping who beat Wootton 3-1 at Outgang Road. Jarrod Smith, Andy Ellis and Miles Hunter shared the Rangers goals with Asa Mead scoring for Blue Cross. Ford Sports also found some last day form as a double strike from Matty Cox saw the Motormen overcome St Ives 2-0. Newport Pagnell made it four April wins out of four, a Drew Mitten goal giving the Swans a 1-0 success at Knockout Cup winners Yaxley.

Draw specialists share the points

The 29th April programme in Division One saw two treble chance specialists Wellingborough and Blisworth meet at the Dog & Duck and play out a 0-0 draw - the Doughboys' eleventh stalemate and the Railwaymen's tenth. Fourth placed AFC Kempston's seven match winning run bit the dust with a 2-0 reverse at Peterborough Northern Star who took the points with goals from Ben Cottingham and Eddie Winks. Daventry overhauled Eynesbury to finish sixth in their final UCL season, beating Olney 4-3 at Elderstubbs. Paul Atkins, Leigh Roberts, Dave Lancaster and Kyle Pacey-Vigo gave Daventry victory with Sam Callear, Scott Wrighting and Paul Munday the Nurserymen marksmen. Burton Park looked set for a rare success when Nick Swinfen's double gave them a two goal interval lead at home to Huntingdon but a Paul Nevill brace and Lee Milton effort won the contest for the visitors.

Yaxley carry off Knockout Cup

Yaxley's name will be engraved on the Knockout Cup for the first time after their 2-1 defeat of Huntingdonshire rivals St Neots in the final on 27th April at Raunds. Gary Walker gave the Saints a ninth minute lead with an opportunist strike but a 25 yard strike from Lee Blewett levelled seven minutes before the interval. The Cuckoos won it four minutes from the end with a classy goal from Premier Division top scorer Mark Paul, his 45th of the season in UCL football.

Notley steps up at Bourne

Double title winning reserve boss Glen Notley has been handed the first team reins at Bourne after Mark Mitchell's departure this week. Notley has been reserve manager for the last four seasons and has been associated with the Wakes for over 20 years, making over 500 UCL appearances for the club. Former Derby County player and one time Blackstones manager Steve Blades will assist Notley, continuing the partnership which has enjoyed great success at second string level.

Woodford win Reserve Division Two

Woodford are Reserve Division Two champions. The only side which could pip them to the crown, Olney, were held to a 1-1 East Street draw by mid table Huntingdon on 24 April. With three games to go against promotion rivals Rothwell Corinthians and Bugbrooke (twice) the Nurserymen still have the second promotion slot to play for in an exciting finale to the season.

Woodford need last game victory

After the 22nd April matches in the Premier Division Woodford need three points from their final match at Raunds to win the league for the first time. The Reds could only draw their penultimate match at Blackstones 0-0 leaving them three points adrift of Potton who signed off with a 4-1 home win over Ford Sports. Two goals from Gareth Cottenden and singles from Wes Byrne and Brett Donnelly gave the Royals their victory with Matty Cox on target for the Motormen. Northampton Spencer have to settle for third place after drawing 0-0 at home to Deeping. Both Fords and Deeping could still occupy the relegation places after Long Buckby beat Yaxley 3-1 at Station Road with goals from Jon Crockett, Darren Harmon (penalty) and Danny Finlay, Jimmy Dean scoring a Cuckoos consolation. Desborough are safe though after a 4-0 home win over bottom markers Harrowby, the Ar Tarn goals shared by Michael Byrne, Jamie O'Neill and two goal Tom Mills. St Neots look set for a top four finish despite the end of their nine game unbeaten run at Bourne. Neal Spafford and Scott Cunningham gave the Wakes a 2-0 victory. Cogenhoe are likely to end the season in fifth place after closing their campaign with a 4-1 home defeat of Buckingham who are now without a point in nine. A Steve Diggin brace, Neil Champelovier effort and Stuart Blaik own goal counted for the Cooks, Paul Talbot on target for the Robins. Boston Town finish sixth after veteran strikers Gary Bull and Micky Nuttell gave them a 2-1 home win over Stotfold who had Jason Thomas on target. Richard Tanner and Ben Foster scored second half goals to give Raunds a 2-0 win at Stewarts & Lloyds while a first half Richard Armstrong strike gave Newport Pagnell a 1-0 success at Wootton.

Division One title race goes to the final week

The Division One championship race will go the final week of the season after wins for both Sleaford and Wellingborough in their penultimate matches on 22nd April. Sleaford won 4-1 at Bugbrooke with goals from Jamie Shaw (penalty), Kris Jones, Pete Sutton and Matt Lunn, Steve Aslett replying for the Badgers. The Doughboys won 2-1 at ON Chenecks to avenge their only defeat of the season. Craig Norman and Ian Symington scored for Wellingborough with Jamie Nuttall replying for Chenecks. A win for Sleaford on Wednesday against Peterborough Northern Star will give the Lincolnshire the title but a draw could be enough as Wellingborough would have to beat Blisworth by a ten goal margin on Saturday to snatch the crown. Olney stormed to their biggest win of the season, routing outgoing champions Sileby 7-1. Two apiece from Paul Munday and Richard Beardshaw and singles from Jamie Rutherford, Scott Wrighting and Jamie Harris left the Nurserymen in with a shout of a top six place, Marcus Keirle scoring the Rangers consolation. Daventry were 3-1 home winners over Peterborough Northern Star with Chris Shackleton, Leigh Roberts and Kevin Eales on target for Town and Mitch Aldred the Star scorer. Irchester signed off for the campaign with a 3-1 Alfred Street defeat of Huntingdon. Jason Vaughan, Damian Grant and Martyn Cain netted for the Romans with Paul Bass on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Reserve Divisions ups and downs

Bourne Town were presented with the Reserve Division One championship trophy on 22 April before winning their final match of the season 2-1 at Whitworths to finish four points clear of runners up Blackstones. Outgoing champions Yaxley preserved their Reserve Division One status by beating Northampton Spencer 3-0 while 2005 runners up Rothwell Town occupy the second relegation berth after a 4-2 defeat at Stotfold. Eynesbury are twelve points adrift at the foot of the table with a single match remaining. After winning promotion from Reserve Division Two last week, Woodford's celebrations were put on hold by Daventry's midweek withdrawal which opened up the race again. A 5-2 home win over Huntingdon did seal the Reds' upward move. Rothwell Corinthians, Bugbrooke and Olney could all still join the Reds in winning promotion, the Nurserymen need to win their four remaining games to deprive Woodford of the title. Final promotion and relegation decisions will be made at the May management committee meeting when resignations and new entries are considered.

Underdogs Sileby win first Reserve Knockout Cup

The Reserve Knockout Cup final on 20 April saw new winners of the trophy as underdogs Sileby, seven places below Raunds in the Reserve Division One table, pipped the Shopmates 2-1 in front of a crowd of 184 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough. A 35th minute Ian Colwell header had Sileby in front at the break but Gary McCourtie equalised for Raunds five minutes into the second half. Pete Smith's diving header after 62 minutes settled the contest in Sileby's favour.

Daventry withdraw reserves

Daventry Town have withdrawn their reserve side from Reserve Division Two with immediate effect. In accordance with league rule their results have been expunged from the league table. Woodford, Rothwell Corinthians, Bugbrooke and Olney are all in promotion contention following the amendments to the table with all but the Badgers having a chance of the championship. Rothwell Corinthians have benefitted from Daventry's exit, as they had drawn with the Elderstubbs club who had lost all their other games against the promotion candidates.

Blisworth deducted point

In accordance with league rules Blisworth have had one point deducted from their points total in Division One after fielding an ineligible player in their 3-3 draw with ON Chenecks on Easter Monday.

Keeper woe in Yaxley shootout defeat

Yaxley Reserves' reign as Huntingdonshire Benevolent Cup holders ended in a 5-4 shootout defeat by St Neots Reserves at Somersham on 19 April. The sides had failed to find a goal between them in two hours play and most of the talking points centred on Yaxley's goalkeeper problems. Simon Dalton had to leave the field through injury and replacement Phil Dunn was red carded early in extra time after bringing down a Saints forward. Mark Butler went in goal for the Cuckoos. In the shootout the regulation five kicks saw the sides score four apiece but in sudden death Jim Katona blazed over enabling the Saints to take the trophy.

Thrapston unveil new management team

Thrapston have unveiled their new management team after Lee Howard stepped down following the club's last match on Easter Monday. Howard had been at the Chancery Lane helm for two seasons. Former Thrapston player Paul Smith returns from Sileby to take the reins. He has previous managerial experience with Kettering Nomads in the Northants Combination. His management team will also include another ex-player currently with Sileby, Mike Battams, and one time Chancery Lane reserve boss Andy Tate.

Donnelly to leave Potton

Potton manager Ian Donnelly is leaving The Hollow at the end of the season for personal reasons. The former Hitchin assistant boss joined the Royals last summer following Dick Newman's shock departure and despite losing several of the squad which almost won the title his rebuilding has again seen Potton in championship contention in the current campaign.

Mitchell set for Bourne exit

Mark Mitchell will be calling time on his third spell as Bourne Town manager at the end of the season. His decision to depart follows the announcement of cuts to the expenses budget for next season while the club channels funds towards the construction of a new clubhouse. Much of the project will be funded by a bequest from the club's late president Len Pick, but the club have to find around £19,000 themselves towards the new facility.

Top three march on

There were Easter Monday victories for all three of the title contenders. Leaders Potton were first in action in the only morning match and a late goal from Tom Beech gave them a 1-0 victory at Stotfold. Woodford demolished Buckingham 5-0 at Ford Meadow with Russ Dunkley hitting the day's only hat trick, Tom Fountain and Nick Gordon providing goalscoring support. Northampton Spencer maintained their challenge with a 3-2 home win over Cogenhoe. Darren Frost, Matt Collins and Pete Gregory scored for the Millers with Wayne Richardson and Simon Underwood replying for the Cooks late on. St Neots look likely to finish fourth after winning 2-1 at St Ives with first half goals from Ricky Dear and Sean Murray, Stefan Lewis the St Ives marksman late on. Boston Town were 2-0 home winners against Holbeach with Carl Basker and Paul Goodhand netting for the Poachers. Blackstones saw off Deeping 3-0 at Lincoln Road, Matty Doyle and two goal Ashley Stevens edging Rangers closer to the relegation zone. Wootton sprang one of the day's surprises winning 1-0 at Yaxley with a Ben Chambers goal, while Bourne were the day's top scorers, thrashing Harrowby 6-0 at the Abbey Lawn. Mark O'Dea and Chris Gray scored two apiece for the Wakes whose other scorers were Michael Stevenson and Shamir Patel. Desborough are almost safe now after beating Stewarts & Lloyds 2-0 at the Waterworks Field with goals from Michael Byrne and Jamie O'Neill (penalty) while Ford Sports picked up three vital points, winning 2-1 at fellow strugglers Long Buckby. Matty Cox and Mark Drake gave the Motormen a derby victory with Jon Crockett replying for next to bottom Buckby.

Sleaford end Easter with two point lead

The Easter Monday matches in Division One ended with victory for the two title contenders. Leaders Sleaford overcame a tricky trip to Peterborough Northern Star, goals from Jamie Shaw and Jason Sedlan securing a 2-1 win for the pacesetters with Andy Neal on the scoresheet for Star. Wellingborough produced one of their best displays of the season in a 5-0 success at Irchester. Craig Norman, Daniel Thompson, two goal Adam Taylor and James Daldy hit the target for the Doughboys. Whitworths stay third after a 2-0 home win over Higham, Stuart Goosey (penalty) and James Westley on the mark for the Flourmen. AFC Kempston beat Olney 2-0 at Hillgrounds with a Craig Damon brace, while ON Chenecks lost ground in a 3-3 draw at Blisworth. Mark Barnard and two goal Ashley Bradshaw scored for the Railwaymen with Jamie Nuttall's penalty and a Marc Cross double earning Chenecks their point. Daventry saw off visiting Bugbrooke 3-0 at Elderstubbs with two goal Leigh Roberts and Luke Walker's spot kick counting for Town. Huntingdon won 3-1 at home to Eynesbury who were first on the scoresheet through Paul Carey. Two Carl Foreman goals and one from Mark Ling gave the home side victory. Thrapston ended their campaign by drawing 1-1 at home to Burton Park, Dallie Mandson's opener for the visitors matched by a reply from James Blake.

Top three seperated by one point

Easter Saturday ended with the Premier Division top three seperated by just one point. Morning leaders Woodford were held 1-1 at Byfield Road by Boston. Paul Goodhand's opener for the Poachers was matched by a Craig Pearman equaliser. Potton regained pole position after an injury time Ian Morrison goal gave them a 2-1 home win over Blackstones. Keith Coughlin was the other Royals scorer with Ashley Stevens replying for Stones. Early goals from Scott Marshall and Chris Davies gave Northampton Spencer a 2-0 success at bottom markers Harrowby. The second relegation place is still wide open. Next to bottom Long Buckby made it six games unbeaten drawing 2-2 at in form St Neots. Buckby played almost an hour a man down after Aidy Mann was red carded but a Darren Harmon spot kick and Danny Finlay effort gave them a point with Gary Walker and Joe Jordan the home marksmen. Deeping are still in jeopardy after losing 1-0 at Newport Pagnell whose matchwinner was Rob Macdonald, while Ford Sports continue to struggle, losing 3-1 to Raunds. An Adam Hancock brace and Matt Curtis effort gave the Shopmates the points with Ian Pearce the Motormen scorer. Desborough appear safe after a 2-0 home win over Wootton with goals from David Glass and Michael Byrne. Liam Kennett and Graeme Thackray scored two apiece as St Ives won 4-1 at Buckingham who replied through Paul Talbot. Mark Paul made it 44 goals for the campaign with all three in Yaxley's 3-1 victory at Holbeach who replied through Ian Dunn. Tigers skipper Dean Elston and Cuckoos midfielder Richard Challinor were both sent off in this one. Goals from Derek Simmons and Greig McIlwain saw Stewarts & Lloyds to a 2-0 home win over Stotfold.

Advantage Sleaford in the title race

Easter Saturday's Division One action saw Sleaford open up a two point lead in the title race. They beat bottom club Burton Park 8-0 at Cranwell with two goals apiece from Karl Horsewood and Jamie Shaw and singles from Jon Machin, Jason Sedlan, Kris Jones and Matt Lunn. Wellingborough lost ground as they drew for the tenth time this season, 1-1 at Thrapston. Adam Taylor's opener for the Doughboys was matched by a Mark Chilton reply. ON Chenecks' title hopes were extinguished by a 2-0 home defeat by Huntingdon, Paul Nevill scoring in each half for the visitors. Whitworths moved above Chenecks into third after a Devon Ellwood goal gave them a 1-0 home win over Rothwell Corinthians. Two goals from Ronnie Fortune and one apiece from Nathan Steele and Angus Hepburn gave Peterborough Northern Star a 4-0 home win over Sileby. Olney were 4-1 home winners over Irchester. Steve Foster, Sam Callear, Tim Mason and Paul Munday shared the Nurserymen goals with Antony Lawrence replying for the Romans. Daventry were single goal home winners against Higham, Dave Lancaster the marksman while Blisworth handed local rivals Bugbrooke a 5-0 Courteenhall Road drubbing. The Railwaymen's goals were shared by Nick Woodroffe, Jason Bradshaw, Mark Barnard, Sam Scarman and Kevin Eyre.

Title for Bourne - promotion for Woodford

The season's first championship was decided on Easter Saturday with Bourne claiming the Reserve Division One crown without playing. Nearest challengers Blackstones lost 1-0 at home to Stotfold whose marksman was Kane Dougherty on the hour mark. Stones finished their programme on 61 points, one behind the Wakes who have one match remaining. Reserve Division Two leaders Woodford secured promotion with a 2-0 success at Huntingdon. Goals from Ryan Luckett and 35 minutes and Anthony Powell after 70 secured a top two finish for the Reds, who have 57 points with one game remaining. Their only rivals for the title are Olney who are 17 points behind in seventh place with six matches in hand.

Saints open up title race

Woodford's 16 match unbeaten run in the Premier Division came to an end on 8th April as St Neots won 2-1 at Byfield Road. The Saints repeated earlier league and cup wins over the Reds with this latest success. Steve Kuhne's spot kick and a Danny Griggs effort gave the visitors victory with Russ Dunkley scoring Woodford's consolation. Woodford are still in the driving seat as they have a match in hand over title rivals Potton and Northampton Spencer who trail them by one and two points respectively. The Millers won 4-1 at Buckingham with Darren Frost's hat trick in the opening 25 minutes all but deciding the contest in Spencer's favour. Scott Coleman was also on target for the Millers with Abdul Abdi replying for the Robins. Outgoing champions Cogenhoe drew 3-3 at Holbeach whose striker Ian Dunn hit a hat-trick. Rob Goldring, Steve Diggin and Richard Bunting shared the Cooks goals. Boston Town pipped visiting Yaxley 1-0 with Jonny Rowan the Poachers' matchwinner, while Blackstones blitzed Raunds 5-1 at Lincoln Road. Ashley Stevens and Andy Boome scored two apiece for Stones after Dan Cotton opened their account, Jed Ainge the Shopmates marksman. Stewarts & Lloyds completed a five day double over hosts Ford Sports, Sean Brennan the marksman in a 1-0 win. Long Buckby are four points adrift of safety after drawing 0-0 at Wootton. Desborough did their survival prospects a power of good as Michael Byrne's brace gave Ar Tarn a 2-0 home win over Stotfold. Desborough are now just a point behind Deeping who drew 1-1 at St Ives, Wayne Oldacre's opener for Deeping cancelled out by Dan Newman.

Wins for Sleaford and Wellingborough

Sleaford and Wellingborough opened up a gap at the top of Division One with victories on 8th April. A Jamie Shaw spot kick and Pete Sutton effort gave Sleaford a 2-0 home win over third placed ON Chenecks while Nick Mason, Adam Taylor and Jon Mitchell shared the goals in the Doughboys' 3-0 success at Blisworth. Kempston climbed to fourth place with a 2-0 victory at Burton Park, Matt Kent and Craig Damon on the scoresheet. After a three week break Whitworths returned to action with a 1-0 home reverse against neighbours Irchester who took the points with a Damian Grant goal. Higham maintained their recent improvement with a 3-0 home win over Peterborough Northern Star, Ryan Shave and two goal Jim Le Masurier on target for the Lankies. Eynesbury and Sileby drew 1-1 at Hall Road, Marcus Keirle's opener for Rangers matched by a late Paul Childerley reply. The other draw in the division came at Jubilee Park where Huntingdon and Daventry failed to muster a goal between them.

April starts well for Woodford and Buckby

Premier Division title favourites Woodford extended their unbeaten run to fifteen games on 1st April with a 1-0 success at Holbeach, Nicky Gordon the Reds' matchwinner. Fellow title rivals Northampton Spencer and Potton drew 1-1 at Kingsthorpe Mill with Luke Dowling's opener for Spencer cancelled out by a Gareth Cottenden reply for the Royals. Champions Cogenhoe won 3-2 at home to Bourne. Rob Goldring, Fazl Koriya and Justin McKenzie scored for the Cooks wih Sam Bettinson and Chris Gray replying for the Wakes. St Neots moved up to fifth place in the table by beating visitors Ford Sports 4-1. Steve Kuhne scored all four for the Saints to move onto 35 goals for the campaign after Motormen player boss Shane Geary opened the scoring. The Saints climb over Boston who drew 1-1 at Stotfold, Richard Beckett the Eagles marksman to cancel out a Lance Gentle-King own goal. In the lower reaches Long Buckby won 2-0 at Yaxley to move out of the bottom two. Danny Finlay and manager Aidy Mann scored the goals which took the Bucks above Desborough. Newport Pagnell beat bottom markers Harrowby 3-0 at Willen Road to move closer to safety. Michael Riley, Rob Macdonald and Martin Kelly shared the Swans' goals. At Weston Park a match of three spot kicks saw Blackstones pip hosts Wootton 2-1 with Ashley Stevens scoring a double for the visitors, Darek Jozwiak replying for Blue Cross. St Ives and Raunds played out a goalless stalemate at Westwood Road.

Doughboys on Sleaford's tail

A 2-1 derby success at Higham lifted Wellingborough into second place in Division One on 1st April, three points behind Sleaford with a match in hand. Second half goals from Jamie Russell and Jon Mitchell gave the Doughboys three points at Vine Hill Drive after they trailed to a Matty Bell goal at the break. Sleaford saw off Huntingdon 2-0 at Cranwell with a second half brace from Matt Lamming. AFC Kempston extended their winning run to five games by pipping hosts Bugbrooke 1-0 with a late strike from Craig Damon. Daventry halted a run of three defeats with a 4-1 Elderstubbs win over Eynesbury. Dave Lancaster, Leigh Roberts, Paul Atkins and Ben Hyams shared the Town goals with Craig Smith on the scoresheet for Rovers. Burton Park claimed a rare back to back success with a 2-1 victory at Sileby. Dallie Mandson and Craig Townsend netted for the bottom markers with Graham Cottle scoring the Rangers consolation. Peterborough Northern Star and Olney drew 1-1 at Chestnut Avenue with Mick Parnell and Paul Munday the respective marksmen while the day's other draw saw Rothwell Corinthians and Blisworth share six goals at Sergeant's Lawn. Kevin Fox, Dan Morris and Dave Townsend were on target for Corinths with Nick Woodroffe, Hamish Carmody and Sam Scarman replying for the Railwaymen.

Transfers to 31/3/06

194. Junior George - Buckingham to Stotfold 195. Adam Taylor - Sileby to Wellingborough 196. Kris Jones - Boston to Sleaford 197. Scott Marshall - Thrapston to Desborough 198. Stuart Smeathers - Cogenhoe to Raunds 199. Pete Bulliman - Sileby to Ford Sports 200. Steve Blackwood - Long Buckby to Northampton Spencer 201. Danny Rogers - Stewarts & Lloyds to Desborough 202. Lance Gentle-King - Buckingham to Stotfold 203. Andy Brown - Desborough to Rothwell Town 204. Louis McAllister - Harrowby to Blackstones 205. Dave Conway - Sileby to Blisworth 206. Jamie Gilsenan - Blackstones to Stewarts & Lloyds

Buckingham in management change

Buckingham have parted company with manager Lee Howey by mutual consent. The former Sunderland and Northampton defender joined the Robins in the summer as player coach and took over the reins after Morell Maison's move to Kettering at the start of February. Assistant and senior player Stuart Blaik has taken charge on a caretaker basis.

March awards

Manager of the Month in the Premier Division is Woodford's Phil Mason whose side won all five matches played to grab the initiative in the championship race. The Division One top boss was Gary Ling of Huntingdon whose sode won all three of their March matches. A second award is Jubilee Park bound as young goalkeeper Ryan Hunt kept clean sheets in all three Town games to win the Goalkeeper of the Month accolade. Winner of the Goalscorer of the Month award for the second successive month is Cogenhoe veteran Darren Collins who scored six times during March in domestic action.

Twins take over at Burton Park

Burton Park have handed the managerial reins to twin brothers Andy and Carl Lambert following the resignation of Kevin Townsend as manager. Townsend had taken over from Geoff Green in September. The Lambert twins both joined Burton from Cottingham in the summer. At 28 they are among the league's youngest managers. Kenny Gordon, who has worked with Townsend in the management team this season, will continue in a support role. Burton reserve boss Andy Fletcher has also stepped down with second team skipper Karl Mitchell taking the reins for the rest of the season.

Woodford close the gap

Potton's lead at the top of the Premier Division was reduced to four points after they drew 0-0 at Yaxley on 25th March. Woodford are four points behind them with three matches in hand after a 1-0 home win over Wootton, Ben Milner's early goal proving decisive. Champions Cogenhoe lost 4-2 at Stotfold who took the points with goals from Junior George, Ryan Frater, Jason Thomas and Dean Chapman, Rob Goldring scoring both Cooks goals. A lone strike from Paul Goodhand gave Boston a 1-0 home win over Buckingham while Gary Walker, Gary Watts and a Pete Brothwell own goal saw St Neots to a 3-0 win over visiting Harrowby. Two Craig Donaldson goals edged St Ives home 2-1 against visitors Blackstones who replied through Paul Sheehan, while Mark Lovelace, Mark O'Dea and Sam Bettinson shared the Bourne goals as they completed an eight day double over Desborough with a 3-2 Abbey Lawn success. Brian Hardie and Jamie O'Neill replied for Ar Tarn. Holbeach were the day's highest scorers in a 5-1 defeat of Ford Sports. Steve Barnes, Lloyd Buchan, two goal Ian Dunn and Martyn Cundy shared the Tigers goals with Shane Geary scoring the Motormen consolation. Deeping's improvement under caretaker boss Pat O'Keeffe continued as a Dave Robertson strike saw off Newport Pagnell 1-0 at Outgang Road while a late Andreas Kattos leveller earned Long Buckby a 1-1 home draw with Stewarts & Lloyds who had Chris Caswell on the scoresheet.

Sleaford stumble opens up title race

AFC Kempston's surprise 1-0 success at Sleaford opened up the Division One championship race on 25th March. Danny Marsh's goal late in the first half gave the Walnut Boys a double and enabled ON Chenecks to close to within two points of the leaders. Chenecks won 3-1 at home to Peterborough Northern Star thanks to a Lee Bradley opener and Marc Cross brace, Star replying through Scott Quinney. Wellingborough are fourth points behind Sleaford with two matches in hand after halting Rothwell Corinthians' six match unbeaten run with an emphatic 4-0 Dog & Duck success. Two Craig Norman penalties and one apiece from Adam Taylor and Jake Upton gave the Doughboys a vital victory. Olney completed a double over Eynesbury with a 2-1 East Street success, Adam Lothian and Richard Beardshaw on target for the Nurserymen after Barry Albone opened the scoring for Rovers. Nick Woodroffe and manager Scott Carlin gave Blisworth a 2-1 victory at Thrapston whose marksman was Sam Duxbury. Burton Park claimed only their second win of the season, Dallie Mandson's goal securing a 1-0 success at Daventry. The Irchester-Huntingdon game was abandoned at half time due to injury to the referee with the game goalless.

Woodford open up title race

Woodford's win over Potton opened up the Premier Division title race on 18th March. Nicky Gordon's second half goal gave the Reds a 1-0 home win which keeps them in the championship hunt. Northampton Spencer kept their hopes alive beating Boston 1-0 with Darren Frost the Millers matchwinner. Darren Collins, Fazel Koriya and Neil Champelovier shared the goals as Cogenhoe won 3-0 at Harrowby while there was a surprise for Raunds who went down 1-0 to a Rob Macdonald goal at Newport Pagnell. Ford Sports and St Neots drew 2-2 at Royal Oak Way, Adrian Pestell and Mark Drake the Motormen marksmen with Steve Kuhne and Andre Maltay on the scoresheet for the Saints. Yaxley won 3-1 at Wootton with Ricky Hailstone, Simon Acton and Jimmy Dean on target for the Cuckoos, Scott McGregor the Blue Cross marksman. Blackstones and Stewarts & Lloyds shared four goals at Lincoln Road with Ashley Stevens and Jamie Gilsenan twice giving the home side the lead, Michael Stanton and Derek Simmons twice levelling. Buckingham's poor run continued with a 2-0 home defeat by Holbeach who took the points with goals from Ian Dunn and Matt Warfield. Long Buckby's second win of the week, 2-0 at St Ives, saw them move to within three points of Desborough and survival. Jon Crockett and Danny Finlay gave the Bucks the points at Westwood Road while Ar Tarn led at home to Bourne through Tom Mills before second half goals from Chris Gray and Michael Stevenson gave the Wakes a 2-1 success. Caretaker manager at Deeping Pat O'Keeffe kicked off with a draw as Rangers shared two goals with Stotfold. Jarrod Smith's goal earned Rangers a point after Steve Blower opened the scoring for the Eagles.

Sleaford go four clear

Tabletopping Sleaford opened up a four point gap at the top of Division One on 18th March with a 2-1 success at depleted Blisworth who went ahead through Ashley Bradshaw. An own goal by Railwaymen keeper Alex Malong and debut strike from Kris Jones won it for Sleaford. ON Chenecks lost ground as their six match winning run was halted in a 2-2 draw at Rothwell Corinthians. A Tony Ielapi own goal and Scott Barczewski effort gave Chenecks a two goal advantage but a late Corinths fightback saw Dan Morris and Ielapi salvage a point for the home side. Wellingborough won 3-0 at Eynesbury with two goals from Jon Mitchell and one from Jamie Russell while AFC Kempston went nap against Sileby for the second time in five days with a 5-1 Hillgrounds success. Craig Damon hit a hat trick with Darren Farrar and a Craig Ferguson own goal completing Kempston's tally and Jamie Podkowka replying for Rangers. A goal in each half from Ronnie Fortune saw Peterborough Northern Star pip Daventry 2-1, Luke Walker replying for Town. Paul Nevill scored all three as Huntingdon beat Thrapston 3-0. Another hat trick man was Olney's Paul Munday as the Nurserymen beat Bugbrooke 5-1 - their first win in a dozen games. Steve Foster and Tim Mason were the other Olney marksmen with Craig Curran on target for the Badgers. In the basement battle Higham beat Burton Park 3-2 with James Blakey, Andy Munday and Jim Le Masurier the Lankies marksmen, Carl Lambert and Craig Townsend replying for Burton.

Latest Cup dates and draws

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup final ST NEOTS TOWN v Ortonians (1/5, venue tba) Huntingdonshire Premier Cup semi-finals ST NEOTS TOWN v HUNTINGDON TOWN; YAXLEY v Arlesey Athletic/Godmanchester. Huntingdonshire Benevolent Cup final YAXLEY RESERVES v St Neots Reserves (19/4 @ Somersham). Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'B' final SLEAFORD TOWN v LSS Lucarlys (4/4 @ Boston Town). Northamptonshire Junior Cup final PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR v WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN 2004 (3/5 @ Northampton Town). Northamptonshire Lower Junior Cup final BUGBROOKE RESERVES v Corby Grampian (4/4 @ Wellingborough Town)

Adams steps down at Deeping

Vince Adams has resigned as manager of Deeping Rangers for personal reasons. He had been in charge at Outgang Road for just over two years since taking over from Paul Kirk. Assistant Pat O'Keeffe has taken caretaker charge for the remainder of the season, The vacancy will be advertised.

Transfers to 17/3/06

188. Steve Goode - Burton Park to Rothwell Corinthians 189. Neil Chance - Whitworths to Kempston 190. Tom Francis - Whitworths to Kempston 191. Lee Rayson - Burton Park to Stewarts & Lloyds 192. Lee Dowell - Desborough to Rothwell Town 193. Rob Maddox - Desborough to Rothwell Town

Leading scorers at 14/3/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 36 goals; Gary Bull (Boston) 29; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 28; Russ Dunkley 27; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 25; Wes Byrne (Potton) 23; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 22; Darren Collins (Cogenhoe), Paul Goodhand (Boston), Nicky Gordon (Woodford), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 21; Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 20. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 34 goals; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 21; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 19; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star) 17; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 16; Gavin Batt (Kempston), Lee Bradley (ON Chenecks), Dave Briffa (Rothwell Corinthians) 14; James Blake (Thrapston), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 13. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 19 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 14; Marcus Keirle (Sileby) 10; Ashley Bradshaw (ex-Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Wager (Whitworths) 9. Reserve Division Two Andy Bennett (Woodford) 16 goals; Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 14; Anthony Lake (Daventry), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 12; Karl Guy (Irchester), Jonathan McNeillie (Bugbrooke) 11; Danny Atkins (Olney), Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians) 10

Death of Potton legend

Legendary former Potton United manager Terry King has died. He spent over forty years with the Royals, initially as a tough tackling full back before embarking on a 27 year managerial career, believed to be the longest in UCL history. He took over from Colin Gill in July 1964 and stayed in charge until January 1992. King steered Potton to a host of cup successes, Premier Division titles in 1987 and 1989 and the 5th Round of the FA Vase in 1990. After leaving Potton he enjoyed a couple of successful years with the recently reformed Bedford Town where he won back to back promotions as the Eagles progresed to the Isthmian League.

Cogenhoe bid at an end

Cogenhoe's bid to retain the Premier championship all but ended on 11th March as they suffered their first defeat in 13 games, 2-0 at Stewarts & Lloyds. Derek Simmons and Greig McIlwain gave S&L the points. Leaders Potton won 2-0 at Raunds, Wes Byrne and Brett Donnelly on target as the Royals made it ten matches without defeat. First half goals from Tom Fountain and Nicky Gordon gave Woodford a 2-0 home win over Yaxley while Northampton Spencer thrashed hosts Deeping 5-0 with Darren Frost scoring three and Scott Coleman and Matt Collins one apiece. Two goal Paul Goodhand, Johnny Rowan and Gary Bull shared the goals as Boston beat St Ives 4-0 while St Neots won 2-1 at Long Buckby to climb into the top six. Nicky Hurst and James Hatch gave the Saints a seventh successive league win after Danny Wright opened the scoring for the Bucks, who are now nine points adrift of Desborough, who won 3-0 at Buckingham with Brian Hardie, Jamie O'Neill and Eddie Mills on the scoresheet. Bourne were 3-2 home winners over Ford Sports thanks to goals from Addie Staffieri, Mark O'Dea and Chris Gray. Mark Hewitt and Shane Geary replied for the Motormen. The only top flight draw of the day came at Willen Road where Jason Thomas's opener for Stotfold was matched by Newport Pagnell's Vinny Shrieves in a 1-1 stalemate.

Defeats for top two

The Division One title race closed up on 11th March as there were surprise defeats for the top two clubs. Sleaford's last visit to Daventry saw them beaten 2-0 with Dave Lancaster and Ramon Browne the home marksmen. Whitworths' poor run continued with a 1-0 reverse at Huntingdon whose first half matchwinner was Paul Bass. ON Chenecks did their title prospects a favour by winning 3-2 at Peterborough Northern Star thanks to Peter Green's late winner. Marc Cross scored the first two Chenecks goals with Gary Roddis and Laurence Clark on target for Star. Fifth placed Eynesbury are all but out of the promotion race after a 3-2 home defeat by improving Higham. An Andy Munday double and Martin Mitchell effort gave the Lankies the points with Carl Albone and Peter Collins the Eynesbury marksmen. Kempston demolished Blisworth 4-1 at Hillgrounds with Gavin Batt, Danny Marsh, Lewis Hook and Matt Kent on the scoresheet for the Walnut Boys, Jamie Evans scoring a consolation for the Railwaymen. Bugbrooke and Olney drew 1-1 at Birds Close where Dave Weedon's opener for the Badgers was matched by a late reply from Tim Mason. Rothwell Corinthians extended their winning sequence to four games beating visitors Thrapston 3-0 with Ash Hustwayte, Dave Briffa and Kevin Fox sharing the goals. Irchester won for the first time in seven games, 3-0 at home to outgoing champions Sileby. Chris Boniface and two goal Damian Grant netted for the Romans.

Premier top three march on

The 4th March programme saw the top three continue on the winning trail in the Premier Division. Leaders Potton maintained their twelve point lead by beating Holbeach 2-1 at The Hollow. Second half efforts from Paul Garrett and Wes Byrne kept Potton well clear after they trailed to an Ian Dunn goal at the break. Woodford also trailed at the interval at Wootton before running out 4-2 winners. Nicky Gordon, Jason Burnham and two goal Russ Dunkley gave the Reds their latest success after Darek Jozwiak twice gave Blue Cross the lead. Tom O'Brien's goal gave Northampton Spencer a 1-0 victory at Yaxley. Cogenhoe lost ground after drawing 4-4 at home to Boston Town. Darren Collins scored three times for the champions whose other marksman was Steve Diggin. The Poachers goals were shared by Nathan Collins, Gary Bull, Johnny Rowan and Paul Goodhand. Buckingham drew 2-2 at Stewarts & Lloyds, Craig Caldwell-Smith and Marcus Sawyer on the scoresheet for the Robins with Sean Brennan and Greig McIlwain the home scorers. St Ives claimed their first win in seven outings, beating basement visitors Harrowby 2-0 at Westwood Road with Dan Newman and Glen Thrale on target. Bourne continued their good run with a 3-1 home win over Newport Pagnell. Two Chris Gray goals and one from Addie Staffieri gave the Wakes the points with Richard Armstrong on target for the Swans. A Mark Drake penalty gave Ford Sports a 1-0 home win over his old club Deeping, while a Brian Hardie brace and Chris Logan strike saw Desborough to a 3-1 success at Stotfold who replied through Jason Thomas. Ar Tarn now head Long Buckby by six points after the Bucks drew 1-1 at home to Blackstones. Andy Gordon scored for Buckby with Ashley Stevens replying for Stones.

Sleaford go top in style

Sleaford returned to the Division One summit in style on 4th March as they handed out of sorts Olney a 6-2 drubbing at Cranwell. Three goals from Robin Holderness, two from Jason Sedlan and one from Matt Lunn gave the Lincolnshire side an emphatic victory with Nick Beevis and Tim Mason replying for the Nurserymen. Morning leaders Whitworths were held to a 2-2 London Road draw by Peterborough Northern Star. Rob Foster and Matt Freeman scored for the Flourmen with Darren Paling netting both Star goals. ON Chenecks regained third place with a 1-0 home win over AFC Kempston, Lee Bradley on the scoresheet, while Wellingborough were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bugbrooke. James Daldy hit the Doughboys goal with Craig Curran replying for the Badgers. Sileby beat Thrapston 3-1 at Fernie Fields with Craig Ferguson, Roy Willmott and Graham Cottle on target for Rangers and Steve Chilton replying for the visitors. Rothwell Corinthians extended their winning run to three games as two goal Dave Briffa, Dave Townsend, Ash Hustwayte and Kevin Fox all found the net in a 5-0 success at Burton Park. Wanderers now trail Higham by five points at the foot of the table after the Lankies drew 1-1 at home to Blisworth. Jim Le Masurier was the Higham marksman with Jamie Evans the Railwaymen scorer. A solitary strike from Paul Nevill gave Huntingdon a 1-0 home win over Irchester.

Saintsreach Huntingdonshire final

St Neots will meet Ortonians in the final of the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup on the May bank holiday after beating minnows Woodlands 5-2 in their Rowley Park semi on 4th March. Matt Endersby was an unlikely hat trick hero for the Saints who also had Gary Walker and Danny Griggs on the scoresheet.

Transfers to 4/3/06

171. Adam Newman - Burton Park Wanderers to Rothwell Corinthians 172. Leon Cashman - Stotfold to Wootton 173. Danny Wright - Blackstones to Long Buckby 174.Jamie Jollands - Ford Sports to Woodford 175. Anthony Hull - Raunds to Wellingborough 176. Marcus Keirle - Blackstones to Sileby 177. Matthew Bell - Rothwell Town to Higham 178. Dallie Mandson - Rothwell Corinthians to Burton Park Wanderers 179. Daniel Grigas - Yaxley to Bourne 180. John Sturgess - Rothwell Corinthians to Higham 181. Jason Horsley - Irchester to Higham 182. Mark Lovelace - Deeping to Bourne 183. Craig Patterson - Desborough to Thrapston 184. Trevor Duncan - Stewarts & Lloyds to Desborough 185. Greig McIlwain - Desborough to Stewarts & Lloyds 186. Peter Callaghan - Burton Park Wanderers to Desborough 187. Scott Marshall - Stewarts & Lloyds to Thrapston

February award winners

February Manager of the Month in the Premier Division is Steve Kuhne of ST NEOTS whose side won three league games and progressed in two cup competitions during the month. Division One winner is Colin Ridgway of WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN 2004 who reached the Northants Junior Cup final and collected ten points from four league matches. An eight goal haul in four matches gave COGENHOE UNITED striker Darren Collins the Goalscorer of the Month prize with the Hereward Sports sponsored Goalkeeper of the Month award won for the second time this season by ON CHENECKS stopper Ben Goodger who kept three clean sheets in three games.

Leading scorers to 1/3/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 35 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 28; Gary Bull (Boston) 27; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 25; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 24; Wes Byrne (Potton) 22; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Nicky Gordon (Woodford), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell), Gary Walker (St Neots) 19. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 34 goals; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 20, Ben Holley (Whitworths) l9; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star)17; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 16; Gavin Batt (AFC Kempston), James Blake (Thrapston), Lee Bradley (ON Chenecks) 13. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 18 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 13; Marcus Keirle (Sileby) 10; Ashley Bradshaw (ex-Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Wager (Whitworths) 9. Reserve Division Two Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 13 goals; Anthony Lake (Daventry) 12; Andy Bennett (Woodford), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 11; Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Dave Hoppitt(Rothwell Corinthians) 10.

Potton extend lead

The 25th February programme in the Premoer Division saw Potton strengthen their position at the top while two of their rivals faltered. The Royals beat Buckingham 4-2 at The Hollow with a Marcus Sawyer own goal, Wes Byrne brace and Paul Garrett effort giving the leaders the points, Bilal Hassan and a Glen Crook own goal counting for the Robins. Woodford regained second place despite being held to a 0-0 Byfield Road draw by bogey side Stewarts & Lloyds. Ten man Northampton Spencer crashed 5-1 at Boston Town. Gary Bull and Jonny Rowan scored two apiece for the Poachers who also had Paul Goodhand on target, Scott Coleman replying for the Millers. Champions Cogenhoe are still in the hunt after an impressive 6-2 win at Deeping. Rob Goldring and Darren Collins scored two apiece for the Cooks whose other marksmen were Richard Bunting and Adam Knight. Bobby Lewsam scored both Rangers goals. Richard Bailey and Adam Hancock were on target as Raunds beat Harrowby 2-1, manager Jason Harrison replying for the bottom club. A Ricky Hailstone spot kick gave Yaxley a 1-0 success at Ford Sports while Blackstones won 3-0 at home to Wootton with Dan Cotton, Kevin Ainslie and Ashley Stevens all on the scoresheet. St Neots maintained their fine form with a 3-0 victory at Holbeach, Gary Walker scoring two and debutant James Hatch one. Jason Thomas and Jason Blackett gave Stotfold a 2-1 win at Long Buckby who had Louis Pilgrim on target, while a last minute Liam Kennett goal halted St Ives' losing run, cancelling out a Tom Mills opener in a 1-1 draw with Desborough. Newport Pagnell and Bourne drew 0-0 at Willen Road.

Sleaford edge table top clash

Sleaford moved to within one point of the pace in Division One on 25th February by beating leaders Whitworths 3-2 at Cranwell. Matt Lunn, Carl Sedlan and Jamie Shaw scored for Brian Rowland's side with James Westley and Rob Foster replying for the Flourmen. ON Chenecks were 1-0 winners at bottom markers Burton Park with an early Jon Burdett strike, while Wellingborough overturned an interval deficit to win 3-1 at Olney. Daniel Thompson, James Daldy and Craig Norman gave the Doughboys victory after they trailed to Steve Foster's opener. Eynesbury kept up their outside hopes with a 3-1 home win over Thrapston. A James Dove opener and Peter Collins brace gave Rovers the points with Steve Chilton replying for the visitors. AFC Kempston moved into the top six with a 1-0 win at Huntingdon, Gavin Batt on the mark. Bugbrooke lost 3-0 to Sileby in their Birds Close derby, Craig Ferguson, Graham Cottle and Paul Bennett on target for the champions. The upset of the day saw Peterborough Northern Star crash 5-2 to Blisworth. Kevin Eyre's hat trick and singles from Neil Lovell and Nick Woodroffe gave the Railwaymen the points with Mick Tierney scoring both for Star. Leigh Roberts gave Daventry a 1-0 home win against Irchester while Rothwell Corinthians won 2-0 at Higham with a John McLeod own goal and Kobie Dee effort giving Corinths victory.

Potton open up a ten point gap

Potton opened up a ten point lead at the top of the Premier Division after an unconvincing 2-1 success at bottom club Harrowby. First half goals from Ian Morrison and Colin Shambrook won the contest for the Royals with Darryl Chappell replying for the Arrows after the interval. Woodford were held 1-1 at Boston Town where Gary Bull's first half penalty for the Poachers was matched by Nicky Gordon's reply for the visitors. Northampton Spencer returned to third place after pipping visiting Blackstones 1-0 with a Josh Urquhart goal. Ben Foster scored in each half to give Raunds a 2-0 home win over Deeping and a place in the top six. The Bedfordshire derby at Roker saw Stotfold overcome a two goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Wootton. Craig Daniel and Darek Jozwiak netted for Blue Cross with Jim Benton and Paul Harrington replying for the Eagles. Two goal Ian Dunn and Omar Joof were on target as Holbeach won 3-1 at St Ives whose marksman was Liam Kennett with a penalty. The day's only hat trick scorer was Newport Pagnell's Vinny Shrieves as his side won 4-0 at Stewarts & Lloyds. Martin Kelly was the other Swans marksman. Bourne and Long Buckby drew 1-1 at the Abbey Lawn, Michael Stevenson's spot kick earning the Wakes a draw after they trailed to a first half Danny Finlay opener for the Bucks.

Wellingborough pair drop points

The Division One action on 18th February saw the title race move further in second placed Sleaford's favour as their two main rivals dropped points. The Lincolnshire side avenged their October defeat at Irchester with a 3-1 home win over the Romans, Steve Rowland, Paul Ward and Jason Sedlan on target after Chris Boniface had Irchester ahead at the interval. Whitworths are still top after drawing 2-2 at home to struggling Thrapston who twice led through ex-Flourman James Blake. Stuart Goosey and James Westley rescued Whitworths with equalisers. Wellingborough drew 0-0 at Peterborough Northern Star but slip to fourth place as ON Chenecks beat Olney 4-0 at Billing Road with two Lee Bradley goals and singles from Paul Tebbutt and Marc Cross. Eynesbury stay fifth after a 2-1 success at Sileby, Craig Smith and a Rob Stewart own goal giving Rovers the points and Adam Taylor the Rangers marksman. Bugbrooke won 3-1 at Huntingdon with first half strokes from Steve Aslett, Shaun Daly and Jimmy Moore securing the Badgers victory before Paul Bass scored a home consolation. Kempston made it seven matches without defeat by overcoming Daventry 3-1 at Hillgrounds. A Craig Damon brace and Matt Kent effort gave the Walnut Boys victory, with Dave Lancaster replying for Town. Bottom club Burton Park lost 4-1 in their derby at Rothwell Corinthians. A Dave Briffa double and one each from Tony Hall and Dan Morris gave Corinths the points with Craig Townsend the Park Wanderers scorer. Higham collected their first win in 21 games, 2-1 at Blisworth, who were first on the scoresheet through Sam Scarman. Andy Munday and Sam Desborough won it for the Lankies.

Semi places for Cooks and Cuckoos

The two remaining Knockout Cup quarter finals went with the form book as Cogenhoe and Yaxley notched up high scoring home victories. At Compton Park Desborough's Brian Hardie scored the first and last goals of the afternoon but the Cooks netted five in between, Darren Collins scoring three with one apiece for Richard Bunting and Tom McGowan. Cogenhoe travel to St Neots in the semis. Yaxley visit Northampton Spencer after a 5-3 home win over Ford Sports. Ricky Hailstone, Simon Acton, Mark Paul and Steve Burns were on the scoresheet for the Cuckoos along with an Ian Waldock own goal, with Dave Bond, Mark Drake and Richard Price replying for the Motormen.

End of season exit for Daventry

Daventry Town have submitted their resignation from the league with effect from the end of the season. The club seem likely to fold at the conclusion of the campaign after a 100 plus year existence. Town have never recovered from the arson attack which destroyed the Elderstubbs clubhouse and dressing rooms at the end of September. The fire took away Daventry's main source of income with club members having to bear the running costs of keeping the teams going in recent months. Lengthy delays in resolving the insurance situation have been experienced with no end yet in sight, leaving the club with little option other than to call time on their roller coaster 16 year membership of the league. During that time Town have won Division One on three occasions, been promoted twice and relegated twice.

Green leaves Arrows management team

Geoff Green has stepped down as co-manager of Premier Division bottom markers Harrowby. The widely travelled manager joined Jason Harrison in the management team in mid season but will now concentrate on his duties as the club's football secretary.

Cup dates and draws

Northamptonshire Hillier Senior Cup final NORTHAMPTON SPENCER v Corby Town (11/4 @ Northampton Spencer). Huntingdonshire Scott-Gatty Cup final YAXLEY RESERVES v St Ives Reserves (26/4 @ Needingworth). Bedfordshire Intermediate Cup semi-final Biggleswade United Reserves v STOTFOLD RESERVES (4/3). Huntingdonshire Senior Cup semi-final ST NEOTS v Woodlands (4/3). Huntingdonshire Premier Cup quarter finals HUNTINGDON v Needingworth (22/2); YAXLEY v Langford (28/2); ST NEOTS v Biggleswade United/ST IVES. Northamptonshire Lower Junior Cup semi-final BUGBROOKE RESERVES v Ringstead (4/3).

Transfers to 18/02/06

165. Chris Jones - Raunds to Wellingborough 166. Darren Bogan - Desborough to Bourne 167. Rhyse Coleman - Cogenhoe to ON Chenecks 168. Rashid Koriya - Raunds to Northampton Spencer 169. Jamie Wright - Cogenhoe to Rothwell Town 170. Chris Logan - Stewarts & Lloyds to Desborough

Leading goalscorers to 11/02/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 34 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 28; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 25; Gary Bull (Boston) 24; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 22; Wes Byrne (Potton) 20; Nicky Gordon (Woodford), Chris Johnson, Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham) 18. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 33 goals; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 19; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 18; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star) 17; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 16; Adam Taylor (Sileby) 15; James Westley (Whitworths) 14. Reserve Division One Gary Ebans (Desborough) 17 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 11; Marcus Keirle (Blacksrones) 10; Ashley Bradshaw (ex-Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Wager (Whitworths) 9. Reserve Division Two Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 13 goals; Anthony Lake (Daventry) 11; Nathan Crowder (Daventry) 10; Andy Bennett (Woodford), Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians), Gary Janes (Olney), Jakes Wesby (Thrapston) 9.

And then there were four

The Premier Division top four all won on 18th February but two of the title outsiders suffered defeat and now look to be out of the race. Yaxley are left with a mountain to climb after going down 4-1 at Potton. Brett Donnelly, Nathan Buckland, Wes Byrne and Paul Garrett shared the Royals' goals with Simon Acton replying. Woodford avenged an opening day reverse at St Ives with a 6-0 Byfield Road success. Russ Dunkley scored four for the Reds whose other marksmen were Tom Fountain and Lewis Travers. Champions Cogenhoe continued their lengthy unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory at Newport Pagnell thanks to an early Darren Collins goal while at Wootton late efforts from Adam Wigley and Karl Bates gave the Millers a 2-0 triumph. Boston Town crashed 4-1 at St Neots who appear untouchable at Rowley Park right now. A Steve Kuhne double and singles from Gary Walker and Nicky Hurst won the contest for the Saints with Paul Goodhand on the scoresheet for the Poachers. Buckingham collected a second point under Lee Howey's management with a 0-0 stalemate at Bourne. Stotfold drew 1-1 at Ford Sports where Martin Jennings' opener for the Motormen was quickly cancelled out by Jason Blackett. Two goals were also shared at Deeping where Bobby Lewsam's first half effort for Rangers was cancelled out by a Paul Doherty reply for Stewarts & Lloyds. Harrowby are 13 points from safety after crashing 7-0 at Blackstones. Ashley Stevens scored four for Stones whose other marksmen were Kevin Ainslie, Miles Mason and Dean Foley. The other two clubs in relegation trouble both won. A Darren Harmon free kick gave Long Buckby a 1-0 success at Holbeach, their first victory in a dozen games. Jamie O'Neill was the Desborough matchwinner in their 1-0 home win over Raunds.

Double delight for Doughboys

Highlight of the 11th February programme in Division One was the second Wellingborough derby of the season and Town completed a double over Whitworths with a 2-0 Dog & Duck success in front of a Doughboys' best crowd of the season of 479. Second half goals from Daniel Thompson and Callum Ridgway (penalty) decided the issue in the home side's favour. Whitworths' defeat was good news for Sleaford too, they are now just six points behind the Flourmen with five matches in hand after winning 4-0 at Thrapston. Jamie Shaw is on 33 goals for the season after scoring twice, while Matt Lunn and Pete Sutton provided scoring support. A goal in each half from Lee Bradley gave ON Chenecks a 2-0 win at Irchester. Two Peter Collins goals and one from Mark Garwood gave Eynesbury a 3-1 home win over Blisworth who replied through Hamish Carmody while AFC Kempston won 3-0 at Rothwell Corinthians with a Gavin Batt brace and Darren Farrar effort. Sileby returned to winning ways with a 4-0 Fernie Fields drubbing of Olney, Adam Taylor and Graham Cottle netting two apiece. Burton Park are back at the bottom of the table after losing 8-0 at home to in form Peterborough Northern Star. Ian Fovargue led the way with four goals for Star, Mick Parnell scored two with Ronnie Fortune and Darren Paling completing the rout. Higham edged past Burton drawing 1-1 at home to Bugbrooke who needed a late Craig Curran leveller after the Lankies looked set for a first win in twenty outings with an Andy Munday goal. Daventry and Huntingdon drew 1-1 at Elderstubbs where a Paul Atkins free kick for Daventry cancelled out Paul Bass's early strike.

Transfers to 14/2/06

160. Callum Brown - St Neots to Wootton 161. Pete Brothwell - Blackstones to Harrowby 162. Matt Phillips - Sleaford to Harrowby 163. Jonathan De Souza - Buckingham to Stotfold 164. Jamie Langley - Bugbrooke to Cogenhoe

Leading goalscorers at 8/2/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 34 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 26; Gary Bull (Boston) 24; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 22; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 21; Wes Byrne (Potton) 19; Nicky Gordon (Woodford), Chris Johnson, Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham) 18; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 17. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 31 goals; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 19; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 16; James Westley (Whitworths) 14; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star), Adam Taylor (Sileby) 13; James Blake (Thrapston), Shaun Daly (Bugbrooke), Matt Freeman (Whitworths), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 11. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 17 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 11; Marcus Keirle (Blackstones) 10; Ashley Bradshaw (ex-Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Wager (Whitworths) 9. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder, Anthony Lake (Daventry), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 10 goals; Andy Bennett (Woodford), Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 9.

Howey takes the Robins reins

Buckingham have filled their managerial vacancy from within appointing coach Lee Howey as their new manager in place of Kettering bound Morell Maison. Howey had an extensive playing career in full time football with spells at Ipswich, Sunderland, Burnley and Northampton. After injury forced him to retire from the pro game he moved into coaching with the Cobblers youth side before player-coach roles with Forest Green and Nuneaton. Howey has also been assistant manager at Aylesbury, Bedford and Kettering before a first taste of UCL football last season with Long Buckby. He joined the Robins as coach in the summer.

Spencer stumble

The Premier Division action on 4th September saw Northampton Spencer stumble in the title race as Raunds won 2-1 at Kingsthorpe Mill with first half goals from Ben Foster and Ryan Nash. Jerry Moss replied for the Millers late on. Potton were given a scare at struggling Long Buckby, falling behind to a Chris Kirby goal before running out 3-1 winners with goals from Ben L'Honore, a Kirby own goal and Brett Donnelly. Woodford remain eight points behind the Royals with four games in hand after a string finish saw Holbeach overwhelmed 4-0 at Byfield Road. Jason Burnham broke the Tigers resistance with a penalty before Ben Milner, Lewis Travers and Craig Pearman put their names on the scoresheet. A great run of results has lifted reigning champions Cogenhoe to third place - they're unbeaten in ten after edging out Stewarts & Lloyds 2-1 at Compton Park. A Darren Collins double overcame Bobby Drain's early opener for the visitors. Boston Town saw off Newport Pagnell 4-1 at Tattershall Road. A Gary Bull brace and singles from Johnny Rowan and Paul Goodhand gave the Poachers victory with Scott Mulkern replying for the Swans. Buckingham were held 1-1 by visiting Blackstones at Ford Meadow, Reuben Max-Grant's opener for the Robins matched by an Ashley Stevens reply. Two goals from Darek Jozwiak and one from Ben Chambers gave Wootton a 3-1 success at Harrowby, Michael Parker replying for the basement boys. Yaxley saw off hosts Desborough 3-1 with Simon Acton and two goal Rocky Hailstone on the scoresheet for the Cuckoos and Eddir Mills the home marksman. Stotfold and Deeping drew 1-1 at Roker where Jason Blackett levelled for the Eagles to cancel out a Ross Nichols starter for Rangers. Bourne won for the first time in 13 games, Addie Staffieri the Wakes' matchwinner in a single goal victory at Ford Sports.

Top two march on

The top two in Division One both notched up impressive wins on 4th February. Leaders Whitworths won for the fourth successive match, 3-0 at home to Olney. James Westley, Ben Holley and Dan Spaughton shared the Flourmen's goals. The eye catching result of the day saw second placed Sleaford thrash reigning champions Sileby 8-2 at Cranwell. The prolific Jamie Shaw scored five to take his season's goal total to 31 with Karl Horsewood, Pete Sutton (penalty) and a Paul Bennett own goal completing the home side's tally. Adam Taylor and Roy Willmott replied for Rangers. Late goals from Dave Fisk and Peter Collins saw Eynesbury to a 2-0 home win over Burton Park. Bugbrooke made it three wins in a week by beating Irchester 2-1 at Birds Close. Shaun Daly and Josh Yasar gave the Badgers the points after they trailed to a Phil Lawrence opener at the interval. Kempston won 4-0 at home to Higham with Gavin Batt, Matt Kent, Danny Marsh and Craig Damon all on the scoresheet while Blisworth and Daventry drew 2-2 at Courteenhall Road, Hamish Carmody and Nick Kimmins on target for the Railwaymen and Leigh Roberts and Richard Pannell scoring for Town.

Final showdown for Division One pair

Holders Peterborough Northern Star and favourites Wellingborough will contest the Northants Junior Cup final after away semi-final successes on 4th February. Star breezed past Rushden Rangers 6-0 with a four goal haul from Laurence Clark and a goal apiece from Scott Quinney and Darren Paling, while the Doughboys edged out Stewarts & Lloyds Reserves 1-0, Nick Mason the matchwinner for Wellingborough. St Neots are left to fly the Eagle Bitter UCL flag in the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup semis after a 3-2 home defeat of Huntingdon. Simon Claridge, Nicky Hurst and Steve Kuhne took the Saints through with Paul Nevill and a Paul Bass spot kick counting for the visitors. St Ives, winners of one penalty shootout in midweek, lost a second as neighbours Needingworth beat them 3-1 on penalties after the sides had shared six goals. Glen Thrale, Liam Kennett and Anton D'Avilar were the St Ives marksmen in the match proper.

Transfers to 4/2/06

155. Ian Dunn - Yaxley to Holbeach 156. Richard Tate - Rothwell Town to Wellingborough 157. Chris Bull - Holbeach to Bourne 158. Gavin Fitzgerald - Raunds to Higham 159. Tom Cosentino - Ford Sports to Daventry

Leading scorers at 31/1/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 34 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 24; Gary Bull (Boston), Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 22; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 21; Wes Byrne (Potton) 19; Nicky Gordon (Woodford), Chris Johnson (Wootton) 18; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 17. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 26 goals; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 18; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 16; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 15; James Westley (Whitworths) 13; Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star), Adam Taylor (Sileby) 12; James Blake (Thrapston), Matt Freeman (Whitworths), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 11. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 17 goals; Ashley Bradshaw (ex-Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), Darren Munton (Bourne), James Wager (Whitworths) 9; Marcus Keirle (Blackstones) 8. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 10 goals; Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 9; Anthony Lake (Daventry), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 8.

Maison on the move

The Premier Division's second longest serving manager, Buckingham's Morell Maison, has resigned as Robins boss to take the reins at Conference North side Kettering Town, where he replaces Kevin Wilson in the hot seat. Maison had been in charge at Ford Meadow since March 2000 and led Buckingham to the runners-up medals in 2003-04 and final appearances in both league and county cups. Lee Howey, Pete Riches and Geoff Sharpe will run the Robins' side between them at the weekend.

January award winners

Manager of the Month awards for January have been won by Adam Sandy of Cogenhoe in the Premier Division and Mel Landin of Peterborough Northern Star in Division One. The Cooks collected ten points from four Premier Division matches during the month and also made Knockout Cup progress. Star won all four Division One matches played in January and won through to the semu-finals of the Northants Junior Cup. The Goalscorer of the Month award was won by Wootton's Chris Johnson who scored eight times in three matches for Wootton, including hat tricks against Raunds and Holbeach. Goalkeeper of the Month is Pete Earl of Cogenhoe who kept clean sheets against St Neots, Long Buckby and Raunds during January.

Top six all win

The 28th January Premier Division action saw wins for all the top six. Leaders Potton twice trailed to Stewarts & Lloyds at The Hollow before running out 4-2 winners. Andy Carter, Glen Crook, Wes Byrne and Brett Donnelly netted for the Royals with Derek Simmons and Chris Logan the S&L marksmen. A double strike from Russ Dunkley gave Woodford a 2-0 success at Deeping, while Northampton Spencer's Matt Collins went one better with a hat trick at Bourne as the Millers won 3-1. Collins' treble included two spot kicks with Tommy Horwood replying for the Wakes. Neil Champelovier was Cogenhoe's matchwinner in a 1-0 success at Raunds while Boston Town won 3-1 at St Ives. Paul Goodhand, Gary Bull, with a penalty, and new man Johnny Rowan were on target for the Poachers after Anton D'Avilar's starter for the Saints. Buckingham saw off hosts Holbeach 3-1 with Darrell Elliott, Reuben Max-Grant and Marcus Sawyer on target, Steve Barnes replying for the Tigers. Gary Walker's second half hat trick gave St Neots a 3-1 home win over Wootton who replied through Lee Draper, while a Leon Cashman own goal and strikes from Ashley Stevens and Miles Mason gave Blackstones a 3-2 home win over Stotfold whose scorers were Dean McElroy and Paul Harrington. Newport Pagnell avenged the previous week's drubbing at Desborough with a 2-1 home win in the return. Vinny Shrieves scored both Swans goals with Craig Attwood replying for Ar Tarn. Bottom club Harrowby won for only the second time this season, 3-2 at Ford Sports. Alex Bougatef, Darryl Chappell and Jason Harrison scored for the Arrows with Mark Drake and Ian Pearce the Motormen scorers.

Whitworths go nine points clear

The 28th January action saw Whitworths move nine points clear at the top of Division One. The Flourmen completed an eight day double over champions Sileby with a 4-1 Fernie Fields success. A Ben Holley brace and singles from James Westley and Matt Freeman gave the Flourmen the points with Marshall Dodd on target for the champions. Third placed Wellingborough drew 0-0 with second placed Sleaford at the Dog & Duck, while fourth placed ON Chenecks won 2-1 at Olney to keep in touch at the top. Lee Bradley and Jon Burdett netted for Chenecks with Steve Foster the Nurserymen marksman. Eynesbury's six match unbeaten run bit the dust as Bugbrooke ran out 3-0 winners at Hall Road with two goals from Josh Yasar and one from Shaun Daly. Peterborough Northern Star made it five successive victories as an Ian Fovargue double earned a 2-1 win over visitors Huntingdon who had Paul Bass on the scoresheet. AFC Kempston won 4-2 at Irchester with recent recruit Craig Damon scoring two for the Walnut Boys whose other scorers were Danny Marsh and Darren Farrar. The Romans replied through Damian Grant and Jason Vaughan. A Jason Bradshaw hat trick and debut goal from Ashley Bradshaw gave Blisworth a 4-0 win at Burton Park, while Thrapston won 5-3 at Higham. Steve Chilton netted twice for Thrapston whose other marksmen were James Blake, Zeke Lyford and Tim Williams. The basement boys had Andy Munday, Jim Le Masurier and Mark Brown on the mark.

Transfers to 28/1/06

149. Rob Foster - Wellingborough to Whitworths 150. Ashley Bradshaw - Cogenhoe to Blisworth 151. Lee Layton - Irchester to Higham 152. Mark Wilson - Irchester to Higham 153. Martin Mitchell - Raunds to Higham 154. Simon Rielly - Desborough to Burton Park.

Challengers make up ground

With Potton drawing at Buckingham on 21st January, some of the Royals' title rivals made up ground on the pacesetters. A second half Ben L'Honore goal gave Potton a 1-1 draw at Ford Meadow after they trailed at the break to Reuben Max-Grant's 16th goal of the season. Woodford are eight points behind Potton with four matches in hand after a 2-0 success at Yaxley thanks to a Chris Lenton own goal and Ben Milner effort. Northampton Spencer left it late to edge out Holbeach 1-0 at Kingsthorpe Mill, Luke Dowling netting an 89th minute Spencer winner. Champions Cogenhoe continued their fine run with a 3-0 victory at Long Buckby, Dan Thomason, Darren Collins and Adam Knight sharing the goals. Boston Town claimed a first win in seven outings, beating Ford Sports 1-0 at Tattershall Road with Gary Bull's 21st goal of the campaign proving decisive while Ben Foster marked his Raunds debut with both goals as the Shopmates won 2-1 at Bourne who briefly led through Chris Gray. Wootton's in form marksman Chris Johnson scored twice as Blue Cross beat Stewarts & Lloyds 3-0 with home keeper Matt Jones adding a third with a long clearance. Stotfold won 2-1 at St Ives despite finishing the match with nine players. Ady Bascombe and Paul Harrington gave the Eagles victory with Graeme Thackray the home scorer. St Neots pipped Blackstones 2-1 at Rowley Park with a 24th goal of the season for Steve Kuhne and last minute Gary Walker effort after Ashley Stevens opened the scoring for Stones. Deeping made it four matches unbeaten with a 4-1 victory at Harrowby who scored first through Grant Neil. Liam Palmer, two goal Ross Nichols and Aaron Last gave Deeping revenge for their earlier home defeat by the Arrows. Desborough took a big step towards securing their top flight future by beating Newport Pagnell 4-0 at the Waterworks Field. Tom Mills, Craig Attwood, Michael Byrne and Brian Hardie shared the goals.

Wins for top two - Doughboys falter

The 21st January matches in Division One saw wins for top two Whitworths and Sleaford, but Wellingborough lost ground in their second draw of the week. Table toppers Whitworths won 3-1 at home to Sileby after falling behind to Adam Taylor's opener, taking the points with a James Westley leveller and second half Matty Freeman double. Sleaford were 1-0 winners at ON Chenecks where Jason Sedlan was the visiting matchwinner. Wellingborough were held 1-1 at Daventry, Craig Norman's opener for the Doughboys matched by a Leigh Roberts reply. Eynesbury's five match winning run ended in a 3-3 draw at Thrapston, who led three times through John Caine, Zeke Lyford and James Blake. Two goal Peter Collins, now on 15 goals for the season, and Ross West popped up with equalisers for Rovers. Rothwell Corinthians and Olney drew 1-1 at Sergeant's Lawn with Tony Ielapi's early effort for Corinths matched by a 16th goal of the season from Richard Beardshaw. The final draw of the day saw AFC Kempston and Burton Park share two goals at Hillgrounds, Darren Farrar's starter for the Walnut Boys cancelled out by Craig Townsend. Peterborough Northern Star beat Bugbrooke 3-2 at Chestnut Avenue, a Darren Paling opener and Ian Fovargue brace giving Star their first win over the Badgers in six attempts, Dave Gore and John Chappell the visiting marksmen. New Higham boss Jim Le Masurier scored a debut goal but his side lost 3-1 in their derby at Irchester whose scorers were two goal Jason Vaughan and Martyn Cain. The only hat trick of the day came from Huntingdon's Paul Bass as Town beat Blisworth 3-2 at Jubilee Park. Hamish Carmody netted both Railwaymen goals.

County Cup draws - update

Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'A' semi-finals Boston v Bourne (28/2); Holbeach v Deeping (1/3). Northants Hillier Senior Cup semi-finals (7/2) Raunds v Northampton Spencer, Rothwell Town v Corby. Northants Junior Cup semi-finals (4/2) Rushden Rangers v Peterborough Northern Star; Stewarts & Lloyds Reserves v Wellingborough. Northants Lower Junior Cup quarter final (11/2) Bugbrooke Reserves v Thrapston Reserves. Bedfordshire Intermediate Cup quarter final (28/1) Brache Reserves v Stotfold Reserves. Berks & Bucks Junior Cup 5th Round (4/2) PB (Milton Keynes) v Olney Reserves. Hunts Scott-Gatty Cup semi-finals (11/2) Hotpoint Reserves v Yaxley Reserves; St Ives Reserves v Great Paxton Reserves.

Transfers to 21/1/06

142. Robbie Bushell - Long Buckby to Northampton Spencer 143. Jim Le Masurier - Cogenhoe to Higham 144. Ben Foster - Ford Sports to Raunds 145. Liban Ali Abdi - Newport Pagnell to Buckingham 146. Craig Patterson - Thrapston to Desborough 147. Tyrone Kent - Ford Sports to Sileby 148. Duncan McNish - Thrapston to Stewarts & Lloyds

Leading scorers to 18/1/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 29; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 23; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 22; Gary Bull (Boston) 20; Russ Dunkley (Woodford) 19; Wes Byrne (Potton), Nicky Gordon (Woodford) 18; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 17; Chris Johnson, Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 15. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 26; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 16; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 15; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 13; Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 11; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Colin Cooper (Sileby), Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 10. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 15; Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Darren Munton (Bourne), James Wager (Whitworths) 9; Dan Jarman (Deeping) 8. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 10; Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 9; Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians), Anthony Lake (Daventry), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 8.

Lankies appoint youngest boss

Division One strugglers Higham have appointed the league's youngest manager in a bid to improve fortunes at Vime Hill Drive. Cogenhoe striker Jim Le Masurier, just 22 years old, is the new Higham manager. He succeeds Mark Desborough who joined Higham from Whitworths last summer. Desborough has stepped down due to work commitments, but will remain with the club. New manager Le Masurier has a good pedigree on the local circuit with spells at Kettering Town, Corby Town and Rothwell Town behind him. He joined Cogenhoe in the summer. Compton Park teammate Brian Page, currently sidelined from playing with a foot injury, will assist Le Masurier. Page is a former Scunthorpe player who has coached in the USA.

Derek Inskip

It is with sadness we have to report the death of League management committee member Derek Inskip on January 16th at the age of 75. Derek spent fifty years as secretary of Potton United before retiring last summer. His contribution to the club was recognised in the naming of the club's new stand after him in September 2004. Derek had been a member of the management committee since 1989.

Victories for leading contenders

The 14th January Premier programme saw wins for the leading contenders for honours. Leaders Potton maintained their knack of snatching wins late in games as Wes Byrne popped up with an 87th minute decider in their 2-1 win over Long Buckby at The Hollow. Nick Worley had given next to bottom Buckby a half time lead only for Ben L'Honore to respond for the Royals. Second placed Northampton Spencer ran out 2-0 winners at St Ives with first half efforts from Josh Urquhart and Adam Wigley while Woodford are third after easing past visitors Bourne 3-0, Russ Dunkley, Lewis Travers and Neil KIng sharing the goals. A Compton Park clash between two in form sides saw champions Cogenhoe beat St Neots 1-0 with Darren Collins making the breakthrough for the Cooks late on. Yaxley were on the receiving end of the shock of the day as Newport Pagnell ran out 3-0 home winners at Willen Road. A Martin Kelly brace and John Thorpe effort put a nail in the Cuckoos' title prospects. Stotfold were the day's top scorers in the top flight with a 5-1 victory at Harrowby. Richard Pringle and Paul Harrington scored two apiece for the Eagles whose other scorer was Ady Bascombe. Darryl Chappell replied for Harrowby. Wootton ran out 4-0 winners at Holbeach with three goals from Chris Johnson and one from Darek Jozwiak. Draw specialists Raunds shared the spoils for the tenth time this season, a late David Coales goal earning the Shopmates a point after Gareth Williams gave visiting Blackstones the lead. Deeping eased relegation fears with s 4-1 defeat of fellow strugglers Desborough. The Smith brothers Jamie and Jarrod, Dave Robertson and Lee Ellison netted for Rangers with Tom Mills replying for Ar Tarn.

Five away wins in Division One

January 14th was a good day for away sides in Division One with five of the seven matches won by visiting teams. Leaders Whitworths ran out 3-1 winners at Burton Park with James Westley, Matt Freeman and Ben Holley netting for the Flourmen and Dean Joy replying for Park Wanderers. ON Chenecks won 4-0 at Higham to maintain their challenge with Lee Bradley on target twice and Glen Walker and Lee Haynes also appearing on the scoresheet. Peterborough Northern Star conceded an opener to Blisworth's Kevin Eyre but ran out 4-1 winners with Darren Paling, Scott Quinney, Ronnie Fortune and Ian Fovargue all on the mark. The individual performance of the day came from Daventry's Richard Pannell who scored four times as his side routed hosts Thrapston 5-1 at Chancery Lane. Leigh Roberts was the other visiting scorer with James Blake replying with the home consolation. Huntingdon sprang the surprise of the day with a 3-2 success at champions Sileby. After three games without a goal Huntingdon scored three in the opening seventeen minutes at Fernie Fields through Tom Polis, Paul Bass and Carl Foreman, Rangers replying through Adam Taylor and Paul Bennett. Two of the top five did manage home victories. Wellingborough saw off AFC Kempston 5-0 with Callum Ridgway, two goal Jon Mitchell, Mitch Blande and Daniel Thompson sharing the goals. Eynesbury extended their winning sequence to five games by beating Rothwell Corinthians 3-1 at Hall Road. Kevin Fox gave the visitors a first minute lead but Barry Albone, Ricky Taylor and Paul Carey gave Rovers their latest success.

Shootouts decides Knockout Cup tie

Status prevailed in the Knockout Cup 2nd Round tie at Cranwell where Ford Sports ousted Sleaford 5-4 in a penalty shootout. Chris Trill scored the first and last goal of the match proper with Jamie Shaw and Pete Sutton on the scoresheet for the Division One hosts. Olney's run in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup ended with a 5-0 derby defeat at Stony Stratford in a 4th Round tie while an all Reserve Division One quarter final in the Northants Junior Cup saw Stewarts & Lloyds beat Northampton Spencer 3-2 to reach the last four for a third successive season. Shaun McDevitt, Chris Logan and James Morrow took S&L through with Scott Chilton and Paul Pickering replying for the Millers.

Transfers to 14/01/06

134. Ben Smith - Potton to St Neots 135. Michael Craig - Spalding to Holbeach 136. Josh Kamau - Spalding to Holbeach 137. Darren Green - Spalding to Holbeach 138. Lloyd Buchan - Spalding to Holbeach 139. Lee Garvie - Stewarts & Lloyds to Desborough 140. Justin McKenzie - Long Buckby to Cogenhoe 141. Ryan Suter - Sileby to Ford Sports

Leading scorers to 11/1/06

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 29 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 23; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 22; Gary Bull (Boston) 20; Nicky Gordon (Woodford) 18; Wes Byrne (Potton), Russ Dunkley (Woodford), Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 17; Reuben Max-Grant (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 15. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 25 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Ben Holley (Whitworths) 15; Peter Collins (Eynesbury) 13; Colin Cooper, Adam Taylor (Sileby), Rob Foster (Wellingborough), James Westley (Whitworths) 10; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 9. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 13 goals; Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Darren Munton (Bourne) 9; Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Wager (Whitworths) 8. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 9 goals; Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 8; Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians) 7.

Setbacks for promotion chasers

Two of the clubs chasing promotion suffered setbacks on the first Saturday of 2006. Woodford found it was unlucky thirteen as their dozen match unbeaten run came to grief at St Neots who took the points with a Jason Darvell double. Ben Milner replied for the Reds in their 2-1 defeat. Raunds also lost, 4-2 at Wootton who took the points with two goals from Chris Johnson and one apiece from Steve Gentle and Craig Daniel. Manager Nick Ashby and Adam Hancock replied for the Shopmates. Buckingham fared better though winning 8-1 at home to basement side Harrowby. Marcus Sawyer scored three for the Robins whose other scorers were two goal Reuben Max-Grant, Junior George, Lance Gentle-King and Stuart Blaik. Leon Kita netted the Arrows' consolation. Leaders Potton returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win at Bourne, thanks to a late Glen Crook effort. Paul Garrett's opener for the pacesetters had been matched by a Danny Hargreaves spot kick. Boston Town lost ground in a 2-2 home draw with Cogenhoe, Carl Basker and Gary Bull the Poachers marksmen with Darren Collins twice levelling for the champions. Yaxley goal machine Mark Paul was again in fine form taking his season's tally to 29 with all three goals as the Cuckoos beat Stotfold 3-2 at Leading Drove. Richard Pringle and Richard Beckett replied for the Eagles. Debut goals from Miles Mason and Ashley Stevens gave Blackstones a 2-1 home win over Newport Pagnell who had Vinny Shrieves on the scoresheet while Desborough moved out of the relegation places after pipping visitors Holbeach 1-0, Tom Mills the Ar Tarn matchwinner.

Whitworths open a four point gap

Whitworths opened up a four point gap at the top of Division One on 7th January after beating Bugbrooke 2-0 with goals from Ben Holley and Dan Spaughton. ON Chenecks lost ground after losing a thrilling match to visiting Eynesbury. A Peter Collins hat trick allied to Ricky Taylor's opener gave Rovers a 4-3 success with Justin Ayre, Lee Bradley and Scott Barczewski on the scoresheet for Chenecks. James Blake made a spectacular return to Thrapston colours with a hat trick as his side beat Irchester 5-2 at Alfred Street. Zeke Lyford and Steve Chilton were also on the mark for the visitors with Damien Grant the two goal Romans marksman. The day's other three matches were drawn. AFC Kempston and Rothwell Corinthians drew 1-1 at Hillgrounds with Richard Cook and Dave Briffa making late appearances on the scoresheet for their respective clubs. Olney and Blisworth also shared two goals with Jamie Rutherford scoring a late Nurserymen equaliser to cancel out Nick Woodroffe's opener for the visitors. Higham halted an eleven match losing run by drawing 0-0 at Huntingdon and moving off the foot of the table as a result.

County progress for three

Three Division One clubs made county cup progress on the first Saturday of 2006. Sleaford reached their fourth Lincolnshire Senior Cup B final in five years with a 2-1 semi-final success at holders Horncastle. Jason Sedlan and Jon Machin fired Brian Rowland's side into a final against Wyberton or LSS Luncarlys. Northants Junior Cup holders Peterborough Northern Star overcame league rivals Sileby to reach the last four of this season's competition. Ian Fovargue, Darren Paling and Laurence Clark gave Star a 3-1 win with Paul Bennett replying for Rangers. Star are joined in the last four by Wellingborough who won 2-0 ar Corby Caledonian Strip Mills with Nick Mason and Rob Foster on target

Transfers to 7/1/06

122. Craig Neighbour - Whitworths to Northampton Spencer 123. Andreas Kattos - Raunds to Long Buckby 124. Luke Dowling - Ford Sports to Northampton Spencer 125. Kevin Ashby - AFC Kempston to St Neots 126. Ashley Stevens - Harrowby to Blackstones 127. James Blake - Whitworths to Thrapston 128. Mark Lancaster - Newport Pagnell to Daventry 129. Dino Salerno - Peterborough Northern Star to Blackstones 130. Warren Courtney - Long Buckby to Daventry 131. Danny Hargreaves - Harrowby to Bourne 132. Miles Mason - Bourne to Blackstones 133. Dan Cockerton - ON Chenecks to Long Buckby

December awards

The Premier Division Manager of the Month award has been won by Rob Clark of Stewarts & Lloyds whose side collected thirteen points from five matches during the month. The Division One winner is Brian Rowland of Sleaford Town whose team picked up ten points from four games, scoring sixteen goals in the process. Woodford striker Nicky Gordon's ten goal haul during December earned him the Goalscorer of the Month prize while the Goalkeeper of the Month award goes to Potton's Brad Gillham who conceded just two goals in five matches during the month.

Spencer lead the chase

With Potton sitting out the New Year's Eve programme in the Premier Division Northampton Spencer stepped up their pursuit of the Royals with a 3-0 victory at Stotfold. Goals from Ross Harris, Tom O'Brien and Pete Gregory gave the Millers a double. Buckingham were held 0-0 at bogey side Newport Pagnell, but Cogenhoe made it a nine point holiday with a 2-0 home win over Long Buckby, thanks to goals from Adam Knight and Elliott Sandy at opposite ends of the match. Woodford made it a dozen matches unbeaten with a 4-0 derby success at Ford Sports. Ben Milner, Nicky Gordon, Russ Dunkley and Neil King shared the Reds goals. Stewarts & Lloyds completed an unbeaten December with a goal in each half from Sean Brennan securing a 2-0 home win over Bourne. Bottom two Harrowby and Desborough drew 1-1 at Harrowby Fields with Michael Byrne's opener for Ar Tarn matched by a Richard Kimbell own goal. A penalty miss by Steve Young cost the Arrows a second win of the campaign.

Sleaford end year among the goals

Just three of the scheduled New Year's Eve matches went ahead in Division One but the top four were all in action. Sleaford ended the year with a flurry of goals routing hosts Higham 6-1. Jamie Shaw scored four for the Lincolnshire visitors who also had Pete Sutton and Jason Sedlan on the scoresheet. Mark Brown replied for the Lankies. Wellingborough suffered their first defeat of the season in their fifteenth match, Justin Ayre the ON Chenecks matchwinner in their 1-0 success at the Dog & Duck. Whitworths stay top despite losing 4-2 at Eynesbury whose matchwinner was three goal Peter Collins. Craig Smith was the other Rovers marksman with James Blake and Matt Freeman replying for Whitworths who had Danny O'Neil red carded.

Derby gate best for almost 30 years

Research suggests that the Christmas Eve derby between Whitworths and Wellingborough drew the biggest attendance for a United Counties League match in almost thirty years. The London Road gate of 1,150 has been bettered in that time by FA Cup and Vase ties while the Division One Cup final between Stevenage and Thrapston in 1981 was watched by 1,180. The last time a higher attendance has been traced for a league match was in April 1976 when a top of the table match in the Premier Division between Spalding and Stamford was watched by a crowd of 1,385.

Leading scorers at 30 December

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 26 goals; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 22; Gary Bull (Boston) 19; Wes Byrne (Potton), Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Nicky Gordon (Woodford) 17; Russ Dunkley (Woodford), Paul Goodhand (Boston), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 14. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 21 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 15; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 14; Colin Cooper, Adam Taylor (Sileby), Rob Foster (Wellingborough), James Westley (Whitworths) 10; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Shaun Daly (Bugbrooke), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star) 9.

Transfers to 31/12/05

118. Lee Booker - Harrowby to Peterborough Northern Star 119. Darren Norris - Harrowby to Peterborough Northern Star 120. Lee Cotton - Sileby Rangers to Long Buckby 121. Craig Cotton - Sileby Rangers to Long Buckby

Latest County Cup draws

Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'A' semi-finals (by 4 March) Boston Town v Bourne; Holbeach/Blackstones v Deeping. Huntingdonshire Premier Cup 1st Round (by 31 January) Biggleswade United v St Ives; Arlesey Athletic v Eynesbury; Godmanchester v Wootton; St Neots v Stotfold; Yaxley v Great Paxton; Huntingdon v Ortonians.

Transfers to 27/12/05

112. Matt Harris - Raunds to Thrapston 113. Graeme Hodgson - Desborough to Bourne 114. Jon Burdett - Cogenhoe to ON Chenecks 115. Matt Poulton - Ford Sports to Raunds 116. Lee Martin - Stewarts & Lloyds to Rothwell Corinthians 117. Rob Steele - Daventry to Ford Sports

A great Boxing Day for Potton

Boxing Day could hardly have gone any better for Potton as they opened up an eleven point lead at the top of the Premier Division. The Royals edged out Stotfold 1-0 at The Hollow with a stoppage time goal from John Coley but none of the other morning top seven collected a win. Second placed Northampton Spencer crashed 3-0 at Cogenhoe whose marksmen were James Thatcher, Darren Collins and Steve Diggin. Boston Town fared even worse crashing 6-0 at Holbeach, playing much of the game with ten men after goalkeeper Nick Maddison was dismissed. Two Tom Fielding goals and singles from Shaun Keeble, Danny Cairns, Steve Barnes and Neil Mitchell gave the Tigers the biggest win of the day. Buckingham crashed 5-2 at Woodford who are now unbeaten in eleven games. Neil King, Arron Parkinson, Craig Pearman, Nicky Gordon and Lewis Travers shared the Reds goals with Bilal Hassan and Reuben Max-Grant replying for the Robins. Raunds and Yaxley drew 1-1 at Kiln Park. The Cuckoos scored both goals, Chris Lenton finding the wrong net before Mark Paul's 26th goal of the campaign earned Yaxley a share of the spoils. St Ives were beaten 2-1 in their derby at St Neots, a Steve Kuhne spot kick and Gary Walker effort from long range giving the home side victory, Stefan Lewis the St Ives scorer. Newport Pagnell surprised Wootton 2-0 at Willen Road with goals from Vinny Shrieves and Elliott O'Reilly. Long Buckby led at Ford Sports through Danny Finlay but second efforts from two goal Mark Hewitt, Dave Bond and Shane Geary condemned them to a 4-1 defeat. They now head Desborough by just three points after Ar Tarn drew 1-1 at Stewarts & Lloyds. Chris Caswell's spot kick for S&L was matched by a late Gary Evans reply. Harrowby collected only their sixth point of the season in a 2-2 home draw with Bourne. Steve Young's first half double threatened to give the Arrows only their second win but Chris Gray and Mark O'Dea came to Bourne's rescue after the break.

Mixed fortunes for title chasers

Boxing Day brought contrasting fortunes for the Division One title chasers. Leaders Whitworths opened up a four point gap at the head of the table by winning 2-1 at bottom club Higham. Scott Whitney's late effort gave the Flourmen the points after debutant Matt Pinnock cancelled out James Westley's opener for Whitworths. Neighbours Wellingborough moved to within two points of inactive Sleaford, beating Irchester 2-0 at the Dog & Duck with James Daldy and Richard Eddy on target. ON Chenecks lost ground with a 3-2 defeat at home to Blisworth. Hamish Carmody, Nick Woodroffe and Leigh Chia gave the Railwaymen the points with Lee Bradley and Scott Barczewski the home marksmen. Olney's dismal holiday saw them suffer a second defeat, 1-0 at home to AFC Kempston whose matchwinner was Kevin Ashby. Sileby are still on the fringe of the championship race after goals from Colin Cooper and Adam Taylor gave them a 2-1 home win over Rothwell Corinthians who replied through Tony Ielapi. Bugbrooke halted a run of four defeats by beating Daventry 3-1 at Birds Close. A Shaun Daly brace and Gareth Hopkins effort gave the Badgers the points with Leigh Roberts replying for the visitors. Craig Smith, Stuart Humphreys and Ricky Taylor shared the goals in Eynesbury's 3-0 home win over Huntingdon while Steve Chiton gave Thrapston a 1-0 success at Burton Park.

Spencer and Buckingham move up

The Christmas Eve action in the Premier Division saw Northampton Spencer and Buckingham make up ground in the championship race with home victories. The Millers beat Ford Sports 2-0 with Scott Coleman and Phil Murphy's own goal counting. The Robins edged out Stotfold 3-2 with second half goals from Bilal Hassan, Reuben Max-Grant and Ian Trott the Buckingham marksmen, Richard Pringle scoring in each half for the Eagles. Next to botton Desborough lost 3-1 at home to Cogenhoe with teenage prospect Steve Diggin claiming his second hat trick of the season for the champions and Pete Sneddon replying for Ar Tarn.

Bumper crowd watch Doughboys' derby success

A phenomenal crowd of 1,150 packed into the London Road ground to see Wellingborough beat Whitworths 2-1 on Christmas Eve. Nick Mason and former Flourman James Daldy gave the Doughboys the points with Lee Purser replying for Whitworths who stay top despite their defeat, as nearest challengers Sleaford's match with Burton Park was postponed due to an internal security problem at RAF Cranwell. ON Chenecks kept up their challenge by beating Bugbrooke 4-1 at Billing Road, Lee Bradley's hat trick and a Jon Burdett effort giving Simon Abbott's side the points. Tom Johnson replied for the Badgers. The surprise of the day saw Thrapston beat visitors Olney 2-1, Zeke Lyford and Duane St John giving Town victory and Nick Beevis the late Nurserymen marksman. Ricky Taylor, Paul Carey and Craig Smith shared the Eynesbury goals in a 3-2 success at Kempston whose scorers were Gavin Batt and Lewis Hook. Mid table pair Irchester and Blisworth drew 0-0 at Alfred Street.

Potton strengthen position

Premier Division leaders Potton strengthened their position on 20th December with a 1-0 home win over Newport Pagnell. Brett Donnelly scored the Royals goal. St Neots and Holbeach drew 1-1 at Rowley Park, Jon Hoggett and Matt Warfield the respective marksmen. On the 21st a Chris Johnson hat trick and James Birch effort gave Wootton a 4-2 success at Long Buckby who had Nick Worley on target twice. Promotion rivals Woodford and Raunds drew 2-2 at Byfield Road on the 22nd with Ryan Nash and Simeon Jackson twice giving the Shopmates the lead with Russ Dunkley and Carl Standen replying for the Reds. St Ives won 4-3 at Blackstones with a Craig Donaldson brace and a goal apiece from Will Fordham and Graeme Thackray, two goal Matty Doyle and Dan Cotton the Stones scorers. Twenty four hours later Boston crashed 2-1 at home to Stewarts & Lloyds, Lee Garvie and Chris Caswell giving the visitors the points with Paul Goodhand the home scorer. Deeping won 3-0 at Bourne with Lee Ellison, Jarrod Smith and Dave Robertson sharing the goals. The Yaxley - Harrowby match was postponed due to a flu outbreak in the Arrows' camp.

Sileby charge halted

Midweek action in Division One saw Peterborough Northern Star win 1-0 at Huntingdon on 21st December with a Darren Paling goal. Twenty four hours later Sileby's progress up the table was halted in a 3-2 defeat at Daventry who took the points with two Phil Richardson goals and one from Leigh Roberts, Craig Ferguson and Paul Smith on the scoresheet for the champions. Higham remain anchored to the foot of the table after crashing 4-1 at Rothwell Corinthians. Two Tony Ielapi goals and singles from Dave Townsend and Kevin Fox won it for Corinths with Andy Munday the Lankies marksman.

Boxing Day Fixture Changes

The Premier Division match between St Ives and St Neots is now reversed and will be played at Rowley Park, St Neots with a 12 midday kick off. The Division One match between Sleaford and Peterborough Northern Star has been postponed.

Boxing Day kick off times

Premier Division Cogenhoe v Northampton Spencer (1); Ford Sports v Long Buckby (1.30); Harrowby v Bourne (3); Holbeach v Boston (3); Newport Pagnell v Wootton (1); Potton v Stotfold (11); Raunds v Yaxley (12); St Ives v St Neots (12); Stewarts & Lloyds v Desborough (1); Woodford v Buckingham (3). Division One Bugbrooke v Daventry (11); Burton PW v Thrapston (11); Eynesbury v Huntingdon (11); Higham v Whitworths (11); ON Chenecks v Blisworth (12); Sileby v Rothwell Corinthians (2); Olney v AFC Kempston (11.30); Sleaford v Peterborough Northern Star postponed; Wellingborough v Irchester (11). Tuesday 27 December Premier Division Deeping v Blackstones (3).

Christmas Eve kick off times

Premier Division Buckingham v Stotfold, Desborough v Cogenhoe, Northampton Spencer v Ford Sports (all 3 p.m.). Division One AFC Kempston v Eynesbury (12); Irchester v Blisworth (1.30); ON Chenecks v Bugbrooke (12.30); Sleaford v Burton PW (12); Thrapston v Olney (12); Whitworths v Wellingborough (11).

Three point deduction for Yaxley

At the league management committee meeting held on 12 December Yaxley were deducted three points for fielding Ben Lawrence, a player registered with Peterborough Northern Star, in their 1-0 win over Deeping Rangers on 22nd November.

Potton postponed - but pursuers falter

Premier Division leaders Potton's trip to Harrowby on 17th December was postponed, but the Royals' pursuers failed to take advantage. Second placed Boston drew 1-1 at home to Raunds, Shaun Baker and Adam Hancock the respective marksmen, while Yaxley crashed 2-1 to Ford Sports who took the points with late goals from Mark Hewitt and Ben Foster after David Cobb's debut opener for the Cuckoos. Reuben Max-Grant gave Buckingham a 1-0 home win over Deeping. Craig Donaldson and Graeme Thackray hit the St Ives goals as they overturned an interval deficit to overcome Newport Pagnell 2-1 at Willen Road. Vinny Shrieves scored for the Swans. Stewarts & Lloyds edged out visitors Wootton 1-0 with a Lee Garvie goal proving decisive, while Stotfold and Holbeach shared four goals at Roker. Paul Harrington and Ady Bascombe were on target for the Eagles with Shaun Keeble and Tom Fielding replying for the Tigers. The match between relegation threatened pair Long Buckby and Desborough was abandoned at half time with no score.

Top two open up a gap

The Division One top two moved clear of the pack with away victories on 17th December. Stuart Goosey and Lee Purser were on target as Whitworths won 2-1 at Bugbrooke who had Shaun Daly on the scoresheet, while Sleaford remain a point behind and move eight clear of inactive Wellingborough after a 4-2 success at Eynesbury. Paul Reece, Carl Sedlan and two goal Pete Sutton netted for Sleaford with Peter Collins and Paul Carey the Rovers scorers. ON Chenecks won 1-0 at Thrapston with Jason Gray the matchwinner, while a Jamie Rutherford hat trick helped Olney to a 4-0 home win over basement outfit Higham, Richard Beardshaw the other Nurserymen goalscorer. Sileby continue to climb after a 3-0 success at Blisworth with goals from Simon Skipworth, Paul Smith and Graham Cottle, while Mark Reed gave Irchester a 1-0 home win over Burton Park. A Paul Atkins spot kick saw Daventry surprise AFC Kempston 1-0 at Staverton Park, while a frozen pitch halted the Rothwell Corinthians - Huntingdon clash with twenty minutes remaining and the score 1-1. Paul Bass's opener for the visitors was matched by a Kevin Fox reply.

Millers and Saints book last four places

Knockout Cup action on 17th December saw Northampton Spencer and St Neots progress to the semi-finals. Matt Collins and Scott Coleman gave Spencer a 2-1 win at Peterborough Northern Star who replied through Darren Paling, while St Neots beat 2005 runners up Woodford 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Steve Kuhne and Gary Walker scored for the Saints with a late Russ Dunkley brace reprieving the Reds, if only briefly. Veteran goalkeeper Steve Young saved two Woodford spot kicks as St Neots emerged victorious from the penalty contest. In Round One Cogenhoe beat Blackstones 3-2. Elliott Sandy, Phil Cassidy and Tom McGowan netted for the champions with Dean Foley and Darren Glover replying for Stones.

Transfers to 17 December 2005

109. Tom Bland - Newport Pagnell to Blisworth 110. Danny Steed - Desborough to Stewarts & Lloyds 111. Danny Jackson - Whitworths to Raunds

Leading goalscorers at 14 December 2005

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 25 goals; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 20; Gary Bull (Boston) 19; Wes Byrne (Potton), Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 17; Nicky Gordon (Woodford) 16; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 14; Paul Goodhand (Boston), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 13; Russ Dunkley (Woodford), Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 12. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 21 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Ben Holley (Whitworths) 14; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 10; Colin Cooper, Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 9; Gavin Batt (Kempston), Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Ian Fovargue, Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star), Lee Llewellyn (Sleaford) 7. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 10 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 9; Dan Jarman (Deeping) 8; Karl Bates (Northampton Spencer), Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Paul Currier (Ford Sports) 7; Marc Ansell (Sileby), Spencer Freed (Ford Sports), James Morrow (Stewarts & Lloyds), Elio Salerno (Blackstones), Jamer Wager (Whitworths) 6. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry) 9 goals; Jake Wesby (Thrapston), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 8; Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians) 7; Kyle Brighton (Huntingdon), Rob Fyffe (Wellingborough), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Anthony Lake (Daventry), Elliott Roberts, Phil Woolley (Rothwell Corinthians) 6.

Top two in stalemate

The 10th December clash of the Premier top two saw leaders Potton draw 1-1 at home to nearest challengers Boston Town. Paul Goodhand's opener for the visitors was cancelled out by a late Andy Carter reply for the Royals. Third placed Northampton Spencer couldn't capitalise, going down 2-1 at home to St Neots who took the points with goals from Steve Kuhne and Jon Hoggett either side of Adam Wigley's effort for the Millers. Adam Hancock was the matchwinner for fifth placed Raunds as they beat Long Buckby 1-0 at Kiln Park while Andy Prescott hit a hat trick as Buckingham won 4-2 at St Ives. Reuben Max-Grant was the other Robins marksman with Jon Lee and Liam Kennett the home scorers. Top scorers of the day were Woodford who blitzed Harrowby 10-0 at Byfield Road. Nicky Gordon led the way with four goals, Terry Fitton and Neil King scored two apiece with Carl Standen and Russ Dunkley completing the rout. Champions Cogenhoe crashed 4-1 at Wootton whose marksmen were Ben Chambers and Darek Jozwiak with two apiece, Darren Collins scoring the Cooks' consolation. Stotfold's Richard Pringle hit a hat trick in a 4-2 success at Bourne with Darren Dykes also on target for the Eagles and James Baxter and Mark O'Dea on the scoresheet for the Wakes. A lone Paul Langford goal gave Holbeach a 1-0 home win over Newport Pagnell while Desborough picked up a valuable point drawing 1-1 at home to Blackstones. Michael Byrne scored for Ar Tarn with Craig Scotcher replying for Stones.

Penalty miss costs Sleaford top slot

A last minute penalty miss by Jon Machin cost Sleaford top slot in Division One on 10th December as they could only draw 2-2 at home to Rothwell Corinthians. Jamie Shaw and Robin Holderness twice had the morning leaders ahead but Ashley Hustwayte and John Sturgess replied to make it five matches unbeaten for Corinths. Whitworths took advantage of Sleaford's slip to regain pole position with a 4-0 home win over Eynesbury, James Westley, Kris Line, Ben Holley and Matt Freeman sharing the goals. A solitary Jon Mitchell strike gave Wellingborough a 1-0 home win over Peterborough Northern Star but ON Chenecks lost ground as goals from Paul Smith and Adam Taylor gave champions Sileby a 2-0 derby success at Fernie Fields. Late goals from brothers Andy and Tim Mason saw Olney to a 4-3 win at Blisworth. The pair joined Sam Callear and Jamie Rutherford on the scoresheet for the visitors with Hamish Carmody, Leigh Chia and Nick Woodroffe on target for the Railwaymen. AFC Kempston overturned an interval deficit to beat Bugbrooke 4-1 at Hillgrounds. Two Gavin Batt goals and singles from Richard Cook and Danny Marsh won it for the Walnut Boys with Aidy Spruels the Badgers marksman. Irchester halted an eight match losing streak with a 4-1 success at Higham. Mark Reed, Phil Lawrence, Damian Grant and Mark Wheeler were on target for the Romans with Karl King replying for Higham. Huntingdon also ended a long sequence without success by overcoming Thrapston 2-1 at Chancery Lane. Paul Bass and Tom Polis won it for Huntingdon with Zeke Lyford netting a Thrapston consolation. A stoppage time Matt Russ goal for Daventry denied hosts Burton a second win of the season but Carl Lambert's first half goal was enough to earn a 1-1 draw which moved Park Wanderers off the foot of the table.

Vase interest at an end

The league's interest in the FA Vase came to an end on 10th December as our last two survivors made Third Round exits. Yaxley competed well against 2004 winners Winchester before bowing out 4-2. After falling three goals behind in the first half goals from James Picillo and Mark Paul put the Cuckoos back in the contest before the Wessex League pacesetters wrapped up the tie late on. Ford Sports crashed 8-2 at Crook after opening the scoring through Chris Trill. Fords collapsed after that and trailed 6-1 at the interval before Ben Foster scored their second goal. Deeping booked a last four place in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'A' with a 3-0 victory at Central Midlands League tabletoppers Barton. Lee Ellison (penalty), Jarrod Smith and Lovas Laszlo shared the Rangers goals.

Leading scorers to 7 December 2005

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 25 goals; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 20; Gary Bull (Boston), Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 19; Wes Byrne (Potton), Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 17; Richard Tanner (Raunds) 13; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Paul Goodhand (Boston), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 12. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 20 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 14; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 13; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 10; Colin Cooper (Sileby) 9; Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 8; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Ian Fovargue (Peterborough Northern Star), Lee Llewellyn (Sleaford) 7. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough), Darren Munton (Bourne) 9 goals; Dan Jarman (Deeping) 8; Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Paul Currier (Ford Sports) 7; Karl Bates (Northampton Spencer), James Morrow (Stewarts & Lloyds), Elio Salerni (Blackstones), James Wager (Whitworths) 6. Reserve Division Two Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 8 goals; Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Dave Hoppitt (Rothwell Corinthians), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 7; Kyle Brighton (Huntingdon), Robert Fyffe (Wellingborough), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Anthony Lake (Daventry), Elliott Roberts, Phil Woolley (Rothwell Corinthians).

Veterans fire Poachers to second

Veteran strikers Dave Scotney and Gary Bull were on target for Boston Town as they regained second place in the Premier on 7th December with a 3-2 success at Blackstones. A Gavin Barnes own goal also counted for the Poachers with Dan Cotton scoring both Stones goals. Two debut goals from Simeon Jackson and an Adam Hancock effort saw Raunds to a 3-1 home win over St Ives who replied through Jon Lee while Andy Prescott and Reuben Max-Grant shared the goals as Buckingham beat Long Buckby 2-0 at Ford Meadow.

Wins for title contenders

The 6th December action in the Premier Division saw victories for three of the title contenders. Leaders Potton picked up a vital 2-1 win at Wootton, Brett Donnelly scoring a stoppage time winner after Paul Garrett's first half opener for the Royals was matched by a Darek Jozwiak spot kick for Blue Cross. Two Darren Frost goals and singles from Adam Baptist and Dan Chilton gave Northampton Spencer a 4-2 home win over Desborough who replied through Greig McIlwain and Michael Byrne. The Division's top scorer Mark Paul hit a match winning hat trick as Yaxley beat Bourne 4-2 at Leading Drove. Scott Bogusz was the other Cuckoos marksman with Mark O'Dea and Michael Stevenson on the scoresheet for the Wakes. Second half goals from Elliott Sandy and Tom McGowan gave Cogenhoe a 2-0 home win over Ford Sports while Stotfold overhauled a two goal deficit to beat hosts St Neots 5-2. Ady Bascombe and Darren Dykes scored two apiece fir the Eagles whose other marksman was Richard Pringle, with seasoned campaigners Gary Walker and Steve Kuhne the Saints scorers. Two Nicky Gordon goals and one from Russ Dunkley saw Woodford to a 3-1 home win over Newport Pagnell who replied through Vinny Shrieves. Deeping picked up three valuable points in the battle to beat the drop, Jamie Smith, Lee Ellison and Carl Griffiths on target in a 3-1 home win over Holbeach whose marksman was manager Shaun Keeble.

Sleaford top Division One

Sleaford climbed to pole position in Division One with a 4-1 home win over Bugbrooke. Three Jamie Shaw goals and one from Jason Sedlan won the day for the Lincolnshire side with Shaun Daly replying for the Badgers. Morning leaders Whitworths suffered their first defeat in ten games going down 2-0 at ON Chenecks whose marksmen were Steve Allen and Darren Hollis. Champions Sileby overwhelmed basement hosts Burton Park 5-0 with Paul Smith, Colin Cooper, Marshall Dodd, Tyron Wilson and Rob Stewart all appearing on the scoresheet. Rothwell Corinthians made it four wins in a row with a 3-2 success at Irchester. Tom Greasley and two goal Kobie Dee netted for Corinths with Jamie Payne and Damian Grant replying for the Romans. Ian Fovargue hit a hat trick as Peterborough Northern Star won 5-2 at Thrapston. Darren Paling and Ronnie Fortune were the other Star marksmen with Sam Duxbury and manager Lee Howard the Town scorers. There were contrasting cup fortunes for Division One sides. AFC Kempston lost 1-0 at AFC Dunstable in the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy quarter final, but Olney beat MK Scot 5-0 in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup 3rd Round. Scott Wrighting, Danny Norris, Richard Beardshaw, Jamie Rutherford and Nick Beevis shared the Nurserymen's nap hand.

Transfers to 3/12/05

102. Ben Lawrence - Peterborough Northern Star to Yaxley 103. Michael Byrne - Stewarts & Lloyds to Desborough 104. Adam Bridgeford - Cogenhoe to Raunds 105. Aaron Ridout - Blackstones to Bourne 106. Roy Willmott - Northampton Spencer to Sileby 107. Matty Cox - Daventry to Ford Sports 108. Mark Wilson - Wellingborough to Irchester

Leading goalscorers at 30/11/05

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 21 goals; Gary Bull (Boston), Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 18; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 17; Wes Byrne (Potton) 15; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 13; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Paul Goodhand (Boston) 12; Michael McKenzie (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 11; Russ Dunkley (Woodford), Paul Garrett (Potton), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 10. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 17 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 14; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 13; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 10; Colin Cooper, Adam Taylor (Sileby), James Westley (Whitworths) 8; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Lee Llewellyn (Sleaford) 7. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 9 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 8; Dan Jarman (Deeping) 7; Karl Bates (Northampton Spencer), Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Paul Currier (Ford Sports), James Morrow (Stewarts & LLoyds), Elio Salerno (Blackstones), James Wager (Whitworths) 6. Reserve Division Two Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 8 goals; Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 7; Klye Brighton (Huntingdon), Robert Fyffe (Wellingborough), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Anthony Lake (Daventry), Elliott Roberts, Phil Woolley (Rothwell Corinthians) 6.

Four apply for promotion

Four member clubs have submitted applications to the Football Association seeking promotion to step 4 at the end of the season. Of the quartet both Buckingham Town and Raunds Town are former Southern League clubs. St Neots Town and Woodford United are the other clubs seeking to make the step up. Nationally a total of 99 clubs have applied to go up from the existing 15 step 5 leagues.

November award winners

The Premier Division Manager of the Month for November is Phil Mason of Woodford United whose side won all four matches played during the month. The Division One award goes to AFC Kempston Rovers co-bosses Clive Black and John Leeson whose side won all three of their November games. A haul of seven goals in four matches earned Sleaford Town striker Jamie Shaw the Goalscorer of the Month prize, while the Hereward Sports sponsored Goalkeeper of the Month award goes to Lea Jordan of Yaxley who conceded only two goals on five November matches.

Big date ahead for Cooks under 18s

Cogenhoe United's under 18 side have made a piece of history by becoming the first side from a UCL club to reach the Third Round proper of the FA Youth Cup. They have won five ties so far, claiming the scalps of both Football League club Boston United and Conference National outfit Southport, and have been rewarded with a home tie against Derby County. The big match will take place at Compton Park on Thursday 15th December. A number of the youngsters have already graduated to the Cooks' first team squad. Ollie Wilkinson was a regular in last term's championship success, Tom McGowan has established himself in the seniors this season while Steve Diggin celebrated his call up with a matchwinning hat trick against Raunds. Phil Cassidy was the latest youth teamer to earn a senior squad place on the final Saturday of November.

League win for Robins - Wakes reach semis

On 29th November Buckingham returned to winning ways in the Premier Division. Lewis Reid and Reuben Max-Grant were on target in a 2-1 success at Stotfold whose marksman was Dean Chapman. In the East Anglian Cup Eynesbury lost 2-1 to holders Spalding, Peter Collins the Rovers scorer. In the Hinchingbrooke Cup Deeping lost 5-1 to Barton Rovers in a Preliminary Round tie, Jarrod Smith on target for Rangers, while in Round One Northampton Spencer beat Wellingborough 2-0 after extra time with Scott Coleman and Darren Frost on the scoresheet. Wednesday's only action came in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup A, Bourne beating Nettleham 1-0 to book a semi-final place, Chris Gray the Wakes' matchwinner.

Noble takes charge at Desborough

Desborough Town have unveiled Steve Noble as their new manager. He joins Ar Tarn from Kettering Town where he was manager of the Poppies' under 19 PASE side. Noble was offered the opportunity to join the Kettering staff on a full time basis but had to decline due to his commitments in the licensed trade. A familiar face returns to the Waterworks Field to assist Noble. Kevin 'Shanty' Byrne is a former Desborough player and manager who also held the reins at Stewarts & Lloyds.

Potton extend lead - Spencer find goal touch

Potton extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to six points on 3rd December, beating struggling Desborough 3-0 at The Hollow thanks to a Wes Byrne double and John Coley effort. Northampton Spencer trail the Royals by seven points, but have four games in hand after romping to a 6-0 win at lowly neighbours Long Buckby. Scott Coleman scored three for the Millers, Darren Frost two and Adam Baptist one. Yaxley made it ten games unbeaten with a single goal defeat of Buckingham at Leading Drove, Mark Paul the Cuckoos matchwinner. Raunds lost ground in a 3-1 defeat at Stotfold who took the points with two Jermaine Daley goals and one from Paul Harrington, Richard Bailey replied for the Shopmates. Champions Cogenhoe drew 2-2 at home to Holbeach, Simon Underwood and Steve Diggin the home scorers with Shaun Keeble and Darren Cundy on target for the Tigers. Bourne and Woodford played out a 1-1 Abbey Lawn stalemate, Miles Mason and Kai Ridley the respective marksmen, while the upset of the day saw Stewarts & Lloyds notch up a first win in nine games, 4-1 at St Ives. Chris Caswell, Sean Brennan, Gary Owen and Pail Doherty shared the S&L goals with Graeme Thackray the home marksman.

Huntingdonshire Cup draws

Senior Cup quarter finals Bluntisham/Ortonians v Hemingfords; Woodlands v Godmanchester/Hotpoint; Needingworth v ST IVES; ST NEOTS v HUNTINGDON. Ties to be played 4 February 2006. Benevolent Cup semi-finals YAXLEY RESERVES v EYNESBURY RESERVES; St Neots Reserves v HUNTINGDON RESERVES. Ties to be played 11 March 2006.

Ar Tarn produce upset

Struggling Desborough produced the upset of the day in the 26th November Premier Division programme, beating title chasing Boston 4-2 at the Waterworks Field. Two Tom Mills goals and one each from btother Eddie and Chris Montgomery, all scored in the space of eleven second half minutes, rocked the Poachers who replied through Micky Nuttell and Paul Goodhand. Ar Tarn are now just three points behind Deeping who went down 2-0 at Woodford who had Russ Dunkley and Nicky Gordon on the mark. Stewarts & Lloyds are getting sucked into the relegation battle after going down 2-1 at Northampton Spencer who moved into the top three thanks to goals from Scott Coleman and Jerry Moss, Chris Caswell replying for S&L. Leaders Potton shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Blackstones, Jamie Gilsenan cancelling out Wes Byrne's opener for the Royals. Raunds could only draw 1-1 at home to Newport Pagnell with Adam Hancock's early effort for the Shopmates matched by a Martin Kelly reply. The day's third 1-1 stalemate came at Weston Park where a late Craig Daniel strike for Wootton cancelled out Sam Bettinson's opener for visiting Bourne. Buckingham are now without a win in four matches after losing 3-1 at home to Cogenhoe whose marksmen were two goal Simon Underwood and Neil Champelovier. The champions even scored the Robins' goal, an own goal by James Thatcher. Stotfold collected a third victory in eight days, 3-2 at Holbeach. Two Ady Bascombe goals and one from Richard Pringle gave the Eagles the points, Shaun Keeble and Darren Cundy replying for the Tigers. Harrowby remain rooted to the foot of the table after a 4-0 home defeat by Ford Sports whose goals were shared by Ian Pearce, Ben Foster, Chris Trill and Mark Drake.

Top two prove evenly matched

The London Road meeting of the top two in Division One on 26th November saw the spoils shared as Ben Holley's opener for Whitworths was cancelled out by a late Jamie Shaw reply which gave Sleaford a 1-1 draw. Bugbrooke climbed to 4th place with a 3-2 home win over Burton Park. Two Gareth Errington goals and one from Shaun Daly gave the Badgers the points with Peter Callaghan and Andy Greensmith replying for Park Wanderers. Four goal Colin Cooper was the matchwinner in champions Sileby's 5-3 home win over Irchester. Adam Taylor was the other Rangers marksman with Mark Reed, Mark Dudley and Jason Horsley replying for the Romans. Daventry thrashed hosts Higham 6-1 with two Leigh Roberts goals and singles from Kyle Pacey-Vigo, Dean Ainsworth, Richard Pannell and Matthew Russ, Blake Holben netting for the Lankies. A Kevin Fox brace gave Rothwell Corinthians a surprise 2-1 success at Olney who had Richard Beardshaw on target while another upset saw Thrapston win 3-0 at Blisworth with Steve Chilton, Dave Harding and Duane St John sharing the goals.

Contrasting fortunes for cup holders

Northants Junior Cup holders Peterborough Northern Star reached the last eight of this season's competition with a penalty shootout success at ON Chenecks. Jason Gray's own goal gifted Star an extra time lead at Billing Road with Paul Tebbutt's reply taking the tie to a penalty shootout which the holders won 4-3. Hunts Senior Cup holders Yaxley lost their grip on the trophy though, losing 4-3 at St Neots. Gary Walker's second goal of the match in the last minute gave the ten man hosts a place in the last eight. Steve Kuhne and Mark Phillips were the other Saints scorers with Mark Paul, James Picillo and a Jon Hoggett own goal counting for the Cuckoos. St Ives needed extra time to beat Eynesbury 2-1 at Westwood Road, Glyn Cooke and Will Fordham the home marksmen after the underdogs scored first through Peter Collins. A Paul Bass hat trick saw Huntingdon through 3-0 against Brampton.

Transfers to 26 November 2005

94. Ryan Nash - Cogenhoe to Raunds 95. Joe Rich - Blisworth to Ford Sports 96. Glenn Billingham - Sileby to Northampton Spencer 97. Mark Linnell - Cogenhoe to Northampton Spencer 98. Nathan Buckland - St Neots to Potton 99. Gareth Cottenden - Stotfold to Potton 100. Adam Knight - Woodford to Cogenhoe 101. Jason Burnham - Cogenhoe to Woodford

Leading goalscorers at 23 November 2005

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 21 goals; Gary Bull (Boston), Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 18; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 16; Wes Byrne (Potton) 14; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 13; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Paul Goodhand (Boston), Michael McKenzie (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 11. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 16 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 13; Ben Holley (Whitworths) 12; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 10; James Westley (Whitworths) 8; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Lee Llewellyn (Sleaford), Adam Taylor (Sileby) 7. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 9 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 8; Paul Currier, Spencer Freed (Ford Sports), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Morrow (Stewarts & Lloyds) 6. Reserve Division Two Jack Wesby (Thrapston) 8 goals; Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 7; Kyle Brighton (Huntingdon), Rob Fyffe (Wellingborough), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 6.

Northants Junior Cup quarter final draw

Corby Caledonian Strip Mills v WELLINGBOROUGH; STEWARTS & LLOYDS RESERVES v NORTHAMPTON SPENCER RESERVES; Rushden Rangers v Peterborough Sports; ON CHENECKS or PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR v SILEBY RANGERS. Ties are to be played on Saturday 7th January 2006.

Potton go five clear - Saints run ends

The 22nd November action saw Premier leaders Potton beat champions Cogenhoe 2-1 to open up a five point lead on pole. Dave Brown and Paul Garrett gave the Royals the points with Rob Goldring on the mark for the champions. St Ives' seven match winning streak ended with a 3-1 defeat at Stotfold whose goals were all scored by Jason Blackett. Will Fordham replied for the Saints who now lose third place to Yaxley who beat Deeping 1-0 with Ricky Hailstone the Cuckoos matchwinner. Raunds are up to fifth after a 2-0 success at St Neots, Mohamed Ali and Richard Tanner on the scoresheet for the Shopmates. Blackstones won 2-0 at Stewarts & Lloyds with Kevin Ainslie and Jamie Gilsenan on target while Wootton beat Buckingham 3-0 at Weston Park with Craig Daniel, Ismael George and Chris Johnson sharing the goals. Ford Sports picked up three much needed points, beating Newport Pagnell 3-1 at Royal Oak Way. Chris Trill, Ben Foster and Paul Currier scored for the Motormen with Vinny Shrieves replying for the Swans.

Northants Hillier Senior Cup semi-final draw

RAUNDS v NORTHAMPTON SPENCER; Rothwell Town v Corby Town. Ties to be played week commencing 6th February 2006.

FA Vase Third Round draw

Our two survivors in the FA Vase Third Round have both been handed tough draws. After three home ties FORD SPORTS now face a long trip to County Durham where they will face Northern League First Division Crook Town. YAXLEY are at home but face the 2004 winners and one of the competition favourites Winchester City from the Wessex League. The ties are to be played on Saturday 10th December.

Poachers miss out on top slot

Boston Town missed the chance to go top of the Premier Division on 19th November, going down 4-3 at Long Buckby. Two Paul Goodhand goals and one from Gary Bull had the Poachers two clear at the break but Darren Harmon, Justin Mckenzie and a second from Jon Crockett produced the upset of the day. Northampton Spencer lost 1-0 at home to Bourne, Miles Mason the Wakes' matchwinner, while St Ives won 1-0 at Deeping with a last gasp James Clarke strike to claim a seventh successive win and third place in the table. A Steve Diggin hat trick and Fazel Koriya penalty gave Cogenhoe a 4-1 home win over Raunds who replied through Richard Tanner, while Blackstones lost 3-1 at Stotfold, Jamie Gilsenan's opener for Stones overcome by a Jason Blackett double and Richard Pringle effort. Steve Barnes and Omar Joof gave Holbeach a 2-1 win at S&L whose marksman was Chris Caswell. Nicky Gordon hit a hat trick as Woodford won 5-3 at Harrowby. Arron Parkinson and Craig Pearman were the other Reds scorers with Paul O'Rourke and two goal Barry Payne replying for the basement outfit.

Whitworths maintain lead

Whitworths maintained their winning run in Division One on 19th November with a 3-0 derby success at Irchester. Scott Whitney, Matt Freeman and Ben Holley shared the goals. Sleaford are second after an 8-0 rout of Higham. Jamie Shaw hit a hat trick, Matt Lunn scored twice with Lee Llewellyn, Jon Machin and Carl Sedlan also appearing on the scoresheet. A last minute Jamie Rutherford goal gave Olney a 3-2 success at Huntingdon, Richard Beardshaw on target twice for the Nurserymen with Mark Ling and Paul Bass the home scorers. A Peter Collins double saw Eynesbury win 2-1 at Bugbrooke who replied through Adrian Spruels with Gavin Batt and Lewis Hook giving Kempston a 2-1 home win over Thrapston who had Steve Chilton on the mark. Daventry and Blisworth drew 3-3 at Elderstubbs. Dave Lancaster and Luke Pritchard, with two penalties, netted for Town with a Kevin Eales own goal and efforts from Jason Bradshaw and Nick Kimms counting for the Railwaymen.

Vase wins for Fords and Yaxley

FA Vase Second Round ties on 19th November saw Ford Sports and Yaxley make progress. The Motormen saw off Coleshill 4-2 with Ben Foster, Chris Evans and two goal Chris Trill on the scoresheet while Yaxley's Ricky Hailstone netted two as the Cuckoos beat Witham 3-0. Chris Lenton was the other marksman. Exempt pair Desborough and Potton bowed out at the first hurdle. Ar Tarn lost 1-0 to Coalville with a solitary Glen Crook effort the Royals only reward in a 3-1 reverse at Needham Market. Wootton's run ended with a 2-0 defeat at Lowestoft.

Four into Junior Cup last eight

The league will have at least five representatives in the quarter finals of thos season's Northants Junior Cup. Favoutites Wellingborough won 7-1 at Silverstone on 19th November in their Third Round tie. Jonathan Mitchell and Richard Eddy scored two apiece with Jake Upton, Nick Mason and Mitch Blande also on target. Sileby beat Harlequins 4-2 at Fernie Fields with Colin Cooper, Graham Cottle and two goal Adam Taylor on the scoresheet. There were also wins for Northampton Spencer Reserves, 5-4 at Oundle, and Stewarts & Lloyds Reserves, 1-0 at Raunds Reserves after extra time. Rothwell Corinthians lost 3-2 at home to Rushden Rangers with Tony Ielapi and Tom Greasley the Corinths scorers. ON Chenecks made the most of their Second Round reprieve with a 6-2 win at Heyford in theor replay, Peter Green scoring three, Scott Barczewski two and Gary Marks one. Chenecks now host holders Peterborough Northern Star in Round Three.

Transfers to 19th November

81. Keith Gray - Deeping to Bourne 82. Danny Hargreaves - Bourne to Harrowby 83. Lee Booker - Blackstones to Harrowby 84. Ashley Stevens - Blackstones to Harrowby 85. Greg Arnold - Irchester to Whitworths 86. James Blake - Thrapston to Whitworths 87. Tom Redding - Raunds to Thrapston 88. Steve Phillips - Peterborough Northern Star to Deeping 89. Gokhan Ulker - ON Chenecks to Northampton Spencer 90. Duane St John - Raunds to Thrapston 91. Steve Young - Stotfold to St Neots 92. Craig Armstrong - Northampton Spencer to Blisworth 93. Bilal Hassan - Potton to Buckingham

Leading goalscorers at 16 November 2005

Premier Division Mark Paul (Yaxley) 21 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 18; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 16; Gary Bull (Boston) 15; Wes Byrne (Potton) 14; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 13; Michael McKenzie (Buckingham), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 11, Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Darek JozwiaK (Wootton), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 10. Division One Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 13 goals; Richard Beardshaw (Olney), Ben Holley (Whitworths) 11; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 10; James Westley (Whitworths) 8; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Adam Taylor (Sileby) 7. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 9 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 8; Paul Currier, Spencer Freed (Ford Sports), Dan Jarman (Deeping), James Morrow (S&L) 6. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 7 goals; Kyle Brighton (Huntingdon), Rob Fyffe (Wellingborough), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Jake Wesby (Thrapston) 6.

Knockout Cup progress for Cuckoos and Stones

Yaxley reached the last eight of the Knockout Cup with a 4-2 success at Stotfold on 15th November. Two Mark Paul goals and singles from Simon Acton and Matt Parrott overcame the Eagles who replied through Richard Pringle and Ady Bascombe. The following day Blackstones beat Rothwell Corinthians 5-3 after extra time in their replayed Preliminary Round contest. A Matty Doyle brace and extra time efforts from Jamie Gilsenan, Kevin Ainslie and Robbie Blowers saw Stones through with Dave Briffa and two goal John Sturgess replying for the visitors. On Tuesday Raunds joined Whitworths in the last four of the Reserve Knockout Cup. The Shopmates overcame Northampton Spencer 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the sides had shared four goals.

Spencer enjoy Hinchingbrooke debut

Northampton Spencer enjoyed a winning debut in the Hinchingbrooke Cup on 16th November, beating Bourne 3-0 in the Preliminary Round with goals from Jerry Moss, Karl Bates and Darren Frost. Holders Potton made a successful first defence in Round One beating hosts Biggleswade Town 5-0 with a Brett Donnelly brace and singles from Dave Brown, Wes Byrne and Paul Garrett. 24 hours earlier Huntingdon lost 4-2 at Biggleswade United after extra time, Carl Foreman and Ross Sommers on the scoresheet. Other Tuesday cup action saw a Gary Bull brace earn Boston Town a 2-1 Lincs Senior Cup A quarter final win at Lincoln Moorlands, while Newport Pagnell lost 2-1 to Aylesbury Vale in the Buckingham Charity Cup 1st Round. Elliott O'Reilly's late effort wasn't enough to prevent Vale booking a quarter final meeting with Olney.

Munton axed at Desborough

Premier Division strugglers Desborough Town parted company with manager John Munton on 10th November. Munton had taken charge at the Waterworks Field in the summer but had struggled for results as Ar Tarn slumped into the relegation zone. Former manager Simon Reilly has returned to take caretaker charge while the post is advertised.

Duo removed from Knockout Cup competitions

The management committee meeting on 14th November saw two teams removed from the Knockout Cup competitions for fielding ineligible players. Buckingham Town were removed from the League Knockout Cup for fielding Abdul Abdi, a player under disciplinary suspension from the Berks & Bucks FA, in their First Round win over Ford Sports. Fords are now reinstated and will visit Sleaford in the Second Round. Ford Sports were removed from the Reserve Knockout Cup for fielding Jamie Jollands, a player who had already played in the competition for Daventry Town, in their First Round win over Huntingdon. Huntingdon are now reinstated and will travel to Higham, Irchester or Olney in Round Two.

Chenecks reinstated in Junior Cup

ON Chenecks have been reinstated in the Northants Junior Cup after Second Round conquerors Heyford were found to have played an ineligible player in their win. The clubs will replay their tie on 19th November with the winners hosting holders Peterborough Northern Star in Round Three.

Boston close gap to two points

Boston Town moved to within two points of Premier pacesetters Potton on 12th November after beating St Neots 4-1 at Tattershall Road. A Gary Bull double and one apiece from Paul Goodhand and James Brader won it for the Poachers who trailed early on to Mark Thompson's own goal. Yaxley extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a 2-0 success at Stotfold, the points secured by Mark Paul's 19th goal of the season and a Mark Kingston effort. St Ives made it six wins on the bounce with a 3-0 home defeat of Ford Sports, a Matt Poulton own goal and efforts from Stefan Lewis and Jon Lee counting for the Saints. Raunds won 2-1 at Holbeach where Richard Bailey and Adam Hancock were on the scoresheet for the Shopmates with Tom Fielding replying for the Tigers. Buckingham and Bourne drew 2-2 at Ford Meadow where James Baxter and Miles Mason gave the Wakes a two goal interval lead only for Michael McKenzie and Junior George to salvage a point for the Robins. Blackstones completed a double over champions Cogenhoe with a 4-1 home success. Dan Cotton scored twice for Stones who also had Richard Nelson and Dean Foley on target, Elliott Sandy the visiting scorer. The individual performance of the day came from Chris Johnson of Wootton who scored four times in a 5-1 rout of bottom placed Harrowby. Ismail George was the other Blue Cross marksman with Paul O'Rourke replying for Harrowby. Tuncay Korkmaz hit both Deeping goals in their 2-1 success at Long Buckby who replied through Dave Drinkwater.

Wins for Division One top three

The top three in Division One are beginning to open up a gap at the top of the table after victories on 12th November. Whitworths maintained their two point lead by winning 2-0 at Olney with James Westley and Matt Freeman on target. Rivals from across the fence Wellingborough saw off Daventry 5-1 at the Dog & Duck with two goals from James Daldy and one apiece from Jon Mitchell, Mitch Blande and a Rob Steele own goal, Michael Jacznik replying for the visitors. Lee Llewellyn's brace saw Sleaford to a 2-1 success at Huntingdon who replied through Ross Sommers. ON Chenecks lost ground after letting a four goal lead slip as Thrapston fought back for an away point. Justin Ayre, Lee Bradley and two goal Peter Green looked to have Chenecks home and hosed but Dave Harding, Duncan McNish with a double and Steve Chilton earned Lee Howard's side a 4-4 draw. Bugbrooke are fifth after a 2-1 derby success at Sileby. Adrian Spruels and Shaun Daly gave the Badgers the points with Colin Cooper on target for the champions. Blisworth trailed to a Craig Townsend goal for visitors Burton Park but fought back to win 3-1 with Kevin Eyre and two goal Scott Coleman on target for the Railwaymen in the second half. Kempston won 5-1 at Higham with two Matt Kent goals and one each from Lewis Hook, Richard Cooke and Gavin Batt, Karl King scoring a Lankies consolation. Rothwell Corinthians made it back to back wins by beating visiting Irchester 2-0 with Tony Ielapi and John Sturgess on the scoresheet.

Woodford revenge - Star oust Swans

The three Knockout Cup ties 2nd Round ties played on 12th November saw Woodford avenge last season's final defeat by Potton, Desborough beat Stewarts & Lloyds in their derby contest and Peterborough Northern Star surprise higher grade Newport Pagnell. Last season's finalists Woodford and Potton met at Byfield Road, and as in last season's showpiece, one goal proved enough. This time though it was Woodford's Russell Dunkley who scored it to end the Royals' reign. Desborough put aside their league struggles to beat local rivals S&L 3-1 after extra time at the Waterworks Field. Dominic Johnson's first half opener for S&L was cancelled out by Gary Evans and Darren Bogan's extra time double gave Ar Tarn victory. Second half goals from Ian Fovargue and Darren Paling gave Peterborough Northern Star a 2-1 home win over Newport Pagnell who led at the interval through Vinny Shrieves.

Green joins Arrows

Widely travelled manager Geoff Green has linked up with Premier Division basement side Harrowby. Green replaces Steve Joseph as co-manager alongside Jason Harrison at Harrowby Fields. The new Arrows co-boss has previously managed Long Buckby and Burton Park Wanderers and the reserve sides of Grantham and Stamford.

Cup success for Bucks pair

The 8th November cup action saw success for two Buckinghamshire sides. Newport Pagnell reached the last eight of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy with a 2-0 success at Reading Town, second half goals from Vinny Shrieves and Michael Lyon securing the Swans' progress. In the Buckingham Charity Cup Olney won 3-0 at Cranfield with Richard Beardshaw, Tim Mason and Steve Foster sharing the goals, all in the first half. Twenty four hours later Long Buckby crashed out of Northants Hillier Senior Cup, losing 5-1 to Corby in their Station Road quarter final. Danny Finlay scored the Bucks consolation. Buckingham bowed out of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy losing 1-0 at Milton in extra time.

Royals extend lead

The 8th November programme in the Premier Division saw Potton extend their advantage at the top to five points after a 3-1 home win over St Neots. Steve Kuhne gave the Saints the lead but Wes Byrne, Luke Donnelly and Paul Garrett all found the visiting net as Potton fought back to avenge a recent Rowley Park reverse. With Northampton Spencer's visit to Woodford abandoned at half time due to a waterlogged Byfield Road pitch, Boston regained second slot with a single goal home success over Bourne, Carl Basker the Poachers' marksman. Mark Paul's hat trick gave Yaxley a 3-0 win over Blackstone and fourth place in the table while St Ives are fifth after notching up a fifth consecutive victory, 4-1 at home to Wootton. Graeme Thackray, Will Fordham and two goal Glyn Cooke gave the Saints the points after Craig Daniel opened the scoring for Blue Cross. A last minute Rashid Koriya free kick earned Raunds a 2-2 draw at lowly Deeping. Martin Mitchell was the other Shopmates marksman with Aaron Last and Lovas Laszlo on the mark for Rangers. Cogenhoe halted their losing run by drawing 1-1 at home to Stotfold, Rob Goldring on the scoresheet for the champions with Ady Bascombe replying for the Eagles. Ford Sports trounced hosts Desborough 4-1 at the Waterworks Field with Mark Drake, Ben Foster, Chris Evans and Ian Pearce sharing the goals, Gary Evans scoring the Ar Tarn consolation. Bottom markers Harrowby picked up their first point in 14 games, drawing 2-2 at home to Holbeach. Shaun Keeble bagged a brace for the Tigers with Paul O'Rourke and Danny Hargreaves salvaging a point for the Arrows.

Potton maintain three point lead

Potton maintained their three point lead at the top of the Premier Division on 5th November with a 2-1 defeat of struggling Deeping. John Coley's brace kept the Royals top of the pile with Wayne Oldacre replying for Rangers. Northampton Spencer are second after an eye catching 5-0 demolition of Stotfold. Scott Coleman scored two with singles from Darren Frost, Jerry Moss and a Richard Beckett own goal. Paul Goodhand's hat trick saw Boston Town to a 3-0 home win over Wootton. Buckingham's 100% away record bit the dust at Raunds with Rashid Koriya, Richard Bailey and Richard Tanner all netting for the Shopmates in the opening quarter of the contest before Michael McKenzie converted a spot kick for the Robins to make the final score 3-1. Yaxley are sixth after a 2-0 success at Cogenhoe where goals from Jamies Picillo and Mark Paul put the champions to the sword. St Ives were 2-1 winners at Bourne, thanks to second half strikes from Graeme Thackray and Chris Ewles which overturned Tommy Horwood's opener for the Wakes. St Neots were 3-1 home winners against Desborough, two Gary Walker goals and one from Steve Kuhne giving the Saints the points with Richard Moore replying for Ar Tarn. Holbeach collected their first win in six, 2-1 at Ford Sports. Chris Trill opened the scoring for the Motormen but Tom Gosling and Shaun Keeble won it for the Tigers. A lone strike from Michael Lyon gave Newport Pagnell a 1-0 home win over Stewarts & Lloyds while a powerful Woodford comeback saw them beat Blackstones 3-2 at Byfield Road. Mark Wood and Dean Foley gave Stones a two goal lead but Ben Milner, Terry Fitton and Carl Standen won the points for the Reds. Long Buckby moved out of the bottom four with a 6-0 romp at Harrowby. Justin McKenzie scored two for the Bucks whose other marksmen were David Cunningham, Louis Pilgrim, Danny Finlay and Dave Drinkwater.

Chenecks suffer first defeat

ON Chenecks suffered their first Division One defeat of the season on 5th November going down 1-0 at Eynesbury whose match winner was Dave Fisk. Leaders Whitworths won 4-1 at home to Daventry with two goals from James Westley and one each from Lee Purser and Ben Holley, Dave Lancaster replying for Town. A late Rob Foster goal gave Wellingborough a 2-1 success at Burton Park after Richard Eddy's opener was matched by a Terry Pridmore reply for Burton. The Doughboys are now second with Sleaford third after a 4-2 home win over Blisworth. Jamie Shaw's hat trick and a Rob Holderness effort saw Sleaford take the points with Kevin Eyre's brace counting for the Railwaymen. Another hat trick man was Sileby's Adam Taylor as Rangers beat Higham 3-1 at Fernie Fields. Paul Clark replied for the Lankies. Ian Fovargue's second half double saw Peterborough Northern Star to a 2-1 victory at Irchester who led at the break through Mark Dudley. Bugbrooke and Huntingdon drew 1-1 at Birds Close with Tom Johnson and Paul Nevill the respective marksmen while Rothwell Corinthians moved off the foot of the table in style with a 4-0 success at Thrapston. Two Dave Briffa goals and one each from Kevin Fox and Ben Guy gave Corinths their first win since day one of the campaign.

County cup progress for Kempston and Olney

The 5th November county cup action saw away successes for AFC Kempston in the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy and Olney in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup. The Walnut Boys beat neighbours Bedford United 3-0 with a Darren Farrar double and Gavin Batt effort. The Nurseryman thrashed Padbury 6-0 with two goals apiece for Steve Foster and Sam Callear and singles from Danny Norris and Tom Mason.

Leading goalscorers at 2nd November

Premier Division Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 16 goals; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Mark Paul (Yaxley) 14; Gary Bull (Boston), Wes Byrne (Potton) 13; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 12; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 10; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Mark Lovelace (Deeping), Michael McKenzie (Buckingham), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 9. Division One Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 11; Ben Holley (Whitworths), Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 10; Rob Foster (Wellingborough) 9; Paul Carey (Eynesbury) 7; James Edwards (Huntingdon), Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 6. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 9; Darren Munton (Bourne) 8; Paul Currier (Ford Sports) 6. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry) 7; Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 6.

Transfers to 5 November

74. Tyrone Kent - Long Buckby to Ford Sports 75. Lee Bradley - Ford Sports to ON Chenecks 76. Scott Grant - Stotfold to St Neots 77. Danny Duggan - Sileby to Long Buckby 78. Duane St John - Thrapston to Raunds 79. Matt Ablett - Northampton Spencer to Ford Sports 80. James Baxter - Harrowby to Bourne

Change at the top for Huntingdon

Huntingdon have undergone the second managerial change since Andy Rossi's departure from Jubilee Park at the end of last season. Dave Blackwell, the former Godmanchester Reserve manager, who took over when Paul Telling took up employment in Germany, has now resigned for personal reasons. His right hand man Gary Ling now takes the reins at Jubilee Park.

UCL Mag launched

November has seen the launch of the 'UCL Mag' which is in the process of being distributed to all Eagle Bitter UCL member clubs. The mag, which is sponsored by Sports Marketing Services, has been compiled by Kim Barnard, the league's commercial agent. Kim has put together a very readable and eye catching full colour 16 page A4 publication. There is a double page spread on Premier Division champions Cogenhoe United, plus features on Blisworth, Northampton Spencer and Sileby Rangers, a two page feature on planned changes to the Non League Pyramid, news items from clubs, a look at media coverage of the league, features on referees and 'young guns' and competitions. The UCL Mag has a recommended retail price of £1 and this money goes directly to the club where you buy the magazine. Three other issues are planned during the current season with the aim a monthly magazine for the 2006-07 season.

October award winners

Manager of the Month in the Premier Division is Jimmy Watson of Yaxley whose side were unbeaten during October. They collected eleven points from five league games, progressed through two rounds of the FA Vase and also won a Knockout Cup tie. Top boss in Division One is Joe Smyth of Whitworths whose side picked up 13 points from five games to climb to the top of the table at ehe end of October. Potton's Wes Byrne won the Goalscorer of the Month with ten goals in domestic football during October. Goalkeeper of the Month is Aaron Bannie of St Ives who kept two clean sheets and conceded just three goals in the Saints' four games. Bannie becomes the first player to win the award twice since its introduction in January.

Spencer and Raunds reach Hillier Cup semis

Northampton Spencer and Raunds reached the last four of the Northants Hillier Senior Cup on 1st November with away victories. The Millers fell behind to a Simon Underwood strike at Compton Park but roared back to progress 4-1 with goals from Josh Urquhart, two goal Matt Collins and Karl Bates. 2005 runners-up Raunds won 1-0 at Stewarts & Lloyds, Martin Mitchell the Shopmates matchwinner.

FA Vase 2nd Round draw

FORD SPORTS v Coleshill; DESBOROUGH v Coalville; Lowestoft v WOOTTON; Needham Market v POTTON; YAXLEY v Witham. Ties to be played on 19 November.

Royals return to winning ways

Potton bounced back from their midweek reverse to win 4-1 at Stewarts & Lloyds. Michael Byrne gave S&L the lead but Paul Donnelly, Keith Coughlin, John Coley and Luke Donnelly all but settled the contest in the Royals' favour by the interval. Northampton Spencer are second after a 3-1 victory at Desborough who were first to net through Andy Brown. Scott Coleman and two goal Darren Frost won it for the Millers. Buckingham are third after a 3-2 home win over Boston, Reuben Max-Grant, Ian Trott and Michael McKenzie the Robins scorers with Gary Bull and Shaun Baker the Poachers marksmen. A Michael Stevenson brace and Miles Mason penalty gave Bourne a 3-1 win at Long Buckby, whose consolation goal was scored by manager Aidy Mann, while Stotfold blitzed basement boys Harrowby 9-0 at Roker. Dean Chapman, Jason Blackett, two Wayne Mills penalties and an eight minute hat trick from Dean Whittaker gave Stotfold a half time tally of seven with Jonathan Barnett and Richard Pringle adding to the score after entering the fray as substitutes. Blackstones produced the comeback of the day to beat St Neots 3-2 at Lincoln Road. Trailing at the break to goals from Gary Walker and Steve Kuhne, Stones won the day with second half replies from Dean Foley, Kevin Ainslie and Mark Wood.

Whitworths take pole in Division One

Whitworths moved to the top of Division One on 29th October, ending Kempston's seven match unbeaten run with a 5-0 Hillgrounds victory. Two goals apiece from James Westley and Neil Chance and one from Matt Freeman gave the Flourmen a comfortable win. Morning leaders ON Chenecks remain unbeaten after a 1-1 draw at Bugbrooke, Gareth Errington's spot kick for the Badgers matched by a reply from Scott Barczewski. Wellingborough were 3-1 winners at Huntingdon with Jamie Russell, Rob Foster and Craig Norman on the scoresheet for the Doughboys and Paul Nevill replying for the home side. Sleaford won 2-1 at home to Daventry with a Jamie Shaw double, Dave Lancaster the visiting marksman, while Olney were 3-0 winners at Irchester with two goal Richard Beardshaw and Sam Callear on target for the Nurserymen. Eynesbury were among the goals in a 7-2 success at Higham. A Peter Collins hat trick, Paul Carey brace and one apiece from Ricky Taylor and Barry Albone gave Rovers the points with Paul Clark and Dave Kew scoring for the Lankies. Rothwell Corinthians remain anchored to the foot of the table after losing 2-0 at Blisworth who had Ian Wake and Hamish Carmody on the scoresheet. Peterborough Northern Star and Burton Park drew 2-2 at Chestnut Avenue with Ian Fovargue and Darreb Paling netting for Star and Craig Townsend and Andy Lambert doing likewise for Park Wanderers. The comeback of the day came from champions Sileby who overturned a three goal deficit to win 4-3 at manager Gary Petts's old club Thrapston, Two Duane St John goals and one from manager Lee Howard saw Town open up a three goal lead, but Simon Skipworth and a Mark Chilton own goal put Rangers back in the game with two stoppage time efforts from Graham Cottle completing the fightback.

Just three progress in FA Vase

With eight of our nine representatives in the FA Vase 1st Round enjoying home advantage a high level of success could have been expected, but it didn't turn out that way with just three clubs joining exempt pair Potton and Desborough in the second round draw. Yaxley again caught the eye overwhelming visitors Southend Manor 8-1. Three from Mark Paul, a Richard Challinor double and one apiece from Chris Gospel and James Picillo, plus an own goal, took the Cuckoos through in style. A Darek Jozwiak penalty and Steve Gentle strike saw Wootton get the better of Royston 2-1 while Ford Sports beat Sutton 2-1 with Mark Drake and Chris Evans on the scoresheet. Woodford squandered a two goal lead in losing 4-3 to Broxbourne, Russ Dunkley, Nick Gordon and Ben Milner on the scoresheet for the Reds who had Lewis Travers' sent off. There were 1-0 defeats for Cogenhoe against AFC Hornchurch, Newport Pagnell against Romford and Raunds at Gorleston. Holbeach lost 2-0 at home to Leamington while Deeping crashed 4-0 to Buxton.

Transfers to 29 October

66. Liam Fox - Stewarts & Lloyds to Burton Park 67. Dan Burke - Rothwell Town to Cogenhoe 68. Ulkar Gohan - Wellingborough to ON Chenecks 69. Ryan Nash - Raunds to Cogenhoe 70. Cornell Haughton - Bourne to Rothwell Town 71. Rashid Koriya - Cogenhoe to Raunds 72. James Daldy - Whitworths to Wellingborough 73. Jonathan Barnett - Buckingham to Stotfold

Leading goalscorers at 26 October

Premier Division Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 15; Mark Paul (Yaxley) 14; Wes Byrne (Potton), Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer) 13; Gary Bull (Boston) 12; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 10; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Mark Lovelace (Deeping), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 9. Division One Ben Holley (Whitworths) 10, Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 9; Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 8; James Edwards (Huntingdon), Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 6; Paul Carey (Eynesbury) 5. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 8; Darren Munton (Bourne) 7; Paul Currier (Ford Sports) 6; Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Dan Jarman (Deeping), Shaun McDevitt (Stewarts & Lloyds), Scott Spearink (Bourne) 5. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry) 7; Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 6; Courtney Francis (Long Buckby), Adam Loake (Thrapston), Josh Yasar (Bugbrooke) 5.

Northants Junior Cup - 3rd Round draw

Peterborough Sports v Priors Marston; Corby Caledonian Strip Mills v Weldon; Oundle v NORTHAMPTON SPENCER RESERVES; Heyford v PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR; RAUNDS RESERVES v STEWARTS & LLOYDS RESERVES; ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS v Rushden Rangers; Silverstone v WELLINGBOROUGH; SILEBY v Northampton Harlequins. Ties to be played on 19th November.

Hunts Premier Cup 1st Round draw

Biggleswade United v ST IVES; Arlesey Athletic v EYNESBURY; Godmanchester v WOOTTON; ST NEOTS v STOTFOLD; Needingworth v Biggleswade Town; Ramsey v Langford; YAXLEY v Great Paxton; HUNTINGDON v Ortonians. Matches to be played by 31 January.

More surprises in the Premier

The Premier Division action on 26th October saw two more upsets as Blackstones won 1-0 at Bourne with a Dean Foley goal and a double strike from Liam Kennett gave St Ives a 2-0 victory at Holbeach. Buckingham collected their first home win of the season, 3-2 against Ford Sports. A Luke Dowling own goal and strikes from Reuben Max-Grant and Andy Prescott gave the Robins the points with Chris Trill and Ian Waldock replying for the Motormen.

Goals galore in top flight

The wide open nature of the Premier Division title race was evident on a night of high scoring on 25th October. Leaders Potton crashed 4-1 at St Neots as their advantage at the top was cut to two points. Two ex-Royals did the damage with Saints player boss Steve Kuhne scoring three and Mark Franklin one for the home side, a Nicky Hurst own goal all Potton could muster by way of reply. A lone Carl Basker strike gave second placed Boston a 1-0 home win over Deeping while Northampton Spencer are a point back in third place after a 3-1 home win over Long Buckby. A late Scott Coleman brace saw the Millers to victory after a Pete Gregory opened was matched by Dave Drinkwater's reply for Buckby. Champions Cogenhoe slip to fourth after crashing 4-1 at home to Woodford. Jamie Wright gave the Cooks the lead but Ben Milner, Russ Dunkley, Carl Standen and Neil King were on target as the Reds completed a double. Raunds had the star performer of the night in Richard Tanner who scored all the Shopmates' goals in a 4-1 home win over Stewarts & Lloyds who replied through Michael Byrne. Top scorers of the evening were Yaxley who sent hosts Harrowby crashing to their eleventh defeat in succession. Dale Watkins and Mark Paul scored two apiece in the Cuckoos' 6-2 success with Richard Challinor and James Picillo completing the rout. James Baxter and Jason Harrison scored for the bottom markers. Next to bottom Desborough crashed 4-1 at Wootton, a Scott Munton own goal allied to efforts from Tom Hole, Ben Chambers and Darek Jozwiak giving Blue Cross the points with Chris Montgomery replying for Ar Tarn. Newport Pagnell collected their first victory in six outings, 3-2 at Stotfold. A Vinny Shrieves brace and debut effort from Liban Ali-Abdi gave the Swans the points, Richard Pringle and Dean Chapman the Eagles marksmen.

Potton go five clear - Saints avenge final loss

Potton were again among the goals on 22 October, beating Bourne 5-2 at The Hollow to open up a five point lead at the top. Two goals from John Coley and one apiece from Glen Crook, Mark Bryant and Wes Byrne gave the Royals the points with Neal Spafford and Chris Gray replying for the Wakes. Champions Cogenhoe are third after a Darren Collins spot kick gave them a 1-0 success at Ford Sports while Scott Coleman's hat trick saw Northampton Spencer to a 3-1 victory at Raunds who replied through Martin Mitchell. Buckingham maintained their 100% away record with an 8-0 demolition of basement side Harrowby. Reuben Max-Grant scored four for the Robins whose other scorers were two goal Junior George, Andy Prescott and Lee Grant. St Ives enjoyed their return to Westwood Road beating Newport Pagnell 4-0 with goals from Dan Pilsworth, Liam Kennett, Stefan Lewis and a Mike Riley own goal. Desborough halted a run of nine games withut victory by beating fellow strugglers Deeping 2-1. Eddie Mills and Chris Montgomery gave Ar Tarn the points with Ross Nichols replying for Rangers. Yaxley and Stewarts & Lloyds drew 1-1 at Leading Drove with Mark Kingston and Michael Byrne the respective marksmen. The games between Woodford and Stotfold and Wootton and Holbeach both ended goalless while the most exciting of the day's four draws came at Lincoln Road where a late Blackstones fightback earned a 3-3 draw against struggling Long Buckby. Goals from Aidy Mann, Justin McKenzie and Danny Finlay looked set to give Buckby all three points but Mark Wood and Jamie Gilsenan hauled Stones on terms, adding to a Pete Brothwell opener. St Neots avenged a defeat by Boston in the 2004 Knockout Cup final with a 3-2 Second Round success at Tattershall Road. Nick Hurst's double and a Steve Kuhne effort put the Saints into the last eight with Nathan Collins and Paul Goodhand replying for the Poachers.

Whitworths and Olney make up ground

Whotworths climbed to second place in Division One on 22nd October with a 3-2 home win over Huntingdon, two Ben Holley goals and one from James Westley giving the Flourmen a vital victory. James Edwards and Carl Foreman replied for the visitors. Olney are fifth after beating Burton Park 1-0 at East Street with a first minute Steve Foster goal. AFC Kempston made it seven matches unbeaten with a 3-1 success at Eynesbury. A Matt Kent double and Gavin Batt effort gave the Walnut Boys the points with Ricky Taylor the home marksman. Thrapston sprang the surprise of the day beating high riding Bugbrooke 2-0 with first half goals from John Caine and James Blake.

Revenge for Sleaford - seven through in Northants

Sleaford avenged last season's defeat by Ruston Sports with a 2-1 away success in the quarter final of this season's Lincolnshire Senior Cup 'B' on 22nd October. Robin Holderness cancelled out Sports' opener with Jamie Shaw bagging the extra time winner. Seven clubs progressed in the Northants Junior Cup with 2nd Round victories. On the 21st Dean King's goal gave Raunds Reserves a 1-0 win over Daventry at Ford Sports. Two more Reserve Division One sides won through the following day. Last season's semi-finalists S&L beat Ashley Rovers 3-0 with Shaun McDevitt, Dave Trimble and James Ryan on target, while Northampton Spencer saw off Roade 2-1 with goals from Craig Sampson and Craig Armstrong. Four Division One clubs are also through. Holders Peterborough Northern Star saw off hosts Crick 3-0 with two goals from Darren Paling and one from Andy Neal. Sileby were 2-1 winners at Blisworth. Marshall Dodd and Graham Cottle, with a penalty, put Rangers through with Ian Wake replying for the Railwaymen. A solitary Ian Symington goal saw Wellingborough overcome Irchester 1-0 while Rothwell Corinthians received a confidence boost with a 5-1 success at Thorplands. Dallie Mandson hit a hat trick with Justin Betts and Ben Guy also on the scoresheet. The upset of the day saw ON Chenecks beaten 1-0 at Heyford while Higham went down 2-1 at Priors Marston, Lankies man Phil Nichols scoring at either end. The only reserve casualties were Desborough who went down 3-0 at Weldon.

Ineligible players - mgt. committee decisions

Premier Division - 8 October 2005. Holbeach 0 Desborough 0. Desborough deducted one point for fielding Rob Maddox, a player under contract with Rugby Town FC. Reserve Division Two - 8 October 2005. Rothwell Town 5 Blackstones 1. Rothwell Town deducted three points for fielding Daniel Burke, a player registered with Long Buckby FC. Knockout Cup - 14 September 2005. Blackstones 5 Rothwell Corinthians 2. Blackstones fielded Richard Thompson, a player under suspension by Lincolnshire FA for non payment of levy re a disbanded club. Blackstones FC had not been notified of the player's suspension. Match ordered to be replayed.

Transfers to 22 October

53. Roy Willmott - Long Buckby to Northampton Spencer; 54. Gareth Symonds - Bourne to Harrowby; 55. Richard Thompson - Blackstones to Bourne; 56. Jamie Jollands - Daventry to Ford Sports; 57. Daniel Burke - Long Buckby to Rothwell Town; 58. David Coales - Whitworths to Raunds; 59. Sam Desborough - Wellingborough to Higham; 60. Matthew Frazer - Burton PW to Buckingham 61. Simon Morrice - Blisworth to Desborough 62. Duane St John - Raunds to Thrapston 63. Marcus Keirle - Desborough to Blackstones 64. Simon Ward - Boston to Peterborough Northern Star 65. Neil Champelovier - Woodford to Cogenhoe

Leading goalscorers at 19 October

Premier Division Gary Bull (Boston), Wes Byrne (Potton), Mark Paul (Yaxley) 12 goals; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 11; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 10; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Mark Lovelace (Deeping) 9; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Paul Garrett (Potton), Michael McKenzie (Buckingham) 8. Division One Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 9 goals; Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Ben Holley (Whitworths), Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 8; Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 6; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), James Edwards (Huntingdon) 5. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough) 8 goals; Darren Munton (Bourne) 7; Paul Currier (FordS Sports), Shaun McDevitt (Stewarts & Lloyds) 5. Reserve Division Two Nathan Crowder (Daventry), Jon Inwood (Long Buckby) 6 goals; Courtney Francis (Long Buckby), Adam Loake (Thrapston) 5.

Goals galore in cup ties

Three Knockout Cup ties played on 18th October saw twenty goals scored. Holders Potton led the way with a 10-0 1st Round rout of Burton Park at The Hollow. Wes Byrne and Paul Garrett both his hat tricks but were upstaged by Roy Bloxham's 25 yard free kick as the substitute, best known for his performances between the sticks, completed the evening's scoring. Adam Pitcairn and two goal Mark Bryant were also on target. Wellingborough suffered their first defeat as a UCL club going down 4-0 at Yaxley whose win was secured by double strikes from Mark Paul and Ricky Hailstone. In Round Two Northampton Spencer won 5-1 at Sileby who were first to score through Adam Taylor. Tom O'Brien and Darren Frost scored two apiece for the Millers whose other marksman was Chris Davies. St Ives won 5-3 at Somersham in the Hinchingbrooke Cup Preliminary Round. Craig Donaldson, Graeme Thackray, Jon Lee, Chris Ewles and Stefan Lewis shared the Saints goals. In the Buckingham Charity Cup 1st Round Woodford beat Ford Sports 3-1 at Byfield Road, Matty Travers, Arron Parkinson and Carl Standen the Reds scorers with Ian Pearce replying. Buckingham lost 2-0 at Bicester to two goals in the final two minutes.

County Cup draws

Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup - 2nd Round (5 November) Buckingham Athletic v NEWPORT PAGNELL RESERVES; Padbury v Olney. Huntingdonshire Scott-Gatty Cup - 2nd Round (5 November) St Ives Reserves v EYNESBURY RESERVES; YAXLEY RESERVES v Huntingdon United RGE. Northamptonshire Lower Junior Cup - 2nd Round (29 October) BURTON PARK RESERVES v Northampton St Crispins; Clipston v LONG BUCKBY RESERVES; DAVENTRY RESERVES v Netherton; Moulton Reserves v THRAPSTON RESERVES; Ashley Rovers Reserves v BUGBROOKE RESERVES; ON CHENECKS RESERVES v Corby Legion Locos; ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS RESERVES v Welford; WELLINGBOROUGH RESERVES v Geddington WMC; Yardley Gobion v WOODFORD RESERVES.

Potton get the better of Woodford again

Premier Division tabletoppers Potton repeated last season's Knockout Cup final win over Woodford when the sides met in league action at The Hollow on 15th October. Paul Donnelly, Mark Bryant, Paul Garrett and John Coley were all on target in the Royals' 4-0 home victory. Boston Town climbed to second place with a 3-0 win at Newport Pagnell, the Poachers' marksmen Carl Basker and two goal Paul Goodhand. There was a surprise for champions Cogenhoe as visitors Blackstones won 3-2 at Compton Park thanks to two goals from Kevin Ainslie and one from Matty Doyle. Jim Le Masurier scored both Cooks goals. Northampton Spencer are fifth in the table after drawing 1-1 at Holbeach. Scott Coleman's first half penalty for the Millers was cancelled out by Tom Fielding's reply for the Tigers. Raunds climbed into the top six with a 1-0 home win over Wootton, Matty Curtis the matchwinner for the Shopmates. Stewarts & Lloyds' winning run was halted in a 3-1 reverse at St Neots who had goalkeeper Stefan Shamlian dismissed early in the second half. Michael Byrne's opener for S&L was matched by a Nathan Buckland reply and a Gary Walker double strike saw the Saints to victory. Buckingham also saw a winning run end as Yaxley beat them 3-1 at Ford Meadow. Mark Kingston, Ricky Hailstone with a penalty and Mark Paul scored the goals which gave the Cuckoos the points before a late Michael McKenzie consolation for the Robins. A goal in each half from Chris Ewles gave St Ives a 2-1 success at struggling Desborough who replied through Rob Maddox while Deeping halted their losing run in a 3-3 Outgang Road draw with Ford Sports. Carl Griffiths and Lovas Laszlo scored late on to earn Rangers a point. Mark Lovelace was the other Deeping marksman with Ben Foster, Ian Pearce and Mark Drake on target for the Motormen. Long Buckby enjoyed a confidence boosting win, 6-1 at home to Harrowby. Danny Finlay hit the day's only top flight hat trick, with two for Ryan Wiffen and one for Louis Pilgrim. Barry Payne scored a penalty for the Arrows.

Doughboys in derby scoring spree

Wellingborough moved to second place in Division One on 15th October with a 7-0 rout of neighbours Higham. Top scorer Rob Foster netted twice with Jake Upton, Craig Norman, Nick Mason, Carl Hathaway and Ian Symington also featuring on the scoresheet. Sleaford repeated last season's success at Sileby, the score 4-1 this time. Jamie Shaw's brace and singles from Jon Machin and Robin Holderness gave the Lincolnshire side the points with Adam Taylor replying for the champions. Whitworths won 3-0 at bottom markers Rothwell Corinthians with two Ben Holley goals and one from James Westley, while Bugbrooke were 3-2 winners at Irchester. Jason Vaughan and Chris Boniface gave the Romans a two goal interval lead but the Badgers produced the comeback of the day to take the points with Shaun Daly and two goal Hami Seddix on the mark. Blisworth were 5-3 home winners over Huntingdon. Ian Wake, Mark Stanbridge, Kevin Eyre and two goal Hamish Carmody gave the Railwaymen three points with James Edwards scoring two and Paul Nevill one for the visitors. Three matches ended in 1-1 draws. Perennial strugglers Burton Park led Olney at Latimer Park through Andy Lambert but were pegged back in stoppage time by Sam Callear, while Peter Collins and Leigh Roberts were the respective marksmen for Eynesbury and Daventry at Hall Road. AFC Kempston drew for the fifth time, sharing the spoils at Thrapston where Gavin Batt's effort for the Walnut Boys cancelled out James Blake's opener for Town.

Cups wins for Stotfold and Star

The two Knockout Cup 1st Round ties played on 15th October produced surprise results. Stotfold avenged the previous Saturday's home league defeat by Bourne with a 4-2 penalty shootout success at the Abbey Lawn after Tommy Horwood's opener for the home side was cancelled out by Dean Whittaker. Unbeaten Division One tabletoppers ON Chenecks suffered their first defeat of the season going down 2-0 at Peterborough Northern Star who turned the form book upside down with first half goals from Darren Paling and Andy Neal.

Stones end hoodoo - but Fords goes on

The 12th October action saw Blackstone beat Holbeach at Lincoln Road in the Premier Division, goals from Dean Foley and Matty Doyle giving Stones a 2-0 success and their first win in the fixture in nine seasons. In the Knockout Cup Ford Sports were unable to end their run of poor results against Buckingham as a Lance Gentle-King goal gave the Robins a 1-0 home victory. Wootton lost 3-2 to Leighton in the Bedfordshire Senior Cup with Ben Chambers and Steve Gentle the Blue Cross marksmen.

Trio overhaul champions

Cogenhoe's FA Cup involvement saw them slip to fourth place in the Premier Division on 11th October. The champions' old rivals Potton are top after winning 5-2 at Newport Pagnell. Two Wes Byrne goals, singles from Mark Bryant and Paul Garrett and an own goal from Swans' keeper Josh McAdoo took the Royals to the top with Michael Riley and James Fletcher replying for Newport. Bourne moved up to second with a 4-1 derby success at Deeping. A debut brace from Richard Thompson, a Bobby Patterson own goal and late strike from Chris Gray gave the Wakes victory, Mark Lovelace replying for Rangers. Boston Town are third on goal difference after completing a double over Harrowby with a 4-0 home win, returning duo Carl Basker and Gary Bull netting two apiece. Yaxley also completed a double, beating St Neots 1-0 at Leading Drove with a late strike from Matthew Parrott, while there was no FA Cup hangover for Woodford as they routed hosts Desborough 6-1. Adam Knight, Carl Standen, Craig Pearman, Lewis Travers, Russ Dunkley and Neil King shared the Reds goals with Scott Munton netting the home consolation.

Cooks out - S&L keep winning

The league's interest in the FA Cup came to an end on 11th October as Cogenhoe lost 4-3 at Chasetown in their 3rd Qualifying Round reply. After falling behind to goals from Carl Edwards and Lee Bullimore late in the first half the Cooks fought back after the break to level with Jim Le Masurier and Elliott Sandy on target. Edwards completed his hat trick in extra time with goals either side of another leveller from Stuart Smeathers. In the Knockout Cup Stewarts & Lloyds maintained their winning run with a 2-0 1st Round success at Raunds, Dominic Johnson and Michael Byrne on target, while the Bedfordshire Senior Cup swung into action with a meeting of two 'Eagles', Stotfold exiting 2-0 at bedford Town.

Long trip beckons for Cogenhoe

If successful in their FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round replay at Chasetown, Cogenhoe will have to undertake the longest trip in their history in the 4th Qualifying Round. The replay winners have been handed an away tie at Unibond Premier club (and famed FA Cup fighters) Blyth Spartans in the final qualifying round on 22nd October.

September award winners

Premier Division Manager of the Month is Cogenhoe's Adam Sandy whose side won two FA Cup ties and three of their four league games during September. Division One top boss is Simon Abbott of ON Chenecks whose side collected maximum points from three league games and beat league rivals Bugbrooke in the Northants Junior Cup. Another award Billing Road bound is the Goalkeeper of the Month award, won by Chenecks keeper Ben Goodger who conceded just two goals in three domestic matches. The September Goalscorer of the Month is shared by St Neots player manager Steve Kuhne and Richard Beardshaw of Olney. The duo both scored eight goals in just five matches.

Cooks in the hat

Cogenhoe will be in the hat for the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round draw on Monday after drawing 1-1 at home to Chasetown on 8th October. A Damien Whitcombe goal after 12 minutes gave the Midland Alliance visitors the lead at Compton Park and it needed an 89th minute effort from Dave Maguire from all of 45 yards to give the Cooks a second chance. Woodford's outstanding run ended in a 2-0 reverse at Leamington who had Alex Rodman on target twice in the last quarter of an hour to progress.

Challengers fail to dislodge Cogenhoe

Premier Division pacesetters Cogenhoe clung on to top slot in the Premier despite their FA Cup involvement on 8th October. On Friday night Potton missed the chance to take over pole, losing 2-1 at Ford Sports. Ben Foster's brace ended the Royals' seven match unbeaten record with Wes Byrne the Potton marksman. Northampton Spencer could have taken over at the top by beating Yaxley but had to settle for a 1-1 home draw which saw two of the division's leading scorers on target, Mark Paul for the Cuckoos and Darren Frost for the Millers. S&L remarkably moved to within a point of the pace although their goal difference is minus eight. A 60 yard Michael Stanton goal and late spot kick from Sean Brennan saw S&L beat visitors St Ives 2-1, Graeme Thackray the Saints scorer. A late Richard Hutchinson goal saw Bourne to a 3-2 success at Stotfold. Michael Stevenson and Miles Mason were the other Wakes marksmen with Wayne Mills and Dean Whittaker on target for the Eagles. A goal in each half from Michael McKenzie saw Buckingham to a 2-1 win at Blackstones who replied through Dan Jolly. Wootton made it seven matches unbeaten with a 2-1 Weston Park defeat of Deeping who led at the interval through Mark Lovelace. Adam Smith and Darek Jozwiak turned the match Wootton's way in the second half. Holbeach and Desborough drew 0-0 at Carters Park in a match which saw Tigers striker Tom Gosling and Ar Tarn defender Scott Munton red carded. St Neots embarked on a second half goal spree at Harrowby to beat the bottom markers 7-1. Barry Payne's opener for the Arrows was cancelled out by Russell Lawes and after the break Steve Kuhne and Gary Walker plundered two apiece with Nathan Buckland and an Andy Teare own goal completing the scoring. Newport Pagnell and Long Buckby drew 1-1 at Willen Road, Zinzan Manuanya and Jon Crockett the respective marksmen.

Chenecks go six points clear

ON Chenecks defied the curse of the Manager of the Month award to open up a six point gap at the top of Division One on 8th October, beating nearest challengers Irchester 2-1 at Billing Road. Goals from Paul Tebbutt and Justin Ayre won the contest for Chenecks either side of a Damian Grant reply for the Romans. Sleaford are third after a 3-0 home win over Eynesbury, Jamie Shaw, Pete Sutton and Lee Llewellyn all scoring in the first half. Wellingborough were held 0-0 at AFC Kempston while neighbours Whitworths returned to winning ways with a 3-2 home win over Burton Park. James Westley and two goal Ben Holley gave the Flourmen victory with Marco Giacobbe and Andy Greensmith replying for Park Wanderers. Bugbrooke were 1-0 home winners against Peterborough Northern Star, Andrew Chester the Badgers matchwinner, while James Edwards, Paul Bass and Ian King shared the Huntingdon goals as they beat Rothwell Corinthians 3-1 at Jubilee Park, Kevin Fox replying for the bottom markers. Rob Steele and Elliott Grey scored in the last ten minutes to give Daventry a 2-1 home win over Thrapston who led at the interval through Chris Morris. Higham and Sileby drew 1-1 at Vine Hill Drive with all the goal action in the last five minutes, Andy Munday's opener for the Lankies matched by Adam Taylor's reply for the champions. Olney won 5-1 at Haddenham in the 1st Round of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup with the prolific Richard Beardshaw hitting a hat trick. Danny Norris and Scott Wrighting completed the Nurserymen's nap hand.

Transfers to 6 October

46. Tyrone Kent - Stotfold to Long Buckby; 47. Marcus Keirle - Blackstones to Desborough; 48. Chris Busby - Higham to Irchester; 49. Terry Partridge - Higham to Irchester; 50. Dean Trowbridge - Burton PW to Newport Pagnell; 51. Angus Hepburn - Deeping to Peterborough Northern Star; 52. James Freeman - Higham to Long Buckby

Leading goalscorers at 6 October 2005

Premier Division Gary Bull (Boston) 10; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 9; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Mark Paul (Yaxley) 8; Scott Coleman, Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell) 7; Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Mark Lovelace (Deeping), Greig McIlwain (Desborough), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 6. Division One Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 9; Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 6; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 5; Ronnie Fortune (Peterborough Northern Star), Peter Green (ON Chenecks), Ben Holley (Whitworths), Karl King (Higham) 4. Reserve Division One Gary Evans (Desborough), Darren Munton (Bourne) 6; Shaun McDevitt (Stewarts & Lloyds) 5; Ashley Bradshaw (Cogenhoe), Ben Holley (Whitworths), Martin Jennings (Ford Sports) 4. Reserve Division Two Courtney Francis (Long Buckby) 5; Jon Inwood (Long Buckby), Anthony Lake (Daventry) 4.

Lincs Senior Cup A quarter final draw

BOURNE v Nettleham; HOLBEACH v BLACKSTONES; Barton v DEEPING; Lincoln Morrlands v BOSTON TOWN. Ties to be played w/e 3 December 2005.

Saints out - Hillier Cup upsets

St Neots bowed out of the FA Vase on October 4th, losing 4-2 at Witham in their 2nd Qualifying Round replay. Goals from Craig Reynolds and Steve Kuhne gave the Saints a 2-1 lead but everything went wrong in the last ten minutes as the home side scored three times and St Neots had Nicky Hurst sent off. In the 1st Round of the Northants Hillier Senior Cup Cogenhoe and Stewarts & Lloyds surprised higher grade opposition. The Cooks beat Kettering 2-1 with ex Poppies pair Adam Bridgeford and Jim Le Masurier on target, while first half strikes from Sean Brennan and Dom Johnson gave S&L a 2-0 win over Brackley. Gavin Fitzgerald's lone strike saw Raunds through at Ford Sports while Northampton Spencer beat a depleted Woodford 5-0 at Kingsthorpe Mill, their marksmen Jerry Moss, Pete Gregory, Karl Bates, Dan Chilton and Kai Ridley with an own goal.

FA Vase 1st Round draw

HOLBEACH v Leamington; FORD SPORTS v Sutton Town or Nuneaton Griff; DEEPING v Buxton; WOOTTON v Royston; NEWPORT PAGNELL v Romford; YAXLEY v Southend Manor; WOODFORD v Broxbourne; ST NEOTS or Witham v Waltham Abbey; COGENHOE v AFC Hornchurch; Gorleston v RAUNDS. Ties to be played on 29 October.

Mixed fortunes in Vase

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round action brought mixed fortunes for member clubs on 1st October with seven clubs making progress, nine bowing out and St Neots facing a Tuesday replay at Witham after a 0-0 draw with the Ryman Leaguers at Rowley Park. Performance of the day came from Yaxley who won 2-0 at fancied Wroxham with Simon Acton and Mark Paul on target. The Cuckoos were one of four clubs to dispose of Ridgeons League opposition. Former semi-finalists Raunds won 4-1 at Woodbridge with a Matt Curtis brace and singles from Adam Hancock and Carl Tallents, Wootton progressed with a 4-1 victory at Thetford, Keith Snaylam scoring two with a goal each from Ashley Deverell and Darek Jozwiak, while Newport Pagnell trounced hosts Fakemham 4-0 with Martin Kelly, two goal Michael Lyon and Steve Dean sharing the goals. A Mark Lovelace goal gave Deeping a single goal victory at former finalists Rainworth, while Ben Foster was the marksman in Ford Sports' 1-0 home win over Atherstone. The only all UCL tie saw Woodford beat St Ives 2-0 with early strikes from Russ Dunkley and Ben Milner. Surprise casualties were Buckingham who crashed 2-0 in their derby at Bicester and Stotfold who led through Jason Blackett before exiting 4-1 to Gorleston in extra time. Northampton Spencer went out 3-1 to Ipswich Wanderers, Scott Coleman the Millers' marksman, while Blackstones' wastefulness in front of goal saw them exit 2-1 to Racing Warwick, Dean Foley on the scoresheet for Stones. All four Division One representatives bowed out. Kempston lost 3-0 to Colney Heath, Rothwell Corinthians were beaten 3-1 by Welwyn Garden City with a late Dallie Mandson goal their only reward, while Bugbrooke crashed 4-0 to Long Melford. A week to forget for Daventry saw them forced to forego home advantage against Wellington, they opted to settle the tie on penalties after a goalless two hours and lost the shootout 4-2!

Cooks back on top

Champions Cogenhoe are back on top of the Premier Division after a 3-0 home win over Harrowby. Second half goals from Adam Bridgeford, Rob Goldring and Jim Le Masurier gave the Cooks maximum points. Last season's runners up Potton are again on Cogenhoe's coat tails after a 3-1 success at early season pacesetters Boston. Two Wes Byrne goals and one from John Coley gave the Royals the win, an Andy Carter own goal counting for the Poachers. Tom Gosling's first half hat trick gave Holbeach a 3-2 victory at Long Buckby who replied through Jon Crockett and Courtney Francis. In the Knockout Cup 1st Round Desborough won 2-1 at Thrapston thanks to a Matty O'Neill double strike after Chris Morris gave the home side the lead.

Chenecks go three clear on day of surprises

The 1st October programme in Division One saw a number of surprise results but there was no upset at Billing Road where ON Chenecks maintained their impressive start with a 3-1 home win over Higham. Peter Green, Lee Haines and Marc Cross were on target for Chenecks with Dave Kew the Lankies' marksman. Irchester are second after a 3-1 home defeat of Sleaford who opened the scoring through Jamie Shaw. Phil Lawrence levelled for the Romans who secured all three points with a second half Martyn Cain brace. Olney's winning run was halted by Huntingdon who were surprise 2-1 winners at East Street with goals from Carl Foreman and James Edwards, Richard Beardshaw replying for Olney with his 9th goal of the season. Blisworth and Whitworths drew 1-1 at Courteenhall Road, a late Kevin Eyre goal earning the Railwaymen a point after the Flourmen went ahead through Ben Holley. Champions Sileby collected only their second win of the season, first half goals from Donovan Reed, Adam Taylor and Paul Smith overcoming Peterborough Northern Star 3-1, Dave Cowling the visiting marksman. The biggest surprise of the day saw Burton Park collect their first win of the season, 2-1 at home to Eynesbury. James Dove's first half goal looked like sending Burton to another defeat but Adrian Chester and Craig Townsend turned the tables after the break.

Vase ties switched

The FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round ties between Daventry and Wellington and St Ives and Woodford have been switched. Daventry's Elderstubbs ground is out of action due to this week's fire on the site while the repair work to the St Ives pitch after the oil leak has been hampered by heavy rain in midweek.

FA Cup - revised draw

Following this week's replays the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round ties involving EBUCL clubs see Cogenhoe entertain Chasetown and Woodford visit Leamington in two ties between EBUCL and Midland Alliance clubs. The ties take place on Saturday 8th October.

Northants Junior Cup 2nd Round draw

BLISWORTH v SILEBY; Crick v PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR; DAVENTRY v RAUNDS RESERVES/Northampton Airflow; Heyford v ON CHENECKS; NORTHAMPTON SPENCER RESERVES v Roade; Northampton Thorplands v ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS; Priors Marston v HIGHAM; STEWARTS & LLOYDS RESERVES v Ashley Rovers; Weldon v DESBOROUGH RESERVES; WELLINGBOROUGH v IRCHESTER. Ties to be played on 22 October.

Daventry hit by blaze

Daventry Town's clubhouse and changing room building was gutted by fire in the early hours of Wednesday 28th September. Arson is suspected. Only the shell of the building remsins intact at the Elderstubbs ground. Local rivals Ford Sports and Long Buckby have already offered Town the use of their facilities wherever possible.

Wakes win Lincolnshire derby

The 28th September action in the Premier Division saw Bourne neat Holbeach 2-1 at the Abbey Lawn with a Miles Mason spot kick and Mark O'Dea effort, Neil Mitchell replying for the Tigers. In the evening's other game Blackstones and Desborough drew 1-1 at Lincoln Road, Tom Mills opening the scoring for Ar Tarn with Ashley Stevens replying for Stones.

Woodford progress on night of high drama

Woodford made FA Cup progress with a 10-9 penalty shootout win over Redditch at Byfield Road on September 27th, after the sides drew 2-2 after extra time. A 4th minute Scott Ricketts opener looked set to put Redditch through but Craig Pearman equalised with eleven minutes remaining. The Conference side were reduced to ten men but regained the lead in extra time, scoring through Carl Wilding after 97 minutes. Five minutes from the end of extra time Ben Milner's spot kick took the tie into a shootout. Woodford goalkeeper Matt Finlay was spared the need to take a kick in the shootout due to the visitors ending the game a man down, but he had his moment of glory by saving the eleventh Redditch kick, enabling Milner to win the contest for the Reds with his third successful conversion, one in the match and two in the shootout. Terry Fitton, Adam Knight, Arron Parkinson, Russ Dunkley, Stuart Haynes, Carl Standen, Kai Ridley and Sammy Ibrahim were the other successful Woodford scorers with Lewis Travers the only man to miss. Woodford's success coupled with Cogenhoe's win three days earlier gives the league its best 3rd Qualifying Round representation since 1985-86.

One point seperates top six

The closeness of this season's Premier Division was evident following the 27th September matches, which ended with the top six clubs seperated by just one point! Northampton Spencer stay top on goal difference despite suffering their second defeat of the campaign, 2-0 at home to Buckingham, who took the points with goals from Michael McKenzie and Moses Olaleye. Champions Cogenhoe joined the Millers and Boston Town on the 16 point mark after a single goal success at St Neots which was secured by an Elliott Sandy goal midway through the second half. Raunds and Potton missed the chance of going to the top by drawing in home matches. The Shopmates were held 1-1 by Stotfold, Carl Tallents' effort for Raunds cancelled out by a late Ady Bascombe reply, while the Royals were held 2-2 by Wootton at The Hollow. Darek Jozwiak's double gave Blue Cross a two goal lead but Paul Garrett and a Steve Gentle own goal gave Potton their point. Remarkably Stewarts & Lloyds are just a point of the pace, even though they've lost more games than they've won! A Michael Byrne spot kick and Sean Brennan effort gave S&L a 2-1 home win over Deeping whose marksman was Mark Lovelace. St Ives halted a three match losing streak with a 2-1 victory at Yaxley, Sam Lake and Jon Gull netting for the visitors before Chris Lenton replied for the Cuckoos. Newport Pagnell and Ford Sports drew 2-2 at Willen Road, Ian Pearce and Ben Foster giving the Motormen a two goal advantage, Vinny Shrieves, and Peter Rowe, with a last minute leveller, salvaging a point for the Swans. Lincolnshire Senior Cup A holders Harrowby lost their grip on the trophy going down 3-2 to Boston Town at Harrowby Fields. A Dave Scotney brace and Shaun Baker effort put the Poachers through with Robbie Williams and Mark Wilson replying for the Arrows.

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round draw

Cogenhoe United, the first UCL club to reach the 3rd Qualifying Round for seven years, have been handed a fourth successive home draw. They will entertain either Chasetown from the Midland Alliance or Unibond First Division strugglers Belper Town on 8th October. Woodford United, if successful in Tuesday evenings home replay against Redditch United, will travel to one of two Midland Alliance sides Leamington or Oadby Town.

Transfers to 24 September

22. Martyn Cain - Thrapston to Irchester 23. Mohamed Ali - Long Buckby to Raunds 24. Lee Dorrington - Whitworths to Raunds 25 - Paul Smith - Thrapston to Sileby 26 - Donovan Reed - Burton PW to Sileby 27. Gary Evans - Irchester to Desborough 28. Matt Cosentino - Daventry to Ford Sports 29. Leigh Fox - Raunds to Harrowby 30. Matt Kent - Wootton to AFC Kempston 31. Graeme Hodgson - Bourne to Desborough 32. Gareth Errington - Long Buckby to Bugbrooke 33. Kevin Vigo - ON Chenecks to Daventry 34. Dave Hiscock - Irchester to Higham 35. Grant Stewart - Ford Sports to Sileby 36. Andy Brown - Raunds to Desborough 37. Pete Sneddon - Raunds to Desborough 38. Scott Marshall - Blackstones to Stewarts & Lloyds 39. Chris Busby - Irchester to Higham 40. Jeff Busby - Irchester to Higham 41. Gareth Davies - Irchester to Higham 42. Kevin Davis - Irchester to Higham 43. Chris Boniface - AFC Kempston to Irchester 44. Ryan Wiffin - Buckingham to Long Buckby 45. Lee Addy - Stewarts & Lloyds to Rothwell Corinthians

Leading goalscorers at 24 September

Premier Division Gary Bull (Boston) 10; Steve Kuhne (St Neots) 9; Mark Paul (Yaxley) 8; Scott Coleman, Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 7; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton), Greig McIlwain (Desborough), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 6; Russ Dunkley (Woodford), Ben Foster (Ford Sports), Mark Lovelace (Deeping) 5. Division One Richard Beardshaw (Olney) 8 goals; Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 6; Paul Carey (Eynesbury) 5; Ronnie Fortune (Peterborough Northern Star), Karl King (Higham0, Jamie Shaw (Sleaford) 4.

Cogenhoe through - replay for Woodford

Our two FA Cup survivors did the league proud in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round on 24th September. Cogenhoe were 3-2 home winners over Staveley, opening up a three goal interval lead through a Fazel Koriya penalty after ten minutes and efforts from Darren Collins after 13 minutes and Simon Underwood two minutes before the break, before withstanding a second half comeback from the visitors which brought two goals for Paul Hurrell. Woodford earned a Tuesday replay with a magnificent 1-1 draw at Conference North side Redditch. Russ Dunkley's 49th minute effort put Woodford ahead and just seven minutes remained when Lee Jenkins levelled for Redditch.

Bittersweet win takes Spencer top

Northampton Spencer moved to the top of the Premier Division on 24th September thanks to a bittersweet win over St Ives which was marred by a broken leg suffered by Millers defender Jamie Moss. Scott Coleman's double gave Spencer a 2-1 victory, Glyn Cooke replying. Morning leaders Boston lost 1-0 at bogey ground Wootton, Darek Jozwiak scoring the Blue Cross goal, while Raunds climbed to third place after blitzing hosts Harrowby 9-1. Matt Curtis, Richard Tanner and Carl Tallents scored two apiece for the Shopmates who also had Nick Ashby, Adam Hancock and Jed Ainge on the scoresheet. James Baxter scored the home consolation. Late goals from Glen Crook and Wes Byrne saw Potton to a 3-3 draw at Desborough. Paul Garrett scored early for the Royals before a Greig McIlwain double and Matty O'Neill strike put Ar Tarn in charge. Chris Caswell, Danny Rogers and Liam Boath were on target as Stewarts & Lloyds surprised visitors St Neots 3-2 after manager Steve Kuhne twice had the Saints in front. Buckingham were 2-0 winners at Deeping with goals from Reuben Max-Grant and Moses Olaleye. Stotfold were 5-0 home winners over struggling Long Buckby with Joe Philbin and Jason Blackett on target twice and Ady Bascombe once, while Blackstones also went nap by trimming Ford Sports 5-2. Gareth Williams scored two for Stones whose other marksmen were Ashley Stevens, Kevin Ainslie and Dean Foley. Ben Foster and Ian Pearce replied for the Motormen. The match between Holbeach and Newport Pagnell was abandoned after 38 minutes with the game goalless after Swans skipper Tom Hill suffered a suspected broken leg.

Away sides shine in Division One

The limited action in Division One on 24th September saw wins for three away sides, with AFC Kempston the only home side to earn any reward in a goalless draw with Huntingdon at Hillgrounds. Olney climbed to third place with a 4-0 win at Higham, Sam Callear's spot kick opening the scoring before Richard Beardshaw took his season's tally to eight with a second half hat trick. Neil Morris was the Eynesbury matchwinner in a 1-0 success at Rothwell Corinthians while a last minute Mark Dudley penalty saw Irchester to a 2-1 win at Blisworth where Chris Boniface scored on his Romans debut only for Nick Woodroffe to level.

Holders through in Junior Cup

The 1st Round of the Northants Junior Cup brought mixed fortunes for Division One sides with five making progress and four bowing out. Holders Peterborough Northern Star won 3-0 at Wicken Sports with Gary Roddis, Ronnie Fortune and Matt Farrington on target, while Daventry trounced hosts Broadmead Saints 7-1 with the Town goals shared by Matty Cox, Paul Atkins, Dave Lancaster, Mike Jacznik, Elliott Grey and two goal Leigh Roberts. ON Chenecks pipped Bugbrooke 2-1 at Birds Close, Darren Hollis and Marc Cox giving Chenecks victory after Craig Minney opened the scoring for the Badgers. Wellingborough fought from two down to draw 2-2 with Harpole, Jamie Russell and Nick Mason taking the tie to a shootout won 5-4 by the Doughboys. Thrapston lost a shootout to Priors Marston 7-6 after a goalless draw with Whitworths losing in the upset of the day, 2-1 to Caledonian Strip Mills after leading through Danny Jackson. Burton Park lost 5-2 to Stewarts & Lloyds Reserves, Andy Greensmith and Jimmy Mark the home scorers with Dominic Johnson, Lee Garvie, Derek Simmons, Tony Muir and Shaun McDevitt on the scoresheet for S&L. Northampton Spencer Reserves beat Milton 4-0 but there were exits for Ford Sports Reserves, 2-1 to Rushden Rangers and Rothwell Reserves, 4-3 to Oundle. On Friday night a spectacular Sileby comeback had seen them overcome Cogenhoe Reserves 4-3. Two Ashley Bradshaw goals and a Dave Maguire spot kick had given the Cooks a three goal lead only for Lee Cotton and two goal Donovan Reed to take the tie to extra time where Dom Berardi won it for Sileby. In the Lincolnshire Senior Cup B, Sleaford drew 2-2 at Caistor, progressing 4-3 on penalties. In the match proper Sleaford marksmen were Robin Holderness in normal time and Paul Reece in extra time.

Vase replay win for Stotfold

Stotfold became the ninth side to make FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round progress with a 2-0 replay defeat of Tring Athletic on 20th September. First half goals from Wayne Mills and Jason Thomas took the Eagles through.

Poachers win shootout - no giantkillings though

The 20th September Knockout Cup action saw Boston beat Holbeach 5-4 on penalties and three Premier sides overcame lower grade opposition. At Tattershall Road Boston and Holbeach shared four goals, Ian Williams and Paul Goodhand on target for the Poachers with debutant Neil Mitchell and Omar Joof replying for the Tigers. The 2004 winners progressed in a shootout. Woodford's Russ Dunkley hit a hat trick in the Reds' 4-0 win over Olney, Neil Champlovier also on target for the 2005 runners-up. Northampton Spencer saw off Whitworths 3-0 with Jamie Moss, Dan Chilton and Scott Coleman sharing the goals while a lone Vinny Shrieves strike was enough to give Newport Pagnell a 1-0 win over Bugbrooke.

FA Vase - 2nd Qualifying Round draw

BLACKSTONES v Racing Warwick; FORD SPORTS v Atherstone; Rainworth v DEEPING; DAVENTRY v Wellington; ST NEOTS v Witham; Tring/STOTFOLD v Gorleston; Woodbridge v RAUNDS; Thetford v WOOTTON; ST IVES v WOODFORD; Bicester v BUCKINGHAM; Fakenham v NEWPORT PAGNELL; ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS v Welwyn Garden City; BUGBROOKE v Long Melford; Wroxham v YAXLEY; AFC KEMPSTON v Colney Heath; NORTHAMPTON SPENCER v Ipswich Wanderers. Ties to be played on Saturday 1st October.

Joseph leaves Wakes for Arrows

Bourne assistant manager Steve Joseph has left the Abbey Lawn to return to the management team at his former club Harrowby. Joseph briefly managed the Arrows a few years back and was more recently reserve boss at Harrowby Fields before switching to Bourne midway through last season.

Vase progress for eight

The 2005-06 FA Vase competition kicked off on 17th September with fourteen clubs in action. Eight progressed with Stotfold earning a Tuesday replay. Two clubs emerged victorious at the expense of former Vase winners. Yaxley progressed 1-0 at Hoddesdon with Ricky Hailstone the matchwinner, while Adam Smith and Darek Jozwiak gave Wootton a 2-0 home win over Stansted. Buckingham beat anither Essex Senior League outfit Barkingside 3-1 with two Michael McKenzie goals and one from Reuben Max-Grant securing victory for the Robins while Newport Pagnell had an excellent 3-1 win at Ryman League Ware with goals from Peter Rowe, Steve Dean and Tom Hill. Northampton Spencer were 3-0 home winners against Cranfield with Adam Wigley and two goal Darren Frost on the scoresheet while St Neots progressed with a 2-1 derby success at Godmanchester, Steve Kuhne and Gary Walker the marksmen. An Ashley Stevens goal was enough to give Blackstones a 1-0 home win over Central Midlands League champions Dunkirk while Deeping edged past Stapenhill 2-1, Mark Lovelace and Wayne Oldacre the Rangers marksmen. Stotfold drew 1-1 at Tring Athletic, Jason Blackett the Eagles scorer, while the surprise of the day saw league leaders Boston lose 2-0 to Nuneaton Griff at Tattershall Road. A Miles Mason spot kick was Bourne's only reward as they exited 2-1 to Shirebrook, while Long Buckby's poor form continued in a 2-0 reverse at Sawbridgeworth. Both Division One sides went out. Huntingdon's Vase debut saw them take FA Cup giant killers St Margaretsbury to extra time before losing 3-1. James Edwards was the home marksman. Eynesbury lost 4-1 at London Colney with Stuart Harper the scorer for Rovers.

Last season's top two on the march

The 2004-05 top two moved into the top four after victories in a limited Premier Division programme on 17th September. Potton, runners-up last May, are third after a 4-1 home win over basement boys Harrowby. Paul Donnelly, Bilal Hassan, Wes Byrne and Ian Morrison were on the scoresheet for the Royals, James Baxter replying for the Arrows. Champions Cogenhoe trail Potton on goal difference after a late Darren Collins spot kick gave them a 2-1 home win over next to bottom Desborough. Early in the game Fazel Koriya opener for the champions was quickly matched by Greig McIlwain's reply. Raunds missed out on second place after a 3-2 home loss to Ford Sports who snatched the points with late goals from Ian Pearce and Lee Bradley. Ben Foster was the other Fords marksman with James Fox scoring both Shopmates goals. A surprise at Occupation Road saw Stewarts & Lloyds beat Woodford 2-0 with Michael Byrne and Sean Brennan on the mark.

Flourmen lose unbeaten record

There were mixed fortunes for the three unbeaten sides in Division One on 17th September. Whitworths suffered their first defeat, going down 1-0 to AFC Kempston whose first victory was secured by a first half Tom Terry goal. Neighbours Wellingborough lost top spot after a 1-1 draw at Bugbrooke where Richard Eddy's early goal for the Doughboys was cancelled out by a Shaun Daly reply. ON Chenecks returned to the head of the table after a 5-2 Billing Road defeat of Rothwell Corinthians. Two Jamie Nuttall goals and one apiece from Lee Haines, Peter Green and Justin Ayre maintained Chenecks' fine start, Tony Ielapi and Kobie Dee replying for Corinths. The day's top scorers were Sleaford who beat Thrapston 6-2 at Cranwell. Lee Llewellyn netted twice with Jon Machin, Jamie Shaw, Steve Rowland and Robin Holderness also on target for the Lincolnshire side. Jon Shanks and Mark Brown replied for the visitors. Olney's good run continued with a 4-2 home win over Peterborough Northern Star. A Richard Beardshaw double and singles from Sam Callear and Paul Munday gave the Nurserymen the points with Ronnie Fortune and Steve Phillips the Star marksmen. Irchester were 2-1 home winners over Daventry, Mark Dudley and Jason Vaughan the Romans scorers with Matty Cox on target for Town. Stuart Abrahart and Dave Hiscock gave Higham a 2-0 win at bottom markers Burton Park while Sileby and Blisworth drew 1-1 ar Fernie Fields, Kevin Eyre's opener for the Railwaymen cancelled out by Colin Cooper.

League Knockout Cup - 2nd Round draw

Thrapston/Desborough v Raunds/S&L; Boston/Holbeach v St Neots; Woodford/Olney v Potton/Burton PW; Sleaford v Buckingham/Ford Sports; Sileby v Northampton Spencer/Whitworths; Peterborough Northern Star/ON Chenecks v Newport Pagnell/Bugbrooke; Bourne/Stotfold v Yaxley/Wellingborough; Cogenhoe/Blackstones v Daventry.

Reserve Knockout Cup - 2nd Round draw

Northampton Spencer/Blackstones v Bourne; Bugbrooke/Daventry v Holbeach; Whitworths v Cogenhoe; Wellingborough/Long Buckby v Desborough; Huntingdon v Ford Sports/Woodford; Higham/Irchester v Olney; Sileby/Stotfold v Deeping/Rothwell Corinthians; S&L/Thrapston v Raunds/Rothwell Town.

Motormen and Stones go nap

The Knockout Cup Preliminary Round ties on 14 September saw both Ford Sports and Blackstones score five in progressing. The Motormen won 5-1 at Long Buckby with Chris Trill scoring two and Ben Foster three, Danny Finlay replying for Buckby. Blackstones beat visiting Rothwell Corinthians 5-2 with Matt Doyle, Kevin Ainslie, Dean Foley and two goal Ashley Stevens on the scoresheet for Stones with Ashley Hustwayte and Dave Briffa replying for Corinths.

Doughboys join giantkillers club

The Knockout Cup Preliminary Round ties on 13 September saw Wellingborough become the season's third members of the giantkillers club as they won 1-0 against St Ives at Huntingdon with a debut strike from Chris Goode. Eynesbury and Huntingdon both threatened upsets before exiting 2-1 at Raunds and Potton respectively. At Kiln Park Paul Carey's penalty gave Eynesbury the lead before a Chris Bingham own goal and Pete Sneddon effort saw Raunds through while at The Hollow James Edwards fired Huntingdon ahead before John Coley and Paul Donnelly spared the holders' blushes. Second half goals from Dale Watkins and Simon Acton saw Yaxley to a 3-1 success at Deeping after Ricky Hailstone and Ross Nichols had exchanged first half spot kicks, while an all Division One tie saw Irchester's competitive bow under the Alfred Street floodlights end in defeat, Gary Roddis and Ronnie Fortune giving Peterborough Northern Star a 2-0 victory. St Neots won 1-0 at Wootton in a Hinchingbrooke Cup Preliminary Round tie, Gary Walker the marksman.

FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying Round draw

Redditch United (Conference North) v WOODFORD UNITED COGENHOE UNITED v Staveley MW (Northern Counties East Division One) Matches to be played on 24 September 2005.

Cogenhoe and Woodford fly the flag

Cogenhoe and Woodford notched up home wins in FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round ties on 10th September. The Cooks ran out 4-2 winners against Clapton with two goals from Fazel Koriya and singles from Elliott Sandy and Darren Collins who was sent off late in the game. Woodford demolished Harwich 5-0 at Byfield Road with Arron Parkinson, Russ Dunkley, Nicky Gordon, Neil Champlovier and Tom Fountain sharing the goals. Northampton Spencer lost 2-1 at home to Aylesbury, Tom O'Brien's goal briefly hauling the Millers on terms while Potton will view a 1-0 exit to Leyton at The Hollow as a missed opportunity as the Ryman side had a man red carded in the second minute!

Bull fires Poachers back to the top

Boston Town returned to the summit of the Premier Division on 10th September, Gary Bull's tenth goal of the campaign giving the Poachers a 1-0 success at Ford Sports. Bourne moved up to third place as St Ives learnt a few harsh realities of top flight football, the Wakes running out 5-0 winners in a match played at Warboys due to the Saints' pitch problems. Bourne debutant Danny Hargreaves hit a hat trick with Shamir Patel and Mark O'Dea completing the rout. Raunds climbed into the top four after an early James Fox goal proved enough to see off hosts Yaxley 1-0. Newport Pagnell are fifth after a last minute strike by in form Vinny Shrieves saw off Blackstones 1-0 at Willen Road. A Mark Lovelace brace and Ross Nichols spot kick saw Deeping to a 3-0 home win over Long Buckby while Holbeach found their goal touch with a 5-0 Carters Park rout of Stewarts & Lloyds. Darren Cundy and Matt Warfield scored two apiece in the first half with manager Shaun Keeble rounding off the scoring. The day's highest scoring match came at the Waterworks Field where Desborough went down 5-3 to Buckingham. Goals from John de Souza, Michael McKenzie, Junior George, Ian Trott and Gary Cook gave the Robins the points with David Glass, Greig McIlwain and Danny Hearn on the mark for Ar Tarn.

Doughboys and Chenecks set the pace

Morning top two ON Chenecks and Wellingborough maintained their fine starts to the campaign with victories on 10th September, but exchange places at the head of the table. Wellingborough occupy pole on goals scored after a 3-1 home win over Eynesbury. A Rob Foster double and Paul Haigh effort gave the Doughboys the points after they fell behind to a Paul Carey spot kick. Chenecks won 1-0 at Huntingdon with an early Peter Green strike enough to secure all three points. Whitworths dropped their first points of the campaign in a 2-2 draw at Peterborough Northern Star. Ronnie Fortune and Darren Hempson twice equalised for Star to cancel out goals by Scott Atkinson and Matt Freemen for the Flourmen. Second half goals from Dave Weedon and Adrian Spruels gave Bugbrooke a 2-1 success at Rothwell Corinthians and a top four placing after Kobie Dee had Corinths in front at the interval. Olney have put last season's struggles behind them, moving into the top six after a goal in each half from Richard Beardshaw earned a 2-0 East Street win over Thrapston. there's been no change in form for last season's basement side Burton Park who are bottom again after a 4-0 home reverse against Irchester whose goals were shared by Phil Lawrence, Damian Grant, Michael Jarvis and Karl Guy.

Knockout Cup gets underway with two giantkillings

The Knockout Cup kicked off with two giantkillings in First Round ties played on 10th September. Sleaford's long trip to Wootton proved a rewarding one for Brian Rowland's side as they ran out 2-1, Jamie Shaw and Pete Sutton overturning Craig Daniel's opener for Blue Cross. Sileby progressed 4-2 on penalties at Harrowby after four goals were shared, Colin Cooper scoring both Rangers goals with James Baxter and Darryl Chappell on the scoresheet for the Arrows. There was no surprise at Higham where St Neots ran out 4-0 winners, manager Steve Kuhne hitting a hat trick with Gary Walker also making an appearance on the scoresheet. An all Division One tie saw Daventry edge out Kempston 1-0 with a late strike from Michael Jacznik. The lone Preliminary Round match saw Stotfold run out 3-0 winners at Blisworth, a Wayne Mills double and Gareth Cottenden goal putting the Eagles through.

Leading goalscorers at 7 September

Premier Division Gary Bull (Boston) 9 goals; Mark Paul (Yaxley) 8; Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 7; Darek Jozwiak (Wootton) 5; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Steve Kuhne (St Neots), Vinny Shrieves (Newport Pagnell), Richard Tanner (Raunds), Mark Wilson (Harrowby) 4. Division One Rob Foster (Wellingborough), Karl King (Higham), Jamie Nuttall (ON Chenecks) 4 goals; Paul Carey (Eynesbury), James Daldy, Ben Holley (Whitworths), Darren Paling (Peterborough Northern Star), Paul Pratt (Olney), Paul Tebbutt (ON Chenecks) 3.

Transfers to 7 September

18. Michael McKenzie - Newport Pagnell to Buckingham 19. Fazel Koriya - Long Buckby to Cogenhoe 20. Robert Steele - Ford Sports to Daventry 21. Matty Curtis - Desborough to Raunds

300 up for Scotney

Boston Town's veteran striker Dave Scotney reached the remarkable tally of 300 goals in UCL football on 3rd September when he scored twice in the Poachers' 5-5 draw with Desborough at Tattershall Road. The 42 year old has reached the milestone in 549 games. All his goals have been scored for top flight clubs in Lincolnshire and he is believed to be the first player to reach this milestone since the Premier Division started in 1972. Exactly half of Scotney's goals were scored in the colours of Bourne Town with 91 netted for the Poachers. Spells at Blackstones (30), Holbeach (16) and Spalding (13) account for the remainder. Scotney is also among a small group of players to have won UCL championships with three different clubs - Spalding in 1987-88, Bourne in 1990-91 and Boston in 2000-01.

St Ives hit by vandalism

St Ives' fine start to life in the Premier Division has been blighted by recent vandalism at the Westwood Road ground. Intruders damaged a valve on the domestic oil tank at the ground resulting in a leak onto the playing surface with the result that approximately 250 square metres of the pitch was damaged. After consultation with Environmental Heath officers it has been decided to call a halt to use of the pitch while the affected area is dug up and returfed. It is expected to be some weeks before the Saints can play at Westwood Road. In the meantime other local clubs have proved good neighbours with Warboys staging the Saints' match against Bourne on 10 September and Huntingdon Town hosting the Knockout Cup tie against Wellingborough three days later.

Green steps down at Burton Park

Geoff Green has stepped down as manager of Burton Park Wanderers after seven months at the helm. The outgoing boss cited work commitments as the reason for his departure. Assistant Kevin Townsend, who worked with Green at Long Buckby, steps up to take charge.

Buckby off the bottom

Long Buckby moved off the foot of the table with a 4-2 home win over Raunds. Justin McKenzie and debutant Courtney Francis scored two apiece for Buckby with Gavin Fitzgerald and Andy Brown replying for the Shopmates. Vinny Shrieves of Newport Pagnell was in devastating form, scoring all four goals as the Swans won their derby at Buckingham 4-3. The Robins replied with a Michael McKenzie brace and a Jonathan Barnett effort. The Lincolnshire derby between Holbeach and Bourne finished goalless at Carters Park.

Spencer move to the top

The 6th September programme saw the Premier Division leadership change hands, while every side in the division has now won and lost. Northampton Spencer went top on goal difference after beating Woodford 1-0 at Kingsthorpe Mill with a Jerry Moss goal early in the second half. Boston Town's defensive frailities cost them pole position in a 4-3 reverse at Deeping. Ian Williams and Gary Bull gave the Poachers a two goal interval lead but goals from Carl Griffiths, John Paul Duncliffe, Lee Ellison, with a penalty, and Mark Lovelace gave Rangers victory despite a late Williams effort for Boston. In form marksman Mark Paul scored twice in Yaxley's 3-1 success at Stewarts & Lloyds. Dale Watkins was the other Cuckoos' marksman with Sean Brennan replying for S&L. Two second half goals from St Neots player boss Steve Kuhne saw the Saints to a 4-2 success at Stotfold. Nicky Hurst and Craig Reynolds were the other Saints marksmen with Adrian Bascombe notching both Eagles replies. Champions Cogenhoe lost 3-2 at home to Potton, the side they pipped to the title last May. A late Glen Crook effort gave the Royals the points after earlier Potton goals from Ian Morrison and Dave Brown had been cancelled out by strikes from Fazel Koriya and Simon Underwood. St Ives' 100% record bit the dust in a 4-1 reverse at Wootton. Chris Johnson, Scott McGregor and two goal Darek Jozwiak gave Blue Cross victory with Will Fordham on target for the top flight newboys. The two sides without a win at start of play both got off the mark. Two Ian Pearce efforts and a Chris Trill goal gave Ford Sports a 3-0 home win over Desborough while Blackstones were 3-2 winners at Harrowby with a Dan Jolly brace and Jamie Gilsenan strike. Mark Wilson and manager Jason Harrison replied for the Arrows.

Pacesetters share ten

Boston Town's 100% record came to an end as the Poachers drew 5-5 with Desborough at Tattershall Road in a remarkable game. Their three nearest challengers all lost though so Boston now head the Premier Division by three points. Gary Bull and Dave Scotney scored two apiece for the Poachers who also had Shaun Baker on the mark. Desborough scorers were Graeme Archer, two goal Greig McIlwain whose eventful afternoon later saw him dismissed, David Glass and Matty O'Neill. Northampton Spencer suffered their first defeat, 2-1 at Potton. Wes Byrne and Mark Bryant gave the Royals victory with Darren Frost scoring for the Millers before missing a late penalty. Raunds also lost for the first time, 1-0 at home to ten man Holbeach who had Steve Barnes dismissed before winning the contest with a Darren Cundy goal. Cogenhoe moved ominously into the top three with a 4-1 success at Bourne. Rob Goldring and Elliott Sandy scored two apiece for the champions, with Miles Mason replying for the Wakes who had Scott Cunningham dismissed. St Ives boast the top flight's last 100% record after a 4-0 success at Harrowby. Liam Kennett, Graeme Thackray, Jon Lee and Chris Ewles shared the goals. Woodford found their goal touch at Roker to emphatically end Stotfold's winning start. Russ Dunkley, Neil Champlovier and two goal Nicky Gordon saw the Reds to a 4-0 victory. Chris Caswell's brace and an Ian Wood effort gave Stewarts & Lloyds their first away win, 3-2 at Buckingham who had debutants Michael McKenzie and Mohamed Ouakchia on the scoresheet. Wootton came out on top in a bottom four clash at home to Ford Sports, Chris Johnson and two goal Darek Jozwiak giving Blue Cross a 3-0 success. Also enjoying a first win were Long Buckby, 4-1 home winners over Newport Pagnell. Two Louis Pilgrim goals allied to singles from Danny Finlay and Steve Blackwood saw Aidy Mann's side get off the mark, Steve Dean the Swans scorer. Blackstones slipped to the foot of the table despite a 2-2 home draw with Yaxley. In a 'game of two halves' Aaron Ridout and Jamie Gilsenan put Stones in charge only for Mark Paul and Dale Watkins to reply for the Cuckoos after the break. St Neots and Deeping drew 1-1 at Rowley Park, Steve Kuhne and Keith Gray the respective scorers.

Goals galore in Division One

Eight Division One games on 3rd September produced an amazing 40 goals, and there were several eye catching results. Relegated Daventry stunned reigning champions Sileby 7-1 at Fernie Fields. Two Kyle Pacey-Vigo goals, singles from Ramon Browne, Matty Cox, Richard Pannell and Dave Lancaster, plus a Michael Mullen own goal gave Town boss Tony Perry a memorable first win at the helm, Kyle Boatman replying for Rangers. Whitworths made it three wins out of three with s 7-1 home defeat of Blisworth. Again the goals were spread out among the Flourmen's side with Dan Spaughton, Stuart Goosey, Neil Chance, James Daldy, two goal Scott Atkinson and David Coales all on target, Jason Bradshaw the Railwaymen marksman. Olney won on their travels for the first time since April 2004, and how! The Nurserymen beat Eynesbury 5-1 at Hall Road with Paul Pratt, Danny Norris, Richard Beardshaw, Paul Munday and Scott Wrighting the Olney scorers and Stuart Harper responsible for Rovers' consolation as their unbeaten record bit the dust. ON Chenecks moved to the top of the table with a 4-0 home win over Burton Park who are now in familiar territory at the bottom. Peter Green, Darren Smith and two goal Jamie Nuttall shared the Chenecks goals. Morning leaders Sleaford vacated top slot after losing 2-1 to Wellingborough at Cranwell in the day's top match. Steve Rowland's opener for the home side was cancelled out by Rob Foster and Craig Norman won it for the Doughboys late on. An Adrian Spruels brace gave Bugbrooke a 2-1 home win over Thrapston, who led with an Andrew Chester own goal, while AFC Kempston were denied their first win by a late Peterborough Northern Star fightback. Gavin Batt and Darren Farrer gave the Walnut Boys a two goal lead only for Matt Farrington and Darren Paling to earn Star a 2-2 draw. New Higham manager Mark Desborough celebrated his first win at the Lankies helm as his side beat Huntingdon 3-1 at Vine Hill Drive. Karl King scored all three for Higham with Paul Bass the visiting marksman.

August award winners

The season's first Manager of the Month awards have been won by new Northampton Spencer manager Steve Jelley in the Premier Division and Brian Rowland of Sleaford Town in Division One. Jelley kicked off his Kingsthorpe Mill managerial career with ten points from the first four league games of the new season and a victory in the FA Cup. Long serving Rowland steered Sleaford to three away wins to kick off the campaign. A six goal haul in just three games gave widely travelled striker Gary Bull of Boston Town the Goalscorer of the Month award for August. the Goalkeeper of the Month award was shared by Boston veteran Simon Ward and raunds youngster Chris Jones. The pair both conceded just a single goal in four games.

Transfers to 2 September

6. Phil Anderson - Yaxley to Peterborough Northern Star 7. Matthew Harris - Thrapston Town to Raunds Town 8. Dean King - Irchester United to Raunds Town 9. Wayne Simmonds - Raunds Town to Wellingborough Town 2004 10. Tom Cosentino - Daventry Town to Ford Sports 11. Spencer Freed - Blisworth to Daventry Town 12. Andrew Webb - Cogenhoe United to ON Chenecks 13. Rob Spatcher - Cogenhoe United to ON Chenecks 14. Mark Reed - Harrowby United to Irchester United 15. Terry Jeyes - Irchester United to Higham Town 16. Andy Bennett - Newport Pagnell Town to Woodford United 17. Jonathan Dean - Stewarts & Lloyds to Wellingborough Town 2004

Leading goalscorers at 31 August

Premier Division Gary Bull (Boston), Darren Frost (Northampton Spencer) 6 goals; Mark Paul (Yaxley) 5; Scott Coleman (Northampton Spencer), Richard Tanner (Raunds) 4; Tom Hill (Newport Pagnell), George Ogbonna (Buckingham), Mark Wilson (Harrowby) 3. Division One Paul Carey (Eynesbury), Rob Fostee (Wellingborough), Ben Holley (Whitworths) 3 goals.

Cup reverses for duo

There were FA Cup Preliminary Round replay defeats for both Wootton and Deeping. On Tuesday 30th August Blue Cross lost 4-1 at Barton after Darek Jozwiak's goal had taken the tie into extra time. 24 hours later Deeping exited 1-0 at Norton, leaving just four clubs involved at the 1st Qualifying Round stage.

Lightning setback for Whitworths

Whitworths were hoping to join Sleaford at the top of the table on 31 August when they travelled to Sileby for a meeting of last season's top two. The referee deemed it too dangerous to continue play as a thunderstorm took place at Fernie Fields, calling a 51st minute halt with Whitworths leading through a Stuart Goosey strike. Second half goals from Paul Bass and Paul Nevill gave Huntingdon a 2-0 win over Burton Park while Kempston and Irchester drew 1-1 at Hillgrounds, Matt Woolgar and Gary Evans the respective marksmen.

Sleaford scale summit

Four clubs embarked on Tuesday evening's Division One programme with 100% records and while all remained unbeaten at the end of the evening, only Sleaford finished with their perfect start intact, a Jamie Shaw goal seeing them to a 1-0 success at Rothwell Corinthians. The evening's only other winners were Blisworth who pipped Bugbrooke 1-0 at Bird's Close with Hamish Carmody on the mark. A stoppage time penalty from Paul Pratt earned Olney a 1-1 draw at morning leaders Wellingborough who looked set for victory with a Rob Foster goal. ON Chenecks were held 1-1 at Daventry, Michael Jacznik netting a late Town equaliser to cancel out Peter Green's opener for Chenecks. The evening's most exciting game took place at Hall Road where Eynesbury and Peterborough Northern Star drew 3-3. Two goal Paul Carey and Barry Albone were on target for Rovers with Dino Salerno, Dave Cowling and Darren Paling replying for Star.

FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round draw

Staveley MW v DEEPING RANGERS or Norton United; WOODFORD UNITED v Harwich & Parkeston or Holmer Green; COGENHOE UNITED v Clapton; POTTON UNITED v Leyton; NORTHAMPTON SPENCER v Aylesbury United; Berkhamsted Town v WOOTTON BLUE CROSS or Barton Rovers. Ties to be played on 11 September.

S&L break duck - five share Division One lead

The only match in the Premier Division on 27th August saw Stewarts & Lloyds collect their first points of the season with a 3-1 win over visitors Harrowby. Lee Martin, Daniel Rogers and Michael Byrne were the S&L marksmen with Steve Young replying for the Arrows. Thrapston had the chance to go top of Division One on Friday but were beaten 2-1 by Irchester at Chancery Lane. Darrel Palmer's opener for the home side was cancelled out by a Damian Grant penalty and sub Gary Evans won it for the Romans in the final minute. Saturday's games saw five clubs make it six points out of six. Wellingborough head the table on goal difference after a 3-0 victory at Rothwell Corinthisns with goals from Rob Foster, Carl Hathaway and Richard Eddy. Whitworths gave relegated Daventry an Elderstubbs drubbing, Ben Holley, James Daldy, Dan Spaughton and a Dave Sedgwick own goal eaning a 4-1 win, Luke Pritchard the home marksman. Eynesbury produced a fine comeback to win 3-2 at Blisworth after trailing to goals from Ian Wake and Hamish Carmody. Paul Carey, Kirk Kidd and Barry Albone turned the tables to give Rovers their second victory. ON Chenecks edged out Kempston 2-1 at Hillgrounds, Paul Tebbutt and Jamie Nuttall securing the points with Richard Cook the Walnut Boys' marksman. Sleaford made it two successes on the road with a 3-1 success at Olney, Lee Llewellyn, Jamie Shaw and Steve Rowland the visiting scorers and Paul Pratt replying with a late penalty. Peterborough Northern Star overwhelmed Higham 7-1 with seven different scorers. Matt Farrington, Steve Phillips, Ronnie Fortune, Scott Quinney, Darren Paling, Nick Sweeney and Dave Cowling shared the Star goals with Karl King on the scoresheet for the Lankies. Champions Sileby picked up their first points, a lone Marshall Dodd strike earning Rangers a 1-0 victory at Huntingdon. The only draw of the day came at Burton Park where Wanderers shared two goals with Bugbrooke. Donovan Reed netted for Burton after Shaun Daly had given the Badgers a first half advantage.

Four through in FA Cup - replays for two more

Four of our clubs made progress in the FA Cup on 27th August with Preliminary Round successes while two more clubs face midweek replays. Cogenhoe were the most impressive winners beating Hanwell 4-1 with Elliott Sandy, Dan Thomas, Brian Page and an Anthony Lowlands own goal seeing the Cooks through. Northampton Spencer's fine form in front of goal continued as they beat hosts Ware 4-2 with two Darren Frost goals and one apiece from Pete Gregory abd Scott Coleman. A late Nicky Gordon strike saw Woodford to a 1-0 home win over Wisbech while Potton produced the comeback of the day to win 3-2 at Tiptree. Trailing by two goals after a quarter of the game, a Josh Leake own goal and double strike from Wes Byrne saw the Royals to victory. Deeping face a Wednesday trip to Staffordshire to meet Norton after a 0-0 Outgang Road stalemate while Wootton led Barton Rovers for 82 minutes but had to settle for a 1-1 draw as a late reply cancelled out Ashley Deverell's opener. Blue Cross were the only one of six clubs to survive against Southern League opposition. Newport Pagnell performed with credit at Harlow, Tom Hill and Vinny Shrieves on target in a 4-2 Swans reverse, while a last minute Cornell Haughton strike was Bourne's only reward as they exited 4-1 at Bromsgrove. Gary Walker was the St Neots marksman in a 4-1 loss to Hemel Hempstead at Rowley Park, while there were no goals for Raunds, surprisingly beaten 2-0 by Beaconsfield, or Blackstones, who went down 1-0 at Willenhall. Stotfold lost 2-1 to Clapton after leading through Carl Drew while there were early exits for Holbeach, 2-0 to Boldmere and Boston Town, 4-2 at Long Eaton. Nathan Collins and Micky Nuttell netted for the Poachers.

Boston move onto pole

The 23rd August programme saw Boston Town take over pole position with their fourth win of the campaign, Gary Bull on target in a 1-0 home win over Blackstones. Northampton Spencer dropped their first points of the campaign in a 1-1 home draw with Wootton. An eventful night for Darren Frost saw him score his sixth goal of the season after missing a penalty, a Jerry Moss own goal giving Wootton their point. Cogenhoe lost for the first time in 16 Premier Division matches, going down 3-0 at Woodford whose marksmen were Carl Standen, Adam Knight and Russ Dunkley. Raunds remain unbeaten after a goalless draw at Potton. Biggest winners of the night were Yaxley, who thrashed Holbeach 5-1 at Leading Drove. Mark Paul hit a hat trick for the Cuckoos who also had Matthew Parrott and Dale Watkins on the scoresheet, Matt Warfield replying for the Tigers. St Neots were 2-0 winners at Newport Pagnell with goals from Nathan Buckland and manager Steve Kuhne, while the surprise of the night saw Deeping go down 3-2 at home to Harrowby. A Mark Wilson brace included a last minute winner, Darryl Chappell also on the mark with Lovas Laszlo and Keith Gray on target for Rangers. Desborough opened their points account with a 2-1 home win over Long Buckby who are still without a point. Graeme Archer's double gave Ar Tarn the points with Adrian Redmond replying for the Bucks. The only Division One match of the night saw Thrapston beat Higham 2-0 at Chancery Lane with Darrel Palmer and James Blake on the scoresheet.

Eagles through in thriller

Stotfold booked a place in the FA Cup Preliminary Round after beating Bowers & Pitsea 4-2 on penalties after sharing six goals in their Roker replay. After trailing 2-0 at the break the Eagles fought back and a second half Adrian Bascombe double took the tie into extra time. With five minutes of the extra half hour remaining Stotfold fell behind once again but they fought back with Gareth Cottenden taking the tie into a shootout. Carl Drew, Leon Cashman, Wayne Mills and Cottenden were all on target in the penalty contest. Ford Sports failed to make home advantage count against Borrowash, losing 2-1 after opening the scoring through Chris Trill.

Spencer sharpshooters go nap again

Northampton Spencer's goal hungry start to the campaign continued with a 5-0 success at Blackstones. Two goals from Pete Gregory and one apiece from Scott Coleman, Darren Frost and Dan Chilton made it 17 goals in three games for Steve Jelley's side. Boston Town are also on nine points after a 1-0 success at Stewarts & Lloyds who suffered a third consecutive defeat as a result of Gary Bull's late penalty. Raunds made it seven points out of nine with a 3-0 Kiln Park defeat of Bourne, Richard Tanner scoring two and Adam Hancock one. Cogenhoe too have seven points after pipping Deeping 3-2 at Compton Park. Darren Collins, Brian Page (penalty) and Simon Underwood were on target for the Cooks with Carl Griffiths and Aaron Last replying for Rangers. Newport Pagnell dropped their first points in a thriller at Harrowby which ended 3-3. The Arrows looked set for another defeat as Tom Hill and Zinzan Manuanya gave the Swans a two goal lead but a Paul Miles brace and Mark Wilson effort turned the tables, only for James Fletcher to equalise for Newport in stoppage time. Holbeach put their first points on the board, beating Potton 3-1 at Carters Park. Tom Gosling, Jamie Graham and Steve Barnes gave the Tigers their first victory of the season with Ian Morrison the Royals marksman.

Winning start for Doughboys

Division One newcomers Wellingborough Town 2004 made a successful debut on 20th August, beating Huntingdon 4-2 at the Dog & Duck. Rob Foster, Callum Ridgway, Jamie Russell and Jake Upton shared the goals with the visitors scoring the game's first and last goals through Paul Nevill and Tom Polis respectively. Settled Blisworth beat much changed AFC Kempston 2-0 at Courteenhall Road with first half goals from Nick Woodroffe and Ian Wake, while Nick Gibson and Neil Morris were on the scoresheet for Eynesbury as they saw off visiting Irchester 2-0. New look Burton Park were denied any reward against Sleaford by a late Terry Pridmore own goal which gave the Lincolnshire visitors a 2-1 victory. Paul Sloley's opener for Burton was cancelled out by a Craig Wells reply. Rothwell Corinthians surprised Peterborough Northern Star 2-1 at Chestnut Avenue, Dave Briffa and Ashley Hustwayte the visiting scorers, Steve Phillips replying for Star. Jimmy Moore was the Bugbrooke matchwinner as they edged out Higham 1-0 at Birds Close.

Three through in FA Cup - replays for two more

Three clubs made FA Cup progress on 20th August with Extra Preliminary Round victories with two more earning Tuesday replays. Second half goals from Darek Jozwiak and Chris Johnson gave Wootton a 2-0 home win over Desborough, while Gary Walker and Steve Kuhne were on target as St Neots eased past hosts Wembley 2-0. Russ Dunkley opened Woodford's goal account for the season at Southend Manor, it was enough to give the Reds a single goal victory. Ford Sports and Stotfold must try again on Tuesday after away draws. The Motormen led at Borrowash through an Ian Pearce goal only to be denied a late penalty in a 1-1 draw, while Stotfold twice led at Bowers & Pitsea through Carl Drew and Leon Cashman, only for the home side to twice reply to draw 2-2. St Ives' first FA Cup tie for 55 years saw them exit 2-1 at St Margaretsbury after leading through Chris Ewles early on, while a similar fate befell Yaxley at Soham, Mark Paul's early opener for the Cuckoos not enough to prevent a 2-1 reverse. Buckingham were surprise casualties at Chalfont St Peter losing 1-0 while Long Buckby's losing run continued in a 2-0 exit at Fakenham.

Transfer trail

Transfers to 19 August 1. Aaron Bannie - Peterborough Northern Star to St Ives 2. Wes Byrne - Stotfold to Potton 3. Mark Wilson - Burton PW to Harrowby 4. Duncan McNish - Stewarts & Lloyds to Thrapston 5. Grant Neil - Bourne to Harrowby

Champions kick off with a derby defeat

The Division One campaign kicked off on 19th August with contrasting fortunes for last season's top two. Goals from Jason Gray, Jamie Nuttall and Paul Tebbutt gave ON Chenecks a 3-1 home win over Sileby after Paul Bennett gave the champions a first half lead. Whitworths, pipped to the crown on goal difference last season, fared better by winning 3-2 at Thrapston, who twice led in the first half. Ben Holley, Matt Freeman and James Daldy gave the Flourmen the points with Duncan McNish and James Blake the home marksmen.

Summer signings - 5

AFC Kempston Rovers New manager: Clive Black (Rushden & Diamonds academy coach) Gavin Batt (f, Bromham), Richard Cook (d, Bromham), Sam Dawe (d, Rushden & Diamonds), Darren Farrar (m, Meltis), James Fay (d, Bromham), Tony Goodwin (d, Bedford United), Lewis Hook (m, Willen), Matt Jones (g, Meltis), Paul McKeaveney (m, Three Horseshoes), Darren Marsh (d, Three Horseshoes), Andy Smith (f, Kempston Town), Matt Woolgar (m, ex-Wootton) Blisworth Simon Morrice (m, Daventry), Keith Price (m, Silverstone) Bugbrooke St Michaels Tom Baker (d, Silverstone), Sean Daly (m, Kettering), Martyn Fletcher (m, Woodford), Chad Shakespeare (m, Roade), Hammi Siddek (f, Rugby). Josh Yasar (m, Cogenhoe). Burton Park Wanderers Steve Brydon (d, Cottingham), Paul Chisholm (m, Kettering Nomads), Andy Greensmith (d, Desborough), Carl Lambert (d, Cottingham), Paul Sloley (f, Bugbrooke), Dean Trowbridge (g, Olney). Daventry Town New manager: Tony Perry (reserves) Matty Cox (f, Ford Sports), Lee Morgan (g, Cogenhoe), Leigh Roberts (m, Ford Sports). Eynesbury Rovers New manager: Dean Shipp (reserves) Glen Eastoe (f, Bedford Town), Ben Houseago (g, Eaton Socon), Paul Morris (m, Godmanchester), Simon Pearce (m, Huntingdon) Higham Town New manager: Mark Desborough (Whitworths) Stuart Abrahart (d, Long Buckby), Jack Pinnock (g, Kettering) Huntingdon Town New managers: Dave Blackwell, Gary Ling (reserves) Jamie Blackwell (d, Godmanchester), Tom Moran (f, St Neots), Kyle Oxborrow (Stowmarket), Tom Polis (f, Godmanchester), Rob Stamper (m, Godmanchester). Irchester United New head coaches: John Dower and Bob Reed (Kempston) Darren Halfyard (m, work), Lee Layton (d, ex-Kempston), Andy Moffatt (m, Thorplands)

Summer signings - 4

Northampton ON Chenecks Jason Gray (d, university), Lee Haines (d, Queen Eleanor), Gary Marks (m, Queen Eleanor). Northampton Sileby Rangers Colin Cooper (f, Ford Sports), Craig Cotton (f, Roade), Lee Cotton (f, Roade), Gary Minnelly (d, Thorplands, Michael Mullen (m, Long Buckby), Simon Skipworth (m, Daventry), Adam Slaymaker (m, back from injury). Olney Town Nick Beevis (d, Loughton), Tom Collins (f, injury), Jamie Harris (m, Loughton), Gary Janes (m, local football), Danny Norris (f, Loughton), Marc Page (d, Olney sunday). Peterborough Northern Star New manager: Mel Landin (ex-Deeping and Blackstones). Mark Barry (f, Eye Sports & Social), Matt Farrington (f, Alconbury), Andy Neal (d, Blackstones), Steve Paling (m, Ortonians), Scott Quinney (m, Deeping) Rothwell Corinthians Ben Greasley (d, Desborough), Paul Norton (m, university), Phil Woolley (m, Higham). Sleaford Town Miles Fish (m, St Andrews), Jon Machin (m, Billinghay), Matt Phillips (d, Harrowby), Jason Sedlan (m, Harrowby), Pete Sutton (f, Harrowby) Thrapston Town Craig Abbott (d, Kettering Nomads), Duncan McNish (m, Stewarts & Lloyds), Darrel Palmer (f, local football), Craig Patterson (g, Rothwell Corinthians), Fraser Smith (f, Riseley) Wellingborough Town 2004 New manager: Colin Ridgway Rob Foster (f, Kettering Nomads), Tyron Hicks (m, Rothwell Town), John Hughes (g, Rothwell Town), Nick Mason (d, Rothwell Town), Jamie Russell (m, Raunds), Ian Symington (m, Rothwell Corinthians), Tom Sharpe (d, ON Chenecks), Ross Thurlow (m, Raunds) Whitworths New manager: Steve Medlin (from reserves) Scott Atkinson (f, Thrapston), David Coales (d, Raunds), Lee Dorrington (d, Raunds), Danny Jackson (f, Raunds), Lee Purser (d, Sileby), Phil Turner (g, Thrapston)

Dower and Reed in Romans return

An eve of season management reshuffle at Irchester has seen Steve Whitney take a director of football role after a year in charge. He has brought in former co-managers John Dower and Bob Reed as head coaches. The pair led Irchester to their best ever Division One finish, third in the 2002-03 season, before moving to Kempston. The pair left Hillgrounds late last season.

Three more away wins

The three Premier Division matches played on 17th August all ended in away succeses, making it eight wins on the road during the midweek programme. Most emphatic Wednesday winners were Buckingham who overwhelmed Long Buckby 5-1 at Station Road. Steve Blackwood's spot kick for Buckby was cancelled out by Jonathan Barnett with a George Ogbonna double and efforts from Ryan Wiffen and Moses Olaleye completing the Robins' nap hand. Two Lee Ellison goals and singles from Mark Lovelace and Guy Last saw Deeping to a 4-2 success at Holbeach who replied through Darren Cundy and Tom Gosling. Ryan Franklin, Cornell Haughton and Richard Hutchinson shared the Bourne goals in their 3-1 win at Blackstones whose marksman was Gareth Williams.

Debut delight for Bull

The 16th August programme in the Premier Division saw success for away teams with only one visiting side tasting defeat in eight matches. Boston Town were the biggest scorers of the night with a 7-0 romp at Harrowby which saw Gary Bull enjoy a four goal debut for the Poachers. Ben Harris, Micky Nuttell and Carl Basker were also on target for Town. Northampton Spencer top the table after a 5-0 win at Stewarts & Lloyds. Darren Frost scored twice for the Millers whose other marksmen were Tom O'Brien, Scott Coleman and Matt Collins. A late Tom Hole own goal gave Stotfold a 2-1 win at Wootton, where Carl Drew's penalty opener for the Eagles was matched by a Ben Chambers reply for Blue Cross. Spencer, Boston and Stotfold are all on the six point mark along with newly promoted St Ives who stunned last season's runners up Potton by beating them 2-1 at The Hollow. Liam Kennett's brace gave the Saints victory with Kevin Evans on target for the Royals. Champions Cogenhoe could only draw 1-1 at home to Newport Pagnell, Elliott Sandy and Tom Hill the respective scorers, while Raunds collected their first win, 3-1 at home to Desborough. Carl Tallents and two goal Richard Tanner hit the Shopmates goals after Matt Curtis had opened the scoring for Ar Tarn. A second half brace from Mark Paul gave Yaxley a 2-1 success at St Neots who led at the interval through Russell Lawes, while Woodford are still without a goal after a 0-0 derby draw with Ford Sports.

Millers come out with all guns blazing

Ten of the eleven matches on the Premier Division's opening day ended with the sides level or a single goal apart. Bucking the trend was the match at Kingsthorpe Mill where Northampton Spencer overwhelmed Harrowby 7-1. Scott Coleman's opener for Spencer was quickly cancelled out by Daryl Chappell but the Millers ran riot after the interval with Matt Collins, two goal Darren Frost, Coleman, Dale Frost and Adam Baptist all finding the Arrows' net. Spencer boss Steve Jelley was just one of five new managers who enjoyed a winning start. St Neots player manager Steve Kuhne was another winner in his first match, Simon Claridge's 62nd minute goal gave his side a lone goal victory at Desborough. Potton's Ian Donnelly started with a victory as new recruit John Coley's late spot kick gave the Royals a 2-1 success at Deeping, where Mark Lovelace's opener for Rangers was cancelled out by a Mark Bryant reply. Stotfold's Jim Benton had to watch his side withstand a late Stewarts & Lloyds fightback as the Eagles notched up a 3-2 home win. Debut goals from Carl Drew, Ady Bascombe and Wayne Mills won it for Stotfold with Chris Caswell and Derek Simmons the visiting scorers. One of the day's surprises saw Terry Shrieves's young Newport Pagnell side shock Holbeach 2-1 at Willen Road, that after the Swans fell behind to a Dean Elston goal. Tom Hill's spot kick levelled things and Michael Lyon won it for Newport. Champions Cogenhoe were 1-0 winners at fancied Yaxley, Nick Hodges the matchwinner on the hour while debutant Craig Donaldson made it a great start for top flight newboys St Ives, scoring the goal which gave the Saints a 1-0 win over visitors Woodford. Second half goals from Micky Nuttell and Paul Goodhand saw Boston Town overturn an interval deficit to overcome Long Buckby 2-1 at Tattershall Road. Steve Blackwood had opened the scoring for Buckby. Three matches ended in stalemate. Defences were in top at Ford Meadow as Buckingham and Raunds finished goalless, while the fastest goal of the new season, Blackstones' third minute opener at Ford Sports from Matty Doyle, wasn't enough to secure victory as Mark Hewitt replied to earn the Motormen a 1-1 draw. Bourne and Wootton also drew 1-1 at the Abbey Lawn, Michael Stevenson's started for the Wakes cancelled out within three minutes by a Darek Jozwiak penalty.

Summer signings - 1

Blackstones Ian Flavell (g, Harrowby), Dean Foley (m, Rothwell Town), Darren Glover (d, Harrowby), Dan Jolly (f, Uppingham), Ian Matthews (m, RAF), Ashley Stevens (f, Deeping) Boston Town Carl Basker (m, Wisbech), Gary Bull (f, Stamford), Jamie Sleight (f, Skegness), Leigh Taylor (m, Deeping), Mark Thompson (d, Wisbech), Simon Ward (g, from retirement) Bourne Town Paul Bartle (d, Lincoln United), Scott Cunningham (f, Yaxley), Cornell Haughton (f, Rothwell Town), Danny Moore (f, Buckminster), Mark O'Dea (m, Newcastle University), Leigh Radford (m, Barrowby), Andy Smurthwaite (m, Cottesmore), Michael Stevenson (m, Holwell) Buckingham Town Jonathan Barnett (m, Dunstable), Meshach Cole (f, Crawley Green), Willie Gourlay (g, Stewarts & Lloyds), Lee Howey (Long Buckby, player-coach), Dean Powles (m, Aylesbury), Andy Prescott (f, Brackley), Phil Turner (d, back from injury), Ryan Wiffen (f, Winslow) Cogenhoe United Steve Berry (d, ex-Bedford Town), Jon Burdett (d, ON Chenecks), Dan Clarke (f, ON Chenecks), Jim Le Masurier (f, Rothwell Town) Deeping Rangers John Armstrong (u, Blackstones), Ryan Birtles (d, Bourne), Chris Emmerson (Durham), Angus Hepburn (d, Holbeach), Lovas Laszlo (f, Boston Nelson), Mark Lovelace (f, Boston Town) Desborough Town New manager: John Munton (promoted from coach) David Glass (m, Stewarts & Lloyds), Richard Kimbell (d, Woodford), Greig McIlwain (f, Stewarts & Lloyds), Matty O'Neill (m, Stewarts & Lloyds) Ford Sports Daventry Tim Clack (m, Sileby), Shaun Markie (g, Tamworth), Matt Poulton (d, Cogenhoe), Grant Stewart (d, Sileby)

Summer signings - 2

Harrowby United New player-manager: Jason Harrison (Bourne) Marcus Baines (d, Cottesmore), James Baxter (m, Bourne), Chris Briggs (d, Newcastle University), John Chand (d, Wyberton), Daryl Chappell (d, Stamford), Aaron Conboy (f, local football), Jason Harrison (f, Bourne), Colin Howe (m, Buckminster), Gavin Knox (d, Harrowby Athletic), Paul Miles (m, ex-Grantham),Cyle Myers (f, Ilkeston), Dave Powell (m, Bedford United), Mark Reed (f, Arlesey), Rob Renshaw (f, Dudley), Chris Riley (g, Bourne), Chris Self (f, Newark Flowserve), Matt Whittle (g, Stamford), Steve Young (f, ex-Grantham) Holbeach United Jason Callaby (d, Wyberton), Martyn Cundy (d, Wisbech), Jamie Graham (f, Peterborough Sports) Long Buckby Mohamed Ali (f, Northampton Spencer), Steve Blackwood (m, Cogenhoe), Dan Burke (m, Cogenhoe), Gareth Errington (f, Bugbrooke), Mark Lyte (d, Bicester), Louis Pilgrim (f, Bicester), Paul Warnecki (g, Daventry) Newport Pagnell Town New manager Terry Shrieves Dave Barron (d, Bedford Town), Andy Bennett (f, Woodford), Tom Bland (d, Daventry), Rob Hatcher (m, Aylesbury), Andrew Kidd (m, Leighton), Zinzan Manuana (f, Radskeg if, Sweden), Michael McKenzie (f, Raunds), Pete Rowe (d, Loughborough University), Vinny Shrieves (f, Buckingham Athletic), Bobby White (g, Padbury) Northampton Spencer New manager: Steve Jelley (senior) Adam Baptist (m, Stoke City), Matthew Broomes (f, ON Chenecks), Matt Collins (f, Blisworth), Pete Gregory (m, Blisworth), Ross Harris (d, Ford Sports), Steve Jelley (junior) (m, Oxford City), Scott Marshall (m, Daventry), Jamie Moss (d, Ford Sports), Jerry Moss (d, Ford Sports), Tom O'Brien (d, Bugbrooke) Potton United New manager: Ian Donnelly (ex-Hitchin assistant) Wes Byrne (f, Stotfold), John Coley (f, Boreham Wood), Keith Coughlin (f, Stotfold), Kevin Evans (m, Hitchin), Ian Morrison (d, Stotfold), Adam Pitcairn (m, Stotfold), Colin Shambrook (d, St Ippolyts), Shane Willett (d, Biggleswade United) Raunds Town Steve Ainge (m, Higham), Andy Brown (d, Corby), Les Hornby (m, Desborough, player coach), Pete Sneddon (m, Stewarts & Lloyds), Carl Tallents (m, Barrow Town), Richard Tanner (f, Ellistown)

Summer signings - 3

St Ives Town Aaron Bannie (g, Peterborough Northern Star), Jason Bannie (d, Ely), Craig Donaldson (m, Ely), Chris Hugill (d, Somersham), Steve Poore (d, Needingworth) St Neots Town New player-manager: Steve Kuhne (Potton) Nathan Buckland (d/m, Potton), Ricky Dear (m, Soham), Matt Endersby (m, Potton), Mark Franklin (m, Caldecote), Andy Hart (d, Mildenhall), Jon Hoggett (m, Arlesey), Steve Kuhne (f, Potton), Mark Phillips (f, Biggleswade Town), Stefan Shamlian (g, Arlesey), Gary Walker (f, Stotfold), Gary Watts (d, Potton), Ben Webster (g, Soham) Stewarts & Lloyds Sean Brennan (m, Cottingham), Lee Brydon (g, Cottingham), Chris Caswell (f, Corby), Jonathan Dean (d, Cottingham), Paul Doherty (m, Cottingham), Dave Donativo (d, Cottingham), Bobby Drain (f, Cottingham), Duncan McNish (m, Cottingham),Lee Martin (d, Cottingham), Daniel Rogers (d, Cottingham), Dave Trimble (f, Cottingham) Stotfold New player-manager: Jim Benton (Brache) Adrian Bascombe (f, Hitchin), Jim Benton (d, Brache), Jason Blackett (m, Dunstable), Nigel Blower (g, Crawley Green), Leon Cashman (m, Wootton), Dean Chapman (m, Dustable), Jermaine Daley (m, Arlesey), Steve Dogbe (f, Harrow), Carl Drew (f, Dunstable), Robert Evans (g, Brache), Steve Graham (g, Hitchin), Saim Hussain (d, Brache), Tyrone Kent (m, Ford Sports), Jamie Magi (m, Hitchin), Glenn Marshall (m, Hitchin), Jamie McDonald (m, Ex-Derby County), Wayne Mills (m, Hitchin), Nick Nolan (d, Hitchin), Richard Petrisor (d, Brache), James Potter (f, Luton Town), Richard Pringle (f, Arlesey), Karl Spring (d/f, Dunstable), Jason Thomas (m, Arlesey) Woodford United Russ Dunkley (f, Brackley), Matt Finlay (g, Oxford City), Jody McKay (m, Banbury), Arron Parkinson (d, Priors Marston), Kai Ridley (m, Aylesbury), Matty Travers (m, ex-Banbury) Wootton Blue Cross Neil Bedeau (d, Bedford United), Marco Cerrone (d, Old Bradwell), Ashley Deverell (f, Bedford Town), Michael Franklyn (m, Hitchin), Steve Hall (m, Bedford United), Matt Jones (g, Kempston), Dan Kelly (m, Riseley), Matt Kent (f, Kempston), Adam Smith (f, St Neots) Yaxley Phil Anderson (d, Peterborough Northern Star), Scott Bogusz (m, Cambridge City), Matt Hall (d, Blackstones)

Pre-season friendlies

July 9 - Blisworth 2 Raunds 4, Boston Town 0 Boston United 4. July 11 - Buckingham 2 Blisworth 0 (at Stowe School) July 12 - Long Buckby 1 Kettering 2, Raunds 0 Stamford 6. July 13 - Burton PW 3 Scot 1. July 14 - Buckingham 6 Irish Guards 0 (at Stowe School) July 15 - Holbeach 0 Soham 1. July 16 - Buckingham 0 MK Dons 3, Long Buckby 2 Racing Warwick 2, Raunds 1 Corby 0, Whitley Bay 6 Woodford 0. July 19 - AFC Kempston 1 Bedford Town 6 (Harry Robinson Memorial Cup), Boston Town 0 Lincoln City 7, Irchester 3 Thorplands 3, Sleaford 4 Boston United X1 1. July 20 - Corby 2 Rothwell Corinthians 0, Nettleham 1 Boston Town 2. July 21 - Biggleswade Town 2 Stotfold 2, Bugbrooke 1 Rugby 7, St Ives 7 Bishops Stortford X1 0, Wootton 2 Arlesey 0. July 22 - Deeping 1 Wisbech 2, Littleport 1 Yaxley 3, Raunds 1 Northampton Town 2. July 23 - AFC Kempston 2 Arlesey Athletic 2, Barton Rovers 7 Eynesbury 0, Buckingham 1 Westfields 0 (at Stowe School), Cottesmore 0 Blackstones 5(at Oakham Schoool), Daventry v Alveston, Harrowby 6 Alconbury 3, Long Buckby 7 Higham 2, Lutterworth Town 1 Burton PW 6, Newport Pagnell 0 MK Dons 6, Northampton Spencer 4 Leighton 0, Oundle v Thrapston, St Neots 3 Soham 1, Stotfold 7 Hitchin 0, Wellingborough 1 St Ives 3, Whitworths 1 Cogenhoe 3, Woodford 3 Oadby 2. July 25 - Bourne 0 Peterborough United 6 (Kevin Morris Memorial Cup) July 26 - Arlesey 1 Buckingham 3, Banbury 3 Woodford 1, Buckingham Athletic 1 Northampton Spencer 1, Boston Town 0 Spalding 0, Cogenhoe 4 Oadby 1, Eynesbury 5 Hemingford 1, Harrowby 0 Coningsby 1, Holbeach 1 Kings Lynn 1, Irchester 0 Brierley & Hagley 4, Kettering Nomads v Sileby, Long Buckby v Rothwell Town, Perkins 2 Peterborough Northern Star 2, Raunds 1 Kettering 5, St Ives 2 Histon 4, St Neots 1 Bedford Town 2, Wisbech 1 Yaxley 1. July 27 - Corby 1 S&L 0 (Bob Cumming Memorial Cup), Harrowby 2 Stamford 3 (Pigott-Drury Memorial Cup), Sleaford 1 Lincoln City 3. July 28 - Arlesey 7 Stotfold 1 (Jan Anderson Memorial Cup), Bourne 2 Deeping 2 (Bourne won 4-2 on pens) (Lincs Free Press Cup S/F) July 29 - Holbeach 0 Boston United 3 (Gerald Starling Memorial Cup), Mildenhall v Yaxley. July 30 - Bedford United 1 St Neots 12, Blackstones 1 Holwell Sports 2, Boldmere v Deeping, Bourne 2 Lincoln United 2, Buckingham 3 Wembley 4 (at Stowe), Buckingham Athletic 2 Woodford 2, Chalfont St Peter 2 Wootton 2 - Chalfont won 5-4 on penalties (Dudley Latham Memorial Cup), Ford Sports v Newmarket, Harrowby 4 Burton PW 3, Islip v Whitworths, Kettering Nomads v Rothwell Corinthians, Long Buckby v Sileby, Moulton 0 Irchester 3, Newport Pagnell 1 Holmer Green 0, Northampton Spencer 5 Oadby 1, Rothwell Town 1 Raunds 2, St Andrews 4 Desborough 3, St Ives 4 Buntingford 0, Sawston 2 Potton 2, Sleaford 1 Thackley 3, Stewarts & Lloyds 1 Santos 0, Stotfold 1 Needham Market 5, Sutton Coldfield 2 Cogenhoe 2. August 1 - Holbeach 1 Spalding 1 (8-9 pens) (Lincs Free Press S/F). August 2 - AFC Kempston 1 Stony Stratford 4, Biggleswade United 2 St Neots 2, Blackstones 3 Peterborough Northern Star 0, Boston Town v Kings Lynn, Desborough 3 Oadby 1, Eynesbury v Ampthill, Harrowby 4 Sleaford X1 0, Heyford v Sileby, Long Buckby v Blisworth, Newmarket v Yaxley, Newport Pagnell 3 Tring Corninthians 1, Potton 6 Cottenham 1, St Ives v Whitworths, Weldon v Thrapston, Woodford v Bicester. August 3 - Godmanchester v Northampton Spencer, Irchester v Langford, Raunds 1 Nuneaton 2, Sleaford 5 Lincoln Moorlands 2, Stotfold 0 Histon 1, Lincs Free Press 3rd place match - Deeping 2 Holbeach 0. August 4 - Desborough v Thurmaston, St Neots v Fulbourn, Wellingborough v Oadby, Lincs Free Press Cup final, Bourne 2 Spalding 2 (10-9 pens) at Holbeach. August 5 - Yaxley 4 Kettering X1 1. August 6 - AFC Kempston v Potton, Biggleswade United v Wootton, Blackstones v Wyberton, Bugbrooke v Coventry Sphinx, Burton PW v Ryhall, Coalville v Woodford, Deeping v Kings Lynn Reserves, Desborough v Rothwell Town, Ely v Stotfold, Ford Sports v Blisworth, Harrowby v Peterborough Northern Star, Heyford v Whitworths, Holwell Sports v Sleaford, Huntingdon v Biggleswade United, Kettering Nomads v Thrapston (at Finedon), Kimberley v Irchester, Long Buckby v Moulton (Andy Humphries Memorial Cup), Milton v ON Chenecks, Newport Pagnell v Sileby, St Andrews v Raunds, St Neots v Eynesbury, Soham v Cogenhoe, Thame v Northampton Spencer, Wisbech v St Ives. August 8 - Boston Town v Grantham. August 9 - AFC Kempston v Ampthill, Desborough v Coventry Sphinx, Eynesbury v Buntingford, Godmanchester v Thrapston, Huntingdon v Cambridge United X1 (prov), Langford v St Neots, New Bradwell v Blisworth, Peterborough Northern Star v Moulton Harrox, Potton v Hoddesdon, St Andrews v Bourne, Somersham v Huntingdon, Wisbech v Holbeach, Wootton v Whitworths. August 10 - Blackstones v Sileby, Burton PW v Cogenhoe Reserves. August 11 - AFC Kempston v Wootton, Stony Stratford v Thrapston. August 13 - AFC Kempston v Newtown Rangers, Bugbrooke v Bedworth X1, Burton PW v Stewarts & Lloyds Reserves (prov), Peterborough Northern Star v Hotpoint, Stony Stratford v Sileby, Wellingborough v Cottesmore, Whitworths v Kettering Nomads. August 14 - Irchester v Galleywood. August 15 - Burton PW v Kettering Reserves. August 16 - AFC Kempston v Totternhoe, Buckingham Athletic v Blisworth, Eynesbury v Arlesey Athletic.

Wakes win Free Press Cup

Bourne became the inaugural winners of the Lincolnshire Free Press on 4 August, beating Spalding 10-9 at Carters Park in a marathon penalty shootout after the sides shared four goals in the match proper. Chris Gray scored both Bourne goals in the match while the shootout went to 22 kicks in total, goalkeeper Mick Hurst the Wakes hero as he converted his own kick and saved from Tulips counterpart Ian Pledger. In the previous evening's third place play off Deeping beat Holbeach 2-0 with a first half brace from Lovas Laszlo.

Wootton beaten in shootout

Wootton's bid to win the Dudley Latham Memorial Cup on 30 July came to grief as they were outgunned 5-3 in a shootout by hosts Chalfont St Peter. Gavin Hoyte and Chris Johnson netted for Blue Cross as thet shared four goals with their Ryman League hosts.

Rovers win Cary White Memorial Cup

Host club Eynesbury won the Cary White Memorial Cup on 30 July. After topping their group Rovers beat Ramsey Pavilion on penalties in the semis before following up with another shootout success in the final. Eynesbury and Crowland drew 1-1 before Rovers won the penalty contest 4-1.

Tigers beaten by strong Pilgrims

Boston United paid Holbeach the compliment of fielding a powerful line up for the Gerald Starling Memorial Cup match at Carters Park on 29 July. Simon Rusk, Julian Joachim and Stuart Talbot were on target in Boston's 3-0 but there was a moment to remember for Holbeach keeper Adam Kirk who saved a second half spot kick from the Pilgrims' ex-Premiership star Noel Whelan.

S&L beaten in Cumming Cup

Stewarts & Lloyds' first warm up match of the new season saw them beaten 1-0 by neighbours Corby Town at the Rockingham Triangle on 27 July. Bobby White scored the decisive goal seven minutes before the interval as the Steelmen retained the Bob Cumming Memorial Cup.

Posh carry off Kevin Morris Memorial Cup

Bourne competed well in the first half but were eventually overwhelmed as a strong Peterborough United side ran out 6-0 winners in the Kevin Morris Memorial Cup on 25 July. Northern Ireland interbational Peter Kennedy broke the deadlock shortly before the interval and further goals followed after the break from Adam Newton, Kennedy, Rob Duffy (2) and Simon Rea.

Swans overwhelmed by Dons

A young Newport Pagnell side lost 6-0 to MK Dons at Willen Road on 23 July. Izale McLeod, two goal duo Malvin Kamara and Wade Small and Nicky McKoy shared the Dons goals.

Imps hand Boston a drubbing

Boston Town's second meeting with Coca Cola League opposition saw them handed a 7-0 drubbing by Lincoln City on 19 July. Ollie Ryan and Graham Armstrong gave the Imps a two goal half time lead before the floodgates opened in the second period. Mohato Molango scored twice with Lee Beevors, Leon Mottam and Tom Wilkinson all joining the scoring spree.

Lincolnshire Cup draws

Senior Cup A First Round (1/10) Harrowby v Boston Town. Senior Cup B First Round (24/9) Caistor v Sleaford.

Keeper off in Robins' defeat

Buckingham produced a good performance against the MK Dons in front of a 1000 plus crowd at Ford Meadow on 16 July, the Coca Cola League side running out 3-0 winners. The Robins competed well until goalkeeper Willie Gourlay was red carded shortly before the break for handball outside the box. Two goals from Izale McLeod and one from Wade Small gave the Dons their win.

Bedfordshire cup draws

Senior Cup 1st Round (w/c 10 October) Bedford Town v Stotfold; Wootton v Leighton. Quarter finals (w/c 16 January) Arlesey Town v Potton; Wootton/Leighton v Barton Rovers; Biggleswade United/ Biggleswade Town v Bedford Town/Stotfold. Senior Trophy 1st Round (5 November) Bedford United & Valerio v AFC Kempston. Intermediate Cup 2nd Round (12 November) Campton/Christians in Sport v Stotfold Reserves.

Berks & Bucks Cup draws

Senior Trophy 2nd Round (to be played by 11 November) Reading Town v Newport Pagnell; Milton United v Buckingham. Intermediate Cup 1st Round (8 October) Aston Park v Newport Pagnell Reserves; Haddenham v Olney. Junior Cup 1st Round (15 October) Olney Reserves v St Johns.

August fixtures

August 13 Premier Division Boston v Long Buckby, Bourne v Wootton, Buckingham v Raunds, Deeping v Potton, Desborough v St Neots, Ford Sports v Blackstones, Newport Pagnell v Holbeach, Northampton Spencer v Harrowby, St Ives v Woodford, Stotfold v Stewarts & Lloyds, Yaxley v Cogenhoe. August 16 Premier Division Cogenhoe v Newport Pagnell, Harrowby v Boston, Potton v St Ives, Raunds v Desborough, St Neots v Yaxley, Stewarts & Lloyds v Northampton Spencer, Woodford v Ford Sports, Wootton v Stotfold. August 17 Premier Division Blackstones v Bourne, Holbeach v Deeping, Long Buckby v Buckingham. August 19 Division One ON Chenecks v Sileby, Thrapston v Whitworths. August 20 Premier Division Blackstones v Northampton Spencer, Cogenhoe v Deeping, Harrowby v Newport Pagnell, Holbeach v Potton, Raunds v Bourne, Stewarts & Lloyds v Boston. Division One Blisworth v Kempston, Bugbrooke v Higham, Burton PW v Sleaford, Eynesbury v Irchester, Olney v Daventry, Peterborough Northern Star v Rothwell Corinthians, Wellingborough v Huntingdon. August 23 Premier Division Boston v Blackstones, Deeping v Harrowby, Desborough v Long Buckby, Ford Sports v Buckingham, Newport Pagnell v St Neots, Northampton Spencer v Wootton, Potton v Raunds, St Ives v Stotfold, Woodford v Cogenhoe, Yaxley v Holbeach. Division One Thrapston v Higham. August 24 Premier Division Bourne v Stewarts & Lloyds. August 26 Division One Thrapston v Irchester. Reserve Division Two Burton PW v Huntingdon, ON Chenecks v Daventry, Rothwell Corinthians v Long Buckby. August 27 Premier Division Stewarts & Lloyds v Harrowby. Division One Blisworth v Eynesbury, Burton PW v Bugbrooke, Daventry v Whitworths, Huntingdon v Sileby, Kempston v ON Chenecks, Olney v Sleaford, Peterborough Northern Star v Higham, Rothwell Corinthians v Wellingborough. Reserve Division One Blackstones v Cogenhoe, Bourne v Desborough, Eynesbury v Stewarts & Lloyds, Ford Sports v Deeping, Newport Pagnell v Yaxley, Northampton Spencer v Raunds, Rothwell v Whitworths, Sileby v Stotfold. Reserve Division Two Bugbrooke v Holbeach, Higham v Olney, Spalding v Irchester, Wellingborough v Woodford. August 30 Division One Bugbrooke v Blisworth, Daventry v ON Chenecks, Eynesbury v Peterborough Northern Star, Rothwell Corinthians v Sleaford, Wellingborough v Olney. August 31 Division One Huntingdon v Burton PW, Kempston v Irchester, Sileby v Whitworths.

Poachers well beaten in derby

A derby between Boston Town and Coca Cola League Two neighbours Boston United welcomed in the new season on Saturday 9th July. The Pilgrims were well on top in the first half and widely travelled striker Jason Lee netted a hat trick before the interval with goals after 11, 26 and 41 minutes. United changed their entire line up at the break, and the Poachers competed much better after the interval. Austin McCann's 48th minute strike wrapped up a 4-0 win for the professionals.

FA Cup draw

Extra Preliminary Round (20 August) Borrowash v FORD SPORTS; Chalfont St Peter v BUCKINGHAM; Wembley v ST NEOTS; Soham v YAXLEY; Fakenham v LONG BUCKBY; Bowers & Pitsea v STOTFOLD; St Margaretsbury v ST IVES; WOOTTON v DESBOROUGH; Southend Manor v WOODFORD. Preliminary Round (27 August) Willenhall v BLACKSTONES; Bromsgrove v BOURNE; Long Eaton/Quorn v BOSTON TOWN; Coalville v Borrowash/FORD SPORTS; DEEPING v Norton/Alvechurch; HOLBEACH v Boldmere; WOOTTON/DESBOROUGH v Barton Rovers; Ware/Sporting Bengal v NORTHAMPTON SPENCER; AFC Hornchurch v Chalfont St Peter/BUCKINGHAM; Harlow v NEWPORT PAGNELL; Tiptree v POTTON; Wembley/ST NEOTS v Hemel Hempstead; Fakenham/LONG BUCKBY v Waltham Forest; Bowers & Pitsea/STOTFOLD v Clapton; Barking & East Ham v St Margaretsbury/ST IVES; Soham/YAXLEY v Enfield Town; COGENHOE v Hanwell; RAUNDS v Beaconsfield; Southend Manor/WOODFORD v Hullbridge/Wisbech.

FA Vase draw

1st Qualifying Round (17 September) BOSTON TOWN v Nuneaton Griff; DEEPING v Stapenhill; BOURNE v Shirebrook; BLACKSTONES v Dunkirk; Tring Athletic v STOTFOLD; Sawbridgeworth v LONG BUCKBY; BUCKINGHAM v Barkingside; NORTHAMPTON SPENCER v Cranfield; HUNTINGDON v St Margaretsbury; London Colney v EYNESBURY; Hoddesdon v YAXLEY; Ware v NEWPORT PAGNELL; Godmanchester v ST NEOTS; WOOTTON v Stansted. 2nd Qualifying Round (15 October) Sutton Town v BOSTON TOWN/Nuneaton Griff; BLACKSTONES/Dunkirk v Racing Warwick/Eccleshall; FORD SPORTS v Atherstone/Ludlow; Rainworth v DEEPING/Stapenhill; Blackwell MW v BOURNE/Shirebrook; DAVENTRY v Wellington; Godmanchester/ST NEOTS v Harefield/Witham; Tring Athletic/STOTFOLD v Flackwell Heath/Gorleston; Woodbridge/Harwich v RAUNDS; Thetford v WOOTTON/Stansted; ST IVES v WOODFORD; Bicester v BUCKINGHAM/Barkingside; Fakenham v Ware/NEWPORT PAGNELL; ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS v Haverhill/Welwyn GC; Sawbridgeworth/LONG BUCKBY v Chalfont St Peter; Broxbourne v HUNTINGDON/St Margaretsbury; BUGBROOKE v Long Melford; Southall/Wroxham v Hoddesdon/YAXLEY; AFC KEMPSTON v Colney Heath; NORTHAMPTON SPENCER/Cranfield v Ipswich Wanderers/Bowers & Pitsea; London Colney/EYNESBURY v Hadleigh. Exempt to Round 1: COGENHOE, HOLBEACH. Exempt to Round 2: DESBOROUGH, POTTON.

Cambridge United to use Jubilee Park for training

Cambridge United, newly relegated to the Conference, are to use Huntingdon Town's Jubilee Park ground as a training base during the 2005-06 season. Town chairman Hans Reif has negotiated the arrangement with U's manager Rob Newman and vice chairman John Howard. United have been without their own training ground for many years, leading a nomadic existence utilising facilities at numerous Cambridge University colleges around the city. The Jubilee Park set up includes several pitches, changing rooms and canteen, and will be used as a permanent training base by the ex-Football League club. The clubs are interested in developing further links as the season progresses.

Desborough announce new look management team

John Munton, who has assisted Simon Rielly at the Desborough helm for the last two seasons, has been appointed manager at the Waterworks Field. Munton is a former Stewarts & Lloyds and Corby Town goalkeeper who started his managerial career with the Steelmen as youth team boss. Assisting Munton will be Ar Tarn defender Glyn Davies and ex-Nottingham Forest star Bryn Gunn. Corby bred Gunn played as a substitute in Forest's European Cup win over Hamburg and also had spells in the pro game with Peterborough and Chesterfield. He had a brief spell as co-manager of Corby Town with Gerry McElhinney and has recently been assistant manager of Arnold in the Northern Counties East League.

Howey links up with Robins

Former Premiership defender Lee Howey has linked up with Buckingham Town in a coaching role. The former Sunderland, Burnley and Northampton man has been assistant manager at Aylesbury, Bedford and Kettering in recent seasons and he finished last season playing in the UCL for Long Buckby.

Saints in FA Cup comeback after 55 years

Newly promoted Premier Division side St Ives Town will compete in the 2005-06 FA Cup - their first entry in the competition since 1950. It will only be the club's third appearance in the FA Cup. Twenty member clubs have been accepted into the competition - Blackstones, Boston Town, Bourne Town, Buckingham Town, Cogenhoe United, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Ford Sports Daventry, Holbeach United, Long Buckby, Newport Pagnell Town, Northampton Spencer, Potton United, Raunds Town, St Ives Town, St Neots Town, Stotfold, Woodford United, Wootton Blue Cross and Yaxley.

Four gain Vase exemption

Four of our member clubs have been awarded exemptions in the FA Vase for 2005-06. Desborough Town and Potton United, who both reached Round 4 last season, join the fray at the Second Round stage with Cogenhoe United and Holbeach United rewarded for top three league placings with exemption to Round One. Huntingdon Town have been accepted into the competition for the first time. The following 26 Eagle Bitter UCL member clubs have been accepted into the competition - AFC Kempston Rovers, Blackstones, Boston Town, Bourne Town, Buckingham Town, Bugbrooke St Michaels, Cogenhoe United, Daventry Town, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Eynesbury Rovers, Ford Sports Daventry, Holbeach United, Huntingdon Town, Long Buckby, Newport Pagnell Town, Northampton Spencer, Potton United, Raunds Town, Rothwell Corinthians, St Ives Town, St Neots Town, Stotfold, Woodford United, Wootton Blue Cross and Yaxley.

Landin takes charge at Star

Peterborough Northern Star have appointed Mel Landin as manager. He replaces Alex Brown who resigned recently due to work commitments. Landin previously led Deeping to promotion to the UCL and Rangers then missed a further elevation by a whisker in their first Division One campaign. His next port of call was Blackstones where he enjoyed cup success, leading Stones to wins in the League Knockout Cup in 2003 and Lincolnshire Senior Cup A a year later. He left Lincoln Road in September 2004.

Potton management team in shock exit

Successful Potton United management trio, co-managers Dick Newman and Roy Bloxham and coach Neil Rodney, have resigned their positions at The Hollow. Ex-Barton Rovers boss Newman took the Royals helm in 2002 and led Potton back to the Premier Division two years later. Bloxham joined him as co-manager last summer with Rodney arriving as coach, and the trio led the Royals to arguably their best ever season. The top flight newboys finished as runners-up in the Premier Division and won the League Knockout Cup, North Beds Charity Cup, Hinchingbrooke Cup and Highest Aggregate Goalscorers trophy. The co-managers won the league's manager of the year award and three manager of the month awards during the 2004-05 season. Potton have acted speedily to bring in a new manager in Ian Donnelly, who formerly assisted Kerry Dixon at Southern League Hitchin Town. As a player he won the UCL with Arlesey in 1985 and then helped Baldock win promotion to the Southern League two seasons later. He has also been coach at Stotfold and manager of Barton Rovers in the Ryman League.

Perry steps up at Daventry

Reserve manager Tony Perry has taken the reins at relegated Daventry Town after managerial duo Simon Morrice and Steve Kitchin both stepped down due to family commitments. The pair nattowly failed to save Town from the drop after replacing Mark Shackleton in October. Perry, who was also general manager at Elderstubbs last season, takes charge for the second time having previously spent six months at the helm in 1995. He also had a spell managing Long Buckby's second string and played in Ford Sports' Division One championship side.

Drury quits Arrows

Harrowby United manager for the last four years, Graham Drury, has resigned as Arrows manager to take charge at Southern League Stamford. In his time at Harrowby Fields Drury led the club to promotion to the Premier Division, 3rd and 5th place finishes in the top flight and success in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup A. Stepping into the Harrowby hot seat are reserve boss John Sutton and the Harrowby Athletic Sunday manager Jason Harrison. Sutton ran Saturday and Sunday sides in Boston before joining Harrowby to run their Lincolnshire League side last season. Harrison, a former Arrows striker, ended last season as a player with Bourne Town, and has also played UCL football for Long Buckby and Eye.

Benton takes Stotfold reins

Stotfold have appointed 30 year old Irishman Jimmy Benton as their new manager. He replaces Steve Cook who left the Eagles at the end of the 2004-05 season to join Southern League Boreham Wood. Benton started his career with Northampton Town and made his Football League debut at the age of 16. He later played in the Conference for Woking and has previously played for Buckingham, Long Buckby and Ford Sports in the UCL, helping the Motormen to championship success. Last season he managed Brache Sparta to the champiomship of the Bedfordshire County Reserve League. Another ex-Northampton player and former Fords team mate Tyrone Kent will assist Benton with Eagles midfielder Scott Grant taking on a player coach role at Roker in the season ahead.

Hinchingbrooke Cup draw

Preliminary Round Yaxley v Cranfield United, Wootton Blue Cross v St Neots Town, Eynesbury Rovers v St Ives Town, AFC Kempston Rovers v Rothwell Corinthians, Blackstones v Stotfold, Deeping Rangers v Barton Rovers, Northampton Spencer v Bourne Town. First Round Arlesey Athletic v Langford, Somersham Town v Eynesbury Rovers/St Ives Town, Yaxley/Cranfield United v Wootton Blue Cross/St Neots Town, Biggleswade United v Huntingdon Town, Godmanchester Rovers v Blackstones/Stotfold, AFC Kempston Rovers/Rothwell Corinthians v Deeping Rangers/Barton Rovers, Biggleswade Town v Potton United, Northampton Spencer/Bourne Town v Wellingborough Town 2004.

League Knockout Cup draw

Preliminary Round Raunds Town v Eynesbury Rovers, Blackstones v Rothwell Corinthians, Deeping Rangers v Yaxley, Irchester United v Peterborough Northern Star, Long Buckby v Ford Sports Daventry, Blisworth v Stotfold, Potton United v Huntingdon Town, St Ives Town v Wellingborough Town 2004. First Round Buckingham Town v Long Buckby/Ford Sports Daventry, Deeping Rangers/Yaxley v St Ives Town/Wellingborough Town 2004, Potton United/Huntingdon Town v Burton Park Wanderers, Higham Town v St Neots Town, Woodford United v Olney Town, Irchester United/Peterborough Northern Star v Northampton ON Chenecks, Raunds Town/Eynesbury Rovers v Stewarts & Lloyds Corby, Newport Pagnell Town v Bugbrooke St Michaels, Cogenhoe United v Blackstones/Rothwell Corinthians, Daventry Town v AFC Kempston Rovers, Boston Town v Holbeach United, Harrowby United v Northampton Sileby Rangers, Northampton Spencer v Wellingborough Whitworths, Wootton Blue Cross v Sleaford Town, Bourne Town v Blisworth or Stotfold, Thrapston Town v Desborough Town.

Reserve Knockout Cup draw

First Round Desborough Town v Yaxley, Deeping Rangers v Rothwell Corinthians, Burton Park Wanderers v Cogenhoe United, Holbeach United v Eynesbury Rovers, Northampton ON Chenecks v Wellingborough Whitworths, Higham Town v Irchester United, Bourne Town v Newport Pagnell Town, Olney Town v Spalding United, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby v Thrapston Town, Raunds Town v Rothwell Town, Bugbrooke St Michaels v Daventry Town, Ford Sports Daventry v Woodford United, Wellingborough Town 2004 v Long Buckby, Northampton Sileby Rangers v Stotfold, Northampton Spencer v Blackstones. Bye: Huntingdon Town.

League constitution 2005-06

Premier Division Blackstones, Boston Town, Bourne Town, Buckingham Town, Cogenhoe United, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Ford Sports Daventry, Harrowby United, Holbeach United, Long Buckby, Newport Pagnell Town, Northampton Spencer, Potton United, Raunds Town, St Ives Town, St Neots Town, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby, Stotfold, Woodford United, Wootton Blue Cross, Yaxley (22). Division One AFC Kempston Rovers, Blisworth, Bugbrooke St Michaels, Burton Park Wanderers, Daventry Town, Eynesbury Rovers, Higham Town, Huntingdon Town, Irchester United, Northampton ON Chenecks, Northampton Sileby Rangers, Olney Town, Peterborough Northern Star, Rothwell Corinthians, Sleaford Town, Thrapston Town, Wellingborough Town 2004, Wellingborough Whitworths (18). Reserve Division One Blackstones, Bourne Town, Cogenhoe United, Deeping Rangers, Desborough Town, Eynesbury Rovers, Ford Sports Daventry, Newport Pagnell Town, Northampton Sileby Rangers, Northampton Spencer, Raunds Town, Rothwell Town, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby, Stotfold, Wellingborough Whitworths, Yaxley (16). Reserve Division Two Bugbrooke St Michaels, Burton Park Wanderers, Daventry Town, Higham Town, Holbeach United, Huntingdon Town, Irchester United, Long Buckby, Northampton ON Chenecks, Olney Town, Rothwell Corinthians, Spalding United, Thrapston Town, Wellingborough Town 2004, Woodford United (15).