The Most Successful Club

With WMCFL entering its 30th season and the dire shortage of competitive football at this stage of the year, I thought I'd knock up a table to determine who is the most successful club in the history of WMCFL. Naturally, this issue is open for debate, so feel free to chip in if you want to.

I decided that one way to determine where we all stand would be to give three points for a Division One win, two for a League Cup win and one for a Division Two title. This is how it panned out:

I haven't included the Kevin Kovacs Memorial Throphy or other minor cups and I suppose I will have to revise the scoring mechanism once Division Three has concluded at the end of the 08/09 season.

As you can see, Chawn Hill Church are way out in front with ten major trophies to their name, partly due to the length of time they have been in the League (they have played in all 29 seasons to my knowledge) and partly because they have been a great side over the years. The early nineties was when they did the most damage, winning back-to back League and Cup doubles in 1991 and 92. They followed that up with the League title again in 93. They also hold the record of the most Division One and League Cup wins.

In second spot, jointly are Calvary and Walsall Olympic. Calvary have been known under several guises, joining the League, along with Chawn in 1979 as founder members under the name of Calvary Temple. The 'Temple' was dropped from their title and then changed to 'King's' after the KIng's Christian Centre in Birmingham. Calvary won the first recorded title in 1982 and in fact did the double that year with a Cup win as well. They went onto win the title again in 83 and 85 but it was nearly 20 years before the title returned in 2003. They've been a bit unlucky in the Cup, losing in the final on a number of occasions. Walsall pretty much took over Chawn's crown in the mid nineties, dominating WMCFL for a few seasons. And like Calvary won Division One three seasons in four. They also won the Cup in 94 and 98 and I know they lost in the final in 99 and 2000 bowing out of WMCFL in 2002 and returning in 2006. The current team are competing in Division Two.

Current League Champions Clarendon, sit in equal fourth. They are the most successful club in recent times, winning Division One three seasons out of the five they have competed. It's the Cup that lets them down. Also in fourth are Sparkbrook Elim and Tipton Pentecostal. Sparkbrook won the League and Cup double in 88 and 89 but I haven't heard from them since. I don't know anyone that played for them. I did drive past the church just recently, I'm not sure it is still going. You used to have to get changed in the church. I played against them, they were tough. Tipton are another team I managed to play (and score) against! I think they played up at Greet's Green for a while. There are at least two people I know that played for Tipton back in those days that still play in WMCFL: Derek Dudfield and Tim Fellows.

Next up are Aldridge Parish with two Division One wins, taking the mantle from Walsall. They also have one League Cup win in 1997, a famous victory. It was the first ever Cup final that I had attended and what a game! The scores were even with Rolwey College, 3-3 at full time. Rowley scored early in extra time and clung onto the lead, until right at the death Aldridge stole it with two late, late goals. I'm sure they would have gone onto win many more trophies as the superpowers of the nineties faded (Chawn, Walsall, Alpha and perhaps later Woodgate) but Aldridge sought football at a higher level.

In eighth spot we have a tie, with Dynamo's three League Cup wins and Rowley both on six points. DK are just behind Chawn on three Cup wins and Rowley are the only club apart from Chawn to win the Cup and both Divisions.

Other notable statistics are: Halesowen Zion are the only club to win Division Two twice, 2005 and 2008. There are just four teams that have won both Division One and Division Two; these are: Chawn, of course, Clarendon, who won Division Two at their first attempt and then won Division One the very next year in Forestesque fashion. Rowley as previously mentioned and lastly Brierley Hill. Now Brierley Hill, despite being disappointed to be the first club to be relegated to Division Three can make history if they take the inaugral Division Three title next season.

Notable absentees from the list are perhaps Wolves and Perton. Runners up in 2005 and 2006 and lost in the final of 2005. Flicking through the recent history, I think most clubs have managed to win something at some point. There are a few exceptions; Christchurch Hornets, Sporting Zion and more recently Sandwell United, who I think will win something if they stick at it, Sheldon and Zion Athletic as well.

Ten weeks until the start of the season. Can you tell I'm bored?..Please let me know if you have a friendly, I'll come and watch or maybe even ref.

Champions Church 10 Birmingham International 1

Another friendly match to report and another handsome score line for Champions. Having played many of the new teams, Champions seem to be the early favourites to take the first ever Division Three title WMCFL has ever run. But a ball hasn't been kicked in anger yet and friendlies are one thing, competitive football is another. Having said that, Champions do look well organised.

Champions' Shawn Devonport reports: You would look at the scoreline and think it was easy, but it was far from it. It was a battle from the start to the finish. We walked off the pitch all in agreement that Birmingham International will do very well next year and have been our hardest match yet!

We were the better team first half coming in 5-0 at half time but Birmingham International were by far the better team for the first 20 minutes of the second half getting a goal back and putting us under alot of pressure with some very slick passing moves which can sometimes be a rarity at our level. But we got back on top with a sucker punch sixth from Dave Luxton who drove one in off the crossbar from 35 yards out!! Fantastic goal.That seemed to knock them back a bit and we took total control with a quick-fire double that sealed the result!

Goalscorers: Shawn Devonport 5, Mark Goule 2, Greg Thompson 1, David Luxton 1, O.G 1

P.S. Just to say it was a fantastic meeting last night and the League has grown loads even since I started just four years ago and it's certainly exciting times!

Annual General Meeting

A great turnout for the AGM this year in what is to be WMCFL's biggest ever crop of clubs. All nine new teams were voted in, making the total 31. The League will be split into three divisions with Division One carrying the eleven teams. Chawn and Renewal Solihull were relegated with City escaping the drop in the restructure. Halesowen Zion, St Thomas' and King's move up a division to the top flight. Brierley Hill join the new nine clubs to form a third division for the first time in WMCFL history.

The League Cup will take the traditional straight knock-out format. The draw was as follows: MBD United v Dynamo Kingswinford, Bilston Beacons v Halesowen Zion, King's AFC v Elim Athletic, Amblecote v Sheldon, Rockmount Utd v St Thomas', Clarendon v Selly Oak Methodist, Champions Church v E K Corinthia, Birmingham International v St Matthew's, Chawn Hill Church v St Mary's, Sandwell United v Walsall Olympic, Zion Athletic v Brierley Hill AOG, Lighthouse Lions v W'ton & Perton Churches, DC Dynamos v Rowley College, St Boniface v Renewal Solihull, All Nations v City Church and Shiloh United got a bye into the second round as the spare team.

The first team named in each tie will be the home club. There will be no further Cup draws. The winner of the MBD v Dynamo game will play the winner of Bilston v Halesowen and so on. Again the higher team in the draw will be the home club. So if MBD beat Dynamo, they will be the home team in Round Two. I will prepare a League Cup page in due course.

Presentation Night

Click here to view photos of the Presentation Night.

Many thanks to Tony Skelton for providing the pictures.

Friendly Match

Champions Church 5 Walsall Olympic 1

Champions Shawn Devonport reports: This may have been called a friendly but it was a fiercely contested match with plenty of solid tackles. Another convincing win for us with four first team regulars away. Walsall were missing a few guys too but a special mention to a lad called Pete who was one of the best players I've played against in our League, watch out for him next year! Also a special mention to Greg Thompson for our team too who scored a fantastic hat trick from left midfield. But all in all another good match and another good result us guys.

Goal scorers Greg Thompson 3, Shawn Devonport 2

Hope Faith & Football

A few months ago I put on the web a vision of a football coaching week that God had place on mine, Richard and Steve Harpers heart to do put together. The aim was to get Christian footballers to attend and influence the kids in a positive way. We have just completed the weeks football coaching at The Pavilion, MoorLane and it was a real success. We had over 100 kids turn up for the week, despite the bad weather. We had Darren Moore (Derby County) James Chambers (Leicester City) Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham City) Steve Spooner (BCFC Academy Coach) and Mike Tindall (Ex Villa) all turn up throughout the week which was great for the kids to interact with the stars. (and me!!)

Thanks for all the prayers over the last few months and hopefully we will be doing it again next year. On Sunday night we have a presentation night for all the kids who took part during the week and also a pre-recorded testimony that Darren Moore did for us during the week as he is unable to attend due to other commitments. Steve Spooner and Mike Tindall will also be there to present the awards and give testimonies of what God has done in their lives. If you would like to come the address is: Elim Church, Warren Road, Kingstanding, B44 8QD.

Chris Morrison

Elim Kingstanding FC

Friendly Match

Champions Church 14 All Nations 0

No it's not rugby. This was All Nation's very first match together and they were torn apart by a well organised and disciplined Champions team spear-headed by the in-form Shawn Devonport.

Champions have a nice set up, well balanced between youth and experience and strong leadership, overseen by the church. All Nations need to get some matches under their belt.

Champions Shawn Devonport reports: I'm afraid to say the 14-0 scoreline was probably a true reflection of the balance of play. However, All Nations never gave up and right through to the final whistle their attitude was spot on as they were encouraging each other when it would have been easier to get on each others' backs. A credit to the whole team. For us were still unbeaten in 7 games and it was another good run out. It was very pleasing to see some very good passing moves that we were creating but were fully aware it's got to be carried through to next season but today was a good result and good to just be playing with each other!
Goalscorers: Shawn Devonport 7, Mark Goule (Kanu) 3, Lee Ralph 2, David Oakley 1, Greg Thompson 1.

Champions Church 6 MBD United 1

The football just keeps on going. Champions took on MBD United at Coseley School and Leisure Centre last Saturday. Champions' Shawn Devonport provides a report: The first half kicked off with a strong wind and two hungry teams just wanting to play football. MBD got in behind us a few times with the wind and went close. We also had chances in an open first 15 minutes with Tim Bamber shooting narrowly over from distance, Shawn Devonport going close with a free kick and David Oakley smashing a left foot volley just over.

The first goal came for MBD when a corner was swung in, missed everyone and just bounced in off Dave Oakley for an own goal. But we didnt let our heads drop and within 15 seconds we were level with Dave Oakley getting on the score sheet from the right end with a very good finish from the edge of the box. I then had a chance from the spot to make it 2-1 but missed after hitting the bar but made amends for it a few minutes later scoring from the edge of the box. MBD had a few other half chances and Tim Bamber again narrowly missed with a header so it was 2-1 at half time.

Second half started at a slower pace but we soon made it 3-1 when a fantastic through ball from Mark Goule allowed an easy one on one for myself. It was soon 4-1 and with it came my hat trick after picking up the pieces after we had hit the post and Mark Goule soon made it 5-1 from the spot. We were then awarded a 3rd penalty (although I think they were all pretty clear penalties) and Imade amends for my earlier miss to make it 6-1. MBD went very close at the end having a shot cleared of the line and at the other end they produced some fantastic defending with two goal line clearences from Josh Burchell and Rob Moody.

All in all a good run out and enjoyed the match thoroughly. We play All Nations at Coseley School 10.30 this Saturday.

A bit of history

Current League Secretary Neil Kovacs has unearthed records of the 2000/1 season. From where, heaven knows but quite a significant amount of detail, including goal scorers. I'm currently spending a wet Bank Holiday building the pages and entering the data. I have finally found my vocation!

It's interesting stuff though; there are quite a number of familiar names. On the opening day of the season, 2 September 2000, Renewal Solihull topped Division One after beating Brierley Hill, yes Brierley Hill in Division One! Scott Murrell was on target for Solihull. Michael Jean scored twice for Calvary (now called King's) as they beat the now defunct Alpha. A John Warr goal couldn't stop his Rowley team going down 3-2 at home to Walsall Olympic. Mark 'Sparky' Hughes and Jim Leghorn scored the goals for St Boniface as they beat Wolves and Perton 2-0 and Ian Pearsall helped his side St Thomas' also win 2-0 at home to Christchurch Hornets.

2000/1 was the season when WMCFL was at its largest with 24 clubs. We declined in size for a few years, losing a few sides before in recent seasons having more and more teams added. We are all set to break the record with a large influx for 08/09. So, Division Two kicked off with three teams from Zion Pentecostal. Halesowen sent St Mary's to the bottom of the League with a 6-1 win. Some very familiar names scoring that day: Steve Cockcroft got four and Mark Boyle scored twice with Toby Flenley bagged St Mary's solitary goal. AFC Zion were close behind Halesowen with a 6-2 win over West Bromwich Beacons and Sporting Zion made it a Zion 1-2-3 as John Taylor (now with Zion Athletic) scored all four to give his side a 4-3 at home to Bilston. The League Chairman scored the winner as Chawn Hill Athletic beat City Athletic (nothing to do with current club City Church) to add to Mark Kovacs' opener, still with Chawn today. Toyin Fatile scored for City and he was some player. Delta Wanderers beat St Matthew's 1-0 and Grenfell drew 2-2 at home with Amblecote. I played in that match. It was Jadon Silva's first match in charge of Amblecote in WMCFL and he scored a corker that day, dribbling the ball half the length of the pitch Maradona or Messi style.

Ed's Review of the Season

Click here to read

Halesowen Zion - Division Two Champions

Congratulations to Halesowen Zion who are now crowned Champions of Division Two - I know it sounds a bit peculiar to be announcing this three weeks after the end of the season but we had a few issues to sort out. Every thing has now been resolved, so well done Halesowen!

Incidentally, Halesowen go down in the record books as the first club ever to win the Division Two title twice. Most clubs seem to be formed, get promoted and remain in Division One or fold but with the three up, three down ruling we are seeing quite a few teams yo-yoing between the two tiers and hence getting a second shot at the lower league title. We will probably see a new twist next season with the large influx of teams expected and the possibility of a third tier. So there could be a brand new trophy up for grabs next season!

Gary Lamsdale and Dynamo Kingswinford

After six cracking seasons with Dynamo Kingswinford, last Saturday's match was my last as Club Secretary. Unfortunately due to other commitments I am unable to put in the time to do the job properly. I just wanted to say thanks and farewell to the other Club Secretaries most of whom have been a pleasure to speak with over the years. Thanks also to the League who do a cracking job. I sometimes feel that players need to appreciate the time and effort the commitee put in, unpaid! Most other leagues can't hold a candle to ours!

If selected I'll see you all out on the pitch. I'll be the ageing fat one who doesn't shut up! (I've still got all my hair though!)(sounds familiar - Ed)

All the best

Gary


A quick report on our last match of the season.

As usual, games against Amblecote are never a dull affair. With them chasing after second spot I'm sure they would have preffered a nice simple end of season game with the opposition out, just to see the season out. However after our first game when we won 6-0, comments game back to us how a number of their team seemed to think we were lucky and they were by far the better team!! You can image therefore it didn't take much of a team talk and my lads were up to prove themselves again. In truth due to injuries and the rearranged fixture we had been shorn of four of our starting eleven and it is to their great credit that Saturday's squad performed so well.

The game started off as expected with both sides a little nervous and it was DK who tested the keeper first a great move was started by Andy Poulton and involved Chris Sweetmore before Andy Aston burst into the box to force a great save from Dean in goal. Sweetmore went close minutes after and you could tell the Amblecote defence had respect for him having played against him two weeks previous. Amblecote passed the ball around well with a lot of the play coming from the evergreen Fellows who's passing and crosses caused problems for the DK defence. However DK were soon a goal up after pressure from midfield and Poulton set up Sweetmore who fimished clinically from ten yards. This continued to energise DK whilst Amblecote heads dropped a little, although they came back strongly with a number of good runs up front just lacking the final finish.

In the second half we defended like Trojans as Amblecote pushed an extra player up front at times and soon introduced all three subs. Matthew Pearson was hero again however pushing a goal bound shot round the post when it seemed an equaliser had been found against the run of play. The DK defence were continuing to perform well, marshalled commandingly by Matt Wildsmith, with Chris Talbot sticking like glue to Devonport. This gave our midfield and forwards the base to attack with confidence and Kev Hodgetts, Aston and Poulton all combined to find Waddams in the six yard box. He took twelve touches and finished calmly to give us a 2-0 lead. Amblecote continued to press down the flanks, but Dave Abel and Ian Hopson both stood strong whilst also setting up numerous forrays forward. Fellows looked most likely to grab a goal back with Ashby also close, blocked by fat bum when it was going into the top corner. Jase Russell and James Pinches came on for DK to add some final steel and pace (not sure which is which) and despite Poulton and Sweetmore hitting the Amblecote woodwork the score remained the same up to the final whistle.

Final Score:
Amblecote 0 DK 2

My man of the match: Andy Waddams ( I've always liked you Andy).

Well done lads a great finish to the season, great team spirit.
Cheers departing Chris Sweetmore who is off to Chesterfield, thanks for the two years mate.

Ed - I'd just like to say what a pleasure it is to have had Gary as DK secretary. He has always been chipper and sensible in all my dealings with him. And it's folks like Gary who I am prepared to sacrifice my time for.

In his time as DK secretary, he saw his team promoted along with Clarendon in their first season (2002/3). They came second to Roger's boys that year, losing out on the Division Two title by just one point, however they did go on to beat St Thomas' 2-1 in the Cup Final. They followed up that superb maiden season with another corker, retaining the League Cup and coming third in one of the tightest Championships we have ever seen. Clarendon won the title, with Amblecote two points behind them in second followed by DK also on 43 points.

2004/5 saw DK wane a little. WMCFL was at its smallest since 1998 with just sixteen clubs. DK finished fifth out of nine First Division teams, avoiding relegation by just two points. They still put up a good show in the Cup: A single Oliver Jones goal knocked DK out at the semi-final stage.

In 2005/6, DK regained the League Cup beating Halesowen Zion 3-2 in extra-time but dropped out of Division One. With WMCFL back on the up with twenty teams taking part. Dynamo bounced straight back coming third in Division Two. In Gary's last season in charge, Dynamo had a mixed year, coming good in the last few laps but were unable to repeat their early years Cup heroics.

I certainly hope to see Gary still involved in WMCFL and I'm sure you'll join me in saying thank you to him for his efforts over the last half dozen years and wishing him all the best in everything he does. A jolly good bloke!

Cheers mate!

Saturday Review

Division One

Clarendon 6 Sheldon 1

Congratulations to Clarendon on winning the League and winning their last match comfortably. They have dominated the division and finish twelve points clear, a monumental achievement considering there were only eighteen matches. Clarendon's Ashley Innis texted: Well, we did it! After a long, hard season, we've gone unbeaten in the League and signed off in style today with a 6-1 win. I felt the scoreline could have been twice what it was, not least because we squandered lots of chances but we also played the second half against ten men and then nine and a half. Credit to Sheldon's goal scorer though who scored the goal of the game. From a whole season point of view, a special mention has to go to Everton, who has not only been the Division's Top Scorer but also contributed to nearly as many goals. Also to the defence who enabled us to have the meanest goals against, which I think means we bettered Chawn's record.

Renewal Solihull 1 St Mary's 2

St Mary's pinch second spot with a close win at Solihull. Goals from John Wynn and Leigh Watts secure the points to sneak past St Matthew's on the last day of the season. Their old rivals had a slightly poorer goal difference and have to settle for third.

St Matthew's and St Mary's were more used to dicing it out for the League's wooden spoon a few years back, how things have changed!

Amblecote 0 Dynamo Kingswinford 2

Amblecote's old rivals Dynamo do the double over them in a deserved 2-0 win at the Dell on the last day of the season. I managed to get down to watch the game. DK defended very well, limiting Amblecote to few chances and forced a couple of errors out of the Amblecote defence to score a goal each side of half time. The introduction of Jadon Silva with twenty-five minutes to go did liven things up a jot but he could turn the tide, DK were too strong, too well organised and stood firm.

Division Two

King's AFC 6 Bilston Beacons 2

King's finally catch up with their games in hand to cruise back into third place and claim the 'automatic' promotion place with a 6-2 win at home to Bilston. Their nerves must have been jangling in the week leading up to this game but a Martin Lees hat trick along with goals from Mykel Phipps, Noel McWhirter and Andy Dore calmed things. It was nice to see Alfi Westwood's name on the scoresheet. He's been a rock at the back for Bilston and helped steer the club through choppy waters, especially earlier in the season.

St Boniface 1 Brierley Hill AOG

Not particularly a season to write home about for either club but at least they've been close over the last 180 minutes. Again, it's nice to see that both teams have got something from several games this year and there were times when they lost but gave a good account of themselves.

Friendlies

Chawn Hill Church 4 Elim Athletic 4

Jon Earp emailed: Never a boring game with us. Despite the score line this was our best performance to date. We were fast out of the blocks and looked sharp from the off, our midfield got the ball down and played some nice football. The first fifteen minutes we were on top and looked likely to score first, with our every busy Chris Smith bursting through on more than one occasion only to be thwarted by their goalkeeper. Chawn Hill’s goalkeeper then pulled two saves right out the top draw after saving two one on ones to deny Emeka Agbeze after good work from Sean McKenna. By this time our midfield was running the show with Sam Lynch, Chris Smith, Sean McKenna playing some good football. Then we got sucker-punched after confusion between our defence and goalkeeper watched the ball drift into the net. Chawn had looked lively on the counter a few times, but lesson learned from our mistake. With 35 minutes gone we conceded a penalty which Chawn put away to make the game 2-0. Ten minutes left in the half we got a well deserved goal, after Dave Hunter sent Chris Smith through to score. No sooner had we got a goal back we conceded a third, this was disappointing, but fair play to the young Chawn Hill right mid for a driving run and finish. The half finished 3-1 to Chawn Hill Church, although against the play, I was still pleased at half time as our overall game was very good.

I made some changes to our team at half time which saw the introduction of Michael Knowles and Mark Greenwell. The second half started as the first with us putting the pressure on Chawn through some good play. We then pulled a goal back after Chris Smith put away for his 4th goal in two games from a flick on. We were well and truly back in the game and continued to press. Chawn looked sharp on the counter and played some good football themselves and kept us on our toes. After winning a corner, Sam Lynch put in a great ball which Michael Knowles put away at the back post. With the score at 3-3 the game was there for the taking, both teams at this stage playing some great football. We then took the lead after Sean McKenna sent Michael Knowles clean of the defence to score his second of the game, a well deserved brace. I made a cameo appearance to replace the injured Mark Greenwell which lasted all of five minutes, it's a long way to go before I am fully fit again. We lost our goalkeeper and conceded a goal with about fifteen minutes to go, that saw me come back on in goal. Both teams went for the winner in the closing minutes but neither team could make the break through. I am pleased with the progress Elim Athletic FC are making as we continue to learn and grow as a team. For me this game was played with the right attitude with both teams looking to play football. Good game all round.

MBD United 2 Sandwell United 6

Matt Holt reports: On a nice sunny day Sandwell Utd went on an away trip to play MBD United. Sandwell started the game the brighter and with plenty of good forward play they were 4-0 up in thirty minutes, with goals from Sean Snow, Luke Hazlehurst and 'a suprising' header from Matt Lawley but the pick of the goals was a superb free kick from Martyn Vaughan. MBD passed it around through their midfield and their best chance was saved by the Sandwell keeper with a full stretch finger tip save.

The second half was a much closer affair. Sandwell scored again quickly with a goal from Matt Lawley but MBD replied. With a through ball the striker slotted past the keeper. MBD made several subs whch started to work as they created more chances and had several corners. They were 5-2 after the Sandwell defender bought down the striker for a penalty. Five minutes later Sandwell restored their four goal advantage, with a second goal from Martyn Vaughan.

All in all a good game. I would like to take this opportunity to thank MBD for the friendly and look forward to seeing them next year.

Saturday Review

Division One

Dynamo Kingswinford 0 Rowley College 2

If this report slightly amends Ed's headline it does so in a way that in no way reduces the Roy of the Rovers element or my open-mouthed astonishment at what Amateur football can deliver.

Firstly I would like to pay tribute to Alun Inett who bowed out today having played for Rowley with distinction from Day One (Sept 7th 1991). To more recent entrants to the WMCFL he is probably known only as our keeper but for ten years Al was quite simply our most important outfield player (4 times player of the year). He was a frustrated centre forward who played most of his first 200 games as an immaculate centre half (the season he played upfront he topscored with 16 but we were almost relegated!). Aside from a short spell as a semi-pro with Tividale (scouted by Rowey's dad!) Al has been Rowley through and through and was pivotal to our side that won the cup in 2001 and the league in 2002. Sadly in the week that we clinched the title Al sustained a serious ankle injury playing for his Sunday team and despite rest, physio and operations he has never recovered sufficiently to play out again. However never one to complain, he has made the best of things and has played on and off since with distinction as our keeper, collecting a division 2 winner's medal last year. Nevertheless with a proper injury he has found it increasingly difficult to play and finally decided enough was enough: in his words "I've got twenty more years of football in my head but my ankle gave up five years ago!"

Therefore the stage was set today for an emotional occasion and Al and I had agreed he would get the last fifteen minutes up front to round off a memorable career. we also had the coincidence that Rowley had reached 998 goals scored in their 412 game history. This gave a little to what otherwise was a classic mid table end of season game between two bare elevens. Actually it was a decent game with (as usual) nothing in it and it looked like 999 and 1000 would have to wait till next year. Enter Al eager and classy, if not entirely mobile and a story I couldn't have written. First a volley from a corner gave us the lead and he was mobbed by his team-mates. Not his first ever goal (his 40th) but his first fifteen minutes out since 2002 and better was to come! Cue last minute, Rowley corner, flick from Nic Hadley and Al sidefoots Rowley's 1000th goal to claim the bottle of fine Spanish wine I'd promised to the scorer! Of course winning's great but the smiles at the end of the game were worth more than that! Cheers Al!

Gary Lamsdale adds: Well done to Rowley and especially to their retiring goal hero. Two bare elevens today and a definate 'end of season' feel to the game. They took their chances, well done Pete. Onto our last game next week against Amblecote. Injuries have robbed us of four key players, so you'd expect a home win.

Renewal Solihull 1 Sheldon 2

Renewal still languish in tenth place and go into their last match with St Mary's needing at least a point to avoid the wooden spoon. As for Sheldon, it's been a steady improvement on last season. What's gone against them is that they were always lagging behind in matches played, giving the impression that they were not doing as well as they were. They have now sneaked into sixth and could go fifth if they beat Clarendon next Saturday.

Division Two

Selly Oak Methodist 1 Halesowen Zion 3

Horror of horrors, the goal-posts had been taken down when Selly Oak arrived this morning to play their crucial game that would have meant promotion to Division One. They quickly rushed over to Rowheath where City Church play and hastily rearranged the game at great expense. Halesowen's John Williams reports: A "championship winning performance" from the lads today, after turning up to Selly Park and finding the council had taken the goalposts down, we were moved to City Church's ground, which many of you will know is a little like playing on the side of a mountain! (last year Raddlebarn Road was more like the Sahara-Ed)

The wind in our faces, we kicked off up the hill in the first half and spent most of our time in our half, restricting Selly Oak to a couple of half chances, one which was sliced onto the bar from the edge of the box. We did however find the net with a superb move, ending with a Tom Doran header at the back post. The second half was just as hard, the ball running away from us with the wind and down the slope. Tom eventually connected with the third in a series of long throws from Cocky, to take his tally to two. He has had a great season, but would probably admit (believe it or not) that he should have scored more in the second half of the season.

Selly Oak got one back shortly after, as a free kick from just outside the box made it's way through to the back stick, where it was eventually put over the line. We were probably a little too relaxed at that point, knowing that in all probability a draw was enough for us. However we woke up enough to get another goal. A long throw found Ben Doran whose first effort found its way back to him for him to power a shot inside the far post at the second attempt. The lads have been outstanding this season, and have stepped up to the plate when the going has got tough, aswell as playing some quite scintillating stuff this year. At the final whistle, out came the champagne, (sprayed liberally by captain Grant Doran who had to spend a nervous ninety minutes on the sidelines with a hamstring injury) and the celebrations commenced. Whatever happens off the field over the next few weeks, the whole Zion squad can be assured that they've played like champions all season!

Walsall Olympic 1 King's AFC 5

King's made no mistake this week with a sound 5-1 win away at Walsall Olympic. King's play Bilston next Saturday and need a point to return to Division One. Whilst I expect King's to win, it's not going to be straight-forward and I wouldn't put it past Bilston to wreck King's day.

Brierley Hill 0 St Boniface 0

St Boniface secure tenth place in Division Two, which may turn out to mean more than people realise with the almost certainty of a third division next season. Brierley Hill could avoid last in the League but will need to beat St Boniface in one of those weird quirks in the fixture list that get thrown up through a combination of cancellations and luck.

Friendly Matches

With the burgeoning list of clubs applying to join WMCFL next season, we are seeing a number of them either playing each other, or taking on sides wanting to keep sharp as the fixtures peter out. Yesterday, we saw a couple of matches played (that I know of). Feel free to update me or even provide a report and I'll do what I can to include it on the site.

Bilston Beacons 1 Champions Church 1

Shawn Devonport writes: This was our first match in quite a while before we start pre-season training but a well earned draw against a resilient Bilston team.

First half we were arguably the better team having numerous half chances and plenty of pressure with their keeper pulling off a few decent saves with our keeper not having much to deal with.

Second half Bilston attacked more with the wind and missed a very good chance with a one on one. They then had a corner and up popped Alfi to nod Bilston in front. We felt a little hard done by but showed good character to come back in to the game winning a penalty but Lee Ralph missed the kick and I some how managed to blaze over from three yards with shamefully probably the worst miss of my short career. But we continued to press and got our reward when a free kick from myself managed to find its way through to Dave Oakley who smashed it into the roof of the net. We had one good chance to win it with another free kick from a similar position found its way to Mark Goule who's attempt went over the bar.

Was a very good game and enjoyed the run out but against a Bilston team who may not set the world alight individually but are one of the most solid and hard working teams I've played against in our league, Alfie leading from the front as usual.

Anybody else looking for friendlies from the 10th May onwards email me at shawndevonport@hotmail.co.uk

Lighthouse Lions 3 Elim Athletic 3

I think this was the first we had seen of Lighthouse and fingers crossed we will be seeing much more. From what I have seen, Elim are a reasonable side and will hold their own, with some experience throughout the team, so a 3-3 draw against them will stand Lighthouse in good stead.

I understand that both clubs are looking for practice matches throughout the summer.

Elim's Jon Earp provides a report: A really frustrating day for Elim Athletic FC . A young and energetic Lighthouse team caused no end of trouble for us in a first half horror show. I believe within 5 minutes we went down a goal by a near post shot with our goalkeeper and defence caught cold. A very small pitch made life hard for us as we struggled to come to terms with the tempo of the game. Lighthouse continued to press by some good play down the flanks using their youthful energy to their advantage, we was well and truly all over the place. With about 30 minutes gone we got the ball down and started to put some passes together, although Lighthouse continued to press the ball all over the pitch. We had a few attempts at goal off the counter attack which was spearheaded by Dean O’Leary’s powerful runs. We managed to claw our way back into the game through another counter attack with a Chris Smith overhead kick from 4 yards out. Soon after we found ourselves behind again with a contentious free kick, which somehow found the back of the net. The score then went to 3-1 to Lighthouse as we fell behind to neat counter attack. We had battled hard without really doing anything of note, Sean McKenna and Dave Hunter battled hard for the scraps but the half was to finish 3-1.

After a stern halftime talking to and some wholesale changes seeing Emecka making his debut, Olly Armstrong and John Hyde coming on to try and steady the ship replacing a hard working Mark Greenwell, Joe Croot and Dave Hunter. The second half started much better as we largely controlled play, Olly Armstrong made and impact with some good challenges that gave our team a bit of a lift. We continued to control the game without really threatening the Lighthouse Goal, the first time we really put a good move together saw a good save from the Lighthouse keeper after an Emecka left footed shot from 20yards. Our build up play was poor and rushed, which gave Lighthouse a chance to counter a few times. We finally got our second of the game after Emecka scored a low driven free kick. We continued to push without really getting going, with 15 minutes left I threw on our youngest player Richard Knowlen who showed some nice touches and passes. We have a few close chances before we equalised with a very contentious Chris Smith second after knocking the ball in after challenging the goalkeeper. With the score at 3-3 a powerful Emecka run seen him one on one with the keeper, caught in two minds the keeper was able to make the save. With the final score at 3-3 I was somewhat disappointed with our performance, although it was not a defeat we can play a lot better than that. Lighthouse should feel unlucky not to win as they performed well, with a few skilful young players causing no end of trouble.

League Cup Final

I've had a few notes through about the Cup Final that I should have put on before today but have been a bit busy since Monday night:

St Mary's manager, Jon Jackaman emailed: It really was an cup final with everything you could wish for and I thought it was a tremendous advert for the league. Both teams certainly enjoyed playing on a bigger and better pitch than normal. I have to say I enjoy playing against Clarendon, they're a great bunch of lads and although the games against them are always hard fought they are also played in a great spirit.

We were certainly less nervous than last years final and that helped us focus on the task in hand. I am very proud of the team spirit that we have and that showed in the way in which we battled for everything during the game. Over the season we have got better and stronger as it has gone on. Since Christmas the team have put in extra work in our training sessions and this was our reward for all that hard work. Two cup wins in a row is a fantastic achievement and I can't express how much this means to me, as one of the founder members of the team, and now entrusted with managing the team.

Special mentions should also go to Nick and Phil who's motivating and organisation respectively have a huge positive effect on the team and the team spirit which we encourage. Finally I'd like to put on record our thanks to the league for the way in which the cup final is organised, it really does feel like a showpiece event and that is testimony to the hard work that the committee put into the event. Your efforts are certainly appreciated and makes it a pleasure to be involved with this league.

St Mary's Secretary Phil Kinson adds: Well after yet another memorable night in WMCFL's illustrious history I would like to thank the League officials for all their hard work, Halesowen Town FC for allowing us to use their fantastic facilities and of course Clarendon for the part they played in last nights final. We always knew that we were in for a battle and that Clarendon would hit us hard with their neat football, pace and unquestionable energy. However, on the night we also knew that we had the quality in depth, grit and determination to win the game. The game certainly did not disappoint and I think it was fitting for what I believe to be the two best teams in the league to make it to the final. Thanks again Clarendon for your kind words after the game and we look forward to re-igniting our rivalry in the Charity Shield and League campaign in 2008/09.

Chris Gethin emailed: Ed, that was a great final. Played in fantastic spirit (no yellow cards). Its the first time I have had the pleasure to watch Clarendon play, and what a pleasure! They have an exeptional team, and when they got forward always looked threatening. It was a 50-50 game, and well done to St Marys, who took their chances well. Very well organised Ed. Thanks again for a marvellous event. Chris.

Ed

I'd like to say a few thank yous. Firstly to Graham Brazier. Graham does a lot of work behind the scenes to get the event on the road. Graham makes all the negotiations with Halesowen Town and you'd have to say without the Halesowen final, it just wouldn't be the same. It'll be ten years next year.

A big thank you to Darren Moore for presenting the trophy. It made our premier event even more prestigious. To have a Premiership player at the game is a massive priviledge. Good luck next season Darren.

Thanks to the four match officials. We are fortunate in our League to be blessed with so many good referees. Len Perry and Terry Knott have served our League week in week out, year in year out and their efforts are much appreciated. Andy Underwood and James Orotayo are recent additions to our panel of referees but I'm sure we'll be saying the same thing about them in years to come. Many thanks to David Davies, our outgoing Referees' Secretary. He has done a great job organising referees throughout the season and making sure everything was in order on the night.

Thank you to Halesowen Town FC for the use of their facilities. I'm sure you'll agree that the pitch looked in superb condition last Monday night.

Thanks to the other members of the committee who get on with their jobs: Tony Skelton on car park duty, Rob Hill selling the programmes, Neil Kovacs on the gate and Richard Webster helping out.

Thanks to both clubs for giving us a superb game on the night and those who came to watch, to support your club and especially to the neutrals.

And if I've forgotten anybody, sorry! Please let me know and I'll make amends. Ed

Birmingham International 2 Real Riverside 2

Richard Taylor from Birmingham International emailed: We played Real Riverside from AFA last Saturday and drew 2-2 a very good game, plenty to look forward to next season we have a good strong side.