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Date: Fri 07 Oct 2022
By Steve Whitney
Whilst the main focus of attention falls on the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday, there are some important matches in both the Pitching In Southern League’s Division One Central and Division One South.
In the central section, current leaders Ware are involved in the game of the day when second-placed Kidlington travel to Wodson Park.
It’s probably fair to say that few expected the Oxfordshire side to feature amongst the early pacesetters after such a disappointing 2021/22 season, but they have surprised many by winning five of their six league games to date.
Paul Halsey’s Ware side, on the other hand, were tipped to be promotion contenders but only top the table due to possessing a better goal difference than Kidlington.
Kempston Rovers are another team to have struggled last term, but under the shrewd guidance of Chris Nunn, head into Saturday’s game at Hillgrounds against FC Romania in third spot, just a point behind the top two.
The Walnut Boys` visitors will have a new-look to their team after the recent managerial appointment of John Mackie and the highly experienced Terry Spillane and they are expected to begin to climb the table.
Walthamstow, the team Mackie and Spillane surprisingly departed from after leading them to the Essex Senior League title and promotion in 2021/22, now have the experienced Nicky Ironton at the helm and he too has been re-building a depleted squad as they welcome eighth-placed Didcot Town to Wadham Lodge.
Biggleswade FC’s joint bosses Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip have led their side to fourth after Wednesday’s win over Cirencester Town and they will look to continue their decent form with a visit to Hadley.
In Division One South, Sholing will look to make it eight wins from eight league games when they make their first ever visit to Westbury United on Saturday.
Their hosts at Meadow Lane have just one win to date after winning promotion.
The Boatmen already possess a five-point lead at the top of the table, with another promoted side, Exmouth Town, currently second and at home to mid-table Cinderford Town on Saturday.
The former Toolstation Western Leaguers have lost just once this season to date.
Melksham Town are third, three points behind Exmouth, after adding the final nail in James Stokoe’s managerial coffin at Wimborne Town after a 3-1 win last weekend.
They make the long trek down to North Devon to take on a Bideford AFC side who are still looking for a first win of the campaign after four draws and a defeat from only five league games.
Two of the other three sides without a league win to date, Lymington Town, who have lost all seven matches, and Bristol Manor Farm, are inactive on Saturday, but Larkhall Athletic have a chance to break their duck when they travel to Bashley.
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