With the ESPFA season back up and running and teams getting back into the swing of things, #MatchweekFive provided us with eight brilliant games. With top of the table clashes, local derby’s and some teams still looking for their first points of the season, we review all of the games from an entertaining #MatchweekFive.
NORTHERN DIVISION
Runcorn Linnets were coming off the back of an impressive 0-9 win over Witton Albion, so their spirits would’ve been high as they welcomed Mossley in #MatchweekFive. The visitors would have also been very eager to get back on the pitch, having not played since 22nd October. Mossley started the game on fire and two first-half goals from Tcherno Djalo saw them take a 0-2 lead into half-time. After what must have been a motivating team talk at the break from their coach, Sean Rowlinson, Runcorn Linnets scored two goals in the second half to even up the game and earn a point to remain at the top of the table. A draw for Mossley however keeps them in the hunt for the top spot in the division as they are yet to lose a game, having won one and drawn two. Skelmersdale United kept their unbeaten record up with a 6-1 win against Witton Albion and are hot on the heels of Runcorn Linnets at the top of the Division. Skem had to wait until #MatchweekThree to play their first game of the 2020/21 campaign but have started off like a house on fire and only goal difference separates themselves and the division leaders. The other game in the Northern Division came from Ossett United who faced West Yorkshire rivals Brighouse Town. A brilliant start to the game for the away side saw them go 0-2 up before the break thanks to goals from Clinton Ojini and Fabiano Teixiera and a valiant defensive performance in the second half helped them see out the game for their first win of the season. Ossett United will be disappointed with the result as it is the first time this season the Sheepicorns have dropped points.
MIDLANDS DIVISION
In the Midlands Division, Mickleover (Red) kept up their remarkable start to the season with a 4-0 win over Belper Town. They have now won their first three games of the campaign, scoring 19 goals and are yet to concede. Despite their fine start, Stafford Rangers are keeping Mickleover (Red) from the top spot of the division due to having played a game extra, but the Staffordshire side did drop points for the first time this season in #MatchweekFive. They travelled to Rushall Olympic (Amber) in a replay of the ‘Key Matchup’ from #MatchweekOne. With both sides putting in some brilliant performances so far this season, the game was extremely competitive and neither side could find an edge, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. Carlton Town will be happy with their result this week as they got their first points on the board in a 1-0 over Mickleover (Black). Having struggled in their first two games, Carlton will be pleased with the way their side have bounced back in their third game of the season. They put on a heroic defensive display for 90 minutes against a talented Mickleover (Black) side and kept their dangerous attack at bay. A last-minute winner from Kyle Fawsitt caused elation throughout the Carlton Town squad and secured all three points for the Millers.
SOUTHERN DIVISION
Chesham United hosted Yate Town in a top of the table clash which saw the only two unbeaten teams in the Southern Division go head-to-head. It was Chesham who came out on top in a 3-1 victory, with goals coming from George Blanks, Madison Wilkin (sixth goal in four games) and Callum Gerrard to keep up their 100% record and move to four wins from four games. Despite currently sitting at the top of the table, Chesham United striker Madison Wilkin isn't get too confident yet. He said: "It is nice [to be at the top of the league] but there is still a long way of the season left to go so we just have to work hard for them remaining games". A late goal from Liam Jones wasn’t enough to get anything out of the game for the travelling Yate side, but the teams meet again in #MatchweekSix, which should be a tasty affair. Yate Town student Ben Dennington thought that conceding right before half time took the wind out of sides sails. He said: As soon as that first goal went in really [the game got away from us], in the second half we came out a bit better... we played some good football, we started to get hold of it a bit better, playing it wide and playing it about more".
The other fixture in the Southern Division came from Frome Town against Kidlington, with both sides looking to get their first points of the season. Unfortunately for the Robins, in a closely contested game, Kidlington just edged it on this occasion and won 0-2 with first-half goals coming from Jake Washington and Steven Soares. Similar to Chesham v Yate Town, Kidlington will face Frome Town again next week in the reverse fixture.
#MatchweekFive Team of the Week
Congratulations to all students who have been nominated by their coaches for the #TeamOfTheWeek and a special mention to James Tetley of Brighouse Town who has been awarded 'Player of the Week!' for his excellent performance in the West Yorkshire derby during #MatchweekFive
Highlights Show
Watch all the goals and match action from this weeks fixtures in the #MatchweekFive edition of The Highlights Show!
