The first round of fixtures are behind us and we look forward to #MatchweekTwo of the 2021/22 ESPFA Campaign.
Key Matchup
Rushall Olympic (Amber) v Kidlington
This week’s ‘Key Matchup’ comes from the South Division where Rushall Olympic (Amber) welcome Kidlington.
Both teams started the season in fine form and picked up three points in their first game of the season, but it was the manner of the victories that have caught the eye. Rushall Olympic (Amber) toppled Carlton Town 0-9 away from home whilst Kidlington beat Yate Town 6-1. Kidlington’s coach, Redd Pratley was pleased with the result having struggled against Yate Town last season. He said: “It was a really good result for us on Thursday, especially as Yate were a real bogey side for us last season. The boys have all worked really hard during pre-season and it was great to see them carry that work ethic into the game. For the majority of the game, the lads executed a lot of what we worked on during pre-season and in preparation for the game really well.” There is also an excitement within the Kidlington team after a big win last weekend. Kidlington student Chandra Limbu expressed how getting off to a good start in the division was so important: “[After the big win last week] The atmosphere was great, and everyone was buzzing because we knew how much a win meant to us to start the season off right. I believe starting a season off with a strong team performance and a 6-1 score line shows how much we want to win this season and our hunger and desire for success.”
Rushall Olympic (Amber) will be no pushovers for Kidlington and have some real talent at their disposal, none more so than the reigning #PlayerOfTheWeek, Tyrese Hall who scored four times in Rushall’s 0-9 win last week. Tyrese is confident in his abilities and sets high standards for his team. He said “The main aim for the team is to win the league that’s what we want above anything. We’re here to show our best performances every game and win the games as they come. My personal goals are to help influence and encourage the team to play as well as they can and to also score as many goals as I can to help my team.” With both sides high in confidence following their #MatchweekOne results, this should be an enthralling match up.
North Division
Witton Albion v Skelmersdale United
Witton Albion will be hoping to get their first win of the season this week after letting a two-goal lead slip to Ossett United in their first game. Skelmersdale United on the other hand will be raring to get out on to the pitch and play their first game of the season after having no scheduled game last week.
Brighouse Town v Belper Town
Belper Town make the journey north up the M1 to Yorkshire where they will face a Brighouse Town side high in confidence after beating the current ESPFA National Champions last week in Mickleover. The visitors tasted defeat at the hands of Runcorn Linnets in their first run out of the season and will be eager to get their first points of the campaign on the board.
Ossett United v Runcorn Linnets
Ossett United showed character in their game last week to rally from 2-0 down back to 2-2 and earn a point in their first game of the campaign, but they will need to be at their best if they are to hold off a strong Runcorn Linnets side. The visitors travel to Yorkshire in the top spot of the division but it’s still early days and they will want to cement their spot with another three points.
South Division
Frome Town v Carlton Town
After a disappointing result in their first game in the South Division, Carlton Town will make the trip to Frome Town in search of three points and will hope to get their campaign up and running. Frome however didn’t play last week and will be keen to make up ground on the teams in front of them.
Yate Town v Chesham United
The top two teams from the South Division last year go head-to-head and Yate Town will be looking to one-up their rivals after suffering defeat to Chesham United twice last season. Chesham hope to continue their fantastic league run and extend their winning league streak to 12 games in a row.