Matchweek Seven saw a goal go viral on TikTok, a 100% record continue and new leaders in the Midlands division.
In the North division ESPFA West Yorkshire (Ossett United) fresh from their first win of the season last week in their West Yorkshire derby faced last seasons divisional winners ESPFA Cheshire (Runcorn Linnets) and took an early lead when matchweek six's player of the week Keel Del Grande beat the goalkeeper to the ball and slot away into an empty net.
Any hopes of a second consecutive win for the home side were erased when Ryan McAlpine turned in the box and struck an equaliser into the bottom corner.
A top of the table clash between ESPFA Lancashire (Skelmersdale United) and ESPFA Cheshire (Witton Albion) took place at JMO Sports Park with the visitors aiming to extend their 100% record and the Albion got off to the perfect start with two quick fire goals in the first ten minutes. First through Harry Woodham following strong work on the byline to tuck away the opener and then Harry Caulkin's cross caught the Blues goalkeeper off guard to double the lead.
The hosts did not allow the two early blows to affect them and soon got back into the game from James Carney and then a determined run and composed finish from Dominic Evans brought the game level before the break.
A winning goal would have a huge effect in the divisional title race and it was the visitors who pushed themselves ahead when Dylan Darlington's well placed header secured the game for the Cheshire side.
In the final game of the North division between ESPFA Greater Manchester (Mossley AFC) and ESPFA West Yorkshire (Brighouse Town) which saw 9 goals scored with the standout strike going viral on Tiktok and a contender for goal of the season.
Harry Roper put the hosts in front early in the game reacting quickest to a cross into the box.
The second goal will go down as one of the greatest goals in ESPFA history. Kian Hepburn earning that accolade when his corner was cleared back to him and his first time volley flew into the top corner off the post to spark wild celebrations from shocked teammates.
Roper got his second not long after racing ahead and finishing cooly before the lead was extended further through Ronnie Beech who found himself unmarked in the six yard box to slot home his sides fourth of the game.
Two quick fire goals from Roper put the game beyond doubt with a further two fantastic finishes, taking his tally to four.
ESPFA West Yorkshire (Brighouse Town) have shown fantastic spirit and determination this season and that was evident when they brought themselves back into the game, Casey Murthick tucking away a penalty and a well placed header from Jamie Marsden either side of a smart finish from the home sides Kristian Atanasov gave the visitors something to take home back to Yorkshire.
In the Midlands we had new divisional leaders once again when ESPFA Derbyshire (Belper Town) secured a vital 1-0 win at ESPFA West Midlands (Rushall Olympic Black) to go back to the top of the summit thanks to a late strike by top goalscorer Ewan Sutherill.
The Midlands division has proved to be very tight so far this season and that was evident again with another close 1-0 victory in Nottinghamshire. Sancho Ayodeji-Ansell the game winner in the 73rd minute with a great header at the near post to give Carlton Town the three points over ESPFA Derbyshire (Mickleover FC Red).
ESPFA Derbyshire (Mickleover FC Black) hosted ESPFA Staffordshire (Stafford Town) with the game switched to Evans Park.
Omar Timini burst through to give the 'hosts' the lead in the first half before Kaiden Frost brought the 'visitors' back into the game, slotting away after anticipating the ball falling to him in the box.
ESPFA top goalscorer Chris Bitshuangu strength enabled him to put the Blacks' back in front and his strength again was key in the third and final goal when he created an opportunity for Timini to grab his brace which he did to seal the game for the 'hosts'.
League Tables after Matchweek Seven
Post Match Interviews
Team of the Week - #MatchweekSeven
Congratulations to all students who've made it into the ESPFA #TeamOfTheWeek.
Special mention to #ESPFACheshire student Dylan Darlington who was named as the #PlayerOfTheWeek after his player of the match performance for Witton Albion in their top of the table clash with ESPFA Lancashire (Skelmersdale United).
The Highlights Show
Team lineups (scroll left)
