Oxford City 0-2 Marine ( att : 613 ) – 2025/26 National League North

February 21, 2026

Oxford City had another important home game today in their battle to avoid relegation from National League North as they entertained 10^th placed Marine.

Oxford City Update

Since these diaries reported on Oxford City’s 1-0 victory over second placed AFC Fylde in January, they had played four more league matches. First, they fell to an unlucky 1-3 home defeat to leaders South Shields, but then took 4 points from 3 away games. A 0-1 loss in a drab game at Radcliffe was followed by another dull game as they drew 0-0 at bottom side Leamington. However, last weekend, The Hoops recorded their first away success of the season with a 2-1 win at Worksop Town. These results left Oxford City in 21^st place, two points from safety.

A youthful Oxford City side had hosted Oxford United’s Academy side in the quarter finals of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup, and two goals in added on time saw the Hoops progress 3-2.

Oxford City had again been active in the loan market, with the arrival of forward Callum McFarlane from Solihull Moors. McFarlance had been on loan at Hereford United earlier in the season. However, earlier this week keeper Jonny Maxted had been recalled by Brackley Town due an injury to one of their other goalkeepers, and Max Metcalfe had been signed on loan from Stockport County. Metcalfe had been on loan last season at Marine, so would be well known to today’s visitors !

Marine FC

Marine are located in Crosby on Merseyside, which is 6 miles north of the city centre of Liverpool.

The football club were founded in 1894 and play at the 3,185 capacity Rossett Park, which for sponsorship reasons is now known as The Marine Travel Arena. Their nicknames are either The Mariners or The Lilywhites.

Marine had spent most of this century in the step 3 Northern Premier League Premier Division but were relegated at the end of 2018/19. Three seasons were played in the Division One West until winning promotion via the 2021/22 play-offs.

Back at step 3, Marine finished 9^th in 2022/23, then a 3^rd place finish saw Marine enter the 2023/24 play-offs, where a 1-0 home win over Warrington Rylands and a 2-1 victory at Macclesfield resulted in promotion to National League North.

Last season in their first season at step 2, Marine finished 15^th.

Marine This Season

Marine came into today’s match in 10^th position with a 13-6-11 record to be 3 points off a play-off position. Away from home they were 5-2-6 with the away wins coming at Merthyr Town ( 3-1 ), Macclesfield ( 1-0 ), Worksop Town ( 2-1 ), Scarborough Athletic ( 2-1 ) and Leamington ( 1-0 ), but they were now on a run of 4 away league matches without a win. They had shipped 4 goals in their last two away games, losing 0-4 at Buxton and 1-4 at Curzon Ashton.

However, The Mariners recent home form had been good, going 6 home games without a defeat, and they had thrashed Leamington 5-0 last weekend.

In the FA Cup Marine progressed past step 5 Newcastle Blue Star 2-0 but exited the competition after a 2-3 home loss to Buxton.

Marine were enjoying a good run in the FA Trophy and will host Woking in the quarter-finals next Saturday. In the earlier rounds, Marine got past step 3 Stockbridge Park Steels ( 2-0 ), Curzon Ashton ( 2-1 away ), Gloucester City ( 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 home draw ) and National League Tamworth ( 4-1 on penalties after 0-0 away draw ).

Marine’s average attendance so far this season was 1,271, the 9^th best in the division, compared to Oxford City’s 659. Their highest attendance for a league match was 2,314 for the visit of Southport on Boxing Day.

Marine Squad

Winger Finlay Sinclair-Smith, top scorer in the past two season, was again leading the way with 7 goals so far this season. Ex-Bolton Wanderers, Motherwell, Albion Rovers and Bala Town forward George Newell was next with 6 goals, and Charlie Jolley, on loan from AFC Fylde, had founded the net 4 times.

Keeper Fraser Barnsley was on loan from Everton, left-back Joe Ashton was on loan from Burnley and centre-back Adam Anson was with Wigan as a youngster and had recently played for Southport and Alfreton.

Midfielder Jack Hazlehurst had briefly played for Burton Albion, midfielder Sam Fielding was ex-Bradford Park Avenue and defender James Brown was not The Godfather of Soul, but instead had played three times for Malta, in addition to playing for St Johnstone, Millwall and Carlisle United.

Republic of Congo striker Offrande Zanzala numbered Accrington Stanley, Crewe Alexandria, Carlisle, Barrow, Exeter City, Newport County and Torquay United amongst his former sides.

Marine’s manager was Bobby Grant, who made over 300 appearances in the Football League for Accrington Stanley, Scunthorpe, Rochdale, Blackpool, Shrewsbury Town, Fleetwood Town and Oldham Athletic as well as playing for Wrexham in the National League, making 512 appearances in all competitions in his career.

Previous Meetings

The two sides met for the first time on the opening day of last season when a scrambled goal in added on time gave Oxford City a 1-1 draw on Merseyside. In the return on a Tuesday night in February, Oxford City edged to a 1-0 home win, scoring direct from a corner.

When the two sided met earlier this season, a 0-0 draw was played out. History suggested this could be a low scoring affair……..

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner, Marine’s journey to Oxford was 177 miles via the M6 and M40, which would normally take just over 3 hours. It looked like around 40 or so Marine supporters had made the journey.

Tickets for today’s game were £13 for adults online and £16 at the turnstile. There were a whole range of reductions depending on ages, from seniors to children.

An online programme was available and a cup of tea cost £2.50. A post-match pint of Estrella Galicia and a glass of Pinot Grigio both cost £5.50 each

Despite a forecast of rain all afternoon, it was dry at the 15.00 kick-off time, although the dark clouds suggested that rain was on its way, and the floodlights were already on. The temperature was around 13 degrees.

Bet365 made Marine 6/5 favourites, with Oxford City at 19/10 and the draw at 11/5.

Marine made one change from the side that beat Leamington last time out with midfielder Matty McDonald replacing Hazlehurst, whilst Oxford City made one changes to the side that won at Worksop, being the enforced change of goal-keeper.

Marine were playing in a change kit of all dark green, whilst Oxford City were in their usual blue and white hoops.

Match Report

Marine started brightly and in the first minute a dangerous looking cross from the right wing needed to be put out for a corner by George Burroughs.

A minute later Charlie Wiggett brought down a Marine attacker to give the visitors a free-kick 25 yards from goal, but Ashton’s effort hit the defensive wall and bounced away for the first corner of the game. Oxford City struggled to clear the corner and a wild kick from Latrell Humphrey-Ewers attempting to clear only made contact with Jolley, who collapsed to the ground for an obvious penalty.

Newell stepped up to take the spot-kick but only to succeed in smashing the ball against the post, and the ball rolled back across the goal and off for a goal-kick. This would be keeper Metcalfe’s first touch of the ball !

Oxford City took play down the other end where Josh Parker did well to get to the by-line and pull back, but the attempt from Josh Ashby from the edge of the area was blocked by a Marine defender. When the home side reworked the loose ball, Parker was fouled just outside the Marine area. Ashby’s free-kick went straight at keeper Barnsley, who made a regulation save.

Barnsley attempt at a drop-kick to clear struck Parker, and Alfie Potter latched onto the loose ball to run into the Marine area. His pull-back found McFarlane, who took a touch before shooting, but his effort was blocked. The Marine keeper protested vociferously about the block by Parker, and was rewarded with the first yellow card of the game.

The Hoops were on top, and a cross from Parker from the left needed a good clearing header from Marine captain Josh Wardle. Perseverance from Jack Bearne down the left won a corner off Anson, which came to nothing. Shortly after, McFarlane’s cross was headed away from Potter beyond the far post by Ashton, and when Potter retrieved the ball his attempted pass for Ashby to run onto was read by Wardle, who cleared at the expense of a throw-in.

At the other end Newell turned on the angle of the Oxford City 6-yard box but his ball across the face of the goalmouth just evaded Sinclair-Smith, and rolled off for a goal-kick.

In the 23^rd minute Sinclair-Smith became the second Marine player to see yellow after bringing down Burroughs, who had run from the edge of the Oxford City area to half-way after preventing Sinclair-Smith being able to run onto a ball towards to Hoops 18-yard line.

A minute later there was more good defending by the home side, this time Wiggett stopped Newell from running into the Oxford City area and brought the ball out of defence.

In the 25^th minute, Parker’s chest control lay-off enabled Potter to surge towards the byline and win a corner, but Anson headed away Bearne’s set-piece.

The Hoops were playing some nice passing football but an outstretching Marine foot denied one move, and then Ashby and Potter showed good determination to win possession on the artificial surface with sliding tackles.

It was against the run of play when Marine nearly took the lead. Sinclair-Smith ran past Burroughs after controlling a good cross-field ball but with just the keeper to beat put his left-footed effort wide of the far post. However, Marine were not to be denied and a minute later some intricate play inside the Oxford City area involving Sinclair-Smith and McDonald saw the ball laid off to Jolley, who thumped a low shot into the bottom corner from around 12 yards. 0-1 after 29 minutes.

Three minutes later Marine nearly doubled their lead when McDonald’s left footed cross from the right-wing bounced across the 6-yard line, but again Sinclair-Smith was unable to get to it. Burroughs then played a loose pass that was intercepted by Sinclair-Smith, who ran to the edge of the penalty area, but saw his low drive pushed away by Metcalfe diving to his left for a corner. Wardle could only head the corner high into the air and City were able to clear.

Oxford City created a great opportunity to equalise in the 38^th minute. Bearne made a strong run down the left wing and crossed low into the Marine area, which was met by McFarlane, but his first time effort from 12 yards not only went over the bar, it went out of the ground. It was a great chance wasted.

The Hoops then produced a move that summed up the infuriation their supporters have with their style of play this season. Humphries had the opportunity to cross into the Marine area from the left wing with several team-mates in the box, but instead decided to turn and play the ball backwards. Around twenty passes later the ball was back with keeper Metcalfe, who was force to kick long, and Marine gained possession.

As the game approached half-time, Marine’s Adam Thomas cynically chopped down Bearne as he ran towards the Marine area, but surprisingly the referee decided it wasn’t a yellow card offence. The City free-kick was headed away as far as Aaron Harper-Bailey, whose first-time shot from the bouncing ball looked to be goal-bound until it struck Wardle.

The half-time whistle blew shortly after, and the promised rain started to fall.

Oxford City started the second well but their possession yielded nothing. Jolley brought down Potter as he ran from the half-way line and despite it being an obvious foul the Marine midfielder complained loudly at the referee, who gave a stern talking to Jolley, but his cards remained in his pocket.

Oxford City continued to play pretty triangles but the final pass from Ashby was over hit and rolled away for a goal-kick.

Newell then spread the ball nicely wide to the right to Bell, who low cross need to be put over his own bar by Wiggett for a corner. Metcalfe flapped at the corner, and the ball ricocheted towards the goal but Ashby made a goal-line clearance. Marine’s players appealed for a penalty for some reason, but the referee was unimpressed.

Zanzala fell over theatrically on the edge of the Oxford City area but with the referee failing to see a foul, Lewis Bell did well to gather the loose ball and get to the corner flag, and appeared to fouled as his cross sailed into the stand. However, the decision was a goal-kick.

Moments later. a poor attempted clearance by Wiggett gave Zanzala a one vs one against Metcalfe, but his prod was weak and the Hoops keeper made an easy save.

With 55 minutes on the clock, Potter showed good skill to get away from Jolley but his subsequent pass to Parker resulted in a casual flick, which Potter was unable to reach, and the attempted clearance hit Potter and rolled to the Marine keeper.

Burroughs then made a good run down the right wing but his cross to beyond the far post was headed by Bearne, probably the shortest player on the pitch, and the Marine keeper took an easy catch. Marine broke quickly and won a corner, but Jolley could only head high and wide.

The home side sent a long ball down the right-hand channel which Parker was just able to keep in play but a Marine defender hoofed off for a throw-in near the corner flag, from which Burroughs won a corner. Bearne over hit the set-piece but City were awarded another corner. This time, Ashby’s delivery was met by the on-running Burroughs, but Barnsley made a smart save to tip the close-range header over the bar. The next corner was played short to Ashby, rather than into the mixer, and the Hoops captain was crowded out and Whelan cleared.

Oxford City were now playing much better than in the first half, and a super cross-field pass from Burroughs was played on by Ashby to substitute Brayden Daniel, but his left-footed shot was blocked by Thomas for a corner.

With 69 minutes on the clock Ashby became the first Oxford City player to enter the referee’s notebook after bringing down Sinclair-Smith just inside the home half. The free-kick was directed towards the far post, where Fielding got his head to the ball, but Metcalfe made a smart save to prevent the ball entering the top corner of his goal.

In the 74^th minute Ashby played a superb ball to release Roddy down the left wing, but his inviting cross into the six-yard box was missed by both McFarlane and Potter. A minute later a long ball down the right-hand channel found Parker inside the Marine area, but after twisting and turning, the veteran Antiguan’s effort was blocked.

The rain was now falling much heavier as Marine won an unnecessary free-kick just outside the angle of the right-hand penalty area. Ashton’s low delivery saw the home defence dozing and substitute Zanzala nipped in to prod home from 6 yards. It was now 0-2 after 83 minutes and probably game over.

The home side were striving for a consolation and a lovely pass from O’Shea Ellis was fed by Potter to McFarlane who was brutally brought down, and the yellow card was shown to Anson. Ashby’s free-kick from 20 yards drifted a foot over the bar.

A chip into the Marine area deflected of Whelan as he challenged with McFarlane, and the ball sailed harmlessly through for Barnsley to take an easy catch.

Five added minutes were shown as Oxford City continued to attack. Burroughs played an inviting ball into the Marine area and both Potter and McFarlane dithered. Eventually, McFarlane went for goal but his left-footed effort from 12 yards went just wide of the far post.

Daniel then produced some great work to control and cut inside to lay off to Ashby, who ran into the Marine area but his pass was deflected and Barnsley needed to dive and push the ball away before Potter could capitalise.

The final play of the match saw Ellis make a good run and pass to Ashby, who released Roddy down the left wing, but the cross sailed onto the roof of the net.

The referee ended the game shortly after, and a well-organised and disciplined Marine outfit deservedly took the three points, but remained in 10^th place in the table. The performance from the home side reeked of one deservedly at the bottom end of the table. Despite plenty of possession, they rarely troubled the Marine keeper, and until it was too late, far too often the default option was still to look to play the risk-free pass backwards rather than gamble with a forward ball.

Highlights :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbG6nb88Xt4

Oxford City : Metcalfe – Burroughs, Wiggett, Harper-Bailey, Humphries ( Roddy ) – Potter, Humphrey-Ewers ( Ellis ), Ashby, Bearne ( Daniel ) – McFarlane, Parker

Marine : Barnsley – Thomas, Anson, Wardle ( Zanzala ), Ashton – Jolley, Fielding, Whelan, McDonald ( Bell ), Sinclair-Smith – Newell ( Potter )

 

Chinnor 19-36 Doncaster Knights ( att : 1,535 ) – 2025/26 English Champ

February 20, 2026

Two weeks ago, Hartpury University did a thoroughly professional job to leave Kingsey Road with a 39-21 victory. However, last weekend Chinnor recovered to grab a 30-29 win at lowly Ampthill, securing victory with a 78^th minute try from Keiran Goss, and then had to watch a long-distance Ampthill penalty sail wide of the posts before they could celebrate their 5 point win.

That victory kept Chinnor in 6^th place in the Champ table, whilst tonight’s visitors were in 10^th place. Doncaster Knights were playing Friday Night Lights !

Previous Meetings

The first ever meeting between Chinnor and Doncaster was extremely eventful, as the game last December was played in the middle of Storm Darragh, and was certainly the worst I had ever seen any sporting event played in. Full credit was due to both sides for fully committed performances in atrocious conditions, but with Chinnor leading 18-13 with 12 minutes remaining, the floodlights failed due to a local power cut. After an hour of confusion, the match was abandoned, and following a review by the RFU, the score stood as over 60 minutes had been played.

Doncaster got their revenge with a convincing 38-14 victory in the spring, which was part of a run of 10 wins to finish the season that saw the Knights climb up to third place.

In the first meeting this season between the two sides, Chinnor achieved their first ever win at a full-time professional side with a 23-21 victory in rain sodden conditions. A penalty 20 minutes from time gave Chinnor the lead, which they were successfully able to defend.

Doncaster This Season

With Doncaster being the only side in the Champ to meet the promotion criteria ( ignoring Worcester who didn’t meet the deadline to apply for promotion as they said they wanted at least another season to consolidate after their re-formation ), most supporters in the Champ were hoping that they would make a spirited attempt to overcome the Premiership ring-fencing.

However, results so far this season had been poor, and three weeks ago it was announced that for next season the Knights would be moving to a hybrid model, with the existing professionals remaining full-time, but new signings would become part-time. That said, it wasn’t too clear exactly how this model would work !

Doncaster had started the season reasonably well, and despite an opening day 8-26 loss at Nottingham and a 15-15 draw at Cornish Pirates, they impressively beat Worcester Warriors 34-31 in week 4.

Three consecutive losses followed before beating Coventry 24-21 at home, and a creditable 33-33 draw at Hartpury, but a surprising home loss to Ampthill followed. Although a comfortable 31-7 victory was clocked up at Richmond, Knights then lost at struggling London Scottish, at home to Caldy and then become the only side to fail to beat Cambridge after a 12-12 draw.

Doncaster’s poor results had been attributed to up to 15 of their squad missing through injuries but as some started to return, convincing wins home over Cornish Pirates ( 44-12 ) and second placed Bedford Blues ( 50-12 ) were recorded, in-between a narrow 20-25 loss at Worcester Warriors.

Doncaster’s average home attendance so far this season was 1,590, with 2,087 seeing the victory over Worcester. Last season their average was 1,367.

Doncaster Squad

Twelve of the Knights squad that beat Bedford last weekend appeared in last season’s Storm Darragh affected match, with another four on the current injury list. Number 8 Morgan Strong was now playing for Coventry whilst winger Malakai Wacokecoke was currently turning out for Cornish side Camborne in level 4.

Newcomers for Doncaster this season included winger Ryan Olowofela from Nottingham to join his brother Jordan, Samoan Under 20 international lock East Timor Viliamu ( probably the only player in the Champ named after an Asian island ! ) and ex-Scarlets lock Morgan Jones. Centre Joe Margetts returned to the club after a season playing in France and ex-Chinnor lock Ehize Ehizode joined from Ealing Trailfinders.

Fly-half Russell Bennett was the leading points scorer on 114 points, whilst wing Zach Kerr topped the try scoring list on 9, followed by Margetts on 6.

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner, the journey from Doncaster to Thame is just under 160 miles and normally takes about three hours.

Adult tickets purchased online were £16 and £20 at the gate and an online programme had been prepared in advance of today’s game.

The usual food vendors were in attendance today and with the members’ discount a pint of Brooklyn IPA was £5.36 and a pint of XT4 was £5.18.

There had been a lot of rain over the past week, and throughout most of the afternoon, but the rain had ceased well before the 19.45 kick-off time and the forecast was to remain dry for the game. The temperature was 9 degrees, but the infamous Chinnor breeze was mostly absent.

Similar to the game against Hartpury two weeks ago, a few patches of sand had been applied to the pitch, which looked heavy, especially towards the ring-road end, and would cut up as the game progressed.

Doncaster announced just one change to their starting XV that thrashed Bedford Blues with Canadian Cole Keith ( 40 caps ) replacing Joe Jones at tight-head prop. Jones had this week signed a deal with Harlequins for the rest of the season.

Chinnor made four changes to their side that won last week at Ampthill. Centre Morgan Passman swopped with James Bourton for his first start of the season, hooker Chris Moore exchanged places with Alun Walker, and on-loan Ealing Trailfinder New Zealander Harry Taylor also made his first start for Chinnor in the back-row with Will Cave dropping to the bench. There was also a welcome return from injury for fly-half Nathan Chamberlain with Joe Brock missing out from the matchday squad.

Doncaster were in a change kit of mostly blue shirts with pink sleeves and shoulders, and pink shorts, with large numbers on their backs which were easy to see, well at least untidy they got muddy ! Chinnor were in their usual black and white hoops with black shorts and socks.

Match Report

Chinnor kicked off towards the ring-road end and a fumble at the opening ruck by Doncaster scrum-half Alex Dolley gave Chinnor a scrum on the Doncaster 22. Chinnor attacked down the blindside from the scrum, and then spread the ball wide only for Goss to be tackled short of the line. However, a penalty advantage had been played, and Chinnor kicked the penalty to 5 metres. Lock Jamie Campbell won the line out for Chinnor but although the rolling maul was halted, scrum-half Luke Carter weaved his way between two defenders and over the line. Chamberlain failed to add the extras though so it was 5-0 with 3 minutes played.

Carter returned the restart with a high kick which Campbell tapped back, but Chinnor were offside, and Doncaster kicked the penalty to 15 metres from the Chinnor line. The line out was messy, with both sides judged to have knocked out with Chinnor being first, so the scrum went to the Knights.

Doncaster won a penalty at the scrum and kicked to 5 metres, but the referee deemed the line-out to be not straight. Doncaster won a consecutive penalty at the scrum as it collapsed. This time Doncaster opted to go for a tap. However, it wasn’t taken to the referee’s satisfaction, who awarded a scrum to Chinnor.

Chinnor’s scrum was under pressure but Izzy Wharton picked up from the base of the scrum and took play to Chinnor’s 22 and Carter was able to clear to touch. Doncaster’s line-out was thrown too long but they were able to retrieve the loose ball, and when they tried to go wide, Chinnor full-back Nick Smith attempted to intercept a long miss pass but was unable to hold on and knocked the ball forward into touch.

Strangely, the referee gave a line-out to Doncaster rather than a penalty for a knock-on, but after Doncaster won their line-out, centre Connor Edwards made a good break through the centre of the Chinnor defence, but when the visitors reworked possession, the kick ahead was too strong and went dead for a scrum to Chinnor 25 metres from their line.

This time the Chinnor scrum was steady and again they worked the ball down the blindside to get to their 10-metre line. Both sides engaged in a bout of kick tennis until Doncaster were ruled to have been offside.

Chinnor kick to 5 metres, Campbell won the line-out but the rolling maul was stopped, as were several drives for the line and eventually the Chinnor pack was held up over the line. However, another penalty advantage had been played, and Chinnor were back with a 5-metre line-out.

Conor Brockschmidt won the line-out this time for Chinnor but the Doncaster defence was good, forcing Chinnor to give the ball to their backs, and although the ball was dropped backwards, Chinnor recovered possession but their next attack was halted by the referee who deemed Chinnor to have been guilty of crossing.

Doncaster secured their ball from the scrum 10 metres from their line and kicked into the Chinnor half where wing Freddie Owsley made the catch and released Smith to run into the Doncaster half. Chinnor lost the ball and a Doncaster kick bounced into touch on the Chinnor 22.

The Chinnor throw went over the top and Doncaster gathered. The Knights had a penalty advantage but Bennett dropped a pass so it was back for the penalty, which Bennett kicked to 5 metres. The line-out was won and a smart off-load from hooker Ben Chapman released Olowofela to burst through near the corner and then run round under the posts. Bennett added the simple conversion, taking the score to 5-7 after 22 minutes.

Another bout of kick tennis ensued after the restart until Chamberlain kicked the ball into touch for a Doncaster line-out on the Chinnor 10 metre line. Doncaster won their line-out and Margetts made a break through the middle. The ball was worked to Tongan full-back Koleti Veainu ( 16 caps ) who ran down the touchline and an inside pass enabled Olowofela to run to the corner. Bennett’s attempted conversion slid wide of the far post, so the score was now 5-12 with 24 minutes on the clock.

The restart was dropped into touch by Doncaster to give Chinnor the line-out, which was won and spread wide to Goss, who ran into the Doncaster 22 but the pass inside was loose and Doncaster gathered to win a penalty at the subsequent ruck to take play up to half-way.

Doncaster won their line-out but their attempt to break through the centre of the Chinnor defence was stopped. Dolley launched the ball into orbit but a Doncaster player knocked on in the aerial challenge resulting in a scrum to a Chinnor on their 10-metre line. However, the Doncaster pack won another scrum penalty.

Chinnor’s attempt to steal the line-out resulted in a knock-on, and from the scrum another run from Veainu led to an overhead pass to Olowofela, who jinked his way through a crowd of defenders to score in the corner for a superb try and his hat-trick. Bennett’s attempted conversion again sailed wide of the far upright making the score 5-17 with 32 minutes played.

Doncaster knocked on at the restart but when Chinnor moved the ball from the scrum a knock-on gave Donny the scrum on their 22. The Knights kicked long from their scrum forcing Smith to kick to touch to give the visitors a line-out on the Chinnor 10 metre line. Doncaster attempted a short throw to the front of the line-out but the ball was dropped, but when Chinnor attacked they too dropped the ball, and Doncaster were able to send a kick bouncing into touch just inside the Chinnor 22.

After Campbell won the lineout Chinnor won a penalty at the subsequent ruck, but a Doncaster tap stole the line-out on half-way. After failing to make progress from moving the ball wide, a high ball was launched which the Knights won. Kerr made a strong run down the left-hand touchline and a smart inside pass was perfectly timed for number 8 Jasper McGuire to burst through to score the Knights fourth try of the evening. Bennett added an excellent conversion, moving the score to 5-24 with 39 minutes played.

Doncaster won a penalty at the restart, and after a scruffy tap at the following line-out they opted to kick into touch to end the half. After Chinnor had dominated the opening 20 minutes but failed to turn territory into points, Doncaster had stormed back to score four tries, with their back three looking very impressive.

Doncaster started the second half, but Chinnor ran back to their 10-metre line and then kicked into the Doncaster 22, where Veianu picked up and ran to his 10 metre line until being flattened by a good tackle. Doncaster kicked high but were caught offside, but the Chinnor line-out 20 metres from the Knights line was judged to be not straight.

It looked like there was a clear knock-on by McGuire at the base of the Doncaster scrum, but the referee allowed play to continue, and the Knights kicked to half-way and somehow had the throw at the line-out. Doncaster won the line-out and moved the ball wide but Chinnor were mysteriously awarded a scrum near the half-way line, and sent a kick bouncing into touch inside the Doncaster 22. The Knights won their line out and kicked to Owsley on the halfway line, and Carter launched a box kick at the subsequent ruck but Chinnor were offside. Doncaster were back inside the Chinnor 22.

Chinnor won the Donny throw and Cave charged up to the half-way line but several Chinnor attacks failed to progress beyond half-way, forcing Carter to kick again where Veianu spilled the high ball. Chinnor gathered but then squandered the loose ball and a fly-hack sent the ball into the Chinnor half. A return kick then saw Olowofela go scorching down the touchline into the Chinnor 22. After he was stopped, Doncaster had many close range drives for the try-line which were thwarted. Eventually, they looked up and saw acres of space out wide, and a long pass enabled Veianu to have a clear run over the whitewash. Bennett’s conversion was good, taking the score to 5-31 with 51 minutes played.

Shortly after the restart, Smith dropped a high kick and when Doncaster spread the ball, Veianu sent a grubber kick ahead and was tackled off the ball by Passman, who unsurprisingly was shown a yellow card.

Doncaster kicked to inside the Chinnor 22, but good defence led to a penalty for Chinnor, which took them back to half-way. Chinnor won their line-out and Chamberlain made a good break then chipped ahead, forcing the covering Doncaster defender to take the ball into touch 10 metres from their line. Not for the first time in the evening, a catch by Campbell was ruled to be not straight.

Doncaster won a penalty at the ruck after the scrum, taking them back to the half-way line. Jones won their line-out and Dolly kicked high for Goss to make an excellent catch, and The Knights were pinged for offside.

Chinnor were back inside the Doncaster 22 and Scott Hall won the lineout and when Chinnor moved the ball, Owsley was tackled 10 metres short of the line, and Doncaster won turnover ball. For a few scary moments for the Knights the ball bounced across the tryline as the Knights attempted to attack from their own line, until replacement scrum-half Fox hoofed the ball into touch.

Hall won another line-out for Chinnor and Chinnor moved the ball wide, but unfortunately for them, after Ealing loanee Brodie Robinson had made a strong run, his pass to Owsley went behind the winger and into touch.

Campbell won the Doncaster throw but after some messy play, a pass was dropped with a penalty advantage. Chinnor kicked the penalty into the Doncaster 22, where the lineout was won, the rolling maul rumbled forward and another penalty advantage was awarded. When the play came to nothing, Doncaster centre Edwards was shown a yellow card for his team, being the last offender after a number of infringements.

Campbell again won the Chinnor 5 metre line-out but the rolling maul was stopped and Doncaster were awarded a penalty for reasons not too obvious. Doncaster won their line-out and the sides exchanged high kicks until Robinson made a break, and then Owsley and Bourton exchanged passes taking play into the Doncaster 22. Walker then made a semi-break and offloaded for Cave to charge under the posts. Chamberlain added the extras, taking the score to 12-31 with 70 minutes played.

Doncaster were again caught offside after dropping a high kick shortly after the restart but when Chinnor attacked inside the Knights 22, the visitors won turnover ball. A high clearing kick was dropped backwards by Goss and Doncaster gathered but when Fox kicked high, Doncaster were again pinged for offside, and some backchat took the penalty forward 10 metres, enabling Chinnor to kick within 15 metres.

The game now entered its comedy period. Doncaster lock Ehizode entered the field but it wasn’t obvious who had left the field, and Ehizode took a place amongst the backs rather than the line-out. Chinnor won their line-out and gave the ball to their backs, but a dropped pass went a couple of feet backwards. Amazingly, the referee deemed this to be a knock-on. With several spectators calling out 16 men, I initially assumed this was some comment on bias from the official, until it became apparent that the Knights did indeed have 16 players on the field. After a lengthy discussion between the referee and the 4^th official, it was eventually determined that a penalty should be awarded to Chinnor. Ehizode left the field but did legitimately return a couple of minutes later.

Chinnor kicked to 5 metres, and after winning their line-out Carter headed for the line but was stopped, but Hall was on hand to gather the offload and barged over the line. Chamberlain knocked over the easy conversion so it was 19-31 with 78 minutes played.

Any hopes that Chinnor might grab a four try and get within losing point range were soon dashed when McGuire made yards down the touchline to get deep into the Chinnor 22, and after possession was reworked substitute Andrew Davies was able to dive over in the corner. Bennett’s conversion was low and wide, so the score was 19-36 with 79 minutes played.

Chinnor still had time to try and score another try to claim a bonus point but after Carter made a robust tackle on Veianu at the restart, the referee surprisingly determined that it was worthy of a yellow card, much to the bemusement of Carter and the spectators close to the incident.

Doncaster kicked the penalty off for a line-out and again tried to throw short to the front of the line-out and then looked to break into the Chinnor half, but again the fussy referee saw something amiss with the move.

After not winning any decision at the scrums in the whole game, the referee then decided it was a free-kick in Chinnor’s favour at the scrum, and after Chinnor knocked on in the following move, the referee gave another free-kick to Chinnor at the Doncaster scrum put in.

Chinnor again attempted to spread play, but after Hall made yards into the Doncaster half his attempted offload to release Goss went directly into touch, at which point the referee blew to end the match.

Doncaster were very impressive this evening and totally deserved their 5 point victory, having had the edge in the scrums and their back three looked razor sharp. On this form they are likely to continue their resurgence and should comfortably secure a place in the promotion play-offs, should they indeed happen. Chinnor look like a side in need of a few weeks break……..

 

 

Thame United 4-3 Flackwell Heath ( att : 121 ) – 2025/26 Southern League Division One Central

February 14, 2026

After these diaries reported on Thame’s hard-fought home 1-1 draw against Barton Rovers, they had played just once since, a 5-1 victory at mid-table London Lions, which extended their unbeaten run to 9 matches. Two home mid-week fixtures had been postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Today’s opponents, Flackwell Heath, had not played since a disappointing 2-2 home draw against second from bottom Rayners Lane on January 24^th, and had played only three times in 2026.

Amazingly, Mrs Fatbear declined the opportunity to spend Valentine’s afternoon watching some non-league football.

Flackwell Heath FC

Flackwell Heath is a village on the outskirts of High Wycombe with an estimated population of around 6,000.

Its football team were founded in 1907 and play at the 2,000 capacity Wilks Parks, which has 150 seats. Flackwell Heath normally play in all red, and their nickname is The Heathens.

In 2023/24, Flackwell Heath were champions of the step 5 Combined Counties Premier Division North to earn promotion to the Southern League Division One Central.  Heath finished 3^rd in their first season back at step 4, but after beating Barton Rovers 2-0 in front of a crowd of 718, they were hammered in the promotion play-off final 0-5 at Berkhamsted.

These diaries witnessed the match at Thame in April, which Flackwell won 2-1 to clinch their place in the promotion play-offs, as 10 man Thame missed an injury time penalty.

Flackwell Heath This Season

Flackwell Heath arrived at the ASM Stadium in 14^th place in the table with a 10-7-9 record, and were a 6-3-4 away from home. Like Thame, Flackwell had played only 26 games but had 9 points fewer, and had three games in hand on the three sides immediately above them.

Heath were on an unbeaten run of 4 games, with a 3-0 home win over Aylesbury United, a 4-2 victory at Stotfold, a 4-0 win at Marlow, before drawing 2-2 at home to Rayners Lane.

Flackwell started the season well, with 3 wins and 3 draws in their first 6 matches before a 2-3 reverse at Biggleswade, which started a run of 6 losses in 7 games. The rot was stopped with two wins and two draws but they then lost three of the next 5 games before the current unbeaten run.

Flackwell had played 8 matches against the current top 8 in the table, and lost all of them, five of them at home ! This included a 1-2 defeat at home to Thame, when Dan West and Curtis Brown had given Thame a 2-0 first half lead. Charlie Bacon, on loan from Oxford City, scored a late consolation for The Heathens.

Flackwell enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup, eliminating step 5 Tuffley Rovers and Soul Tower Hamlets, step 3 Lewes, step 3 Bracknell Town in an away replay, before exiting the competition 0-1 in the 4^th Qualifying Round at step 4 Maldon and Tiptree. Flackwell exited the FA Trophy after one match, losing 0-1 at step 4 AFC Porchester.

Flackwell Heath’s average home league attendance to-date this season was 184, the 6^th best in the division, with the highest being 310 for the visit of Aylesbury United during Christmas although the Cup-tie against Bracknell attracted a crowd of 556. Last season’s average was 274. The average for Thame United was 114.

Flackwell Heath Squad

Attacking midfielder Jack Shakespeare was The Heathens top scorer this season with 10 goals, which could give Fatbear plenty of scope for literary puns ! Striker Juwon Akintunde was next on 7 goals.

Four of Flackwell Heath’s squad had played for Thame, centre-backs Callum Mapley and Harry Mepham, and strikers Harlem Hale and Akintunde.

Keeper Henry Upstall had played for Slough Town and Risborough Rangers, midfielder Ben Stallard was ex-Aylesbury United, defender Lewis Pegg was previously with Beaconsfield Town and winger Bruce Ovbiye-Ndang was in the AFC Dunstable side that played at Thame earlier in the season. Defender Lewis Patrick had played for Risborough Rangers and forward Elias Grant played for Beaconsfield at the ASM last season.

Of the side that played at Thame last season, ex-Risborough Rangers and Thame striker Wiktor Makowski, who scored 39 goals in all competitions, is now playing for step 2 Slough Town. Keeper Carl Dennison had also joined Slough whilst ex-Risborough Rangers forward Michael Harding was now playing for step 3 Berkhamsted Town. Louis Walsh had joined Thame United !

Matchday Information

According to AA route planner, the journey from Flackwell Heath to Thame’s ASM Stadium is 24 miles and should normally take half an hour. A healthy number of Heathens fans had made the journey.

After the recent rains, today was a sunny and dry, and the temperature at the 15.00 kick-off was 6 degrees.

Entrance to the game was £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, £3 for Under 16s, whilst under 5s went in for free. A cup of tea was £1.50.

An online programme had been produced for the match and free team-sheets were available at the turnstile.

Flackwell made three changes to the side that started against Rayners Lane with Mapley, Grant and Matt Roberts selected with Akintunde dropping to the bench and Mepham and Pegg missing out. Thame were unchanged from the side that was victorious at London Lions.

Flackwell Heath were playing in a change kit of all yellow, whilst Thame were in their usual red and black stripes.

Matchday Report

Thame kicked off towards the ring road end but very quickly Grant optimistically shot from 35 yards, but the effort trickled through to Thame keeper Matt Crowther.

Flackwell’s bright start continued as Shakespeare released Grant, but this time his 20-yard attempt went high over the bar. Mapley then make a poor clearance which went to Brown but the Thame winger’s long-range shot was blocked and went out for a throw-in close to the corner flag.

Shortly after, Thame right-back Ethan Lack play a through ball down the right-hand channel from which West forced a corner. The delivery from Harry Alexander was headed high into the air but with Flackwell struggling to clear their lines, the referee stopped play as a Flackwell player was lying prone on the floor injured, and play restarted with a drop ball for Heath.

Grant then got past Thame centre-back Finlay Murray only to be brought down 30 yards from the Thame goal on the right-hand side of the pitch. The free-kick was floated into the penalty area but Shakespeare’s header sailed a few feet over the bar.

Thame enjoyed a spell of pressure which was fruitless, and could be described as Much Ado About Nothing. A period of messy play on the edge of the Flackwell area ended with Lack firing a 25-yard effort a couple of yards wide with Walsh unable to get a foot to it.

With a solitary Red Kite patrolling the skies, Thame continued to press and McGuinness need to get an important touch to a through ball from Brown which would have put Alexander clear.

The first proper shot on target came in the 14^th minute. Shakespeare’s pass gave Jamie Ayres the opportunity to run into the Thame penalty area, but his shot from a narrow angle was pushed around the near post by Crowther for Flackwell Heath’s first corner. Crowther flapped unconvincingly at the delivery from Matty Ayres, but Thame were eventually able to clear.

A minute later Lack brought down Grant just outside the Thame penalty area. Matty Ayres took the free-kick, which was missed by everyone, and the ball bounced into the far corner of the goal. Flackwell led 1-0 with 16 minutes played.

Thame’s Jack Tutton then made a late tackle on Jamie Ayres close to the half-way line but the header by McGuiness from the free-kick was an easy save for Crowther.

Out of the blue, Flackwell doubled their lead. Keeper Crowther slipped when attempting a clearing kick, only for the ball to go to Jamie Ayres, who coolly chipped the ball into the unguarded net. It was now 0-2 after 19 minutes.

Thame were in danger of falling apart, and could have fallen further behind when Shakespeare put Grant clear inside the Thame area, but the shot from a tight angle deflected off the foot of Crowther and just wide of the far post for a corner. Crowther again looked uncomfortably from the ball into the 6-yard area. Roberts retrieved the loose ball to cross back into the danger zone but McGuinness headed over the bar from close range.

Grant then had a cross-cum-shot tipped over the bar by Crowther, and the Thame keeper again flapped weakly at Matty Ayres’ set-piece, and Jamie Ayres reacted the quickest to turn the loose ball into the empty net from around 6 yards. Incredibly, after a Comedy of Errors, it was now 0-3 with 29 minutes on the clock.

Two minutes later, another Flackwell attacked needed a foul by Lack near the corner flag to stop the move, and this time Crowther made a confident catch under his crossbar from the free-kick.

Thame looked out for the count but unexpectedly a cross from Alexander was met by West, and the header flew past the keeper to pull a goal back, so it was now 1-3 after 31 minutes.

It was now Flackwell’s turn to look stunned as Alexander’s defence splitting pass enabled Lack to run to the byline, and his cross was acrobatically volleyed home by Walsh from 6 yards. With 2 goals in three minutes, Thame were back in the match at 2-3 with 33 minutes played.

Play became niggly with the referee awarding a couple of soft fouls to Flackwell but ignored a late tackle on Murray, all of which served to fire up the home support. When Stallard was penalised for a foul, some ironic cheers could be heard from the Thame supporters. Mapley then needed to make a last-ditch challenge after the free-kick was headed on, but the flag was raised for off-side.

Thame left-back Callum Hall then caught the eye with two surging runs from inside his own half. The first led to a corner, from which Heath keeper Upstell’s punch was weak but Mark Riddick, sliding in beyond the far post put the ball just wide. The second time, Hall released Brown to run along the by-line but his shot was saved at his near post by Upstell at the expense of a corner.

The visitors were able to defend the Thame set-piece but when Thame played the ball forward again, West’s flick put Walsh clear, and his thunderbolt smashed against the inside of the post and nestled into the opposite corner of the net for his second goal of the game against his former club. Remarkably, with three goals in 10 minutes Thame were back on level terms, making it 3-3 after 41 minutes.

Flackwell Heath were now the team who had appeared to have fallen apart, and Lack put Alexander clear down the right-hand channel, but with Walsh unmarked awaiting a tap-in, the ball in from Alexander went straight to the Flackwell keeper.

Crowther’s low clearance was then dummied on half-way, allowing the ball to roll clear for Alexander to latch onto. The covering Flackwell defence forced the Thame winger to turn inside and seek out Brown at the back post, but the resulting shot was blocked by Avery for a corner.

Tutton’s ball to the 6-yard line saw Murray rise the highest and ahead of keeper Upstell, and the net bulged from his powerful header. Amazingly, after falling 0-3 behind, Thame now led 4-3 in the 45^th minute.

The referee blew for half-time shortly after to bring an end to a fantastic half, with 7 goals scored in a spell of less than 30 minutes. It remained to be seen if the second period would be anything near as dramatic !

Bouyed by their comeback, Thame started the second half on the front foot although Alexander’s 20-yard effort was an easy save for Upstell. Lack then ran 60 yards down the right-hand touchline before laying the ball off to Alexander, who got to the by-line, but his pull-back to Tutton saw a shot from 6 yards blocked. Tutton then charged at a retreating Flackwell back-line only to be brought down just outside the Flackwell 18-yard line. Walsh put the free-kick 10 yards over the bar.

The first, and only, yellow card of the game was shown in the 50^th minute when Murray fouled Matty Ayres 30 yards from the Thame goal. Grant blasted the free-kick into the defensive wall, and the ball rolled through for Crowther to pick-up.

With 52 minutes on the clock Jamie Ayres played a nice pass for Shakespeare to run on to, but Murray produced a good sliding block-tackle.

However, Thame were looking the side most likely to score the next goal and after Lack and Alexander exchanged passes, Lack burst into the Flackwell area, but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by keeper Upstell and flew high into the air. Tutton attempted to head home but was penalised for a foul on a Flackwell defender in his efforts to get to the ball.

Jamie Ayres then produced another good pass to play Avery into a good possession, but the Heathens full-back’s shot was straight at Crowther, who made a regulation save. Thame moved down the other end, and after Walsh cut inside on the left, his cross was headed by West at the Flackwell keeper.

Flackwell then enjoyed a brief spell of pressure. Matty Ayres’ corner was headed clear by Thame centre-back Luke Tingey, then after Stallard hit the deck midway inside the Thame half, the referee waved play on, only for Grant to be brought down just outside the Thame 18-yard line. Patrick’s left-footed free-kick went harmlessly over the bar.

Thame were soon back on the front foot and Tutton’s probing long ball for Walsh needed Upstell to come out of his area to put out for a throw-in. Walsh then showed great skill to get past McGuinness but his shot was blocked.

With 68 minutes played, Brown flashed a ball across the goalmouth but it was neither a shot nor cross and the ball went off for a goal-kick. Back down the other end, Shakespeare played a pass for Jamie Ayres to shoot, but the effort was blocked for a corner. Murray headed the corner away, and Thame cleared.

With 20 minutes remaining, Shakespeare tried his luck from 20 yards but Crowther made a routine low save.

Walsh then produced another super turn to get past McGuinness and put Lack in space on the right, but the Thame right-back was bundled over near the corner flag for a free-kick.

Brown produced a good run to get past Mapley and into the Flackwell area, but with both Walsh and Alexander running to the near post, Brown’s pass went towards the back post where no-one was waiting for the tap-in. Walsh teed up Brown, but his 20-yard effort went a few feet over the bar.

Flackwell substitute Bacon went on a good run but slipped when approaching the Thame area, and the home side were able to clear.

With 10 minutes remaining, Walsh passed to West to run into the Flackwell area, but his left-footed shot was deflected wide for a corner. Upstell’s punch at the corner was weak, and Tutton gathered the loose ball and ran along the byline, but his shot was blocked by the legs of the Flackwell keeper. When Thame reworked possession, Brown shot over from 25 yards.

With normal time just about up, Tingey made a good header to clear the danger after Bacon had done well to get to the Thame by-line, and a minute later the Thame centre-back made another important header to clear a free-kick.

With 5 added minutes to be played, Thame should have put the game to bed. First, Alexander ran onto a long ball but with just Upstell to beat, he finished poorly, putting the ball first time well wide when he had time to control and pick his spot, or pass to the unmarked Walsh. Brown then ran clear onto a long ball out of the Thame defence but with just the keeper to beat, shot against the legs of the keeper.

Flackwell won a free-kick in the third added minute and keeper Upstall came up for the kick, but Thame were able to clear. Brown ran into the Flackwell half, but with his team-mates urging him to head for the corner, he instead opted to blaze his shot out of the ground !

However, it didn’t matter as Thame successfully saw out the closing moments to take three important points which looked very unlikely after 29 minutes.

Thame might consider this to be a case of All’s Well That Ends Well, but Flackwell would view this as a tragedy.

Thame remained in 6^th place but were now level on points with Hertford but with a game in hand. Flackwell Heath dropped a place to 15^th.

Thame United : Crowther – Lack, Tingey, Murray, Hall – Tutton, West, Riddick, Brown – Alexander, Walsh ( Stow )

Flackwell Heath :  Upstell – Avery, Mapley, McGuiness, Patrick – J.Ayres ( Nsang ), Stallard ( Bacon ), M.Ayres ( Akintunde ), Roberts ( Light ) – Grant ( Wynn ), Shakespeare