Thame United 3-3 Ware ( att : 104 ) – 2026/27 Southern League Division One Central

August 15, 2026

Today’s Southern League Division One Central match was a meeting between the sides that finished 5^th and 7^th last season, so a close encounter was potentially in prospect.

Thame Update

Since these diaries reported on Thame’s 2-3 home defeat to Uxbridge in a pre-season friendly, Thame finished their pre-season with a 3-2 home win over step 4 Bedfont Sports, although no other details were published.

Thame started their league campaign last Saturday with a home match against Royston Town, who had been relegated from the Southern League Premier Central, and were many people’s favourites to return to step 3 this season. As it turned out, Royston proved to be too strong, and Thame went down to a 0-3 defeat in front of a crowd of 156, a result left Thame bottom of the table at this early stage.

Thame’s scheduled mid-week game against Aylesbury United was postponed as Aylesbury had to replay their FA Cup tie against Flackwell Heath as the first attempt to play the match had been abandoned after a floodlight failure at half-time.

Thame had retained eleven of the players from last year’s squad, although top scorer Louis Walsh had gone to Slough Town, midfielder Ethan Lack had moved to Potters Bar Town, striker Lance Williams had joined Ardley, Braydon Daniel had returned to Oxford City, keeper Matty Crowther and centre-back Leo Galpin were now at Kidlington, and wing-back Abu Khan had signed for Winslow United.

Incomings this season included ex-Hertford Town keeper James Callan, winger Ed Daffern had joined from Stotfold, winger Jamie Davies had signed from Beaconsfield, whilst forward Lucas Wynn played for Flackwell Heath last season. Midfielder Charlie Bacon was also with Flackwell Heath last season, having started at Oxford City before moving to Kidlington.

Full-back Josh Stranks had rejoined Thame after a season away at Beaconsfield and Risborough Rangers, whilst midfielder Hayden Beadle had returned after a spell at Aylesbury United.

Ware Background

Ware is a town in Hertfordshire with a population of just under 20,000 and its football team are a non-league trivia quiz question, as not having a suffix eg Town, United, Rangers etc, they have the joint shortest name of all English football clubs. Bury is another with just four letters !

Founded in 1893, home is the 3,300 capacity Wodson Park, and their nickname is The Blues, although their Twitter account regularly uses the term Wareboys.

Ware had been almost perennial bridesmaids in recent seasons in their efforts to escape from step 4. In 2019/20 Ware were 6 points ahead of second placed Hanwell Town in the Isthmian South Central Division after 30 games, but the season was terminated due to Covid so they were not promoted.

In 2020/21 they were third after 7 games in a Covid interrupted season, and were then level transferred to the Southern League Division One Central.

In 2021/21 Ware finished 4^th, but after overcoming AFC Dunstable on penalties after an away 0-0 draw, they lost 2-4 at home to North Leigh, where Jefferson Louis scored a crucial goal for North Leigh in the 95^th minute, before North Leigh added another two minutes later. A crowd of 1,564 attended the match.

In Ware 2022/23 finished 5^th but after beating Biggleswade FC 4-1 away, they lost 0-1 at Didcot in front of an incredible crowd of 1,938. The 2023/24 campaign saw Ware finish in 5^th place but they lost in the play-off semi-final 1-2 at Bedford Town.

Ware finished a disappointing 10^th in 2024/25 and 7^th last season, to miss out on the play-offs for the second season in a row. Ware were the 4^th best supported team in the division last season with an average home attendance of 251.

Previous Meetings

Ware had appeared in these diaries on one previous occasion when they won 3-1 at Thame in March 2024. Goals from Joe Deadman, Jack Dreyer and Theo Ofori had given Ware a three-goal lead, whilst Harry Alexander scored a late consolation for Thame.

Since Ware were transferred to the Southern League, these two sides had played each other on 10 occasions, with Ware winning four times, Thame twice, and there had been four draws. Surprisingly, Ware had won three times at the ASM but only once at home. However, Thame had been unbeaten in the last 4 meetings, with two draws last season ( 1-1 at home and 2-2 away ), whilst Thame had done the double in 2024/25 ( 4-0 and 3-2 ).

Ware Squad

Ware had been able to retain their top three scorers from last season. Ex-Wealdstone, Oxford City, Cheshunt and Enfield striker Reece Beckles-Richards scored 24 league goals, winger Ofori found the net 11 times, whilst Samuel Mayuma was on target 10 times. Mayuma had been announced during the close season as having signed for Potters Bar Town, but returned to Ware just before the first league match !

In addition to Ofori, there were four other players who played for Ware in that game in March 2024 still with the club, ex-Hendon keeper Fred Burbidge, centre-back Jack Grosvenor, left-back David Sota, whilst defender Ekow Coker had in the meantime played for Bedford Town and King’s Langley before returning to Ware.

14 of the players that were in the squad for the last game of last season at Beaconsfield, were in their 16 man squad for the first game of this season. The two missing players were midfielder Sami Moutawafiq, who had joined step 3 Wingate and Finchley, and Johnny Allotey, who had signed for Potters Bar Town, and was still there !

In their place, Ware had made two significant new signings, ex-Colchester United, Ipswich, Crawley, Southend, AFC Wimbledon and Barnet midfielder Anthony Wordsworth, who looks to have wandered lonely as a cloud, and ex-Waltham Abbey striker Khale Da Costa, who had returned for a second spell at the club.

Ware This Season

Ware started the season with a trip to Biggleswade Town last Saturday, who finished 4^th last season, and were 2-0 up in the opening 10 minutes thanks to goals by Josh Okotcha and Ofori. However, they let the lead slip and were held to a 2-2 draw.

On Tuesday night, Ware hosted newly promoted Haringey Borough and in a reverse of their first game found themselves 0-3 down after 48 minutes, but they fought back to grab a 3-3 draw thanks to goals from Josh Hutchinson, Mayuma and Da Costa.

Matchday Information

The journey from Ware to Thame is between 60 to 70 miles depending on the route chosen, but according to AA Route Planner it should normally take around 80 minutes regardless of which roads were taken.

The weather at 15.00 kick-off was sunny, with a temperature of 26 degrees.

Attendance was £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for Under 16s. The programme was online but free team-sheets were available at the turnstile. A cup of tea cost £1.50.

Thame made two changes from the side that lost to Royston, with Callum Hall coming in at right-back and wing-back Curtis Brown in an unusual position of centre-forward. Luke Tingey dropped to the bench whilst Greg Hackett was missing.

Ware also made two changes from midweek with Gucci Soulya back in fashion, and Ofori back in favour. Mayuma and Rechan Esprit dropped to the bench.

As a Brighton fan, Fatbear appreciated the tasteful blue and white stripes shirts Ware were playing in, with blue shorts and socks. As Rod Stewart might have sung, they Ware It Well !

Thame were in their red and black stripes, with black shorts and red socks.

Match Report

Ware kicked off towards the ring-road end and started on the front foot. Jack Taylor and Ofori combined leading to Taylor’s cross-cum-shot needing to be pushed over the bar by keeper Callan. Around 15 players crowded around the goal-line but the delivery from Ofori only went as far as the near post, but Alexander’s attempted clearing header glanced off the top of his head, across the goalmouth, and off for a corner on the other side of the pitch.

Ofori’s corner again ignored the masses of players in the 6-yard box and went to the near post where Callan was able to punch clear. Ofori gathered the loose ball and crossed towards the far post where Callan was clattered into by Okotcha as he went to make the catch, and when the ball slipped through his hands, the referee awarded a corner rather than a free-kick. Again, the corner failed to get beyond the near post, and Thame were able to clear.

Ware were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out from goal when Murray was judged to be all over Hutchinson, but the set-piece from Ofori was again disappointing and drifted off harmlessly for a goal-kick.

Thame forced their first corner of the game a few minutes later when Alexander held up play and then his pass found Beadle, whose 20-yard effort took a deflection. The corner was driven low, but Dan West’s flick bounced a couple of feet wide as keeper Burbidge watched on untroubled.

In the 8^th minute there was temporary hesitation between Callan and Murray in the Thame defence, although Callan was eventually forced to hack clear for a throw-in as Hutchinson lurked close-by.

The visitors ought to have taken the lead in the 9^th minute. Ofori’s cross from the left found Da Costa unmarked but his close-range volley with the goal gaping was pushed away by the diving Callan. The ball bounced kindly for Hutchinson, but his header from 8 yards saw Callan produced another super diving save !

At the other end Alexander’s curling cross looked to be heading for Daffern until Ware full-back Finlay Titchmarsh managed to head the ball back to his keeper.

Alexander then released Hall down the right-wing but the cross from the byline cut-out by Wordsworth, coolly controlling on his chest.

Thame were now enjoying a good spell and Daffern played a pass down the left-hand channel for Brown to latch onto, and the make-shift forward cut back inside, but his right-footed shot was blocked. Thame were looking to play the ball quickly forward to utilise the pace of Brown against a Ware back-line that was looking pedestrian.

Thame’s pressure eventually told as Stranks played a pass down the left-wing for Daffern to scamper after, and his ball across the penalty area reached Alexander whose shot was blocked. However, the loose ball fell to the advancing Jack Tutton and his first-time effort was blasted into the bottom keeper past the helpless keeper from 12 yards. 1-0 after 16 minutes.

When play resumed Wordsworth pathetically went down screaming after a slight touch from a Thame player but the referee waved play on, and Ware went on the counter attack and won a free-kick on the edge of the Thame area. Thame’s Mark Riddick was shown a yellow card but it wasn’t obvious what it was for. Ofori again wasted the set-piece in a dangerous position as his cross sailed harmlessly off for a goal-kick. It must have been time for Ware to consider changing their set-piece specialist ?

Thame’s direct approach continued as Okotcha struggled to deal with a long clearance, only able to head high in the air, but Wordsworth was covering and was able to head back to keeper Burbidge before Brown could capitalise.

A scrappy piece of play ensued inside the Thame area, and Sota looked to have chopped down West, but the referee allowed play to continue and awarded a corner to Ware rather than a foul to Thame, from which Okotcha rose the highest but was only able to head about 10 feet over the bar.

The referee was clearly keen to allow the game to flow where-ever possible and was reluctant to blow his whistle whenever a player fell to the floor, and this continue as West hit the deck when challenged and Ware were presented with a two-versus-one, but Hutchinson and Soulya dithered and Riddick was able to get back and cut-out a pass.

Shortly after Da Costa was shown a yellow card, but again Fatbear wasn’t too sure what the offence was !

In the 26^th minute Brown hit the deck but again the referee allowed play to continue, and from the Ware counter-attack Hutchinson’s through ball looked to have put Soulya clear, but the Ware forward opted to crash to the floor rather than run clear. There may have been some minimal contact with Stranks, but not enough for the referee to consider a free-kick, and Soulya really should have been able to have stayed on his feet if he wanted to. At least the referee was being consistent in his decision making.

As the game moving into the closing stages of the first half, Alexander worked his way into a good position inside the Ware area, but his shot was blocked, as was the follow up from Brown.

Thame then fashioned the best move of the game to-date as Tutton’s pass released Hall to run to the Ware byline and his pull-back found Daffern, whose reverse pass gave Beadle a sight of goal but Titchmarsh slid in to make a block, and the ball rolled through to the Ware keeper. Titchmarsh appeared to injure himself in making the block and the hydration break was taken as he received treatment. Eventually he was unable to continue and was replaced.

Soulya continued his propensity for tasting grass as he again easily fell to the ground near the corner flag, leading to the referee to award a goal-kick. Almost immediately straight after, Soulya again choose the comfort of the grass when in a good position, and again failed to impress referee Connor MacKay. Clearly a talented player but on today’s evidence Soulya appears to have a major attitude problem, and should concentrate on playing football rather than trying to con the officials to win free-kicks.

With 35 minutes on the clock a Thame attack saw Beadle find Brown just outside the Ware area, but an accidental elbow from Okotcha saw Brown go down holding his face, but again the referee correctly allowed play to continue. Brown needed treatment and under the new guidelines for this season had to go off for one minute, which appeared to be a surprise to him !

With a temporary player advantage, Ware swarmed forward and Da Costa’s dangerous looking cross was unconvincingly put over his own bar by Murray. Ofori’s delivery yet again failed to beat the first defender and was headed away.

West played a testing ball out of the Thame defence but Soulya decided to needlessly clatter into the experienced Thame player a couple of seconds after the ball had been played for a dreadful foul, and deservedly received a yellow card.

Alexander’s pass put Brown clear down the right-wing, and he was able to play a perfect pass across the 6-yard line for Daffern to hammer into the roof of the net at the far post. It was now 2-0 after 45 minutes.

Ware were rocking, but after Alexander was fouled, Tutton’s 30 yard free-kick nearly flew out of the stadium. However, the visitors recovered their composure and Da Costa won a corner. Taylor was now on set-piece duties, and his ball toward the far post was met by Okotcha, whose downward header was pushed away by the base of the post by Callan. Taylor trotted to the other side of the pitch to take the corner, which was swung into the near post and Callan appeared to be only able to push against the near post and into the net. It wasn’t clear if the ball had already crossed the line or whether it was an own goal. In any case the goal stood and the referee blew for half-time without restarting the game. At half time it was 2-1.

The goal for Ware had given them a lifeline back into the game, and we potentially could have been in for a third come back in their first three matches. Ware had actually looked the better side for most of the first half, but Thame had taken their chances, and Ware’s end product had been poor. In particular Ofori had been poor, and it was no surprise he was hooked at half-time.

Ware substitute Mayuma was quickly into the action and after a strong run into the Thame area won a corner. Another good delivery from Taylor saw Hutchinson’s diving header on the turn go just over the bar.

The referee played an advantage after a foul on a Thame player and Brown spread play to Alexander but the move broke-down. Ware counter-attacked and after a run down the left-wing Mayuma’s low ball across the Thame area reached Da Costa, whose shot from 12 yards took a deflection to wrong foot keeper Callan to hit the back of the net. Thame would have been better off with the free-kick ! However, it was now 2-2 with 51 minutes on the clock.

Mayuma was looking impressive for Ware and after another good run was just unable to latch onto a return pass from Hutchinson.

Ward was forced to concede a corner for Thame, which was headed away and Ware surged forward. Soulya ran deep into the Thame half, but with numbers to the left and right, his pass was awful and intercepted.

Townsend then teed up Da Costa but the shot from the Ware winger from 25 yards was lame and sailed several feet over the bar. Ware’s accuracy was even worse a minute later, as after Soulya’s effort was blocked following good work by Taylor, the follow-up from Mayuma was put out of the stadium.

This was to prove costly after a poor header by Wordsworth was collected by Alexander, whose chip put Daffern in space inside the Ware area, and although the Thame winger’s attempt took a partial deflection, it was enough to send the ball over Burbidge into the roof of the net as the keeper dived to his left. The score was now 3-2 with 58 minutes played.

Thame pressed again and a good right-wing cross from Tutton saw Brown make a strong contact for the ball to fly to Burbidge, who made a smart catch.

Ware were still looking lively going forward and after Soulya sent Mayuma down the left-wing the ball into the area was cut out. Ware recycled possession and the ball from the right found Hutchinson, whose pass to Soulya was then laid back to Mayuma, who could only scuff his shot.

At the other end Brown showed good persistence inside the Ware area and laid the ball off to Beadle, who teed up Tutton, whose curling shot sailed a couple of feet wide of the far post.

Tutton then became the next player to enter the referee’s note-book after pulling back Soulya just inside the Thame half.

Thame produced a flowing passing move involving Beadle, Tutton and Stranks but the final ball to Daffern saw the linesman’s flag raised for off-side. Taylor then commitment a nasty looking late tackle on Tutton, but the only sanction from the referee was a free-kick.

Ware lost possession deep inside the Thame half, and it was the home side’s turn to lunch a swift counter-attack through Daffern, Tutton and Brown, but the final ball into 6-yard box was intercepted by Wordsworth.

The game’s comedy moment came when Stranks attempted to take a throw-in deep inside his own half and only released the ball after the referee had counted down from 5. Stranks looked confused as it correctly became a throw-in to Ware. A couple of minutes later when Stranks again came to take a throw in, one of the Ware players immediately called out 5 !

Man-mountain Coker became the next Ware substitute and after Alexander disposed Taylor of the ball, Brown easily sped past the giant defender, but the left-footed shot from just inside the area was pushed away one-handed by the diving Burbidge for a corner.

Ware upped the pace in search of an equaliser. A cross from Soulya was just too high for Esprit, a cross from Ward was a fraction overhit and Hall was able to clear, then Esprit weaved his way into the Thame area but was eventually crowded out.

Finally, a cross from Ward glanced off the head of Hutchinson and as Hall was about to hoof clear, Okotcha stuck out a foot and went down as Hall made contact with the ball and the Ware defender. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot in accordance with the current directives, similar to the penalty awarded against Harry Kane in the World Cup against Mexico. Fatbear isn’t a fan of the modern interpretation, as surely a player also had a duty of care to avoid getting kicked ? Anyway, Hutchinson stepped up to send Callan the wrong way to level the scores. It was now 3-3 after 79 minutes.

In response, Thame made a triple substitution but the immediate impact was a yellow card to Stranks for pulling back Soulya. However, soon after Tutton played a penetrating pass to put Stow clear but instead of playing a simple ball across the Ware penalty area to give the unmarked Bacon a tap-in, Stow dithered and Coker was able to cover and concede a corner. It was a great opportunity squandered.

After the Thame corner, a shot from Alexander blocked and Ware quickly moved play to the other end of the field and Esprit won a free-kick just outside the Thame area. Wordsworth took the free-kick and Okotcha’s header at the far post needed to be pushed away at the base of the post by the Thame keeper, who then had an easy catch to make when the ball was crossed back into the Thame 6-yard box.

The closing minutes of the match were end-to-end as both sides searched in vain for the winner. Bacon went down in inside the Ware area but the Thame appeals for a penalty were waved away, which looked to be a good decision, as from Fatbear’s vantage point Bacon may have trod on the ball. Ware then saw a promising move ended by an offside flag against Mayuma, then a Thame passing move between Stow and Tutton saw the attempted defence splitting pass just a fraction overhit ahead of Bacon.

A Thame corner saw Alexander’s goal-bound shot blocked, and when Ware looked to break, Esprit was penalised for a foul. Hutchinson then put Da Costa in space but his pass into the Thame area was cut-out by Hall.

The final action saw Bacon do well to beat his marker but his attempted cross from the left just inside the Ware was mis-hit was went weakly to Burbidge at his near post, prompting the final whistle from the referee.

Both sides would probably argue they had enough chances to win this entertaining game, but overall a draw was a fair result. Ware had now drawn three high scoring games, whilst Thame had at least earnt their first point of the season, which was sufficient to take them out of the bottom four !

Thame United : Callan – Hall, West, Murray, Stranks – Riddick, Tutton, Beadle ( Davies ), Daffern ( Bacon ) – Alexander, Brown ( Stow )

Ware : Burbidge – Titchmarsh ( Ward ), Okotcha, Wordsworth, Sota ( Coker ) – Da Costa, Townsend ( Esprit ), Taylor, Ofori ( Mayuma ) – Soulya, Hutchinson

 

 

Lae City 1-3 ABM Galaxy ( att : 150 ) – 2026 OFC Champions League

August 12, 2026

These diaries have on three occasions covered matches in the OFC Champions League Qualifying stages, featuring sides from Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji and American Samoa.

For the 2026 edition being hosted by Fiji, seven associations ( Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu) were awarded one berth each in the group stage without this year having to hold an in-country play-off to determine the sides to qualify. The sides representing each nation in the group stages were respectively Rewa, Tiga Sport, Auckland City, Lae City, Central Coast, AS Venus and Galaxy.

The final place continues to be filled by the winner from the so called 4 “developing” nations ( Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands and Tonga ), with Tupapa Maraerenga from the Cook Islands being the side to progress this year. Tupapa Maraerenga had twice appeared in these diaries.

Since sides from Australia were no longer eligible to participate in Oceania competitions due to Australia joining the Asian Football Competition in 2006, the OFC Champions League had been won by sides from New Zealand every time, except in 2005, when Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, and 2019 when Hienghene Sports from New Caledonia, had been surprise winners.

Since Covid, Auckland City had won four consecutive titles, making it 13 titles in total.

This would be the first time in which the champions would not qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, as the Infantino inspired OFC Professional League with newly created professional teams would now take their place instead, reducing this competition to a second tier one. A side representing Auckland FC, who play in the Australia A-League, won the 2026 OFC Professional League.

Football In Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea ( PNG ) is the eastern half of the island of New Guinea plus some offshore Melanesian islands. The western part of New Guinea is part of Indonesia. The island is the second largest in the world, and is separated from Australia by the 150 kilometre wide Torres Strait, with the Solomon Islands to the east. The population of the country is estimated to be just under 12 million.

PNG was administered by Australia under a League of Nations mandate until independence was granted in 1976. Given the Australian influence, Rugby League and Cricket are the most popular sports in the country, with Football having a much lower profile.

English is the official language of business and government although the most widely spoken language is Tok Pisin, which is more commonly known as pidgin English.

I have never been to Papua New Guinea but my brother worked there for three years. Being a rugby player, he joined the PNG Barbarians but quit after two games claiming the locals took the opportunity to give the foreigners a good kicking !

Papua New Guinea were currently 168^th in the FIFA rankings although they hadn’t played any games since November 2025, but were currently on an unbeaten run of 6 games stretching back to November 2024, when a 1-2 defeat in Port Moresby to the Solomon Islands confirmed their exit from the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup.

The team are known as The Kapuls, which is Tok Pisin for Cuscus, a breed of Australasian Possums.

One footballer from PNG had previously been mentioned in these diaries, midfielder David Browne ( 3 caps ) played for HJK Helsinki in 2020.

The PNG National Soccer League was formed in 2006 and rebranded as the PNG Premier Soccer League in 2022. Port Moresby based Hekari United have won 10 titles, followed by Lae City with 7, which were all won in consecutive years between 2015 and 2022.

The 2025 PNG Premier Soccer League featured 11 sides who played a 20-game regular season, with the top four qualifying for the play-off semi-finals to determine the overall winners. Lae City went through the 20-game season unbeaten and were top by 10 points. However, they lost the semi-final play-off on penalties to fellow Lae side Morobe Wawens after a 1-1 draw, who went on to lose 1-3 to Kemera based Gulf Komara in the Grand Final. This was the first time the title had not been won by either Hekari United or Lae City.

The consolation for Lae City was they were declared minor premiers for topping the regular season table and given PNG’s spot in the 2026 OFC Champions Cup.

The 2026 season contains 12 teams and is currently at its half-way mark. Lae City were again at the top, although this time had lost one match ( 1-3 to mid-table Kula ) but still led the table by 6 points ahead of Port Moresby Strikers, with PNG Hekari FC ( a name change for Hekari United ) in third and Gulf Komara in fourth.

Lae City were formed in 2014 and as the name suggests are based in the northern city of Lae, the second largest in the country. Lae City had participated in the OFC Champions League on 4 previous occasions, reaching the quarter finals in 2018 and 2019.

The Lae City squad was entirely of PNG nationals, but the only current international was captain and keeper Ronald Warisan ( 32 caps ), although defender Philip Steven had 3 caps. Midfielder Nalau Moses was captain of the PNG Under 19s.

Football In Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago of more than 80 islands in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean, situated 1,750 km east of northern Australia, north east of New Caledonia, south-east of the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, and west of Fiji. The population was estimated in 2023 at being around 335,000, and the capital is Port Vila.

Vanuatu had been jointly administered by France and The UK under the name of the New Hebrides until independence was achieved in 1980, and the name of the country was changed. Football is the most popular sport on the islands.

The official languages are English, French and Bislama, an English based Creole language.

Vanuatu were currently 160^th in the FIFA rankings with their one notable victory being a 4-2 triumph over New Zealand in the 2004 OFC Nations Cup, although they have lost the other 14 meetings against the Kiwis !

The team are known by the uninspiring name The Men In Black And Gold…….

One footballer from Vanuatu had previously been mentioned in these diaries, defender Brian Kaltak ( 32 caps ) had played in three Central Coast Mariners matches reported on. Kaltak now plays for fellow A-League side Perth Glory.

Vanuatu has eight regional associations, each with their own league, with the Port Vila Football Association considered to be the strongest. The top four of the Port Vila Premier League qualify for the PVFA Top Four, the winner of which would be one of the two sides from Vanuatu to qualify for the OFC Champions League, back when there were two sides qualifying. The winners of each regional competition play in the VFF Champions League, which would produce the other qualifier for the Champions League. ABM Galaxy were the winners of both the 2025/26 PVFA Super League and the 2026 VFF Champions League.

Au Bon March Galaxy, to give them their full name, were founded in 2014 and have won the VFF Champions League on four occasions.

The ABM Galaxy squad was predominantly home based but also included a couple of journeymen Brazilians, namely winger Willian Dos Santos Medina and veteran play-maker Roberson Dos Santos Ribiero, the latter having been a member of the Galaxy teams that participated in the 2022 and 2024 OFC Champions Cups.

Galaxy also had two Solomon Islands internationals, keeper Michael Laulae ( 4 caps ) and defender Aengari Gagame ( 1 cap ). I hope Gagame fares better with referees than former Crawley Town player Tony Goodgame, who when asked for his name for a booking replied “It’s A Goodgame, ref” and was promptly sent off as the referee thought he was being sarcastic rather than being accurate ! However, given the way the commentators pronounced his name as “ga-gar-may”, he is unlikely to have this problem………….

Vanuatu internationals included defender Tasso Jeffrey ( 12 caps ), midfielder Claude Aru ( 14 caps ), defender Selwyn Vatu ( 13 caps ) and forward Thomas Maliwan ( 1 cap ).

Previous Meeting

ABM Galaxy and Lae City played each other in the 2021 OFC Champions League in Auckland, but the 2-2 draw did little favour to either side, with both failing to finish in the top two in their group

2026 OFC Champions League So Far

Home favourites Rewa, ABM Galaxy, Lae City and qualifier Tupapa Maraerenga formed Group B.

Lae City began with a 4-1 victory over Tupapa Maraerenga with Solomon Kamake, Moses, Rue Api and an own goal on the scoresheet. Tremaine Rimene-Albrett scored the consolation for Tupapa.

Galaxy caused a major surprise in their first game, beating hosts Rewa 4-1 with Medina grabbing a hat-trick in front of a crowd of 1,100. Andrew Malakai was the other goal-scorer for Galaxy.

Prior to the start of this game, Rewa collected their first points in the competition by beating Tupapa 4-2.

Matchday Information

The match was being played in the Four R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba which has a capacity of 13,000 and a grass pitch. It is the home of Super Rugby side Fijian Drua and Fiji Premier League side Ba.

The weather at the 19.00 local time kick-off ( 08.00 UK ) was dark but cloudy and dry, with the temperature 23 degrees

The match was streamed live on FIFA+ with a commentary in English.

Lae City were unchanged from the side that started against Tupapa but Galaxy made two changes with Sandy Wilson and Andew Vuti coming into the side at the expense of Malakai and Henry Namatak.

The referee was Anna-Marie Keighley from New Zealand.

Lae City were playing in a patterned kit of mostly blue with some yellow splodges, and yellow socks, whilst Galaxy had a shirt with red and white half hoops on the front and all red on the back, with red shorts and socks.

Match Report

Galaxy started well, confidently passing the ball around but overhitting the final passes. Medina was already looking lively and was involved in all of the good things Galaxy were doing.

In the 7^th minute, Roberson was bundled over by the corner flag by Gabby Yanum for a free-kick to Galaxy. Maliwan’s delivery was overhit and Vatu could only meekly head many yards wide.

The first corner of the game arrived in the 11^th minute for Galaxy after a left-wing cross from Vatu was headed behind by Langarap Samol, but the set-piece from Romain Luake went harmlessly off for a goal-kick.

PNG Under 19 international David Tita was fouled after making a good run into the Galaxy half, winning a free-kick close to the left-hand touchline. Galaxy keeper Laulae went for the free-kick from Samol but he badly misjudged it and the ball sailed over his head, and Charles Hayes had a simple header at the far post into the empty net. 1-0 against the run of play after 13 minutes.

Galaxy’s response to falling behind was for Medina to win a corner off Yanum, which was cleared, and when Maliwan crossed from the left wing, the volley from Vatu, was high, wide and not so handsome.

Tita made another strong run down left wing. but his cross from byline went straight to keeper Laulae.

In the 18^th minute, Wilson showed good feet to keep a move flowing but the danger ended with Vuti being a yard off-side

Two minutes later Roberson chipped ball over Lae City back line for Medina to try a run onto, but Warisan did well to come of his line and used his experience to shepherd the ball off for a goal-kick.

Roberson was now seeing a lot of the ball and played a pass to the feet of Medina inside the Lae area, who played a short pass to Luake, but shot from 12 yards rolled agonisingly just wide of the far post

Medina seemed to have been anointed as the Galaxy free-kick specialist, firstly sending a 30-yard free-kick well over the bar, then sending a second effort into the defensive wall. The latter free-kick came after Medina was chopped down by Samol a few yards outside the Lae area and he rolled around on floor. Lae City keeper Warisan stormed out of his area to scream something at the prone Brazilian and was promptly shown a yellow card, which was to be the only one of the game.

On the half hour, Medina spread play from right to left and after the ball was worked to Roberson, his 25-yard effort hit the bar with the keeper beaten and went over.

Two minutes later Roberson teed up Maliwan just outside the area, but the left-footed first-time effort lacked power, and Warisan made a routine save.

Tita then made another eye-catching run down the left for Lae City and won a throw-in near the corner flag, but the attack came to nothing.

Medina showed good chest control to bring down Maliwan’s long ball and then turned onto his left foot as Samol slid by, but the shot went a couple of feet wide.

Shortly after, a long ball from Jeffrey put Medina clear and the Brazilian coolly lobbed the Lae City keeper as he rushed off his line. There was a strong suspicion of off-side but with no VAR in this competition, the goal stood to make it 1-1 with 39 minutes played.

Lae quickly forced a corner which was overhit, shortly followed by Vatu winning a corner for Galaxy. After Warisan punched the corner away, Maliwan ran back into the Lae City area but went down far too easily when challenged and the referee waved play on.

Galaxy keeper Laulae’s dodgy performance continued as he came out of his area to gather the ball near the corner flag, but he was tackled by Kamake, who opted to immediately cross into the Galaxy, but no team-mate was up in support.

In first half added time Yanum collided into Medina, leading to a lengthy delay, but the Brazilian was okay to continue for the second half.

The score remained 1-1 at the interval but Galaxy had looked the more dangerous side.

Galaxy dominated the early proceedings in the second period as first Vatu cut back onto right foot but his 20-yarder drifted well wide, then Medina’s glancing header was saved, but offside flag had been raised.

Jeffrey, under pressure from Kamake, played a poor back pass which went off for a corner to Lae City, which was well defended

Luake was now getting into the action and he beat three defenders before being fouled. A minute later his free-kick from the right-hand touchline went beyond far post, Warisan went for it but missed it, and Gagame headed back across goal, but the ball was cleared.

Jeffrey then played a ball behind Lae City backline for Maliwan to run onto, but he was stopped by a superb tackle by Hayes at the expense of a corner. The set-piece was played long, and again Gagame headed back across goal, but Medina volleyed wide on the turn from the 6 yard line.

Maliwan then sent a weak long-range effort straight to Warisan.

After 58 minutes, Lae City should have again taken a lead against the run of play. A lovely through ball was played by Tita down the left-hand channel, and Kamake got to it before Laulae. The Lae City striker went round the keeper, but with the goal gaping he could only put the effort with the outside of his foot into the side netting. A golden opportunity had gone begging.

Three minutes later, a 35-yard effort from Vuti was pushed into the air by Warisan and caught at the second attempted in a piece of dog’s dinner keeping. It should have been an easy catch.

With 63 minutes on the clock, a good sliding tackle by Vatu prevented Moses being put clear into the Galaxy area.

The game turned a few minutes later. Aru played a forward ball which Samol should have dealt with, but he failed to cut-out the pass, and Medina ran clear and slipped the ball past the advancing keeper. 1-2 after 69 minutes

Laulae continued to put the Galaxy supporters’ hearts in their mouth as he dropped a cross which should have been meat and drink. Kamake won possession and worked the ball back to Tita, but the shot from the angle of the penalty areas went a few feet over the bar.

A minute later another long ball out of the Galaxy defence was headed on by Roberson, beating Samol in the air, and Medina set chase. Collecting the ball, he cut inside Sopo and produced a left-footed shot across goal into the far corner before Yanum could slide in to block. 1-3 in the 71^st minute.

Medina’s second hat-trick in two games appeared to have wrapped up the contest. Lae City briefly had a good spell of possession but rarely looked like creating a clear-cut chance, with just substitute Api’s 25 yard left footed attempt going a couple of feet over the bar to show for it.

Indeed, with full-time approaching it was Galaxy who looked the more likely to claim the next goal. A good low cross from left by substitute Joe Moses missed by everyone in the middle, and when Maliwan recovered possession his cross was blocked.

Maliwan then played a pass to Medina inside the Lae City area, but after beating Bomecge  Basananuc, he was crowded out by Samol and Hosea Sikoko. Medina was able to lay the ball back to Moses, who poked a left footed effort a few feet wide from 12 yards.

A patient passing move involving Vatu, Roberson and Aru saw Bong Kalo chip over Lae City backline for Vatu to run onto and cross first time left footed from close to the byline. Samol attempted a wild clearance but only succeeded in slicing wide of the goal and off for a corner. Warisan flapped at the corner, sending it as far as Medina just outside the area, who struck the bouncing ball left footed, but his effort was blocked inside the 6 yard box by Basananuc.

With the 90 minutes just about up, sloppy play by Galaxy gave away possession and Lae City streamed forward as Galaxy’s midfield trotted back. Tita released Yanum, who set-up Gordon Mark, but his shot from 12 yards struck the base of the post and bounced away to safety.

There was still time for Galaxy to break quickly with a 2 on 1. Medina unselfishly drew Basananuc and put Maliwan clear with just the keeper to beat, but his poor finishing on the day continued as Warisan bravely saved with his body before the two players collided, leaving the keeper requiring lengthy treatment after the ball bounced wide.

Eventually Warisan was carried off on a stretcher, but as Lae City had used all of their permitted substitutes, outfielder Tita was forced to don the gloves and the goal-keeping shirt, and Lae City would have play out the closing couple of minutes with just 10 players. However, Tita added to his growing reputation by making a confident catch from Moses’ left-wing cross.

With this victory, Galaxy became the first side to qualify for the semi-final, and a draw against back-markers Tupapa should be enough to avoid meeting Auckland FC until the final. Lae City now need a draw in their final game against hosts Rewa to also go through to the semis.

Galaxy played a lot of neat passing football, and with their two Brazilians in good form, they could be a good bet to reach the final, and maybe even win the competition !

Highlights :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=octlyOmhNQ8

Lae City : Warisan – Hayes ( Philip ), Steven ( Basananuc ), Samol, Yanum, – N Moses, Mark, Sopo ( Api ), Hatagao ( Sikoko ), Tita – Kamake

ABM Galaxy : Laulae – Wilson ( Kiletier ), Gagame, , Jeffrey, Vatu ( Malakai ) – Luake ( J Moses ), Vuti, Roberson, Aru ( Kalo ), Maliwan - Medina

 

 

 

 

 

Oxford City 1-0 Bedford Town ( att : 867 ) - 2026/27 National League North

 August 8, 2026

This weekend saw the start of the non-league seasons at step 1 to 4, and Fatbear decided to take in the National League North game between Oxford City and Bedford Town.

This was a match between sides that finished 17^th vs 18^th last season, with both sides getting the points they needed on the final day of last season to ensure their survival. Oxford City won 3-1 at Darlington and Bedford drew 1-1 at home with Scarborough Athletic, resulting in Bedford finishing one point clear of the drop, whilst Oxford City ended four points from danger.

Bedford did the double over The Hoops last season, winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 at Marsh Lane, and those six points could be said to have been a major contributor in them staying up !

Oxford City Squad Update

After these diaries had reported on The Hoops 0-2 home loss to Marine in February last season it was looking grim for Oxford City. However, some astute signings and loans resulted in a run of only two defeats in the final 13 games which led The Hoops to safety.

The close season saw many changes to the Oxford City squad, with the return of two players who had been on loan last season, keeper Jonny Maxted from Brackley Town, and left-back Evan Humphries following his released by West Bromwich Albion.

Eye-catching signings included striker Tyrone Marsh from today’s opponents Bedford Town, who scored 26 league goals last season, some of which were assists from left-winger Ellis Brown who had also joined from Bedford.

Former England and Serbian youth international midfielder Dejan Tetek joined from Aldershot, having played in the EFL for Reading, highly rated midfielder Scott Pollock signed from Brackley Town, ex-Crawley, Eastleigh & Newcastle Under 23s Guadeloupe centre-back Ludwig Francillette joined from Morcombe, and right-back Keegan Bloom joined from Banbury United.

Ex-Wealdstone, Maidenhead and Dagenham & Redbridge Sri Lankan winger Dillon da Silva ( 26 caps ) was previously with Sutton United, whilst striker Jamie Odegah had joined on a one-month loan from Luton Town, having had a short loan with Chelmsford City last season.

On the eve of the start of the season, The Hoops announced the signing of right-back Deago Nelson, who played in the same West Bromwich Albion Under 21 side as Evan Humphries last season.

The departures from Oxford City included defender George Burroughs to Chester City, striker Isaac Westendorf to Torquay, young midfielder Josh McConnell to Evesham, midfielder Lattrell Humphrey-Ewers to Slough Town, centre-back Aaron Harper-Bailey to Hednesford, veteran Antiguan forward Josh Parker went to Farnborough, and Tom Scott joined King’s Lynn.

Winger Jack Bearne and forward Ashley Hemmings had both signed for Gloucester City, whilst Jacob Roddy and Charlie Wiggett had been announced as having left the club but had not yet signed for a new club.

Oxford City’s pre-season friendlies began with three victories, beating Cymru Premier side Briton Ferry 4-0 at home, National League South Hemel Hempstead 2-1 away, and Birmingham City U21 3-2 away. However, the last three friendlies, all against step 2 National League South sides, had resulted in narrow defeats, going down 1-2 at home to Walton & Hersham, 1-2 at Slough and 0-1 at home to Chesham United.

In previous pre-seasons Oxford City had played one or two pre-season friendlies at lower local non-league sides, but unfortunately none were scheduled this season, which was disappointing………..

Bedford Town

Bedford had previously appeared once in these diaries, in the first game Fatbear attended when football resumed after the Covid Pandemic in September 2020, when they lost 0-3 at Thame United. Fatbear had seen them on one occasion prior to that, when they fell to a slightly surprising 1-2 defeat to Thame in December 2018.

Bedford Town were notorious FA Cup giant killers in the 1950’s & 60s and famously drew 2-2 at Arsenal, before folding in 1982 when the landlord terminated the lease on their ground. Since reforming in 1989, they experienced one season in Conference South in 2006/07, but had mostly been playing at steps 3 and 4 until they won promotion to step 2 after winning the 2023/24 Southern League Premier Division Central.

 Last season’s priority was survival in National League North, and the mission was accomplished ! Their average attendance was 948.

Home is the 3,000 capacity New Eyrie, which like Oxford City’s Marsh Lane has an artificial surface, and their nickname is The Eagles.

Bedford Town Squad Update

Like Oxford City, Bedford had a similar level turnover of players. There had been 12 departures, and in addition to Tyrone Marsh and Ellis Brown going to Oxford City, attacking midfielder Jevani Brown had joined Peterborough Sports, defender Ben Nugent had signed for Gloucester City, forward Shaun Jeffers joined Kettering, centre-forward Chris Wreh had signed for Leamington, left-back Sam Brown had gone to Rushden & Diamonds, ex-Chesham United midfielder T’Sharne Gallimore ( 27 caps for the British Virgin Islands ) was now with Hemel Hempstead, and keeper Charlie Patmore had signed for Aldershot.

Bedford had made an equal number of new signings, the most notable being ex-West Ham, Colchester, Barnsley, Luton and Leyton Orient midfielder George Moncur who joined from Ebbsfleet United. Keeper Laurie Walker had joined from Solihull Moors, and numbered Oxford City amongst his previous clubs.

Centre-back Festus Arthurs joined from King’s Lynn, midfielder Troy Perez-Duah was previously with St Albans City,ex-Northampton midfielder Peter Adimbola had joined from Banbury, keeper Aaron Flanaven was also from Solihull Moors, right-back Sonnie Davis joined after being released from Southampton Under 21s, midfielder Aaron Wilkinson was with Hemel Hempstead last season, winger Eno Nto signed from Northern Ireland side Harland & Woolf, and this week midfielder Callum Doyle joined from Oxford United Under 21s.

Forward Michael Gyasi had also joined from King’s Lynn and was then promptly sent to Kettering on loan for two months !

Striker Reece Evans and midfielder David Hicks both joined on one-month loans from Reading, whilst Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley and Halifax forward Jonny Edwards was on a season long loan from Hednesford.

On the morning of the game, The Eagles announced the return of ex-Wycombe Wanderers centre-back Anthony Stewart, who had been playing for Peterborough Sports last season. 

Two players to have previously appeared in these diaries were midfielder Ben Weyman and winger Noah Mosanya, both of whom had previously appeared in these diaries whilst with step 4 Hertford Town. Weyman spent last season at Real Bedford.

Pre-season results

Bedford’s pre-season also started with three victories, all at home, as step 3 Berkhamsted, step 4 Biggleswade FC and step 2 Walton & Hersham were all beaten 2-0. A first ever meeting with Real Bedford was played in Bedfordshire Senior Cup Final at The New Eyrie, which The Eagles lost 2-3 to their step 3 neighbours in front of a crowd of over 2,500, and they ran out of beer !

A Luton XI were then beaten 3-0 although an experimental side lost the final pre-season game, and the only one played away from home, 0-1 at step 3 Kettering Town

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner, the journey from Bedford to Oxford is 57 miles via Milton Keynes and the M40, and should normally take around one hour 20 minutes. Around 40 Bedford fans were behind the far goal and in good voice, whilst a fair number of their supporters were dotted around the ground.

Tickets for today’s match were £13 online or £16 at the gate. There were a whole range of reductions depending on ages, from seniors to children. The match was not segregated.

Oxford City have restarted producing printed programmes for this season, at a cost of £3.50, and free team sheets were also given out with the programme. Hopefully the programmes sold out !

 

Oxford City had made some improvements to the ground during the close season, with a footpath installed on the side of the driveway into the ground to reduce the risk of pedestrians being hit by traffic, a club shop had appeared just inside the turnstiles, and the hot food offerings were now from a large external building rather than through a hatch from the clubhouse. An ice-cream van was doing good business on a hot day.

 

The so called “away” bar, which can be used by anyone, had ran out of lager on tap, so bottles were on sale for £2, although there were no supply issues in the refurbished main bar in the clubhouse. A cup of tea cost £2.50.

The weather at the 15.00 kick-off was sunny and 26 degrees.

Bet365 made Oxford City 19/20 favourites, with Bedford at 9/4 and the draw at 5/2.

The Oxford City starting XI featured 6 of their new signings, plus the two returning former loanees. In comparison, five of Bedford’s new signings were making their full debut.

Bedford were playing in what is apparently their third kit, which was a greyish brown with orange numbers and trimming, and frankly was fairly horrible ! The keeper was wearing a dark green shirt with black shorts and socks and was pretty close to a colour clash with their outfield players.

Oxford City were in their usual blue and white hoops but there was a change of design for the shirt this season, with the back of the shirt now being all blue with white numbers. The shorts and socks were blue.

Match Report

Bedford made a strong start, forcing three corners in the opening 90 seconds, the third of which bounced across the 6-yard line with no visiting attacker on hand to apply a finishing touch.

Da Silva then fouled former Barnet and Wealdstone left-back Joe Payne just outside the Oxford City area. Moncur’s delivery was punched away by Maxted, and when the ball was returned back into the City area, ex-Cambridge United and Luton centre-back Greg Taylor’s volley from beyond the far post was gathered by Maxted at the second attempt.

German born midfielder Edward Gyamfi then played a ball through the middle of the home defence and looked to have possibly put Evans clear, but Bloom did well to get back and play the ball back to his keeper.

After being under the cosh for the opening 10 minutes, Oxford City finally got into the game and won a corner. However, Darnell Johnson’s downward header went well wide.

The Hoops had weathered the initial Bedford storm and started to take control of the game. Payne fouled Da Silva close to the corner flag, and Ashby’s free-kick was met by the diving Marsh at the near post only for Walker to make a tremendous block. The rebound fell to Francillette, but off-balance the Hoops defender could only head the ball wide from 6 yards.

Ashby’s clever back-heel then looked to have put Taylor clear but the linesman’s flag was raised for off-side.

In the 19^th minute, a long ball out of the home defence by Francillette saw Taylor control on his chest and run clear for a one-on-one with Walker, but the Bedford shot-stopper superbly saved. The loose ball ran to Da Silva, but the Sri Lankan’s international’s left-footed effort was weak, and Walker was able to recover and easily save.

Marsh then got in to the act, showing good skill to escape from Gyamfi, but his 20-yard attempt lacked power and rolled wide.

A hydration break was taken after 23 minutes, and was greeted with some good-natured boos from the Bedford fans. When play resumed, Da Silva won possession just outside the Hoops area and ran deep into the Bedford half until being fouled 25 yards from The Eagles goal on the left-hand side. Oxford City quickly played the free-kick towards the byline and the cross from Brown was met by Humphries, whose effort looked to be heading for the top corner until hitting Greg Taylor close to the line.

Bedford looked to launch a counter-attack as Moncur fed Hicks, but a weak left-footed shot was saved by Maxted at his near post.

A lofted cross-field pass saw City’s Taylor get the better his Eagles namesake but his shot on the bounce from just outside the angle of the 6 yard box saw Walker make another fine save, pushing the ball away diving to his right, and a Bedford defender was able to hoof the loose ball clear before Hoops captain Josh Ashby could follow-up and put the ball into the vacant goal.

The first yellow card of the game arrived in the 33^rd minute when Payne pulled back Marsh as The Hoops centre-forward ran away from him.

Da Silva then collided with a Bedford player and with the visitors trying to move the ball wide, the referee stopped play, deeming Da Silva to have a head injury. After treatment, Da Silva had to leave the pitch for a minute, and Bedford sought to take advantage of temporarily having the extra man.

Nto went on a strong run down the right wing and sent a good cross into the Oxford City area but Castiglione’s header from 12 yards saw Maxted dive to make a regulation save.

When back to their full quota, Oxford City responded with a nice move involving Bloom, Ashby and Marsh until Da Silva hit the deck far too easily just outside the Bedford area, and the referee waved play on.

Bedford then finished the half strongly, with Nto getting to the byline and his pull back found Hicks, but the Reading youngster could only shoot over the bar under pressure from close to the penalty spot. Hicks appealed for a corner but was ignored by the man in yellow.

Oxford City then fashioned another nice passing move until a dreadful cross from Da Silva ended the danger.

The last action of the half saw Eto win a corner off Humphries but centre-back Ryan Doherty pushed Johnston whilst going for a header to give Oxford City a free-kick. The home side broke quickly through Brown and Da Silva, but the low cross from Marsh was cleared.

It was goal-less at half-time, but it might have been 4-2. Bedford keeper Walker had made three top saves to keep the scores level.

After being fairly anonymous in the first half, Oxford City’s Tetek started to make his mark on the game, controlling the midfield, and almost immediately in the second period his astute pass released Marsh, who won a corner. Ashby’s delivery was cleared, and when the ball was played back into the mixer, Francillette went down, and when no foul was given, he attempted to play the ball whilst lying on the floor, but Bedford were able to clear and break. However, Moncur’s 20-yard effort was parried away by Maxted, but as the shot wasn’t particularly ferocious perhaps Maxted could have made a straightforward catch ?

Nto then went on another good run down the right wing and sent a low cross along the 6-yard line, but not for the first time in the match, no Bedford attacker was up in support.

Nto continued to look Bedford’s most dangerous player, this time getting past Humphries to release Moncur, but The Hoops left-back did excellently to get back to win the ball as Moncur attempted to feed Evans.

With 53 minutes on the clock, Bedford won a free-kick 25 yards out but Moncur’s blast was charged down by Ashby. Shortly after, a Bedford corner was headed away by City’s Taylor back helping out his defence, but The Eagles were able to regain possession, and a cross by Payne to beyond the far post was met by Doherty, but his header from a tight angle was a routine save for Maxted.

A minute later the referee insisted that Nto left the field for some reason, presumably a blood injury, and the flying winger needed to change his shirt to one without a number. Nto was out of action for longer than a minute but the Hoops were unable to capitalise.

The home side started to collect yellow cards, first Taylor for throwing the ball away to prevent Bedford taking a free-kick, then Marsh was belatedly shown a card after a free-kick was awarded to Bedford, presumably for dissent ?

In the 61^st minute Evans went down in installments inside the area after a challenge by Francillette but again the referee waved play on, then almost immediately after Nto produced a pathetic dive after pushing the ball around Humphries near the touchline, and again the excellent referee, Brandon Scaife, was not fooled, but issued no sanction for the obvious simulation.

Oxford City substitute Odegah instantly caught the eye, exchanging passes with Marsh to get to the byline but his cross was cleared. Da Silva had now moved to the left side, and did well to get to the byline but his dangerous cross was headed away.

The Hoops were regaining the ascendancy and a great cross from Odegah found Taylor unmarked near to the penalty spot, and although the former Bristol Rovers and Oxford United striker stooped, he could only direct his header just wide of the post. It was to be his last contribution as he was promptly substituted !  

Taylor’s replacement, Alfie Potter, then linked up with Da Silva, who charged to the edge of the Bedford area but lashed his shot a few feet wide, which prompted the second drinks break.

In the 73^rd minute Bedford captain Castiglione floated a cross from the left to beyond the far post where Gyamfi fell spectacularly in slow motion to the floor. The referee was having none of it and play continued.

Bedford then decided to replace Moncur but to prevent any time-wasting the referee started counting to hurry the former West-Ham from the pitch.

Potter won a corner for the home side, which was met by a diving header by Johnson which was blocked and cleared. The Hoops recycled possession and a deep cross was met by Francillette, rising the highest at the far post, who was able to squeeze his header between the keeper and the post for the opening goal. It was 1-0 with 77 minutes played.

The home side were looking for a second, and Francillette’s header from a corner crashed back from the bar, and Da Silva fired the rebound over the bar.

It was now Evans turn to try and deceive the referee with a dive just outside the Oxford City area, but again the official was spot on in ignoring the appeals.

The next yellow card was shown to Oxford City’s Potter, for a cynical trip on Gyamfi, and with the clock ticking down, the home side appeared to settle for their one goal lead. Bedford now had plenty of possession but lacked the guile or cutting edge to create any decent chances, with the final pass often going astray or the cross being overhit.

One cross did find substitute Ryan Cole beyond the far post but his header back across goal was grabbed by Maxted. When Lewis Franklin played Nto into space on the right, his cross was glanced across goal and well wide by Evans. The Eagles striker should/could have done a lot better.

The game’s comedy moment when Cole and Bloom tangled and the ball went off for a throw to Bedford. After Bloom finally managed to get free, Cole took the throw and aimed it straight at Bloom still only a couple of yards away, and the ball hit the Hoops full-back on the head. The referee awarded a free-kick to Oxford City !

Cole then partially redeemed himself with a good run down the left but his cross was too close to Maxted who made a comfortable catch.

Five added minutes were announced, so there was still time for Oxford City to collect their 4^th yellow card of the game, this time to Ashby for scything down Franklin inside the Bedford half.

The game ended with two awful crosses by Bedford after which the referee thankfully blew for full-time.

Overall, this was a deserved victory for Oxford City, who arguably could have won by a greater margin but for a fine performance by Walker in the Bedford goal.

Bedford played well in short spells, have possibly the best goal-keeper in the division, and look to have a solid defence. However, on the evidence of today, it is hard to see who is going to score their goals. Nto looked impressive but they need someone to get on the end of his balls into the penalty area.

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

Oxford City : Maxted – Bloom, Francillette, Johnson, Humphries – Da Silva, Ashby, Tetek, Brown ( Odegah ) – Taylor ( Potter ), Marsh

Bedford Town : Walker – Franklin, Doherty, Taylor ( Cole ), Payne ( Mosanya ) – Nto, Hicks ( Stewart ), Moncur ( Weyman ), Gyamfi, Castiglione - Evans