Non-League and Academy football writer

The new Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division season got underway on Saturday. One of the very best step 5 divisions in southern England, there were some good early results for teams in this league, on Saturday afternoon. A hat-trick of goals from Elijah Grant helped Sawbridgeworth Town to pick up a 3-2 win against Winslow United, in what their first game back in the league, since being moved across from the Essex Senior League, for the start of this season. Risborough Rangers would draw 1-1 with Biggleswade United, and there was a big away win for Tring Athletic, who beat Potton United 5-1.

Kings Langley started the season with a 3-2 home win against Wormley Rovers, in what sounded like a really good game of football. And over at Rothamsted Park, Harpenden Town won 3-0 against Kempston Rovers, courtesy of goals from Jon Michael Clements (x2), and Charlie Vincent Smith. The Dunstable Town and Haringey Borough match finished 2-2, with legendary Haringey Borough forward Derek Asamoah scoring two goals for the away side, including an excellent second goal.

At Chalk Lane, Cockfosters FC, a team who I think will be real title contenders this season, won 4-1 against Crawley Green. George Lutaaya, Adam Hastings, George Beattie and Larry Balogun got the goals for Gavin Kelsey’s side. At New Lamb Meadow, it was the visiting side (Colney Heath) who won 1-0 against Baldock Town, thanks to a goal from Jamie Willing. And at The Greenfleets Stadium, visitors Harlow Town won 3-2 against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. 

Finally, at the Lantern Stadium, AFC Welwyn narrowly lost 3-2 to Arlesey Town, in what was their first ever game at step 5. My game of this week, featuring two Premier Division Spartan League sides, is an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie between Cockfosters and Kings Langley. I could well be at that game.