 |
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
 Legendary Hatters midfielder David Preece was immortalised at Kenilworth Road on Saturday when the New Stand was renamed after him. Preece, who made almost 400 appearances for the Hatters between 1984 and 1995 and was part of Luton's Littlwoods Cup winning side in 1988, sadly passed away in July last year aged just 44. On Saturday, Luton Town beat Arsenal 2-1, to commemorate those lost since the orginal final 20 years ago, including, Davide Preece, David Rocastle and Ray Hartford. Former Hatter, Tony Thorpe, who won the Golden Boot during his time, scoring 31 goals in a season, also featured for the victorious Luton side Tim Gould's accolade as Solihull Moors' double player of the season has proved there are plenty of gems to be found in the lower leagues, according to manager Bob Faulkner. Midfielder Gould stepped up three levels after joining Moors last summer from Boldmere St Michaels. But he proved to be one of the stars in Moors' inconsistent season in the Blue Square North and his performances were acknowledged with the awards of players' player and supporters' player of the year. Weymouth boss, John Hollins, looks set to offer midfielder James Coutts a deal that will see him remain at Weymouth next season. The 21-year-old's career at the Wessex Stadium looked in doubt earlier this year but he finished the campaign in fine form, proving a point to boss, Hollins who now looks set to make him a key figure in his squad. Dorchester Town have secured the services of defender Roy O'Brien for another season but talks with midfielder James Rowe have stalled.Director of football Shaun Brooks has revealed that Rowe turned down the club's initial offer citing a preference for part-time football as the reason behind his refusal. Brooks said: "James turned down a contract offer but we are still talking to him. James was one of our full-time players last year and we were working with young players who, contrary to what people thought, were not on fantastic wages Coventry City, are confident of snapping up striker Freddie Eastwood from championship rivals Wovles, as well as adding other high profile signings. Chairman, Ray Ranson, is keen to land the Welsh International, Eastwood, who has struggled to replicate the form that attracted the attention of so many big clubs, when at Southend United
 Soccer X's, Paul Devlin, is still very busy regards the playing side of his career. Next Tuesday Dev's off to Hong Kong to play in the soccer sevens tournament, for a week, with the PFA. Prior to that, This Thursday evening, Dev is playing in the England v Scotland veterans game live on ITV4 at Southampton's, St Marys. Paul will preview the Champions league final, Chelsea v Man U, Blue Square Final, Exeter v Cambridge City and Saturday's FA Cup Final, Cardiff City v Portsmouth. Opt for Paul Devlin on the menuOn Monday, Click PIC below for more detail, started our NEWSLETTER feature, that both helps us raise more funds for charity and allows the subscriber a unique opportunity to win 2 FREE England vs Czech Republic tickets for the friendly. By subscribing, we'll deliver the latest news from both the Football League and Non-league to your mail box and it won't cost you anything more than a click. More details about this feature over the weekend. Following the success of our last Soccer X v Wolves charity match, we've more games lined up over the summer months. WBA and Aston Villa All Stars, are provisional opponents. We've some worthy causes to support and believe strongly, football can do so much to help both charity and individuals who struggle with financial crisis.
 Soccer X, interviewee, Lee Trundle, proved to be the hero for Bristol City, with a stunning strike, that ensured The Cidermen, progressed to the final of the Championship Play-offs, City, beat Crystal Palace 2-1, with Michael McIndoe adding to Trundle's equaliser on the night. Opt for Tony Thorpe's page to view Lee Trundle talking to Soccer X a few months back  Burton Albion boss, Nigel Clough, has started their rebuilding for next season by releasing three players and signing Droylsden striker Jody Banim on a one-year deal. Former Manchester United junior Banim, 30, scored 10 goals in 27 Blue Square Premier games for the Bloods last term. But striker Jake Edwards, defender Mark Greaves and utility man David Farrell have not been offered terms. Saul Deeney, Ryan Austin, Andy Corbett, Marc Goodfellow and Shaun Harrad have all agreed deals for next season.  Eddie Anaclet is leaving Oxford United and has signed a two-year deal with Stevenage Borough. The right-sided player was offered a new contract by the U's after an impressive second half of the season, but he told the club last night that he would not be signing. Signed by Jim Smith in the summer of 2006, Anaclet, who has played as right back and a right winger, has been a regular for the past two seasons, making 73 appearances after joining from Southampton. NICK Crittenden has become the seventh player to leave the Terras as manager John Hollins shuffles his pack ahead of next season. Club captain Simon Weatherstone, Stuart Douglas and Justyn Roberts were all released last week, joining Franklin Anzite and goalkeepers David Roberts and Jon Stewart out the Wessex Stadium door. Poul Hubertz could be in line for a shock move to Leyton Orient after leaving Northampton Town. The big striker left Sixfields at the end of the season and was widely expected to return to his native Denmark. But Orient manager Martin Ling has confirmed he is interested in signing Hubertz, who finished top scorer at Sixfields with 13 goals after joining the club from Millwall Former Cyrstal Palace chairman, Mark Goldberg will replace Simon Osborn and Bobby Bowry, as the new boss of Bromley. His previous spell in charge of the Lillywhites, which ended in December 2007, saw the club win promotion from the Ryman League Premier Division. Bromley owner Jeremy Dolke told his club's website: "I am delighted that Mark has agreed to take up the reins once more."  Matt Walwyn, the two goal FA Vase hero, for Kirkham, certainly boasts some pedigree and is be one to watch for the future. Walwyn, was with the Blackburn Rovers Academy side. He has also appeared for Euxton Villa, and has had recent trials with Bury. Age 17, he is the son of former York City and Blackpool prolific scorer Keith Walwyn, and hails from Blackpool. Click pic of Ron Aktinson, to your left, to catch the final - and third - part of Tony Thorpe's fascinating interview with the former Man Utd, WBA, and Aston Villa manager, Big Ron, talks about the big money now in the game and his current media work Carlisle won the 1st leg of the Coca-Cola League One Play Off at Elland Road against Leeds but had 'keeper Kieran Westwood in fantastic form.Danny Graham scored the opener after a shot hit his backside and deflected in on 32 minutes before Marc Bridge-Wilkinson doubled their advantage four minutes in to the second half. Westwood continued to stop Leeds with a string of outstanding stops, In the last minute of injury-time, a long ball in to the Carlisle box saw Tresor Kandol cause problems and the ball deflected to Dougie Freedman, who swept home from six yards. Luton Town have been inundated with CVs for youth role Sixteen people have applied for the director of youth role at Luton Town following Chris Cummins' departure to Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. Luton boss Mick Harford revealed they had been inundated with applications,.He said: "We are going through the process of having applications for the job. To learn more about the ambitions of the new Luton Town, consortium, check out Tony Thorpe's interview with Chairman, Nick Owen
Starting this Monday, Click PIC below for more detail, we'll operate a NEWSLETTER feature, that both helps us raise more funds for charity and allows the subscriber a unique opportunity to win 2 FREE England vs Czech Republic tickets for the friendly. By subscribing, we'll deliver the latest news from both the Football League and Non-league to your mail box and it won't cost you anything more than a click. More details about this feature over the weekend. Following the success of our last Soccer X v Wolves charity match, we've more games lined up over the summer months. WBA and Aston Villa All Stars, are provisional opponents. We've some worthy causes to support and believe strongly, football can do so much to help both charity and individuals who struggle with financial crisis.
 David Noble's late wonder strike in injury-time gave Bristol City an unexpected victory at Neil Warnock's, Crystal Palace in the Championship Play Semi Final, 1st leg. The Robins took the lead through Louis Carey, who went from hero to villian as he was adjudged to have fouled Jose Fonte in the 87th minute. Ben Watson stepped up and converted, although The Eagles joy was short lived as Noble set up City to start as favourites at Ashton Gate.
Starting this Monday, we'll operate a NEWSLETTER feature, that both helps us raise more funds for charity and allows the subscriber a unique opportunity to win 2 FREE England vs Czech Republic tickets for the friendly. By subscribing, we'll deliver the latest news from both the Football League and Non-league to your mail box and it won't cost you anything more than a click. More details about this feature over the weekend. Following the success of our last Soccer X v Wolves charity match, we've more games lined up over the summer months. WBA and Aston Villa All Stars, are provisional opponents. We've some worthy causes to support and believe strongly, football can do so much to help both charity and individuals who struggle with financial crisis.
 Gillingham were also relegated as they went down to a 2-1 loss at Leeds United. Ex Rushden & Diamonds striker Simeon Jackson had given the Gills the lead, but Bradley Johnson and a late Tresor Kandol effort gave the Elland Road club victory. The Play Off line up sees Doncaster play Southend, while Carlisle take on Leeds. Check out PRO NEWS on the menu for Andy Bone's Football League round-upCambridge United have thrown themselves a life line as Lee McEvilly came off the bench to score twice in the last twelve minutes to earn a draw in the Blue Square Premier Play Off Semi Final 1st Leg at Burton Albion. Hitman Daryl Clare converted from the spot on 66 minutes before Darren Stride doubled their advantage three minutes later. McEvilly then scored from the spot on 78 minutes before netting his second just six minutes from time
United Counties League side, St Neots, have moved to their impressive new ground. Marvin Johnson, former Luton Town player, was recently appointed as the Saints, new manager, Johnson, particpated, for Soccer X, in Sunday's Charity match played at Banbury United, along with former team-mate Scott Oakes
|
 |
 |
|
Striker Ben Mackey, leading scorer for Leamington last season with 26 goals, is set to have talks with manager Jason Cadden in the near future to discuss his future with the BGB Southern Midlands runners up. The former Coventry City striker has been a big hit at the New Windmill Ground since his arrival in the summer of 2006 and is the only player at the club on contract but his two-year deal has now expired. Cadden said: "I'm optimistic about him re-signing. He is still only a youngster and I believe plenty of improvement still to come
Nick Barmby, could be heading back to the Premiership, after helping Hull City secure a comfortable 4-1 victory over Watford in the Championship play-off, semi final, 2nd leg. The Tigers now face Bristol City to decide who'll gain the third place promotion behind WBA and Stoke City
AFC Telford United have signed prolific 30-year-old striker Terry Fearns on a free transfer from relegated Blue Square Premier side Droylsden. When he saw the facilities and what we have at the Bucks Head, it didn't take much to sign him," Telford boss Rob Smith added, He's what we want, an out-and-out scorer. He's renowned as a 30 or 40-goals-a-season man
Nottingham Forest have acted swiftly in their race to sign Derby striker Robert Earnshaw, with the club understood to have had a £2m bid for the striker accepted. Rams boss Paul Jewell left the Welsh international out of his squad that suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Reading yesterday and later confirmed an offer had been accepted for the player.
Altrincham fans are celebrating after it emerged their team are to receive a third successive relegation reprieve, keeping them in the top flight of non-League. But chairman Geoff Goodwin insists he'll take no pleasure from the closure of rivals Halifax Town, which will lead to Alty retaining their place in Blue Square Premier despite them having just finished inside the relegation-zone for the third year running.
Nuneaton Borough have gone to the Conference Football League with a proposal to help stave off the threat of the club going into administration and facing a points deduction or relegation. A 11th hour decision was made to cancel last night's board meeting at Liberty Way where many expected the club to call in administrators. Director Ian Neale said: "We have outlined certain proposals to Conference secretary Dennis Strudwick, who tomorrow will contact the 12 members of his board.
AFC Telford boss, Rob Smith, has pulled off something of a coup in landing highly rated midfielder, Leon Blakeman, from Southport. The goal-scoring schemer, was out of contract and the Bucks, were quick to take advantage, making Blakeman, the ambitious Blue Square North's first signing in preparation for the new 2008/09 season
It was a case of deja vu, as Luton Town, repeated the Milk Cup victory, over Arsenal, at the weekend, The Hatters, hosted The Gunners, to celebrate 20 years since the famous 1988 final, where Luton won 3-2, this time it was a 2-1 victory with the hosts coming from behind, Mark Stein, who scored in the orginal match, levelled for Luton before David Oldfield scored the winner late into the second half
There were many England Internationals on show at Stratford Town's, Knight's Lane, at the weekend, as Birmingham City hosted Chelsea Ladies in the Premier Division league match, however, it was the visitors who ran out eventual 3-1 victors, with Eni Aluko, among the Chelsea scorers
Goals from veteran pair Nicky Barmby and Dean Windass put Hull within sight of the Championship play-off final. Watford had a goal harshly disallowed in the fourth minute and fell behind shortly after when Fraizer Campbell set up Barmby to sidefoot home.They doubled their lead when a Campbell header came back off the post and Windass finished off from close range. 
Ian Miller became the second player of the day to produce an injury-time winner as Darlington edged to victory over Rochdale in the Coca-Cola League Two Play Off Semi Final, 1st leg. Miller's header came after Jason Kennedy had given their side a lead in the 28th minute. Chris Dagnell, who early hit the bar, equalised with twenty minutes remaining before substitute Miller gave his team late joy. The game is set up for an interesting 2nd leg at Spotland.
Ebbsfleet United won the FA Trophy at Wembley as Torquay endured heartbreak for the second time in a week after losing their Play Off Semi Final. Chris McPhee, who had missed a penalty, netted the winner to give Liam Daish's outfit a Wembley win. McPhee had his first half penalty saved by Gulls 'keeper Martin Rice but made up for his mistake right on half time. Akinde shrugged off the challenge of a defender before producing a slide rule pass along the six yard line that McPhee rammed home.
Southend shared the play-off spoils with Doncaster on Friday evening, while goal ace, Matt Henney, notched the winning goal to give Barrow Blue Square Premier football, despite finishing six in a play-off position. Barrow, earned victories against AFC Telford and Stalybridge to gain their place in the non-league's higest tier
Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson says the club has taken "the biggest step in its history" by winning promotion to the Blue Square Premier. Scotsman Wilson has taken the club from the Sussex County League to national football for the first time. Borough, will now face the likes of Oxford United, as equals, when only a few season's back they met in the FA Cup, with Eastbourne, then considered minnows. Striker, Yemi Odubade, impressed during those ties, and has since enjoyed success at Oxford
Oxford City completed a memorable weekend as their veteran's team won the Umbro National Trophy with a 3-2 victory over Ilkeston Town at Rushden & Diamonds' Nene Park. City, who had Garry Parker playing a pivotal role in midfield against a team including ex-Oxford striker Nigel Jemson, scored through Paul Harwood, Frankie Dorrian and Julio Barresi
Eastbourne Borough gained promotion to the Blue Square Premier after beating, Hampton & Richmond on Thursday evening. Goals from Crabb and Armstrong, in the last five minute capped a fantastic season for former Oxford City midfielder, Andy Ballard and his team-mates
Phil Lines, has been appointed as the new boss of Southern Premier side, Brackley Town. Lines, has enjoyed previous - and successful - spells at the helm, including winning the Midland Division championship two seasons ago to give The Saints, Premier football for the first time in their history
AFC Wimbledon, edge ever closer to a football league return, after coming from behind to defeat Staines in the play-off final on Saturday. The hosts went in front before The Wombles, restored parity and then Mark De Bolla scored a winner to ensure Blue Square South football next season, Tooting beat Cray thanks to a Paul Vines strike while Canvey Island won on pens at Redbridge to see both sides attain Ryman Premier football
AFC Telford, met with defeat against bogey side, Barrow, to end their play-off chances for this season, Tait was again among the visitors goals, Stalybridge, won through to the finals courtesy of a penality shoot out against Southport, after winning 2-1 in the actual match. Check out club reports to view David Johnson's take on the Haleoswen Town defeat at Team Bath last Saturday
It was heartbreak for Leamington as they lost 2-1 to Stourbridge, in the play-off final, Ben Mackey, had given The Brakes a lead, The Glassboys, restored parity minutes later before Liam Broadhurst snatched a 116th minute winner. Halesowen Town also lost out with the league's top scorer, Sean Canham, scoring Team Bath's 89th minute winner to see them through to the Blue Square South, while congratulations to Oxford City, who beat Uxbrige 1-0, Bell the scorer, in the South West Southern League play-offs.VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS from the Leamington vs Stourbridge match later
Dean Brennan, capped a super individual season, by scoring yet again, as Halesowen came from behind to beat Chippenham 2-1 in the play-off semi final in front of a 1000 plus crowd. Eldon MaQemba, scored the all important winner The Yeltz, now face a trip to Team Bath in the play-off final this Saturday. Oxford City, will play host to Uxbridge, this Saturday in the play-off final of the South Western Division, league. Uxbridge, travelled to Fleet Town and snatched a late winner to ensure a visit to Court Place Farm.
