Cheshunt next
Stop number 6 on my journey from Hashtag United to Wembley takes me to Cheshunt, a place I do not recall visiting or passing through in my entire life. In 2018, Chesham was voted the worst commuter station for London, a rating based on performance, speed, value, and frequency. Cheshunt scored a paltry 12%. Yet, in 2019 Cheshunt was voted the best commuter town for London. Whether Greater Anglia upped its game during 2018 to cheer up the
good folk of Cheshunt or whether Cheshunt residents are a resilient bunch is hard to judge. Perhaps, there’s just a decent pub next to the station. I’ll report back. Cheshunt face Bishop’s Stortford in the 3rd Round Proper in the FA Trophy this weekend. I’ve seen The Blues of BS win in two previous ties on their own patch against Chipstead (2-1) and Leiston (5-1); Cheshunt should be a close contest between two high-flying Isthmian Premier sides. I fancy that penalties will decide this one.
FIA taking over FA Trophy?
I can confirm that the rumour that Michael Masi has taken over responsibility for the FA Trophy is not true. Despite what you might read on Twitter, games will not be stopped in added time so that the referee can arrange a bounce-up on the centre circle with the first team to win a throw-in winning the game. It’s complete nonsense.
Looking ahead to FA Trophy ties other than Cheshunt
For me, the tie of the round is the game between Larkhall Athletic and AFC Totton. The reason? These teams are two of only three Step 4 Non-League sides left in this year’s competition; this, of course, guarantees a Step 4 side in the 4th Round Proper. Plymouth Parkway is the other team, and all three sides come from the Southern League Division One South. AFC Totton are in 2nd place, Plymouth Parkway 9th, with Larkhall Athletic just below halfway in 11th in a 19-team division. Larkhall Athletic beat Slimbridge (h) 3-1, Paulton Rovers (a) 5-1, Marlow (a) 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and Wimborne (a) 2-1. Plymouth Parkway face Dulwich Hamlet – after a 5-3 away win, they’ve had three home wins without conceding. AFC Totton have won three games convincingly 5-0, 2-0 and 6-0 but needed penalties to beat Frome Town at home. Good luck to all three sides. Aside from these games, the other standout tie is between Stockport County and Grimsby Town, bringing two former League teams together in battle.
Head on the Block time
For my Head on the Block prediction this week, I have decided to take on the battle of the united maids – Maidenhead United v Maidstone United. As before, I am going to predict a win for the lower-placed team as I am confident (well, confidentish) that Maidstone United will come back with a win from Maidenhead. As usual, if Maidenhead United win, a charity will gain £10 for a one-goal margin, £20 for two goals etc. In fact, as it’s almost Christmas, let’s make that £20 per goal. Cue, Maidenhead United 5 Maidstone United 0.
Agony Aunt – Part 2
After last week’s Agony Aunt feature, a letter from someone called Agonised Niece arrived. It’s saved me some work this week, so here’s her letter in full.
My sister who wishes to remain anonymous is going out with a non-League player from a National League South club. Her friend is also going out with an Isthmian League player who used to play for the same club as Harriet’s boyfriend. Did I mention Harriet is my sister who goes out with a non-League player from a National League South club? When out on Friday night, where there was a lot of drinking going on, a friend of the Isthmian League player ended up sleeping with my sister, whose cousin knows the coach at the National South club. When I say she knows it’s a bit more than that. On Saturday it all came to a head at a party after the National League team played the Isthmian League team. At a corner, my sister’s friend’s fiance made a comment about Harriet. Harriet is now not talking to me and I’ve decided to date another Isthmian League player, who used to have a relationship with an assistant referee (female). Have you any advice? Should I blow the whistle for offside?
I admit that I’m baffled, although I am curious to know whether a goal came from the corner and whether the assistant referee (female) was officiating. I think it’s time to blow the whistle for full-time on this one.
