Back again
Our HQ was besieged with calls last week demanding to know why there was no Non-League Review when the season was evidently underway. Well, one email, actually. But, no excuses, we are back and Fat Rophy will be adding his acerbic comments on the fatrophy.co.uk website from next week after his eight-week holiday. This season, your Non-League Review will be arriving on Wednesdays rather than Tuesdays, but we’ve rushed this when out to you. As ever, comments, jibes and anything can be made via this link.
First Ade
Walthamstow kicked off the second half in style against Leyton Orient’s Youth team in a pre-season friendly. It had the young O’s keeper shouting ‘Oh’ several times. The result was 1-1, but the video shows Ade Cole’s early second-half goal for Stow. https://x.com/i/status/1815863488780329018
Wormley Rovers – Getting plastered
Going to the pub before handing over the artwork for your sponsorship sign is never a good idea. Unfortunately, the sign maker decided not to do any
rendering on their client’s sign before handing it over. This goes to prove you should be careful when you get plastered. The sign is at Wormley Rovers’ ground, a club which has had a decent start in Spartan South Midlands Premier Division. Let’s hope the drinks are on JMC at the end of the season.
The ins and outs of it
Dorking Wanderers turned up ready to face Truro City for their National League South fixture recently. It was Truro City’s first home game in Cornwall for over three years, having led a nomadic existence since 2021. Last season, Truro City played in all white last season, so Dorking Wanderers turned up with their red/orange with black kit, as their usual red and white stripes and all white change strip would clash. This seemed fine until Truro City came out of their changing rooms in their new red and black kit, which clashed badly. Although the referee was OK with the clash, the players weren’t. After a delay, a Dorking player had the bright idea of wearing their orange shirts inside out, which satisfied everyone, so it seems. The result: a 2-1 win for the inside-out shirts.
Cornish clotted cream
Following on from this, it was good to find the League Table on Truro City’s website. Someone decided that a light grey font on a light grey background might showcase Truro City’s league position well. At the last minute, someone suggested changing the font to white, so that animals with sharp eyesight can see it. You decide.
Passing comment
Folkestone Invicta’s fans were delighted with a 3-2 win at local rivals Dover Athletic last week. Some fans were so pleased that they walked the eight miles between the two grounds after the game. It meant that they passed the ports on the left. We’re still working on a joke for Hull for next week’s issue.
Pieces of eight
Just over eight miles separate two football clubs, Avro and Bury. More importantly, the names Avro and Bury contain eight letters between them. On Saturday, they met in the FA Cup to set a new record for the fewest letters between competing teams in an FA Cup tie. The result was not eight each, but a 2-1 win for Bury, thanks to a late strike from Lewis Alessandra.
X-factor
Exmouth Town’s FA Cup against Brixham AFC brought together two Devonian sides with an X in their name. The game was unfortunately abandoned with Exmouth Town leading 3-0 when Exmouth’s Jack Thorne suffered a dislocated knee injury. The game takes place again this week. If the replayed game is more of a cat-and-mouse affair, it could be good preparation for the next tie against Willand Rovers or Mousehole.
Merseyside derby
The First Round Qualifying of the FA Cup draw has everyone on Merseyside anticipating a big derby cup tie. No, it’s not Liverpool v Everton. If South
Liverpool can overcome Witton Albion in the Preliminary Round, they will face City of Liverpool at their Jericho Lane ground on Saturday 31st August. I expect the terraces on the West Bank to be packed.
Frome banker
Frome Town marked their return to the Southern League Premier Division with a 1-0 win over Gosport Borough. It was an encouraging start to their season. However, it marks 21 consecutive seasons of remaining undefeated in their season’s opening game. Their last opening game defeat was against Odd Down in 2003, when they went down to the odd goal (well, two actually).
Adroitwich
In the Hellenic League Division One, Droitwich Spa have started with a bang after completing five wins from five games, scoring 24 goals. On Saturday, they put eight past hapless Carterton. Nathan Binner (bin) bagged a hattrick, while skipper James Lemon added some zest with a brace.
Good finish and finished
There’s nothing like a jinking run into the box and a well-taken finish. After that, the celebrations can follow. Or not. https://x.com/i/status/1815700635620434120. And, that’s us finished for this week!
