League News - 2004-05 Season

AFA Development News (May 2005) - The May issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy. 

AFC Constitution 2005-06 (May 2005) - The proposed constitution for the 2005-06 season has been published and sent to clubs. Click here for more details.

AFA Development News (May 2005) - The April issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy. 

League Medals/Centres (May 2005) - Clubs are reminded that if they wish to produce their own end of season medals or purchase AFC centres for club trophies they can do so via Len Fowler Trophies using the "AFC Shop" link.

Season Fines (May 2005) - Congratulations should go to Chertsey Old Salesians, City of London (second season in a row), Ealing Association, London Welsh, Old Bromleians (second season in a row), Old Gladstoneians, Valley Park Rangers and Witan, all of whom have not received a single league fine throughout the season, whether for late kickoffs, not phoning in or reporting results, not contacting officials and so forth.

At the other extreme, must do better for Old Tenisonians (£435), Old Danes (£395), Albanian (£280), Mayfield Athletic (£255), Old Uxonians (£235), Hampstead Heathens (£235), Egbertians (£230) and Queen Mary College Old Boys (£205), all of whose varied misdemeanours are helping to keep subscriptions lower for everyone else.

Ten clubs fell into the £150-£199 bracket, thirteen clubs into the £100-£149 bracket, twenty two clubs into the £50-£99 bracket and twenty eight clubs in the £10-£49.

The total breakdown of fines levied throughout the league were as follows:-

Results not phoned in £1850, Non/Late/Incomplete Submission of the CRS £1455, Failure to advise Divisional Match Secretaries of postponed games £500, Non attendance at AGM £700, Failure to Provide Registration Lists £300, Late Kickoffs £1305, No hospitality offered £900, No/late confirmation of fixtures to referees/opponents £320, Others £640.

No-one likes levying fines, but clubs who inconvenience other clubs, referees, or league officers have to bear the consequences.

London Old Boys Senior Cup Final (April 2005) - Old Aloysians beat UCL Academicals 3-0 on Tuesday 19th April to win the London Old Boys Senior Cup. Click here for a match report.

AFC vs Yorkshire Old Boys (April 2005) - The AFC beat Yorkshire Old Boys 3-1 on Saturday 16th April at Old Minchendenians, click here for a match report.

Old Meadonians win AFA Senior Cup (April 2005) - Congratulations to Old Meadonians, who on Saturday won their third AFA Senior Cup in four years, making it five wins in the last six for AFC Clubs.

www.thesoccerstite AFA SENIOR CUP FINAL

Polytechnic 0 Old Meadonians 3

played at South Bank Cuaco F.C. on Saturday 9th April 2005 (report courtesy of Del Saunders).

"KEEPERS STAR IN THRILLING FINAL "

Both goalkeepers Kris Sayers (Old Meadonians) and Julian Viggars (Polytechnic) were outstanding in a thrilling final. The final scoreline did not reflect on the tightness of the game overall but Meadonians were deserved winners, retaining the Cup and chalking up their third win in four years, but were pushed all the way by a determined Poly side.

From the first whistle Meads looked the more impressive side and outplayed Poly for the first 20 minutes and could have been two or three goals up. The first chance came after 6 minutes when, following a cross from Colin Hawkins, Viggars produced an outstanding point blank save and Poly did well to hack the ball clear from the resulting melee. 5 minutes later another chance came Meads' way. Although there was a suspicion of offside, Ed Glover had a chance but shot over the bar. A minute later Viggars again, produced a great save to deny Meads. Shortly after he was again in the thick of the action saving well with an outstretched leg. From the resulting breakaway Poly almost stunned the opposition breaking quickly down the left flank but no-one was in the middle to put the ball away from a low cross. After 20 minutes Viggars had to be on guard to palm the ball away from a Jack Costello free kick. A minute later, Poly almost scored at the other end. A long throw -in fell into the path of Dave Batty whose first time effort whistled just past the post. This seemed to inspire Polytechnic and Sayers was called into action for the first time making a flying save after another quick break. Mark Cringle in the heart of the Poly defence was outstanding in the air to thwart Meads time and time again. Just after the half hour mark, a close range header, from a free kick, was blocked by Sayers to keep the match level. Play was end to end and Costello started to cause problems down the right forcing two quick corners but both were well punched out by Viggars. Poly themselves then forced two corners and were unlucky with the second when James Hobbs went close with a header at the near post. With time running out in the first 45, Mike Berry upended Hawkins but Viggars did well to push out the resulting free kick from Costello. In injury time Meads again went close but the ball was kicked off the line at the expense of a corner. A 0-0 scoreline at half time seemed  incredible in view of the goalmouth action at both ends.

For the first time since the introduction of a Fourth Official, John Cooke was called upon to run the line in place of Peter Kosciolek who had been struggling with a leg injury which had been exacerbated in the first half with the end to end play.

Once again Meads started the second period the stronger and Viggars was called into early action getting well down to save, following hesitancy in the Polytechnic defence. After 51 minutes Costello broke free on the right, shooting just wide of the far post. 5 minutes later a low right wing corner from Costello, who was taking all the dead ball kicks, flashed across the goal with no-one to take advantage. However, the opening goal was not long coming. After 57 minutes another Costello corner gave unmarked Ian Williamson the opportunity to put Meads in front with a header from 6 yards. Despite Poly making every effort to find an equaliser it was the opposition that looked more likely to score. Hawkins was twice denied by good defending but the second goal came after 72 minutes. A cross was unfortunately turned into his own net by Nick Pegram to give Meads a two goal advantage. Another goal line clearance kept Poly in the game and they then turned up the tempo. With ten minutes  remaining they were unlucky to hit the woodwork and the rebound was hit just over the bar. With increasing pressure the Meads defence held firm but Batty almost earned a consolation with two minutes remaining, when he went just wide from a free kick 25 yards out. Deep into time added on, Glover broke free to take an easy chance to make the final score 3-0, which on the balance of play was somewhat harsh on Polytechnic.

Referee Duncan Elder, Assistants Tim Rowley, Peter Kosciolek and John Cooke certainly earned their corn in a very free flowing game.

After the game the medals and Cup were presented to the officials and players by the President of the Amateur Football Alliance Denis Whitehall, who thanked everyone for such an entertaining game and thanked the officials of South Bank Cuaco for making their facilities available for the Final.

Officials:- Referee: Duncan Elder. Assistant Referees: Peter Kosciolek and Tim Rowley. Fourth Official: John Cooke

Polytechnic:- Julian Viggars, Farouk M'Rabet, Paul Cooke, James Hobbs, Mike Berry, Mark Cringle, James Black, Nick Pegram, John Pybus, Dave Batty, Keith Hodgson, Tariq Amam, Luke Webster and Greg Wakenshaw.

Old Meadonians:- Kris Sayers, Dan Bond, Barry McGuinness, Ian Williamson, Dan Salanson, Brian Hanley, Jack Costello, Steve Kearney, Colin Hawkins, Ed Glover, Dwain Rhone, Kevin Quinn, John Pointon and Lenny Wapshott.

AFC vs Arthurian League (March 2005) - The AFC beat the Arthurian League 2-0 at Hanwell Town on Wednesday 23rd March 2005.

Suspended Player - Howard Whyte (March 2005) - Mill Hill Village FC have reported to the AFC that their former player, Howard Whyte, is currently serving a 112 day suspension imposed by the AFA after he caused a match to be abandoned. He is also in debt to their Club and owes them £130. Mill Hill have attempted to recover this debt from him but without success.

Clubs should be aware that under AFC rule 8(b) Howard Whyte cannot be selected to play in any AFC match for another Club until he has cleared all of his debt with Mill Hill Village FC.

AFA Development News (March 2005) - The March issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy. 

FA Annual Awards (March 2005) - The deadlines for nominations for various FA Annual Awards are approaching:- Charter Standard Club Awards, FA Learning Grassroots Coach of the Year and Football Workforce Awards - Volunteers. For more information on all of these, and for details on how to nominate people, London F.A. affiliated clubs should click here, AFA affiliated clubs should see the March issue of AFA Development News.

FIFA Futsal Summer League (March 2005) - This summer the AFA will be running a summer league based on the FIFA "Futsal" Five-a-Side game. Any clubs interested in entering sides should click here for more details.

Firs Farm (February 2005) - Clubs are warned of recent thefts of valuables from cars at Firs Farm. It appears the MO of those concerned is to wait and watch teams putting valuables in cars and then break into them once games are in progress. Nor should clubs assume that the changing rooms are secure, as the doors can be forced (don't ask me how I know!). We would recommend that valuables are taken out onto the field of play and left with the goalkeeper.

John McNicholas (February 2005) - It is with regret we have to report the passing of John McNicholas, a stalwart of Old Ignatian. John played for the club into his fiftieth year, never got booked and was a mentor to many of the younger players, including his grandson who still plays for the club. Our sympathies go out to the family and all at the club.

AFC vs Oxford University (February 2005) - Please note that the AFC vs Oxford University match due on Wednesday 23rd February has been cancelled due to snow.

AFA Development News (February 2005) - The February issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

AFA Referee Training Courses (January 2005) - The AFA are starting two new courses in February and March, one in Ilford, one in Southgate:

Ilford: Monday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (beginning 14th February) at Redbridge Sports Centre, Oakfield Playing Fields, Forest Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 3HD.

Southgate: Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (beginning 2nd March) at Bramley Road Sports Ground (Minchenden Association Clubhouse), Southgate, London, N14 4HP.

For more details please click here.

AFA Effective Club Administration Course (January 2005) - The AFA are holding an Effective Football Club Administration Course on Thursday 17th February. This "Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers" will be held at The Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, Chadwick Street, Victoria, starting at 6.30pm. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any club and we would encourage all clubs to attend.

For more information contact Bob Leeds at the AFA (020 7359 3667) or see the AFA Website.

AFA Development News (January 2005) - The January issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

London Legal League 1 Amateur Football Combination Representative Team 4  - On Wednesday 26th January, the Amateur Football Combination Representative team beat the London Legal League 4-1 at Hanwell Town F.C., Perivale Lane. Many thanks to all of the supporters who came along to support the league.

Colin Sharp (December 2004) - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of former Amateur Football Alliance President, Colin Sharp, who passed away last Saturday evening aged 70. Full details are available from the AFA Website.

AFC Scores via SMS Text (December 2004) - From Saturday 8th January 2005 the Amateur Football Combination are allowing myClubs to offer a results service for the Senior Divisions of the league. Click here for more details.

AFA Referee Training Courses (December 2004) - The AFA are starting a new course on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (beginning 13th January) at Norsemen F.C., Edmonton Sports Club, Church Street, Lower Edmonton, N9 9HL. 

For more details please click here.

AFA Development News (December 2004) - The December issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

Cambridge University vs AFC (December 2004) - On Wednesday 8th December the AFC Rep Team lost 1-0 to Cambridge University.

Hale End Athletic vs GB Olympic Deaf Team (December 2004) - On Monday 13th December a Hale End Athletic XI are playing the Great Britain Olympic Deaf Team in a warm-up match prior to the Deaf Olympics in January. Kickoff is 7.30pm, at Wadham Lodge Sports Centre

Still Poaching After All These Years (December 2004) - Congratulations to Roger Craddock, who at the ripe young age of 65 notched for Reigatians 6ths in their 9-1 defeat at the hands of Economicals last Saturday. Some may scandalously claim that a clearance from a corner luckily bounced off his dodgy right knee and fell to his left, which was blasted into the net, but we are sure with 45+ years of playing experience (he debuted in 1957-58) this was in fact a perfectly controlled and executed piece of master finishing.

As a consequence, under the shameful excuse of over-celebrating, his captain has dropped him to the bench for this weekend, presumably to concentrate on his many roles within the club, where he has been a driving force behind their recent awards for hospitality and sportsmanship. Many congratulations to Roger, and here's to the next one. 

AFA Development News (November 2004) - The November issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

Christmas is Coming (November 2004) - Saturday 18th December and Saturday 8th January will be normal playing Saturdays. There will no games arranged on Saturday 25th December nor Saturday 1st January. Any club wishing to play either day should contact their LMS (though they may not believe you).

SAL vs Amateur Football Combination (November 2004) - The AFC lost 4-2 to the SAL on Wednesday 17th November at Potters Bar F.C., click here for a match report. The next Representative Game is Wednesday 8th December, a 1.30pm KO away to Cambridge University.

AFA Referee Training Courses (November 2004) - The AFA are starting two new courses in late November 2004, one on Tuesday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (beginning 16th November) at All Saints Church Hall, Brudnell Road, Tooting, SW17, the other on Monday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (beginning 22nd November) at East Barnet Old Grammarians, Alan Drive (off Mays Lane), Barnet, Herts. 

For more details please click here.

AFC Ties (October 2004) - The new AFC Ties are now available, and will be for sale (cash only) at the AFC Dinner on Wednesday 20th October, including an introductory offer. Click here for more details.

AFA Development News (October 2004) - The October issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

AFC Fines Floats (October 2004) - The following clubs have been written to by Alan Meyer regarding the topping up of their fines floats, but as yet have not responded to him. All should do so by Monday 18th October or face further fines and/or suspension:

Fulham Compton, Inland Revenue, Mayfield Athletic, Old Tenisonians.

Representative Result (October 2004) - A match report on the first Representative Fixture of the season - AFC 2 The Champions (Old Meadonians) 1 is now available. Click here for the report.

Referee Misconduct Reporting (October 2004) - From the 2004/05 season the Football Association have introduced a new system by which referees have to report misconduct. In particular referees are no longer required to submit a written report for cautions - the caution is simply logged and sent out to the club concerned. 

There is a wide body of opinion that this may lead to an increase in cautions being reported, particularly dissent (in the past referees may have been reluctant to put in writing some of the language used. This no long applies!) Be warned!

AFA Wilkinson Sword (October 2004) - Congratulations to Reigatians AFC, who have been awarded the AFA Wilkinson Sword for the 2003-04 season. This is awarded by the Alliance in recognition of a combination of good discipline, goodwill and hospitality towards oppositions and officials alike. It is the first time the award has been made since 2000.

AFC Annual Dinner 2004 (October 2004) - The AFC Annual Dinner will be held on Wednesday 20th October, at The Brewery, Chiswell Street. The guest speaker will be Paul Fletcher (Burnley and England). Tickets will be £30.00 each. Click here for more details. Tickets orders MUST be received by Eddy Murphy by Thursday 14th October.

Non League Paper (September 2004) - The regular Non-League Paper feature on the AFC can be found every Friday. Click here for more details.

Western Region Reorganised (September 2004) - Due to a number of withdrawals in 6 West at the Fixtures Committee meeting on 22nd September 2004 it was decided to re-organise the Western region into six divisions of 11 teams each (rather than 6 of 10 and 1 of 6). These reorganised divisions can be found by clicking here.

Saturday 9th October (September 2004) - Please note that on Saturday 9th October, England vs Wales kicks off at 3pm. All AFC Fixtures are expected to be played as normal, but if clubs wish to arrange for early kickoffs (as long as both clubs and the referee agree) then the league is quite happy for them to do so. We understand the same will apply to AFA Cup Fixtures. For further details clubs should contact their League Match Secretaries.

Martin Simpson (September 2004) - Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of Martin Simpson, who recently passed away on the pitch whilst playing in a midweek pre-season friendly for Parkfield FC.

AFC Handbook 2004-05 (September 2004) - Copies of the AFC Handbook have now been sent to clubs, officers and referees. In addition, if you wish to download a copy (Adobe PDF format, 894kB) please click here.

AFA Development News (September 2004) - The August issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

Player Equipment (September 2004) - All players and referees should be aware that the Football Association are placing increasing emphasis on ensuring the safety of players' equipment - particularly footwear and jewellery. From this season, the Football Association are instructing referees to carry out checks of equipment before games for all players. Click here for more details.

Representative Team - New Players Wanted (September 2004) - We would encourage all clubs (and referees) to recommend any players they consider potential Representative Team players to Stewart Minors (020 8840 3662), the Representative Team Manager. Stewart is keen to have as strong a team as possible and as wide a representation of clubs as possible, but he does need to be told of potential new players.

AFC Preseason Fixture Bureau (July 2004) - The AFC online Fixture Bureau has now opened for preseason 2004-05. Click here for details.

AFA Development News (June/July 2004) - The latest issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy.

AFA Volunteer Awards (July 2004) - The Football Association have produced a certificate for grassroots clubs as part of the Football Workforce programme, which clubs can present to volunteers as one way of recognising their contribution to the game.

The AFA is in position to present five awards to volunteers for their work during the 2003-04 season. Anyone can be nominated:- tea lady, kit washer, coach, anyone who has volunteered their time and effort towards the good of the game.

Nominations should be sent to Bob Leeds, Amateur Football Alliance, 55 Islington Park Street, London, N1 1QB. The closing date for entries is Friday 30th July.

London Old Boys Cup Draws (June 2004) - The draws for the 2004-05 London Old Boys Cups have now been made. These can be found at www.londonoldboyscup.com

Club Representatives Wanted (June 2004) - Are you happy with the way the AFC is being run? Would you like to have more say in how things are done within the AFC? The AFC Rules provide that together with the League Officers (Chairman, Hon Secretary, Treasurer, the Chairman of each sub-Committee etc) in addition up to 12 Club Representatives sit on the Executive Committee of the League and following the 2004 AGM we still have vacancies. 

The purpose of having Club Representatives is so that there is not an imbalance between the requirements of the League Officers (most of whom were Club Representatives before becoming league officers) in running the League and the needs of the member Clubs. To be a Club Representative of the League Executive Committee, you must be an Officer of a Member Club.

If you are interested then please contact John Monk. Click on the Officers & Committees link for more details of current officers, committees and so forth.

League Officers Wanted (June 2004) - Following the 2004-05 AGM the league still has a number of vacancies for officers. The Referees Committee is looking for a Retention and Recruitment Officer, as well as for an Assistant Referees Secretary. The Fixtures Committee are looking for a League Match Secretary. If you are interested then please contact John Monk .