THE WET weather was the only winner over a hugely frustrating Easter week in the Midland League.
In Division One, Studley saw Saturday’s trip to Coventry Copsewood, Monday’s home game against Pershore Town and Wednesday’s visit to Littleton postponed.
Vaughan Pearshouse’s Bees, who have slipped to 11th, visit Ilkeston Town on Saturday before home games against Chelmsley Town and Hinckley AFC on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
In Division Two, Feckenham’s scheduled matches against Montpellier and Fairfield Villa were both postponed, as was Wednesday’s Presidents Cup semi-final at Hampton.
Next up is a league match at home to Knowle on Saturday (3pm) and a visit to neighbours Redditch Borough on Tuesday (6.20pm, Mettis Sports & Social Club, Batchley).
Aaron Blackwood’s side will, weather permitting, go into the weekend’s fixture in eighth place but still with hope of catching second-placed Hampton, who they trail by ten points with five games in hand. However, fourth-placed Smithswood Firs are five points above the Millers with four games in hand, so third place is perhaps a more realistic target at this stage.
Speaking ahead of the cup visit to Hampton, joint assistant manager Tom Davies said: “We’re continually frustrated by the lack of games being played, as are the players and other sides.
“We’ve been able to train when we haven’t played and attempted to keep our fitness and sharpness up for the upcoming onslaught of fixtures.
“With a tough game against Hampton, gaining momentum ahead of the remaining fixtures and the opportunity to book a final slot are huge motivating factors for the game and I expect an exciting clash with both sides giving their all.”
The Midland League has now decided to extend the season by a couple of weeks.
It has been a nightmare with the weather – first snow, then ice and now rain – playing havoc with the fixture lists and the league board has been given permission to continue the campaign.
Premier Division and Division One fixtures must now be completed by Monday, May 7 and the other divisions by Saturday, May 12.
“The main focus of the decision made by the board is to maintain the integrity of the Total Motion Midland Football League,” said vice-chairman Steve Poole.
