Boxing Day Hellenic League Preview

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division Boxing Day Preview

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Published 25th December 2012

Hopefully the weather will abate and allow everyone to get outside for some fresh air and get away from the turkey, mince pies, in-laws etc., and watch some football.

If so there are some mouth-watering matches to take in, many with the added ingredient of a local derby about them. In one such match, Binfield are at home to Wokingham & Emmbrook. Both sides have attracted decent attendances so far this season and a good crowd is anticipated for this fixture. Similarly, Highworth Town host bitter rivals Shrivenham who will be looking to avenge their Challenge Cup defeat at the Elms just over a month ago. Both teams have struggled so far this season but this match is sure to see the players involved up their game to ensure local bragging rights.

Another match taking place between teams at the wrong end of the table is that between Kidlington and their neighbours from down the A34, Abingdon Town. Both sides would welcome any type of win.

Ardley United face Flackwell Heath in what should be an interesting game between two sides more than capable of scoring goals on their day.

Wantage Town travel to Thame United hoping to reduce the gap between themselves in second place and the leaders Marlow, who play twenty four hours later on the 27th at Oxford City Nomads (kick-off 7.45pm).

Cheltenham Saracens host Gloucestershire rivals, Slimbridge, in another match with the potential for plenty of goals. In an all Berkshire affair, Newbury are at home to Highmoor Ibis.

Reading Town are scheduled to take on the much revamped Witney Town who will be playing their first fixture after their recently well documented off field problems.

The theme of local derbies continues in Division One West when several local rivals are scheduled to go head to head. Clanfield host North Leigh Reserves in the day’s early kick-off (11.30am).

Purton are at home to Wootton Bassett Town and the normal large crowd is anticipated for this fixture at The Red House.

Leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp travel into the Forest of Dean to take on Lydney Town. Lambourn Sports face Letcombe and in an all Oxfordshire match, Hook Norton who have had a good season to date host Old Woodstock Town.

On the 27th Fairford Town, hoping to shake off the trauma of their huge defeat at the hands of Brimscombe & Thrupp, take on New College, Swindon at Cinder Lane (kick-off 7pm).

Sadly, the match between Malmesbury Victoria and Tytherington Rocks scheduled for Boxing Day has been postponed already due to the nearby River Avon taking up an extended residency at The Flying Monk Ground.

The potential match of the day in Division One East is that scheduled between AFC Hinksey at home to second-placed Headington Amateurs.

Hinksey have shown themselves more than capable of holding their own at Hellenic League level and Headington Amateurs are enjoying a very good season.

A good match is in prospect! Leaders Rayners Lane travel to Chalfont Wasps who have proved quite capable of upsetting the form book in recent weeks. Bracknell Town host Finchampstead in what is expected to be the Division’s highest attendance of the day.

Chinnor are at home to Didcot Town Reserves and Milton United host Easington Sports.

Woodley Town host Henley Town, who are surely hoping for a change of fortune in 2013 following a torrid 2012.

The 27th sees Maidenhead United host Thatcham Town (kick-off 7.45pm) for the second time in a week hoping for a similar outcome to last week’s AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup fixture which saw Maidenhead win 2-0.