HFA County League Nearing its Conclusion
The 2017/18 season is now drawing to a close but even with just a few games left, it is difficult to predict who will be crowned Premier, Div 1 or Div 2 Champions. On Sunday Bromyard Colts secured the Sunday League title by defeating The Lion in a competitive match at Bridge Street. They added this to the Sunday Cup to complete the Double and round off a successful season.
In the Saturday Premier Division however, it is still all to play for and there are a few teams remaining with realistic ambitions of lifting the League Title at the end of the season. Wellington Rangers currently sit top with 49 points, just 1pt ahead of Westfields Reserves who also have a game in hand. With 3 and 4 games left respectively, both teams will be looking to take maximum points from their remaining games. Kington Town Reserves may be 10pts behind Wellington but have 6 games left to play and crucially will play both Westfields and Wellington in the next couple of weeks. They therefore will have a big say in who is crowned champions and may also fancy their chances of lifting the trophy if they can finish the season strongly. Ewyas Harold are in a similar position but will need a bit of luck from other results to come out on top.
Meanwhile in Division 1 Kingstone Rovers are sitting comfortably at the top of the table and look like worthy champions having lost 1 game all season. With the Junior Cup Final against Bartestreee Reserves tomorrow (Saturday 21st 2:30pm kick off at Allpay Park) they could potentially be looking at a fantastic end to the season. Hinton Reserves could still pip Kingstone Rovers to the League title however, despite being 13pts behind. They have 15pts to play for and will play Kingstone Rovers on 28th April. A win or draw for Kingstone would be enough to guarantee them the league. Holme Lacy Reserves also have a mathematical chance but will be relying on other results going their way.
Bartestree Reserves, who will be playing Kingstone Rovers in the Junior Cup final, are top of Division 2 with one game to play against Newent Town Reserves. Similarily to Divison 1, Newent will know that they can be crowned champions by winning their final three games. Bartestree will only need a draw when they face Newent on the 28th to claim the league title.
It has been another strong season in the Herefordshire FA County League and it looks like we will have four different winners to last season. With a number of new teams already looking to enter the Saturday and Sunday Leagues next season, it is hoped the league will be stronger again next season. If you are interested in entering a team for the 2018/19 HFA County League please email info@HerefordshireFA.com for advice and guidance on starting up a new team. Existing Clubs and teams can also apply for £750 worth of funding to help with the running of their side as part of the Football Foundation “Retain the Game” Scheme. Click below for more information.