Round-up of the first two weeks of the league season
The season has begun and the goals have been flying in all over the place.
JOHN COOPER PREMIER DIVISION
In the Premier Division, the early pace-setters are Greenwich Borough, with two wins out of two. They opened up with a thrilling goal-fest against Kingsdale, coming back from 2-1 down at half-time to win the game 4-2. They converted two penalties, whilst their opponents were left to rue missing one of their own at 2-1 up. They followed that up with another tight win, 2-1 away to FC Greenwich.
Eltham Town won their only league game to date, 2-0, against Eden Park Rangers, with Wickham Park winning their first league game 4-3, against Meridian. In a cracking contest, Wickham went 2-0 up, before going 3-2 behind. Reggie Savage was the match-winner, coming off the bench to score in with 20 minutes left. Meridian recovered from their opening day defeat to win against Kingsdale. Kingsdale again led at half-time, but lost 3-2. Frazier and FC Greenwich drew their opening game 3-3, so both have a point.
JIM HAMPSON FIRST DIVISION
Old Colfeians and River Plate are the early leaders in the second tier, with a maximum six points. Old Colfeians have benefited from taking on some Old Colfeians Green players and look in ominous form. They won 6-0 on the opening day, against new boys Erith and Belvedere. They followed that with a 7-3 thrashing of Old Roan. Matt Maynard has five goals already, while last season's 2nd division top-scorer Ibrahim Aldouri off the mark with two of his own.
River Plate have a host of new players, but have gelled brilliantly so far, with an opening-day 3-1 win over Old Roan consolidated with a 1-0 win over Farnborough OBG 3rds. Farnborough had won handsomely themselves on the opening day - 4-0 against Lewisham Lions - with Gary Smith scoring a hat-trick.
Another new team, Cray Wanderers, won their only game so far, 4-2, against Lewisham Athletic, whilst Eltham Town Reserves came from 1-0 down to beat Beckenham 3-1, James Smith with a brace.
SECOND DIVISION
This division promised to be the most tightly contested of the league and has proved as much in the first two weeks. Welling Town 'A' lead the way, after an opening-day 3-3 draw away to Eden Park was followed up with a fine 5-1 win against Bromleians 3rds in week two. If they can come to terms with the slope at Crofton, they have a chance to make it a real fortress. Patrick Ward is looking a striker of promise, with three in his first two.
Farnborough Old Boys Guild 4ths were unfortunate to go down a division, due to the promotion of another Farnborough team, rather than their performances last season. They also have four points after two games. They drew their opening game 1-1 away to Eltham Eagles, then beat New Russellers 3-2 in a really tight contest.
Ground Hoppers are the third team on four points, having drawn 2-2 against old rivals, Russellers, before narrowly beating Eden Park 1-0. They are keen to improve on their first showing in the Bromley and South London Football League and have started well, following on from their impressive displays in pre-season.
Crofton started really promisingly, 3-0 against South Dulwich, but then suffered a 2-1 loss to Bosco Football Academy Falcons (KSG Falcons rebranded).
THIRD DIVISION
Seven Acre Sports are leading the third division, with a 100% record. They have beaten AWS 6-4 and Welling Park Reserves 3-2 to lead the way. They will hope to continue their fine early-season form against Bosco Reserves this coming week.
Latter-Day Saints are second on four points, with a draw against Charlton Athletic Deaf followed by a high-scoring 6-2 win against Old Roan Reserves.
Teviot won their only game so far, 2-0 against Wickham Park Reserves. AWS also have three points, after recovering from their opening day loss to Seven Acre to beat a Bosco Reserves side with 8 players, 15-2. Welling Park Reserves have three points, winning 3-2 against Slade Green Knights before losing to Seven Acre. Wickham Park Reserves are another team to have won one and lost one, with their win a 1-0 triumph over Dulwich Village Reserves.