What we learned from the opening week of the Hellenic League season

Jamie McClurg. Photo: Neil Graham.
Jamie McClurg. Photo: Neil Graham.

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So there have been two games in the 2016/17 season so far, a league tie and an FA Cup tie. But what have we made of the teams and the competition so far?

The Premier Division is wide open

Most, including our Hellenic Panel had Thatcham Town down as certainties for the title. They’ve lost both competitive games so far this season and while we wouldn’t write them off, the suggestion they’d have the title and a return to step four wrapped up with games to spare might be a bit off the mark.

A few more games in and we’ll start to see where the real challengers lie.

Ascot United may surprise a few people

A narrow 2-1 defeat to Highmoor-IBIS despite a red card for their goalkeeper and a performance against Milton United in the FA Cup that yielded two goals and a clean sheet suggest reports of the Yellamen’s demise have been exaggerated.

Bracknell need to shore up at the back..

..but goals don’t appear to be a problem for the Robins. A 3-1 defeat at Flackwell Heath on Tuesday despite taking an early lead was a set back for Bracknell and they conceded twice more at Thatcham on Tuesday.

Bracknell Town's Chris Grace is beaten at Flackwell Heath. Photo: Neil Graham.
Bracknell Town’s Chris Grace is beaten at Flackwell Heath. Photo: Neil Graham.

However unlike the game at the Heathens, Mark Tallentire’s side scored more than the opposition on this occasion and you’d suspect that will be the mantra going forward.

3 point banter..

I’m still missing the point of it.

Binfield’s attack not quite firing

Reports from the Henley game were that the Moles could quite easily have scored more, while against North Greenford United there was a real lack of goal mouth action.

Luke Scope attacks for Binfield. Photo: Colin Byers.
Luke Scope attacks for Binfield. Photo: Colin Byers.

In Liam Ferdinand, Jean-Claude Etienne and Luke Scope, Binfield have a pacey and powerful forward line. They inter-changed well against United but couldn’t land a blow on the visitors. It could well take a little bit of time for Roger Herridge’s forwards to gel but one thing is for sure, they will come up against much more obliging back lines than Greenford this season – Burnham on Monday 15th is a good opportunity.

What’s going to happen in Division 1 East?

With no less than 5 clubs on our radar in this division, we’re looking forward to the big kick-off on Saturday – particularly the league debuts of AFC Aldermaston and Sandhurst Town.

Main image: Jamie McClurg by Neil Graham.

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