MOST OPEN PREM IN YEARS?
This can be called right now; the race for the 2025-26 West London Vets’ league title is going to be the most open in years. How do we know? Just look at the results that have come through in the first month of the season.
Two sides – Actonians and Chelsea Vets – have 100 per cent records, but you can’t help but feel that as they run up against the Prem’s other big hitters they, too, will have their ups and downs. The league really does have that ‘anyone can beat anyone’ feel to it.
The performances of Ascot United best illustrate that. The Yellas lost 3-1 to the Whippets in Week 1, and then drew 1-1 – thanks to a late equaliser from the visitors – at home to Claygate. Bumpy start to the season? Sure, but what better way to blow the cobwebs away than dish out a 4-0 defeat to West London Rams. Ascot even missed a penalty along the way, too.
The Whippets followed up their win against Ascot with a 1-0 win at Claygate. That leaves them on six points from threegames and looking good. The only side that really hasn’t got going at all yet is the newly promoted Latimer Road; they lost 3-0 at home against Chelsea on 27 September. That leaves them played three, lost three. But, the season is yet young, they have time to find their feet.
Looking ahead, Latimer travel to Actonians on 4 October. In the cold light of day that is top v bottom, but in 2024-25 Latimer were the only side to take any points off Actonians. A repeat performance incoming? We shall see.
Elsewhere, Ascot United travel to Claygate for an early season re-match, whilst West London Rams will hope to get back on the horse when KPR visit.
INTRIGUING START TO THE DIV 1 SEASON
Division One has a similar feel to it. Two sides remain on perfect records, but you get the feeling that others will soon be putting both of them (Ascot United IIs and Army Crusaders) under pressure.
The tightness of the league was illustrated nicely on 27 September; two games, two tight contests, two draws. Nottsborough and Poly both got their first points of the season when their contest ended 1-1, whilst the early-season pacesetters, Wandsworth, shared the spoils with Jamrock (2-2). Robbie Burns and Neil Watkins hit the mark for the Borough in that one.
Looking ahead, Wandsworth are again in action this weekend, they host Nottsborough. Ascot United’s second string travel to West Kensington Kings, whilst the Div 1 fixture list is finished off with a clash between Jamrock and Ruislip Rangers. That’s one to keep an eye on; Ruislip had a magnificent 2024-25. Will they be able to continue in the same vein in the higher division in 2025-26?
WOKING WELCOME CATCH THE EYE
New boys Woking Welcome have caught the eye in Division Two; they are top of the table on goal difference from Claygate Royals Hounds and Clapham Old Xaverians.
The Welcome continued their decent early season form with a 4-1 win against Thames Ditton. Ben Langford, Rob Halstead, Neil Bantel and Jonny Richards were all in the goals. Impressive stuff. The only other game in the division last week saw Laleham bounce back after two defeats to beat Old Tiffs 3-2.
Looking ahead, there are four contests in Div 2 on 4 October. The bottom two – Thames Ditton and Croxley Green 2s – clash, whilst third from bottom Civil Service host Woking Welcome. Looks like an away win on the coupon, but football can, as a bloke on the tele (who scored plenty of goals for Chelsea and Spurs) used to say, be a funny old game. Laleham and Clapham also lock horns, as do Old Tiffs and Claygate Hounds.
MMB START IMPRESSIVELY
Given that there are 15 teams in Division Three, it remains a hive of activity. It’s going to take a while to work out who the good and not-so-good sides are, but one thing is clear – MMB and Southall Athletic have got out of the blocks quickly.
As and when they can get everyone (even somewhere approaching) fit, MMB will have a decent side. Played three and won three illustrates that pretty well. Last week they travelled to Claygate Tertia and came out 5-2 winners.
Southall have also clearly bounced back well from their relegation. They were involved in a goal fest against Lighthouse Molesey; ten goals in total, six of which went to Southall. Old Thorntonians might be three points behind the top two, but that’s simply as they have played a game less. Another to perhaps keep an eye on.
Elsewhere Hersham registered their first league win; they beat Old Lyonians 2-1. That followed a 3-0 reverse against fourth-placed Wimbledonians on 20 September. Meadonians are also up and running points-wise thanks to a 2-1 win at new boys, Merton.
Looking ahead, MMB hit the road. They play Salvatorians. The hosts are played one, won one and the mood music is that they are a decent unit. Definitely game of the day in Div 3. Bottom of the table Merton will be looking to get up and running when they host second bottom Bank of England IIs. You get the feeling this might be 7-6 either way or 0-0! Southall at Meadonians also feels like it’s a contest between two of the better sides about.
ALL CHANGE FOR THE SUPERVETS?
The world of Supevets football has already received one big shock. Last year’s dominant force, Ascot United, lost their first contest of 2025-26. Claygate ran out deserved winners, securing the points thanks to a 4-1 win.
Lyonians have started the season impressively. They have two away wins under their belts, 4-3 at Cheam and 1-0 at Jamrock. Might a third one be incoming when they visit Ascot United on 3 October? We shall see.
Elsewhere this weekend Chelsea travel to Croxley Green. A battle of two of the more long-standing Supervets’ sides. Stonehouse are also in action. They take on the Whippets.
Go well everyone.