The Hellenic League Subsidiary Cup is a competition that was devised in order to supply teams in Division One West and East with a few more game to fill their football calendars.
This is because the Hellenic League Division One is split into a West and East region. This means that there are only thirteen clubs in each division which means a relatively short season of only twenty-four matches.
The competition has a slightly odd format in that there are seven groups that need to supply sixteen clubs for the knockout phase.
The top two in all seven groups will qualify for the next stage alongside the two best third placed clubs.
It will be up to the Hellenic League to decide how the third placed clubs are ranked with one another as the withdrawal of Carteton and Bicester Town from the Hellenic League has left two of the groups short of one team.
It is understood that teams that win their groups will be assured of a home tie in the first knockout phase.
Group A
Didcot Town Development lead Group A with Abingdon Town also qualifying in second place. Abingdon have had an odd competition so far, winning their first four games before a player issue meant they had to field their club secretary in goal against Wallingford Town.
Group B
A group that hasn’t concluded its games as yet. Holyport are group winners after two impressive 6-0 home victories over AFC Aldermaston and Woodley United.
Wokingham & Emmbrook’s loss against Holyport at Larges Lane means they have to defeat Woodley United in their last group fixture in January to snatch second place.
Group C
The withdrawal of Carterton and Bicester Town from the Hellenic League means that a couple of the Subsidiary groups have had to run with one team short. In this group Easington Sports have won all four of their games.
Group D
Clanfield 85 and North Leigh United have the top two places of this group sewn up with New College Swindon in 3rd. New College have had a difficult season in the Hellenic Division One West this season and are currently rock bottom.
Group E
Burnham’s Subsidiary Cup form has matched their excellent league displays so far this season. The Buckinghamshire club have won all six of their cup matches and have qualified easily for the knockout phase.
Second place is still just about up for grabs. If Chalvey Sports can avoid a heavy defeat to Chinnor in their last group game they will qualify in second place.
Group F
When Malmesbury Victoria began their Subsidiary Cup campaign with a 6-0 defeat to Cirencester Development it looked unlikely the club would end the campaign as group winners. However, a home and away double against Pewsey Vale and a storming 6-1 revenge victory over Cirencester Dev means the Flying Monk ground club are group winners and into the next round. Somewhat improbably they have the worst goal difference of any one else in Group F with -1. Cirencester Dev also qualify for the next round in 2nd place.
Group G
In another group that still a game to play Almondsbury lead the group. The Almonds have won all five games they have played in the competition. Their one game remaining against Newent Town will decide the group. If Newent can avoid defeat they will finish second, if they lose, goal difference will come into play.
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Main image: Ellis Day playing for Wokingham & Emmbrook against Holyport in the Subsidiary Cup by Neil Graham.