SURROUNDED by sheep and cows English Bicknor, admits Aaron Baldwin, is a backwater for most things...except football.

"We can hold our own with most teams," says Baldwin, manager of the village club's unbeaten Reserves team.

"We're thriving, with a successful First X1, an unbeaten Reserves team and a super youth side who are doing really well in the Hereford League."

Much improved Viney Hill - beaten by three goals on their own ground – were a tough nut to crack but eventually capitulated to a goal from left back Chris Barter. Baldwin suspects it was a cross but it zipped through a group of goalmouth players and beat Viney's 'keeper. "You will never get him to admit it was anything other than a top quality shot," says Baldwin.

The goal enabled Bicknor to claim their ninth win of the season. With three draws to their credit they are now at the halfway point and still unbeaten.

"We have a couple of weeks off now and then the New Year programme to look forward to. Our nearest rivals are Longhope and Blakeney. They are both five points behind us so there will be plenty to play for," says Baldwin.

He is happy with Bicknor's excellent spirit, a result, he says, of a combination of youth and experience. At 48 the long-serving defender Mark Tabberer is the oldest player and still an important member of the team. At the other end of the scale 16 year-old Jack Stalley is becoming an increasingly influential player.

Leading goal scorer is midfielder and wingman Declan Finley who has scored 11. He has team captain Dave Morgan hot on his heels. Having been top scorer for the past three seasons he will not want to give up his crown, says Baldwin.

The Division Two title remains the main aim.

"If we win we will be a division behind the First team. The aim of the club is to play Northern Senior League football so it might help if we can put some pressure on them," he says.