Gameweek five preview: Aspire PFC
- Charlie Mclellan
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
It is crunch time in the Slater & Gordon Premiership 2025/26, as the title race has come down to one exhilarating weekend.
After a season of ups and downs, several teams have a genuine chance of securing the coveted trophy and are separated by just one single point.
Many of these teams play each other in head-to-head clashes this weekend, so despite an unbeaten season so far for Aspire, it all comes down to this.
Aspire vs Teesside
Saturday - 09:30 - Court B
Match Overview
Teesside sit level on points with Aspire going into the final weekend. The reigning English champions have defended their crown strongly throughout the season, however a slip against Villa Rockets in GW4 blew the title race wide open again. The Tees need no introduction, with star quality and incredible team chemistry they are a formidable test.
Aspire and Teesside go into the final game of the weekend level on points, with Teesside ahead of Aspire in the standings due to a far superior goal difference.
Recent History
Teesside have risen to prominence in the last 18 months, and the meetings between them and Aspire since their establishment on the main stage have never failed to captivate. Last season was sheer dominance from Teesside, winning 3-0 against Aspire on both league meetings.
In gameweek one, Aspire beat Teesside 1-0 in a cagey affair through a John Dickson goal. That three points was the start of a statement from Aspire, that they would be much fiercer competitors this campaign than last. There is nothing to separate the sides going into the game, and it is sure to be one of the most-watched games of the season.
Opposition Season So Far
It is clear that Teesside have faced increased expectations this campaign. While last season they were the clear underdogs in the title race, many people had the Tees as clear favourites this term.
They have risen to the pressure that comes with expectations admirably, and until the last weekend looked unflappable. Although a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Villa would have been a big body blow to Teesside, the title remains in their control as they face their three biggest challengers this weekend.
Tyler Reeve and Ed Common have an incredible understanding, and have underpinned Teesside all season. Mitch Tinkler is enjoying a strong season personally, currently leading the league's scoring charts. Teesside play quick, free-flowing football, however are also more than willing to engage in the physical game with the dribbling prowess of Reeve.
Aspire vs Leeds
Saturday - 13:00 - Court A
Match Overview
Leeds go into the final weekend top of the table after a stellar season. Since the signings of Ethan Fisher and Dylan Kelsall in the summer, Leeds have been the talk of the powerchair footballing town. Their incredible starting four and strong bench have performed to the high level expected of them this campaign, and they now go into the last weekend with a lead on Aspire and Teesside, making them favourites for many.
Across the season, Leeds have played some incredible attacking football, and despite being knocked out of the WFA Cup, have performed consistently.
Recent History
The last meeting between Aspire and Leeds was an intense affair. Aspire were the dominant force, and had full control of the game. After having a goal disallowed in the first half, Aspire took the lead late through Mclellan, but were pegged back under controversial circumstances just minutes later and so the game ended level.
An equally fierce contest is expected this weekend, in another hotly anticipated match for the whole community. There will be up to four current England senior internationals on the court for this one, an entire team, clearly demonstrating the quality that will be on show.
Opposition Season So Far
Leeds flirted with a title push last season, however fell just short of genuinely competing. The signings of Ethan Fisher and Dylan Kelsall, both full England internationals, changed that. Leeds have played some breath-taking football at times, particularly against sides lower down the table.
The challenge for Leeds will be trying to replicate that aggressive, four-out approach in games against teams alongside them at the top of the table. Often, when faced with more sturdy opponents, Leeds have opted for a more conservative three and one set up. If they can mesh their free-flowing attacking football from some matches, and their defensive excellence from others, they will truly be a force to be reckoned with.
At the last national league weekend, Leeds were faultless. Their 2-1 win over Greenbank, having been knocked out of the cup by them just six days earlier, showed their resilience and quality.
Aspire Vs Sevenoaks
Saturday - 15:20 - Court B
Match Overview
Aspire play Sevenoaks in the last match of a gruelling Saturday schedule. The 'Oaks are currently fighting relegation after several years of real stability in the Premiership. For many, Sevenoaks are the heroes of this campaign, after facing real adversity earlier on in the season.
Myles Miller, a Sevenoaks player who was beloved by many, sadly passed away between the first two national league weekends in a tragic loss for both the club and community. The resilience shown to battle through that adversity has been impressive, and whatever league they are in next season, Sevenoaks' togetherness should be feared by any opponent.
Recent History
The last league meeting between these two sides was the first match for Sevenoaks after Miller's passing, and was played in his memory. Aspire won a closely contested clash 3-0, but had to work hard to break down a strong Sevenoaks defence.
Kyle Alexander and James Mason were a tough defensive partnership to break down on that day, and if Alexander can overcome some recent chair difficulties and be available this weekend, they will pose a stern test to the Aspire attack once more.
Opposition Season So Far
As mentioned, it has been a bitterly difficult campaign for Sevenoaks. That said, they have stuck together and picked up much praise along the way. Last weekend, Sevenoaks wingers George Shippey and Stanley Ball picked up the joint 'unsung hero' award for their efforts both offensively and in defence.
The Oaks' wingers have a strong understanding of defensive positioning, making them a really tough unit to break down.
Aspire Vs Villa Rockets
Sunday - 09:15 - Court B
Match Overview
This is the fifth (and we believe final) meeting between Aspire and Villa this season, as these two sides have just not been able to shake each other.
Villa have had an excellent season, and have a lot to play for going into the final weekend. They will want to secure fifth place in the league, which would be a great placement to consolidate their strong campaign.
Villa have had some historic wins this season. They became just the fourth team in English history to beat the top two from the campaign prior in a season, beating Teesside and West Bromwich Albion 1-0 respectively this season.
Recent History
The most recent, and most exciting encounter between Aspire and Villa this season was the WFA Cup tie between the pair in Birmingham back in March.
Aspire took the lead early through Jon Bolding, only to be pegged back minutes later by a fantastic Humzah Mudhir finish. The game was tense and atmospheric, but Aspire booked their place in the cup quarter-finals through a second half John Dickson goal.
A great advert for the cup, watched by many, if Sunday’s game is anything like the last Aspire-Villa clash, it will be a cracker!
Opposition Season So Far
Villa currently seventh in the Premiership, however they are just two points off Newcastle in fifth. They have grown as the season has progressed, and have a system built on their defensive solidity and ability to progress up the court as a team unit. Humzah Mudhir and Amir Ali form a robust defensive partnership, one of the toughest to break down in the division.
Dave Lewis is the top Villa scorer with six goals. He has been included in several team of the weekends this season, and has a real chance of inclusion in the end of season awards. Villa have two games against sides at the bottom of the table on Saturday, before taking on Aspire on Sunday morning, and a crucial fixture with West Brom which could have an influence on their league placement.
Aspire Vs Greenbank
Sunday - 13:55 - Court A
Match Overview
In Aspire's last game of the weekend, they take on fourth-placed Greenbank. The Greenies have had a strong season, competing in the title race for the vast majority of it. Last weekend saw Greenbank fall behind their three competitors following a 2-1 loss to Leeds. Due to their points total and games played, it would be a big shock if Greenbank were able to force themselves back into the title conversations.
Greenbank have a strong team. The young talent of Jacob Buch-Platt, alongside senior internationals in Marcus Harrison and Thorbjorn Krarup and the experience of Luke Kelly has formed a cohesive unit which has swatted opposition aside this campaign. If they can keep their core squad together, Greenbank will be very competitive next season as well.
Recent History
The last league meeting between Aspire and Greenbank was a closely contested 1-1 draw. Greenbank capitalised on an early defensive mishap from Aspire to take the lead.
Dan Mclellan equalised late on, a big goal which preserved the Aspire unbeaten record in the league (which remains to this point).
Opposition Season So Far
Greenbank have flirted with seriously competing at the top of the table, but fallen short on a few occasions.
A disappointing defeat to Throstles, alongside defeats to Teesside and Leeds have pushed them out of serious contention for the ultimate prize this season. However, after being promoted just two seasons ago, Greenbank will see lots of successes in this campaign, and will look to build on it for the future.
Greenbank also remain in the WFA Cup, and so still have a strong chance of lifting some silverware this season, even if the Premiership title evades them.
The Current Standings
From The Aspire Camp
Winger and vice-captain Dan Mclellan said: "We’re all buzzing for the weekend. We’ve worked really hard as a group this season, and we’re determined to win the title this weekend.
"We are going to need everyone associated with the team to pull together and support us. Come on Aspire!"
Follow Our Games
This game will be streamed live on YouTube by the WFA. Each game is individually scheduled, these links will be shared on our social media during the weekend.
You can find the link to the channel here: The WFA - YouTube
Updates will be posted to Aspire social media throughout the weekend, with a full write up of the matches to follow.
There will also be an episode of club podcast 'The Aspire Review' to discuss all of the weekend's action following its conclusion.
As with all Premiership weekends, this event will be taking place at the Lee Westwood Sports Centre, Nottingham Trent University. Spectators are welcome.
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