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Wednesday 28 December 2011

All's well for Harworth

GLAPWELL FC 1 HARWORTH COLLIERY INSTITUTE 3

After a good Bonanza Meeting with Glapwell FC in their Committee Room, I moved in to their cosy clubhouse, where I was greeted by Fellow blogger Rob Waite, who produced a £10 note for this blogs Charity(many thanks Rob). After a chat and a cuppa, in came lots of local hoppers and faces I'd not seen for a while.

After purchasing a nice Cheeseburger with onions, I decided to take a stroll down to the seated stand on the halfway line and sat with Richard & Rikki Lane, Rob Waite and other local hoppers.

With Glapwell having the wind behind them they pushed forward and took the lead through a header midway through the First Half, the only other highlight was their striker having to leave the field for a minute, as I think he had had a few too many of his mum's famous Rum flavoured mince pies!

Straight from Kick off in the Second Half, Harworth stepped up their game and a 30 yard shot left the home keeper diving in to thin air, as the ball was nestled in the back of the net.

Glapwell then broke and a early whistle on the ref's whistle called play back for a free kick, when the advantage had seen the home player clean through and he put the ball in the back of the net, this was then the turning point of the game, as Harworth rolled up their sleeves and pressed forward and seemed to be camped in the Glapwell half and it came as no surprise when the away team took the lead, within a minute they had increased it.

As the game drifted on, my feet were frozen, so was glad to hear the sound of the final whistle. Always a nice welcome at Glapwell and is sure to prove popular on the Bonanza with its club shop and bar in full swing.

Remember Advanced Bonanza Tickets & Coach Tickets can be bought from me, please contact me on my e-mail on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

Glapwell FC Website

Harworth CI Website
SUTTON TOWN AFC 2 AFC HUCKNALL 2



Yesterday it was over to The Fieldings, the home of Sutton Town AFC where they took on AFC Hucknall. On arrival, I said hello to the 3 officials, Ref Dec and his Assistants, his dad Robin Bourne and Mick Green.

After a nice cuppa, I was chatting to a Traveller who had come from Telford but originated from Scarborough, so informed him that 2 people from Scarborough were coming to this match. We then joined by Ian from Milton Keynes, who infact is a Scarborough fan and was on his way home from up north.

The game kicked off and with just 20 seconds gone the visitors had taken a very early lead, it was so early our 2 friends from Scarborough had missed it, as they came through the turnstile at 2.05pm. We all greeted each other and then like magic, who was to come in, the Scarborough Manager and a friend of mine Rudi Funk, so I left all the Scarbough folks to chat with him. I went down to the half way line and spent the rest of the First Half in the company of Mark Thorpe and Scott Mason.
It came to half time and I took the 2 lads from Scarborough and the chap from Milton Keynes in to the hospitality Lounge where they purchased their CMFL Bonanza Tickets. It was then time for a cuppa and out for the Second Half , where I joined the fellow hoppers to have a chat and laugh and watch some of the game.

Sutton equalised before taking a lead which they held till the final minute, But Hucknall didnt give up and scored right near the end. Another note was well done to Dec the Ref who pulled up midway through the Second Half but was able to continueand did a superb job in the middle as usual.

Pictures from the match please click the link below
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Sutton%20Town%20AFC%202%20AFC%20Hucknall%202/

Tonight I'm off to Glapwell v Harworth CI 7.45pm Kick off and I will have the CMFL Bonanza Tickets with me for sale if anyone wishes to buy any.

Saturday 17 December 2011

Dronfield Town Ground Out Win to Go to The top

DRONFIELD TOWN 2 HARWORTH COLLIERY INSTITUTE 0

Well today I ventured in to Derbyshire to Dronfield as I had a Bonanza Meeting with their Committee before the match, as usual a nice welcome and a nice cuppa coffee on arrival.

After the meeting came the match against Harworth CI, who I had seen only 2 weeks ago win away at Parkhouse FC, so a close encounter was expected.

The game kicked off and both sides cancelled each other out in this battle of the First Half and the only worthy thing on note was that the ball went out of play and the Home Manager went to kick a replacement ball  on to the pitch and slipped on to his backside, which all the crowd enjoyed at his expense.

The Second Half was a lot better and Dronfield stepped it up a bit and a bit of a wicked defection saw the ball float above the Harworth keeper to open up the scoring.

Harworth pressed forward with Dronfield playing one up front and the home side broke through(with a slight hint of offside, to which the Assistant Ref said, well you was played onside but I dont know who by), the attacker lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to give Dronfield the points.

Must say how well the pitch looked as we had a lot of frost and rain recently and Dronfield are looking to their Bonanza match in March.

So dont forget folks, to e-mail me for a Bonanza Booking Form on hornby60u@yahoo.co.uk more details can be found on this blog for the Bonanza tickets etc.

Photo's from this match can be found at
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Dronfield%20Town%202%20Harworth%20CI%200/


Dronfield Town FC Website
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dronfieldtownfc


Harworth CI FC Website
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/harworthcollieryinstitute/

Saturday 10 December 2011

Bilborough Pelican Snipe Sutton For 6

BILBOROUGH PELICAN 6 SUTTON TOWN AFC 1

With 80 minutes gone, no one in the ground would have believed the final score if you'd have said this game will finish 6-1 to the home side, but a amazing finish to the game and thats how it did finish.

Leaving Mansfield quite early , we thought we would pop to one of my favourite cafes for breakfast..the Bobbers Mill Cafe, but on arrival there, it was closed, so it was off down to the cafe at the side of my old workplace..Dunkirk Fire Station..now the Fire Station is all sadly boarded up, a sign of the cut backs. After Breakfast, we popped over to Clifton to see my youngest lad from my 1st marriage. It was then a 5 minute drive for over Clifton Bridge for Hazel to Bilborough Pelican FC(the hosts of this seasons Friday evening Bonanza match) where today they entertained Sutton Town AFC.

When we got there, I was greeted by the 3 officials for the game  and was asked if I knew of the Official that we was having a minutes silence for. I hadnt heard of him I replied. We walked round the corner and I firstly bumped in to Shoey and then Big Glen, followed by Swifty and then Sutton's manager Shorty and finally the Assessor of todays match Mr Golbourn. Then in came in to the ground was Steve, who came upstairs and made us a cuppa. Several people all had a chat to us and my son Shawn was enjoying himself making a chance of using up his energy with all the open space to run about in.

After the minutes silence, the game kicked off at a frantic pace, with the home side on the front foot and after 5 minutes went in to a goal lead. The visitors pressed forward and Pelican's defence held firm, before on 20 minutes, Pelican made it 2-0. Sutton became more in to the game and went close several times with the home keeper in outstanding form. 

At Half Time, I met Nidge up near the refreshments bar and had a chat. The Second Half kicked off and Sutton continued to press forward and then reduced the arrears. I then spotted Declean Bourne, a Ref who had his match at Lincoln Moorlands postponed today, so spent the rest of the match having a chat with him. 

Sutton now looked the better side and looked like they may well score a well deserved equaliser, but then came the amazing last 10 minutes, when Pelican scored to increase their lead to 3-1, you thought oh well game over..well it was but not how we thought as Sutton's heads just went straight down and Pelican played like they wanted to score each time they attacked and they did just that, to make the final score 6-1.

A final mention to both sides on how well they both played and in what god spirit as well, with all 3 officials having a good game.


Bilborough Pelican FC Website

Sutton Town AFC Website

Sunday 4 December 2011

Parkhouse FC 2 Harworth Colliery Institute FC 3

Parkhouse FC 2 Harworth Colliery Institute FC 3

Ventured in to Clay Cross to visit Parkhouse FC, on arrival was greeted by the two smiling gatemen and then by Nobby Clark the clubs Sec and Martin who was selling the 50/50 raffle. Nobby invited me in to the Bonanza Suite, which I opened back in September, as Parkhouse had used the proceeds of the money they made on last seasons Bonanza to buy a new portacabin to offer matchday hospitality..Whilst chatting I saw Simon Stones the Harworth CI Secretary so went off for a chat with him, at that stage, Simon produced a £10 note and asked that it be donated to my blog charity which I was very grateful for and it took the total over the £200 mark. After a cuppa, the match kicked off and it was soon apparent that the Parkhouse keeper was struggling as he pulled up and had to be replaced in goal by a outfield player. After a even 30 minutes, Parkhouse broke down the left and a cross found their forward who smashed the ball home. On 42 minutes, Harworth broke down the right, a cross shot came in with everyone beaten and tickled toward the goal and hit the inside of the post and bounced out and then  it was blocked on the line..maybe this was to be Parkhouse;s lucky day..well the answer was to be no, the next attack 30 seconds later and a fierce shot found the back of the net, so the teams went in level at half time.


The Second Half had hardly kicked off as I was still drinking my coffee when a shot from near the half way line flew in to the Parkhouse net to give the visitors the lead. Parkhouse looked stunned and worse was to come as the next attack, Harworth increased their lead to 3-1. Parkhouse then seemed to believe in themselves and pushed forward and they had a few chances, but this left gaps at the back and Harworth played on the break and could well have scored more . With 10 minutes to go, Parkhouse pulled a goal back, so was we in for a tense last 10 minutes, well Parkhouse had a shot that was smothered near the end and Harworth was happy to just clear the ball up field and in the end were worthy of the win.


After the game it was back to the pub and each year Parkhouse have a Skittles Competition and they asked me to make the draw, then I stayed for a couple of pints.

Parkhouse FC Website
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/parkhousesatfc/80477/Home

Harworth Colliery Welfare FC Website
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/harworthcollieryinstitute/

Saturday 19 November 2011

Basford United 1 Attenborough FC 0

Basford United 1 Attenborough FC 0
Notts FA Senior Cup: 2nd Round

Last week Basford United suffered their first defeat of the season, so it was going to be interesting how they was going to bounce back. Infact they werent firing on all cylinders today, but did enough to book a 3rd round plum home draw against Rainworth Miners Welfare next month.

The First Half proved very equal with both sides cancelling each other out with little terms of opportunities in front of goal. The Second Half, Basford came out more fired up and were denied taking the lead when the Borough keeper pulled off 2 superb saves, as the game looked doomed for extra time in the cold, Basford beat the offside trap and fired home the winner. To Attenborough's credit they had chances of their own to equalise, but the homesters held on for a victory.

Pics from the match

Basford United Website

Attenborough FC Website

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Blidworth Welfare 2 Nottingham United 2

BLIDWORTH WELFARE 2 NOTTINGHAM UNITED 2

Well my first visit to the Welfare Ground this season and one of my favourites in the Central Midlands League for the view from the top near the tea bar.

On arrival, I was greeted by clubman and good friend Dave Voller who seems to have been with the club for years and also Mister Blidworth himself Chris Wain.

I stood at the gate chatting to ex Secretary Alan Charlton when ex Eastwood Town FC kit man and now Alfreton Town FC fan came in  and asked for a badge. I mentioned that I saw the Nottingham United sec wearing one and would he be interested, so when Martin Minkov walked past, he seemed to lose his badge for £3 off his suit!

Good Friend Richard Lane then appeared in the distance across the cricket pavilion and joined us, with ref's assessor Sean Richardson.

We all headed to pitchside and shared stories as the match started out as well boring..until a brilliant struck goal after just 23 minutes to put the home side in front.

After a Half time cuppa and a lovely Hot dog(may I say the best in the league tasted so far and I got the last one), it was back to pitchside with the away side doing the attacking and it came as no surprise when they levelled up the scores.

Blidworth then pushed forward and scored another superb goal to put them back in front, but the visitors were not to give up and scored a well deserved equaliser before the end before the game petered out for a share of the points

Blidworth Welfare Website

Nottingham United Website

Saturday 12 November 2011

DFS Welbeck Welfare 0 Dronfield Town 6

DFS Welbeck Welfare 0 Dronfield Town 6


Always a friendly welcome from Welbeck when I go to see them and today they played hosts to another friendly club Dronfield Town FC. After a nice cup of coffee and the taking of Welbeck Welfare's team pic, a two minutes silence was observed by all in the ground at Forest Town.

The game kicked off, with the away side forcing forward and getting themselves a early penalty, up stepped the spot taker and the Welbeck Keeper more than matched his shot with a excellent save. This seemed to install some belief in to pointless Welbeck who the took the game to their opponents and created chances of their own. With a surprise half time score of 0-0, was there to be a shock on the  cards?

Dronfield Town came out sharper in the Second Half, but after 50 minutes, the ball was played out to the Welfare right wing with 3 home players waiting in the middle of the box for him to pull the ball back for one of them, but he tried for glory and his effort hit the side netting and the chance had gone.

The next attack on 53 minutes belonged to the visitors and they took the lead, this seemed to put a spring in their step and spurred them forward and soon more goals followed at regular intervals. A highlight for Welbeck was when the home keeper saved his 2nd penalty of the game in the second half.

A couple of things from today:


Referee Harry Hawkins and his two Assistants Andy Dallison & Andy Bills were outstanding

DFS Welbeck Welfare: If they can play as well as they did in the First Half, all game then they will soon be picking up points, they just need that confidence.
Also they may well be playing back at Medan Vale on their old pitch very soon

Dronfield Town:  sit in joint 2nd place, 3 points behind League leaders Yorkshire Main with a game in hand. Their manager Craig Butler is doing a sponsored climb of Kilimanjaro from 1st Feb - 10th Feb in aid of floodlights for the club.


DFS Welbeck Welfare Website

Dronfield Town FC

Saturday 5 November 2011

OLLERTON TOWN 3 BENTLEY COLLIERY 2

OLLERTON TOWN 3 BENTLEY COLLIERY 2

On arrival at the Lane, the home of Ollerton Town FC, I was kindly greeted by all from the Ollerton Town Committee and had a quick cuppa coffee. As the fine rain was falling, I took my position in the stand behind the goal towards where the visitors were attacking, but the First attack took place up the other end of the ground and it was the home side who took the lead after only 2 minutes.

Both teams played some good football and the referee played some good advantages to let the game keep moving, on the half hour, Bentley equalised with a sweet chip over the advancing Sprigg in the Ollerton goal today.

In to the Second Half and Dave Winters men seemed to be a bit more up for this and it showed when they re-took the lead just after the hour mark, but could they hold on? The answer was they should have but didnt and 8 minutes from the end, Bentley equalised for a second time. 

With only 3 minutes to go, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when their player used foul and abusive langague, which he disagreed with on his dismissal. With moments to go, things went from bad to worse, when correctly so the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a Bentley defender had upended the Ollerton winger, to which the Ollerton defender fired home for the victory.

At the Final whistle, Bentley Management felt the Referee had a poor match and told me so, but in my mind, I felt the referee had a good game and Ollerton fully deserved their day today.

Photo's from the match
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Ollerton%20Town%203%20Bentley%20Colliery%202/
 


Ollerton Town FC Website
http://www.ollertontownfc.co.uk/


Bentley Colliery FC Website
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bentleycollieryfootballclub/

Dont forget folks that CMFL Bonanza Advance Tickets are now on sale, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk for all information & Booking Form.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Worksop Parramore 1 Rossington Main 4

WORKSOP PARRAMORE 1 ROSSINGTON MAIN 4

Last week Worksop Parramore Vice Chairman Max Ross facebooked me to ask when I was going to pay a visit to Worksop Parramore, as I hadnt been to Sandy Lane to sethem this season, though I had seen Worksop Parramore in their first pre-season friendly away at Parkhouse FC. I replied that I would come along when they had a midweek match. Whilst flicking through the internet towards the weekend, I noticed that tonight they were at home to Rossington Main, so I got Hazel to drop me off at Mansfield Woodhouse Train Station and I caught a train to Worksop, then asked a local where the ground was..later I found out that the local sent me the long way round to the ground..he possibly saw the size of my belly and thought that fat chap needs to get some of that weight off him! I found the ground up a giant hill and Max opened the door of the Social Club, where inside we had a chat with owner Pete Whitehead, Steve Smith and of course Max Ross before the players began to trickle in.

I had a couple of pints in the clubhouse and chattered to old friend and one of the Assistant Refs of the night Ian Cox and then had a chat with the band of the friendly committee from Rossington Main.

Then came in to the Clubhouse, Groundhoppers Terry from York and Chris from Southampton and Chris has asked me to send him the info for the upcoming CMFL Bonanza, we had a good chat and then we headed to pitchside.

The game kicked off and Parramore went straight on the attack and could have been 1 up after only 30 seconds but for brave goalkeeping diving at the attackers feet and smothering the ball. The game then went end to end and it was a very good open game, then on 32 minutes, the visitors broke free and fired them selves in to the lead. Parramore seemed a bit taken back by this and seemed to not offer much in return as Rossington pushed forward on the counter attack and on 44 minutes doubled their lead.

Parramore came out the Second Half a lot more fired up and reigned attack after attack on the Main defence and eventually on 53 minutes pulled themselves back in it when the centre half came up and planted a superb header in to the back of the net. At this stage, it looked as if the homesters may just fight back and equalise and possibly take control of the game, but the visitors had other ideas and broke well and scored a very well worked 3rd goal that seemed to dent the home side. The visitors for a young side played with a lot of confidence and knocked the ball around well, whilst Parramore was struggling to string the passes together and play the football that has put them towards the top of the table, so it came as no surprise in the 88th minute that Rossington scored yet again and killed the game off and took home the three pints that they well deserved.

Worksop Parramore Website

Rossington Main Website

Sunday 30 October 2011

Normo extend lead at top of the table

South Normanton AFC 4 Clifton FC 1
Was going to go to Bilborough Pelican v Calverton MW, but not feeling too well stayed a bit closer to home, so chose this game, as I needed to pop some Non League Directorys in to South Normanton, also last visit they were playing very well.


The game kicked off with Clifton taking the game to the home side and creating the better of the chances in a hard fought scrappy First Half, but ending goal-less.


The Second Half kicked off and South Normanton were straight on the attack and Briscoe blasted over from inside the box. On 50 minutes, Briscoe was played through and went to round the keeper but his shot was blocked and fell outside the area to Connelly who slotted the ball in to open up the scoring.


Clifton then showed true grit and rolled up their sleeves and went on the attack and got just rewards when Richardson equalised on the hour and at this stage the visitors looked the better of the teams. This wasnt to last long though as Normo stepped the game up and in the 70th minute a long lopping ball came in from the left wing, which the away keeper attempted to punch clear but didnt make a clean contact, fell to Connelly who knocked the ball towards the goal and Nicholls prodded the ball in to the back of the net.


On 80 minutes, the home side extended their lead when Summers shot found its way in to the net. Clifton pushed forward and the home keeper saved a couple of good efforts before in the 87th minute, Nicholls hit a crisp 25 yard shot for the goal of the game to extend his clubs lead at the top to 10 points.


It was good to see at the match, ex Clifton player Jermaine Jenas who goes and supports them when ever he can, at present, he is on loan at Aston Villa from Tottenham Hotspur. Even the young gateman was pleased to charge him £3 admission!




After the match, both clubs paid tribute to each other saying they were the best sides they have played this season so far.

Link to pics taken at yesterdays match
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/South%20Normanton%20AFC%204%20Clifton%20FC%201/

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Stamford Keep up the Challenge

HUCKNALL TOWN 0 STAMFORD 2
Admission £7(ticket kindly left by AFC Manager Dan Pheasant)
Programme £2 (poor)
Bovril £1
Attendance: 171

About 5 weeks ago before I went on holiday, Gary Salisbury appeared on my Facebook, a name I knew from years ago, infact him and his dad used to run the Clubshop at Stamford and I've known them for getting on over 20 plus years.

When getting back from Cornwall, Gary had left me a message, as asking if I'd like to go to this evening's match and that him and his dad Dave would pick me up on route, to which I replied, I'd love to meet up with you both, as its been about 12 years since we last saw each other.

Well Gary isnt the little kid I used to know anymore, infact he is 32 years old and not long before he becomes a dad..He is now the Media Officer at Stamford, whilst his dad Dave is a director.

Dave and Gary arrived at my house and we set off the 7 miles to Watnall Road, the home of Hucknall Town FC, chatting away about what had happened in our lives since we had last all seen each other. Dan Pheasant the AFC Hucknall Manager, I'd seen at Clifton on Saturday, said he would try and get me a ticket in to the ground for tonight's match, so I asked at the gate and the gateman sent me in to the clubhouse to look for Ali, the kindly spoken bearded man confirmed my name was on the list and to go straight in, where Gary was waiting the other side.

We strolled up to the Half way line and gathered with some more Stamford supporters, then along came Malc Storer who I introduced to a few people, I noticed that Malc had jotted down the team numbers on his pad and asked if he wanted the line - up's as Gary had the Official team sheet.

At half time, it was nil nil and thats about how many shots there was in the half! was it me? was i going to see my 1st 0-0 of the season..it very much looked likely. Was going to walk over to the tea bar on the other side of the ground and saw the queue, when a Stamford supporter said, they sell drinks in the club shop, so went in and asked for a black coffee..sorry its got powdered milk in! ok have you got black tea..ermm..no! we got bovril, thats not got milk in..I bloody well hope it aint, so bovril it was.

Coming back outside, we bumped back in to Malc Storer, who seemed of the same opinion as me, he said I could have been watching sky now in the warmth of my living room..I remarked..not Man City again..he replied..no Real Madrid! and off he went in to the darkness.

The game kicked off and I started to head to the far end of the ground, when Nat Watson, who has just signed for Stamford hit a crisp 40 yarder, which somehow slid under the keeper to give the visitors the lead on 47 minutes.

As I caught up with the away supporters on 50 minutes, the ball was played from the middle to the wing and a low cross was turned past his own keeper by the Home number 2 to double the visitors lead.

Hucknall then huffed and puffed, but their shooting was a bit to be desired, with the ball going out the ground, hitting the fencing at the back of the goal and not really testing the keeper, so all in all a good three points for Stamford who keep up their challenge towards the top of the table.

Hucknall Town FC Website

Stamford Website
http://www.stamfordafc.net/


Dont forget folks for CMFL Bonanza details or booking form, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 22 October 2011

AFC Hucknall enjoy their away day

CLIFTON FC 0 AFC HUCKNALL 2


Well a early start to the day, with my grandson Jacon waking us up at 6am on a matchday! Well after a good healthy breakfast, it was on the road to deliver some Non League Directorys, first stop was to Martin Williams of Arnold Town FC fame and we had a good chat about the upcoming CMFL Bonanza where he is going to download his form and send for his Advanced Ticket, though he will only be attending 2 of the games, he understands the importance of the Advance ticket benefiting all 10 clubs that put themselves out to play the fixtures at different times and he gets the programme pack that he requiresas well.

Then it was off to Radford FC who have always greeted me and my family with open arms and were a tad disappointed that I wasnt stopping for the match, but I will get there in the season I promise.
 We then got on to the ring road and off to Dunkirk FC to deliver some more and met up with my ex brother in law Darren Miller and we had a good old chat.

As we went in to Clifton there was just one more cal I had to make and that was into the local supermarket, not that I wanted anything but my youngest son Brett from my 1st marriage works there, so it was a good chance to see him and buy a few bits and bobs.

Clifton FC is based on the south of the city and a place I have a lot of time for, having lived on the estate for over 15 years and where 3 of my lads were bought up, infact 2 still live there. On arrival, Jacob was fast asleep in the car, so Hazel relaxed whilst I went and had a cuppa, then came along Rob Campion, who writes the great blog "All Roads Lead Somewhere" with his dad, after a chat, it was kick off time and Clifton FC were favourites going in to this game, but having spoken to Danny Pheasant the AFC Hucknall Manager, he had quoted " we should have more points on the board, but we just cant score, though were have been playing very well but been getting beat".

The First Half was a close encounter with AFC Hucknall going close on a couple of occassions, whilst Clifton FC had chances of their own, but just as the half look asif it was going to be goal-less int he 43rd Minute, a break down the left by the Hucknall number 9 saw his shot squeeze between the post and the home keeper in to the net to give the away side the lead.

After a no doubt good half time talking to, Clifton FC came out and seemed to step up a gear, but they hit the bar then the post and then wasted several opportunities that on another day may well have hit the back of the net, but today just hit the college grounds at the back of the goal.

With just 2 minutes remaining, Hucknall's Number 7 turned his man in the box and fired in to the net to give AFC Hucknall a deserved win on the day.

More pics from the game, please click on the link below

Clifton FC Website

Saturday 15 October 2011

Pinxton 10 beat Clifton 9

PINXTON FC 3 CLIFTON FC 2
Not sure where to go today until last night, I decided to go and watch Pinxton FC v Clifton FC. Last time I saw Pinxton they crashed and burned at South Normanton and have put together a string of impressive results, whilst CMFL newcomers Clifton FC have been doing well in their first season. On arrival at the ground, I bumped in to old friend Steve Hardy and Pinxton Chair "Bones", after a nice cuppa coffee it was up to pitchside where I met League Chair Frank Harwood who had me a bag full of current season programmes from the CMFL.
The match kicked off and I had hardly set up my camera when on the first break of the match after just 2 minutes, Pinxton FC forced their way in to the lead through Ben Moore. Clifton looked a bit shocked but "Hardy rallyed his troops and on 15 minutes they got a free kick out side the box and the ball flew in to the top corner of the net to level things up from Neil Thompson.
From this point, Clifton seemed to have bit more confidence and broke well and Pinxton had their keeper to thank on 3 occasions when saving 3 one on ones to keep them in the match and level at half time.
The Second Half was a different tale though, as it was the home side that came out more fired up, but on 60 minutes the visitors Vaughan Harvey lunged in to a 2 footed tackle and the referee was given no choice but to dismiss the away side to 10 men. From the resulting free kick, the ball was floated for Elliott Jones to nod home. After 70 minutes, Pinxton gave themselves a 2 goal cushion when Danny Williams smashed the ball in to the Clifton net.
With 10 minutes remaining, Riley and Thompson became in a tangle, with both players getting a bit upset and both striking out, with Thompson ending on the floor, the Referee consulted his Assistants before showing the red cards to both the players after a bit of a 16 to 20 man hangbags.
Clifton pushed forward with 9 players and got a goal back through Michael Evans and at the end they had 5 corners and sent the keeper up, but all to no avail.
It was good to see Malc"the Bearded Wonder" Storer  at the match and he won the raffle, as he walked past me with a tub of Roses, plus Kev Goodman and also Brian Dennett and best wishes go to him as he goes in hospital on Thursday.
Todays Pics can be found on
Pinxton Website
Clifton FC Website

Saturday 8 October 2011

Tuffley Find Life hard at the top

TUFFLEY ROVERS 0 CRIBBS FRIENDS LIFE 3
Gloucestershire County Football League
Attendance: 53
Programme: £1
Coffee 60p
On the way back home from Cornwall, we usually stop off at a match in this lovely friendly League, so on Thursday Afternoon, I rang the League Sec Mr Ron Holpin to confirm the kick off was 3pm and also for the Tuffley Sec's Graham Moody's phone number.

On arrival we found a McDonalds down the road but though seeing the floodlights could not find a entrance to the Car Park, after driving down a main road, we found a entrance and Hazel parked next to some bungalows at the side of the ground, we was greeted by Graham, a cheerful chap who donated some programmes to me for the Bonanza Stall.

Then Ron arrived with 2 of his friends and we had a chat and laughed about the 5 subs and how no one ever puts a goalkeeper on the bench and we remarked how you never see a Keeper ever get hurt...opps..how those words came back to haunt us!

The game kicked off and Rovers went forward taking the game to their visitors who had recently knocked them out of the League Cup and this game meant a lot as Rovers were top, whilst Cribbs were laying in second place before kick off today. After just 6 minutes a pure freak accident as the away attacker and the home keeper rose for the same ball, the keeper fell to the ground and let out a scream and all knew in the crowd he was to take no further part, a stretcher came on and a ambulance had arrived by half time, where he was taken off to hospital( I hope that the lad makes a speedy recovery and things are as bad as it seems).


This unsettled the League Leaders plans and had to bring on a sub keeper who knew how to punch a ball, but Cribs stepped up their game and it came as no surprise when the 1st goal went in past him, the worry then was a matter of if the home side would fold and collapse but all credit to them, they carried on working hard but the final ball in from the wing was missing or the shots was not troubling the away keeper.

At the Half Time break came a nice surprise, in the tuck shop they sold Hot Dogs and was they nice, 2 hot dogs(Proper Sausages as well!) and a black coffee only £2.20, what a bargain.

In to the 2nd half and I'd just reached my seat and the Cribbs had doubled their advantage. Tuffley then possibly then had their best spell of the game, with a few good moves running at the Cribbs defence and firing just over and also a beautiful free kick that sprung back off the crossbar from 30 yards out.

In to injury time and Cribbs put the final nail in the coffin with a break away goal to send them to the top of the table on goal difference.

A good clean match, officials did very well, if you havent been to Tuffley Rovers FC, then I'd recommend going to pay them a visit, a friendly club.

To See Match Photos, please click

Tuffley Rovers FC Website

Cribbs Friends Life FC Website


Gloucestershire County Senior League Website
http://countyleague.co.uk/default.htm


Tuesday 4 October 2011

LAUNCESTON v CULLUMPTON RANGERS

LAUNCESTON FC 3 CULLUMPTON RANGERS 1
SWPL
ADMISSION £4
PROGRAMME - YES
FOOD - PIE & CHIPS

After visiting Okehampton AFC last Easter, my wife Hazel wanted to visit Okehampton Town Centre to look round the shops, so after a nice breakfast in a nice busy café in Okehampton and a shock of finding Car Parking at only £2.20 for the whole day, we walked round this lovely town, before in the afternoon heading down the A30 to Launceston Town Centre to visit a few of their shops.

We arrived at Launceston FC Car Park at 5.50pm and sat in the car until we saw the clubhouse open up just after 6pm, on arrival inside, we was made very welcome and I soon found the lovely lady I’d spoken to the evening before in the kitchen who had sorted me some programmes out for the CMFL Bonanza Charity Stall…We then had a coffee and a couple of teas and pop for Shawn and came to a cheap amount of only £2. Whilst chatting as you do, I mentioned it must have been 12 years since I had been to the ground and that was when they held their Groundhop match and I remember a young attractive lady who was the Managers daughter being the Programme Editor, the lady then replied that was her and she was still doing the programme! Hey and what a great programme she does as well.

Then a chap popped in to the clubhouse and approached me and asked for me by name, well on the Cornwall Football Forum over the weekend some one was throwing 15 years of programmes away and wanted to know if they were any used to anyone, so I private messaged the gentleman and explained what games I would be attending whilst on holiday, little did I kn0ow until I got talking to him that he was the Referee at last week’s match I watched at Penzance FC and he lived just round the corned from Launceston FC’s Ground, so a big thank you to him for the 4 large carrier bags of programmes from him. 

As I walked back to the car, I bumped in to old friend Mike Sampson and his friend David, we all headed in to the clubhouse where I ordered 3 x Pie & Chips and 1x Chips for the cheap price of £7 and they were First Class.

Well me and my stepson headed for the stand and Launceston looked the better of the sides and it didn’t take long, infact only 6 minutes before they went in front. The homesters carried on attacking but never looked like extending their lead as the game went a bit scrappy towards half time.

Cullumpton came out on the attack in the Second Half but then took off their main striker, shortly after Launceston took control And doubled their lead on the hour. It really should have been game, set and match, but credit to the visitors as they kept pushing forward and pulled one back.

In the 84th Minute, a very high tackle with studs showing by the Cullumpton player left a Launceston player in a heap on the floor and as the referee went for his cards, players all dived in and ran from all directions, the home keeper who had run 30 yards went down, then sprung to his feet and ran back to his goal area..The Referee dismissed the Cullumpton player for the awful foul and to the dismay of the home crowd around me, booked the home goalkeeper, but the referee was correct in my opinion to caution the keeper as he had run 30 yards to get involved but I also feel that the visitors could well have had a 2nd player dismissed if the referee or assistant had seen which player had struck him to the ground.

In to injury time, Launceston were awarded a penalty to which h they converted to concrete their 4th position place in the League Table.

Well it certainly wont be another 12 years before another visit, as I found this a very and polite club.




Saturday 1 October 2011

Charlestown Saints v Tinagel

Charlestown Saints 5 Tinagel 3
Cornwall Junior Cup




Charlestown Saints caused a shockin the Cornwall Junior Cup by knocking out their opponents Tinagel FC who play in a higher Division of the Duchy League, after pulling off a amazing Second Half fightback.


The game started well for The Saints when their 4 goal hero smashed them in to the lead after just 3 minutes and in a match where the pace was fierce in blazing sunshine, they should have been out of sight if not for good keeping from the away keeper.


On the half hour, a route one kick from the Tinagel keeper found his striker who equaled the scores. This seemed to unsettle The Saints and a long ball, looked like the home keeper was going to collect, but wo defenders had ote ideas as they both went for the ball and it went up i the air and fell at a Tinagel players feet for him to poke them in front. Right on Half Time and the visitors made it 1-3.


What ever was said in the team talk at Half Time in the Saints changing Room must have had some impact, as they went straight on the attack and for the next 45 minutes, it was one way traffic towards the visitors goal with some very good football being played. The home number 10 was running the show and his finishing was superb. The fightback began after 50 minutes when the homesters reduced the arrears before going level after 62 minutes. On 74 minutes, it was 4-3 and yo wondered if Tinagel would gamble and push players forward for a equaliser to take the game in to extra time, which they tried but the Saints were far too fast for them by now and fished the final nail in the coffin with a fifth goal after 83 minutes. A special mention to my friend the referee Anita Gittins who had a great match and had to show no cards.


To see Match Pics please click the link below:
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Charlestown%20Saints%20v%20Tinagel/

Charlestown Saints Website
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/charlestownsaints/


Tinagel FC Website
http://www.tintagelweb.co.uk/Tintagel%20Football%20Club.htm

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Penzance FC 0 Saltash United 7

Penzance FC 0 Saltash United 7
SWPL
Admission £4
Programme £1
Hot Dog Large £1.50
Coffee 50p

After spending the morning at Sennen Cove and having some rather dodgy sausage & chips from the chip shop there, whilst Mrs H and Shawn played on the beach and in the sea in the lovely sunshine, me and my stepson took refuse in the sea front pub, but a seaside resort without a fruit machine, is this unheard of..well at about 3pm we headed to Penzance and to Penzance FC where we asked the groundsman if it was ok to leave the car in the car park, whilst we went for wander around.

On returning, the kind groundsman told me to go in via the Officials entrance as the gateman wasnt ready yet and someone would be round to collect my admission. It didnt take long to find and say hello and have a good chat with Penzance Sec John Mead. It was then time for a cuppa and hot dog and what excellent value they were, the lovely tea hut lady was telling me she had been with the club for 25 years!

Then along came SWPL League Sec Phil Hiscox, talk about dedication, this guy puts in to this league is remarkable. To come to this match, he had travelled  6 hour round journey by train ad wasnt getting home until well past 1am!

The next person to meet was old friend Tim Lancaster, who used to be Programme Editor of Yeovil Town when they were a on League club..The three of us along with David(my stepson) and Shawn(my 7 year old with Autism) watched the match, apart from when Shawn was chating up the beautiful Saltash physio.

The game began quite even, but as soon as the 1st goal went in, there was only going to be one winner tonight, the 2nd goal before half time was sweetly struck from outside the area with the keeper unsighted. In to the 2nd half and as the 3rd Saltash goal went in, luck seemed a bit cruel on the homesters as this was turning in to men versus boys and the away side were even guilty of firing over from a open goal situation inside the 6 yard area.

Penzance FC Website

Saltash United FC

Saturday 24 September 2011

St Day FC 4 Kilhampton FC 2

St Day 4 Kilhampton 2
Cornwall Senior Cup
Admission £2 with very good programe




This is a venue I had been intending to visit for quite a few years now but everytime I go on holiday to Cornwall, they seem to be away, well 2 surprises this year came in that they were at home and the second being they produce a programme.

With 1 1.30pm kick off, we arrived at 12.30 and was met by Mark who had been in touch with me all week, he is the Groundsman and also the Programme Editor and I must say at this stage to you paper chasers, if you havent got a St Day Programme, then get along there to visit and get one. 

A really warm welcome from the time I arrived to the time I left  even though it was bucketing down with rain..The club houses a lovely clubhouse within you will find a bar and also a teabar that does pasty's and all served with a smile.

St Day started on the front foot and it was only a matter of how long before the 1st goal went in to the net, soon as it was 1, it became 2 via a penalty, at this stage it looked as if the visitors from Northern Cornwall may just crumble but all credit to them, they battled and got a penalty back themselves to reduce the arrears. The Saints were in no mood for any shocks in rain and restored the 2 goal cushion, again via a penalty.


After a nice half time Black coffee and dry out, it was back out in to the swirling rain under the cover to watch the homesters pour forward and  make it 4-1..With time running out, the St's keeper left a ball he felt was going wide and was shocked to see it bounce full off the post and hit a defender and out for a corner..From the resulting corer, the visitors completed the scoring, but it was St Day who progress to travel in the next round to St Teath on Saturday 8th October.


Photo's from todays match can be found on


http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/St%20Day%204%20Kirkhampton%202/


St Day's Website
http://www.stdayafc.co.uk/

Wednesday 21 September 2011

FA Youth Cup:Teversal 2 New Mills 0

FA Youth Cup: First Qualifying Round
Teversal 2 New Mills 0
Admission £2 including programme
Teamsheet- Free
Attendance - 59

I didnt intend to go to a midweek match this week, but when the offer came from Richard Lane, I couldnt turn it down. I've never been to a FA Youth match even when I used to go the Hawthorns when I used to go and support West Brom in the 1970's, so this was a new adventure for me tonight.

On the gate, was cheerful Tevvie Biker Keith Parnell who greeted us and I was surprised that it was only a couple of quid to get in and that included the programme. Then I went and saw Mr Tevvie, yes the man himself  Kev Newton who was dishing out FREE teamsheets and also found out a few 1st team programs for Richard. The thing about Kev is that he runs the club so professionally and a lot of clubs could well learn from him..it's the manner of the way he greets people, to the way he reads out the teams and makes the job look so simple and easy.

Whilst chatting away to Luke Stafford and his dad, in wheels our mate Trevor, where I put my foot straight in it and ask hiow things are at Blidworth..well no one told me he wasnt there any more and is now at Carlton Town lol To save my embaressment I sneaked off and got him a free teamsheet!

The game started with both sides pushing forward but the visitors not really shooting on target, as Teversal looked a bit more direct, as we sat back, then came along promoted Referee Sean Richardson who sat with us and told us about his London Marathon run/injury struggle, but how he go round..amazing bloke!

Then went in the 1st goal as ichard was praying it wasnt going to extra time, as he kept reminding me how it went to extra time and pens the night before at Arnold Town and how cold it was, New Mills pushed forward but to be fair never looked like scoring as the Teversal boys worked a lot better and looked a lot more hungry for this tie, so as he rain lashed down and with only a few minutes to go, Teversal finally sealed their place in to the next round when scoring a second goal to set up a second round qualifying tie away at Matlock Town or Spalding United.

Teversal Website

New Mills Website

Saturday 17 September 2011

Saturday 17th September

SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER

NOTTS POLICE 2 SOUTHWELL CITY 1


This being Notts Police's First ever home match in Pyramid Football, I had this fixture pencilled in some weeks ago. The two sides had met in the league only a couple of weeks ago with the Southwell running out3-1 winners, so were possibly favourites going into todays game.


With the Non League Directorys arriving earlier in the week, it meant a detour of dropping some off at Forest Town and at Rainworth before reaching Calverton Miners Welfare, where Notts Police play.


On arrival, I'm met by Police Manager Steve Clifford, who directs me to get a complementary cuppa inside the clubhouse and on the way I say hi to the gateman who I've know for several years and asked if he would be kind enough to put me a programme to one side incase they sold out, to which he did.


The game kicked off with the home side doing the pressing and soon found them selves 1 goal to the good after a excellent strike from just outside the area..Southwell then began to press Police, but then came a funny part of the game when a shot from quite a distance out by a Police player bounced off the crossbar and the referee blew his whistle and showed the player a red card..most in the crowd of ome and away supporters had no idea what for.


With half time looming, Southwell pushed on and got a nice equaliser and deserved to be level at the break. The Second Half saw Southwell do most the attacking but their finishing was shocking today when they found a way through on goal and didnt test the home keeper.. Then midway through the half, a free kick from the Police back to the left winger saw him collect the ball and shoot it direct past the southwell keeper, talk about route one, but it worked! Though Southwell pressed, the Police defence stood firm and took the three points.


For More Pics from the match click:
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Notts%20Police%202%20Southwell%20City%201/

Notts Police Website:
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/nottspolicefc01/

Southwell City Website:
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/southwellcity/

Saturday 10 September 2011

Blackstones FC 5 Kimberley Town FC 2

BLACKSTONES FC 5 KIMBERLEY TOWN FC 2
FA VASE



Well I've been to Stamford quite few times over the years but never visited Blackstones FC, so when the draw for the FA Vase was made and Central Midlands Club Kimberley Town were drawn away to them and a kind offer of a lift by Kimberley Town's Grahame & Pat Critchley came my way, then there was no way I was going to turn this down.

Pat and Grahame picked me up at 10am and we headed off to the Stag Ground, where I ate my breakfast whilst watching the Rugby, whilst the players had a short training session on the pitch before having a pasta lunch.

We then headed to Stamford and found Blackstones Ground very easy amongst a housing estate and I spoke to the club Sec and then to a Committee Member who as telling about the hard work they have recently had to do to keep the club afloat with their main sponsor of 14 years having gone bankrurpt. The club had held a mega raffle and had done very well and I hope this continues for them for the future.

The game kicked off in a swirling wind and to everyones surprise, it was a wind assisted fluke goal that gave Kimberley Town the lead after "The Stones" had possibly had the better of the first few exchanges. The home side kept to their plan and kept attacking but a mixture of poor finishing and a couple of good saves by the away keeper and you may well have thought there may just be a shock on the cards here, but fairytales are hard to write and eventually Blackstones scored twice very quickly to turn things around and to lead. I actually thought at this stage that Kimberley may well just collapse, but to their credit, they fought back and a superb individual goal made things level, but just on half time, lack of concentration, saw a quick free kick and the away side left asleep as the Homesters marched back in front.

The Second Half and Kimberley had the advantage of the wind behind their backs, but instead of being direct and having a few shots at the home goal, they seemed to want to play attractive football, on 70 minutes a attack broke down and a quick break saw Blackstones from 2 levels higher in the Pyramid go 4-2 up and within a minute make it 5-2.

Kimberley Town can be proud of their FA Vase efforts and I wish Blackstones FC well in the next round away at Holwell Sports.

A few things I must say about Blackstones, a lovely committee, from Chairman, Secretary, tea lady who also sells bits and bobs from behind the refreshments bar, where I bought the UCFL Review 2011 Book for only £2, which if you have never seen, is well worth a read. The Programme is £1 and is a good effort and a good read.

For more pics please click:

Blackstones FC Website:
Kimberley Town FC Website

Saturday 3 September 2011

South Normanton Athletic 4 Pinxton FC 1

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 4 PINXTON 1
This is a Local Derby game that has been waiting for years in pyramid football and what a good game it was to watch as a neutral in front of a approx crowd of 250 people on Non League Day across the Country.


As I stepped in to the ground, I was followed in by good friends Malc Storer and Kev Goodman, after a cup of coffee and a few hello's to a few friends from South Normanton and Pinxton folks, I took up a position with Malc, Kev and another chap on the halfway line.


We didnt have to wait long for our first goal, when new signing for this season Briscoe volleyed home from about 25 yards after just 4 minutes. Pinxton were having their share of play but not testing the home keeper at this stage and when a miscued overhead kick fell to Riley, he doubled the home advantage.


The Second Half kicked off with Pinxton taking the game to South Normanton and on 55 minutes Brady headed home to reduce the arrears. The game was now on edge with some meaty challenges going in and it could well have gone over the top, but credit to both sets of players who wanted to play football and both kept creating chances as the game went from end to end.


As I strolled down to the bottom end of the ground, a superb overhead kick by Nicholls restored Normo's two goal advantage on 70 minutes, there was no stopping that from flying in to the net.


In to injury time, Nicholls raced away for his second and Normo's 4th goal of the game to cap a fine performance and well deserved victory for them.


To see pics from the match please click on link:
http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/South%20Normanton%20Athletic%204%20Pinxton%201/


South Normanton Athletic FC's Website address is:
http://snafc.net/default.aspx


Pinxton FC's Website address is:
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/pinxtonfc/ 


Sunday 28 August 2011

Parkhouse FC's win is so Suite

PARKHOUSE FC 7 DFS WELBECK WELFARE 1

I was kindly invited to Parkhouse FC this season, after last season they were a host club for the CMFL Bonanza, to which they used their proceeds towards buying and decorating a new Hospitality Suite. With everything in place and with my mum wanting to go to a match with me, I rang Super Sec "Mr Parkhouse Nobby" to make arrangements for our visit.

On arrival, the 3 chaps on the gate gave us a kind welcome and a free programme and wouldnt charge me to go in. Then we met "Mr Parkhouse Hospitality John", who entertained us in the New Hospitality Suite with refreshments. Nobby came in and chattered away to my mum and soon became her fancyman for the afternoon! Infact, everyone made my mum really welcome and went out their way.

At 2.30pm, it was the BIG time, out came the Sky Blue Ribbon for me to cut and officially open the Parkhouse Bonanza Hospitality Suite and I was very honoured to be asked to do this.

The teams came out and the match began at a frantic pace with both sides playing some good football, with the game going from end to end. Then came a incident that I've only ever seen once before whilst watching football, the referee asked a Welbeck player to leave the field of play, as his under shorts were a different colour, as I know the CMFL have sent out no end of e-mails to the clubs that this is a FA Rule and at every meeting with the clubs it was announced. Well the player left the pitch, but then came back on to the pitch and the ref booked him for entering the field of play without permission. 

Shortly after Parkhouse opened the scoring, but to Welbeck's credit, they came straight back and scored their first goal of the season and looked good value for it. Parkhouse then stepped it up just before half time and scored 2 more goals to lead 3-1.

In the 2nd Half, I joined Scott Carlton's mum, as poor Scott has been very ill of late and recently came out of hospital and it was brilliant to see him there yesterday. Scott's mum then went down the line and I stood with Vardy, the Welbeck player who had been booked in the first half incident and we had a bit of a laugh over a old incident that had occured whilst I was on my holidays some time ago.

Parkhouse's 4th goal came from a penalty which from the position where I was stood, looked a bit harsh to be given, but the referee was a lot closer than me to see and he is a very good referee.

Within a minute came the goal of the game and possibly the best goal I have seen this season so far, the ball was cut in to the box diagonal, the striker took the ball down in one scoop and bang the ball was in the back of the net before anyone could do anything about it.

Welbeck then bought on 2 subs, one only a little lad and the first thing he did was sprinted with the ball straight past the defender and he looked quite a good prospect for them. The other sub then went through and was only 4 yards out and I think nerves just got to him, as in front of goal, he just screwed his shot wide.

Parkhouse then went and scored another 2 goals to win the game comfortably, but I felt sorry for Welbeck as people will see this score and think they are the whipping boys, but to be fair, they never gave up, played some good football in parts and was a lot better than when I saw them last season.

For all photo's from the match please click on the link: http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc460/Midlandsman/Parkhouse%20FC%207%20DFS%20Welbeck%20Welfare%201/

In the pub after the match, Parkhouse FC kindly donated £10 towards the Blogs Charity, so with the £3 and the £2 for the goals, it has now taken the total up to a amazing £150.

Parkhouse FC Website:  http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/parkhousesatfc/Home


DFS Welbeck Welfare Website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/welbeckwelfarefootballclub/

DFS Welbeck Welfare Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/124509000938791/