Saturday 29 December 2012

FIGHTBACK WINS KIRTON THE POINTS

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
DIVISION TWO

KIRTON BRICKWORKS 2 ASHLAND ROVERS 1

With heavy rain in the East Midlands area, it was always going to be a matter of what was left on today, so as soon as plan A Cotgrave FC v Wollaton FC went out the window, I noticed Kirton Brickworks were at home, after I spoke to the Kirton Manager on the phone, he told me that the League had given them permission to play the game at Dukeries Leisure Centre, to where I'd never seen a match, so this was going to be the game for me today.

The ground is a drive up to the Leisure Centre which houses the changing rooms, back down the drive on the right is the football pitch with a track at the side but you can stand pitchside.

The game kicked off with the home side needing a point to go second in the table, whilst visitors from the Kirkby area of Mansfield were sitting just below half way in the table but having played a few less games.

The visitors looked more lively and attacked but the final ball was missing when they pushed forward. The home side had the odd attack but didnt look like they were a team sitting towards the top of the table.

Just as we were heading to half time, a defender slipped and RICHARD MILLS was first to latch on to it and fired the ball home from 30 yards out to give Ashland the lead.

The away side looked comfortable but then after 55 minutes, Mills had to be replaced after a injury and they missed several chances, whilst Brickworks were missing chances of their own at the other end.

With 12 minutes remaining, the Brickworks right winger won the ball and crossed for JAMIE CHARLTON to head home. This seemed to spur the home side on, as they began to play the better football and in the 83rd minute, the Kirton left winger crossed to the far post for ADAM BODDY to head home what turned out to be the winner.

Ashland had a few close chances to equalise when hitting the post and having several shot blocked from a series of corners.

Kirton Brickworks FC Website

Ashland Rovers FC Website

Article on the NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE BONANZA GROUNDHOP

Wednesday 26 December 2012

TOWN DIG IN STRONG FOR A POINT AT LINBY

CMFL SOUTH DIVISION

LINBY COLLIERY WELFARE 0 HUCKNALL TOWN AFC 0
Headcount: 38


Well plan A was to go to a early 11am kick off at Sherwood Colliery, but this bit the dust on Christmas Eve, so plan B was Blackwell MW but that failed a pitch Inspection around 10.30am, so it was to the drawing board and a twitter message told me that Linby CW was def ON. So a call to the Church Lane Secretary Adi Ward who was in y i Newcastle to check the game was on and to save me a programme. I then phoned team manager who was down the ground and a proggy was safely put aside for my arrival.

Not having seen a 0-0 for over 2 and 1/2 years, I felt this game had goals in it, with Linby scoring 45 and conceding 35 in their 18 league games whilst Hucknall had only scored 18 goals but conceded 57 in 20 games, how wrong can one be???

The game began at a quick pace but was very scarppy with neither keeper being called in to action, they may as well of joined me in the stand, as the ball struggled to reach either area. Hucknall had the first effort and the game, a shot, well I think it was, as it flashed out for a throw in!

Just before half time, the away keeper was called in to action, as he made a superb reflex save to prevent the homesters taking the lead.

The half time cuppa was lovely and I took up my position to watch the Second Half but soon headed in to the sheltered stand as the rain bucketed down, but the play on the pitch got better, infact Linby rained forward but just couldnt find the killer touch in front of goal, another day they may well have scored 4 or 5.

Nice people at both clubs and must say the young Ref Jack Oldham had a good game along with his 2 Assistants Will Bennett and Nigel Prost(yes he still likes to show he can run a line lol)


Linby CW Twitter

Photos from todays game

Notts Senior League Bonanza Groundhop

Friday 19th April 2013
Attenborough FC v Wollaton FC 6.30pm

Saturday 20th April 2013
Selston FC v Bilborough Town 10.10am
Underwood Villa v West Bridgford 12.45pm
Awsworth Villa v Cotgrave Fc 3.30pm
Kimberley MW v Keyworth United 6.15pm

Tickets for all 5 matches and 5 programmes only £15
for more infomation or Booking Form 
please e-mail me on



Saturday 22 December 2012

SANDHURST BEAT THE WEATHER BUT ATTENBOROUGH WIN THE MATCH

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
SENIOR DIVISION

SANDHURST FC 3 ATTENBOROUGH FC 5

Not often on a day like today Plan A stays on whilst all other matches are getting postponed. A quick phone call to Bob the Sandhurst Sec and the game was in no doubt with the excellent dedication of being on the pitch from 8am to keep the game on.

On the way, the local fields were flooded and I thought it may well be a case of the ref turning up and maybe calling this game off, but to my surprise the pitch was perfect like a summers day.

After a cuppa and a chat with Abbswolf from Ipswich and his friend, I strolled outside to be greeted by some the Attenborough Committee and referee Andy Rolfe, then came along Colin Picken from Sunny Scunny, though not very sunny today.

As the teams were being lead out, the rain stopped and the brolleys went down, as we were about to stroll to the far side of the ground, we were met by Sticky Palms who does the great Blog http://stickypalms.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/ .

The game begin at a steady pace with the home side on the attack and after only 9 minutes, it was JOE FLETCHER who fired Sandhurst in to the lead. The visitors pushed forward and it didnt take long as on 16 minutes, they were level through PAUL IRESON.

I then took chance to talk to a few of the Attenborough folks who are hosting the Friday Evening match on this seasons Notts Senior League Bonanza on Friday 19th April and they are looking forward to it, as we were chatting came the goal of the game, when JUSTIN WHATMORE skipped past the home right back and danced his self into the penalty area after beating 2 other defenders and hammering the ball home.

Sandhurst FC may be near the foot of the table but they have fight in them and this club named after the local garden centre and on 39 minutes ANDY CAMERON made it 2-2.

It was back in to the nice clubhouse at half time where Colin bought the coffees and befoe we sat down the ref indicated the players were on their way back to the pitch. 

The mist began to roll towards the ground but kept away, but it was getting a bit dark, but with the help of someone having their car lights on all game in the car park we all saw JUSTIN WHATMORE blast the visitors ahead  on 47 minutes. This seemed to rock the home side and the away team had more of the ball and the home keeper was called in to action a few times.

On 73 minutes, Attenborough increased their lead to 4-2 through WES BURKE, but within 3 minutes the gap was closed when WES KITCHEN just squeezed the ball past the visiting keeper through a penalty.

In the 83rd minute, the game was settled and the visitors secured the points when WES BRACE scored his second and his clubs 5th goal of the game.

Real shame more people didnt attend to see a great game after the pitch was a credit to the people that had worked tirelessly on it to make this the only game in  Nottinghamshire on.

Sandhurst FC Website

Follow me on Twitter


Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are very few seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

 

Wednesday 19 December 2012

GLAPWELL WORTH THE WIN


Central Midlands League
Phoenix Trophies Floodlit Cup - North

GLAPWELL FC 4 BRODSWORTH WELFARE 2

This match had been postponed the past 2 Tuesday Evenings due to the bad weather we have been experiancing, but tonight the game was in no doubt.

Good friend Darren Wragg offered to pick me up and arrived around 7pm, as we arrived, we was greeted by the Chairmans wife who was on the gate, whilst Debs the Sec was frying burgers and doing the teas.

We soon bumped in to Steve from Rotherham and Pete from Mansfield Woodhouse, as we was chatting, the Chairmans wife who usually runs the clubshop asked if I would give a hand and help a chap out with a programme exchange, it turned out to be one of the Scarborough fans I know who lives in Northampton but on his way home for his Christmas Holidays.

The game kicked off whilst I was in the Club Shop and with 8 minutes gone, it was the Derbyshire side that had taken the lead through GREEN. Then came the 200th goal (this season)I'd seen or not as I was still in the clubshop when SMITH leveled on 20 minutes. Still in the clubshop and GREEN made it 2-1 to Glappy on 26 minutes. On the half hour, I got out the clubshop and joined Steve and Pete to put the worlds wrongs to right. Just before half time, GREEN completed his hat trick on 44 minutes and then me and Darren were guests of the club in the hospitality suite.

Back out for the Second Half and again I joined Steve and Pete and Dazza joined us. The play on the pitch was end to end but Glapwell having the more of the chances and on 54 minutes MURCOTT headed home Glapwell's fourth and there looked no way back for the visitors.

The referee then removed the Brodsworth Manager from the bench, it may have bee something he said but I was the other side of the ground, so couldnt hear that far..I;m not deaf..unless its my round!

Brodsworth to be fair didnt give up and on 64 minutes SMITH pulled a goal back to make it 4-2.

Just before the end of the match, out the stand appeared Richard Lane and his son Rikki who is home from Uni and also Harry Hawkins and Steve Haslam.

Before I could thank Glapwell for their hospitality, Darren got a phone call from his wife and his daughter had been taken ill, so we had to dash off.

Glapwell FC Website

Glapwell FC Twitter

Brodsworth Welfare FC Website

Brodsworth Welfare FC Twitter

Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are very few seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk


 

Saturday 8 December 2012

SAND SINKS THE CAVALIERS

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
Senior Division
FC CAVALIERS 2 SANDHURST FC 4
The plan this morning was to go to Magdala Amateurs v Cotgrave Fc but having problems getting hold of anyone atg either club, it was a matter of Plan B and the phone was picked up very quickly by the daughter of Cavaliers Sec Bevon. 
Bevon confirmed that the game was in no doubt what so ever, so game sorted!

We set out a bit earlier than usual due to the ground not being too far from the Centre of Nottingham and also on one of the main roads in to the City. Traffic wasnt too bad, the Christmas Shoppers must have spent up.

A nice little set this club have, with a cricket pavillion clubhouse building which houses the refreshments bar, to which a young girl runs superbly. Well I met Bevon as I walked in along with some the friendly players and had a chat, then a nice cuppa before heading out to pitchside.

With homesters FC Cavaliers midtable entertaining bottom of the table and winless Sandhurst FC, there was only going to be one result..wasnt there..surely???

Within a minute of kick off and FC Cavaliers were a goal to the good through GRINDLEY  and I think everyone felt the worse was to come for the visitors, but after only 3 minutes, they were on level terms, when CRUMP fired home a 20 yard free kick.

Cavaliers pushed forward and had several chances to re-take the lead but they found the Sandhurst keeper in good form, but on 20 minutes, a corner came over from the left hand side, to which the keeper punched away but he went down in agony and had to be carried off the pitch with a ligament injury. He was replaced by a outfield player whilst a sub came on.

This seemed to spur the visitors on and after 34 minutes, CRUMP smashed them in front with his second goal of the game. Five minutes later, 17 year old FLETCHER extended Sandhurst's lead to 3-1.

At Half time, I went for another cuppa and as I walked out for the second half, FLETCHER made it 4-1. FC Cavaliers from then pressed forward in vain to get back in to the game and had 2 penalty appeals turned away before 71 minutes when WILLIAMS  smashed the ball past Sandhurst's stand in keeper.

A excellent result for Sandhurst FC who attacked and defended well and FC Cavaliers must be a tad disappointed they never looked like scoring from the amount of corners that they had throughout the match and another day would possibly have scored a few goals from them.

Hopefully this will be a excellent venue for a Groundhop Bonanza in a couple of seasons time, Good Friendly people at FC Cavaliers.

FC Cavaliers Website

Sandhurst FC Website

Photo's from this match can be found on this link


Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are very few seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk



Saturday 1 December 2012

BURTON JOYCE THROUGH TO THE FINAL EIGHT

BURTON JOYCE FC 4 WOODBOROUGH UNITED FC 2
NOTTS INTERMEDIATE CUP: ROUND THREE


I saw this fixture advertised about 3 weeks ago and thought I must go to this venue to have a look at it for the 2014-15 Notts Senior League Bonanza Grouphop in mind. As many know, the weather hasnt been too kind to us all his past week and with the ground very close to the River Trent, then I felt this match may well be in serious doubt. I'd like to thank the club Twitter who has been in touch with me most of the week keeping me up to date.

This morning, I contacted Joyce's Sec Darron Ward and he confirmed the game was on, so after a bacon cob, it was time to set off out. As we pulled on to the lane, the field opposite was still full of water and i couldnt see the pitch when Hazel drove on to the clubs car park, so I expected the pitch to be very muddy.

After a cuppa, it was over to the pitch and what a surprise, the pitch wasnt muddy and it was in perfect condition for this cup tie. Just as the match was to kick off, along came TV Star Sam Hodkin who donated some cash to the Blogs Charity.

Burton Joyce were straight on the attack and Smith had several chances to open up the scoring but the visitors keeper was in fine form to keep him out. Woodborough battled away but didnt trouble the homesters goal. Good to see two sides wanting to play football as well.

As we headed towards half time, I thought one goal may well open up the game and on 43 minutes with the home player through, he was clipped from behind and up stepped BEATTY to stroke the ball home to give Burton Joyce a 1-0 half time lead.

With both sides staying on the pitch at half time, the teams turned round, as the sun came out to take away a bit of that ice off my feet. Burton Joyce pressed forward again and on 53 minutes increased their lead through BUCKLE.

At this stage, Woodborough felt they had to raise their game and threw caution to the wind by pushing a player forward and had a couple of attacks, but they were caught out at the back when SMITH strolled on to a through ball and side footed it past a advancing keeper to make it 3-0 and we all thought it was game over.

With twenty minutes to go, Burton Joyce made it 4-0 through SMITH and you would have thought it was all over, but the visitors had other ideas, when eight minutes from time, Woodborough reduced the arrears, surely too late you would think, but when they reduced it to 4-2 after 87 minutes, you felt anything could just happen, a minute later they broke through and really should have scored on a one on one to make it 4-3 but the attacker didnt realise how much time he had and dragged the ball away from goal.

A Entertaining Cup Tie, played in the right manner, credit goes to the groundsman for getting this pitch this good..Friendly clubs.

Burton Joyce FC Website
Woodborough United FC

Photos from this Cup Tie

Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are very few seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

Thursday 29 November 2012

THE BULLS PROGRESS INTO THE NEXT ROUND

AFC MANSFIELD 4 OLLERTON TOWN 3
CMFL FLOODLIT CUP

A cup tie that would have graced any final, with seven goals and lots of missed chances and a game that produced 9 yellow cards.

The game started at a hectic pace with Ollerton having the better of the chances and having a strong penalty appeal turned away, juicy tackles were going in. The game was very end to end with chances going a begging by both sides.

It was AFC Mansfield who broke the deadlock after 30 minutes when the ball was headed home at the far post. As the game was heading towards half time, Ollerton pressed forward and they were level when they had a header find the back of the net.

The opening minutes of the Second Half and AFC pressed forward and it came as no surprise when they re-took the lead after 55minutes, but again on the hour they were pullled back when Ollerton made it 2-2.

As it got colder, we was wondering if this was going to have to go to Extra Time, but AFC Mansfield took the lead on 65 minutes and strecthed it to 4-2 by 75 minutes, but Ollerton hadnt given up and pulled it back to 4-3 on 80 minutes to give us a good last 10 minutes.

AFC MANSFIELD WEBSITE

OLLERTON TOWN WEBSITE

Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are very few seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk



Saturday 24 November 2012

SHERWOOD MAKE IT A DOUBLE OVER WELBECK

Central Midlands Football League
North Division

WELBECK WELFARE 0 SHERWOOD COLLIERY 4

Well today was going to be a matter of going to a match that was on, after a deluge of heavy stormy weather over the past few days. Plan A..B..C..etc went and so it was a call to Welbeck Chairman Graham Hall who gave me the good news that the game was def ON!. I did attended the reverse fixture earlier in the season which saw Sherwood cruise to a 8-0 victory, but since then Welbeck have got a new manager in John Mason, plus a new lot of players.

On arrival at the club, I was greeted by Graham and met a hopper who had travelled down from Bury to watch the match, also old friend Albert Greaves was there, he had bought the ref and also Simon Matters and Howard was there.

The new Changing Rooms houses a nice kitchen and had to have a nice cuppa before going down to the pitchside.

The game kicked off and Sherwood's number four soon found himself in the book early on,after two fouls on Welbeck's Captain Danny Childs. For the first twenty minutes, it was a fairly even game with both sides having a couple of chances.

After 21 minutes, it was WOOD who fired home to give the visitors the lead after a clever through ball from midfield that bypassed the home defence. Sherwood kept up the pressure and it could and should have been more if not for the Welbeck goalkeeper. Just as I was going up the bank towards the refreshments building, Sherwood broke again and double their lead right on half time.

The Second Half, I stood with Howard and also the Assistant Referee's mum on the top of the bank as the rain began to pour down and the light began to darken. Welbeck had the first effort which went whistling wide.

The game seemed to be labouring along and then on 70 minutes Sherwood added to their tally, before wrapping up the points and league double over Welbeck through a penalty on 81 minutes.

I would like to thank Simon Matters for the lift home and also the donation towards the Blog's Charity which now takes the total over the £150 mark.

Photos taken from todays match

Welbeck Welfare FC Website

Sherwood Colliery FC Website

Upto date information on Notts Senior League Groundhop Bonanza
There are only 13 seats left on the coach
For information on the Bonanza please click link or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

Friday 23 November 2012

Notts Senior League Bonanza Groundhop


THE FIRST EVER NOTTS SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE BONANZA TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW


PRECISION NOTTS SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE GROUNDHOP BONANZA

THE Precision Notts Senior Football League will stage their First ever GROUNDHOP BONANZA with five matches - one on a Friday Evening and four on a Saturday.

Non-League football followers from all over the World, as far as Australia, Germany, Sweden Holland and the UK will flock to the event, which frequently provides record attendance’s for the matches chosen to host the bonanza.

This season the Matches are:

Friday 19th April 2013: 
Attenborough FC v Wollaton FC (6.30pm)

Saturday 20th April 2013: 
Selston FC v Bilborough Town FC(10.10am)
Underwood Villa FC v West Bridgford FC(12.45pm)
Awsworth Villa FC v Cotgrave FC(3.30pm)
Kimberley MW FC v Keyworth United FC(6.15pm)

Intending spectators can obtain a five-match advanced package ticket for £15, which includes admission and 5 home club programmes for all FIVE matches at the different venues.

There is also a coach running from Nottingham Railway Station to the four Saturday matches for only £15. The coach does fill rather quickly and comes on a first book and pay service, so please dont leave it till the last minute to book.
So come along and see local football and have a good weekend.

Closing date for Advance Bookings is Thursday 11th April 2013

For more information or Booking Form please e-mail hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk or phone Rob Hornby on 01623 486678/07973517603

Saturday 17 November 2012

CITY PROGRESS IN TO THE HAT

NOTTS SENIOR CUP: ROUND TWO

KEYWORTH UNITED 3 SOUTHWELL CITY 5
Having not been to Platt Lane, the home of Keyworth United for over 20 years, I felt it time to do a return visit, also I needed to have a chat after the match with a couple of the home sides officials as they are a away side on this seasons NSL Bonanza.

As we parked up, in to the ground strolls local celebrity and groundhopper Sam Hodkin, who yesterday on Channel Four's 1001 things you should know quiz show won over £1500..dont forget to tune in on Monday at 3.30pm to see how he gets on as the champion.

Went into the clubhouse and met Keyworth Sec Dave Voce and had a cuppa before the players came out. I have seen Keyworth play twice this season and on both occasions they didnt have the best of matches, so I thought there may well be a fair few goals here today, as their visitors Southwell are the sort of club that beat top of the league one week and then seem to lose to bottom of the league the following league.

The game kicked off and within 3 minutes, it was the homesters that had taken a early lead, Southwell tried to get in to the game, but for the first 20 minutes, it looked as if Keyworth would double their lead, but after 36 minutes the game was back on level terms and it was Southwell who were on top to the half time whistle.

After a quick half time cuppa, it was back out to the action and action it was, as Keyworth re-took the lead from the first attack on 46 minutes and to be fair looked good for it, as they were more than matching their opponents from the CMFL South Division. Sadly it fell apart from them as they conceded two goals in the space of two minutes on 51 and 53 minutes to give Southwell a 3-2 advantage.

Keyworth pressed forward for a equaliser and came close on the hour when the ball went just wide and hit the side netting and matters got worse for them when the visitors added to their tally after 64 minutes to make it 4-2.

With nothing to lose the home side pushed players forward and got a lifeline on 78 minutes when pulling a goal back to keep them interested in this end to end cup tie, but their dream of reaching Round Three was ended when Southwell scored their fifth and final goal of the game with five minutes remaining.

Keyworth United FC Website

Southwell City FC Website

Photos taken from todays match

Info on the Notts Senior League Bonanza

** Please note that there are only 19 seats left on the coach for the Notts Senior League Bonanza**

Tuesday 13 November 2012

PINXTON SIP UP THE PRIMS

Derbyshire FA Senior Cup
Round Two

PINXTON FC 4 GRAHAM ST PRIMS 2

A solid performance by Pinxton FC saw them progress in to the Third Round where they face an away tie at Ilkeston FC.

The First Half of this tie saw each team blank each other out, with very few chances between them and they went in as a result even at 0-0.

The Second Half kicked off and it was Prims who looked the better team in the opening stages and it came as no surprise whn they took the lead after 51 minutes. This seemed to spur Pinxton FC in to wake up mode and they began to create more chances, they managed to take one to make it 1-1 after 65 minutes. Pinxton FC pressed on in search of the lead and on 75 minutes did just that. Seven minutes later, we were treated to goal of the game, when the homesters increased their lead when a superb volley found the back of the net from 25 yards out. To Prims credit they battled and in the final minute, they pulled the game back to 3-2, but as Pinxton kicked off and expected the final whilstle, they found themselves in front of the Prims net for them to score with the last kick of the tie.

Pinxton FC have done a bit of work since I last visited the ground last season, with a tea bar in the top right corner of the ground and some hard standing there. They are to put in another portacabin soon and hopefully build a new stand in the future. Must say I had a cuppa at the Refreshments Cabin and I dont think I have ever had a bigger cup than here before in all my years of following Non League Football and it was only a mere 70p.

Many thanks to good friend Richard Lane for taking me in his car to the match.


Pinxton FC Website

Graham St Prims FC Website

Follow me on Twitter


Info on the Notts Senior League Bonanza

Please note that there are only 20 seats left on the coach for the Notts Senior League Bonanza

Saturday 10 November 2012

THORNE TAKE THE COLLIERY POINTS

CMFL NORTH DIVISION

THORESBY COLLIERY WELFARE 1 THORNE COLLIERY 2
Having not been the Fourth Avenue ground just under a mile from Sherwood Forest in the village of Edwinstowe and with me having to get back home early, this ground approx 5 miles from my house seemed to fit my choice of game today. 

A quick cuppa before the game and asked by Roger if I could take the Thoresby team photo, so I took it in front of the pavillion, to save time on the pitch before kick off, due to a respected minutes Rememberance silence.

The game began well when after only four minutes, they gainned a corner on the left side. From the resulting corner the ball was headed home to give them a early lead. The game seemed very level and on 21 minutes, Darren Fell was fouled and awarded a penalty, to which he got up and dusted himself down before firing home the equaliser.

Went for a half time cuppa and had a chat with Al the Thoresby treasurer before venturing out for the second half of the game, where I went and re-joined Joy, the Thorne Secretary and Paul.

The second half, Thorne seemed to want the game a lot more and scored on the hour through Atkinson. Thoresby tried to push forward and it left gaps at the back, but no further goals were scored in the game.

I felt the referee and his 2 assistants had a good match.

Thoresby Colliery Welfare Website

Thorne Colliery Website

Photo's taken from todays match

Info on the Notts Senior League Bonanza
 

Tuesday 6 November 2012

SHIREBROOK TAKE THE POINTS IN LOCAL DERBY

NCEL DIVISION ONE

CLIPSTONE WELFARE 1 SHIREBROOK TOWN 2

I wasnt going to a match tonight until someone tweeted this fixture, so arranged a lift from the wife to drop me off. On arrival was welcomed by the clippo committee and went and had a nice cuppa. With time before kick off, in came a lot of familiar faces from around the non league scene.

Just as the game was kicking off, I began chatting to Lee West from Southam and also fellow traveller Lee Vaughan from Shifnal, we was then joined by Mr Teversal Kev Newton who I continued to chat to throughout the first half.

The first half belonged to Clipstone Welfare and they would have been in front if they had done a bit better and had the ball cleared off the shirebrook goal line twice.

Just after half time, Lee West booked his tickets for the Notts Senior League Bonanza, you will see the link further down this report for the event.

The second half, the visitors must have been told to up their game, as they looked a different side being more hungry and first to the ball.

The Visitors then struck twice in a matter of two minutes in the 56th & 58th minutes and looked to command the match, but they had to survive a late fightback when Clipstone scored from a 25 yard taken free kick to reduce the arrears.

I must thank Richard Lane for the lift home

Lee West's Website

Clipstone Welfare FC Website

Shirebrook Town FC Website

Info on the Notts Senior League Bonanza

Saturday 3 November 2012

FIREWORK SATURDAY BRINGS A CRACKER OF A CUP TIE

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
SENIOR CUP

UNITED FC 3 RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC 5
Having not been to the Basil Russell Ground for near on twenty years, I felt it time to visit today. The hosts United FC are in their debut season in the Notts Senior League and are a club that helps disadvantage youth off the streets and give them confidence in themselves. United FC play their matches in the 2nd Division of the League, whilst todays visitors Ruddington Village play in the Senior Division of the Notts Senior League and they will be a host team on the 2014 Notts Senior Football League Bonanza Event.

On arrival at the car park, I spoke to several of the United players and some of the officials from Ruddington Village including John Fisk who has been involved in Ruddington Football for years. The United Secretary turned up and we had a chat and then his sister arrived and opened up the refreshments room where they had on sale, Tea, Coffee, Sausage and then at half time I had Hot Dog and Chips.

The match kicked off in glorious sunshine and the visitors broke just over the half way line before their winger was bought down and the ref booked the home defender. The home side at this stage of the game were equal to their two divisions above opponents and the visitors were let off with a early scare when the ball struck the crossbar from a shot from 30 yards out.

On 11 minutes, the home centre back went to play the ball back to his keeper and overhit it with the ball resting in the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. On 26 minutes, the tie looked wrapped up as the visitors doubled their lead after the home side had not finished the good chances they had created and this looked not to be their day.

With the clock ticking down to Half Time, on 42 minutes, the home side finally pulled a goal back to haul themselves back in to the tie. United pushed forward and should really have been level at the break but for a miss from only 3 yards out went wide.

The Second Half began quite even and at a ,ot slower pace than the First Half and the next goal you felt may be vital and it was the visitors in the 54th minute who took the two goal advantage. The game looked to begin to phase out, until things began to liven up just after the hour mark, when the ref gave a foul and booked two of the home players.

United Fc kept pressing forward and closed the gap again when scoring in the 71st minute, just as you was getting your breathe Ruddington hit back in the 73rd minute to make it 2-4, but within a minute, United had made it 3-4 through a superb volley from 30 yards out. Another foul was committed and the United defender who had been booked in the 2nd minute, was shown his second yellow card.

With 76 minutes on the clock and the visitors increased their two goal advantage again to 3-5, but with 4 goals and a sending off in 5 minutes, this game was far from being over.

On 85 minutes, the Assistant Ref on the far side of the pitch flagged and United FC were reduced to 9 men and all confusion broke out on the pitch before the refs long whistle ended the tie. The players looked bemused as they left the pitch.

May I thank United's injured player Sam Hilton for his kind donation towards the Blogs Charity.

United FC are a friendly club with good people running it and well worthy of a visit.

Ruddinton Village FC Website

Photos from todays match can be viewed on


Notts Senior League Bonanza Info

Saturday 27 October 2012

BILBOROUGH TOWN CREATE HISTORY

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
SENIOR DIVISION

BILBOROUGH TOWN 2 KEYWORTH UNITED 1
Played at Eaking Road, Bilsthorpe

Bilborough Town created history this afternoon by gainning their first ever win the top flight of the Notts Senior League by defeating Keyworth United, but they had to do it the hard way after their left winger had to leave the field of play through a injury after just 15 minutes and had to play the remainder of the match with just ten men, as they had no subs.

Bilborough Town played this match at Eaking Road, as they have some problem with changing rooms at their Bestwood Lodge ground, but they are on the look out for a new ground in the future.

The match was played on pitch two and kicked off at 2.30pm whilst on pitch one, Nottingham United entertained Belper United with a 3pm kick off.

The game kicked off with Bilborough kicking down the slope with the wind behind their backs and it was they who took a early lead through a 8th minute goal when ROOME lifted the ball over the advancing Keyworth keeper.

Keyworth pressed forward and could have been on level terms if not for Alex Smith pushing the ball over the bar from a fierce 20 yard shot. The ball went up the other end and the Bilborough left winger went down and looked to be in alot of discomfort from a twisted ankle and could not continue in the game, thus leaving his side with only ten men to battle away.

At Half time, I went for a coffee as the cold wind began to bite and this gave me a look at the other game taking place, with the score being 0-0, by the time I had drunk my coffee it was 3-0 to Belper United.

Back to pitch two and you wouldnt have noticed who the team with only 2 points this season and only 10 players on the pitch were, as everytime they went forward they looked more likely to score but chance after chance went begging through poor finishing and perhaps just that lack of confidence when not having won a game and rushing the shot. But this was put right when after 85 minutes when they were awarded a penalty when JACKSON slotted home to double their advantage.

Just to make Bilborough Town nervous in injury time, Keyworth broke and BAIRD's shot was deflected past the hapless Smith.

After the match, I headed back to pitch one and Belper had extended to 4-0 but within 2 minutes it was now 6-0 and thats how it finished.

It was then off up to Bilsthorpe Welfare for a pint and a Bonanza Meeting with Bilborough Town who are very excited about being chosen to be taking part.


Advanced Tickets for the Notts Senior Football League Groundhop Bonanza are now on sale..For more details please click the link below or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk


Bilborough Town FC Website

Photos from the Bilborough Town FC v Keyworth United match

Thursday 25 October 2012

STAVELEY HAVE PLENTY IN RESERVE


Central Midlands Football League
Supreme Reserve Division

STAVELEY MW RESERVES 3 SOUTH NORMANTON AFC RESERVES 0

Not often that I go and watch Reserve team football, but a Thursday Evening and my friend running the line and offering me a lift to a match was too much of a temptation for me to refuse.

It must be 10 years since I have been to Staveley's Inkersall Road ground, since my last visit, the ground has altered and what a credit it must be to Chairman Terry Damms whose company has put a lot of work and pride in to this club.

There is a new large clubhouse with a bar and a nice kitchen area, and large tables with the club logo on them all.

I was met in the kitchen area on arrival by club sec Ele Reaney, who has a City In Guilds in Catering, not often you see that in Non League Football, Ele gave me a free cuppa and I bought a Staveley MW mug to add to my collection from this friendly club that reached last seasons FA Vase Semi Final. I then had a fosters before kicked off.

I strolled along the dugout side of the pitch and had a chat with the new South Normanton Reserves and ex Kimberley Town FC Manager and Chairman Graeme Critchley.He explained that his home wasnt that far from Normo and we had a chat about our partners.

I moved further up the line and met the Chief cameraman of Staveley and also twitter of the club and another chap filming the match with his son and we all had a chat. 

The First Half was played end to end and both keepers were called in to action with the play very equal, but what separated the clubs at half time was the delightful slot in goal by PLANT..excuse the pun that he planted the ball past the outstretched keeper.

In the Second Half, I chose to sit over in the main stand the other side of the ground and got talking to several Staveley MW Under 19 players who were a bit cheesed off that their match away at Worksop was called off.

In the 57 minute, SMITH doubled the home sides advantage when blasting home from close range after the visitors were caught in possession after playing the ball across their back four. The visitors tried to push forward but the home side stood firm and after 65 minutes, the home left winger was brought inside the box and up stepped Royals to blast the ball well over the bar.

Subs were made on both sides and fresh legs seemed to help both sides attack, but it was Staveley sub BATES who put the game out of reach in the 78th minute when he finished well from 20 yards with the keeper well beaten.

A well run club Staveley Miners Welfare are and well worth a visit, one of the clubs that do appriecate Non League Football and the community.

Staveley MW Website

Advanced Tickets for the Notts Senior Football League Groundhop Bonanza are now on sale..For more details please click the link below or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk


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Saturday 20 October 2012

THE SHINNERS SHINE AGAINST THE TOWN

CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 3 HUCKNALL TOWN AFC 0




South Normanton lost all their players before the start of this season and have had to re-build a side, so results havent gone as well as previous seasons as only last week they crashed out of the Derbyshire Senior Cup at home to Whaley Bridge, meanwhile two weeks ago I saw Hucknall Town AFC also crash out of County Cup competition to West Bridgford AFC, so really I wasnt too sure what I was going to witness here today.

Got to the ground at about 1.30pm and was met on the gate by Normo Chairman Phil Bailey before being giving a free cuppa by the Normo President. Into the bar I ventured and was bought a pint by Vice President Simon and downed it as the players entered the pitch.

I then saw Pete from Woodhouse and was joined by Steve Harris formally long time secretary of Blackwell MW. The match began at a slow pace but The Shinners had the upper hand and were rewarded with the lead after just 11 minutes.

After 16 minutes, the homesters doubled their lead after the forward lobbed the advancing keeper. The match then went through a bit of a dull spell and me and Pete put the wrongs of the world to right, before the half time break, where I enjoyed a lovely pie and chip dinner.

The players were soon out for the Second Half and the away team ventured forward but didn't really make many efforts towards the goal. On the hour, a nice run from the left winger saw him launch a superb 25 yard shot into the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-0 to South Normanton.

On todays evidence, South Normanton may scrap out a few more victories, but I feel Hucknall will struggle throughout the season.

South Normanton AFC Website

Hucknall Town AFC

Photo's from today's match

Advanced Tickets for the Notts Senior Football League Groundhop Bonanza are now on sale..For more details please click the link below or e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 13 October 2012

TOWN BING FIVE AGAINST FIVE

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE
Division Two

BINGHAM TOWN 5 FC05 0




With it being Non League Day today, I felt it about time to visit a new ground and with it, I felt this ground fitted the bill, as I wanted to look at the venue for a future Bonanza.

What a lovely place, set just off a Industrial Estate down a dirt track, but in front of you lies a brand new building that houses the beautiful clubhouse and kitchen and bar and changing rooms. I met the Bingham Town Sec Mick Spencer and also the teams manager and arranged to take a team photo after the usual pre-match handshakes and then went for a cuppa.

As this was a 2-30pm kick off, I was on the pitch for 2.25pm as the teams came out on to the pitch and after the handshakes took the homesters photo.

The game kicked off and Bingham were soon on the attack and it looked only a matter before they scored, but they had to survive a early scare when their keeper was called in to action to pull off a great save.

With only 7 minutes on the clock, MORLEY put Town in front, as he slide the ball past the outstretched arms of the diving FC05 keeper.

On 23 minutes, Bingham had doubled their lead when a superb 25 yard shot by SPENCER left the crowd of around 40 cheering. By now Town were in full control and were camped in the away area of play.

Just on the half hour and things got worse for FC05, when a Bingham corner came in from the left and the away defender stuck out his leg and the ball ended up past his own keeper.

After the half time break and it was soon to be 4-0 when LANGFORD lobbed the approaching keeper. Bingham could now relax and made regular subs replacing their three forwards, this allowed FC05 a bit more space and they pressed forward and they got a few corners that came to no avail.

With 70 minutes gone BULL fired home Bingham's fifth to complete the scoring.

After the final whistle, I went in to the clubhouse and me, my wife Hazel  had ordered Cheeseburger and chips and my son Shawn had Sausage and chips which were lovely.

I'm sure this club will be a great asset when we take the Bonanza there in a few seasons time.

Photos from todays match can be found on this link


Notts Senior League Bonanza Info
http://aroundthegrounds2012-13.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-first-ever-notts-senior-football.html

Thursday 11 October 2012

CALVO WIN THE BATTLE OF THE WELFARES

CMFL SOUTH DIVISION

BLIDWORTH WELFARE 1 CALVERTON MINERS WELFARE 4
Att: 59
Coffee 80p
Pie £1.30

Wasnt going to a match on this Wednesday Evening, but then got a text from good friend Dazza Wragg asking if I would like a lift, so rang him and he arranged to pick me up as he was on the line for the fixture.

Got to the Welfare Ground for a second visit in 2 weeks and bumped in Peter Chappell and had a chat with a few of the Blidworth Officials as well.

As the game kicked off, I went down towards the half way point of the ground and stood with the good company of Richard Lane, Sheffield Steve and fellow Blogger Malc Storer(his blog is cracking and worth a read.. http://ontheroad2012-2013.blogspot.co.uk/

The game kicked off and the first 10 minutes, it was Blidworth who attacked and looked more likely to score, but as what usually happens Calverton's DAN HOUGH put the away side in front. Within four minutes and the away side had doubled their lead from a penalty through JACK COULTON.
As the half carried on there could well have been more goals for both sides but for excellent saves by both keepers.

At half time, I ventured up the steps and spoke with Mr Clipstone Barry Clarke and got a pie and Bovril which went down well on this chilli nght..Infact it was that cold, my hat made its debut! Back down at pitchside I met old friend and referee Rob Townsend who had joined the party of 3 then make it five of us when Brian Dennett came along to join in the interesting conversations. The second half half kick off and within 9 minutes Calvo had gone in to a 3 goal lead. This looked like this could well turn in to a rout at this stage, but the home side kept battling away and on 79 minutes got a deserved penalty to which they duly converted to reduce the gap, but the gap wasnt to stay for very long as within 3 minutes, it was extended back to 3 goals when the Calvo sub scored.

After the match, I popped in to the clubhouse for a pint with a few refs who was at the match and the match officials and won £20 on the card...so a good night out for me. Again another good programme by Scotty.

Blidworth Welfare Website

Calverton Miners Welfare Website

Notts Senior League Bonanza Info

Saturday 6 October 2012

BRIDGERS SHOCK TOWN

Notts Intermediate Cup
WEST BRIDGFORD FC 2 HUCKNALL TOWN AFC 0




A few reasons why I picked this tie to attend today, I'd never visited this ground off Regatta Way before and they will be on the Notts Senior League Bonanza as a home club in 2014 and there was a sign of a shock as NSL Division One club hosted CMFL South Division club Hucknall Town AFC.

On our way we popped in to Selston Co-Op, as Selston FC had organised a Car Wash and having been away in Cornwall, the car did need a wash..Onwards we travelled and avoided the Goose Fair traffic by using the back roads to finally reach the destination.

On arrival, we found the large tea room and had a cuppa before just before kick off being joined by my son Simon and Grandson Jacob to watch the match.

From the off, West Bridgford looked a step quicker to the ball but couldnt find the break through, I had got a feeling I was about to see my 3 year spell of not seeing a 0-0 draw going for a burton and even more so, when right on the stroke of half time when the homesters had the ball in the back of the net, only for the Hucknall club linesman to raise his flag, to the disgust of several of the home players. In Cup Ties wouldnt it be better and fairer(so no blame can be laid) if the FA gave 3 officials. I do have to say though that I felt the linesman was correct in his decision, but maybe he could have stepped away from the home side and let the referee explain the rule.

The Second Half kicked off and again it was West Bridgford who took the game to their visitors and it came as no surprise when after 73 minutes JURGEN CHARLESWORTH tucked the ball past the advancing keeper.

Hucknall pushed forward and the Bridgers Keeper was called in to action a couple of times, but as they pressed forward, it left gaping holes at the back to which the home team should have added to their tally well before the game was finally secured in the final minute, when a cool finish by MILES SNAPE put them through to the next round of the Competition.

West Bridgford FC Website

Hucknall Town AFC Website

Pics from todays match

Link to follow me on twitter

Info on the Notts Senior League Bonanza

Thursday 4 October 2012

TEN MEN ROYALS REIGN OVER BLIDWORTH

CMFL SOUTH DIVISION

BLIDWORTH WELFARE 1 MICKLEOVER ROYALS 2

As you enter the Welfare you will notice the new impressive changing rooms that you have to walk round to get in to the ground. The clubs hard work has paid off and they look just the part in this lovely ground.

On arrival I was met by Sec/Programme Editor/Webmaster Scott who invited me in to the hospitality room for a cuppa and a chat. The club has a big day on Sunday where they officially open the changing rooms. I was then shown round the changing rooms and they look good.

Just before kick off I was joined by Richard Lane and Herbie and we had a chat before I went and stood with old friend Eddie Pearce for the first half.

The match wasnt the best I've seen but possibly wont be the worse I'll see this season. Sports took the lead after 22 minutes through a scrambled goal from a corner. Just before Half time there was a bit of a tussle and Sports were reduced to ten men, as Blidworth were fortunate to get away with a yellow card, but the ref can only give what he sees.

Blidworth in the Second Half really didnt use their one man advantage at all and it came as no surprise when Sports smashed home their second goal after 88 minutes. To the home clubs credit, they did pour forward and pulled a goal back but it was a matter of too late for them.

Must say that the programme has improved a lot, well done scott.

Pics of the changing rooms

Blidworth Welfare Website