IT'S ALL GOING DOWN TO THE WIRE

CMFL NORTH

GLAPWELL FC 1 AFC MANSFIELD 3

A few weeks ago I visited Glapwell FC when they played host to top of the table Dronfield Town, tonight their opponents were 2nd in the table AFC Mansfield. AFC Mansfield in their first ever season have done very well, reaching three Cup Finals, Winning two of them and facing Clifton All Whites this coming Sunday. They have a squad with many having had tasted success with clubs like Church Warsop, Blidworth Welfare, Kirkby Town and Retford United, so a lot of the players are well known in the local area.

As usual, a nice welcome from the Glapwell Committee on arrival followed by a quick pint in the clubhouse and as usual Mark got me a teamsheet.

The game kicked off but one thing of note was the Referee and his Assistants were all from Lincoln, for two clubs who are approx 6 miles apart, why not 3 offficials a bit closer, as this is the sort of thing that Clubs just arent happy about.

The first 15 minutes of the game was quite even butAFC Mansfield looked the more likely to score and in 19 minutes they did just that when DEAN RICK opened the scoring. Glapwell were then on the back foot and The Bulls could have extended their lead, but all credit to Glapwell who threw bodies in front of the ball and made it difficult for their opponents to break down.

On 39 minutes, AFC went further in front when from a Haslam corner, Rick dummied and JOE NAYLOR smashed home.

The Second Half saw a determined Glapwell and on 51 minutes, they got a reward in a goal by top scorer OLLIE TRIGG.

AFC Mansfield stepped up the pace and Glapwell began to look tired and after 77 minutes, DEAN RICK wrapped up the points for the visitors..on the Final whistle everyone was trying to get the score from the Westella v Dronfield match, but no one knew. Dronfield won 1-0 which keeps them on top by 3 points.

GLAPWELL WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/glapwell/

https://twitter.com/GlapwellFC

AFC MANSFIELD WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.afcmansfield.net/

https://twitter.com/AFCMansfield

ALL SQUARE AT THE ELMS

Notts Senior League

Senior Division

RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC 1 SANDHURST FC 1

Woke up this morning with the excitement of Saturday and thats football day for me, but today was very different, as the postman delivered the letters. A few weeks ago, a kind lady called Shelagh contacted me via facebook to ask if she could make a donation to the Blog's Charity The Cancer Unit at Kings Mill Hospital in Mansfield. Today the kind donation arrived of £40 to which any donation leaves me in shock of how kind and caring people can really be esp as i have never met this lady..so a MASSIVE THANKYOU Shelagh.

We set out aronnd lunchtime, Shawn excited with his scooter as Elms Park, the home of Ruddington Village FC has a big park, we had to pop in to Underwood Villa FC on the way and there was not as many there as last Saturday! I even asked where we were going to park the coach this week!

On arrival at Elms Park, we bumped in to Rob Crawford the Sandhurst FC and club committee man Graham who I've known for years bt can never remember his surname! As I was going for a coffee, I was met by Ruddington Village FC Manager Steve. A quick chat about Next Seasons Groundhop with him and a couple of the home committee went down well, as I would like Ruddington Village FC as a home club.

Todays Referee and friend Steve Seers was on the line last week at Magdala for the hop match, so he was very interested to know how it had all gone. On one of the lines today was a good referee himself in Craig Ford.

The match kicked off and the visitors began to have the better of the chances and really cold have taken a early lead on 17 minutes, but for brave goalkeeping by the home keeper making a triple save. The home side offered a couple headers that went over the bar.

On 35 minutes from a free kick, the ball ended up at the far edge of the area for TRISTRAM RHODES to slot Ruddington Village FC in to a lead.

After Half Time, Sandhurst FC looked the better side for 20 minutes and looked likely to score and on 65 minutes were nnfortunate not to be on level terms when a 25 yard shot hit the corner of the crossbar and post.

There are times when the saying goes, if yo dont put your chances away, you dont win games and this can be said of Ruddington Village who missed a handful of chances when they could have put the game to bed. With the game deep in to injury time and people looking at their watches, the ball  fell to ADAM BRADFORD who scooped the ball over the home keeper to level the score.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

Ruddington Village Website/Twitter
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ruddingtonvillagefc/
https://twitter.com/RuddFc

Sandhurst FC Website/Twitter
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sandhurstfootballclub/Home
https://twitter.com/SandhurstBOSS

ALL ROADS LEAD TO SUPERB NOTTS GROUNDHOP WEEKEND

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP WEEKEND

Like most Groundhop weekends, I dont tend to see much of the football, as I'm directing the coach around the grounds, on getting to the grounds, checking everything is fine and usually trying to help out or running the Charity Stall with my wife Hazel.

This being the FIRST EVER NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP no one really knew what to expect in standard of play and also the size of the crowds etc. The Advanced Ticket sales reached a healthy 156 sold, which was well over my expectations.

Friday Evening saw the FIRST Ever Groundhop match in the Notts Senior League, but Friday mornings weather didnt look too great with the rain pouring down, so how do you make the sun shine..well you spend £70 on a gazebo and when you put it up, the sun comes out!

The First game was at Roko Centre on Wilford Lane, where Hosts Magdala Amatuers played Bilborough Town. On arrival, the food table was being set up with them selling huge burgers and hot dogs. Folks began to flow through the gate starting at 4.15pm for the 6.15pm kick off.

A close encounter in front of a good crowd of 245 saw Magdala win 2-1 with both goals coming from LEE SUTTON and Bilborough replying through LIAM WEBSTER. As we were about to leave the ground. Magdala Amateurs kindly donated £30 to the Blogs Cancer Unit Charity at Kings Mill Hospital in Mansfield.

Lee West's blog at the above match:
http://www.adventuresinfootball.co.uk/grounds-visited/england/roko-health-club/

Laurence Reade's blog at the above match:
http://laurencereade.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/the-mission/

A early start for me was to be had on Saturday Morning and on the Mansfield to Nottingham 6.15am train arriving at 7am, into the Station Street cafe for a breakfast and already there was Ian Oldfield from Buxton and John McClure from York. People begin to gather on Station Street as we waited for the coach to leave at 8.30am to head to Selston FC. 

Selston FC was all ready for our arrival and what greeted you as you entered the ground, was a massive tent, inside was lots of goodies, like our charity stall of course, Selston FC & visitors Wollaton FC's club tables selling bits and bobs and most of all, a real ale bar! I'm not sure why I didnt get to watch very much of this game, but as Notts Senior League Chair Ian Kirk said " it may have something to do with the six pints of Strawberry Cider I'd drunk".  A goal in last minute for Selston FC ensured a point for both sides with the result ending 2-2 in front of a impressive crowd of 358 . Selston FC's scorers were RiICHARD BARNES and TIM MOORE. Wollaton FC's scorers were DANE RAWSON and RiICHARD RANSHAW. Half way through the game, Selston FC Chair Mark kindly donated £25 to the blogs charity.

Lee West's blog at the above match:
http://www.adventuresinfootball.co.uk/grounds-visited/england/selston-parish-hall-ground/

Laurence Reade's blog at the above match:
http://laurencereade.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/the-naked-brewer/

It was then on to Game Three, which took us in to Division One of the Notts Senior League for the very first time and to the Bracken Park ground, the home of Underwood Villa who have nearly completed the new Changing Room building and looks really nice inside. A lot of the hoppers like this rural setting and the Balti Pies were a treat. The game itself ended in another 2-2 draw in front of another healthy crowd of 341 spectators. West Bridgford shot in to a two goal lead through JURGEN CHARLESWORTH and SAM PRINCE, but in injury time of the first half Villa hit back with two goals in 38 seconds through IAN TOWNSEND and SAM TRING.

Lee West's blog at the above match:
http://www.adventuresinfootball.co.uk/grounds-visited/england/bracken-park/

Laurence Reade's blog at the above match:
http://laurencereade.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/under-notts-wood/

Game Four saw us head to The Shilo, the home of Awsworth Villa who were facing Cotgrave FC. Kim, the gent from Sweden was in his element here as he felt at home, he sat on the bank and looked over the ground at his country's IKEA. I told him, it was a flat pack that morning and we had built it specially for him! The food here, you smelt as you entered the ground and already people were stuffing their faces with the home made Stew and Dumplings with a massive queue, I waited and went when the queue died down, silly mistake as they had then sold out, so I had home made Cottage Pie which was grand. I did see a bit of this game and saw a goal and a good goal it was as well. Awsworth Villa ran out 3-0 winners with two goals coming from KIERAN SAXTON and LUKE HENSON getting the other in front of a crowd of 266.  Awsworth Villa also kindly donated £30 to the charity.

Lee West's blog at the above match:
http://www.adventuresinfootball.co.uk/grounds-visited/england/the-shilo/

Laurence Reade's blog at the above match:
http://laurencereade.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/the-forty-bridges/

Weary legs and my bald head getting burnt due to the hot sunny weather, saw us then to Digby Street for our final match of this seasons very successful Notts Senior League Groundhop, where Kimberley Miners Welfare played against Keyworth United in the 6.15pm kick off. I didnt get near the burger queue here as it was so busy, though I did push in and grab a cuppa! Kimberley were really ready to play in front of a large crowd and soon took control of this game, but wasnt to say that Keyworth didnt play their part and had many chances where they could have scored, but Kimberley had 27 shots and ended up winning comfortably 7-0 with a Hat Trick by JAKE FISHER, and goals added by DANNY CHAPLIN, LIAM BAKER, KARL BEECHAM and RED WILMOT in front of the top crowd of the weekend of 369. Again many thanks to Kimberley MW FC for the kind charity donation of £30.

Lee West's blog at the above match:
http://www.adventuresinfootball.co.uk/grounds-visited/england/digby-street/

At the final whistle, it was off to thank all on the coach and thank as many of the hoppers for coming along and also for all they had donated to our charity, with everyone commenting on how they will return to Notts next season, as they felt all the clubs were so organised and how well the refs and linesmen controlled the games as they were all played in the right spirit..A real good advert for the Notts Senior League and all of it's clubs. The Notts Senior League Committee and  would like to go on record and thank everyone for their kind comments throughout the weekend and thank everyone for attending and hope to see them back for future groundhops in the years to come.

FOOTNOTE:
I've just had a count up, with what the clubs kindly donated, the coach raffle and what kind hoppers spent on the Charity Stall, we raised £310 in total, so the total now stands at £559..A MASSIVE THANKYOU TO EVERYONE

Please take a look at other Hoppers Blogs who attended the weekend

Pete Miles
http://peterrmiles.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/arrowing-in-on-notts/

Shaun Smith
http://100groundsclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/my-matchday-notts-football-bonanza-2013.html?spref=tw

SUTTON SNIPE THE PELICANS DOWN

CMFL SOUTH DIVISION

SUTTON TOWN AFC 5 BILBOROUGH PELICAN 0

Having only found out about this match this morning after a long NSL Groundhop and rest yesterday, I thought I'd like to go to this game. Both sides having games in hand but behind League Leaders Pinxton FC.

The locals turned out with Pete Chappell, Richard Lane, and Tony Squires, big and little Mac and club reps from South Normanton, Pinxton and Clipstone FC all in attendance.

Having not been to Sutton Town AFC, I was a bit surprised to see that the teams had to get changed outside the ground and the refreshments and food were being served in the Hospitlity Room that has now been bordered in half.

The teams came out and a minutes silence took place but there was no announcement for who, but the crowd observed it.

The game kicked off and the first 10 minutes both keepers were called in to action in a competitive match. After 20 minutes, it was a free kick from 20 yards that put the Snipes in front.

Three minutes later Pelican were awarded a penalty, which the taker struck against the post.  At this stage there was action in the crowd as a Pelican supporter fell down the terrace and hit his head against the side bar and split his head open..The excitement saw the Sutton Officials look after him well and a ambulance was called and a visit up to Kings Mill was in need for..I hope the feller is ok and out of hospital tonight. Meanwhile a few meaty challenges were going on the pitch and Ref Eddie Pidduck did well to keep his cards in his pocket at this stage.

The clubs went in for Half Time and I had a nice cheeseburger with mushrooms and a cuppa before  going out to enjoy the Second Half.

Sutton upped their game and gained control in the 57th minute to go in to a two goal advantage, people began to head for the gates after 89 minutes trying to get a early venture out the packed car park, but they missed a incredible last minute, with Sutton adding three goals as Pelican's head went down. 

Sutton Town AFC Website/Twitter

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/suttontown/

https://twitter.com/Suttonsnipe

Bilborough Pelican FC Website/Twitter

http://bilboroughpelicanfc.intheteam.com/modules/page/page.aspx?pc=home2008

https://twitter.com/PELICANFC

DRONFIELD NARROW THE GAP

CMFL NORTH DIVISION

GLAPWELL FC 1 DRONFIELD TOWN 4

Saw this fixture and havent been to Glapwell FC's Hall Corner Ground for a while and not seen Dronfield Town play this season, so felt I must be that issue right. A lovely welcome as always by the Home Committee and their supporters. With the hello's out the way I went in to the great club shop that Glapwell have and got a few programmes for this weekends Notts Senior League Groundhop for the charity stall(though any programmes current season left over will going to Clevedon Town's clubshop). I then ventured in to the clubhouse and had a pint whilst having a chat to the Assessor who I often bump in to.

As the game kicked off, I took my position, just before the halfway line and stood with local hopper Pete Watmough who is always good company. Dronfield looked the better side from the kick off and Hopkins was called in to action in the Glapwell net several times before after 15 minutes he was beaten by a bullet of a shot from 30 yards by ASH RAWSON to give the visitors the lead.

To Glapwell's credit they did try pressing forward, but this left gaps that Dronfield quickly exposed and after 27 minutes DAN WOOD dashed away before slotting the ball past outcoming Hopkins with the home defence no where in sight. Some clubs heads would have gone down at this stage, but Glapwell carried on attacking with Trigg and Murcott having headers testing Siddons in the away net. with 36 minutes on the clock and Ash Rawson hit another 30 yard piledriver towards the Glapwell net and Hopkins did well to parry out but only in to line to JOHN DORAN who was then smothered in his goal celebrations by his team mates.

Half time came and a nice cuppa was served by the lovely Debs the Glappy Sec and a good chat was had in the Hospitality Room with cake offered but due to me being on a needle now for my diabeses I had to turn down sadly.

Back out in to a pleasant spring evening for the Second Half and Glapwell started a lot brighter and could have pulled a goal back through Goodhand but his shot went just wide. After 50 minutes, Dronfield extended their lead to 4-0 when Captain RICHARD MINTOFT got in on the act and scored. With both sides making subs, Glapwell's top scorer OLIVER TRIGG reduced the arrears on 56 minutes. This was the end of the scoring but not the end of the chances with both sides unlucky not to add to their tallys.

Dronfield close the gap at the top of the CMFL North Divison and sit only 3 points behind AFC Mansfield with 2 games in hand, by the time I eventually get to watch Dronfield at home on 11th of May, the title could have been decided by then.

Glapwell FC Website/Twitter

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/glapwell/

https://twitter.com/GlapwellFC

Dronfield Town FC Website/Twitter

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dronfieldtownfc

https://twitter.com/DronfieldTownFC

Notts Senior League Groundhop Information

Friday 19th April

Magdala Amateurs v Bilborough Town 6.30pm

Saturday 20th April

Selston FC v Wollaton FC 10.10am

Underwood Villa v West Bridgford 12.45pm

Awsworth Villa v Cotgrave FC 3.30pm

Kimberley MW v Keyworth United 6.15pm

LOWRY PAINTS UP THE TOWN

Central Midlands League

North Division

CLAY CROSS TOWN 4 EASINGTON UNITED AFC 2

When looking where to go today, I spotted this fixture between two of the most friendliest clubs in the Central Midlands League. A warm welcome was received on arrival by the two gate men and also Mr Clay Cross Town himself Dave Nobby Clark. I then had a chat with Martin who does a great job promoting the club. He is also running a little outdoor Club Shop.

I popped over to the Tuck Shop for a can of pop and spotted Former CMFL Chairman and Legend Frank Harwood coming through the gate.

The game kicked off and it was Easington who looked more up for it and could well have been two goals to the good before they took the lead with a nice lob by PAUL WILKINSON over the advancing home keeper.

This seemed wake the home club up and within three minutes, they were on level terms through PHIL LOWRY. Clay Cross now had their tails up and were attacking at regular intervals with Easington playing on the break. After twenty minutes, the homesters were awarded a free kick to which ex Matlock Town and debutant STEVE TAYLOR fired home.

A nice cuppa coffee in the Bonanza Hospitality Suite went down well at half time, as the rain began to fall. As I was coming out for the Second Half, PAUL WILKINSON fired his second of the game and Easington's equaliser.

Nice team play in the 54th minute, saw Clay Cross back in front again when ROCKIE WHITE finished off the move with a tap in. Around the 70th minute, the Assistant referee flagged for a foul in the box, but the referee in his position awarded a throw in, though it is to say that no Clay Cross players appealed for a penalty.

With four minutes left, that man PHIL LOWRY made the points safe when beating the away keeper with a low shot from the edge of the area.

The three officials I felt all had a good game.

Must comment on a First Class 48 page programme produced and all for a quid

Photos of the game can be seen on this link

Clay Cross Town FC Website

http://www.claycrosstownfc.co.uk/club/80477/Home

Easington United AFC Website/Twitter

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/easingtonunited/

https://twitter.com/EasingtonUtd

Preview of next Weekends Notts Senior League Groundhop

http://aroundthegrounds2012-13.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/the-road-to-notts-senior-league.html

THE ROAD TO NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

GROUNDHOPPERS TO HIT NOTTS

Last March as the hoppers were leaving Glapwell FC to head back to the coach, their cars and trains and planes, the question on all lips was "Rob, where are we going next season?" The reply was "I am in talks with  the Notts Senior League". Talks infact were being discussed amongst the Notts Senior League Committee and they welcomed the idea with open and excited arms.

Five matches were discussed in August and a meeting with the ten clubs was arranged for September at Wollaton FC on a bright Sunday Morning. Clubs that attended were more than happy with what they heard and have really looked forward to taking part in this forthcoming Annual Event for Nottinghamshire Football.

We did have a slight hiccup as one of the host clubs had to withdraw as their new clubhouse and changing room facilities wasnt going to be built in time, so a quick replacement was made and everyone was happy.

The Advanced Tickets went on sale in Mid - September and end on Thursday 11th April and sales reached a amazing 156 sold including our Overseas friends from as far as Sweden. 

A bargain to be had at just £15 which included entry in to all 5 grounds and also a programme pack of all 5 different programmes. 

Those that just wish to turn up, can pay £3 on the gate and buy a programme for £1 each. All home clubs will have their first ever Enamel Badge at £3 each...Most clubs home and away will have a stall to raise funds for their clubs, selling old shirts, programmes etc. There will also be stall holders who sell programmes, books, badges etc.

Food at each game is different, so a good choice is on offer.

Here are the matches and directions and bit about the games(up to Friday 12th April 2013):

FRIDAY 19th APRIL

MAGDALA AMATEURS FC v BILBOROUGH TOWN FC 6.30pm kick off

Roko Centre

Wilford Lane

West Bridgford

Nottingham

NG2 7RN

Parking at Emmanuel School (opposite the Ground)

Magdala are in fine form with only two losses in the last fourteen League matches and are sitting in fifth place at present, whilst visitors Bilborough Town started the season off very poorly and spent a lot of time at the bottom, but having won seven out of the last nine that they are unbeaten has moved them up in to a respectable mid-table postition. The fixture earlier in the season finished as a 2-2 draw. Magdala Amateurs will be producing their First Ever League Programme.

Magdala will be doing either Pork Cobs or Hot Dogs

Entrance £3..Matchday Programme £1

With this being the Friday Evening fixture, it would be lovely to see some Football League Fans down to have a look and support Non League Football.

SATURDAY 20th APRIL

SELSTON FC v WOLLATON FC 10.10am kick off

Selston Parish Hall Ground

Mansfield Road

Selston

Notts

NG16 6EE

Parking next door to the ground at the school

Selston FC are capable of giving any club a good match, but they have had a topsy turvey season and sit in 7th position in the table at the moment, whilst Wollaton FC who won the Notts Senior League for the 1st two seasons are have struggle this season and are third from bottom at the moment, but having seen both clubs recently, this could well be a close called game. Earlier in the season the clubs drew 1-1 at Wollaton FC.

Selston FC will be doing Bacon Cobs, they will also have a Real Ale tent with a Real Ale specially brewed called GAME OVER.

Entrance £3..Programme £1

With a early kick off of 10.10am, A healthy crowd should appear at this game with well over 300 hopefully.

UNDERWOOD VILLA FC v WEST BRIDGFORD FC 12.45pm

Bracken Park

Felley Mill Lane North

Underwood

Notts

Parking in the Club's Official Car Park £1

We now ventured in to Division One for the 1st time now, where hosts Underwood Villa FC are having a lot of work done on their ground after getting a Football Foundation Grant to build new changing rooms. Bracken Park houses two pitches, the main pitch being nearest to the changing rooms. On the pitch, Underwood are third from bottom having only won four games all season, but I saw them win of of those matches and thought they played very well against a team from near the top of the table that day. Newly promoted West Bridgford FC started off the season brightly but of late their form has taken a slight faulter. When these two teams met earlier in the season, it resulted in a 3-3 draw. Underwood Villa FC will be producing their First ever Programme.

Underwood Villa will be selling Pie and Peas.

Entrance £3 Programme £1.

AWSWORTH VILLA FC v COTGRAVE FC 3.30pm

The Shilo

Attewell Road

Awsworth 

Nottingham

NG16 2SY

No parking at the Ground, side street Parking only.

Awsworth Villa are sitting mid-table in the Senior Division but have recently reached the Semi Final of the Notts FA Intermediate Cup where they held CMFL Newboys AFC Mansfield to 0-0 for 90 minutes before losing in Extra Time. One of the nicest grounds I have been to, as it is shaped in a mini bowl and you can watch the game from above the pitch level. Their visitors CotgraveFC are sitting two positions below, but as I write,  have played a couple of games more. This will be the first meeting of the clubs this season.

Awsworth Villa FC will be selling  Home Made Stew and Dumplings, also Cottage/Shepherds Pie.

Entrance £3 Programme £1

KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE FC v KEYWORTH UNITED FC 6.15pm

Digby Street

Kimberley

Nottingham

NG16 2HP

Street Parking only

Kimberley MW FC have a nice ground and are sure to greet the Hoppers well, as will all the other four host clubs. Kimberley sit around the halfway place in the League table and with a few wins could well spring further up the table.

Keyworth United FC are sitting second from bottom, but as I write, do have a couple of games in hand of others around them.

This will be the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.

Kimberley MW FC will be having a BBQ which always goes down well.

Entrance £3 Programme £1.

I do still have 3 seats left on the coach for the Saturday games leaving Nottingham Station Street at 8.30am and arriving back at no later than 8.40pm, if you are interested in the coach seat, they are priced at £15 and will be sold on a first serve first sold basis, so please ring me on 01623 486678 for a coach seat.

DIRECTIONS:

MAGDALA AMATEURS FC

From A453(JCT 24), head for Nottingham, as you approach Clifton Bridge, take left lane and turn LEFT at island on to Wilford Lane(B679). Continue for approx 1 mile, you will see ROKO Centre on Right, park in school on LEFT. Ground entrance is behind the ROKO Centre.

From Trent Bridge/West Bridgford. Go along Loughborough Road, Turn RIGHT on to Wilford Lane and ground is approx 1 mile on the left, parking is at school on the right.

Regular buses 1 and 2 from Nottingham City Centre drop you outside the ground.

SELSTON FC

From M1(JCT 27), take the exit and take A608 Heanor, travel for approx 1 mile into Underwood and turn RIGHT at T Junction. Follow B600 Alfreton-Selston. Travel for 1.5 miles, at Petrol station on RIGHT, turn RIGHT on to Mansfield Road. Go rund left bend and ground is on the LEFT hand side. Parking is next to the ground at the school.

UNDERWOOD VILLA FC

Turn RIGHT back on to Mansfield Road out of Selston's ground. At bottom, turn LEFT on to B600, after 1.4 miles, turn LEFT on to Sandhill Road, at top of the road, the ground is straight ahead of you. You MUST park at the club's car park and NOT on the country lane.

AWSWORTH VILLA FC

Leaving Underwood FC, turn RIGHT and head for the M1(Jct 27) South..Come off at M1(Jct 26)..Take A610 Ripley..After 2 miles, come off at Awsworth sign, be in LEFT lane. Follow to 1st island and keep LEFT towards Awsworth, as you go up the hill, turn RIGHT on to STATION Road. The ground is 2nd left on Attewell Road. Parking in ground for disabled only.

KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE FC

On leaving Awsworth, turn LEFT out of Station Street and at island, go over and take lane for Kimberley, turn Right on to Digby Street and the ground is down a alleyway approx 100 yards on your RIGHT. Street parking only available here.

Anyone need any help or has any questions then please give me a ring on 01623 486678 or contact me via e-mail on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

HAT TRICK LEE FIRES MAGDALA TO THREE POINTS

Notts Senior League 

Senior Division

MAGDALA AMATEURS 3 BURTON JOYCE 0

Well with ten days to go to the Notts Senior League Groundhop, I visited the FIRST CLUB to host a game next Friday Night, Magdala Amatuers who tonight were playing host to 3rd placed Burton Joyce. As I entered the ground, I was greeted by a fellow hopper who last saw me down in Cornwall some two years ago and was up in the Nottinghamshire area as he was a Middlesex Cricket Fan and they play Notts at Trent Bridge tomorrow. He had seen the fixture in the Non League Traveller and decided to come along.

I was then greeted by both clubs committees and managements who I have met during this season. Me and the fellow hopper went to pitchside and was soon joined by a local man who had moved up here some 7 years ago from the smoke. 

The match kicked off and Magdala nearly took the lead in the first minute when a flashing shot went just wide of the target, but they didnt have to wait very long to get their deserved lead, when after 6 minutes LEE SUTTON put the ball in the net.

Magdala went on to miss quite a few chances and you had a feeling that the visitors may just break away and score one. Towards Half time, I then joined Attenborough FC's manager Roberto. We had a good chat as he is always good company and enjoys his non league footie.

On 75 minutes, the left winger went down from a clumbsy challenge and in my view didnt look a penalty but the referee was in a fair better position to me to view it and he pointed straight to the spot. This seemed to incense the Burton Joyce players and a couple of them lost abit of discipline instead of getting on with the game. LEE SUTTON stepped up and planted the penalty out of the keepers reach.

With 3 minutes left LEE SUTTON wrapped up his hat-trick which the visiting defence felt was offside but one defender was holding the forward on. Again this led to the away side getting upset. Then within the next minute, the referee sent a Burton Joyce player from the pitch.

Overall, I have seen Magdala three times this season and they do look a good unit and will be a good team to have on this seasons hop..tonight the score could and should have been a lot greater, as I have witnessed Burton Joyce a couple of times this season and they are a good side but tonight they just wasnt at the races as they say.

photos from tonights match

http://s1353.photobucket.com/user/Midlandsman11/library/Magdala%20Amateurs%203%20Burton%20Joyce%200?page=1

Magdala Amateurs FC Website/Twitter

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/magdalaamateurs

https://twitter.com/MagdalaAmateurs

Burton Joyce FC Twitter

https://twitter.com/Burton_Joyce_FC

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

We have now sold 150 Advanced Tickets,  There is one match in Friday 19th April & 4 on Saturday 20th April..5 matches...5 grounds..5 programmes only a bargain Advanced Ticket for only £15, so come & watch and support Non League Football..for more details and booking form, please contact me on either 01623 486678 or hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk You can pay on the gate at all matches £3 entry and £1 per programme.

TEVERSAL HAMMER DOWN THE BRIDGE

Northern Counties East League

Division One

TEVERSAL FC 4 WORSBROUGH BRIDGE ATHLETIC 0

Having not been to Teversal FC for quite a long time, when Richard Lane rang me up and offered me a lift, it was too good a chance to miss. Teversal FC are always a first class friendly club from Mr Kev Tevvie Newton to his wife who runs the superb Tevvie Food Bar with her helper, to the friendly gatemen to Mr Keith Tevvie Parnell.

Pre-match consisted of having my lovely pie & chips followed by chatting to Simon Matters, then Pete Chappell, Big Mac and Bury Paul. On my way out of the building I bumped in to old friend Steve Haslam.

I drifted in to the cold of the night and stood around the half way line, with Tevvie attacking the far end, though it was the visitors who had the better of the first 15 minutes and had a few chances to take the lead, but didnt put their chances away. The homesters then began to settle down and get more in to the game.

On 20 minutes, a corner from the right was swung in and home captain KRIS WITCOMBE rose to head his side in front. The night was now becoming a bit colder with a biting wind, so we moved to have a wall at the back of us and there I met Mr Clipstone Barry Clarke.

On the half hour, Teversal had taken full control of this game and it came as no surprise when JAKE VERNON volleyed the homesters in to a 2-0 lead.

In to the clubhouse for the half time break, where Barry Clarke bought me a black coffee, that thawed me out. The referee was so good he waited for me to come outside again before blowing his whistle to start the Second Half.

For the Second Half, I strolled down to have a good chat with Kev Newton, then in the 59th minute, DAVID COCKERILL weaved around his defender before blasting home the third goal of the game.

Both sides then made subs and it was still Teversal attacking with missed chances. With just 11 minutes to go, a ball was played out to the left winger and DANNY WILLIAMS belted the ball into the back of the visitors net.

As people were leaving the ground, a couple came and asked Kev if he had any spare programmes from previous matches and Kev gave them a couple free of charge. I commented if they came on my groundhop there would be loads of programmes on sale cheap, to which the chap asked if I was Rob Hornby and thanked me as his 2 tickets had arrived this morning.

I would like to thank Kev for the donation of programmes for my charity stall for the Notts Senior League Groundhop that takes place on Friday 19/Saturday 20th April.

Teversal FC Website

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/teversalfc/

Worsbrough Bridge Athletic FC Website

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/worsbroughbridgeathletic/

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

We have now sold 149 Advanced Tickets, it would be great if we reached a target of 160. There is one match in Friday 19th April & 4 on Saturday 20th April..5 matches...5 grounds..5 programmes only a bargain of £15, so come & watch and support Non League Football..for more details and booking form, please contact me on either 01623 486678 or hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

BILBOROUGH PELICAN CLOSE THE GAP

Central Midlands League

South Division

BILBOROUGH PELICAN FC 4 NOTTINGHAM UNITED FC 0

A few weeks ago I got a message from Bilborough Pelican Chairman Glenn Russell to visit as the club would like to make a donation to the Blogs Charity( The Cancer Unit @ Kings Mill Hospital). With all the snow, the match was called off, so with a day you could walk round with out a coat, today was the day of the visit.

As we pulled on to the car park, the pelican committee and managerment were beginning to arrive, after our greetings, it was upstairs to order mine, Hazel's and Shawns dinner and the lovely Emma did a great job cooking it for us.

A groundhopper then appeared from Bury, who had turned up a few weeks ago when Pelican's match was called off v the non defunct Blackwell MW.

The game kicked off and Pelican were on the attack, but it took minutes before they broke through a well organised Nottingham United defence, when PRANCE opened the scoring.

After 42 minutes, the homesters were awarded a penalty, the keeper was at full stretch to save, but the Assistant Referee caught the Ref's attention and a re-take was given, to which the keeper again made a remarkable save.

As I could smell the coffee, the away defence fell asleep and HODGES was alert to blast the ball low under the keeper from the left side to double his sides lead.

The Second Half was a bit of huff and puff from both sides with not many chances being created, but just after the hour, an off the ball incident resulted in the home attacker being given a yellow card, which the Pelican bench wasnt too impressed with..Poor Glenn ended up having to leave the bench.

With 6 minutes to go, the game looked as if it was just going to fizzle out, but BLANCHARD had different ideas when knocking in to make it 3-0. Nottingham United;s heads went down at this stage and Pelican gained advantage in the 87th minute when HOWARD made the result safe and with Pinxton FC & Sutton Town AFC not playing League matches enabled them to close in at the top.

A BIG THANKYOU to Bilborough Pelican for the kind Donation which takes the total up to £235 and also understanding of my 8 year son Shawn who has Autism..Always a pleasure going to Bilborough Pelican with a good committee.

Photos from todays match can be seen on this LINK

Bilborough Pelican FC Website

http://bilboroughpelicanfc.intheteam.com/modules/page/page.aspx?pc=home2008

Nottingham United FC Website

http://www.nottinghamunitedfc.co.uk/

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

We have now sold 149 Advanced Tickets, it would be great if we reached a target of 160. There is one match in Friday 19th April & 4 on Saturday 20th April..5 matches...5 grounds..5 programmes only a bargain of £15, so come & watch and support Non League Football..for more details and booking form, please contact me on either 01623 486678 or hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

CLIFTON CLIP THE ASH OUT OF THE ROVERS

Notts Senior League 

Division Two

ASHLAND ROVERS 2 CLIFTON RESERVES 4

I wasnt going out tonight but a invite from Ashland Rovers Jez Wright via twitter yesterday got me to drop in and gain a extra match. I have watched several matches in this Division of the Notts Senior League and the standard hasnt been that bad to be honest.

Everyone was ready for a 6.15pm kick off apart from Clifton Reserves who didnt have enough men to kick off the game and there was worries that their First team were in the Semi Final of the Notts FA Senior Cup that there reserve side may not show. The ref gave it to 6.25pm and the visitors had 8 players to kick off the game with their manager in goal. By 6.27pm they were one nil down and looked there for the taking.

After 20 minutes, Clifton had a bare 11 players on the pitch with the manager still in goal and the defender taking all the goal kicks, this really did look like how many can they keep the score down to, when a home midfield player fell awkward and was rushed to Kings Mill Hospital(the hospital this blog is raising money for), it has turned out that the player has broken his collar bone.

In the 36th minute, clifton were growing in confidence and scored a equaliser when the home defence were caught napping.

Half time came and the referee ordered just 5 minutes for the turn around and he did well to get the game to do 45 minutes each way.

Ashlands pushed forward but found one too many as they shot or tried to get in to the area, but on the hour re-took the lead. Was this where they would push on and put the game out of sight?  No this was not to be, as in the 73rd minute, a defender lunged in and was shown a yellow card for the tackle and quickly shown a second yellow followed by a red card for comments that he may have made towards the referee. From the resulting penalty, the Clifton player hammered it straight in to the middle of the goal, not giving the home keeper any chance.

This seemed to spur the visitors on and after 81 minutes, they broke and the attacker lifted the ball over the outcoming keeper in to the empty net to give them the lead for the first time in the match.

With time running out, the visitors were running the ball in to the corners, when they surprised the home team by bursting in to the area and wrapping the game up with a 4th and final goal.

In the clubhouse after the game, the Ashland Rovers Football Club kindly donated £20 to this Charity Blog to take the total over £220 which I am very thankful for.

Photos from todays game can be seen on this LINK

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

We have now sold 140 Advanced Tickets, it would be great if we reached a target of 150. There is one match in Friday 19th April & 4 on Saturday 20th April..5 matches...5 grounds..5 programmes only a bargain of £15, so come & watch and support Non League Football..for more details and booking form, please contact me on either 01623 486678 or hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

EASTER AWAY WINS

Notts Senior League

Senior Division

Wollaton FC 1 Burton Joyce 2

Selston FC 1 Attenborough FC 2

Well for Easter Monday, I thought I'd go to Ruddington Village v Bilborough Town and beforehand take my son Shawn on the Steam Train that is at the Ruddington Heritage Centre on the morning of the game, but all that went amiss when chatting to the Bilborough Town Secretary the other night about the Notts Senior League Groundhop when he mentioned that this fixture had been switched.

So to plan B and I noticed another away team on the Hop Wollaton were at home today, so a quick phone call was music to my ears when told it was a 1pm kick off. Got to the Wollaton Road Ground for 12.15pm to find the car park packed, so Hazel had to park just up the road. On arrival was met by Bill Fishwick who you will all meet on the groundhop, as he will be running Wollaton's stall and Notts Senior League Fixture Secretary Frank Hunt. Had a nice cuppa coffee and ventured outdoors and met fellow hopper Rob Rambler Campion who had bought a new camera lens(about 9 foot long), then closely followed by Colin Colpic Picken.

Wollaton's clubhouse is being done up at present and was the venue in the 1980/90's ITV Cricket comedy programme "Outside Edge". Timothy somebody was in it.

Out came the teams, with Wollaton near the foot of the table and their visitors riding in Second Place, though a long way behind runaway leaders Bulwell FC.

It was the visitors who created the opening chances, but Wollaton looked more likely to score, until Burton Joyce broke away, draw the keeper and played the ball across for the visiting forward to tap in to a empty net on 24 minutes.

The match went through a end of season slog towards half time,but after the break, the homesters came out fighting and on 55 minutes was well worthy of their equaliser. This seemed to spur Wollaton on and they looked very capable of getting a result out of this game, but then came the turning point of the game.

The home midfielder was brought down just inside the box and the referee indicated for a free kick outside, the home players asked the referee to look over at his Assistant who flagged for the penalty. The referee quite rightly then pointed to the spot to some sad Burton Joyce faces.

The penalty taker came up and smashed the ball against the crossbar and the ball was cleared up field to the Burton Joyce winger who ran on and played the ball through to the forward who slotted the ball home.

At the full tie whistle, it was back in the car and off to Selston FC to see how they were getting along with their groundhop plans, hoping to be there for half time, we arrived at 3.10pm and the game kicked off at 3.05pm so had only missed 5 minutes of the game, but needing a nice Pukka Pie and a chat with sec Nicola, I only saw Attenborough's free kick nestle in the back of the net, by half time, the vistors had doubled their lead.

Second Half I spent in the company of Mark the Selston FC chairman and they have a special real ale being brewed esp for the Groundhop called GAME OVER, plus the brewery The Naked Brewer of the Corner Pin in Westwood are also bringing a few of their other real ales as well.

During the second half, Selston did pull a goal back but for poor missing by the Attenborough forwards, this defeat could and should have been a lot more.

Photo's from Todays Games

Wollaton FC v Burton Joyce

Selston FC v Attenborough FC

Remember there is still 9 days to buy your Groundhop Ticket..only £15 for 5 matches & 5 programmes and I do have 3 seats left available on the coach for Saturday at only £15..for more details, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk or ring me on 01623 486678.