Pitch-side Stories

Thursday 21st February 2013
Brocton 3 Heath Hayes 1 (after extra time)
Walsall Senior Cup Quarter Final
At: Silkmore Lane Sports Ground, Stafford
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: £6; Programme: £1 (36 pages)
Weather: very cold, windy, dry
Attendance: 35
Duration (45): first-half: 46:43; second-half: 48:30
Extra Time (15): first-half: 15:05; second-half: 14:37

On a bitterly cold night, Brocton came from behind to defeat higher-ranked Heath Hayes 3-1 after extra time and earned a lucrative Walsall Senior Cup semi-final away at either neighbours Stafford Rangers or Rushall Olympic. The visitors held a slender one-goal advantage through Craig Hancox at the interval which was cancelled out in the second half by a super goal from the lively Jordan Bloor. Neither side could find a winner in normal time before extra-time goals from Gary Fife and Sam Bell sent the Badgers to within one game of emulating last season’s memorable run to the final when they lost to Rushall.

Three games in three nights – not sure how I’ve got away with it! I couldn’t ignore an important cup quarter final on my own ‘doorstep’, could I?. Both sides were given a first round bye and won their respective second round ties with a clean sheet: Brocton won their ‘away’ tie 8-0 against Warstones Wanderers at Silkmore Lane while Heath Hayes also made good use of home advantage to defeat Chasetown 2-0 at the Coppice Colliery Ground.

Walsall Senior Cup 2012/13…
First Round
Boldmere St Michaels 4 Continental Star 1
Pelsall Villa 0 Bolehall Swifts 1
Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stafford Rangers 3
Second Round
Bilston Town 5 Bloxwich United 1
Boldmere St Michaels 2 Sutton Coldfield Town 3
Bolehall Swifts 2 Walsall Wood 4
Heath Hayes 2 Chasetown 0
Romulus 0 Rushall Olympic 3
Sporting Khalsa 0 Walsall 4
Stafford Town 1 Stafford Rangers 2
Warstones Wanderers 0 Brocton 8 (at Brocton)
Quarter Final
Bilston Town 1 Sutton Coldfield Town 1 (pens 4-5)
Brocton v Heath Hayes (tonight)
Stafford Rangers v Rushall Olympic (7th March)
Walsall Wood 0 Walsall 2
Semi Final
Stafford or Rushall v Brocton or Heath Hayes
Walsall 1 Sutton Coldfield Town 0

In terms of league positions, this tie pitted step 5 Heath Hayes (21st in the Midland Alliance with 19 points from 22 games) and step 6 Brocton (7th in the Midland Combination Premier Division with 37 points from 22 games). Heath Hayes played two days ago and lost 2-0 at home to Coventry Sphinx while Brocton hadn’t played since Saturday when they defeated Racing Club Warwick 5-0.

As always and much appreciated, teams were displayed on the whiteboard positioned in the hospitality room window. Both sides named a strong starting line-up in a bid to reach the semi finals. I watched the game in the company of some familair faces in Coxey, Cannock Rob and Mugsy.

Heath Hayes (in blue and white) got the game underway defending the changing rooms end in the first half. The Badgers, however, made a bright start and, early on, Jordan Bloor twice went close to opening the scoring. First he drove over the bar then in the next attack forced Heath Hayes goalkeeper to tip over a rising shot at the expense of a corner.

Brocton continued to impress when a nice move ended with a shot from Sam Bell that narrowly missed the target.

Having survived the early pressure, Heath Hayes started to cause problems for the Brocton defence. Dave Waple hammered a first-time shot wide of the near right-hand post. Then, in the 27th minute, a poor clearance by Adam Whitehouse flew straight to Waple who hit a rising shot which the Brocton goalkeeper stopped with a raised hand.

The visitors from the higher Midland Alliance continued to threaten and create chances. Just after the half-hour, two corners in quick succession, both delivered by Craig Hancox, almost lead to the opening goal. Brad Grice had a shot cleared off the line by Jamie Evans from the first and Adam Wood headed wide from the second which was initially cleared.

Both sides were forced to make a change with the popular Mick Fox replacing Dave Ablewhite for the Badgers.

The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when Hancox hit an unstoppable rising left foot shot past Whitehouse.

Brocton got back on level terms five minutes after the restart. Gary Fife played in the ball into the path of Bloor on the left who confidently fired past Bowen to score his sixth goal of the season.

Bowen produced a decent save from Dan Loams as Brocton looked to quickly take the lead. Chances continued to be created by both sides and Whitehouse did well to stop a close-range shot hit by Waple.

Bloor could have won the game from Brocton in the 82nd minute. Bell beat several defenders on a run into the area from the right and squared a pass to Bloor who fired over from a few yards out.

With the cold wind biting more than ever, we wanted a winner in normal time to save having to go through an extra 30 minutes. With time running out, Bell tested Bowen who did well to hold on a low shot at the second attempt.

Brocton, who got extra time underway attacking the changing rooms end, moved ahead in the tie for the first time in the 98th minute. Bloor went down inside the area and Fife beat Bowen with the resulting penalty. Could the Badgers hang on?

Brocton manager John Berks made his final substitution and replaced first-half substitute Mick Fox with Joe Pickering for the last 20 minutes.

Pickering made an immediate impact by exchanging passes with Bell who put the outcome beyond doubt in the 112th minute. The tall attacking midfielder got into the area on the right and sent a low shot into the far side of the net off the hands of Bowen. Brocton 3-1 up and game over.

Heath Hayes looked to reduce the deficit but the closest they got was a header over the bar.

Brocton (green/white/green): 1. Adam Whitehouse, 2. Richard Jones, 3. Jamie Evans, 4. Andy Chandler, 5. Rob Tomlinson, 6. Dave Ablewhite, 7. Sam Bell, 8. Jordan Bloor, 9. Gary Fife, 10. David Berks (capt), 11. Dan Lomas. Subs: 12. Mick Fox (for Ablewhite, 33), 14. Joe Pickering (for Fox, 100), 15. Charlie Jones (for Lomas, 75), 16. Sam Beech (not used), 17. Matt Skinner (not used). Manager: John Berks.

Heath Hayes (blue and white stripes / blue / white): 1. Mark Bowen, 2. Ben Maddox, 3, John Littler, 4. Andy Davies, 5. Tom Baggott, 6. Adam Wood, 7. Brad Grice, 8. Lee Smith, 9. Chris Deakin, 10. Dave Waple (capt), 11. Craig Hancox. Subs: 12. Harry Phillips (not used), 14. Stuart Simpson (for Maddox, 38), 15. Karl Wallis (not used), 16. Andy McMath (for Littler, 107), 17. Tom Green (for Deakin, 90). Manager: Simon Davies.

Referee: Alan Sarginson.
Assistants: Sam Barnard and James Clements

Goals:
0-1 Craig Hancox (42)
1-1 Jordan Bloor (50)
2-1 Gary Fife (98 pen)
3-1 Sam Bell (102)

Cards:
Brocton: Jordan Bloor (YC, 90+3), Gary Fife (YC, ft)
Heath Hayes: none

Saturday 23rd February 2013
Daisy Hill 1 Irlam 2
North-West Counties League Division One
At: New Sirs, St James Street, Westhoughton
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Weather: light snow
Attendance: 29
Duration (45): first-half: 45:08; second-half: 47:52

Just like the game I saw at Rocester on Tuesday, a straight red card to the side holding a one-goal advantage proved crucial as the opponents took full advantage by scoring late goals to win 2-1. Today, Daisy Hill led with an early goal scored after just 61 seconds by Craig Xuereb then had Jake Foster sent-off on the hour for violent conduct. Irlam levelled things up though Dave Castle and won game with an injury-time penalty converted by Ryan McGreevy.

If Wednesday’s trip to Cheadle Town plugged a gap in my football-watching ‘CV’ then this long-overdue visit to the New Sirs filled one of canyon proportions. It meant that a journey that started at Bacup Borough in April 1998 is completed and I can now ‘boast’ to have finally visited all the grounds of the current 40 members of the North-West Counties League.

Daisy Hill FC, as the club history printed in the programme explained, was established in 1894 and folded sometime between the two World Wars before reforming in 1951. They became founder members of the North-West Counties League in 1982 and for five seasons between 1989 and 1994 were known as Westhoughton Town. It is a puzzle to me based on that history that it has taken me so long to visit the New Sirs.

The Daisy Hill and Westhoughton area is located a few miles west of Bolton and, even though Daisy Hill station is only a half mile from the ground, I decided to drive today. On a Saturday afternoon for those using public transport, there are two trains per hour in each direction connecting Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate.

Approaching the ground from Leigh and the outskirts of Atherton along the B5325, I could help but notice the parish church of St James, an impressive brick-built place of worship with bells visible in the bell turret topped by a weathercock. Certainly, well worth a walk back up St James Street for a closer look after I'd parked up.

Programmes were on sale at the turnstile and included a history of both clubs as well as the interesting story of the North-West Counties League. I was indebted to the two officials at the tea bar who, despite being short of numbers, produced the teamsheets for me copy down the lineups – much appreciated.

Through the entrance, the pitch ran lengthways with an interesting clubhouse behind the near goal with seats in front and covered standing down the right-hand side next to the dugouts. I know that work has been carried out to move the pitch barriers and improve the drainage of the playing surface which looked in very good nick. Despite the warnings to keep off the pitch, a stray hen wandered into the penalty area at the far end!

The league table showed that both Daisy Hill (17th with 16 points from 21 games) and Irlam (15th with 18 points from 22 games) both occupied positions in the bottom four. Both sides played in midweek with Daisy Hill winning 2-1 at Oldham Borough and Irlam going down 5-2 at home to Formby. Irlam had a change of manager a couple of weeks ago with Steve Nixon replacing the outgoing Nick Parker.

Though Irlam (in a change kit of red white and black) got the game underway attaching the clubhouse end, Daisy Hill took the lead after just 61 seconds. Captain Craig Xuereb hit a superb unstoppable rising 25-yard right-foot shot into the top left corner of the net, which flew past Jamie Brewer in the Irlam goal.

As the home side continued to threaten, Kyle Hynes crossed from the right and Richard Smith sent a free-header over the bar. Irlam goalkeeper Brewer produced a fine save in the 12th minute to keep out a rising shot from Matty Boland. The opening exchanges certainly provided plenty of entertainment between two sides closely matched in terms of the league table.

Elsewhere, a few miles to the east at the Reebok Stadium, “Bolton [were] three-up already” against Hull City. Three goals during the opening eight minutes I later learnt.

Daisy Hill’s Chris Taylor was also on good form as well and produced a brave save to block a close-range from Ryan McGreevy.

As well as Daisy Hill’s Xuereb, who seemed to be influential all over the field, I was also impressed with Irlam’s captain Steve Mills and the central defender headed just wide of the far post from Conor Braithwaite’s right-wing corner.

As the snowflakes began increasing in numbers and size, Daisy Hill went close again in the 35th minute. James Jordan crossed low from the left to Boland who flicked a shot past Brewer and agonisingly the left-hand post as well.

Into the second half and Irlam had a strong shout for a penalty waived away after McGreevy went down inside the area. Similar appeals by Daisy Hill suffered the same fate when Xuereb’s cross hit Mills.

Boland hit a 35-yard free-kick on target which Brewer could only block but the goalkeeper bravely claimed the ball at the second attempt as two attackers pounced on the loose ball.

After this warning, the visitors were told from the dugout to “step it up, Irlam”.

Arguably, the turning point of this game came in the 59th minute when Daisy Hill’s Jake Foster received a straight red card for violent conduct (photo right). Irlam’s Steve Castle was booked for his part in the incident.

Having a one-man advantage certainly gave Irlam a lift and they equalised 10 minutes in the 69th minute. Castle’s brave header looped over goalkeeper Taylor into the net.

From the dugout, Irlam were encouraged to “push for it” and they forced the home defence to work hard. On the break, Daisy Hill almost took the lead in the 87th minute when the influential Xuereb fired over outside the area.

The side with ten men at Rocester on Tuesday lost the game to a late goal and they same happened this afternoon in perhaps more dramatic circumstances. With the 90 minutes completed and just added time remaining, Liam Duffy went down in the area prompting the referee to point to the spot. McGreevy stepped up and sent Taylor the wrong way to claim all three points for his side.

I know I’m supposed to be concentrating on healthy eating nowadays but I couldn’t resist a portion of chips from the interestingly-named ‘Golden Chopsticks’ before heading home.

As always, this was another a ‘good day out’ at a friendly and welcoming club. I’d certainly recommend a visit.

Daisy Hill (blue/blue/blue): 1. Chris Taylor, 2. Kyle Hynes, 3. Darrell Gavin, 4. Marc Shemwell, 5. James Brooks, 6. Craig Xuereb (capt), 7. Matty Boland, 8. Richard Smith, 9. Danny Gregory, 10. Jake Foster, 11. James Jordan. Subs: 12. Simon Farrell (for Boland, 68), 14. Danny Brookes (for Jordan, 86), 15. Samuel Howell (not used), 16. Kane Duffy (not used), 17. Nicholas Swiran (for Brooks, 52). Manager: Craig Thomas.

Irlam (red with white sleeves / black / black): 1. Jamie Brewer, 2. Conor Braithwaite, 3. Alex Barlow, 4. Jordan Smith, 5. Steve Mills (capt), 6. Dave Castle, 7. Liam Duffy, 8. Tommy Smith, 9. Adam Campbell, 10. Jordan Icely, 11. Ryan McGreevy. Subs: 12. Scott Mason (for Braithwaite, 70), 14. Dean Burgess (for Tommy Smith, ht), 15. Christian Lawlor (for Campbell, 60), 16. Ryan Hutchinson (not used), 17. Liam Pennington (not used). Manager: Steve Nixon.

Referee: C. Porter.
Assistants: V. Evans and T. Haworth.

Goals:
1-0 Craig Xuereb (2)
1-1 Dave Castle (69)
1-2 Ryan McGreevy (90+1 pen)

Cards:
Daisy Hill: Jake Foster (RC, 59), Richard Smith (YC, 71), Craig Xuereb (YC, 90+1)
Irlam: Dave Castle (YC, 59)

Tuesday 26th February 2013
Heath Hayes 2 Tipton Town 4
Baker Joiner Midland Alliance
At: Coppice Colliery Ground
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Weather: mild, misty
Attendance: 35
Duration (45): first-half: 45:05; second-half: 48:32

Two goals in the opening 19 minutes did the damage as Tipton Town recorded a 4-2 victory at Heath Hayes.

Heath Hayes (blue and white stripes / blue / white): 1. Adam lane, 2. Brad Grice, 3. John Littler, 4. Andrew Davis, 5. Harry Phillips, 6. Adam Wood, 7. Craig Hancox, 8. Lee Smith, 9. Tom Green, 10. David Waple (capt), 11. Karl Wallis. Subs: 12. Tom Baggott (not used), 14. Joe McNulty (for Davis, 83), 15. Chad Degville-Cross (for Wallis, 68), 16. Leadun Dunlevy (not used), 17. Chris Deakin (for Green, 68). Manager: Simon Davies.

Tipton Town (red and black stripes / black / red): 1. Jack Hayfield, 2. Greg Downes, 3. Graham Ashton, 4. Craig Connor, 5. Richard Huckfield, 6. Adam Wattley, 7. Reuban Wilson, 8. Tom Tonks (capt), 9. Nathan Waite, 10. Nigel Penny, 11. Danny Dudidat. Subs: 12. James Machin (for Dubidat, 87), 14. Mike Wardle (for Waite, 73), 15. Andy Dicken (for Connor, 83), 16. Craig Jones (not used), 17. Wes Cox (not used). Manager: Ian Long.

Referee: Mark Murfitt (Stoke-on-Trent).
Assistants: Ian Wylie and John Wilding.

Goals:
0-1 Danny Dibidat (12)
0-2 Reuban Wilson (19)
1-2 Lee Smith (50)
1-3 Danny Dubidat (56)
1-4 Nathan Waite (68)
2-4 Lee Smith (90)

Cards: none

Wednesday 27th February 2013
Continental Star 2 Rocester 2
Baker Joiner Midland Alliance
At: Dales Lane, Rushall
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (24 pages)
Weather: mild, dry
Attendance: 25
Duration (45): first-half: 47:15; second-half: 48:10

After taking the lead through a Jack Langston, Rocester needed a late injury-time equaliser from Mensah Kinch to salvage a point with a 2-2 at Dales Lane. Langston converted a 16th-minute penalty then Continental Star bounced back to take the lead with first-half goals from Josh O’Garro and Ibrahim Benjamin. It looked as if Star would gain revenge for the 4-0 defeat at Rocester earlier in the season until Kinch scored the scrambled late equaliser.

Continental Star (yellow/blue/blue): 1. Karl Hunter, 2. Nathaniel Brown, 3. Allando Davis, 4. Matthew Hunt (capt), 5. Rhys Hoyte, 6. Anthony Green, 7. Franklin Hazel, 8. Josh O’Garro, 9. Dan Holgate, 10. Dayion Hamilton, 11. Ibrahim Benjamin. Subs: 12. Aaron Garvey (not used), 14. Shane Paul (for Holgate, 20), 15. Ryan Gough (not used), 16. Shaquille Whittingham (for Hazel, 68). Head Coach: Delton Francis.

Rocester (white/black/white): 19. Richard Froggatt, 2. Joe Rogers, 3. Carl Allen, 4. Dan McLeod, 5. Wayne Johnson (capt), 6. Jack Langston, 7. Ryan Grocott, 8. Adam Swain, 9. Chris Sterling, 10. Darren Bullock, 11. Edwin Asante-Ahenkorah. Subs: 12. Mensah Kinch (for Grocott, ht), 14. Darren Leonard (for Johnson, 68), 15. Karl McLeod (not used), 16. Dean Bromley (not used), 17. Ryan Pirrie (not used). Manager: Dave Langston.

Referee: R. Upton (Walsall).

Goals:
0-1 Jack Langston (17 pen)
1-1 Josh O’Garro (22)
2-1 Ibrahim Benjamin (45)
2-2 Mensah Kinch (90+3)

Cards:
Continental Star: Rhys Hoyte (YC, 16)
Rocester: Joe Rogers (YC, 76)

Saturday 2nd March 2013
Stalemate after extra time in the spring-like sunshine at Oak Park, so Walsall Wood face a long trip to Guernsey next Saturday for the right to join Spennymoor Town, Tunbridge Wells and either Shildon or Ascot United in the 2012/13 FA Carlsberg Vase Semi Finals. In what was a tight game from start to finish, Walsall Wood’s Ahmet Bilgimer saw a shot cleared off the line just before half-time while Dave Rihoy hit the bar in extra time for Guernsey and Dominic Heaume missed a ‘sitter’ from the rebound. Both goalkeepers deserved praise for near faultless displays and several vital saves.

Walsall Wood 0 Guernsey 0 (after extra time)
FA Carlsberg Vase Quarter Final
At: Oak Park, Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £2 (32 pages)
Weather: mild and sunny

I could find anywhere in the programme that described today’s game as ‘the biggest in Walsall Wood’s history’ but I guess it undoubtedly was. An appropriate comment I spotted, however, used the phrase ‘record-breaking march on Wembley’. Looking at the club’s complete FA Cup and FA Vase record, I couldn’t find anything to match an FA Vase Quarter Final against a progressive side looking to make progress up the non-league pyramid. The club’s website, however, advertised the game as ‘Wood’s biggest ever game’ and the locals turned out to support the big day.

Considering that Oak Park is only 15 miles from where I've lived for all but 11 years of my 'football life', it may come as a surprise when I say that my only previous visit to the ground came over 25 years ago in September 1987. A combination in the past of watching Stafford Rangers home and away over numerous seasons, the search for grounds not previously visited, a lengthy spell living in the south-east and a lack of home midweek games this season to fit in with my new policy of watching more local football may be the reasons.

I remember at the time that my previous visit on Saturday 12th September 1987 was seen as one of Walsall Wood’ biggest ever games when Stafford Rangers of the GM Vauxhall Conference side visited an FA Cup tie. Posters advertising the tie emphasised that is was ‘starring Gordon Hill’ who was playing for Stafford that season. The former Manchester United and England winger did play and a crowd of 454 saw Rangers win 3-0 with two goals by the late Malcolm Dunkley and another from Phil Derbyshire.

Enough nostalgia, back to the present….

Today’s tie pitted two sides who are very much in the hunt of top honours in their respective leagues. Walsall Wood (39 points from 17 games) were the last surviving step 6 side and stood in fifth position prior to this afternoon’s league games in the Athium Midland Combination Premier Division. They trailed leaders Bromsgrove Sporting by eight points with a massive ten games in hand. Guernsey (7th position with 45 points from 19 games) also had ten games in hand on the leaders, Epsom & Ewell, and a gap of 15 points to make up. Because the are pushing for promotion to step 4, all fixtures have to be completed by Saturday 4th May so Guernsey will have to play just about every Friday and Sunday.

On arrival at Oak Park around an hour before kick-off, the place was already buzzing with locals turning in great mnumbers to support their local side, groundhoppers who had travelled from far and wide as well as a significant presence of fans wearing the green and white colours of the visitors. I must be famous as one hopper from the High Wycombe area knew my name when I said I lived in Stafford! Thankfully, I avoided the lengthy queue at the gate and got a programme before they sold out. Line-ups were written on a large sheet of paper attached to the clubhouse wall.

Looking around the ground, the stand I remember from 1987 is still in situ on the west side of the pitch. Plenty of work is ongoing to improve the facilities at Oak Park, so it will be interesting to return next season to see the transformation.

Walsall Wood have certainly had a tough route to the Quarter Finals, especially after I saw them defeat Wigan Robin Park in the Third Round back in early January at Sutton Coldfield’s Coles Lane ground. That win earned a home tie against Hanworth Villa but ongoing pitch problems at Oak Park meant it was switched to Villa’s ground. Impressively, Walsall Wood won 3-2 and followed this up with an equally impressive win at Runcorn Town by the odd goal in three after extra time to earn this afternoon’s historic game. The run began in late summer 3-2 giantkilling win in the Second Qualifying Round at Alvechurch and continued with victories over Eccleshall and Shirebrook after a replay.

By kick-off, I recon there must have been over one thousands fans inside Oak Park creating a big-match atmosphere. Hardly a place was left in the old stand with most sat in it wearing the green of Guernsey.

Guernsey (in green and white) got the game underway attacking the far (north) end in the first half. It was Walsall Wood, however, who put the visitors defence under early pressure and Chris Tardiff did well to hold a well-struck shot from Andre Gonzalez at the second attempt. I did hear from someone at Continental Star on Wednesday that Guernsey could be slow starters and this was certainly the case this afternoon.

The ‘green lions’ gradually got into the game and a near-post header from Ross Allen flew across the face of goal.

Walsall Wood were unlucky not to take the lead just before half-time as both excellent defending and goalkeeper kept the scores level. In the 41st minute, Drew Aiton found Ahmet Bilgimer in space on the right inside the area who lifted a shot over Tardiff only to see Dave Rihoy race back to make a goalline clearance. Stood on the side near to the corner flag, I got a perfect view and the well-positioned assistant was spot on in saying ‘no goal’. Some fans around me joked about the need for goalline technology.

Moments before the half-time whistle, Tardiff produced a wonderful reaction save to keep out a close-range shot from Tom Evans.

After chatting with Chris Powell and a couple of other travellers, I decided to find a spot behind the far goal.

Defences remained on top after the interval, so much so that the first decent chance of the second half didn’t come until the 62nd minute. Ross Allen cut in from the left and hit a low shot which the diving Dean Faultless turned round the far post.

In the programme, one contributor mentioned that a number of Walsall Wood legends from 1950s and 1960s were hoping to attend the game. They were given a name check over the PA and received loud applause. I didn’t know that the late Alan Wakeman was a former Walsall Wood manager. He played in goal for Aston Villa just after the War and later worked in the same office as my Dad in Cannock.

Tardiff remained in good form and in the 77th minute turned round a decent shot from Aiton at the expense of a corner. At the other end, Rihoy put Nigel Hutton clear but Faultless raced off his line to block the resulting shot.

Walsall Wood almost won it with virtually the last kick of normal time. Evans crossed from the right into the area where Aiton volleyed straight at Tardiff.

I decided to remain in my spot behind the far goal and Guernsey got extra time under way attacking my end during the first period. Alas, ‘Roary’ decided to sit next to the away dugout rather than join some of the Guernsey fans stood behind the goal their team was attacking.

“C’mon Wood”, the home fans shouted.

I did wonder if tired legs would play a part in extra time and perhaps lead to a goal. Good defending by Lee Stretton prevented Rihoy from getting in a shot after Allen’s initial effort was blocked by Faultless. Walsall Wood then went close again. Lewis Taylor-Boyce beat a defender when cutting in from the left and found Bilgimer who again found Tardiff unbeatable at the near post. Just before half-time of extra time, Faultless kept out a close-range shot with his boot.

Into the second period of extra time and almost a goal for Guernsey in the 113th minute. Rihoy stayed onside down the right and hit a rising shot over Faultless which thumped the underside of the bar. The ball bounced down at the feet of Heaume who somehow scooped his shot over the empty net.

Walsall Wood had one last chance right at the end with seconds remaining. Jamie Hawkins’ corner fell to Aiton who saw his shot well held by Tardiff at the feet Bilgimer. Replay next Saturday evening at the Footes Lane Stadium.

While Guernsey made all three substitutions, Walsall Wood used the same eleven players throughout the entire game.

Walsall Wood are in the ‘hat’ for Monday’s Semi Final draw – incredible for a step 6 side who began the ‘Road to Wembley’ at Alvechurch in the Second Qualifying Round.

I’m pleased to have been at Wood’s biggest-ever game and been part of ‘history being written’. I’ve got good memories of the hundreds of Guernsey fans proudly wearing their green and white colours as well. Top day out!

Walsall Wood (red with white diagonal stripe / red / red): 1. Dale Faultless, 2. Craig Deakin, 3. Tom Evans, 4. Shawn Boothe, 5. Lee Stretton (capt), 6. Danny Forrest, 7. Ahmet Bilgimer, 8. Jamie Hawkins, 9. Lewis Taylor-Boyce, 10. Drew Aiton, 11. Andre Gonzalez. Subs: 12. Michael Murray (not used), 14. Danny Rock (not used), 15. Nathanial Jones (not used), 16. Danny Owen (not used), 17, Chris Lewis (not used). Manager: Mark Swann.

Guernsey (green with white sleeves / white / green): 1. Chris Tardiff, 2. Simon Geall, 3. Jamie Dodd, 4. Sam Cochrane (capt), 5. Alex Le Provost, 6. Scott Bradford, 7. Dave Rihoy, 8. Matt Loaring, 9. Dominic Heaume, 10. Ross Allen, 11. Glyn Dyer. Subs: 12. Jacques Isabelle (for Geall, 80), 13gk. Paul De Garis (not used), 14. Nigel Hutton (for Loaring, 18), 15. Naro Zimmerman (for Dodd, 99). Head Coach: Tony Vance.

Referee: Karl Evans.
Assistants: Tom Neild and Barry Lamb.
Fourth Official: Justin Hayes.

Attendance: 676

Duration (45): first-half: 46:18; second-half: 49:37
Extra time (15): first-period: 15:58; second-period: 17:03

Goals: none

Cards:
Walsall Wood: Jamie Hawkins (YC, 40), Lee Stretton (YC, 90)
Guernsey: Naro Zimmerman (YC, 102)

Tuesday 5th March 2013
Forget Man United v Real Madrid, the game to be at tonight was ‘El M54ico’. Wolverhampton Casuals again hit the goal trail with leading scorer Mark Bellingham bagging a second-half brace in a 4-1 victory over Wellington Amateurs. In an open first half, Sean Williams gave Cassies the lead towards the end of the first which Bellingham doubled just before the hour mark. The visitors pulled a goal back with a penalty from Gavin Davies after Bekhir Halil handled inside the area. Any Casuals nerves were calmed as Matt Bailey and Bellingham again scored two quick goals to put the outcome beyond doubt.

Wolverhampton Casuals 4 Wellington Amateurs 1
West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division
At: Brinsford Lane, Coven
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Weather: mild, misty, no wind

Since my last visit to Brinsford Lane four weeks ago when Black Country Rangers were thumped 5-0, Casuals have remained unbeaten with two wins and two draws, all away from home. However, with the teams around them involved in the title race all catching up with their games in hand, Casuals slipped to fifth position with 61 points from 28 games, nine points behind leaders Lye Town (70 points from 28 games). So a win tonight was vital against a Wellington Amateurs side in 10th position with 36 points from 24 games.

I don’t like tight journeys to anywhere, especially when the match or event has a fixed starting time. So, tonight turned out to be a bit more hectic than normal as a late-running family commitment meant I didn’t arrive at Brinsford Lane until 7-25 pm. Still, there was time to flick through the programme (on sale at the gate) and obtain the line-ups from the PA announcer (always much appreciated), though no pre-match tweets.

I think I’m correct in saying that Casuals and Ams have never previously faced each other in a league game, despite the two grounds being only around 20 miles apart. Casuals have been continuous members of the Premier Division since 1995 while Ams are playing their first-ever season in the Premier Division and only joined the West Midlands (Regional) League in 2006. This season’s league meeting at School Grove is still to be arranged.

May be José Mourinho was right that ‘the world will stop to watch’ the Champions League game from Old Trafford on TV. Wolves were also playing tonight away at Millwall so when Casuals (in green and white) got the game underway attacking the A449 end, I had just one other person for company in the stand and sparsely-occupied spots at pitch-side. I say, forget the games on TV, get out and support local non-league football.

Casuals were close to opening the scoring in the 7th minute. From the right inside the area, Sean Williams fired a low shot towards goal which Amateur goalkeeper Steve Bray blocked. The ball ran free and Mark Bellingham was one of two forwards who saw shots hit defenders in front of goal.

Like Casuals, Ams also made a bright and lively start as well. A diagonal ball forward to the left side of the area fell at the feet of Andy Rich who shot low across the face of goal.

A nice move midway through the half finished with a rising shot from Matt Bailey which flew over the bar. “Well done Cassies,” shouted one fan who added, “that’s good”.

An altercation in front of the dugouts in the 35th minute followed the referee not quickly stopping the game to allow treatment for an injured Ams player. The visitors assistant manager was ‘sent off’ and the injured player, Jaton Vernon, was unable to continue.

Casuals eventually broke the deadlock four minutes later. The impressive Sean Williams exchanged passes with Tom Maydew inside the area and fired a rising left-foot shot past Bray.

Not that statistics bother me but the first goal I’d seen in roughly 159 minutes of football.

Now attacking the A449 end, Ams went close to an equaliser within four minutes of the restart. Gavin Davies put Rich clear but Todd Henderson blocked the resulting low shot with his boot. In the next attack, it was Davies’ turn to get forward and fired a rising shot over the bar.

Having survived, Casuals doubled their lead in the 57th minute. Sean Williams crossed deep from the right to the far post where Bellingham volleyed home.

Ams gained a lifeline back into the game when Bekhir Halil was handled a shot from Sean Hennessey inside the area. Mr Kerrigan immediately pointed to the spot and, after the defender was booked, Davies sent Henderson the wrong way with the resulting penalty. So, it was now 2-1 in the 72nd minute and potentially nervous times for the Cassies.

Casuals also demanded a penalty a few minutes later but Mr Kerrigan waived play on when Bellingham went down inside the area.

Any thoughts Ams had of grabbing a point ended with two quick goals for Casuals which took the score from 2-1 to 4-1.

Good work on the right by Dean Clarke led to a low near-post cross which Bellingham flicked on for Bailey to sidefoot home from a few yards out in the 81st minute.

Bellingham scored his second goal to put the outcome beyond doubt two minutes later, heading home from a right-wing cross.

Casuals scored five goals on my last visit and almost did the same during the closing stages. Bray saved from Bailey and the hardworking Angelo Franco, back after three months out injured, fired over the bar from Clarke’s pass. Bellingham, eying a hat-trick, hammered a first-time volley just wide of the target as well.

The win lifted Casuals up into fourth place in the table, six points behind leaders Lye Town but having played a game more. They will be looking for another win on Saturday when they visit Bromyard Town.

Tonight’s Premier Division results: Black Country Rangers v Wolverhampton SC abandoned at 1-0; Darlaston Town 0 Bewdley Town 2; Malvern Town 1 Wellington 0; Wolverhampton Casuals 4 Wellington Amateurs 1; Wednesfield 2 Sporting Khalsa 0

Wolverhampton Casuals (green and white stripes / white / green): 1. Todd Henderson, 2. Bekhir Halil, 3. Adrian Jones, 4. Angelo Franco, 5. Daniel Lloyd, 6. George Williams, 7. Tom Maydew, 8. Carig Love (capt), 9. Mark Bellingham, 10. Matt Bailey, 11. Sean Williams. Subs: 12. Luke Tudor (for Lloyd, 60), 14. Dean Clarke (for Love, 65), 15. Danny Rolfe (not used), 16. Barry Evans (not used), 17. Chris Henry (for Maydew, 67). Manager: Carl Abbott.

Wellington Amateurs (red/black/black): 1. Steve Bray, 2. Rob Costello, 3. Ash Hammond, 4. Sean Hennessey, 5. Mike Sheridan, 6. David Andrewartha (capt), 7. Jaton Vernon, 8. Mark Adamczyk, 9. Andy Rich, 10. Chris Brownlow, 11. Gavin Davies. Subs: 12. Rob Eastment (not used), 14. Lee Scott (for Rich, 57), 15. Stuart Lewis (not used), 16. Jamie King (for Vernon, 37). Manager: Mike Armstrong.

Referee: J. Kerrigan.
Assistants: P. A. Brown and J. F. Clements.

Attendance: 20 (headcount)

Duration (45): first-half: 48:45; second-half: 47:58

Goals:
1-0 Sean Williams (39)
2-0 Mark Bellingham (57)
2-1 Gavin Davies (72 pen)
3-1 Matt Bailey (81)
4-1 Mark Bellingham (83)

Cards:
Casuals: George Williams (YC, 45+3), Bekhir Halil (YC, 72), Matt Bailey (YC, 75)
Wellington: none

Saturday 9th March 2013

All the goals came in the first half as Shortwood United came from behind to maintain their run for a play-off place with a 2-1 win. Evesham got off to a perfect start with a goal in the 7th minute from Jamie Hyde. Mark Prichett headed an equaliser for the visitors nine minutes later and defender Alton Axton scored what proved to be the winner in stoppage time. This was my first visit to the new 3000 capacity Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium which was opened back in July. The ground boasts a 264-seater stand, covered standing behind one goal and an impressive clubhouse, with views of Bredon Hill to the west.

Evesham United 1 Shortwood United 2
Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West
At: Spiers & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium, Cheltenham Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £9; Programme: £2 (56 pages)

Evesham United (red and white stripes / white / red): 1. Tom Cross, 2. Jared Wilson, 3. Richard Mansell, 4. Matt Sysum, 5. Chris Jackson, 6. Jamie Hyde, 7. Leigh Downing, 8. Leon Kandekore, 9. Marcus Palmer, 10. Carl Brown, 11. Will Gayton. Subs: 12. Jamal Clarke (for Kandekore, 78), 14. Joshua Gould (not used), 15. Luke Hitchman (not used), 16. Nathan Turner (not used), 17. Jack Dell (not used). Manager: Paul West.

Shortwood United (navy blue / navy blue / sky blue): 1. Tom King, 2. Callum Brown, 3. Alton Axton, 4. Mark Prichett, 5. James Coates, 6. Ross Langworthy, 7. Joe Tustin, 8. Jake Parrott, 9. Terry Bohane, 10. James Baldwin, 11. Matt Bennett. Subs: 12, Kevin Slack (for Bennett, 84), 14. Jody Bevan (not used), 15. Andy Hoskins (not used), 17. Luke Gullick (for Tustin, 75). Manager: John Evans.

Referee: Simon Wales (Tewksbury)
Assistants: Sian Piret (Oxford) and Edward Turner (Oxford).

Attendance: 177

Duration (45): first-half: 47:10; second-half: 49:18

Goals:
1-0 Jamie Hyde (7)
1-1 Mark Prichett (16)
1-2 Alton Axton (45+2)

Cards:
Evesham: Carl Brown (YC, 44)
Shortwood: James Baldwin (YC, 89), Jake Parrott (YC, 90)

Monday 11th March 2013

Romulus increased the gap between themselves and bottom side Hucknall Town to seven points following a 2-2 draw against Mickleover Sports. On a bitterly cold night, reportedly one of the coldest in March for 25 years, Kevin Grocott gave Sports a slender half-time lead with a goal in the 27th minute. After the break, Romulus fought back by first equalising and then taking the lead after the hour mark thanks to two goals in the space of eight minutes from Daniel O’Callaghan and then Ibrahim Diarby. However, Sports, who lost 2-1 against Sutton two days ago, avoided another defeat at Coles Lane with Ben Spargo’s 75th-minute equaliser.

Romulus 2 Mickleover Sports 2
Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division One South
At: Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £8; Programme: £1 (20 pages + car sticker)
Weather: very cold, dry

I can’t remember when I last travelled to and from a midweek evening game by train, perhaps as long ago as the 2001 game between Fisher Athletic and Dorchester Town. Recent perusing of rail timetables showed late night trains departing Birmingham New Street for home at 22:30 and 22:55. Trains from Sutton Coldfield after the full-time whistle to New Street left at 21:51 and 22:21 meant that, for once, I could leave the car at home especially with snow forecast – and enjoy a beer!

The connection on the way to Sutton gave me around 45 minutes in Birmingham so there was time to first head up Bennetts Hill to the Briar Rose (half of Wibbler’s Hoppy Helper) and then the Shakespeare on Lower Temple Road (half of Sharp’s Doom Bar). Once at Sutton Coldfield station, the walk to the ground took around 15 minutes.

On my 17th visit to Coles Lane (moving the ground into joint fourth on my most visits list), I don’t need to describe the ground other than continue to rave about the wonderful old stand. Soon I was joined by good friend ‘Albion Steve’, white-bearded Dave Cox and the irrepressible ‘Groundhopper Dave’. No curry sauce on tonight, so a nice change to have mushy peas with my usual Coles Lane chips.

As I mentioned, Romulus (21st with 22 points from 32 games) and Mickleover Sports (26 points from 32 games) occupied second-and third-bottom positions in the table. I believe that only one side will be relegated to step 5 and Hucknall Town were six points adrift at the bottom with just nine games left to play.

Teamsheets were handed out in the clubhouse and lineups announced on the PA before kick-off.

Romulus (in red and white) got the game underway defending the clubhouse end in the first half. Mickleover created the first of three chances during the opening 20 minutes with Sam Kellog firing low straight at goalkeeper Lewis Exall from the edge of the area.

With Romulus struggling to make an impact in attack, the deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when the visitors took the lead. A diagonal forward ball from the right to the far post was knocked back by Matt Harris for Kevin Grocott (playing in midfield) to head home. Mickleover took the lead against Sutton Coldfield two days ago but ended up losing 2-1.

It took Romulus 36 minutes to create their first serious chance. Ashley Jackson ran at the Mickleover defence down the right into the area and hit a rising right-foot shot which goalkeeper Joe McCormack pushed over the bar.

Before the break, Liam Francis, who had stayed up after a corner, fired over the Sports bar and just before the half-time whistle, McCormack saved a low shot from Daniel O’Callaghan.

While some of my fellow travellers left the stand for the warmth of the clubhouse and a second-half vantage point on the other side, I decided to stay put, perhaps frozen to the spot!

Mickleover created a couple of chances early in the second half. Martin Smythe sent a well-struck 30-yard shot flashing past the left-hand post past the diving Exall. Alex Steadman then fired a low drive across the face of goal from the left.

With two substitutes on by the 53rd minute, Romulus certainly pushed for an equaliser in what must have been difficult windy conditions. Cameron Lee crossed from the left to Ibrahim Diarby who saw a resulting shot hit McCormack.

Romulus had only scored two goals in their last five league games so were delighted to find an equaliser in the 62nd minute. Dexter Ravenhill delivered a deep cross from the left to Diarby who played the ball back into the six-yard box for O’Callaghan to volley home.

It was substitute Diarby who put Romulus ahead eight minutes after the equaliser. McCormack left his line to attempt to clear a perfectly-weighted throughball into the area. The goalkeeper failed to make contact, allowing Diarby to get in a shot which the backtracking Smythe attempted to clear without success.

Could Romulus hold on to their lead to end a run of five straight defeats with a win?

Mickleover, themselves without a win in the league since mid-December, wanted to take home at least a point and got back on level terms in the 75th minute. John Guy delivered a free-kick from the right near to the corner flag to the far post where substitute Ben Spargo headed home.

Both sides could have won in stoppage time. Exall held on to a deflected long-range shot from Spargo and, just before the final whistle, Romulus won a corner which was hooked clear by a defender.

Full-time after five minutes of stoppage time and a brisk run back to the station to catch that 22:51 train with seconds to spare.

Romulus (red and white stripes / red / red): 1. Lewis Exall, 2. Robert Evans, 3. Cameron Lee, 4. Sean Robinson, 5. Liam Francis (capt), 6. Graham Parkin, 7. Ashley Jackson, 8. Luke Keen, 9. Daniel O’Callaghan, 10. Ethan Mannion, 11. Dexter Ravenhill. Subs: 12. Richard Munday (not used), 14. Thomas Turton (for Robinson, ht), 15. Jermaine Clarke (for Keen, 87), 16. Joe Price (not used), 17. Ibrahim Diarby (for Mannion, 53).

Mickleover Sports (blue/blue/blue): 21. Joe McCormack, 2. Kevin Grocott, 3. Joe Congleton, 4. Sam Kellog, 5. Joe Pheasant, 6. Nick Wood (capt), 7. Martin Smythe, 8. Anthony Tansley, 9. Nathan Benger, 10. Matt Harris, 11. Alex Steadman. Subs: 12. Robbie Ritchie-Smith (not used), 14. John Guy (for Congleton, 68), 15. Mark Farthing, 16. Ben Spargo (for Harris, ht), 17. Tom Kellog (for Sam Kellog, 75).

Referee: Declan Bourne.
Assistants: Colin Hunter and Reece Tyler.

Attendance: 42

Duration (45): first-half: 45:51; second-half: 50:00

Goals:
0-1 Kevin Grocott (27)
1-1 Daniel O’Callaghan (62)
2-1 Ibrahim Diarby (70)
2-2 Ben Spargo (75)

Cards:
Romulus: none
Mickleover: Kevin Grocott (YC, 35), Nick Wood (YC, 57)

Tuesday 12th March 2013

After winning impressively at Walsall Wood two weeks ago, Lichfield City claimed the scalp of another Premier Division title contender with a 2-1 victory over Nuneaton Griff. On the night when the new stands were used for the first time, all the goals came after the break with City coming from behind after Mitchell Thompson gave Griff the lead nine minutes after the restart. Jon Huckfield levelled things up on the hour before Josh Bambury scored a 77th-minute winner. Brownsfield Park has certainly been transformed since my previous visit in August 2011 with the addition of a perimeter fence, two new stands and floodlights amongst other improvements.

Lichfield City 2 Nuneaton Griff 1
Athium Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Brownsfield Park, Brownsfield Road
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £3; Programme: £1 (12 pages)
Weather: cold, dry

After the sub-zero wind chill at Coles Lane last night, together with hard ground in my local area and a dusting of snow overnight, I honestly expected all local games to be postponed tonight due to frozen pitches. Somewhat surprisingly this afternoon, Lichfield City tweeted that it was ‘game is on tonight, pitch is in great condition’. At the end of last week, they had also said the new stands were complete.

Even though, closer to home, Brocton were hosting Bolehall Swifts in tonight’s other Premier Division fixture, I fancied a return visit to Brownsfield Park to see how the ground had changed.

Previously a railed-off pitch on a larger playing field, the ground is now fully enclosed with a green fence and two new stands erected, one containing 75 seats and the other a covered terrace. Floodlights have also been installed as well. Future plans include rebuilding the changing rooms and moving the pitch around 10 feet away from the hedge to be closer to the relocated dugouts. The place certainly has been transformed for Premier Division football since my previous visit in August 2011 (http://pitch-side-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/saturday-13th-august-2011.html).

Promoted to the Premier Division at the end of last season, Lichfield (11th with 37 points from 23 games) went into tonight’s fixture in good form. They’d lost just one of their last eleven league game, the defeat coming ten days ago at Coventry Copsewood. Two weeks ago Lichfield won 2-1 at title favourites and FA Vase heroes Walsall Wood.

A programme article I wrote for the weekend mentioned that the Premier Division title would be won by either Littleton or Walsall Wood, unaware that Nuneaton Griff would move within two points of the leaders by winning their games in hand. So, after defeating Pershore Town 2-0 at home on Saturday, Griff went into tonight’s game in 4th position with 44 points from 22 games. A win by three or more goals over Lichfield would lift them up to second. I ought to add that Lichfield are very much in contention for a top five finish as well.

There were quite a few familiar faces in the crowd – ‘Albion Steve’ who was at Coles Lane last night, ‘Cannock Rob’, ‘Orange Hat Coxy’, ‘Mugsy’ and ‘Wolves Stan’, plus Stafford-based referee Mat Randles.

Lichfield (in blue) got the game underway defending the changing rooms end in the first half. Both sides created an early chance with City’s goalkeeper Craig Johnson safely holding a 35-yard drive from Kyle Baxter and Ollie Budd shot wide of the Griff goal.

In what was a midfield battle with defences on top, scoring opportunities, however, were few and far between during the first half. Occasional shots and free-kicks came to nothing though a run down the left by Keiron Brehon ended with a near-post shot into the sidenetting of the Lichfield goal shortly before the interval.

Though not as cold as Romulus last night, we all needed to pop into the clubhouse for a half-time warm.

As I continuing to watch the game from the half-way line opposite the dugouts in the company of the aforementioned familiar faces, Lichfield were awarded a free-kick for a foul on Josh Bambury by Todd Perry within 40 seconds of the restart. But Ashley Evans fired against the wall. Another free-kick from Dan Thurstance, a few minutes later, did hit the target and Dave Watson produced a straightforward save.

Nuneaton Griff broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. From a free-kick on the right delivered into the area, Mitchell Thompson hit a well-struck from inside the area which had too much power for defender Jon Huckfield to keep out.

The two handwarmers I resisted using during the first half both came in useful as the cold started to make an impact on hands and toes (though they couldn’t be warmed).

Lichfield got back on level terms on the hour also from a free-kick. Ryan Baker played the ball into the area which was flicked on by Perry for Huckfield to head home at the far left-hand post.

Griff responded and should have regained the lead in the 65th minute. Aden Moore on the right bye line pulled the ball back for totally unmarked Josh Ruff who somehow shot wide. As someone near me said, it was “easier to score than miss”.

Having survived that scare, Lichfield scored what proved to be the winner in the 77th minute. Richard Deaville got down the right and crossed low to the far post where Bambury sidefooted home.

Late in the game, Lichfield brought on Ashley Bennett who picked up a booking for continuing after the referee’s whistle within seconds of replacing Budd.

Referee Mat Randles had a decent and trouble-free game with nothing controversial or nasty to deal with in a good-natured contest.

Near the end, Griff almost equalised when Ruff saw a low shot cleared by Huckfield from in front of goal.

The win lifted Lichfield up several places to seventh in the table. Brocton also moved up to sixth with a 4-3 win at home to Bolehall Swifts with Gary Fife bagging a hat-trick. On a good night for the local sides I follow, West Midlands League Wolverhampton Casuals won 3-1 at Cradley Town and a brace from Edwin Ahenkorah gave Rocester a 2-0 victory at Highgate United in the Midland Alliance. Heath Hayes drew 1-1 at leaders Stratford Town, also in the Midland Alliance.

Lichfield City (blue with white V / blue / blue): 1. Craig Johnson, 2. Richard Deaville, 3. Jordan Hunt, 4. Todd Perry (capt), 5. Jon Huckfield, 6. Dave Worrall, 7. Ollie Budd, 8. Ryan Baker, 9. Kyle Minton, 10. Josh Bambury, 11. Ashley Evans. Subs: 12. Will Evans (not used), 14. Ashley Bennett (for Minton, 84), 15. Dan Thurstance (for Worrall, 31), 16. Lewis Bourne (for Budd, 66), 17. Dan Billings (not used). Manager: Paul Holt (away); assistant manager: Alex Milner.

Nuneaton Griff (red/black/black): 1. Dave Watson, 2. Corey Faulconbridge, 3. Tom Lillicrap, 4. Jamie Geenway, 5. Ryan Millerchip (capt), 6. Kyle Baxter, 7. Mark Williams, 8. Mitchell Thompson, 9. Aden Moore, 10. Josh Ruff, 11. Keiron Brehon. Subs: 12. Adam Sullivan, 14. Danny Pritchard (for Thompson, 73), 15. Dave Barnett (for Williams, 73), 16. Dan Robinson (not used). Manager: John Falmer.

Referee: Mat Randles (Stafford).
Assistants: Rob Palmer and Nicola Arrowsmith.

Attendance: 72

Duration (45): first-half: 45:33; second-half: 48:27

Goals:
0-1 Mitchell Thompson (54)
1-1 Jon Huckfield (60)
2-1 Josh Bambury (77)

Cards:
Lichfield: Jon Huckfield (YC, 53), Ashley Bennett (YC, 85)
Nuneaton: Ryan Millerchip (YC, 45), Josh Ruff (YC, 52)

Saturday 16th March 2013

Amid suggestions that a trip by train to London wasn’t the brightest of ideas after an awful lot of rain, I pressed ahead regardless in the hope that London Bari’s Essex Senior League game would survive. It didn’t, so instead I re-routed to Leyton Orient for a first visit to the transformed Matchroom Stadium on Brisbane Road since November 1990. The O’s maintained their recent good form by scoring twice in each half to record a 4-1 victory over Carlisle United who had goalkeeper Mark Gillespie sent off. Romain Vincelot, Shaun Batt, Kevin Lisbie and Dean Cox all scored to maintain Orient’s push for a play-off place. Matt Robson super shot briefly gave Carlisle hope of salvaging a point during the second half.

Leyton Orient 4 Carlisle United 1
npower League One
At: Matchroom Stadium, Brisbane Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £25; Programme: £3 (68 pages)
Weather: sunny spells

The lure of a couple or three more pubs on the Cask Marque Ale Trail and a long-desired return visit to the Old Spotted Dog Ground tempted my to London for the first time in four weeks. No problem with the pubs but I headed down to Euston more in hope that expectation that the London Bari v Stansted game wouldn’t be a victim of waterlogging.

Liverpool Street station looked a sensible place to base myself over lunch and I spent a pleasant hour in first the Railway Tavern on Liverpool Street itself (half of Mordue Bunny Hop) and then the Lord Aberconway, located a few yards away on Old Broad Street (half of Stroud Brewery Organic ale). Not being able to establish whether or not the London Bari game was on, I threw caution to the wind and headed to Stratford.

For once, Twitter and Mitoo let me down and now know I should have looked harder as the on/off answer was on Non-League Matters and Essex Senior League’s Full Time website. Where it be tiredness or not, for some reason I alighted my train from Liverpool Street at Stratford station rather than reducing the walk to the ground by a third by continuing to Forest Gate. After a half-hour trek to the Old Spotted Dog ground, I realised it was ‘game off’ and faced a dilemma of heading instead for either Leyton Orient (definitely on as they had tweeted team news) or Sporting Bengal United at Mile End Stadium (which wasn’t flagged anywhere as off).

My head ruled my heart by opting for the O’s, though that game between Sporting Bengal United and Eton Manor did go ahead. Half-an-hour later, after a jog back to Stratford [as least I knew the way!], then one stop on the Central Line to Leyton and a short walk up the High Road, I was in my seat in the East Stand at the Matchroom Stadium.

Some people find it strange that I actually want to revisit grounds on a Saturday outside my area. My previous visit to Brisbane Road came 22 years ago – Monday 12th November 1990 v Fulham in the Leyland DAF Cup – and my memory of that dark evening is hazy. A good enough reason for revisiting the place in daylight especially as the ground has subsequently changed beyond recognition?

I remember sitting in the East Stand, which is the only stand or terrace that has survived the intervening 22 years, but not the attendance of 1359 nor the solitary late goal by Fulham’s Phillip Gray. The ground is now all seater. An interesting new main West Stand, Baskin Robbins North Family Stand which replaced previous terracing and the Tommy Johnston Stand at the south end have all been built. Another interesting feature are the floodlights in each corner with a apartment block behind each named after a Leyton Orient legend – Cunningham, Kitchen, Bloomfield and Johnston. Apartment blocks also tower above the stands behind both goals.

Leyton Orient (10th on 57 points from 38 games) went into today’s fixture needing a win to keep up the momentum towards a place in the top six and a place in the end-of season playoffs. They’d won their last two games and were unbeaten in their last five. Further down the table, it looks like visitors Carlisle (17th with 45 points from 37 games) just need a couple of wins from their remaining nine games to ensure they finish above the relegation zone. A run of one win from their last eight league games by Carlisle was in contrast to Orient’s recent good form.

It was Leyton Orient (in red) who got the game underway attacking the Tommy Johnston South Stand end in the first half.

The first significant moment came in the 13th minute when Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie picked up a booking for handling outside his area.

Orient took the lead in the 32nd minute when Dean Cox crossed from the right and Romain Vincelot powered a header past Gillespie. It was the Frenchman’s first goal for the club.

A period of pressure by the home side led to a second goal in first-half stoppage time. The Carlisle defence failed to clear Moses Odubajo’s right-wing throw into the area allowing Lee Cook to play a low ball across the face of goal which Shaun Batt turned in to score his third goal of the season.

Gillespie, having already been booked, picked up a second yellow followed by a red card in the 68th minute for tripping substitute Charlie MacDonald inside the area. ‘Super’ Kevin Lispie sent substitute goalkeeper Adam Collin the wrong way with the resulting penalty to give Orient a decisive three-goal lead.

However, home fans must have felt the odd nerve when Carlisle got themselves back in contention with a super goal from matt Robson in the 78th minute. The defender got forward down the left and hit a low long-range shot past Jamie Jones into the far corner of the net via the post.

Cox seems to be a popular player at the Matchroom Stadium and he restored Orient’s three-goal cushion with a late goal scored in the 89th minute. Cook’s cross found Cox around the penalty spot and he volleyed home.

With time to spare after the game before my train home, I headed back to Euston and spent a bit of time in the nearby Crown & Anchor on Drummond Street. Four ales were on offer and I sampled a half of both Robinson’s Optimus Prime and Redempton’s Urban Dusk while keeping an eye on the Wales v England Six Nations clash which had attracted many to the pub.

Again this was another good day out even though Plan B was needed. Five goals at the Matchroom Stadium plus four halves of real ales at pubs I’d not previously visited. I wonder if I can get away with another London trip in seven days time when London Bari host London APSA?

Leyton Orient (red/red/red): 1, Jamie Jones, 2. Leon McSweeney, 4. Romain Vincelot, 5. Scott Cuthbert, 7. Dean Cox, 15. Nathan Clarke (capt), 17. Moses Odubajo, 21. Lee Cook, 22. Martin Rowlands, 28. Shuan Batt, 9. Kevin Lisbie. Subs: 3. Gary Sawyer (not used), 11. Jimmy Smith (not used), 14. Charlie MacDonald (for Batt, 67), 27. Elliot Omozusi (not used), 39. David Mooney (for Lisbie, 72), 19gk. Charlie Grainger (not used). Manager: Russell Slade.

Carlisle United (green/green/green): 20. Mark Gillespie, 2. Frank Simek, 3. Matt Robson, 4. Jon-Paul McGovern, 5. Danny Livesey, 12. Paul Thirwell (capt), 16. Brad Potts, 17. Mark Beck, 21. James Berrett, 22. Jordan Mustoe, 23. Sean O’Hanlon. Subs: 6. Peter Murphy (for Livesey, 29), 7. Andy Welsh (not used), 8. Liam Noble (not used), 9. Rory Loy (not used), 11, Danny Cadermarteri (not used), 19. David Symington (for McGovern, 59), 1gk. Adam Collin (for Berrett, 68). Manager: Greg Abbott.

Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Gillett and John Magill.
Fourth Official: Paul Kelly.

Attendance: 4387 (431 away fans)

Duration (45): first-half: 47:30; second-half: 48:06

Goals:
1-0 Romain Vincelot (32)
2-0 Shaun Batt (45+1)
3-0 Kevin Lisbie (69 pen)
3-1 Matt Robson (78)
4-1 Dean Cox (89)

Cards:
Leyton Orient: Nathan Clarke (YC, 73)
Carlisle United: Mark Gillespie (YC, 13), Peter Murphy (YC, 33), Mark Gillespie (YC, 69)

Tuesday 19th March 2013

Always a great place to watch a floodlight match, tonight I made a long-overdue first visit to the Aspire Stadium since the 2008/09 season to keep a promise made on Twitter back in January. Newcastle Town got off to a perfect start by taking a sixth-minute lead through a stunning 30-yard dipping volley from Christian Millar. They looked to be heading for a first home league win since early December until, in the first minute of stoppage time, Brigg’s leading scorer Paul Grimes latched onto a throughball into the area and nipped it past the advancing Dave Parton into the net to score a dramatic equaliser.

Newcastle Town 1 Brigg Town 1
Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division One South
At: Aspire Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £6; Programme: £1-50 (64 pages)
Weather: cold, dry

Newcastle Town (blue/blue/white): 1. Dave Parton, 2. Matt Lowe (capt), 3. James Askey, 4. Mark Ruddock, 5. Aaron Carter, 6. Christian Millar, 7. Kyle Diskin, 8. Andy Nicholls, 9. Tim Sanders, 10. Nathan Sutton, 11. Ricky Bridge. Subs: 12. Callum Kenny (not used), 14. Jon Hughes (for Nicholls, 88), 15. Jordan Cole (for Bridge, 88), 16. Josh Gordon (not used), 17. Tom France (not used). Manager: John Diskin.

Brigg Town (green/green/green): 1. Miles Fenty, 2. Oliver Fisher, 3. Mark Dudley, 4. Josh Davies, 5. Scott Helliwell, 6. Martyn Gee, 7. Liam Davis, 8. Gregg Archer (capt), 9. Bruno Holden, 10. Paul Grimes, 11. Danny Buttle. Subs: 12. Ryan Paczkowski (for Holden, 63), 14. James Windle (not used), 15. Elliot Broughton (for Buttle, 82), 16. James Playford (for Josh Davies, 63), 17. Robert Zand (not used). Manager: Mick Gray.

Referee: Marc Perry (Sutton Coldfield).
Assistants: Vass Koni (Sutton Coldfield) and Mark Brooks (Solihull).

Attendance: 52

Duration: first-half: 45:12; second-half: 49:46

Goals:
1-0 Christian Millar (6)
1-1 Paul Grimes (90+1)

Cards:
Newcastle: Unused sub (YC, 84), Matt Lowe (YC, 90+4)
Brigg: Liam Davis (YC, 65)

Saturday 23rd March 2013

Following over 24 hours of near continuous snow, I was correct to assume that virtually all of the local games would be postponed and so headed instead by train to Kent and specifically Maidstone United’s new Gallagher Stadium. No lying snow spotted south of Watford, so no problems with the 3G pitch. Ryman League Division One South leaders Maidstone took the lead just before the interval though from captain Shaun Welford from the penalty spot. Visitors Eastbourne Town, on a decent run of one defeat in ten games, provided difficult opposition and the outcome wasn't settled until deep into stoppage time when Ade Olorunda scored the second goal with virtually the last kick of the game.

Maidstone United 2 Eastbourne Town 0
Ryman League Division One South
At: Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £10; Programme: £2 (40 pages)
Weather: cloudy, dry, occasional flakes of light snow

Maidstone United are enjoying a tremendous first season playing back in the town at the new Gallaghers Stadium, opened last July with a pre-seaon friendly against Bighton and Hove Albion. After reforming in 1992 as Maidstone Invicta, the Stones initially played home game on a pitch close to the old London Road ground before groundsharing for a number of years at Sittingbourne. They went into today’s fixture on top of Ryman League Division One South, holding a six-point advantage of second-placed Dulwich Hamlet who had two games in hand. Maidstone's next game in three days time is a trip to Dulwich.

I visited the old London Road ground on three occasions with Stafford Rangers for Gola League and GM Vauxhall Conference fixtures including the last league game in April 1998 (photo right). There weren’t many grounds around with a greyhound track enclosing the pitch and I can only think of the old Wembley Stadium, old Canterbury City ground, Lisburn Distillery and Glastonbury’s Abbey Moor Stadium amongst those I’ve visited. Maidstone subsequently gained promotion to the Football League and I saw them lose a Barclays League Division Four Play-off Semi Final Second Leg 2-0 against Cambridge United before a crowd of 5538 at Dartford’s Watling Street ground.

Most recently in 2000, though 13 years ago, I headed back to Maidstone to the small ground next to the old London Road stadium and saw reformed Maidstone United defeat Crockenhill 3-1 in a British Energy Kent County League Premier Division fixture, attendance 110 (http://pitch-side-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2000/02/saturday-19th-february-2000.html).

Today, the weather must be bad around my area if Sutton Coldfield Town have to postpone a home game! Heavy snow that had fallen almost continually since Thursday evening convinced me to look further afield, even as a far as the Bundesliga (no fixtures due to World Cup qualifiers). Kent looked to be the sensible option with Maidstone United playing at home on a 3G pitch and nothing worse than light snow forecast.

The easiest route from Euston station to Maidstone is via St Pancras and Strood. With time to spare, I took a short detour off the Euston Road to Mabel’s Tavern on Mabledon Place (four Shepherd Neame ales to choose from and I opted for Kent’s Best, appropriate for my eventual destination). For some reason, South Eastern Trains decided not to hold the Maidstone-bound train at Stood for customers, like me, on the slightly late running train from St Pancras. Anyway after an exciting half-hour on Stood station, I was on my way again to Maidstone Barracks station and a short walk over the railway bridge (following a sign for Maidstone East) and north along the side of the River Medway to the ground.

Through the turnstiles, programmes were on sale in plentiful supply an hour before kick-off, and the pitch ran lengthways, orientated south–north. All the facilities were down the right-hand side with the main stand containing spectator 442 seats, club offices and changing rooms, and the Spitfire Lounge, a lively bar with the club shop in an adjoining room. Behind the near goal was the Loucas End covered terrace with a larger covered terrace, perhaps double the capacity, at the far north end known as The Henry Reeves & Co Stand. Dugouts were positioned stralling the halfway line down the left-hand side closest to the river.

As I mentioned, Maidstone United (69 points from 33 games) went into this fixture at the top of the table. Visitors Eastbourne Town (46 points from 31 games) arrived at the Gallagher Stadium as an in-form side on a decent run of one defeat from their last ten games.

Teams were announced over the tannoy and I spent the whole game watching from either Henry Reeves stand or the pitch barrier in front. All tickets in the main stand had been sold in advance.

No handshakes photo as the Maidstone players were each accompanied by young supporters and Eastbourne Town (in an interesting red and amber kit) got the game underway attacking the Loucas End in the first half.

Maidstone quickly got the fans excited as they made their way down the side to the Henry Reeves stand at the end their side were attacking. Rory Hill volleyed across the face of goal from the right and Alex Flisher forced a save out of Eastbourne goalkeeper Josh Pelling who couldn’t hold the initial shot and bravely pounced on resulting the loose ball.

The Stones certainly enjoyed plenty of possession but found Eastbourne’s defence difficult to penetrate. Hardly a spot remained around the pitch barrier and many Maidstone fans decided to stay up the other end during the first half to secure a decent second-half vantage point at the Loucas End which they side were going to attack after the interval.

Flisher hit a 35-yard drive wide of the right-hand post as the Stones looked to open the scoring.

It was interesting to hear the thoughts of the fans stood around me in the stand. Just before the half-hour mark, one comments that “so far Danny Lye is my Man of the Match, good pass completion ratio”. Another observed the formation with “Welford as the one striker with Draycott in a withdrawn role”.

Also on the half hour, a long clearance from Deren Ibrhaim was knocked down by Welford into the path of Hill who fired across the face of goal. The Stones continued to threaten. Pelling produced a decent near-post save to keep out a shot from Alex Brown and, in the 40th minute, a header from Welford was blocked on the line.

The deadlock was eventually broken and home nerves calmed in the 42nd minute. There was no dispute when Steve Elliott brought down Welford inside the area, giving the nearby assistant an easy decision to place his flag across his chest. The referee agreed and Welford himself blasted the resulting penalty past Pelling.

Eastbourne responded by finishing the half on the attack and Ross Treleavan saw a decent shot blocked in front of goal.

As I predicted, the fans at the Henry Reeves end made a mass exodus to the other end of the ground, leaving my end a lot quieter.

In Flisher, Maidstone have a ‘Rory Delap’ long throw expert and the one he delivered soon after the restart almost led to a goal. Lye flicked the ball on but Brown couldn’t direct his shot on target at the far post.

Today’s’ attendance… 1657. Certainly a far cry from the 110 who saw the Crockenhill game I attended back in 2000.

Eastbourne weren’t out of it and they won a couple of corners just before the hour mark which, frustratingly for the visitors, came to nothing. Maidstone, however, continued to create the better chances and Welford sent a looping header over the bar from Hill’s cross.

I felt that the introduction of pacy substitute Kaiyne Woolery posed problems for the Eastbourne defence after the striker shot straight at Pelling with his first touch.

There was no doubting the strong vocal support from the fans at the Loucas End, they just needed a second goal to settle any nerves. Again the Stones went close in the 88th minute when Flisher lashed a shot wide of the target.

The lack of a second goal could have proved costly as the visitors, with defender Ben Austin pushed forward, again won a couple of corners which came to nothings.

Probably with the points already in the bag as the fans were chanting “we are top of the league” etc., Maidstone put the outcome beyond doubt with that much-needed second goal deep into stoppage time. Flisher crossed low from the left and substitute Ade Olorunda sidefooted home at close range to scored his 11th of the season.

The beauty of having a Virgin return from London Euston is that my day in the south-east can continue up to the last train home at 21:00. So, consulting my Cask Marque app, I spotted a four-pub route from the Gallagher Stadium to Maidstone West station via the Society Rooms (Brookman’s Winter Ale), Swan on County Road (Thwaites Big Ben), Bull Inn on Boxley Road (Greene King Abbot Ale) and the Muggleton Inn on the High Street (Flack Catcher). A half in each rounded off my time in Maidstone which was nearly extended into a night in London as I caught the Javelin back to St Pancras with seconds to spare because the train up to Strood from Maidstone ran several minutes late.

Looking back, I’m pleased the weather at home forced me to head south to Maidstone. After the problems surrounding the demise of the old club and finding a new home in the town, I was pleased to find a club on the up with buzzing fans supporting the team in large numbers. I’ll be keeping an eye on the score in three days time when the top two meet at Dulwich Hamlet.

Maidstone United (amber/black/black): 1. Deren Ibrahim, 2. Tommy Osborne, 3. Jon Harley, 4. Tom Mills, 5. Graeme Andrews, 6. Alex Brown, 7. Rory Hill, 8. Danny Lye, 9. Shaun Welford (capt), 10. Ian Draycott, 11. Alex Flisher. Subs: 12. Ade Olorunda (for Welford, 81), 14. Dan Stubbs (not used), 15. Tim Olorunda (For Draycott, 87), 16. Kaiyne Woolery (for Hill, 69), 21gk. Tony Kessell (not used).

Eastbourne Town (red/amber/red): 1. Josh Pelling, 2. Luke Denton, 3. Ross Sutton, 4. Steve Elliott, 5. Ben Austin (capt), 6. Ethan Strevett, 7. John Lansdale, 8. Ross Treleavan, 9. Danny Curd, 10. Aaron Hopkinson, 11. Matt Cabb. Subs: 12. Romone McCrane (for Lansdale, 69), 14. Sam Crabb (not used), 15. Dan Rogers (not used), 16. Richard Greenfield (for Hopkinson, 77), 17. Evan Archibald (for Curd, 67).

Referee: Keith Yeo.
Assistants: Edward Smith and Dean Skipper.

Attendance: 1657

Duration: first-half: 46:20; second-half: 50:12

Goals:
1-0 Shaun Welford (42 pen)
2-0 Ade Olorunda (90+5)

Cards:
Maidstone: Shaun Welford (YC, 24)
Eastbourne: Ben Austin (YC, 65), Matt Crabb (YC, 74)

Tuesday 26th March 2013

Title-chasing Bootle recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over mid-table Alsager Town and will go top of the table if they win their three games in hand on current leaders Padiham. It was no surprise when Bootle took the lead in the 25th minute through Jamie Hay. Light snow fell during and after the interval but didn’t stop the visitors extending their lead with two further goals in five minutes from Daniel O’Connor and Lee Thompson around the midpoint of the second half. A great shot from Sam Aspinwall gave Alsager a late consolation goal. The LAW Training Stadium is still a pleasant ground and now has an impressive new clubhouse.

Alsager Town 1 Bootle 3
North-West Counties League Premier Division
At: LAW Training Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1-50 (36 pages)
Weather: cold, light snow during second half

Alsager Town (black and white stripes / black / white): 1. Michael Langley, 2. Alex Hedley, 3. Elliott Ledwards (capt), 4. Liam Prince, 5. Raphale Evans, 6. Ryan Mitchell, 7. Sam Aspinwall, 8. Tom Parkes, 9. Jack Kenny, 10. Leigh Skellern, 11. Jed Davies. Subs: 12. James Lunn (for Kenny, 81), 14. Andy Stockton (for Davies, 85), 15. Joel Mills (not used), 16. Dave Woodvine (for Evans, 75). Manager: Andy Turner.

Bootle (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Dean Porter, 2. Mark Kilroy, 3. Paul Byrne (capt), 4. Neil McQueen, 5. Liam Dodd, 6. Kurtis Gill, 7. Neil Prince, 8. Jamie Hay, 9. Daniel O’Connor, 10. Jack McCabe, 11. Lee Thompson. Subs: 12. Kevin Black (not used), 14. Nathan Martland (for McCabe, ht), 15. Phil Green (for McQueen, 75), 16. William Smart (for Gill, 68), 17. James Olsen (not used). Player-manager: Neil Prince.

Referee: J. Hayes (Manchester).
Assistants: S. Osiadacz (Manchester) and A. Coop (Altrincham).

Attendance: 41

Duration (45): first-half: 47:05; second-half: 48:21

Goals:
0-1 Jamie Hay (25)
0-2 Daniel O’Connor (64)
0-3 Lee Thompson (69)
1-3 Sam Aspinwall (87)

Cards:
Alsager: Alex Hedley (YC, 56), Leigh Skellern (YC, 56), Michael Langley (YC, 78)
Bootle: none

Friday 29th March 2013
Playing on Good Friday for the first time in 41 years, Altrincham maintained their promotion push with a sixth-consecutive victory. Early on, it looked like of case of how many the Robins would score against an initially hesitant defence, yet ended up winning by the narrowest of margins thanks to James Lawrie’s 78th-minute winner. Vauxhall became a threat on the break and hit both bar and post during the first half, and had two strong penalty appeals turned down. Little appears to have changed inside Moss Lane since my last visit in 2008 but the houses visible behind the terrace have replaced the old Chequers nightclub.

Altrincham 1 Vauxhall Motors 0
Blue Square Bet North
At: Moss Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £15 (seat); Programme: £2 (44 pages)
Weather: cold, sunny, dry

Full report to follow...

Altrincham (red with black sleeves / red / red): 1. Stuart Coburn (capt), 2. Shaun Densmore, 3. Scott Leather, 4. Jake Moult, 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Danny Hall, 7. James Lawrie, 8. Danny Boshell, 9. Duncan Watmore, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs: 12. Matt Doughty (for Reeves, 71), 14. Pat Lacey (not used), 15. Carl Rodgers (for Moult, 67), 16. Ryan Brooke (for Watmore, 90+3), 18gk. Tony McMillan (not used). Manager: Lee Sinnott.

Vauxhall Motors (yellow/green/yellow): 1. Zac Jones, 2. Connor Roberts-Nurse, 3. Steve Wainwright, 4. Tom Hannigan, 5. Andrew Nicholas, 6. Karl Clair, 7. Craig Mahon, 8. Danny Fearnehough, 9. Karl Noon, 10. Ashley Stott, 11. Mike Burns Subs: 12. Obi Anoruo (for Stott, 82), 14. Gary Martindale (not used), 15. Tom Rutter (not used), 17. Craig Ellison (not used). M

Referee: D. Meeson.
Assistants: N. Evans and S. Mulhall.

Attendance: 930

Duration: first-half: 46:08; second-half: 48:12

Goals:
1-0 James Lawrie (78)

Cards:
Altrincham: Gianluca Havern (YC, 88), James Lawrie (YC, 90+1)
Vauxhall Motors: Mike Burns (YC, 53), Danny Fearnehough (YC, 59

Saturday 30th March 2013
Needing to stay within an hour of Longton today, I did as instructed an opted for a first visit to Chesterton AFC’s Red Street Community Centre ground. Not an ideal location at the top of a hill on a cold afternoon but that didn’t matter as Chesterton and Wolstanton Reserves served up an entertaining game between two evenly matched side. The lively Kyle Cooke scored twice Chesterton but ended up on the losing side as the visitors won by the odd goal in five as two-goal Tom Bisson scored an 87th minute winner. The added bonus of a tea bar open before the game and during half-time was much appreciated!

Chesterton AFC 2 Wolstanton United Reserves 3
Staffordshire County Senior League Division One
At: Red Street Community Centre, Talke Road, Red Street
Admission: none; Programme: none; Hot Drinks: 50p
Weather; cold, dry, sunny spells

Full report to follow…

Chesterton AFC (blue/blue/blue): 1. Craig Wilson, 2. Darren Howells, 3. Shuan Morgan, 4. Luke Sinclair, 5. Sean Vaughan (capt), 6. Tom Gibson, 7. Simon Dale, 8. Dan Beardmore, 9. Kyle Cooke, 10. Dean Beardmore, 11. Mattt Clowes. Subs: 12. Oliver Swann (for Sinclair, 64), 14. Andrew Smith (for Dean Beardmore, 84), 15. Rob Hanning (for Clowes, 72), 16. Ashley Doney (not used). Manager: Carl Gibson.

Wolstanton United Reserves (red/red/red): 1. Alastair Grainger, 2. Chris Tatton, 3. Marcus Thorp, 4. John Smith, 5. Matt Rogalski (capt), 6. Joe Humphries, 7. Lee Hughes, 8. Lee Ratcliffe, 9. Tom Bisson, 10. Chris Darlington, 11. Marc Holmes. Subs: 12. Liam Shaw (for Ratcliffe, 67), 14. Ryan Lockyer (for Hughes, 79), 15. Chad Martin (not used). Manager Stephen Killeen.

Referee: Jonathan Maskery.
Assistants: John Powner and Jack Armstrong.

Attendance: 20 (headcount)

Duration: first-half: 46:47; second-half: 46:57

Goals:
1-0 Kyle Cooke (6)
1-1 Chris Darlington (19)
1-2 Tom Bisson (59)
2-2 Kyle Cooke (63)
2-3 Tom Bisson (87)

Cards:
Chesterton: none
Wolstanton: Marcus Thorp (YC, 22)

Monday 1st April 2013
Ten-man Stafford Town produced a battling performance to survive considerable pressure from visitors Southam United to record a narrow single goal victory. The only goal came early in the 4th minute when Southam striker Pav Tomczak headed a Mat Dockerty corner into his own net. Injuries and the 79th minute straight red card for Ishmale Reid made the Town’s task harder but they resolutely held on to move up to fifth position in the Premier Division table. Stafford Town haven’t had that many home games since the end of November so it was nice to get back to Evans Park this afternoon where, as always, a warm welcome is guaranteed.

Stafford Town 1 Southam United 0
Athium Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Evans Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Weather, dry, very cold wind

Full report to follow...

Stafford Town (red/red/red): 1. Richard Stone, 2. James Cresswell, 3. James Wild, 4. Ben Henderson, 5. James Price, 6. Mat Dockerty (capt), 7. Ishmale Reid, 8. Alex Rowland, 9. Paul McMahon, 10. Spencer Gunnell, 11. Tom Hind. Subs: 12. Darryl Johns (for Hind, 64), 14. Ryan Fox (for Dockerty, 48), 15. Joe Woodward (for Rowland, 68). Manager: Adam Cunningham.

Southam United (yellow/blue/blue): 1. Ollie Manuelm 2. Marc Passey, 3. Lee Thomas, 4. Josh Cole (capt), 5. Michael Clough, 6. Jamie Coleman, 7. Tom Leaver, 8. Chris Hayden, 9. Simeon Smith, 10. Pav Tomczak, 11. Chris Murphy. Subs: 12. Jim Graham (for Tomczyk, 84), 14. Howard Forinton (for Cole, ht), 15. Tom Davison (not used), 16. Logan Roberts (for Murphy, 84), 17. Kieran Conway (not used). Manager: Lee Knibbs.

Referee: Adrian Hall.
Assistants: Brian Rowley and Ian Wylie.

Attendance: 47

Duration: first-half: 45:27; second-half: 49:04

Goals:
1-0 Pav Tomczak (4 og)

Cards:
Stafford: Ishmale Reid (RC, 79)
Southam: Michael Clough (YC, 77)

Wednesday 3rd April 2013

Heath Hayes gave their chances of avoiding relegation a real boost with a 2-1 victory over mid-table Rocester. In what was an enthralling encounter from start to finish, the Romans took an early lead in the 16th minute through Chris Sterling. However, the visitors were left stunned when Heath Hayes hit back early in the second half with two goals in a minute both scored by Tim Smith; the equaliser coming from a penalty and the winner from a defensive error. The win moved Heath Hayes up one place to third bottom in the table and level on points with the team immediately above the three-team relegation zone.

Heath Hayes 2 Rocester 1
Baker Joiner Midland Alliance
At: Coppice Colliery Ground
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Weather: cold, dry

Full story to follow...

Heath Hayes (blue and white stripes / blue / white): 1. Adam Lane, 2. Joe McNulty, 3. Karl Wallis, 4. Andrew Davis, 5. Harry Phillips, 6. Tom Baggott, 7. Chad Degville-Cross, 8. Gavin Saunders, 9. Chris Deakin, 10. Lee Smith, 11. David Waple (capt). Subs: 12. Alex Scott (not used), 14. Liam Degville (not used), 15. Stephen Allen (not used), 16. Daniel Scragg (for Degville-Cross, 86), 17. Hayden Marklew (for Deakin, 90+3). Manager: Simon Davies.

Rocester (amber and black stripes / black / black): 19. Richard Froggatt, 2. Lee Spencer, 3. Carl Allen, 4. Dan McLeod, 5. Darren Bullock, 6. Ashley Bennett, 7. Jack Langston, 8. Adam Swain (capt), 9. Jacob Sturgess, 10. Chris Sterling, 11. Edwin Ahenkorah. Subs: 12. Wayne Johnson (for Bullock, 35), 14. Keiran Mortiboys (for Swain, 85), 15. Ryan Pirrie (for Ahenkorah, 58), 16. Karl McLeod (not used), 17. Chris McComisky (not used). Manager: Dave Langston.

Referee: Adam Dean.
Assistants: Andy Holmes and Graham Sanders.

Attendance: 48

Duration (45): first-half: 45:08; second-half: 48:00

Goals:
0-1 Chris Sterling (16)
1-1 Lee Smith (52 pen)
2-1 Lee Smith (53)

Cards:
Heath Hayes: Lee Smith (YC, 64)
Rocester: Lee Spencer (YC, 62), Ryan Pirrie (YC, 62)

Saturday 6th April 2013

Perhaps appropriate for the 6th April, I fancied a trip that wasn’t going to be too ‘taxing’ and plumped for an overdue return visit to the Old Spotted Dog Ground. London Bari, new to the Essex Senior League this season, hosted neighbours Bethnal Green United and won a lively contest by the odd goal in three. A perfectly-placed header from Lee Springer gave Bari a first-half lead which they held until Siao Blackwood converted a penalty in the 77th minute. Ashley Fashanu, a forward with a famous uncle, scored a late winner for Bari to earn a much-needed victory which meant a lot to the players.

London Bari 2 Bethnal Green United 1
Essex Senior League
At: Old Spotted Dog Ground, Upton Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: free (8 pages)
Weather: mild and sunny

Twice last month, I was thwarted in my attempts to watch a London Bari home game by waterlogged pitches so decided today to try and make it ‘third time lucky’ with the number of Saturdays left in the season fast diminishing.

To me, there is something magical about the name ‘Old Spotted Dog’. There aren’t many of the iconic old amateur grounds left in London as most have been demolished. The likes of Walthamstow Avenue’s Green Pond Lane and Dulwich Hamlet’s original Champion Hill spring to mind (which I had the pleasure of visiting both on one occasion) as well as Leytonstone, Romford and Ilford’s former homes which I never got to see in the flesh.

The Old Spotted Dog is a survivor from a bygone age though much of the fabric of the place has long since disappeared. As my previous visit came on a dark January night back in 1991, I just HAD to see the ground in daylight and today was the day to finally do it.

Time was against me as my delayed train didn’t arrive at London Euston until 12.55 pm. I took Andy of Kent’s advice and headed to the nearest station, Forest Gate, and as all of the connections fitted perfectly, had a bit of spare time to sample the Ionian Coffee Porter at JDW’s Hudson Bay not far from the ground.

My previous visit to the Old Spotted Dog was over 22 years ago in January 1991 for a London Senior Cup tie between Clapton and Boreham Wood. Even though the old stands that stood on the Disraeli Road side and adjacent to the Upton Lane entrance have long since been demolished, the ground today oozes character. The ground now has a modern 100-seater stand on the Upton Lane side which was erected during the 1990s. Opposite, between the dugouts is an interesting area of covered standing of a ‘scaffolding design’. There is also a small open terrace complete with two crush barriers on the grass bank behind the far goal. Outside the ground on Upton Lane, The Spotted Dog Inn stands derelict and in a poor state of repair.

Two Essex Senior League clubs share the Old Spotted Dog this season – Clapton and London Bari – and this afternoon the latter hosted neighbours Bethnal Green who play home games at nearby Mile End Stadium. Going into today’s derby, both sides were level on 33 points with Bethnal Green United (12th position after 26 games) having played two games more than London Bari (11th position after 24 games). The programme mentioned that Bari were on a run of three straight league and cup defeats during which they conceded ten goals and scored just two. Visitors Bethnal Green had picked up just one point from their last five league games.

I must thank the member of the London Bari coaching staff who lent me the teamsheets and also the chap behind the bar inside the clubhouse, as well as the Bethnal Green supporter who spotted where the programmes were!

“As you are, green kick,” announced the referee with the captains in the centre circle, so Bethnal Green (appropriately in all green) got the game underway attacking the clubhouse end in the first half. The warmish spring sunshine was a welcome contrast to the recent freezing temperatures – the weather forecasters promised mild air and they were correct!

The first chance fell to the visitors in the 6th minute. Chris Hubbard delivered a deep cross from the left to the far post where Kadir Jama hit a well-struck right-foot volley. To me, from my vantage point in the main stand ‘press box’, the shot initially looked unstoppable but Bari goalkeeper Lewis Amos reacted to parry the ball into the air at the near post. Good save.

Play was certainly a bit frantic on the hard playing surface. Bethnal Green had a good shout for a penalty waived away by the well-positioned referee when Stephen Opoka went down inside the area under the challenge of Jack Sawyer.

It was London Bari who took the lead in the 24th minute. Abs Thompson did well to keep the ball in on the right bye-line and deliver a delicious cross which Lee Springer headed into the far right-hand side of the net. As Harley the Bethnal Green goalkeeper said, the striker peeled off the shoulder of the defender and placed the ball in the only place he could not reach (photo right).

Stung by conceding the goal, Bethnal Green looked to respond. Perry Dobkins played a lofted free-kick forward into a packed penalty area which Amos failed to hold and Jason Fox fired the loose ball over the bar.

Bari were forced to replace the injured Abs Thompson with Patrick Damali-Song in the 31st minute. Bethnal Green struggled to make an impact before half-time and Bari comfortably held their lead up to the half-time whistle.

The visitors were encouraged to “show a bit of quality” and “lift it up a few levels and work harder”. Could they do that in the second half?

They certainly made a positive start to the second half. Kingsley Francis played the ball forward towards Luke With in the area who saw his shot blocked by a defender.

I watched the entire second half from a seat in the ‘Press Box’ and Bethnal Green continued to threaten. Ben Protheroe made an impact as a 58th-minute substitute and his excellent right-wing corners caused problems for the Bari defence.

Perhaps noticing that the visitors were posing quite a threat, one Bari played commented: “same workrate all the way through, it isn’t finished”.

It certainly wasn’t going to end 1-0 Bethnal Green equalised in the 76th minute. Protheroe delivered a great cross from the left into the area where the referee responded to a challenge on Joc Killingback by awarding a penalty. Siao Blackwood stepped up to send Amos the wrong way from the spot.

Bethnal Green certainly now ‘had their tails up’ fancying a winner but so did Bari who, after Danny Hammett replaced Drake, were told to mount “one more big push”.

The visitors quickly got forward and Killingbeck lashed a shot wide of the target.

Bari responded. Former Bethnal Green player Remi Nelson fed Les Thompson who got between two defenders and hot a ferocious shot which was brilliantly pushed clear by the leaping Harley. From the corner, the referee turned down penalty appeals for handball.

Eventually, in the 84th minute, London Bari scored what proved to be the winner. Ashley Fashanu, nephew of former Wimbledon striker John, nipped in between a defender and goalkeeper to flick home a throughball into the area.

With time running out, Bari looked to wind down the clock, helped by a couple of free-kicks in the Bethnal Green half which allowed them to keep possession.

Judging by the reaction of the Bari players at full-time, this 2-1 win over Bethnal Green United meant a lot to them.

After savouring one last lingering look at the Old Spotted Dog ground, I quietly made my way to Stratford station hoping to pick up the two Cask Marque scans needed to reach the 25 milestone. JDW’s Goldengrove was a bit too busy for a quick drink and so got the scans needed first at the Langthorne and second the Goose. The prize for the 25th scan is a fridge magnet bottle opener.

What a ground! #addtoyourbucketlist

London Bari (sky blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Lewis Amos, 2. Daniel Smith (capt), 3. Leika Saku, 4. Jack Sawyer, 5. Zaeem Husein, 6. Remi Nelson, 7. Abs Thompson, 8. Les Thompson, 9. Lee Springer, 19. Ashley Fashanu, 11. William Drake. Subs: 20. Patrick Damali-Songe (for Abs Thompson, 31), 21. Danny Hammett (for Drake, 79), 22. Shane Campbell (not used), 17. Ricky Eaton (not used). Manager: Ricky Eaton.

Bethnal Green United (green with white ‘V’ / green / green): 1. Russell Harley, 2. Perry Dobkins, 12. Luke With, 4. Jason Fox, 5/15. Emeka Nkindirim, 14. Kadir Jama, 7. Chris Hubbard, 8. Siao Blackwood (capt), 9. Stephen Opoka, 10. Alex Donker, 11. Kingsley Francis. Subs: 3. Ben Protheroe (for Francis, 58), 6. Danny Dobson (not used), 18. Joc Killingback (for With, 69), 16. Danny Gabriel (not used). Manager: Anton Stephenson.

Referee: Steve Parmeter.
Assistants: Scott Tappin and Ray Wells.

Attendance: 11 (headcount) which had grown to 20 during the second half

Duration (45): first-half: 47:46; second-half: 48:40

Goals:
1-0 Lee Springer (24)
1-1 Siao Blackwood (76 pen)
2-1 Ashley Fashanu (84)

Cards:
London Bari: Les Thompson (YC, 75)
Bethnal Green: Chris Hubbard (YC, 90+3)

Monday 8th April 2013

This turned out to be my longest midweek football trip for what must be almost five years and one which could have had a frustrating conclusion before arriving at the ground (more below). Colney Heath, who were playing in the Herts Senior County League when I lived in the south-east, took an early lead with a scrambled goal credited to Richard Cooke. Watching the game in the company of Southend-based Peter Miles, the home side doubled their lead with a super strike from Ryan Foley and wrapped up a first win in eight league and cup games with a third goal scored within two minutes of the restart by Jamie Hazell.

Colney Heath 3 Haringey Borough 0
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
At: Recreation Ground, High Street
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £6 including £1 programme (32 pages)
Weather: mild and dry

The dates of various forthcoming home games influenced my choice tonight and I opted for a rare trip these days into the previously-familiar Spartan South Midlands League, which I got to know well during the 1990s. After tonight, Colney Heath still have eight games to play before the end of the month through none of their three remaining home games fall on a convenient date for me. Not that there is any particular urgency to visit their Recreation Ground, it is another Step 5 ground on my ‘to do’ list and, being midweek during British Summer Time, an opportunity to see the place in daylight.

The village of Colney Heath is located a few miles east of St Albans and according to Andy of Kent’s website is some 4.5 miles from the nearest railway station. There is a bus but still out of reach for me on a Saturday by public transport because of the time of the last train home from Watford Junction.

I must admit to checking my spreadsheet and the club history because of a bit of confusion on my part whether I’d visited tonight’s destination Colney Heath or nearby London Colney. As Colney Heath were members of the rarely-watched Hertfordshire Counties Senior League when I lived in the South East, I must have previously seen London Colney [19th March 1997 v Milton Keynes at Cotlandswick]. Confusion over!

OK, I suppose I have to briefly tell the story of how I nearly ended up with a wasted journey. Doubling back on the A414 a roundabout too early, I got terribly confused driving up and down the High Street trying to match my directions to the landmarks without success. Thankfully, someone on the phone at Colney Heath pointed out that the Deep Sea fish and chip shop I was parked close to was in fact in of LONDON COLNEY – the wrong town! With much appreciation from me, he gave me directions to the correct High Street via the ‘Dog Bone’ roundabout and I easily found the ground though with no more than 15 minutes to spare. Perhaps the shock of finding out that the M10 had been downgraded to an ‘A’ road added to the confusion, may be? No time, alas, to spot any of the coal posts that Laurence mentioned in his blog on Colney Heath FC.

Colney Heath and Haringey Borough have been hit the hardest of the 22 clubs in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and none of the others had played as few as 33 games. Tonight both played the third of eleven April league fixtures and both are in action again tomorrow evening.

I suppose it is a good job, bearing in mind the fixture pile-up, that Colney Heath (13th position with 46 points from 33 games) and Haringey Borough (12th position with 48 points from 33 games) sit comfortably in mid-table with no prospect of either promotion or relegation. Saying that, I’m sure both would rather be challenging for the title, which will be won by Dunstable Town.

I touched on a bit of club history earlier and it is worth mentioning that Colney Heath FC was founded in 1907 and they joined the Spartan South Midlands League in 2000, progressing from the Division One to the Premier Division in 2006. The Recreation Ground has hard-standing all round with floodlights and a 100-seater stand in front of the clubhouse.

Programmes were on sale at the pay box and included in the admission change, extra copies on sale for £1. While trying to find someone with the teamsheets, I met Peter Miles, the Southend and Essex expert, for the first time who already had the important 32 names duty noted. Thanks.

Haringey Borough (in Norwich-like yellow and green) got the game underway attacking the entrance end in the first half.

Looking to end a run of eight league and cup games without a win, Colney Heath got off to a perfect start with a goal in the 12th minute. It was somewhat confusing goal during a scramble that ensued following Dean Parratt’s right-wing corner. Central defender Richard Cooke was credited with forcing the ball over the line but I’m not sure (photo right).

The home side continued to impress. Jamie Hazell hit a low left-foot shot which Haringey goalkeeper Erbil Bozkurt held and Parratt sent a rising drive just over the bar from the edge of the area which drew some “good effort” compliments.

It was no surprise when Colney Heath doubled their lead midway through the first half. Ryan Foley hot an unstoppable 25-yard shot that flew into the right-side of the net past the diving Bozjurt.

“Heads up,” the Haringey players were told but their task was made harder with an injury to defender Audras Molnar.

The home side continued to create chances and the boot of Bozkurt kept out a low shot from Hazell and in the next attack a slip by Lewis Laws presented Ben Agyekum with a chance which he fired low across the face of goal.

Just before the break, Haringey almost pulled a goal back. Dimitri Gbo hit a low shot from the edge of the area which the diving Tom Blackwall turned round the right-hand post. From the resulting corner, Nick Nicou headed over at the far post.

During the interval, we picked up a Colney Heath badge (£3) and were directed towards the larger of the two bars where we spotted the tea bar. Much-needed cobs were on sale in the smaller bar.

Colney Heath made it 3-0 within two minutes of the restart. Sam Margerrison delivered a corner to the near post from where Hazell sent a glancing header into the far side of the net.

Just after the hour mark, Margerrison played a free-kick on the right forward into the area where Ricky Perks headed wide.

The home side had certainly ended their winless run and now it was a case of ‘how many?’, but poor defending gifted a chance to Haringey but Gbo fired straight at Blackwell.

Perhaps with one eye on tomorrow’s league game at Hanwell Town, Colney Heath made a double change, replacing Margerrison, who had been delivering some excellent set-pieces into the area, and Hazell, the scorer of the third goal.

Bozkurt produced a decent save to turn round a low shot from Agyekum and Parratt fired just wide as Colney Heath looked for a fourth goal.

After drawing 0-0 at home to Hillingdon Borough, I’m sure Blackwell was keen to record a clean sheet and did well to keep out a shot from Ceon Samuels. Gbo’s followed-up shot from the rebounded deflected off a defender at the expense of a corner. Late on, Lawrence Constanti not only drove over the bar from the edge of the area but cleared the trees behind the goal as well.

In the end, a good 3-0 win for Colney Heath which moved them up one place in the table, swapping places with the team they’d defeated. Even though I needed a short sleep at Watford Gap on the way home, I certainly enjoyed visiting this friendly club and watching the game in the excellent company of Peter Miles.

Colney Heath (red and white stripes / black / red): 1. Tom Blackwall, 2. Jamie Rayner 3. Sam Margerrison, 4. Glen Draper (capt), 5. Richard Cooke, 16. Nick Martin, 7. Dean Parratt, 8. Ryan Foley, 9. Ricky Perks, 10. Jamie Hazell, 11. Ben Agyekum. Subs: 12. Andie Dawkins (for Hazell, 68), 14. Jordan Peregnko (for Margerrison, 68), 15. Jake Eley (not used). Manager: Frank Patrick.

Haringey Borough (yellow/green/yellow): 1. Erbil Bozkurt, 2. Aristides Savva, 3. Jack Christidolou, 4. Dewayne Clarke, 5. Andras Molnar, 6. Lewis Laws (capt), 7. Gabriel Mmieh, 8. Nick Nicou, 9. Bradley O’Donovan, 10. Dimitri Gbo, 11. Adam Andreou. Subs: 12. Lawrence Constanti (for Molnar, 35), 14. Jermaine Mitchell (for Savva, 68), 15. Rakim Richards (not used), 16. Ceon Samuels (for O’Donovan, 75), 17. Kyri Neocleous (not used). Manager: Tom Loizou.

Referee: A. Anastasiou.
Assistants: G. Blackmore and L. Koskas.

Attendance: 28

Duration: first-half: 46:59; second-half: 47:55

Goals:
1-0 Richard Cooke (12)
2-0 Ryan Foley (22)
3-0 Jamie Hazell (47)

Cards:
Colney Heath:
Haringey: Dewayne Clarke (YC, 62)

Tuesday 9th April 2013

A evening with a difference as I saw one and a half games without watching any of the 7-45 pm kick-off I’d originally set out to watch. I arrived at Digby Street later than the scheduled start time but around 15 minutes before the actual kick-off time. So instead of a brief stop to take some photos, I ended up watching a full 80-minute match which Kimberley MW won with a single goal scored by Jake Fisher during the second half. Then on the way home, I took a detour at Uttoxeter to catch the last 40 or so minutes at Hillsfield where Rocester suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Westfields.

Kimberley Miners Welfare 1 Selston 0
Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Division
At: Digby Street, off Eastwood Road
Kick-off: 6-00 pm (scheduled); 6.26 pm (actual)
Admission: none; Programmes: none
Weather: dry, cold wind

During the afternoon, Plan A (Kimberley Miners Welfare v Selston followed by most of Basford United v Borrowash Victoria) became Plan B (a quick stop at the Digby Street ground followed by a full 90 minutes at Basford United) with a later than planned departure from home. Delays on the way made it harder to reach Kimberley in plenty of time before 6 pm so I'd settled for an unpressured drive to Basford . However, driving up the track at the end of Digby Street to the ground at around 6-10 pm, I could see that players warming up and immediately had a choice. Should I stay to watch the whole match as it was clear that the game was going to kick-off late?

The decision came with a dilemma. The ground will feature on the Notts Senior League Bonanza in 11 days time though I don’t know what I’m doing on Saturday 20th April so played safe and stayed at Digby Street. Tonight's visitors, Selston, will also host a Bonanza game as well.

Before continuing, I ought to mention the games that will feature on the inaugural NSL Bonanza, which is being enthusiastically organised by Rob Hornby:

Friday 19th April
Magdala Amateurs v Bilborough Town (6-30 pm)
Saturday 20th April
Selston v Wollaton (10-10 am)
Underwood Villa v West Bridgford (12-45 pm)
Awsworth Villa v Cotgrave (3-30 pm)
Kimberley MW v Keyworth United (6-15 pm)

The Digby Street ground is located at the western end of Kimberley close to large retail park, which includes IKEA, and the B6010/A6096 exit off the A610 bypass. It is railed off on all four sides and slopes down to the far right corner in relation to the entrance. The clubhouse included a most-welcome tea bar.

The last time I dipped into the Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League back in October Kimberley Miners Welfare were the visitors at FC Cavaliers for a game which finished 0-0. Back then ‘Kimbo’ were eighth in the table. They went into tonight’s game two places lower in 10th with 27 points from 21 games while visitors Selston stood four positions higher in the 16-team Senior Division table with 34 points from 20 games.

I offer thanks to the home club official for letting me have the Kimberley line-up.

Some 26 minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, Kimberley (in red and black) got the game underway defending the clubhouse end (or north end) in the first half.

The home side made a bright start and went close in the 18th minute when Liam Baker hit the post.

I took around half an hour for the game to really come to life and, from that point onwards, plenty of scoring opportunities were created during the remaining 50 or so minutes.

A 20-yard drive by Asher Phythian forced a diving save out Selston goalkeeper Luke Wigley and Red Wilmott held off the challenge of one of his teammates (true) before firing just wide from outside the area.

A nice move during the closing stages of the first half almost led to a goal for the visitors. Grant Hackett slipped a perfect pass into the area to Richard Barnes on the right who hit a rising first-time snap shot which Matt Walsh did well to stop.

Just before the break, Matt Parratt and Jake Fisher combined to set up a chance for Phythian which Wigley held.

Players continued where they left off at the break and continued to create chances during the second half.

Walsh produced a superb save in the 54th minute to keep his side on level terms. Sean Farnworth played a free-kick into the area from 30 yards out for Tom Smith to get in a header which the Kimberley goalkeeper tipped over the bar.

Kimberley thought they’d taken the lead just before the hour mark. Wilmott fed Simon Hutchinson on the right who closed low into the six-yard box where Leon Roberts fired home. But the assistant raised his flag and said that “far guy with the gloves on” was offside, i.e. Roberts.

The only goal of the game came in the 66th minute. An initial shot from Wilmott wasn’t cleared by the Selston defence and Fisher fired home the loose ball to put Kimberley in front.

The Kimberley bench kept on encouraging their side from the technical area and wanting the workrate to be maintain right up to the final whistle.

“If we lose the ball we have got to get it back”

“We’ve got to work harder”

The players in red and black did just that as Selston mounted a late bid for an equaliser. Walsh did well to leave his line and narrow the angle before Dominic Carragher shot just wide of the right-hand post. In stoppage time, Daniel Severn fired low across the face of goal.

Kimberley’s hard work paid off as they kept a clean sheet to record a narrow 1-0 victory and move up in the top half of the table. Since the game, the record of Clifton has been expunged leaving just 15 teams completing the season.

Heading back home, I called in at the familiar venue that is Hillfield, home of Baker Joiner Midland Alliance side Rocester. When I arrived around five minutes into the second half of the 8 pm kick-off, I found out from Dan Bishop that the score was 1-1; Rocester had taken an early lead but visitors Westfields had equalised shortly before half-time. The night ended in disappointment for the Romans as Jamie Cuss scored a second-half winner for the visitors; attendance 41.

Basford recorded 13th consecutive league victory – 2-0 against Borrowash Victoria – and need just five points from their remaining four games to win the East Midlands Counties League title. No doubt I’ll get the opportunity to visit Greenwich Avenue next season, probably in either the Midland Alliance or Northern Counties East League.

Despite missing out on meeting ‘On the Road Malc’ at Basford, I enjoyed my visit to Kimberley and I’m sure the 150+ groundhoppers will do so as well in 11 days time.

Kimberley Miners Welfare (red and black stripes / white / white): 1. Matt Walsh, 2. Red Wilmott, 3. Andrew Tinsley, 4. Matt Parratt, 5. Liam Baker (capt), 6. Asher Phythian, 7. Leon Roberts, 8. Simon Hutchinson, 9. Jake Fisher, 10. Danny Chaplin, 11. Karl Beecham. Subs: 12. Tony Harbould (for Baker, 67), 14. Alex Sheffield (for Phythian, 55), 15. Michael Murphy (not used), 16. Tom Whittingham (for Chaplin, 62). Manager: G. Hulley.

Selston (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Luke Wigley, 2. Grant Hackett, 3. Josh Gregory, 4. Gareth Ellis, 5. Sean Farnworth, 6. Dave Spencer, 7. Tom Smith, 8. Dominic Carragher (capt), 9. Richard Barnes, 10. Dominic Airey, 11. Daniel Severn. Subs: 12. Tim Moore (not used), 14. Nick Olden (not used), 15. Jake Spencer (not used), 16. Ryan Bower (for Ellis, 78). Manager: Andy Haslam.

Referee: David Hague.
Assistants: John Middleton and David Hale.

Attendance: 20 (headcount)

Duration (40): first-half: 40:39; second-half: 42:17

Goals:
1-0 Jake Fisher (66)

Cards: none

Brocton 3 Heath Hayes 1

Daisy Hill 1 Irlam 2

Heath Hayes 2 Tipton Town 4

Continental Star 2 Rocester 2

Walsall Wood 0 Guernsey 0 (aet)

Wolves Casuals 4 Wellington Amateurs 1

Evesham United 1 Shortwood United 2

Romulus 2 Mickleover Sports 2

Lichfield City 2 Nuneaton Griff 1

Leyton Orient 4 Carlisle United 1

Newcastle Town 1 Brigg Town 1

Maidstone United 2 Eastbourne Town 0

Alsager Town 1 Bootle 3

Altrincham 1 Vauxhall Motors 0

Chesterton AFC 2 Wolstanton United Reserves 3

Stafford Town 1 Southam United 0

Heath Hayes 2 Rocester 1

London Bari 2 Bethnal Green United 1

Colney Heath 3 Haringey Borough 0

Kimberley Miners Welfare 1 Selston 0