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Doncaster Rovers 2 Blackburn Rovers 0

August 16, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Friday 16th August 2013
I was delighted when Aussie groundhopper Mark Taylor suggested meeting up this weekend during his extensive tour of England and several European countries plus Dubai on the way out and Thailand on the way home. He was planning a Yorkshire ‘double’ tomorrow at Leeds United and York City to follow tonight’s game at Doncaster Rovers. As I’d not visited the Keepmoat Stadium, I bought two tickets online for collection and met up with Mark in the centre of Doncaster for some ale [Acorn Forester for me] at the Old Angel before making our way to the ground. Watching from the West Stand, we saw Doncaster record their first league victory of the season with a goal in each half from new signing Theo Robinson and James Husband.

Doncaster Rovers 2 Blackburn Rovers 0
Skybet Championship
At: Keepmoat Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £23 (seat); Programme: £3 (84 pages)
Weather: sunny spells

Doncaster Rovers (red and white hoops / black / black): 1. Ross Turnbull, 32. Reece Wabara, 14. Bongani Khumalo, 5. Rob Jones (capt), 3. James Husband, 26. James Coppinger, 19. Richard Wellens, 18. Paul Keegan, 11. David Cotterill (Syers 90), 22. Theo Robinson (Duffy 76), 9. Chris Brown. Subs: 13.gk Jon Maxted (not used), 2. Paul Quinn (not used), 6. David Syers (for Cotterill, 90+3), 7. Mark Duffy (for Robinson, 76), 8. Billy Paynter (not used), 12. Luke McCullough (not used), 23. Kyle Bennett (not used). Manager: Paul Dickov.

Blackburn Rovers (blue and white halves / white / white): 34. Jacob Kean, 2. Todd Kane, 5. Grant Hanley, 16. Scott Dann (capt), 3. Tommy Spurr, 25. Alan Judge, 8. David Dunn, 19. Chris Taylor, 6. Jason Lowe, 11. Jordan Rhodes, 45. Tom Cairney. Subs: 13gk. Simon Eastwood (not used), 7. Joshua King (for Dunn, 66), 9. Leon Best (for Taylor, 66), 21. Alex Marrow (not used), 24. Josh Morris (not used), 29. Corry Evans (for Cairney, 60), 31. Gaël Givet-Viaros (not used). Manager: Gary Bowyer.

Referee: Geoff Eltrigham
Assistants: Joe Hull and Ross Joyce
Fourth Official: Declan Ford

Attendance: 8707
Duration: first-half: 46:16; second-half: 49:26

Goals:
1-0 Theo Robinson (37)
2-0 James Husband (58)

Cards:
Doncaster: Chris Brown (YC, 32)
Blackburn: Tommy Spurr (YC, 11), Grant Hanley (YC, 61), Chris Taylor (YC, 64)
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Llantwit Major 3 Penrhiwfer 1

August 17, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 17th August 2013
The opportunity to meet 2013 Apprentice star Alex Mills [the one with the distinctive eyebrows] at Costa in Cowbridge took us to South Wales for the day. Once we’d had our coffee and cake, chatted to Alex and taken photos, as well as given our donation to the Costa Foundation, I made the short journey towards the coast to Llantwit Major’s Windmill Lane ground. Pleasantly surprised to bump into two familiar faces from my part of the world, we saw a feisty Welsh Cup tie in which Llantwit Major of Welsh League Division Three defeated Penrhiwfer 3-1 with Stewart Lindsay scoring twice. Inevitably in a contest littered with bookings, someone was going to see ‘red’ and it was the visitors from the South Wales Senior League who finished with ten men.

Llantwit Major 3 Penrhiwfer 1
Welsh Cup First Qualifying Round
At: Windmill Lane, Llantwit Major
Kick-off: 2-30 pm
Admission: £3 including 40 page programme
Weather: showers sometimes heavy

Llantwit Major (blue/blue/blue): 1. Jack Lansdown, 2. Wayne Faux, 3. Andy Shaw, 4. Lee Jones, 5. Rhys Gould, 6. Nicky Cox, 7. Christopher Rees, 8. Max Morgan, 10/9. David Hartley-Smith, 9/10. Stewart Lindsay, 11. Jordan Phillips. Subs: 12. Barry Whitlam (not used), 14. David Bevan (for Phillips, 74), 15. Jack Grahame (for Rees, 86). Manager: Barry Whitlam.

Penrhiwfer (red/black/red): 1. Michael Davies, 2. Jeffrey Glenn Price (capt), 3. Kyle Honeyfield, 4. Lee Michael, 5. Rhys Hughes, 6. Cefyn Harris, 7. Gareth Moyle, 8. Jordan Wilcox, 9. Stephen Bassett, 10. Craig Lee Jones, 11. James Trembath. Subs: 12. David Baker (for Harris, 52), 14. Steele Wathan (not used), 15. Ben Morrisey (not used), 16. Paul Gregory (not used), 17. Nigel Jones (for Jones, ht).

Referee: Steven Bayliss.
Club linesmen.

Attendance: 20 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 47:10; second-half: 48:58

Goals:
1-0 Jordan Phillips (18)
1-1 James Trembath (23)
2-1 Stewart Lindsay (32)
3-1 Stewart Lindsay (83)

Cards:
Llantwit Major: Wayne Faux (YC, 76)
Penrhiwfer: Rhys Hughes (YC, 9), Gareth Moyle (YC, 43), Stephen Bassett (YC, ht), Nigel Jones (YC, 53), Jeffrey Glenn Price (RC, 76), Michael Davies (YC, 84)
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Paget Rangers 2 Perrywood 3

August 24, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 24th August 2013
Plenty of boxes ticked on this short trip to north Birmingham – first visit since the 1980s to much-changed and renamed Trevor Brown Memorial Ground, a first look at the reformed Paget Rangers and a chance to catch up with Worcester-based visitors Perrywood. The contest lived up to its ‘big game’ billing on Twitter as Perrywood twice came from behind to equalise before scoring the winner. They then survived an onslaught of pressure during the closing stages from 10-man Paget. Worthy of a mention are the tea bar ladies who made one vegetarian (i.e. me!) extremely happy with a double Linda McCartney sausage hot dog topped with fried onions. It was good to be back at Church Road!

Paget Rangers 2 Perrywood 3
St Mary’s Hospice Midland Combination Division Two
At: Trevor Brown Memorial Ground, Church Road, Great Barr
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: £1 (16 pages)
Weather: sunny spells

Paget Rangers (amber/black/black): 1. Paul Smith, 2. Michael Edmead, 3. Jeremie Lacaze, 4. Graham Bond, 5. Thomas O’Callaghan, 6. David Franklin, 7. Ashley Churchill, 8. Daniel Zouch (capt), 9. Mark Bennett, 10. Nathan Joshi, 11. Luke Bradley. Subs: 12. Michael Harrigan (for Lacaze, 60), 14. Kurt White (for Edmead, 74), 15. Richard Gayle (not used), 16. Matthew Coates (not used).

Perrywood (blue and white halves / blue / blue): 1. Carl Preece, 2. Logan Stoddart, 3. Chris Moore, 4. Jack Godwin, 5. Jordan Stoddart, 6. Carl Smith (capt), 7. Samuel Smith, 8. Luke Whittington, 9. Simon Mills, 10. Lee Seldon, 11. Jack Marsh. Subs: 12. Lewis Butterworth (for Mills, 26), 14. Ashley Banner (not used), 15. George Martin (for Seldon, 58), 16. Connor Poole (not used), 17. Nick Pearce (not used).

Referee: Alan Walker
Assistants: Christopher Morby and Colin Hewitt

Attendance: 41
Duration: first-half: 48:18; second-half: 50:15

Goals:
1-0 Carl Smith (6 og)
1-1 Simon Mills (18)
2-1 Daniel Zouch (21 pen)
2-2 Jordan Stoddart (56)
2-3 Luke Whittington (59)

Cards:
Paget: David Franklin (RC, 84)
Perrywood: none
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Llandyrnog United 1 Pwllheli 1

August 26, 2013, 6:30 am
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Monday 26th August 2013
For many years, I steered clear of all but the odd groundhop game. Mostly it was due to my commitment of ‘having’ to watch every Stafford Rangers game as a member of the press, particularly during the Phil Robinson era, and partly due to having a preference of visiting grounds on a ‘normal’ matchday. That all changed in 2010 when the annual August Welsh groundhop commenced a three-year stint in the Mid Wales League, a competition a grew to enjoy during the 1990s, particularly Sunday afternoon fixtures when the students of Aberystwyth University were the opposition. Hops weren’t just about watching three or four games a day, I again quickly realised the value of them as a social gathering – a congregation assembling from near, far and wide with a common love of the beautiful game. This game didn’t disappoint either with Josh Davies’ early goal for Llandyrnog cancelled out shortly before half-time by Pwllheli’s Meical Williams.

Llandyrnog United 1 Pwllheli 1
Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One
At: Cae Nant
Kick-off: 2-30 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (20 pages)

Llandyrnog United (sky blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Gaz Pope, 2. Rob Render, 3. Iwan Davies, 4. Dan Porter, 5. Adam Lloyd, 6. Aled Roberts (capt), 7. Danny Roberts, 8. Sion Davies, 9. Josh Davies, 10. Tom Matischok, 11. Danny Jones. Subs: 12. Simon Brown (for Danny Jones, 80), 14. Liam Jones (for Render, 90+2), 15. Chris House (for Iwan Davies, 87), 16. Russ Moorcroft (not used). Managers: Russ Pierce and Neil Jones.

Pwllheli (white/black/black): 1. Kevin Davies, 2. Gareth Mellor, 3. Cedri Lloyd, 4. John Jones (capt), 5. Rhodri Scott, 6. Meical Williams, 7. Kyle Goodfellow, 8. Jamie Banks, 9. Dan Rylance, 10. Mark Bridge, 11. Dewi Jones. Subs: 12. Daffyd Jones (not used), 13. Lee Fletcher (not used). Managers: Steven Smith and Gareth Piercy.

Referee: Phil Hughes

Attendance: 232
Duration: first-half: 45:30; second-half: 50:53

Goals:
1-0 Josh Davies (4)
1-1 Meical Williams (40)

Cards: none
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Meliden 2 St Asaph 0

August 26, 2013, 10:00 am
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Monday 26th August 2013
For many, this was game 11 out of 11 on the 2013 Welsh Groundhop; for me just the second leg of a Bank Holiday ‘double’. Like Llandyrnog, I was also impressed with the welcome at Meiden, a village a few miles inland from Prestatyn, and the ground certainly was buzzing with a mix of locals and hoppers. With numerous minds perhaps starting to focus on the journey home, a feisty local derby with a past history fitted the bill perfectly to retain attention and it was Meliden who came out on top with an unanswered goal in each half. On a pleasant sunny evening, the visitors created and failed to convert a host of chances before being punished just after the half-hour mark. Dean Moss got free of his marker to head home a left-wing cross. After a ‘lively’ barbecue briefly threatened to cause headlines off the field, Meliden clinched the local bragging rights with a victory-clinching second goal late on. What a super strike it was, a looping 30-yard shot which flew past the helpless Luke Jones.

Meliden 2 St Asaph 0
Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two
At: The Mine, Ffordd Pennant
Kick-off: 6-00 pm
Admission: £3; Programme: £1 (16 pages)
Weather: sunny

Meliden (orange/black/black): 1. Stephen Robinson, 2. Andy Jones, 3. Ryan Hassett, 4. Lewis Maroney, 5. Jamie Duffy, 6. Jamie Hobson, 7. Ashley New, 8. Jack McDougall, 9. Darren Cassidy (capt), 10. Dean Moss, 11. Alec Williams. Subs: 12. Kris Owen (for Moss, 62), 13. Woz Adam (for McDougall, 73), 14. Matty Mullholland (not used), 15. Matty Harrison (not used), 16. Adie Hoyle (for Duffy, 18). Manager: Paul Maroney.

St Asaph (white/blue/blue): 1. Luke Jones, 2. Johnny Taylor, 3. Jordan Owen, 4. Sam Benbow, 5. David Evans (capt), 6. Shane Thomas, 7. Steve Williams, 8. Paul Fleming, 9. Duncan Midgley, 10. Adam Cassidy, 11. Jason Foulkes. Subs: 12. Neil Cross (for Foulkes, 78), 14. Kris Fearnley (for Thomas, 67), 15. Matthew Quinn (not used), 16. Aiden Bell (not used). Manager: Graham Hunter.

Referee: Nathan Jones (Denbigh)
Assistants: Caerwyn Lloyd-Davies (Rhuddlan) and Nathan Wheatley (Denbigh)

Attendance: 323
Duration: first-half: 46:14; second-half: 49:00

Goals:
1-0 Dean Moss (34)
2-0 Darren Cassidy (84)

Cards: none
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Bees buzzing at The Hive

August 31, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 31st August 2013
Barnet 3 Hyde 2
Skrill Premier
At: The Hive, Camrose Avenue, Edgware
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £23 (seat in West Stand); Programme: £3 (70 pages)
Weather: warm and sunny

I felt a sense of excitement walking up Turner Road from Queensbury tube station towards The Hive, the recently-opened new stadium of Barnet FC. At the same time, a sense of trepidation also filled my mind as well because the lack of cashpoint machine amongst the parade of shops near the station had left me perilously short of cash for the full set of seat in the stand, programme and badge. Why did I potentially ruin my trip to The Hive? Of course I wished I’d buzzed towards a bank as well as, or instead off, sampling Sharp’s Doom Bar and Lancaster’s Ginger Snap in two previously unvisited Cask Marque pubs around Warren Street.

Again whilst walking, I thought about Barnet FC and the fact that it was over 41 years since I saw them lose to Stafford Rangers in 1972 FA Trophy Final, my match number two. I’ve got fond memories of Underhill, the stadium with the famous sloping pitch and assortment of stands which Barnet FC called home for 106 years until the summer move across North London to the Borough of Harrow.

Perhaps, the highlight of my seven visits to the old ground came in April 1986 when Bob Mountain scored a spectacular volley which clinched an aggregate victory for Stafford in a two-legged Bob Lord Trophy Final.

My nerves increased somewhat on arrival until a ‘BFC Helper’ pointed me in the direction of the ticket office at the south end and settled down when the chap behind the ticket office window told me that debit cards [and I guess credit cards as well] were accepted. The West Stand appealed especially with the position of the sun and for £23 I got a really good view of the action from Row E Seat 82, almost bang on the halfway line.

Now, suddenly with more than enough cash, a visit to one of the programme sellers returned to the agenda and I even could chance my luck with a 50/50 draw ticket as well. Badges could wait until after the game.

Originally the complex was part-developed as a new home for Wealdstone FC on what was the Prince Edward Playing Fields. Work stopped in 2004 and Barnet secured a lease two years later for their training ground and centre of excellence. The Hive stadium has what I would call a classic layout for a lower-league football – seats down both touchlines and covered terrace behind both goals. The West Stand with a capacity of 2684 seats is the dominant feature with the Jubilee Line running behind. Opposite the smaller East Stand is the ‘main stand’ even with a quarter of the capacity of the big stand. A big difference between Underhill and Hive is that the new pitch is as flat as a pancake with not a slope in sight, and a beautiful manicured playing surface as well.

Relegated from League Two at the end of last season, Barnet (1st with 11 points from 5 games) have started their first season back in the ‘Conference’ – now known as the Skrill Premier – in spectacular fashion. Fans could chant ‘We are top of the league’ following Monday’s 3-0 win at Braintree Town. In contrast, today’s visitors Hyde (21st with 2 points from 5 games) arrived at The Hive in the relegation zone having lost 8-0 at Forest Green on the opening day and subsequently drew 2-2 at Wrexham. Former Stafford Rangers striker David McNiven had the number 19 but hadn’t featured in any of Hyde’s games this season.

Attacking towards their own fans in the South End, Barnet got the game underway and didn’t take long to take the lead in the 5th minute. Curtis Weston fed Keanu Marsh-Brown on the right who raced into the area and steered a low shot wide of the diving David Carnell into the far bottom left corner of the Hyde net.

Barnet undoubtedly dominated most of the first half, the only surprise being it took them until the 40th minute to double their lead. Carnell blocked Jake Hyde’s initial shot and Mark Byrne fired home the rebound.

My bad luck and near misses with raffles and 50/50 draws are well documented. As the winning ticket number of today’s draw was announced, a sense of ‘it could be me’ grew as first “4”, then “3” then “1”, then “5” only to have a decent cash prize snatched for me with the revealing of the final digit “9” rather than a “5”. Damn – four numbers tickets after mine. At least it wasn’t the second ticket the seller tried to tempt me to buy.

Perhaps as an indicator of what was to come, one supporter sat behind me commented during the first half: “Hyde playing a little better now they’ve settled down”.

By my watch it took Hyde just 50 seconds to reduce the deficit at the start of the second half. Liam Tomsett, from fully 35 yards out, thumped a long range shot past Graham Stack.

The visitors were very much back in contention and another long range shot from Tomsett in the 78th minute got them back on level terms.

“They’ve had two very lucky long range shots,” said someone nearby in the stand. I thought they were better than that, once they’d settled down.

Barnet made a double change in a bid to score the winner and it turned out to be an inspired substitution. Harry Crawford had been on the field barely two minutes when the sent a low right-foot shot from the edge of the area into the bottom left corner of the net.

The drama wasn’t over as Louis Almond’s right-wing cross picked out unmarked Scott Spencer who ballooned his shot over the bar.

Relief for Barnet at full-time with a 3-2 win from a game they should have had sewn up long before Tomsett’s second-half double.

Walking away from the ground, I overheard that Cambridge United had won 3-0 to regain the lead, dropping the Bees to second on goal difference.

Reading Wikipedia, Barnet first team’s stay at The Hive could be a short one if ambitions to return the team to their home borough come to fruition. Their 10-year lease to play league football runs until the end of the 2022/2023 season.

Barnet (amber/black/black): 29. Graham Stack, 2. Andy Yiadom, 30. David Stephens, 5. Anthony Acheampong, 23. Jordan Brown, 17. Roberto Garcia Casabella, 8. Mark Byrne, 4. Curtis Weston, 7. Keanu Marsh-Brown, 11. Luke Gambin, 9. Jake Hyde. Subs: 20. Mauro Vilhete (for Villa, 82), 19. Luisma Villa (for Gambin, 28), 10. Harry Crawford (for Marsh-Brown, 82), 6. Jack Saville (not used), 13gk. Nick Jupp (not used). Head Coach: Edgar Davids.

Hyde (blue/blue/blue):1. David Carnell, 2. Josh Brizell, 22. Ben Dennis, 5. Luke Ashworth, 3. Adam Griffin, 6. Liam Tomsett, 16. Matty Mainwairing, 8. Alex Brown, 9. Scott Spencer, 10. Tom Collins, 15. Danny Carlton. Subs: 4. Will Haining (for Davies, 54), 11. Connor Hughes (for Mainwairing, 85), 7. David Poole (not used), 18. Louis Almond (for Collins, 71), 21. Adam Blakeman (not used). Manager: Scott McNiven.

Referee: Declan Ford
Assistants: Neil West and Rob Smith
Fourth Official: Jason Richardson

Attendance: 1669 (including 31 away fans)
Duration: first-half: 46:00; second-half: 49:40

Goals:
1-0 Keanu Marsh-Brown (5)
2-0 Mark Byrne (40)
2-1 Liam Tomsett (46)
2-2 Liam Tomsett (78)
3-2 Harry Crawford (84)

Cards:
Barnet: Andy Yiadom (YC, 67), Curtis Weston (YC, 76)
Hyde: Liam Tomsett (YC, 74)
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Georgians hang on for derby win

September 3, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Tuesday 3rd September 2013
Wythenshawe Amateurs 2 Stockport Georgians 3
FBT Manchester League Premier Division
At: Wythenshawe Club, Longley Lane
Kick-off: 6-15 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Weather: sunny spells

For someone who prefers to arrive a good hour before kick-off, imagine the relief I felt just 14 minutes from the scheduled start of the Manchester League derby when the street name sign on the Farmers Arms told me I was about to turn left on to ‘Longley Lane’. And four minutes later after some toing and froing, I was parked up in a side street after discovering the small car park at the Wythenshawe Club was full. Panic over as I walked through the gate into the ground and huge sigh of relief, though not early enough to obtain the line-ups before the game commenced despite trying.

It was Peter Ford, on Facebook’s Non-League Grounds of England Wales and Scotland, who initially highlighted the game, and the two clubs’ websites and Twitter feeds whetted my appetite for a game between two unbeaten teams. Even so, I did make a late decision to head up the M6 to this corner of south Manchester. Peter did indeed make the trip along with ‘KYM’ and ‘DavyC’ as well as ‘Sale Holmfield’ whose presence I wasn’t aware of until reading his review on the Non-League Matters Forum.

I said that Barnet’s new Hive ground (see Saturday’s report) has a traditional layout for a lower-league ground and, in a different way, so does Wythenshawe’s ground – a classic part-roped, part-railed pitch on one side of a cricket ground. The surrounding greenery on a nice late summer evening added to the general pleasantness of the venue, located around six miles south of Manchester city centre. I’d wanted to visit for a long while as my wife was born at the local hospital.

Apart from the hospital connection, I felt some kind of familiarity with the home club. Did they feature on my old 1970s Bartholomew Football Map of England and Wales, or perhaps cropped up when I’ve reached the history of clubs that competed in the FA Amateur Cup? Peter Miles’ article dismisses the former idea (http://peterrmiles.wordpress.com/tag/bartholemews-maps/) as I can’t find my copy which used to be proudly displayed on my childhood bedroom wall.

What I do know, briefly, is that the club was originally founded as Wythenshawe Lads Club in 1946 and Wythenshawe Amateurs FC was established four years later. They are long-standing members of the Manchester League and used to compete in the FA Vase and its predecessor the FA Amateur Cup.

Both sides could rightly boast an unbeaten record; Wythenshawe (six points from four games) by virtue of three draws and Stockport Georgians (11 points from five games) by virtue of three wins.

Attacking the west end in the first, Wythenshawe (in blue and white) got the game underway and certainly were the brighter side. They almost took a 22nd minute lead when Mark Hughes’ corner was knocked down to Alan Dolan who saw his shot blocked on the line.

In a ‘first half or two half’, Stockport started to dominate as the interval approached, taking the lead in the 34th minute. Tyrone Turner put Michael Taylor clear on the right and the skipper lobbed Paul Hughes, the Ammies goalkeeper who hesitated as he left his line.

With much appreciation from myself, one Georgian official approached me during the interval to provide me with his team’s lineup.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Stuart Torkington crossed from the left and Turner sent a looping header over Paul Hughes from the edge of the area.

Wanting to sample the view from the far side, I waited for a break in play before scurrying behind the goal. From my new vantage point near the away dugout, I saw what we thought was Georgians putting the outcome beyond doubt with a third unanswered goal scored just after the hour mark. George Langford's accurate pass split the home defence to present Sam Noar with a perfect change which he fired into the far bottom-left corner of the net.

Game over? Well, no as the Ammies staged a spirited late comeback.

David Wright powered home a header direct from a corner in the 71st minute to reduce the deficit and same defender saw a well-struck free-kick thump the Georgians bar. Then with a minute plus stoppage time remaining, Dean Preston scrambled home a second for Wythenshawe to set up a ‘grandstand’ finish.

The Ammies couldn’t complete their comeback and the three points took Georgians to the top of the Premier Division table.

My ‘teamsheet woes’ continued after the final whistle as the Wythenshawe lineup proved elusive, that was until back home when the website provided me the 16 names I needed.

Wythenshawe Amateurs (blue and white stripes / blue / blue and white hoops): 1. Paul Hughes, 2. Dean Preston, 3. Lee Preston, 4. Chris Howard (capt), 5. Aaron Flynn, 6. David Wright, 7. Adam Stuart, 8. Mark Hughes, 9. Pat O'Brien, 10. Gavin Stewart, 11. Alan Dolan. Subs: 12. Adam Walker (for Lee Preston, 60), 14. Anthony Osbourne (not used), 15. Matt Newell (not used), 16. Danny McDonald (for Mark Hughes, 74), 17. Paul Hayes (for Stewart, 60).

Stockport Georgians (red / black / red and white hoops): 1. David Cash, 2. Sam Halligan, 3. Stuart Torkington, 4. Paul Beresford, 5. Jake Bramwell, 6. Luke Seaton, 7. George Langford, 8. Tyrone Turner, 9. Michael Taylor (capt), 10. Sam Noar, 11. Sam Partridge. Subs: 12. Ryan McNally (for Noar, 69), 14. Stuart Rayes (not used), 15. Thomas Russell (for Taylor, 62), 16. Carlos Royo-Barcena (for Langford, 80).

Referee: Daniel Deakin
Assistants: Chris Goodwin and David Brown

Attendance: 64
Duration: first-half: 46:41; second-half: 48:52

Goals:
0-1 Michael Taylor (34)
0-2 Tyrone Turner (53)
0-3 Sam Noar (64)
1-3 David Wright (71)
2-3 Dean Preston (89)

Cards:
Wythenshawe Amateurs: Chris Howard (YC, 45+1), Paul Hayes (YC, 77)
Stockport Georgians: Sam Partridge (YC, 28), Michael Taylor (YC, 28), Tyrone Turner (YC, 90)
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Banks-like save earns Fairfield a point

September 7, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 7th September 2013
Fairfield Villa 1 Sutton United 1
St Mary’s Hospice Midland Combination Division One
At: Fairfield Recreation Ground, Stourbridge Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Weather: mix of sunny spells and dark clouds

I walked away from the Fairfield Recreation Ground thinking what a good advert for non-league football I’d just witnessed. Appropriately for the fourth annual Non-League Day, long-established Division One side Fairfield Villa and newly-promoted Sutton United served up an absorbing contest, the outcome of which was always in doubt until the referee’s final whistle bought a 1-1 to a conclusion; Villa’s early first-half goal scored by Nathan Davies was cancelled out when Steve Radzynski sidefooted home an equaliser for United just before the hour mark. But the highlight of the game had to be a wonder save by Fairfield's James Burrows which brought back memories of Banks against Brazil in the World Cup at Guadalajara all those years ago.

Unlike Tuesday at Wythenshawe, I arrived in plenty of time to obtain the lineups and explore this tree-enclosed and leafy venue which boasts a feature I don’t think I’ve ever seen at a football ground before. Easily spotted behind the goal closest to the clubhouse, a large two metre high ornamental sundial, perfectly aligned for GMT, neatly positioned amongst some benches and shrubbery. The dial itself is decorated with images that describe the village’s history. Nice feature. Another football-related feature that standout is the area of covered standing behind the dugout with a distinctive tall roof.

One fact being put right this afternoon was the one that said I’d never seen Fairfield Villa play before, home or away despite them being continuous members of the Combination since 1985. I’d seen Sutton towards the end of last season at home in Sutton Coldfield and they ended the 2013/14 as Division Two runners-up to gain promotion.

The current 2013/14 has been a good one so far for both Fairfield (8th out of 15 with eight points from five games) and Sutton (4th with 12 points from six games). Draw specialists Fairfield had suffered just one defeat and won both their home league games while Sutton won their first six league and cup games before losing at Hampton last Saturday.

Pre-match drama centred about one of the assistants failing to arrive so, much to my relief though I would have offered my services, a home club official ran the line.

Sutton (in green and black) got the game underway attacking what I’ll call the Sundial End and they certainly made an impressive start. However, it was Fairfield who edged in front during the 13th minute. Adam Guest’s delicious diagonal ball forward from the left to the far post was met by the outstretched leg of Nathan Davies who deflected the ball past Matt Gough into the bottom right corner of the net.

During the interval, refreshments were served in the clubhouse and I had some time to read the dedication next to a red Manchester United shirt bearing ‘DAVIS 36’. It is displayed in tribute to Jimmy Davis, ‘a popular and talented young footballer who was tragically killed in a car accident in August 2003’. He played for both Feckenham and Knowle as a youngster before joining United at the age of 14.

Perhaps responding to some strong words during the interval, Sutton got back on level terms as the hour-mark approached. Phil Taylor, on the right, hit the bullseye with a perfect low cross into the area which Steve Radzynski swept home into the far left-corner of the net.

A wonderful save in the 73rd minute kept Villa on level terms, similar to the one by Gordon Banks during the 1970 World Cup. Radzynski got on the end of a low right-wing cross and hit a seemingly goalbound shot. However, similar to Banks at Guadalajara, Jamie Burrows got across to dive to his right and deflect the ball over the bar. ‘Wonderful save’ is probably understating the brilliance of the goalkeeper.

The Fairfield defence was forced to resolutely keep the Sutton attack at bay with all hands to the pump. Adam Watson, however, failed to convert an easy chance for the visitors during the final ten minutes. “That should have been the winner,” said someone within earshot as should a later chance which totally unchallenged Sam Simmonds fired wide.

Before making my way back up the M5 and home for the Strictly Come Dancing launch show, there was time to admire St Mark’s Church and locate the Nailers Arms in nearby Bournheath. Amongst the ales on offer at this the Cask Marque accredited pub was a new one for me in Bateman’s Yella Belly Gold.

There is certainly a lot to like about Fairfield Villa. Why did I leave it so long to pay them a visit?

Fairfield Villa (yellow/blue/blue): 1. James Burrows, 2. Jamie Hatfield, 3. James Cund, 4. Adam Guest, 5. Steve Frost (capt), 6. Chris Glover, 7. Ben Pearsall, 8. James Ashton, 9. Peter Jenney, 10. Nathan Davies, 11. Nic Briggs. Subs: 12. Gabor Yengel (for Cund, 70), 14. Oscar Collins (for Ashton, 76), 15. Kieran Evans (for Davies, 32).

Sutton United (dark green / black / black): 17. Matt Gough, 2. Phil Taylor (capt), 3. Matt Lewis, 4. Sam Simmonds, 5. Aaron Long, 6. Jamie Hunter, 7. Nick Bell, 8. Tom Hicks, 9. Steve Radzynski, 10. Ryan Simmonds, 11. Adam Watson. Subs: 12. Pete Bromley (for Taylor, 81), 14. Josh Duggan (for Bell, 76), 15. Lee Hooper (for Long, 23).

Referee: Jeff Widdett
Assistants: David Simons and club linesman

Attendance: 19 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 47:15; second-half: 47:07

Goals:
1-0 Nathan Davies (13)
1-1 Steve Radzynski (58)

Cards: none
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Nine out of nine for the Badgers

September 10, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Tuesday 10th September 2013
Brocton 2 Lichfield City 1
St Mary’s Hospice Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Silkmore Lane, Stafford
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (36 pages)

It turned out to be a good night for football in Stafford with positive news from the Badgers, Town and Rangers. Brocton returned to the top of the Premier Division table with a hard-fought victory 2-1 over Lichfield City which extended their 100% league record to six wins. Stafford Town recorded a 4-0 home victory over Pelsall Villa and Stafford Rangers, with Andy Mutch in temporary charge, picked up their first point of the season thanks to a 2-2 draw at home to Marine.

The Badgers have made an awesome start to the season by winning every one of the eight league and cup games they’ve played, including a victory over tonight’s opponents Lichfield in the Vase three days ago.

WON Sat 10 Aug – Brocton 4 Coventry Copsewood 0
WON Tues 13 Aug – Pelsall Villa 1 Brocton 7
WON Sat 17 Aug – Nuneaton Griff 2 Brocton 3 (FA Cup)
WON Sat 24 Aug – Littleton 1 Brocton 3
WON Mon 26 Aug – Brocton 4 Stafford Town 1
WON Sat 31 Aug – Brocton 6 Ellesmere Rangers 0 ( FA Cup)
WON Tue 3 Sep – Atherstone Town 2 Brocton 4
WON AFTER EXTRA TIME Sat 7 Sep – Lichfield City 3 Brocton 4 (FA Vase aet)

The game on Saturday sounds like it was a real cracker of a cup tie, settled in extra time by the odd goal in seven at Brownsfield Road with David Abelwhite’s penalty.

However, despite their 100% record, Brocton went into tonight’s derby in 3rd position with 15 points from 5 games. The top two, Littleton and Southam United, held a one-point advantage having played nine and eight games, respectively. Lichfield arrived at Silkmore Lane in 14th position in the 19 team Premier Division table with 9 points from 9 games.

Despite having plenty of games to choose from, a quartet of local groundhoppers including ‘Cannock Rob’ and ‘Rugeley Mugsy’ had the same idea as me by heading to what on paper looked an intriguing contest – and that is what it turned out to be from start to finish.

Brocton (in green and white) got the game underway defending the changing rooms end in the first half. It was good to see captain Matt Skinner in the side and prolific goalscorer Paul McMahon played up front alongside a new name to me in Jack Lees.

Watching the first half (unusually) from between the dugouts rather than the stand, I felt Lichfield posed quite a threat during the first half hour. Liam Holt and Kyle Minto both forced smart saves out of Brocton’s in-form goalkeeper Adam Whitehouse and Minto fired against the bar as well.

Brocton, however, took the lead shortly before the interval. Following a foul on McMahon by Todd Perry, Craig Hulme delivered the resulting free-kick from the left to the far post where McMahon headed the ball across the face of goal. Liam Haycock took full advantage to slot home at the far post.

A set piece led to Lichfield’s equaliser scored in the 58th minute. Holt sent a long-range free-kick into the area which struck the head of Gary Fife and flew past Whitehouse.

Controversy twice reigned around the 70th minute when referee Dragon Kusmanovic awarded Brocton two penalties in as many minutes. The first one, for a push on McMahon, resulted in a great save by Craig Johnson to keep out Fife’s spot kick. McMahon put the rebound over the bar. Saturday’s hero Dave Abelwhite stepped up to take the second one after Ash Bennett brought down Sam Bell inside the area. Like the Vase game, he fired the ball past Johnson to score what proved to be the winner.

Lichfield should have snatched a point in the closing stages. Holt crossed from the right but unchallenged Minto sent a free header wide of the target.

On top of the table with six league wins out of six, Brocton travel to Halesowen on Saturday for their first-ever FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie. The Badgers are really buzzing [if I can use a bee-related adjective in connection with a four-legged black and white creature].

Brocton (green with white sleeves / white / green): 1. Adam Whitehouse, 2. David Abelwhite, 3. Matt Skinner (capt), 4. Rob Tomlinson, 5. Dale Roberts, 6. Charlie Jones, 7. Sam Bell, 8. Liam Haycock, 9. Jack Lees, 10. Paul McMahon, 11. Craig Hulme. Subs: 12. Gary Fife (for Haycock, ht), 14. Damien Charie (for Lees, 71), 15. Mark Cooper (not used), 16. Jethro Jarrett (for McMahon, 79), 17. Mick Fox (not used). Manager: John Berks.

Lichfield City (red/red/red): 1. Craig Johnson, 19. Richard Deaville, 3. Jon Huckfield, 4. Todd Perry (capt), 5. Dan McLeod, 6. Dan Worrall, 18. Ash Bennett, 8. Dan Thurnstance, 9. Kyle Minto, 10. Liam Holt, 11. Ollie Budd. Subs: 12. Sam Griffin (not used), 14. Chris Milner (for Budd, 79), 15. Ross Adams (not used). Manager: Paul Holt.

Referee: Dragon Kuzmanovic
Assistants: James Cox and Phil Magness

Attendance: 50 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 45:35; second-half: 47:31

Goals:
1-0 Liam Haycock (38)
1-1 Gary Fife (63 og)
2-1 David Abelwhite (71 pen)

Cards:
Brocton: none
Lichfield: Todd Perry (YC, 71)
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The old stand

September 20, 2013, 3:11 pm
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Saturday 14th September 2013
March Town United 0 Great Yarmouth Town 4
Thurlow Nunn League Division One
At: GER Ground, Robingoodfellows Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: free (32 pages)
Weather: sunny spells

‘The obvious focal point of the GER sports ground is the superb wooden main stand,’ wrote Peter Miles while Kerry Miller in the History of Non-League Football Grounds described the view from the old structure as ‘a maze of poles, pylons and tannoys obstruct the view of the pitch which is some 15 yards from the stand’.

Both Peter and Kerry are referring to March Town United’s 90-year old wooden stand which was arguably the main reason for today’s 250-mile round trip to the fenlands of Cambridgeshire.

Kerry describes the GER Ground in detail and the large grassed area on which the current pitch sits has in the past been used for a multitude of sports including cycling, tennis, skating, cricket and greyhound racing. The current wooden stand was erected around 1923.

So with such a build-up, you can imagine how my heart sank on arrival to see puddles on the car park and a team carrying kit bags walking AWAY from the ground. Thankfully, a small group of officials standing by the refreshments building eased my concerns by saying the game was DEFINITELY ON!

What’s in a name? March Town United are unusual by having not one but two suffixes – for a very good reason. March Town, founded in 1886, moved to the GER ground vacated after the War by March GER United, another local side which began playing during the early 1920s and folded less than 20 years later. ‘United’ was added to ‘Town’ in 1950 and retained ever since.

A stop on the way at what I call my ‘lucky’ McDonalds on the A14 near Rothwell and the relaxed drive up the A141 from Huntingdon via Warboys delayed my arrival. Still with time on my hands, a quick trip to the museum on High Street, with collections of railway memorabilia and cameras amongst other things, provided some background on the town I was visiting for the first time. The ornamental fountain, erected in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V warranted more than a quick glance as did the interior of Wetherspoons in what was the Hippodrome Cinema.

Once inside the ground [free programme and raffle tickets available by the turnstile], my trip from Staffordshire aroused plenty of interest and the Chairman kindly gave me a tour of the stand. Team lineups were displayed on a large Thurlow Nunn branded teamsheet.

Having travelled a long way to see it, I just had to stand watching the first half from the stand despite the obstructions between my ‘seat’ and pitch. A well-known groundhopper, who I only know as the ‘March Hare’, and his trusty four-legged companion, filled me in on the season so far. In the 19-team Division One table, March (six points from seven games, two wins and five defeats) stood in 14th position while further up the table, visitors Great Yarmouth (11 points from seven games) occupied eighth behind leaders Swaffham Town.

Surprisingly, the game wasn’t preceded by fair-play handshakes and March (in amber and black) got the action underway attacking the Town End, right to left in relation to the stand.

The game turned out to be Mitch Forbes’s match as the Great Yarmouth forward scored all of his team’s four unanswered goals.

Not long after March were forced to replace injured central defender Lewis Cook, Forbes struck for the first time in the 17th minute. Joe Bryanton cross into the area from the left hit the bar via a defender’s head and Forbes forced home the rebound.

The lead was doubled shortly before the interval. An accurate throughball gave Forbes a clear run on goal and easily beat the helpless March goalkeeper Ben Collett with a low shot. By this time, I’d moved from the stand to a position behind the March goal and got a decent view of this second goal.

“We don’t concede this half,” was the instruction given to the Bloaters and they went in for half-time 2-0 up and very much in charge.

Then came a real bonus. The winning raffle number of “green 992” matched one of the five numbers on my lucky strip!

Facing an uphill task simply to gain a point, March faced a determined Yarmouth side told “don’t give them any hope, clean sheet important”.

The friendliness of the March officials made me hope they’d mount a comeback in the second half. Alas, those hope were all but ended in the 52nd minute when the Bloaters netted a third goal. The assistant put his flag across his chest to signify a penalty after David Jackson tripped Robin Andersen inside the area. Forbes buried the ball in the net past Collett to score his second hat-trick of the season.

March rallied and Bloaters goalkeeper Danny Cable needed to be alert to block Ash Blanchflower’s shot with his boot. With march continuing to show plenty of improvement and urgency, the visitors or rather Forbes ended any hopes of a dramatic comeback by scoring a fourth goal. The striker latched onto Alex Formoso’s throughball and confidently fired past Collett.

Late on, Forbes almost scored his fifth goal by thumping a pass from Joe McCabe against the bar.

Almost forgetting to buy a club label badge, I found them on sale at the tea bar and rounded off a superb visit to the GER Ground with a slice of Victoria sponge. Yummy!

I can’t praise March Town United enough for the welcome I received today. Sadly, by the time I next make my way up Robingoodfellows Lane whenever that may be, the view of the blue stand behind the fence will probably be much changed. Sadly, but in the interest of progress, the old stand is set for demolition next summer to make way for a modern clubhouse and new stand.

Happy memories!

March Town United (amber with black sleeves / black / black): 1. Ben Collett, 2. Gary White, 3. Ben Lemmon, 4. Marc Hipwell, 5. Lewis Cook, 6. Jon Gibbons, 7. David Jackson, 8. Lewis Thompson (capt), 9. Aaron McKenna, 10. Sean White, 11. Sam Darlow. Subs: 12. Ash Blanchflower (for Jackson, 64), 14. Stuart Dunlop (for White, 79), 15. Paul Richardson (for Cook, 14), 17gk. Alex Forest.

Great Yarmouth Town (sky blue with white V / white / sky blue): 1. Danny Cable, 2. Shaun Bartley, 3. Robin Andersen, 4. Alex Formoso, 5. Ady Ager, 6. Jordan Forbes, 7. David Grandao, 8. Joe Bryanton (capt), 9. Mitch Forbes, 10. Scott Woodcock, 11. Leighton Crux. Subs: 12. Joe McCabe (for Woodcock, 56), 14. Charlie McAra (for Grandao, 70), 15. Josh Thomas (not used).

Referee: Gerald Daish
Assistants: Peter Allen and Iain George

Attendance: 35
Duration: first-half: 46:19; second-half: 49:32

Goals:
0-1 Mitch Forbes (17)
0-2 Mitch Forbes (40)
0-3 Mitch Forbes (52 pen)
0-4 Mitch Forbes (79)

Cards:
March: Gary White (YC, 27), Lewis Thompson (YC, 54)
Great Yarmouth: none
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Vase upset at Basford

September 21, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 21st September 2013
Basford United 0 Cleethorpes Town 2
FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round
At: Mill Street Playing Field, Greenwich Avenue, Basford, Nottingham
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (16 pages + official teamsheet)
Weather: warm and sunny

Today’s football recipe consisted of four ingredients… (a) FA Vase tie; (b) at a ground never previously visited; (c) not a million miles from home; and (d) a decent story to recall whatever the result. Out of the 153 ties being played this afternoon, four leapt off the page of the Football Traveller and I was sent of my way to north-west Nottingham for an intriguing contest between two Toolstation Northern Counties East League sides. Both recently gained promotion – Basford at the end of last season from the East Midlands Counties League to the Premier Division and Cleethorpes in 2012 from the Lincolnshire League to Division One. To me on paper, progressive Basford United looked to have the pedigree to move through several rounds or even make it all the way to the final at Wembley, especially after they won 5-1 at home to Heanor Town on Tuesday. On the other hand, I’d noticed Cleethorpes Town had made an impressive start to their second campaign in Division One. Who would prevail?

Had things turned out differently on one March Saturday last year, I would have already visited Greenwich Avenue. But I decided to miss the middle two games of the four-game Central Midlands League ‘Bonanza’ (Basford and Dronfield) in favour of a visit to Appleby Frodingham after the opening game at Clifton and before the final game at Glapwell.

Looking at photos from that Bonanza game, improvements have been made a plenty at Greenwich Avenue in the intervening 18 months. A new perimeter fence for starters, seats in the stand near the dugouts as well as an extra area of covered standing behind one goal. Another new facility nearing completion is the pitch-side changing room block.

Arriving early, as is my preference, a club official kindly opened up the paybox – admission with souvenir match ticket (£5), programme (£1) and lapel badge (£3). Subsequently teamsheets were provided free of charge for those who purchased a programme, a nice and most welcome touch.

Before the game I got chatting to an Ilkeston-based hopper wearing a Llandyrnog top who was making his first visit to the Mill Street playing fields for donkeys years. One of Northampton’s finest, Mr John Revitt esq, arrived for his second visit to the ground having seen a 0-0 draw a few years ago played over 40 minutes each way. He assured me that he’d not morphed into his mode of transport – the Tram! [a joke for groundhoppers no doubt totally lost on those not familiar with ‘Garstang Bob’]

The Basford United website (http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/basfordunitedfc/a/club-history-21149.html) provides an informative history of a club that had only come to my attention over the past couple of years. Founded in 1900, the club moved to their current ground in 1990, a short distance from their long-standing Mill Street home which was redeveloped for housing. In recent times, Basford joined the Notts Senior League in 2006, then won the 2011/12 Central Midlands League South title at the first attempt after moving up a step and following this up by winning the East Midlands Counties League last season, also at the first attempt.

The current league table shows Basford sitting 11th with 14 points from 11 games. Goalscoring looks to be a problem this season with no more than two scored in a game until a thumping 5-1 home win over Heanor Town on Tuesday (watched by On The Road’s Malc and Kev http://ontheroad2013-2014.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/basford-utd-5-1-heanor-town.html).

Five wins and two draws from their first nine league games is a pretty good return and enough Cleethorpes in third position in the Division One table. Defeated 2-0 at home by current leaders two weeks ago, they have bounced back with back-to-back wins over Hall Road Rangers in the league and most recently over Hallam in the League Cup.

Referee James Thornhill (injured refereeing the Walsall Wood v Wigan Robin Park Vase tie I saw back in January) led the teams out from the soon-to-be-old changing rooms and Basford (in amber and black) soon got the action underway. The visitors won the toss and decided to attack the far railway end in the first half with the sun on their backs.

Basford suffered an early blow when Ash Dyce picked up an injury around the nine-minute mark which forced the skipper out of the game.

The home side created a decent chance to take the lead midway through the first half. Jamie Walker on the left threaded a path to Tyeisse Nightingale who saw his low shot held by the diving Cleethorpes goalkeeper Scott Drury.

At this point, Cleethorpes had certainly been on top and they turned their dominance into an opening goal scored in the 28th minute. Luke Mascall on the left inside the area found Brody Robertson at the far post who fired a low angled shot across the Basford six-yard box. The ball rebounded off the far post and Nathan Emson slotted home the rebound to score his fourth goal of the season.

Having been forced to adjust following the earlier departure of one central defender, Basford lost their other to injury as well when Jack Davies limped off. The home side certainly faced an uphill task, a goal down and just one substitution remaining.

I made my way around to the stand and spent the latter stages of the first half in the company of the aforementioned Mr Revitt. Checking Twitter at half-time, I was left in admiration of the couple sat in front of me for their detailed account of the first half.

Here’s how they saw the goal… 27' 0-1 #NoMoreTeletext: Fantastic switch ball by J. Oglesby to @Mascall17, he passes one player, squares the ball to @brody_robertson.... who's shot hits the post and rebounds into the path of @NathanEmmo who smashes the ball home

The Basford tweeter had also been busy as well… Utd behind on 27 as really slack play allows a Cleethorpe forward to net off the post.

Elsewhere in the Vase, of particular interest to me,…Stafford Town losing 4-0 at Bromsgrove and down to ten men and Wolverhampton Casuals leading Brocton 2-1 at Silkmore Lane in a Staffordshire derby.

No joy with raffle as my ticket no-so-lucky strip of 946–950 yellow turned out to be a million miles away from the winning 316–320. Tea from the hatch near the paybox was a good cuppa.

It got worse for Basford in the 52nd minute with a second goal for Cleethorpes. Home goalkeeper Alessandro Barcherini got down to cut out Jonathan Oglesby’s low cross into the area from the left, succeeded only in presenting Emson with a gift of a chance which he duly slotted home.

“Any idea of the Forest score,” someone asked me. “Sorry, no,” I replied to an Italian-sounding man who couldn't be faulted for his vociferous support of the home team.

With a two-goal deficit to close simply to force extra time, Basford needed to show some urgency and, to their credit, started to do so. Perhaps their best chance was a late 25-yard shot by Tyeisse Nightingale which flew past the goal. Even Barcherini went up for a corner near the end. The well-organised Cleethorpes defence did their job.

Disappointment for Basford at full-time and joy for Cleethoropes, winners in their first-ever FA Vase tie. Wonder who they’ll get in Monday’s First Round draw?

Elsewhere, according to Twitter, nine-man Stafford Town endured an FA Vase exit to forget with an 8-0 defeat at Bromsgrove while Brocton scored two late goals to snatch a 3-3 draw against the Cassies and force extra time [Brocton ended up winning 5-3]. Late goals were popular in Stafford as Rangers netted a winner in the 95th minute to defeat FC United of Manchester at Marston Road.

Basford United (amber/black/amber): 1. Alessandro Barcherini, 2. David Boafo, 3. Jamie Walker, 4. Ash Dyce (capt), 5. Jack Davies, 6. Martin Holt, 7. Theo Smith, 8. Jermaine Hollis, 9. Cashel Walters, 10. Tyeisse Nightingale, 11. Courtney Hastings. Subs: Martin Carruthers (for Smith, 63), 14. Lee Morris (not used), 15. Wayne Jones (not used), 16. Robert McCormack (for Davies, 28), 17. Kieren Kenton-Bradshaw (for Dyce, 15). Manager: Darren Saunders.

Cleethorpes Town (red/red/red): 1. Scott Drury, 2. Daniel Grant, 3. Lawrence Howard, 4. Richard Peck, 5. Matthew Coleman, 6. Alex Flett, 7. Luke Mascall, 8. Darren Hanslip (capt), 9, Nathan Emson, 10. Brody Robertson, 11. Jonathan Oglesby. Subs: 12. Mark Sawyer (for Oglesby, 83), 14. Marc Cooper (for Robertson, 59), 15. Matthew Oswin (for Hanslip, 88), 16. Lee McFarland (not used), 17. Reece Newell (not used). Manager: Marcus Newell.

Referee: James Thornhill
Assistants: James Oldham and Peter Bailey

Attendance: 74
Duration: first-half: 46:55; second-half: 48:06

Goals:
0-1 Nathan Emson (28)
0-2 Nathan Emson (52)

Cards:
Basford: Tyeisse Nightingale (YC, 67)
Cleethorpes: Alex Flett (YC, 62)

Footnote: Basford manager Darren Saunders resigned three days later after three successful years in charge and Cleethorpes were drawn away to Harborough Town in the First Round draw.
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"Like watching Chelsea v Dortmund"

September 28, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 28th September 2013
Boston Town 5 Harborough Town 1
ChromaSport and Trophies United Counties League Premier Division
At: Tattershall Road, Boston
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (24 pages)
Weather: warm and sunny

Let me start with a question. Have the holders of the FA Trophy ever been knocked out by a club who at the time were members of the Midland League? The answer is ‘yes’ and the team that achieved the feat was Boston Town (known at the time as simply Boston FC). After battling through three qualifying rounds in 1979/80 with victories over Heanor Town, AP Leamington and Oxford City, Boston were given a ‘glamour’ First Round tie to Stafford Rangers of the Alliance Premier League, who had triumphed at Wembley the previous May. I saw the tie at Marston Road in which Boston took the lead through Daly and Rangers salvaged a replay with Alf Wood’s second half equaliser. The replay took some playing due to bad weather and ended up being played on a Monday afternoon. Wood gave Stafford a half-time lead but Boston fought back to claim a memorable 2-1 victory thanks to second-half goals from Cox and Mallinder. Boston lost to Mossley after a replay in the following round.

School prevented me from watching the replay though at the time I wasn’t watching Stafford away from home in those days. So, over 33 years since that famous trophy run, I finally made it to Tattershall Road this afternoon at the suggestion of Wellingborough-based and Walsall-supporting groundhopper Neil Morris.

Strange as it may sound, I was actually making the opposite journey to Boston United who were away to Stafford Rangers in the FA Cup. I can’t say my journey was much fun – long delays on the A453 approaching Nottingham and temporary traffic lights at a key junction in Grantham – and instructions in the 2013 Non-League Directory made finding the ground from the A52 a bit of a conundrum.

Try these if approaching from Grantham: on the outskirts of Boston, turn left at the roundabout just past the Hammer and Pinches pub. Cross the railway and turn right at the roundabout that immediately follows and turn right into Sleaford Road. After about one mile take the first exit at the roundabout into Carlton Road then right at the lights into Fydell Street. Continue over the railway level crossing and river then, at the point the road straightens, turn sharp left and double back into Tattershall Road [this bit I missed]. The ground entrance is on the left after 0.8 miles signed ‘Boston Town Football Club’ and ‘Witham Way Country Park’.

The frustrations of the journey were soon forgotten after passing through the turnstile and experiencing a sense of ‘wow!’ with a first look the impressive Tattershall Road ground. A large covered terrace occupied much of the left-hand side, seats behind the far goal and both seats and covered standing down the right-hand side. I liked the fact that two of the three stands were named the Brian Curtis Stand and John Lyon Stand.

I touched on Boston Town’s history and they were formed in 1964 as Boston FC as a result of the temporary withdrawal of Boston United from senior football. They competed in the Eastern Counties League, Midland League, Northern Counties East League and Central Midlands League before commencing in 1991/92 an unbroken 22-season run in the United Counties League Premier Division. ‘Town’ was added to the club’s name in 1994. On thing I'm still in the dark about is this, 'Why are Boston Town nicknamed The Poachers'.

One thing I couldn’t help noticing about today’s match was its so-called billing as second-from-bottom v bottom with both sides still looking for their first league win of the season. The league record of Boston Town (18th with three points from six games) doesn’t tell a complete story as they are unbeaten in their last two games and also defeated Downham Town 6-0 in the FA Carlsberg Vase at the beginning of the month.

While Harborough Town (19th out of 19 with zero points from five games) have had no luck in the league so far this season, they have had some success in cup football. They have reached the FA Carlsberg Vase First Round and face Cleethorpes Town, the side I saw defeat Basford last Saturday.

Boston got the game underway attacking the clubhouse end and took an early 7th minute lead thanks to a lovely bit of skill. Josh Ford cleverly backheeled the ball into the path of Jordan Nuttell who fired low past Josh Carpenter from the edge of the area.

It was “like watching Chelsea v Dortmund in the Champions League” – Boston in blue with white socks and Harborough in yellow and black.

The lead was doubled ten minutes later after Daniel Pegg brought down Ford inside the area. Mr Cusick immediately pointed to the spot and Josh Ford drove home the resulting penalty.

Without wanting to sound unkind to the respective defences, this game continued to have goals written all over it and as someone suggested, “this could finish 7-4”.

Harborough, on a run of ten straight league defeats stretching back to the Saturday 20th April, got right back into contention in the 26th minute. “All the time in the world, Dave,” shouted the visitors’’ manager and Dave Goodman broke clear down the left and accurately placed a low right-foot shot past the dive of Ricky Drury into the far corner of the net.

The attacks continued and Nuttell missed an easy change in the 35th minute. Fed by Callum Stocks, he rounded Josh Carpenter but fired into the side netting rather than empty net. We felt this could prove to be a “crucial miss” wit Harborough back in contention.

Nuttell made amends four minutes after the restart by restoring Boston’s two-goal lead. The striker headed a deep left-wing corner delivered by Stocks towards goal which appeared to take a deflection as it crossed the line.

Drury produced a diving save to keep out a shot from Michael Cirelli before Boston made it 4-1 midway through the second half. Lori Borbely, at the far post, swept home George Stainfield’s low cross from the right.

Now with a match-winning lead, Boston continued to dominate and were denied a fifth goal by a world-class save from Carpenter. The Harborough goalkeeper acrobatically leapt up to his right to somehow turn round a 25-yard dipping volley hit by Frazer Bayliss than seemed destined for the top-left corner.

Boston did wrap up their first league win of the season by scoring a fifth goal in stoppage time. Like the fourth, Stainfield provided the cross from the right and Ford sent a low right-foot shot into the bottom-left corner.

Arriving in such a rush and having not visited the town of Boston since 1988, I just had to spent time exploring the town centre before returning home, especially on a lovely sunny evening. The extraordinarily tall tower on St Botolph’s Church, known as the ‘Boston Stump’ is the stand-out feature. Also catching my eye were the Maud Foster Windmill, Swan Building built in 1877, statue of Herbert Ingram and 109-year-old Municipal Building on West Street. I couldn’t help noticing the number of shops selling produce from places like Poland and Latvia, highlighting the fact that Boston has a very diverse community with more eastern European immigrants than any other town in England.

I headed home with memories of both a ground with a wow factor and pleasant town with the largest parish church in England. Seeing the Poachers' side applauded off the field by their fans told me how much the win meant. Also, it was good to catch up with old friend Neil as well. May be I’ll make a second visit to Tattershall Road if one my local clubs pays a visit in the FA Vase.

Boston Town (blue/blue/white): 1. Ricky Drury, 2. Luke Wilson, 3. Jason Field, 4. Ollie Pinner, 5. Michael Wood (capt), 6. Nick Jackson, 7. Callum Stocks, 8. Liam Bull, 9. Jordan Nuttell, 10. Josh Ford, 11. Lori Borbely. Subs: 12. Ollie Maltby (for Pinner, 79), 13gk. Matt Hocking (not used), 14. Frazer Bayliss (for Nuttell, 81), 15. George Stainfield (for Stocks, 63), 16. Ian Dunn (not used). Player-managers: Ian Dunn and Matt Hocking.

Harborough Town (yellow / black / yellow and black hoops): 1. Josh Carpenter, 2. Ben Easson, 3. Glen Robinson, 4. Chris Piazza, 5. Craig Jacobs, 6. Daniel Pegg, 7. Michael Cirelli, 8. Garry Calrke, 9. Barnes Gladman, 10. Jack Borrows (capt), 11. Dave Goodman. Subs: 12. Clemence Amadelis (for Gladman, 20), 14. Elliott Morgan (for Jacobs, ht). Manager: Chris Church.

Referee: Robert Cusick
Assistants: Chris Giles and David Avison

Attendance: 70 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 47:03; second-half: 47:31

Goals:
1-0 Jordan Nuttell (7)
2-0 Josh Ford (17 pen)
2-1 Dave Goodman (26)
3-1 Jordan Nuttell (49)
4-1 Lori Borbely (67)
5-1 Josh Ford (90+2)

Cards:
Boston: Luke Wilson (YC, 37)
Harborough: Craig Jacobs (YC, 17), Glen Robinson (YC, 74)

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Solid point

October 1, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Tuesday 1st October 2013
Pelsall Villa 0 Stafford Town 0
St Mary’s Hospice Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Bush Ground, Walsall Road
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (16 pages)
Weather: cold and dry [coat needed]

I love nostalgic revisits, especially to places like Pelsall Villa, where my previous trip occurred years or even a couple of decades ago. Walking through the turnstile from the small car park at the Walsall Road end, my first impression, like Boston Town on Saturday, was wow! Emerging into a large seated stand, which once stood as a covered terrace at the old GKN Sankey ground, my eyes initially looked down the slope to the goal and trees at the far end. To my right, straddling halfway, were the dugouts and to my left were an assortment of interesting buildings and structures making up the tea bar, hospitality room, changing room and old stand.

It was good to be back at the Bush Ground after all these years.

The midweek games I’ve seen so far this season have been few and far between. Today, it was a case of pulling out all the stops for a first look at Stafford Town and at the same time made a first visit to Villa’s Bush Ground in 24 years. While the slope from goal to goal is obviously still a natural feature, the ground has undergone much development with the aforementioned large stand at the top of the hill and floodlights. The game itself, watched in good company, was better than the scoreline suggests though most of the key incidents occurred during the final ten minutes.

Apart from the odd blip in both the FA Cup and Vase, the 2013/14 campaign has been a good one for Stafford Town (6th with 17 points from nine games). A win tonight would have taken the Reds up into second position in the table and within two points of current leaders Bolehall Swifts.

Pelsall (13th with 14 points from 12 games) may be in the bottom half of the table but are still on the ‘Road to Wembley’ in the FA Carlsberg Vase following a 1-0 home win over West Midlands (Regional) League side Sporting Khalsa. They face a first round tie against Coventry Sphinx towards the end of the month.

The teams met at Evans Park last month with Stafford running out 4-0 winners.

Attacking down the slope in the first half, Pelsall (in red and black) got the game underway and put Stafford under early pressure with goalkeeper Ben Sturgeon producing a decent save to keep out Mark Woolbridge’s 13th minute shot.

Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested during the remainder of the first half. Town’s two chances were a long-range Jake Turner drive and a shot from captain Joe Woodward which looped over the bar off a defender.

Changes started to be created a bit more frequently during the second half. Dan Brown fired wide of the Pelsall goal while Sturgeon remained alert at the other end to block a shot from Woolbridge with his boot.

Pelsall thought they’d taken the lead in the 68th minute. Richard Taudrey’s initial shot was saved by Sturgeon and Alan Wilkes slotted home the rebound from an offside position.

With time running out for both sides, Morgan Hurley powered a close-range shot towards goal in the 88th minute which hit defender James Lewis on the line. Referee Gould pointed to the spot and dismissed the unlucky defender off for handball, a touch harsh I felt but the letter of the law. Up stepped Brown but he sent the spot kick high over the bar. No chance of using Da Vinci Code clichés to describe the winner, no chance of describing the ball as spinning away from Pelsall’s goalkeeper Panasar and my run of 52 consecutive games without a 0-0 at an end. I did, however, have an enjoyable evening.

On the plus side, it certainly was a solid performance from Stafford to earn a point which lifted them into the top five and extended their unbeaten run in the league to four games.

I found Pelsall Villa a welcoming club and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a visit.

Pelsall Villa (red and black stripes): 1. Amarit Panasar, 2. Scott Summer, 3. John Chambers, 4. Ash Lawley, 5. James Lewis, 6. Richard Taundry, 7. Carl Morris (capt), 8. Michael Murray, 9. Mark Woolbridge, 10. Alan Wilkes, 11. Jordan Gaou. Subs: 12. Andrew Bentley (not used), 14. Kaine Mole (for Wilkes, 73), 15. Alex Parmmenter (not used), 16. Gavin Davis (not used), 17. Kieren Miller (not used). Manager: Craig Timmins.

Stafford Town (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Ben Sturgeon, 2. Mat Dockerty, 3. James Wild, 4. Chris McComisky, 5. Joe Woodward (capt), 6. Jamie Cartwright, 7. George Burslem, 8. Francis Dacres, 9. Dan Brown, 10. Adam Cunningham, 11. Jake Turner. Subs: 12. Morgan Hurley (for Cunningham, 84), 14. Alex Barnfather (for Turner, 76), 15. Dan Stockhall (for Cartwright, 69), 16. Matt Oulton (not used), 17. Jon Warburton (not used). Player-manager: Adam Cunningham.

Referee: Richard Gould
Assistants: Dave Evans and Jonathan Nelson.

Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 45:42; second-half: 48:20

Goals: none

Cards:
Pelsall: James Lewis (RC, 88)
Stafford: Jamie Cartwright (YC, 46), Joe Woodward (YC, 63), Francis Dacres (YC, 90)
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Thunderbolt

October 5, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Saturday 5th October 2013
Brocton 2 Bolehall Swifts 1
St Mary’s Hospice Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Silkmore Lane, Stafford
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (36 pages)
Weather: dry, sunny spells

As a supporter, I don’t think there is a better feeling than seeing a team you follow score a late winner. I felt a sense of real elation at Silkmore Lane around 4-45pm this afternoon when a 90th-minute David Berks thunderbolt sent Combination leaders Brocton three points clear at the top with a last gasp 2-1 victory. The stunning goal was a fitting end to an absorbing and tight contest between two sides who will be challenging for promotion to the Midland Alliance all season.

The first Saturday of every month normally forces me to look at the fixtures close to home and, today, I didn’t need much persuading to watch a top-of-the-table clash on my doorstep. Both Brocton and visitors Bolehall Swifts have made an impressive start to the season, so much so, they went into this afternoon’s game at the top of the pile level on 22 points.

The Badgers (1st with 22 points from eight games), who won each of their opening six league games, remain unbeaten and were involved in an amazing topsy-turvy game at Nuneaton Griff three days ago. I followed the action on Twitter and Brocton eventually claimed the points by the odd goal in nine.

WON Sat 10 Aug – Brocton 4 Coventry Copsewood 0
WON Tues 13 Aug – Pelsall Villa 1 Brocton 7
WON Sat 24 Aug – Littleton 1 Brocton 3
WON Mon 26 Aug – Brocton 4 Stafford Town 1
WON Tue 3 Sep – Atherstone Town 2 Brocton 4
WON Tue 10 Sep – Brocton 2 Lichfield City 1
DRAW Sat 28 Sep – Lichfield City 1 Brocton 1
WON Tue 2 Oct – Nuneaton Griff 4 Brocton 5

Since the home game against Lichfield, which was covered by Pitch-side Stories, Brocton narrowly lost 2-1 in the FA Cup at Halesowen Town and progressed to the FA Carlsberg Vase First Round with a 5-3 home win over Wolverhampton Casuals after extra time.

Visitors Bolehall (22 points from 10 games) lost top spot on Wednesday and have had also won six league games including their last four.

For those unfamiliar with Silkmore Lane ground, it is the former home of Staffordshire Police and lay derelict until Brocton developed it into their smart permanent new home with two pitches, changing rooms and a hospitality room. The floodlight main pitch boasts a 110-seater stand.

Team news, as always, was provided on the whiteboard displayed in the hospitality room window and showed Brocton lacking Sam Bell and Jack Lees, who had both travelled with Stafford Rangers to Frickley Athletic.

Time for the action to commence, after I had a quick chat with the ever-popular Mick Fox (@backtogoalfox).

While Bolehall (in blue) got the first half underway defending the changing rooms end, it was Brocton who made the biggest impact during the opening minutes. Dan Shore fired wide from 20 yards out and Paul McMahon fed Craig Hulme who shot over the bar.

Gary Fife has been scoring goals since I first saw him feature for Stafford Rangers as a 17-year-old back in 2003. And he wasted no time in adding to his 200+ goal haul by putting the Badgers ahead in the 6th minute. Dan Lomas (pictured) provided the assist and Fife got forward from midfield to the edge of the area where he hammered a low shot past Bolehall goalkeeper Tom McNulty.

Brocton needed to thank Adam Whitehouse for keeping them in front a minute after taking the lead. The goalkeeper did well to block a shot from the lively Steve Day with his legs.

As chances continued to be created, an inswinging free-kick from Fife out of the left was headed off the line by a defender. Almost 2-0 but not quite.

Watching the first half in the company of the Reverend Jeff Reynolds, the contest remained a tight one with most of Bolehall’s attempts on goal being shot from outside the area.

McMahon, a recent signing from neighbours Stafford Town, forced Tom McNulty into a raction save.

It was, perhaps, inevitable that Bolehall would get back on level terms before the interval, which they did in the 42nd minute. Day exchanged passes with Chris Sturridge-Packer to get a clear shot of goal and he duly fired home off the hand of Whitehouse.

A half-time score of Brocton 1 Bolehall Swifts 1 was a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes.

Brocton made a change at the interval with Dan Shore replaced by Damien Charie, who I remember playing for Hednesford Town a few years ago.

A nice move down the left led to a decent cross from Terry Carpenter which was inches too high for unmarked Sturridge-Packer.

Brocton had to survive some pressure from Bolehall at the start of the second half and just after the hour mark, Fife forced a diving save out of McNulty who gathered the resulting loose ball at the second attempt.

Amongst the crowd of about 110 was a contingent from Stafford Town, without a game and who should have been playing Bolehall until today’s fixtures were altered to allow Brocton to play one of their games in hand.

Both sides went close to taking the lead midway through the second half. McNulty parried a shot from Fife and Sturridge-Packer drove over the Brocton bar from the edge of the area.

With time running out in a game that could still have three possible outcomes, Brocton mounted a strong finish during the last ten minutes. Berks hit a well-struck long-range drive which beat the diving McNulty and shaved the outside of the right-hand post.

The Bolehall goalkeeper, a minute later, dived to right to hold a low-angled shot from Fife that was heading for the bottom-left corner.

The watch had ticked past 44 minutes of the second half when the game’s champagne moment came. Charie found Berks 20 yards out who sent an unstoppable volley past NcNulty. 2-1 to the Badgers!!!

There still time for Bolehall to move one last attack. Carpenter delivered a left-win corner which Day headed across the face of goal. I didn’t spot it myself but I’m told that Mick Fox’s celebration was on a par with the goal!

At full-time, it was clear that the win meant so much to the Brocton players, supporters and officials.

Midland Combination football in Stafford is buzzing at the moment. Brocton are top of the table and still involved in the FA Carlsberg Vase which Stafford Town sit in fifth position. Both are in action on Tuesday; Brocton host Bromsgrove Sporting in the league while Town hope to make progress in the Walsall Senior Cup at home to Midland Alliance outfit Tividale.

Brocton (green with white sleeves / white / green): 1. Adam Whitehouse, 2. Charlie Jones, 3. Jamie Evans, 4. Matt Skinner, 5. David Ablewhite, 6. Craig Hulme, 7. Dan Shore, 8. Paul McMahon, 9. Gary Fife, 10. David Berks (capt), 11. Dan Lomas. Subs: 12. Damien Charie (for Shore, ht), 14. Liam Haycock (for Hulme, 71), 15. Andy Bourne (for McMahon, 67), 16. Dale Roberts (not used), 17. Jethro Jarrett (not used). Manager: John Berks.

Bolehall Swifts (blue/blue/blue): 1. Tom McNulty, 2. Nick Heath (capt), 3. Brett Larkins, 4. Greg Dickie, 5. Joe Obi, 6. Mick Pollard, 7. Steve Day, 8. Terry Carpenter, 9. Chris Sturridge-Packer, 10. Dave Yonwin, 11. Chris Cowley. Subs: 12. Mitchell Piggon (for Cowley, 64), 14. Kyle Turner (for Sturridge-Packer, 82), 15. Jamie Abbott (for Heath, 72), 16. Lewis Chadwick (not used).

Referee: Dan Westwood.
Assistants: Peter Dobson and Mark Winston.

Attendance: 110 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 47:05; second-half: 47:20

Goals:
1-0 Gary Fife (6)
1-1 Steve Day (42)
2-1 David Berks (90)

Cards: none
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Road to Bescot

October 8, 2013, 3:59 pm
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Tuesday 8th October 2013
Stafford Town 0 Tividale 2
Walsall Senior Cup First Round
At: Evans Park, Riverway, Stafford
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Weather: mild and dry

First visit of the season to Evans Park for a Walsall Senior Cup First Round tie where Stafford Town were putting their unbeaten home record on the line against high-flying Tividale.

A quick glance at the Midland Alliance league table highlighted the enormity of the task facing the Reds this evening. Tividale stood second in the table with a 100% record and only kept off top spot because leaders Highgate had amassed an extra four points from the four extra games they had played.

2. Tividale P 8 W 8 D 0 L 0 F 28 A 5 PTS 24

After bigging up the visitors, Stafford Town’s start to the Midland Combination Premier Division season needs bigging up as well – fifth in the table with just two defeats in nine league games. I saw then draw 0-0 at Pelsall Villa seven days ago.

Walsall Senior Cup First Round
Bolehall Swifts v Bolemere St Michaels
Romulus v Wolverhampton Casuals
Stafford Town v Tividale
Walsall Wood v Continental Star
Byes for Bilston Town 2007, Brocton, Chasetown, Heath Hayes, Lichfield City, Pelsall Villa, Rushall Olympic, Sporting Khalsa, Stafford Rangers, Sutton Coldfield Town, Tipton Town and Walsall.

For those of you unfamiliar with the stadium, Evans Park, named after Chairman Gordon Evans, is a relatively new ground which opened in March 2011. All the facilities are adjacent to the entrance including the 192-seater ‘Keith Mottershead Stand’. Keith has been a stalwart of football in Stafford for around 50 years and richly deserved the renaming of the stand in his honour during the summer.

Compared to the Pelsall game seven days ago [Town didn’t have a game on Saturday], the Reds’ starting line-up showed three changes with Alex Barnfather, John Warburton, Morgan Hurley in for Chris McComisky, George Burslem and the boss Adam Cunningham.

Visitors Tividale made no fewer than seven changes to the side that thumped Gornal Athletic 6-0 at the weekend. Andrew Parsons, Tim Jackson, Sam Williams and Ryan Winwood were the four who started both tonight and at the weekend.

Tividale (in all yellow) got the action underway defending the cricket ground end of Evans Park in the first half. Stafford made a “good start” as Adam encouraged his side from the technical area and urged his side to “keep it up”.

Even though neither side created a decent scoring opportunity during the opening 27 minutes, it was none-the-less a decent contest dominated by defences and midfields.

The visitors gradually started to assert their authority and, in the 28th minute, Ryan Winwood cut in from the left and hit a low shot that flashed across the face of the Stafford goal.

Tividale took the lead on the half hour with a goal that provoked much debate. No dispute as to whether it should be awarded or not but who actually should be credited with the goal? Ryan Winwood swung in a corner from the left which went into the net at the near post. My initial reaction was that Karl Edwards flicked the ball into the net [and even tweeted at the time to say so] though at half-time became persuaded that the goal was actually an own goal. Based on what Tividale subsequently tweeted and response from the striker, I’m giving it to Edwards.

Dan Brown responded and fired wide of the right-hand post before the excellent Ben Sturgeon produced two super saves in quick succession to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead. Twice in the 42nd minute, the goalkeeper first did well to push a rising 20-yard snap shot from Andrew Parsons round the left-hand post, then kept out Levi Bailey’s far post downward header from the resulting corner.

Half-time Stafford Town 0 Tividale 1

Sturgeon was again called into action early in the second half, this time to block a well-struck shot from Brett Clark.

Stafford gave a reminder to their fans just before the hour mark that they only trailed by a single goal. A neat passing move set up a chance for Francis Dacres who fired over from 25 yards out.

Sensing an equaliser, manager Adam urged his side to “raise it” and up the “tempo”.

Going into the last ten minutes, extra time still remained a distinct possibility with Stafford trailing to that 30th minute goal [I wasn’t complaining as an extra 30 minutes who have meant that Stafford’s journey on the ‘Road to Bescot’ was still alive.

A bouncing ball down the middle put the Tividale defence under pressure and the harrying Brown forced Luke Paskin to concede a corner. This was swung in from the right by Hurley across the face of goal but no one could apply the finishing touch. Close.

However, football can be a cruel game and it was certainly cruel to Stafford in the 87th minute when Tividale scored their match-winning second goal. A bouncing ball played forward into the Stafford area by Tim Jackson caused problems for Sturgeon and Brett Clark touched the ball into an empty net

Tividale advance to the second round along with Walsall Wood who defeated Continental Star 2-1 at Oak Park.

Stafford Town (red/red/red): 1. Ben Sturgeon, 2. Alex Barnfather, 3. James Wild, 4. Mat Dockerty, 5. Jon Warburton, 6. Joe Woodward, 7. Francis Dacres, 8. Jake Turner, 9. Morgan Hurley (capt), 10. Dan Brown, 11. Jamie Cartwright. Subs: 12. Jack Milgate (for Barnfather, 76), 14. Matt Oulton (for Cartwright, 63), 17. Adam Cunningham. Manager: Adam Cunningham.

Tividale (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Jack Hayfield, 2. Andrew Parsons, 3. Tim Jackson, 4. Andrew Dicken, 5. Levi Bailey, 6. Luke Paskin, 7. Samuel Wilson, 8. Sam Williams (capt), 9. Brett Clark, 10. Karl Edwards, 11. Ryan Winwood. Subs: 12. Matthew Waite (not used), 14. Stuart How (for Winwood, 89), 15. David Bellis (for Dicken, 72), 16. Thomas Overfield (for Wilson, 79), 17gk. Charles Price (not used). Manager: Stuart Scriven and Ian Long.

Referee: Mark Murfitt
Assistants: Ashley Parry and Matthew Brattley

Attendance: 45 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 45:38; second-half: 47:07

Goals:
0-1 Karl Edwards (30)
0-2 Brett Clark (87)

Cards: none
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October 30, 2013, 11:57 am
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