Wednesday 29th December 2010

AFC Hucknall 4 Harworth CI 2
Quartet Catering League Challenge Cup First Round
At: Watnall Road
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Mileage: 111.0
Weather: cold, foggy
Attendance: 35 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 46:08; second-half: 47:57


This game wouldn’t normally be on my radar as I don’t tend to watch league cup games and I don’t tend to head out so far anymore on dark evenings when the clocks are on GMT. However, the ‘need’ to watch a fourth game this month, to avoid watching less than four games in December for the first time since 1982, and an opportunity to meet up with some of my East Midlands football friends proved too hard to resist. Fog was a menace both on the way and during the game but didn’t really spoil what was an enjoyable way to see out football in 2010.

The Quartet Catering League Challenge Cup is the league cup competition of the Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League and this first round tie pitted Premier Division newboys AFC Hucknall against higher-ranked Supreme Division Harworth CI. Rob Hornby reckoned the game may have been postponed four or five times already.

When I left home, fog was closing in and with some trepidation I decided to head for Hucknall trying to ignore the 5Live travel bulletin which mentioned that ‘fog was a problem on the M1 between junction 29 and junction 15’.

I knew my way to Hucknall’s Watnall Road ground, being close to A611 Hucknall bypass and next to the roundabout with the B6009. I’d previously been to the ground on three occasions, all to see Hucknall Town – against Eccleshill United in 1993 and twice against Stafford in both 2004 and 2006.

True to their word, Rob, and Malc and Kev (of ‘On The Road’blog fame) were there as were ‘Bob L. Hatt’, ‘osborne’, and Margarete Henke and Jens from Germany, amongst other travellers – a nice post-Christmas gathering.


Prior to kick-off a one-minute silence was held in memory of Tom Brogan, a man who was ‘secretary at Harworth Colliery for over 30 years and involved with the club for over 40 years - a giant of a man who gave his life to the club’. With fog making it difficult to identify players in the distance, AFC Hucknall (wearing yellow shirts, black shorts and yellow socks) got the tie underway attacking the Watnall Road end of the ground during the first half.

This was the first Central Midlands League game of any description to be played since Wednesday 15th December. Hucknall were the better side during the opening quarter and forced a save out of Harworth keeper Steve Lindsay in the 19th minute who got a boot in the way of Cashel Walters’ shot. Lindsay also used his legs to thwart Jake Fisher as well. Just before the interval Harworth created a couple of decent scoring opportunities. Hadlee Dunn turned over a rising drive from Fisher and from the resulting corner the Hucknall keeper pushed away a fierce shot hit by Simon Ward.

The deadlock was broken at the far end (we were standing under cover behind the Watnall Road goal) four minutes after the restart. An initial shot hit a post and the same or another plyer hammered home the rebound. Was it ‘11’ or ‘9’ who scored. The tannoy announcer said ‘Max Wright’. A mere 115 seconds later, including the time taken to get the action underway again, before AFC Hucknall scored again. Fisher got on the end of a deep left-wing cross and fired home at the far right post. Another goal came, Hucknall’s third, 113 seconds after the second one and this time it was Wright who converted a left-wing cross at the far right post.

In eight second-half minutes, the game had progressed from 0-0 at half-time to 3-0, and the goals kept on coming. Just after the hour mark, Harworth substitute Ryan Paczkowski, from the left side of the area, lifted the ball over Dunn who could only parry it into the far side of the net.

Stood up amongst the covered seats the fog was making it difficult to make out players on the far touchline where the dugouts were situated. Hucknall’s made a change in the 75th minute which for a time remained a mystery before I established it was ‘14’ replacing ‘10’.

AFC Hucknall restored their three-goal lead in the 80th minute through Fisher’s close-range shot. The goals weren’t over. Harworth scored again when unchallenged Kevin Shelley headed home from Paczkowski’s cross. The visitors kept pressing to try and force an unlikely replay. Wayne Duik fouled Lloyd Wilkinson inside the area but Dunn kept out Gareth Sides’ penalty with his boot.

I made good time heading home and the fog didn’t bother too much, apart from the unlit stretch from Alrewas to Armitage.

And as ‘On the Road Malc’ wrote: ‘it was a really good night, and the company was superb’. Rob added: ‘Was good to see some footie and some good faces as well..even the lino asked me in the clubhouse after, was there anyone in the crowd that didn’t know me lol’ Can’t disagree with either of them and I picked up two new Facebook friends in Kev and Margarete.

AFC Hucknall (yellow/black/yellow): 1. Hadlee Dunn, 2. Richie Holmes, 3. Sam Clare, 4. Joel Goodacre (capt), 5. Joe Pheasant, 6. Wayne Duik, 7. Cashel Walters, 8. Sam Sims, 9. Jake Fisher, 10. Danwell Francis, 11. Max Wright. Subs: 12. Josh Henry, 14. Kamran Hussain (for Francis, 75), 15. Ben Waplington (for Fisher, 80).

Harworth CI (red/white/black): 1. Steve Lindsay, 2. Greg Fox, 3. Stuart Needham, 4. Martyn Gee (capt), 5. Luke Edwards, 19. Simon Ward, 7. Chris Belshaw, 8. Lee Edmondson, 9. Gareth Sides, 10. Kevin Shelley, 11. Dean Burrows. Subs: 12. Ryan Paczkowski (ffor Edmondson, ht), 16. Lloyd Wilkinson (for Burrows, ht), 20. Lewis Reid (for Edwards, 51).

Referee: Harry Hawkins.
Assistants: Robin Bourne and Paul Thomas.

Goals:
1-0 Max Wright (49)
2-0 Jake Fisher (51)
3-0 Max Wright (53)
3-1 Ryan Paczkowski (61)
4-1 Jake Fisher (80)
4-2 Kevin Shelley (86)

Cards:
Hucknall: none
Harworth: Ryan Paczkowski (YC, 61)

AFC Hucknall report

Tuesday 28th December 2010

AFC Telford United 3 Redditch United 1
Blue Square Bet North
At: Bucks Head Stadium
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £11; Programme: £2 (64 pages)
Weather: cold, dry
Attendance: 1690
Duration: first-half: 47:03; second-half: 48:27


Following the postponement of Worcester v Stafford that followed the postponement of the games at Morecambe and Chesterfield, I'd decided to stay in. But, suddenly at around 1-25 pm, I hit the road for Telford. All the goals came in the first half as the Bucks moved top of the BSB North table. The squads on the back page of the programme listed seven former Stafford players though only two - Marco Adaggio and Jemiah Richards - played any part.

AFC Telford United (white/black/black): 1. Ryan Young, 2. Will Salmon, 3. Sean Newton, 4. Carl Rodgers, 5. Stuart Whitehead, 6. Shane Killock (capt), 7. Greg Mills, 8. Phil Trainer, 9. Adam Proudlock, 10. Andy Brown, 11. Jon Adams. Subs: 12. Liam Murray (not used), 13gk. Daniel Platt (not used)), 14. Courtney Pitt (for Adams, 79 mins), 15. Alex Meechan (for Proudlock, 86 mins), 16. James Lawrie (not used).

Redditch United (red/red/red): 1. Dean Coleman, 2. Joseph Hull, 3. Shaun Timmins, 4. Jordan Fitzpatrick, 5. Lee Ayres (capt), 6. Gavin Hurren, 7. Robert Ager, 8. Wayne Dyer, 9. Matt Smith, 10. Marco Adaggio, 11. Josh Quaynor. Subs: 12. Luke Edwards (for Ager, 60 mins), 14. Adam Newbury (for Fitzpatrick, 72 mins), 15. Jemiah Richards (for Adaggio, 79 mins), 16. James Dormand (not used).

Referee: Sarah Garratt (Halesowen).
Assistants: Ross Crawford (Stoke) and Nigel Day (Burslem).

Goals:
1-0 Carl Rodgers (11)
1-1 Josh Quaynor (19)
2-1 Andy Brown (21)
3-1 Adam Proudlock (30)

Cards:
AFC Telford: none
Redditch: Gavin Hurren (YC, 90)

Monday 27th December 2010

Portishead v Shepton Mallet OFF
Hengrove v Keynsham Town OFF
Errea Somerset Senior League ALL OFF


I was right! Day 16 of the enforced winter break!

Sunday 26th December 2010

Stafford Rangers v AFC Telford United OFF
Shrewsbury Town v Bury OFF


The snow which fell what must now be 10 days ago is still on the ground, Stafford continues to be gripped by freezing temperatures and the seems to be no end in sight to this arctic-like cold snap. So, it was no surprise there will be no action today at Marston Road where I was planning to watch the home game against AFC Telford United in the company of my Dad and Laurence Reade.

With no fixtures scheduled today below Blue Square Bet North, my long-term plan was to make a second visit of the season to Marston Road. However, a news item add as early as Tuesday on Rangers’ official website told of a planned inspection:

BOXING DAY - PRE MATCH INSPECTION
Re AFC TELFORD HOME MATCH ON BOXING DAY.
‘In view of the current ground conditions and the long range weather forecast a preliminary ground inspection will be carried out at 3pm on Friday 24th December.
It should be stressed that this is a preliminary inspection and a final decision may not be made at this time.’

Come Thursday, the game was described as being in ‘serious doubt’ and the aforementioned Christmas Eve inspection came to an inevitable conclusion:

Boxing Day Match Off
Following a pitch inspection today, the pitch is still frozen and covered in snow and unfortunately the match will not be able to go ahead.

My thoughts then turned to League action and a short list of two games: Reading v Bristol City and Shrewsbury Town v Bury. To be honest in these conditions, it didn’t make any sense to make a 280 mile round trip to the Madejski Stadium especially but Shrewsbury’s Greenhous Meadow Stadium was a short journey along the M54. Better than that, when I checked their website yesterday evening, the game looked set to go ahead with a precautionary inspection planned for this morning. Could it survive after an incredibly cold Christmas Day night?

In a word ‘no’! At 9-05 am this morning I heard on 5Live that there were ‘a couple more games off: in League One Exeter v Swindon Town and League Two Shrewsbury Town v Bury’.

Shrewsbury’s website confirmed the news:

‘After a monumental effort by the ground staff and volunteers the Referee has deemed the Towns game against Bury to be non playable, conditions have not significantly improved to ensure supporters safety in and around the ground.

‘Despite the efforts of everyone involved when the groudstaff [sic] started to take the covers off early this morning the pitch froze as soon as it was uncovered. Referee Rob Lewis was at the Greenhous Meadow as scheduled and with temperatures now [sic s/b not] forecast to rise during the day he had to [sic s/b no] hesitation in postponing the game.’

So, what is left on a 15th consecutive day without football? For start with, enjoy the fact that England finished day one of the fourth test on 157-0 after bowling Australia out for 98. It was sheer delight to be up during the night watching the Aussie innings disintegrate. And, a trip to the cinema to watch Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Digital 3-D.

Prospects don’t look any brighter for tomorrow either. I’ve got a family gathering in Bristol to attend, and can’t possible see my escape route of a game at either Portishead, Hengrove or something on in the Somerset Senior League taking place. We can hope!

Saturday 18th December 2010

Plan A - Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa OFF
Plan B - Bristol Rovers v Colchester United OFF
Plan C- Northampton Town v Morecambe OFF
Plan D - AFC Telford United v Eastwood Town OFF


Today was a rare day when heavy snow and health and safety resulted in Plan A, Plan B, Place C and even Plan D failing to produce a game to watch.

Snow fell in Stafford on Thursday, more snow fell yesterday and even more snow fell this morning. The same was true for the virtually the whole of England. So, yesterday, with chances of watching a non-league football in my usual haunts looking bleak, I came up with Plan A which was a trip to either Wigan Athletic, Cardiff City or Hull City, grounds I’d not previously visited. Cardiff’s home game was never really on the agenda (postponed yesterday afternoon anyway), nor was Hull (due to expensive and lengthy train trip) so after much pondering and checking weather forecasts I opted for Wigan v Aston Villa the DW Stadium.

The Wigan part of Plan A was put into action late last night when I booked a ticket online and worked out I needed to catch one of three mid-morning trains from Stafford to Manchester Picadilly to pick up a connection to Wigan Wallgate. Sorted!

But ‘sorted’ turned to ‘doubtful’ when I heard, at 8-15 am, of problems on both the M6 and M61 near Wigan due to snow, If these motorways had problem the surely the town of Wigan had problems too. Spot on, as a message appeared on Wigan Athletic’s website reported under the headline ‘GAME IN SEVERE DOUBT’ that ‘despite the best efforts of the club to keep today's game on by bringing in snow ploughs and gritters, today's game against Aston Villa is now in serious doubt after 10 inches of overnight snowfall’.

So expecting an inevitable postponement, my attention turned to Plan B and a trip to Bristol Rovers. It was possible to catch a train from Stafford around 11 am to Bristol Parkway and a walk to the Memorial Stadium in plenty of time before kick-off. Rovers’ website seemed confident about the pitch but, around 9-40 am, came the announcement that the game was off. The message read: ‘Today's match against Colchester has been postponed. Referee Michael Naylor visited the Memorial Stadium this morning and had no hesitation in calling the game off. Although the pitch was perfectly playable, the car park and surrounding areas were deemed too dangerous for spectators.’

Time to hatch Plan C: a trip, again by train, to Northampton and the League Two game against Morecambe. I’d seen to Sxifields 15 years ago though that didn’t matter as I went at night and didn’t take any photos. No pitch inspection was planned. While I was checking train times and printing a map showing the route from Northampton station to the ground, Sky Sports News announced, what I was expecting, that Wigan v Villa was off. Wigan’s website confirmed the bad news: ‘Today's Barclays Premier League game … has been called off after freak weather conditions in the town overnight … the ten inches of snow that fell overnight, and is still falling at the time of going to press, has made the surrounding area extremely hazardous for supporters travelling to the game’.

But, while I was getting ready to head for Stafford Station, Facebook friend Laurence gave the bad news at 10:37 am that Plan C had bit the dust: ‘Northampton Town OFF. Sorry’.

I’d spotted that AFCTelford’s home game with Eastwood Town in Blue Square Bet North wasn’t OFF, and indeed the Bucks’ website confirmed ‘GAME ON, GAME ON, GAME ON – VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED’. Great! Plan D will save the day. Even though it was snowing outside, we decided to head to Telford for a family shopping/football trip. But at 12:03 pm, shortly before we were due to set off, Ian Padley posted on Facebook: ‘Sorry. Its gone too (sic)’. What had gone? AFC Telford’s game due to ‘dangerous driving conditions’, etc.

So what was left was a rare football-free Saturday during the season. Hull City’s game with Bristol City was play but I must admit I’ve enjoyed today as something different – tidying the house, taking four charity bags to the British Heart Foundation shop and a revisit to Asda. And, I’ve still been able to blog around 650 words out of going nowhere!

Saturday 11th December 2010

Harborough Town 1 Burton Park Wanderers 1
Hereward Teamwear United Counties League Division 1
At: Bowden’s Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm (delayed until 3-09 pm)
Admission: £3; Programme: free teamsheet
Weather: cold, dry
Attendance: 44 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 47:19; second-half: 48:03


I was pleased to find a non-league game that was on at a ground not previously visited. However, joy almost turned to dispair when only one of the three match officials turned up. Thankfully, the assistant referee present moved into the middle with hurridly appointed local official and home Chairman running the line. The game, which kicked-off nine minutes late, wasn't a classic on what became a muddy pitch. Harborough led at the interval and BPW levelled after the break. It was good to meet up with several football travellers and watch the game in the company of John Revitt.

Saturday 4th December 2010

Derby County 1 Norwich City 2
npower Championship
At: Pride Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £30; Programme: £3 (84 pages)
Weather: rain
Attendance: 26,134
Duration: first-half: 47:18; second-half: 50:09



The continued freezing weather meant a first-ever trip to Pride Park was the only option and, on Friday lunchtime, I booked a ticket in the East Stand. A slow moving queue in the bank why are bank queues so lengthy at the moment?) meant I missed my preferred train and so made my way to Derby via Birmingham New Street. What I saw was an entertaining game between two promotion-chasing sides with all the goals coming in the opening 17 minutes. Norwich took full advantage of poor home defending to score twice in 167 seconds before Derby pulled a goal back, but the Rams couldn’t find an equaliser. Back home via Stoke and in the house in time to see the end of Strictly Come Dancing!

Saturday 27th November 2010

Nottingham United 2 South Normanton Athletic 4
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division
At Gresham Pavilion
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £1; Programme: £2 (20 pages)
Weather: dry, bitterly cold after sunset
Attendance: 66 (headcount)
Duration: first-half: 45:00; second-half: 46:05


My shortlist of three possible games turned into one when Rob Hornby phoned to say Nottingham United’s game on a 3G pitch was definitely on with a 3 pm kick-off. The snow covered surface with lines cleared didn’t hinder a decent game in which visitors South Normanton Athletic went top of the Premier Division with a 4-2 win. Tall striker Andy White, who had a spell on loan at Stafford a couple or three years ago, opened the scoring for the visitors but the pick of the goals was Filip Filipov’s second.


Nottingham United (green and white stripes / white / green): 1. Jason Dalton, 2. George Clarke, 3. Jordan Stewart, 4. Aaron Cottrell, 5. Christophe Pinard, 6. Matthew Berry, 7. Ben Grounds (capt), 8. Rob Muncaster, 9. Filip Filipov, 10. Matthew Henshaw, 11. Akilu Giwa. Subs: 12. Dan Bramley, 15. Carl Brooks, 16. John Trueblood (for Clarke, 21).

South Normanton Athletic (red and white stripes / white / red): 1. Dave O’Hare, 2. Adam Taylor, 3. Chris Green, 4. Daniel Riley, 5. Daniel Henshaw, 6. Grant Hackett, 7. Adam Nicholls, 8. Jay Beecher, 9. Andy White, 10. Kyle Wadsworth, 11. Tom Leighton (capt). Subs: 14. Liam Kelly (for Beecher, 79), 15. Adam Moss (for Riley, 71), 16. Ben Summers (for Leighton, 27).

Referee: Rich Roberts
Assistants: John Hamer and David Viles

Goals:
0-1 Andy White (16)
0-2 Grant Hackett (33)
1-2 Filip Filipov (41)
1-3 Kyle Wadsworth (74)
2-3 Filip Filipov (79)
2-4 Adam Nicholls (90 pen)

Cards:
Nottingham: Rob Muncaster (YC, 38).
South Normanton: Daniel Riley (YC, 69), Daniel Henshaw (YC, 78), Adam Taylor (YC, 83).

Saturday 20th November 2010

Kiveton Park 5 FC Brimington 3
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division
At: Hard Lane
Kick-off: 2-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: cold, dry
Duration: first-half: 49:41; second-half: 45:54


It was good to meet up with Rob Hornby and Hazel at Kiveton Park and watch an entertaining game on a sticky pitch that wasn’t settled in favour of the home side until a flurry of late goals including two penalties both converted by Robert Gorman who netted four times in total. FCB (who have a badge not dissimilar in design to that of Barcelona) took an early lead though Kiveton hit back to edge ahead by the interval. Brimington equalised soon after the restart, Kiveton regained the lead and extended it to 4-2 with Gorman’s first spot kick in the 87th minute. Brimington made it 4-3 before Gorman scored again from the spot in stoppage time. Subsequently, Gorman’s goal haul and Kivo’s win count for nothing FC Brimington have now resigned from the league. The 2 pm kick-off allowed plenty of time to get back home for the main event of the day, celebrating Diana’s birthday at Pizza Express!

Kiveton Park (navy blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Jonathan Parker, 2. Matthew Preece, 3. Jake Lee, 4. James Webster (capt), 5. Matthew Gilbert, 6. Daniel MacPherson, 7. Robert Warner, 8. Lee Brooks, 9. Carl Longmore, 10. Robert Gorman, 16. Jordan Cocks. Subs: 12. Shane White (for Lee, 70), 14. David Gribben (for Warner, 60), 15. Paul Gregory (for Cocks, 76). Manager: W. Burgin.

FC Brimington (red/red/red): 20. Adam Valente, 19. Matthew Tusinton, 30. Mark Clement, 4. Thomas Fairweather, 5. Sam Britton, 6. Craig Getliff (capt), 27. Dwayne Wiley, 8. Matthew Beavers, 24. Kirk Bradshaw, 10. Steven Ruff, 11. Mitchell Lax. Sub: 17. Matthew Smith (for Lax, 60). Manager: R. Williams.

Referee: Stephen Hall.
Assistants: Dennis Rawle and Steve Collingham.

Goals
0-1 Matthew Gilbert (5 og)
1-1 Jordan Cocks (24)
2-1 Robert Gorman (26)
2-2 Craig Getliff (47)
3-2 Robert Gorman (70)
4-2 Robert Gorman (87 pen)
4-3 Steven Ruff (89)
5-3 Robert Gorman (90+1 pen)

Cards:
Kiveton: Carl Longmore (YC, 65)
FCB: none

Saturday 13th November 2010

Burton Park Wanderers 1 AFC Kempston Rovers 0
Hereward Teamwear United Counties League Division 1
At: Latimer Park
Kick-off: 2-00 pm
Admission: £3 including programme
Attendance: 72
Weather: weak sunshine, became cold
Duration: first-half: 47:13; second-half: 48:05


To be honest this wasn’t the best of games. In the end, it was settled by a single goal scored by home side Burton Park Wanderers in the 67th minute. On a sticky pitch that couldn't have helped, there were few chances and neither keeper had to make a serious save all afternoon. Still, well worth a visit to a club back on their own ground with a lease extension after playing home games last season at Rothwell Town.

Burton Park Wanderers (blue and black stripes / black / black): 1. Liam Fox (capt), 2. Tom Judge, 3. Jake Wesby, 4. Nathan Wills, 5. Anthony Fragoza, 6. Leo Adams, 7. Jack Wisienski, 8. Russell Escritt, 9. Leigh Chapman, 10. Ben Morgan, 11. Louis Dupree. Subs: 12. Wayne Brown (for Chapman, 84), 14. Chris Davies (for Dupree, 68), 15. Tom Strand (for Morgan, 89).

AFC Kempston Rovers (red and white stripes / red / red): 1. Martin Conway, 2. Dean Sturmiano, 3. Sam Brown, 4. Nyran Vaughan, 5. Craig Grieve (capt), 6. Josh Bamford, 7. Jack Weedon, 8. Sam Macree, 9. Kofi Shultz, 10. Aaron Baldwin, 11. Jamie Hilsden. Subs: 12. Emmanuel Pondayi (for Hilsden, 70), 14. John Hunt (not used), 15. Callum Mould (for Macree, 70).

Referee: Artwell Mpofu.
Assistants: G Williams and M Germany.

Goals:
1-0 Russell Escritt (67)

Cards:
Burton PW: Anthony Fragoza (YC, 64)
AFC Kempston: Craig Grieve (YC, 63)

Saturday 6th November 2010

Southwell City 2 Parkhouse 1
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Buckingham Insurance Supreme Division
At: War Memorial Recreation Ground
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £3 including 36 page programme
Attendance: 70 (headcount)
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 45:12; second-half: 47:11


All the goals came in the second half as Southwell City took the points in this tight and entertaining contest. Tom MacDonald gave City the lead within three minutes of the restart which they held until the 65th minute. Chris Sharman hammered home a loose ball at close range after Craig Lamb did well to stop an initial free-kick from John Parsons. However, Southwell responded with the winner five minutes later. Grant Russell hit a dipping 35-yard drive which flew over Paul Coglan and just under the bar. This trip to welcoming Southwell was just what I needed and several people were genuinely interested that I’d travelled from Stafford to watch the game.

Southwell City (black and white stripes / white / white): 1. Craig Lamb, 2. Pete Campbell, 3. Kyle Croft, 4. Jamie Bennett, 5. Grant Russell, 6. Tom MacDonald, 7. Ben Smith, 8. Mark Davis, 9. Johnny Nussey, 10. Grant Blackhurst, 11. Robbie Mawer (capt). Subs: 12. Chris Peet, 14. Alex Turpin, 15. Jonathan Simpson (for Smith, 66),

Parkhouse (orange/white/orange): 1. Paul Colgan, 2. Karl Hallam, 3. Matt Shaw, 4. Chris Sharman, 5. James Goodison, 6. Steff Holland, 7. John Parsons, 8. James Dooley, 9. Kris Lowe, 10. Dave Chambers (capt), 11. Adam Smith. Subs: 12. Peter Maxey (for Lowe, 66), 14. Ash Balber (for Hallam, 78), 15. Joe Stone (for Dooley, 49).

Referee: Adie Seward (Sutton).
Assistants: Andy Dallison (Kirkby) and Graham Taylor (Mansfield).

Goals:
1-0 Tom MacDonald (48)
1-1 Chris Sharman (65)
2-1 Grant Russell (70)

Cards:
Southwell: none
Parkhouse: Steff Holland (YC, 86)

Saturday 30th October 2010

Holker Old Boys 8 Rochdale Town 0
Vodkat League Division 1
At: Rakesmoor Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £3; Programme: £1
Attendance: 45
Weather: sunny and showers
Duration: first-half: 48:12; second-half: 47:34

Saturday 23rd October 2010

Totton & Eling 3 Fareham Town 2
Sydenhams Football League (Wessex)
At: Little Testwood Farm 2
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £2 including programme
Attendance: 80 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:10; second-half: 47:22

Saturday 16th October 2010

Oxhey Jets 1 Haringey Borough 3
Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
At: Boundary Stadium
Kick-off: 3-00pm
Admission: £6 including 44 page programme
Attendance: 67
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:32; second-half: 48:21

Saturday 9th October 2010

New Bradwell St Peter 7 Sport London e Benfica 2
Molten Spartan South Midlands Football League Division 1
At: Bradwell Road Recreation Ground
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: donation; Programme: £1 (24 pages)
Attendance: 42
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:58; second-half: 47:29

Tuesday 5th October 2010

Runcorn Linnets 0 Ashton Athletic 2
Vodkat League Premier Division
At: Millbank Linnets Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1-50 (28 pages)
Attendance: 294
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 46:12; second-half: 48:00

Saturday 2nd October 2010

Coventry Copsewood 2 Heath Town Rangers 1
FA Carlsberg Vase
At: Allard Way
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £3; Programme: £1 (24 pages)
Attendance: 21
Weather: Sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 46:02; second-half: 51:10

Tuesday 28th September 2010

Wolverhampton Casuals 4 Goodrich 1
West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division
At: Brinsford Lane
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £3; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Attendance: 45 (headcount)
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 47:26; second-half: 49:05

Saturday 25th September 2010 (3-00 pm)

North Ferriby United 5 Stocksbridge Park Steels 2
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Second Qualifying Round
At: Rapid Solicitors Stadium
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £8; Programme: £2 (44 pages)
Attendance: 196
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 47:11; second-half: 48:31

Saturday 25th September 2010 (12-00 noon)

Winterton Rangers 0 Nostell MinersWelfare 1
KoolSports Northern Counties East League Premier Division
At: West Street
Kick-off: 12-00 noon
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (32 pages)
Attendance: 60
Weather: sunny spells, blustery wind
Duration: first-half: 45:23; second-half: 48:55

Tuesday 21st September 2010

Stafford Town 1 Tividale 6
West Midlands League Premier Division
At: Evans Park
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (24 pages)
Attendance: 70 (headcount)
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 45:56; second-half: 48:06

Saturday 18th September 2010

Stafford Rangers 3 Gainsborough Trinity 1
Blue Square Bet North
At: Marston Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £11+£2; Programme: £2 (44 pages)
Attendance: 402
Weather: showers
Duration: first-half: 47:14; second-half: 49:29

Tuesday 14th September 2010

AFC Wulfrunians 1 Gornal Athletic 2
West Midlands League Premier Division
At: Castlecroft Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (44 pages)
Attendance: 75 (headcount)
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 47:17; second-half: 51:00

Saturday 11th September 2010

London APSA 2 Clapton 0
Essex Senior League
At: Terrance MacMillan Stadium
Admission: £6 including 20 page programme
Attendance: 12
Weather: sunny spells, dry
Duration: first-half: 52:48; second-half: 48:37

Tuesday 7th September 2010

Brocton 4 Castle Vale 1
imoSports Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Old Police Sports Ground
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (32 pages)
Attendance: 33
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 46:03; second-half: 49:31

Saturday 4th September 2010

Glossop North End 1 Squires Gate 1
Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division
At: Surrey Street
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £6 adult, £3 child; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Attendance: 178
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:58; second-half: 48:00

Monday 30th August 2010 (5-15 pm)

Kerry 3 Meifod 2
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Dolforgan Park
Kick-off: 5-15 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 12 page programme
Attendance: 215
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:24; second-half: 46:57

Monday 30th August 2010 (2-15 pm)

Montgomery Town 5 Llanfyllin Town 0
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Cwstanymur
Kick-off: 2-15 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 12 page £1 programme
Attendance: 272
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:51; second-half: 48:49

Monday 30th August 2010 (11-00 am)

Carno 1 Llanidloes Town 2
Spar Mid Wales League Division 1
At: Ty Brith Field
Kick-off: 11-00 am
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 24 page programme
Attendance: 311
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:10; second-half: 49:14

Sunday 29th August 2010 (6-30 pm)

Llandrindod Wells 1 Bont 1
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: The Broadway
Kick-off: 6-30 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 24 page programme
Attendance: 374
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 49:50; second-half: 46:58

Sunday 29th August 2010 (3-00 pm)

Newbridge-on-Wye 4 Builth Wells 2
Spar Mid Wales League Division 1
At: Penbont
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 12 page £1 programme
Attendance: 322
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:31; second-half: 47:12

Sunday 29th August 2010 (11-30 am)

Rhosgoch Rangers 10 Talgarth Town 0
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Crow Lane
Kick-off: 11-30 am
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 8 page £1 programme
Attendance: 229
Weather: rain
Duration: first-half: 47:44; second-half: 44:52

Saturday 27th August 2010 (7-30 pm)

Llanidloes Town 2 Llansantffraid Village 1
Welsh Cup Second Qualifying Round (aet)
At: Victoria Avenue
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 8 page programme
Attendance: 302
Weather: rain
Duration (45): first-half: 45:51; second-half: 48:57
Extra-time (15): first-half: 16:39; second-half: 17:10

Saturday 27th August 2010 (3-30 pm)

Four Crosses 0 Meifod 0
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Foxen Manor
Kick-off: 3-30 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 24 page £1 programme
Attendance: 203
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:48; second-half: 45:43

Saturday 27th August 2010 (12-30 pm)

Llanfyllin Town 2 Kerry 3
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Cae Llwyn
Kick-off: 12:30 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 32 page programme
Attendance: 211
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:42; second-half: 50:15

Friday 26th August 2010

Abermule 1 Llanfair United 0
Spar Mid Wales League Division 2
At: Abermule Community Field
Kick-off: 6-30 pm
Admission: £38 hop ticket including 8 page £1 programme
Attendance: 261
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:36; second-half: 49:34

Saturday 21st August 2010 (6:00 pm)

St Harmon and District 0 Rhayader Town Reserves 14
Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South)
At: The Bryn
Kick-off: 6:00 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: £1 (12 pages)
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: drizzle
Duration: first-half: 46:45; second-half: 45:32

Saturday 21st August 2010 (2-30 pm)

Knighton Town 5 Sennybridge 0
Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South)
At: Bryn-Y-Castell
Kick-off: 2-30 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: none
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy
Duration: first-half: 46:35; second-half: 47:02

Tuesday 17th August 2010

Holwell Sports 3 Gedling Miners Welfare 4
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Extra Preliminary Round Replay
At: Welby Road
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4 including 16 page programme
Attendance: 149
Weather: sunny, mild
Duration: first-half: 49:23; second-half: 50:06

Saturday 14th August 2010

Gedling Town 2 Boston Town 4
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Extra Preliminary Round
At: Riverside Stadium
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Attendance: 74
Weather: sunny and showers
Duration: first-half: 45:42; second-half: 49:02

Wednesday 11th August 2010

Handsworth 4 Glasshoughton Welfare 0
KoolSport Northern Counties East League Division 1
At: Olivers Mount
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: £1 (12 pages)
Attendance: 184
Weather: mild, dry
Duration: first-half: 47:29; second-half: 49:03

Saturday 7th August 2010

Ryton 0 Whitley Bay 2
skilltrainingltd Northern Football League Division 1
At: Kingsley Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (32 pages)
Attendance: 240 (headcount)
Weather: sunny after pre-match heavy rain
Duration: first-half: 46:55; second-half: 46:53

Monday 2nd August 2010

Biggin 0 Coach Rangers 2
Summer League
At: Drury Lane
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 40:42; second-half: 41:07

Saturday 31st July 2010

Stoneclough 5 Tempest United 1
Goldline Trophy Group 3
At: Brook St Playing Fields
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 61 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy
Duration: first-half: 46:44; second-half: 45:09


Stoneclough (claret with sky blue pinstripes / claret / claret): 1. Craig Tebay, 2. Paul Makin, 3. James Heenan, 4. Martin Grundy, 5. Ryan Spackman, 6. Brett Dean, 7. Kirk Derbyshire, 8. Adam Lucas, 9. Nic Fisher, 10. Liam Ralph (capt), 11. Mark Callow. Subs: 12. Scott Harrison (not used), 14. Andy Jenkinson (for Derbyshire, 84), 15. Thomas Harrison (not used).

Tempest United (green/black/green): 1. Andy Lees, 2. Darren Smethurst, 3. Gary Westhead, 4. Scott Derbyshire (capt), 5. Craig Farnworth, 6. David Edwards, 7. Micky Hall, 8. James Hamer, 9. Matty Swailes, 10. Danny Hamer, 11. Clint McLoughlin. Subs: 12. Kris Arkwright (for Westhead, 53), 14. Chris Farnworth (for Hamer, 66), 15. Matty Crook (for McLoughlin, 19), 16. Greg Wood (for Hall, 57), 17. Gary Barnes (for Swailes, 57).

Referee: M. Rickard (Preston).

Goals:
1-0 Mark Callow (8)
2-0 Mark Callow (10)
3-0 Liam Ralph (23)
4-0 Nic Fisher (35)
5-0 Nic Fisher (74)
5-1 Matty Crook (84)

Cards:
Stoneclough: James Heenan (RC, 40), Martin Grundy (YC, 82).
Tempest: Matty Crook (YC, 23).

Friday 23rd July 2010

Matlock Town 2 Derby County XI 2
Pre-Season Friendly
At: Causeway Lane
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £8; Programme: £1-50 (56 pages)
Attendance: 378
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:10; second-half: 45:18

Thursday 22nd July 2010

Coach Rangers 3 Osmaston 1
Summer League
At: Ashbourne Recreation Ground, bottom pitch
Kick-off: 7-15 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy
Duration (40): first-half: 40:08; second-half: 41:56


Coach Rangers (yellow/black/black): 1. Simon Hellaby, 5. Craig Frith, 17. Martyn Taylor, 3. Ryan Robinson, 6. Paul Godfrey, 11. Sam Howard, 10. Dec Bacon, 15. Dave Shipley, 8. Richard Smith, 9. Callum Woolley, 7. Kevin Millward. Subs: 4. Simon Wint (for Howard, 42), 12. Terry Ford (for Woolley, 71), 14. Darren Handley (for Frith, 75), 13gk. Sean Jones (not used).

Osmaston (blue/blue/blue): 1. Alex Dowling, 2. Mark Broome, 9. Rob Austin, 4. Matt Dowling, 3. Ben Hancocks, 11. Dan Wright, 10. Andrew Wigley, 8. Toby Tucker, 12. Chris Pointon, 14. Liam Seeds, 7. Scott Tarr. Subs: 15. Mick Pinfield (for ,), 17. Ryan Austin (not used), 6. Carl Winfield (not used), 5. Rich Harrison (not used), GK. Sam Ritchie (not used).

Referee: -

Goals:
1-0 Callum Woolley (7)
2-0 Sam Howard (26)
3-0 Dave Shipley (56)
3-1 Toby Tucker (74)

Cards:
Coach: none
Osmaston: none

Thursday 15th July 2010

Wheel Inn 0 Coach Rangers 4
Summer League
At: Ashbourne Recreation Ground, bottom pitch
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: showers
Duration (40): first-half: 40:05; second-half: 40:07

Saturday 17th July 2010 (7-00 pm)

Coach Rangers 7 The Bridge 2
Summer League Cup Final
At: Mappleton Playing Field
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Admission: complementary; Programme: free 8 pages
Attendance: 150 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells
Duration (45): first-half: 46:00; second-half: 48:50

Saturday 17th July 2010 (3-00 pm)

Rocester 0 Gresley FC 1
Don Hill Memorial Trophy
At: Hillfields
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: press pass; Programme: 50p (16 pages)
Attendance: 100 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 48:18; second-half: 45:57

Thursday 8th July 2010

The Bridge 0 Brassington 2
Summer League
At: Mappleton Playing Field
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 16 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy
Duration (40): first-half: 40:48; second-half: 41:08

Thursday 1st July 2010

Coach Rangers 3 Hilton Athletic 2
Summer League
At: Ashbourne Recreation Ground, bottom pitch
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy, occasional rain shower
Duration (40): first-half: 44:10; second-half: 40:59

Thursday 24th June 2010

Coach Rangers 8 FC Hulland 2
Summer League
At: Ashbourne Recreation Ground, bottom field
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 45 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration (40): first-half: 40:10; second-half: 40:07


FC Hulland made Coach Rangers work hard during the first half which ended with Coach leading 3-2. It was a different story in the second half as Coach showed why they are chasing for the title but hitting five goals without reply. Again, it was a pleasure to watch action in this superb league on a warm and sunny evening.

Coach Rangers (yellow/black/black): 13. Sean Jones, 4. Martyn Taylor, 17. Dave Shipley, 3. Ryan Robinson, 8. Simon Wint, 9. Sam Howard, 12. James Carter (capt), 16. Darren Handley, 7. Kevin Millward, 14. Callum Woolley, 15. Wayne Taylor. Subs: 10. Wayne Travers (for Woolley, 58).

FC Hulland (sky blue with black sleeves / black / black): 1. Connor Hodgkinson, 5. Josh Sears, 12. Jimmy Crossland, 19. Mark Burford, 8. Mark Brownley, 16. Matt Allcock, 4. Carl Moss, 18. Andrew Hollick, 6. Ash Hall, 11. Ash Wildsmith, 10. Paul McGowan. Subs: 7. John xxx (for Moss, 58), 15. Blake Davies (for McGowan, 71), 9. Dan Greatorex (not used).

Referee: Will Maskery.

Goals:

0-1 Andrew Hollick (17)
1-1 Callum Woolley (18)
2-1 Sam Howard (28)
3-1 Kevin Millward (29)
3-2 Paul McGowan (36)
4-2 James Carter (45 pen)
5-2 James Carter (60)
6-2 Wayne Travers (71)
7-2 Wayne Taylor (74)
8-2 Connor Hodgkinson (76 og)

Cards:
Coach: none.
FC Hulland: none.

Saturday 19th June 2010

Coach Rangers 3 Holly Bush United 3
(after extra time, Holly Bush won 4-2 on penalties)
Bill Redfern Memorial Cup Final
At: Osmaston Polo Ground
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: free (8 pages)
Attendance: 85 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration (45): first-half: 45:39; second-half: 48:13
Extra time (10): first-half: 11:19; second-half: 10.00


Summer League's 2010 Bill Redfern Memorial Cup Final was a thrilling encounter between two sides who really wanted to win. Holly Bush took command with two early goals both netted by Brent Freeman in the 11th and 12th minutes. Richard Smith pulled a goal back in the 28th minute and a spectacular own goal from Simon Thorniwell got Coach back on level terms. Neither side could find a winner in the remaining hour so the Final went to extra time. Neil Bennett converted a 94th minute penalty to put Holly Bush back in front but Coach showed great spirit to equalise again through Jiimmy Carter. Still level at full time, the game was decided by penalties and Holly Bush won the shoot-out 4-2.

Coach Rangers (yellow/black/black): 1. Simon Hellaby, 2. Adrian Roberts, 4. Martyn Taylor, 12. Dave Shipley, 3. Paul Godfrey, 9. Sam Howard, 11. Ross Armstrong, 5. Richard Smith, 8. Simon Wint, 14. James Carter (capt), 7. Kevin Millward. Subs: 10. Dec Bacon (for Armstrong, ht), 15. Craig Frith (for Roberts, ht), 17. Wayne Taylor (for Frith, 88), Ryan Robinson (not used), GK. Sean Jones (not used).

Holly Bush United (white/black/black): 7gk. Paul Thomas, 4. Scott Wightman, 7. Ben Rushby, 5.Neil Bennett, 8. Simon Thorniwell, 15. Philip Sessions, 11. Ben Adcock, 12. Chris Smith, 3. James Beech, 10. James Rushby (capt), 1. Brent Freeman. Subs: 2. James Crawford (for James Rushby, 72), 14. Rob Prince (not used), 6. John Gadsby (not used), GK. Piers Beeston (not used).

Referee: Roland Smith.
Assistants: Chris Cope and Jim Conway.

Goals:
0-1 Brent Freeman (11)
0-2 Brent Freeman (12)
1-2 Richard Smith (28)
2-2 Simon Thorniwell (32 og)
2-3 Neil Bennett (94 pen)
3-3 James Carter (100+1)

Penalties
0-0 HB Neil Bennett missed
1-0 CR Simon Wint scored
1-1 HB Chris Smith scored
1-1 CR Richard Smith saved
1-2 HB Ben Rushby scored
2-2 CR James Carter scored
2-3 HB Brent Freeman scored
2-3 CR Dave Shipley saved
2-4 HB Ben Adcock scored

Cards:
Coach: none.
Holly Bush: none.

Thursday 17th June 2010

Coach Rangers 5 Kirk Langley 0
Summer League
At: Ashbourne Recreation Ground, bottom field
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration (40): first-half: 40:00; second-half: 40:00



Second-placed Coach Rangers eased to a comfortable victory against lowly Kirk Langley, who played most of the second half with ten men after losing a player through injury.

On a warm and sunny evening, Coach scored twice during the first half and wrapped up the win with three more after the interval.

All in all, a really enjoyable evening and, for the first time, an Ashbourne Summer League 'champagne job'!






Coach Rangers (yellow/black/black): 1. Simon Hellaby, 4. Martyn Taylor, 12. Ryan Robinson, 14. Dave Shipley, 3. Paul Godfrey, 11. Sam Howard, 10. Richard Smith, 15. Darren Handley, 8. Simon Wint, 7. Kevin Millward, 17. James Carter (capt). Subs: 9. Dec Bacon (for Carter, 55), 6. Craig Frith (for Howard, 55), 16. Wayne Taylor (for Millward, 64), Adrian Roberts (not used), GK. Sean Jones (not used).

Kirk Langley (red with black sleeves / black / black): 1. Kevin Rowland, 2. Craig Ashton, 5. Pete Ascott, 7. James Marriott (capt), 16. Tom Major, 8. Matt Rafferty, 11. Paul Derwas, 4. Rob Rooney, 10. Liam Smith, 12. Dan Sharpe, 9. James Stewart.

Referee: Mark Maskery.

Goals:
1-0 Sam Howard (11)
2-0 Richard Smith (32)
3-0 James Carter (41)
4-0 Paul Godfrey (53 pen)
5-0 Richard Smith (71)

Cards:
Coach: none.
Kirk Langley: none.

Monday 14th June 2010

Bradley 11 Wheel Inn 0
Summer League
At: Mappleton Playing Field
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: sunny became cloudy
Duration (40): first-half: 40:02; second-half: 40:08


Originally I was heading for Coach Rangers until a text message persuaded me to re-route to Mappleton Playing Field instead. Wheel Inn began this Summer League game with ten men and conceded the opening goal after just 27 seconds. Their eleventh man soon took the field but Bradley were 7-0 up by the 22nd minute. The reigning champions looked set for a substanial victory until outfield player Jack Murphy took over in goal and he produced a series of fine saves, including one from the penalty spot.

Bradley (grey / black / black and white hoops): 1. Lee Jones, 7. Ewan Ritchie, 2. Ed Walls, 9. Mark Sellers, 6. Chris Rowe, 3/10. Sam Waring, 4. Scott Smith, 14. George Monroe, 11. Ross Hunter, 16. Charles Mann (capt), 8. Jez Oborn. Subs: 2. Richard Coates (for Walls, 19), 12. Richard Gage (for Smith, ht), 4. Karl Grocott (for Oborn, 47), Mike Twenlow (not used), Simon Oborn (not used).

Wheel Inn (green/green/green): 1. Carl Cheshire, 6. Jamie Yates, 14. Robert Gibson, 8. Steve Millward, 12. Martin Shepherd, 5. Liam Jackson, 15. Lee Jeffery, 16. Wayne Sowter, 4. Matt Hoare, 3. Jack Murphy, 11. Liam Gibson.

Referee: Will Maskery.

Goals:
1-0 Jez Oborn (1)
2-0 Scott Smith (4)
3-0 Charles Mann (8)
4-0 Charles Mann (14)
5-0 Jez Oborn (16)
6-0 Sam Waring (18)
7-0 Jez Oborn (22)
8-0 George Monroe (29)
9-0 Charles Mann (42)
10-0 Jez Oborn (45)
11-0 Karl Grocott (66)

Cards:
Bradley: none.
Wheel: none.

Saturday 5th June 2010

Holly Bush United 3 Rose and Crown 0
Peter Young Memorial Cup Final
At: G. B. Barrington Playing Field, Kirk Langley
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: free (4 pages)
Weather: sunny spells
Attendance: 108 (headcount)
Duration (40): first-half: 45:22; second-half: 45:20



Holly Bush United became the new holders of the Summer League’s Peter Young Memorial Trophy following a 3-0 victory over Rose & Crown at Kirk Langley FC’s G. B. Barrington Playing Field. Two goals in six minutes midway through the first half from James Beech and James Rushby put Holly Bush in command. Brent Freeman added a third goal in the 51st minute.




Saturday 15th May 2010 (3-00 pm)

Patchway Town 4 Ellwood 2
Surridge Gloucestershire County League
At: Scott Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1
Attendance 71
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:42; second-half: 47:48


Again in Surridge Gloucestershire County League and kicking off at 3pm, the same time as the FA Cup Final, second-from-bottom Patchway Town twice came from behind to record a 4-2 victory over bottom side Ellwood. Ed Dawkins gave Ellwood an early lead which they held Adam Grinter levelled things up three minutes after halt-time. Ellwood bounced back to regain the lead in the 68th minute with a great strike from Martin Reid which was cancelled out within seconds of the restart by Dan Webb. The game could have gone either way but Patchway claimed the points from the entertaining encounter with late goals from Tom Knight and Matthew Fowler. The pitch was fully railed off inside a large public park.

Patchway Town (black and white stripes with white sleeves / black / black): 1. Martin Alford, 2. Tom Knight (capt), 3. Luke Drew, 4. Paul Barnes, 5. Nick Rugman, 6. Robert Foster, 7. Matthew Webb, 8. Matthew Fowler, 9. Adam Grinter, 10. Dan Webb, 11. Callum Bagley. Subs: 14. Oliver Bacon (for Foster, 35).

Ellwood (blue/blue/blue): 1. Lee Barnard, 2. Lee May, 3. Ed Dawkins, 4. Phil Crabb, 5. Chris Stock, 6. Darren Weyman, 7. Martin Reid, 8. Byron Ranford (capt), 9. Gary Wildin, 10. James Addis, 11. Julian Addis. Subs: 12. Richard Stevenson (for May, 66).

0-1 Ed Dawkins (7)
1-1 Adam Grinter (48)
1-2 Martin Reid (68)
2-2 Dan Webb (69)
3-2 Tom Knight (85)
4-2 Matthew Fowler (90+1)

Cards:
Patchway: none
Ellwood: none

Saturday 15th May 2010 (12-00 noon)

D.R.G. Stapleton 0 Brimscombe and Thrupp 3
Surridge Gloucestershire County League
At: Frenchay Park Road
Kick-off: 12-00 noon
Admission: none; Programme: £1
Attendance 43
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 46:10; second-half: 48:07


The first leg of a Cup Final day ‘double’ on the northern outskirts of Bristol went to true to form as Brimscombe and Thrupp recorded a 3-0 over hosts D.R.G. Stapleton. John Dalton scored either side of half-time in the 34th and 54th minutes to put the visitors in charge and substitute Luke Fletcher wrapped up the scoring with a late third goal. Brimscombe and Thrupp finish the Surridge Gloucestershire County League season in fifth position while D.R.G. will end up 10th or 11th depending on whether Kingswood win their final game. D.R.G.’s ground was located close to Frenchay Hospital on the B4058, less than a mile south of M32 Junction 1.

D.R.G. Stapleton (claret with sky blue sleeves): 1. Neil Hanson, 2. Matt Maynard, 3. Jason Thatcher, 4. Robert Selman, 5. John Henson, 6. Jordon Hazel, 7. Martin Nicholls (capt), 8. Dean Clarke, 9. Michael Tippins, 10. Leon Cozens, 11. Liam Powell. Subs: 12. George Robbins (not used), 14. Darren Werrett (for Tippins, 89), 15. Mike Saddler (for Powell, 59), 16. Femi Balogun (for Cozens, 80).

Brimscombe and Thrupp (blue/blue/blue): 1. Adam Thomas, 2. Jack Connon, 3. Louis Purse (capt), 4. Jonny Davis, 5. James Tubb, 6. Oliver Roberts, 7. Steve Bennett, 8. Matt Blythe, 9. Peter Smith, 10. Chris Underwood, 11. John Dalton. Subs: 12. Andy Neale (for Davis, 77), 14. Luke Fletcher (for Dalton, 73), 15. Aaron Boothe (not used), 16. Phil Baker (not used).

Referee: M Halford.
Assistants: M Kerfoot and M Dadds.

Goals:
0-1 John Dalton (34)
0-2 John Dalton (54)
0-3 Luke Fletcher (86)

Cards:
D.R.G.: John Henson (YC, 89)
B&T: Matt Blythe (YC, 70)

Saturday 8th May 2010

Yorkshire Main 4 FC Brimington 1
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division
At: Yorkshire Main Miners Welfare, Edlington Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: 50p (16 pages)
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:17; second-half: 48:05



Yorkshire Main finished the season on a high with an emphatic 4-1 victory over FC Brimington. Facing a side with squad numbers and names in their back of shirts, Main took the lead in the 27th minute through Steven Newton and should have quickly doubled it but Luke Hindsley fired a penalty wide. However, Hindsley made amends and became the ‘main man’ by bagging a hat-trick with goals in the 33rd, 72nd and 85th minutes. David Alder-Heaver scored a very late consolation for the visitors in the 86th minute. Yorkshire Main finished the season in fourth position in the Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division, moving ahead of Easington United who lost their final game at Bentley Colliery.

Yorkshire Main (claret/claret/claret): 1. James Kynston, 2. Kory Twigg, 3. Dave Tracey, 4. CJ Bryant, 15. Josh Ball, 6. Dan Jarvis (capt), 7. Ryan White, 8. Dan Turner, 9. Steven Newton, 16. Luke Hindsley, 11. Darren Bird. Subs: 12. Lloyd Moore (for Twigg, 50), 14. Josh Forbes (for Bryant, 68), 10. Liam Hanley (for Turner, 80).

FC Brimington (blue and black halves / blue / blue): 29. Adam Valente, 24. Kirk Bradshaw, 14. David Venn, 19. Simon Newton (capt), 21. Matthew Beavers, 8. Tom Fairweather, 22. Tom Simpson, 15. Edward Surplice, 5. Jonathan Bownes, 10. David Alder-Heaver, 4. John Tyrell. Sub: 3. Lloyd Brown (for Bradshaw, 62).

Referee: M Eyre (Lincoln).
Assistants: R Allen and K Davidson.

Goals
1-0 Steven Newton (27)
2-0 Luke Hindsley (33)
3-0 Luke Hindsley (72)
4-0 Luke Hindsley (85)
4-1 David Alder-Heaver (86)

Cards:
Yorkshire Main: Dan Turner (YC, 71), Luke Hindsley (YC, 86)
FCB: none

Thursday 6th May 2010

Littleton 0 Shirley Town 0
Midland Combination Division 1
At: Five Elms
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Admission: £1; Programme: none
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:00; second-half: 45:10



On General Election day, Littleton and Shirley Town provided the football equivalent of a ‘hung parliament' as neither side managed to find the net in this Midland Combination Division 1 game. None-the-less, the evening was anything but a dull ‘end of season’ affair with plenty of entertainment, commitment, goalscoring opportunities and refereeing controversy at a really friendly and welcoming club. Late arriving players meant Shirley started the game with nine men and didn’t have a full complement until the 13th minute. And the visitors finished with ten men as Luke Dugmore was sent off for two bookings. Five Acres is a serious candidate for a high position on my list of favourite grounds.


Littleton (red/white/red): 1. Daniel Edwards, 2. Connor Trotman, 3. Will Begg, 4. Adam Humphries, 5. Karl Scott, 6. Alex Baird, 7. Thomas Coley, 8. Tim Beattie (capt), 9. Simon Brain, 10. Joe McKeon, 11. Daniel Reeves. Subs: 12. John Gregory (not used), 14. Kevin Ingham (for Scott, 84), 15. Kays Sibanda (for McKeon, 78), 16. Dan Trotman (not used), 17. Grant Pinkney (for Reeves, 67).

Shirley Town (white/green/green): 1. Brett Clowes (capt), 2. David Price, 3. Shaun Farrell, 4. Liam Farrell, 5. Jayson Keane, 6. Steve Deccey, 7. Luke Dugmore, 8. Lee Dunkley, 9. Chris Chapman, 10. David Baxter, 11. James Brearley. Subs: 12. Richard Dugmore (not used), 14. Dean O’Sullivan (not used).

Referee: G Blackmore.
Assistants: M Imms and D Amor.

Goals:
None

Cards:
Littleton: Thomas Coley (YC, 22), Tim Beattie (YC, 38), Joe McKeon (YC, 45), Alex Baird (YC, 62)
Shirley: Luke Dugmore (YC, 24), Chris Chapman (YC, 37), Lee Dunkley (YC, 70), Luke Dugmore (YC/RC, 75)

Monday 3rd May 2010 (6-30 pm)

Stretton Eagles 3 Goldenhill Wanderers 1
Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division
At: Shobnall Road, Burton-on-Trent
Kick-off: 6-30 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: none
Attendance: 70 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells, cold wind
Duration: first-half: 45:27; second-half: 47:30


League leaders Stretton Eagles took a giant step towards securing the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division title with a 3-1 victory over Goldenhill Wanderers. In front of a sizable gathering of fellow football travellers, Stretton missed a host of chances before taking the lead in the 35th minute from the penalty spot. They scored a second four minutes after the restart through Goldenhill pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute. The points should have been secured long before Brent Upton restored Stretton’s two-goal advantage late in the game. Unusually for a non-league side outside the Blue Square Premier, Stretton used squad numbers so took the field with players wearing 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 19 and 30!

Monday 3rd May 2010 (3-00 pm)

Coventry Amateurs 1 Blackwood 2
Midland Combination Division 3
At: David Sinclair Goulding Sports Ground
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1-50 (12 pages)
Attendance: 30 (headcount)
Weather: showers and sunny spells, cold wind
Duration: first-half: 46:20; second-half: 45:51


This 3-00 pm kick-off was the first leg of a May Day Bank Holiday double. Blackwood, the new 2009/10 Midland Combination Division 3 champions, made it 25 wins out of 28 league games with a 2-1 victory over a lively Coventry Amateurs side who, 16 days ago, inflicted one of only two league defeats suffered all season by the table toppers. On an afternoon that had rain, hail, sunshine and a blustery cold crosswind, Blackwood took the lead with a comical own goal in the 13th minute. They made hard work of adding a second which didn’t come until the 84th minute and Coventry quickly pulled a goal back to make the final few minutes interesting. Blackwood’s attack was led by former Stafford Rangers reserve Ross Clarke.

Saturday 1st May 2010

Shirley Town 2 Fairfield Villa 1
Midland Combination Division 1
At: Tilehouse Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:04; second-half: 47:42



Shirley Town dented Fairfield Villa’s hopes of finishing top of the Midland Combination Division 1 with an unexpected 2-1 victory. Going into the game on the back of six straight defeats, Shirley took an early lead through James Brearley. Fairfield got back on level terms just before the hour mark when Lewis Cosgrove powered home a header. However, Chris Chapman regained the lead in the 78th minute and Shirley held on to claim the points.

Shirley Town (red/red/red): 1. Brett Clowes, 2. David Price, 3. Tom Martin, 4. Liam Farrell, 5. Shaun Farrell (capt), 6. Steve Deacey, 7. Lee Dunkley, 8. Gary Ross, 9. Chris Chapman, 10. David Baxter, 11. James Brearley. Subs: 12. Dean O’Sullivan (not used), 14. Jayson Keane (for Brearley, 68), 15. Luke Dugmore (not used), 16. David Dainty (not used).

Fairfield Villa (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Marc Rogers, 2. Lewis Cosgrove, 3. Andy Pike, 4. Spencer Hicks-Kenward, 5. Matthew Harris, 6. Scott Walsh (capt), 7. Paul Donnelly, 8. David Rousell, 9. Brendan Hicks, 10. Craig Cosgrove, 11. Darren Price. Subs: 12. Adam Guest (for Craig Cosgrove, 56), 14. Stephen Morgan (for Pike, 86), 15. Martin Townsend (for Rousell, 56), 16. Adam Davis (not used).

Referee: R Osbourne.
Assistants: B Haddock and J Bousfield.

Goals:
1-0 James Brearley (6)
1-1 Lewis Cosgrove (58)
2-1 Chris Chapman (78)

Cards:
Shirley: Lee Dunkley (YC, 47), Gary Ross (YC, 90+3)
Fairfield: none

Tuesday 27th April 2010

Black Country Rangers 5 Ettingshall Park Farm 0
West Midlands League Division 2
At: The Beeches, Packwood Road
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £2; Programme: none
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 46:18; second-half: 47:24



On what was a nostalgic trip for me to The Beeches, home of Tividale FC, groundsharers Black Country Rangers made full use of their game in hand to move three points clear at the top of the West Midlands League Division 2. They eased to a 5-0 victory over Ettingshall Park Farm, who will finish the season at the foot of the table. My previous visit to the ground was 22 years ago in April 1988 when Tividale lost 3-0 at home to Oldbury United. Rangers now visit second-placed Wem on Saturday with both sides having three games left.

Black Country Rangers (red/red/red): 1. Luke Tilt, 2. Doug Gould, 3. Adam Harris, 4. Richard Bailey (capt), 5. Danny Whitehouse, 6. Danny Smith, 7. Elliot Skelding, 8. Todd Warner, 9. Joshua McKenzie, 10. Jamie Hurdman, 11. Jason Chilton. Subs: 12. Scott Stevenson (for Bailey, 55), 14. Lee Cartwright (for Gould, 55), 15. Martyn Guest (for Warner, 67), 16. Russell Garner (not used).

Ettingshall Park Farm (white / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Aaron Morris, 2. Simon Wynne, 3. Richard Lewis, 4. Amil Salman, 5. Shaun Davies, 6. Matthew Clayworth, 7. Lee Hayward (capt), 8. Ben Pitt, 9. Steve Hill, 10. Leon Davis, 11. Gavin Caw. Subs: 12. Daniel Moulton (for Davies, 35), 14. Phil Brown (for Caw, 61), 15. Ian Boden (not used).

Goals:
1-0 Todd Warner (12)
2-0 Richard Bailey (23)
3-0 Scott Stevenson (60)
4-0 Joshua McKenzie (72)
5-0 Martyn Guest (80)

Cards:
Black Country: none
Ettingshall: none

Saturday 24th April 2010

Silsden 2 Winsford United 1
Vodkat League Premier Division
At: Cougar Park
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (44 pages)
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 120
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:14; second-half: 48:10



Silsden AFC brought the curtain down on their 6½ spell at Cougar Park with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Winsford United in the Vodkat League Premier Division. After a goalless first half, Andy Kinsey put the visitors ahead within two minutes of the restart and they held the lead until Scott Henson headed in a 78th minute equaliser. In a fitting end to their 170th and final competitive game at the home of Keighley RLFC, Silsden grabbed an 86th-minute winner though it did come courtesy of an own goal from the unfortunate Steve Capper.

Because I didn’t trust the M6 – 10 minute delay indicated between junctions 15 and 16 – I left the motorway at the earliest opportunity and took an interesting route via Congleton, Alderley Edge, around the M60 through Stockport, past Chadderton’s ground before travelling through Rochdale, Littleborough, Hebden Bridge and Oxenhope.

Finally arriving in Keighley around 2-15 pm, I found the ground entrance on Royd Ings Road after a bit on panic over not finding it on the main A650.

The ground was an impressive Rugby League venue with large stand, containing bench seating down the right-hand touchline with a covered terrace, named the North Stand, behind the near goal. Down the left-hand touchline and behind the far goal were substantial uncovered terraces named the East Terrace and South Terrace.

Though the first-ever Silsden AFC was founded in 1904, the present-day side results from the reforming of a Saturday side in 1996. Progressing through the Craven and District League and West Ridling County Amateur League, the club joined the North-West Counties League in 2004. They gained promotion to Division 1, now titled Premier Division, at the first attempt and the current 2009/10 season is their fifth consecutive in the top division.

Teams were announced over the tannoy and the announcer pointed out that two Silsden players – Martin Foulger and Michael Rosser – had indeed started the first game at Cougar Park back in March 2003, a 2-2 against Bay Athletic in the West Riding County Amateur League.

Both sides went into the game in the lower half of the table with Silsden (40 points from 38 games) in 16th position. However, Winsford (19th position with 33 points from 36 games) still had relegation troubles though with games in hand to pick a few more points to secure their Premier Division status for next season.

Winsford got the game underway attacking the South Terrace end in the first half. Chances were scare during the opening 20 minutes. Then Jordan Barker turned on the edge of the Winsford area and hit a fierce left-foot shot which Jason Astbury tipped over.

Just after the half-hour mark. Lewis Barker hit a rising 25-yard shot which didn’t miss the target by much. One supporter shouted “yes” as the ball headed towards goal, expecting the back of the net to bulge.

Silsden skipper Chris Simpson went even closer to breaking the deadlock in the 44th minute when he thumped a volley against the bar.

After one supporter sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for someone in the crowd called ‘Matthew’, Winsford took the lead just 65 seconds after the resumption. Andy Kinsey, who I remember playing for Newcastle Town last season, fired an angled shot across goal into the far top-right corner of the net. I revealed the time on my Golden Goal ticket. Alas I had ‘34’ and not the required ‘46’.

Raffle tickets were sold during the first half with two prizes on offer. The winning numbers were 700 and 707 – agonisingly close to my 713 ticket.

Back to the action and Silsden’s quest for an equaliser. Astbury produced a couple of decent saves, first to parry a well-struck 25-yard shot from Simpson and then to keep out another shot from Daniel Riley.

Micahel Rosser, who had played in Silsden’s first game at Cougar Park, had the honour of being the last substitute to come on.

Eventually Silsden levelled things up in the 78th minute. Barker delivered a right-wing corner and Scott Hanson rose to head home from 6 yards out.

I felt a fitting finalĂ© would be a Silsden winner and that was the way things turned out in the 86th minute. Makeshift Winsford defender Steven Capper deflected Rosser’s left-wing cross into his own net under pressure from Riley. “Second goal for Silsden scored by OG,” came the announcement on the tannoy.

The victory turned out to be Silsden 100th in the North-West Counties League.

With the Cougar Park era over, Silsden can now look forward to playing home first-team games back in their own village at an upgraded Keighley Road ground.

Tuesday 20th April 2010

Hampton 1 Feckenham 0
Midland Combination Division 2
At: Field Lane
Kick-off: 6-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 35 (headcount)
Weather: sunny, strong cold wind
Duration: first-half: 45:24; second-half: 48:25



In my third consecutive game involving Feckenham, title favourites Hampton kept up the pressure on the Midland Combination Division 2 leaders by emerging from a tense game with a narrow home 1-0 victory. Scott Morrison scored with winner with a spectacular strike in the 72nd minute on a sunny-but-cold evening at the Hampton Sports Club, located a couple of miles south of Birmingham Airport on Field Lane. Hampton now trail leaders Kenilworth Town K. H. by just 11 points with five games in hand.

Hampton (red/black/red): 1. Ali Lewis, 2. Luke Donaghy, 3. Steve Brittain, 4. John Collins, 5. Liam Mansell (capt), 6. Scott Mansell, 7. Phil Morris, 8. Steven Parish, 9. Scott Morrison, 10. Gareth Parfitt, 11. Jamie Williams. Subs: 12. Thomas Boswell (for Parish, 61), 14. Nickie Hanlon (for Morris, 78), 15. Chris Chamberlain, 16. Luke Hollingsworth, 17. Ryan Miller.

Feckenham (green and white stripes / white / white): 1. Wayne Bradshaw, 2. Nigel Adams, 3. Ashley Bunn, 4. Gavin Barrett, 5. Steve Taylor, 6. David Edwards, 7. James Burke (capt), 8. Adam Hill, 9. Tony Wakefield, 10. Karl Surman, 11. Danny Janes. Subs: 12. Craig Frampton (for Hill, 84), 14. Ben White (for Surman, 83), 15. Ian Heppinstall (not used), 16. Chris Edwards (not used), 17. Matthew Cooke (for Wakefield, 68)

Referee: P Sudbury.
Assistants: P Lycett and S Chalkley.

Goals
1-0 Scott Morrison (72)

Cards:
Hampton: Steven Parish (YC, 39), John Collins (YC, 90)
Feckenham: Tony Wakefild (YC, 21), David Edwards (YC, 90)

Saturday 17th April 2010

AFC Smethwick 5 Feckenham 1
Midland Combination Division 2
At: Holly Lane
Admission: none; Programme: none
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 11 (headcount)
Weather: hot and sunny
Duration: first-half: 49:02; second-half: 49:19



After Feckenham took the points on Thursday, AFC Smethwick came out convincing winners in today’s return Midland Combination Division 2 fixture at their Holly Lane ground in Erdington. On a hot and sunny afternoon, Feckenham again gained an early lead but AFC Smethwick bounced back to net five unanswered goals. With hurling being played on a neighbouring pitch over the other side of the fence, it was good to watch the football in the company of Mike Greaves, Andy Dakin and another north-west-based traveller with his dog and son.

Thursday 15th April 2010

Feckenham 2 AFC Smethwick 0
Midland Combination Division 2
At: Mill Lane
Admission: none; Programme: £1
Kick-off: 6-20 pm (delayed until 6-35 pm)
Attendance: 23 (headcount)
Weather: cloudy, dry
Duration: first-half: 46:35; second-half: 45:00


Feckenham scored a goal in each half against AFC Smethwick to keep their faint hopes of winning Midland Combination Division 2 alive. The visitors played the first 21 minutes with 10 men, before the late-arriving goalkeeper took the field, and Feckenham took an early lead during this time. The points were secured with a 70th minute second goal and the game finished in very gloomy light due to a late kick-off. My delayed journey and difficulty in finding the ground entrance meant no pre-match photos of what was a picturesque village near Redditch. Also, it was good to watch the game in the company for Facebook friend Laurence and a couple of other fellow football travellers. The teams meet again in two days time on Saturday in the return fixture.

Feckenham (green and white stripes / black / green): 1. Wayne Bradshaw, 2. Ashley Bunn, 3. Craig Frampton, 4. Nigel Adams, 5. Chris Edwards, 6. David Edwards, 7. James Burke (capt), 8. Adam Hill, 9. Luke James, 10. Karl Surman, 11. Danny Janes. Subs: 12. Nick Rumbold (not used), 14. Tony Wakefield (for James, 60), 15. Ian Heppinstall (for Bunn, 78), 16. Gavin Barrett (not used), 17. Ben White (for Surman, 78).

AFC Smethwick (blue/blue/blue): 1. Sandip Bains, 2. Rajwant Sangha, 3. Jughoham Gill, 4. Manfrit Sahota (capt), 5. Bobbwinder Nahal, 6. Jaspal Singh, 7. Kam Sidhu, 8. Daninder Sangha, 9. Sandip Leeba, 10. Ricky Sandhu, 11. Darshan Ram. Subs: 14. Kieran Laig (not used), 15. Nathan Gill (for Leeba, 79).

Referee: B Taylor.
Assistants: G Blackmore and D Amor.

Goals:
1-0 Adam Hill (6)
2-0 David Edwards (70)

Cards:
Feckenham: Luke James (YC, 50)
AFC Smethwick: Rajwant Sangha (YC, 53), Manfrit Sahota (YC, 76)

Saturday 10th April 2010

Axminster Town 1 Exeter Civil Service 2
Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Division 1 East
At: Sector Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £3 including 32 page programme
Attendance: 35 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:35; second-half: 51:36


On the first Spring-like Saturday of the year, Axminster’s miserable current run of form continued with a fifth straight defeat. All the goals were scored during the opening 14 minutes with visitors Exeter Civil Service taking an early two-goal lead before the home side pulled a goal back from a penalty.

Axminster Town (black and amber stripes / black / amber): 1. Chris Higgs, 2. Mike Hancock, 3. Andy Gage, 4. Leo McGuire, 15. Leigh Beer, 6. Danny Galloway (capt), 7. Ollie Highet, 8. Alex Wheatley, 9. Mark Hancock, 10. Tom Vincent, 11. Scott Burrough. Subs: 12. Ben Vine (for Highet, 34), 16. Richard Challis (for Burrough, 70).

Exeter Civil Service (purple/white/white): 1. Liam Jones, 2. Stuart Francis, 3. Chris Clarke, 4. Steve May, 5. Lee Atkins, 6. Brett Wright, 7. David Wilkes (capt), 8. Johnny Holding, 9. Darren Bingham, 10. Adam Jason-Ryan, 11. Sam Brunt. Subs: 12. Matt Byrne (for May, 74), 14. Nick Coles (not used), 15. Scott Marshall (not used), 16. Neil Saunders (for Holding, 88), 17. Kevin Smith (not used).

Referee: Ioan Ignat.
Club linesmen: Stuart Dickson and Andy Jane.

Goals:
0-1 Steve May (4)
0-2 Johnny Holding (8)
1-2 Alex Wheatley (14 pen)

Cards:
Axminster: Alex Wheatley (YC, 59)
Exeter CS: Lee Atkins (YC, 33), Johnny Holding (YC, 78), Darren Bingham (YC, 89)

Thursday 8th April 2010

Continental Star 0 Heather St Johns 4
Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Dales Lane
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5 including 16 page programme
Attendance: 37
Weather: mild, dry, cooling breeze
Duration: first-half: 46:35; second-half: 46:56


Heather St Johns eased to the victory they required to move one-point clear of Castle Vale at the top of the Midland Combination Premier League table with six games remaining. They scored three of their four goals during the first half of the game played at Rushall Olympic’s Dales Lane ground which Continental Star share.

Continental Star (yellow / bluer / navy blue): 1. Daniel Baynham, 2. Daniel Moses, 3. Chinua Tempe, 4. Tony Green, 5. Nathanial Gray, 6. Sean Burrell, 7. Aaron Moses, 8. Joshua O’Garro (capt), 9. Azi O’Garro, 10. James Reid, 11. Antony Barker. Subs: 12. Jordon Willock (for Gray, 34), 14. Julian Salman (for Barker, 73), 15, Allondo Davis (for Tempe, 16), 16. Franklyn Hazell (not used), 17. Damen Green (not used).

Heather St Johns (white/white/white): 1. Tom Gutteridge, 2. Ryan Evans, 3. Mitchell Jordan, 4. Jonathan Mills, 5. Ryan Jarvis (capt), 6. Ashley Spencer, 7. Andy Spencer, 8. Lee Taylorson, 9. Matt Moore, 10. Mitch Piggon, 11. Chris Waldrum. Subs: 12. Jack Robinson (not used), 13. Jamie Brassington (not used), 14. Danny Quinn (for Waldrum, 61), 15. Ryan Pearce (for Taylorson, 69), 16. James Fisher (for Andy Spencer, 79).

Referee: Richard Gould.
Assistants: Dale Evans and Bryam Heath.

Goals:
0-1 Mitch Piggon (24)
0-2 Andy Spencer (28)
0-3 Chris Waldrum (43)
0-4 Andy Spencer (53)

Cards:
Continental Star: Reid (YC, 85)
Heather: none

Monday 5th April 2010 (3-00 pm)

Tooting & Mitcham United 2 Carshalton Athletic 2
Ryman League Premier League
At: Imperial Fields
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £10; Programme: £2 (52 pages)
Weather: cloudy, sunny spells
Attendance: 528
Duration: first-half: 46:05; second-half: 49:06


On paper, the trip from Laleham to Mitcham was doable even with traffic though lengthy queues through queues on the road between Kempton Park and Hampton Court made me wonder if I’d make it. In the end, I got to Imperials Fields with 10 minutes to spare. The game and ground made the trip worthwhile.

In a classic game of two halves, relegation-threatened Carshalton took a two-goal lead before the interval, only for Tooting’s leading scorer Paul Vines to score twice after the break to earn his side a point.

The stadium, opened in 2002 on the site of a former Crystal Palace training ground, was impressive with a large 612-seat stand and substantial terracing behind each goal.

Tooting & Mitcham United (black and white stripes / black / red): 1. Dave King, 2. Dean Hamlin, 3. Andrew Howell, 4. Michael Nelson, 5. Joe Vines (capt), 6. Matt York, 7. Allan McLeod, 8. Colin Hartburn, 9. Paul Vines, 10. Simon Parker, 11. Jason Henry. Subs: 12. Sam Clayton (for Parker, 82), 14. Mike Heverin (not used), 15. Tom Graves (not used), 16. Jason Pinnock (not used), 17. Adam Fletcher (not used).

Carshalton Athletic (maroon / maroon / sky blue): 1. Nick Hamann, 2. David Ray (capt), 3. Rob Watkins, 4. Karl Murray, 5. Lewis Gonsalves, 6. Adrian Toppin, 7. Barry Stevens, 8. Tommy Williams, 9. Byron Harrison, 10. Richard Jolly, 11. Ricardo Joseph. Subs: 12. Palayo Gomez (for Harrison, 79), 15. Rashid Kamara (not used), 16. Justyn Roberts (not used), 17. Luke Badari (not used).

Referee: Graham Kane.
Assistants: Shaun Fletcher and Simon Griffiths.

Goals
0-1 Richard Jolly (6)
0-2 David Ray (30)
1-2 Paul Vines (55)
2-2 Paul Vines (85)

Cards:
Tooting: Michael Nelson (YC, 18), Dave Hamlin (YC, 66), Allan McLeod (YC, 74)
Carshalton: Richard Jolly (YC, 66)

Monday 5th April 2010 (11-30 am)

Staines Lammas 4 CB Hounslow United 1
Combined Counties League Division 1
At: Laleham Recreation Ground
Kick-off: 11-30 pm
Admission: £5 including 56 page programme
Attendance: 25 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells, blustery wind
Duration: first-half: 45:24; second-half: 48:08


After dropping the family off at Hillingdon tube station for their day in Central London, I made my way round the M25 to the village of Laleham, a mile or so south-east of Staines. This was the first leg of a Bank Holiday ‘double’ and, coincidently, one of the few remaining home league game for the Staines Lammas first team at the Laleham Recreation Ground before a groundshare at Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC commences next season.

Going into the game in second position, one point behind leaders Worcester Park, Lammas found the opponents CB Hounslow United, uneven pitch and wind all difficult to cope with, particularly during a scrappy first half. They gained a single goal advantage before half-time and upped their performance after the break to gain with a 4-1 victory.

Staines Lammas (blue/blue/blue): 1. Dan Fox, 2.Jamie Redrup, 3. Adam Ridley, 4. Ben Whatford, 5. Lawrence Munns (capt), 6. Chris Bullen, 7. Ben Jacob, 8. Chris Baker, 9. Jamie Smithers, 10. James Stanford, 11. Ryan Copeland. Subs: 12. Lee Henson (for Copeland, 65), 14. Robbie Sitch (for Bullen, 73), 17. Calem Eaves (for Stanford, 84).

CB Hounslow United (mustard/black/black): 1. Andy Smith, 2. Mark Peters, 3. Darren Putman, 4. Andrew Stirling, 5. Ryan Joseph, 6. Wayne Phillips, 7. Karl Powell, 8. Gary Franklin (capt), 9. Andrew Whitham, 10. Jerome Edwards, 11. Mesi Olabi. Subs: 12. Carl Phillips (for Whitham), 14. Rob Mack (for Olabi, 68), 15. Nathan Rose (for Stirling, 56).

Referee: Colin Readett.
Assistants: Geoff Knock and Ahmad Rafique.

Goals:
1-0 James Stanford (35)
2-0 Adam Ridley (56)
3-0 Ben Whatford (67)
3-1 Gary Franklin (83 pen)
4-1 Robbie Sitch (85)

Cards:
Staines: Dan Fox (YC, 83)
CB: Mark Peters (YC, 34), Ryan Joseph (YC, 56), Wayne Phillips (YC, 81)

Saturday 3rd April 2010

Rothwell Corinthians 2 Stotfold 5
Hereward United Counties League Premier Division
At: Seargeant's Lawn, Desborough Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4 including 20-page programme
Attendance: 35 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells, showers towards the end
Duration: first-half: 47:32; second-half: 51:19


Having beaten Rothwell Corinthians 7-2 at home last Saturday, Stotfold recorded a ‘double’ with another substantial victory against the Premier Division’s bottom club. Corries actually took an early lead but Stotfold hit back hold a 3-1 advantage at the interval. Two further goals put the visitors out of sight and Rothwell netted a late consolation goal.

Rothwell Corinthians (red/black/red): 1. Paul McKay, 2. Tom Johnson, 3. Anthony Farrell, 4. Lee Deakin, 5. Nikolay Shterev, 6. Russell Escritt, 7. Ben Johnson (capt), 8. Eris Okoeguale, 9. Bobby Drain, 10. Sam Johnson, 11. Dean Murray. Subs: 12. Paul Cox (not used), 14. Ryan Cottingham (for Murray, 70), 15. Michael Harman (for Farrell, 78), 16. Chawa Chinkhumba (for Sam Johnson, 74), 21gk. Callum Leach (not used).

Stotfold (blue and white hoops / blue / blue): 1. Steve Young, 2. Andy Carter, 3. Ryan Ellis, 4. Mark Bryant (capt), 5. Michael Payne, 6. Shane Brown, 7. Louis Taylor, 8. Stuart Lochhead, 9. George Brinkman, 10. Josh Bickerstaff, 11. Paul Garrett. Subs: 12. James Peters (for Garret, 74), 14. Joe Philbin (for Carter, 59).

Referee: M Gospel.
Assistants: J Crook and D Hanna.

Goals
1-0 Anthony Farrell (6)
1-1 Paul Garrett (10)
1-2 Paul Garrett (17)
1-3 George Brinkman (22)
1-4 Louis Taylor (47)
1-5 Stuart Lochhead (61)
2-5 Chawa Chinkhumba (90)

Cards:
Rothwell: Bobby Drain (YC, 50), Tom Johnson (YC, 55), coach (sent from dugout, 62), Michael Harman (YC, 65)
Stotfold: Michael Payne (YC, 16)

Wednesday 31st March 2010

G.S.A. Sports 0 Heath Hayes 5
Midland Combination Premier Division
At: Abbey Park Stadium, Bloxwich
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 15
Weather: cold, showers, snow
Duration: first-half: 46:26; second-half: 46:06


G.S.A. Sports (red/red/red): 1. Sandip Dhesi, 2. Joshua Noah, 3. Nicolas Lamonte, 4. Marcus King, 5. Aldin Kahriman, 6. Shaun Watson, 7. Sunny Dulai, 8. Adrian Neil (capt), 9. Andre Tullock, 10. Chris Hanson, 11. Hardip Kainth. Subs: 12. Gurminder Avejla (for King, 65), 14. Jasvinder Sira (not used), 15. Delton Francis (not used).

Heath Hayes (blue and white stripes with blue sleeves / blue / white): 1. Adam Lane, 2. Leigh Bevan, 3. Karl Wallis, 4. Peter Howell, 5. James Jones (capt), 6. Tom Baggott, 7. Ashley Perry, 8. Andrew Davis, 9. David Waple, 10. Ben Haseley, 11. Chris Deakin. Subs: 12. Andrew Tuck (not used), 13gk. Adam Braddock (not used), 14. James Barber (for Howell, 62), 15. Alan Haycock (for Waple, 74), 16. Shaun Eatly (for Perry, 77).

Referee: Richard Price.
Assistants: Stuart Winton and Phil Dawes.

Goals:
0-1 Ben Haseley (51)
0-2 David Waple (54)
0-3 Alan Haycock (76)
0-4 Ben Haseley (80)
0-5 Alan Haycock (87)

Cards:
G. S. A.: Chris Hanson (YC, 41), Nicolas Lamonte (YC, 73)
Heath Hayes: Tom Baggott (YC, 7)