Street 0 Brislington 0

Tuesday 12th August 2008
Street 0 Brislington 0
Toolstation League Premier Division
At: Tannery Ground
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: £5 including 36 page programme
Attendance: 84
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:22; second-half: 45:55

Following opening day defeats, Street and Brislington both gained their points of the season but are still searching for their first goal.

This was almost the game that never was for me. I'm sure I wouldn't have made it to the Tannery Gound without the benefit of the borrowed SatNav. I wasn't the case that I got lost but the expected arrival time gave me confidence that I could make kick-off without breaking the speed limits. In mid-afternoon, prospects weren't good as we were still in Avebury (famous for its ancient stones, etc). I had to get back to the mother-in-law's house to drop off the family before continuing to Street. Thankfully I made it with half an hour to spare!

Street's Tannery Ground is straight-forward to find. I approached the town on the A39 from M5 Junction 23. After hitting the outskirts of the town, turn right at the lights into Brooke Street and follow this road until a left turn into Middle Brooks. The ground entrance is on the left. Proceed up the drive and there is car parking near the ground on the right.

The stadium has plenty of greenery around which fits in well with Street's club colours of green and white. The main pitch is orientated just about north-south with the entrance on the eastern side. On this near touchline is an area of covered standing either side of the halfway line. To the right is another small seated stand. On the opposite touchline stretching up from the left-hand corner is another seated stand containing individual green tip-up seats (from where I watched the game).

The programme editorial, ‘A Load of Cobblers’, mentioned that ‘there has been a lot going on as a new net has been erected behind the goal and the whole campus has had a lick of paint and a general smartening up’. Street are nicknamed ‘The Cobblers’!

In Saturday’s opening fixtures, Street lost 2-0 at Bitton while Brislington went down 1-0 at home to Melksham Town.

The first attempt to get the game under way was deemed a 'false start'. Brislington (in red and black stripes) got the game underway attacking the goal with the second pitch behind.

Street created the first decent chance in the 6th minute when Nick Yeo produced a decent diving save to turn round Chris Sheard’s deflected shot. Defender Ben Amghar headed wide from the resulting corner.

The visitors went even closer just after the quarter-hour mark. Kye Mountford’s 30-yard free-kick thumped against the bar and must have taken a touch off a defender on the way.

A nice move involving Tod Winter, Hiroli Adnan and Danny Guibarra almost provided Brislington with a breakthrough but Adnan’s shot went wide of the target.

With the floodlights now on, The Cobblers made a positive start to the second half. John Cox fired over the bar from the edge of the area and saw effort deflected wide at the expense of a corner.

As they had done in the first, Brislington again hit the woodwork just after the hour mark. Tom Godsell ran into head Charlie Rich’s corner against the top of the bar.

“We need a goal,” shouted someone in the crowd.

The Street bench provided some encouragement as well: “Concentration, belief, it is there for you”.

As full time approached, Brendan Dix kept his side in contention with a good save to hold on to Guibarra’s 15-yard left foot shot.

Street thought they’d won the game in the 87th minute, only to disappointed when Craig Thomas had the ball in the net, only for striker Dave Pearce to be flagged offside.

Street (green with white sleeves / white /white): 1. Brendan Dix, 2. Craig Thomas, 3. Ollie Walby, 4. Danny Milner (capt), 5. Tom Clifford-Jones, 6. Ben Amghar, 7. John Cox, 8. Chris Sheard, 9. Dave Pearce, 10. Kye Palmer, 11. Lewis Lambert. Subs: 12. Jack Malone (not used), 14. Luke Dovey (for Sheard, 87), 15. Martin Pople (not used), 16. Dave Pople (not used).

Brislington (red and black stripes / black / red): 1. Nick Yeo, 2. Sam Williams, 3. Charlie Rich, 4. Danny Barhood, 5. Tom Godsell, 6. James Peart, 7. Mark Chaffey (capt), 8. Kye Mountford, 9. Hiroli Adnan, 10. Danny Guibarra, 11. Tod Winter. Subs: 12. Mark Twentyman (for Chaffey, 78), 14. Paul Lucas (for Adnan, 82), 15. Clarke Thomas (for Winter, 82).

Referee: R. Gillard.
Assistants: C. Brokenshaw and T. Richardson.

Goals: none

Cards:
Street: Ollie Walby (YC, 57), Chris Sheard (YC, 83)
Brislington: none

Hawkchurch 0 Millwey Rise 1

Monday 11th August 2008
Hawkchurch 0 Millwey Rise 1
Chard Hospital Cup First Round
At: Hawkchurch Playing Field
Attendance: 15 (headcount)
Weather: mild, sunny spells


The Chard Hospital Cup is a prequel to the Perry Street League season and the game at Hawkchurch, located in east Devon between Axminster and Chard, was one of five first round ties due to be played this evening. The added interest in this tie was the fact it was a true local derby as the respective grounds of Hawkchurch and Millwey Rise are less than three miles apart as the crow flies. Both sides appeared to know each other (and the referee as well) so the game was staged a true harmonious atmosphere both on and off the field.

Both sides played in Division 2 last season but Hawkchurch now find themselves in Division 3 following relegation. The year of 2008 is a significant year for the visitors Millwey Rise as their manager told me they are celebrating their 50th anniversary, which photos on their website show was marked with a party back in May.

The Hawkchurch Playing Field is a basic rural venue with views of the hills to the north and of the prominent Stockland Hill transmitter. It is located up the hill from the Old Inn on Hawkchurch Road and next to the Hawkchurch C of E Primary School. The pitch, orientated north-east to south-west, is located at the bottom end of the pitch. At the top about 30 yards from the pitch is the changing room block which has a porch that will provide a sheltered vantage point in wet weather. According to a plaque, the ground was opened by M. V. Spurway Esq on 3rd July 1982. I wonder if he was Michael Vivian Spurway, the 1920s Somerset cricketer (www.cricinfo.com)? No admission was taken nor was a programme issued.

It was visitors Millwey Rise who progressed to an away second round tie against either Forton Rangers or Beaminster thanks to a narrow victory earned by Mark Jenkins’ 35th-minute winner.

The 1-0 defeat could be regarded as progress and encouragement for Hawkchurch as last season they apparently lost league games against Millwey by 7-0 and 6-1 scorelines. That’s what I overheard.
Hawkchurch (white shirts with green centre stripe / black / white): 1. Ashley Raison, 2. Dan Morley, 3, Lee Herrod, 4. Jamie Litton, 12. Martin Bright (capt), 6. Simon Herrod, 7. Rob Harding, 8. Simon Forsey, 9. Ryan Bearpark, 10. Edd Rabbetts, 11. Mark Herrod. Subs: 15. Joe Carter (for Morley, ht), 14. Marcus Bearpark (for Bright, 56), 2. Adrian Stonebridge (for R. Bearpark, 83)

Millwey Rise (navy blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Nick Tregale, 2. Peter Hall, 3. Brian Perryman, 4. Matthew Hall, 5. Shane Featerstone (capt), 6. Paul Otreba, 7. Callum Garrett, 8. Oliver Bailache, 9. Gary Venn, 10. Mark Jenkins, 11. Matthew Preece. Subs: 16. Ashley Hall (for Bailache, 59), 12. Keith Forsey (for Otreba, 75), x. Luke Garrett (not used)

Referee: Bob Brunt
Attendance: 15 (headcount)

Dinnington Town 0 Liversedge 4

Saturday 9th August 2008
Dinnington Town 0 Liversedge 4
Kool Sport Northern Counties East League Premier Division at Phoenix Park
Attendance: 114
Weather: showers and sun



The 2008/09 season is a momentous one for Dinnington Town. It is their centenary season and they will compete in the Premier Division of the Kool Sport Northern Counties East League for the first time, following two tremendous promotions in three seasons. However, the result of this opening fixture didn’t quite go to script as visitors Liversedge won with two goals in each half.

Though Dinnington Town was founded in 2000, football in the town dated back to 1908 with the Dinnington Main entered the Hartland Cup League. A number of Dinnington teams followed before the present club was formed and joined the Central Midlands League. After two season in the Premier Division they moved up to the higher Supreme Division for the start of the 2002/03 season and soon after they moved to the current ground. They were Supreme Division runners-up for the consecutive seasons between 2003 and 2006 and gained promotion to the Northern Counties East League in 2006. Dinnington finished their first season in ninth in Division One and last season finished as Champions to gain promotion into the Premier Division.

Though the rain made the drive up the A38 and M1 not to pleasant, I found the ground relatively easily. From M1 Junction 31, follow A57 towards Worksop before turning left (B6463) at the lights by the Red Lion Inn. Continue along the B6463, ignoring any left turns to Dinnington, until the roundabout by the Jet garage and Monk’s Bridge Farm pub. Take the B6060 (signed Dinnington and Anston), then turn left into what is the continuation of Outgang Lane and the ground is on the left by the Resource Centre. There is a car park. For public transport, there is a stop opposite which has a timetable for buses to/from Worksop (18, 19, 19A, 19B) and Rotherham (23) but I did also spot a 23A (Sheffield) going south down Laughton Road.

Emerging through the turnstile where programmes were sold (£1), the ground is orientated north-south. The entrance is around half-way and on this near side are two areas of covered standing (each with a bench) spaced out one in each half as well as a tea bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. Behind the right-hand touchline is a seated stand containing about 60 black tip-up seats in three rows. Teams were announced over the tannoy as the teams entered the field.

There was quite a bit to read in the 28-page programme. Inside the predominantly yellow cover showing last season's team celebrating the Division One title, there were pen picture and a history from both sides, clubs news and several other interesting features like a quick quiz. 'Town Talk' mentioned several members of last season’s squad had left the club and several current players had picked up injuries in pre-season.

With Dinnington choosing to attack the bowling green end of Phoenix Park, Liversedge got the game under way and opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Dale Wright delivered a free-kick from the right into a populated area and defender Steve Hollingworth glanced a header into the bottom left corner of the net.

The game started in drizzle and home fans vocally encouraged their team: "C'Mon Town" and "Get it in't box" were the cries from the sidelines.

Midway through the first half, Town unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty when Liam Cartledge went down inside the area. The home side almost levelled in the 27th minute. Michael Blythen found Cartledge on the left who crossed into the area. Gavin Allott got in a close-range header which Liversedge keeper Lee Ashforth managed to hold.

Mark Toyne pushed over a long-range dipping punt forward by Wright but arguably could have done better to prevent the visitors doubling their advantage in the 39th minute. The keeper failed to hold Chris Hanley’s long-range drive and Luke Sheridan slotted home the loose ball.

I watched most of the first half from underneath the covered terrace but moved to the pitch barrier before the interval. A blustery wind became evident which wasn't noticeable at all in my previous protected standing position.

Moments before the half-time whistle, Matt Haigh limped off and was replaced at the start of the second half.

The games resumed in sunshine and Dinnington looked to put Liversedge under pressure; David Frederick headed wide at the near post.

Being close to Sheffield it was no surprise that the fortunes of The Owls were being followed. One fan shouted to another: "4-1 our lads, Wednesday!"

Midway through the second half, Dinnington twice went close again. Cartledge first fired at the keeper from six yards and sent the rebound against the left-hand post. Soon after Allott drove across the face of goal and wide of the far right post. Allott got in another shot a few minutes later which was scrambled clear by the visitors.

Having used all three subs, Dinnington were reduced to ten men in the 75th minute. Gary Hibbert was unable to continue after being caught by a stiff challenge from Sherman who saw 'yellow' but home fans demanded a harsher punishment. Play had barely resumed when Sherman got into the Town area and slotted past the helpless keeper to make it 3-0.

Dinnington’s bad luck continued when keeper Toyne had to be helped off following lengthy treatment for what looked like a bad bought of cramp. Allott took over the gloves but hadn’t touched the ball when Jermaine Moyce fired into the bottom left corner in the fifth minute of injury time after good work by Graham Sides.

Dinnington Town (yellow and black stripes / black / black): 1. Mark Toyne, 2, Brad Elam (capt), 3. Matt Smith, 4. Jozef Hutnik, 5. Gary Hibbert, 6. Matt Haigh, 7. Danny Lindley, 8. Simon Mirfin, 9. Gavin Allott, 10. Liam Cartledge, 11. Michael Blythen. Subs: 12. David Frederick (for Haigh, ht), 14. Tom Stubbs (for Smith, 57), 15, Doc Roslin (for Cartledge, 70).

Liversedge (sky blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Lee Ashworth, 2. Jon Hague, 3. Dale Wright, 4. Steve Hollingsworth, 5. Darryl Leach (capt), 6. Paul Smith, 7. Dave Boardman, 8. Luke Caulfield, 9. Luke Sherman, 10. Chris Hanley, 11. James Corborough. Subs: 12. Jermaine Moyce (for Caulfield, 68), 14. Graham Sides (for Hague, 70), 15. Craig Sheridan (for Boardman, 70).

Referee: P. I. Thompson.
Assistants: K. Marchant and L. Snodden.

Goals:
0-1 Steve Hollingsworth (4)
0-2 Luke Sherman (39)
0-3 Luke Sherman (79)
0-4 Jermaine Moyce (90+5)

Cards: Dinnington: Michael Blythen (YC, 84)
Liversedge: Luke Sherman (YC, 75)

Buxton 1 Shrewsbury Town 3

Tuesday 5th August 2008
Buxton 1 Shrewsbury Town 3
Pre-Season Friendly
At: The Silverlands
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1
Attendance: 200 (estimate)
Weather: showers
Duration: first-half: 45:18; second-half: 45:20

Listed amongst the football grounds I have previously visited prior to the end of my education, there aren’t that many I’ve not been back to – Hull City’s former Boothferry Park home, Elland Road and The Silverlands to name three off the top of my head. So after perusing The Football Traveller’s pre-season list and checking respective club websites, I set off to make my second visit to Buxton FC’s home, almost 23 years after the first.

My first trip was as a final-year student at what was known as Sheffield Poly for a midweek game on Tuesday 9th October 1984 in the Northern Premier League between Buxton and Stafford Rangers. A single goal from Chris Arnot gave Stafford a 1-0 that dark evening before returning by train which involved walking between New Mills Newton and New Mills Central stations to catch a late train back to Sheffield.

After 1984, the fortunes of Buxton went up and down, and they found eventually themselves in the Northern Counties East League from 1998/99 until gaining promotion back to the Unibond League as champions in 2005/06. They won the Unibond League Division One title at the first attempt in 2006/07 and last season, their first back in the Premier Division for ten years, saw Buxton lose a promotion play-off final to Gateshead and narrowly miss out on a place in Blue Square North.

Enough of the reminiscing, the opposition in this 2008/09 pre-season friendly, Shrewsbury Town, had the added interest of seeing two former Stafford players in action – Chris Humphrey and ace goalscorer Guy Madjo – as well as the commanding former Kidderminster Harriers keeper Scott Bevan. Guy was Stafford’s leading scorer in 2006/07 before departing last summer first for Crawley Town and then to Shrewsbury. Seeing him warming up with his current teammates made me think just what could have happened last season had he stayed at Marston Road.

The Silverlands is a lovely non-league ground and it was good to see it in daylight. Through the turnstiles, next to the railway cutting, from the road called Silverlands, there is a large seated stand along the near touchline on halfway with several rows of blue tip-up individual seats. Along on this side of the ground is the tea bar (hot and cold food and drink) and club shop. Behind the near goal is an area of covered terracing next to the social club and along the far touchline is another area of covered standing stretching from corner flag to corner flag. At the far end behind the goal (which is the eastern end of the ground) is an area of level tarmaced open standing.

Admission was £5 and on the other side of the turnstile was a club official selling programmes (£1) and raffle tickets (£1 per strip). Teamsheets were available and the line-ups were announced over the tannoy along with several club messages. With FC United of Manchester due to visit in 18 days time for a Unibond League Premier Division game, there was an appeal for volunteers to help as Buxton were expecting their biggest crowd for 30 years.

I took my seat in the stand and, with floodlights on from the start, Buxton got the game underway, attacking the uncovered end. It was a lively start and League Two title favourites Shrewsbury took the lead in the 13th minute. The referee plated advantage to allow Dave Hibbert to continue his run down the right after being tripped. The striker delivered a low cross towards the far post where Madjo clinically fired home. Not wanting to sound like wishing bad things on Buxton, it was good to watch Guy find the net.

The visitors scored again in the 20th minute when skipper Kelvin Langmead head home a deep corner delivered by Mark Lees. Barely a minute later it was 3-0. Hibbert somehow fired across the face of goal into the far right corner from a really tight angle. Cries of “C’mon Buxton” from fans under the covered terrace behind the goal tried to lift their side and Bevan was soon called into action to push away Michael Towey’s shot. The League Two side continued to create chances and on the half hour Hibbert aw a rising shot hit the underside on the bar and bounce down without crossing the line.

Drizzle turned to heavier rain at half time. Buxton made three changes at the interval and took to the field in the second half with Shrewsbury’s Jas Singh in goal.

During the first half, I overheard one fans say to his mate: “I don’t know where our goals are coming from” as well remark that Shrewsbury were fielding a strong side. Well, the answer came in the 84th minute. Michael Towey sent a low 25-yard drive into the bottom left corner of Bevan’s net after Gavin Knight played a part in creating the chance.

Buxton (blue/blue/blue): 1. Jason Stanley, 2. Grant Black, 3. Tommy Agus, 4. Mark Lees, 5. Gregg Anderson, 6. Scott Maxfield, 7. Dave Henry, 8. Michael Towey (capt), 9. Gavin Knight, 10. Mark Hume, 11. Steve Brodie. Subs: 14. Danny Smith (for Anderson, ht), 15. James Turley (for Brodie, 52), 16. Tom Griffiths (for Lees, 66), 17. Mark Balfe (for Hume, ht), 21. Jas Singh (for Stanley, ht), 4. Mark Lees (back on for Agus, 89) [Jaz Singh is a Shrewsbury goalkeeper].

Shrewsbury Town (red/red/red): 1. Scott Bevan, 2. Chris Humphrey, 3. Aaron Gibson, 4. Steve Leslie, 5. Kelvin Langmead (capt), 6. James Meredith, 7. Steve Hindmarsh, 8. Guy Madjo, 9. Dave Hibbert, 10. Michael Symes, 11. Marc Pugh. Subs: 12. Harry Hooman (for Gibson, 57) [just one substitution].

Referee: C. Kavanagh (Manchester).
Assistants: J. Simpson and R. Andrew.

Goals:
0-1 Guy Madjo (13)
0-2 Kelvin Langmead (20)
0-3 Dave Hibbert (21)
1-3 Michael Towey (84)

Cards:
Buxton: Mark Hume (YC, 35)
Shrewsbury: none

Elton Vale 0 Euxton Villa 2

Saturday 2nd August 2008
Elton Vale 0 Euxton Villa 2
Goldline Trophy Group 3
At: Elton Vale Sports Club
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: none; Programme: none
Attendance: 75 (headcount)
Weather: sunny spells, rain during second half
Duration (45): first-half: 46:29; second-half: 50:35

Just about the only competitive games in England were two Goldline Trophy fixtures at Elton Vale and Daisy Hill, with the former venue standing out as the current holders were the opposition.

Going into the final round of games, all four teams in Group 3 could sill finish in the top two and progress to the quarter final stage. Euxton topped the table (four points from two games), followed by Stoneclough and Elton Vale (two points from two games) with Daisy Hill (one point from two games) at the bottom.

Goldline Trophy holders Euxton Villa scored a goal in each half to finish as Group 3 winners and earn a home quarter final tie against Tempest United. Finishing second were Stoneclough who also recorded a 2-0 away win at Daisy Hill.

Elton Vale of the Manchester League Premier Division are based about one and a half miles west of the centre of Bury and their ground at the Elton Vale Sports Club is easy to find. Travelling from Bury town centre along the A56 towards Bolton, turn right at the lights by the Derby Arms (Thwaites) into Ainsworth Road (B6196). Continue for around half a mile before taking a right turn (signed Chantlers Primary School) into Elton Vale Road and the ground entrance is on the right where the road bends. From Bolton towards Bury, turn left by the Wellington pub into Haig Road. Turn left at the end into Ainsworth Road then first right into Elton Vale Road.

The Sports Club is a multi-sports complex with a separate cricket pitch, tennis courts and railed off football pitch used by Elton Vale. The pitch, next to the car park, is fully railed off but without any cover or lights. There is some hard-standing next to the home and way dugouts which face each other on opposite sides of the pitch. The changing rooms and clubhouse, located between the cricket and football pitches, are shared by all sports.

“C’mon Villa” was the cry from the crowd as Elton Vale (blue and blacked striped shirts, black shorts and blue socks) kicked-off defending the changing rooms end. And their attacking left midfielder Ben Sharples twice had a goals disallowed for offside during the opening six minutes.

However, Villa (orange shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks) started to create chances and home keeper Phillip Kenyon left his line in the 9th minute to block a shot from Tom Whittaker who got into space on the right inside the area. Kenyon also did well to hold a curling free-kick hit by Gavin Cooper and turn round a header from the same player on the quarter hour.

A few spots of rain started to fall but thankfully, for the moment, they were just that. Villa continued to enjoy plenty of possession. George Craddock intercepted an attempted backpass but fired wide. Phil Woodman curled another effort just over the bar.

There was no admission or programme but I bought a raffle ticket – yellow ticket 735. Kenyon was in action again in the 26th minute to turn round a drive across the face of goal by Craddock. On the half hour, Sharples got a rising shot on target which visiting keeper David Bibby held.

Even though the ground is a mile or so from the centre of Bury, the view I had to the north was one of a rural location. To the left was the prominent church in the village of Walshaw and to the right was a hillside with what must be 30 wind turbines.

Anyway back to the football and a bit of good fortune led to Euxton taking the lead in the first minute of stoppage time. Full back Craig Chambers crossed from out of the right and the ball flew over the head of Kenyon into the far side of the net.

The sun was shining brightly when the second half got underway and Euxton scored a vital second goal six minutes after the restart. Eliot Dunn sidefooted a shot into the bottom right corner from 10 yards out after a good move on the left.

It began to get duller and cloudier, and then, just past the hour mark, the heavens opened for around 15 minutes and had some spectators looking for shelter.

Elton mounted a late rally. David Mawos’ volley was deflected over and Jonathan Maylon fired wide after the resulting corner wasn’t cleared.

By the way I didn’t win the raffle.

After the final whistle, the disappointed Elton players and coaches discussed the game with the sound advise being “keep your heads up.”

Best of luck to both sides in the respective Manchester League and West Lancashire League campaigns!

Elton Vale (Blue and black stripes / black / blue): 1. Phillip Kenyon, 2. Stephen Moran (capt), 3. Zak Galbrath, 4. Adam Baxter, 5. David Wilkes, 6. Jonathan Maylon, 7. Tom Hardman, 8. Steven Scott, 9. David Mawos, 10. Tom Stubbs, 11. Ben Sharples. Subs: 12. Matthew Barnes (for Stubbs, 65), 14. Shaun Carey (for Sharples, 65), 15. Liam King (not used), 16. Tom Smith (for Scott, 74).

Euxton Villa (orange with black sleeves / black / black): 1. David Bibby, 2. Craig Chambers, 3. Darren Davies (capt), 4. Lee Chambers, 5. Sam Bolton, 6. Stuart Bingham 7. Phil Woodman, 8. Tom Whittaker, 9. Eliot Dunn, 10. George Craddock, 11. Gavin Cooper. Subs: 12. Ian Kirkpatrick (for Craddock, 64), 14. Ross Dickinson (for Bingham, 89), 15. Sam Shone (for Dunn, 68), 16. John Salisbury (for Whittaker, 84), 17. Iain Bland (for Cooper, 88).

Referee: ???

Goals:
1-0 Craig Chambers (45+1)
2-0 Eliot Dunn (51)

Cards:
Elton Vale: Stephen Moran (YC, 61), David Wilkes (YC, 72)
Euxton Villa: Gavin Cooper (YC, 62), Tom Whittaker (RC, 84 after being substituted), Lee Chambers (YC, 84), Ross Dickinson (YC, 90+4)

Cork City 0 St Patrick's Athletic 0

Sunday 27th July 2008
Cork City 0 St Patrick's Athletic 0
FAI eircom League of Ireland Premier Division
At: Turners Cross
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Attendance: 4000 (estimate)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Duration: first half: 46:05; second half: 47:00

Friday 25th July 2008

Waterford United 4 Longford Town 0
FAI eircom League of Ireland Division 1
At: the RSC
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Attendance: 320
Weather: warm, dry and sunny
Duration: first half: 47:26; second half: 47:14


Waterford United tried to put behind them a difficult few weeks as they recorded an impressive victory over Longford Town to maintain their unbeaten home record and move into second position.

The original plan was to watch games at both Cork City and Cobh Ramblers during our long weekend in the south of Ireland. However, with the Cork game put back two days for TV purposes, we quickly changed our plans (prior to departure I may add) and from Cork headed for Waterford.

The club was founded in 1930 as Waterford FC and enjoyed a purple patch in the late 1960s and early 1970s by winning the League of Ireland title six times in eight seasons when based at their former Kilcohan Park home. Former England and Manchester United forward Bobby Charlton played for the club during the mid-1970s at the end of his playing career. The club adopted the present title of 'Waterford United' in 1982.

Since 1993, United have played their home games at the RSC (or Regional Sports Centre) which is located on the N25 Cork-Waterford road about three miles from the city centre. The ground, with an athletics track surrounding the pitch, boasts two substantial seated stands; the main stand on the Cork Road side seats around 1300 while the recently-completed and larger Kilbarry Stand on the far side seats around 1800. There are four floodlight pylons on each side, grouped together in pairs next to the ends of the stands.

After tea at close-by Eddie Rocket's and I walked towards town with the family who were keen to further investigate the history of Waterford with its old walls and towers. As is my habit, I arrived at the ground early – so early this time that the turnstiles hadn’t opened! Admission was 15 euro and through the gate was a table selling programmes (3 euro, 28 pages) and raffle tickets. The sellers were certainly chatty and interested in my trip. I bought a strip of raffle tickets for the prize of a luxury hamper – how on earth would I get it home if my ticket was drawn? I didn't win.

The man on the turnstile told me that "you can sit in either stand, but not standing." There was plenty of time to circumnavigate the RSC. The turnstile man suggested the stand on the far side would give the best view but I opted for a seat in the main Cork Road Stand, seat ‘L36’ to be precise. I copied down the team line-ups in the Press Box but in any case they were read out over the tannoy.

Reading the programme, I established that, like a lot of clubs, Waterford were suffering financially. In fact, after discussions with between the club, Manager and players, the immediate future of the club had been secured.

With leaders Dundalk defeating Monaghan United yesterday (24th July), it was important that third-placed Waterford gained maximum points from this game with Longford. Second-placed Shelbourne, level on points with Waterford with a marginally better goal difference, were also in action at Kildare County. Longford occupied sixth position in the ten-team Division One.

Waterford got the game under away attacking from left to right as I looked down from my seat in the stand. And it didn’t take them long to take the lead. In the 9th minute, skipper David Breen headed home with a looping header. The lead was almost doubled eight minutes later when Luke Fitzpatrick had a goal disallowed for offside.

A nasty injury to keeper Packie Holden forced an early change in the 26th minute but home fans were celebrating again a few minutes before the interval. Karl Bermingham stayed onside to latch onto Fitzpatrick's throughball and slot past the helpless Longford keeper.

At the break Waterford were certainly in the driving seat. There was a loud cheer when the half-time scores were read out – second-placed Shelbourne were losing 1-0 at bottom-of-the-table Kildare City.

Michael Foley exchanged passes with Bermingham and slotted home at close range just after the hour mark to put the outcome as good as beyond doubt. A spectacular strike from David Grincell wrapped up the win. The substitute gave Neil Gallagher no chance from fully 35 yards out with a well-struck shot that flew into the top-right corner of the net.

News came in that Shelbourne had come from behind to win 2-1 at Kildare but Waterford leapt over the Dublin club into second position on goals scored. It should be an interesting end to the season as both Dundalk and Shelbourne have to visit the RSC during the final few weeks of the season.