Sports 360 West Lancashire League Division 1
At: Strands Lane
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1 (8 pages)
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:27; second-half: 45:42
Tuesday 25th August 2009
Milnthorpe Corinthians 0 Thornton Cleveleys 3
Sports 360 West Lancashire League Division 1
At: Strands Lane
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1 (8 pages)
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:27; second-half: 45:42
Sports 360 West Lancashire League Division 1
At: Strands Lane
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: none; Programme: £1 (8 pages)
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 45:27; second-half: 45:42
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Cranfield United 0 Hadley 3
Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division 1
At: Crawley Road
Kick-off 3-00 pm
Admission: £3 including 32-page programme
Attendance: 21
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:00; second-half: 46:28
In trying to work our destination for today’s trip, the idea of Milton Keynes came to mind. I knew that MK Dons were at home to Colchester at stadiummk, which I’d not previously visited, but my thoughts were diverted to the non-league clubs in the vicinity. The Spartan South Midlands League has its northern-most clubs in and around the town and I plumped for the Division 1 game at Cranfield United, around eight or so miles away on the eastern side of the M1.
The journey down got off to a bad start – delayed by five minutes when the deliverer van of a well-known supermarket dropping shopping off at the neighbour partially blocked our drive – and momentarily got a whole lot worse with queues as soon as we joined the southbound M6. Wolves coaches on the way to Manchester City were in the thick of queues going north. Soon, thankfully we were on the move and a ‘detour’ around the M6 Toll made up some lost time. On the way down I was able to spot a couple of club coaches – Cambridge United heading for Tamworth and Rothwell Town on the way to Romulus.
We made good time to MK and after dropping off Mrs and Junior ‘iwf’ for their afternoon of shopping, I plugged in the SatNav to give me directions and was parked up in Cranfield’s car park by 2-20 pm.
Cranfield is a place I’m not aware of even passing through before and I was interested to find signs to Cranfield Airport and the entrance to the Cranfield University campus. The village was larger than I though and the ground was located right on the outskirts on Crawley Road, the road leading to North Crawley and Newport Pagnall.
Programmes, a 28 pager, were available at the game and included in the admission charge.
I parked up at pitchside on the car park and the pitch (orientated south-east–north-west) ran lengthways with three floodlight pylons down each side. A white post and rail went all the way round Behind the near goal were the clubhouse, changing rooms and tea bar. On halfway down the left-hand touchline was a brick stand, behind the dugouts, with a row on bench seating in the front and standing behind.
My eyes were drawn to a plaque on the side of the clubhouse, in memory of Michael James Johnson, a man who ‘will always be part of Cranfield United’.
According to a display in the clubhouse, Cranfield were formed in 1903 during a meeting at the Crow Inn. They originally joined the South Midlands League in 1949, winning Division 2(B) in 1949/50 with a 100% record over 22 games. Since 1960, Cranfield have had spells in both the South Midlands League and Bedford & District League before returning to the Spartan South Midlands League in 2001. They initially played in Division 2 and gained promotion to Division 1 in 2004, where they have remained.
From what I read in the programme, the season for Cranfield (16th position out of 21 teams with two points from three games) hasn’t got off to the expected start. ‘The club was hopeful of challenging for one of the top 4 positions in the table,’ was the comment. Hopes took a knock with draws from their opening two games and this was followed by defeat in the FA Cup last Sunday and also against Bedford FC on Tuesday. Manager Craig Connell and his assistant Mick Lemon resigned after that 3-1 defeat at home to Bedford FC so caretaker managers Pat Booden and Mark Hardie were in charge today.
Visitors Hadley took the Spartan South Midlands League by storm as a rookie club last season and finished second in Division 2 to gain promotion at the first attempt. They current season has began well and they went into this fixture in fourth position behind early leaders New Bradwell St Peter with nine points from four games.
The programme admitted that Cranfield would ‘once again go into action with a depleted squad’ due to injuries and a recent retirement.
In need of a tea, I popped along to the tea bar incorporated into the clubhouse and sat a bench dedicated in memory of Brian Griffiths. I spotted a Hadley official carrying coloured pieces of paper who kindly let me note down the line-ups – much appreciated. Later on at half-time I noticed a team sheet was displayed on a clubhouse door.
Players came out in fair-play fashion and lined up on the edge of the nearest 18-yard box and exchanged those increasingly familiar handshakes, before the Cranfield players broke to the far end.
“Captains please,” shouted the referee after a shrill blast of his whistle and soon Hadley got the game under way attacking the far end. I opted for a place on a bench in the stand which turned out to be near the home dugout.
“From the start, Cranfield,” was the instruction from the bench and they did so during the opening minutes as a new era got underway.
The home side (wearing all red) survived a scare in the 7th minute. Mark Betts got the better of full-back Hugo McGlue on the right bye-line and squared a pass to Matt Smithurst in front of goal. The striker fired against the right-hand post and the ball rebounded to the grateful keeper James Egerton.
Cranfield should have taken the lead four minutes later. Stuart Reynolds crossed from the right to Ashley Deverell positioned on the penalty spot. The striker hit a ferocious first time shot that flew over the bar instead of breaking the back of the net.
Despite 20 minutes of pressure, without seriously troubling the Hadley keeper, Cranfield fell behind in the 21st minute. Neil Mangan tripped Neil Robinson inside the area and Danny Gruar sent Egerton the wrong way with the resulting penalty. The Cranfield fans/officials set next to me were disappointed to concede against the run of play.
During the first half, planes frequently swooped in to land behind the far goal including a white one just after the penalty went in.
A more confident Hadley side (wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks) won three corners and then extended their lead in the 32nd minute. A misdirected header around halfway allowed Mark Betts to break down the left and accelerate away from the chasing defender Tom Barnett. He cut into the area and squared the ball low for Gruar to smash past Egerton from 15 yards out.
I decided to sample the view from the other side so commenced and completed a walk round the pitch perimeter.
It could have got a whole lot worse for Cranfield three minutes later. Smithhurst, unmarked inside the area should have slotted home but Egerton left his line to block the resulting shot.
Just before the interval, Cranfield won a corner on the right which Stuart Reynolds delivered into the area. It wasn’t cleared and Jamie Doyle hit a rising shot just over the bar. Hadley went in at the interval with a 2-0 lead.
At half-time, I returned to the tea bar for another tea as well as chips before resuming a seat in the stand. The Cranfield players were out several minutes before the visitors and got the second half underway now attacking the far end. They made a good start and within a minute Mangan got down the right to deliver a hanging cross which Russell Garland held.
Hadley quickly got forward. Gruar was allowed to create a chance inside the area which was blocked by defender Paul Stokes and the flag went up for offside when Smithurst went for the loose ball.
Cranfield made a first change in the 51st with Michael Owens – the player with almost a famous name – replacing Mangan.
“It’s all about concentration,” shouted the Hadley bench the defence and I felt that the next goal, whichever team scored it, could turn out to be crucial.
The visitors, however, continued to create chances and almost netted a third just before the hour mark. James Leaver exchanged a pass with Gruar in a move down the right and crossed low into the area. Smithurst got in a shot that Egerton somehow blocked on the lead. The keeper certainly saved a certain goal.
After Hadley replaced Mark Betts with Nick Uxaas in the 60th minute, they went close again. Smithurst and Tony Sabag were involved in the build-up before the substitute hit a left foot shot deflected out. The resulting corner was played to Gruar who forced another fine save out of Egerton.
With Cranfield still not seriously troubling the Hadley keeper, they made another substitution in the 66th minute with Gray Hutchinson on for Tom Resch.
The home side were awarded a free-kick out on the left near the corner flag from which skipper Stokes powered a header just over the bar.
The referee, who I felt had an excellent game, suggested an opportunity for a drink while Leaver received treatment. The midfielder was unable to continue and replaced in the 72nd minute by Ian Kirkwood. At the same time, Cranfield took their last throw of the dice in terms of substitutions, replacing McGlue with Michael Kalugin.
To agree with my earlier thought, one of the Cranfield players encouraged his teammates: “Next goal is massive, make sure we get it.” But I felt that Hadley were comfortable at the back.
Something that interested me during the game was the ball – an orange one and there was not a hint of snow at all. Molten had their name on the ball and an advert in the programme told me that the League sponsor is a supply of balls for a variety of sports. The orange ball certainly drew my attention to the name Molten – would a white ball have had the same effect?
The next goal did indeed prove massive and came in the 82nd minute. Owens was booked for pulling back Kirkwood as the Hadley substitute cut in along the left bye-line. Gruar curled a right foot free-kick low towards goal and it went straight in at the near post to complete a hat-trick for the striker.
At 3-0 there was no way back for Cranfield and Hadley made a final chance in the 84th minute when Aaron Baker came on for Smithurst.
Egerton again excelled to prevent a further goal. Gruar robbed Stokes 25 yards out and despite being challenged by Doyle managed to get in a shot which the keeper smartly turned round.
Cranfield created a couple of late chances to get on the scoresheet and in stoppage time Garland produced a diving save on the line to hold a header from Ellis Spence.
Goals
0-1 Danny Gruar (21)
0-2 Danny Gruar (32)
0-3 Danny Gruar (84)
Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division 1
At: Crawley Road
Kick-off 3-00 pm
Admission: £3 including 32-page programme
Attendance: 21
Weather: sunny spells
Duration: first-half: 45:00; second-half: 46:28
In trying to work our destination for today’s trip, the idea of Milton Keynes came to mind. I knew that MK Dons were at home to Colchester at stadiummk, which I’d not previously visited, but my thoughts were diverted to the non-league clubs in the vicinity. The Spartan South Midlands League has its northern-most clubs in and around the town and I plumped for the Division 1 game at Cranfield United, around eight or so miles away on the eastern side of the M1.
The journey down got off to a bad start – delayed by five minutes when the deliverer van of a well-known supermarket dropping shopping off at the neighbour partially blocked our drive – and momentarily got a whole lot worse with queues as soon as we joined the southbound M6. Wolves coaches on the way to Manchester City were in the thick of queues going north. Soon, thankfully we were on the move and a ‘detour’ around the M6 Toll made up some lost time. On the way down I was able to spot a couple of club coaches – Cambridge United heading for Tamworth and Rothwell Town on the way to Romulus.
We made good time to MK and after dropping off Mrs and Junior ‘iwf’ for their afternoon of shopping, I plugged in the SatNav to give me directions and was parked up in Cranfield’s car park by 2-20 pm.
Cranfield is a place I’m not aware of even passing through before and I was interested to find signs to Cranfield Airport and the entrance to the Cranfield University campus. The village was larger than I though and the ground was located right on the outskirts on Crawley Road, the road leading to North Crawley and Newport Pagnall.
Programmes, a 28 pager, were available at the game and included in the admission charge.
I parked up at pitchside on the car park and the pitch (orientated south-east–north-west) ran lengthways with three floodlight pylons down each side. A white post and rail went all the way round Behind the near goal were the clubhouse, changing rooms and tea bar. On halfway down the left-hand touchline was a brick stand, behind the dugouts, with a row on bench seating in the front and standing behind.
My eyes were drawn to a plaque on the side of the clubhouse, in memory of Michael James Johnson, a man who ‘will always be part of Cranfield United’.
According to a display in the clubhouse, Cranfield were formed in 1903 during a meeting at the Crow Inn. They originally joined the South Midlands League in 1949, winning Division 2(B) in 1949/50 with a 100% record over 22 games. Since 1960, Cranfield have had spells in both the South Midlands League and Bedford & District League before returning to the Spartan South Midlands League in 2001. They initially played in Division 2 and gained promotion to Division 1 in 2004, where they have remained.
From what I read in the programme, the season for Cranfield (16th position out of 21 teams with two points from three games) hasn’t got off to the expected start. ‘The club was hopeful of challenging for one of the top 4 positions in the table,’ was the comment. Hopes took a knock with draws from their opening two games and this was followed by defeat in the FA Cup last Sunday and also against Bedford FC on Tuesday. Manager Craig Connell and his assistant Mick Lemon resigned after that 3-1 defeat at home to Bedford FC so caretaker managers Pat Booden and Mark Hardie were in charge today.
Visitors Hadley took the Spartan South Midlands League by storm as a rookie club last season and finished second in Division 2 to gain promotion at the first attempt. They current season has began well and they went into this fixture in fourth position behind early leaders New Bradwell St Peter with nine points from four games.
The programme admitted that Cranfield would ‘once again go into action with a depleted squad’ due to injuries and a recent retirement.
In need of a tea, I popped along to the tea bar incorporated into the clubhouse and sat a bench dedicated in memory of Brian Griffiths. I spotted a Hadley official carrying coloured pieces of paper who kindly let me note down the line-ups – much appreciated. Later on at half-time I noticed a team sheet was displayed on a clubhouse door.
Players came out in fair-play fashion and lined up on the edge of the nearest 18-yard box and exchanged those increasingly familiar handshakes, before the Cranfield players broke to the far end.
“Captains please,” shouted the referee after a shrill blast of his whistle and soon Hadley got the game under way attacking the far end. I opted for a place on a bench in the stand which turned out to be near the home dugout.
“From the start, Cranfield,” was the instruction from the bench and they did so during the opening minutes as a new era got underway.
The home side (wearing all red) survived a scare in the 7th minute. Mark Betts got the better of full-back Hugo McGlue on the right bye-line and squared a pass to Matt Smithurst in front of goal. The striker fired against the right-hand post and the ball rebounded to the grateful keeper James Egerton.
Cranfield should have taken the lead four minutes later. Stuart Reynolds crossed from the right to Ashley Deverell positioned on the penalty spot. The striker hit a ferocious first time shot that flew over the bar instead of breaking the back of the net.
Despite 20 minutes of pressure, without seriously troubling the Hadley keeper, Cranfield fell behind in the 21st minute. Neil Mangan tripped Neil Robinson inside the area and Danny Gruar sent Egerton the wrong way with the resulting penalty. The Cranfield fans/officials set next to me were disappointed to concede against the run of play.
During the first half, planes frequently swooped in to land behind the far goal including a white one just after the penalty went in.
A more confident Hadley side (wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks) won three corners and then extended their lead in the 32nd minute. A misdirected header around halfway allowed Mark Betts to break down the left and accelerate away from the chasing defender Tom Barnett. He cut into the area and squared the ball low for Gruar to smash past Egerton from 15 yards out.
I decided to sample the view from the other side so commenced and completed a walk round the pitch perimeter.
It could have got a whole lot worse for Cranfield three minutes later. Smithhurst, unmarked inside the area should have slotted home but Egerton left his line to block the resulting shot.
Just before the interval, Cranfield won a corner on the right which Stuart Reynolds delivered into the area. It wasn’t cleared and Jamie Doyle hit a rising shot just over the bar. Hadley went in at the interval with a 2-0 lead.
At half-time, I returned to the tea bar for another tea as well as chips before resuming a seat in the stand. The Cranfield players were out several minutes before the visitors and got the second half underway now attacking the far end. They made a good start and within a minute Mangan got down the right to deliver a hanging cross which Russell Garland held.
Hadley quickly got forward. Gruar was allowed to create a chance inside the area which was blocked by defender Paul Stokes and the flag went up for offside when Smithurst went for the loose ball.
Cranfield made a first change in the 51st with Michael Owens – the player with almost a famous name – replacing Mangan.
“It’s all about concentration,” shouted the Hadley bench the defence and I felt that the next goal, whichever team scored it, could turn out to be crucial.
The visitors, however, continued to create chances and almost netted a third just before the hour mark. James Leaver exchanged a pass with Gruar in a move down the right and crossed low into the area. Smithurst got in a shot that Egerton somehow blocked on the lead. The keeper certainly saved a certain goal.
After Hadley replaced Mark Betts with Nick Uxaas in the 60th minute, they went close again. Smithurst and Tony Sabag were involved in the build-up before the substitute hit a left foot shot deflected out. The resulting corner was played to Gruar who forced another fine save out of Egerton.
With Cranfield still not seriously troubling the Hadley keeper, they made another substitution in the 66th minute with Gray Hutchinson on for Tom Resch.
The home side were awarded a free-kick out on the left near the corner flag from which skipper Stokes powered a header just over the bar.
The referee, who I felt had an excellent game, suggested an opportunity for a drink while Leaver received treatment. The midfielder was unable to continue and replaced in the 72nd minute by Ian Kirkwood. At the same time, Cranfield took their last throw of the dice in terms of substitutions, replacing McGlue with Michael Kalugin.
To agree with my earlier thought, one of the Cranfield players encouraged his teammates: “Next goal is massive, make sure we get it.” But I felt that Hadley were comfortable at the back.
Something that interested me during the game was the ball – an orange one and there was not a hint of snow at all. Molten had their name on the ball and an advert in the programme told me that the League sponsor is a supply of balls for a variety of sports. The orange ball certainly drew my attention to the name Molten – would a white ball have had the same effect?
The next goal did indeed prove massive and came in the 82nd minute. Owens was booked for pulling back Kirkwood as the Hadley substitute cut in along the left bye-line. Gruar curled a right foot free-kick low towards goal and it went straight in at the near post to complete a hat-trick for the striker.
At 3-0 there was no way back for Cranfield and Hadley made a final chance in the 84th minute when Aaron Baker came on for Smithurst.
Egerton again excelled to prevent a further goal. Gruar robbed Stokes 25 yards out and despite being challenged by Doyle managed to get in a shot which the keeper smartly turned round.
Cranfield created a couple of late chances to get on the scoresheet and in stoppage time Garland produced a diving save on the line to hold a header from Ellis Spence.
Goals
0-1 Danny Gruar (21)
0-2 Danny Gruar (32)
0-3 Danny Gruar (84)
Burntwood Town 5 Newhall United 3
Tuesday 18th August 2009
Burntwood Town 5 Newhall United 3
Midland Combination Division 1
At: Memorial Ground, Rugeley Road
Kick-off: 6-15 pm (delayed until 6-35 pm)
Admission: £2; No programme
Attendance: 12 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:23; second-half: 47:24
I thought I’d be pushing my luck in suggesting a second consecutive evening of football following yesterday’s trip to Biggin and I was initially right. However, a bit of negotiating with Mrs ‘iwf’ and I opted for a relatively short trip to Burntwood Town, a ground I’d not previously visited.
I’ve delved into the Midland Combination Division 1 on quite a few occasions in the past through most of the home clubs visited are no longer in the division. Teams like Becketts Sporting, Old Hill Town and Wilnecote Mens Club have since folded while teams like Cadbury Athletic and Southam have moved up into the Premier Division.
Prior to tonight, of the eight clubs currently in the division I’d previously visited, only three of these visits were for Division 1 games – Stockingford AA (in 2007, Earlswood Town and Droitwich Spa (both earlier this year).
Burntwood’s ground, known as the Memorial Ground, was on Rugeley Road behind the Burntwood Memorial Community Association building and, being in a leafy housing estate, it had quite a rural feel. Travelling from Heath Hayes eastwards in the direction of Lichfield on the A5190, turn left at the mini roundabout adjacent to Somerfield and the White Swan pub into Rugeley Road. The ground entrance was 200 yards on the left after passing the turn to Poole’s Way and just before the right turn for Church Road. The pitch entrance was through the first tarmac car park and the open gates to the left of the building.
From the car park, a short set of railway sleeper steps led up a bank to the pitch emerging at a point just about on the halfway line. The pitch (orientated north-south) ran widthways and was fully railed off on three sides. The area behind the left-hand goal was roped off and it was possible to walk all the way round. On the near side by the right corner was a hospitality building which housed the tea bar. The dugouts were on the opposite touchline either side of the half-way line with an area of cover running to the right of the home dugout to the right corner flag.
I was most grateful to the Burntwood secretary and Newhall programme editor for supplying me with the team line-ups – much appreciated. There were no programmes though the Chairman told me that they plan to start doing so shortly.
The two sides in opposition this evening occupied the bottom two places in the Divison 1 table last season. Burntwood were bottom with just four points and one win. Their points tally gained from a win and four draws was reduced by a three-point deduction. Newhall finished second from bottom on 16 points.
One to this start of the current 2009/10 season and for Burntwood (third from bottom in 15th position with no points), this was their third league game and followed defeats in their opening two fixtures – 5-1 at Brereton Social last Tuesday and 3-0 at home to early leaders Stockingford on Saturday. Most teams have played three games but Burntwood have only managed two as they were inactive on the opening day as a consequence of Division 1 having an odd number of clubs.
By my calculation, Burntwood hasn’t won a league game for 25 games since a 2-0 home victory over Alveston on Saturday 30th August last year. Would that run come to an end tonight?
Newhall United (in 12th position with 3 points from 3 games) have won one of their opening three games (3-0 at home to Coton Green a week ago) and suffered heavy defeats (6-0 at Earlswood Town on the opening day and 8-1 at home to Northfield Town on Saturday.
The game got underway in pleasant sunshine and the greenery both inside and outside the ground stood out. I really thought was a nice place to spend an August evening watching a game.
Burntwood (wearing claret and blue striped shirts, blue shorts and sock) kicked off attaching the far end in the first half – or left to right from my vantage post under the cover close to the half-way line.
The home side got forward to create the game’s first chance which Darren James volleyed over from the edge of the area.
Good work by Newhall’s Scott Curry set up a decent opportunity for Greg Smith to low past the left-hand post.
Both sides continued to create chances and Newhall keeper Brad Clarke did well to stop a rising shot from Zac Lewis who had got on the end of a pull back from James.
Burntwood took the lead in the 14th minute with a neat goal. A diagonal ball was played forward from the left to the far post where Richard Young was well positioned to fire across the face of goal from a narrow angle into the bottom left corner of the net.
Newhall (wearing red shirts with a black chest hoop, red shorts and socks) looked to bounce back and also levelled things up within three minutes. Greg Smith threaded a pass through the home defence from which David Williams got in a shot on target, only to see defender Tom Hiatt get back to clear from in front of goal.
The visitors did get back on level terms in the 22nd minute. Jonathan Jenkinson stayed onside on a run down the right to latch on to a diagonal forward ball and sent a low drive into the opposite bottom-left corner of the net.
Chances continued to be created in an entertaining contest. Young did all the hard work on the left to deliver a low inch perfect cross into the six-yard box where unchallenged Danny Holmes fired over from just a few yards out. It should have been 2-1!
Newhall went close to taking the lead in first-half stoppage time. Greg Smith delivered a free-kick into a populated area from near the right corner flag. The ball fell to Paul Grosse on the far side who miss-kicked when in a good position.
At the interval, I opted for a tea and McCoys from the tea bar and took up a position on the near touchline nearest to the car park for the second half.
Burtnwood defender Luke Hitchman was booked in the 50th minute for a hefty foul on Williams.
The home side won a corner which was delivered into the area by Young. Clarke attempted to punch the ball clear which ended up back with Young who crossed again for Holmes to head over.
Holmes had more luck in the 54th minute. Young on the left found Holmes unmarked inside the area and the striker fired Burntwood into a 2-1 lead via the inside of the right-hand post.
Newhall made a change in the 56th minute – Chris Smith replaced Curry – and another one six minutes later when Richard Draycott came on for Lee Stone. At the same time, Burntwood made their first substitution with Simon Parsons replacing Aaron Wong.
Clarke made a fine save to prevent the home side scoring again when he turned Young’s 30-yard free-kick around the left-hand post at the expense of a corner.
The game turned dramatically in favour of Burntwood in the 66th minute. Clarke pulled back James inside the area and was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. For Clarke it was his second dismissal of the season and just as he did against Northfield Greg Smith took over in goal again. The stand-in keeper got his hands to Young penalty but couldn’t prevent it going into the net. The goal was timed in the 68th minute.
After a further substitution each – Ricky Abbott replaced Shane Potter for Newhall in the 70th minute and Eddie Peart replaced Holmes two minutes later – the visitors almost pulled a goal back. Chris Smith got on the end of David Harper’s free-kick and headed straight at keeper Dillon Weller, wearing a bright yellow top.
Facing an uphill task with ten men, it got worse for Newhall when they conceded a fourth goal in the 75th minute. Peart played a short pass to James who lifted the ball over the tall stand-in keeper from 15 yards out.
Burntwood rubbed salt in Newhall’s wounds by scoring again three minutes later as two substitutes combined. Peart delivered a superb left-wing cross for Parsons at the far post to head across the keeper into the opposite bottom corner of the net.
Before the restart, Burntwood made their final change with Andrew Webb replacing skipper Brad Tonks.
The result, with Burntwood leading 5-1, may have been beyond doubt but Newhall rallied in the closing stages. They pulled a goal back in the 80th minute through Ian Mansfield. Chris Smith’s right-wing cross was flicked on for unmarked Mansfield to slot home at close range.
After Harper was booked for dissent, an unlikely comeback by the visitors gained momentum. Draycott fired over from Williams’ corner before Newhall scored again in the 85th minute. Abbott initial shot fell for Draycott to fire home via the left-hand post.
“How long to go,” enquired the Newhall players to which the referee indicated seven minutes.
The visitors won another corner which ended up straight into Weller’s arms. Then Chris Smith fed Jenkinson only for Webb to get back and concede the first of two successive corners which both came to nothing. Newhall’s comeback ran out of time and Burntwood gained their first win (and points) of the season at the third time of asking.
Before the game, I heard the Burntwood Chairman tell a group of players that he wanted “to see three points on the board tonight”. Well, the team did just what the Chairman ordered!
Goals:
1-0 Richard Young (14)
1-1 Jonathan Jenkinson (22)
2-1 Danny Holmes (54)
3-1 Richard Young (68)
4-1 Darren James (75)
5-1 Simon Parsons (78)
5-2 Ian Mansfield (80)
5-3 Richard Draycott (85)
Burntwood Town 5 Newhall United 3
Midland Combination Division 1
At: Memorial Ground, Rugeley Road
Kick-off: 6-15 pm (delayed until 6-35 pm)
Admission: £2; No programme
Attendance: 12 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 47:23; second-half: 47:24
I thought I’d be pushing my luck in suggesting a second consecutive evening of football following yesterday’s trip to Biggin and I was initially right. However, a bit of negotiating with Mrs ‘iwf’ and I opted for a relatively short trip to Burntwood Town, a ground I’d not previously visited.
I’ve delved into the Midland Combination Division 1 on quite a few occasions in the past through most of the home clubs visited are no longer in the division. Teams like Becketts Sporting, Old Hill Town and Wilnecote Mens Club have since folded while teams like Cadbury Athletic and Southam have moved up into the Premier Division.
Prior to tonight, of the eight clubs currently in the division I’d previously visited, only three of these visits were for Division 1 games – Stockingford AA (in 2007, Earlswood Town and Droitwich Spa (both earlier this year).
Burntwood’s ground, known as the Memorial Ground, was on Rugeley Road behind the Burntwood Memorial Community Association building and, being in a leafy housing estate, it had quite a rural feel. Travelling from Heath Hayes eastwards in the direction of Lichfield on the A5190, turn left at the mini roundabout adjacent to Somerfield and the White Swan pub into Rugeley Road. The ground entrance was 200 yards on the left after passing the turn to Poole’s Way and just before the right turn for Church Road. The pitch entrance was through the first tarmac car park and the open gates to the left of the building.
From the car park, a short set of railway sleeper steps led up a bank to the pitch emerging at a point just about on the halfway line. The pitch (orientated north-south) ran widthways and was fully railed off on three sides. The area behind the left-hand goal was roped off and it was possible to walk all the way round. On the near side by the right corner was a hospitality building which housed the tea bar. The dugouts were on the opposite touchline either side of the half-way line with an area of cover running to the right of the home dugout to the right corner flag.
I was most grateful to the Burntwood secretary and Newhall programme editor for supplying me with the team line-ups – much appreciated. There were no programmes though the Chairman told me that they plan to start doing so shortly.
The two sides in opposition this evening occupied the bottom two places in the Divison 1 table last season. Burntwood were bottom with just four points and one win. Their points tally gained from a win and four draws was reduced by a three-point deduction. Newhall finished second from bottom on 16 points.
One to this start of the current 2009/10 season and for Burntwood (third from bottom in 15th position with no points), this was their third league game and followed defeats in their opening two fixtures – 5-1 at Brereton Social last Tuesday and 3-0 at home to early leaders Stockingford on Saturday. Most teams have played three games but Burntwood have only managed two as they were inactive on the opening day as a consequence of Division 1 having an odd number of clubs.
By my calculation, Burntwood hasn’t won a league game for 25 games since a 2-0 home victory over Alveston on Saturday 30th August last year. Would that run come to an end tonight?
Newhall United (in 12th position with 3 points from 3 games) have won one of their opening three games (3-0 at home to Coton Green a week ago) and suffered heavy defeats (6-0 at Earlswood Town on the opening day and 8-1 at home to Northfield Town on Saturday.
The game got underway in pleasant sunshine and the greenery both inside and outside the ground stood out. I really thought was a nice place to spend an August evening watching a game.
Burntwood (wearing claret and blue striped shirts, blue shorts and sock) kicked off attaching the far end in the first half – or left to right from my vantage post under the cover close to the half-way line.
The home side got forward to create the game’s first chance which Darren James volleyed over from the edge of the area.
Good work by Newhall’s Scott Curry set up a decent opportunity for Greg Smith to low past the left-hand post.
Both sides continued to create chances and Newhall keeper Brad Clarke did well to stop a rising shot from Zac Lewis who had got on the end of a pull back from James.
Burntwood took the lead in the 14th minute with a neat goal. A diagonal ball was played forward from the left to the far post where Richard Young was well positioned to fire across the face of goal from a narrow angle into the bottom left corner of the net.
Newhall (wearing red shirts with a black chest hoop, red shorts and socks) looked to bounce back and also levelled things up within three minutes. Greg Smith threaded a pass through the home defence from which David Williams got in a shot on target, only to see defender Tom Hiatt get back to clear from in front of goal.
The visitors did get back on level terms in the 22nd minute. Jonathan Jenkinson stayed onside on a run down the right to latch on to a diagonal forward ball and sent a low drive into the opposite bottom-left corner of the net.
Chances continued to be created in an entertaining contest. Young did all the hard work on the left to deliver a low inch perfect cross into the six-yard box where unchallenged Danny Holmes fired over from just a few yards out. It should have been 2-1!
Newhall went close to taking the lead in first-half stoppage time. Greg Smith delivered a free-kick into a populated area from near the right corner flag. The ball fell to Paul Grosse on the far side who miss-kicked when in a good position.
At the interval, I opted for a tea and McCoys from the tea bar and took up a position on the near touchline nearest to the car park for the second half.
Burtnwood defender Luke Hitchman was booked in the 50th minute for a hefty foul on Williams.
The home side won a corner which was delivered into the area by Young. Clarke attempted to punch the ball clear which ended up back with Young who crossed again for Holmes to head over.
Holmes had more luck in the 54th minute. Young on the left found Holmes unmarked inside the area and the striker fired Burntwood into a 2-1 lead via the inside of the right-hand post.
Newhall made a change in the 56th minute – Chris Smith replaced Curry – and another one six minutes later when Richard Draycott came on for Lee Stone. At the same time, Burntwood made their first substitution with Simon Parsons replacing Aaron Wong.
Clarke made a fine save to prevent the home side scoring again when he turned Young’s 30-yard free-kick around the left-hand post at the expense of a corner.
The game turned dramatically in favour of Burntwood in the 66th minute. Clarke pulled back James inside the area and was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. For Clarke it was his second dismissal of the season and just as he did against Northfield Greg Smith took over in goal again. The stand-in keeper got his hands to Young penalty but couldn’t prevent it going into the net. The goal was timed in the 68th minute.
After a further substitution each – Ricky Abbott replaced Shane Potter for Newhall in the 70th minute and Eddie Peart replaced Holmes two minutes later – the visitors almost pulled a goal back. Chris Smith got on the end of David Harper’s free-kick and headed straight at keeper Dillon Weller, wearing a bright yellow top.
Facing an uphill task with ten men, it got worse for Newhall when they conceded a fourth goal in the 75th minute. Peart played a short pass to James who lifted the ball over the tall stand-in keeper from 15 yards out.
Burntwood rubbed salt in Newhall’s wounds by scoring again three minutes later as two substitutes combined. Peart delivered a superb left-wing cross for Parsons at the far post to head across the keeper into the opposite bottom corner of the net.
Before the restart, Burntwood made their final change with Andrew Webb replacing skipper Brad Tonks.
The result, with Burntwood leading 5-1, may have been beyond doubt but Newhall rallied in the closing stages. They pulled a goal back in the 80th minute through Ian Mansfield. Chris Smith’s right-wing cross was flicked on for unmarked Mansfield to slot home at close range.
After Harper was booked for dissent, an unlikely comeback by the visitors gained momentum. Draycott fired over from Williams’ corner before Newhall scored again in the 85th minute. Abbott initial shot fell for Draycott to fire home via the left-hand post.
“How long to go,” enquired the Newhall players to which the referee indicated seven minutes.
The visitors won another corner which ended up straight into Weller’s arms. Then Chris Smith fed Jenkinson only for Webb to get back and concede the first of two successive corners which both came to nothing. Newhall’s comeback ran out of time and Burntwood gained their first win (and points) of the season at the third time of asking.
Before the game, I heard the Burntwood Chairman tell a group of players that he wanted “to see three points on the board tonight”. Well, the team did just what the Chairman ordered!
Goals:
1-0 Richard Young (14)
1-1 Jonathan Jenkinson (22)
2-1 Danny Holmes (54)
3-1 Richard Young (68)
4-1 Darren James (75)
5-1 Simon Parsons (78)
5-2 Ian Mansfield (80)
5-3 Richard Draycott (85)
Biggin 0 Bradley 3
Monday 17th August 2009
Biggin 0 Bradley 3
Summer League
At: Biggin Playing Field, Biggin-by-Hartington
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
No admission or programme
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 40:35; second-half: 40:54
The final curtain for my 2009 Summer League campaign was appropriately at a ground on Drury Lane – no not that one in heart of London’s theatre land but on in the heart of the Peak District. And there was no better way to wrap things up by seeing Bradley in action once again. The men from Ye Olde Vaults have had another wonderful season culminating at Hilton Athletic a week last Thursday (6th August) when they got the points needed to secure a fifth successive title.
However, their penultimate game was an awkward one on an interesting undulating playing surface against a Biggin side that beat then 1-0 in Saturday’s Wayne Tarbard Cup Final. The home side play in the village of Biggin-by-Hartington some nine miles north of Ashbourne just off the A515 road to Buxton.
I approached from the south on the A515 and took a left-hand turn into Liffs Lane before going underneath a disused railway bridge. Drury Lane, which came up on the right after around 1 ½ miles, took a left-hand bend after passing the ‘Biggin’ sign and the ground was on the right.
Being on Drury Lane, I suppose the ground could be nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ though the playing surface was anything but a dream for visiting teams. Rarely flat, it had lumps, bumps and crater-like depressions – something the like of which I’d never seen at any ground previously visited.
The pitch (orientated west–east) ran lengthways away from the road and was unroped as per a typical Summer League set up. Cars parked down the left-hand edge of the field and a small green building, also down this side, acted as a changing room for those who needed it.
Obtaining the teams was straightforward and the referee was a familiar face in Ian Fraser who had taken charge of the recent game I saw between Kirk Langley and Bradley. Aggedor, OTT and Graeme emerged from their cars no long before kick-off. For Aggedor and OTT, this visit to Drury Lane marked a ‘champagne job’ while Graeme still needed to visit the Rose and Crown at Boylestone. As for my progress towards a ‘champagne job’, well I just need a trip to Ashbourne Rec which will have to wait until next summer.
Biggin (33 points from 24 games) went into this fixture, their penultimate home game of the season, in ninth position with no possibility of finishing any higher or lower. After tonight, they still had three league games remaining at Weston on Thursday, at home to Kirk Langley on Monday and at Coach Rangers a week on Thursday.
Bradley (champions with 71 points from 26 games) had one thing still to aim for – going through the entire season with just one leaguedefeat. They just needed to stop Biggin winning this game and Coach Rangers winning at Mappleton on Thursday.
Bradley got the game underway defending the Drury Lane end in the first half. Biggin began with ten men through ‘number 4’ Thomas Fenton dashed on after 34 seconds.
The visitors got off to a perfect start with an opening goal in the 5th minute. Richard Gage crossed low from the left towards Karl Grocott who slotted home at close range after the ball had slipped through the arms of keeper Paul Williams at the near post.
It was nearly two when Jez Oborn cut in from the left and saw his initial shot parried by Williams. Oborn got to the loose ball but fired wide.
At the other end, the Champions got a wake-up call as Josh Critchlow hit a decent right-foot shot that beat the diving Lee Jones and rebounded off the right-hand post.
Biggin continued to threaten and Steve Allen fired straight Jones. However, on the half hour, Williams produced a great save at to block a close-range effort from Grocott.
The visitors finished the half on the attack. Jay Tremlow headed against the right-hand post and the diving Williams again excelled to turn round a long-range shot. Just before the half-time whistle, the Biggin keeper was again in action to keep out Nick Stubbs’ rising 25-yard drive.
Bradley doubled their advantage less than two minutes after the restart when Grocott hammered home his second goal at close range. Jez Oborn wanted to get in on the scoresheet and he soon headed against the left-hand post.
The prolific Oborn wasn’t to be denied in the 55th minute. he was given space to hit a well-struck shot from the edge of the area which gave Williams no chance of stopping. At 3-0 up with 15 minutes remaining, surely Bradley were no going to let their lead slip now?
Biggin continued to look for a consolation goal until the end and substitute Ashley Gregory sent a free header straight at Jones. Just before the full-time whistle, Jones saved a shot from Roger Tomkinson and a header from Josh Critchlow to keep his clean sheet intact.
Roll on next summer and more Summer League action in an around the Ashbourne area.
Biggin (red and white stripes / red / red): 1. Paul Williams, 6. Tony Woodruff, 3. Ian Currington, 2. Roger Tomkinson, 16. Joe Beech, 7. Andrew Wilton, 4. Thomas Fenton, 9. Jim Annett, 5. Stuart Millward 10. Josh Critchlow, 14. Steve Allen. Subs: 8. Ashley Gregory (for ???, 67), 11. Jack Upton (for Woodruff, 55), 17. Sam Coles (for Millward, 70).
Bradley (silver / black / black): 1. Lee Jones, 3. Jay Tremlow, 5. Simon Oborn, 14. Clem Mellor, 11. Steve Coates, 2. Nick Stubbs, 7. Glynn Sellers, 6. Mike Twemlow, 10. Richard Gage, 16. Karl Grocott, 8. Jez Oborn. Subs: 9. Stuart Coates (for Gage, 57).
Goals:
0-1 Karl Grocott (5)
0-2 Karl Grocott (42)
0-3 Jez Oborn (55)
Biggin 0 Bradley 3
Summer League
At: Biggin Playing Field, Biggin-by-Hartington
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
No admission or programme
Attendance: 40 (headcount)
Weather: sunny
Duration: first-half: 40:35; second-half: 40:54
The final curtain for my 2009 Summer League campaign was appropriately at a ground on Drury Lane – no not that one in heart of London’s theatre land but on in the heart of the Peak District. And there was no better way to wrap things up by seeing Bradley in action once again. The men from Ye Olde Vaults have had another wonderful season culminating at Hilton Athletic a week last Thursday (6th August) when they got the points needed to secure a fifth successive title.
However, their penultimate game was an awkward one on an interesting undulating playing surface against a Biggin side that beat then 1-0 in Saturday’s Wayne Tarbard Cup Final. The home side play in the village of Biggin-by-Hartington some nine miles north of Ashbourne just off the A515 road to Buxton.
I approached from the south on the A515 and took a left-hand turn into Liffs Lane before going underneath a disused railway bridge. Drury Lane, which came up on the right after around 1 ½ miles, took a left-hand bend after passing the ‘Biggin’ sign and the ground was on the right.
Being on Drury Lane, I suppose the ground could be nicknamed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ though the playing surface was anything but a dream for visiting teams. Rarely flat, it had lumps, bumps and crater-like depressions – something the like of which I’d never seen at any ground previously visited.
The pitch (orientated west–east) ran lengthways away from the road and was unroped as per a typical Summer League set up. Cars parked down the left-hand edge of the field and a small green building, also down this side, acted as a changing room for those who needed it.
Obtaining the teams was straightforward and the referee was a familiar face in Ian Fraser who had taken charge of the recent game I saw between Kirk Langley and Bradley. Aggedor, OTT and Graeme emerged from their cars no long before kick-off. For Aggedor and OTT, this visit to Drury Lane marked a ‘champagne job’ while Graeme still needed to visit the Rose and Crown at Boylestone. As for my progress towards a ‘champagne job’, well I just need a trip to Ashbourne Rec which will have to wait until next summer.
Biggin (33 points from 24 games) went into this fixture, their penultimate home game of the season, in ninth position with no possibility of finishing any higher or lower. After tonight, they still had three league games remaining at Weston on Thursday, at home to Kirk Langley on Monday and at Coach Rangers a week on Thursday.
Bradley (champions with 71 points from 26 games) had one thing still to aim for – going through the entire season with just one leaguedefeat. They just needed to stop Biggin winning this game and Coach Rangers winning at Mappleton on Thursday.
Bradley got the game underway defending the Drury Lane end in the first half. Biggin began with ten men through ‘number 4’ Thomas Fenton dashed on after 34 seconds.
The visitors got off to a perfect start with an opening goal in the 5th minute. Richard Gage crossed low from the left towards Karl Grocott who slotted home at close range after the ball had slipped through the arms of keeper Paul Williams at the near post.
It was nearly two when Jez Oborn cut in from the left and saw his initial shot parried by Williams. Oborn got to the loose ball but fired wide.
At the other end, the Champions got a wake-up call as Josh Critchlow hit a decent right-foot shot that beat the diving Lee Jones and rebounded off the right-hand post.
Biggin continued to threaten and Steve Allen fired straight Jones. However, on the half hour, Williams produced a great save at to block a close-range effort from Grocott.
The visitors finished the half on the attack. Jay Tremlow headed against the right-hand post and the diving Williams again excelled to turn round a long-range shot. Just before the half-time whistle, the Biggin keeper was again in action to keep out Nick Stubbs’ rising 25-yard drive.
Bradley doubled their advantage less than two minutes after the restart when Grocott hammered home his second goal at close range. Jez Oborn wanted to get in on the scoresheet and he soon headed against the left-hand post.
The prolific Oborn wasn’t to be denied in the 55th minute. he was given space to hit a well-struck shot from the edge of the area which gave Williams no chance of stopping. At 3-0 up with 15 minutes remaining, surely Bradley were no going to let their lead slip now?
Biggin continued to look for a consolation goal until the end and substitute Ashley Gregory sent a free header straight at Jones. Just before the full-time whistle, Jones saved a shot from Roger Tomkinson and a header from Josh Critchlow to keep his clean sheet intact.
Roll on next summer and more Summer League action in an around the Ashbourne area.
Biggin (red and white stripes / red / red): 1. Paul Williams, 6. Tony Woodruff, 3. Ian Currington, 2. Roger Tomkinson, 16. Joe Beech, 7. Andrew Wilton, 4. Thomas Fenton, 9. Jim Annett, 5. Stuart Millward 10. Josh Critchlow, 14. Steve Allen. Subs: 8. Ashley Gregory (for ???, 67), 11. Jack Upton (for Woodruff, 55), 17. Sam Coles (for Millward, 70).
Bradley (silver / black / black): 1. Lee Jones, 3. Jay Tremlow, 5. Simon Oborn, 14. Clem Mellor, 11. Steve Coates, 2. Nick Stubbs, 7. Glynn Sellers, 6. Mike Twemlow, 10. Richard Gage, 16. Karl Grocott, 8. Jez Oborn. Subs: 9. Stuart Coates (for Gage, 57).
Goals:
0-1 Karl Grocott (5)
0-2 Karl Grocott (42)
0-3 Jez Oborn (55)
Gedling Miners Welfare 1 Blackstones 1
Saturday 15th August 2009
Gedling Miners Welfare 1 Blackstones 1
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Extra Preliminary Round
At: Mapperley Plains Sports and Social Club, Plains Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1-50 (32 pages)
Attendance: 46
Weather: sunny, breezy
Duration: first-half: 49:28; second-half: 46:38
A total of 762 clubs were accepted into this season’s FA Cup with 406 of them starting in the Extra Preliminary Round, the first hurdle. With Slade Green resigning from the Kent League, their opponents Faversham Town were given a bye leaving 202 ties to be contested over this weekend.
After leaving of Mrs and Junior ‘iwf’ in the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre and the entrance to the city caves, I decided to head of the tie between Gedling Miners Welfare and Blackstone – step 6 v. step 5.
Being unfamiliar with Nottingham, I put the postcode (NG3 5RH) into the SatNav and it took me straight to the ground entrance on Plains Road. Travelling away from the city centre via Woodborough Road (B684) which became Plains Road, the ground was prominent on the right opposite the Tree Tops pub.
The ground itself was part of a larger complex with football to the right running lengthways and parallel with the road, car park to the left and both a separate health club and social club as well. A sign near the entrance advertised the next fixture for Gedling Colliery Cricket Club though the cricket ground was obscured from view.
I emerged through the turnstile near to one corner, with the pitch (orientated north-east–south-west) running widthways mostly to the right. Behind the near goal was a large net, as there was behind the far goal as well. Along the opposite touchline were two stands, either side of the dugouts on halfway, each containing one row of individual blue bucket seats. Also on the far side were the tea bar and club shop as well as the changing rooms and club room inside the social club building.
I obtained a teamsheet at the turnstile, which made the job of obtaining the line-ups so much easier, though they were announced over the tannoy a few minutes before kick-off. There was time to investigate the tea bar and club shop, from where it picked up two different designs of club badge for £3 each.
Gedling Miners Welfare went into the tie in seventh position in the embryonic East Midlands Counties League table. Each club had played one game and last Saturday Gedling defeated Holbrook Miners Welfare by the odd goal in three at home.
Visitors Blackstones, based in Stamford, found themselves bottom of the United Counties League Premier Division table after losing both of their opening two games, admittedly both were away from home. Last Saturday on the opening day they went down 4-3 at Long Buckby Town and on Tuesday against conceded four goals at Boston Town without getting on the scoresheet.
Blackstones’ Lincoln Road ground is perhaps unique in my own records as I’ve visited it for an FA Youth Cup tie (against Stafford Rangers in 2005) but not for a first-team fixture.
Both sides emerged in fair-play fashion in the bright sunshine and exchanged handshakes before Gedling (wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow socks) got the game underway defending the end nearest to the entrance and car park.
I opted for a seat close to half way in the Harold Hume Stand with Blackstones fans close by on either side of me. The fans were encouraged by their side’s early possession during which Kevin Ainslie fired a left foot shot straight at Welfare keeper Lance Walker.
Gedling took the lead in the 11th minute through a softly conceded penalty. Richard Jones brought down Barry Payne just inside the area and Craig Boulton confidently fired home a taken left-foot penalty.
“That was a nice dive ref,” said the Blackstones fan sat to my left wearing a grey and sky blue hooped sweatshirt.
Encouraged by the early goal, Gedling started to pose more of a threat. Just past the midpoint of the first half, Chris Hall delivered a right-foot cross into the area from out on the left. Flavell left his line to claim only to fail to make contact allowing Jones to head wide of an unguarded goal.
Gedling were certainly comfortable with their one-goal lead with Blackstones (wearing green shirts, black shorts and green socks) creating just the odd chance without troubling Walker. They did go close in the 43rd minute when Mark Jones ran into the area from the left and fired into the near side netting.
Walker took the resulting goal kick only to go down in agony with what looked like a nasty injury to his right leg. The keeper needed several minutes of treatment and the players took advantage to have an impromptu drink break even though the interval was imminent.
Thankfully for Gedling, Walker was able to continue though he was hurt again dealing with a Blackstones corner just before referee blew the half-time whistle.
In need of food and drink I returned to the Tea Bar for another tea and tray of chips before returning to my seat in the stand.
Walker wearing his bright orange top emerged for the second half, admittedly moving slowly, and there were no substitutions by either manager.
Boulton went down inside the area a minute after the restart, though the referee wasn’t the slightest bit interested in awarding another penalty.
Blackstones were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out for a foul on Mark Jones by defender Ryan Marsh. With the players expecting a cross to the far side of the area, Flavell opted to test the injured Walker and the keeper did well to turn the ball round that was heading for the top left corner.
It started to cloud over to the south and in the 51st minute Blackstones midfielder Elton Holmes became the first player to be booked, for a foul on Richard Harrison.
With Blackstones pressing for an equaliser, Gedling created a chance against the run of recent play. Good work by Warren Hatfield on the right set up Barry Payne who hit a right foot shot which Flavell held diving to his right.
The sun returned around the time Gedling made a change in the 61st minute. Ben Middleton replaced Grant Newton.
The visitors made a change in the 70th minute – Daniel Fountain replaced Andrew Boolie who had earlier picked up a knock – and got back on level terms in the 72nd minute. Ainslie cut in from the left and bundled the ball home at the near post.
Gedling almost regained the lead with a well-struck effort from Boulton. The ball swerved in the air from 25-yards out which Flavell did well to stop and it was cleared for a corner. The was further danger for the visitors when Richard Jones headed a backpass into the path of Boulton but Flavell raced off his line to clear.
A mistake by March in the 81st minute let in Mark Jones who was brough down – March received a yellow card.
Blackstones replaced Mark Jones with Adam Scotcher in the 83rd minute and this almost became a perfect substitution. Scother went straight into the Gedling area and headed home Elton Holmes’ corner with his first touch. The referee spotted pushing and disallowed the goal.
The fan in the hooped top was not amused: “It should have been 2-1 to our lads”.
Gedling, perhaps keen to avoid a trip to Stamford in three days time made a double change a minute later – Craig Thomason replaced Boulton and Jamie Archer came on for Chris Ison.
Just like Blackstones a few minutes before, Gedling also thought they’d taken the lead in the 87th minute. Warren Hatfield’s well-struck volley was pushed into the air by Flavell and juggled underneath the bar. Gedling thought it had crossed the line but the referee said it hadn’t so the scores remained level.
Blackstones made one final effort to snatch victory. Scotcher battled on the left, cut in and won a corner. Homes delivered the ball into a crowded area, Walker held it and the referee blew for full-time.
Replay on Tuesday at Blackstones.
Gedling Miners Welfare (yellow/blue/yellow): 1. Lance Walker, 2. Richard Harrison (capt), 3. Chris Hall, 4. Rico Martt, 5. Ryan March, 6. Chris Ison, 7. Jamie Brown, 8. Warren Hatfield, 9. Craig Boulton, 10. Barry Payne, 11. Grant Walton. Subs: 12. Ben Middleton (for Walton, 61), 14. Craig Thomason (for Boulton, 84), 15. Coey Nightingale (not used), 16. Jamie Archer (for Ison, 84), 17. Grant Russell (not used), 18. Ross Lawrence (not used), 19. Marc Williams (not used).
Blackstones (green/black/green): 1. Ian Flavell, 2. Carl Bird. 3. Kevin Ainslie, 4. Darren Glover , 5. Richard Jones (capt), 6. Matt Doyle, 7. Elton Holmes, 8. Andrew Boolie, 9. Mark Jones, 10. Richard Thompson, 11. Jonathon Stead. Subs: 12. Adam Scotcher (for Jones, 83), 14. Daniel Fountain (for Boolie, 70), 15. Elio Salerno (not used), 16. Karl Down (not used).
Referee: M. Fletcher.
Assistants: N. Marriott and C. Shackleton.
Goals:
1-0 Boulton (11)
1-1 Ainslie (72)
Cards:
Gedling: none.
Blackstones: Elton Holmes (YC, 51)
Gedling Miners Welfare 1 Blackstones 1
FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Extra Preliminary Round
At: Mapperley Plains Sports and Social Club, Plains Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1-50 (32 pages)
Attendance: 46
Weather: sunny, breezy
Duration: first-half: 49:28; second-half: 46:38
A total of 762 clubs were accepted into this season’s FA Cup with 406 of them starting in the Extra Preliminary Round, the first hurdle. With Slade Green resigning from the Kent League, their opponents Faversham Town were given a bye leaving 202 ties to be contested over this weekend.
After leaving of Mrs and Junior ‘iwf’ in the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre and the entrance to the city caves, I decided to head of the tie between Gedling Miners Welfare and Blackstone – step 6 v. step 5.
Being unfamiliar with Nottingham, I put the postcode (NG3 5RH) into the SatNav and it took me straight to the ground entrance on Plains Road. Travelling away from the city centre via Woodborough Road (B684) which became Plains Road, the ground was prominent on the right opposite the Tree Tops pub.
The ground itself was part of a larger complex with football to the right running lengthways and parallel with the road, car park to the left and both a separate health club and social club as well. A sign near the entrance advertised the next fixture for Gedling Colliery Cricket Club though the cricket ground was obscured from view.
I emerged through the turnstile near to one corner, with the pitch (orientated north-east–south-west) running widthways mostly to the right. Behind the near goal was a large net, as there was behind the far goal as well. Along the opposite touchline were two stands, either side of the dugouts on halfway, each containing one row of individual blue bucket seats. Also on the far side were the tea bar and club shop as well as the changing rooms and club room inside the social club building.
I obtained a teamsheet at the turnstile, which made the job of obtaining the line-ups so much easier, though they were announced over the tannoy a few minutes before kick-off. There was time to investigate the tea bar and club shop, from where it picked up two different designs of club badge for £3 each.
Gedling Miners Welfare went into the tie in seventh position in the embryonic East Midlands Counties League table. Each club had played one game and last Saturday Gedling defeated Holbrook Miners Welfare by the odd goal in three at home.
Visitors Blackstones, based in Stamford, found themselves bottom of the United Counties League Premier Division table after losing both of their opening two games, admittedly both were away from home. Last Saturday on the opening day they went down 4-3 at Long Buckby Town and on Tuesday against conceded four goals at Boston Town without getting on the scoresheet.
Blackstones’ Lincoln Road ground is perhaps unique in my own records as I’ve visited it for an FA Youth Cup tie (against Stafford Rangers in 2005) but not for a first-team fixture.
Both sides emerged in fair-play fashion in the bright sunshine and exchanged handshakes before Gedling (wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow socks) got the game underway defending the end nearest to the entrance and car park.
I opted for a seat close to half way in the Harold Hume Stand with Blackstones fans close by on either side of me. The fans were encouraged by their side’s early possession during which Kevin Ainslie fired a left foot shot straight at Welfare keeper Lance Walker.
Gedling took the lead in the 11th minute through a softly conceded penalty. Richard Jones brought down Barry Payne just inside the area and Craig Boulton confidently fired home a taken left-foot penalty.
“That was a nice dive ref,” said the Blackstones fan sat to my left wearing a grey and sky blue hooped sweatshirt.
Encouraged by the early goal, Gedling started to pose more of a threat. Just past the midpoint of the first half, Chris Hall delivered a right-foot cross into the area from out on the left. Flavell left his line to claim only to fail to make contact allowing Jones to head wide of an unguarded goal.
Gedling were certainly comfortable with their one-goal lead with Blackstones (wearing green shirts, black shorts and green socks) creating just the odd chance without troubling Walker. They did go close in the 43rd minute when Mark Jones ran into the area from the left and fired into the near side netting.
Walker took the resulting goal kick only to go down in agony with what looked like a nasty injury to his right leg. The keeper needed several minutes of treatment and the players took advantage to have an impromptu drink break even though the interval was imminent.
Thankfully for Gedling, Walker was able to continue though he was hurt again dealing with a Blackstones corner just before referee blew the half-time whistle.
In need of food and drink I returned to the Tea Bar for another tea and tray of chips before returning to my seat in the stand.
Walker wearing his bright orange top emerged for the second half, admittedly moving slowly, and there were no substitutions by either manager.
Boulton went down inside the area a minute after the restart, though the referee wasn’t the slightest bit interested in awarding another penalty.
Blackstones were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out for a foul on Mark Jones by defender Ryan Marsh. With the players expecting a cross to the far side of the area, Flavell opted to test the injured Walker and the keeper did well to turn the ball round that was heading for the top left corner.
It started to cloud over to the south and in the 51st minute Blackstones midfielder Elton Holmes became the first player to be booked, for a foul on Richard Harrison.
With Blackstones pressing for an equaliser, Gedling created a chance against the run of recent play. Good work by Warren Hatfield on the right set up Barry Payne who hit a right foot shot which Flavell held diving to his right.
The sun returned around the time Gedling made a change in the 61st minute. Ben Middleton replaced Grant Newton.
The visitors made a change in the 70th minute – Daniel Fountain replaced Andrew Boolie who had earlier picked up a knock – and got back on level terms in the 72nd minute. Ainslie cut in from the left and bundled the ball home at the near post.
Gedling almost regained the lead with a well-struck effort from Boulton. The ball swerved in the air from 25-yards out which Flavell did well to stop and it was cleared for a corner. The was further danger for the visitors when Richard Jones headed a backpass into the path of Boulton but Flavell raced off his line to clear.
A mistake by March in the 81st minute let in Mark Jones who was brough down – March received a yellow card.
Blackstones replaced Mark Jones with Adam Scotcher in the 83rd minute and this almost became a perfect substitution. Scother went straight into the Gedling area and headed home Elton Holmes’ corner with his first touch. The referee spotted pushing and disallowed the goal.
The fan in the hooped top was not amused: “It should have been 2-1 to our lads”.
Gedling, perhaps keen to avoid a trip to Stamford in three days time made a double change a minute later – Craig Thomason replaced Boulton and Jamie Archer came on for Chris Ison.
Just like Blackstones a few minutes before, Gedling also thought they’d taken the lead in the 87th minute. Warren Hatfield’s well-struck volley was pushed into the air by Flavell and juggled underneath the bar. Gedling thought it had crossed the line but the referee said it hadn’t so the scores remained level.
Blackstones made one final effort to snatch victory. Scotcher battled on the left, cut in and won a corner. Homes delivered the ball into a crowded area, Walker held it and the referee blew for full-time.
Replay on Tuesday at Blackstones.
Gedling Miners Welfare (yellow/blue/yellow): 1. Lance Walker, 2. Richard Harrison (capt), 3. Chris Hall, 4. Rico Martt, 5. Ryan March, 6. Chris Ison, 7. Jamie Brown, 8. Warren Hatfield, 9. Craig Boulton, 10. Barry Payne, 11. Grant Walton. Subs: 12. Ben Middleton (for Walton, 61), 14. Craig Thomason (for Boulton, 84), 15. Coey Nightingale (not used), 16. Jamie Archer (for Ison, 84), 17. Grant Russell (not used), 18. Ross Lawrence (not used), 19. Marc Williams (not used).
Blackstones (green/black/green): 1. Ian Flavell, 2. Carl Bird. 3. Kevin Ainslie, 4. Darren Glover , 5. Richard Jones (capt), 6. Matt Doyle, 7. Elton Holmes, 8. Andrew Boolie, 9. Mark Jones, 10. Richard Thompson, 11. Jonathon Stead. Subs: 12. Adam Scotcher (for Jones, 83), 14. Daniel Fountain (for Boolie, 70), 15. Elio Salerno (not used), 16. Karl Down (not used).
Referee: M. Fletcher.
Assistants: N. Marriott and C. Shackleton.
Goals:
1-0 Boulton (11)
1-1 Ainslie (72)
Cards:
Gedling: none.
Blackstones: Elton Holmes (YC, 51)
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