Monday 18 March 2024

SHIREBROOK GO SOUTH

SHIREBROOK TOWN 2 WAKEFIELD AFC 0
NCEFL 1 AT LANGWITH ROAD
16 MARCH 2024 --- 3PM
SHIREBROOK TOWN V WAKEFIELD AFC OPENING HOME GOAL CELEBRATIONS

The signing of Danny South may just be the icing on the cake that Shirebrook needed to get them an end of season that the club so desire to raise this sleeping giant and send it on a journey to the levels the town would love to see with a promotion.  South signed from Belper Town a few days before this table topping game and it raised a few eyebrows but the player was honest and said he had to think about his family and just couldn't turn the offer down and in fairness Nailers fans have been warm in their praise and love of his efforts for the NPL side.
Well after this victory thanks to a goal in each half which saw them also play with ten men for half of the second forty five minutes it was a superb team performance but you just could not take away the presence of South.  From before the game to kick off and beyond the final whistle he cajoled and encouraged his colleagues while denying Wakefield a way through and making a strong physical presence in the opposition box for any set pieces or corners he just looks the piece of the jigsaw that can complete the promotion push.
EARLY ENCOURAGEMENT FROM NEW BOY SOUTH

As ever the usual start even after a less rainy weekend there was still a fair few games at this level and step 7 that fell to the p-p.  A cheeky you know what over to Shirebrook saw a pre match visit to The Coop for a healthy pasty and confectionery.
On arrival at Langwith Road a good following from West Yorkshire swelled the crowd to well over 200 and with the locals in good voice it was to be a challenging atmosphere for the players and match officials.
CARLTON CARTY ON THE ATTACK

My memories of a previous Wakefield side were from visiting a former ground at the site of Wakefield rugby union club but overall the town for some reason, I guess rugby league, as struggled to support a football side of course even now they play in the under development ground of Wakefield Trinity.  
Shirebrook arrive at this game after a superb 3-0 away win at league leaders Beverley Town.
WAKEFIELD FLYING HIGH TO CLEAR

Suitably fed with some low calorie food kick off approached as did frustratingly some pre match rain although by the time of kick off it had just about left us alone and the umbrella could be placed to one side thankfully.  
NAT WATSON SETS OFF

As expected the game went off at a good old pace and proving to be a physical encounter which encouragingly Shirebrook were having the better of.  Referee Nunn was blowing up regularly and after a couple of early cautions and I think had made the call that this game was not going to flow to freely or it could be harder to control.
The game looked like Shirebrook would probably not gain a first half advantage but all that changed on 34 minutes with a lovely move that saw Nat Watson power on from the half way line he fed Anthony Dwyer who slipped the ball to Carlton Carty to fire home.  Cue some wild celebration and you could see how much that breakthrough goal meant to the home side.
NAT WATSON SETTING UP THE OPENING GOAL

Just before half time Shirebrook survived what looked a fair call for a penalty when Lewis Stephens appeared to be pushed in the box.
The first half saw four bookings but we arrived at the break with Shirebrook one goal to the good.
REFS BLOWN FOR A FOUL........NO

The second half would be a tense affair with both sides out eager to get underway the visitors made two substitutions in an attempt to get some threat at the business end.  
Shirebrook had a great chance to double their lead three minutes in when they were awarded a penalty but visiting keeper Ryan Musselwhite pulled off the save to deny Town.
TO ME TO YOU

Shirebrook didn't have to wait to long to double their lead when on 59 minutes a superb deep cross off the right from Igor Mlynarski found Brad McGowan who headed home to create that much required comfort zone.
DANNY SOUTH SEES OFF ANOTHER WAKEFIELD THREAT

That buffer zone was certainly needed with twenty three minutes remaining when Nat Watson studs caught Cameron Barnett and referee Nunn produced a red card for the Shirebrook man as the visiting player lay injured and requiring attention from the physio.
This could have opened up the game but Shirebrook doubled down and continued to work hard closing down and denying Wakefield who probably only had one effort of note on target in the whole 90 minutes so dominant was the home defence.
BRAD MCGOWAN MAKES IT 2-0

The remaining time was seen out fairly comfortably and when Referee Nunn called time on the proceedings there was an undoubted joy that excellent victories this week and last week against two of their closest rivals had combined to send Shirebrook back to the top of the table.
RED CARD FOR NAT WATSON

The final celebrations and the support from the locals was great to see for the players and manager Stephen Bodle and his team.  They now march on to Parkgate away on Tuesday who have games in hand and if they pull enough wins in would make it difficult but they have to get those points and on this showing Shirebrook are in rich form.
WAKEFIELD GET A LATE SHOT IN BUT OWEN EVANS IS WELL BEHIND IT

An enjoyable game with a good victory for the Derbyshire side who will hopefully push this title challenge all the way now.
SHIREBROOK SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION TO THE FANS AT THE FINAL WHISTLE

Cheeky taxi back to base arriving just after 5.30pm and as per last week I guess the question remains about next week 'anybody for rain'?
A HAPPY STEPHEN BODLE AT THE FINAL WHISTLE


Sunday 10 March 2024

BACK FROM ABYSMAL

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 2 MICKLEOVER RES 1
CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS
9 MARCH 2024 --- 3PM
MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V MICKLEOVER RES AS MILLS CELEBRATE THE WINNER

After a mid week home loss to Bakewell described by the club as 'abysmal' The Mills returned to winning ways but not before being behind to an indifferent first half performance against a lively Mickleover Reserves side.  The second half though saw two quick goals after the break that allowed the home side to dominate and when the visitors were later reduced to ten men the three points were heading to Nottinghamshire.
ITS TIME FOR THAT MARK TURNER PICTURE

A drier week but a morning of rain had lead to the usual concerns and once again some clubs don't communicate and some clubs do thankfully Mills manager Mark Turner is one of the latter and on the back of this he had another paying spectator.
Mills had lost 4-2 to Bakewell in midweek at The Fieldings just as they were looking to pull away into mid table respectability the visitors arrived also looking for a much needed three points to pull away from the wrong end of the table.
CLUB MAN OF THE MATCH AND CAPTAIN TOM SUTER RECOVERS AFTER A FOUL

Cheeky taxi territory would allow for a comfortable afternoon just over the Derbyshire border and what had started of a nice one was soon to turn into an inclement affair with a sharp wind which was making it a cold watch, added to this a bobbly pitch as the surface dries out things would not be easy for the players either.  As ever though a warm welcome from the small band of volunteers here who keep the club functioning.
HENRY BROOKS ALL SMILES

It was nice to see former Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and Forest star Marcus Tudgay in attendance, watching his son Mason who was playing for the Derby based visitors.  Upon return to base I did have a few more reviews of the wonderful goal he scored for The Owls v The Blades a glorious strike from 25 yards into the top left hand corner of the goal, worth searching for it to take a look yourself unless of course you are a Sheffield United fan.
STRONG PERFORMANCE FROM REFEREE COREY GREEN TODAY

Mansfield kicking up hill against the increasingly strong wind were struggling to put to much of value together however the visitors had struck the bar twice within the opening twenty minutes, the first crashed back off the woodwork onto the goal line before a 20 yard free kick rattled the framework.
Just as it looked like Mills had held off the Mickleover attack they conceded four minutes before the break when Luis Mas-Hall turned the ball in from close range after good work from Tudgay and that's how we went into the break.
MARCUS TUDGAY STUDYING THE FIRST HALF

The cold half time break was warmed by Tudgay senior showing his skills with an interval kick about so after the break the home side made a double substitution before the re start something that immediately seemed to allow the team to move up a gear as they forced Mickleover onto the back foot.
MARCUS TUDGAY HALF TIME SKILLS

They were level within three minutes of referee Corey Green's re start whistle after a smart little move on the left it was George Simpson who found the back of the net to create parity.  
Just seven minutes later the visitors were left stunned as Mansfield took the lead when the ball was fed into the box to Luke Crosby who shielded and then turned to fire across the goal into the left hand corner of the net to make it 2-1.
GEORGE SIMPSON [L] RECEIVES CONGRATS FOR HIS GOAL TO MAKE IT 1-1

Mickleover were battling to get a foothold back in the game but disaster struck for them just past the hour mark when a high challenge from Samuel Tomlinson felled the Mills player and it resulted in a confrontation which saw referee Green show a red card for the initial challenge.
MATT FOWLER IN PROFILE

An alert home side from there on in denied the ten men of Mickleover any way back into the game but the chance count was not high for Mansfield either.  It remained a game that turned on the opening ten minutes of the second half probably aided by the double morale boosting substitutes and helped thereafter by the visitors reduction in numbers.
GEORGE SIMPSON LINES UP AM EFFORT ON GOAL

The increasingly cold March afternoon had by ten to five produced three points that opens up the vista of mid table respectability for Mills and the warmth from the victory was there for all too see in the players.  Mickleover have some handy players but today it wasn't to be and they probably perform better on flat pitches it will be interesting to see how their run in to the season goes.
LUKE CROSBY ENJOYS HIS WINNING GOAL

It was time to say cheerio to The Fieldings again and I couldn't say I would be too sorry with my body in need of a good old warm through.  Cheeky taxi got a return to base at around 5.45 from a visit to a club that I'm increasingly enjoying popping along to.
MATT FOWLER ON THE RUN 

As the 23/24 season comes to its conclusion much like you, I bet, I just crave picking a game midweek and being able to stick to it with no pitch problems from the constant wet weather lets hope for a good finish for all clubs without the continuing inconvenience of constant postponements.  Who knows we might just get a dry warm summer for the cricket, but that may be asking too much.
TOM TORRINGTON RALLIES THE MILLS

Run out of waffle before the last picture, ha ha.
RYAN BARSON MILLS NUMBER ONE

Tuesday 5 March 2024

BAIRD GETS SJR FLYING

STAVELEY MW RES 0 ST JOSEPH'S ROCKWARE WORKSOP 4
CMA PREMIER NORTH AT INKERSALL ROAD
2 MARCH 2024 --- 3PM
STAVELEY MW V ST JOSEPH'S ROCKWARE WORKSOP THE OPENING GOAL

A brace from Charlie Baird helped to secure three points for visitors St Josephs's Rockware Worksop in a performance that belied their league position although the result was helped by the sending off of Ziah McClaren for the home side after 25 minutes
ASSISTANT REFEREE GRAHAM TAYLOR TAKES UP HIS POSITION

The following could be inbuilt into any blog since October but here goes.  After a further week of the wet stuff games were once again falling to waterlogged pitches so it wa time to call on the 3G for a further chance of a game and a return to Inkersall Road, Staveley.  Of interest today was St Joseph's Rockware who of recent times have always been challenging at the right end of the table and it was of a shock to see them appearing to struggle at the wrong end when viewed before the game and I guess a home win looked on the cards, football is of course a funny old game though.
EARLY CLOSE IN ACTION

One of last weeks assistant referees from the Dronfield game was Notts FA's Graham Taylor who was appointed to today's fixture and it has to be said he is of experienced years, in his 70's, but signifies his love of 'the game', he always seems to be out doing a match.  A nice chap who always appears to be calm and decisive gaining the respect of the sides in the games I have seen him officiate in the time I have been watching non league he has been a regular feature.  
MATT TEMPLETON MOVES AWAY WITH THE BALL

With a clash of blue shorts there was an enforced change for the visitors who created a lovely fashion statement by wearing the home sides day glo orange, okay tangerine.  It seemed to work quite well in the pictures and brightened up the afternoon.
Staveley appeared to be minus a few players I guess gone with the first time for their derby game at Shirebrook and although not knowing much about the visitors it would appear Charlie Baird is possibly dual registered with Retford United which would not be a surprise as his quality was about to shine through the game.
LIAM HENDLEY APPEALS IN VAIN FOR THE FOUL

The visitors shocked Staveley just past the quarter of an hour mark from a corner of the right to the back post with a superb finish from Jack Greaves who came out between two home defenders to rise and head home past Billy Parker.  Staveley's job got harder on 25 minutes when McClaren was shown a red card for pulling back a Rockware defender as he was breaking through into the box leaving referee Tim Lewis little option.
Baird got his first cutting in off the inside left of the penalty box to fire home from close range to double the visitors lead after 32 minutes and that's how we arrived at half time.  
GREAVES MAKES IT 1-0 TO SJR

Staveley were given a way back into the game with a penalty awarded for handball just two minutes into the second half but it wasn't to be when Joe Vaughan flew to his right to push away a fair effort from Mitch Clogg.
As the match became more open Baird who had been a constant first half danger became even more prominent with a long range effort well pushed away by Parker before securing his second after 65 minutes firing home from just inside the penalty box.
SECOND HALF DEFENSIVE CLEARANCE FOR SJR

Staveley had played for much of the game of course with ten men and were playing some nice stuff but upfront remained ineffective something you could not accuse the visitors of and they got their fourth on 71 minutes.  Matt Templeton picked the ball up and strode on a few yards before unleashing a glorious low drive from 25 yards out into the bottom right hand of the goal to make it 4-0 to SJR.  You could say there was some joy as he wheeled away to the half way line in celebration.
BILLY PARKER UNDER PRESSURE IN THE HOME GOAL

The game was now definitely all over and although both sides looked for further goals Rockware were more than happy to take the three points from an excellent performance, admittedly against ten men, with some impressive efforts throughout the team.  It was a three points that with continued performances like this will see them pull away from the wrong end of the table.  
For Staveley it was probably not their most experienced side but they always attempt to play good football on the carpet and just an unfortunate day at the office.
THE IMPRESSIVE CHARLIE BAIRD GETS IN A SHOT

As ever it had been cheeky taxi in and cheeky taxi out allowing a quick return to base after the game from an enjoyable afternoon at the match.  Anybody seen the forecast for next Saturday?  Rain you say, never!
MATT TEMPLETON RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR HIS GOAL

Tuesday 27 February 2024

THEY ARE BACK

DRONFIELD TOWN 1 ATHERSLEY REC 2 
NCEFL 1 AT H E BARNES STADIUM
24 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 3PM
DRONFIELD TOWN V ATHERSLEY REC

They are back Dronfield Town that is a lovely club back on the blog again for the first time in a while.  They are back three points for Athersley Rec after five straight losses.
But more importantly fish and chips they are back on the blog from the delightful hidden away Jolly Friar.
Athersley Rec bossed Dronfield out of this game with a determined 100% performance that makes you wonder were that has been in their recent collection of defeats.  Today's victory clearly meant so much to them as a squad and the togetherness from bench to pitch was clear for all to see.  
THEY ARE BACK

Again another week of rain had led to many postponements but with the pitch playable and looking pretty good at Dronfield the taxi gamble was played and arrival just half a mile short of the ground saw the re emergence on the blog of the English take away delicacy.  The fish and chip review section has not featured for a few years now and was a staple part of the blurb from an away day to the more far flung visits so much so that some people only followed it for the food I'm sure.
Long time readers will know that the old Jolly Friar was run by a Sheff Weds fan and it was a hidden gem then before an upgrade and change of owner and then a fresh owner took over so this would be the first time to check out the latest offerings.  As ever a fine portion of chips, small, and large fish were at the top of the review table with the fish cooked fresh it was nice and hot and although I went for the large fish I'm not sure the size of the small fish.  Fish and chips is no longer a cheap meal but better to pay for quality than throw away half the food box.  I'm eeping a check on Dronfield's fixtures for a return visit to the Jolly Friar I'm looking forward to it now.
JAMES WOODHOUSE WITH THE OPENER FOR ATHERSLEY

As ever at Dronfield a friendly welcome on the gate and although not much as changed from my last visit probably 5 years ago now.  The great wall of Dronfield remains intact behind the goal, the ground is still three sided for spectators, the people here are still welcoming including the homely snack bar, however the pitch has improved.  The playing surface at one stage was a cause for concern and certainly today's game after all of the winters rain would not have been playable a few years back I believe drainage work and what looked like from my memory either a moving and shortening of its width had helped take out some of the problem area.
HEAD INJURIES SEE REFEREE ROSE CALL ON THE MEDICS

The game would feature a nice clash of kits to the eye with Dronfield's classic black and red stripes against the Yorkshire visitors in all over tangerine or dayglo orange you decide but it certainly brightened up proceedings.
THE CHASE IS ON

Before the game it was good to catch up with referee Andy Wood who had picked up a line today when his appointment in the middle in his north west pool was postponed, so a line beckoned and here he was at Frithwood Drive.  Today he would be part of a team headed up by Chris Rose and assistant Notts referee the experienced Graham Taylor who still loves the game, he must do as many appointments as anybody.
THE EYES HAVE IT

The early stages looked like a very competitive encounter would be the order of the day and so it turned out to be.  But it would be the visitors who would take the lead on the quarter of an hour mark when a move down the right saw the ball find its way to the back post for James Woodhouse to fire the ball home.
CLOSE UP IN THE VISITORS PENALTY BOX

Dronfield came back with a header that struck the bar and then Sam Bebbington brought a brilliant close range save out of visiting number one Ellis Pickard.  Athersley got a firm grip of the game after this home surge and the togetherness was the selling point from bench to player to touchline supporters this club looked so determined today.
At times it had to be said there was a fair bit of dissent from the visitors bench and on the pitch but referee Rose chose the leniency option and at half time the visitors were good value for their lead. 
SUB NICOLAS BENSON TAKES ON THE ATHERSLEY DEFENCE

Dronfield started the second period determined to get level and after a couple of substitutions it was one of these Owen Lester who lashed home a volley from 10 yards to bring parity to the score line on 68 minutes.  As Dronfield appeared to be gaining the upper hand fellow sub Nicolas Benson forced Pickard into another sharp save and then a superb salmon like save from the head of Billy Wright which had looked all the way like giving the Derbyshire side the lead.
Having weathered the storm Athersley broke away in a sweeping move that saw a great initial save from Lewis Naylor but Jack Briscoe wasn't to be denied and Athersley with that had collected all three poiints
REFEREE ROSE CAUTIONS HAKIM JOHNSON FOR ATHERSLEY

A tough, tough, tough old game really hard physical advert for the NCEFL in which I felt sorry for Dronfield who had performed well but the commitment from Athersley Rec had to be admired, but playing like this you have to ask why are they in their current struggling league position?
LAST MINUTE TACKLE

Sunday 18 February 2024

POWERFUL

TUPTON 93 CLEETHORPES 0
COUNTIES 3 MIDLANDS EAST [NORTH] AT NORTH SIDE
18 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 2.15PM
TUPTON V CLEETHORPES AT NORTH SIDE
[Score update was made on England Rugby site from 91-0 to 93-0 which was the the final score the blog calculated but went with the official declared 91-0 as explained in the blog, this has now been changed so the blog has been updated]
A totally dominant performance from Tupton with a points total to match saw them keep up the pressure on the top two in the table on a damp North Side pitch that thanks to the efforts of the club and its volunteers allowed this game to go ahead.

Yes after another week of rain and more rain the local sports fields were once again at the top of their water levels and with games called off on grass at the level of football the blog watches it was 3g again or a chance to revisit Tupton Rugby Union Football Club.  As Bob Curry told me at half time I'm only down here when the weather is bad and of course he his right, promise to make some nice weather rugby Bob, if there is any before the end of the season of course.

The short walk to the game is always a blessing no frustrating travel and a quick return at the end making it a delight I clearly should do more often.  Todays visitors are towards the wrong end of the table but have long journeys most weekends non more so than around an hour and a half today so you have applaud their fortitude.  Tupton meanwhile are having a wonderful season having just recently completed the double over neighbours Chesterfield Panthers.  Indeed the last time down at North Side was for the home fixture versus the Panthers in late October.

It was all very wet pitch side as well as the playing area but if you are not making use of the excellent clubhouse and viewing platform then you will probably know where to stand to avoid the worse of the underfoot conditions.
Since the last visit the horrendously wet winter forced the cancellation of the clubs fireworks night event which has happened for the last two season a major disappointment because like many things this club does they base their beliefs within the community they play in which make them a credit to Tupton.

During the game it was good to acknowledge two former junior school colleagues and get a lovely picture of my former teacher Roger Kench who was off to referee the seconds game on the adjacent pitch.  Of course you never forget teachers at school do you?  During the visit to the far side of the pitch it was also great to catch up with football mates and Nigel a regular down at the club.

It was around this time that I managed a chat with Mr Curry jacketed and with a beverage in hand, I don't think it was a coffee, always a pleasure and the Bristolian is always welcoming to visitors, shaking hands at the end with the match referee and Cleethropes captain but its what Rugby is all about.
Today also saw the club hosting the Old Tuptonian Tipple Club run by the vice president it did of course offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, I know its a surprise a rugby club and alcohol.  

So to the game and I'm not making a mess of describing all these point needless to say the visitors after the opening three minutes soon fell under the Tupton grasp with the first try and conversion coming as early as the fourth minute.  After this it was a steady stream of Tupton crossing the line and by half time they lead 47-0

The second half saw the onslaught continue with pace and breakaways to the forefront of the try's allowing many to be touched down behind the posts.  Added to this the sheer strength and powerful determination hopefully captured in the pictures allowed these to arrive.
By full time Tupton had notched up 91 points without reply, I even had it as 93 but must have given them a bonus conversion ha,ha.  [Update, the England Rugby site has now changed the final score to 93-0 so the blog has been amended].

Totalling out at fifteen try's and nine conversions from Sammy Cooper bringing the total to 93-0 as issued to the England Rugby website.
Lets take a minute to thank Cleethorpes a long journey to play a club clearly in form but they gave their all and were as ever in this game gracious in defeat, I hope somebody got them a drink afterwards.  But the spirit they showed is what this game is all about.  As one of their players commented as they lined up behind the posts in the first half waiting another Cooper conversion attempt 'were seeing this through were are not going anywhere'.

With the short walk back to base this had been an enjoyable afternoon, again, spent around this superb community club.
Time for me to shut up now and hopefully you can enjoy the further pictures from the game.