Monday 28 September 2020

HIGH LANE PUNISH TEN MEN TANSLEY

TANSLEY 2 HIGH LANE 3
HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER AT FETE FIELD
26 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM
THE RACE IS ON FOR TANSLEY AGAINST HIGH LANE

This game more than any of the opening three for Tansley probably welcomed them to life into the Premier Division of The Hope Valley League.  After an opening day draw and last weeks big win today they took an early lead before falling behind to High Lane which although the visitors were getting an upper hand in the game was not helped by a very harsh red card just before half time for the home side.
This strange season that is seeing local visits galore and with a selection of around seven grounds on the radar on this non travelling agenda the furthest being the fifteen mile round walk or should that be hike to Tansley.  Having enjoyed the visit a couple of weeks ago and the forecast today being fine but windy a chance to get the boots on for a good old bit of aerobic exercise was just what was ordered.  With a different route planned out via Ashover Hay and just after with little diversions possible the hardest part of the walk featured road closure signs, thankfully the ability to get around the road spanning tree cutting equipment allowed continuation to turn along Holestone Moor.  This road is fairly exposed and lets put it this way I don't want to be on here when its windy.  Apart from this blog becoming like Claire Balding's rambling programme on Radio Four its also becoming an expert in all sorts of farm animals of which there are a fine variety along the route most of them fairly inquisitive.
RIBER CASTLE FROM THE FETE FIELD

Approaching Tansley via the descent of Allen Lane and then Whitelea Lane the previously featured Riber Castle comes into view and although its tree shielded surrounds often makes it difficult to eye spy today would see a chance to capture it from different angles.  As per the previous visit approach was opposite one of the clubs sponsors The Gate Inn along the short Green Lane and just over two hours after departure arrival was achieved.
THE HIGH LANE CAPTAIN APPEARS SURROUNDED

The surrounds this week looked a whole lot quieter than the premier league debut game two Saturday's ago but with Autumn arriving it was a darker day, with a cool wind and the feel of football season weather was well upon us.
The visitors from High Lane, a village in the Stockport Borough but the county of Greater Manchester, play out of Disley which by comparison to the previous unitary authorities is in Cheshire this sees the club as the most northerly in The Hope Valley League.  They have a good pedigree and are always there or thereabouts so today would definitely be a challenge for the new boys who had secured an 8-0 victory away at Dronfield Woodhouse  to add to their excellent opening day draw with Chapel Town.
THE CLASSIC CROSS

It was the brightest of starts for Tansley when they took the lead after just five minutes as High Lane failed to clear their lines Josh Raybould made them pay with the opening goal of the game.  But as the visitors came more into the game they got away a procession of edge of the box shots that could easily have seen them level and numerical amount of chances probably given them the lead.  They did though level on 38 minutes when Jake Miller beat the offside trap drew the home keeper and calmly slotted into the back of the net.
MATT WILKINSON HEADS JUST WIDE FOR TANSLEY

The big turning point though came with four minutes to go to the break when Mark Sayles handled the ball around forty five yards out in fairness the visiting player would probably had a run in on goal but it was a long way out and whether it was a clear opportunity is open for debate but all that mattered was that referee Rob Neale believed it was and showed the Tansley player a red card.  
High Lane would go into the break in the lead when on the stroke of half time George Noon unleashed a shot from 25 yards out that flew into the top left hand corner a goal good enough to grace a game at any level, wow.
GEORGE NOON RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR HIS WONDER GOAL

The game was effectively over within eight minutes of the restart when former Manchester City youth and Barnsley player Logan Jeffs fired home as Tansley failed to clear the ball from around their penalty box, a sharp finish from a player of quality.  Noon saw an effort well saved by the Tansley number one as the ten men fought to stay in the game but there was a light at the end of the tunnel with seven minutes remaining when they pulled a goal back through Matt Wilkinson.  A few doubts crept into the visitors as confidence rose in the Tansley side to seek out an equaliser which ultimately would not come but as referee Neale signaled the final whistle at just after 3.30pm the three points went to the side who had the most on the day, although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened with a full compliment of players for the ninety minutes for the home side.
LOGAN JEFFS FORMER MANCHESTER CITY AND BARNSLEY SCORER OF THE THIRD GOAL FOR HIGH LANE

An enjoyable afternoon again with Tansley Fc hopefully one I can visit on further occasions soon if the weather holds up and alongside the superb scenery that attaches this walk from base it made for a superb day.  The journey back again was just ten minutes over two hours and was a direct retrace of the outward journey witnessing many of the breathtaking views the other way round.
THESE LADIES WERE ENJOYING THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF OGSTON RESERVOIR


Sunday 20 September 2020

FURNESS ON FIRE IN DEFENSE OF TITLE

ASHOVER 1 FURNESS VALE 5
HVL PREMIER AT MILKEN LANE
19 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM
THE OBLIGATORY BACKDROP PICTURE AT ASHOVER FC

Defending champions Furness Vale came and conquered in North East Derbyshire against a depleted Ashover side they showed no mercy as they put the Milken Lane side to the sword in a dominant second half.  Top of the table last season continues after two games this season and who would back against their pedigree for the campaign.
As ever the local stuff continues and the foot slogging this timetakes in a slight deviation in the walk from base to visit Eastwood Old Hall within the Ashover Parish but nearer to the hamlet of Littlemoor.  An amazing hall that was put to ruin in the English civil war in the 1600's when the occupant the local minister showed no favour to either side and the Roundheads took issue with him and allegedly proceeded to make his base a ruin.  In some quarters the minister did claim the house was hit by cannon balls from the nearby ridge but this appears to be untrue.  Having sat in ruin for hundreds of years the building is now covered in ivy and foliage and previously sections of it climbed to five storeys high.  To the side is the old cottage which is joined onto this now forest of a ruin, its a strange local landmark but as a listed building its going nowhere its just that we cant see where it is going.
EASTWOOD OLD HALL ITS IN THERE SOMEWHERE

Re-tracing my steps to arrive via the more favourite Milken Lane and the furry ones who still aren't speaking but all three of the alpacas were seated in the late summer sun.  Arriving at the parish grounds about ten minutes short of kick off was ample time with still no chasing of team sheets I'm grateful to Furness Vale for their scorers received the evening after the game.  
ASHOVER FALLING OVER THEMSELVES

Ashover's start to the season saw a narrow loss at Dove Holes whereas the visitors gained a narrow victory by the odd goal in seven against Baslow at Yeardsley Lane.  Long term home manager Don Carline would have a fair collection of first choice players unavailable certainly a position you would not want to be in against the boys from up the A6.
The opening encounters were pretty evenly matched and it looked like Ashover may be able to compete although confidence drained after twenty minutes when they failed to clear a corner off the left and as the ball was reclaimed by the visitors it found its way to Ben Lomas who drove home to secure the advantage.
ASHOVER CLEAR THEIR LINES

The early confidence in Ashover was renewed when the number 9 broke past the keeper and was brought down by him but the initial shot dribbled over the line and the visiting number one received a caution from referee Brown but importantly the home side were level within a minute.  It was though the visitors who would apply the pressure eight minutes before the break when Lomas would this time turn provider setting up Tom Scorer who slotted past the keeper.  In the closing minutes of the half  Scorer nearly added to the total but the home keeper reached up to palm down a ball that looked to be dropping over him into the net.
FURNESS VALE IN CHARGE

It all appeared set up for a close second half but what unfolded showed either the abilities of the champions or the weaknesses of the Ashover side on this specific afternoon, I guess somewhere in the middle would be a good call.  But make no doubt about it the Milken Lane based outfit only got out of their half with any intent on a couple of occasions and had Furness Vale been more ruthless they could probably have ended up with more than five.
SOLITARY ACTION FOR THE VISITORS

Goals three and four came courtesy of back post headers the first from Jimmy Wood who nodded the ball in as it dropped down at the back post on 65 minutes and then George Seddon also at the far post headed in from a floated free kick off the left.  With three minutes later the icing was put on the cake with a sweet little move that ended with Scorer finding the back of the net for his second goal by this stage though Ashover were a well beaten side.
ASHOVER COME UNDER ATTACK WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE VILLAGE IN THE BACKGROUND

From a neutral point of view the second period had been a disappointment with Ashover a well beaten side and the normally vociferous touchline encouragement of manager Carline muted completely.  He is long serving enough to know that tomorrow is a another day and he continues to battle to not only keep football in Ashover but create a side that can compete in the top section of the league, this one would hurt for a man who loves the game.
For the visitors Furness Vale the defence of their league title could not have got off to a better start with two straight wins and their confidence grew throughout the game and although last weeks teams Tansley and Chapel Town looked strong and both secured wins the champions are the ones they will have to knock off their perch after this performance.
GEORGE SEDDON MAKES IT FOUR FOR FURNESS VALE

A fast departure would see the day once again enhanced by a walk out of the village, that as previous readers will know is exquisite, via its very impressive high roads offering excellent views over the valley and surrounding area.  Today departure would be via the former zoo accessing it by Moor Road and Chapel Hill there would be no former England cricketer to encounter but on the finest and clearest of day there was plenty of 'wow' views to be taken in.  Passing behind The Fabric and Ashover Rock a drop back down again to Littlemoor for a scenic view of Ogston Resevoir with its sailing boats cutting up the water.  Dropping back down to base forty five minutes later it had been another interesting day walking, taking in a Hope Valley game and a little bit of local history to add to the mix.
Eastwood Old Hall may be a ruin beyond repair but make no doubts Furness Vale may very well ruin a few sides goals against column this season in their chase for the retention of the title of league champions.
AFTER MATCH ENTERTAINMENT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS


Sunday 13 September 2020

TANSLEY DENIED BY LATE CHAPEL EQUALISER

TANSLEY 2 CHAPEL TOWN 2
HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER AT FETE FIELD
12 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2.30PM
KIERAN LUGSDEN CELEBRATES HIS EQUALISER FOR CHAPEL TOWN

A debut premier league appearance for Tansley looked to be resulting in three points against their Chapel en le Frith based opponents that was until the visitors captain Kieran Lugsden swept home a sweet finish with seven minutes remaining.  But the securing of a point against an always strong outfit in Chapel Town would have to be seen as a plus even though it must have felt like a heart breaker for the home side.
With the current restrictions limiting my options the pre-season has seen an appearance for some superb little clubs who have been a pleasure to cover.  During the week a Hope Valley game closer to base was selected but by Thursday I was flirting with Tansley Fc a side I had tried to pop along to last season but the weather and early curtailment did not allow this to happen.  By the start of this season though they had found themselves rewarded with a promotion to the Hope Valley Premier League and their opening day fixture would be against one of the strongest teams in the league in Chapel Town.
THE FETE FIELD HOME OF TANSLEY FC

Public transport is still off the agenda and with some nice walking around Ashover over the last few weeks taking in seven miles the option on a nice day with no rain forecast and the light to walk back in a one way journey would take just over that.  To badly parody The Proclaimer's 'I would walk fifteen miles just to be the man who watches a Tansley game and I would walk fifteen more............., well maybe that second parts going a bit far.
With a later kick off by half an hour to the rest of the league due to junior games on the sports ground a departure from base at noon would see some wonderful views of Ogston reservoir forty minutes in and by the time I had bypassed Ashover and left Milltown one hour and a quarter had been clocked up.  The hardest part climbing the steep, narrow and winding road towards the superbly named Lickpenny Lane.  It was all down hill now to Tansley with an ETA of 2pm at the ground their was time to call Chesterfield Sunday League social media guru Dan who had already arrived and kindly offered to sign me into 'the book'.
STEVE WOOD DENIED BY A LAST GASP CHAPEL TACKLE

Tansley is often seen as a selection of properties either side of the Matlock to Alfreton road or more appropriately Nottingham Road by its given name but the village itself accessed by the turn in the dip of the road offers up a lovely little community away from the hustle and bustle of the busy main road.  The former shop has gone but the Post Office now serves from the Methodist Church a lovely building in itself with the stone building extending into I guess the ministers house which is attached to the main building.  Moving through the village Holy Trinity Church sees progression made to the village green with a neat row of stone cottages to the rear here is the main entry point to the ground on Spout Lane.  But wandering around towards one of the clubs sponsors is the re modeled Gate Inn and directly opposite Green lane an attractive way to approach via a short footpath which brings you into the ground.
NO QUARTER GIVEN

The grounds are supported by a modern changing room block with full length windows and glass door to the front more of which I cannot tell you due to the restrictions, to the front a collection of cleaning fluids for use and a one way system around the building.  The club had clearly done their best to support the requirements and even delayed kick off so as not to clash with earlier junior games.
The ground is of course a village recreation area but these type of sports facilities in the Derbyshire Dales and Hope Valley are never just recreation grounds they offer up many lovely views.  A small selection of seats around the ground and a superbly positioned one behind the far corner flag add to the ambiance, the club had roped off three sides of the ground with the far split into two player bubbles.  From that side though the best views can be seen with the nearby folly of Riber Castle much photographed from Causeway Lane home of Matlock Town.   Here though with the sun out it was not as easy spot and offered a side on view of the unique landmark.
DALE HILL RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR THE OPENING TANLSEY GOAL

It was on one of these seats that Pete from Chesterfield sat on and when I finally recognised his wave from afar we had a socially distanced chat, like myself he had undertaken to watch more games at this level and we both commented on the enjoyment of doing it so far, although when its thrashing it down in winter with little or no cover we may not be so keen.
Anyway to the game Tansley looked resplendent in their salmon shirts with black shorts and Chapel in their regular yellow and blue stripes created probably two of the best kits to match up in a game for a little while.  Chapel are always a strong outfit and Tansley although feeling excited for their debut in the top echelon must have felt some anxiety in their management team of what to expect.
TANSLEY WING WORK

Any confusion with the blue pitch markings seemed not to affect the players but only me as the 'where is the penalty box' question was raised a few times.  But we were off at a fair old pace and by 35 minutes Tanlsey were two goals up and loving this Premier League lark.  It was Dale Hill who would take the accolade for first goal at the top level but the assist was a credit to Steve Wood and when former Teversal striker Matt Wilkinson rose to head in a right wing corner to double the advantage the lads in salmon were enjoying this.  However lets not make it look that easy this was an end to end encounter with Chapel feeling aggrieved when a floated free kick was diverted into the net by one of their players knee only for the flag to go up for offside.  They did though find a goal at a vital time just a minute before half time when Ryan Jones drove home a lovely low drive from the edge of the box that crept inside home keeper Jak Thornley left hand post.
THE SCENIC SIDE WITH RIBER CASTLE TO THE LEFT OF THE TREE

As the second half developed it became clear that Tansley were getting the whole team behind the ball and would rely on a breakaway goal this would be a risky game because the more Chapel knocked at the door you feared it would open and maybe even they would take over the house if they got in.  Strangely though that chance did come for Tansley referee Chris Brown awarded a penalty for one of those modern day handballs, after a visiting player had been sin binned for his comments up stepped Wilkinson knowing a finish here would more than likely put the game beyond Chapel.  Cometh the hour cometh former New Mills keeper Toby Emmett who took off to his left to palm away the ball and give the visitors extra vigor now as they powered forward in search of an equaliser.
CHAPEL PRESSURE MOUNTS IN THE SECOND HALF

As the pressure mounted an edge of the box shot crashed down off the underside of the Tansley bar but it appeared not over the line although to the growing frustrations of the Chapel side it looked like the goal would not come and referee Brown had to sin bin a visiting substitute for his comments.  But they need not have worried with just seven minutes left on the clock captain Lugsden swept into the box drew the home keeper and slotted home the sweetest of finishes across the home number one.  Would there be enough time for a winner or from a Tansley point of view could they hang on the answer was yes somehow with moments left the ball fell to Lugsden who from close range agonisingly lifted the ball over the bar and you could feel the sigh of relief from Tansley team.
Chapel will probably refer to a few incidents in the game that would have seen them win and their performance was very strong but you could not deny that Tansley had a fixture that would be the toughest introduction to top flight football and it would have been cruel to deny them a point from their sterling efforts.
CHAPEL KEEPER EMMETT DENIES WILKINSON AND TANSLEY

Upon the final whistle the return walk dawned on me and no point in dawdling around a determination to get on with it was summoned up and the climb out of Tansley back towards Ashover parish would see an extension through the beautiful valley that surrounds the Ashover Hay district alongside the Primitive Methodist Church, more or less built in a field, formerly serving the hamlet of Milltown.  Pulling out of the valley and tracing my steps back towards Littlemoor as per the outward route, a further hour would see arrival back at base.
A lovely visit to a club who appear on the crest of a wave with a walk that was challenging but offered up so much picturesque countryside but the main event, the game, was a credit to both clubs and The Hope Valley League with a special mention for one its better referees Chris Brown who looks every bit the part.

Monday 7 September 2020

BAMFORD CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF GOAL AND THE ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL

ASHOVER FC 0 V BAMFORD FC 2
PSF AT MILKEN LANE
5 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM
ASHOVER ON THE ATTACK WITH PERRY RICHARDS

Bamford taught Ashover a lesson in finishing after the Milken Lane based side had the bulk of possession in the ninety minutes but could not find the back of the net thanks to some good goalkeeping from the visitors number one and a shyness in front of goal.  Bamford had certainly been banging the goals in along their pre-season journey and the regular appearances of Christy McCorry and James Gregory on the score sheet was echoed again here.
That time of the year has arrived when cricket is winding down after its much truncated season and football has started its season or is in the last call of its warm up games.  The dilemma of which sport to cover was sort of made up by a cold afternoon and the chance of seeing Bamford a side I had not covered before.  So with both these sides looking to feature in the top echelons of The Hope Valley Premier Division it would appear a good chance to catch up with the pedigree of the challengers for the 20/21 season.
STILL NO COMMUNICATION
A gentle amble would still see a 3 mile walk to the village take just over an hour and I need to mention the alpacas of course, purely for those who are interested in their welfare, they have returned but I have to report were still non communicative much as I tried.  Ashover manager Don Carline is still in situ and has now past the mid thirties in consecutive years in charge age though has not dampened his enthusiasm from the sidelines and he can be regularly heard offering his pearls of wisdom to his troops ably assisted by Chris Sharman.  Don has he tells me assembled a good squad this season that when all players are available is a very strong outfit it will as ever be of interest to see how this serves a man committed to football in Ashover.
BAMFORD KEEPER IN FINE FORM AS ASHOVER PILE ON THE PRESSURE

As ever there is of course little chance of obtaining teams and my only source of information to confirm the visitors is their Facebook page but whether the two scorers are in the correct order so I will hedge my bets by naming both in the report.
DERRICK MILLER SEES A CHANCE FOR ASHOVER

The early stages saw Ashover start at a pace with free flowing attacks being well repelled by the visitors defence and the confident keeping of their number one with Ashover's Perry Richards assisted by the promtping of Tom Torrington they looked comfortable.  The superb dead ball ability of Luke Knightley with some excellent corners was testing Bamford but the man between the sticks was flying about with a confidence.  A good start but no ball in the back of the net fell apart just short of the quarter of an hour mark when McCrorry/Gregory slotted home with ease as the home defence turned off for the briefest of moments to give Bamford the lead.
THE CHASE IS ON

The second period would see Ashover to the fore as early as the forty eighth minute when Torrington nipping in on the back post saw his stooping header saved by the visitors number one and then it would be the woodwork that denied the same player along with a tantalising mix to corners from Knightley that Bamford continued to repel it would appear it wasn't the home sides day.  This was a proved theory with twenty minutes remaining when a corner off the right was lofted back in and Gregory/McCrorry met the cross with a sharp unmarked header that nestled in the back of the Ashover net to double the visitors lead.
TOM TORRINGTON JUGGLING SKILLS

As the watch of referee Archie Anderson ticked away Bamford became more confident of the win and were denied by the Ashover keeper in the closing stages when he saved well from number 15 in a one on one situation.  
THE BAMFORD WALL DOES ITS JOB AGAINST A TORRINGTON FREE KICK

At the final whistle the Facebook page for Bamford summed this up as a great win against a team who will be right up there this season, but I wouldn't bet against both of them challenging if the visitors keep their top scorers in fine form it is though something that Ashover needed today somebody to rustle the back of the net, sometimes they appeared over elaborate and in need of getting a shot away early rather than over play it.
BAMFORD NUMBER ONE CLAIMS A KNIGHTLEY CORNER TO DENY MILLER

With time to take a trip back up Malthouse Lane and a different climb out of the village it would give a chance to take a view in from the edge of the former Ashover Zoo that fine Victorian house that previous readers will remember was mentioned in a cricket blog just a few weeks ago.  This was a property purchased from the closing zoo owner and is now the most wonderful property with commanding views.  The afternoon was enhanced when the current owners were on the forecourt of their property and a wonderful ten minutes spent discuss our family friend Stuart who they knew had tried before his money ran out to renovate the property in the 70's and they explained the previous owners had lived their over twenty years as was the case with their ownership.  The property and its surrounds had also been used for filming in the ITV series Peak Practice which spent many a time around the villages of the area.  A very interesting and illuminating conversation upon leaving and about to take a right at the junction would see me saying 'hello' and then when looking up adding 'Geoff' as I encountered former England cricketer Geoff Miller, something later supported by a cricketing friend who lives in the village which is also the residence of the former all rounder.
THE VIEW FROM THE ZOO WITH THE FOOTBALL GROUND IN SIGHT

Walking back along the ridge that offers some superb views of the village and as far away as Nottingham and the power station at Ratcliffe I encountered a weekender stopping in a holiday cottage and enjoying the area and then a selection of animals from stubborn horses refusing to come to their owners and then the usual inquisitive cows who seem more than happy to pose for pictures with scenic backdrops.  A different drop back towards base was down the steep Alton hill and I spent a moment looking at its converted old style phone box now a community defibrillator which replaced the former telecoms equipment well remembered for its former press 'A' or 'B' buttons in one of the prototype early phone box designs.
For Ashover for now they just need to call up the goals most of their other play looks spot on.