MERRY CHRISTMAS, HERES A FEW NEW VIEWS

DATELINE DECEMBER 23--NO GAME
TWO DAYS TO GO TO CHRISTMAS--HAPPY CHRISTMAS
A very merry Christmas from 'We All Stand Together' to all out there in footy land.
I would like to thank you for coming along to the blog in this opening month or so and I hope you will keep popping along in the new year.  I would also like to thank my right hand man Mr Barry in helping with Facebook and all out there who are mentioning and visiting the site.
So as a little additional feature here are a few pictures from before the site started too ones that didn't make the final cut in featured games so far, can you guess who and where they are.  Like any good Christmas quiz the answers are below! [Tip pic 1 and 5 have clear give away clues on the stands!]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!


PICTURE 1
 

PICTURE 2



PICTURE 3



PICTURE 4



PICTURE 5

PICTURE 6

PICTURE 7

PICTURE 1--AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON FC
PICTURE 2--ATHERSLEY REC FC
PICTURE 3--A MINOR DISAGREEMENT AT BUCKLEY TOWN [CYMRU ALLIANCE]
PICTURE 4--SPALDING UTD, SIR HALLEY FIELDS
PICTURE 5--COLNE FC, HOLT HOUSE
PICTURE 6--WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE REF NICK PRATT AT NEWTOWN
PICTURE 7--MARINE [ROSSETT PARK], BUT FOR AN AFC LIVERPOOL HOME GAME

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THREE IN A ROW, POINTS THAT IS FOR EASTWOOD

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY FC 0 V SWANWICK PENTRICH ROAD 0
CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH---20 DEC 3PM

MAIIN STAND AT CORONATION PARK WITH MR O ON THE PHONE

QUICK CUPPA FOR EASTWOOD SECRETARY
DEBS

This game of lookalike beach football, on a heavily sanded pitch, produced no goals but a valuable point for an ever improving Eastwood Community who have now collected three consecutive draws.  However the football was agricultural and route one in nature with Swanwick after a bright 20 minutes lowering their free flowing football too.  Having said that but for a man of the match performance from the home goalkeeper by Andrew Fretwell who pulled off at least five goal denying saves the form table with have won the day.
Its a few years since I have made a game at
Coronation Park home of former side Eastwood Town who sadly fell by the wayside and now its been left to a group of enthusiastic volunteers to start afresh in the town and thankfully the local council seem to have embraced their efforts.  After the ground circuit of photos which showed a little bit of wear and tear from the former clubs Conference North days it is still a good ground. 


LETS DANCE!

The downside is that the stand is positioned just slightly to one side of the dug outs and makes the front seven rows very restricted views, below this was an atcost stand which again was set too far back this has now been dismantled.  Behind both goals the terracing offers perfect views and opposite the main stand a small stand remains with to the bottom side a toilet block and new build turnstiles which were added to aid the former clubs efforts for promotion to Conference National.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THE MAIN STAND PETES SNAPPING
AND MR O IS ON THE PHONE AGAIN

Overall it is and was always a very neat ground with a pitch now devoid of its once famous slope, while off in search of the teams from the referee it was nice to get into a little conversation by Eastwood Community secretary 'Debs' who was busy adapting to her new role this season but found time to offer a warm welcome.  A fairly healthy attendance of around 70 were willing on the bottom side to secure their first victory and I guess experienced manager Paul MacFarland will soon bring that about for the Nottinghamshire club.
It was good to meet up with a couple of other ground hoppers including Derbyshire based Pete who was snapping away with his superb continued interest in all things non-league.  The promotion that enthusiastic hoppers like Pete can give to clubs is worth its weight in gold because most hoppers will recommend clubs to visit or follow and often on their visit they will pop along to any available merchandise stall to make an additional purchase.

BEHIND THE GARDEN FENCE SWANWICK PENTRICH ROAD MANAGER KEV GRUNDY

Didn't go with the pies today but a chip cob which was a fair portion served in what looked like a Warburtons burger bun, food and drink was well served by the ladies and gentleman in the snack bar once again a vital role at all non-league clubs.
0-0 games are often dour and it has to be said this did not enliven my enthusiasm much but it was lovely to go back and see a club that are trying their best to now put Eastwood back on the football map again, nice to catch up with a few people and witness the 'shepherds sky at night' just before the full time whistle.


THE PERFECT END TO A GAME OF WINTER FOOTBALL

SHAW LANE SEE SHILDON DUCK OUT OF THE VASE

SHAW LANE AQUAFORCE 3 V SHILDON 2
FA VASE ROUND 3 AT OAKWELL, BARNSLEY FC---16 DEC 7.45PM

KEEP YOU EYE ON THE DUCK HE'S AFTER MY CHICKEN BALTI PIE

On a unique night when Barnsley FC's ground staged this FA Vase tie it was the towns NCEFL side Shaw Lane that saw off one of the favourites to progress even after conceding as early as the second minute.
Following postponements at the Shaw Lane complex and continuing waterlogging problems Aquaforce took the proactive step of setting up this agreement with their Football League neighbours to stage this tie.  It was a successful measure that saw a crowd of 371 in attendance a superb chance for both sides to perform on what is an impressive stage.
Indeed to that effect Shaw Lane looked a bit overawed in the first 20 minutes and found themselves one behind to an ugly error strewn goal after just two minutes, but they got on top of the game by half time had the upper hand at 2-1. 

TOUCHLINE WITH THE SHAW LANE MANAGEMENT AT OAKWELL

The second half saw what had been an impressive Shildon in the first half subdued and Shaw Lane were able to extend their lead to 3-1 before Shildon pulled a late goal back to give the game a respectable 3-2 outcome.

BELPER REFEREE TIM WALKER ACKNOWLEDGES
THE APPLAUSE

Oakwell's west stand, lower, was opened tonight and a friendly bunch of Shaw Lane, Shildon and non league hoppers were in attendance and from a We All Stand Together point of view it was good to meet up with some friends, including Paul and John from CCTFC days.
Oakwell is an impressive stadium these days and the view from the west stand certainly shows the ground off to its best and added to that a chicken balti pie its has to be seen as luxury.  Indeed by the end of 90 minutes the pie was repeating as well as any BBC sitcom!
Also of note tonight was the Derbyshire officials appointed to the game indeed Belper referee Tim Walker had overseen Shaw Lanes victory over Runcorn Linnets in round one.
Full credit to Shildon they made a good game of this FA Vase game and once again proved the strength of the Ebac Northern League along with their supporters who made this long journey down for a mid week fixture.

A LONELY LIFE IN THE SHILDON TECHINCAL AREA

STUDENTS FAIL LONG EATON EXAMINATION IN EXTRA TIME

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 3 V LONG EATON UTD 5 [AET] (90 MINS 3-3)
MIDLANDS LEAGUE LEAGUE CUP -- 16 DEC 7.45

THE IMPRESSIVE GRANDSTAND AT THE STADIUM

For the second game running a team sported a purple and put on a quality show however this time they were not victorious thanks to a 90th minute equaliser and convincing extra time performance from Long Eaton United.

Another new visit and this time the Loughborough University Stadium on the University complex beckoned.

MODERN BUT WELCOMING TURNSTILES

I have heard many comments about this ground and yes its not your average non league ground being on the University site and being the central focus for the establishments sporting aims it has clearly received major investment.  But for me it was a WOW what a superb ground with excellent facilities from terracing to grandstand, from large electronic scoreboard to hospitality facilities.  Added to this a quality pa announcement system and were I will start this blog---a warm welcome.
The modern full size turnstiles were controlled by, as is often the case any visitors first impression of the ground, a gentleman who not only admitted me into the stadium but popped out to tell me where to go and what facilities were on offer tonight.  We also had a chat about how he got involved with club volunteering and he had a clear pride in the set up and why not.  I have said many times before people like this are a God send to clubs and believe me do so much to make non league football what it is, thanks for the welcome.
Having done the obligatory ground circuit you will see from the pictures the stadium is modern and new with superb terracing and a high viewing grandstand the only downside being a lack of cover on the terracing this was not a problem tonight with the crowd registering just 60.


LOUGHBOROUGH STADIUM 30 MINUTES BEFORE KICK OFF

Having made my way to the grandstand the snack bar/bar was impressively run and friendly and I managed to sample a lively sausage roll, ok two lovely sausage rolls during the evening.  The café designed area had an illuminating corporate design throughout with purple and pink cushioned seats and settees adorning the whole area, there was a little history section and tag line 'where history begins' displayed on a feature wall.
The grandstand gave a tremendous view of the game and even though I prefer a terrace view I remained there for the whole game so was its pull.  The first half saw the University play some superb quality football added to that a pace that Long Eaton where struggling to cope with indeed by half time Uni were beating the league leaders 3-2.
The second half saw a constant deluge of rain make Loughborough's slick passing game become more difficult but just as it looked like they would progress to the next round Long Eaton equalised on the stroke of full time.  The table toppers then finally got the upper hand in the 30 minutes added time to secure a 5-3 victory.

MORE PURPLE THIS TIME SEATS IN THE WELL APORTIONED GRANDSTAND

HOME DUG OUT WITH YOU KNOW
 WHAT COLOUR SEATS
 

Game wise though this was a quality effort from both sides in some testing conditions and it was a credit to the two teams the style of football they put on show, a most enjoyable game.
Enjoyed the evening at a lovely ground different to Newtown on Saturday but a winner in its own right a real shame for the University that they could not take more of their first half efforts that would have secured victories and then in the second half they were over elaborate when getting a shot away would have been more productive.  But on this showing they have some super players who should be moving the club up the league soon.

THE ARTISTIC[?] PICTURE ATTEMPT OF THE NIGHT, THE FOUNTAINS BY THE STADIUM COMPLEX

OLD GOLD HIT PURPLE PATCH TO DEFEAT NEWTOWN

NEWTOWN 0 V CARMARTHEN TOWN 2
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE - 13 DECEMBER 2.3OPM

THE BEAUTY THAT IS LATHAM PARK HOME OF NEWTOWN AFC

TV GANTRY DOUBLE DECKER STAND

The boys in purple, is this really a colour for a kit [?] its certainly different, took away three points from Mid Wales to take Carmarthen back to the top six of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League thanks to a goal in each half.
The day started much earlier for me, 6.30am to be precise, and following two changes of train and an hour and a half in Shrewsbury Newtown was reached at just after mid day. 

OFFERING A CRACKING VIEW ITS ALSO 'COME ON DOWN' FOR THE
 PLAYERS AS THEY COME DOWN THE 20 STEPS OR SO

Having never visited Newtown before or for that matter Mid Wales and following a bit of research I went in search of the towns famous son in Robert Owen early co-operator and social reformer from the 1700's and after a quick photo of a statue to his memory I also visited his now restored tomb.  The town itself seems a lively and close community with most people knowing one another there was a friendly feel to the place, following a look around and the time moving on I decided against taking in the Wetherspoons or McDonalds for sustenance in favour of Latham Park home of Newtown AFC.
The approach to the ground is via a narrowing road towards an official car park and then a turn left down a footpath that halfway down reveals the turnstiles.
Having paid the standard £7 for entry I collected a few programmes at £1.50 and got on with taking some pictures of this impressive ground that looked even more resplendent in December sunshine which was glinting off the clubs brand new 3G pitch which certainly allowed this game to go ahead.  One supporter was surprised I had made it via train he told me the line had a replacement bus service on it only last week due to flooding around Welshpool.

AN EARLY ARRIVER GETS HIS 'SPOT'

Its a difficult ground to describe with 5 stand from small to large for this standard of football, well here goes.  To the right a mid size stand with blue and red seats a selection that adorns four of the stands and behind the goal a slightly raised bank that quaintly has park bench style seats at the top for a lovely view on a warm day I guess.  Going back to were we came in and turning right is a small stand with double decker facility for Sgorio S4C or I guess any other tv company, moving round to the goal is an open stand again with blue and red seats.  As we come round to the side opposite our entrance this is the main area for the clubs activities with the bar now extended into The Latham Suite and hospitality area above with viewing gantry, sandwiched between this and the old main stand is the snack bar a large walk in facility.  Passing the old main stand which houses a radio press area come to the new stand which features just red seats and houses around 400.  The most interesting feature here is the changing rooms are up about 20 steps at the rear and this results in the official and players entering the pitch via this staircase.

REFEREE THOMAS DENIES A PENALTY
WAS ON MANAGER AIZLEWOODS CHRISTMAS LIST

PURPLE KIT, PURPLE BOOTS GOOD COMBINATION

Its a bit of a long introduction to the ground but I think you will see form the pictures its an interesting stadium which commands some lovely views of the Welsh countryside all around it.

A CALMER NEWTOWN BENCH

Following a bilingual introduction over what was a superb PA system it was time for the game to begin and the first 30 minutes was a tempestuous affair with both sides having penalty appeals turned down by young referee Iwan Griffith, something that Carmarthen livewire manager Mark Aizlewood didn't let him or most of the ground forget for the first 45 minutes.  Aizlewood is an interesting ex footballer in that he certainly shouts at the officials but he plays every ball and encourages all of his players in a very vocal manner.  That first half an hour produced an opener for Carmarthen after 19 minutes when Liam Thomas hit a screamer from the edge of the box.  In the second period much as Newtown prompted and prodded at the Carmarthen defence they could not find a way though and it was the visitors who made it 2-0 with ten minutes remaining when David Brooks slotted home unmarked at the back post.  This seemed to give Newtown purpose and but for a wild miss on an open goal and an excellent save from Idzi they may very well have got a point from this encounter.

PANTO SEASON UNDER WAY 'ITS BEHIND YOU'
SHOUT AIZLEWOOD AND ASSISTANT SMOTHERS

Steady 10 minute walk back to the station for the well loaded two carriage Arriva train, with a quick change at Shrewsbury and even quicker change at Stockport and thanks to a delayed train home base station was arrived at an hour before planned.
Lots of enjoyable things about today, great ground, lovely town, nice club with some friendly stewards and some equally social local supporters who made the day a memorable one all round.  The only minor was no club shop or merchandise on sale here still I guess there were not many hoppers in the crowd of 172.

THE PICTURESQUE STATION THAT GREETS YOU ON ARRIVAL AND SAYS SEE YOU SOON ON YOUR DEPARTURE AT NEWTOWN, POWYS

POLAR VISIT TO STH NORMANTON FOR CUP ENCOUNTER

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 4 AYLESTONE PARK 3 [AET] [2-2 90 MINS]
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES LEAGUE CUP ROUND 2----10 DEC 7.45


AYLESTONE PARK PLAYERS WARMING UP ON A COLD NIGHT

The choice tonight was Alfreton in the Conference v Eastleigh and sadly £18 or a trip to see this EMCL Cup encounter at a ground I had covered just a few days ago.  It was a great choice to re visit Lees Lane with what proved to be one of the best games of the season with both sides going for the attacking option to provide a hatful of goals in the entertaining 120 minutes of football.



THIS SHOT OF THE DERBYSHIRE FLAG SHOWS THE STRONG WINDS BUT DOESNT ADD THE WIND CHILL FACTOR INTO THE MIX!

The only downside tonight was the unbelievably biting wind chill factor which would have left Ernest Shackleton questioning what he was doing at Lees Lane which is never the warmest of places at the best of times.  The official attendance of 14 is I guess the lowest non-league crowd I have been part of and for those who visited Alfreton or chose the fireside you missed a treat!
It was the Leicestershire visitors who took the lead on three occasions but in the vital period of the 2nd period of extra time that saw South Normanton take the all important lead for the first time in the game and it proved to be a winning goal.  1-1 at half time, 2-2 at 90 minutes and on both occasions the home side replied within a couple of minutes.  Extra time in the cold weather was not to be welcomed but again the entertainment surpassed the weather the Leicestershire side took the lead from the spot with Linford Harris completing his hat trick.  This time it took the home side 5 minutes to equalise and then in that second period of extra time take the lead for the first time in the game a goal that secured them a spot in round 3.
A superb advert for The East Midlands Counties League and Aylestone contributed so much to this game with a young team who are struggling in the league but surpassed that position in their efforts tonight.

NO CUP OF CHEER FOR PRIMS AT THE PROACT

CHESTEFIELD FC 5 V GRAHAM ST PRIMS 2
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP----9 DEC-7.45
There was no cup of cheer for East Midlands Counties Prims as the took on League 1 side Chesterfield, admittedly with a mixture of youth and a scattering of first teamers.  It could have been so different a minute in when referee Paul Thompson awarded the visitors a penalty but Myles Wright saved superbly, but Prims did take the lead before an immediate response from The Spireites who then ran onto open up a 5-1 score line before Prims deservedly pulled a late gaol back to finish the scoring with a final tall of 5-2 to Chesterfield.
The Proact needs little description it is what it is a purpose built ground while smart and practical.  Once again though tonight as soon as a professional[?] club get involved their seems to be a lack of the finishing touches that sometimes appear to be done better by non league clubs.  Tonight on a bitterly cold and wet evening the gates were finally opened just half an hour before kick off with quite a few people sheltering outside.  The sparse crowd of 100 had seen a few people take up stand seats with padding in them, amazingly over officious stewards [see Everton u19 blog!] wanted all to move.  Then the piece de resistance the club had failed to even do team sheets never mind a programme!  If professional clubs are going to enter County Cup competitions why are they not treating them with respect never mind the opposition team and paying supporters.  All other teams have, as far as I'm aware issued for DSC games so why are the top clubs not.  In fairness Chesterfield used to do a mini programme and then that drifted away to a team sheet and now nothing including no PA system which you can just about understand.
Steady showing from the non league team a little disappointing off the field from the Football League club.

LATE GOAL SECURES VICTORY FOR SPORTING CLUB ALBION

DERBY COUNTY LADIES FC 2 V SPORTING CLUB ALBION WOMENS FC 3
FA WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE NORTH---7 DEC 2PM
A quick revisit to see Derby Ladies FC at a very cold Anderson Electrical Arena the home of Borrowash Victoria and of course Derby Ladies.
With a low sun from behind the Nottingham Rd goal the game was made awkward to watch and I guess difficult to play in but once again both sides put in a sterling effort.
The game started with the 1914 football remembers joint team tribute and both teams managed superbly to get one Derby one Albion player into the line up.  A nice tribute well done Derby and Sporting.

1914 FOOTBALL REMEMBERS LINE UP

Derby had lead at half time thanks to a Melissa Johnson strike, however after the break two goals in a minute round the hour mark from Albion saw them snatch the lead thanks to Stephanie Smith.  Derby deservedly equalised on the stroke of full time through Aimee Perry.  Albion though were not done and their tremendous spirit saw them win it in the second minute of stoppage time when Trina Greaves
broke through and slotted past the Derby goalkeeper with little chance of any comeback for Derby this time.
Entertaining finish to the game once again good effort from all around the club with a nice little programme well done to I believe Sheila R hopefully a few more people will go along to support these games it was a cold afternoon but around 35 were in again in attendance. 

NAILERS WERE 'SHAWE' THEY HAD SNATCHED VICTORY AT TRAFFORD

TRAFFORD 2 V BELPER TOWN 2
SHAWE VIEW---6 DECEMBER 2014 3PM
Quick hop down to Shawe View for a bottom of the table clash in the Evostik Premier and a new ground visit.
Firstly a return to the comfort of non league with a warm welcome from all around the gate who were sorting out their pre match cuppas as 'we all stand together' disturbed them for some programmes and golden goal tickets, nice welcome guys thanks. 
The obligatory circuit of the ground was undertaken and the first thoughts were of a tidy ground neat and rubbish free even down to the trimming of the grass up to the edges of the advertising boards, its a ground that appeared treasured and much loved.  Behind the goal on entrance is hard standing and then along the far side a stand with seats in the front and standing to the rear straddles the half way line.  Onwards to the rear of the far goal and a neat covered standing area has been erected and so we come to the main stand area with two mini stands within the stand for spectators and officials and a entrance way on the pitch for the players who are housed in neat cabins behind the stand.  After this is the snack bar with attached to its side a cabin with the bar area, more of which in a minute.  Taking us back to the entrance is a smart two stepped raised terrace which seemed to be the popular area of the ground which gave a good view of proceedings.


Back to the bar area this is again for this ground well kept and looks exceptionally clean and tidy, its good to see all their sponsors offered a display holder to place their business cards in.  Also of great note are copies of newsletters readily available on the day and I guess distributed locally to tell people about the goings on at the club, all very impressive.  Snack bar pie, peas, gravy and coffee twice, me and friend not all mine[!] were duly served up by the lovely and friendly ladies in what is one of the most impressive football snack bars I have purchased from for a while.

While we are looking around the periphery of the game the match programme Trafford Review at £2 looks an excellent read and a superb work of art as per the clubs newsletters which I believe are and have been put together for a while by David Murray credit must go to you to its creates a great impression of Trafford FC.
The match saw Trafford lead at half time and when Froggatt equalised in the second half it was Belper who took the lead with a cracker on 90 minutes.  Parity though was restored in the third minute of stoppage time by Trafford to secure a 2-2 draw and a fair result.
Friendly club enjoyed this new visit to a welcoming club there was good banter at the ground while having a lovely feel to it too.

No dash back for trains today thanks to Mr S who kindly assisted todays blog we even managed a call back to KFC in Denton Rock for s small bit of healthy food for the return car journey!

 

Trafford fans and 'the fox' enjoy a moment of celebration

EVERTON SECURITY GUARDS 5 BLOGGER 0!

EVERTON U18 2 V MANCHESTER CITY U18 1
6 DEC 11AM-----BARCLAYS U18 PREMIER LEAGUE@ Finch Farm Halewood
The title here gives credence to why many of us watch non league football for the freedom and its welcome as opposed to world of Premiership/Football League clubs.
This blog has been set up to promote the wonders of non league football and its not my intention to allocate any criticisms of the hard working non league volunteers and so this article in relation to a professional club will I'm determined be an exception to the normal blog.
Everton's Academy at Finch Farm is a superb facility let me make that clear from the start and on arrival I was impressed as a guest today of the match official I looked forward to adding this visit to the blog and after a tea on the cafe area it had been a good start.

Sadly on departure I encountered the 'wardens' being advised I could not take a picture of the front of the academy building and Everton badge and would not be allowed any pictures while on the complex.  I can just about understand the player pictures at an Academy but the next bit amazed me even further.  I thought I would walk over the approach road from our car park a spot that I soon realised when shouted back again and told 'you cant walk over there that's the professionals car park'!  A car park that had about five cars in it.  I was then advised, it must be said always in a courteous manner, which paths I could use to access the pitch.  During the two games being played there were always two security wardens on duty at each watching for I guess any supporter misdemeanour.  Mind you the guards watching failed to have a word with one of the goalkeepers, I wont mention which team, who decided to take a call of nature in a nearby hedge by the pitch.
At the end the over officiousness continued with a mini walkway created for the players to leave the pitch.  Good grief its no wonder Premiership/Football League clubs are losing touch with their fans, I guess I should have been grateful that I was allowed to view the game with the other 100 or so who were in attendance. As a friend commented it would appear fans are not too important to top clubs it may just be about the sponsors.
The game well that was a fast paced encounter on a bitterly cold morning with some good skills on show from both sides and it was Everton who ran at 2-1 winners.