ALFRETON HEARTBROKEN BY LATE SOLIHULL EQUALISER

ALFRETON TOWN 2 V SOLIHULL MOORS 2
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH @ THE IMPACT ARENA
29 DECEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

THE WELL RED IMPACT ARENA

An equaliser in the 90th minute from James Armison sent Solihull home with a share of the points and broke the hearts of a fantastic Alfreton sides performance that deserved all three.  The Reds had taken the lead through Sam Smith before Sam Knights equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half time.  It looked as though Solihull would have come out after the break in the ascendancy but it was not to be as Alfreton took the second half to the table toppers and took the lead again via a Dan Bradley penalty which looked to be sending the Derbyshire side onto all three points that was until Armison stepped up in the final minute.
A short bank holiday journey from base was met by a bus full of shoppers but within 20 minutes the blog was safely alighting in Alfreton for a visit to a club that always remains in my footballing loves list.  Many readers will know of the blogs previous attachment to the club and I have to say the blog always remains neutral, well as much as can be achieved.  But today by the end I found out were my old loyalties were as I tried through hoarse voice to encourage on an Alfreton side who had given so much to this game against a good footballing side in Solihull Moors.

Its a few years sine I visited the Moors ground and they are a club that I don't catch up with too often so it was a good opportunity to see them today especially in the lofty position they held in the league going into this game.  Alfreton's ground has been covered many times on the blog so I wont repeat that today needless to say its still resplendent in red with a variety of viewing enclosures.
On the way to the game it was good to catch up with Shaun and his son Dec of the Bolsover Reds supporters club!  We regularly greet these two loyal fans on our countrywide travels in varying stations as they put their efforts into following The Reds.
One of the major attractions for football collectors at the Impact is of course Mark and Brian's shop selling badges and a wide, wide selection of programmes and today we were able to catch up with the proprietors and donate a nice selection of reasonably new programmes too.
Much as the blog likes to be objective and not critical I have said before that when you venture into Conference level football the costing and lack of a non league feel can reach the surface.  I love returning to Alfreton and sadly over the last few years this has not happened enough due to the cost, having paid todays entrance fee I held off from the match programme having seen it this season, and today been offered a copy to look at by a disgruntled purchaser, it really is a poor effort for £2.  Many clubs at step 5,6 and even 7 are producing an effort of a better standard.  On the way to pass best wishes onto a few people at the clubs press area I thought I would pop into the admin office for a team sheet.  The lady kindly offered me a photocopied sheet and then added '50p please', I returned out of the door at speed with 50p still intact.  Grumpy old man I'm becoming but 50p, there are clubs at lower levels of football who cannot do enough for you and here we approach that near Football League mentality again.  Ok moans over I promise!

REDS WARMING UP BEFORE A GREAT EFFORT

The crowd was gathering in the final minutes before kick off and we finally totalled an attractive gate of 546.

SHEFFIELD REF ANTHONY TANKARD LEADS HIS ASSISTANTS IN PRE MATCH PREPERATIONS

The game started at a fair pace for Alfreton and they went close early on with Sam Jones striking a post and from the rebound Sam Smith forcing visiting keeper Siegrist into a flying save.  It was The Reds who took the lead after 23 minutes when Smith converted at the back post.

MOORS PREPARE FOR KICK OFF

This seemed to fire up Solihull who were playing some threatening football on the edge of Alfreton's box often looking to break through a wide selection of home defenders.  Just as it looked like the home side would make half time with their league intact the visitors equalised with just about the last kick off the game, the ball broke free for Darryl Knights to drill the ball home again at the far post.
We all expected an onslaught from a freshly revived West Midlands side but it did not appear with Alfreton playing some lovely flowing football which for much of the second 45 minutes pinned Solihull back in their own half.  A variety of woodwork, deflections and shots cleared off the line were conspiring to deny Alfreton but a way was found through on 75 minutes Tom Allan weaved his way into the right hand side of the box before being tripped and Dan Bradley stepped up to send Siegrist the wrong way to put The Reds 2-1 up.

The home supporters wondered what the response would be.  Would Alfreton be pinned back in their own half?  Would they defended deep and in numbers?  Well no they continued to keep a control of the game until the 90th minute when a unbelievable goalmouth scramble saw Ryan Beswick smash a header off the bar and then his follow up shot strike the same spot before Armison bundled the ball over the line to send the Solihull supporters into scenes of joy.
The home support were like a deflated balloon they like the players had given everything in encouraging and effort and this felt like a defeat for Alfreton who I think most would admit deserved the win today, even though I guess they would have taken a draw before the game kicked off.
An entertaining game and always a pleasure to visit North St, The Impact Arena.

CHIPS!!!!!!!!!!!

DERBY DAY JOY FOR WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AT MAINE RD

MAINE RD 0 V WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON 1
NWCFL @ BRANTINGHAM RD
28 DECEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

MAINE RD FC

[A few more pics will follow on the blogs Facebook in the next few days]
Christmas derby day celebrations ensued from this game for West Didsbury and Chorlton [WDC] as an 18th minute strike from Mathew Kay sealed victory over their neighbouring hosts Maine Rd.

THE ARTISTIC PHOTO?

An ingenious fixture arrangement of the Sunday after Christmas brought out many hoppers and neutral supporters to witness this NWCFL game after the proceeding day had seen many of their counterparts fixtures postponed due to the downpours of recent days.  Clubs often struggle to take an off the wall look at ways of attracting supporters and both sides here must take credit for giving the footy fan a game to attend on what turned out to be a pleasant afternoon barring a late heavy shower.
So as to the start from base and following communication from Maine Rd we learnt of a cautionary look at the pitch around 11am, with travel needing to be started from the main line station at 1120 a gamble would probably have to be made.  The day started anxiously if the rain was not enough the Sunday bus service turned up late full of desperate mid holiday period shoppers looking to return items or grab bargains.  Thankfully todays host posted a tweet at 1050 that the game was definitely on so off we went to purchase the tickets and enter a further busy platform with more shoppers and returning visitors looking to board our, thankfully, 4 carriage train to Manchester.

OUR CARRIAGE IS ARRIVING

Upon arrival at Piccadilly the tram was boarded and soon departed at Deansgate for a change for the East Didsbury tram for a short journey to Chorlton.  Thankfully it was a quiet morning and my infrequent knowledge of the tram ticket machines soon came back to me without the need to be rushed by waiting passengers who have the 'knowledge'.  The one tram track system approaching Deansgate was creating a nice collection of the yellow units and offered a few photo opportunities.

A PLEASANT WELCOME AT THE SNACK BAR

Departure at Chorlton just after 1.30pm allowed us time to have a little walk around the shopping area but before long we were soon on the way to the ground via the leafy suburbs.  During our walk around the 'business district' quite a few WDC fans were spotted along with their dog attired in festive jumper, later discovered to be Jed more of which shortly.
Maine Rd have an emotional attatchment to Manchester City playing in all sky blue kit, having a badge similar to City's 1980 style and now sponsored by MCFC Supporters Club.  The club originally formed as Rusholme City Supporters Club and today that link seems very fresh but as the Premiership club left its base just 3/4's of a mile away to the far side of the city Maine Rd FC remain in situ.
Having arrived at the ground for what would be my second visit but the first for a blog entry it has to be said it is one of the most understated entrance to any ground in football with little signage.  But the blog soon found out that as on my previous visit this is a friendly club all round.  Entrance via the pathway to the 2 turnstiles is via the club house/church community hall and now derelict netted astroturf 5 a side pitch.

OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN STAND AT MAINE RD!

Having paid our entry fee and gained the hefty match day programme we also obtained a couple of raffle tickets for todays draw.  Today we opted to visit the inside snack bar area first rather than a ground circuit and Mick sampled the pies while the blog opted for confectionery and a coffee.  It turned out to be a good move as teams were in just before 2pm and gained avoiding a late rush to gather them.  Once again, although there was a shortage of chips, it has to be mentioned the valiant work of the catering crew who were very pleasant and welcoming to all visitors.

ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE BEST PHOTO REFLECTION SHOT OF MAINE
RD KEEPER IN PRE MATCH TRAINING

For the circuit of the ground we popped round anti clockwise with hard standing taking us past the turnstiles to a small stepped area that showed the only minor puddle in the ground.  The far side as a benched seating 3/4 length stand mixed in with a selection of standing, behind the top goal is all hard standing and as we come back around to the near side we notice a wide selection of grounds mans equipment in situ.  This side has a small stepped terrace stand and then two corporate coloured brick dug outs.  One noticeable part of the ground is it is completely devoid of advertising boards of any type.

ALWAYS GOOD TO ARRIVE EARLY TO GET THE BEST VIEWING POSITION

During and before the game we caught up with many hoppers who as ever it was very educational to talk to and a collection of tips on visits was exchanged.  We also met husband and wife photographic team from Fylde again  good to catch up with all today thank you.
As kick off approached it did not look like we would approach the final excellent attendance of 360 that was until the last 10 minutes when the supporters decided to pile in.  Todays attendance was added to by the previously mentioned Jed who I have to mention like a schoolboy in the days of old was guided in through the turnstiles without payment not even offering a glance at the turnstile operator who was dazzled by his Christmas camouflage knitwear!  He spent most of the afternoon under fair layers of coats has he settled down for a comfortable afternoon with the WDC kop who had taken up residence under the stand.

JED'S IN READY FOR AN ENTERTAINING AFTERNOON WRAPPED UP IN FESTIVE ATTIRE

There are always obscure moments in a non league game, non more so than the delightful Jed [non league dog star], and this afternoon getting into a small conversation with a chap who declared his cousin to be former Chesterfield player Dave Waller.

MAIN RD KEEPER FIELDING PRE MATCH

We had enjoyed an entertaining pre match build up with both sides training on the outfields we peered over the wall to view some of the two teams work outs while also taking a look at both keepers who were allowed to warm up on the hallowed turf.  The pitch looked in very good condition considering the terrible weather during December and thankfully we would have no problems in completing 90 minutes today.
The action in the early stages involved a lot of big ball with both teams eager not to make mistakes or get caught in possession but it was the visitors who were looking the stronger and then on 18 minutes the took the leas with a goal that would prove the deciding factor of the afternoon.  A smart cross off the right from Ben Steer dropped tantalising in front of the in running Kay who smashed the ball into the roof of the net with gusto.  WDC were looking the stronger side and the young guns of Maine Rd were struggling to put too much together and at times were grateful for the custodianship of Lewis Fielding.

Half time arrived and Maine Rd had a lot to do to rescue the game but they did start more encouragingly but were still looking a little short in the final third with WDC always threatening to expand their lead non more so than when Mark Rogers struck the bar with a powerful header.
The home side were fortunate to keep a full compliment of players on the pitch after 53 minutes when Casey Reid's late diving tackle on goal scorer Kay resulted in just a yellow from referee and lengthy treatment for the WDC frontman.

WDC ON THE ATTACK

The game entered a tetchy stage as the home side were committing fouls regularly as the visitors were looking to gain a grip on the game.  The final 15 minutes of the game entered a end to end feel about it but it was still West who were creating the clearer chances with Benjamin Richardson forcing Fielding into two excellent saves from blistering shots.
With that said Maine Rd came very close to equalising in the 4th minute of stoppage time when Michael Burke delivered a sweet cross off the right for Connor Hughes to strike on the volley only to see the ball fly just inches over.

HI-VIS CITY IN THE DUG OUTS

Upon the final whistle a few moments later WDC celebrated this momentous victory over their neighbours and Maine Rd trudged off a little disappointed that they could not pull the early goal back.  But the clever planning from Maine Rd had brought an enjoyable afternoon out for the 360 supporters who were in attendance for a game that never quite got into final gear but was a refreshing change to Christmas TV schedules.
The reverse journey into the city saw us take a direct tram back with a visit to the big 'M's' for some eats before a departure from Oxford Rd station on a very quiet train back to base just after 8pm.
Great day out, loved the visit to Maine Rd once again and keep getting recommended to WDC and of course they have been added to the 'to do list' for a visit soon.

COMFORTABLE VIEWING FROM THE STAND AT MAINE RD FC

TEN MAN HARROWBY GRAB A LATE EQUALISER AGAINST WISBECH TOWN

HARROWBY UTD 1 V WISBECH TOWN 1
UNITED COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE @ THE ENVIRONCOM STADIUM
19 DECEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

HARROWBY UTD FC ENVIRONCOM STADIUM

[The blogs Facebook page 'we all stand together' will feature a few pictures not used in the blog shortly]
It looked like a second minute goal from Michael Frew for Wisbech would be enough to earn the visitors all three points especially when Sam Weatherstone was sent off for Harrowby early in the second half.  But the determination of the home side and in the end Danny Durkin 7 minutes from time earned the Grantham based side a point.
We arrived at Saturday and the forecast around base was surprisingly for rain and with a few early call offs a Michael Fish study of the weather had once again taken place and following the encouraging chat with some UCL officials at Yaxley last Saturday we headed towards the better weather at the metropolis of Grantham.  Just over an hour away from base station it is a town that I have never visited before even though I have visited the outskirts.  Following some planning of a few places I wanted to take a look at I discovered the Grantham circular bus could be joined at the end of the cattle prod tour of the town centre. 

GRANTHAM GUILDHALL AND ISAAC NEWTON

Arrival at Grantham station just after 1pm, we proceeded to take a look at the smart Guildhall fronted by The Isaac Newton statue, Newton was born in Lincolnshire and educated in the town.  A walk down the High St took us to take a look at the majestic St Wulfram's Church with a towering spire surveying the town.
The next part of the journey took us the former corner shop of Alderman Alfred Roberts the father, and birthplace, of Margaret to become Thatcher first women Prime Minister.  The building is now a healing centre and has a plaque high up on the building to mention the historical relevance.

THE BIRTHPLACE OF MRS MARGARET THATCHER

Before we arrived at the building we passed a thoughtfully named pub called the 'blue pig' and over the road from the former shop the 'nobody inn', great name!
At this point following a sharp walk we were on time to catch the Centrebus 1, 'Into Town' service, at the same time a 1 to Lincoln arrived and we nearly hopped on the wrong bus.  However a few minutes later the correct number 1 arrived for a tour around the estates of Harrowby.  Departing adjacent to the ground we took a small investment to Mark Jarvis bookmakers before visiting a big 'T's small 'T' version for a snack.

SPENCER WISBECH FAN RECORDING ALL THE ACTION

Tracing our steps back towards the ground and down Dickens Rd and to the tight and sheltered entrance of the ground.  Entry today was via the bar with the gate and I guess pay shed not in use, it was though a good policy and with an attractive Christmas tree on show we settled in the bar for a swift lemonade before purchasing the programme, a scratch card team and getting todays team line ups.  In the build up the blog managed to say hello to Simon the Harrowby secretary who had kindly replied to the blogs text to advise about the status of the game in the morning.
Also in the snug bar area was Spencer a long term Wisbech fan who now undertakes many tasks including videoing todays game.  Many will probably remember him hitting the headlines when the visitors moved to their new ground he moved into a flat there!  Spencer did inform me that he has moved on about 18 months ago but I guess that would be many non league fans ideal home!

CLUB HOUSE AND CHANGING ROOMS

Before we departed we also got into conversation with the grandad of Aaron Butcher the Wisbech, and former Ilkeston, goalkeeper.  An interesting chat ensued but it was soon time to pop outside and do the obligatory cicuit, entrance fee paid we entered via the tunnel and departed to our right.  First on show was the snack bar and then a small play area for any younger supporters.  A new cabin with a decking area around the front exterior is to aid hospitality, managers and physio rooms. 

VIEW FROM THE DECKING AREA TOWARDS THE DUG OUTS

Straight on are the two dugouts just separated by enough distance to avoid to close contact at times of heightened tension.  The whole surround is hard standing and down both sides you are a little away from the touchline the closest area to the action is behind the goals.  So behind the bottom goals we have a quite wet area of concrete standing with a scaffold catchment netting threatening to fly away.  The far touchline sides onto playing fields which are part wooden and net fenced off from the Environcom Stadium. 

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL

The main accommodation is on this side and goes by the name of 'Stan's Stand'.  A cracking structure with high rising bench seating and too either side covered standing areas.  The stand is names after Leslie Stanisland an esteemed gentleman who was heavily involved in the reforming of the club in 2012 and sadly passed away around that time, a nice tribute by the club.
The top goal is hard standing fenced off with alternate red and black wooden exterior fencing and to the near entrance end corrugated fencing of the same colouring.

REFEREE SARAH GRUNDY HEADS UP TODAYS OFFICIALS

Arriving back at the club house photo's taken and quick chat with a few people including a quick hello to today's match referee Sarah Grundy a level 4 who is well thought of in the UCL. 

THE MODERN HARROWBY UTD CLUB CREST

The club operated a good audible pre match public address system, this was though missing at half time a shame because there had been a good selection of music before kick off that I had enjoyed the walk round to.
The ground it has to be side needs a little loving with quite a few fence panels, I guess affected by the wind, in need of replacing but of course that is a costly exercise and with as ever the volunteers doing their upmost to run a club in a well populated area it would as ever be nice to see some more people of the large estates around he ground come along and support the club I guess.  Overall I loved the ground though and we had many a friendly chat and welcome during the afternoon from fans of both sides, thank you!
So as ever to the purpose of the afternoon 90 minutes of football and when after 2 minutes Frew headed in a cross from Mathew Sparrow to give Wisbech the lead we did not know what to expect.

HARROWBY UTD ON THE ATTACK EARLY IN THE FIRST HALF

The visitors threatened again on 19 minutes when Sparrow fed Stuart Cobb whose shot fell to the far post and with Frew about to add to his tally the ball was hooked away by the Harrowby defence.
Harrowby showed in attack and on 33 minutes Butcher was well placed to save from Durkin's header.

OPEN GOAL?

Just before half time Wisbech should have wrapped it up when Sparrow disposed the home defence rounded home custodian Johnathan Hotson and with and open goal proceeded to 5 yards short of the goal he placed his shot into the side netting before ruefully looking, blamefully, at the divot in the pitch.
We entered half time with the visitors in the lead from that early strike and made our way to the snack bar for soup, tea and a couple of sausage rolls.  There was also a nice selection of pies all served up by the amiable Donna and Lynne who had become favourites of Mick by the time I arrived.
The challenge became harder for The Arrows on 51 minutes when referee Grundy produced a second yellow and the inevitable red for Harrowby's number 4 Weatherstone.  His first half caution was I'm told by the home supporters a case of mistaken identity so I guess he could feel himself very unlucky here.

STUART COBB [WISBECH TOWN FC]

Hotson had to be alert on 70 minutes but he pulled off an excellent save from a header from Frew for the visitors.
The second half had been a hard defensive job for the home side but they had battled admirably and got their chance on 83 minutes as so often happens the work rate they had put in since being reduced to ten men paid off.  A goal mouth scramble wasn't cleared by Wisbech and Durkin was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range.
Wisbech could still have won it with five minutes remaining Hotson was on hand again to deny livewire Frew at full stretch.

The visitors would feel hard done to by the result but it has to be said that Harrowby never gave up and celebrated their equaliser with sheer delight that earn them a hard earned point.
Departure was brisk at the end allowing us to return by the opposite circular tour route of Centrebus service 1 back into Grantham with 3/4 of an hour to our departure from the rail station.
Base station was made at 7.20 after a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of two more UCL clubs.  Hopefully soon a visit to Wisbech will come to the top of the 'to do list' and a recommendation to pop along and take a look at this nice little club Harrowby Utd if you have not visited before.

CENTREBUS OPTARE ON SERVICE INTO TOWN 1 OUR MODE OF ARRIVAL

NUNEATON GRIFF & PINXTON SERVE UP 7 GOAL VASE THRILLER

PINXTON 3 V NUNEATON GRIFF 4
FA VASE ROUND 3 @WHARF LANE
17 DECEMBER 2015 --- 7.45PM

PINXTON FC VIEW FROM THE HILL

This Christmas cracker of an FA Vase tie was a credit to both Pinxton and Nuneaton Griffs who put on a display of fast flowing determined football on a sticky pitch that even had a 20 minute half time delay for floodlight failure. 
The evening was really hard work for the blog with a journey via the usual public transport methods of around 10 miles taking just short of two hours due to the two bus service being snarled up in road closures and delays, it approached one point were I thought the game would not be made.  Arrival at Wharf Lane was made by 20 past 7 and a hasty seeking out of the teams was made.  At this point it was good to catch up with Griffs match day secretary who supplied the visitors team line ups and we made a trip down to the changing rooms to secure Pinxton's line up too, thanks ladies for your help.
Before the game there was time to link up with some of todays hopper and also catch up with Chris Ryde, now esteemed programme editor at New Mills.




There was a good attendance for this unusual Thursday night fixture, following Saturdays waterlogged postponement, and within the crowd was Mark and Brian Thorpe of the Alfreton parish, the blog was grateful to Mark more of which later.
The blog gave a ground guide for the pre season visit of Heanor so I won't re visit this here needless to say not too much has changed.  The hospitality snack area was doing a steady trade and the crowd by the time kick off came around looked to be around 130 in situ around the tight perimeter of the pitch which keeps you close to the action and atmosphere.

 ENTRANCE FROM THE CHANGING ROOMS TO THE WHARF  LANE PITCH 

Onto the game and it started off at a pace which saw Pinxton look to take the game to their higher league opponents from The Midland Football League 1 visitors with both sides looking to make history with a 4th round appearance on offer for the first time in their history.  The game was developing in an end to end affair when Pinxton took the lead on 35 minutes Luke Walker crossed off the right for Jake Vernon to cheekily back heel the ball over the line.
The tempo seemed to increase with Luke Shorthouse for the visitors testing home keeper Gareth Briggs before Pinxton's Danny Evans struck a lovely shot that hit the post and flew back into the grateful arms of Andy Needham in the Nuneaton goal.
The equaliser came 4 minutes before half time though Briggs denied Ben Ashby before Alex Naughton set up Shorthouse to fire home.
All square at the half time break and then the game looked in doubt with smoke emitting from a halfway floodlight box referee Law raised his concerns as he returned for the second half before he had time to do much more the lights were out.  With camera phone lights and the moon illuminating the surrounds of the pitch we hoped for a return of the action.

REFEREE LAW AND HIS MATCH OFFICIALS AWAIT THE RETURN OF THE FLOODLIGHTS

After a twenty minute delay the Pinxton officials worked wonders and with credit to you guys [and the referee who gave everybody the chance to get this game going again] we were back on and under way at just after ten past 9.
Once again this week though it left the blog with the horrible dilemma of leaving about 8 minutes before the end for the last bus or costly taxi.
Within ten minutes of the second half Nuneaton took the lead Ashby firing home unmarked after Pinxton had defended admirably blocking 3 shots to deny Griff's.
The game was looking to swing the way of the visitors who seemed to be least affected by the floodlight delay but they could not find the third goal indeed hitting the post on 75 minutes through Kieran Brehon.
The annoying decision had to be made approaching the 82 minute it was time to get a less costly return and depart for the bus exiting down Elm Close just as Chris Gilson manufactured the biggest roar from the home crowd with an equaliser, dilemma return or keep going?
Thankfully the aforementioned Mark Thorpe called me too see if I had left and proceeded to give me a running commentary on the remaining 7 minutes, thanks Mark!
What a closing encounter it sounded with Brehon putting Griff's back into the lead on 89 minutes before a minute later Pinxton once again levelled through Jimmy Adcock.  It was then that I further doubted my decision was I going to miss extra time in this enthralling encounter?  The answer was no as Mark called in a Nuneaton winner in the third minute of time added on when Shorthouse secured his third and the visitors fourth to set up a fourth round tie with AFC Wulfrunians.
This season the blog has been fortunate enough to view 5 FA Vase matches and I have to say all have been tremendous encounters with some superb open and entertaining football this one was clearly no different.
At the end as in all of the Vase games so far some lovely comments from both sides thanking one another and wishing the victors well in the next round summing up the draw of the FA Vase for the step 5,6 and 7 clubs who make new friends from different leagues around the country.

SNACK BAR AND HOSPITALITY AT PINXTON

HEANOR GO DOWN TO EXTRA TIME LEAGUE CUP DEFEAT

HEANOR TOWN 2 V SPORTING KHALSA 4 [AET. 2-2 90 MINS]
POLYMAC PACKAGING LEAGUE CUP @ THE TOWN GROUND
15 DECEMBER 2015 --- 7.45PM

THE TOWN GROUND IS READY FOR HEANOR TOWN V SPORTING KHALSA

Extra time proved necessary for the away team to win for two games running for the blog as Sporting Khalsa came strong in a convincing second half showing.  Heanor would probably feel a little hard done to but once Khalsa equalised on 84 minutes there looked only one winner as the game was to enter extra time with the energy clearly sweeping through the visitors.
Both the games on offer to the blog tonight were cup games and were three connecting buses away with the prospect of extra time it would be a taxi for part of the journey or the option of forfeiting the extra time.

MIDWEEK FLOODLIT FOOTBALL AS WE APPROACH MAYFIELD AVE

Departure to Mayfield avenue tonight from base was greeted by heavy rain and the increasingly worrying prospect of the game being called off late, something I'm sure would have been more frustrating for our West Midlands based visitors who apparently had travelled up to Derbyshire in constant rain.  On arrival in Heanor the rain was a little lighter and the Christmas lights greeted us to the Market Place, alongside the Town Councils illuminated display.

WELCOME TO HEANOR................................... AND LOSCOE

Upon arrival at the ground mascot Lennie the Lion was out with a tin of sweets and I thankfully claimed a favourite it was only later he told me they were laxatives, naughty Lennie!  There was time to catch up with media manager Tony Squires and a quick hello to home manager Glen Clarence and player Nathan Benger. 

NICE NOTICE FROM THE LADIES, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO

Then it was time to move on to the highlight of a visit to the Town Ground over to Dawn and Kim's snack bar for as an ever creditable chip cob with peas which are on offer by the side of a large selection of other warm food offerings.

NO CAPTION NEEDED..............MMMMMM

The officials were out warming up and there was also time to catch up with fellow hopper Alan who was also in attendance for tonight's romantically named 'Polymac Packaging League Cup'.
The pitch, although squelchy under foot was looking pretty good considering the rain and probably aided by the fact that no game was played on the surface last weekend.
The game involved two kits of a stripey affair with Heanor in black and white and the visitors Yellow and blue. 
The first action came on 17 minutes when Mansfield Town loanee Danny Fletcher crossed and Mark Smith looped a header off the bar.  After an encouraging start by the home side it was the visitors who took the lead after 26 minutes rather harshly.  For most of the first half the visitors bench had complained about the decisions of the referee and the near side linesman, probably with some justification but here they were finding a little generosity for the man in black.  Marvin Nisbet blasted a shot goal wards and from close range the ball struck a Heanor players hand referee Watkins pointed to the spot and although debut keeper Joe McCormack got a touch to it he could not stop David Meese converting.

STRIPES ALL OVER

McCormack was alert two minutes later when he pushed away Mathew Martin's 25 yard effort but it was Heanor who were to equalise two minutes before half time when Fletcher lashed an edge of the box effort home into the bottom left hand corner of the goal for a sweet strike.
Within a minute of the second half Khalsa top scorer Craig Bannister found McCormack still alert when he saved well again and shortly after he was on hand to pull off another good save from Bradley Lawley. 
After the home keeper had performed heroics it was time for The Lions to show at the other end and on the hour mark they took the lead when Chris Bettney floated in a left hand sided corner for Joe Naylor to rise and head home.
The game entered a 'tetchy' stage with Sporting Khalsa still feeling hard done to by the officials they made on field changes and moved to having 4 up front as they went for an equaliser and as Heanor stemmed tide after tide it was a case of could they hang on?  On 84 minutes that question was answered when Ben Hadley put in a superb cross off the left for Marvin Nisbett to head in at the back post.
Much as Khalsa continued to look for the winner following three minutes stoppage time we could not find a winner of this tie and extra time would be required. So it was time for a decision stay and get a taxi or accept a very entertaining 90 minutes and follow the game on Heanor's social media.  The latter won the day and although I cant stand having to leave early I was aware at the start of the night this could happen.  The visitors tucked away a goal in each half of stoppage time and Heanor succumbed 4-2 to concentrate on the league and The Derbyshire Senior Cup.
An entertaining evening also spent in interesting company of the visitors keeper, James Pemberton's dad who updated me about the news from other non league clubs in the midlands, he also sold me on a visit to a future Sporting Khalsa game too.

TRANSPORT 'CLOSING VIEW' THE GREEN TINGED TRENT BARTON H1

SLEAFORD MAKE ROUND 4 OF THE VASE IN EXTRA TIME AT YAXLEY

YAXLEY 3 V SLEAFORD TOWN 4 [AET 90 MINS 1-1]
FA VASE ROUND 3 @ THE IN2ITIVE PARK
12 DECEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

BLUSTERY AFTERNOON IN YAXLEY

[Apologies, again, today a shortage of action pictures due to the dark weather and conditions]
Sleaford progressed to round 4 of the FA Vase with a storming extra time victory after taking the tie into the additional 30 minutes following an equaliser in the fifth minute of injury time in normal time against 10 men Yaxley.  Very occasionally you see a game that has everything, who knows what this game would have looked like without the gusting wind, 7 goals, a red card, missed penalty, 9 yellow cards and a red!
Games like this are always difficult to sum up and an overall assessment must credit both sides for their effort and commitment on a horrible afternoon once again for a Saturday football match.

YAXLEY VILLAGE GREEN

Departure from base was to be to Yaxley a decision taken on the Friday evening after further Michael Fish impressions with the weather forecasts.  Once again, 4th weekend running, games were in danger due to the heavy rain forecast and so it turned out with hardly any games around base surviving the downpour on Saturday.  Thankfully we were confident of a visit to Yaxley, south of Peterborough, with their installation of a 3g pitch in the close season.  This was a chance to revisit after the blogs previous visit in May for the UCL cup final a day which was a happy event for AFC Rushden and Diamonds who lifted the silverware.  Yaxley made a good job of the day and clearly during the close season have invested further in their new facilities which are now nicely fenced off with the obligatory green meshed fencing and concrete hard standing replacing the former telephone company concrete pavement covers which made up much of the spectator standing.

OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS AREA AT IN2ITIVE PARK

As per usual the blog wont re cover too much of the ground where a descriptor can be viewed in May's blog for the above mentioned final.

EXECUTIVE VIEWING NOW FOR THE WALL AND ROOF!

The day started as ever at base station with the forecast rain now hammering it down on the exposed platforms.  East Midlands Trains supplied a two coach unit and our option of seating was limited to the tip down seats in the doorway, still we did have some.  By the time we got too Nottingham we had the first chance of some seats before the train loaded up again on its departure to Grantham and then our destination of Peterborough.  We took the 1970's style road bridge over to the bus station and departed on the '5' passing Peterborough UTD's London Rd ground as it was readying itself for a home game V Shrewsbury.

COLOURFUL HOME FANS PRE MATCH

Having departed a few stops early around the village green which even on todays dull, but amazingly not raining day, the area summed up an English scene with post box, village pump surrounded by thatched cottages.  Sadly we were now seeing the wind increase in speed something that would affect the afternoons proceedings but not enough to put the game in doubt.  Walking down the road signposted 'Holme' we arrived at the ground via the partially unclaimed road and with the club house offering a smart welcome to the ground we felt ready for the action.
Having paid the entrance fee and obtained some programmes a circuit of the ground was completed with an observation of I believe new seats in the stand which looked very smart.  Following a look around the impressive club house we noticed steam emanating from the snack bar so with no 'eats' so far we made a brisk dash to the emporium for chip cobs and tea.

YAXLEY ST PETERS PARISH CHURCH OVERVIEWING PROCEEDINGS

The new 3g looked impressive and as we have seen over the last few seasons it allowed a game to be played when many others may have been called off not only this but also providing an excellent surface for football on the floor too.

YAXLEY IN INDIVIDUAL WARM UP

Having satisfied our stomachs we got into conversation with some supporters from both sides which was very informative and then managed to catch up with a three UCL officials, including Ian Hughes and the leagues Chairman, who were here today to see their member clubs go into battle.  Once again this was of much interest as the blog does not do many UCL games and with their enthusiasm it does encourage you to pop along and see other clubs.  The time to kick off seemed to fly by following the conversations but the teams were obtained thanks to both clubs and especially Sleaford's secretary who guided me to her contact at Yaxley.
So to the game and with both teams being members of the UCL it was sure to be a good challenge especially with Sleaford having beaten Yaxley twice already this season.  Yaxley managed by former football league player Ian Benjamin would be looking for a positive result and that's how they started when after 10 minutes Dan Cotton lashed a 25 yard free kick off the bar, this was wind assisted with the gust heading toward the Sleaford keepers goal.  The remainder of the first half was much dominated by the home side but they just could not get control of the ball under the conditions.  overall the first 45 minutes was a non event with little in the way of clear cut chances.

A SELECTION OF SLEAFORD TOWN PLAYERS IN WARM UP MODE

Following an excellent save from Phil McGann in the Sleaford goal it was to be the home side who took the lead after 62 minutes.  Jon Paul Duncliffe and Mat Gearing combining to set up Jon Stead who drove home unmarked at the back stick.
The game enetered a controversial stage now with the referee producing cards galore as mentioned in the introduction.  Referee  Oliver Morris Sanders seemed to be lenient in the first half when a few Sleaford players walked a tight line however when Yaxley sub Wayne Morris was late on a halfway challenge it looked a red card offence but after consultation with his assistant it was just a yellow.  The a few moments later Morris was adjudged to have committed a foul wide on the left upon which the referee produced a second yellow, which looked slightly harshly, and the following red saw Yaxley down to 10 men with 13 minutes to go.

THE MEN IN THE MIDDLE HAD A BIG PART TO PLAY TODAY

The turning point of the game came on 85 minutes referee Morris-Sanders played a good advantage after a very late challenge just outside the Sleaford box, nothing came of it and as the ball was going out of play the man in black awarded a penalty.  This appeared to be for a visiting player handling the ball before it had gone out for a corner.  Here the referee made a rod for his own back when he failed to caution the Sleaford player in the build up but 10 man Yaxley failed to convert the spot kick too.  The kick was taken by Cotton and diving to his right visiting keeper McGann pushed the effort onto the post, Cotton following up but saw his shot blocked.
Yaxley had seen the penalty well saved but they felt aggrieved with the officals and an amazing collection of 3 booking occurred on 88 minutes with Liam Hook, Duncliffe and Andrew Furnell all booked for dissent in the same stoppage of play.  Amazing in that after one player had been booked play was about to re start when another was booked and then exactly the same for the third player. 

Much angst was coming from the home support now and Sleaford were getting ever closer and they did equalise in the 5th minute of stoppage time when the extra man showed in the Yaxley box with Jac Wright converting from close in.
The blog here nearly fell foul to a quick exit only to realise with many of the crowd that we were now about to go into extra time. 

THIRSTY WORK FOR SLEAFORD MANAGER PAUL WARD

What a period of play it was too as the game opened up even more and produced 5 goals.  Sleaford punished the tiring home side.  In the first minute of the extra time Wright hit the post and the Ryan Oliver forced the home keeper Andy Stevens to save well with his legs.
Sleaford were pushing for the lead and it came on 102 minutes when a corner off the left was powerfully headed home by David Hone.

We turned round for the second period of extra time and the game was to give us more goals as Sleaford stormed into a 4-1 lead when Ryan Oliver scored the goal of the game a powerful cross goal shot from 20 yards that flew in off the post and George Asplin tapped the ball in after good work from Harrison Allen in charging down a wide clearance from the home keeper.
Game over.....................not this game.  Yaxley pulled a goal back on 119 minutes to make it 2-4 with Stead getting his second and then in the 2nd minute of stoppage time in extra time Sam Spencer curled in a neat 20 yarder for a further consolation goal.  After a further 2 more minutes of stoppage time referee Morris-Sanders blew his whistle to call an end to this exhausting but massively entertaining encounter.

PITCH STILL LOOKING PERFECT

This was a tremendous affair which has to be credited to both clubs with Sleaford going forward to represent The UCL and Lincolnshire in round 4 but Yaxley must take a lot of credit from this game and can count themselves very unlucky not to get another crack of the whip with a replay.
Having spent some of the extra time period checking our delayed return times for the train we walked away from the ground and that is a challenge in itself very dark with no lighting indeed until returning to the edge of the village there is no pavement also, so it was an hair raising experience dodging the oncoming traffic.
Having secured the 'stripey boys' bus to Peterborough we approached the city to find out that our 1826 train, which we would probably have just missed and joy of joy it was nearly 15 minutes late allowing us to jump aboard for a return to base station at around 2015.  One of the few times when the blog is happy to see its train running late.
The return journey was busy but this had been a good afternoon out at a nice little club who have a cracking little 3g facility if you have not visited In2itive Park put it down for a visit.

DELAINE IN CLASSIC COLOURS THE TRANSPORT END SHOT
DEPARTING PETERBORUGH FOR BOURNE