ROYALS REIGN OVER ST MICHAELS......... JUST

MICKLEOVER ROYALS 2 V HOLBROOK ST MICHAELS 0
CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH--28 JAN 2015 7.45PM--@ THE RAYGAR STADIUM

THE RAYGAR HOME OF MICKLEOVER SPORTS AND MICKLEOVER ROYALS

A second trip to see the Royals this season, in Derby on a night that was turning increasingly inclement in the north of the county but seemed to have a different climate in the south and city centre.
The night had a frustrating delayed start due to public transport falling to show and I did fear what this could signal for a late night especially with the snow forecast around the county.
Well upon arrival at the Raygar stadium, home of landlords Mickleover Sports, it was entrance via the club house [see picture].

TONIGHTS 'ENTERANCE'

The weather was not at present as cold as on departure from the north of the county and the club house was warm and welcoming with a selection of ground hoppers including Neil and Steve who this blog is brought to you in association with, thanks to Neil obtaining me a lift with him at the end.  Much appreciated saving a long return journey #non league family, thanks Steve!
Also in attendance was Malc the regular referees assessor on the CMFL circuit and with him former football league referee Rob Shoebridge.

REFS ASSESSOR MALC

Outside the pitch looked in as good a condition as could be expected in recent weather conditions and with other games off locally this game was never in doubt.  The first half saw second bottom St Michaels have most of the play but fail to score only for Mickleover to take their chances and lead 2-0 at the break.
After a warming half time break in the clubhouse along with a chip cob, featuring what seemed like real chip shop chips kept warm in the oven, it was time to re emerge into what was now becoming a colder evening.  The Royals were more convincing in the second period but they failed to score any more goals and over the 90 minutes the score line was probably the correct one although Holbrook St Michaels has put up a league position denying performance against table toppers Mickleover Royals.

THOUGHTS OF WARMER DAYS

So it finished a cold night although I have certainly stood at much colder games this season, see South Normanton v Aylestone Park[!], this I guess affected the attendance of around 25 and when you consider the 7 or so hoppers plus officials there were not many other supporters from Derby had come out to see the match.
A great shame in a football loving city that even the locals didn't come out to support their team who are doing so well this season.
This victory starts to open the gap up at the top of the CMFL South for Michleover and with games in hand they should comfortably pull away at the top over the coming weeks.
As for Holbrook St Michaels they put up a stirling effort that made you question their league postiton and maybe they will start to rise up the table on the back of performances like this.

SPOT THE CROWD AS THE SNOW FLURRIES START DURING THE FIRST HALF

SHAW LANE WADDLE INTO THE LATTER STAGES OF THE VASE

SHAW LANE AQUAFORCE 4 V WALSALL WOOD 1
FA VASE FOURTH ROUND REPLAY--27 JAN 2015---7.45PM @ SANDY LANE WORKSOP

SANDY LANE THE HOME OF SHAW LANE FOR THE NIGHT

In the misquoted words of Barry Scott from the famous Cillit Bang advert 'quack, quack, quack, quack' the ducks hit 4 to wash away Walsall Wood.

IF ITS SHAW LANE YOU HAVE TO FEATURE DESMOND DUCK

Make no mistake after beating Runcorn Linnets, West Auckland, Shildon and now Walsall Wood Shaw Lane Aquaforce [SLA] will take some stopping in this seasons vase as they fInd themselves just 3 games away from a Wembley appearance.  It will be all the more remarkable in that so far due to the vagaries of their pitch they have only played one 'home' game.  Tonight's game was moved to Sandy Lane following two postponements of the replay at Shaw Lane.  Sadly the 30 mile diversion out of Yorkshire to Nottinghamshire saw an attendance of just 131 which depleted the usual electric atmosphere that SLA Vase games have generated so far this season.  So after a minor, but one suspects, costly move to Barnsley FC's Oakwell it was now off to a Yorkshire based club in Handsworth Parramore who own and play at Sandy Lane were they are landlords for the towns re formed side Worksop Town in of course Nottinghamshire.  Credit to both Parramore and of course Craig Wood for getting this game on.

HOME OR AWAY YOU DECIDE

Arrival to Worksop tonight was via a rather full Northern Rail Lincoln service but having finally departed for the first time at Worksop station there was time to meet 'the duck' again a staple part of all SLA games although he failed to re-appear at half time. 
The ground is a tidy affair with neat and modern bar area with function room upstairs in this wood cladded building behind the entrance goal a small atcost terrace is in place, walking round by the dug outs are two small, again, atcost seated stands before behind the far goal a larger seated atcost stand.  As we move round to the main stand which has a semi barrelled roof and is tight to the pitch it commands a good protection from the elements but is slightly frustrating in the amount of posts blocking match views and of course at the top end of this stand is another small atcost seated stand.  too!  As we work our way back towards the entrance the end of the main stand is a caged entrance for the players whose portacabin changing facilities are behind the stand.

TONIGHTS LINE UP

The game was a convincing performance from SLA who stormed to a two nil lead at half time with attacking pace and clinical finishing being the order of the day.  The first goal left the visitors keeper with a nasty facial cut and he was replaced although he must have the best name for any keeper Dale Faultless!  Early on in the second half this SLA's dominance was confirmed when Andrew Fox curled in a sublime finish from the left edge of the box and then on 55 minutes it was 4-0 thanks to Dentons close range conversion.  Walsall Wood to their credit never gave up here and got a deserved consolation on 90 minutes via a deflected shot.

ANDREW FOX SEES SLA INTO THE NEXT ROUND

Goal scorer Fox suffered a lengthy second half delay when he tried to replace a rather stubborn dislodged contact lens.
The next round beckons and Flackwell Heath await the force and with SLA having the home draw watch this space to see where the game may be taken to be played at.
The return journey from a very quiet Worksop train station was completed by a one carriage train which was fully manned, if this is not the wrong term, by an all female crew.  The one thing that made the blog jump was the announcement at the station which is normally by the professional female monotone announcer but this time a warning to 'be aware platforms can be slippy ' was made by an excitable sounding 8 year old.  Obviously some local competition with schools and it made a pleasant change although it was a little disconcerting.

A QUIET DEPARTURE FROM WORKSOP

PRESTON TAKE ALL THREE POINTS IN CONVINCING SHOW

DERBY COUNTY LADIES FC 2 V PRESTON NORTH END WOMENS FC 4
WPL-NORTH---25 JAN 2015---2PM

BORROWASH VICTORIA'S ANDERSON ELECTRICAL BOWL WELCOMES THE WPL

Having covered Derby Ladies a few times in the blog so far this will be a short one and for home fans its probably the best.
Derby's first game of the new year at The Anderson Bowl and under a new management team was eagerly awaited but sadly the hosts failed to get out of their own half for much of the first 45 minutes and they found themselves 2-0 down to a convincing Preston North End side.

SOME FIRST HALF DEFENDING FOR THE EWES

With credit to Derby their second half efforts earned them a 2-2 draw in the second 45 minutes but that first half had seen the points disappear back to Lancashire and the final score of 4-2 was certainly a fair reflection on the game.
It was good to see the refreshment cabin was open today at Borrowash and although the ground needs a major tidy up its just good to see football being played here after their problems with ground incursions.

REFEREE ANDREW HARLAND GIVING SOME CLEAR SIGNALS

In praise of Derby Ladies as a club I always enjoy the little programme that is put together for games and its a credit to them with some of the attendances before Christmas being around the mid 30 mark, today was about 50. 
The club have some cracking friendly games approaching against Arsenal and Liverpool and its to be hoped that all local football fans will pop along and give the ladies a cheer on.
As ever PA man Nigel is breath taking and just needs a better system for his undoubted enthusiasm.
Well done Derby County Ladies FC its good to see people making the effort for the women's game.

THAT WILL BE THE REFRESHMENT BAR THEN

VICTORIOUS VICS GO TOP WITH STOPAGE TIME WINNER AT CABLES

PRESCOT CABLES 2 V NORTHWICH VICS 3

                                        EVOSTIK NORTH 24 JAN 2015---3PM

THE VICS SUPPORT ENCOURAGES THE GREEN AND WHITES TO VICTORY

It was a grandstand finish in the fourth minute of stoppage time from Vics Richie Bennett that sent the visitors back to the top of the table in front of probably one of the most impressive 'grandstands' at this level of football.

PRESCOT CABLE COMMUNITY CLUB AND ITS CLOSE BY!

The day though started much earlier than 4.49pm with an early train departure to the north west and thanks to a very cold carriage I was nearly ready for the chilly welcome in Manchester.  Ease of travel took the blog to St Helens Junction to meet up with Kristian Silcock who just happened to be officiating at Hope St today.  I was given a grand tour of St Helens and a minute later we were in Lloyds No 1 enjoying breakfast!  In fairness a look at Langtree Park, home of ST Helens RLFC was undertaken, the Pilkington glass works factory and chimneys and the Steve Prescott Bridge.  The latter named after St Helens rugby league player is currently lit in purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.  So there was Prescott already mentioned but with one 't' too many and upon arrival at Hope St the entry is through smart iron gates and after the bright mural on view the stand out feature of the ground is its old stand on the style of many of the football league grounds of its day.  Now freshly emblazoned with brightly coloured seats I did have a look upstairs but there were not too many views that couldn't be gained at ground level so spent the match at pitch side.

A BRIGHT WELOCME

Behind the top goal is a two stepped terrace with small grass bank, opposite the main stand is a hard standing walkway with grass bank behind half of this giving a good view of the action.  Back to the goal where we entered the ground and this terracing laps around the goal in a v shape with half now covered and the other half having lost its cover remains open to the elements once again with a embankment view after the terraced steps.

GAS WORK BANK VANTAGE POINT ONE MAN AND HIS TWO DOGS

After a look around the board room and function room which is impressive, all situated under the stand, it was time to do a lap around and take some pictures.  Upon return I met Prescot fan and committee member David Williams who told me he had worked in the blogs home town in pantomime a few years ago, David also told me about how comedy actor David Walliams changed his name from Williams because our David already had it registered with Equity.  A bit of research later showed that our Prescot David had featured in Cornoation Street as cannabis cake baker in a storyline as a the soaps lollipop man a few years ago in which he starred opposite Stephanie Cole.  Nice to meet you David he was a genuinely nice man who welcomed me to Prescot Cables FC and as ever in non league was proud of his club.  Of course not to miss out Mr Williams is also the PA announcer at Hope St.

DRUMMER, BUGLE SOON TO BE PHOTOGRAPHER MAN

Also of note here is the multi talented [?] drummer who also serenades on the bugle during the game!
The game was a cracker with struggling Cables upsetting the apple cart by leading at half time through Jack Phillips.  The second half saw Gary Burnett equalise before Jimmy Edgar returned the home side to a lead, once again Vics levelled through Godwin Abadaki and it was then the Prescot fans feared for the sides ability to hold on.

THE TEAMS WELCOMED BY THE DRUMMER

Referee Gary Hilton authorised four minutes of stoppage time and Prescot's hearts were broken when in the fourth minute Bennett drove home to give Vics three points that must have seen the ultimate finish to any game for the winner side but for the losers the hardest of losses to take.
A draw would probably have been a fair result and you had to feel sorry for struggling Prescot who had put so much into this game against high flyers Northwich Vics.
Writing up this blog the following day it never ceases to amaze me that even after letting the half time Bovril cool down you still find the next day that its burnt your mouth out!  I reckon this is one of the conundrums of football tea bars!

CABLES TOM QUINN IN SALMON LIKE POSE

So another new visit and enjoyable day out in the north west with as usual an interesting mix of people met all topped off by an excellent 90, 94, minutes of football, the crowd of 184 had been well entertained.

START OF THE DAY HERES A LOOK AT LANGTREE PK ST HELENS RUGBY LEAGUE GROUND

 

DUNSTON PROGRESS IN FA VASE AS HEANOR MISS OUT TO LATE GOAL

HEANOR TOWN 0 V DUNSTON UTS 1
FA VASE ROUND FOUR---3PM---17 JAN 2015

HERE WE GO FOR FA VASE ROUND 4 HEANOR TOWN V DUNSTON UTS

The most tense and toughest of games you would expect at this stage of the 'Vase' on a difficult pitch for both sides is probably the best overview of this afternoon in Derbyshire.

EARLY HEANOR ATTACK

There was little free flowing football played and probably even less chances.  The first half saw Heanor edge the vote but the second half saw the visitors from the north east have a clearer upper hand and with 8 minutes to go a convincing finish from Andrew Burford, who slotted past the out coming Heanor keeper to book Dunston's next round ticket.  Just before this the only other

LINESMAN CHECKS OUT WIND STRENGTH

chance of the game fell to the experienced Ricketts who got a good shot away but the visitors number 1 Liam Connell was equal to the effort.

DUNSTON ARRIVE AND AWAIT ENTRY

That really was about it while not taking away from the tremendous endeavors of both sides as this game really became a war of attrition with a nervous edge to it that meant no side wanted to lose the game.  Added to this the difficult nature of the playing surface you could feel for both sides.
So a bit more about the day FA Vase later stages are always of interest to non league fans and even more so when teams come from the Northern League they are always a pull.  Today was no different with a large away following promised and lots of local games called off due to frost and waterlogging there was a large amount of 'hoppers' and neutrals in the attendance of 396.
An early arrival at 1pm we secured a programme from an already packed club house and with no seats available the blog decamped to 'crest of the wave' to sample a sit in fish and chips special, but not before a chat with a few of the Dunston fans.  As usual the supporters were nice and social and we learned that some of them along with their players had travelled yesterday and stopped at a hotel in Chesterfield.  The remaining supporters had travelled today and the coach appeared to have been here well on time to enjoy Heanor's hospitality.  There was also time to greet the Dunston players as they arrived at The Town Ground and all was very friendly and welcoming.  Before the fish and chips there was also a quick chance to say hello to Heanor's Nathan Benger who has just re signed for the club after a small time away from The Town Ground.

A LOVELY DAY IN DERBYSHIRE WITH THE TOWN GROUND READY FOR MATCH DAY

On return to the ground an hour before kick off things were swinging into action with a tea tent now positioned just by the entrance to complete the main snack bar which is always manned by the 'lovely ladies' at the top end of the ground.
Upon entrance you are greeted by the expanse of the cricket pitch. as you walk round the first end behind the goal is a well set back stand with park bench seats in and to the corner of this is the aforementioned snack bar and changing rooms.  Moving round opposite the open cricket field side is the neat covered terracing with both dug outs in front of these.  Behind the far goal a small grass bank with a tarmacked perimeter pathway.  The ground is basic but smart and around the whole edge is covered with continuous 'Whitegates' advertising boards.

THE BENCHES WITH FOURTH OFFICIAL TIM WALKER

Another point of interest for the blog is that Tim Walker todays fourth official was also on both Vase games the blog covered at Shaw Lane Aquaforce earlier this season as referee and last Wednesdays visit to Alfreton v Matlock in the Derbyshire Senior Cup saw Tim on the line.
There was a lovely selection of football people here including Staveley MW Chairman, of course Staveley played Dunston two years ago when the North Easteners won the Vase, a variety of non league fans from Rotherham, Sheffield, NCEFL officials and of course supporters from both sides.  This game had clearly captured the imagination and the company of many was enjoyed throughout the day including a lady who was photographing the game from Fleetwood, Lancashire.

DUNSTONS MANAGEMENT TEAM MARCH OFF

At the end of the game there were many best wishes from Heanor and Dunston supporters wishing both sides all the best for the rest of the season and of course to Dunston for their next round of the FA Vase.
As an overview of the game great for non league football lots of genuine football supporters here
great to see a team from the North East again and lots of friendly times had by both Heanor and Dunston fans in one anothers company.  The game?  It was nothing to write home about but football off the pitch was the winner today.
And finally a nice surprise for this blog to see that the Heanor Town match day programme had done a two page feature on our coverage of the Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Tadcaster Albion game.



ALWAYS GET A DOG IN THE PICTURE

DUNSTON UTS ON THE MOVE

ITS NO MAULING BUT TIGERS CLAIM VICTORY AT STAVELEY

STAVELEY MWFC 0 V WORKSOP TOWN 1
NCEL PREMIER DIVISION---14 JAN 2015---7.45

Top of the table game at Inkersall Rd awaited with anticipation only for the good old weather to ruin the occasion.  A superb crowd of 392 gathered and who knows how many it would have been if the strong winds were not driving rain across the pitch for much of the evening.  The game itself saw two footballing sides battle admirably against one another and the elements but in all fairness it was not helped by the latter in the final conclusion of a game of poor fayre.
The only goal of the game was via a sweet cross from Connor Higginson with Brad Jones turning the ball into his goal when he was probably having a job standing up in the conditions.

WORKSOP TOWN'S BEN TOWNSEND

It was a poor evening for watching and most of the crowd spent the 90 minutes huddled in either of the stands behind the goal or the half way line stand and this probably took away some of the atmosphere. 
Before the game it was great to catch up with Worksop Town keeper Ben Townsend who is performing superbly this season for Clay Cross Town while he was putting some crosses in for Tigers number 1 on the evening Jonathan Stewart, cheers Ben nice to see you!

ITS A FAMILY AFFAIR STAVELEY PLAYER RYANS MUM AND DAD

In a previous blog a few weeks back we took a look at the ground and everybody knows what a superb ground with excellent facilities is being developed at Inkersall Rd and with a young Staveley side coming along it hopefully should be for the good of the town.  Crowds are going up and the bar/hospitality area has now been added to with the programme/souvenir cabin at the far side of the ground alongside an excellent programme courtesy of Mr Waite who also spent most of his evening raising funds by raffling a 1966 signed world cup final programme.  The Tower Bar/café was open for this game ably manned by what is a family affair, Staveley player Ryan Watters mum and dad were putting time back into the club by operating this facility.
Tonight's blog has tried to cover some different views of the ground and some of the people who go into non league melting pot.

HOME FOR THE RAINY WINDSWEPT EVENING

GLADIATORS VICTORIOUS IN DUAL WITH ALFRETON

ALFRETON TOWN 1 V MATLOCK TOWN 3

4-JAN-2015 7.45-----DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL

FIRST VIEW OF THE IMPACT ARENA, NORTH ST, UPON ENTRY THROUGH THE MAIN TURNSTILES 

The Impact Arena was in shock at half time with Conference National side Alfreton finding themselves 3-0 down to struggling Evostik Premier neighbours Matlock Town.

STAND AND COVERED TERRACE AROUND THE HOSIPTALITY AND CHANGING ROOM AREA

TV GANTRY STAND!

Indeed the Gladiators had taken their chances with a confidence that belied their league position the middle goal of the three was an absolute screamer from Michael Harcourt 5 minutes before half time.  The second half saw Alfreton pull one back with a neatly taken quick free kick that caught Matlock cold but they continued to huff and puff and Matlock battled hard and got in vital tackles and touches to deny the home side any chance of a comeback.

CLOSE TO THE PITCH ADVERT BARRIERS

On a bitterly cold evening kick off was delayed five minutes while we waited for Alfreton's number 1, George Willis, to appear and then in another weird first half turn Matlock's number 11, Phil Roe, was manually lifted off the pitch by an Alfreton player following a lengthy stoppage!
So to a quick ground description Alfreton's nickname 'The Reds' gives credence to the ground which you will see from the pictures is very much in tribute to this.  The ground has a tight collection of mini stands along the dressing room, hospitality areas along with a small covered standing enclosure.  The far end from the main entrance is the 'old tin end' is now a very partially covered terrace which struggles for a good view due to the amount of fencing in the line of sight. 
The end behind the goal of the main entrance is now an uncovered terrace with blue tip up seats installed, an area were most prefer to stand.  Opposite the main stand is a small extension of the uncovered seating area and then a shallow low set stand continues to the far corner where a second snack bar and toilet block rule.

COLD GLADIATORS PIE MAN, GEORDIE AND RICCO.
IT WAS EVEN RUMOURED PIE MAN HAD TO REMOVE HIS GLOVES FOR THE PIE BUT THERE IS NO PHOTGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF THIS!

Tonight's game has seen a reduction from the normal admission price of £18, something which I know is standard for the Conference but which has put me and many others off regular attendance here, reduced to £8.  This is still too much for a county cup game and I don't believe any club should charge more than £5, however it was still better that the charge for last seasons game versus Heanor which was £10.  A little sub note here is that most non league fans note the difference between the welcome from clubs and those at Football League level were its a 'completely different game' well I believe its also becoming the same at top non league clubs too.  Here at Alfreton I have come to two games this season, including a Conference game, and on both occasions have handed admission money over to receive not even a thank you or a cheers never mind the warm welcome received at other non league grounds [see Rugby Town below].  The stewarding is then also very prominent being moved on twice tonight when the ground probably had about 200 in for a county cup game.  While saying this I would like to make it clear their were many friendly faces in the crowd tonight and connected to Alfreton as a club but there are areas that seem to get lost as clubs progress up the ladder.

Noteworthy to many people who visit Alfreton is the efforts of the programme shop run by Brian and Mark who have amassed an unbelievable selection of programme and football memorabilia alongside the wide selection of badges for collectors of these it makes Alfreton games a must visit for collectors.  Their cannot be many who are not aware of the shop, but if you haven't been so far its well worth a visit and you will get a lovely welcome from both Brian and Mark.

RUGBY CONVERT THRILLER INTO 3 POINTS

RUGBY TOWN 3 V UXBRIDGE 2
10 JAN 2015---3PM---EVOSTIK SOUTHERN CENTRAL DIVISION 1

Rugby Town and Uxbridge put on a five goal thriller with the home side claiming all three points just before five o clock on this new visit for the blog to Butlin Rd.
Following the strong winds of the last few days the blog took the unusual move of journeying south via Leicester and Nuneaton to arrive at Rugby just before one o clock with the hope of avoiding the high winds.
Upon arrival at Rugby a call to the big M restaurant beckoned and like last week at Widnes I have now found another station that is about 25 minutes away from its town!  At the end of the hike[!] the mentioned eatery had a queue nearly out of the door and the opt out button was selected.

Approaching Rugby Town FC

On arrival at the ground the first impression is of a modern and professional set up with a club that constantly renews and improves their ground as and when they can.  The welcome here from entrance gate, turnstile, goalden goal and supporters was fantastic very warm and all were proud to talk about their club, really note worthy once again a credit to the non league ethos.
The impressive VS Bar was clean and tidy with a large selection of lofty TV screens to watch the live Sky game with a bit of liquid refreshment.

The impressive VS Bar

Following the obligatory circuit of the ground for some photographs the snack bar was to be sampled and it is a clean affair with an unbelievable selection of sauces readily available for squirting on your purchase.  Having opted for the chip cob I have to say this was probably the only let down of the day little small with Warburtons burger buns, though this is not a criticism of the staff who were charming and helpful.

The old stand

The ground is modern in build with little left of the original ground the small old stand which is well presented within the new build, a large deep stand gives a commanding view to the left of the currently in use turnstiles above this to the top corner is the snack bar and function room/bar.  The top goal, allotment end, is a deep modern terracing which offers another commanding view.  The side opposite the main stand is the old stand with small covered areas to either side, this old stand houses the PA system which is well manned although for clarity sakes you have to be stood in the correct areas of the ground to be able to hear announcements.  Thanks to a conversation with one of Rugby's fans I learned of the allotment end and as we come around to behind the bottom side goal with its smaller covered standing area I was to learn that this is called the Graveyard end so giving its occupiers the title of 'the graveyard enders'!

The graveyard end

The game well it was certainly a new ground and the first time I had seen Uxbridge and after Richard Gregory scored a superb 25 yard free kick after 7 minutes the visitors missed a good three chances to level and the inevitable happened Rugby went two up with a superb low strike.  Uxbridge gave themselves a chance by pulling a goal back just before half time. 

2-0 Rugby Town, Sam Youngs strike

Rugby had scored two lovely goals and the third was probably the pick of the bunch a sweeping move ended when Justin Marsden curled in a low shot from the edge of the box.  Back came Uxbridge again with just under half an hour to go Kevin Warner fired home at the back stick and converted his chance something that if Uxbridge had done in the first half could have seen the three points go back down south.  Overall though this was an outstanding game with Rugby playing some lovely football in their well manicured playing surface.

The allotment end

On departure it was nice to receive best wishes from a lot of the people we encountered during the afternoon and off we went via the quick route to the station for a warming walk on what had now become a chilly evening.
I know I always, well nearly always, come away with a comment of friendly club well Rugby Town absolutely fits this slot welcoming and friendly was part of their day for any visitors.  Well done came across as a lovely club if you have not visited Butlin Road get it on your list to take a game in here you wont be disappointed.
And finally the departure from Rugby station revealed this gem, below, the signal gantry from the Grand Central Railway viaduct in the 1890's.  I reckon you may need to stop your engine just to double check your signal here!

Grand Central Railway Viaduct, Rugby.

LATE CALL OFF BY MATCH OFFICIALS LEAVES BLOG FRUSTRATED

DRONFIELD TOWN P V WORSBOROUGH BRIDGE ATHLETIC FC P
7 JAN 2015-----7.45 PM ------ NCEL 1

ENTRANCE VIA THE CRICKET PITCH, LET THERE BE LIGHT

As a football supporter and non league fan its very difficult not to go into a rant about games like this postponed with 45 minutes to kick off by a young match official on a pitch that was in better condition than this blogs previous game at Shaw Lane last night!

REFEREE JARVIS GETS HIS FEET WET

Dronfield Town had made sure the pitch was inspected in the afternoon and it had passed said examination.  The rest of the afternoon in North Derbyshire had seen no rain fall and it was clear the pitch had not deteriorated any further than at inspection time.  Dronfield were very disappointed not to have seen this game take place and of course its one referee's decision against another but for supporters its wasted time and money with no chance of claiming match expenses or proportion of match fees.

A CHAT WITH DRONFIELD MANAGER CRAIG BUTLER BUT ITS STILL OFF!

To call a game off with 45 minutes to go when conditions have not worsened brings a big question mark over pre match planning here by the match officials.
So a frustrating journey home and with the increasingly poor winter weather in this country seeming to become more of a regular problem it probably will not be the last this season.  Looking forward to this weekend the poor weather once again threatens these fiascos may be just around the corner on a more regular basis.