EAST COAST DERBY SEES CLEETHORPES AND BRID SHARE THE POINTS

CLEETHORPES TOWN 1 V BRIDLINGTON TOWN 1
NCEL PREMIER 28 FEB 2015---3PM
@BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

THE MAIN VIEW OF THE BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

Both teams goals in the latter stages of the first half produced what was probably the correct result with Cleethorpes shading the first half and the visitors Bridlington gaining the upper hand in the second period in this well fought east coast derby.
As ever before the match the day started with a train journey and for the first time in a few weeks we were heading east and not west into North Wales.  Having never visited the centre of Grimsby before and only twice made a trip to Blundell Park home of Grimsby Town I was looking forward to this visit.  As most footy fans learnt as school kids Grimsby Town don't even play in the town but just over the border in neighbouring Cleethorpes, well today here is Cleethorpes Town who play in Grimsby, well the small hamlet of Bradley to be exact just short of 3 miles out of the town.  Grimsby Town are looking at a new ground as I believe are Cleethorpes Town in what is to be hoped a move to their home town.
Anyway the journey past Doncaster has very little of interest and was probably one for a nap with little noteworthy views save for the large proliferation of wind farms and the massive expanse of Scunthorpe steel works.

GRIMSBYS 200FT DOCK TOWER

The run into Grimsby was probably one of the dourest journeys this season but on arrival at Grimsby Town station, something that every time its was announced I couldn't help but add 'one'. You are greeted by a highlighted approach road paved in three forms of grey paving bricks and the massive Yarborough Hotel which is now a Wetherspoons.
Having arrived early we had the intent of taking in the air of the docks, after a walk by the Fish Heritage Centre and swing bridge[now lifting bridge] it was time to take a look at the fish docks.  With camera out security were quick to advise me photos could not be taken but we could walk down towards the Grimsby Dock Tower, 200ft high.  We decided against this and popped back to the flyover to try to get a shot over viewing the docks thankfully one side of the flyover was closed for road works and aided this effort.
We ambled back through a shopping area close to the docks that one can only imagine in its day was a thriving business community but sadly now Freeman Street is a run down area striving to revisit the glory days.  The walk back to town continued via busy road intersections and cuttings and we finally arrived at Ice Barque a Lloyds No1 bar in the Wetherspoon chain for a sit down and some luncheon.
The central highlight of Grimsby's shopping centre has to be its indoor precinct Freshney Place which must be the longest shopping mall in a straights line I have come across.  Overall though I did not find myself warming to Grimsby it seems a town in decline and in real need of a reorganization and tidy up.

SMILE!

We headed back to find bus service number 3 to Bradley crossroads and then a short walk to the ground, the bus deviates off around the very large Nunsthorpe estate which at our entry point has  large greeting posts welcoming you to the estate.

WANTED THIS TO BE SIMPLES BUS
FOR MEERKATS TRAVELLING

Its always interesting to take local bus travel in the town of the selected game as you are never quite sure you are on the correct bus or going the right way, however thanks to the gps on most phones there is always a degree of satisfaction when you do get it right and thankfully today we soon arrived at our point of intention in Bradley Road crossroads.
On arrival at the Bradley Community facility, also used by Grimsby Borough FC, there are surrounding grounds on grass and 3g with games starting and finishing as we arrived.  Entrance for us today is via a single turnstile block to the right of the main entrance.
Behind the far goal is a small Atcost stand for covered standing which is postioned directly behind the goal.  To the right is a larger Atcost stand with seated accommodation, something that is already well occupied by the teenage followers of Bridlington Town who seemed today to be the main reason why there was any atmosphere. 

ENTRANCE FOR THE GROUND AT BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

MAIN ATCOST STAND

Behind the entrance goal, as elsewhere, was hard standing of a good depth.  Straight on leads you to the left hand side which features the building that serves the whole complex with toilets, changing rooms and cafe area.  The latter has a nice inside area to keep warm before and at half time with a large TV projector screen to keep you up to date with the scores.  The players enter the pitch via a nice size extending tunnel,  The meshed green fencing around the ground gives the usual effect of being on a leisure centre complex however the first half of this is nicely blocked off with wooden fencing that gives protection from non paying spectators.

The ground sadly lacks a public address system or not one in operation today and this along with the general feel about the ground made it give the impression of being rather soulless, except for the young followers from Bridlington who added some, rather fruity at times, atmosphere by there singing and support something that was appreciated by the visiting players at the end of the game.
So to the game and after constant pressure from Cleethorpes the inevitable happened Bridlington scored a cross from the right finally found Will Waudby who slotted home after 37 minutes. 

BRIDS JAMES HITCHCOCK

Home debut keeper Liam Higton had to be alert three minutes later when he pulled off excellent saves from Lewis Poucher and Chris Adams.  Cleethorpes deservedly pulled back level on 42 minutes when Jack Richardson weaved his way to he edge of the box before striking home a glorious drive into the bottom right hand corner of the visitors goal.  This goal galvanized Cleethorpes and they so nearly took the lead a minute later when Marc Cooper unleashed a vicious drive that Brid keeper James Hitchock pushed the effort onto his bar and over.

 

The second half was a workmanlike affair with this time Bridlington being in the ascendancy and creating the clearer chances.  However when referee Matt McGrath blew the final whistle at 4.50pm the 1-1 draw was the correct result for both teams efforts over 90 minutes.
Following the reverse journey on the number 3 to Grimsby town center we had an hour to wait for the train and following a small walk around the shopping streets it was time to decamp into the Yarbourgh Hotel for a warm and refreshment on what was becoming an increasingly cold evening.

BRID BENCH PREPARING FOR THE KICK OFF

Train departure secured from Grimsby it was a slow and meandering journey back to the Sheffield connection and base was arrived at around 9pm.
A new visit however I look forward to seeing Cleethorpes in a new ground and hope they can enjoy that soon the plus side of the visit today was an excellent programme along with their ever productive publicity machine via twitter/website all of which are a credit to their club.


AS EVER THE END PHOTO TODAYS STATION AT GRIMSBY TOWN [ONE!]

IVANHOE AND SAUNDERS SECURE VICTORY AT LEES LANE

SOUTH NORMANTON ATH 1 V ASHBY IVANHOE 2
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES 26 FEB 2015----7.45pm

THE THREE MUSKETEERS, MICK, NEIL AND STEVE IN PRE MATCH CONVERSATION

Ivanhoe secured a well bossed victory in Derbyshire by controlling this game from start to finish, even a late goal from The Shiners could not see them mount a much expected late surge for an equaliser.
South Normanton's ground has been described in an earlier blog this season needless to say it always looks nice and bright when you arrive at pitch side after you have got through the darkness of the approach to the turnstile.
Sadly tonight's game had no programme issued for it and as usual a few of us hoppers were disappointed.  Certainly when the Lees Lane programme has become such a good addition to a visit to South Normanton this season with a good read normally forthcoming.
The plus side was that on arrival non league aficionados Neil and Steve were in attendance and there was a superb catch up with travel tips and club information, is there anywhere these two guys have not been?  Its always good to swap stories of travels and there were some crackers tonight, cheers guys.

A WET SECOND HALF VIEW

Tonights game was one I never really got into and for me it failed to raise too much interest and as the driving rain started just before half time and continued to the end of the game it did little to improve my mood.

The first half had seen the most blatant penalty you will ever see denied by the referee the home keeper pulling and wrestling the Ashby player to the floor after 13 minutes.  There seemed not to be one person in the ground who did not think this was a penalty, even the Shiners supporters around me could not believe it.  Sth Normanton went on to hit the bar but it was Ashby who took the lead into half time following a deflective headed own goal.

A BREAK IN PLAY

The visitors extended the lead on 54 minutes in an amazing move that saw two long range efforts from Ashbys number 11 strike the woodwork the first off the bar the second off the right hand upright as the passage of play moved on Chris Saunders hit a vicious effort from 18 yards that went in, amazingly off the underside of the bar!
On 84 minutes South Normanton looked to have created a way back into the game when a super goal by the home side 11 saw him weave past 3 players before slotting home a low drive into the far left of the goal.  The fight back did not come though as the visitors held on to secure the hard earned three points.
I really must visit South Normanton on a warm day to watch a game!

JUNCTIONS TROPHY BID HITS THE BUFFERS THANKS TO ABER'S TWIN DOUBLE STRIKE

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION 1 V ABERGAVENNY TOWN 4
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES TROPHY QUARTER FINAL 22 FEB 2015 2PM
@ THE FLYOVER ARRIVA GROUND

DAN JENKINS GIVES ABERGAVENNY THE LEAD IN THE FIRST MINUTE

[Check out the we all stand together Facebook page for some more pictures]
A double strike from Dan Jenkins and Craig Norman secured a FAW Trophy semi final spot for Gwent County side Abergavenny Town in a keenly contested affair at The Flyover the Arriva sponsored home of Llandudno Junction.
The end score line with two late goals was harsh on Llandudno Junction who had started to get a real foothold into the game in the second period before Town snatched the lead back and then went onto finish clinically to secure a 4-1 victory.

THE VIEWING GANTRY IS NOW OPEN

More on an exciting game shortly but once again a trip to North Wales meant an early start and having followed the home clubs twitter feed it was slightly worrying when leaving Manchester Piccadilly to see 'ground very wet following heavy overnight rain but match on'.  To many of the hopping fraternity who have turned up only to have games called off at the last minute this signalled a nervy continuation of the journey.  But with standbys at Conwy, Gap, Rhyl and Airbus I decided to complete the visit I had planned and looked forward to all week.  As the weather changed from sun to dark cloud and then back to sun again the train pulled into Llandudno Junction and my spirits were raised and with no more worrying tweets I departed from the station.

WHY USE FOUR WORDS WHEN YOU CAN USE SEVEN

 Now there is not a lot to 'Junction' as I could see except for some lovely hilly views and a town that seems to be surrounded by main roads and edged off by the proverbial big store with a 't', cinema and Mac D's. 

TO THE RIGHT THE LINE GOES TO LLANDUDNO AND THE ARRIVA GROUND,
TO THE LEFT CONWY AND BANGOR

I decided not to go to the latter as time was approaching 1230pm and I wanted to obtain a programme and do a few photos around the ground.
The Arriva sponsored ground is within five minutes of the station and the one recent element of my visits to Wales has been the proximity of the grounds to the transport hubs.
The ground is approached by a trackway that is sided by a play area and open field plus a training area.  Its quite an open feel to the ground but on approach to the entrance are two cabins in Arriva corporate colours which house a small sit down café are which was sampled for a drink and a few chocolate bars all looked quite nice in there. 

COME ON WE CAN KEEP THIS FENCE UP, LEAN

The second cabin is for the players and officials for changing in.  As you approach the second cabin the walkway splits into two with spectators channelled down the left hand side to a pay area that has a closed gate which is meticulously opened as every paying spectator enters.
Having arrived early I did a circuit before coming back to pay and too the right is a small toilet block.  As you turn up this first touchline the concrete walkway has a small drop away to a stream that runs along the back half way down are the two dug outs and situated between both a stand for around 50 people which appears to be closed after the game with a metal framework I guess to close it up when not in use. 

LEFT LEG IN LEFT LEG OUT

From the top side of the latter, home, dug out you get a commanding view of nearby Conwy Castle over the estuary.  The top goal is really in accessible to watch the game but behind the net we see the stream get closer to the pitch as we reach the far touchline.  The far side has hard standing its full length and behind it a meshed fence that backs onto a footpath accessed field.  It has to be said that disappointingly 4-5 people watched the game from the other side of the fence for the whole 90 minutes for free, good grief guys your home town team are in the FAW Trophy quarter finals and its just £3 come and support your club!

GROUND WITH A VIEW, CONWY CASTLE

As we come to back to the entrance there is a modern wooden stand running half of the distance behind this goal.
Abergavenny were now coming out to do what looked a professional warm up with over an hour to go to kick off, indeed some of the Llandudno lads were only just turning up and the referee's arrived just before 1pm which always seems late for an important game like this.  My arrival had been way too early with most of the spectators strolling along with it must be said added excitement at about 1.50pm.

FOUR MEN AND A DOG

The one thing that was obvious was the cracking condition of the pitch I had no doubts about the game when it was viewed on arrival I guess it may have suffered if there had been two more hours of rain but it looked and played superbly well, a credit to Junction.
Before looking at the game it was amazing within the early minutes of the game to meet Ian a fellow hopper from Buxton who was a widely travelled and knowledgeable footy fan, it never ceases to amaze me the people I meet at matches and where they have journey from to visit todays host club.
To the game and Llandudno Junctions eagerly anticipated tie looked to have fallen into disarray when after just one minute the visitors took the lead when Dan Jenkins coolly headed home a cross off the right and heads sunk in the home supporters. 

But gradually they started to get back in the game and it was all square on 20 minutes when Jamie Jones collected the ball wide on the right hand side of the penalty box and as the goal line took the angle to the narrowest of opportunities the number 3 unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew in at the far post.  Five minutes later Morgan hit one from 20 yards with the ball striking the bar and as it flew out Jenkins launched himself into a header that  amazingly also struck the bar.
Half time arrived with scores level and the home side had to do something to stem what looked an ever increasing confidence from the visitors.  Well the team talk at half time seemed to have worked the opening 20 minutes saw Llandudno Junction gain the upper hand in the game without scoring and of course the inevitable happened when Abergavenny took advantage of their chance on 65 minutes.

Jamie Laurent supplied a tempting corner off the left and rising high unmarked on the edge of the six yard box was Craig Norman who powered home the header.
Llandudno came back and in one move Abergavenny's Jac Evans headed an effort off the line and onto the bar with the ball angling away to safety with the home players claiming the ball had crossed the line.
Hope remained but then two late harsh goals saw Abergavenny over the line with a comfortable score line on 85 minutes Jenkins was alert to a defensive error and he swept the lose ball home for his second of the game.  Then two minutes later Jenkins grabbed his second when he drove past Gwydion Owen in the home goal to send the travelling fans into scenes of wild joy.

REFEREE TOM WILLIAMS HAS A QUICK SMILE

A few minutes later referee Tom Williams, assistant referee in the WPL, brought what had been a cracking game to an end.  Both teams were a credit to their leagues and put on a superb show its always a shame to see any team lose when they have put so much into the game.  A mention for the official, Tom Williams, who as a young referee officiated this game with a good common sense approach showing some good situation management.
With an hour to pass before the haul back to first change in Manchester it was time for some food from the superstore beginning with an 'A' and then onto the station to further improve my Welsh.  All the announcements were made in Welsh and then in English and it was good to further test my numbers! 

A NICE TOUCH ON DEPARTURE FROM THE ARRIVA, FLYOVER GROUND

The station has some smart little views from either end of the station platforms, Llandudno Junction is a funny station in that you cross the footbridge and drop to platforms 1,2 and 3and at the bottom of the stairs the ticket office is situated their not at the front of the station which is now home to Rogers taxis.  The station café was an inviting place for a warm drink and before long the two carriage, again!, Arriva train was whisking me away with some stunning views back down the coastline with the Great Orme standing proud in the distance.
Once again an enjoyable day out and I shall take an interest in both clubs progression Llandudno in their high flying second spot on the Welsh Alliance and Abergavenny unbeaten in the Gwent County League and of course now the semi final of the FAW Trophy
[Check out some more pictures at the we all stand together Facebook page, with thanks to Barry Dyke for his superb work on Fb]


AND FINALLY THE TRAIN STATION PICTURE RETURNS

HALLAM BEATEN BY GOALS AFTER TWO MINUTES IN EACH HALF

HALLAM 0 V YORKSHIRE AMATEURS 2
NCEFL 1ST DIVISION--17 FEB 2015---7.45pm

THE IMPRESSIVE MAIN STAND AT HALLAM FC

Hallam somehow lost this game with early goals in each half, 2nd and 47th minutes, against a Yorkshire Amateurs side who defended with gusto has Hallam blustered their way through the 90 minutes.
A first visit under the guise of the blog but a re visit after years away from Sandygate the home, of course, of Hallam FC the oldest ground and second oldest club.  Having taken the 51 out through Crosspool and alighted just before the ground the blog arrived an hour before kick off and with entrance fee paid and £2 programme purchased, a little expensive, it was the usual ground tour.  Not a circuit here because the ground doubles as a cricket ground and subsequently its a three sided affair.

STAND BEHIND THE TOP GOAL

Behind the top goal as we enter is a shallow covered terrace looking down the famous slope.  If you walk straight on from the entrance you first arrive at the modern built 1860 function suite which in its entrance displays a few artefacts and then the bar and TV area.  Moving along the side of this facility you come to the modern and well positioned main stand with its blue and white tip up seats and to the side is the snack bar with a variety of foods and drinks on offer, the latter in very small cups.

VIEW FROM THE MAIN STAND

Below the stand are two porta-cabins the first of which houses club officials and the PA announcer.  You can walk down and around the bottom end goal which also houses some practice nets for the cricket club. The far side is railed off neatly  but save for ball boy this is a no standing area.  The dugouts are modern built affairs with around them and the stand warnings to watch your swearing gentlemen!
Once again there was a variety of representatives from other clubs including our usual friends from AFC Mansfield, including manager Rudi Funk, Brian Bradley and NCEL officials etc.
So to the game and after two minutes the visitors were in the lead when Craig Heard fired home a well guided 20 yard effort after a free lock that was blocked by the 'wall' found its way out to him.  The remainder of the half saw Hallam seeking an equaliser but at half time they had not restored the parity.
Hallam must have been slow out from the break because again within two minutes Yorkshire Amateurs doubled their lead when Harrison Blakey lashed home a vicious shot 10 yards.  We then saw a repeat of the first half with Hallam dominant but unable to break down the visitors resolute defence.  Steve Brammer struck a post from 20 yards, Vill Powell fired wide when it looked certain he would equalise and then a few moments later his head flew wide and you began to believe it would not be Hallam's day.

ENTRANCE TO THE 1860 SUITE

With its three sided ground and slope its a funny old ground to view on but with an excellent stand and the history associated with Hallam its a must for all football fans to visit and after not visiting for quite a few years this was an enjoyable evening out in South Yorkshire.
The blog would also like to thank fellow visitors Steve who once again assisted with a fantastically generous lift all the way back to base, thank you!  This was very much appreciated on an increasingly cold evening.
#non league family!
There is a nice touch on leaving the ground ta sign thanking you for coming to visit, always a nice touch.

ADVERTISING BOARD OUTSIDE THE GROUND PROMOTES THE CLUB

HILL OVERCOMES BUCKLEY RESISTANCE TO SECURE DRAW IN FLINTSHIRE DERBY

FFLINT TOWN UNITED 1 V BUCKLEY TOWN 1
HUWS GRAY CYMRU ALLIANCE 14 FEBRUARY 2015----2.30PM--CAE Y CASTELL

A free flowing move on 90 minutes saw John Hill convert a sweet cross from Joe Davies, right on cue,  to earn Fflint a well deserved draw.  It was a lovely free flowing move that belied much of the previous 89 minutes in this battling Flintshire derby and following the home sides manager Timmy Williams picking up the manager of the month for January the defeat that normally follows these awards so nearly did here, however this would have been an injustice though for his teams efforts.

THE CONCRETE TOWER BLOCKS OF FLINT

The day started a good few hours earlier once again with a trip to North Wales and our friends at Arriva trains once again supplied a train with no on board display or announcements being made.  Mind you the highlight was the refreshment trolly man who on each sweep of the carriages always added a little 'funny' to his speech, the last one just before arrival at Flint was 'soft drinks, hard drinks'! 
Anybody who has departed at or glimpsed the town of Flint from the train station will probably know Flint as the town with the three concrete 1970's tower blocks that command the town centre skyline.  Well generally that about sums it up there is a shopping street and the Holywell Road by the station, which has one of the warmest ticket booking halls I have come across.  Sadly Flint looks like many of the other North Wales coastal towns in need of some loving care but there are some hidden gems, the footplate monument by the station although this seems to be hidden away from prominent view, Flint Castle featuring many a battle with the English and of course just over the way Fflint Town Utd FC.

FLINT CASTLE FINE VIEWS OVER THE DEE

The castle is an interesting half an hour with some superb views over the Dee Estuary looking over to the Wirral and back further inland to Connahs Quay.
As a side line to this blog on Fflint my interest in Welsh football took me to taking a look at this weekends odds in The Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League, well having popped into the local branch of the leagues sponsoring bookmakers it always amazes me that they never feature the league on their fixed odds coupons.  Whether there is some licensing requirement I don't know but you would think they would be proud of their association.

FINE VIEW-FFLINT TOWN UTD FC

Upon leaving the castle over the tourist car park is the Fflint Town Utd Social Club which introduces you to a small road that takes you past the Fflint rugby ground to Cae Y Castell the home of our target for todays blog.  Entry is via a modern turnstile block and first impressions are of a tidy business like ground, to the left is the main stand nicely adorned in black and white tip up seats.  Also housed in this area is the snack bar from which I managed to sample a bacon cob [for research purposes of course-mind you cob still throws people out].  Moving round the ground their is plenty of space behind the hard standing in the the corner is a small astro mini football pitch.

THE MAIN STAND AT CAE Y CASTELL

Uncovered behind the goal that backs onto the Dee and then on the far side to our entry two new atocst stands which look smart and a TV gantry between both.  The highlight in the base of the TV gantry is a lengthy pub style booth seat for a comfortable view of proceedings.  The top goal with the town behind it is uncovered except for one small old style atcost stand which mysteriously is situated behind the corner flag.

SMART NEW ATCOST STANDS WITH TV GANTRY

Like all football grounds security is of the upmost and the whole of the ground is surrounded by concrete block fencing which is topped off with roating spiked security fencing.  It seems to do its job though as the ground looks good and is kept very tidy, a credit to the club.
In search of the teams I discover a lovely little directors room under the stand and after obtaining the names and numbers locate a superb picture on the wall showing the clubs former ground at Hollywell Rd before re location in 1993.  The other notable point is that the club has an audible and well operated public address system with half times from WPL and Cymru Alliance, well done!


GOOD PA ANNOUNCERS A MUST AT FOOTBALL

FFLINT MANAGER TIMMY WILLIAMS

Its always a mystery to if Flint should have two 'f's' or as at the station 'Y Flint' and if the football club has enough suffixes in Town and then United as well! 
So to the game and as usual its a 2.30pm start in Wales, well I say 2.30 it was 2.35 with the officials only coming out to warm up at 2.25-Fflint were out on the pitch before the officials went back in at 2.28.  Its a minor but with the referee not arriving until 1.45 and one linesman turning out in still muddy boots it doesn't create a good impression.  That said Mr Roszkowski had a good game and was courteous and passed the time of day with people during the afternoon.  It proably had something to do with my train departing Flint station at 4.31 that had me clock watching!
For any late comers it looked for a long time as if they would have missed the only goal of the game when Buckley Town took the lead after 4 minutes when Sean Killgannon turned in Corey Smith's cross.
Fflint were struggling to put any cohesive move together and for the remainder of the half Buckley seemed happy to sit back and defend in number with an admirably work rate although it didn't make for a flowing game.
The second period saw the home side noticeably up the tempo but Buckley were still happy to work hard and get number behind the ball to frustrate Fflint.  Typically in these cases it was the defenders who broke on a few occasions and nearly extended their lead if it was not for Elliott Powell.
With 15 minutes to go Shaun Beck got in a superb header which visitors keeper Ben Jones pushed over with excellent reflexes.
Both sides benches had been enthusiastic and encouraging although the Buckley bench looked to be increasingly over stepping the mark and on 78 minutes following a 'chat' just a minute earlier Wrexham referee Roszkowski had heard enough from Buckley manager Tommy Taylor who was dismissed from the dug outs.

THAT WAY PLEASE

By this time any neutral was probably willing on Fflint after their efforts in this game and with the clock starting to veer into injury time the best move of the game saw Davies supply a cross for John Hill to fire home convincingly from close range.  Scenes of joy followed as Hill came to celebrate with the 'bench' and fellow players an supporters exhaled a sigh of relief.  With a new gusto Fflint stormed forward but could not find a winner and the Flintshire derby ended with a point a piece.
As previously mentioned it is a tight schedule for the train back but the Arriva services, thanks only two carriages, was made and we were on our way away from North Wales again.
A functional visit to a tidy ground with a nice new stand, a steady little programme and if you fancy a ground close to the town, station and with a tourist interest this may be the 'hop' for you.
A tough game sensibly refereed with an enthusiastic crowd of around 120 in attendance.

ITS STILL THAT WAY!

BULLS CONVINCING WIN EVEN AFTER A STRING OF MISSED CHANCES

AFC MANSFIELD 2 V WORSBROUGH BRIDGE 1
NCEL 1ST DIVISIION 11 FEB 2015----7.45PM

BULLS ARENA

This game was a one sided affair that should have resulted in a larger margin of victory for the Bulls of AFC. Its always difficult to see how a manager will see this whether it was a cracking home performance or a sloppy one due to the number of missed chance for AFC from good scoring positions.
Dec Lycett had given Worsbrough the lead after 11 minutes thanks to good work at the back post and thats the way it stayed at half time even though Mansfield had applied constant pressure for the remainder of the half.

THE BULLS ON AN UPWARD CYCLE

The second period started in a very similar pattern and it was Mansfield who finally levelled when Dean Rick headed back towards goal from the back post and with the ball looking to be cleared on the line it was assistant referee Stephen Lazenby who bravely signalled the whole of the ball had crossed the line to give The Bulls an equaliser on 54 minutes.  The winning goal came on 65 minutes from ex Stag, Spireite and Hull City livewire Ryan Williams and after that apart from the odd break away from Worsbrough it remained a game in which AFC Mansfield were always the team with the upper hand indeed an exquisite move on 80 minutes saw the finish from Williams look goal bound but strike the bar from the edge of the box.

AFC MANAGER RUDI FUNK KEEPS AN EYE ON PROCEEDINGS

AFC move back up to fourth and the promotion push is on although tonight should have been more convincing those three points were bagged for the cause.
This was the first visit while doing the blog to the Forest Town Arena, even though I have made fair few previous visits.  The clue is there in the title of the ground with the former Forest Town from CMFL days having played here.  The Bulls have resided here for their short life and progress through The CMFL and now into the NCEL.  The club is a tremendous set up but of course separate to AFC.  The directors of AFC Mansfield have invested on the improved changing room facilities and the Bulls tea bar which always has a couple of welcoming ladies serving and tonight's 'bovril' was as good as any where this season so far.
Before the game it was good to catch up with an old mate from my ground travels Nigel who is Worsbrough Bridges goal keeping coach and Andrew Saunders director of AFC Mansfield for a quick footie chat.
The ground itself, club house aside, is disappointing for the fact that supporters are so far away from the game and viewing is poor.  Its effectively a three sided affair surrounded by an old style tarmac cambered cycle track with at points 4-5 foot high meshed fencing with down the main touchline the dug outs blocking the view at ground level.  There is a small atcost stand and to the side the steeped terrace which is split into standing and red tip up seats.  Behind these are a high view standing area in front of the club and conservatory which probably offer the best view of proceedings although by now you are probably 50-60 yards away from the near touchline.

THE BULLS COMMUNITY CLUB WITH A VARIETY OF AGE RANGED TEAMS

Still at the moment needs must and AFC are storming on towards a possible promotion to the premier division and with a steadily increasing attendance recently there was a further 74 here tonight for this midweek encounter.  Over the last few games I have seen AFC Mansfield play in it has been worth the effort just to see pocket dynamo Ryan Williams who continues to espouse a youthful enthusiasm for the game, a delight.

LEWIS SAVES ABERYSTWYTH AS WELLMEN NEARLY SINK PREM BOYS

HOLYWELL TOWN 0 V ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 0 [AFTER EXTRA TIME]
ABERYSTWYTH WIN 3-2 ON PENALTIES
FAW CUP 4TH ROUND 7 FEB 2015----2.30PM

THE REFEREE MARK PETCH BROTHERS MARK AND LIAM GRAY ALONGSIDE THE HOLYWELL CAPTAIN JOHN LEONARD AND ABER COUNTERPART STEWART JONES

The acrobatics of Mike Lewis in the Aber goal during the 120 minutes of this deadlocked FAW cup tie, and then in the resulting penalty shoot out, saved the premiership side from an exit at the hands of an impressive Holywell Town from the Welsh Alliance.
This game had everything, apart from goals in open play, plucky determination from the 'underdogs', a large crowd, a sending off and some quality saves as an aside to some lovely attacking play from the home side.
Firstly the build up so a relatively well conducted journey to North Wales via Manchester train change and then after a very small wait at Fflint an Arriva bus to Holywell a town that features one of the 'seven wonders of Wales', how close Holywell Town FC got today to making it 8!  Just off the town centre is St Winefride's well which is allegedly on a par with Lourdes in France.  Rather interestingly last weeks game at Oswestry the blog featured a picture of the old station which closed in 1966 exactly the same date as Holywell's former station was shut down.
The town centre is a mixture of old and new and although I did not have much time it did not come across as an attractive proposition this was probably did have something to do with a shiny superstore by you know who which I guess has affected the local shops, there is though a nice sized Wetherspoons if you have a little time to drift away.

HALYKYN RD THE HOME OF HOLYWELL TOWN

The blog wanted to get on down to Halkyn Rd early to take a look around so off we set and superbly we arrived within around 5 minutes from bus station.  The approach road is shared with the local new build community hospital and today with the ground gates wide open the club had decided to take admission monies at the top of the grounds entrance road. 

A GATHERING OF DUG OUTS, TV GANTRY AND A WINDMILL!

A warm greeting from the two officials who I wonder if at this stage knew what a busy afternoon they were going to be in for as 636 people it was later announced had flocked into see the game.  Handily I was advised programmes were on sale in the bar area today and off I ventured to locate a few.
The ground tour found a stadium with a spacious perimeter all around if any future development is needed with hard standing all around, three sides are uncovered with the side opposite the main stand featuring narrow Perspex dug outs including a mini one for the officials.  S4C's football programme Sgorio had been along in the week to install a scaffolding TV gantry positioned directly behind the dug outs.  So the buildings are all down the one side and it has to be said behind the stand is a very ample car park which is probably normally very sufficient but today soon filled up as the crowd kept coming in. 

GET OUT THE WELSH FLAG

On the right hand side as you enter the ground the first building is the bar which was already doing a brisk trade and then the covered stand with wooden bench seats there is a break for a mini tunnel which featured, a credit to the club, clean toilets.  Moving past the players entrance some permanent solid set seats were in place along side a further covered terrace offering a raised view of the proceedings.  Also within the main stand area is the public address system and The Wellmans Retreat which was operated by a pleasant couple of ladies serving teas and confectionery with food available in the bar.

 ABERYSTWYTH'S MANAGER IAN HUGHES

Today it was once again superb to see a club with a steady base of fans delighted to be welcoming so many visitors from their own town and surrounding area to 'their' club and having a real pride in their set up, it is to be hoped that they will continue to re visit with Holywell riding high and looking all set for promotion to The Cymru Alliance why wouldn't you?
The day was once again made a credit by the club officials and supporters at Halkyn Road who were a friendly and talkative bunch who were not only proud of their club but very welcoming.  I would like to add to this Steve Roberts the club secretary who I made an initial enquiry to late on Thursday in relation to the game being affected by the weather.  Well he returned my email efficiently with a friendly chatty nature that made me determined to make the visit it was nice to meet him before the game and he even found time to inform me later that evening of the official attendance.  Cheers Steve I hope you and your club enjoyed the day.

STEVE ROBERTS HOLYWELLS SECRETARY, ANOTHER BUSY GAME

Some clubs struggle to make this sort of effort but hopefully the clubs that do get the positives out of their efforts.
Before the game I caught up with fellow hopper Tony who was over from Crewe after a stop in Chester he had travelled on the same bus to the game and we as all hoppers do got taking of grounds and games attended.  Always an interest to here other peoples tales, cheers mate!

Todays match officials were interesting in that the two assistants were brothers in Mark and Liam Gray who are from a family of referees, following their dad and granddad.  The man in the middle, Mark Petch, today is turned out in old style black today more traditional than when I saw him last week officiate in tangerine at TNS.
My attempt to learn some Welsh over the last month or so was superbly aided by the bi lingual PA system and then have my 1-10 learned numbers well pronounced by said PA man for the team line ups.  I've just got to learn the other 30,000 words!
With Holywell Town unbeaten so far this season and the visitors Aberystwyth Town sitting proudly at the top of the Welsh Premier League we were looking forward to an intriguing game but after the first 10 minutes I was a little concerned for the home side as Aber started at a pace and The Wellmen seemed a little of the pace.  Not for long though as they forced their way into the game.

The game saw an early booking for prolific Aber front man Chris Venables who seemed to be on a constant moan at everything and his dissent finally saw referee Petch loose patience and issue a yellow card.  Notably as the game went on the Aberystwyth bench became more noisy screaming for every decision but maybe they were getting concerned at Holywells increasing confidence and feared an exit.

CHRIS VENABLES ABERS PROLIFIC SCORER

Both teams so action to the edge of their opponents box the meaningful shot was for the home side when Tony Roebuck saw his effort well saved by Mike Lewis.  So we arrived goal less at half time in the second half Phil Lloyd saw Lewis pull of a good save from his effort and it was Lewis again who went full length to deny Paul Williams any glory for the home side.  The game certainly opened up with the visitors reduced to ten men in the second half when Stephen Williams was sent off for a second caution following a foul on Matty Harvey which could easily have seen referee Petch show a straight red. 

SECOND YELLOW WITH RED TO FOLLOW FOR STEPHEN WILLIAMS

Extra time was called for and in the first period home stopper Mike Platt pulled off a wonder save from Mark Jones at very close range, this was probably the visitors clearest chance so far.
In the second period of extra time Kellaway scraped the cross bar with a lob before Holywell piled on the pressure in a do or die finish which in one move saw Lewis stretch to gather an aerial ball only to lose it in the six yard box and with Holywell's attack ready to pounce the ball agonisingly ran free.

TIME TO RE COUP SOME ENRGY AND STOP THE CRAMP

So with 120 minutes up the home sides tag line 'refuse to lose' was achieved in open play but in the lottery of penalties it was not to be with star man Lewis saving three of The Wellmens penalties against some quality strikes from the Premiership visitors who finally overcame the superb Holywell effort.

ITS GETTING TENSE IN THE CROWD

This had been a herculean effort from Holywell who for most of the game had kept Aberystwyth quiet and on another day better finishing and possible first half penalty would have provided a shock to match their semi final place last year.  Overall though this was a superb day for the club, its fans and officials and hopefully they will return to Halkyn Road regularly to sample the football and friendliness of this club.

MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE
HOLYWELL MANAGER JOHN HASELDIN FOR HIS TEAM

With a finish just after ten past five secured it was a mad dash to the local bus station and time to wave cheerio to a superb visit departing on the superbly lettered 11G back to Flint with time to visit the big 'M' for some tucker before leaving North Wales behind for a lengthy journey back home.
The other memorable feature today was following a close and competitive cup tie to see crowds of people flooding back into the surrounding streets and town it must have made it all the more worthwhile for the hardworking club officials.
Once again the blog had a good time in Wales and I would recommend a visit to Holywell with the addition of a good match day programme its makes the visit a must for all travelling footie fans.


NORMALY THE TRAIN STATION IS THE LAST PICTURE
THIS TIME ITS THE BUS STATION