THE WHITE WOLVES DEVOUR LINCOLN MOORLANDS RAILWAY IN 7 GOAL ROMP

 

LINCOLN MOORLANDS RAILWAY 0 V LOUTH TOWN 7
28 MARCH 2015---3PM @ NEWARK ROAD----NCEL FIRST DIVISION [ATT 29]


LOUTH ULTRAS TAKE OVER THE 'ARTISTIC' STAND

This Lincolnshire 'derby' was as one sided a game as you are likely to encounter with 4 goals in the last twenty minutes seeing Louth home to a convincing victory and limiting Lincoln Moorlands Railway to a sole first half shot that struck the post.  Had Louth been more clinical they would quite easily have embraced double figures against a home team who struggled to clear their own half for much of the game.
So before the blog looks at the game we arrived at Lincoln courtesy of rattling, jumping and dam uncomfortable pacer train just after midday.  It had been interesting at Sheffield to meet ground hopper Michael who I had met at a Glapwell game last season he was on his way from Mirfield with his wife to surprisingly Lincoln for the Moorlands Railway game!  His wife however had chosen to take a look around Lincoln.
Luncheon was taken at The Forum a Wetherspoons pub which shock of shocks had toilets downstairs, not upstairs, mind you they were still a fair hike away and as ever enough to challenge the returning Sir Edmund Hilary who I passed in the corridor. 

THE FORMER LINCOLN RACECOURSE GRANDSTAND NOW OVERLOOKING THE SPEED OF THE A57

Upon completing the offer price fish and chips it was time to make a trip to pay due remembrance to Lincoln Racecourse which still has the fantastic 1897 grandstand standing proudly by the A57 overlooking the long closed course.  Indeed the course was closed 50 years ago now but the grandstand still remains, a listed building and now developed as The Grandstand Community Centre. Today was even more interesting to visit because The Lincoln the premium race at the course that upon closure was transferred to nearby Doncaster was being run their today.  As the traffic roared past on a road that was closed on past race days, although never as busy as todays traffic, there was a moment to pause to remember the old course and ponder that I guess today more of a fight would have been put up to keep it open.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEWARK RD GROUND

Back into the city by the waterfront and time to jump on board a number 27 to Hykeham Road for a quick hop over to Newark Rd and Moorlands ground, as we leave Lincoln city there are a few Lincoln City supporters making their way to Sincil Bank for their home game against Forest Green.  Indeed a bit of thought today in delaying and re arranging kick off could have seen a selection of hoppers maybe swelling all the clubs coffers because Lincoln United were also at home versus Gresley, all games had a 3pm kick off what a shame!

COVERED TERRACING

Approaching the ground down a long tarmac driveway and to the left we went into the sports and social club for a light lemonade, a pleasant enough place situated outside the ground.  Upon emerging at 2.20pm we found the ground entrance locked up and with a open fence by the players entrance and decided to wonder in, with full intention to pay, we met Mark the club secretary who said the turnstile was not open yet, we asked if we could pop in to take some pictures and that we would of course pop along to pay when the club had opened the turnstile.  The club are, as are all non league clubs, reliant on helpers and you see here today at Lincoln Mark is café operative, raffle seller, flag collector etc and Ian who was preparing to open the turnstile at 2.30pm was also host in the hospitality area at half time amongst other duties. 

THE TEAMS EMERGE LED OUT BY TODAYS REFEREE DAVID JONES

As ever for a club that is struggling, Lincoln are second bottom, volunteers are thin on the ground but thankfully Moorlands have two people today sticking with the club and helping it through difficult times.  They have some interesting close season developments off the pitch that will hopefully share the load with a wider range of volunteers coming to the club.
The ground is neat and tidy with plenty of room around the ground for any developments[?] with hard standing although the far goal area is covered with astroturf I guess over gravel.  To the left hand side is a slightly set back wooden stand which has had a certain amount of thought put into its design it is though set back slightly from the touchline which makes viewing a little difficult if people stand to the front of it. 

L-R IAN AND MARK CATCH UP BY THE CORPORATE TURNSTILE

On the opposite side at the far end on from the dug outs is a four rowed fairly large Atcost stand while to the top side of the dug outs is a one stepped covered raised terracing.  Behind the goals were the ground is entered the toilet block has seen better days but serves its purpose, the snack bar is operational with burgers on the go and nearest to the pitch a large building with changing rooms, secretary's office and hospitality area.  One nice touch is the turnstile block being painted in the clubs maroon and blue colours!

GOAL NUMBER 1 FOR JAMIE COULSON

The game, well at half time it had been all Louth apart from a sweet curling effort from Lincolns number 9, Joshua Schofield, which struck the right hand upright.  A double from Jamie Coulson both neat back post finishes slotting past Chris Stanley in the home goal.  Louth would probably had some more goals in the bag if some of the finishing had not been amiss with a few glory day hunters trying shots when a pass may have been more effective.

NUMBER TWO FOR LOUTH AND JAMIE COULSON

The second half saw Luke Rainer Mistry make it 3-0 after 54 minutes before the game entered a bit of a lull, that said Moorlands were still struggling to form any sort of attack.  Four goals followed in the last 20 minutes which made Louth's overall possession look more convincing in the score line.  Steve Norton secured a running double on 71 and 81 minutes before a rather harsh penalty awarded for handball against Adam Leeder who saw the ball bounce up and hit his hand.  The penalty was dispatched by Danny Stevens on 85 minutes before in the third minute of stoppage time before Jack Whitwick trickery set up and unmarked Callum Hyland to smash the ball home.
The second half hand seen the Louth keeper Scott Drury fly out to the edge of his box to thwart what had been probably the home sides second attack of the game as he went down to block the effort the ball hit him in the face, resulting in the dislodging of his contact lens something he played he remainder of the half without to no detrimental affect!

SLIGHT DISAGREEMENT HERE

The final score of 7-0 had nearly summed up this one sided affair with a bigger deficit being a risk through much of the game but for some poor finishing the score line would surely have reached double digits.  Credit must go to new Moorlands manager Stuart Ward who encouraged and supported his players all afternoon in a sporting and fair manner and its to be hoped that Lincoln Moorlands Railway will see happier days soon and their small band of volunteers will receive some much needed support.
With time to spare in Lincoln before the 1824 departure there was time to take a quick look around the historical streets and to view the Cathedral from various places.  We bade fair well to Michael and his wife from Mirfield at Sheffield station, we had both ticked off a new ground in what is a pleasant surrounding in the suburbs of Lincoln.



A GRAND CENTRAL 4 CARRIAGE DEPARTURE FROM LINCOLN CENTRAL
CROSSES HIGH ST, SADLY THE BLOG RETURNED ON A PACER UNIT!

HEANOR PAY THE PENALTY AS GARFORTH SMASH AND GRAB ALL 3 POINTS

HEANOR TOWN 0 V GARFORTH TOWN 1
NCEL PREMIER @ THE TOWN GROUND 24 MARCH 2015 7.45PM


FOOTBALL AT THE TOWN GROUND TONIGHTS STAR PLAYER CHIP COB WITH MUSHY PEAS!

A Luke Mangham penalty after just 14 minutes gave Garforth all three points with Heanor only having themselves to blame, overwhelming possession but poor final ball and when the chance did come equally poor finishing.  That said Garforth came to do a defensive job, deep and in numbers and their tireless efforts succeeded in thwarting the home side.

So its midweek football again and regular readers will note that The Town Ground has been described previously so tonight the blog has looked for a few different pictures including the usual tasty fayre of chip cob with mushy peas all served up by the lovely ladies in the Heanor snack bar.  There was no Tony Squires in off field capacity tonight but the blog did manage as ever to catch up with Mr Squires senior for a quick chat as the crowd slowly built up in the minutes before kick off, tonight's gate managed to reach 126.
NThe game also featured among tonight's three Leicestershire based officials Akil Howson as the man in the middle.  Akil is well regarded as a upcoming top referee and is already featuring well in his role as assistant referee in the football league where, including The FA Cup, he has had 18 appointments so far this season.  The last time I had seen him was in an Under 17 Internaional tournament at Alfreton Town.  Tonight he was ably supporter by Minesh Gupta and Ryan O'Mahony, indeed the game had the weirdest of starts in that the first time Mr Howson had to blow his whistle for a foul was in the 14th minute for the penalty that ended up securing Garforth victory.

THE OTHER TEAM [L-R] MINESH GUPTA,
AKIL HOWSON AND RYAN O MAHONY

It was 22 minutes before we saw a second foul and 32 minutes before the game had the first offside.
Tonight saw an impressive performance from referee Howson who continued to speak to players explaining his decisions, he also moved around the pitch very well and appeared prepared to let the game flow with some nice advantages.
The game started with Heanor playing some nice flowing football with the final ball letting them down and as so often happened when Garforth were awarded a penalty on 14 minutes they scored Luke Mangham driving home.  The remainder of the half saw Heanor continuing to push on but constantly being let down by the final pass.  The second half was going much the same way with Garforth defending deep and in numbers but also working tirelessly to thwart the home sides attacks.  As the game went into its latter stages you could see Garforth grow in courage and when they did venture over the half way there was an amazing ten minute spell where Heanor keeper Deakin had to pull off 4 excellent saves, one a double save in the same move, to deny the Yorkshire side.
The equaliser never came and it was one of those games that could have seen Heanor stop on the pitch until midnight and they probably still wouldn't have scored.

MR HEANOR TOWN STAN WILTON A MAN WITH MUCH KNOWEDGE OF THE LIONS HISTORY

Referee Howson blew for time to bring the home supports growing frustration to an end and Garforth who had come to do a well organised job had completed their task and gathered three more points.
The end saunter to Heanor Market place for the three legged bus journey back to base was comfortably made and base arrived just in time to get the blog on around midnight.

A TRENT BARTON RAINBOW ONE DROPS THE BLOG IN RIPLEY MARKET PLACE

HOLYWELL HIT LATE WINNER TO SINK TEN MEN ABERGAVENNY'S TROPHY HOPES

HOLYWELL TOWN 1 V ABERGAVENNY TOWN 0
FAW TROPHY SEMI FINAL @ CAERSWS FC [NEUTRAL VENUE] 21 MARCH 2015 2.30PM

HOYLWELL TOWN FC V ABERGAVENNY WITH MATCH OFFICIALS

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Holywell progressed to the FAW Trophy final against Penrhyndeudraeth FC when Tom McElmeel reacted first to head home after Staurt Hayes had crashed his shot against the cross bar with just ten minutes left.  However for much of this game Abergavenny had possessed the upper hand even after the sending off of Craig Norman after 32 minutes.

A WARM GREETING ON THE SINGLE LINE AT CAERSWS STATION

So as ever the day started early for a trip to Mid Wales from base and after standing for an hour on the train to Birmingham for the change of trains it was a relief to get a seat on the Arriva service to Caersws.  The Welsh countryside becomes progressively more beautiful as we first enter Welshpool then Newtown, who have a tantalising game versus Aberystwyth today, and then onto the single line track we arrive at the lovely Caersws station just on the edge of the village.

CAERSWS FISH BAR ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT CAERSWS

The village is in a small but attractive setting and when I arrived at the ground later in bright sunshine it confirmed to me why I love the Welsh hops The Recreation ground home of Caersws FC sat snuggly into this glorious setting.


THE GROUND TO THE LEFT OF THE
BRIDGE WILL YOU GO UNDER OR OVER

Before the small amble was made to the ground I had researched were to eat in this village which has a population of just over 1,500 and with a couple of public houses, mini-market shops, butchers I guessed I would be ok.  But that research had also revealed the Caersws Fish Bar which had gained itself some cracking reviews from locals and travellers alike.  Its not difficult to find follow your nose to Station Road, 1 minute, from the station and the premises look smart and clean from outside and this is completely re endorsed when you enter.  I managed to have a quick chat with the owner Tim who is frying and while chatting I'm supplied with my fish and chips in a novel style fish and chips bag to eat as I search out the streets of Caersws.  Tim, Girvek Chef [look it up I'am] gave me his business card which shows his abilities in strength training and nutrition and as a breaking muscle coach!   The fish and chips, I here you say, fantastic I advised a selection of supporters of the premises and hopefully they took up the opportunity to sample some of the best fish and chips the blog has come across.  Its been a good week with a visit to another favourite The Jolly Frier in Dronfield sadly a little nearer than my 3 1/2 hour jaunt to Mid Wales today.  But Caersws Fish Bar will beckon me to come back to see a Caersws game soon, food fully enjoyed guys!

HOLYWELL TOWN ARRIVE UNDER THE BRIDGE

So enough about the food and following a small walk around the village and a look at The Presbeytarian Church of Wales and a pop into The Spar and Costcutter to put a little more into the local coffers..  Passing The Unicorn the bridge over the River Severn is successfully negotiated as it is quite narrow and with Abergavenny supporters and Holywell supporters heading towards the village its a tricky passing with fairly busy traffic out in the village too.  As soon as you have crossed the bridge the ground is down a small lane to the right which has a very narrow and very low tunnel going under the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth train line. 

THE RECREATION GROUND OVERVIEW

HOLYWELL FAN GLYN OWEN SPORTING HIS
COLOURS TEAM AND COUNTRY

The is a footpath to the right that crosses the line but most people use the tunnel with a courteous glance at cars passing through keeping their wing mirrors intact.  Coming out the other side the ground and scenery all lies in front of you, to the right a car park with at the side a training round before lying behind The Recreation Ground.
The blog received a warm welcome from the gatemen and stewards at Caersws, well done guys a credit to your Huws Gray Cymru Alliance Club, indeed it was only a few years ago that this pretty ground was adorning the Welsh Premier League.  The ground itself as you walk towards it has a nicely raised tarmac trackway which leads to a further car park to the left.  Behind the immediate goal and the opposite end for that matter are uncovered, to the right opposite the main stand is an Atcost stand along with as is usual in Wales the massive purpose built TV gantry for those WPL days.  The main stand as the players tunnel coming out of its middle standard in the old days but so many grounds have players entrances all over the place today.  On the near side to where you enter by the side of the stand is a small covered standing enclosure and before that a very large and well appointed snack bar which to the rear doubles up as hospitality and sponsors lounge also in this rear court yard is the toilet block which was clean and easily accessible.  To the rear of the main stand is a fantastic view of the hills surrounding Caersws FC. 


ABERGAVENNY BENCH READY FOR THE START

A further point of reference here is the distance between both sets of dug outs they appear nearer the corner flags than the halfway lines but probably handy for any problem games.  The pitch at Caersws is disappointing but again clubs have had to put up with bad weather and wet at that this summer so we need not be too harsh but it would affect the game I believe.
The blog was at Abergavenny's previous Trophy game at Llandudno Junction and it was good to catch up with Secretary Rob Francis before the game and have a chat about todays game.  We have also covered Holywell's FAW Cup game versus Aberystwyth a month or so ago and met Steve Roberts The Wellmens Secretary who kept the blog well informed and assisted in its visit to Halkyn Road and Steve was as warm today in his greeting.  I also made a point on my visit to Holywell of saying how friendly the supporters were at this club when we visited and it was great to catch up with a few of them today who remembered me from that visit and yes they were equally as friendly, thanks guys.  The Abergavenny supporters were also now arriving and with a large contingent of noisy supporters who continued to support Aber all afternoon Holywell had competition in the vocal support stakes.

ARE YOU SURE ITS NOT A FOOT SHORT?

Just before the game it was rather worrying to see an official going around the ground with a civil engineers measurement wheel, were we going to get a game called off for wrong pitch measurements?!  Thankfully nothing seemed to come of this otherwise you could guess how pleased I would have been, haha.

The game then well it started off at a frantic pace and within the first minute Craig Norman was booked for Abergavenny when he may have received a red card.  But The Gwent County side were chomping away at Holywell on all fronts with a game of tremendous pace clearing their lines often with a big ball and working so hard to deny Holywell the chance to play their free flowing football.  The work rate and 100 mile an hour nature of the game from both sides was not helping with tackles flying in at times from Abergavenny.  Holywell were looking very edgy as they looked to stem wave after wave of attack from the South Wales side. 

REFEREE WILLIAMSON ISSUES ABERGAVENNYS CRAIG NORMAN A RED CARD

The goal was not coming for Abergavenny and on 32 minutes their task was made harder when the already booked Craig Norman went down in the box referee Williamson adjudged he had taken a dive and after a moments thought realised he had to produce a second yellow for the Aber number 6 and subsequently a red card.

This seemed not to affect Abergavenny who continued to press and have much the better of the first half when the half time whistle went I guess Holywell were pleased to get back to the dressing rooms for a bit of reorganisation.
The second half was a more even affair with Holywell just shading it with Abergavenny seemingly finding it harder to mount consistent attacks.  Overall it was a game of few chances and just as it looked like the blogs third 0-0 in a row and extra time, and who knows penalties, it was Holywell who scored from probably their first clear chance of the game. 

HOLYWELL'S TOME MCELMEEL LINES HIMSELF UP TO HEAD IN THE WINNER

The clock moved into the last ten minutes and Stuart Hayes crashed a glorious shot against the crossbar and as the ball flew back into play Tom McElmeel was first to react to head home the rebounded ball into the Abergavenny net.  Prompting wild scenes of delight with McElmeel going off with his teammates to cup their ears in front of the noisy Abergavenny supporters to see if this had quietened them down.  In fairness to them they took it in their stride and continued to support their side who in the closing stages through Dan Barnard's break could so easily and probably deservedly equalised but his shot flew wide under the attention of the back tracking Holywell defence.

THE JOY AT THE FINAL WHISTLE

At half time most supporters were predicting one goal would win the game and with four minutes of stoppage time drawing a blank as approached 4.15pm that's the way it proved.  Holywell experienced sheer delight and for Abergavenny, who had played with 10 men for nigh on an hour, their fantastic efforts had left them drained but surely able to look back on a tremendous FAW Trophy journey.  Defeat left them able to see out their season at the top of The Gwent County Senior League and hopefully for them ultimately promotion to The Welsh National League set up for the Pen y Pound outfit.

THE DESPAIR AT FULL TIME

Todays game was a hard fought battle at times but with so much at stake these games are very rarely attractive footballing occasions but this one was intriguing and completely attention grabbing from start to finish.
Well done to both side for providing a game that the blog fully enjoyed and to Caersws for hosting the game of which a mention to the superb PA system which was clear, loud and playing a good selection of music.
A head count saw me reach around 170 in attendance and the only down side was a poor programme for this semi final, 8 pages with team picture and individuals.  Disappointingly no write ups or even welcome from FAW the programme was only a pound but surely there should have been a little more pride in todays game from whoever was responsible for the production.
Thankfully with a relatively early finish the 1634 departure was made, saving a further two hour wait, although of course I could have and probably would have re visited the Caersws Fish Bar again!  With a smooth change in Birmingham and a seat for the journey back secured base was reached just after 8pm.
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THIS WEEKS STATION SHOT AT CAERSWS YOU CANT
BEAT A SLEEK 158 CAN YOU?

BATTLE OF THE EX'S SEES DRONFIELD AND CLIPSTONE SHARE THE POINTS

DRONFIELD TOWN 0 V CLIPSTONE 0
NCEL DIVISION 1 @ STONELOW RD 18 MARCH 2015

STONELOW ROAD

With Dronfield Town's pitch finally coming back into play this game was eagerly anticipated with the return to Derbyshire of Towns former assistant manager and player Chris Millington who is now leading Clipstone charge for promotion.  Alongside this when he left for the Nottinghamshire side a fair few Dronfield players left Stonelow Road to join him.  So a right royal battle was to be expected and we got just that in a game of full commitment with both benches nervously and loudly encouraging their players on.

CRAIG BUTLER [RIGHT] GREETS CHRIS MILLINGTON HIS FORMER ASSISTANT
NOW MANAGING CLIPSTONE

 With Dronfield sitting just above the relegation zone and Clipstone advancing towards the title with games in hand I guess most would have expected 'Clippo' to have secured the three points.  But not today as Dronfield manager and stalwart Craig Butler encouraged and cajoled his troops on to a workmanlike performance that over the 90 minutes gave them the upper hand in this contest but with neither teams being able to break the deadlock it finished 0-0 and I guess both sides were fairly happy at the final whistle.  More on the game shortly.

JOLLY FRIER IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

 Its not the blogs first attempt to cover a game with an earlier visit here this season frustratingly called off 45 minutes before kick off.
Normally when I arrive by the lofty heights of public transport to visit either Sheffield FC or Dronfield Town I make a slight detour to Egerton St a small back St just off one of the main thoroughfares, Snape Hill Road, for a little gem of the area The Jolly Frier [Dronfield].  Yes its fish and chip time and this small establishment I discovered a few years ago is enthusiastically run by Paul the jolly frier, a Wednesday fan, who offers all a warm and friendly welcome.  With a small wait for freshly cooked food there was time for a quick catch up and a photo opportunity from the outside.  But back inside as my large cod is about to be served there are phone orders coming in for this traditional chippy none of your kebabs and pizza machines cluttering this good old chippy!
So off to Stonelow Rd wobbling along with cod and chips positioned in outstretched arm alongside camera the first problem for any new visitor would be where to get in.  Having been here quite a few times I was ok but if you find the car park you are there.  From here its a dark and rather dubious entrance across the Coal Aston Cricket Clubs outfield head towards the brightly lit pavilion and your going in the correct direction.  The pavilion serves as snack bar for games and is situated outside of the confines of the ground but always as a warm welcome with home made snacks on the boil tonight.  By the side of the cricketers base is the entrance to the ground down a small flight of steps with a programme purchased entrance to pitch side is by a walkway that runs parallel to the players entrance. 

THE NEWLY SEATED STAND

To the right is Dronfields only cover a small stand with beige seats now in place, to the side of the stand is a concrete hard standing base which is guess will in time add some covered standing area to the ground.  Hard standing is on three sounds of the ground with the bottom side of the pitch out of bounds to spectators its a bit of a shame because the dug outs are also housed there and I quite enjoy the banter from these.  Tonight there was quite a lot of this with both sets of managers encouraging their players at full voice throttle, appealing decisions and generally kicking every ball.  I looked to keep a crib sheet on the most used phrase and I reckon Craig you won with 'YOUR IN' being the favourite as he encouraged said Dronfield player to hare down on goal.
The most amazing feature at Stonelow Road is behind the goal to the left a 15 foot plus wooden fence, something that had to be installed when Dronfield installed floodlights, what a great waste of money for a football club who has a big community base and does a lot within in the town with players of all ages.

DOES ANYBODY HAVE A TALLER WOODEN FENCE?

It wouldn't be so bad but the area behind that goal is separated from the pitch by the large poplar trees.  That really sums up the ground there is not a lot to see structure wise.  As previously mentioned the club has suffered a mass of postponements due to waterlogging and they clearly have a problem that they are working towards solving with the addition of some drainage.  The top side of the pitch at the town end is still very wet, but playable, with visiting players having a few embarrassing slips during the game!
There were a few hoppers out today at the game and it was good to catch up with a some familiar faces who were visiting Stonelow Rd.
In my former guise associated with a Central Midlands League club Dronfield were always our derby game and frustratingly they mostly had the upper hand on us however during that time I always had the upmost respect for their then and current manager Craig Butler a man you would want on your side if you had the chance.  As ever it was nice to be greeted by him tonight along with Rich Stevenson who has joined the club this season too, the guys are turning round a disruptive start to the season and as ever they seem to get stronger after poor starts.

RICH STEVENSON [LEFT] GREETS CHRIS MILLINGTON

So to the game and Clipstone could have stormed into an earlier lead in the opening minutes when Matty Ord crashed a shot off the underside of the bar that looked to have crossed the line, however nobody on the Clipstone side seemed to think so and play continued.  This seemed to spring Dronfield to life and former keeper Nick Siddons pulled off two good saves to keep Clipstone on level terms the latter a deflected close range effort from Christian Savage.
The half time break saw an approaching 20 minute interlude added to this a 7.48 start its always a bit frustrating with a tight train time at the end.  Match officials please not can we kick off on time 7.45 and get on with the half time breaks ready to go again.
Onto the second half and the battle continued with both sides not wanting to give an inch and lose this game Dronfield went closest in the second period when Jamie Willis drove goal bound from the edge of the box only for Siddons to get down well to save.
Clipstones former Dronfield player Ash Rawson was sent off following a second booking with ten minutes remaining and with the visitors playing numbers reduced you felt they would then be happy with a point and maybe Dronfield could breathe easier too.

An important game for both clubs ended in what was probably a respectable draw which adds a point to both sides totals for very different reasons as the season reaches its close.

Frenetic dash to train station and the obvious happened a delay of 7 minutes!  An enjoyable night out even though it was now my second 0-0 match in a row this was more entertaining than the Alfreton v Lincoln encounter last night.
We finish as ever with a very quiet station at Dronfield for our departure back to base.

A LONELY DRONFIELD STATION

GOALESS AS ALFRETON AND LINCOLN STRUGGLE

   ALFRETON TOWN 0 V LINCOLN CITY 0
   CONFERENCE NATIONAL AT THE IMPACT ARENA 17 MARCH 2015--7.45PM

THE IMPACT ARENA

This was an uninspiring draw from two struggling teams who failed to produce any noteworthy efforts on target in a game of little quality.  However much as though Alfreton would have loved all three points the one point gathered here may prove very vital at the end of the season.

Tonights game had seen the hierarchy at The Impact bring in a full admission price reduction

THE ARTISTIC SHOT OF ATFC FROM PEASE HILL

L-R KEV GRUNDY, GORDON FOSTER AND MARK THORPE

to £10 much to be applauded and certainly something that the blog took hold of for a visit to a club that was really the start of my non league experience many years ago in the 1980's.  I have said in previous blogs that once clubs enter the conference set up they lose a lot of their non league family and welcoming ethos and it does become more of a run of the mill attendance at the game.
But tonight was a great chance for me too catch up with some of my old muckers and I make no excuse for name dropping them. A description of the ground can be seen in a previous blog V Matlock Town.  First through the gate and a quick call into the programme shop run by Mark and Brian Thorpe a must for all non league fans to visit, there was then a chance to catch up with Swanwick Pentrich Road manager Kev Grundy, former ATFC physio and his General Manager Lee about happenings at The Swans.  There was then an appearance from former Chad sports journalist and Rainworth MWFC fanatic Gordon Foster always a pleasure to catch up with him after spending a few years in the press box together in the 1980's.  There was time to get a quick catch up with PA announcer Mr Bill Draper who has now hit some unbelievable target in the 1,000's of consecutive Alfreton Town games, an amazing achievement!

MATT WALSH IN ONION SELLERS HAT?

Before the game kicked off ex Alfreton player who regularly comes back to see The Reds Matt Walsh was caught up with in a cracking French style hat and then last but not least Neil Laughlin of Belper Town and non league hopping fame.
Neil has a tremendous knowledge of the non league scene and its clubs all over the UK and Ireland and is always a source of much useful and information and tips and certainly gets me thinking about new grounds to visit on the back of his advice.

GORDON BACK AT HIS WORK STATION AND TO
THE LEFT BILL DRAPER ON PA!

So the game well it never really captured much in the entertainment category, Lincoln could have scored on three occasions in the opening ten minutes but when Alfreton got back into it their finishing was just as poor as The Imps and the second half remained the same and nil nil at the final whistle did sum up this game.  Alfreton keeper John Mooney is worth a mention the man is a mountain he must be 6ft 6in in height and his thick set indeed he must look a major obstacle when a striker hares down on goal.
This point though has been added to The Reds all important safety total, whatever it ends up being, and if they achieve safety it really must be time for the awarders of the manager of the season for the conference to look no further than what Nicky Law has done here.  Its time these awards were looked at with a wider parameter than just winning the title Law is well on the way to another fantastic season here lets hope Alfreton can achieve safety and then get campaigning for him.
With around 140 Lincoln fans in tonight's crowd of 744 and probably a normal Alfreton following for midweek of 450 I would guess The Reds saw another 150 fans on the game tonight by dropping the price and they probably bought food, 50/50 and drinks too hopefully this exercise will be repeated had it not have been for Derby, Chesterfield and Mansfield being at home I believe the gate would have been even bigger.
This blog marks the 50th entry from the start of November and I would just like to thank all supporters, non league fans, the clubs involved in the games covered and my right hand man for Facebook and Twitter Mr Barry Dyke THANK YOU all for your support I hope its enjoyable and of interest I'm certainly enjoying the experience.

WARM UP ON A COLD NIGHT

SCARBOROUGH FC LIVES ON AT FEATHERSTONE ROVERS SUPERB GROUND OF CHARACTER

FEATHERSTONE ROVERS 6 V LEIGH CENTURIONS 40
KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP POST OFFICE ROAD, THE BIGFELLAS STADIUM 15 MARCH 2015 3PM

THROUGH THE POSTS THE NEW STANDS IN ALL THEIR GLORY

Where do I start with grounds like this one you just have to fall in love with the history along with the undoubted current passion and commitment of the current Rovers fans.

IS THERE A BETTER ADDRESS
FOR A SPORTS GROUND

After a tight first half which saw the home side lead 6-4 the second half provided a performance that's was both clinical and dominant from Leigh Centurions in this battle of the roses.
As ever the visit took me via train to Wakefield Kirkgate and then because there are no trains on the Featherstone line on a Sunday it was an Arriva bus to the town of my intended destination arriving just after 1.30pm for this 3pm kick off.
As many of you will know the blog spent last summer watching National Conference Rugby and made a visit to see Featherstone Lions the towns amateur team.  During the visit I made a call to take a look at the Rovers ground and received a friendly welcome.  It was at that point that I marked down Post Office Road for a future visit for a game.  There in starts this trip of character can there be a ground with a better address than Post Office Road it just tells of the glory days of the 70's and 80's when the mining industry and town was powerful and more affluent.

POST OFFICE ROAD IN FULL SPLENDOUR AKA THE BIGFELLAS STADIUM

Sadly today the approach to the ground is accompanied by shuttered shops, it is after all a Sunday, but you can tell the town has seen better days and I could only imagine what the whole area was like in its more successful days in both community and rugby league.  As with then it is up to Rovers to make times slightly easier for their fans and community with some much sought after success.  The one thing that amazes you about Rugby League is the friendliness of the supporters alongside a large family element attending games and a large contingent are proud to wear their clubs colours here at Featherstone in the shape of all sorts of merchandise.

LEIGH CENTURION FANS MAKE THE MOST OF THE NEW STAND

Having entered the ground I purchased the programme and knew I had arrived in West Yorkshire with the thank you in the style of 'thank you cock', following onto to the steps that approach the terracing I also purchased a 'Golden Gamble' ticket and there was even a chance to donate to the final works of the two new stand here at The Bigfellas Stadium [more of this later].

FORMER SCARBOROUGH FC STAND ADMIRES THE OTHER NOW IN PLACE AT FEATHERSTONE

Once the stairway is climbed to the left is the main stand older in style which straddles the halfway line and then above the players entrance is the hospitality and bar areas before we move around to the stand behind the top posts which is at the front of the railway station.  Here lies a story because along with the a small stand to the right hand side touchline both have come from the former Scarborough Football Clubs Seamer Rd ground.  The passion and support of the Fev fans is no more evident than in these stands being moved and re constructed by a small band of supporters no mean feat and even with some work to be completed this is full credit to the guys for unbelievable work and fantastic commitment, Rovers you must be so proud of these guys-well done.
Coming down the opposite touchline to our entry and after the smaller of the two ex Scarborough stands is a large community stand with permanent non tip up seats.  Finally behind the posts at the Post Office Rd end behind the slope is some good old fashioned terracing its steep and others a cracking view of proceedings.

REFRESHMENTS BARS SIDE BY SIDE

Refreshments are superbly catered for with the a countless number of outlets scattered all around the ground with prices fairly reasonable, I managed to sample a chip butty and coffee but if you fancied a beer there were plenty of opportunities, well it wouldn't be rugby without a pint would it?
So onto the game and I was in excited anticipation my previous rugby league had been the old days of Mansfield Marksman on a few occasions and Sheffield Eagles at The Don Valley Stadium and the Owlerton Stadium neither of which are places conducive to good viewing so today it was a 'proper' ground.
The poor old referees and touch judges are kitted out in yellow and added lime green for the Specsavers adverts of which the highlight quote of the day came near the end form a Yorkshire lass in the stand who in full Yorkshire accent shouted at the touch judge "Tha wants t get back t Specsavers thas bin conned"! Priceless.

TERRACES IN ACTION

Half time had seen Featherstone come back from 4-0 down to lead 6-4 and all looked very good for the second period.
Sadly it was not to be as Leigh Centurions ran in 36 points without reply to secure a 40-6 victory as the hooter went.
Player wise the delightfully named Fuifui Moimoi, from Tonga, has the Carlos Valderama hair of rugby league and what's more and if he says its Thursday then its Thursday!

BIG HAIR, BIG PLAYER - FUIFUI MOIMOI

As ever with Rugby League the fitness and sheer coming together of the players in tackles never ceases to amaze me.  It was a trip and a game that I fully enjoyed in a ground of undoubted character with a supporter base of superb commitment to the cause of Featherstone Rovers.
Upon departure and all around the West Yorkshire area it always amazes me the lack of football pitches but the proliferation of rugby pitches and it was great today to see a large crowd of both Featherstone and Leigh supporters attending this game.
The reverse trip was via Arriva where we journeyed past Featherstone Lions ground, then the base of Sharlston Rovers ARLFC from The Pennine League and finally Wakefield Wildcats ground clearly visible from the top deck of the aquamarine liveried bus.  After an increasingly cold wait at a still under renovation, it seems after so long, Kirkgate station base was made just before 8pm.
If you have never visited Post Office Road give it a try I don't think you will be disappointed.


THEY THINK ITS ALL OVER IT IS NOW