FIRST HALF DOUBLE SEES SWANWICK OVER THE LINE AGAINST LINBY

SWANWICK PENTRICH ROAD 2 V LINBY CW 1
CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION
14 APRIL 2015---6.30PM @ HIGHFIELD ROAD

HIGHFIELD ROAD STANDS LOOKING TOWARDS RIPLEY AND POLICE HQ

A first half double from Shane Buckerfield was just enough to see Swanwick Pentrich Rd [SPR] secure all three points against Linby despite the visitors Ruban Mitchell pulling a goal back on the stroke of full time.
First time for a visit here since the blog began but as per last season SPR have quite a few games to pull in at the end of the season so there is always the guarantee of mid week football at Highfield Rd in April and May.  Swanwick is a pretty little village between Alfreton and Ripley and is easily accessible on public transport form either town or for those in their own vehicle the A38 thunders close enough by the ground that it never leaves your hearing alone during a visit.  There are some cracking little businesses in the village and upon arrival a fish cake, chips and mushy peas special from The Village Chippy was purchased to accompany us on the 10 minute walk to the ground.

ACCESS TO THE GROUND VIA HIGHFIELD RD

Highfield Road, a private road, is accessed off the main Pentrich Road at the edge of the village just before you cross the A38 road bridge.  It is a nice little walk down here and at the bottom as the road pulls away to the left the ground entrance becomes visible with just inside the gate a large pay hut/shed were admission is just £2 and £1 with a programme £1.  Disappointingly tonight's programme is a re issue from the postponed game in January making most of the information out of date. 

CHANGING ROOMS
 AT SPR

To the left of the entrance is the large wooden building which houses both teams and officials changing rooms alongside the snack bar for supporters.  As ever it was great to meet up with SPR manager Kev Grundy who I know from my Alfreton days, it was also nice to get a quick chat with Chairman Lee and then greet referees assessor Malc.  As ever it was a pleasure to say hi to tonight's man in the middle Gareth Davies who I had enjoyed greeting during my previous involvement with another CMFL club.

REFEREES ASSESSOR 'MALC' ON DUTY TONIGHT

Gareth was always well turned out and courteous, tonight was no different and it must be said I though he had an excellent game with good signalling and very clear use of the whistle alongside talking to players.  He was ably assisted by two of the areas experienced assistant referees in Paul Vallis and Stuart Walker whose is dad of Tim Walker a referee the blog has caught up with a few times this season including last weeks game at Staveley.  There was also an interesting second half spent in the company of Brain and Mark Thorpe from Alfreton Towns programme shop always good company.
The ground then well its an undulating pitch that drops away in varying places and I guess can be sometimes quite difficult to judge as a visiting player. 

THE ARTISTIC VIEW!?

The view from the grounds changing room end offers a clear sight of Derbyshire Police Headquarters at Ripley and tonight we were treated to numerous take off and landings of the forces helicopter.  To the right is the town of Ripley perched snuggly on the hill top.  Down the left hand side we have grass standing behind a corrugated fencing behind the walkway we have the school and playing area.  Two thirds of the way down the fencing stops and the pitch area is open behind the bottom goal is unfenced apart from around the back of the goal.  Also behind this goal is a large grassed area used for pre match warm ups.  To the opposite touchline at the top end we have a paved walkway with over the boundary local allotments, we then arrive at a covered standing area, two dugouts and below a stand with a row of approx. 15 seats and standing behind.  On the front of the changing rooms is a extended cover shelter which would also offer a steady view of the game if there are not too many cars parked in the tight car park.

UNDER ORDERS AND THERE OFF

Overall its a friendly local feel to the ground as it is with the club officials who are a friendly and welcoming set and clearly enjoy greeting visitors to Highfield Road.  The club are on a learning experience but remember its only a couple of years since they progressed to step 7 following their time in The Midlands Regional Alliance.

SPR MANAGER KEV GRUNDY POINTS THE SWANS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

So to the game and when SPR took a third minute lead I thought we may be in for a goal fest, not to be though.  It was Ashley Buxton whose cross goal shot was nicely deflected in by the boot of Shane Buckerfield who opened the scoring.  It was 2-0 after 20 minutes a floated in free kick off the left was poorly punched by Linby keeper Glen Guyatt into the path of Buckerfield who got his and SPR's second.  The game lost its way then to half time but overall thanks to the opening spell SPR deserved their lead.

THE BALLS IN THERE SOMEWHERE CHAPS

Half time saw Linby stop out for their team talk and a quick return from SPR saw both teams ready for kick off especially with the possibility of fading light, finally a few minutes later our match officials returned and we were underway.
The second half was a poor affair with little quality there were though a few chances for both sides but woeful finishing saved the score line from being troubled that was until 90 minutes.  It was Linby who gave themselves a little hope as we entered time added on when Ruban Mitchell turned a floating right wing cross in at the far post.

YES IT IS YELLOW

The latter stages had also seen Linby reduced to ten men when the eloquently named Chaz Niblett was dismissed for his second yellow card the first had been frustratingly for dissent and the second for a rather agricultural challenge.
Overall just about the correct result but an instantly forgettable game had though given SPR 3 points in their attempt to make the most of their games in hand and secure a top half of the table finish.
Off the pitch a nice visit with some of the blogs friends and as ever a friendly club in Swanwick Pentrich Road.