LATE BIRMINGHAM WINNER DEFEATS NOTTS COUNTY

NOTTS COUNTY LADIES FC 0 V BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES FC 1
WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE @ MEADOW LANE
27 SEPTEMBER 2015 5PM

As this game looked to be petering out to a goal less draw up popped Kerys Harrop to nod home the winner with just two minutes of the ninety remaining to thwart Notts chances of a final home game victory.
With a chance of taking in another WSL game and following an enjoyable afternoon out at Meadow Lane earlier in the season when The Pies took on Liverpool now was a good time to catch up with them again but this time it would be the last game of their season, before an away fixture at Manchester City next week.
The blog would have covered Nottingham Rugby Union also today before coming along to this game but the rugby union club moved their 3pm kick off was moved to 3.30pm meaning a finish at Lady Bay just as this WSL game would kick off!

I THOUGH IT WAS 1/2 A MILE TO MEADOW LANE



A comfortable journey from base and with Notts ground being within ten minutes of the station the blog was soon at todays venue.  However confusing it may seem the sign saying ten miles close to the ground was not for me but the mornings Nottingham Marathon.
The club shop has to be one of the best in the Football League its is packed full of merchandise and well worth a visit if you are in the area with all sorts of gifts on offer.

NOTTS COUNTY CLUB SHOP A QUALITY DISPLAY OF GIFTS

Upon departing with the programme the turnstiles were just about to open it being one hour to kick off.  Following a little look at the ground which always amazes me as a superb looking ground and one that I have seen develop since its old days of the spion kop with old style lettered scoreboards from a-z, remember those days before electronic ones.
It was time to sample todays food fayre and the joy of a chicken balti pie at the home off the Pies and pleased to say with a coffee this came in at £4.60, take a look Derbyshire Cricket Club after your price of £5 for a bacon cob and coffee last week.
The crowd at WSL is a relaxed family affair with lost of people attired in their clubs colours and a fair following from todays visitors too.  The crowd was building up nicely and the atmosphere generating drum was now in situ all adding nicely to the official attendance of 1,337. 

NOTTS COUNTY WARMING UP ON A SUNNY MEADOW LANE AFERNOON

Notts do a good job of profiling their ladies team firstly by using their main ground and not an outpost stadia, plus the match day experience is very similar to the Football League side with a great PA system also playing some good current music.

ELLEN WHITE & ALEX GREENWOOD

It was good to see Ellen White playing whom we met a few years back at an England international at Burton against Japan she is such a hard working player who covers most of the pitch in her running game.  Jess Clarke was also in the starting line up on the right wing and with Laura Bassett at the back along with keeper Carly Telford their are plenty of names in the home line up.  Birmingham captain Karen Carney was also on show for todays visitors.
The first half was an enterprising affair with the woodwork denying both sides twice stopping Notts from scoring and once stopping Birmingham getting off the mark.  For The Pies it was Alex Greenwood who crashed one off the underside of the bar before Jess Clarke fired one in from 20 yards only for the bar to deny the home side again.  Just before half time Birmingham also hit the bar when from a 20 yard free kick Carney shook the whole goal with a vicious effort.

PIES RACHEL WILLIAMS HOLDS OFF CITY'S REMI ALLEN

Half time was arrived at without a score and really we had witnessed a steady game just lacking a goal.  The second half though fell away with a nil nil result looking a cert until 88 minutes.  A right wing corner to the near post from Jo Potter was met by the rising Harrop who headed into the back of the home net to send the travelling City support into scenes of joy and deny Notts County the chance to send their fans home happy with a victory at the last home game of the 2015 season.
Return journey was a bust student packed train but base station was arrived at on time and the blog had enjoyed another afternoon watching Notts County Ladies FC.

REFEREE IAN DUDLEY CONSULTS HIS ASSISTANT

NORTHERN STAR SHINE BRIGHT THANKS TO LATE WINNER OVER HARBOROUGH

PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR 1 V HARBOROUGH TOWN O
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ BRANCH BROS STADIUM
26 SEPTEMBER 2015---3PM  [ATT45 EST]

THE ENTRANCE ON CHESTNUT AVE

A goal two minutes from time from Declan Rogers rescued this dour affair from the dreaded 0-0 result.  It was slightly harsh on the young Harborough side who had battled hard and deserved to take something from the game.
Today's journey from base was very much affected by avoiding the busy trains to Leeds and Birmingham which when we arrived platform side were looking well stocked with rugby union fans off to the world cup games in the two cities.  So for a change we made the trip to the 'deep south', for us anyway, and to Peterborough.  The advantage today was of a straight through journey to Cambridgeshire and with the prospect of a little time in the city and a chance to take a very quick look at the wonderful cathedral which is resplendent in the centre of the shopping area.
An uneventful journey deposited us in Peterborough just after 1230 and more by luck than judgement we came across the local 'spoons' in The Drapers Arms and with a seat secured we sampled a lunch time meal before a mini tour and back through the shopping centre to catch the number 5 to Dogsthorpe. 

DOGSTHORPE SHOPPING CENTRE

Having departed just around the corner from the main drag of shops it was a case of trying to rescue the businesses from their caged prison with major re design works going on and a lot of shops closed, probably with it being Saturday afternoon, the area was relatively quiet. Just a short stride down Chestnut Avenue and we were at the newly named Branch Bros Stadium home of Peterborough Northern Star.  The exterior of the ground has a community centre and appears to advertise some excellently priced breakfasts.  The two turnstiled entrance is to the side of the centre and is a smart and good early impression of what turns out to be a tidy ground and complex.
With programmes purchased and admission gained immediately to the right is the bar which is a large cavernous room with bar and TV of the big variety!


SMART VIEW OF THE DUG OUT SIDE

A quick look at the ground and we enter behind the goal and set off to the left the whole surround is slab hard standing and the boundary railings have now been added to by the much appearing green meshed fencing to add a smart finish.  Taking the first corner we reach a small Atcost stand with blue tip up seats and then the adjoined brick dug outs which again are smart and tidy which appears to be the constant for this ground.  Below the dugouts are another small stand which mirrors the one to the top side.  The far goal is uncovered hard standing as is the side opposite the dug outs until we reach the corner which has a deep covered stand clad but of a scaffolding type.

THE BUSINESS END OF THE GROUND

So we arrive back at the entrance goal and first is a toilet block again smart and clean followed by The Star Snack Bar which is a mobile van in type pulled to the terrace side.  The players entrance as a nice corporate coloured vinyl curtain to separate the players from the spectators.  Behind the goal we have a small covered standing area and the secretaries cabin which has the hoppers required touch of the teams displayed outside it.  To both sides of the pitch are more pitches in mini and full size which gives much green space to this area.  The playing surface is looking good and as previously mentioned the ground looks tidy and smart and is clearly well cared for.

NORTHERN STAR LOOKING SMART IN THEIR BLACK AND
WHITE STRIPES

Northern Star was a team I had looked at visiting a few years ago and having done a little research were formed from the two nearby brock works of Northam and Star.  After playing as Eye in the village of the same name which is adjacent to Dogsthorpe the club moved to its current ground to allow non league step procession and the club took on the name of Peterborough and for its history added the two brickwork names to continue the connection.
This would prove to be the blogs and mine first United Counties League game, previously having covered the league cup final at Yaxley at the end of last season.
So to the game and both sides looked very young in age especially the visitors Harborough Town.
It was a lovely bright day which with winter months coming soon we planned on enjoying with some football.

The first half was a truly forgettable affair with little in the way of chances a defensive mix up ricochet resulted in Harborough's bar being struck and just before half time home keeper Dan George pulled off a good save from Joel Konteh and I'm afraid that summed it up.
The second half didn't get much better there was little free flowing football as both sides struggled to forge any chances.  Just as the game looked certain to go to 0-0, much as it looked like from about ten minutes in, a goal arrived!  With two minutes remaining and following some good possession play on the edge of the visitors box saw the ball fed through to Declan Rogers who fired home with a conviction that had been missing in the previous 87 minutes.


DAN GEORGE IN THE NORTHERN STAR GOAL REACHES HIGH

You had to feel a little sorry for Harborough whose young bunch of players had worked hard to get something from this game but thankfully for the blog at least a long day would produce a goal for memory of the day out.
Leaving the ground at 4.50 and following a quick walk from the bus station in Peterborough it was great to be back on the train in half an hour from leaving Dogsthorpe and back to base at just after 7pm.
Overview, although not the best of games this is a nice little ground and is well appointed for its step 5 status.  Also a quick mention with regards to the programme which is a steady little affair if you like your photos this is the one for you with a superb collection all in colour from a variety of recent games more than complimenting the £1 purchase price.  The ground is in a large housing area and once again its just a shame that local people don't come out to support the club, in bigger numbers, who as with all non league clubs are trying their hardest to provide local football.

A DRINKS BREAK FOR HARBOROUGH TOWN

BOTTOM 2 IN DERBYSHIRE & LEICESTERSHIRE BATTLE IT OUT

DERBYSHIRE V LEICESTERSHIRE
LV COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2 @ THE 3AAA COUNTY GROUND
DAY 3---24 SEPTEMBER 2015 1030 START.

3AA COUNTY GROUND WITH TOM KNIGHT PATROLLING THE BOUNDARY FOR DCCC

The day started with Derbyshire still trailing but a sturdy rear guard action gave them a lead of 23 40 minutes before lunch but by the close of play Leicestershire had a firm grip on the game as they reached 307 for 7 at the close a lead of 284.
The penultimate day of the English cricket season and it was a chance to catch up with a little bit of cricket following on from an excellent day at Trent Bridge a few weeks ago, which I decided not to cover and then wished I had taken the camera as it turned out to be a superb game versus Durham.
Today had another reason behind it with a football connection more of this in a few paragraphs.
A steady travel to The 3aaa county ground and first point of call was to take a few pictures and then snap a bacon cob and a coffee as play started, amazingly though this cost £5 which is grossly over priced you would probably expect it at a test match but not for county cricket. 
Finally settled is situ in front of the newly used pavilion/Gateway centre and the bright day was being deceived by a cold wind that did not improve through the day and by the close I was really feeling the autumnal season approaching.

MARTIN BODENHAM MATCH UMPIRE AND FORMER FOOTBALL REFEREE

So before the game after a few player photos I managed to take one of half of todays umpiring team, Martin Bodenham who is the first person to umpire at first class county cricket and also referee at Football league, Premier League and FIFA official.  Indeed I well remember in my league football watching days seeing Mr Bodenham with his home town of [Looe] listed in the match day programme.  He seemed a pleasant gentleman on greeting him for a second this morning as he made his way out onto the pitch.  I believe this is his last county game and penultimate day in the first class game as he reached 65 at the start of this season. 

When he retired at the require age of 48 in 1998 from football he followed his cricketing passion and progressed well to the first class game for a remarkable achievement this footballing cricket mix adds to many players of old who used to play both sports famously of course Phil Neale of Lincoln City and Worcestershire.

BOLLY GODLEMAN 2015 SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Just before lunch Leicestershire were batting again and by the time we made lunch there was another photo opportunity with billy Godleman being presented with the supporters player of the year trophy.  The club, through Graeme Welch Elite Director, also took the opportunity to present Godleman with his county cap and in a nice touch all his team mates delayed their lunch to join him at the presentation and add their congratulations.

GREAME WELCH PRESENTS BILLY GODLEMAN WITH HIS COUNTY CAP

The afternoon session was spent in the large Falcons stand and it just got colder as the wind swept across the county ground.  But for Leicestershire the lead just went on increasing thanks to a century from Mark Cosgrove who was still their at the end.

You have to love county cricket its out on its own and although these two are holding up the league the small gathering of fans are ever expectant.  Today for me the game never sparked probably end of season feel but also the cold wind kept me a little less excited than normal on a visit to the cricket.
Sadly that will be the end of this seasons cricket for the blog and hopefully next season will be a better one for a season that this time around promised so much but gave up little to warm the loyal fans.

THE OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION TO BILLY GODLEMAN

PENISTONE CHURCH SEE OFF 10 MAN ECCLESHILL

PENISTONE CHURCH 3 V ECCLESHILL UTD 0
NCEL 1 @ THE MEMORIAL GROUND
23 SEPTEMBER 2015---7.45PM

THE MEMORIAL GROUND PENISTONE CHURCH FC

Ten man Eccleshill were lost out to Penistone after being reduced in numbers just before half time but a dominant second half from the home side should have resulted in more than one goal.  Thanks to some super saves from Utd's keeper Joe Stead and some poor finishing the score line was kept to respectable levels when on another night 7 or 8 could have been the end result.
The chance to catch up with the 'esteemed' Mr W and make a joint trip to the lovely Penistone which is not the first time but the first blog feature.  As we drove past the edge of Stocksbridge towards our ultimate destination the feel of Yorkshire was all around with old pubs signs displaying 'Wards Bitter' and shops showing of 'Ben Shaws soft drinks' adverts.  As we drove towards the centre of the town the impressive Paramount independent cinema was in fully display readying in to welcome tonight's cinema goers.  The town is a different proposition for an evening game after a previous visit in the day time when Church were still in the Sheffield County Senior League and the took on Rossington Main in am FA Vase encounter.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PENISTONE

We arrived with enough time to park up and take a look around the small town which has an impressive high wooden roofed covered market, a small selection of shops and of course for the railway enthusiast the part were the former electrified line split to take on the Woodhead and Dunford Bridge to Manchester section.  We tracked the line and I guess sidings in the town by a mini roundabout that now forms the entrance to a 'T's' store.
With a little time to spare and Mr W not having visited Penistone station we popped along to view the former station building and the now overgrown platform for the Manchester section of the route still slightly visible and further on the former line becomes a cycle and walking route.
At this point Mr W requested a picture on the station platform and he jostled around in front of the station sign as though getting into position for a defensive wall I struggled to understand but if you look at the picture you may guess the bounder had other ideas.

THE ESTEEMED MR W AT PENISTONE STATION!

Believe this or the other story may be the one that provides the revealing tale, the photographer was the one working himself into position for the best shot.  Which is it?  You decide.
Men never grow up we wont be the first and we wont be the last!

EXCELLENT CLUB HOUSE AT PENISTONE CHURCH FC

Anyway on to the game and on arrival we found ourselves decamped into the excellent club house nice comfortable facility with excellent toilets that were clean too.  Alongside two TV's, a bar and the snack bar there was a nicely labelled vip area with a pop up advert display.  The snack bar produced an excellent chip cob which once again threw the young ladies into trying to interpret the foreign language and I quickly realised I was in Yorkshire and corrected myself to 'butty' to receive the super fayre.
Having secured a table the blog then spotted Neil Laughlin of the Belper parish and of course it was a pleasure to catch up with his travels especially his journeys to Wales something we both have a passion for.

MR LAUGHLIN SAMPLES THE SNACK BAR FAYRE

The ground then from the entry pay point to the left is a lovely stand that journeys to the half way line with seats and terracing under cover this leads to the dug outs and then  beyond and behind the top goal there is no spectator access.  The far side is quite tight but has hard standing and behind the goal to were we entered the ground were we have the changing rooms, grounds mans building and the clubhouse.
Having visited the ground previously in the daylight I can say its a lovely setting, especially in the warmer weather, with views if the towns church and Emley Moor TV mast.  Evening games offer a different perspective but if you come here for a first time you may wish to take in the area in the lighter conditions to enjoy the beauty.
So to the game and first out of the traps were Penistone who took a 17th minute lead when Andy Ring slotted past the out coming Stead with confidence.  The lead doubled on 35 minutes Mario Battaglia deflected a close range effort into the back of the visitors goal.
Controversy came on 43 minutes a penalty box challenge by Jermaine Springer saw referee Tiernay signal the player had taken the ball as at the same time the linesman started to flag for a penalty before quickly putting his flag down.  The referee picked up on the signal and changed his mind to award a penalty and then to add harshness to the decision showed Springer his second yellow card and he had the long walk to the changing rooms to undertake.  A little bit of fortune fell Eccleshill's way when Ollie Fealon missed the penalty kick.
It would be a difficult second half and but for Stead's saves and some very poor finishing it could have been a large score line for Penistone against the 10 men of Eccleshill.  As it was the home supporters had to make do with a second for Ring after 67 minutes when he beat the out running Stead to steer the ball home from 25 yards.
An enjoyable visit to, I think, a club that is on many hoppers favourites list and a nice little trip out to a pretty little town.

BATLEY RACE HOME TO VICTORY IN FINAL GAME OF SEASON AGAINST HUNSLET

BATLEY BULLDOGS 60 V HUNSLET HAWKS 12
CHAMPIONSHIP SUPER 8'S @ MOUNT PLEASANT
20 SEPTEMBER 2015 3PM

BULLDOG ABOUT TO SEE OFF THE HAWK

The Bulldogs stormed to victory over Hunslet Hawks and at one stage looked like winning to nil, however the visitors did have a successful second half period which saw them go over twice converting on both occasions.
Today was a late chance to visit a club that I have seen on two previous occasion this season in my diversions from football and you just have to enjoy visits to Mount Pleasant which is a cracking little ground in an historic mill town.  Add to this the Batley supporters, the kit and some good rugby league I have always enjoyed watching the Bulldogs. 

BULLDOGS SUPPORTERS PREPARING FOR THE SECOND HALF

Having covered the ground earlier on in the season I won't re visit for this quick save to say that the selection of three stands offer a variety of standing and seating with a selection of different views of proceedings and at the fall of the slop is a cracking curved terrace to offer a further choice for watching the game.  If you wish to see the ground pictures they are in June of this year on the blog. The clubs new scoreboard has arrived since last time I visited for the Leigh Centurions game, not sure what the plans are for this its very clear but basic and at the moment is on a mobile base at the far end of the ground.
A dashed along to Dewsbury via a change at Leeds the blog opted for a walk up Bradford Rd which would see me arrive about the same time as the connecting train.  Today there is no cricket on the adjacent sports field with the season looking over and the ground relaxing for its close season.
Once again after a walk around I failed to secure any of the excellent looking chip cobs the queue is always too long and I didn't want to lose any time away from pitch side to avoid the build up.  There was also pre match entertainment provided today by a female singer who was placed inside the obligatory curtain sider for the building up crowd to enjoy. 

HUNSLET FANS GO WILD WHEN HAWKS SCORE THEIR FIRST TRY IN THE SECOND HALF

As ever at rugby league there was a lovely mixture of families there to enjoy the game with many sporting their club colours and credit here also goes to Hunslet Hawks who after a disappointing season saw a healthy following create an exciting atmosphere.

The game itself saw Batley dominant in the first half with a 20-0 lead that made you fear for Hunslet whose fans were now chanting about there visits next season to Gloucester, Oxford and Coventry.  A real shame for a cracking fan based club who need and are needed within the Championship and the more West Yorkshire focussed fixtures.

WAYNE RETTIE GOES OVER

The second half saw more of the same with Wayne Rettie going over for a crafty one before Adam Gledhill secured his first try of the season much to his and his teammates delight.

ADAM GLEDHILL JUST ABOUT TO GET HIS FRIST TRY OF THE SEASON
AND THEN THE CELEBRATION

 

 This took the Bulldogs to a 38-0 lead and then Hunslet seemed to wake up and secure a couple of converted tries but all around the home side were still added to their tally which included a tremendous 90 metre run from James Craven before Shaun Ainscough completed the breakaway.
As time filtered away there was still time for Alex Brown to go over and then Ainscough turned supplier to Craven who went over and by the time the hooter went it was a very comprehensive victory 60-12 for the Bulldogs.

A game that sealed the end of Batley's season with fans and players staying behind to applaud one another and with many fans already awaiting the new season with excitement, that must be a good sign for a cracking club in Batley Bulldogs who have an enthusiastic fan base behind them.




Return train was via Dewsbury and then back to Leeds before a comfortable return to base just before 7.30pm for another enjoyable day out with a game of rugby league sandwiched between the travelling.

THE 'NEW' SCOREBOARD TELLS THE FINAL SCORE

NOMADS FAW TROPHY HOPES DENTED BY GREENFIELD

FC NOMADS OF CONNAHS QUAY 2 V GREENFIELD 3
FAW TROPHY 2ND ROUND @ WEPRE PARK
19 SEPTEMBER 2015 2PM

LATE NOMADS GOAL IS NOT QUITE ENOUGH

A fast, entertaining and enthralling FAW Trophy tie was settled thanks to a double strike in the second half from Shaun Pritchard for the visitors and even though a late goal from Rhys Norton reduced the arrears it wasn't enough to force the game into extra time.
The day as ever started at base station and today there it was good to catch up with my regular Alfreton Town fans who were on their way to Stockport along with a collection of Newcastle fans on their way to the north east.  Our first change at Stockport was successfully completed and with another sharp change at Chester assisted by the Llandudno train being delayed and we were ready to make our re acquaintances with Connahs Quay.  The station here at Shotton is interesting with our train arriving at the lower level station for the line that travels east to west with the line above taking the north south option from Wrexham to Liverpool.  The season before last had seen a visit to GAP Connahs Quay for the WPL game versus Port Talbot so thankfully from that visit we had spotted a Wetherspoon's by the station. 

THE CENTRAL HOTEL STANDING PROUD BY SHOTTON STATION

The Central Hotel, Shotton, is a fine building which like most Spoons was adorned with local pictures including the remarkable steelworks just over the River Dee now a shadow of its former self in employment terms but still dominant on the skyline.


WE ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Following a early lunch and glass of Lemonade, yes it is definitely lemonade, we wandered our way out of Shotton and over the boundary to Connahs Quay, both towns merge into one another and very much have the feel of a former industrial area. 
Today with GAP at home against Llandudno straight along the road we turn off to the left towards Wepre Park for the chance to take a look at FC Nomads of Connahs Quay.
FC Nomads came to life when Bobby Hunter [secretary] and fans were concerned about the proposed merger of GAP Connahs Quay with Flint Town Utd in 2009 came to light and they decided to bring to life the club who have risen steadily to a good standard of football with a quite visible club thanks to their officials efforts.
The club had come onto a list of 'to do's' following a few suggestions from other people and the mention of a programme alongside an active Twitter and Website, thanks to Ritchie Minshull a man who has multiple tasks at the club including being club photographer during the game alongside taking notes for the match reports too.
As we turned into Wepre Park we were aware that the club play within the grounds of the park and do not have an externally fenced off ground but were expectant of an entertaining Trophy game in prospect.

OVERVIEW LOOKING BACK TO THE CHANGING ROOMS

We wandered past the ground to visit the parks café which it has to be said was excellent and doubled up as an information centre for the park and Flintshire area as a whole.  We did not have time to walk on to discover Elwoe Castle but managed to read the tales about times gone by on the information boards.  Before we move onto FC Nomads one final mention for the ladies in the café today who were very friendly and welcoming.

LEANNE MARKETING TODAYS PROGRAMME

A short walk back to the ground and around the changing rooms, which are built a short walk from behind the goal, we catch up with Ritchie from whom we had ordered a few programmes earlier this morning, this is advised if your are visiting and want to guarantee a copy of this admirable 32 page compilation which for a club at this level is a great effort,  It was good to catch up too with match day secretary Leanne Attridge who kindly supplied the blog todays team line ups. Sometimes ground descriptions can be a long and winding road but todays is a nice simple one.  There is no hard standing, grass all the way round, the left hand side has a small grass bank which offers a lovely view of the pitch and away in the distance to the steel works over the river Dee.

STEEL WORKS AT SHOTTON COMMAND THE SKYLINE

Behind this bank is a wooded area also on this side is a hard standing for the two dug outs which are not brought out for an appearance today although on the pictures I have seen look smart adorned with the Nomads badge.  The opposite side as a small sloping grass bank away from the pitch from the immediate touchline and that's it.  No stands or terracing or nooks and crannies here I did read on somebodies blog last week that often 'less is more' and today we received a nice welcome from the club officials and before the game from Nomads manager Craig Hett and assistant manager Colin Evans to back up this statement.

NOMADS MANAGER CRAIG HETT [LEFT] AND ASSISTANT COLIN EVANS

The blog understands that the ground which has a nice metal barrier with wooden post support around the pitch will soon have a external fence enclosing the ground from the park soon.  Hopefully this will give FC Nomads a chance to develop inside and help in their advancement.
Before the game we also caught up with referee Phil Hughes who I had seen officiating as an assistant referee at the Holywell v Caernarfon game, it appears that Phil is also from Greenfield an interesting appointment-although of course he was nothing but fair through the 90 minutes.  One slight disappointment was the lack of assistant referees at todays game I believe it is left to clubs to request them although, while accepting the cost for clubs, I think the FAW should appoint them to their national competition.

GREENFIELD FC

With a small crowd gathering, around 55 at the start of the second half [always a good time to record a steady figure who are watching], as kick off approached Leanne was attempting to sell the programme. With this and badges their only way of taking match day revenue due to no admission being allowed due to the ground being in a public park.  Its a great shame there is no collection or raffle to encourage people to contribute to the club especially as both teams put on an entertaining affair today, although I'm sure lots would do the hand tapping pocket dance [sorry no change mate].
Greenfield popped along to Connahs Quay from just 7 miles away and brought with them an unbeaten league record which had so far secured them a top of the table spot in the Welsh Alliance League 2.  They came to the Nomads who were also having a successful start to the season and are sitting in fourth spot in the Welsh National League Premier [Wrexham] alongside this they had just secured a 7-1 FAW Cup victory over Mochdre Sports in a fixture that was reversed back to Wepre Park.

REFEREE PHIL HUGHES PREPARES FOR THE KICK OFF

The visitors started the strongest and looked to have settled better but as often happens Nomads first chance brought a goal a wonderful strike form the right angled edge of the box from Gary McConnell who found the bottom left hand corner.  As Greenfield looked for a way back Liam Robinson struck the bar with a close range header before visiting keeper kept it at one nil with an excellent full length save from former Holywell player Wayne Edwards header.

GREENFIELD GET HIGHER

So we arrived at half time with Nomads one goal to the good and Greenfield probably feeling a little hard done by for their first half contributions.  There was time to nip along to the parks snack bar for a few half time treats before returning to see the visitors take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Within 5 minutes of the re start Gareth Henley had levelled when he drilled home from 16 yards after the home side had failed to clear well from a header and then 10 minutes later Pritchard gave Greenfield the lead as he drew out Nomads keeper Steve Hollyoak before slotting past him.  Greenfield were delirious 5 minutes later when Pritchard swept home his second to give the visitors a 3-1 lead after 65 minutes.
Nomads made changes but it was still proving difficult to find the chances but finally in the last 15 minutes they got up a head of steam to threaten the Greenfield goal and on 87 minutes they deservedly pulled a goal back when a corner off the right from Andy Watkin arrived low at the near post for Rhys Norton to guide the ball home.

The remaining minutes would not give up an equaliser which would have given this game an even more entertaining edge but overall Greenfield had done enough with Nomads probably not getting out of the traps early enough today although in the latter stages they looked a different side.
A steady amble was demanded on this walk back to Shotton station as we had plenty of time the blog even popped up to take a look at the higher level station before we camped out in the waiting shelter at Low level for the return to Chester. 
With connections well made here and at Stockport we made base station at 8pm and had time on the return journey to review an enjoyable visit to Flintshire for what had been an enjoyable game and visit once again to Wales.

SHOTTON CHARIOT AWAITS