SUNDERLAND RCA PROGRESS INTO NEXT ROUND OF THE VASE AFTER SILSDEN WIN

SILSDEN AFC 2 V SUNDERLAND RCA 4
FA VASE ROUND 1 PROPER @ THE ANGEL TELECOM STADIUM
31 OCTOBER 2015---3PM

SILSDEN AFC OVERVIEW

[You can follow the blog @weallstand33 for future blogs]
Double second half strikes from Luke Proctor and Colin Larkin blew away North West Counties side Silsden in a 45 minutes that produced 6 goals following a goal less first half that was far from boring.  The end outcome may have been a little harsh on the home side who had contributed so much to this entertaining affair.
During the week this fixture was not featuring at all on the blogs list but a late review of the weekends fixtures on Thursday brought to light this enticing fixture against a north east side.  N.E. sides rarely fail to impress and bring along some cracking supporters too and today was no exception.

KEIGHLYE AND WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY STATION

The journey started from base station just before 10am with a change at Leeds with the electric train taking us through Saltaire and the famous mill town.  We had elected to depart at Keighley around three miles short of our ultimate destination.  A table was secured in the 'spoon's for the usual eats and soft drinks, there was hard drinks available but we declined!
The town had quite a few famous inhabitants including the former Welsh international Trevor Hockey who at one stage had tried to keep Keighley Town FC on the map sadly this disappeared and the town remains without a senior non league side.  Nearby attraction are Haworth home of the famous Bronte sisters and to the east Ilkley Moor for the windswept walks!
Upon departure from the train station the excellent Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has its terminus by the side of the main line platforms.  Today it was in quiet mode but certainly will be one to come back and spend some time exploring.  If your not happy with these pointers for a visit to the West Riding then Keighley is also home of Timothy Taylor Brewery which I'm sure will please a few.

RELAXING AFTERNOON IN SILSDEN...FOR THE DUCKS

Time had arrived for the trip to Silsden and we elected to take a local bus, 762, that was heading towards Ilkley before departing we passed through Steeton, managing to get a view of their neat ground which hosts West Riding League fixtures.
Silsden was a host to the Tour De France in 2014 when it graced Yorkshire and is also visited by the Leeds to Liverpool canal.  In the centre of the town the River Aire has a nice selection of ducks enjoying the facilities alongside families who are sampling the very busy local chippy, one to note for a re visit.
Not too much to see in the town centre but its a busy thoroughfare with I guess most things you could need if you resided there, the town is also home to the Ecology Building Society.

EYECATCHING NICE USE OF SMALL TEXT FOR THE 'RCA'

Silsden AFC is situated to the west of the town and very nicely within 10 minutes walking distance of Steeton and Silsden train station where we would elect to depart from at 5.30pm tonight.  The complex is developing nicely now with cricket, bowls and the football club on site-with a golf driving range bordering.
Silsden had spent a while away from the town playing in Keighley at Cougar Park but with funding in place and stacks of hard work from the group of supporters raising funds they finally moved back to Silsden in 2010 and their ground is looking smart and constantly receiving loving attention.
The clubhouse is a modern stone building with large bar and seating area,  The same building also boasts 6 changing rooms and following our circuit of the ground we spent a little time in here gaining the teams and partaking, Mick had time to get talking to a few people as ever enjoyed his time with some friendly people.

SILSDEN AFC A GROUND WITH A VIEW

Upon paying our entrance fee and following purchase of the programme [a nice effort with historical club information] we were warmly welcomed by officials from this friendly club.  Timing is all important in football and the blog was just there at the right time to capture a 2015 Silsden AFC team picture, what a great job the club photographer did of lining up the squad in a neat order too.

SILSDEN FA VASE 2015 SQUAD 

The ground is in a beautiful setting with Lancashire beckoning a few miles over the McNulty stand which is our first point of arrival occupants of this area are snuggly enclosed in a steep benched seat stand next along the walkway is the famous tea bar at Silsden.  It has to be said following the 'circuit' a cheese and onion pasty was sampled purely to be civil you understand!  To the side of the snack bar is a Atcost terrace stand for I guess 30 or so supporters.

STONE DUG OUTS HAVE YOU SEEN SMARTER?

Behind the far goal it is hard standing all the way which continues around to the far touchline with some lovely stone built dug outs, although the hard standing goes deep behind these taking you well away from the pitch.  Coming back to behind the goal at our entrance point and the new snack bar is being finalised with the moniker 'Touchline Kabin' appearing to be the chosen title.  Today work was continuing on the site which will also house external toilets to the ones currently in the clubhouse.  The club are hoping to open the buildings for their midweek cup game with Guiseley.

On the final part of our journey we were greeted by club Vice Chairman John Lohan who, as with all the people connected with Silsden we met today, is clearly proud of the club and the people involved in much of the hard work that has gone into getting the ground to its current nicely developed state.  We learned about the railing supports being produced by a local craftsman who had designed a mould for them, the restructuring of the stone dug outs and the floodlights being turned on for the first time and the forty rabbits who were scared off wondering what the heck was happening!  Alongside this the plans and hopes for the future, well John and Silsden AFC you are doing very well you have a very tidy ground with some lovely people.
Sunderland RCA [Ryhope Community Association] made the journey down to represent The Northern League and as ever their were quite a few fans accompanying them and they represented their club well and I think at the end of the afternoon had clearly enjoyed their day out in Yorkshire. 
One final bit of pre match info is Silsdden have one of the best nicknames in The Cobbydalers, the couple of people I asked didn't seem to sure about how this came about apart from that's what people from the town are known as, possibly something to do with cobblers in the town.

ROSS MCNAB BRINGS THE BALL AWAY FOR SUNDERLAND RCA

Kick off came around all too soon as more time could clearly have been spent admiring the lovely setting of this ground the surrounding hills were in a little mist today, something which sadly affects the blogs match pictures, but it was moody and showed lots of autumnal colour.
The first half finished goal less but how I'm not sure it could easily have been 5-5.  In the early stages Silsdens Craig Nicholls came in first from the left hand side of the box and then from the right but on both occasions giant visiting goalkeeper Jordan Harkness pulled off the save to deny the number 11.  At the other end Sunderland were also showing and Michael Charlton went closest with a curler that just went the wrong side of the woodwork. 

FIRTH [5] HEADER CLEARED OFF THE LINE

The game continued to produce a plethora of action when Elliot Firth saw his header cleared off the Sunderland goal line you started to wonder if your luck was out, 23 minutes.  One minute later and it was time for the visitors to create and when Stephen Callen broke through he looked odds on to score but home keeper Daniel Thorpe pulled off a cracking save to deny RCA.

OPENING GOAL CELBRATIONS FOR SILSDEN

The second half did though produce the goals with an opener on 53 minutes for Chris Wademan.  But the lead lasted just two minutes when Luke Proctor steered the ball home.
Proctor made it 2-1 with his back post finish on 75 minutes this after superb patient build up from Charlton.  It was 3 four minutes later when a fantastic deep cross from Kevin Gordon was headed home by Colin Larkin. 
The final 15 minutes of the game had showed a slight favour to the visitors who were looking a little stronger and from a neutral point of view I hoped Silsden would not collapse and thankfully they did not when on 88 minutes they made it 2-3 when Talent Ndlovu drove and 18 yard effort that Harkness got his hand to but could not keep out.

HARKNESS CLAIMS THE BALL FOR SUNDERLAND RCA

A nervous few minutes could have ensued if it not have been for a superb long ball out of the Sunderland defence saw Larkin race onto it coolly rounding Thorpe in the home goal to slot home, sending the visiting players into scenes of joy that signalled a round two appointment.
A crowd of 115 had witnessed this excellent open game of football that was a credit to both clubs and a game that was well officiated by referee Michael Ainsworth.  Silsden can feel themselves a little unlucky but in the last quarter of the game Sunderland pushed home their advantage and would have enjoyed their journey back home.
A neat little connection in Leeds saw the blog arrive back at base just short of 7.30 after what had been a very entreating afternoon out at a very accommodating club.  If you have not visited Silsden try to get along to see them you wont be disappointed if the welcome we received today is anything to go by.

333 ELECTRIC ARRIVES AT KEIGHLEY

TEVERSAL COMFORTABLE IN WIN AGAINST BASEMENT CLUB

TEVERSAL 3 V LINCOLN MOORLANDS RAILWAY 1
NCEFL LEAGUE 1 AT CARNARVON ST
27 OCTOBER 2015---7.45PM

A comfortable victory by Teversal pushed them into a steady mid table position against strugglers Lincoln Mooorlands Railway [LMR] by 3 goals to 1, however with some better finishing the home side would have gained a bigger margin of victory.  The night was also very much added to by referee Colin Unwin who displayed more cards than Clintons with 4 yellows for each side and a red in 75 minutes that left Teversal with ten men.
Teversal is on of the blogs favourite local visits and this being the third of the season I wont re visit a ground descriptor save to say there is always a good visit to the snack bar as I'm sure you will see from the picture, what else is non league football for?

WHAT ELSE ARE NON LEAGUE VISITS FOR?

Mid week games have seen little choice for the early part of the 2015/16 season but as ever at Carnarvon St its friendly and has a nice conservatory and bar where your food can be sampled.
The crowd tonight was, an on the low side, 47 but within it there was time to catch up with referees assessor Matt Walsh, Richard Lane Newark Town secretary and CMFL Press Officer and of course Dave, former Glapwell kit and and purveyor of the 'flag'.  As ever a pleasure to have chance to catch up with them all things non league and a few other topics too all discussed!
The night started with the mist being pulled towards the bright floodlights before light rain showers seemed to clear the air at irregular intervals during the night.  Bottom club LMR came to Carnarvon St without a league away win so far but this was fairly close to the home sides with just two home league victories which may have led some to a belief that a home win was a foregone conclusion but never take things for granted in football.
After three minutes this theory was looking dubious when Teversal took the lead when Khyle Sargent turned the ball home and when on 35 minutes they made it 2-0 through Brad Cox a big score line looked on the cards.  However Teversal were guilty of squandering some chances to extend the lead and as the visitors got a little keen on the tackle referee Unwin added 5 players into the notebook, 4 from LMR.

The second period began with the visitors looking a little more confident and Teversal struggling to get a strong foothold in the game and it got more of a struggle with 15 minutes remaining when they were reduced to ten men.  Gary Armstrong had been cautioned after 62 minutes and then with a quarter of an hour left he received his second yellow for a half way line indiscretion.
With seven minutes remaining LMR scored the goal of the game a free kick 25 yards out was superbly curled home into the top left hand corner by Josh Schofield.
Before there could be too much panic as the visitors looked for an equaliser Gary Atkins swept in at the back post to convert to make the game safe for the home side.
Card count in the second half saw Teversal win with three yellows and the converted red.
An enjoyable evening out in North Nottinghamshire with a steady performance from Teversal and all important three points as they look to get their season back on the rails after what had been a good start to the season.

NEWTOWNS POOR HOME FORM CONTINUES AS BANGOR PICK UP VITAL WIN

NEWTOWN 0 V BANGOR CITY 3
DAFABET WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE @ LATHAM PARK
24 OCTOBER 2015--2.30 PM

LATHAM PARK HOME OF NEWTOWN AFC

Bangor City lifted themselves out of the WPL relegation zone with a win in Powys against a Newtown side who were sadly out of sorts.  A goal as early as the first minute set the trend for the game as The Citizens added two more goal to secure all three points.
With some poor weather conditions forecast we decided to take the blog bandwagon back to the Principality, this being only the third visit of the season so far, and to a club alongside its town that I absolutely love.  As a visitor towns often look better than probably for the residents but the setting is lovely, the town is a small negotiable size, the football club has a lovely ground alongside some pleasant helpers on board and this would be the blogs third visit inside a year.

MICK FINDS FIRST CLASS

Todays start from base station was not too early at just after 9am the travel to Birmingham was as usual met by a full Cross Country train and we spent the hour to Birmingham standing and as Mick discovered he slotted into the cycle rack, not on the loo as the picture may look like!
Comfortable change in Birmingham, with the rain now falling sharply we passed through Shropshire and departed Shrewsbury on the way to the border and Wales.  After a brief stop in Welshpool we meandered past the neighbours of Welshpool FC and Waterloo Rangers in the town.
Upon arrival in Newtown at just after mid day the rain was quite sharp and the decision was made to retire to the 'spoons' for some luncheon and the obligatory non alcoholic beverage. 

NO LOOKING BACK, WELL ONLY INTO NEWTOWN

When we ventured out just before 1pm it was still throwing down the wet stuff but a quick look around the town centre tourist sites taking in Robert Owen statue and his memorial [first co-operator], WH Smith's one of the first original shops which is still trading under classic shop style with wooden shelving and displays from its road side entrance, the brand new refurbished indoor market and of course the town centre itself.  The blog has reviewed the town on its previous write ups but if you haven't been its well worth a look around although today on a damp afternoon it was harder to get the usual pictures.

SOME LOVELY PAINTBOX COLOURS ON THE WALK TO THE GROUND

As ever time was moving on to the 2.30pm kick off and the lovely little walk through Newtown's park was chosen for the ten minute walk to the ground.  What a pleasure it was today with the River Severn sailing by to our left and the autumnal glow of the trees making for a pleasant walk to Latham Park, named after George Latham former Wales international.
As on previous visits we received a warm welcome at the turnstiles from the stewards and as ever throughout the afternoon, this is something I have mentioned to the club before and is a credit to Newtown AFC to have these people as an asset.

A BEAUTIFULLY COLOURFUL LOOK AT NEWTOWN AFC 

Within a few minutes of arrival within the ground the rain subsided and the beauty that surrounds Latham Park was revealed with the gold leaf colouring and green hillsides offering up the most glorious of views.  The setting is one of the things that hopefully will keep me returning at frequent intervals as well of course as the football and the ground.  The newish 4g/3g pitch has been in place for just over a year and is looking good as is the tidiness of the ground and its multitude of stands.  Once again the ground as been described previously and hopefully you can see from the pictures my enthusiasm for it.
Of course we did the obligatory circuit before the game and took in the clubhouse with its large collection of memorabilia before starting to pay attention to the kick off which was around twenty minutes away.
Newtown would be a few players down today with a  couple of injuries including the fully cast right leg of Shane Sutton following his leg break a few weeks ago and a couple of suspensions after last weeks loss as Bala Town resulted in two red cards.
This would be the first time I had seen Bangor City in a WPL game even though I visited their smart new stadium last season for The Mawwdach Cup Final which was staged at Nantporth.  The club has struggled last season and are having a hard time so far this season.

BANGOR CITY FANS ENJOYING THE AFTERNOON

However one thing that always resonates around any Bangor game is their enthusiastic supporters who were again here in numbers and their manager Nev Powell who got them to safety last season.  The club stuck with Mr Powell last season when many clubs would have changed the top man and that is a credit to them, hopefully something that will benefit the club.

NEV POWELL BANGOR CITY, PLAYER AND MANAGER

This week, indeed the Friday before the game was the celebration of the 20 year anniversary of Bangor City playing a home European Cup Winners Cup game against Athletic Madrid at the former home Farrar Rd.  The ground was superbly placed right in the centre of Bangor City and although I did not see a game their thankfully I did visit it in the early 90's and is reputed to have had an excellent atmosphere.  I mentioned in my visit their at the end of last season that I found it a real shame that the local council had placed no reference to the club, that I could see, on the now supermarket car park.  Bangor City have some excellent memorabilia at their ground but this week they also featured a team picture from the European game which features Mark Palios now Tranmere Chairman and former FA top man and sat on the front row a curly haired Nev Powell of course current Bangor City manager.

KRIS HAMES WANTS THE WALL BACK A BIT FURTHER

So to the purpose of the visit and before we could all settle down into position and indeed the public address system could stop the audible music playing Bangor were in the lead.  It was the first minute and Damian Allen who drifted in a cross from the left hand edge of the box time seemed to stand still and the ball just fell in at the far post.
A surreal start but gradually Newtown got into the game without any major threat and all the time they were looking a little of the pace and shaky when defending.

A sweeping move from City saw them double their advantage after 37 minutes and it all ended with a neat little finish from Rio Amahdi.

LUKE BOUNDFORD PREPARES TO CROSS

The second half saw Newtown start encouragingly but the head of steam soon fell away and the Bangor City supporters and bench celebrated on 67 minutes when Alan Cummins placed his header well enough to make it 3-0.

THIRD GOAL FOR BANGOR AND CUMMINS

Newtown were looking well beaten now and with ten minutes of normal time to go Allen saw his shot well turned round by David Jones to deny City a fourth.
A vital win for Bangor as they look to rise up the table but don't doubt Chris Hughes and his Newtown side when back to strength will not have many 'bad days at the office like this'.

CHRIS HUGHES REACHES FOR THE WATER

The final whistle never leaves too long to enjoy the aftermath of the game at Newtown with a train departure just twenty minutes away, last season FAW Wales cup final did see me delay to enjoy the presentation of the cup but it is a two hour wait for the next train! 

CONNOR ROBERTS GATHERS THE BALL FOR BANGOR

So a steady ten minute walk saw us arrive at the pretty station and within a few minutes the Arriva train was with us and hooray it was a four carriage unit upon which we secured a seat all the way to Birmingham.  With a steady half an hour wait for our connection there was time for the usual sandwich collection and onward to base station for a return just after 8pm.
As ever an enjoyable day in Powys with both Newtown AFC and for the first time Bangor City.

FLYING HIGH OVER LATHAM PARK

DIAMONDS LORRAINE HELPS SECURE VICTORY BY ODD GOAL IN FIVE

AFC RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS 3 V POTTERS BAR TOWN 2
EVOSTIK SOUTH 1 CENTRAL @ THE DOG AND DUCK GROUND
17 OCTOBER 2015---3PM

AFC RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS V POTTERS BAR TOWN FC

A double strike from Tom Lorraine ably assisted by Rushden's new signing Andy Hall on both occasions gained all three points for the Northamptonshire club.  This was slightly harsh on the visitors from Potters Bar who along with AFC's opener had levelled at 1-1 with one of the two superb strikes in the game.
Having looked at covering AFC for the last two weeks and not made the trip this week the blog set off quite late from base at just after 1130 this unfortunately meant that the planned trip of a visit to the former clubs old ground, Nene Park, in Irthlingborough was put on hold.  I'm sure most readers will be aware of the former clubs rise to stardom through the merger of the Irthlingborough Diamonds and Rushden Town with the brand new ground built at Irthlingborough.  Sadly success did not last long before the club disappeared off the map before the club arrived at today's supporters led club who of course took up residency at Wellingborough Town's ground, locally known I'm led to believe as The Woof and Quack ground.

ENTRANCE TO THE DOG AND DUCK

Anyway the train down was comfortable to Leicester with a seat and nearly a whole carriage available, the opposite cannot be said of the change at Leicester were we spent half an hour on the journey through Market Harborough, Kettering to the ultimate destination of Wellingborough on our feet.
An uninspiring walk from the station, which is apparently a listed building [not too sure why] and upon arrival into the town centre I have to say the same impression was gained of the shopping streets.  There seemed to be many empty shops and even an announcement that the Big M's was closing next week, it was a disappointing town centre.

OVERVIEW OF THE DOG AND DUCK GROUND

The walk to the ground was soon to plonk us by the edge of the Dog and Duck and Premier Inn which very much resembled a building site, probably because it is.  The new Lidl and out of town M's is starting to form and the entrance to the ground is quite narrow now.  To the rear of The Dog and Duck is the home of The Flour Boys Wellingborough Whitworth FC which looks a steady little ground upon which a training game was taking place today.

THE RAFFLE LADIES WITH A CHOICE OF COLOURED TICKETS

Outside of our destination today is the AFC club shop sadly we arrived at just before 2 and after a little wait the cabin was not open so we elected to go in having paid the £8 entrance we purchased a £2.50 colour programme from the first table and then followed this up with a go on the raffle were you could select from three different coloured books.  To the right the membership table was well in action and taking bookings for subsidised coach tickets to next weeks FA Cup game at Barwell.  At this stall for £20 you could become a member of the club and have a say in the future of AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

COVERED SIDE TERRACING BY THE PREMIER INN

As with a lot of ground the main activities occur around the entrance turnstiles which are a nice new corrugated metal block.  As with any shared ground its always difficult to describe what belongs to who but there goes.
To the right is Wellingborough's club house which is a nice cosy affair with attached to it the changing rooms.  Walking over the entrance walkway is a toilet block and then a nice viewing gantry from behind the corner flag for the hospitality area which is behind this area.  Coming back to the front of the clubhouse is the main snack bar area of which Mick tried the chip cob after of course he had got the correct description for cob bearing in mind we were now close to the south I think they settled on bread!

SNACK BAR TERRACING

Passing back over the turnstile entrance and over the terraced area by the snack bar we arrive at the Peter De Banke terrace named after the former Rushden and Irthlingborough player and mirroring one of the same at Nene Park.

PETER DE BANKE TERRACE PLUS NEW BIG M's IN THE BACKGROUND

Coming around to the far side we see Dale's Bar named after and in honour of the former Rushden Number 1 Dale Roberts.  We popped in and had a little chat with the lady on duty and took a look at the pictures and shirts posted within and to the memory of Dale.
Before we took a look at the main stand we pass a further snack bar which serves drinks and confectionery snacks.
The main stand, which I believe is named after snooker player Peter Ebdon who helped Wellingborough re form, is a old fashioned affair with nice modern blue tip up seats.  Down to behind the far goal and its all hard standing with quite a bit of grassed training area available behind the goals.  coming back up towards the main entrance we have the dug outs and a covered standing area to the top side of these.

SAM BROWN EARLY INJURY TREATMENT

A steady little ground which today held AFC's gate of 572 with ease during the game we managed to catch up with a few AFC supporters who were more than friendly and at half time one of the stewards who I believe was called Mathew a pleasant and welcoming chap.  Indeed I enjoyed catching up with their fans when I covered the UCL Final at Yaxley at the end of last season and so to the game.  AFC are a well run club and operate an excellent media section including their twitter feed which it as been a pleasure to follow over the last few weeks.  Indeed it is sometimes annoying that when planning trips many clubs just don't seem able to advertise their future games not so here at AFC they publicise their club very well.

AFC MANAGER PEAKS AND ASSISTANT ARE ALERTED TO A LESSER SPOTTED WARBLER IN A NEARBY TREE BY THE ASSISTANT REFEREE

The first half saw us take up a pitch behind the AFC goal and it was very much the visitors in the ascendency as Diamonds seemed a bit sluggish but they were a bit wayward with their finishing and it was AFC who went into the break in the lead thanks to a wonderful goal.
With five minutes to go Diamonds were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and it was Claudio Hoban who curled it superbly into the top right hand corner of Connor Sansom's goal.

CELEBRATIONS FOR CLAUDIO HOBAN'S GOAL

The second half saw the home side start the stronger and they were only denied a further goal when on two occasions when Luke Warner-Eley cleared off the line.  He made his contribution even more effective when at the other end when he curled a superb effort into the Rushden goal from 25 yards out after 58 minutes.  The game had been a poor affair but had witnessed two superb strikes.

EVANDRO DELGARDO ON THE RUN FOR POTTERS BAR TOWN FC

 

ANDY PEAKS WATCHING CLOSELY

AFC took the lead on 72 minutes when substitute and new signing Andy Hall skipped past Sansom to cross for Lorraine to head home.  It was 3-1 two minutes later when the same provider put in a lovely hooked in cross for Dan Quigley to see his header crash back off the bar and it was that man Lorraine who headed home the lose ball.
Potter Bar were not finished and the game was at last coming to life the home side were twice grateful to Olly Wilkinson who cleared off the line in quick succession. 
But the five minutes of stoppage time were nervous times after Garry Jones placed an 89th minute penalty into the bottom right hand corner of the goal after Brad Harris had fouled Dave Lawrence in the box.

A PLEASANT GREETING AT AFC

The last 20 minutes certainly surpassed the previous minutes which had been somewhat of a challenging watch.  Afc Rushden and Diamonds have marched onto third place in the table and with games in hand are in a good position for a tilt at the top before next weeks historical chance of a first FA Cup first round appearance if they can win at Barwell. 
As for Potter Bar they will count themselves a little unlucky to have come away with nothing from this game it was also nice to have a chat with their Chairman during the first half and its a club that hopefully the blog can pop along to see during this season.
We managed to get ourselves by the exit for a quick dash out for the 1717 departure from Wellingborough something we made with about 2 minutes to spare, a comfortable change at Leicester saw us back at base at 1845.
An enjoyable day it was good to take a look at supporters led club AFC who seem to have a lot of helpers and a good amount of goodwill form their supporters who regularly turn out in high numbers, I look forward to seeing them again soon.

222 ARRIVES FOR OUR DEPARTURE FROM WELLINGBOROUGH

SHEFFIELD RISE TO THE HEADY HEIGHTS OF THIRD

SHEFFIELD FC 3 V MARKET DRAYTON TOWN 1
EVOSTIK LEAGUE 1 SOUTH @ THE COACH AND HORSES GROUND
13 OCTOBER 2015 7.45PM

A storming second half comeback from Sheffield FC saw the Dronfield based side rise to third in the table after visitors Market Drayton had led at the break.  The young guns showed pace and no little effort in this second half comeback, something Sheffield are getting a reputation for.
Arrival in Dronfield was by a couple of buses and a little walk that routed itself over the railway station bridge to assess a time required to depart to catch the last train back, thankfully during build up this was not required when Mr W of Penistone fame [check out the report last month on Penistone v Eccleshill] very kindly dropped me back in base town.

COACH AND HORSES

A  FRIENDLY TURNSTILE WELCOME AT SHEFFIELD CLUB

Having arrived an hour before the kick off there was a little time to wander around outside and to take a quick pic of the famous pub which offered its name to this ground.  The establishment has a good reputation with many real ale drinkers and is well situated for many match day supporters to sample its wares.  The car park behind the goal was filling up nicely and the turnstile here is in a sheltered position with the usual purchases made it was time to pop round and take a few pics.
Surprisingly this is the first time I have got around to blogging Sheffield FC even though it is far from the first time I have visited.  The pitch was still in darkness and corner flags were being installed by large flashlights!
To the left through the turnstile is the main area of activity a small club shop and then a double decked Portacabin with varying levels, literally, of hospitality on offer.  To the right are the changing rooms, snack bar window and toilets.  Directly behind the goal is the impressive modern red and white tip up seated stand.  The far side is met by a tight hard standing area with a steep back which is covered in coloured tarpaulin sheeting which a few years ago had advertisement's upon it, to the rear of this the fence separates the ground from the banking to the Sheffield to London mainline.

THE COACH AND HORSES BACKING ONTO THE GROUND

Frustratingly upon reaching the dug outs the walkway ends and to access the other side you have to walk right round.  Back we went past the turnstile entrance block the covered terraced is pre-empted by the members board with the names of many famous and local people.  Passing through the covered enclosure we reach the back of the Coach and Horses which off is always in attendance.

The far goal is boarded behind the hard standing area and looks to be making a challenge for the great wall of Dronfield Town, although clearly on height the Stonelow Rd outfit win this one.

FORMER STEPS TO THE BANK TOP

So we approach the far side which we could not access earlier the top corner here has a massive scoreboard a cracking addition and always operated by some enthusiastic volunteers.  Just to the side of this is some old concrete steps which used to lead to the top of the back were standing was allowed in the days of this ground being used by former Central Midland League side.
Back to the snack bar and chip cob became just chips for amazingly in this area they were not selling the cobs and having to throw them away, so close to the land of greasy chip butty's and people are not eating them!
Sheffield are looking to make a move back to their original home at Olive Grove in Sheffield, there seems to be mixed opinion on this within the fans and although it is I guess correct in relation to their geographic name they have though picked up quite a steady support since basing themselves in North Derbyshire.  Hopefully if they do move it will be a success I remember watching the club hopping around Sheffield from Abbeydale Park to the cavernous Don Valley Stadium, the latter mostly with under 100 watching seemed very desolate.  So hopefully the club think carefully but it could of course benefit fellow Dronfield club Town if they then became the only club.
So to the purpose of the evening the game and Market Drayton Town the visitors who had made a very long journey from Shropshire to play 90 minutes of football.

Mr W A MAN OF MANY TALENTS, PROMO WORK NOW JUST DONT ASK HIM TO POSE WITH A RAILWAY STATION SIGN!

Its the first look this season at Sheffield Fc and thankfully Mr W was there along with a few of his regular mates who made the evening enjoyable too.  Indeed Mr W had purchased the excellent Non League Magazine which Sheffield are stocking good choice.
Sheffield have a young and in some areas fast side being put together by new manager Andy Kiwomya, former Wednesday and Barnsley.  Indeed amidst his side today and captain is Conor Glavin the son of Ronnie Glavin former Celtic and Barnsley hero, plus in management taking Emley in 97/98 on that famous FA Cup run.

SHEFFIELD KEEPER TOM DUNN PRE MATCH STRETCHES

The first half saw the pace of Bruno Holden being a constant threat but as shots came in from the home side the visitors goal remained intact and the usual happened Market Drayton scored.  On the half hour mark an edge of the box shot from William Whieldon took a deflection and wrong footed Tom Dunn in the home goal.
We arrived at half time with Sheffield looking deflated but following a 'loud' half time team talk how they started to put that right.  A goal is often seen as a major confidence boost and how true it was tonight when after 61 minutes they pulled level Benny Igi-Ehon turned his shot in from close range thanks again to a deflection.

THANKFULLY IT WASN'T

This energised Club and just nine minutes later it was 2-0 a lovely flowing move saw Matt Roney swing in a cross off the right and at the back post Glavin directed his header over the line.  Sheffield were starting to have fun now with pace playing a major part in their dominance and on 73 minutes they made it 3-1 when James Gregory drove in to the net from the left angle of the box thanks to the inside of the right hand post.
Unfortunately Glavin was sent off for a second yellow for what looked like dissent with ten minutes remaining.  The home side got through their reduced number induced final minutes and secured a victory that has them riding high in the early league table.
As ever with young players the consistency will be the difficult thing to achieve but there are some good lads here and with some cajoling from manager Kiwomya Sheffield's fans could be in for exciting times.
It was nice to catch up with Ben Webster Sheffield's photographer near the end and as ever he would be producing the best shots of the game always worth a look.
Enjoyable evening at Sheffield Club with some friends and as ever a game of non league in a ground that puts you so close to the action you almost feel like you are out there with the players!

CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER BEN WEBSTER IN SITU BY THE TOUCHLINE