HEANOR TAKE THEIR CHANCES IN THE SECOND HALF TO CLAIM THE 3 POINTS

HEANOR TOWN 4 V TIVIDALE 1
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER AT THE TOWN GROUND
31 DECEMBER 2016 --- 3PM

TOWN GROUND FOR HEANOR V TIVIDALE

Heanor converted the second half chances that they had so worryingly missed in the first half especially when 5 minutes before the break Dominic Smith had given Tividale the lead with their only chance of the half.  By this stage The Lions could have been 7 goals to the good so was their dominance however a strong second half showing with goals from Nathan Benger, Alex Brown and a double from Keenan Layton rebalanced the 3points in favour of the home side.
Following last nights disappointing call off at Sheffield FC thankfully there was a selection of close by Midland League games and where better than Heanor Town good food, atmosphere and normally a steady old game.  I think I have described it before as like a comfy chair you just want to settle down with and that's just what we did after a change in Alfreton which was running slightly late todays public transport dropped us off around half past mid day in the town.
We made use of the bar at Heanor for a glass of fizzy and Santa was still on display needless to say at half time Tividale thought it was still Christmas and he had dropped them a one goal lead off for their present.
A wide selection of hoppers and enthusiasts were in attendance good to see them all and catch up with Flagman Dave, Chris, John, Malc, Alan and of course the regulars at Heanor Town.

HEANOR TOWN CLUBHOUSE

 It was nice to see a few familiar faces from our last viewing of Tividale last season at Chasetown where they put up a good fight in their battle to preserve Evostik football something they finally lost but on the day I remember a spirited effort.  Indeed Tivi only just lost 2-1 to Lye Town in their last fixture but as the players arrived they looked a very young squad and you have to hope they can get a god run together to see them move away from the bottom two.

MORE FOOD RESEARCH

The obligatory trip to the snack bar and as ever Kim was well in order for the catering which of course we enjoyed as ever its one of the highlights, its not often a day time game is done at Heanor so it was a nice change.  In fact the last day time game was probably 364 days ago against Shepshed last New Years Day.

FOOTBALL TO THE RIGHT CRICKET TO THE LEFT

No frost danger today although towards the bottom of the slope end it was looking a little heavy but that didn't put off Heanor who started off at a pace.  The first move of note after 11 minutes saw Brown strike a post with a header from a Jay Cooper cross off the left.  It then became a list to Santa of chances but sadly the man in red rejected all requests for a goal Chris Smith saw his effort saved by Luke Kriskinians, then Dominic Wilkinson header over when it looked easier to hit the net, before Brown saw his shot saved for a corner from which Nathan Benger saw his header cleared off the line.  Time for a breather? No next up was Benger who used his strength to approach the edge of the box and unleash a shot that once again saw Kriskinians fly to his left to push over the bar.  Just past the half hour mark Cooper put in another testing cross from the left that fell to Smith at the back post who got a slight touch to it but not enough to divert the ball into the goal.

SANTA AWARDS TIVIDALE A LATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Then Santa came out with his gift and awarded it to Tividale who saw Probert sweetly set up Smith who slotted the ball home to give the visitors a shock lead.  You have to take your chances and it was the West Midlands side who confirmed that statement as their players wheeled away in delight to celebrate.
The game could have gone either way now with Heanor totally deflated or with a response to enthuse their supportive crowd, thankfully after an early scare it was the latter.  The second half was just one minute old when Smith broke through and forced McCormack into a sharp save had this effort have gone in it could have secured 3 points for Tividale.

REFEREE LASKA CENTRAL TO HEANORS EQUALISER

The remainder of the half was about Heanor as once again they dominated but they had to be grateful for a strange goal on 57 minutes when the ball fell to the back post and as the keeper seemed to mishandle Benger tapped the ball goal bound it seemed to spin on the line strike the post and fall away from the goal.  Referee Laska though signalled for a goal it did not appear that the assistant had signalled the ball had crossed the line but a gaol was awarded.  Tividale appealed the ball had not crossed the line and from my position on the edge of the penalty box you had to agree with them indeed I didn't hear many of the staunch home fans claim this was a goal.

HEANOR KEEPER MCCORMACK REALISES HES FORGOTTEN SOMETHING

But Heanor were back in the match and they took the lead on 65 minutes when Brown crashed one in off the underside of he bar.  There was time for Benger to test the keeper from close in when it looked like he had scored the visiting number 1 grabbed the ball to safety.  It was 3-1 though shortly after Cooper set up Greg Marriott whose effort was again saved by the Tividale keeper but Layton was on hand to fire the loose ball home.  With 5 minutes remaining Layton got his second firing home at the back post there was even time for Brown to strike the bar in the closing stages.
This was undoubtedly the correct result Heanor with credit stuck to the task against a determined Tividale who had taken a shock lead and had given it their best but had those chances been taken we would have seen a large scoreline in favour of Heanor Town.
With a quick return and some handy departures base was arrived at 5.55pm an unusually early return for the blog on a Saturday.

STEVE HAMILTON AND HIS NEW CHRISTMAS HAT

UNDERWOOD AND ASTON SERVE UP FESTIVE FEAST

UNDERWOOD VILLA 2 V ASTON UTD 2
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ BRACKEN PARK
27 DECEMBER 2016 --- 2PM

ASTON ON THE ATTACK AT BRACKEN PARK

This festive cracker in the Nottinghamshire Senior League had it all 2 red cards, a penalty 4 goals of which two were in the additional 14 minutes of stoppage time and at the end of it all everything was equal and a point apiece secured.  The second half saw Underwood reduced to ten men when Josh Hunt was shown a red card before an equalising goal Alex Mann replied to Astons opener from Jordan Sanders.  The added time saw Shay Wiggins put Aston ahead before they to were reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of Bradley Scard which gave Underwood the impetus to once again level when Kai Wilson screamed one in from 20 yards.

MANY PEOPLES VIEW OF UNDERWOOD

Short hop today over the Derbyshire border but with a Sunday bus service never an easy one with a change of buses in Alfreton the mid day service to Nottingham dropped us off by Underwood Welfare with a good half an hour to have a look round the village which was very quiet and sleepy after its Christmas celebrations, back towards the Bracken Park Ground and the large pub The Dog & Quayle looked very quiet.

BRACKEN PARK

Diagonally over the road is Bracken Park home of Underwood Villa who after promotion to the NSL Premier League last season are now well at home in their new surroundings and indeed their surroundings are developing nicely a large car park nestles by the, new in 2013, clubhouse and changing rooms opened by the then Nottingham Forest player Dexter Blackstock.  Within the smart set up is the function room which is light and bright with a clean and smart snack bar with Gloria getting into full swing with quite a few hoppers in attendance today the pies were soon sold out and with no admission fee hopefully the club generated some income through this facility.  A functional programme was produced and we participated in the raffle.  The club houses commands a high position overlooking first the main pitch and then the junior pitch to the far end of the complex.
Todays ground descriptor is not too difficult with the only furniture being the two smart dug outs to the left and the metal railed off pitch which runs around the perimeter of the pitch.  The spectating area is all grass standing and today most of the area was very wet although the pitch didn't seem to suffer as badly.

CLUBHOUSE AT UNDERWOOD VILLA

Its great to just describe a basic set up for once but one that is developing and has plenty of room for further movement should the club and community so desire.  By this time a selection of hoppers were arriving who made up probably 25% of the crowd and there was time to get the teams off NSL League representative Mr Rob Hornby who was in attendance.

MR HORNBY TAKES CHARGE OF THE MATCH BALL

Having done a tour and taken a few early pictures there was half an hour spare to go back inside and relax with a warm cuppa before proceedings started at 2pm,
Underwood had not been at home since mid November and with a faltering league position todays opponents Aston Utd would prove a stern challenge from their mid table viewing point.  The visitors are fresh into the league from The Midlands Regional Alliance and also still glowing from their visit to The Proact for their Derbyshire Senior Cup Tie against Chesterfield.  Having spoken to Dave Smith from the club they were delighted by the welcome and hospitality from The Spireites and so I guess many friendships were made on the evening.

JORDAN SANDERS [10] GIVES ASTON AN EARLY LEAD

The opening exchanges were going the way of the visitors and they took the lead after just 5 minutes when Sanders hit an edge of the box shot that seemed to deflect past home keeper Michael Shipley.  On 10 minutes Underwood launched their first attack and with Ash Foster driving into the box as he rounded Chris Camm in the Aston goal he clipped him and the resulting penalty should have levelled the scores but the visiting number 1 went to his left to save the spot kick from Jamie Hudson and the follow up from Sam Tring.

ASH FOSTER GOES DOWN FOR A PENALTY TO UNDERWOOD

For most of the first half it looked a matter of time before the visitors extended their lead it was very much one way traffic with Shay Wiggins having chance on a better day to have got a first half hat trick home keeper Shipley denied the number 9 on at least 3 occasions.  Underwood did create a few chances though and Mann forced Camm into a good save before Hunt struck a post but overall Aston should have been well away by half time.
With Villa looking for a fresh start in the second half they were struck a blow when Hunt was dismissed for his comments to referee Ian Smith when he was pulled up for offside and you feared for the home side at this point.  But somewhere they regrouped and the 10 men were looking the stronger side non more so than when they made all 3 substitutions on 68 minutes.
Just as it looked as though their efforts would not come to fruition Underwood got the equaliser they desired when Mann lobbed the keeper and the ball dropped agonisingly slowly under the bar to make it game on after 82 minutes.

This seemed to wake Aston from their slumber and the player advantage came to light in their favour and as the pressure increased we entered the first minute of stoppage time when a cross off the left was met by an unmarked Wiggins who headed home at the back post to convince Aston they had secured victory.  This was not accounting for a total of 14 minutes of stoppage time at one point I was considering nipping over to the Dog and Quayle to see if they did overnight accommodation.  But here it has to be said there was a lengthy stoppage in the second half and a red card that created a debate it looked like about 8 minutes in total to be added.  But the blog has to praise referee Smith because here we at last got an official giving us an undoubted 90 minutes of ball in play, well done.
As we entered the 10th minute added on Underwood were awarded a free kick on the half way line and Aston defender Scard, already cautioned, volleyed the ball far away second yellow and second red of the game.
More or less straight away, in the 11th minute of stoppage time, the ball fell 20 yards out to Wilson who lashed home a glorious shot into the Aston net to start off scenes of real delight from the home side who had earned a very creditable draw in an highly entertaining game.
Our return journey meant a 20 minute walk through the village to the edge of Brinsley for the return to Alfreton and after a tea break in 'T's' we departed on time back to base town.
An enjoyable first visit and a pleasure to stop local for a change and discover to clubs plying their trade in the NSL just over the border.

ALL CALM ON THE VILLA BENCH

GRESLEY PAY THE PENALTY

GRESLEY 0 V SPALDING UTD 2
EVOSTIK LG 1 SOUTH @ THE MOAT GROUND
17 DECEMBER 2016 --- 3PM

THE MOAT GROUND GRESLEY FC

It was Gresley who paid the penalty in the second half with the visitors scoring from the spot through Conor Higginson after a first half penalty for Spalding from Matt Varley was saved, to add to the home sides feeling of injustice it was Varley who lashed home a 25 yarder with 5 minutes remaining to seal the 3 points.
As is becoming a regular feature of the blog it was all a last minute selection to visit Gresley today for the first time from a list that did not even feature the game the evening before.  The Moat Ground had been on the 'to do list' for too long and with the mass of Christmas travel out and about the decision was made to stay somewhat more local.  The home of The Moatmen Church Gresley is not the easiest on public transport and with Newcastle at Burton today I played it careful with a first change at Derby for a local train to the brewing town, needless to say it was a standing only journey's again.

AEC ROUTEMASTER READYING FOR DEPARTURE TO CHURCH GRESLEY

Upon arrival it was clear that the Geordies were out in force to follow their team and having researched most of the connections on the way today a 15 minute walk to the town centre bus stop found me in time for the 1155 to Swadlincote which after a circuitous route would drop me in Church Gresley just before 1230.  Treat number 1 was the arrival on stand of Midland Classic's vintage AEC Park Royal Routemaster with blogger immediately dispatching himself upstairs I'm pleased to say I did allow the younger members of public to sit at the front.  As ever on these classic buses it always amazes me how small the seats are in comparison to todays larger sized people.  A great pleasure to travel this icon for a good old journey and I have to admit to waiting for its return from 'Swad' to take a picture of 798UXA by the gates of then Maurice Lea Park, the only disappointment was Stan and Jack from On The Buses were nowhere to be seen, mind you we did have a nice crew and it was certainly an experience departing from the rear of the bus with an open platform more so when my stop had no sign or road markings and I had to check with the conductor the driver had stopped for me not traffic because I could see him pulling off with me having one leg on the bus and one on the road!

LUNCH IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Once again I had arrived probably an hour too early and so after a visit to Andy's for some fish and chips there was time to walk the streets around the ground which was starting to come to life.  The Moat Ground is from the outside a classic tightly nestling within the neighbouring narrow streets many of which are in a one way system which I guess you could spend a little time trying to find your way out of.

NOW A 3 SIDED GROUND BUT THE SITE OF A FORMER COVERED STANDING AREA

Having taken the plunge to enter just after 1.30pm I normally describe the ground, of course I'm going to give it a go, but I would love to say I cannot to any level that does this characterful stadium justice.  This is non league football grounds, indeed grounds as they should be, used to be, they should be stored in the memory bank of football but more so than ever just re visited time and time again, love it.

FULL LENGHT VIEW OF THE BUSINESS AREA

Here goes to the immediate right the grounds mans office followed by the first aid shed to the front of us is a steep terracing and to its right a narrow covered area.  That were it all stops because behind the far goal offers no viewing now but a steward showed me the former structures in the wall that allowed a further narrow covered stand which is now long gone in the cause of development.  Back to our entrance and turning left the hospitality cabin is high above a set of stairs and above the old style urinals, against a wall.  Moving onto the stand which as with most things at this is quirky with a massive roof but rows of seats that seem to fit uncomfortable out of line.  The walkway behind the stand has to its left the changing rooms with the home dressing room decorated with a lucky horseshoe that has seen much red paint lovingly coated over it in the proceeding years, the snack bar comes next and its a friendly affair there during my afternoon visits.

HARRYS BAR

Back out into the open and we are slightly elevated with club shop, secretaries cabin, toilet block and the towards the corner flag Harry's Bar a long narrow clubhouse that has seen better days but oozes history.  the terracing on this side goes everywhere high, medium and low and you just want to sample all vantage points.  From here on in the whole ground becomes very narrow but how close to the pitch are you......very close and typical of what's good about non league.

TERRACING AND SMALL STAND OPPOSITE THE MAIN STAND AT GRESLEY FC

Behind the goal is narrow slab terracing which has no cover until the far side of the goal where by this time we have passed a further turnstile which offers entry to todays festival of fun for a few spectators who chose this access route from Church St.  The far terracing again is narrow to houses and pitch with the cover starting about 30 yards up the touchline before around the halfway line developing into the most historic of wooden seats I have seen for a while in a football ground.

THE UNIQUE SEATS

As we go back onto terracing we reach the far goal with a now defunct snack bar in the corner probably relevant to the time when  this ground had access to all four sides and also in the top corner Gresley's own mural.

GRESLEYS OWN MURAL

Of note also is the excellent public address system loud and audible all around the ground well done guys so many today are poor there was some good announcements and a festive choice of music too.
I had not caught up with Spalding for a fair while and it was good to see a few local to the blog faces in Nathan Whitehead and Jordan Lemon who would start today.

WHITEHEAD AND LEMON IN PRE MATCH MODE

A first visit to Gresley FC then but a team that I had seen many times on the road including a FA Vase replay at Sheffield United a fair few years ago, indeed in the 90's Paul Futcher succeeded in getting the club up to the Conference only for the FA to deny this opportunity on ground grading I guess they couldn't find anywhere to store the prawn sandwiches.  There is talk of a move away from The Moat Ground and how you can see how this will help the club there are many parts of the ground that could benefit from a modern upgrade but as a non league fan the loss of a ground like this sentimentally will be devastating there are so many edge of town fields and industrial estate grounds developed with no feeling.

NATHAN WHITEHEAD SPALDING FC

Sadly today club mascot Elvis Gresley was in the doghouse and did not make an appearance I suppose that was all I needed for a further treat as treat number 2 was clearly The Moat Ground.

THE RESPECT HANDSHAKES START WELL

The match then we have got there of course and the first half was a stodgy affair with a penalty on 34 minutes probably being the highlight Spalding frontman Bradley Wells was clipped by Alvin Jarvis as he appeared on his was from goal but referee Postin had little hesitation in pointing to the spot.  The resultant kick from Varley was not too convincing and Rob Peet got to his right to save.  Just before half time Reece Morris got in on the end of a nice move for the home side and his effort was saved by the out coming Michael Duggan in the visitors goal.
Half time brought respite from the average fayre but the second half began in much the same fashion with Spalding looking organised and as the game went on both sides benches became more animated and were probably providing most of the entertainment.  The home supporters were non too happy when every time Spalding manager Dave Frecklington appealed to referee Postin for a decision he seemed to get it so much so that after the second penalty decision Gresley manager Damion Beckford-Quailey was advised his next viewing position would be the stand if he continued with his protests.  Before we got to the penalty Higginson supplied a deep cross off the left and Lemon saw his shot strike the post.

ALVIN JARVIS HAS AQUICK CHAT WITH REFEREE POSTIN

On 65 minutes though the deadlock was broken with the games second penalty again one of controversy to the home fans but one guesses a clear penalty to the Spalding bench.  A knee high ball saw Ben Harris for the home side challenge Nathan Stainfield for the visitors both go for the ball, the Gresley man caught the Spalding man and as both went down the referee was signalling to the spot again, this time Higginson stepped up and gave the Lincolnshire side the lead.
The remaining minutes of this game were spent with the benches in constant appeal mode, Gresley fans feeling hard done by with the referees decision and a general tetchiness as Spalding undoubtedly knew how to break up a game and it has to be said succeeded well in their task.
Five minutes from time the game was settled before Gresley could get any pressure built up and it was a cracker with Varley making up for the penalty miss earlier smashing home the ball from 25 yards out Peet got a hand to it but could not stop the back of the net rippling, probably the highlight of the match although the benches and management teams worked pretty hard to push it to second.  The joy in which Spalding celebrated this and the proceeding goal says something about the togetherness of the side and a few minutes later at the final whistle they had gained all three points and Gresley were left to have a warm down and discussion in the centre circle as the officials left the field to a chorus of boos and a few advisory comments from the home fans.
Not the best of games but the ground more than made up for it with time on your hands its one of those grounds you want to stand and just watch because I'm sure every part has a story to tell.
Return then from just outside the ground was met with a modern double decked that took me back to Burton and I opted to take the X38 express bus to Derby and onwards to the station where upon arrival a train to base station was just pulling in and wait for it a seat was claimed before departure at just short of 7pm.

ONE MORE OF THE ROUTEMASTER OH GO ON THEN

ECCLESHILL SEE OFF NOSTELL WITH 2 LATE GOALS

ECCLESHILL UTD 4 V NOSTELL MW 2
NCEFL 1 @ KINGSWAY
10 DECEMBER 2016 --- 3PM

ECCLESHILL UTD FC

Two goals in the last twenty minutes from Mathew Stor and Andrew Cooper allowed Eccleshill to see off basement club Nostell MW who had twice come back to level before the Eagles finally took advantage to gain all 3 points.
After the last few weeks of packed train travel I arrived at base station with a selection of about 3 games to consider in different directions when I viewed the platforms, the other deciding factor was two of the bigger cities had Christmas markets on so in the end I settled on Eccleshill Utd a club I had been trying to visit for a while.  Last season the former Lincoln Moorland Railway couldn't raise a team for a game I had planned to visit and the secretary Adrian was quick to respond as he was today to my enquiry regards the state of the pitch etc, always noteworthy when secretaries are on the ball.
It was time to play railway station bingo with Sarah at the ticket desk I normally throw in some random station and todays was no different, Frizinghall.  After giving a bit more information my tickets were sorted but I was to learn later it may have been me at fault not Sarah I had pronounced the name 'Frizzinghall' as though with two 'z's' and its actually announced as 'Fryzinghall' and I thought Welsh was difficult.  Bit of standing to Sheffield but comfortable for breathing this time and when a seat was gained for the express Northern Rail service to Leeds I settled down for a quiet journey that was until a minute before departure when the obligatory 3 young kids joined the train perched on the adjacdent seats only to find out that their volume control seemed to be stuck on full!  Normal service for train travel was resumed from Barnsley with standing the full length of both coach aisles again.

CAN WE HAVE SOME OF YOUR CARRIAGES

Arrival in Leeds saw a comfortable change to the Bradford Forster Sq service which had an unbelievable amount of carriages on it and I get a whole one to myself!  As soon as the train left Shipley it was stopping again for Frizinghall birthplace of the famous England off spinner Jim Laker.  My ultimate destination today of Wrose can offer up just comedian Ade Edmondson as competition to the great cricketer.
Now maps on phones are great but of course with out the gradient option selected everywhere looks flat and Wrose as I was to discover sits well a top a hill overlooking Bradford and Shipley.  As I made my incline a matter of personal pride the first chippy of the day was ignored better to climb as we passed the massive pub The Old Vic and felt at home in typical stone terrace houses associated with Bradford and the mills.  Halfway up the climb an about turn saw the massive Manningham Mills and chimney on the far skyline, something that we had been at the side of a few weeks ago upon a visit to Campion FC.
Arriving in Wrose, where there was a subtle change in housing stock, there were around 3 chip shops in the area and I have to say my dalliances led me in the end to Five Lane Ends and the yellow arches for lunch.  I know its typical its like train travel when you get an empty carriage you cant make your mind up which seat to sit in.  Well here non of the 3 chippys had anybody in so I couldn't see what the fayre looked like and applied the rule of thumb if there is nobody in them on a Saturday lunchtime be careful.

ACTIVE ENTRANCE

Time to pop along to Eccleshill United now with around an hour to kick off the ground is fairly easily located and with a turnstile embedded into the terraced stand you are straight into the ground behind the goal.  Admission and programme obtained here is a quick descriptor.  To the right is the snack bar and hospitality cabin moving onto the main stand which is an impressive 4 row effort with three different types of seating available the whole exterior is available by a hard standing walkway and with the far goal being uncovered we come to the side opposite the main stand this houses the dug outs.

TODAY'S ARTISTIC PICTURE

Back to the business end where we came into the ground and the changing rooms are tucked away in the corner and then to the side of them is the bar area which is only accessible from outside of the ground and the club issue a pass out on your way in.

ECCLESHILL MANAGER SEAN REGAN STUDIES THE TEAMS

Todays teams were comfortably exchanged and there was a quick minute to say hello to Adrian the secretary around the ground today were a local dance troupe of cheerleaders adding to the community feel here at Eccleshill United.  As I walked onto the estate were the ground is based it was interesting seeing a Bradford City fan going the other way I wonder how many come along when The Bantams are away lets hope some do to support their local non league side.

NOSTELL KEEPER TESTED THE COLOUR COORDINATION CHART

To the game and basement battlers Nostell are in need of points fast as the gap opens at the foot of the table but as ever could a mid table side motivate themselves to do the business against the strugglers.  It was Nostell who started strongly but after 7 minutes Luke Harrop was put through for the home side and as the keeper came out he coolly finished to make it 1-0.  On 14 minutes Nostell were level with a sweet free kick from Callum Charlton who struck the ball home from 20 yards out.
As both sides tested one another out the game entered a quieter stage but 11 minutes before the break it was Eccleshill who once again took the lead Andy Cooper swung in the corner off the left and Liam Hudson saw his firm header ripple the net.

HARROP TAKES CONTROL FOR ECCLESHILL

The second half saw Nostell level on 59 minutes Charlton turned provider his run down the left supplied Connor Presley at the back stick and he made no mistake, game on.
Eccleshill re took the lead on 70 minutes when Harrop, this time, turned provider to set up Matt Stor who fired home from just inside the box.  The game swung from end to end but in the final stages it was favouring the home side when Cooper had a shot cleared off the line and then on the stroke of normal time Matt Waller went down in the box under a challenge and as the home players screamed for a penalty play continued and so did Cooper who lashed home the goal of the game from 25 yards out to make it 4-2.
Final whistle saw an about turn through the two way rotating turnstile no big gate exit here and along the rather dark footpath before emerging back into the stone terracing and Frizinghall station for the departure back to Leeds station.  With about 7 minutes to swiftly transport myself from platform 3 to 17 all was achieved and seat gained for a busy and slightly delayed journey arriving back at base station at 7.30pm.
A well apportioned ground with not too much in the area locally but well worth it to see Manningham Mill on the walk from the station and of course the ultimate reason 90 minutes of football.

TY PELL OF NOSTELL ON THE BALL WITH THE BALL

ALFRETON START CUP DEFENCE WITH STRONG PERFORMANCE

BELPER TOWN 0 V ALFRETON TOWN 4
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP ROUND 3 @ THE MARSTON STADIUM
6 DECEMBER 2016 --- 7.45PM

A FOGGY MARSTONS STADIUM

A storming first half from Alfreton Town saw them lead 4-0 at half time in defence of their DSC Cup against their opponents in last seasons final Belper Town.  The home side put on a more resolute second half performance but the first half brace from Mark Shelton and goals from Sam Smith and Paul Clayton had put paid too any chances of a cup upset by half time.
As ever any blog without train travel and fish and chips would be devoid of its normality and today there was a great opportunity to take the 5.54 train to St Pancras from base station direct to Belper! There is around about 1 a day, I believe, of these services that stop at Belper normally you fly through the town to Derby and then return the same line.  Departure at The Nailers home town was just 15 minutes later and guess what a seat was claimed too on a foggy night but the frost had pulled out of the ground however a watchful eye was to be kept on the descending mist.

CHRISTMAS FISH AND CHIPS IN BELPER

First call tonight was King St Fish Bar, normally I would try Georges near the ground, for a visit to an establishment that has had much recommendation to me and I have to say I was not disappointed with small fish and chips eaten around the festive and Christmas lit streets of this lovely town.  I have covered Belper before on the blog so will not during this one go into too much detail of ground or town save to save its a really pretty town with many excellent services and shops in its centre alongside some superb history.
Sadly with the poor visibility tonight the mill and church were not to clearly in sight but on a Saturday afternoon its a lovely ground to view a game from and the tidy and welcoming nature of this ground and club are a credit to all involved.
The early star on arrival was the large clock on The Reg Walker stand which actually lights up and can be seen all around the ground, due to me finding Belper a difficult night time game visit I had not seen this before and with the light emitted it was not easy to photograph either but a real bonus to an evening visit.

THE IMPRESSIVE CLOCK BATTLING THE FOG

As ever a warm welcome from former secretary Dave Laughlin, current secretary Ian Wright and Dave's son Neil made for the pleasant welcome at the gate and from the clubs stewards they are a real credit to the non league scene clubs like Belper.  It was good during the evening to catch up with many friends at Alfreton Town too on the night thank you guys.
As we kicked off in a misty evening the game entered a tight first 10 minutes but soon after it was to swing Alfreton's was when on 11 minutes Mark Shelton on his full debut curled a low drive in from 20 yards out before it was 2-0 five minutes later when Paul Clayton powered home a header unmarked from 8 yards out.  The game was going away from Belper as the one way traffic continued they made it 3-0 when Sam Smith deflected home Ryan Wilson's cross and then just 8 minutes before half time Clayton pulled out a good parry from Mark Rathbone in the home goal but the ball fell agonisingly for Belper to Shelton who tapped home the ball.  The bell tolled just before half time through the gathering fog to signal Alfreton werr 4 goals to the good and on their way to the next round.

ALFRETON ON THE ATTACK IN THE FIRST HALF

The second period started with the fog looking like a saviour for Belper but when a rain front came over Christchurch Meadow the visibility improved and Belper had to settle for a 0-0 second half with a determined performance as Alfreton knew the work they had done in the opening 45 minutes was enough.
Alfreton move on to round 3 and although Belper were swept away in the first 45 minutes they restored some pride in a creditable second half effort.
Thankfully at the final whistle I secured a lift back from the Mr P so avoiding a round about way back to base.
Well worth the visit a lovely club Belper tonight the result went Alfreton's way but it was a pleasure to visit Christchurch Meadow, as ever.

KING SUPER STRIKE CROWNS COVENTRY PERFORMANCE

COVENTRY SPHINX 1 V HEANOR TOWN 0
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ SPHINX DRIVE
3 DEC 2016 --- 3PM

SPHINX DRIVE ACTION

A lovely free kick from Thomas King allowed Coventry the chance to claim all three points in this close affair that saw the visitors Heanor reduced to 10 men late on in the game when Chris Smith was shown a second yellow card.
The idea was not to go too far today but when this one came onto the radar last night I decided to go for it having seen Sphinx at Walsall Wood last season a visit to Sphinx Drive was on the cards.
As ever departure from base station found me sitting down on the first train of the day admittedly hopping between reserved and non reserved seats anyway at Derby I had the pleasure of getting into conversation with Bob a Hammers fan who was off down to see West Ham take on Arsenal.  Football clubs are so lucky with the loyalty fans show with Bob holding a season ticket making regular trips down to the former Olympic Stadium, as ever it was great to catch up with a fellow football fan and the 20 minutes to Leicester flew by.  The next part of the journey is always difficult with 2 carriage XCountry trains being the order of the day and this weekend its the Birmingham Christmas Market, something I was not aware of before deciding on this game.  Heaving platform became heaving train with double standing down the aisles and the door entrance area being a no personal space zone still we all got on with it and thankfully I was off after 20 minutes in Nuneaton leaving some people another 40 minutes of this.  Hopefully when the fares go up soon somebody can buy some more rolling stock? A dash over to platform 1 saw the London Midland service offering 2 carriages but it was once again a standing opportunity with many people travelling an alternative way to Birmingham.  Approaching Coventry we stopped at the Coventry Arena station for The Ricoh Stadium now home of The Wasps and of course Coventry City and sadly not safe enough to be used on match days!

THE MODEST SIDE OF LADY GODIVA

Soon departing in Coventry and let me say here a city I have visited on quite a few occasions in the past and always enjoyed it, but today it seemed so dated.  Most of the centre including the station was like a retro visit to the 70's, I'm normally ok at navigating around places but even with the phone maps turned on I was constantly checking and took a few wrong turns.  There does seem to be a distinct lack of street name signs in evidence and the overall sprawl of this centre doesn't make navigation easy.

THE OLD AND NEW COVENTRY CATHEDRAL

After a stroll around the market and a look at Lady Godiva astride her horse I took the footpath that dissects Coventry old and new Cathedral I wont go into the history most will of course know the story but it never ceases to amaze me £6 to go into the new Cathedral!  Having declined the offer there was time to take a trip down memory road, Highfield Road, to take a look at where the former Coventry City FC home was.  On quite a few occasions in the past I visited this ground with its sky blue tip up seats it became England's first all seat stadium and produced one of the smallest, size wise, programmes in the football league in the 80's.

ON THE PITCH AT THE FORMER HIGHFIELD ROAD HOME OF COVENTRY CITY

The new houses were built on the site of the former stands and car parks and interestingly the space in the middle was left as a green area and play ground and this was on the pitch site.  So albeit a few years late I stood on the Coventry City pitch today, of sorts, it was warming to see that the area has a little plinth with a blue plaque marking the clubs former ground its home since 1899.  After a moments pause it was time to leave Signet Square and if you listened quietly you could still hear the roar of the crowd.

JOSEPH LEVI CLOCK

Off to the Binley Rd and the Stoke Green area and on the walk to the ground a lovely local landmark the Joseph Levi clock left in memory of the local philanthropist thankfully local people had got together to restore it and a credit to the area it is.  It was soon time to turn off towards Siddeley Avenue and herein lies another story.
The site of the Coventry Sphinx Sports club is the former home of the Armstrong Siddeley group, makers of the unique car, sports club site.  A long road leads you to the club house which is smart inside but also has that 70's Coventry feel about it from outside.  Anyway a small deposit was left behind the bar before entering the ground through a large full size turnstile at this point you immediately cross the players entrance which is a nice little leg stretch from the changing rooms which are upstairs above the club.

THE BUSINESS END

Behind the goal are the clubs business features raffle seller, tea cabin and programme sellers hut with small selection of items available too.  The ground is a 2 3/4 side affair we have come in behind the goals and walking around the far side has The Willie Knibbs Stand which is split into bench seating and covered, but all flat standing.  Towards the far goal its hard standing and the opposite touchline is a non spectating area.  The boundaries around the ground are a few yards from the pitch and its always a shame to be a little away from the action.  The ground is quite exposed in this cool afternoon with the main pitches surrounded on 3 sides by other playing areas.

MAIN SPECTATOR AREA

Thankfully the teams were easily obtained and even though the crowd was a small 52 with I guess 20 from Heanor the club made good PA announcements and posted a full team sheet inside the ground.  The match programme at £1.50 is also a creditable effort, lovely to have something to read in a programme for a change well done Coventry Sphinx.
So to the game and Heanor have picked up some form of late and are pushing up the table but Sphinx are not far behind and a tight affair looked on the cards and so it proved.  Nick Hall tested Scott Dutton in the home goal before all sorts of chaos developed in the Heanor goalmouth that somehow resulted in a Sphinx effort being blocked when a goal looked a certainty.  On 39 minutes King went off on a weaving run for Sphinx but after all his good work he fired over from close range.  On the stroke of half time Jay Cooper worked hard to create an opportunity to cross and when the ball found Nathan Benger at the far post it would not come down quick enough and he fired over.

SOMEHOW THIS ONE STOPPED OUT

The first half had got a little feisty in stages and in fairness to what I shall mention later the referee was probably dealing with a fair bit of attention from both sides.
The only goal of the game came on 57 minutes as Heanor were looking off the pace and lethargic they conceded a free kick 20 yards out and when substitute King stepped up he crashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.

SPHINX LIVEWIRE MANAGER STAURT DUTTON POINT TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE

It looked game over for the visitors but they did muster themselves into some efforts in the closing stages but as they pushed on they were in danger of course of leaving themselves open at the back.  Dutton saved well for the home side on 76 minutes to give Heanor a corner but it was game over on 87 minutes when referee Richard Cutts harshly showed a second yellow card to Chris Smith and reduced the visitors to ten men.
Here is the observation that I find hard because I very rarely comment negatively on referees I like to acknowledge their difficulties and I'm sure today was a tough game to control in the middle.  I didn't keep a card count but we must have been nearing a Clinton Card festive box of 10, it just seemed way over the top with I believe an assessor in attendance its the same old story.  Referees under pressure who of course want to progress but as ever when the 'assessor is in the stand' the cards come out and fussiness takes over.  The frustrating thing is officialdom never admits it but it would be interesting to see the referee when there is no assessor there and I guess today we may have seen 3-4 cautions.

COLLECTORS ITEM THE REFEREE DOESNT HAVE A CARD IN HIS HAND

By the final whistle the result had just about gone the correct way thanks to a lovely strike and we were soon on the way back into Coventry on the bus and trying to negotiate myself to the railway station.  As I meandered around the food stoppage area and then the toilets I very nearly missed the train I though it was to depart 20 minutes later than it was scheduled too!  Back in Nuneaton and upon arrival it was to be another breathe in journey at least this time at Hinckley the whole carriage eased up to allow comfortable standing.
In Leicester the connecting train was running late and when it did arrive in there was a concern with Leicester Tigers fans out in numbers that seats would be at a premium but thankfully one was secured and we were back in base station at around 8pm.
Today was a nice journey back to a city I had not visited for a while I must take a look here again soon and find my way around a little better than I did today.  For those concerned readers there were no fish and chips consumed today!