COALVILLE & MARKET DRAYTON DRAW A BLANK

COALVILLE TOWN 0 V MARKET DRAYTON TOWN 0
EVOSTIK FIRST DIVISION SOUTH @ OWEN ST
30 JANUARY 2016 3PM

OFFICIALS STAND AND TO THE LEFT SNIBSTON COLLIERY HEADSTOCKS

[A few additional pictures will follow on the we all stand together Facebook page in the next few days]
A goalless draw was probably a fair result but never a neutrals favourite, however Market Drayton would be the happier of the two teams even though their 10 minute 2nd half spell saw them hit the woodwork on three occasions.  Second placed Coalville would be disappointed to have not secured the three points and a late rally did see a goal line clearance and full length save deny The Ravens too.
Travel plans for the week had once again been a weather watch led tasked with rain, winds and even snow over the Peaks finally sending us south to Leicester and the morning choice after checking was to be Coalville.  The next decision was whether to travel via Loughborough or Leicester for the connecting bus with a decision taken for the latter allowing a late change of fixture if the game suffered a postponement.
The departure from base station saw a standing spot secured by the doors of this already well occupied train, the 40 minutes passed well and upon departure from the station a leisurely walk down to St Margaret's bus station which is conveniently, not, situated at the opposite end of the city.  The transport 'hub' is really a little far out of the centre and is looking decidedly run down and lost to the 80's.  There was little time to pass before we departed on the 29x aquamarine special to our ultimate destination of Coalville.

FORMER SITE OF COALVILLE STATION

Passing out of the Leicester suburbs we were soon arriving just short of the town and taking a quick look at Bardon Hill FC from the bus window and marking it down for a future visit.  The club is situated to the side of the massive Bardon Aggregates site and quarry in the village.  Very shortly we were arriving in Colville and we made a departure just shot of the level crossing that guards the town.
Before departure the blog always does a little check on interesting facts on new visits and today was a new town not only a new ground.  This history was mouth watering with railway, pits and a toy manufacturer to name but a few areas.  The level crossing which is now for a lightly used freight line which previously had welcomed the Burton to Leicester passenger line and just down the line from the crossing was the former station at Coalville.

MINERS MEMORIAL

We then spotted the bronze statue in memory to the former miners of the area and specifically Whitwick Colliery indeed the whole area was surrounded by pits.  Included in this the Snibston pit which was at the other side of the High St with its headstocks still standing proudly but sadly no longer working with all pits in this area closed by the early 90's.

FORMER SNIBSTON COLLIERY

The replacement for the pit was a museum and country park sadly the former was closed by the County Council on a cost issue.  The town centre is dominated by the massive clock tower which literally towers above all surrounding buildings.

MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER

To the north of the clock tower a quick venture down Mantle Lane for the former signal box bearing the same name plate and to the left sidings and a now derelict three storey warehouse that I later learned was the former Coop bakery.

MANTLE LANE SIGNAL BOX STILL IN PLACE

Coming back to the crossroads which are a busy traffic light controlled interchange we turned right to take a few pics of the aforementioned headstocks before noticing the old sign for, I guess, the Midland Bus Depot.  Before we disappeared into the local watering hole The Monkey Walk, local spoons, we had a quick walk through The Belvoir Shopping Centre, the former Broadway precinct.  This was opened in 1963 by Noele Gordon the former Crossroads actress and brings the blog back to its visit to Boldmere at the start of the season where there was a visit to one of the hotels used in the programme.  The centre is very practical and as a nice variety of shops sadly though many are empty and there is a high prevalence of charity shops and 1980's feel.

ONE OF LEICESTERSHIRE FIRST SHOPPING PRECINCTS FAMOUSLY OPENED BY NOELE GORDON

Having polished off scampi and lemonade we were now ready to amble down Owen St to the home of Coalville Town Fc.  On the short walk we went past two former cinemas within 50 yards of one another one The Rex still had its original sign in place.
It has to be said that Coalville is probably in need of regeneration but there are some superbly interesting old buildings at every corner all waiting to tell a story or two, the hour we had around the streets whet my appetite to learn more about the town.
The short walk to the ground set us of down a track to the ground with football pitches to the right and to the left some industrial units which were the former site of Palitoy the base for the makers of Action Man, Tiny Tears and other such toys of the 1970's and 80's.
The ground is entered via a smart turnstile block and we received a pleasant greeting from the operator before purchasing our programme and taking a quick look in the club shop.  To the right is a toilet block with to the near side the snack bar from which a soup was later sampled on this cold afternoon.  As we started the touchline walk the corner here has the changing rooms an at an upper level on this two storey block a club bar.  A lengthy hospitality and officials cabin followed before a small stand in corporate green livery which applied to all the stands.

NEW CHANGING ROOMS AND CLUB HOUSE UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Below this was a major new build to feature a clubhouse, changing rooms and what will be an excellent viewing gantry, its looking good and I'm sure will be an impressive addition to the Leicestershire club.  The far goal is a little in from the spectator viewing area but as with all the perimeter barriers it neat mesh and concrete post variety that adds to the overall very tidy nature of this ground.

THE MAIN STAND AT OWEN ST

The far touchline as two rowed stand that runs 3/4 of the length of that side.  Back to the goals at our entrance to the ground and here is a small stand for people who do want some cover but not to sit down.  The overall view is of a corporate green livery but a smart little set up that the club are proud of.

On our rounds today we got talking to many interesting and pleasant people from both the home club and Market Drayton.  Indeed while Mick was off chatting and I was doing a circuit of the ground I got into conversation with Peter, last seasons secretary, who told me of his attachment to the club and area.  I managed to ask many questions about the club and the town and Peter was an informative character who it was great to meet for half an hours chat, thank you I enjoyed learning about the area.
Mick had got a few other conversations going including Market Drayton supporters and a gentleman who had moved some years ago from Scarborough, we also a had a chat with a few Tamworth fans who lived in the town but were watching today while The Lambs were away in Chorley.
So a busy start before the game but a very enjoyable time in the hour before kick off.

The first half was a bit of a non event but the two chances that did raise their head fell one to either side firstly Alex Troke forced visiting keeper into an excellent save after 18 minutes and then the visitors crossed off the left with Michael McIntosh missing a header the ball fell to Simon Everall who fired over with the goal inviting.
The second half saw Coalville look fresher early on after the managers team talk it was Troke who tried an acrobatic overhead kick which fell to Jake Woolley who fired over with once again an inviting net in front of him, after 52 minutes.  Moments later Alex Dean hit a sharp 18 yard drive just wide.

O'NEILL & BRAMALL COMPETE IN THE REVERSE KNEE RACE FOR MARKET DRAYTON

Gradually Market Drayton weathered the second half opening an amazingly hit the woodwork three times in ten minutes.  An initial shot on 62 minutes flew back off the far post for McIntosh to see his effort bounce back off the bar.  Then on 71 minutes James O Neill fired a 20 yard free kick off the bar and once again the visitors were to be denied.
The game went back into its shell and 0-0 remained firmly on the cards as it had done from early in the first half. 
As the match entered the second minute of stoppage time Coalville found a few openings when Luke Smithson saw his effort cleared off the line by Paul McMullen and then a minute later a superb save from Rawlins saw him push round a Nat Watson diving header.

Referee Ravel Cheosiaua was to blow the final whistle moments later and a draw was the fairest result with Market Drayton probably happy with a draw even though the home sides late efforts would have been their claim for the three points.  Sadly though 0-0 was probably about right and neither side had done enough to secure the maximum points.
Straight out of the ground down a footpath and over a railway bridge that oversaw the line to the former Snibston pit yard, which also ran through the centre of the town, with plenty of time to jump aboard the 29x back to Leicester at such great timings that we ended up waiting at three points for time.  On arrival at St Margaret's a local bus was boarded that took us to the forecourt of Leicester station for a service back to base arriving just after 7.30pm.
This had been a quite average game but at a nice club with whom we had many interesting little chats with both home and away teams followers about both their clubs and the very endearing town of Coalville.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FORMER SNIBSTON PIT YARD

BULLS CHARGE ON WITH VICTORY OVER HALL RD

AFC MANSFIELD 5 V HALL RD RANGERS 0
NCEL 1 @ THE FOREST TOWN ARENA
28 JANUARY 2016 --- 7.45PM

THE TEAMS COME OUT.........THEY ARE OVER THERE

A five star display from AFC Mansfield secured The Bulls second place in the first division after a recent wobble for the Forest Town based club.  The home side were three up at half time and with the Humberside visitors down to ten men following the dismissal of Callum Harrison the flow of the game did not change in a dominant second half showing that saw AFC add two more goals.
The journey is always a long winded affair to the depths of Nottinghamshire and its a three bus travelogue by the time the Walesby bound bus despatched me onto the dark streets of Forest Town.

BACK END OF A BUS, FOREST TOWN

First signs of the just published local newspaper declared Mansfield to be one of the poorest towns in the country but maybe the success of their local non league sides could lighten the mood?  Tonight's trip to high flying AFC Mansfield would result in a good performance hopefully towards this aim but a very poor crowd officially declared at 51 but looking lower.
With a little time to spare a small walk along the villages main street to view the shops revealed the hairdressing capital of Mansfield with 4 salons within 100 yards the best creatively named 'million hairs'.  It was time to pop into the local Cooperative were a pre match sandwich was selected before entering the ground via second avenue and through the car park to the spacious club,  The ground has been reviewed before but the club are fortunate to be renting a ground with an excellent additional facility.

BULLY IN WATERPROOFS TONIGHT

Away from the club towards the clubs business area and of course Bully's Snack Bar for a chip cob with brown sauce, for a change.  There was of course time to catch up with the ever friendly AFC manager Rudi Funk and catch up with Pete Craggs and Chairman Andrew Saunders.  Teams secured it was time to pop back and pay the entrance fee and pick up a copy of the programme for tonight's game which must have seemed a lengthy journey at peak time for the Hull based visitors.
Bully was also met by now and tonight he was appearing in his waterproof green kit mainly due to the threat of rain, but he was still on form.
As we approached kick off it was good to see a further friendly face in Belpers Neil Laughlin with whom the evening was spent, as ever, swapping many interesting stories.
The tone of the game was settled early as AFC had 2 long range effort that flew just inches over before they took the lead after 7 minutes when Danny Blount brought down Craig Mitchell in the box.  Rather obscurely Bull's keeper Jason White manoeuvred his way from his own box to grab the ball and dispatch the penalty away with gusto into the roof of the Hall Rd net.  It was 2-0 after 22 minutes when Ryan Williams fired home with a sweet strike.  It was looking like a long night for the visitors at this stage and things got worse 5 minutes later when they were reduced to ten men following a Hall Rd foray into the Mansfield box as play returned home number 10 Mitchell was left flat out just outside the box with the near side linesman flagging referee Guest came over to consult.  After finally allowing the physio on for the home player he produced a red card for Harrison who seemed dismayed but signalled the referee had said it was for an elbow.  It was 3-0 just over the half hour mark when Mitchell tore down the right and smashed home a cracking shot into the visitors goal.

Half time arrived with AFC 3 to the good and a the second half promised much more when after 49 minutes when Mitchell got a deft touch onto Nathan Swindells low cross.  The game was over on 59 minutes when Grant Allott headed home at the back post.
Greedily Mansfield were probably guilty of missing quite a few opportunities after this and with some first half chances secured this score line could have approached double figures.
Thankfully with a late finish at 9.45 the kindly gent that is Neil Laughlin had offered to give me a lift to my first connection point avoiding the need for a local taxi, thanks Neil!
Three bus return and it had been an enjoyable night with The Bulls back on form for their promotion push as The NCEL Premier beckons.

SELSTON ACHIEVE 'MOORE' THANKS TO BEN AND CARL

SELSTON 4 V LINBY CW 1
CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH @ THE PARISH GROUND
23 JANUARY 2016 --- 2PM

ACTION FROM SELSTON V LINBY AT THE PARISH GROUND

Selston stormed to a three goal lead without reply after 22 minutes thanks too Ben and Carl Moore both scoring a goal apiece and each being credited an assist.  It was Linby's turn in the second half to push Selston and they did pull a goal back early after the break through Ashley Winfield but their possession failed to add to the score line and a late goal from the home sides Tom Widdowson took the final score to 4-1 as Selston continued their march to the top.

LOCAL FILM SET FOR ANITA AND ME [2002]

It was an improvement this week to be not looking at the weather forecast from Thursday but still surprising to see games called off locally.  This weekend would be a little break for the blog on the travelling front and a local journey to nearby Selston was the order of the day.  This would be Selston's first game at home since December 12 and although the cricket outfield was squelchy it has to be said the pitch was a credit to the club after the recent bad weather.
Early kick offs always used to feel a little bit obscure but after a few years in the CMFL they became a normality and its quite nice to arrive back earlier at the end of a game.  Change of bus today at Alfreton saw us jump on board a Rainbow 1, Trent Barton bus route for the non public transport readers, for the 15 minute departure to Selston.  I had previously visited Selston for an early kick off in a Rob Hornby ground hop a few years ago when they played Wollaton in a Notts Senior League fixture so today would be a revisit.  Selston had a spell in The CMFL before reitiring to junior football before a return to The Midland Regional Alliance and then The Notts Senior League and then a switch back to The CMFL for the 2015/16 season.
After travelling through Jubilee a small 'hamlet' on a sharp bend at the top of a steep hill the departure was made a couple of stops later just into the village of Selston.  The aim was to make a visit to a film location spot but firstly the smart new war memorial was passed before heading off to Crescent Rd where a couple of old style terraced houses offer a back yard scene that was used in the 2002 film Anita and Me which was written by and starred Meera Syal. 

CHANGING ROOMS AND SNACK BAR AT THE PARISH HALL

With 1 1/2 hours to kick off we had plenty of time to spare and following a walk towards the small village centre Mick was off to the local chip shop, Wise Eater, while I kept up the Cooperative principles with a sandwich from the lime green liveried outlet.

WELL STOCKED SNACK BAR WITH PIES...............AND SOUVENIRS

A steady walk towards the Parish Grounds saw us arrive at just after 2pm for a friendly greeting from both the official taking the admission and his fellow counterpart operating the snack bar.  I have said it before on our travels these sort of pleasant welcomes mean at lot and represent their club well.  It was superb to catch up with Selston manager Craig Weston, former star man at Alfreton Town and Long Eaton which included a spell as manager.  Really good to see you Craig and thanks for the warm welcome too.

SELSTON MANAGER CRAIG WESTON CAP AND ALL!

Let me say that if you want a snack on your visit the club do have a selection of the famous 'p' companies pies one to remember next time for us.
The ground is a short walk away from the changing rooms and snack bar over the Selston cricket outfield which sides onto the near side of the pitch separated by a roped dividing line.   The entrance to the pitch is to the right via the cricket scoreboard it is a narrow high up walk way which offers a commanding view from behind the higher end goal and this sloping pitch.

MAIN SPECTATOR AREA AND GEORGE ELLIOTT STAND

The far touchline is singled slabbed and offers a 'close to the action' feel but is a little narrow for passing those already in situ.  The George Elliott Stand is smart and offers a small cover before we pass behind the two small dug outs.  The far goal is tight to the boundary but offers a good view of the penalty area and back towards the main congregation area.

HERE THEY COME LED BY THE MATCH OFFICIALS SELSTON AND LINBY [GREEN/WHITE] FOLLOW

Back to the Parish Hall and there are a few more people arriving now in what was to be a very good crowd of 106 which including Groundhop's Chris and Tony from Heanor and On The Road blog guys who cover a lot of the local clubs surrounding Selston and Nottinghamshire.  While in the snack bar area it was interesting to take a look at an old framed picture of Selston from the early 1900's and also a lovely picture of the cricket clubs old pavilion from the same period.
So to the game and a storming start by second placed Selston saw them 3-0 to the good inside 22 minutes.

BEN MOORE MOVES IN FOR NUMBER 1

The first was the Moore's goal as Carl assisted captain Moore, Ben, to march on and place past the out coming Luca Rocco to give the home side a lead after 7 minutes.

AND ITS IN BEN MOORE 1-0

It was Carls turn to get on the score sheet after 19 minutes with a superb strike from 10 yards that flew into the top left hand corner to extend the home sides lead.  The third was fast approaching as Linby were starting to look all at sea Wayne Cooke forced Rocco into a save low down before just 3 minutes after the second goal Ben Moore supplied a deep cross off the right for Joe Riley who rose to head home.

JOE RILEY MAKES IT 3-0 AT THE BACK POST

So we arrived at half time with the game looking all but over, could Linby get their game back together and could Selston avoid the relaxation that often appears in games like this?

JOE BUTLER [LINBY] IN CONTROL

Which one of these occurred you can decide but kick down the slope in the second half Linby came to the party and looked a different side pulling a goal back after 55 minutes when Winfield headed home a cross off the right from livewire sub Damian Mann.

OFFSIDE

Linby continued to enjoy the majority of the second half possession and looked a refreshed side after their half time team talk they provided some lovely build up play but just seemed to lack the confidence in front of goal.  They could not force their way through to make this game tight and as so often happens the other team often punish you.  Indeed with 3 minutes remaining Selston did Wayne Cooke fed Tom Widdowson who confidently raced on to guide the ball past Rocco in the visitors goal.

YELLOW IS PUT AWAY

There were just two bookings in a game that was well refereed by Lewis Saunders-Johnson a new referee for the blog and both within two minute Will Spray after 79 minutes and two minutes earlier for Toby Guy both of Linby.  The latter was an interesting one with a caution for a foul and then as the player moved away from referee Saunders-Johnson he clapped the decision and was called back by the official and as he went for his back pocket it looked like a second yellow followed by a long walk after seeing red, however a stern talking too saved the Linby player a frustrating suspension.
Steady little game which continued Selston's unbeaten run and secured their challenge for the top spot, but more importantly a friendly club well worth a visit to sample a game.
Return journey was all smooth running and a return back to base at just after 5pm was successfully completed thanks to a change in Alfreton.

REFEREE SAUNDERS JOHNSON IN GOOD FORM TODAY

SEMI FINAL SPOT SECURED FOR ALFRETON FOLLOWING JONES HAT TRICK

ALFRETON TOWN 6 V LONG EATON 0
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP 1/4 FINAL AT THE IMPACT ARENA
19 JANUARY 2015 7.45PM

OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT WITH FROST COVERS ROLLED BACK

Departing The Impact Arena to The Clash's 80's hit 'I Fought The Law and the Law won' blasting out over the pa system would certainly be music to the ears of boss Nicky Alfreton whose side had done him and the club proud over recent weeks including tonight's consistent performance.
Sam Jones carved out a quality hat trick for The Reds and added to that a brace from Jamie Jackson and a second half strike from Jordan Robertson it was a dominant evening for the re energised home side.  Midland Football League step 5 visitors Long Eaton found themselves under pressure from the first to the 90th minute and you had to feel a little sorry for them as they came up against a strong Alfreton side who are clearly 'up for' a bit of Derbyshire Senior Cup success this season.
One of the shortest blog trips saw arrival in Alfreton just over an hour before kick off and there was a little time to test out the Costa Coffee self service machine in the local Coop plus add a sausage roll to the diet!  As ever with county cup games there was not expected to be a big gate and so it proved with 153 loyal supporters turning out to encourage their respective teams. 
As ever there was a selection of local glitterati to say hi to with Tony from Heanor in attendance with Groundhop's Chris also their.

MR WHEATCROFT IN ACTION

Local photographer Bill Wheatcroft was there too and tonight he was on duty getting some snaps from the game, always good to catch up with these guys for the latest news.  Thankfully there was some time also to speak with Mark and Brian from the programme/badge shop and Mr Alfreton Bill Draper of pa and consecutive games fame.
Tonight's match was playable thanks to a thawing out of the frost and the excellent work of Alfretons volunteers in getting the pitch covered in frost protecting covers, well done guys!
Straight to the game and Alfreton were out of the traps like a champion greyhound and may have been two up before they found the back of the net after 5 minutes when Jones lashed home a cross goal effort from 14 yards out on the right hand side of the box.  Ten minutes before the break he had got his second a quality goal that saw his two footed shuffle with back to goal enough to get him invited onto the next season of Strictly Come Dancing, before turning and driving home a lovely strike into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.
The second half started apace with three goal in 5 minutes first on 59 minutes Jones completed an old fashioned hat trick with all goals in sequence when he weaved through the visitors defence to lash the ball home, to pick his best effort would have been difficult this was a quality triple.
Reds Robertson added the fourth when he fired home from the 8 yards on 61 minutes and then two minutes later it was 5-0 with substitute Jackson put away a confident finish.

FAN EYE VIEW OF A GOOD NIGHT FOR THE REDS

Alfreton continued to play some lovely football with final touches just denying them a bigger lead but they did score again after 78 minutes with a sweet move inflicting further damage on a tiring Long Eaton side, Cliff Moyo and Dan Bradley combined to cross off the right for Tom Allan to head back across goal from the back post and Jackson was there to fire home his second.
Following a weekend without a game the previous Saturday Alfreton would be grateful for this game which brought in two county cup rounds in 8 days with progression to the semi finals now achieved.  In recent years there has been some dour matches in this competition but with Alfreton heading towards a deserved improvement in the league they seem determined to give their supporters a little bit of glory as they eye up a final appearance at The Proact towards the end of the season.
Departure into an ever cooling evening saw a return to base not before a refreshment break was taken in the big 'T's'!

TIGHT BENCH WITH MANAGER NICKY LAW ON THE WALL

DUNSTON PROGRESS IN THE VASE AFTER EXTRA TIME AT COLESHILL

COLESHILL TOWN 1 V DUNSTON UTS 3
FA VASE ROUND 4 @PACKLINGTON LANE
SATURDAY 16 JANUARY 2015 3PM

OVERVIEW OF PACKLINGTON RD HOME OF COLESHILL TOWN FC

A game that had everything, barring a penalty, saw Dunston progress thanks to 2 extra time goals against a Coleshill side who finished with just 8 men after three red cards had impeded their chances of progression.  The opening 90 minutes had produced two superb strikes from Dale Burrell for the visitors and a glorious equaliser from Danico Johnson which sent the game into the additional 30 minutes that proved so exciting.
The weekend started with the usual weather problems some pitches were still waterlogged and thanks to a heavy frost around base their were a stack of ground inspections planned so after much wondering about gambling with real turf we opted for the game that had been beckoning all week this delayed FA Vase round 4 tie.  Having seen Coleshill earlier on in the season when they were temporarily encamped at The Lamb Tamworth FC, while their excellent 3g pitch was installed it was a good chance to visit their base south east of Birmingham and just a goal kick away from the NEC.

PILLORY POST IN COLESHILL CENTRE

Base station saw a comfortable enough start to Leicester and a cross country train was next on the agenda to Coleshill.  Having been aware Leicester City were travelling to Aston Villa for a 5.30pm kick off we though our train at 1215 would be ok..............wrong.  As ever no allowance was made by the train company and a two carriage train was packed and you developed an affinity with sardines before you left Nuneaton.  As we approached Coleshill we were thoughtful of making the trip to Birmingham to come back on a less packed train but thankfully we did manage to extricate ourselves from the carriage somehow!
With two hours to kick off we had time we decided for a pleasant walk to the ground knowing it would take about 45 minutes and so it turned out.  Leaving the Parkway station we passed through an industrial estate area before climbing up the hill into Coleshill and taking a small deviation to take a look at the 'pillory' a post for the purpose of placing miscreants on for a good whipping.  It was missed on our first passing but we did notice it on return but it was well shielded by local business adverts.

LETS HOPE THE STICKERS COME OFF

We marched through the town and onto Packlington Lane were we turned onto the lane that soon developed into a distinctly countryside feel about it with fields abound, to the left was Coleshill Town Fc through their own smart name embossed gates and small car park.  Already parked up was the team coach and official supporters coach for Dunston UTS with most of the latters inhabitants enjoying a warm in the bar area and the odd pint of something cold!
From reading the last two blogs you may have discovered I'm becoming a moaning old git, becoming[?], but today I have to just mention the admission price.  Having seen mention of £8 adult entrance fee on the clubs twitter feed I did look twice and feel it is a little bit of a steep charge for round 4.  Coleshill normally charge £6.50 for step 5 Midland League football which is at the top end of the charge bracket however today they had added a further £1.50. 

THE BUSINESS END, SNACK CABIN!

The first person we saw today was Simon Blyth of Hinckley AFC it was really good to catch up with him for a chat and as ever we wish the supporter led club all the very best for the remainder of the season.  During the afternoon we caught up with many visitors including Bradshaw of the Tony Kempster parish, Lee Stewart and his partner who had just a few weeks ago visited Clay Cross Town FC.

MAKE MINE A LARGE CONE AS COLESHILL PREPARE THEIR WARM UP

There were many new friends to catch up with and as ever we got into some lovely conversations with those ever friendly lot from Dunston who we had previously encountered at Heanor last season, always a pleasure!

NICE VIEW FOR THE PLANE WHICH AS JUST DEPARTED BIRMINGHAM

Quick look around the ground of course a new 3g pitch has given the club an exciting outlook for the rest of the season and it looks superb and gained many envious glances from the Dunston lads.  The ground is smart but gives you a feel of a field purchased and in the process of developing.  Straight through the turnstiles and past the goals to the portable snack bar were we sampled a chip bap beyond this wagon is the small but by now packed clubhouse, which looked very welcoming.  There is a toilet block [2] to the right.  Moving around the ground the club have two port a cabin changing rooms before a hospitality cabin and then a bench seated stand.  The hard standing continues past a sunken floodlight surround, to the far goal which continues the hard standing.

The far touch line has a long scaffold induced stand with very little overhang thankfully we did not need to check out what protection it offered today.  The two dugouts are smart and of standard design for new 3g pitches the only shame here is that the smart little stand has now become a white elephant as all bar the back row of seats have their view blocked and so we arrive back at the turnstile block.

To the game and these two had come across one another two years ago with Dunston winning 2-1 at their place and 4 years ago of course they lifted the FA Vase and have since remained a strong force in the competition.

THE MANAGEMENT DUNSTON UTS DUG OUT TEAM

That atmosphere around the pitch entrance was enhanced by the visiting supporters who were here in numbers.

It was Dunston who got off to an excellent start after just 8 minutes when Burrell on the inside left lobbed the keeper with a beautiful effort with the inside of his right foot from 25 yards out a goal good enough to win any game.

DUNSTON NUMBER 4 DALE BURRELL AFTER HIS EARLY OPENER

So it looked at half time as there was to be no more goals and energetic start from Dunston had gradually been tied down by the home side and indeed they started to push the visitors back in the second period.  On 52 minutes Dimitrus Smirkle saw his effort well saved low down by visiting keeper Liam Connell.  The visiting keeper was again on top form when he saved Sam Adkins 20 yard free kick a few minutes later.
The home sides pressure was mounting and just when it looked like it may not be their day they deservedly equalised and what a goal it was.  Out on the left and cutting into the left angle of the penalty box Johnson curled one in off the right hand post to set of joyous celebrations in North Warwickshire after 85 minutes.  In injury time Coleshill were reduced to ten men when Rob Evans was shown a second yellow card for a half way line foul that could have seen Dunston break away on the home goal.  Coleshill needed to look for the winner now and Simeon Colbourne nearly found it in the fourth minute of injury time but could not connect strongly enough to finish the tie.

So we entered extra time and here it all went a little wrong for Coleshill who had more than deserved this further tilt at victory.
It was an Adkins free kick that once again saw Connell deny Coleshill before Dunston took the lead when Steven Richardson guided in an Alex Francis assist to make it 2-1 to the visitors.  Insult to injury was added a few moments later when a half way line challenge by Coleshill's Adkins on Dunston's Burrell saw referee Danny Gratton show a red card.  Within moments of the re start a very late two footed challenge on the far touchline saw referee Gratton again forced to reach for his red card and Coleshill were down to 8 men with Dean Rathbone dismissed, the game was just one more red away from an abandonment.  Thankfully after the mini melee calmed down both teams kept their heads and the game did finish, not though before we had seen end to end football with the home side valiantly battling on with reduced numbers. 
There was still time for Dunston man of the match Connell to pull of another wonderful flying save this time from live wire Johnson.  Thanks to the visitors number 1 he had kept Dunston in the game at regular intervals and now they were able to force home their 3 man advantage when Aristotte Guerin made it 3-1 to the north easterners.

As we started the second period of extra time it was Dunston who probably should have scored more with Richardson twice denied by Paul Hathaway in the home goal before his post was struck in the closing minutes.

STEVEN 'SPEEDY' RICHARDSON

So at the final whistle it was Dunston who would make the long trip to Ashford Utd in the next round and Coleshill were probably left feeling hard done too and wondering how this one got away.  Well they found a keeper on top form and a mad ten minutes that saw three of their players dismissed making it a frustrating afternoon when their comeback had looked so promising.
Quick dash to the main road for the number 70 back to Coleshill station and a surprising 5 carriage cross country train to Leicester which had seats galore.  After a delay just outside Nuneaton we arrived in Leicester late but thankfully the Sheffield bound train was also running behind time and we hopped aboard to arrive at base station just after 8pm.
An enjoyable day with a guaranteed game thanks to the smart new 3g spent in the good company of an exciting FA Vase game and at the end some happy Dunston UTS fans can look forward to an even longer trip, but you just know they will be there in big numbers as ever!

INTERESTING FLOODLIGHT BASE, REPLACES THIS WEEKS
TRANSPORT PICTURE