BOTTESFORD SINK MOORLANDS RAILWAY

BOTTESFORD TOWN 6 V LINCOLN MOORLANDS RAILWAY 0
NCEL DIVISION 1 @ BIRCH PARK
27 FEBRUARY 2016 --- 3PM

BIRCH PARK HOME OF BOTTESFORD TOWN FC

Bottesford maintained their promotion push with this mauling of Lincoln Moorlands Railway [LMR] which saw them hit five first half goals without reply.  The second period saw the home side add just one further goal but miss a glut of chances that should have put their previous biggest win, 8-0 against Grimsby Borough, to the test. 
Saturday arrived with a relatively calm weather forecast and for once no mad ringing round to check whether games were on, strangely this made it more difficult than ever as the blog struggled to decide which game to visit.

After a bit of further research the choice was made to go east yet again for the third Saturday running and visit that hot bed of football....................Lincolnshire.  The county derby featuring The Poachers of Bottesford against LMR who are sadly still struggling and occupy basement position in the league promised the chance to visit a new ground and make only the third visit to Scunthorpe.  The first was many years ago to The Old Show Ground for an Irons game versus Wolverhampton Wanderers, sadly that ground has disappeared and is now being played on by Sainsbury's.

HILARY BENN NOT GOING TO SCUNNY TODAY

First change at around 11am in Sheffield saw the blog catch up with Shadow Cabinet member Hilary Benn MP, son of Tony, for a quick picture as he was off to a conference in the city.

STEAM RISING AT SCUNTHORPE STEEL WORKS
 FROM THE STATION

Arrival in Sunny Scunny was via the all stopping train but thankfully we managed a seat for the journey which s always an advantage.  Upon departure the steelworks was steaming up and it look like the company site will change hands on what is a very difficult time for the town and its community, hopefully the works will see an up turn soon for all concerned. 
We opted for a quick walk through the town heading then to the bus station for our stripey boys service.  The town centre was fairly busy and its honour was saved by a small smart new precinct which took away from the dour feeling of the straight boulevard we had approached by.  The modern bus station was already looking tired and in need of a good hose down but the main thing I suppose was that the number 33 turned up and we set off on a circuitous tour of south west Scunthorpe.
We arrived in Yaddlethorpe, slightly, to the west of Bottesford and departed on Quebec Rd by Maple Leaf Mews before approaching the ground via a small walk along Ontario Rd passing by Ottawa Rd.  The Canadian connections were everywhere here but after asking about 4 people at the ground I could not find anybody who knew why the connection or if there was any at all.

SMART UP TO DATE FIXTURE BOARD AT BIRCH PARK

The Birch Park complex as a sports hall to the left and opposite is the social club as you move round the new Football Foundation funded changing rooms we enter through a full length barred turnstile and then pay at the pay box which seemed a little weird.

OUTER TURNSTILE

Still we were in and probably the first to paying spectators received a friendly welcome from the operator whose son was playing today for Bottesford, number 8 Josh Nichol.
There was a little disappointment in the food stakes today with the catering van operator being away so we were on a slimming afternoon haha.  The blog went off in search of the teams and Mick got in conversation with a few people including the clubs photographer whose work I had seen on their website.  Pictures from todays game were soon available on the clubs Facebook page and I have to say they are a superb collection, even featuring the bloggers in conversation but don't let that put you off having a look!
We then met John Stark 'pa' announcer and club historian and surprisingly he his moving to our base town soon but John hopes to continue charting Bottesford's history and of course explore the new grounds of base county when he arrives.

TODAYS DUG OUTS

So to the tour of the ground well its completely enclosed in by green coloured corrugated fencing with by the turnstile entrance the new changing rooms.  Moving on behind the goal we take the far touchline in first with smart dug outs in situ and a wide concreted walkway around the whole of the ground.  There is no cover on this side and the same applies behind the far goal.  Coming back down the near side touchline we have a smart covered terrace area that progresses into a bench seated stand and we are soon back at the snack wagon at the side of the turnstile.

RAINTON STAND AT BOTTESFORD FC

The ground as a feeling of tidiness and order probably the only downside for the club is the clubhouse being outside of the stadium.
So to the game and after the goal glut of the last few games for the blog it was not long before we were under way again, three minutes to be precise when ex Iron Waynes Graves fired home from the edge of the box.

GRAVES FIRES BOTTESFORD ONE UP

LMR keeper made a good effort to save it as can be seen from the picture below but just failed to get a hand to the effort.

It was 2-0 after 9 minutes with another low strike this time from Danny Boulton.

FIRST FOR BOULTON

A further wait of 20 minutes before the visitors defence was breeched again this time from the penalty spot from Terry Barwick after Graves had been tripped by Ross Walker.  Bottesford made it 4-0 on 33 minutes when Boulton turned provider for Lee Ridley to fire home.  Five minutes before the break Boulton got his second to make it 5 when he dribbled his way through the box and sneakily by passed the keeper who was on the ground by this stage and fired home for a well controlled goal.

5-0 BOULTON GETS HIS SECOND

The visitors replaced keeper Garry Doran at half time but the game continued in the same vein with chances galore for the home side who were guilty of missing some excellent opportunities that in the end should have seen them easily reach double figures.

STEADY LADS

In the opening minutes Boulton was twice in one on one positions with the visiting keeper but he fired wide.  Bottesford did though add to the tally on 51 minutes and it was to be the only goal of the second period when Barwick fired home from the spot for his second after what looked a harsh penalty decision.
The game fell away into a catalogue of missed chances for The Poachers Martin Pembleton saw his effort well turned away by the LMR replacement keeper.  Moments later Boulton put in a lovely cross leaving Matt Steeper with a tap in but frustratingly the ball took an horrendous bobble and missed the Bottesford players boot.  In the final 15 minutes livewire Pembleton again got himself into good positions through his skill and determination but ended up with his final efforts twice just missing the target.
The second half was a frustrating affair when lots more goals looked to be there but just maybe we are getting too greedy now!

Final whistle signalled and we made a hasty retreat to catch the bus back to Scunthorpe and with a little time before our 6.10pm train back to Sheffield we aimed to grab some 'eats' at the local 'spoons'.  At this point John Stark from the club pulled up in his car and very kindly dropped us back in the town right along side the Blue Bell, thanks very much appreciated we look forward to seeing you down with us soon.
The Blue Bell put on a good meal in a busy environment and I have found another one for the rare collection of 'spoons' pubs that have downstairs toilets.  Any regular visitors to these establishment's will know they normally need a climbing guide to mount the stairs and locate the conveniences.
Back at Scunthorpe station we were joined by around 40 Oldham fans who were making their way back home following a draw at Glandford Park.
A change in Sheffield saw us again arrive back in base station at around 7.40pm a steady day out and a visit to a friendly little club in Bottesford Town who march on in search of promotion to the NCEL Premier division.

ARRIVAL AT SCUNTHORPE STATION

SOUTH NORMANTON DEMOLISH ANSTEY IN LEAGUE CUP 1/4 FINAL

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 9 V ANSTEY NOMADS 2
EAST MIDS COUNTIES LEAGUE CUP 1/4 FINAL AT MJ ROBINSON CONST ARENA
24 FEBRUARY 2016 --- 7.45PM

PRE MATCH HUDDLE

A demolition job from the Shiners saw them brush aside Anstey Nomads in their efforts to retain the EMCL league cup.  The first half remarkably produced two hat tricks for Luke Crosby and Lee Fell as the home side stormed onto a 6-1 lead at the break.

GROUND SHINING BRIGHT BEHIND THE COOP

The journey to Alfreton for our change of bus to South Normanton was on a cool night after a previous nights frost the hope was that the game would not suffer a late call off.  The blog encountered Derby County fans waiting for their 'rams special' bus to take them to the I Pro and there was no convincing them to take in a non league, a cracker they were to miss too.
Upon arrival in South Normanton a quick visit to the Coop for a snack revealed the ground which sides onto the store with its light shining brightly hoping to attract some locals.
The ground approach is still quite dark but within the excellent floodlights were illuminating a smart looking ground with excellent playing surface, I wont describe the ground again as it has been covered many times last season, hopefully some of the pictures will give a back drop.

SMART NEW DUG OUTS AT STH NORMANTON ATHLETIC FC

The big plus this season is that the dug outs that were at the front of the touchline stand and blocked spectators views have been removed and brand new excellent ones have been placed on the opposite side, very smart too.  There are also some new signs up supporting The Shiners and advert for Elite Roofing too.

DAVE IS PICTURED ON THE BLOG AGAIN NICE BURNLEY HAT!

The evening was spent in the company of blog regular guest Dave the Flagman who was adorned in his new Burnely FC hat fresh from his previous nights visit to Turf Moor indeed this was his third game in three days having been to Ilkeston v Stamford on Monday.  Also at the game were Mark and Brian Thorpe and alongside Kev Grundy former Swanwick Pentrich Rd manager the blog spent an enjoyable night with all 4.

BUSINESS END OF THE GROUND

The Shiners were 6-1 up by the break with the scoring starting as early as the 7th minute when Crosby fired in a cross goal effort, it was 2-0 on 14 minutes when Fell opened his account.  The third goal came when Anthony Fay set up Crosby for his second after 28 minutes. 
Anstey made a small come back on 35 minutes when Joseph Hartopp rounded the home keeper Steve Smith to slot home.  Smith had to be alert a few moments later when he saved at full stretch from Zak Harris.
Normal service was resumed on 38 minutes when Crosby got his hat trick when he fired home from the edge of the box.  Two goals on 42 and 45minutes saw Atheltic reach 6 and Lee Fell secure his own hat trick both following some lovely free flowing moves.

PRE MATCH WARM UP FOR THE SHINERS

It was a subdued start to the second half after that engrossing first half with goals not returning to the encounter until the 76th minute when Tom Lewis beat the offside trap to fire past Taylor McMillan to make it 7-1.  The eighth came when Fay dispossessed keeper McMillan to slot home into the unguarded net.  A lovely dipping pass from substitute Jamie Pawley set up Kyle Johnson to make it 9 before in the first minute of stoppage time Anstey pulled a goal back when Hartopp got his second with a lovely 20 yard strike.
A cracking goal fest with 11 goals to add to last Saturdays 8 at Bridlington there is a real possibility that a 0-0 game is just around the corner!
A small crowd in attendance tonight with Euro football live on TV it really is a shame though that local footy fans don't come out to their non league clubs to support them they are missing a treat as in tonight's game at South Normanton.

EASTWOOD AND CORONATION PARK DEVELOP FOR THE COMMUNITY

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY FC AND CORONATION PARK
OVERHAUL FOR THE FUTURE AS 3G PITCH IS DEVELOPED
22 FEBRUARY 2016

MAJOR OVERHAUL AT CORONATION PARK

The medium sized town of Eastwood in Nottinghamshire, home of writer DH Lawrence, is about to join the 3g band waggon thanks to a variety of funding streams which included a £111,000 grant from Broxtowe Council to get this ambitious project underway.
Non more so than the recent months with the inclement weather has the need for 3g pitches become more obvious.  Certainly from the blogs point of view games at Bedworth, Stockport Town, Yaxley, Newtown and Coleshill Town have all been playable thanks to the surface.  The surface is of course not some peoples cup of tea but it gives a guarantee of a non league game to be played on a more than true surface and adds local community involvement in sport.

CHEWTON ST ENTRANCE TO CORONATION PK

The local community aspect is certainly important here to Eastwood Community FC who only just short of two years ago since their formation are a part of this ambitious development in a town that looked like it would have no senior football at its previous clubs neat Coronation Park ground.  After a difficult first year when the club stabilised itself in The Central Midlands Football League at step 7 in the non league structure they are riding high currently in 5th spot in the Southern section of the league.
Previous visits to Eastwood have always been a pleasant experience and being only an hour from base I have made a few, the last occasion was in the current clubs first year for a game versus Swanwick Pentrich Rd in December 2014, it will be great to see the new pitch in place hopefully if all goes to plan by early April.

What I believe will make this a success apart from local community involvement with the club and local council contribution is that from a non league supporters perspective the ground is already there and the pitch is being added to an already existing stadium.  Sometimes 3g grounds are new builds and or within leisure complexes this often makes for a strange atmosphere on match days but here at Coronation Park I don't believe this will be the case.
On our visit we managed to get a small chat about the developments and its looking exciting, some of the top soil had been transported to nearby Linby CW FC just a few days before our visit and as the construction company approach getting the base in situ you can see there wont be a game on Coronation Park this weekend.

NEW SPOONS FOR THE BLOG

We did have a quick visit to the local 'Spoons' this time after the 'match' for a new visit.  The Lady Chatterley, named after the DH Lawrence novel, is a smart affair with a nice little meal we discussed the exciting times ahead for the local community in Eastwood and the blog looks forward to getting along to see the finished article in April, best wishes to all concerned in this exciting development.

BRIDLINGTON HIT BRIGG FOR 7

BRIDLINGTON TOWN AFC 7 V BRIGG TOWN 1
NCEL PREMIER LEAGUE @ QUEENSGATE
20 FEBRUARY 2016 --- 3PM

THE IMPRESSIVE MAIN STAND AT BRIDLINGTON TOWN AFC

Early Brigg joy when Luke Anderson fired home after 9 minutes was soon evaporated when The Seasiders hit 7 goals in reply to send them to second spot in The NCEL by the final whistle.
The radar had scanned Bridlington for a first visit many times over the last few seasons and finally today all was in place for an attendance for a game, I had previously visited the ground a few years ago on a summer trip to the seaside town, but just to take a look!
First the boring bit again the weather had played up in mid week and seen Brid's game called off and so a text to the home secretary was a must and thankfully Joe replied with positive news and a promise of a call if the game was in doubt following my Friday evening enquiry, more of Joe later.
Base station start was just before 10am with a train to 'Sheffield only' I love those announcements they should re name it.  Off to purchase a paper before boarding the 1041 to Bridlington and a seat was secured comfortably, indeed our previous experiences on this service have been that you can normally have a pleasant journey to Hull and its become a favourite of the blogs this season.  Passing through Goole were we did the usual are people from the town called 'Goolies' and onward to Brough were we discussed the former horse racing commentator Brough Scott, the things we do to pass the time.  Today was to be quite a test for the tight seats would question our resolve for what was to be a 2 1/4 hour journey from Sheffield alone.  Hull was soon reached and then it was onward past the impressive Beverley Minster and finally arriving in Bridlington just before 1pm.

ONE VIEW OF BRIDLINGTONS BUSY HARBOUR

Greeted by the smell of fish and chips, candy floss and screeching seagulls, well the latter only and of course as in any town there was a big 'T's' by the station entrance.  We had opted for the earlier train to allow for a look around the town and harbour.  We made it a bracing walk around the latter with a wide selection of pleasure crafts moored alongside the working boats that would be in action collecting the shellfish that Brid has become famous for. 

TOO SMALL FOR OUR LUNCH

As the seagulls swooped and cried out we protected all things un attached to us and even toyed with the large hot dogs but when it appeared they were not as big as the signage we moved onwards passing the cracking little harbour by.  Back through the bustling streets of Bridlington town centre we made our way to the Hudgell Solicitors Stadium to give it its sponsored title home of Bridlington Town AFC and of course Scarborough Athletic.  Back roads and the little footpath beside the ground soon found us at the car park and the entrance to Bridlington Town wondering about food we opted for the Queensgate fish shop opposite the ground which provided steady fayre.  Mick had selected chips and curry of which the latter was so strong I could smell it from 20 yards away, if there was a coach 'F' on the return train he would definitely be in there!  Bridlington Rugby Union Club have a ground and smart clubhouse that sides onto the football club and their seconds were in action today, a tempting wuick visit was resisted.
Entrance to the ground was paid along with a raffle and then to the left hand side a couple of programmes, excellent effort by the way well done, from the hut were added.  At this point we met Duncan who is a loyal supporter of Brid and whom we had met a few years ago on our travels to watch a game at Uttoxeter, its was good to catch up with him again and I think he enjoyed what was to follow on the pitch.  There was time during the circuit of the ground to meet Chairman Pete Smurthwaite and secretary Joe who has an interesting story.  Joe is from nearby to the blogs base he is from Ripley and has a lovely story of how 15 years ago he was coming along to his caravan for holidays in Bridlington when he spotted a football fixture versus Mickleover Sports he came along and the rest his history, hooked!

HOME SECRETARY RIPLEY RED JOE IN LOFTED POSITION

The ground tour then turning to the left as mentioned is a programme selling hut with alongside and behind the immediate goal snack bar, bar and an old style static caravan which just looked so right on the east coast football ground.

BRIDLINGTON ABBEY OVERVIEWS PROCEEDINGS

Moving round the far side saddles up with the rugby grounds stand backing onto the football clubs 'bus shelter stand' a cracking little raised terrace placed just behind the dugouts and enough to give Teversal's Tesco trolly shelter stands a challenge for the quirkiest match day accommodation.

THE BUS SHELTER WHERE IS THE 3.20?

The whole ground has a deep walkway around it and the town end goal has a superb Bridlington Town banner which shines out bright from all corners of the ground, the far corner has a small covered area before we reach the highlight of Queensgate.  A 3/4 length stand which sees us reach a raised terrace with brightly painted red barriers before the seats appear and either side of the entrance tunnel two raised hospitality/officials rooms.

VIEW FROM THE TERRACE

Passing the tunnel we reach more seats and a small terraced area before we come back to our original entry point at the main turnstile.

ENTRANCE ONTO THE QUEENSGATE PITCH

The perimeter fencing is a unique slanted tin corrugated fence with advert boards placed upon them at regular intervals.
The crowd slowly came in for todays 'top v bottom' or third v second bottom to be accurate and somewhat of a local derby it has to be said the 97 regular supporters are to be applauded but Bridlington population where are you?  Your home club is doing superbly well and following the Chairman's observations recently it must be so frustrating that the gates are not higher.
As often happens with these games the team who were expected to be poor if their league position was to be believed took the lead!  A neat finish after 9 minutes from Anderson following good work from Lewis Dennison and Scott Hellewell. 

LUKE ANDERSON OPENING GOAL FOR BRIGG, SECOND BEHIND BRID NUMBER 5

Normal service was to resume two minutes later when Will Waudby dribbled his way through before firing low and hard past Jody Barford in the visitors goal.  Half way through the first period Joel Sutton set up Chris Adams  for a powerful finish to give The Seasiders the lead.

 
Brigg were fighting hard and were rather unfortunate to be three more goals down by half time a double strike on 33 and 38 minutes from Joel Sutton made the score 4-1.  It was 5-1 on the stroke of half time with some real hard luck keeper Barford raced out to clear and as he struck the ball it smacked against striker Chris Adams backside and flew back over the goal line for his second.

PETE SMURTHWAITE BRID CHAIRMAN AND BBC RADIO HUMBERSIDE STAR!

Half time gave the blog a quick chance of a photo op with Mr Chairman who was also prominent on a board advertising the supporters trust.
Half time score lines like this often lead to a subdued second half and so it meandered away, was it Brigg battling to get a 2nd half 0-0 or the home side taking the foot off the gas?  Two more goals were added the first on 71 minutes when once again Brigg were doubting their luck, Chris Adams provided a low hard cross that Scott Mathews could only turn into his own goal as he tried to clear the ball.  Four minutes later it was 7-1 Waudby fired in a low cross off the left and substitute Jamie Reeson was on hand to convert with an accurate close range finish.

LOOK AT THE BANNER, LOOKING GOOD

With a ten minute dash back for the 5.05 train we bade goodbye to Queensgate overlooked by Bridlington Abbey and today the deflated green gasometer.  We made it over the railway line before the barriers came down and even had time to pop into the old style station buffet which was, it appeared, privately run and thankfully still open for a few snacks and cans of pop for the long journey ahead.

BRIDLINGTON STATION WITH TO THE LEFT THE OLD STYLE BUFFET

As the train came in on time from Scarborough we were soon re counting a cracking afternoon out as we rattled our way through Driffield and Beverley.  After a short wait for time and crew change at Hull we arrived back in Sheffield via Selby for a 15 minute connection that brought us back to base station at 7.45pm
An enjoyable afternoon at the match in Bridlington with some cracking locals who are enjoying the hard work put in by the clubs volunteers enjoy it 'Seasiders'.

1705 APPROACHING BRIDLINGTON STATION

 

SU POLLARD, BOSTON TOWN, DESBOROUGH TOWN AND MUCH MORE

BOSTON TOWN 1 V DESBOROUGH TOWN 3
UCL PREMIER @ THE DWB STADIUM
13 FEBRUARY 2016 --- 3PM

THE DWB STADIUM

Two first half goals from the visitors was the difference that gave Desborough Town the chance to secure all three points despite a spirited fight back from Boston Town which could just not find the finishing touches their efforts deserved.
Hooray probably for the first time in over 2 months the lead up to this weekends games had not been blighted by rain!  There was the danger though of some pitches still being unplayable so an early text conversation with The Poachers secretary Eddie had led to a confident declaration of 'game on' at just before 10am, thanks for the prompt reply it helped plan the day.

SKEGGY HERE WE CCOME, WELL BOSTON ANYWAY

A steady journey to base station where we booked our tickets from the lovely lady who is our regular clerk and she greeted us with two red heart shaped chocolates, thank you!  Our two carriage train gradually filled to the rafters but from the off today Mick and myself met some chatty and friendly people non more so than a guy on the Nottingham bound train who was originally from Barrow.  We chatted most things sport and even discussed his time as a red coat at a famous holiday camp in North Wales, something that would create a nice link to a later meeting.  Having departed the train at Nottingham and after a small comfort break the Boston train, bound for Skegness was awaiting us and it being a few years since I had last rattled along The Poacher line I was looking forward to a different journey.
Having pulled out of Grantham after a small wait for time and joined via the loop that led us onto the Skegness section of track we came to a sharp halt that jolted us all forward fearing we had probably hit something the driver and guard appeared at the front of the carriage.  It appeared however that a visitor to the toilet had pulled the wrong handle to flush!  We were soon on our way again passing through Sleaford, a town the blog has never visited and a new build ground that can be seen from the line as we departed the station eastwards.

HI DE HI ..................HO DE HO!

Our holiday camp link continued when upon standing up to depart at Boston I managed to be positioned by the side of a lovely lady who straight away got into conversation and the more the chat went on I realised by her accent who this was.  Lets say 'Hi De Hi' to Su Pollard of Peggy fame from the famous comedy series of the same name.  We had a quick chat about football, the emergency brake stop and her trip to see her mum on the east coast, before I plucked up the courage to ask if I could take her picture and before you ask I did not say 'Hi De Hi' but she was such a lovely friendly lady I'm sure she would have replied 'Ho De Ho'.

ST BOTOLPHS, THE STUMP

Time to depart had arrived and leave behind our star traveller as St Botolphs Church beckoned in the distance.  Otherwise known locally as The Stump I had climbed the tower in my younger years with my uncle following a trip from Skegness.

THEY DONT NEED SHELTERS IN BOSTON

A quick diversion to the bus interchange was made because we did think about catching a local bus to the ground at 2pm.  It has to be said though this interchange was very short of information and had only two shelters in its bays.  It looked really poor and certainly did not encourage us when we knew we could walk it to the ground in about 20 minutes.
The town was very busy and there were quite a few people about who were going to see Boston Utd who also had a home game today against Stalybridge.  The walk through the town was a blast from the past having visited many times in my younger years and remembering the old scrap style markets were we amazed at what was being sold, the central area looked very active and as we departed the town centre we headed off onto Tattershall Rd in search of Andy's Chip shop.
The said establishment was about to close in ten minutes but we made it in time and got into conversation about our visit it later appeared the business takes an advert out in the match programme so hopefully that would be encouraging to them having some visitors who were attending the club.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Within a short walk and no dropped chips we arrived on the edge of Witham Way Country Park which housed just inside its boundaries The DWB stadium the home of Boston Town.
I don't normally look at the history of clubs too much because they are readily available but a few points worth noting The Poachers formed in 1964 as Boston later to add 'Town' to their title and for a local link their record victory a few years later was a 12-1 defeat of Clay Cross Works in I guess the old Central Alliance.
As ever it wasn't long before Mick got into conversation with the small crowd of around 30 by kick off time and while I did a circuit he went off in purchase of soup.  The ground is a smashing affair with cover on all four sides the immediate entrance has The Poachers Bar further facilities in The Phoenix, to the opposite side of the turnstiles are the changing rooms and secretaries office.

THE BRIAN CURTIS STAND

Moving down the left hand side is The Brian Curtis stand with a decked raised standing area running 3/4's of the touchline.  Behind the far goal is locally known as the 'dog end' apparently gaining its name from the former dog track to its rear and here we have another covered standing area on raised decking.

THE DOG END

The opposite touchline has another 3/4 length stand which has a set of slightly less blue seats at its centre these were brought in from the former Chesterfield ground at Saltergate and from the Compton St stand.  The ground is large with plenty of hard standing too and its quite impressive for this level of football obviously this sort of set up requires constant attention to the spectator areas and I'm sure is very time consuming to the small band of volunteers here at Tattershall Rd.

CRAIG PARKER CROSSES FOR BOSTON TOWN

The first half saw most of the viewing take place close to the Brian Curtis stand were the local kop had gathered to create a cracking little atmosphere in this very small attendance of around 30.

THE POACHERS KOP IN GOOD VOICE!

Boston showed first when Craig Parker and Jason Field combined to set up Jordan Nuttell who saw his header force visiting keeper Chris Jones into a save low down after 11 minutes.
It was though the visitors who took the lead when Marvin Hill rose to head home from close range after 20 minutes.  Visiting keeper Jones was in good form again on 32 minutes when he saved from Jack Dykes.  Boston continued to loo for the equaliser and Nuttall had a couple of long range efforts with the goal looking open that fell wide before Desborough punished the home side in the second minute of stoppage time.  It was Aidan Bradshaw off the left that set up Jake Bettles who drilled home a convincing low shot to put the visitors 2 up at the break.
Soups all round at half time and to my amazement we sauntered up to the snack bar to be served straight away no queue and while Mick was paying [!] a comfort break also with no waiting also.

ITS ALL UNDER CONTROL

Boston started the second half at a fair old pace and within a minute of the re start Dykes had an effort cleared off the line before on 48 minutes Simon Ashton drove home at the far post to reduce the deficit.  The home side must have had a good re organisation at half time and were camping in the visitors half and it was Nuttell who again was in the right place but once again Jones in the visiting goal pulled off an excellent save.

JACK DYKES CLOSE TO THE ACTION FOR BOSTON TOWN

As so often happens in games were pressure does not result in chances taken the other side score and so it proved on 64 minutes when Jason Turner out muscled the home defence to slot past keeper James Doughty to make it 3-1 to the Northamptonshire side.
Still Boston pushed forward Terry Fleming had a cross goal shot fall just wide before visiting man of the match keeper Jones pulled off a full length save from a Jason Field 25 yard free kick with 9 minutes remaining.  By this stage I think Town had realised it was not going to be their day against a resolute visiting side with a keeper in good form.

A brisk walk back to Boston now on what had become an increasingly cold evening, non more so noticeable than in the second half, saw us with a little time to look around the town centre again and thankfully find a Coop for a few provisions. We located the train station and for what is a smart facade in the day time it has to be mentioned that in the dark of night it is a very disappointing advert for the rail network with little lighting and with the entrance and ticket office closed at 3.20pm it all felt rather a shame.

LOOKS GOOD IN THE DAY TIME BOSTON STATION

The journey back to Nottingham was uneventful enough with no more famous people or incorrect toilet flushes.  A leisurely connection to base station so our arrival at 8.10pm and all in all this had been an enjoyable day at a new ground while visiting a town that I had not seen for a little while.
Hopefully the blog will make a trip to Desborough for a visit soon but I wish Boston Town and their hardy band of volunteers all the best for their undoubted efforts for their club.