ST ANDREWS ALL 'HART' AS THEY HIT ARNOLD FOR 8 TO BECOME CHAMPIONS

ST ANDREWS 8 V ARNOLD TOWN 0
EAST MIDLAND COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE AT CANAL ST
23 APRIL 2016 --- 3PM

ST ANDREWS EMCFL CHAMPIONS

A Steve Hart hat trick barnstormed St Andrews to the league title following this 8-0 demolishing of second bottom club Arnold Town.  On a bobbly end of season pitch it was the home side who lead 5-0 at half time and while Hart completed his hat trick in the 2nd half the Leicester based side really should have entered double figures and barring a couple of good saves and the woodwork they surely would have.  Scenes of joy at the final whistle were capped off by the presentation of the league championship trophy as their band of supporters helped St Andrews complete a successful season which will now see them move up to ply their trade at step 5.
We entered this Saturday's game in a state of doubt only making the decision on the morning, what was going on?  After months of bad weather and postponements the blog could not make its mind up of where to go and I guess over the last 5 months the weather as normally made the choice!  St Andrews as come up so many times that we really had to pop along for a visit and with the season end upon us its quite handy to select a game with something left in it and today a point would see St Andrews claim the EMCFL title so off to Leicester we went.  Later departure than for ages from base station with Sheff Weds being at Derby at 1230 we knew the train service to Leicester would be busy.  Thankfully we managed to grab a seat and had time to have a quick laugh at the platform announcement stating that the first class would be at the front it wasn't it was at the rear so we had a quick dash to the cattle class seats and then a clear lack of counting ability when the train was announced as a 10 carriage service....................it was 7!

WELFORD RD HOME OF LEICESTER TIGERS

Onwards past Derby with a slightly quieter train we departed just short of 1230 an opted for a mini sports ground tour by foot to Canal St home of St Andrews.  First up was Welford Rd home of Leicester Tigers Rugby Union Club and with a smartly developed ground since my last visit to this area of the city it was an impressive visit capped off by a chance to take a look at the club shop.  An impressive line up of items of which Mick purchased some small Tigers embossed goods.  Crossing over the road the chance to brush by the old Filbert St base of Leicester City Football Club and before we did a circuit of their new ground, The King Power Stadium, we found a little jewel of a cricket ground.

ELECTRICITY SPORTS GROUND WITH TIGERS GROUND IN THE BACKGROUND

The Electricity Sports Cricket Ground on Pavillion Close was an oasis in the middle of terraced houses and industrial units and was clearly lining up a game for this afternoon with the rugby ground stand in view behind the pavilion.  Just a short boundary away is The Foxes new home and as they strive to claim the Premiership title the club shop was doing a brisk trade and we had a walk around the perimeter of the ground.

THE KINGPOWER STADIUM

Taking our leave and venturing along Saffron Rd past the athletics stadium and on to Friar Lane and Epworths ground, formerly Friar Lane Old Boys, there was activity and thankfully we were able to get a picture of the ground.

FRIAR LANE AND EPWORTH ON KNIGHTON LANE

I had missed this fixture today against top of the table Birstall and this was slightly disappointing as we felt a little rude popping off to St Andrews after a little chat with one of the spectators bit we certainly hope to visit for a game in what will now be next season.  The railway line looks down upon the ground and having seen it from the train many times it was interesting to see an East Midlands train pass the ground today as we visited.  Back to the small red ball now as we walked through Aylestone Park to Grace Rd home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club.  The ground was looking immaculate and was now adorned with their brand new floodlights which I believe had been finally installed this week which will enable the club to play evening 20/20 games and county championship games in darker conditions.  Had we have had a little more time close by is the Leicester City academy and Aylestone Park FC's ground.

GRACE RD WITH ITS NEW FLOODLIGHTS

Having got back on track we were soon approaching the home of St Andrews FC down Canal St over the humped back bridge which allows you to cross the Canal and turning left we were greeted by the friendly and welcoming two 'L's' in Lisa and Les who were our first contacts with the club at the pay booth.

LES AND LISA OFFERING A WARM WELCOME TO ST ANDREWS FC

We have said before but a warm early welcome makes a good impression and here we received this again, thanks!  Turnng into the ground the club are clearly fencing off their ground from the car park and changing rooms with green meshed fencing and installing a new full size turnstile, probably formerly from Leicester City, at the side of their stand.

NEW TURNSTILE BLOCK

The club house and changing rooms are set back to one side behind the stand and we managed to sample an excellent chip cob for a pound, other clubs take note this is real non league food at a very reasonable price.  So reasonable that we proceeded to purchase during the afternoon a selection of lucozades and snacks, Mick even sampled his favourite Bovril in addition.  With teams gained thanks to todays match officials there was time for a circuit of the ground and with hard standing all round the far side of the ground houses the dug outs and behind them further training pitches.

CLUBHOUSE AND STAND AT CANAL ST

The main stand is a smart small affair one step up from an Atcost facility and that really sums up the ground there is not too much else to describe but on this pleasant afternoon it offers an acceptable stadium which is tucked away on the edge of the city and away from the hustle and bustle.  I guess any community events and pre season friendlies would be very enjoyable in the summer months here.
So to the game and Arnold were soon in trouble as St Andrews stormed to an unsurmountable lead.  It took just 4 minutes for the home side to take the lead and a cracker it was too Eliot Putman looping a 25 yard effort over visiting keeper Ross Cherry, it was 2-0 after 11 minutes when Joe Latham powered home his back post header.

2-0 JOE LATHAM

You began to fear for the Nottinghamshire visitors when they went 3 down on 17 minutes when Rob Morgan saw his low driver beat Cherry.  Just before the half way stage of the first half it was 4 when Putman put in a near post cross that Shay Brennan cheekily back heeled into the visitors goal.

Following a lull in the goal scoring it was 5 minutes before the break until St Andrews made it 5-0 thanks to Steve Hart whose cross goal shot fell past the visiting keeper.
The second half started frustratingly for the home side substitute Lewis Turland saw his header crash back off the bar and then Hart had an effort cleared off the line by the visitors Jordan Wall.  Normal service was resumed though on 68 minutes with a wonderful goal, Rob Morgan picked the ball up on the half way line and powered his way through the Arnold defence before rounding the keeper to slot home to further extend the lead.

STEVE HART

It was 7-0 when Hart saw his header come back off the right hand post but he was on hand to pop the ball over the line.  The home number 10 was now in search of his hat trick and on 77 minutes the home side hit the post this time with the strikes shot rebounding to safety.  There was no denying Hart his hat trick though and with 7 minutes remaining he teed himself up 10 yards out and as the ball came down he convincingly fired home to make it 8-0 and by this stage the Championship Trophy was being prepared by the League officials for presentation immediately after the final whistle.

HART MAKES IT 8 AND COMPLETES HIS HAT TRICK

A very successful season for St Andrews who over the last few seasons have consistently showed improvements in both FA Vase appearances and League positions.  They can enjoy their summer celebrations and await their next league placement.  This was a difficult afternoon for Arnold Town who battled away all afternoon trying hard to defend and clear their lines but St Andrews were just too good for them today.
Handily at the end of the game the Aquamarine boys provided an immediate service 87 back to the city and just after 5.30pm we were on our way back to base station for arrival 50 minutes later.  All included and enjoyable visit to Leicester sporting sites and St Andrews the champions of the EMCFL.

MORE CELEBRATIONS FOR ST ANDREWS

HALLAM BOOK PLAY OFF SPOT THANKS TO BLYTHEN HAT TRICK

HALLAM 4 DRONFIELD TOWN 1
NCEFL 1 @ STONELOW RD DRONFIELD [FIXTURE REVERSE]
21 APRIL 2016 7.45PM

BLYTHEN CELEBRATES THE FIRST OF HIS HAT TRICK

The pace of Michael Blythen and his resulting hat trick helped secure Hallam a comfortable victory in the end with the much desired play off spot secured for the Sandygate club.
After covering Dronfield Town a couple of times over the last few weeks a journey tonight to Stonelow Rd was excused by the fact that this was actually a home game for Hallam who had secured a fixture reversal due to the cricket club requiring Sandygate.  Thankfully the weather has relented and Stonelow Rd has become playable and with this fixture added to the backlog we could have been in a mess if we had received further rain.

 
The proceedings were confusing to the ageing blogger after watching Dronfield play in their away yellow kit over the last couple of visits tonight they were technically the away team but played in their home kit, red, and Hallam played in their away kit of.....yellow.  Interestingly programmes were produced by Dronfield who also occupied the home dug outs too.  There was a good gathering tonight with a fair few hoppers adding to the healthy crowd of 118, bizarrely the same number winning raffle ticket number, who enjoyed a first half in mild weather before the chill hit big time in the second half.
As ever the blog visited the fish and chip shop department but I have made a decision not to show the delicacy again.

MR P AND CHIPS

Instead here are a few pictures of other people, Mr W and Mr P, enjoying CHIPS at the ground.

MR W AND CHIPS

As ever it was good to catch up with the officials at Dronfield, fellow hoppers and Mr Matt Walsh Alfreton Town FC, among others, and now assessing after a period of refereeing that took him to the Conference.

DRONFIELD TOWN SUGGEST A SHOCK FORMATION TO HALLAM MANAGER HINDLEY

To the game and Hallam were out of the traps like a champion greyhound and the pace of Blythen was proving a test the home side would have to be on their guard to defend for the whole of the 90 minutes if they were to get anything from this game.  Dronfield suffered a break in their defensive wall after 7 minutes when Blythen broke through and slotted past the out coming Stephen Booth in the home goal.  A few moments later Blythen nearly added to his tally but his shot was cleared off the line by Sam Fisher before Janna Lipka fired the follow up over the bar.

WARM UPS FOR HALLAM FC

Dronfield were gradually getting a feel for the game and on 15 minutes produced the goal of the game a Jamie Vardy style effort.  A long clearance from Booth assisted Lee Anthony who from 25 yards out lashed the ball first time over the visiting keeper Dave Darwent for a wonderful strike.
Just as the game looked to be heading towards a 1-1 half time score line it was Hallam who scored from what looked like a poor corner off the left low and flat delivered by Elliott Simpson the shock came when Jed Phillips short of the near post produced and excellent sharp deflective finish.
The second half began with the question mark of could Dronfield contain Hallam and strike on the break and indeed on 59 minutes they nearly did when keeper Darwent pulled off an excellent save from Callum Mawbey.
It was now time for Hallam to press on and the speed of Blythen was becoming  more difficult for a tiring home side to cope with on 64 minutes he powered through more or less unchallenged and found an excellent left foot finish from just inside the box.  The impressive Hallam front man completed his hat trick four minutes later when he strode through the Dronfield defence rounding keeper Booth and slotting home to make it 4-1.
Just short of full time Blythen could have got his fourth but this time the post came to the saviour of the home side.
The final whistle saw happy scenes for the Hallam supporters and as the players respectfully thanked the referee and opposition they made their way to the changing rooms were their joyful celebrations began at reaching the play offs.  Good news for the club, team and its quality manager Ryan Hindley I well remember seeing Hallam losing their premier status a few years ago at Arnold Town and hopefully the club have a good play off campaign, if they play like they are capable they may well take some stopping.

BIZZARE

HUCKNALL VICTORIOUS AS SEARCH FOR 2ND PLACE GOES ON

SWANWICK PENTRICH RD 0 V HUCKNALL TOWN 2
CMFL SOUTH AT HIGHFIELD RD
19 APRIL 2016 --- 6.30PM

HIGHFIELD RD ACTION

A goal 2 minutes from time from Hucknall's Niall Thompson made the three points safe as the visitors look to gather enough points to secure runners up spot in the CMFL South.  A goal on the half hour mark from Montell Gatland had given Town the lead they needed but it was not until Thompson's late strike that they could settle as Swanwick pushed them all the way.
Short mid week journeys are approaching aplenty as the season draws to a close and to badly quote Dave the flagman 'it's time for the camel to drink enough water before the drought', referring to the massive 7 week break before pre season begins!

RESPECT GREETINGS

A short direct journey from base for this 6.30pm kick off at Highfield Rd saw us depart at St Andrews Parish Church Mick waited for chips and curry while I popped to the immaculate Go Local store for a fill of sausage rolls and fizzy beverage.  On the walk to the ground Mick embarrassingly told me he had realised he had paid £5.50 for chips and curry, small version, and added 'it's a good job I didn't order large' otherwise he would have needed to pop back into nearby Alfreton to arrange a loan.  Clearly an error but we were well on our way now to Highfield Rd for tonight's early kick off which on a bright evening would not have any problems in relation to light by 90 minutes.

GETTING READY FOR AN ON TIME KICK OFF

Recently I have commented on late kick off times for 7.45pm games and often these CMFL/step7 games have problems kicking off on time, here both teams and the match officials headed up by referee Neil Allsop needed to take credit we were well underway by 6.30pm.

ASSISTANT REFEREE WALKER ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP

Before kick off and during the first half there was a chance to catch up with Lee from Swanwick and assistant referee Stuart Walker. Then during the game a chat with former SPRD manager Kev Grundy and Selston man in charge Craig Weston, pleasure as ever guys.  Referees assessor Malc Gratton was in attendance but sadly I missed him during the night and upon looking for him at half time I guess he had popped inside for his cake intake!
The home side have a enough games to fit in before the end of the season to feed any hungry non league fan and tonight's fixture against Hucknall Town looked a good one.

It was Swanwick who should have taken the lead early on but Ash Buxton failed to connect convincingly at the far post seeing his effort fly over the bar.  The confident start that Hucknall had made did though lead to them taking the lead just shy of the half hour mark when Gatland turned on the right hand side of the box and fired a cross goal effort into the far corner of the Swanwick goal.  By half time Hucknall were looking comfortable but would definitely need a second goal to secure victory.  The 2nd 45 minutes though saw the game develop into a box to box encounter, entertaining but little in the way of goal mouth action.  Hucknall front man Thompson did break the second half drought though, his pace had threatened to do so on a few earlier occasions, on 88 minutes when he fired home after his first shot had been well blocked.

Hucknall's management team could now relax with that extra cushion and very shortly afterwards referee Allsop, who had controlled the fixture well, called an end to proceedings as the evening sun subsided to leave a chilly night behind.

HUCKNALL TOWN'S MANAGEMENT TEAM

An enjoyable evening at the 'match' and good to see and end of season game receive a smart little up to date programme which was a steady effort providing the needed for information.

REFEREE ALLSOP OVERS HIS 'CALM DOWN' TALK

STAFFORD RANGERS CELEBRATIONS PUT ON ICE

STAFFORD RANGERS 0 V BASFORD UTD 0
EVOSTIK DIVISION 1 SOUTH @ MARSTON RD
16 APRIL 2016 --- 3PM

STAFFORD NUMBER 1 ADAM WHITEHOUSE IN ACTION

At the end of 90 minutes the hoped for celebrations for the massive crowd of 1,250 were put on hold as Stafford were unable to break down a resilient Basford side who really should have won the game in the end but they failed to convert 2 penalties.  Much as Stafford saw shots blocked and saved with visiting keeper Saul Deeney in fine form it was home stopper Adam Whitehouse that was the toast of the day for Rangers with his two spot kick saves.
Here we go again then Saturday morning and this time its not just overnight rain but snow in some areas that sees many a game fall foul of the weather and the decision was made to take in Stafford Rangers for what would be a surprising first visit to club and town for the blog.  The Marston Rd club are rich in history with an evocative ground with many interesting corners and areas to it, this was made even more so when we arrived just at the right time to be given a mini guided tour of the ground by Peter the clubs sponsors greeter, thanks for an interesting look around and insight into the club.

TOWARDS THE 'SHED'

So we set off with a first change at Derby followed by Tamworth arriving in Stafford at just after 1230.  A quick stroll around the streets taking in a few of the points of interest soon had us on the way to the ground along the Marston Rd.  The club, ground and street name is famous around the non league scene but I have to say the walk along Marston Rd was quite uninspiring tight narrow streets in what I guess was the old part of Stafford not offering much of interest never mind a chippy!
Our arrival at Stafford Rangers FC saw a very welcome tour from the afore mentioned Peter which set us up well for the afternoon, we relaxed back for a drink in one of the many lounge/bar area, our selection being the Stan Robinson Suite which was a little quieter.  The Chairman's Suite received a visit from the blog and here the club were entertaining sponsors with pre match meals from a smart hospitality area offering some good views of the pitch too.  We re entered the ground having paid our admission through a rather tight turnstile block that once inside offered an immediate chance to purchase todays match day programme from the adjacent cabin, which later saw the teams posted on its wall.

THE MAIN STAND AT MARSTON RD

The ground shows us straight ahead with the chance to walk through the players tunnel entrance and onwards to get hold of some 50/50 tickets within this area is the club shop and large external snack cabin, which I guess is franchised out.  Here I left Mick to purchase while I made a trip around to take some pictures, but on the way back when he approached with a small cone of chips containing about 10 of the potato delicacy for £2 my fellow traveller was a bit disappointed.  Onwards and the impressive main stand is deep and straddles either side of the half way line and entry costs a further £1.  Behind the stand is an exit that we use at the end of today's proceedings and beyond the stand a deep terracing which continues to the rear of the far goal the 'shed' end which fans are trying to raise money to re roof after the previous stand was dismantled after the clubs brief journey into the Conference in the early 2000's.

VIEW FROM THE 'SHED'

The far side is a covered terrace with the first part of the structure steel supported and the second part wooden.  Coming back to behind the goal where we entered is the club house and its array of suites.  So overall a large crowd that supports the history of this successful club that saw glory days in the 1970s with its FA Trophy wins and Alliance League participation.  The football club appears to be on the up after some difficult days over the last decade, but with the team sat at the top of the Evostik Division 1 South the crowds are clearly there if current attendances are anything to go by.  Clearly a sleeping giant but I think the club are determined not to over commit and create any future problems that may threaten its future. 
Todays visitors Basford Utd are sitting comfortably in 4th place and confident of a play off place but for Stafford to secure the title today and see the silverware presented they have to better Shaw Lane Aquaforce's result.

Stafford started sharply and visiting keeper Saul Deeney had to be alert to save Ben Haseley's shot after 12 minutes.  Basford had spent the early stages thwarting the home sides advances but were awarded a penalty on 25 minutes when Jermain Hollis was brought down in the box.  The spot kick was well hit by Stuart Hendrie, although poorly placed, and Adan Whitehouse got his body in the way to keep the score goal less.  Just past the half an hour mark Deon Meikle went in on a sharp challenge which Levi Reid took exception to and we were into a mass confrontation scenario.  Once it had all calmed down referee Robbie Dadley consulted his nearest assistant Jade Prince and 4 players were cautioned, 2 from either side.

DEON MEIKLE SEES YELLOW

Stafford very nearly scored on 41 minutes when Peter Till burst into the box but again Deeley was at his best to deny Rangers.

Into the second half Josh Craddock headed over for the home side and as I began to predict the inevitable 0-0 conversation was started with Raph, formerly of Leeds but now living in Stafford.  He was clearly enjoying supporting Rangers over the last few years that he has been in the town and it was an enjoyable second half of conversation, than you pleased to see you.  Just short of the hour mark Stafford came very close to a deadlock breaker when Haseley hit the bar with an edge of the box shot.  The home side upped the tempo with Christian Dacres shooting just over on 78 minutes and then it was time for substitute Ahmed Obeng to add his skill to proceedings.  A superb run cutting in off the right set up Hasley whose shot was saved by Deeney and then a few minutes later Obeng got an effort in on goal that once again Deeney was equal too.  With a minute of the 90 to go Obeng looked to have fired home from close range only for the ball to hit his own team mate in Sam Griffiths to block the ball on the line.

MEIKLE HOLDS OFF THE STAFFORD CHALLENGE OF LEVI REID

Referee Dadley signalled 4 minutes time to be added and in the second of these Basford were awarded another chance to win this game when Antony Griffiths Junior was upended in the box and substitute Ruben Wiggins Thomas stepped up started his run hovered waiting for keeper Whitehouse to chose which way to dive, he didn't and stood upright to pull off his second penalty save of the game.
Result wise this was a weird game Deeney was in excellent form for Basford between the sticks, Basford defended well but Stafford should have probably won it.  But on the counter balance Basford's two missed penalties were and amazing chances going begging to take all three points back to Nottinghamshire.

HAPPY DAYS THE 1755 IS CANCELLED

A steady walk back to Stafford station for the 1755 departure only to arrive with 25 minutes to spare and a glance up at the departures board to see that horrible word 'CANCELLED', happy days once again London Midland miss a service for us its the second time in 4 weeks.  With over an hour to wander around we visited the big 'M' for some fast food and reclined in the lovely sunny Victoria Park watching some bowls and enjoying the warmth of the April evening sun, good grief its almost like poetry!  The cancellation was annoying to say the least but this extra hour spent watching and chatting to the bowls players was an nice addition to the blogs visit to Stafford.

VICTORIA PARK ON A SUNNY APRIL EVENING

The time arrived and thankfully the 1855 was not cancelled and with a brief change at Tamworth and Derby we were back at base station an hour later than planned at just before 2030.
With Shaw Lane also returning a draw the football goes on for both clubs but I guess Stafford, with a tough game at Coalville, next week just have to keep calm and keep doing what has served them so well so far this season.

DRONFIELD TOWN SOMEHOW LOSE OUT TO YORKSHIRE AMATEUR

DRONFIELD TOWN 1 V YORKSHIRE AMATEUR 2
NCEFL 1 @ STONELOW RD
14 APRIL 2016 --- 7.45PM

The loss of 3 points from this game for Dronfield could only be put down to some wayward finishing when on chances created they could have approached enough efforts to have won three games.  Leading at half time thanks to a debut goal from Ferdi Celic the second half continued in the same pattern with the home side creating chance after chance but as so often happen in football miss your chances and when the opposition gets a chance they punish you.  Well here it was 2 as Amateur's first levelled through Carl Heard and then won it with three minutes of the 90 remaining when Harrison Blakey popped up to convert.
So here we were again Thursday night it must be Dronfield Town as the home side look to catch up on their earlier season postponements the chance of some football and of course fish and chips from The Jolly Friar are a big pull for the blog!
As ever there is always a debate of whether to feature the fish and chips but after much demand from regular readers I relented and here they are looking exquisite.

FISH AND CHIPS AND DRONFIELD TOWN THE ULTIMATE NIGHT!

A warm greeting from the usual on duty staff at Dronfield as previously mentioned us always a bonus and on the evening it was a chance to tale a look at Yorkshire Amateur a side I don't come across too often. 
Following Tuesday night called off fixture against Hull Utd todays game was given the go ahead at just after 2pm and thankfully although heavily sanded in the top corner the ground is starting to look a little drier, however I guess that a few hours worth of rain would still give the club problems.  During the close season they are hopeful of upgrading the drainage which will give them more confidence of home games surviving some of next seasons undoubted downpours.

After our last visit Town threw the gates open for the fixture versus Penistone Church after a leaflet drop around the town and this allowed the club to welcome nearly 200 spectators to the game.  A tremendous effort but somewhat disappointing to see just 28 at tonight's game.  However during the evening it was good to catch up with a new supporter who normally attends Sheffield Utd games but enjoyed his visit to Stonelow Rd that he had come back for some more good honest local football.
As ever a quick look at the game with he addition of I'm afraid just a few pictures as it was a dark night not allowing for the best in photos.
Dronfield's efforts in the first half had only got debutant Cellics goal to show in the score line and his 27th minute strike was just enough to take into the second period.  After the break we continued in the same fashion after 48 minutes Daniel Hoyland saw his shot saved by visiting keeper Ben Hunter.  Five minutes later it was the visiting number 1 who missed his kick that allowed Sam Bebbington to hare down on goal but as he hesitated he allowed the visitors defence to get back to recover the situation.

TONIGHTS MATCH OFFICALS HEADED UP BY REFEREE COLIN UNWIN

It was clearly developing into a game of missed chances and they were made to pay for them on 67 minutes when good work from Joel Hughes set up Heard to fire home to level the scores.
Shocked by the equaliser Dronfield responded well but their finishing was off target and the ultimate smash and grab was completed on 87 minutes when a visiting break away numbered 3 against 1 and substitute Daniel Sherriff saw his effort blocked away for a corner by home keeper Steven Booth, from the corner Blakey fired home and the three points were neatly parcelled back up for the return journey to Leeds.
An enjoyable evening all round and oh yes game kick off time late again at 7.49pm with a finish of around 9.45pm but with thanks once again to Ian for a return journey lift the blog was able to stop to the final whistle.

CHENECKS PROMOTION PUSH CONTINUES WITH THRAPSTON WIN

NORTHAMPTON ON CHENECKS 3 V THRAPSTON TOWN 0
UINTED COUNTIES LEAGUE 1 @ BILLING RD
9 APRIL 2016 --- 3PM

BILLING ROAD GROUND OF CHENECKS

The promotion push continued for Chenecks with a comfortable victory over mid tabled Thrapston Town the home side were 2 up inside the first quarter of an hour and with an additional goal early in the second half securing victory.  The collection of 3 points saw the gap between themselves and third placed club Stewarts and Lloyds at four points and with the end of the season beckoning its a short sprint to the line for the Chenecks.
Heavy overnight rain had not put too many fears into our minds and we set off for a 4 train journey to Northampton for a new ground and also a new town.  Having done some research on the town there was a willingness to arrive a few hours before kick off to allow time for a little mini tour on foot around some of the sites but I await a quick revisit to take in the cricket club and a more leisurely look at the large town centre.

HERE WE GO FIRST CHANGE DERBY

So to a start from base station at just after 10am with the first change at Derby allowing 15 minutes before we departed from the high level Tamworth station to climb down to the low level with again a 15 minute wait for the train to Rugby where we would make our final change with 5 minutes allowed.  So at 1220 the blog arrived at Northampton for the very first time and we set off in search of some of the sights that we had taken an interest in.  Before leaving this morning a friend this had  shouted 'cobblers', how rude I thought but of course he was referring to the nick name of Northampton Town and of course one of the towns famous trades.  Today surprisingly The Cobblers were at home along with the three UCL non league clubs in Northampton Spencer, Northampton Sileby Rangers and of course Onchecks.  One thing that struck me though was the tremendous sporting interest in the town with the aforementioned clubs we also had rugby union side Northampton Saints who play at Franklin Gardens and was on the tour as our first stop.

THE TOWERING FLOODLIGHTS AT NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CRICKET CLUB
OVERSEE TODAYS PROCEEDINGS

There was also the former racecourse which featured later on the walk and then with a good view of the floodlights from our final destination Wantage Rd the home of the counties cricket club and of course former home of Northampton Town.

GREAT POSTER FEATURING THE MUPPETS SWEEDISH CHEF

While setting off towards Franklin Gardens we came across a cracking poster of The Sweedish Chef from The Muppets advertising new look large crumpets.  We were soon at Franklin Gardens and also a view of the National Lift Tower a dominating structure that overlooks the west of Northampton at over 400 foot tall it was built for GEC's Express Lifts Company and contained shafts to test varying lifts and situations that may occour during operation.

FRANKLIN GARNDERNS HOME OF THE SAINTS

It was built in the early 80's and in 1997 became the youngest grade 2 listed building.  It is now also used as an abseiling structure, sadly with time pressing we opted not too go right to the base of this tower and just take a few pictures from the rugby ground.

SKY LINE DOMINATING NATIONAL LIFT TOWER

We set off back over the railway bridge on Spencer Bridge Rd and towards the old Barratts shoe factory on Kingsthorpe Rd.  The office block was the main purpose of the visit now lying sadly empty this building must have been iconic in its times, you could only imagine the activities around the site in its heyday.

FORMER BARRATTS SHOE FACTORY OFFICES

Walking back into the town there was time to stand a while by the former racecourse and see the site now used by many as a present day recreational area.  The town was looking busy with the hustle and bustle of the market and there was just time to visit the exquisite Guildhall of which the picture does not do credit to this magnificent building.

THE SMART GUILDHALL BUILDING IN THE TOWN CENTRE

Following a smart walk back to Gold St we opted for a number 5 bus to journey along Billing Rd to Old Northamptonians sports complex.  On the journey you could see many of the 60's and 70's building under development and there was a feel of positive redevelopment in the town, I look forward to revisiting for a better look at the town centre soon.

THE PAVILION

The short bus journey brought us to the complex which his centred on the Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion the site covers cricket, rugby league and of course football.  We managed to take a look in the pavilion on a quick comfort break and with the bar area being upstairs there is an excellent balcony view offering a commanding view of the complex.

AN EARLY WELCOME FROM THE 'GATE' AT CHENECKS

Entry to the football ground by admission and purchase of programmes was met by a pleasant conversation and greeting by the chaps present.  We soon met club and match day secretary Bryan who offered us the warmest of welcomes and was most helpful during the afternoon, a credit to the club.  As we said after last weeks non greeting by the gateman at Chasetown this first impression by both turnstile operators and club officials is so important and here we found Onchecks getting it right, indeed he went on to warmly welcome the visitors from Thrapston too.

THE STAND AT BILLING RD

The first conundrum that needs answering here is one that Bryan says most people ask about the club Northampton ON Chenecks, what, where, why?  Luckily I had done a bit of research but thankfully Michael could confirm our understanding.  With association from the Grammar School over the road the full title for the club is Northampton Old Northamptonians Onchecks.  The Chenecks is derived of letters from the schools houses namely Chipseys, Spencer, Beckett and St Crispins.
Having had a little chat we made use of the tea bar and were soon on our second hot beverage and a bridge roll with hot dogs and onions.  The ground then is of course enclosed from the road but quite open with the site.  By our entrance a turn to the left brings us past bat a row of seats attached to the front of an immediate club building we move onto the snack bar and then 'Bat and Ball' bar and toilets.  To the end of this building a small gap before the previously mentioned pavilion which at its base provides the changing rooms for todays teams and officials.  The whole ground is railed off and has three floodlights down either side the top side that we are on is on the edge of the cricket square and that end of the football season are taken down.  This area obviously remains grass standing has does the area behind the far go which is bordered by a further football pitch.  Coming back down the far touchline we encounter the dug outs and behind them a storage building.

REMEMBERING COUNTY CRICKET DAYS IN THE 70'S

The small main stand is an interesting building with the internal part of the stand very different to the building its made up of old staging bench seating very much like the old Queens Park Chesterfield accommodation.  Its quirky but you have to be careful because you can soon call through the stand never to appear again, ha ha.  A smart conifer boundary hedge brings you back to the entrance and time for another tea when at this point the blog spots former England Cricketer and international umpire Peter Willey who kindly posed with club secretary Bryan for a picture.

FORMER ENGLAND CRICKETER PETER WILLEY WITH CLUB SECRETARY BRYAN

Indeed Peters son, David is also well known to the club although he has now moved to Yorkshire for the current season.  In this sports mad town its also a pull of the eye to see the massive cricket ground floodlights in the back ground of the action.

1-0

To the football and for todays teams this was a reversal of last weeks fixture when On Chenecks won 2-0 at Thrapston.  It did not take them long to follow that pattern and they were 2-0 up today inside 11 minutes, the first goal came after just 2 minutes when clipped home a left wing corner and the second saw Adam Spalding fire home after good work down the left hand side.

2-0

Visiting keeper Liam Fox pulled of sharp save from a Calvin Budd free kick that resulted in a corner for the home side.

CELEBRATIONS AT 2-0

As the second half started On Chenecks quickly made it 3 -0 after 52 minutes when a bullish run from the half way line by Ben Lewington saw him reach the right hand side of the box to square the ball for Spalding to fire home for his second.

THRAPSTON ON THE BALL

There was a lull to proceedings although keeper Fox still had to be alert to deny Ben Foster and it was the visitors who tried to break down the home defence but time after time their moves broke down on the edge of the home sides penalty box.  The game developed into a mid field affair irregularly prompted by home substitute Brandon Williams running which threatened to bring us a further goal.

REFEREE HENRY AS TIME FOR A QUICK SMILE

The second half meandered along and when the calm and impressive referee Carl Henry blew for time shortly after 4.45 it was time to bid farewell to the club and make a sharp walk back to the town and our ultimate destination Northampton station.
It was certainly a sharp walk but we arrived at just after 5.15pm and boarded the waiting train to depart at Rugby.  Here we had a wait of around 50 minutes and after a little walk round the little 'T's' we looked a short distance up Craven Rd and Mick spotted 'Extra Fish Bar' something we had not seen on our visit to Rugby Town FC last season.  This may be a new shop but it was busy with locals, always a good sign, so off we went in for a little fish and chip supper.  They were very nice and filled in our walk brief walk back to the station whereupon we took a little look at the adjacent Stagecoach bus depot which seems to be a base for some very large Megabus vehicles.

LEFT HAND DRIVE MEGABUS COACH AT RUGBY DEPOT

Back on board we were soon on our way to Tamworth were we had a further 30 minute wait and then onwards to Derby and this time a quick change of platform for an immediate departure to base station for an arrival just short of 8.30.  Following some sharpish changeovers on our outbound journey the return leg was a little stilted with some time to fill in ably supported by fish and chips of course!
Todays visit was fully enjoyable visiting this interesting town and a charming little club in Northampton ON Chenecks who offered all visitors, regular or irregular, a warm welcome, best wishes guys!

THE MODERN NORTHAMPTON STATION