ECKINGTON CRICKET CLUB T20 SUCCESS

ECKINGTON V CUTTHORPE V DENBY
DERBYSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE PREMIER T20 POOL B
@ STAVELEY LANE ECKINGTON
30 MAY 2016 11AM/2PM/5PM

Summer is here and so must be cricket.  Great opening delivery but as anybody who knows the English climate it was a chilly start! Upon arrival in Eckington on this Bank Holiday Monday morning the streets were pretty quiet, with some people clearly just waking.  But just a 1/4 of a mile away from the town centre the hustle and bustle of 20/20 cricket was about to begin.
The blog as ever arrived by public transport and this Sunday service meant a comfortable arrival for a little look around the centre and then spotting a superbly named tanning studio that also offered toning plate machines are you ready for it?  'Tan an Tone io', you couldn't make it up except somebody did.  After an early chuckle the rather sad site of the former Royal Hotel, which was looking anything like, was now unloved and closed.  The walk along Southgate soon found us at the gates to Renishaw Hall which is the home of the Sitwell family the landowners of the area and who are landlords to the Eckington Cricket Club our ultimate destination.

RENISHAW HALL ENTRANCE GATES

Access to the cricket club is by a separate track which serves the estates farm and is a little walk up a steep incline within 5 minutes we are at the entrance and soon the ground opens up before us with a little right hand turn.

ECKINGTON CRICKET CLUB.....WELCOME

A welcoming sign greets you and immediately to the right is the snug scoreboard and following on the clubhouse, groundsmans garage and separate changing rooms.  Moving around the boundary which is heavily tree lined there is selection of training nets, to the opposite side of the clubhouse is a stone wall which divides you from the Hall's vineyard.  Its a shame this is in the covers because if it was a bowling end I cant think of any other grounds that could announce 'the new bowler form the vineyard end is....'.

THE VINEYARD BOUNDARY

Coming back towards our initial entry point you now run in parallel with the track road of our entry point.  Other furniture here at Staveley Rd are a couple of nice sized sight screens, a lovely collection of bench and modern seats for spectators and a cracking old steam engine for heavy rolling duty that as probably found a resting place at wide and very deep long on.

SCOREBOARD AT ECKINGTON

On my return from the obligatory circuit I met Chris Drury a life member of Eckington Cricket Club who had been connected with the club since 1962.  Mr Drury had asked me about the camera swinging around my neck and upon telling him about the blog he proceeded to introduce me to club Chairman Andy Vaughan who was busy chasing around and who I would catch up with later.  Anyway Mr Drury clearly loved the club and living just down the road within the town he was proud of its achievements over the years in current terms he spoke proudly about the academy players and the development of a new clubhouse that the club had just received a grant for.  Indeed it was clear how important the club was too him as he got quiet emotional at their achievements.

ECKINGTON C C YAERBOOX

Eckington after a years away in 2014 had returned last season to the Premier League a place were they remain for this season and now entry into the Premier T20 were we see today's 3 teams compete against one another with a pool of 4 across Derbyshire.  Todays nearest and the only one in the North of the county had encouraged me and the appearance of the overseas players was a pull too, sadly upon arrival I found out that they are not eligible for the T20 tournament.  All three clubs have and overseas professional and the three players were all in attendance today to support their teammates.
Cutthorpe have South African Josh Savage who I believe is carrying a shoulder injury at present, with Eckington welcoming a fellow countryman in Johan Davell.  The latter is a 21 year old right hand bat and right arm off break bowler back home he plays for Sinoville, plus he drives a mighty heavy roller!  Eckington also have a Derbyshire County Cricket Club player allocated to them in Billy Godleman.  The other side in todays encounter are Denby and they have New Zealander Brett Randell and with Denby not due to start until the 2pm game we had a chance to catch up with him later.
Having retired into the clubhouse for a refreshment break I can tell you that of course the club want to renew the facilities but it has a warm and welcoming feel to it with a small bar area and snack hatch and kitchen alongside some toilets, which were nice and clean.  While inside I managed to take a look at Eckington's impressive little yearbook/magazine its always good to see teams make the effort this way.

JOHN BALFOUR ON HIS WAY TO A CENTURY

We were now ready for the first game which would feature Eckington, batting first, versus Cuttthorpe and this was probably the most exciting free hitting innings of the day with the home side reaching 222 for 5.  The main feature being John Balfour hitting 115 off of 38 balls including 12x6's and 6x4's, some big shots in there and a well deserved ovation when the player was finally dismissed just before the close of Eckington's innings.

BALFOUR TAKES THE APPLAUSE

In fairness this was a massive total and Cutthorpe batted out their 20 overs to reach 101 for 8.
During the first game it was good to catch up with Nigel Smith Football League assistant referee who had popped along to watch one of his mates playing for Cutthorpe.  It was also good to spot former Derbyshire wicketkeeper and Chesterfield goalkeeper Chris Marples who was also in attendance.

BRETT RANDELL DENBYS N.Z. PRO

Denby were now arriving for their game and there were a few moments to catch up with their overseas professional Brett Randell who had made his debut on Saturday at Cutthorpe after a delayed arrival which also saw him celebrate his 21st birthday in Derbyshire.  Randell is a former New Zealand under 19 international and current Mondial Auckland Aces state player while his club side remains Eden Roskill.  He is a right arm medium-fast bowler and right hand bat with an international top score of 51.  Today of course he Randell cannot play and he says he "would love to be playing'" but added he was just "pleased to be finally here to play some cricket".  Nice to have a quick chat thanks Brett for your time!

DENBYS FORMER DERBYSHIRE PLAYER BURGOYNE IN ACTION

Time for the second game and Cutthorpe amassed 133 for 8 with Denby surpassing that total with 4 overs to spare at 134 for 4.

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN

It was also good to see former Derbyshire player Peter Burgoyne feature prominently for Denby with some confident stroke play and some timely big hitting too.

CHAIRMAN/HEAD CHEF ANDY VAUGHAN WITH CHRIS MARPLES BEHIND

During the end of Cuttthorpe's innings I rudely asked Eckington Chairman Andy Vaughan for a chat you see he was busy on the BBQ which was now doing a roaring trade, he probably needed a rest though.  We retired to the clubhouse were his enthusiasm for the club was clearly evident the excitement, with lots of hard work of course, in the new clubhouse development very prominent.  The club had worked hard to obtain a £75,000 grant from Sport England alongside additional fundraising to build the new clubhouse facilities.  The new build will have a club room, kitchen, bar, toilets and of course the big seller a balcony.  Cricket club and balconies always win the day for me it adds to the atmosphere I believe and with the work of club officials the plans are to have the new clubhouse in place for the start of next season this Andy tells me will be with the help of people connected with the club including club captain Tim Dawson who is a brickie and fellow members who are plumber, electricians and willing workers.  The club plan a party at the end of their season in September and then it will be all systems go, there will also be a new garage built with a scoreboard a top.  The Chariman happily tells of the clubs teams from under 9's upwards and of Eckington's enthusiasm for this being the way forward.  They have a major sponsor this season in Woolley Brothers and are very grateful for their generous support that clearly helps the club move in the right direction. 
While discussing the overseas players Vaughan tells the blog that their overseas player for the last 8 years have been South African and that current player Davel came well recommended and so far he has taken on coaching roles throughout the club alongside ground work to assist the club, indeed before the final game he jumped aboard the heavy roller to back up this observation.
To sum up Chairman Vaughan commented his 2 principles "the club will and have worked hard with the juniors" and the overriding unique selling point of Eckington Cricket Club "we are all in it together" 
Thanks to Andy for his time and our interesting conversation was full of his interest, commitment and dedication to the club but for now his dedication was needed as head chef at the BBQ!

So into the final game and both of the days winners would compete with Denby scoring 145 for 9 with Burgoyne hitting 57.  Eckington completed a successful weekend with had seen them go top of the Premier League with a win at Spondon on Saturday by scoring 151 for 4 for their second victory of the day, captain Dawson hitting 44 off of 24 balls.
An entertaining day with a welcoming club who have some excellent plans in place which hopefully their merry band of followers will be able to enjoy even more next season when the new clubhouse is in place for now though the on field success will keep them well fed.

PETER BURGOYNE AWAITS AT THE NON STRIKERS END



BEESTON IN THRILLING LATE COMEBACK TO CLAIM TITLE

BEESTON ST ANTHONY'S 4 CARLTON ATHLETIC 4
WEST YORKSHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION AT ST ANTHONY'S RD
28 MAY 2016 --- 2.30PM

LEE COLEMAN BEESTON ST ANTHONY'S STRIKER WITH THE LEAGUE TROPHY

Oh my this game had it all but at the end of the 90 minutes the title had gone to Beeston St Anthony's [BSA] courtesy of a dramatic late come back from 4-1 down the home side crashed in 3 goals in the final 11 minutes to pick up a point that secured the silverware.  Make no doubt though that Carlton Athletic had shaken the home side with a barnstorming performance that had seen them lead 3-1 at the break and when within 10 minutes of the re start that was extended to 4-1 BSA were looking forlorn.  But the final 11 minutes saw the game turned on its head with goals from John Mallison, Matty Moon and a Sean Jeavons penalty earning the required point for the home side to claim The West Yorkshire Premier League Title.
More on the game shortly, as usual, but with the final game of the season promising so much BSA top with a points advantage and two games to play the same as today's 2nd placed visitors Carlton Athletic Leeds was the place to be and having seen BSA at Horbury last week this game was eagerly awaited all week.  Having followed the midweek games in the league this was an easy selection for what would be the final game of the 2015/16 football season.
Usual base station start saw our booking clerk Sarah announcing she had met Chris Waddle at her 'window' this morning on his way to Wembley for Sheffield Wednesdays play off game, although she did think at first it was Paul Young.  On arrival in Leeds at 1215 and having booked the train tickets to Cottingley, the nearest station to Beeston we decided to completely ignore this and set off on a walk to the ground.

GRANARY WHARF POP VIDEO UNDER WAY, WHO?

The new exit from Leeds station into Granary Wharf and the under the station arches saw us walk onto a 'pop video' set, as an ageing music man[?] I can honestly say I have no idea if I should know who they are, but I didn't!

DON REVIE KEEPING A WATCHFUL EYE ON ELLAND RD

Moving around the former industrial areas of Leeds and onto the edge of Holbeck, home of the former big band leader Ivy Benson and onto Elland Rd home of Leeds Utd.  A few selective pictures and a nice shot of Don Revie looking towards the main entrance, normally the statue shown is the Billy Bremner one but I was impressed with the former managers memorial.
After a look around the clubs superstore we marched up the hill into Beeston former home of Waddingtons Games producers of Monopoly and the constituency for the MP Hiliary Benn whom the blog met at Sheffield station earlier in the season.  The Leeds South area was also represented by former Labour Party leader Hugh Gaitskell whose name has been remembered in the local school.  The changing rooms that BSA use are also named after the arears former MP.  Bringing the Beeston information section up to date the area was also the birthplace of Leigh Francis the brains behind Keith Lemon!

A RELAX AFTER A LONG JOURNEY FOR A HOPPER

The entrance to BSA is along St Anthony's Rd, although we found our way there through a mini maze of footpaths, bringing us to The Hugh Gaitskell Changing Facilities.  Enterprisingly the club had set up a food stall outside and within the entrance a refreshment bar Mick was soon in for a selection including a hot dog.  Around the corner to a fenced walkway to the pitch of probably a 100 yards in distance.  The ground is a tight and compact affair with a neat looking playing surface for this time of the season.  The near side is hard standing and with just the goal to the right hand side not railed off we have a remaining area of grass standing behind the top goal is uncut but the opposite side has a small walkway shorn, this area also contains two questionably roofed dugouts.  As ever in this league there is no covered standing which would not worry anybody today as the weather was very fair but I suspect on a winters day would put people off.  The latter was not the case today with a crowd of around 225 watching this game the enthralling encounter with first playing second had certainly attracted local interest and a big attendance from hoppers who were there from London, West Midlands, Macclesfield, Retford to name a few.

Greetings were made with a few from the BSA squad seen last season and then a nice early chat with Malcolm from Carlton Athletic, alongside manager Mark Pitts who was kind enough to bring his team sheet over were some hoppers had already gathered.
Beeston's last couple of games had seen them secure 5-1 victories and although Carlton had narrow and nervous 3-2 and 4-3 successes in what had been a tremendous season after their promotion from league 1 last season.

EARLY PENALTY FOR CARLTON ATHLETIC

So here we were to this potential title decider and how this game started at apace when just 7 minutes in when Mathew Jackson was felled by Matty Fannon to give referee an easy penalty decision, top scorer Reece Fennell dispatched the spot kick.  It was 2-0 just before the half hour mark Eli Hey crashed a shot off the bar the follow up was hooked off the line before Mathew Jackson steered the loose ball home.

JEAVONS MAKES IT 1-2 TO GOVE BEESTON HOPE

BSA were struggling to get any flow to their game and Carlton probably could not have wished for such a good start but the home side gave themselves hope when a free kick 25 yards out was superbly curled home by skipper Sean Jeavons.

AN ANXIOUS FIRST HALF FOR BEESTON MANAGER MARK HALMSHAW AND
ASSISTANT MATTY BENNETT

 Once again Carlton were not to give any leeway to BSA and just 3 minutes later Joseph O Neil swept in at the back post to bring the gap back to 2 goals in the visitors favour and that's how we went into the break.
The second half started with Beeston struggling to get a grip on the game and Carlton confidently went 4-1 to the good when the in running player at the far post converted, again it was O' Neil's his second and surely this was enough to give Carlton 3 points and send the League into a couple of decisive games on Tuesday night.

A GREAT CROWD ENJOYED A SUPERB SPECTACLE

Time was running out and even normal livewire Lee Coleman was looking subdued he had to think the comeback was not going to happen when his flying overhead effort on 67 minutes flew back off the bar.

MATTY MOON CHALLENGES FOR THE BALL FOR BEESTON

As the game became more tense referee Starkie had been kept busy with a selection cautions to keep a grip on proceedings and then it happened!
With 11 minutes of the 90 remaining John Mallinson crashed the ball in at the back post and you just started to sense BSA raise their hopes and on 88 minutes it was looking possible that the required point was a possibility when after Coleman's edge of the box work set up Matty Moon who slotted home to make it 3-4.
Ninety minutes rung out on the clock and a hand on the back saw the BSA player fall in the box referee Starkie pointed to the spot and could we see a remarkable come back?  To badly paraphrase Bob The Builder 'yes we could' captain courageous Jeavons took on the responsibility and fired home to pull the sides level at 4-4.

JEAVONS GET HIS SECOND AND BEESTONS FOURTH

In a nervous 4 minutes of injury time BSA were reduced to 10 men when Moon was sent off for a second caution following a challenge on the visiting keeper Leon Heeley.
O'Neil pulled one nervously for Beeston across their goal mouth and soon after referee Starkie blew for full time to give BSA the necessary point and release scenes of joy from the players and home bench.

FINAL WHISLTE WHO CAN GET ON THE PITCH FIRST?

The Beeston players slumped to the floor they had given everything to this game and contributed to a fantastic advert for The West Yorkshire League and although I guess that's no soother for them they should be proud of their achievements this season following promotion and credit should also be given to them for remaining on the pitch for the presentation of the League Trophy.

MARK GRIMSHAW SHUTS HIS EYES TO BELEIVE IT HAS ALL HAPPENED!

Beeston St Anthony's on this performance should never be written off and over the season have clearly showed their class in a successful season culminating in winning the title.
This was a cracking game with 8 goals, 2 penalties, a sending off and numerous cautions in a fully committed game.  Combined with last weeks game at Horbury, and while accepting that 3 of the better teams have been viewed, this league clearly has a lot to offer.
Return journey to Leeds was taken by First Bus service number 1 which upon departure at Leeds station allowed enough time to join the, as usual, packed X Country service that the blog departed at Sheffield to join up with a Northern Rail service to base station, note to self stick with Northern their not great but X Country are well below them in the league table.
This season started in July 2015 for pre season 2015/16 at Rocester and its been a very enjoyable season with some great clubs, supporters and hoppers met, thank you!! With thanks also for reading the blog hopefully as ever the down time before the new season will see the blog covering some summer supports including National Conference Rugby League, cricket, tennis etc.  Hopefully you will pop along for this summer journey there are some lovely little grounds to visit and chips to be eaten!

REFEREE JOE STARKIE GOOD PERFORMANCE IN A TOUGH GAME

 

5 STAR BEESTON CONTINUE TITLE MARCH

HORBURY TOWN 1 BEESTON ST ANTHONY'S 5
WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ SLAZENGER SPORTS & SOCIAL
21 MAY 2016 --- 2.30PM

Three goals in the last 21 minutes took this game away from Horbury who for so long had stood toe to toe with the champions elect Beeston St Anthony's [BSA].  This highly entertaining encounter had seen the Leeds based side score 2 quick goals through Ben Haigh and Lee Turnbull before Horbury got right back onto it thanks to a Gibril Bojang strike.  The second half was a cracker, as was the first, with both sides missing chances and just as it looked odds on for a Horbury equaliser Beeston scored 3 through Dan Daly and a double from Aaron Connor to make the score a little harsh on the home side.
With the search to extend the non league season bringing games in The Cheshire League and West Yorkshire League after a few recommendations and meeting a chap last year at Dewsbury Rams rugby league club who spoke favourably about Horbury the decision was made to make the trip to Wakefield Kirkgate station for the short bus journey from the city to Horbury which is situated to the west and just short of Ossett.   The build up to the weekend game had seen me following the results of the West Yorkshire League and realising the importance of this game to BSA who are now 5 points ahead of Carlton Athletic and getting very close to the title it should be a fair old match.  Beeston are already piling up cups and their reserve side have just claimed the West Yorkshire Alliance League so off we set from base to the Slazenger Sports and Social Ground home of Horbury Town.  The club is so named after the sports equipment manufacturer who moved here following the purchase of William Sykes a competitor and until I believe the 1970s continued in production.  Indeed the sports grounds now contain, football, bowls, tennis and hockey and upon opening by Mrs Slazenger there was an exhibition tennis match by Dan Maskell and Fred Perry!  I knew the selected game was the right one when the bus journey to base station saw the chap sat by me carrying a Slazenger sports bag.

THE NEW IMPROVED KIRKGATE

Following departure at Kirkgate station which is gradually looking better externally it is superb but platform wise it still leaves a lot to be desired.  We made a quick off route journey to purchase a couple of umbrellas and how we needed them later!  Upon arrival at Wakefield bus station we were soon on the 127 to our destination and after a little look around the busy village we sampled chips and Yorkshire fish cake before climbing up towards the modern style St Peter and St Leonards Church before taking a look at the villages former 'lock up' and school.  We reversed our journey back down via the Post Office were refreshments were obtained.

HORBURY VILLAGE AN ATTRACTIVE BUSY CENTRE

Straight off the High St we made the short walk towards the ground passing over the railway line on a narrowing road to the club.  Horbury was previously home to 3 railway stations and its famous son is Stan Barstow the novelist.  Today though the main story with an hour to go was the need for our umbrellas because it was now thrashing it down we had a quick look at the ground before marching up to the social club for half an hour and a dry out.  The club house is a steady affair but situated a fair way from the pitch however it was dry and welcoming.

THE BUSINESS END AT HORBURY TOWN FC

After half an hour and approaching 2pm the rain subsided enough to allow us to make the journey back to the ground, thankfully with enough time to obtain todays teams thanks to the help from referee Arran Williams, who was very pleasant and was ringing bells with me.  During the game it came to me that in my previous interest at Clay Cross Town Fc the club had staged Cheterfield Development Squad fixtures and he had refereed one of the early ones, something that he confirmed afterwards when the blog caught up with him.

REFEREE WILLIAMS FROM CLAY CROSS TO HORBURY

To the ground then its in a lush setting with trees in leaf and lots of green all around, while mentioning green the pitch deserves massive credit it was in excellent condition, thumbs up for the Horbury grounds man.  Its grass standing all around with the pitch railed off with plastic style racecourse barriers only on a smaller scale!  Pitches surround the outside of the near goal and far side with the pitch sloping from the dressing room side down.

THE RAILWAY VIADUCT IN THE LEAFY DISTANCE

The dug outs are also on this side and behind the far goal is a railway viaduct which takes trains over the Calder and Hebble Navigation and towards the top corner the imposing sight of Emley Moor TV mast is in view so all in all a lovely setting except it was now lashing it down again.

EMLEY MOOR TV MAST OBSERVES THE ACTION

We were now sheltering in the grounds mans garage before moving pitch side at kick off.  Rain, why change the main player this season its been dominated by postponements indeed Poynton FC's Cheshire League game today was abandoned while in play die to waterlogging!   This area has The Reds snack bar offering the usual footy goodies, the changing rooms and the entrance area.

HERE COME THE TEAMS AND ITS STILL RAINING!

The game started at a fair old pace and Beeston were looking very confident and positive in their opening offerings and indeed they took the lead after 14 minutes when Daly crossed for Turnbull to guide a bullet header into the Horbury goal.

The second gaol came just three minutes later and you feared for the home side at this stage when Haigh fired home.  The blogs concerns were not necessary as Horbury battled back into the game and pulled a goal back on the half hour mark when Bojang [g] curled in a superb shot from 20 yards out to make it 1-2 at half time.

GIBRIL BOJANG PULLS A GOAL BACK FOR HORBURY TOWN FC

The second half started with Horbury looking the likely side to score first Joe Rossiter sliced a clearance out for a corner to the home side and from it Daly had to be alert to clear off the line from James Mountains effort.  The home side followed up with a cross goal effort that just needed a tap in and then visiting keeper Stevie Kerr did well to claw away a free kick.

On 62 minutes Beeston contributed to the goalmouth action when Lee Coleman crashed a header against the bar.  But on 69 minutes the game went away from Horbury courtesy of a tremendous strike from 25 yards out from Daly flew into the far right hand side of the net to make it 1-3.

With 10 minutes remaining substitute Aaron Connor drove home at the back post after audacious flick in the build up from Coleman.  Then with 4 minutes left Beeston got their fifth and Connor his second this time his flick over  the defender saw him re make contact with the ball before firing home past the Neil Horner in the Horbury goal.

Beestons challenge goes on and with Carlton Athletic also winning the excitement goes on into midweek and possibly next Saturday when BSA entertain non other than Carlton!
A great game this as entertaining to the blog as a neutral with a fair few hoppers in attendance I guess this was a very good advert for the West Yorkshire League.  Also of note here were the 3 officials headed up by Arran Williams who had good games in what was a testing fixture.
Thoroughly enjoyable afternoon saw us get a quick connection back to Wakefield and we were soon back at base around 7.15pm.

WHICH WAY TO THE SNACK BAR?

LATE DRONFIELD GOAL DENIES ASHOVER THE 3 POINTS

DRONFIELD TOWN A 3 V ASHOVER 3
HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ STONELOW RD
18 MAY 2016 --- 6.30PM

ASHOVER HAT TRICK MAN SPENCER

This game had a controversial finish when in the 4th minute of stoppage time John Pugh equalised and denied Ashover maximum points after Dean Spencer's hat trick had put the visitors into a 3-1 lead.  The number 10 should have seen his hat trick enough to have won this game but Ashover were unable to stop the ever growing threat of Pugh and the late goal sparked protests which saw Ashover manager Don Carline sent off.
With the season fast coming to a conclusion and some of the 'county' leagues playing until the end of the month after this wet winter there is the opportunity to take in a few games in leagues that would not normally be visited.  If tonight's game was anything to go maybe I need to visit a few of The Hope Valley League grounds next season this game was to be the final game of the season for the league.
The blog had planned to take in Phoenix v Appleby Frodingham in The CMFL but when the away team called off due to lack of a side it looked like this week would be a blank affair.  however thanks to Dronfield Town's twitter feed this game was spotted and with a 6.30 kick off planned, we finally got under way at 6.42, there was no transport issues envisaged.
Of course any trip to Dronfield, and tonight's was no different, involves a sampling of fish and chips at The Jolly Friar and the form book remained good at these premises, tonight there was to be no picture either!

ASHOVER MANAGER DON CARLINE

A casual stroll, trying not to drop any chips, was made to Stonelow Rd and with rain threatening it was good to see that the game was to be played on the main pitch not the usual adjacent one so offering some cover if the wet stuff got too heavy.
Before the game there was a chance to catch up with a few of the home club officials and Chesterfield referee John Mace.
Ashover arrived and there was a quick chance to greet their manager Donald Carline for those who don't know he is a well known character and football is in his system tonight he even undertook the task of running the line, dodgy knee and all, more of which later.  Don has been manager at Ashover now for 31 years and continues to run the team with an ever decreasing number of volunteers and it looks as though he may on his own next season.  Ashover is a pretty village with a lovely setting, although reliant on the Parish Council for the pitch, if you fancy popping along to see a game there next season its is well worth the visit.  Don proudly announces the annual pre season friendly arranged with Clay Cross Town FC of The CMFL and as I remember only too well it is no pre season friendly as Don will be out to secure victory over the local rivals from the higher league.
A healthy crowd of around 25 had gathered for this end of season affair and Ashover started well with Perry Richards firing over from a good but tight position.  It was Ashover who were doing the early pushing and they did take the lead after 23 minutes when Richards with a neat lay back set up Spencer who fired home.

ASHOVER'S RICHARDS TURNS AWAY FROM THE DRONFIELD DEFENCE

The visitors went into half time two goals to the good and it was Spencer again who found himself with time and space 25 yards out as he drove the ball home into the bottom left hand corner.
The game looked comfortable but the start of the second half found Ashover off the pace and Dronfield under the prompting of managers son Pugh were looking threatening.  But as so often happened the early pressure did not produce a goal and rather harshly Ashover broke away and extended their lead.  It was Stevens who was set free and as the out coming home keeper Daniel Townsend approached the striker fired into the far side of the goal to complete his hat trick.
This should have been game over but Dronfield were not giving up and on 72 minutes they pulled a goal back in bizarre fashion.  Pugh lined up the free kick just outside Ashover's box and normally this would not have troubled visiting keeper Parker but for some reason he decided to control the effort with his feet and as control was not clean the ball spun away and agonisingly fell back over the line.  Whether this is Pugh's goal or an own goal is open to debate although I guess the number 7 will want to claim it with what was about to follow.

As the game entered the final stages it was looking increasingly nervous for Ashover who were struggling to control Pugh who was never getting a bigger influence on the game.  The clock had passed through 90 minutes and we entered the 4th minute of injury time a ball into the box saw Ashover keeper Parker come to claim the ball low to the floor Pugh put a challenge in and dislodged the ball before firing home the lose ball to pull the game back to 3-3 and put in a claim for a hat trick.  Had the keeper got control of the ball within his hands?  Referee Mace decided not and Dronfield, of course, believed not too.  Ashover were non too happy with the rub of the green here and manager Carline made his thoughts clear to the referee who swiftly called him over and as the red mist was evident it was added to by a red card.
To add insult to this late goal within 10 seconds of the re start the final whistle blew and Ashover had seen red and come away with just a point, however never let it be said there was not passion right up to the end when many games at this time of the season drift away,
A sharp walk back for the return bus to base town was successful and arrival back overall was just after 10pm after a very enjoyable evening.

OH DANNY BOY, WALSH HITS DOUBLE TO WIN CUP FOR AWSWORTH

AWSWORTH VILLA 2 V REAL UTD 1
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP FINAL
@ RON STEEL SPORTS GROUND DUNKIRK FC
14 MAY 2016 --- 3PM

AWSWORTH VILLA NSL LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 2016

Early and late goals from Danny Walsh were just enough for Awsworth to claim the NSL League Cup against a spirited Real Utd who had equalised through Jack Charlton after 33 minutes.  For Walsh the winning goal 5 minutes from time was a blessing after a missed penalty on the half hour mark that drifted wide of the Utd goal.
As the season comes to its conclusion for The Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League with its cup final the blog decided against travelling to The NCEFL final and there was a chance to revisit a ground I must have visited around 25 years ago.  Start from base was by The Comet, basically a bus service not a rocket, to Derby and thankfully we had set off with plenty of time for a look around because on the approach to Derby the traffic was heavy with The Rams having a 1230 kick off for their play off game.  A quick change at the bus station saw the Red Arrow boarded and a swift journey down the A52 saw us depart at the hospital, QMC, just after 1200 noon.

LOOKING BACK TOWARDS THE TURNSTILE AT DUNKIRK FC

Now this ground it has to be said is not really a public transport hoppers delight with little in the way of close by in the form of bus stops etc.  The walk down the A52 Clifton Boulevard would not be pleasant with noisy and busy traffic but with time to spare a detour had been built in which would see us stride out along the Beeston canal to Castle Marina a very pleasant stroll that departed us at the big 'M's' for a lunch break.  We finished off our food and departed outside again and onto Queens Drive heading back on towards our ultimate destination of Dunkirk FC passing along the way by the Pork Farm Pork Pie factory, a name from the past.  Turning up the chance of a river side footpath walk we negotiated the intersection and found ourselves on Lenton Lane on the approach to the ground this lane soon leaves all footpaths behind and while passing Greenwood Meadows ground we found ourselves following the lane to the right and soon we are at the ground.  The Ron Steel Sports Ground is surrounded by the Riber Trent, a golf course and a cricket ground the area is a hive of sporting activity but once again its really fine if you are driving.

SIDE BY SIDE STANDS

Turning into the car park with the ground fenced off to the left at the far end you approach the clubhouse and changing rooms which are external to the ground but on the site.  The clubhouse was functional enough with a snack bar inside but these facilities were outside the ground and I guess limit your spend unusually I didn't spend anything there today because of its location.
Admission paid and programme purchased there was time for a quick greeting from Rob Hornby, registrar of The NSL and of course known to many as the ground hop organiser of this parish.  On return a look at the programme discovers an excellent colour effort for a final, well done NSL!
A quick tour of the ground revealed a tidy facility with hard standing all the way around a port a cabin with an good public address system, again well done here so many host clubs/league don't seem to bother for finals.  While on the praise front a printed team sheet was also additionally produced all very encouraging to take this fixture in again in the future.  By the turnstile entrance a rickety looking scaffold stand and over to the far touchline a high roofed covered terrace quickly followed by a small seated stand.  The dug outs are on the opposite side just below the hospitality cabin.
We met up with Paul a fellow hopper who had travelled from Chesterfield who we had last met at Hemsworth MW for their FA Vase game versus Sunderland RCA earlier in the season, it was a pleasure to swap stories and ground visits.

HERE COME THE THREE TEAMS

Having caught up with Rob on arrival there was the chance to take a few pre match pictures of the cup and of course both teams and as with most League Cup Finals that added touch often makes the game build up look better and once again here The NSL had got it right with a sponsors ball holder for the referee to take the ball from on his entry to the pitch.

AWSWORTH VILLA FC

Awsworth sat slightly higher than Real in the league but there was little to separate the sides with the latter having scored an impressive 115 goals.  Sadly Real appear to have had a few problems with change of manager recently and today were only able to field 11 players which made me a little doubtful of this game, but after a worrying start don't let that affect your reading of the game the lads
representing Real gave everything and played to their strengths defending and battling for every ball.

REAL UTD FC

That early worry was after just 2 minutes when Walsh gave the Villa the lead with a shot through a few players from 10 yards out and I feared for a big score.

DANNY WALSH GIVES VILLA THE LEAD

How wrong you can be although the possession part of the game was massively in favour of Awsworth it was Real who defended the edge of their box with confidence.  Villa did make it into the box on 29 minutes when Ryan Whitehurst was sent a clatter by Nathan Burrows in the Utd goal.  The keeper was cautioned, probably a good decision because the ball had probably been pushed well wide but you would certainly have seen some referees produce red here.

REAL KEEPER NATHAN BURROWS SEES YELLOW

Up stepped soon to be hero Walsh and he pulled his penalty wide the miss galvanised Real and they equalised on 33 minutes when Jack Charlton, I know, rose well to head home a left wing cross.
We arrived at half time all level and you just wondered if the shock of the team with no substitutes could pull off a victory as they continued to look to hit Awsworth on the break.

AN ATTENTIVE AWSWORTH CROWD AWAIT

With 7 minutes remaining extra time was beckoning especially when Matt Goodwin's header crashed back off the underside of the bar to safety.

But the winner did come when Walsh got his second through determination just inside the Real box to get hold of the ball and round keeper Burrows to slot home, cue scenes of joy, 85 minutes.

DANNY WALSH MAKES IT 2-1

There was relief now for Awsworth and a few moments to celebrate before it was time to defend strongly for the remaining minutes.

CELEBRATIONS AFTER THE SECOND GOAL FOR AWSWORTH

Still Real came back at Awsworth trying to prompt a reply around the oppositions penalty area but after a couple of minutes stoppage time referee Ian Smith, who had controlled this game well with his team, blew for full time and The Villa were League Cup winners.

PARTY TIME

The presentation was respectfully done and Real should take credit for their part in making this a close final.  It wasn't a classic but it was well fought box to box and those two goals from Walsh proved to be the deciding factor.
A journey back along the busy A52 and past the various factory and car showrooms found us back at the appropriate bus stop for The Red Arrow service back to Derby and remarkably with The Comet on stand we made it aboard before it pulled away and a return to base was achieved just after 7pm from a well organised final, well done NSL.

REAL MANAGER CHRIS GALLEY SAW HIS TEAM PERFORM ADMIRABLY