KIDSGROVE AND SOHAM INVOLVED IN 8 GOAL THRILLER

KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC 5  SOHAM TOWN RANGERS 3
FA TROPHY 1ST Q RND @ THE GROVE
29 OCTOBER 2016 --- 3PM

BUSINESS SIDE AT THE GROVE

A goal fest saw the back of the net ripple 8 times and by the time the final whistle was blown Kidsgrove were in the hat for the next round.  The home side would have seen it very differently just over half an hour in when they were 2 - 0 down, a storming comeback saw them level at half time.  The second half went the Staffordshire sides way but there was a tense few moments late on when Soham reduced the arrears to one goal, before Kidsgrove made it 5-3.
The plans this week were down to a selection from just 3 games and Kidsgrove was not one of them!  The morning of the game saw early match day preparations about to start but firstly something said just check out Kidsgrove's twitter account.  For some reason I had missed this game and when the opposition was highlighted it became the selected game with the chance of seeing an Isthmian League side, something I don't think I can remember doing before in my years of watching non league.
Autumn was in full swing with leaves vacating their branches and a dark thick cloudy day threatening to deny me many action shots, so it turned out.

ARRIVAL AT KIDSGROVE SPOT THE TRAIN

Todays journey saw us gain a seat on the departing to train to Derby before we connected onto the Crewe train or as previously observed 1 carriage affair supplied by East Midlands Train a bus! Part of the journey saw us accompanied by a twenty year old chap dressed as baby his excuse was its was his stag night although it could have been just the thing he was into, anyway being British everybody just ignored him and acted completely normal!
Upon departure at Kidsgrove the awareness of the station spanning 4 platforms and being a junction  came to light, it could have done with a little bit of a sprucing up but it won favour with me more of which later.  With a nice bit of time to spare we ambled off in search of the town centre just about 1/4 of a mile away walking the slight incline it then came to me I had visited Kidsgrove before for a fleeting visit.  Having taken 5 minutes to look at the shops on Market St, ok it may have been 3 minutes, we opted to visit Leons Fish Shop for a portion of chips and fish cake.  Mick had as ever got into conversation with the pleasant owner and we had a football discussion with him while waiting for  ur order.  It was good to see Leons displaying a poster for todays game and also a few other shops putting up the clubs promotions too.  Leons were selling the local delicacy of oatcakes and it was quite strange that every 3rd shop seemed to be stocking oatcakes in the town they must shift some round here.
Time to retrace our steps back to the station by a pre planned footpath which would allow us to take in Harecastle canal tunnel which is just short of 3,000 yards long and with the Telford designed one still open it was interesting to see the Brindley tunnel to the side, sadly this is now closed.
After the short cut we went a rather circuitous route to the 'The Grove' and arrived at as one of my mates called it 'the bungalow ground'.  This being a reference to the council bungalows on the approach to the ground something that reminded me of North St, Alfreton.

ORIGINAL COLOUR OF THE AUTONET STAND

Our first contact was with a Soham supporter who had just departed the coach and we were soon greeted in the car park by a steward who gave us the directions and facilities at the club in his introduction.  Having gained access by payment of £8 for this tie immediately to the left Gladys sold me a 'goalden goal' ticket and a couple of programmes,  important people these every person was asked to take part and its hard to say no.
First impressions here are of a smart ground with some cracking stands and loads of litter bins there really should be no mess left although after half time we did spot two pop cans and chip trays dropped on the floor with a bin just 10 yards away!
A quick ground tour then to the right upon entry the Novus sponsored stand with a nice deep selection of covered seats over to the far touchline are the dugouts and a lovely sunny yellow coloured stand theta is two rows deep and straddles the half way line.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT STAND

The bottom side, yes there is a small slope here, had a full width stand with one row of seats, behind the goal this expands to two, tight to the playing area.  The bottom end also as an additional turnstile block giving access from what looks like a nearby footpath although not open today.  So we arrive back at pitch side to were we entered the ground this area has the main functions of the club housing a small stand after a hospitality area and then a stand that is dissected by the players tunnel, behind this are the changing rooms and behind this again the clubhouse.  The latter also as a hospitality tent that runs out onto a grassed area with wooden tables provided.  The cherry on the cake is the executive area perched on the top of this stand offering an excellent view of proceedings with a balcony too.  Of course we are at step 4 here with Evostik side Kidsgrove and there is bound to be more furniture than some of our recent blogs but the overall impression here was of a very smart and well ordered club.

SUE AND SANDRA IN THE SNACK BAR

Time then to take in the snack bar now we had selected chips in the town but went in for drinks and chocolate.  Mick was soon in conversation about the varying amount of tablets he was taking with the staff, before we made to much of a nuisance of ourselves we vacated the premises only to return a few more times for additional provisions during the afternoon.  This snack bar was worth a note though run by two lovely ladies, Sue and Sandra, it all looked very clean and tidy the food looked good and the pies were tempting me but my ever expanding waistline may not have been too pleased it I had succumbed.

SOHAM MANAGER ROBBIE NIGHTINGALE EXPLAINS THE SCISSOR PATTERN

Game time then and with both sides struggling a little in their respective league today would provide a diversion and by the time Soham were 2-0 to the good after 33 minutes they must have been booking their tickets for the next round.  After just 2 minutes Ryan Sharman turned the ball home for 1-0 and the it was Ross Paterson who fired home from 10 yards out.  Clinical finishing from the visitors against a home side who were playing pretty football but on two occasions nearly got caught out at the back overplaying the ball.  That said visiting keeper George Lawton was getting in the way of most of what Kidsgrove could throw at him.  As early as the first minute he fumbled away a vicious drive from Tom Morris before on 22 minutes saving from Chris Birchall.  Soham's number one was soon inaction again on 22 minutes saving from Anthony Malbon before the comeback commenced.
With 8 minutes to go to the break Morris fired the ball home from the back post and then a glorious strike from 25 yards from Dave Artell, how often these efforts can fly over the bar but this one was as sweet as they get.

Moments before referee Roskelly blew for half time Lawton saved yet again from Ross Davidson who got in a sharp header.
Towards the end of the half we met the dad of Kidsgrove's Tom Morris who surprisingly enough travelled up regularly to offices near Chesterfield and we engaged in a further bit of football banter, good to meet you.  As it was to catch up with many friendly people once again this afternoon in the non league family.
Another positive about this afternoons visit was a good public address system a steady choice of music coupled with informative announcements.

ANTHONY MALBON LIVEWIRE FOR KIDSGROVE

The fist half had probably produced a correct score line although Kidsgrove were denied on quite a few occasions the visitors had been clinical and deserved their 2 goals.
On 54 minutes the home side took the lead Malbon found himself with just Lawton to beat and although the Soham keeper blocked the strikers shot with his legs he could not stop the ball rolling agonisingly over the line.

4-2 KIDSGROVE

  Malbon was now starting to prove a handful and his assist led to goal number 4, he weaved his way through the visiting defence before striking the right hand post before Harry Clayton tapped home the loose ball.
Whether Kidsgrove took the foot of the gas is fort other to say but all of a sudden with Soham looking out of it they threw everything at the Staffordshire side and deservedly pulled a goal back to make it 4-3 on 79 minutes when Paterson got his second firing home at the back post.
It was game on now, nut only for a short while because on 85 minutes the two goal lead was secured again a sweet cross off the right by Davidson was met by the in running Ben Mills who headed home.
This was all too enjoyable now and it was somewhat disappointing when the referee blew his whistle on exactly 90 minutes with what seemed like no injury time added, it was one of those games you wanted to continue.  However I would add the 3 officials did a good job today with some common sense on a few occasions that it was required resolutely applied.
Return trip was made to the station via the same route and we arrived at platform 3 with 15 minutes to spare.  The connecting land between the junction was developed in the 80's by Manpower services with the aid of the local Rotary Club to create a mini garden and although this needs a little upgrade it added to what was quite a pleasant station.  In the short time we waited the station was only mildly populated however it had a peaceful feel to it with much evening birdsong in evidence, the blogs sounding like 'Springwatch' sorry.
With a sharp connection made at Derby we were soon alighting our 7 carriage chariot at base station just before 7pm and we soon realised we had got a seat on all 4 trains even the single carriage affairs that populate the Derby to Crewe line.
A pleasant day at a pretty ground surrounded by some lovely autumn coloured trees and a good game to complete the whole trip.

MICK TOOK A LITTLE WHILE TO BE CONVINCED THESE WERE CYCLE RACKS
 NOT OUTDOOR EXERCISE MACHINES

DUFFY STRIKE ENOUGH TO SEND ST MICHAELS TOP WITH WIN AT MELTON

MELTON TOWN 0 V BUGBROOKE ST MICHAELS 1
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION 1 @ DIGITAL DEADLINE PARK
22 OCTOBER 2016 --- 3PM

ACTION AT MELTON TOWN FC

The only goal of an enthralling game came on 58 minutes from the visitors Niall Duffy that proved enough to send the Northamptonshire side to the top of the table at Burton Road.  The game produced a range of talking points early on when Melton could have been 2 up after a penalty decision seemed to be overturned and then a superb volley was ruled out for offside.  A draw may have been a fair result but it was settled on a solitary goal that Duffy took with ease.
Decision made on Saturday morning from the usual selection of games that had been reduced to around 3 matches and with the chance of a first visit to Melton Mowbray and the clubs football ground now situated on Melton Sports Village Burton Road alongside some pastry the choice was made of a visit to NE Leicestershire.

THE GREETING SAYS FOOD

Departure was made just after 1030 from base station to allow some time in the town for a sightseeing venture.  Although this is becoming repetitive todays journey to Leicester was once again standing only and after a 50 minute wait in Leicester the 2 carriage Cross Country affair involved standing again to our destination although this was just 15 minutes in journey time.  Upon departure of the service at platform 1 you are greeted by a large welcome to Melton Mowbray sign extolling the town as the rural capital of food, home of Melton Mowbray pork pies and stilton cheese, I knew there was a reason I had chosen this game!

PURVEYOR OF THE FAMOUS MELTON MOWBRAY PRODUCT

A short walk into town takes us past Anne of Cleves House part of her settlement following separation from Henry V111 with St Marys church towering over the property from close proximity.  The town was looking lively and we did an outer circuit bypassing a busy looking Wetherspoon's before reaching the main shopping area and finding our first destination Dickinson and Morris and Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe.  Of course we skirted around the Corn Exchange shopping mall but delay no more it was time to sample one of the towns famous delicacies.  Unwrapped and consumed we had soon seen most of this smart little town centre and were on our way back to whence we came, the station.  Well of course you have guessed it the ground is back past the station a 20 minute amble away,  Mick had missed out on the pie and opted for fish cake and chips from the chippy by the Railway station and needless to say for 'being civil purposes' I joined him with a similar portion.

SMART SIGNAGE IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY AROUND THE APPROACH TO THE GROUND

As we headed towards the ground over the railway bridge to the left is Masterfoods factory site the former home of Chappie dog food and Pedigree animal foods in a later time, I offered Mick a bowl for his sweet but he declined.
After the short walk through the leafy posh suburbs of Melton we arrived at Melton Sports Village a council owned privately run site.  Along the approach driveway there are a selection of buildings but behind the sports centre on the left is a hockey astroturf pitch which was in use plus there seemed to be some activity from Melton Rugby Club too.  Access to the football pitch which is behind the hockey pitch is signposted by a selection of modern signs along a walk way that gives the feel you are about to embark on one of those walks around a country park run by your local council.

MELTON TOWN ON THE BALL

Arrival at the pay box at 1.30pm and it was good to see the area open and a nice greeting from a pleasant lady who later proved women's well known abilities to multi task by serving in the snack bar.
A quick look at the ground and Melton Town FC moved back into the town towards the later stage of last season after gaining promotion from The Leicestershire Senior League here they are with new floodlights and a smart little basic set up.  All of the business end of the ground is behind the turnstile with a selection of cabins offering hospitality, grounds mans store, snack bar, stand and toilet block before you reach some nice changing rooms cabins with wooden stickered effect being their highlight.  The quirky feature here is the stand named The Barbie Reeves Stand which has around 100 full size green tip up seats with a temporary style structure topped off with a canvass roof.  The whole build is secured into the floor but I guess it may be fun when the wind gets up overall its very similar to The New Saints in The Welsh Premier League but on a smaller basis in relation to its length.  The whole ground is railed off with the far side being a grassed area fenced off to the rear but containing home and away dugouts.  The bottom end goal backs away to further playing fields and is green meshed fenced as we come back up the near side touchline we are back on tarmac hard standing which continues around the business end too.  So its a smart new affair with a tightly cut pitch that offers a slope away from the entrance it all looks quite nice.  As with many step 6 grounds there is no PA system and the programme is just an 8 page affair but is a smart little effort with reading from the manager, chair, visitors page, history, results, tables and team details so overall it mostly does its job.

ST MICHAELS MANAGEMENT TEAM OF MITCH AUSTIN [RIGHT] AND JIM FREEMAN ARE CAUGHT COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE CAMERA!

As with most new grounds there was a fair few first time visitors coming along to take a look and Mick had disappeared talking to hoppers from Birmingham and Coventry after speaking to some of the visiting supporters first.  We both had a nice conversation and greeting from Melton Town General Manager Matt Curtis who gave us a little more insight into the club.  It was also good to meet Nick a Chelsea fan who is now residing in Melton Mowbray and was here with his lens to get some game pictures thanks for the chat always interesting to meet a wide selection of fans as ever. One of its assets being their manager is the former Luton Town, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City striker Tony Thorpe.  Teams were gained from Matt and then a quick visit to the referee to obtain the visitors selections.
There was plenty of time for a visit to the snack bar for some refreshments and a little bit of chocolate to keep the strength up!

REFEREE GRAY HAS A CHAT WITH MELTON CAPTAIN LEE MANN

The game started controversially when Melton's Jordan Cufflin-Stableford was upended in the box referee Shaun Gray appeared to give the penalty but after consulting his linesman weirdly gave the decision the opposite way.  Then moments later a superb back post volley from Tom Burns found the back of the net only for an offside flag to subdue the celebrations.

REUBEN NOEL RICHARDS GETS A HEADER IN

The visitors were not to be outdone as the game swung from end to end Reubus Noel Richards could have had a hat trick one chance was following excellent work from Nathaniel Liburd who had got forward to supply the cross.  St Michaels should have taken the lead just before half time when Niall Duffy had a great chance at the far post but his effort went wide.  The first half had been an entertaining affair but at times littered with an awful lot of referees whistle but a lot of the fun of this had been both benches reaction which at times can only be summed up in dismay.  However rather than both dug outs getting combative they laughed at and with one another to ease any surprise, so much so that Bugbrooke manager Mitchell Austin at one stage took to lying down in the technical area!
The second half started with Melton in the ascendancy and after 48 minutes Shannon Myring saw visiting keeper Harry Oldham deny him.
The visitors were looking dangerous on the break and one such move supplied the winning goal when a laid in ball off the right found the home defence off the pace and Duffy fired home from just inside the box past Richard Cragg in the Melton goal after 58 minutes.

MORE FUN IN THE VISITORS TECHNICAL AREA

The game was now a tantalising affair with Melton going all out for an equaliser but the visitors looking ever the more dangerous on the counter attack.  We were to see no more goals however I could have watched another 30 minutes of this game it was full of interest.  Melton did find themselves down to 10 men on 90 minutes when Gus Gentleman was shown, rather harshly, a second yellow card and the inevitable red.
A draw would probably have been most neutrals score line here but much as the blog often struggles for a good UCL game this one was one of the better ones with a credit to both teams who gave it there all in an attacking encounter.
With a gentle walk back down to the station we arrived with around 15 minutes to spare before securing our first seat of the day on the 1730 departure which sailed by in conversation with a pleasant couple who were returning to Leicester.
Leicester station was crowded with home fans and Crystal Palace supporters after their home game in the Premier League today but this didn't interfere with out plans to travel and secure, wait for it, our next set of seats!  We were soon at base station just shy of 7pm and returning via a stripey boys bus after a very enjoyable day out with two entertaining sides.

VICTORIOUS ST MICHAELS

BENGER DOUBLE SEES HEANOR HOME

HEANOR TOWN 3 V WALSALL WOOD 1
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE TOWN GROUND
21 OCTOBER 2016 --- 7.45PM

CHIP PEA COB TO FOLLOW TOP SNACK BAR AT HEANOR TOWN

A double from Nathan Benger was just what The Lions ordered as they came back from a goal down against visitors Walsall Wood.
A quick blog as ever on this many timed repeat visit to Heanor, having said that this was only the second mid week game of the season for the blog after last times public transport connection problems it was time to come out and try my favourite mid week visit again.
There cant be too many better places than a floodlit game at The Town Ground always enjoyable with a nice club house and of course the ever popular snack bar for my favourite pea, chip cob.  Tonight as ever one was sampled around catching up with many of the hoppers who were in attendance at this game as ever a pleasure to catch up with you.
Before tonight's game the club received an excellent donation of a defibrillator awarded by the Kellogg family who have a big influence in local sport, Donna badminton, Lia Long Eaton Ladies, Sam and Thom at Graham ST Prims but who suffered the sad loss of their brother Joe from heart failure during a training session with Borrowash Victoria.  The family have started a campaign to get defibrillators at all football grounds you can follow this on Facebook and Twitter.  The donation had come from construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall who had alloated them a 'defib' to donate to Heanor Town who were the grateful recipients, hopefully it will never be needed but its a great asset for players, officials and spectators alike.  Well done to all a real positive for the club and of course non league football.
So to the game and it was a fantastic first half that flowed from end to end but defensively must have been a little worrying.  The visitors took the lead on 19 minutes when Harry Harris floated in a swirling free kick that Ben Birch met superbly well to fire home first time.  Heanor keeper Joe McCormack was in excellent form in a superb first half showing saving well including from Gregory with his legs and a full length save from Aiton.

143 LEFT EUROPEAN FOOTBALL AT HOME TO WATCH A SUPER GAME TONIGHT

Heanor could have been well behind at half time but they stuck to their task and when Dom Wilkinson was upended in the box Benger converted from the spot to take the game into half time at 1-1.
The visitors had looked threatening in the first half in an entertaining first half of free flowing attacking football however the second half was much about Heanor taking control of the game.  With 20 minutes to go the pressure paid off via a lovely finish from Elliott Reeves who slotted the ball home from just inside the box.  The game was never safe at 2-1 and it took Benger to get his second on 85 minutes to settle it thanks to a 20 yard free kick that flew past Andy Hughes in the visitors goal.
By the final whistle the blog was grateful to fellow non league fan Neil Laughlin for a lift back to nearby Ripley which allowed a couple of comfortable connections and avoided the stress of the last few visits to Heanor.
Good game an entertaining night which saw Heanor come good against an impressive visiting Walsall Wood.

ADDITIONAL LIGHTING AT THE TOWN GROUND

HEY DOUBLE HELPS CAMPION TO 3 MORE POINTS

CAMPION AFC 3 V TEVERSAL 0
NCEFL 1 @ MANNINGHAM MILL SPORTS GROUND
15 OCTOBER 2016 --- 3PM

CAMPION ON THE ATTACK WITH LISTER MILL IN THE BACKGROUND

A double from Eli Hey helped new comers Campion to a 3-0 victory over visitors Teversal, with a first half penalty from Scott Eastwood starting the ball rolling.  The league new boys are settling in and are well paced in the top half of the table alongside Hey the impressive and ever dangerous Jacob Buchanan were the highlights in a solid home performance.
Back to West Yorkshire today for the first time in a little while and a return to Bradford, or should that be 'Bratford', a city that I have visited on only a couple of occasions previously.  The journey from base station started much like last week wondering where Richard Branson and more to the point Jeremy Corbyn where when you needed them a 'rammed' full Northern train for the first 20 minutes nearly as bad as last weeks Stockport journey.  Having secured a seat after the delightful [?] shopping centre of Meadowhall was passed we arrived in Leeds a few minutes behind.  Not to worry we soon departed by New Pudsey to Bradford Interchange for the short walk to the adjacent bus station.  This was my memory a few years ago of one of the first interchanges and I have to say it works very well or at least it did today as we soon boarded the First Bradford 620 service to Lillycroft Lane.  The service travels along an interesting inner city route before we depart in Manningham opposite the massive Lister Mill.

LISTER MILL, WITH MORE BEHIND OUT OF VIEW

This building dwarfs the area with its massive chimney visible for miles around part of the 2 parts of the mill are now apartments and part industrial units, having found an area to take a picture just about impossible to get the chimney and building in the same frame.
At the ground a club official who previously worked at the mill before its closure around 1992 told me some of the history alongside the early formation of a pre runner to the Labour Party.  Research shows that in 1890 the 5,000 workers went on strike for 19 weeks over a reduction in wages and when the dispute was over a month later The Bradford Labour Union was formed before in 1893 The Independent Labour Party was born in the town.

CAMPION TREASURER ANDREW SHEPARD PRE MATCH CONCENTRATION

I don't normally do too much history but while we are on the subject Campion AFC previously held the name St Edmund Campion Youth Club in its formative years before in 1976 the shortened version won the day.  The club gained admission to step 6 by finishing third in The West Riding Amateur League last season and gaining an acceptable ground grading.
Having arrived through the local housing estates the grounds gates have their former tight association with the mill clearly installed in the ironwork.  Flush to Scotchman Rd are the double decked community rooms which include changing rooms, bar areas and a selection of other rooms and offices.  We made are way to the bar area for a soft drink and bag of Mr Linekers crisps first here we met club treasurer Andrew Shepard who made the time to make us feel welcome and tell us a little about the club before we met the gentleman running the bar who as previously mentioned used to work at the mill.  While deep in conversation Bob from the snack bar passed by and gave us a greeting, once again other clubs take note this is the way to do it a friendly welcome that continued throughout the afternoon at Campion.

BOB'S TAKING A PHONE ORDER FOR DELIVERY FROM THE SNACK BAR

It's always interesting watching a team local to you play away from home and todays that was certainly the case with Teversal being one of the blogs nearest non league sides so we managed to say hello to secretary Kev Newton and Chairman Pete Cockerill.
Having gained the teams really early it was a pleasure to relax take a few pictures and then have a further informative chat with the home Chairman Richard Holmes and so to the ground.
The site houses cricket as well but upon entrance through the gate with just beyond a wooden pay box there was once again a warm greeting from the lady taking gate money and selling raffle tickets.  Round the corner Bob had set up the snack bar and programmes are available here at £2 this looked a good effort but in real terms for the first time visitors it was but for repeat visits it just an 8 page inlay inside that changes each game.  Straight on down the concrete pathway we split football from cricket and the dug outs are the primary buildings on this side apart from a few modern bench seats.  The bottom goal is sadly out of bounds so its back towards the entrance goal and behind the entrance goal is were all the business goes on.

MAIN STAND AT MANNINGHAM MILLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION GROUND

Moving over to the far touchline the stand is a scaffolding format supported by an old exterior wall with new paving blocks added and in time tip up seats are to be added from Bradford Park Ave cricket ground.  As the covering roof leaves us behind around the half way line we come out into the open and before too long we have to stop because the last 40 yards or so are once again out of bounds.  The club worked hard to install lights before the start of the season and are now in a period of redeveloping parts of their ground that probably need a little bit of work on them but overall this is a cosy little affair.  Its always a challenge for any club gaining promotion from step 7 with an increase in costs and travelling and Campion are looking to meet that challenge with as ever a small match day staff and sadly today a small crowd.  Its really disappointing that with Bradford City not at home and you just have to wonder why when its just a fiver some of The Bantams fans don't come along and support a team who are just a mile up the road from their ground.

JACOB BUCHANAN RISES TO HEAD ON A THROW IN

That said we had made the trip from deepest Derbyshire and Mick and I got talking to visitors from Newark, Brighouse, Martin a Cambridge exile who studied in Leeds and to stop up here and cover the non league circuit widely.  As ever guys a pleasure to hear your stories and swap non league news best wishes for your season.

TEVIE TUSSLE

Lining up for the start I think I was witnessing to of the smartest kits of the season so far, Teversal's blue and white looking particularly good.  A prompt start from Teversal saw them looking to push home an early advantage in the possession stakes but as so often happens it was the home side who took the lead Buchanan skipped into the box and was upended by Jason Dawson to give referee Macrae an easy penalty decision with Eastwood converting as the watch clocked up 14 minutes.  Buchanan was prominent in the move that doubled Campion's lead on 35 minutes skipping down the right to set up Lee Bradshaw to square to Hey to slot into the Teversal goal.  We went into the break with a 2-0 score line in the home sides favour and it was time to frequent Bob's snack bar again.

ELI HEY ON HIS WAY TO A BRACE

Within 4 minutes of the re start Hey was testing visiting keeper Josh Turton who was equal to his effort.  After an encouraging opening for Teversal it wasn't long before Campion took a grip of the second half Buchanan struck the bar before he once again turned provider with a cross off the left for Josh Cooke to head against the crossbar.  The visitors goal was leading a bit of a charmed life but their defences were breached again on 78 minutes when Cooke put in a lovely cross of the right for Hey to smash the ball first time into the roof of the Teversal net to make it 3-0.  With a few minutes remaining on the clock Turton pulled off a lovely full length save from Matt Jones 30 yard effort just managing to deflect the ball over for a corner.

An enjoyable game and an excellent visit to a friendly club, Campion are a new club I'm sure on many hoppers lists if you want a friendly club don't delay visit them soon we were certainly made welcome today.

The return 620 service got us back to the interchange in time for a late running train which once again was full and saw us stand to Leeds before a brief dash to get a pasty from one of the concession stand saw us add a shortbread and bottle of pop drained the blog of just over a fiver.
Seat secured on the direct Northern service back to base we arrived back at home station just before 7.30pm to meet the Alfreton lads who had just returned from The Reds 2-2 FA Cup draw at home to Gateshead.

1874 STAY TOP WITH VICTORY OVER ABBEY HEY

1874 NORTHWICH 2 V ABBEY HEY 0
NWCFL PREMIER @ BARTON STADIUM WINSFORD
8 OCT 2016 --- 3PM

SAMUEL HARE WITH AN 1874 FREE KICK

Two second half goals were enough to secure three points for 1874 as they continue their lofty position in The NWCFL Premier Division. Goals from Scott McGowan and Tom Bailey showed the 1874 home against a resilient Abbey Hey in a game that failed to real get started.
After meeting up with some superb 1874 fans a few weeks ago we were encouraged to come along and see them at home and with their games being played at Winsford Utds ground a place the blog was yet to visit today was the day.
A start from base station just before 1030 saw the East Midlands Train downgraded to 2 carriages and we were already standing in the vestibule area, by Sheffield we were searching for Jeremy Corbyn but there wasn't room on the floor for him.  The full length of both carriages were 'rammed' with seats taken the ticket inspector even had to get people off the train because the service was now overcrowded with no personal space it was definitely good to get off at Stockport.  The advantage was a conversation with a dad and son partnership who were off to see the Rugby League Grand Final which led to an interesting conversation allowing the journey to pass off quicker than it may otherwise have.  Our next destination was Crewe via an Arriva Trains Wales service that was on a winding journey to Carmarthen.  With 45 minutes to wait in Crewe we hopped off the station and had a little walk down Gresty Rd to have a look at Crewe Alexandra FC.  The last time I had visited there was I guess in the 80's for a local derby game with Wrexham but all was quiet today with The Alex away at Luton.  Back to the station for the next service that would drop in in Winsford 10 minutes later at 1307 handily just 4 minutes after the non connecting bus to the town!

BARTON STADIUM AND TENNANTS 1874 NORTHWICH

The train station is another one of those that is around 30 minutes walk from the centre and what looks about 10 minutes further on than the football ground, we opted not to go into town but seek out the McDonalds were I made a meal sampling my priority.  Mick was to abstain and sample a rather large pie and chips in the ground on arrival something that looked tempting but I couldn't could I?  No I didn't!

Walking to the approach to the ground we met a few of the 1874 officials whom we came across at Hanley a few weeks previous as ever a nice welcome ensued and matches everything we had previously discovered about this supporter owned club.  Through the afternoon this was replicated a friendly and welcoming bunch they are the only downside today was our mate from the last blog Bailey the bulldog had opted out and was stopping at home today!

1874 PLAYER OF THE MONTH MATT RUSSELL

The ground is an oval surround with hard standing all the way round with the outside of the pitch showing the grassed over remains of the former greyhound track which closed in the early 1990's.  As with any ground like this you do seem slightly dis associated with proceedings and certainly behind each goal you are some way away from the action.  Through the turnstiles we purchased programmes, golden goal tickets and after a comfort stop we visited the club shop/cabin for a 1874 badge.  On this side is the main stand with behind it a rabbit warren of 2 bars areas, hospitality, pa room and changing rooms contained in an old style stand which was big on character but you did fear a mighty defenders clearance striking it could put the structure in jeopardy.  Over on the opposite side is a covered terracing the full length of the pitch with a very low roof, around the ground there a various cabins, equipment and stock items.  Its a ground of character that has probably seen lots of sporting action over its time but now is looking very dated.  But its good to see Winsford have gained some help over the summer with the ground and I believe 1874 also help out here too.
Before the kick off there was time to catch up with a few familiar faces and collect the teams from 74's secretary for which I thank you.

SOME ABBEY HEY POSSESSION

The first half was not a memorable affair Northwich had looked to get the ball down and play football but Abbey Hey were making it difficult but there attacks were very much of the counter variety with frontman Jonathon Hardy having to do a lot of the running.  So unsurprisingly we arrived at half time goal less.

SCOTT MCGOWAN GETS A SHOT AWAY

The second half started with Greg Hall in the home goal saving from Ben McNamara before on 57 minutes the home side broke the deadlock when Scott McGowan was put through on the edge of the box and two strides later he had fired into the bottom right hand corner to give 1874 the lead. 
The lead was a relief and the game opened up a little with substitute Jack Woolley next to go close.

As Abbey Hey came out of their defensive mode the game still rested on the next goal and with 8 minutes remaining it was a bizarre own goal that secured a 2-0 victory although I guess Tom Bailey for 1874 will claim it.  It was Woolley who laid the ball back for the number 9 whose shot was cleared off the line by Hey's Adam Jones only for it to hit keeper Elliott Wynne to fly back over the line and into the goal.

RICHARD BAILEY SEES THE FUNNY SIDE

End of the action was signalled after the obligatory 3 minutes stoppage time and this game had been sadly quite forgettable as a spectacle thankfully saved by the wonderful fans and club that is 1874 Northwich.

A STEADY AFTERNOON FOR THE MATCH OFFICIALS TODAY

A different route back to the station through the Cheshire suburbs saw us undertake around an hour on our feet around the town and never see a bus although Winsford looks like that sort of town with not a great public transport service.
The reverse journey saw comfortable changes at Crewe, a station I found quite difficult to get my bearings in, and then at Stockport were we completed the final leg of the journey to arrive at base station around 8pm.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

SWINTON OVERCOME DENABY UTD IN LOCAL DERBY

SWINTON ATHLETIC 4 V DENABY UTD 1
SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY SENIOR LEAGUE
PETES PATISSERIE PREMIER LEAGUE @ HAMPDEN RD MEXBOROUGH
1 OCTOBER 2016 --- 3PM

Three second half goals for Swinton Athletic settled this local derby after the teams had shared 2 goals at half time. An early lead for the visitors from Ross Johnson was cancelled out by Justin Greenwood before the second half saw Joe Dungworth grab a brace with the goal of the game sandwiched in between a 25 yard screamer from Darren Walker.
As ever the week had been spent looking at a selection of games and last week the chance of covering the first Sheffield County Senior game had come onto the radar finally though having popped along to Birstall.  This week the list saw Swinton appear again with a tantalising derby against local rivals Denaby Utd.  The league has a step 7 status but I was a little perturbed by the website associated to the competition showing just a referee allocated to this game and with the likelihood of no programme and probably no admission it seemed a weird situation having been used to all of the above being a must in the Central Midlands Football League a fellow step 7 league.  However as Friday and then Saturday arrived the blog had become like a moth to a light constantly flying towards this fixture. 
So by Saturday morning there was a plan a quick journey from base station over the Derbyshire border to Sheffield for a day out in South Yorkshire.  The plan was to arrive and spend a little time in Denaby first and after departure at Conisbrough station at 1150 rather than make my way to the road I ventured off the arrival platform to take a little look at what had become of the former Earth Centre which was a eco style centre and park built on the former pit site designed to re invigorate the area, sadly the project failed.  The site and its buildings are now taken up by the Kingswood Learning organisation a sharp reversal down the lane to the main road soon had me arriving in Denaby Main.  Many moons ago on Saturday days out to Edinburgh to Tynecastle to see Hearts I used to connect with the east coast train at Doncaster and in those heady days of the 1980s before passing Conisbrough there was a set of large floodlights that always grabbed my attention.  Within the mid 80's having discovered non league football the first ground I visited outside of my local area was Denaby Utd and their Tickhill Sq ground the site of those imposing floodlights.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FORMER MAIN STAND WITH ST ALBANS IN THE BACKGROUND

The sad demise of the former club is well documented on various sites so I wont go into them here but needless to say this was a great chance to go back down memory lane.  Having visited 3 or 4 times there were just small changes to the area with some new builds and the loss of a pub, visited previously, opposite the old Empire in the village.  Times are still hard in this former mining area and the massive Denaby and Cadeby Miners Welfare is still in situ by the former ground which is now used by Denaby Main also in the Petes Patisserie League while Utd are playing at Old Rd but currently are away from their base and playing at Balby Carr. 
The imposing St Albans Church remains a focal point for this ground on the very perimeter of the penalty box with a ground that has now lost its former main stand, floodlights and much of its spectator railings.  Opposite the main stand is a new covered terracing which replaces a former stand that even I didn't see in my previous visits.  The ground was falling into disrepair before Utd folded after their dispute with the Welfare over continuing their ground use but this was a superb venue with a club of dedicated locals, oh yes and one of the better programmes in the non league too.  Having revisited my memories and breathed it all in for a while I had decided to walk back to Mexborough.
While walking out of the village you cant help but see the young people growing up with little idea of the past glories of this village and all that made it successful had been wiped away in those troubled days in the 1980s.  Passing out of Denaby and through Coalpit Rd a short walk later found us in Old Denaby and then Ferry Boat Lane took us over the railway line, the River Don and then the Canal at Mexborough Bridge lock.

MEXBOROUGH TOWN CENTRE

Having arrived in Mexborough the destination for todays game after a small walk around the town centre which was quite busy but as with my own local area showing the signs of past glories never to be re visited.  There are some really interesting buildings above eye level and of course The Montague Hotel which in 1907 gave accommodation to Stan Laurel who was performing at the nearby Prince of Wales Theatre.  The Old Market Hall adjacent to the hotel was bustling with customers but I managed to locate a seat and got the biggest plate of Scampi peas and chips I've ever had in a Wethersponons.
Contemplating todays game at the Mexborough Athletic Sports Club and this local derby that just a mile to the west is Swinton who now play at Hampden Rd against their very near neighbours Denaby Utd, indeed last week they had greeted Denaby Main and gained a 3-0 victory.  Swinton last season had secured The Doncaster Cup at The Keepmoat Stadium and last weekend saw their first league victory.  Denaby Utd since reforming in 2011 have had mainly promotion after promotion and last seasons success in League 1 sees them back at senior non league level for the first time since 2002.
Just short of 2pm and a short walk away and the steep climb onto Hampden Rd was achieved and the back of the pavilion has a gated tunnelled entrance to the ground having located this I decided to walk around the perimeter ground wall which led me back to the sports club and a further entrance into the ground.
Mexborough Town the last senior team had left the pitch in 1993 and this ground saw 2 other named Mexborough sides play here indeed in 1972/73 Town reached round 3 of the FA Trophy losing out to eventual winners Scarborough 3-1 in front of just short of 2,000 supporters.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE HAMPDEN RD END WITH PAVILION TO THE FAR LEFT

As ever a quick tour of the ground entering via the pavilion on Hampden Road you would find to your left a large 2 level pavilion with a score board aloft its roof for the cricket pitch which is immediately in front of you making this of course a 3 sided ground.  The changing rooms are used for the football and off we go to the left behind the Hampden Rd goal a deep 4 stepped terrace which all the way round as about 5 foot of rough standing in front of it before the spectator railings which are well adorned with a healthy selection of current advertising boards.  The far touchline sees the terracing continue and the highlight of the ground a superbly dominant and well kept main stand.  Behind the goal at the far end of the ground the sweep of terracing continues and once again you can only imaging the memories its holds from some of the big Mexborough Town games of old.
Before the game there was time to catch up with James Benfold from Denaby who keeps up a nice website and also produces a programme for the club a sterling effort well done.

REFEREE JACK MASON

Referee Jack Mason had arrived and it was good to catch up with him he would have is work cut out today with no linesman allocated but overall as a neutral I thought he had a good game.  There was also time to say a quick hello to Athletics manager and as ever in this part of the country it was a friendly bunch of people all ready to pass the time of day at this game.

To the game then and this Petes Patisserie, there's something you probably wouldn't associate with South Yorkshire, League and it was an good start from both sides before the visitors broke the deadlock a flicked on clearance was superbly met by the on running Ross Johnson who fired past Jordan Watson in the home goal after 14 minutes.

SWINTON ATHLETICS ENZO GUARINI

The game was flowing from end to end but with little end product in the goalmouth however 10 minutes before half time Swinton were on level terms when a right wing cross was headed home by Justin Greenwood to take the teams in at half time with a score line of 1-1.
The second half saw the deadlock continue until 67 minutes when Joe Dungworth headed in at the back post to give Athletic the lead and much as Denaby tried to come back it was the home side who looked to have gained the confidence booster now.

Then the moment of the goal worth the admission money alone, if there had been one, time approaching 78 minutes on the clock substitute Darren Walker picked up the ball 25 yards out and lashed home an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner of the Denaby goal to make it 3-1.
With 3 minutes remaining and the torrential downpour of the previous 5 minutes subsiding Swinton capped of a good day with a 4th Drew Sandon weaved his way in off the left hand side and pulled the ball back for Dungworth to drive home his second of the game.
Having enjoyed the last 10 minutes or so from the expanse of the terracing here at Hampden Rd there was sadly little stoppage time and referee Mason was soon calling full time signalling me a walk back down through Mexborough to the station.
Arriving with a good 15 minutes to spare all that was left was to negotiate Rotherham Central were the train predictably became full to bursting with Newcastle fans on their way back from The New York Stadium.  With a quick change at Sheffield the blog was back at base station just over an hour after leaving Hampden Rd.
Having seen the league fans coming back from varying games at Sheffield station I wouldn't swap them for non league days like this a great look around Denaby and Mexborough all capped off with an entertaining game of football.

WERE ALL SWINTON ATHLETIC AERNT WE?