BASFORD 21 POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE

BASFORD UTD 4 CORBY TOWN 0
EVOSTIK NPL SOUTH @ GREENWICH AVE
30 DECEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

WELCOME TO BASFORD UNITED FC

Basford Utd completed a 4-0 victory over second placed Corby Town and the three points took them 21 points clear at the top of The Evostik South table, a lead that barring a major problem must surely see them claim the title sooner rather than later. The experience of the home side probably proved the difference because even though the score line suggests an easy victory for much of the game it was far from this as Corby's young side stood toe to toe with the leaders.  Indeed as half time approached a score less affair looked to be the call of the day except for 2 goals in two minutes from Deon Meikle and Kieran Wells that gave Basford the advantage.  The second period proved the same apart from the fast breakaways from Utd and former Alfreton Town frontman Liam Hearn and Aidan Austin doubled the advantage by the end of the game.

LIAM HEARN IN WARM UP MODE

With a weather affected week in the East Midlands and snow lying and the melting fast call offs were to the fore and 3g had been sorted out as a rescue measure.  Here an early mention to Chairman Chris Munroe and Basford Utd who had signalled no problems with the 3g with snow or anything of the like and with other clubs often failing to use their social media accounts until it was too late the decision was made to re visit Greenwich Ave.  The last visit had been for a Community game on one of the outfields here at the clubs complex at the end of last season, before this there had been a few visits to the main ground but this would be the first time to see a game since the club had installed its new 3g pitch.  Under the superb guidance of the Chairman Basford Utd had risen from CMFL were I had first come across them to a step 4 club with what appears a sensible approach.  Building up the aged sides, developing the grounds, involvement with educational opportunities and now of course improvements to the ground.  With a fair selection of recognisable faces in the clubs officials it all goes for the club having a stable footing under the guidance of Mr Munroe.

MAIN STANDS AND NEW PORTACABIN HOSPITALITY

Attractions around the ground are few so there is nothing of the area really in todays blog as the whole complex is within a housing area but needless to say the usual route to Nottingham was applied with a change a Alfreton onto the Rainbow 1 passing the required stop to go onto Bobbers Mill Macs.  Returning for the five minute journey a short walk of ten minutes would bring me to Greenwich Ave admission paid and a warm welcome from programme seller and raffle purveyor who could resist a purchase?

A CLUB EMBLAZONED PROGRAMME SELLER

The obligatory circuit showed some alterations and without going into full ground descriptor mode, as this has been done on a previous visit, here are the noticeable changes.  Below the changing room area the double Atcost stands now have a double decked Portacabin which I guess was for hospitality although I did not venture, the far side and Higbury Vale end remain much the same as does the Greenwich Ave end except to say the whole complex is now smartly edged off with high green meshed fencing and the pitch barrier is of a white variety as opposed to green.  The players enter the arena by an astroturf walkway which is emblazoned with the Basford Utd badge for an extra nice touch.  All in all a creditable development and as I guess plans for further developments come out this ground will take on the feel of I hope for the club a ground that will continue to match their undoubted ambitions, a real credit to all involved.

THE FOUNTAINS OF BASFORD

Upon entry and during the build up to the game there was obviously a concern that the 3g is not growing because even after all the rain the club were watering the surface!  I believe it helps the Basford Utd play with the ball zipping off the surface but it was a strange site to see, Mr Storer of the local parish also advises it keeps the rubber crumbs in place.  Having completed the circuit there was the chance to get into a few conversations before popping into the clubhouse for a soft drink, of course.  Moving along to the players entrance a selection of Basford players were having the pictures taken for the website when I believe the kit official for Corby Sandra Kyle, I hope I have this correct as I didn't ask at the time[!], said 'I didn't get my picture taken'.  Opportunity of course for somebody with a camera and picture duly taken, thanks Sandra!

SANDRA KYLE CORBY TOWN

The home side have a glut of experience and this has shown in their undefeated season so far indeed between these 2 club their season had only produced one 0-0 game that was Basford visit to Stocksbridge.  Corby Town had on loan from Mansfield Town goalkeeper Sam Wilson and Cameron Healey both starting, thanks to Mr Waite of the Retford parish for this tip.

REFEREE ROBERT DADLEY PRE MATCH WITH HIS TEAM

Top of the table clashes often disappoint for the neutral as both sides cancel one another out and to be fair the endeavour and effort in this game was top notch but for the first 40 minutes this was the case here so much so that I'd disappeared to the snack bar for some merchandise just after the half hour mark.  Then it all changed two quick goals first on 40 minutes Meikle headed in from a right wing corner and then from the opposite side a couple of minutes later Wells saw his first close range effort blocked before the follow up was planted in the back of the net.

SAM WARBURTON COMES AWAY WITH THE BALL FOR CORBY

The Steelmen would have felt hard done by at the break because there was little between these two sides and the second half started with Corby battling hard to get back into the game.  The speed of Basford on the break though would prove clinical in sending this game away from Corby who overall were struggling to provide the threat up front.  On a better day Hearn would have had a second half hat trick but he did secure a goal with a sweet left foot strike from just inside the box after he had controlled the ball and turned on the edge of the box after 79 minutes.

FILMING FOR MATCH OF THE DAY

Then just four minutes later substitute Austin with possibly his first touch nearly went over under a last gasp challenge just over the half way but having stayed on his feet before coolly slotting past Wilson as the two approached one another to make it 4-0.

TODAYS NON LEAGUE DOG RESPLENDANT IN PURPLE

Its all about goals and although this score line felt harsh on Corby who drop to third in a very tight play off chasing pack it is what Basford did today with the ability to keep their remarkable season continuing unbeaten.  Corby have a nice mixture in their side and its a learning curve and if it continues to connect and develop in the second half of the season they should be ok for a play off spot and then maybe they can start their ascent back up to previously visited heady heights that Basford United also so clearly desire.

BENTLEY HIT FESTIVE FIVE

AFC BENTLEY 5 RENISHAW RANGERS 2
CMFL NORTH @ THE AVENUE
23 DECEMBER 2017 --- 2PM

ACTION FROM AFC BENTLEY V RENISHAW RANGERS

An early Christmas present for Bentley as they saw off their Derbyshire rivals with a five goal haul that was enough to take them to second spot in the CMFL North.  The pace of their build up and finishing ability of Brad Maddison proving the difference the home frontman certainly got a hat trick and the debate continues over whether he secured four in this impressive display.  All this after trailing 2-0 at half time Renishaw had drawn level with 2 goals in a minute early in the second half but the home side awoke from their half time respite to power home three more goals to earn a comfortable victory in the end.
By design or not I had spent around 25% of my season watching games involving these two clubs Bentley of course by virtue of three consecutive new grounds where they just happened to be the opponents and Renishaw in a slightly different mode but overall both clubs are friendly and welcoming which makes todays return trip to The Avenue a bit of a must.

THE PAVILION IN THE PARK

With a 2pm kick off in place the train travel was all fairly reasonable and civil standing to Sheffield before a seat on the direct service to Bentley.  Decamping in todays destination just a few miles north of Doncaster there was a plan, fish and chips of course, to visit Fish Bits and todays delicacy was a good offering.  The streets of Bentley really don't offer too much I'm afraid but having peered in at the writing on the former Coop which still just about gave up Doncaster Cooperative Chemist in its stonework and the hall above the former premises which proudly still stands on the main A19 a testimony to the influence of the Coops in many a northern community.  A small walk around the local park took in The Pavilion a semi art deco feel about the building which was now a community hall facility but added a smart touch to the park after its regeneration.  Indeed it had a sad start in life due to open on 20 November 1931 and paid for by a penny donation from the miners wages an disaster struck the colliery just 8 days early in which 45 men lost their lives and the opening was respectfully delayed.

THE ROW OF SHOPS THAT GREET THE AVENUE

Bentley was of course a mining area and the villages former pit site was next on the to do list heading towards The Avenue, which must be the longest 'Avenue' in the country, headed up by an arc of shops featuring yet another former Coop building this time the Doncaster Industrial and Mutual Coop we head off past the football club and towards the row of former terraced pit houses that stood at the approach to the former colliery which closed in 1993.  Unlike some areas that await renewal this former site is now awash with trees and is the Bentley Community Woodland.  Its all rather a disappointment whereas other former mining villages have a display board remembering their proud past here there is nothing to tell of the proud history.

THE MAIN STAND

With an hour to go to kick off the ground beckoned and with the former entrance now closed to allow development of the new changing facilities and clubhouse the club now use the changing facilities of Bentley Colliery Cricket Club just over the road and access the pitch by an adjacent mini gate which also serves as a spectator entry point.  There was thankfully still time to say hello to Martin Baxter Renishaw Chairman and todays hosts in the shape of home secretary Nigel, James Irwin and Dave Hughes.  The temporary changing area also supplies warm drinks and having paid my admission and obtained a programme all was well with even the team sheets gained.

NEW FACILITIES UNDERWAY AT AFC BENTLEY

This would be the third visit to The Avenue but the first time it will be blogged so here goes, the surrounds of the ground sit higher than the road with the pitch in a lower setting offering good views the near side has hard standing and although railed off the other viewing areas are grass only.  The main stand is of the style and design often seem around former mining villages but with the departure of the former cabins used for changing rooms is the clubs new development.  A large changing room and club house area is under development and hopefully will be in use for next season a great move by the club and hopefully one that will help Bentley no end in their desires to enhance the ground further.
By kick off time their was approaching double figures in hoppers including John McClure from the superb Your Football Ground page and with these visitors paid in the crowd sat around 32 at kick off time.  It is of course a recurring factor that with a village the size of Bentley and the ground surrounded by houses hardly any locals come along for £3 its a bargain and with good endeavour and football on show today what does it take to get people along?

THE PLAYERS TUNNEL

So to the game with Bentley high flying and Renishaw struggling, but much improved from their disastrous start to the season it looked as though it could be an interesting game.  By half time the home side led 2-0 and the score line seemed a little harsh from an even affair.

MADDISON MAKES IT 1-0

It was a superb opener when Maddision hit a 20 yard free kick that left all standing including Stephen Booth in the visitors goal.

RENISHAW CLEAR OFF THE LINE FROM MADDISON [10]

Moments later Renishaw cleared off the line as the lively Maddison looked to double the score at the other end home keeper Dom Senior held well under his bar from a Tommy Walker effort.  With five minutes to go to the break Maddison converted with a smart finish after good work from Matty Hughes on the left to double the advantage.
The second period started at a right old pace with four goals in eleven frantic minutes it was Renishaw who pulled level with two in a minute first Paul Sherbourn ran across Brandon Ashmore who promptly dusted himself down and converted from the penalty spot.  It was Ashmore again doing the damage down the left he skipped past three tracking defenders his low cross was laid back to Lewis Price whose shot took a deflection past Senior in the home goal.  Renishaw had gained parity but this only remained for four minutes as Bentley sensing the steamroller was about to devour them woke up and re took the lead Maddison broke down the left took the ball round the out coming Booth and with the visitors goal exposed his effort was sliced into this own goal by a despairing attempted clearance from Adam Powell, own goal or the frontman's hat trick you decide.

MATTY HUGHES ONCE AGAIN INFLUENTIAL FOR BENTLEY

Bentley had the bit between their teeth now and a lovely goal from Hughes put them 4-2 up pace took him down the inside left channel and as he drew the visiting keeper he slotted home with a cool finish.
With seven minutes remaining and Renishaw now tiring Maddison got his hat trick or fourth whichever way you look at it he had a superb afternoon and influence on this game with a wonderful move that flowed down the left hand side before Alex Irwin supplied the perfectly weighted assist that set up the number 10 for his finish.

DUG OUTS IN VIEW WITH DAN SHORT RENISHAW MANAGER TO THE FORE

A victory that takes Bentley into a challenging second place and with some quality young players and a little more experience this is a side who will challenge for the top spot while Renishaw wait the arrival of a three new signings that they need to kick start their previous revival to start to get away from the basement dog fight again.
A comfortable return to Bentley station and a return journey that was on time allowed a 40 minute wait in Sheffield before a speedy return to base from an afternoon of good entertainment and a friendly welcome once again from both clubs.

HEANOR PASS LOUGHBOROUGH UNI TEST

HEANOR TOWN 2 LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 1
MFL PREM @ THE TOWN GROUND
16 DECEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

HEANOR TOWN V LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

It was to be three points for Heanor Town in what turned out to be a close run contest at the end with all the goals, and what goals they were, coming in the first half.  Heanor probably should have had it wrapped up at half time but after taking a 2-0 lead thanks to wonder strikes from Greg Marriott and Elliot Reeves Loughborough worked their way back into it just before half time after a lovely free flowing move saw Cameron Gordon convert.
Heanor, a town and ground of many night visits so I wont bore regulars with a review of facilities here except chips, chips, chips, cobs and peas!  The local game was in the selection process from very early in the week with as ever the need to avoid distance travel in the build up to festivities and an under the weather week the decision was taken to gamble on a fairly local encounter taking out the trip to Nottingham for a 3g game.

HEANOR MARKET PLACE A FESTIVE DELIGHT

Departure from base to the change at Alfreton had in sights a visit to Selston but with the hourly service running 20 minutes late there was the joyous sight of a H1 to Heanor and as ever its often best to take the option so at 2pm it was the Town Ground. Regular readers will know a trip to this theatre of dreams is always enjoyed and normally its for a night game so it was good to take in a daytime game, I say daytime game because car lights were already on in this dark winters afternoon, something that would lead to no match pictures from todays fixture.

GREG MARIOTTS STARES OUT THE CAMERA LENSE BEFORE HIS SUPERB STRIKE

Heanor Market Place was festooned [?] with decorations and with just half an hour to kick off there was chance for a few pre match photos before catching up with a few people during the afternoon a fellow non league fan from Burton who I had previously met around the non league scene, a pleasure to meet you and catch up, plus of course Ian Squires or Mr Squires as I respectively address him always a welcoming reception at Heanor, although it may not always be the warmest for the visiting team!  It was good to catch up with the tea bar ladies and after a started before the game it was half time before I managed a chip cob today, minus the peas surprisingly.

SADLY LENNY WAS SUFFERING WITH A DETATCHED PAW
BUT AT LEAST IT ALLOWED HIM TO PULL HIS SOCKS UP

Loughborough looking resplendent in their purple kit which is a unique outfit for the club must have been confident having three weeks earlier despatched Heanor 3-1 at the University.

PRE MATCH FOR LOUGHBOROUGH WITH JUST A LITTLE PURPLE ON SHOW

But today within holidays upon them they had a very changed side by all accounts and from the off The Lions fancied their chances taking a lead after 22 minutes when Marriott lashed home a 20 yard effort for a wonderful start.  The lead was doubled with probably the best goal of the game Elliott Reeves wonder finish from 25 yards that whistled into the roof of the Uni net.  Heanor looked well in control of the game but it was to be the visitors who would get a foothold in the game just four minutes before half time when a slick move saw Max Bardsley-Rowe supply the low cross for Gordon to sweep the ball home and that's how we went in at half time.

JUST TO KEEP THINGS EVEN HERE IS HEANOR RESPLENDANT IN THIER ORANGE BIBS

The second half failed to supply the quality goals and was quite a cagey affair before the final 10 minutes we saw Reeves have a header saved and then Reeves set up James Sleigh for a shot that went back across goal and wide, how I needed him to score today for a festive headline!  The closing stages powered from end to end but it was the Leicestershire based side who were finishing the strongest and so nearly pulled off a draw in a game that Heanor should have had wrapped up.

REFEREE RUEBYN RICARDO WONDERS IF ANYBODY ELSE FANCIES A GAME OF FOOTY

However The Lions held on and secured three more points as they look to stick to the chasing pack.

A FAMILIAR VIEW OF THE TOWN GROUND AS THE REGULARS GATHER

A darkening and increasingly cold night was beckoning and a local service back to Ripley saw a delayed Comet, see it does work out sometimes, facilitate a return back to base just an hours after the final whistle after an entertaining and in the end close match.

QUALITY GOALS WIN IT FOR FC CAVALIERS

FC CAVALIERS 3 GEDLING SOUTHBANK 0
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE PREMIER @ FOREST SPORTS ZONE
9 DECEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

FC CAVALIERS V GEDLING SOUTHBANK

On a bitterly cold afternoon the quality of FC Cavaliers three goals not only warmed up the watching spectators but added three more valuable points to the home sides total as they stayed in touch with the leading group at the top of the Nottinghamshire Senior League Premier Division.  A superb double strike from David Kolapo and a wonder finish from Bayleigh Reid did the damage that meant Gedling Soutbank were unable to raise any comeback.
As ever approaching the weekend the weather was the big factor to intervene with Saturday footy with the snow at base station nicely iced over games looked increasingly doubtful to take place and with a heavy overnight frost forecast even where there was no covering games would definitely fall foul of inspections and so it proved to be.  Thankfully FC Cavaliers home ground on Gregory Boulevard was a 3g surface and had been on the agenda for a while and as long as there was no covering of snow the game would hopefully take place.  Here thanks goes to Cavaliers manager Martin Hickey whose responses on Friday sealed this as the game to cover on Saturday.
Option for travel was by bus to Alfreton with a quick change onto a Rainbow 1 service to Bobbers Mill for a pre match meal[!?] in one of my favourite Big M's today did not disappoint and with a smart car emblazoned with Macs in the car park I did envisage Ronald being on the premises, although I have to report he was not to be seen.  As good as ever in this relatively new Macs and while there checking the games being postponed all around there were just two others on in Nottingham at Gedling MW and Dunkirk.

BEN GATES SOUND SCULPTURES

Walking along the long Gregory Boulevard and diverting off to Hyson Green Asda for a quick look around, back onto the main thoroughfare the New Art Exchange building was discovered.  Looking very busy and with a well occupied café I did consider a visit being now only just after 1.30pm.  But of interest outside was Ben Gates Sound Sculptures who had set up with a display of weird and wonderful everyday objects to play in an astonishing musical performance.

NOTTINGHAM TRAM OFFERS A CONVINENT WAY TO ARRIVE

The far end of this massive recreation area, Forest Fields, offers a park and ride system and a tram link to the city centre just a mile away and so its quite convenient to arrive by this mode of transport from the railway station if you are so travelling.  Forest Fields offers a large park area that is also the host of the Nottingham Goose fair a massive fairground that sets up over the whole site in early October each year.  The name apparently was gained after geese were driven from Lincoln to Newark for an historical trade fair a large collection of years ago.

ENTRY TO THE SPORTS ZONE

Amazingly the outlying park pitches were setting up for their 2pm kick offs interesting to see the local players just getting on with playing.  To the top end of the area towards the Mansfield Rd end is the Sports Zone with out door Astroturf pitches and then the main block a two tiered building offering changing rooms and at the higher level the main 3g pitch for todays game.

CHANGING ROOMS AND TOP DECK ENTRANCE TO THE 3G.

Firstly this does have a semi feel of a ground yes its caged in but the side by our exit from the host building is all tarmac hard standing with low fencing apart from 6 foot high fencing in front of the changing rooms to protect the glass I guess.  So for a steady little crowd its fairly comfortable to watch proceedings without the feel of not being at a football ground.  Nottingham Forrest have a large connection here through their community trust and I guess are probably owners or leasers of the site which as clearly received the usual funding from a wide selection of sources.

RESPECT HANDSHAKE

FC Cavaliers were formed in 1978 and have played under a few guises including British Caribbean's, Caribbean Cavaliers and now FC Cavaliers.  Approaching their 40 year anniversary it was a pleasure to speak to Karl White one of the original founding members and have a brief chat in the second half, great to see his enthusiasm and continued interest in the club.  Before the game manager Martin Hickey had made a few minutes for a chat and catch up on Cav's season so far, thanks to both of you it was nice to meet you.  While on the greeting front it was also good to catch up with referee Fanran Meng who had previously meet when he was assistant referee at Gedling MW earlier in the season and Andy the assessor today from Newark.  Also good to catch up again with Paul who I see on an irregular basis and is as ever a wealth of information on many grounds that I have not so far visited and some good tips followed at the end when we journeyed back to base town after the game.
Todays visitors Gedling Southbank newly promoted from division 1 were toying with the wrong end of the league but looked resplendent in their superb red and white striped kit, whereas the green kit of FC Cavaliers is a not too often seen colour in todays game.

DAVID KOLAPO CELEBRATES HIS FIRST GOAL

To the game and it started at a fair old pace with FC Cavaliers clearly on the front foot and they found themselves 2 up inside 15 minutes first on 8 minutes Kolapo curled in a lovely finish from 20 yards out before seven minutes later his one on one with visiting keeper Daniel Cockayne led to Cavaliers second.  With the keeper racing out Kolapo challenged for the waist high ball and as the ball was cleared to around 40 yards out on the inside left Reid took it under control before converting the ball from a difficult high set position into the Gedling net for an excellent finish.

BAYLEIGH REID RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS ON HIS GOAL

It looked a question of how many but slowly Gedling stemmed the tide and got a foothold in the game but they were unable to create too much of note against a lively home side.

GEDLING SOUTHBANK IN POSESSION

The second period saw the visitors take some early possession but Cavaliers were holding them out and there was little to worrying the home side, as the game opened out it was Cavaliers who looked increasingly threatening with some slick fast flowing football non more so than the third goal.  A sweeping move found Kolapo on the left he cut in to the box and fired into the far bottom corner of the Gedling net for his second.
Unfortunately the front man could not find the opening for his hat trick but Cavaliers did go close with just 7 minutes remaining when Keba Drame struck a lovely effort from 20 yards only for the post to interrupt what would have been another superb goal.

FC CAVALIERS ON THE ATTACK

The cool weather had become an increasingly notably factor in the afternoon but the small crowd were warmed by three wonderful goals and some excellent football and once again this season the Nottinghamshire Senior League had provided a game of enjoyable quality.
A quick dash to Victoria bus station saw a prompt departure to connect in Derby, this time, with an arrival back at base around 7pm.

NEWARK BATTLE FOR FIRST ADDITION TO POINTS TALLY SINCE AUGUST

NEWARK TOWN 1 AFC BENTLEY 1
CMFL NORTH @ STATION RD
2 DECEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

STATION ROAD GROUND

Enter the festive month and Newark who collected their first present of a league point after this spirited draw against high flying AFC Bentley, it was to be the first time the Nottinghamshire side would trouble their points tally since a solitary win in August.  After Alex Irwin had put the visitors ahead you may have expected the home teams heads to drop but they were having non of it and equalised just before half time through long serving Ian Wade. 
A chance to cover a new ground that should have been visited, well ages ago really was supported by an end to the frosty weather and early communication with Newark secretary and CMFL publicity officer Richard Lane who confirmed all was ok.

NEWARK CASTLE AND THE RIVER TRENT

Here is the travel paragraph so for those not bothered-blah, blah, blah late trains and packed.  For those that are interested in all things transport an on time arrival at base station had started worryingly with a play bus parked near base displaying the manic face of Sponge Bob Square Pants all over the front of the vehicle.  Train to Nottingham was through on time but an all stander, with a comfortable change onto the next service on the Leicester to Lincoln route, which has a near 20 minute wait in Castle city there was the opportunity to acquire a seat.  This would be a direct service to Newark Castle one of the two stations in Newark although the other Northgate was silent to East Coast traffic due to engineering works.  The decision had been made to take an hour or so to look around Newark before departing to their current home at Collingham Fc and of course upon departure apart from the castle and modern council offices one of the first things you notice provides the knowledge that you must have arrived in a town of some note, yes a Waitrose.  Being from the north I often like to pop in just for a walk round mind you to see how the other half live, with little time though today it was off over the bridge that allows passage over the river Trent by the castle and into the important part of any trip.  Fish and Chips had been missing from the blog for a few weeks and todays research had shown that a trip to Middlegate would find a good one.

COLLECTION TIME THE FOOTBALL CLUB, THE CHIPPY, NEXT THE CAR

A strange coincidence has occurred some may call it an obsession but the last three games, including todays, will have seen the opposition being AFC Bentley and by a strange revelation the name of todays chippy?  'Bentley's', the overall impression is of a smart take away and sit down emporium with the fryer having on his Fleetwood Mackerel T shirt, see what he did there, I was ready for a few more play on words as we ventured around the streets of Newark.  The food I here you cry well the cost was £6.30 and for the overall impression this was a little dear although a good portion the fish was rather bland anyway here am I commenting on price I must have become an adopted Yorkshire man as well as a Bentley fan!
Newark is a town I've visited on many occasions but its a quintessential English town market place encased in shops, town hall, church, alleyways and quirky coffee shops.   After the Fleetwood Mackerel experience I did notice a few interestingly named shops including New Ark Pets, Newark News, N. V Us Cards, Pasatbility and then a bus advertising local outlet Roy Walker Carpets, I bet its a laugh a minute there.

FOR THE TRANSPORT BUFFS

The decision had been made to take the 67 bus service operated by Wrights out to the ground, even though Collingham station is around 5 minutes from todays venue, it often gives a feel for the area and apart from a straight main road run out to our destination it did give a feel for a very busy town that took us 20 minutes to clear the edge of town retail park.
Departing the service at the top end of High St I did notice the village chippy was still open this would have been the calling point but I could not find any opening times for the business so had opted for Newark, although it did cross my mind just to try a bag of chips!  A walk around started by the old stone cross and a fascinating fact of over 62 listed buildings in this village and trekking along the adjacent Low St this became very clear with the display of fantastic quirky and interesting properties non more so than the Malthouse with its massive sloping roof.  Approaching White Hart Lane I could see no floodlights or developments taking place, I cut back through the delightful named Temperance Lane I just could not resist it!  The quirkiness of this wonderful village was further highlighted with said lane just about able to take a car width however somebody in highways had made the decision to put a broken white line marking down the middle of the road!

A DRAMATIC ENTRANCE TO THE GROUND WELL TO THE LEFT BY THE TROLLY PARK ANYWAY

After popping into the newsagent for a Newark Advertiser and reading the village notice boards there was still time to visit the large Lincolnshire Coop for a quality chocolate brownie for 'afters' and this proved a good options because to the left hand side of the store is one of the entrances to the ground, the other being off of Station Road.
Newark Town are thankfully still representing the town here at Collingham around 5 miles away from their home base its forever a disappointment to me that a town of its size does not have its senior team representing it within its boundaries.  With Newark Flowserve also just off the edge of the town in Balderton playing in the Notts Senior League it would be good for local councillors and MP to get together and sort this out either to upgrade their juniors site or get this club back into the cracking little town of Newark.

TODAYS LINE UPS

However they do have a nice venue with Collingham at their Station Road ground which has a wonderful function suite above the changing rooms and now added on bar area at ground level and after paying the £3 admission and popping in to purchase it gave a clean and impressive view of the club.  The ground is fully enclosed although meshed fencing offers a view from behind both goals the station end is not accessible with the pitch very tightly enclosed within its lengthways boundary although the Coop end does offer standing behind its goal.  The far side with the dug outs I guess is out of bounds but does offer grass standing with the main side being the clubhouse which offers a fair amount of standing cover.
Before and during the game today it was great to catch up with, once again, James Irwin, Dave and Julie Hughes from AFC Bentley and the ever welcoming and previously mentioned Richard Lane.  There was also chance to make re acquaintances with current and former Bentley secretary Nigel Bates.  As per visits to The Avenue it was always a warm greeting from Nigel and today was no different.  It has to be mentioned he was looking resplendent in his John Motson jacket, he did ask me to mention it or was it don't mention it I forget now!

NIGEL BATES DISPLAYS THE JOHN MOTSON JACKET ON ITS WORLD TOUR

To the game then an increasingly dark afternoon by the time we reached kick off it was not to be the best of starts for bottom club Newark when Matty Hughes supplied the cross for Alex Irwin to head in at the back post to make it 1-0 to the visitors and at this point you wondered how many.  It was the turn of Irwin to turn supplier for Josh Paskill but his effort was saved by Luke Sheldon in the home goal.  As we approached half time Newark who had kept their heads and tempo up and made it 1-1when Kyle Nicholson floated a free kick off the right that Dominic Senior pushed over for a corner, from the quadrant kick Ian Wade was on hand to head home.  Bentley raised their game to the challenge and on the stroke of half time Sheldon saved from under his bar with a follow up effort cleared off the line Newark were grateful for interval.

MATTY HUGHES ASSIST FOR THE OPENING GOAL FOR BENTLEY

The second half was an end to end slugfest as both sides gave their all although struggling for much free flowing football we did see the bar struck and shots blocked non more so than when brothers Josh and Thomas Johnson had efforts blocked in the same move for Newark.  In the final stages both sides looked for the winning goal but on the full time whistle a selection of both sides players dropped to their feet this had not been a pretty game but the effort expelled received a standing ovation from the respectful spectators.

NEWARK ON THE BALL

Of course for Newark this was a major achievement to hold the third placed club and may just start an upturn in their fortunes, beware other struggling clubs.  For Bentley this has to be seen as a missed opportunity to add three more points to their total for the top of the table push.

MORE MATCH ACTION WITH NEWARK CLEARING THEIR BOX

Having decided not to run for the 4.54 train a quick Lucozade in the bar and a chat allowed a leisurely departure for the 5.44 all stopper to Leicester with a change at Nottingham.  For the second time in a few weeks the dark and edge of village station saw me being the only passenger to board the train.  While waiting for its arrival it was strange to see an old guy approaching coughing his way down Station Road thinking he would be a fellow passenger but on this dark night he just arrived to unlock a push bike from its platform parking bay and after cursing at the lock for a while he boarded and pedalled away into the dark distance.
Seat gained and after a comfortable connection in Nottingham another seat secured, luxury, base station was achieved just shy of 7.30pm after an enjoyable trip out to Newark and Collingham that had been spent in the company of some more genuine non league fans.

BENTLEY SECURE THE DERBY WIN OVER ASKERN

ASKERN 0 AFC BENTLEY 2
CMFL NORTH @ MANOR WAY
25 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

MANOR WAY HOME OF ASKERN FC

A goal in each half from Josh Paskill and Alex Irwin was enough to secure Bentley the points, local bragging rights and more importantly the lofty position of third in the CMFL North.  On a bitterly cold afternoon the four miles that separate these two neighbours produced a battling performance from the visitors who with an inexperienced side played some good floor football and finally saw off the challenge of Askern.
After a weather watch week the frost was not as bad as forecast and soon disappeared allowing this original choice to remain in play with the chance of a first visit to Askern and surprisingly the viewing of AFC Bentley who were of course the opposition at last weeks Appleby Frodingham encounter.  Todays transport was, as ever, fulfilled by overcrowding and the lateness of all bar one service the final bus from base town to base.  Chesterfield station on a Manchester Utd home day is always a busy sight especially for the four carriage option to Sheffield with standing spot secured I was grateful to alight at steel city with the awaiting crowd so large that I'm not sure they would all be able to board.  Still a quick dash to an adjoining platform and onto the late leaving Scarborough bound train with a seat!

ASKERN A GATED VILLAGE

Doncaster an impressive town centre and Frenchgate Centre allowed me half an hours browsing time before disappearing into the dark space that is the all covered interchange a smart facility but how it needs some daylight.  The lack of a station in Askern, closed many years ago, necessitated an Arriva bus service 405 to the village and of course it was 20 minutes late in but we were soon off, thankfully, up the A19 through todays visitors Bentley's village and running through Toll Bar and finally into Askern where departure from the aquamarine double decker was by Askern Lake.
A quick look around found a community run library sadly closed, it is of course Saturday afternoon, remnants of the old railway station platforms and for food time a Cooplands.  The food outlet is a Doncaster version of Greggs that a few years ago got into some difficulty and a lot of the stores further afield from their base closed but Askern still had one and without a fanciable chippy the last spicy vegetable pasty was devoured.  Over the road to the lake which is a superb asset for the area with a lakeside café, just closing, also adding to the facility.

3 IN 1 THE LAKE, PIT WHEEL AND OVERSEN BY THE WATER TOWER

At the head of the road junction at this point is an under renovation of a half pit wheel because as with most villages around these parts the colliery played a major part in its life and development finally closing in 1991 also visible over the road on the hill side sits a large water tower.  Its a focal point but maybe not one that adds to the aesthetically pleasing nature of the village although an Askern official did tell me in his younger days how the lads used to climb up it, health and safety hey who needs it?  After bypassing the former cinema now closed down from its attempted current trading there was a short time to visit the Coop for a sweet!
The walk back south of the centre towards Manor Way found me arriving at the Miners Welfare in need of a comfort break thankfully I got in but there were 'members only' signs everywhere I was going to have a drink but when I found another on the entry to the bar area I chickened out, mind you the club was packed solid with about 3 patrons.

TERRACE STAND FROM BEHIND THE FAR GOAL

Unable to see a clear way into the adjacent football ground I tracked back to the A19 and entered by the cricket ground which seemed the main way in and to find a gate entrance from the welfare in a previously shielded position.  The notable thing about the cricket ground was the superb chain link fence which I guess had found its way there from the colliery.
With admission and programme secured a quick ground tour to the right are a selection of cabins and outbuilding type structures the first is the tea bar of which I made use on a couple of occasions and was met by the pleasant lady giving up her time to serve the cold masses, around 28.  Beyond was a toilet block and behind grounds mans storage, this whole side has wide hard standing and a nice if slightly set back seated stand to the far goal we are into grass standing territory.  Down the other touchline is a small but adequate covered stand with behind it running large pylons carrying the areas power.  Back to the main entrance and the pavilion for the cricket club doubles back with the lower end used by the football club for changing facilities the whole ground has a feeling of space with much grass encompassing the boundary for warming up on.

OVERVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS WITH TODAYS PROGRAMME

Askern in recent history ran under that wonderful title of Askern Villa that must have caught a few out while earwigging conversations but in there recent branding they have reverted back to plain old Askern for life back in the CMFL after a brief dalliance with life in the NCEL.  There was signs of the Villa reference with a large welcome to sign having the defunct name covered and what looked like part of the 'v' bar taken out on the gates.  A brief view of the programme gave a worrying sign of the tough uncompromising attitude of these South Yorkshire villages which read 'player hospital in Askern Welfare Club after the match' WHAT! It was then that I realised the 'ity' had got lost and they were after all a friendly club, of course.

HERE COME THE TEAMS

Before the game as the weather was dropping cold a conversation was struck up with Dave and Julie Hughes whose son Matt was playing for Bentley today and here I must say a massive thank you for going out of your way to drop me back at Doncaster station forecourt after the game.

ASKERN KEEPER JONES SAVES FROM THE SPOT

So to the purpose of the visit the game and with increasing cold shutter finger and poor red numbers on black and white Askern shirts that were not clear it would be a struggle.  After an even opening in which Bentley were more than holding their own a penalty came the visitors way on 27 minutes when
Josh Paskell was felled from behind but Jack Varley saw his kick saved by Danny Jones in the Askern goal.

PASKILL [10] OPENS THE SCORING

The visitors did though almost immediately quell that disappointment by taking the lead when a free kick off the left was headed deep for Paskill to finish neatly striking into the far left hand corner. 
The second period of an increasingly cold game allowed me a brief time to catch up with Bentley official James Irwin a pleasure to catch up with all things non league and of course CMFL and Bentley.  It proved to be the correct moment as young Irwin, Alex, coolly struck the ball past the out coming Jones to make dad and the Bentley following joyous.

THE LIGHTS AND WARM BACKDROP

Arrival back at Doncaster, thanks again Dave, met with an on time departing Northern Rail service needless to say it was late in Sheffield and by the time the connecting service left it was late and we were back to standing again.

ONE LAST LOOK AT THE MAIN STAND OVERSEEING MATCH ACTION

The final journey of the day was by bus and guess what it was on time!
An enjoyable day on a very cold afternoon this had been an enjoyable visit to north of Doncaster to an interesting little village plus the chance to catch up with Bentley for the second week running.