PRESTATYN BLOWN AWAY BY ABERYSTWYTH

PRESTATYN TOWN 1 ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 2
JD WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE @ MOTION FINANCE STADIUM BASTION GARDENS
28 OCTOBER 2017 --- 2.30PM

BASTION GARDENS HOME OF PRESTATYN TOWN

On a blustery North Wales coastline day the visitors from Ceredigion swept The Seasiders away with 2 goals in 4 minutes which was enough to earn Aber only their second league win of the season, both of these on the road.
Having secured a constant passing glance that as the week wore on became a stare at this fixture it finally came down to being my Welsh debut for this season at Bastion Gardens home of Prestatyn Town a club I first visited a few seasons ago but always had down for a revisit.  Their form this season with a young set of lads, that gained promotion from The Huws Gray League last season as champions, has been inconsistent but following a fantastic 4-2 victory in their last outing versus Bangor the enthusiasm grew.  The overall feeling was that a Welsh trip would do me good and the only down side was the weather was forecasting strong winds there was that alright and on arrival at just short of 1.30pm it was raining sharply too.  Time was tight today so there was to be no re visit/climb to the excellent viewing point at Gwaenysgor well worth a walk up but don't forget the defib and oxygen.  Equally there was no time or point really visiting the seafront which is about 200 yards away from the ground, being a fairly low slung ground protected by little from behind one goal to a small shallow stand pitch length on one side we would suffer with the wind all afternoon!

GREETINGS FROM A WET PRESTATYN

Travel today was nothing short of a major stress just four trains all of which were late and 75% had standing the full length of the carriage and although I managed a seat for the majority of the journey it wasn't without somebody else's body hovering around my face.  The journey to Manchester was unpleasant with this effect rammed to the rafters with one lady and her 2 children, pre booked, failing to board the proceeding train getting on this and then the Llandudno train that I would also board just before noon, that was when I had managed to clamber off the first train and even then gain access to a crowded platform.  Arrival in Prestatyn was just a few minutes down and we were greeted by darkness, rain and of course that wind all three features would prove a problem for the camera during this afternoons game so not too many good pics to select from.

BASTION GARDENS SIDE

The ground is a very short 5 minute walk from the station and has changed little since my last visit there was however a warm welcome, a readily available team sheet and a general feeling of a community club especially after the area chipped in to pay monies owed that in the end preserved the club for this new 2017/18 season.  Having paid admission and purchased a programme the obligatory circuit was undertaken with the blue seated of varying shades low stand shielding the pitch from the winds and the Prestatyn Cricket Club to the rear.

FULL TOUCHLINE STAND WITH ABER KEEPER CHRIS MULLOCH WARMING UP

The far goal is open and bar from a concrete blocked wall and recreation ground would runs straight onto Bastion Rd.  Coming back down the touchline we have an open area with dugouts, police viewing box topped off with S4C television gantry, a pleasure to be up there today!  Back to our entrance point and the general feel is off a selection of low club buildings many of the cabin type but the main concern now was a chip cob or I think bap was the selected local terminology in these neck of the woods.

JACK KENNY LEADS THE PRE MATCH ROUTINE

Having restricted myself to Sgorio on Channel 4 Wales for most of this season so far it was good to see some of the names including of course todays managers Neil Gibson, Prestatyn and Nev Powell of Aber.

A LARGE POLICE PRESCENCE WAS REQUIRED FOR TODAYS GAME, THERE ALL IN THE BOX KEEPING WARM

The weather would play a major factor in this game with the wind whistling straight down the pitch towards the Pontin's end, famous for the 'On The Buses' film recording, and this was the end Aber would kick towards but after a strong start it was Prestatyn who took the lead after 7 minutes when Michael Parker, making his 200th Seasiders appearance swept the ball home at the far post.  The visitors tried to utilise the wind and indeed home custodian Carl Jones did well in the conditions to save from Mathew Jones and Ryan Wollacott just before half time, previous to that Aber had hit the bar through Craig Hobson.

JACK LEWIS LAUNCHES ONE

So the first half had seen the leaders go against the wind and secure the advantage the early stages of the second period looked to be going evenly with Ryan Wade seeing his effort saved by Jones for Aber and then his opposite number Chris Mulloch pushing away an effort from Zyaac Edwards.  The latter one of three brothers at the club Noah who was in the starting line up also and Zebb who was on the bench.

SOME CONFUSION

The four minutes that ultimately lost Prestatyn this game started on 72 when Jones saved from Ashley Young only for John Owen to fire home the loose ball.  It was all wrapped up on 75 minutes when Declan Walker turned the ball home to turn around the score line in a short time.  Much as Prestatyn tried to mount some pressure in response Aber had grown strong and confident with these two goals and they bossed the remainder of the game, it may just be the kick start their season needed.  Overall this was a difficult game to assess either sides prowess in a encounter that was of course controlled by the wind but mention must go to Aberystwyth captain Ashley Young who had a commanding afternoon and was involved in most things good for the visitors, while Prestatyn have a young squad with Jack Kenny always looking a threat up front.

ABERYSTWYTH CAPTAIN ASHLEY YOUNG

Back to green bridge station, the line divides the town from the sea front and for foot passengers you can transverse the lines by a sloped or very steep staircase to get to the other side or depart at its height to a central platform station.  Turn of Arriva train to add to the earlier performance of East Midlands Trains by running the 1647 about 15 minutes late so much so that my return connections of Chester, Crewe and Stockport would be tight so the option was taken to wait another ten minutes or so and travel back direct to Manchester.  Packed train stood full length again late arrival and after a 40 minute wait in and increasingly inclement Oxford Rd station the direct train back to base would be you guessed it rammed the rafters and 20 minutes late back at base station just after 9pm.

JACK KENNY GIVES UP AND ACCEPTS DEFEAT AGAINST THE WIND

I had forgot about the joys of public transport recently but our younger travellers early had not when questioned by stressed mum with "would you rather travel by train or car"?  The first replied "when I grow up mum can I be a train driver" and the second just said "train".  Give it a few more years experience and the young and all that. 
Not an enjoyable day on the trains today but as ever a pleasure to visit The Welsh Premier League and Prestatyn Town.

NOTTS DERBY GOES TO RADFORD

GEDLING MWFC 2 RADFORD 3
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES LEAGUE @ PLAINS RD
21 OCTOBER 2017 --- 3PM

GAME CHANGING MOMENT AS GEDLING ARE REDUCED TO TEN MEN

Sometimes an opening paragraph cannot sum up a game well but here goes in simple terms Radford won this derby by 3 goals to 2, but Gedling very nearly came back from 2 down to secure something from this card fest.  In blustery conditions this game was constantly on the boil and Derbyshire referee Scott Spering kept the heat on producing 9 yellows alongside 2 dismissals and a penalty.
With the usual watch on the weather storm Brian was happening with the poorest condition to the west the blog headed east, just, to Gedling MW in the Nottingham suburbs of Mapperley.  There are always a handful of local grounds that seem to constantly appear on a list of  'I really must visit this ground' and todays hosts were one of them.  Having received some good reports from the Burnley fan, Dave, the many route options were planned and in the end it was a short journey to Alfreton with a connection for the all stopping service to Nottingham.

MORE RESEARCH

A day ticket on Nottingham City Transport saw me depart Upper Parliament St to arrive in Mapperley appropriately right outside Plains Fish Bar which today I opted to sit inside with a severe danger of flying chips outside with a takeaway.

ITS ALL VERY SMART AT PLAINS RD HOME OF GELDING MW FC

Upon re-emergence from the chip premises there was a little time to meander along the wide variety of shops sat adjacent to the busy 4 carriageway way Woodborough Rd.  A short walk away and Gedling MWFC was easy to spot snuggled along side a social club, fitness club and too the rear a cricket ground and all weather pitch made this an active site for sport.  Today though the football ground would take precedence having arrived early there was time to catch up with the referee and his assistants alongside obtaining the teams time came to pop back to the entrance to pay the £5 admission plus purchase of a neat little programme.

ITS ALL BLUE AND TIDY

Ground wise the first thing that springs to mind her is 'smart' its all well appointed and nicely thought out with the ground fully encased in blue kick boards its fully concreted paved all the way around with very neat and tidy netting behind both goals.  The stands are all low in height but well maintained the road side has a well kept area behind it but viewing offers a superb elevated position, behind both goals its uncovered but the opposite side to our entrance offers a similar low roofed stand with one row of seats elevated on a wooden casement once again offering a good view of proceedings.  This side also houses the dug outs and entrance to the snack bar, toilets and social room space where the changing rooms are housed.  The snack bar is a pleasant affair with a variety of refreshments available plus some excellent signs including a photocopy of Lionel Ritchie's famous hit 'Is it tea your looking for'?  In the hospitality area the corridors have some excellent articles displayed of former club Gedling Collieries FA Amateur Cup game with Bishop Auckland in 56/57 when 10,000 people packed in the ground and the game was played on a snow frosted pitch that today would have brought streaks of health and safety rules to the fore today.

THE REFEREE MAKES AN EARLY CALL WITH RADFORD IN DESPAIR

Gedling's recent league status as seen them in the Notts Alliance, Central Midlands and now the East Midlands Counties from its inception in 2009.  Its history is clearly associated with the colliery but sadly this was too close in 1991 and although formerly sat a small goal kick away it is now of course a country park.

NICK HAWKINS CHECKS A DECISION WITH THE REF

So an impressive set up one that was backed up with not only smartness but a nice selection of litter bins, you just new this was a nice place when the toilet hand wash was honey and mandarin!
With Radford making the short hop over from the north west side of the city and Gedling sitting nicely in the top half of the table I wasn't sure what challenge Radford would offer but this was derby and even though the wind was strong you could but hope for an exciting encounter.

SIMON HORE GIVES RADFORD THE LEAD FROM THE SPOT

The opening 25 minutes featured referee Spering setting a marker with cautions after 8, 15 and 22 minutes for Kenny Reeves and Kevin Spriggs for Radford and Jack Jepson for the home side.  On 25 minutes it was time for Mr Spering to award the visitors a just penalty when Ryan Perkins had his legs taken from under him, Simon Hore converting from the spot.  There was time for a caution for Joe Meakin for Gedling on 34 minutes and with the referee maybe needing a bit of assistance it was good to see Nick Hawkins, on loan from Long Eaton, being able to offer it!  It has to be said overall he had a superb game for the visitors and played a significant part in their victory today.  Gedling made it 2-0 on 39 minutes when a floated free kick off the left was met by a sweet volley at the back post by Reeves.

TIME TO CATCH UP ON THE LATEST SCORES

So a heated half was bubbling up and with the Radford bench excitable who knows what Gedling could produce in the form of a comeback with the wind at their backs in the second half.
The game changing moment came on 47 minutes and it was a massive call for the referee Jepson was on the attack on the left side of the penalty box he turned his defender and as the player was rolled he went to ground.  The referee spotted simulation and without to much thought produced a second yellow and the ultimate red card, moments later Gedling's joint manager Chris Marks was dismissed from the bench for his comments.  The game seemed to enter a quiet stage as Gedling tried to re organise with a man down but it was to be Radford who went 3 up on 64 minutes with Stephen Brett turning the ball into his own goal under pressure from Reeves.

RYAN PLUMMER PULLS ONE BACK FOR THE HOME SIDE

Game over?  Well no there was time for a potential comeback and of course some more cards.  The first goal back saw Ryan Plummer, son of ex Forest and Chesterfield player Calvin, guide in a corner of the right after 77 minutes.  The cards continued with Jay knight cautioned on 80 minutes by this time one player was heard to shout 'ref don't know how you sleep at night'!  With Gedling looking to push home the consolation goal into something more sturdy there was still time for referee Spering to pop out to Clintons for a few more cards Jimmy Spiers and Carl Westcarr in the same incident and then Stephen Brett moments later who almost appeared to thank the referee for not leaving him out of his greeting card list.

AND THE FINAL CARD OF THE DAY GOES TOO.........GEDLINGS STEPHEN BRETT

As the game entered the first minute of stoppage time Westcarr got a second for Gedling and could they do it with a further nine minutes added on and a finish at 5pm the chance was there but Radford held strong for an encouraging Nottingham derby victory.
This was a highly interesting affair with the referee adding to the fun of the fair which as a neutral you often see differently to a dedicated fan something which today I was able to observe rather than be sat in the camp of one side or the other and feel the frustrations. 
It took too long to visit Gedling but if the games are all like this there really is no reason in waiting so long to re visit a fully enjoyable trip which culminated with a missed connection on the return via Derby saw a final base arrival at 8pm.

GRIMETHORPE BEAT DENABY UNITED BY ODD GOAL IN FIVE

DENABY UTD 2 GRIMETHORPE SPORTS 3
PETES PATISSERIE SHEFFIELD COUNTY SENIOR LEAGUE PREMIER AT OLD LANE
14 OCT 2017 --- 3PM

DENABY UTD V GRIMETHORPE SPORTS AT OLD RD

Two good old South Yorkshire names battled out this Sheffield County Senior Premier League game with Grimethorpe taking the three points by the odd goal.  The visitors were never behind and over the 90 minutes were probably the stronger side but a late goal reduced the deficit and gave Denaby hope of a point that wasn't quite to be.
Last season the blog visited Mexborough for Swinton Athletic's home game versus Denaby Utd and with the chance again of catching up with the famous old club at their Oak Lane home the opportunity was taken with the opposition being of similar non league stature Grimethorpe [Sports].  Last season United were away in Balby Carr due to toilet problems at their pavilion but with these fixed they are back a large goal kick away from the their spiritual home of Denaby Main just over the border in Conisbrough.

DENABY MAIN AND GRAYS CRT SHOPS

This game pitted 5th versus 2nd so with a competitive match on the cards and after some early communication from the home club a departure to allow local viewing time saw arrival 15 minutes late on the Scunthorpe bound train at Conisbrough station just after 1pm.  Last seasons blog in October covers much about the area but it welcomed me into my early non league wanderings that I cant help look at some of the history to the village again.  Walking into the village and its all too self evident that much of the area is still under development after of course the loss of the pit industry in the 1980's and the bitter battles with the powers that were at the time.  There is of course a down to earth homeliness about the place but also a feel of sadness for what has happened to all former mining areas.  The local shopping arcade has a new hot chocolate café enterprise and the shops now look onto a developing mural on the side of the discount store.  Moving through The Salvation Army Hall looks out onto a steel stalled market which is in turn overlooked by the now redundant library, new one joined onto doctors and chemist 100 yards away.

TICKHILL SQ FORMER HOME OF DENABY UTD LOOKING TOWARDS THE WELFARE

Walking up the incline towards the clubs former home at Tickhill Sq all seems vary quite and of course the machinations of their eviction in 2002 are long gone but I fear still hold a bitter place in many peoples heart at what befell the club that saw them fold and never appear back in their home village, apart from now twice a season when they currently play Denaby Main Fc, in league fixtures, who now use the old ground.  With the intentions to climb the footpath up the 'crags' to Conisbrough the hike saw a few regular stops to admire the views and try to gain some heady pictures of Tickhill Sq and beyond.

TICKHILL SQ AND BEYOND FROM THE CRAGS

Having arrived in the ultimate destination a little time had been set aside to take an external look at the castle sadly not enough was available today to do the full tour.  Conisbrough itself at castle and village level seems out of place with the mining areas that surround it although as you climb out of the business district up Old Road you soon see the area change in its outlook and once again the feel of its mining heritage comes to the fore.

CONISBROUGH CASTLE

Arriving at the ground just before 2.30pm I had been aware that there would not be too much furniture to view as the ground is basically one of four pitches on a Doncaster Council recreation area with the changing rooms nearest to the pitch having within its walls a nice bar/snack bar area with a small lounge to enjoy your refreshments.  The pitch has now had a lease granted to the club and hopefully they will be able to develop around it to gain some sort of facility the replicates a step 7 ground with at present the pitch being roped off to allow a space for the club officials and space for the match officials to view the line.

THE IMPRESSIVE DENABY UTD FC PROGRAMME FOR TODAYS GAME

The big selling point at Denaby Utd has been the clubs desire to continue to produce a match day programme something I believe that no other club does in this league so before the game it was good to catch up with James Benfold who is responsible for the fantastic effort amidst many other things along with a small band of club officials.
Although the horse has bolted out of the stable long ago and I must leave it there it still does amaze me the difference required from step 7 Central Midlands League to this Sheffield County Senior League offered the same step status which sometimes only has one referee on the game, normally no programme and no admission.

CAMERAS EVERYWHERE FOR DENABY UTD V GRIMETHORPE

A brief look at the two clubs sees Denaby Utd first reformed in 2011 in the Doncaster and District Senior League and after a champions performance the club moved into the Sheffield County Senior League with promotion at the end of 2015/16 season from division 1 to the premier league which they now enjoy competing in for the second season.  The previous Denaby had a chequered but at times illustrious past competing in the former Yorkshire League as well as the Midland League plus latterly the Northern Counties East League.
Grimethorpe Sports had formed when the village was again without a team after its former side had competed in similar leagues to Deanby until dissolving in 2000 from the CMFL.  Grimethorpe reformed for a season in the Sheffield County Senior League for the 2004/5 season before disappearing again.  Sadly the new 'Sports' entitled club have previously played at Shafton not being able to use the Cemetery Rd ground in the village that became famous for Brassed Off the film and of course the colliery and its band which of course gave birth to the film starring Ewan McGregor, Tara Fitgerald and Pete Postlethwaite.

DENABY UTD IN CONTROL

Last season Worsbrough Bridge Fc had a spell at the ground but the home club were playing their games at nearby Shafton, I guess due to the costs of rental.  After promotion from league 1 last season they are sitting pretty in second spot in this seasons premier league but once again the club have now moved to share Athersley Recs facilities at Sheerian Park something which as also seen them link up with the NCEFL club.  With much training gear showing Atherlsey Rec loyalties there is also a change to the badge upon the players shirts now stating 'Grimethorpe and Athersley Sports' something of which I believe the club will be known by next season.  So once again poor old Grimethorpe has no club and nobody playing in the village so todays game really has nomads versus nomads written across it a sad state of affairs in a formerly strong footballing area of South Yorkshire.  But practicalities must and its no longer a game for the dreamers in the midst of course.
The game started strongly with Denaby pushing Grimethorpe with Sam Hutton testing the visitors number 1 Craig Soar.  But on 19 minutes the visitors struck with James Thompson providing the cross for Joe Jackson to fire into the roof of the net after his initial effort was blocked by Ben Priestley in the home goal.  The match was level on 41 minutes and deservedly so when Steve Ellor superbly chipped Soar from 20 yards out and at the half time whistle Denaby were right back in the encounter.

AGAR [9] AND ELLOR CELEBRATE THE FIRST DENABY GOAL

The second half started strongly for the visitors and they retook the lead after 63 minutes when substitute Joe Oliver turned the ball in at the back post at the other end Ellor again tried an audacious lob and although his effort beat the visiting keeper it fell just the wrong side of the upright.  Grimethorpe looked to have taken the wind out of the Denaby sail with 8 minutes to go when they increased their lead and went 3-1 up when Steven Bennett lashed the ball home from the edge of the box.  The Deanby heads dropped and it looked all over until Ainsley Finney provided a sharp finish from an Ellor assist on 89 minutes to pull it back to 2-3 and hope of a point in stoppage time came to the fore but sadly not enough steam could be mustered to find the equaliser and it was Grimethorpe who would take the points home from Old Road.

THE NEW TITLING PACER

A gentle meander back into Consibrough and a further viewing of the castle and local supermarket for hoppers provisions there was still time to admire some of the former industrial buildings and large sized public houses before boarding the 5.31pm to Sheffield for a leisurely connection to base station with an arrival back at base just short of 7.30pm.  Always an enjoyable trip to this part of South Yorkshire and I can only but hope that some of the former glory days can return to Denaby Utd and the villages and towns of the neighbouring areas.

REEVES HAT TRICK SENDS HEANOR TO SEVEN

HEANOR TOWN 7 NUNEATON GRIFF 0
PPLC CUP @ THE TOWN GROUND
10 OCTOBER 2017 7.45PM

THE TOWN GROUND IS READY

Heanor showed little mercy to Nuneaton Griff from League 1 and following some wonderful free flowing football with added pace they had swept aside the struggling visitors by 7 goals without reply at the  end of 90 minutes.  Although there was a good league between these 2 sides it was a sorry sight to see Griff clearly finding the going hard so much so that during the 90 minutes they didn't get a shot away with any intent on the Heanor goal.  Its a shame for the Nuneaton side that only a few years ago reached the latter stages of the FA Vase to be now fighting a rear guard action but from a Heanor point of view so often these ties can be banana skins and you have to beat what is at the front of you.  With a performance of classy football aided by some wonderful pace it was once again the threat if Elliott Reeves that helped The Lions secure entry to the next round of the League Cup.
A short midweek journey then undertaken this time by the triple bus return which so often has seen me getting out the running shoes for the late connection in Ripley.  It didn't start to well with the change being made in Ripley after tracking the Alfreton change 25 minutes late but arrival was in good enough time to sample the excellent bar at the ground before the delicacy of you've guessed it chip pea cob ably served by the Town Ground snack bar ladies!

EXTENSIVE PRE MATCH RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN AGAIN AT HEANOR TOWN FC

Heanor were in the lead after just 2 minutes when slick work from Danny Gordon allowed Sam Vickers to fire home and after further home pressure it was 2-0 when a superb long ball out of defence from Shaun Roulston saw Reeves skip away to cross for Alex Brown to guide the ball home at the back post after 13 minutes.
The onslaught didn't stop for Nuneaton when 4 minutes later Heanor secured their third with a quality strike from Reeves who cut in off the left before curling a superb edge of the box strike just inside the right hand upright to extend The Lions lead.  It was 4 on 20 minutes when Reeves and Joshua Craddock combined gloriously to Vickers to get his second and so we went into half time.  Often fearing a dour second half Heanor proved me wrong with a determined second half showing adding three more goals to their tally great work by the marauding Gregg Marriott up the right set up Reeves to turn home his second and Heanor's fifth.  It was Marriott who again turn provider putting Kyle Daley away whose initial effort was saved by James Barber before he slotted home the rebound on 69 minutes.  Heanor wrapped the scoring up on 75 minutes when Reeves completed his hat trick with Marriott completing his hat trick of assists providing the cross that allowed the number 9 to head home this time to make it seven.

HEANOR TOWN FC TOWN GROUND

A quality performance against a struggling visiting side but you still have to do the business something that Heanor did tonight with a superb showing and with the pace on display they should remain a threat throughout this competition.
The triple journeyed return had me following the progress of all option and having checked the bus option was selected and after a late wobble all changes were secured with an arrival at base just short of 11pm following a wonderful display of football under the lights at Heanor with did I mention it some good footy food too!

RENISHAW RANGERS EARN FIRST WIN

RENISHAW RANGERS 3 DRONFIELD TOWN RES 0
CMFL NORTH @ STONE CLOSE
7 OCTOBER 2017 --- 3PM

NEWLY SEATED MAIN STAND AT RENISHAW RANGERS

The previous 900 minutes of Renishaw Rangers debut step 7 season had produced nothing but heartache with some heavy defeats, squad overhauls and already three managers but at 4.15pm on Saturday October 8, 2017 Danny Talbot broke through pacing towards the railway end and slotted past the out coming visitors keeper to give a hope to this determined club.  Hope became joy as the fizzy bottle of celebration spilled out 2 more net busters and for the first time this season Rangers tasted the confidence giving emotion of victory with a clean sheet to boot.
Revisits I have a few but too few too mention but something about Renishaw got into me 2 weeks again for their game versus Appleby Frodingham and after following the steady progress completed by their hard working Chairman, his wife and crew in installing the former Yorkshire County Cricket Club Headingley seats I couldn't resist a quick trip back to Kiveton Park.  Having completed the socio economic history of the loss of this villages colliery I wont recall this again but if you fancy a look its in the game just two weeks ago.

ARTISTIC ARRIVAL ON A PACER TRAIN AT KIVETON BRIDGE

The trip was the usual selection of bus, late of course, train to Sheffield with 45 minute wait to connect to the Northern Rail stopping service to Lincoln which would depart me in Kiveton Bridge just after 2pm.  Todays race to the game saw me frantically trying to find a post box of which neither main line station had one and I ended up walking into Sheffield to find a big red piece of metal, days gone by eh they were on every corner.  Once again the late start would deny me the chance of expanding the waistline at The Fat Fish in Kiveton which will necessitate a further visit to achieve this.  With twenty minutes in Sheffield station I opted to search out the forecourt and M & S for a highbrow Wensleydale cheese with caramelised carrot chutney, I know above my working class routes what is happening?  Needless to say this was also above the taste buds of Sheffield and I ended up with the chip butty in wholemeal bread option with olive oil drizzle, of course not it was some other variety with a bag of over priced crisps.

AND THEY SURE WERE

Upon arrival at Stone Close entry paid and programme secured there was time to catch up with a few familiar faces on this Non League Day which encourages other fans along to support a non league fixture, it was good to see Renishaw achieve the top side of 40 today no mean feat for a team that had not pulled up any proverbial oaks so far this campaign.  After a catch up with Mr R from the Buxton parish, and Sharon or is that Sue Mr Chairman's wife I spotted a distant long lens photographer snapping away and it was good to see Mr Dyke from the Brimington parish in attendance too.

NEVER ONE TOO MISS A PHOTO OPP MR D OF THE BRIMINGTON PARISH IN ACTION

As promised and photographed by the club the white tip up seats were now in place each endorsed with a small Renishaw Rangers circular badge in their number slot, the dug out now situated opposite the stand are also in their new home also adorned with club badges.  A nice achievement with today's drizzly rain it was great to see the great viewing positions taken up by most of the crowd in attendance for this historical game in more ways than one.

STONE CLOSE ENTRANCE TO THE GROUND

The early stages of the game saw both number 7's in action with Arnie Grayson forcing Steven Booth into a save in the Renishaw goal and at the other end Carter Mupwaya testing the visitors keeper Michael Hunter.  The home side were looking confident with their new selection of players and Talbot tried to chip Hunter but the visitors number 1 got a hand to it to deny Rangers at the other end Mark Fereday fired into the side netting.  As the half wore on the home side were frustrated by the offside flag on a more than frequent basis while at the other end it was Fereday that looked likely to break the deadlock for the visitors.

NEW DUGOUTS WITH THEIR FORMER YORKSHIRE CCC SEATS MOVE UP GEOFFREY

Half time arrived with no goals and the bottom club could be more than happy with their performance which with a bit of luck could have resulted in the lead but overall was a fair reflection of the game. 
With anticipation high of maybe a first point for Renishaw time stood still as Talbot found himself through on goal he slotted the ball past Hunter and as the roll of the ball became slower and slower, at least home supporters minds, it finally nestled deep in the recesses of the Dronfield goal 55 minutes, Renishaw led what do you do now well celebrate with gusto and go on to get two more!

NATHAN MORRITT [L] AND ASHLEY LAYNE CELEBRATE THE SECOND GOAL

Four minutes later there was the chance for the long suffering faithful to experience further delight when tremendous work down the right by Nathan Morritt saw him cut inside his shot looked goal bound but just to be certain Ashley Layne got a touch too make sure.  Morritt looked non too happy but in Renishaw's position you have to make sure and hopefully the number 9 will take pleasure from his assist something he was to do again on 70 minutes when outpacing the visitors defence in the inside left position he slotted the ball across goal for Mupwaya to fire home to make it 3-0 yes [THREE] nil.

TIME OUT FOR MORRITT

The final ten minutes brought tetchiness levels to the fore but Renishaw played the clock ticking game down to the level of an experienced team and the sturdiness of the defence allowed the club to not only win but finish with a clean sheet a mention here to Jason Markell who had a superb afternoon in defence.

VIEW ALONG THE RAILWAY END

The final whistle saw the Chairman collecting in mugs and corner flags but never can the mundane task have been done with such joy I think I even saw a skip of delight as he moved towards the railway end!

SOUTH NORMANTON COME BACK FROM 2 DOWN TO WIN AT KILBURN

AFC KILBURN 2 SOUTH NORMANTON 3
CMFL SOUTH AT LEEDALE PARK
30 SEPTEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

1-0 TO AFC KILBURN

A remarkable three goals in ten late second half minutes for South Normanton secured a victory against a Kilburn side who were leading 2-0 and seemingly on their way to three more points in this debut season.  The home side had taken the lead with a couple of clinical finishes but Normanton were always at the races and proved this with the late collection of goals that saw the Lees Lane side grab victory.

THE BUSINESS END PROVIDING ALL THINGS NON LEAGUE

With some local visits already undertaken with the chance to re visit some previously visited ground the trip to Chapel St would be a speedy return following the end of last seasons visit for Kilburns Midland Regional Alliance fixture versus Wirksworth Ivanhoe.  With the club now plying their trade in the Central Midlands League South its a whole new ball game, while of course being the same ball game, after a tough start with opponents Hucknall and Sherwood proving difficult the club have now started to get some results together and settle down in the new league.  The ground is described in the previous visit but needless to say the club have tidied up the ground, Leedale Park, with the changing rooms painted and the adjoining hospitality/café area in operation.

THE SPIRES OF OXFORD OR THE DUG OUT POSTS OF AFC KILBURN

It was a meandering journey to Ripley before changing buses to a 9.1 that would drop me in the village which runs close by to the buzzing A38.  Having got into the village around 1.30pm the chance to revisit Kilburn Fish Bar was undertaken and those that have wondered about my lack of chips/fish intake here is the proof that things are ok with a cake variety in situ.  Its a smart and clean establishment and makes the visit worthwhile if you can get there before 2pm closing.

MORE RESEARCH

Food in hand a small walk around the village and its footpaths lead to a quiet impression with shop, pubs, hairdresser and shop/Post Office there are most things available but nothing much else would appear to happen here, so thankfully down the narrow entrance lane to the Kilburn Welfare we view at the bottom the football ground.

CONTESTANTS READY

The allocated officials were all from the Chesterfield area so after a catch up with Scott Spering, Richard Riley and Andy Gascoyne it was time to pay the entrance fee and obtain a 8 page programme, for the hoppers the club do have badges available!  Around the ground Kilburn have installed some corporate red and white chain link to replace the gaps in the barriers.  Noticeable was the public address system blasting out music which always adds to the atmosphere alongside the variously placed new plastic door club badges which looked smart.  Having purchased a tea for a pound one brief observation was how small are the plastic cups two sips for us of the big of mouth variety and the liquid refreshment had disappeared.
The afternoon had started bright with fluffy clouds but an increasing wind but by kick off there were ominous clouds lurking which soon developed into drizzle and then sharp showers so much so that the afternoon was spent under the cover which is attached to the business section of the ground.

SOME DEFENDING TO DO FOR KILBURN

To the game and with early action for Kilburn showing Gavin McCready prominent a goal looked likely it did come on 13 minutes but from the head of Craig Bagshaw via a corner off the right.  It was Bagshaw who tested the keeper with a 25 yard free kick but the visitors number 1 Charlie Mansfield was equal to it.  South Normanton went in one down but in fairness were more than in the game and would count themselves unlucky to be behind.
After the break the visitors looked to get back into the proceedings but it was Kilburn who advanced to 2-0 to the good when Ryan Fitzhugh found the net after 59 minutes.

SOUTH NORMANTON EQUALISE ITS GAME ON

As time drifted away the visitors kept working the coal face and got a lifeline on 74 minutes when Rob Fretwell crashed drove his effort in off the crossbar and three minutes later it was all square Kilburn failed to clear their lines and in the melee Kallum Greaves secured the equaliser.  Kilburn came back and McCready forced Mansfield into a save as he very nearly gave the home side the lead again but this game was turned on its head with just 7 minutes remaining when Bijan Dakrouz created space to get away his shot that rippled the roof of the net to give South Normanton maximum points in this local derby.

DAKROUZ CELEBRATES THE WINNER

Return journey saw a similar change in nearby Ripley from an enjoyable afternoons hop at the league new comers and with a chippy right by the ground who knows it may not be too long before a revisit!