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.

APPLEBY FRODINGHAM LATE COMEBACK SHOCKS BENTLEY

APPLEBY FRODINGHAM 3 AFC BENTLEY 3
CMFL NORTH @ BRUMBY HALL
18 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

AN OPENING GOAL FOR BENTLEY BUT EVEN AT 3-0 THEY WERE NOT SAFE FROM A COMEBACK

A stunning comeback from Appleby Frodingham 3-0 down with 20 minutes on the clock and seemingly chances not been taken and looking at 'it was just one of those days quotes' when up stepped captain Tom Wilson with a brace and a penalty from Luke Robinson secured a deserved point in the fifth minute of stoppage time.  For Benltey this must have felt like a defeat and for the third Saturday running the blog had witnessed a home side come back from behind to gain something from the game.
A visit to Appleby Frodingham Fc had been on the cards for a while but in the list of 'to do's' it was one of those that always fell off the schedule but having met some of the merry band of their supporters at Renishaw this season I was encouraged to make the trip.
Heading north a quick change a Sheffield allowed a change onto the express service through to Cleethorpes stopping a couple of stations short in Scunthorpe at just after mid day the arrival allowed a nice bit of down time to take a further look at the town.

THE MASSIVE EXPANSE OR THE SCUNTHORPE STEEL WORKS IN THE DISTANCE

Previous visits to Bottesford, Glanford Park and the former Old Show Ground had made the town reasonably familiar and I opted for a walk to a nearby vantage point to take some views of the steel works before a walk through Frodingham district of the town to the works entrances.  It really cannot be put into words the size of this industrial complex and looked at from an aerial shot the area is about the same size as Scunthorpe's town centre.  In its day I'm led to believe it employed around 20,000 but now that figure as dropped to just over 3,000, indeed on a previous visit last year the whole site was under threat but luckily some preservation has taken place.  This is vital because if one industry sums up a town like Scunthorpe the loss of the works would be devastating on a similar scale to the pit closures.

THANKFULLY A REMINDER OF A PAST GROUND SO MANY TOWNS FAIL TO DO THIS

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly a film title that probably sums up todays visit, firstly the good is definitely the friendly Appleby Frodingham Football Club and the superb sports facilities on site with the adjacent Central Park offering a resplendent contrast to the town.  The bad and the ugly, sorry, is Scunthorpe town centre without being too harsh it has little in the way of redeeming features, the whole centre is one long shopping street into a indoor precinct and enclosed market.  With many closed and bordered up units the whole experience was summed up by an elderly gentleman wandering the streets in a red and white onesie with Christmas hat adorning his head strolling around in a rambling fashion.  Having found the two possible fish and chip shops researched I decided to wide berth them both and head off for a picture of the stone within the Sainsbury's grounds that marked the site of the former Scunthorpe Utd Old Show Ground, the home of England's first cantilever stand in the 1950's.  I well remember watching Wolves in I think a Sunday fixture in the 80's when Brian Little was in charge of the visitors and taking up a position in the said stand.  Still long gone now and probably not even remembered by many of todays younger footy fans.  With a shortage of lunch it was then that I decided I could take up corporate hospitality in the former main stand region that now was the supermarkets café.  A 20 minute wait was offered and accepted only for it to be nearer 45 minutes and when the fish and chips arrived it was a distinct case of trying to find much of the sea fairing animal.

THE IMPRESSIVE CLUB AND CHANGING ROOM FACILITIES

Time for the stroll out to the game arrived and the 'App Frod' sports complex at Brumby Hall is really impressive with a whole selection of sports on offer from bowls to tennis and football to cricket, to name just a few.  The site was formerly associated with the steelworks that brought together Appleby and Frodingham into partnership for an early name for the works before British Steel days.  The site is now owned by the council after a deal was struck to build the adjacent Pods Leisure Centre although the buildings are leased back to the sports clubs and just to keep a level on it all the steel works has a major representation on the operating body.  The bar and function rooms facilities are massive and obviously tell their own story of days gone by having got past the door security buzzer I popped in for a lemonade and a look around.  Unfortunately here there appeared not to be a single board representing the clubs and works history which would have been of interest to the visitors because there was and still is a clear attractions to this whole complex.

SEATING READILY AVAILABLE

To the ground then and a side entrance brings me into first contact with committee member Glenn who offered a warm welcome and some history and with programme and admission sorted the ground to the left offered hard standing and a small Atcost stand before access to the behind goal area is not allowed.  Coming back towards club that overpowers the whole ground we have a nice terraced area with a wide selection of changing rooms on offer the hard standing continues around behind the opposite goal and over to the far side with the whole pitch neatly railed off.

PRE MATCH WITH BRUMBY HALL IN THE BACKGROUND

The whole ground is of a smart and workmanlike appearance and of course shows its former NCEFL status by its overall impression.  Before kick and during half time there was a chance to catch up with secretary and long term club man Dusty who offered me some information on the set up and the steel works.  Its been said before but people like Dusty and Glen are what makes non league work and their encouragement to others is a credit as well as their welcome to visitors.  In a week of the BBC releasing their annual study into the price of football tickets at professional clubs why more supporters who are being priced out of the game don't take in a trip to their local non league side is a mystery to me.  Today for £3 both Afc Bentley and Frodingham put on a sterling effort that in entertainment matched any of your football league fixtures.

REFEREE SIMON SWAIN LEADS THE TEAMS OUT

To the action and with both sides just off the pace at the top a win would be vital and with that in prospect should set up a good encounter.  It was Bentley who struck first, second and third on 20 minutes Josh Paskell set up Luke Flannagan to convert before Matty Hughes made it 2-0 slotting past the out coming Jordan Quibezl in the home goal.

FIRST HALF ACTION

Half time arrived with the home side in need of a turn around in fortunes and they started strongly forcing back Bentley but as the clock drifted on the chances that fell their way didn't rustle the back of the net and as so often happens the opposition take their chances.  Great pace from Jack Varley allowed him to cross low to Alex Irwin who converted unmarked in the middle to you would have thought put the game behind doubt.  Still The Steelmen plugged away to try to get something from this fixture and a goal did arrive on 70 minutes when Tom Wilson headed in at the other end Irwin struck the bar.  It was all action now as the home side threatened but Bentley remained a clear danger on the break in the second minute of stoppage time Appleby Frodingham pulled back another what looked like consolation goal when Wilson got his second firing past the visiting keeper James Brookes.

FRODINGHAM JUST ABOUT IN CONTROL

With the tempo further increased and as the game entered the fifth minute of stoppage time Zak Shipman weaved into the box only to be bundled over in the box from behind and referee Simon Swain had no doubts in awarding a penalty and coolness personified in Luke Robinson saw the comeback completed as his penalty struck the back of the Bentley net.
An exciting finale to this game that looked way out of the home sides reach at 3-0 down but it was probably about the correct result but for Bentley they will feel like they had lost this game I'm sure.

CLOSE THE GATE ON YOUR WAY OUT

A steady walk back to the station found the 5.08 train slightly late and allowing me to board it and arrive in Sheffield just under an hour later and with a comfortable change for departure to base station this had been an enjoyable afternoon watching a first game at Brumby Hall the home of Appleby Frodingham.

ENTERTAINING DRAW FOR ASHLAND AND AWSWORTH

ASHLAND ROVERS 2 AWSWORTH VILLA RES 2
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE DIV 1 AT KINGSWAY PARK
15 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 7.30PM

ACTION FROM THE ASHLAND GOALMOUTH

Just when you are not expecting it one of the most enjoyable games of the season comes along on a damp and misty Kirkby in Ashfield evening.  The chance to visit Kirkby in Ashfield and their only senior football team was helped by the old days kick off time of 7.30pm and what a little gem it was.  The visitors led 2-1 at the interval but in an end to end second half it was Ashland who early on found the deserved goal that gave both sides a more than fair point apiece.
Kirkby in Ashfield closely associated with neighbouring Sutton in Ashfield, but locals assure me there is much rivalry between the two has seen both fail to sustain a senior non league football team in recent years.  Following on the various forms of Sutton Town through Ashfield Utd etc. the clubs in their varying guises moved from former homes in Sutton, now an Asda, to Lowmoor Rd here in Kirkby and then along the way onto the Hosiery Mills Ground on the Huthwaite border.  A very simplistic overview for what was a complicated history also featuring North Notts and Oakham Utd in the mix somewhere.  With Sutton now sporting Mansfield Hosiery Mills at the ground of the same name its neighbour here in Kirkby offers up Ashland Rovers playing at Kingsway Park.
Approaching by a quick change in Alfreton the departure was at Kirkby Cross about 1 mile from the centre more or less adjacent to the stone monument that gets the area its name.  The walk to Kirkby in Ashfield was via what felt a dark and uninspiring road over the railway station bridge and approaching the town I had turned down the first chip to visit The Fryer, much recommended, but after seeing the queue and shortage of time I disappointingly had to save this one for another day.  There was a quick time to catch up with the superb cricket action depicting the towns own sporting hero Harold Larwood in bowling action to Don Bradman from the famous bodyline series now appropriately situated by the towns new superstore, close by the town offers a tiled wall of its history and sporting sons and daughters too

CRICKET IN THE DARK KIRKBY'S OWN HAROLD LARWOOD

Reversing back to leave the main road to take up Hodgkinson Rd we are soon entering the impressive gates of Kingsway Park which offers a floodlit football pitch plus enclosed all weather pitch today taking a hockey training session, beyond this a are a couple of further football pitches.  Behind the goals are the changing rooms for all the facilities, the main grass pitch offers no furniture to report save for a high meshed fence behind the changing room goal and one touchline offering the same to separate from the all weather pitch, the other two sides are outer 3 foot wood barrier fence.  Its a damp night with the near goal mouth already showing up the winter sports lack of grass in this area allowing a fair degree of mud to decamp on the home keepers kit in the warm ups.

A SILHOUETTED KINGSWAY PARK ENTRANCE

Joining in the company tonight of Dave Burnley fan extraordinaire and Malc from the excellent 'on the road, blog featuring Notts and Derbyshire non league and whose fixture line up had brought me here tonight.
The visitors got off to a storming start with the lead after 13 minutes when Matt Walker drew the keeper to fire home but shortly after it was all square when the impressive Danny Bircumshaw drove home cutting in off the right from 14 yards.  It was the visitors who went into half time ahead when Tom Palmer lashed home the a lose ball in the penalty area.  An entertaining half just got better in the second period which within ten minutes saw Ashland deservedly equalise when Bircumshaw got his second with a quality finish again off the right hand side of the box unleashing a finish into the roof of the net.  The game flowed from end to end with some cracking football which saw Awsworth have an effort cleared off the line before they struck the post through Danny Fry, this was not too rule out the contribution of Ashland who continued to threaten.
A fair result from a game that surprised for this level with real energy and effort from the players there should also be a mention for referee Derek Spray who allowed play to continue and produce this entertaining encounter.

DAVE FEATURES FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A FEW WEEKS AND ON A SMALL BURNLEY BADGE TO SHOW

With 35 minutes for the return bus there was a chance to visit Ocean Blue fish bar for a small bit of fish cake and chips research thanks to Dave who dropped me off outside.  Return connections were completed successfully and the three off us 'hoppers' all agreed this was a visit that had proved well worth it.

NORTH GAWBER COLLIERY STAGE CUP FIGHTBACK

NORTH GAWBER COLLIERY 6 RENISHAW RANGERS 2
SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE COUNTY FA SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP @ WOOLLEY COLLIERY RD 11 NOVEMBER --- 2PM

MAIN STAND AT WOOLLEY COLLIERY RD

A remarkable comeback from North Gawber in which Carey Welford hit 4, sent them through to round 3 of the Senior Challenge Cup, from 2 down they finally came to life after half an hour to go in one goal behind.  The second half produced a game changing moment when it looked certain the home side would be reduced to 10 men after keeper Louis Butcher hauled down Brandon Ashmore who was through on an open goal, referee Taylor interestingly produced only yellow.  Three goals in the last five minutes exaggerated any difference between the two sides in what had been an exciting and close tie.
Never a fan of county cups this one though would be the third one in a row!  Following a couple of Derbyshire Senior Cup ties this fixture looked mouth watering with the visitors from The Central Midlands League South on a roll after a disastrous start to their debut season now having secured a five games unbeaten record taking on Sheffield County Senior side North Gawber Colliery.  Made more interesting by the fact that Renishaw are a Derbyshire side based in South Yorkshire playing at Kiveton Park and North Gawber Colliery playing at Woolley Collieries former ground are as close to West Yorkshire as you can get football wise.  There is the added twist that last season Renishaw were competing in the second division of the County Senior League.

SPARK LANE FORMER HOME OF NORTH GAWBER COLLIERY FC

In the early days of this season a fellow ground hopper, Paul, had suggested North Gawber Colliery Fc as a good visit and so being on the radar a look at the transportation to Woolley showed that Darton station would be the aim today, also of interest having passed the station and remembered the row of terrace houses, Fountain Sq, that sit prouldy looking over the platforms.  Arrival today was via a change at Sheffield and at around 1140 the first point of call was a quick look at Darton via a viewing of the tightest of bridges that run back under the railway line and up to Woolley Colliery Road.  Firstly though there was time in the schedule for a roundabout trip to the ground via Mapplewell and the site of the former North Gawber Colliery of course demolished and now awaiting more houses.  A top of the bank is the former ground of todays home club on Spark Lane with a stand still in situ now graffiti strewn, the ridge also offers an excellent view back to Barnsley.  With the waft of Fosters Bakery filling the nostrils it was time to seek out the chip ole which would be Aqua Fish Bar in the village.

THE COSY AQUA FISH BAR WITH SCRAPS THOUGH

As ever research was undertaken and for the first time for a while there were even scraps, for the uninitiated batter bits, walking back through the shopping precinct a strange spot.  The butchers was run by the Birkinshaw's, the bakers by the Birkinshaw's however I do have to report though that I could not find the candle stick makers.

NORTH GAWBER COLLIERY MEMORIAL ADJACENT TO THE FORMER COLLIERY

Delicacy completed it was time to walk towards the ground and down Bloomhouse Lane I failed with the camera!  Let me take you back to a few years ago Arriva Train Wales toy dog dressed as a dinosaur by doting owner and I couldn't bring myself to take the picture.  Fast forward today mobile scooter full pelt up the hill with owner encouraging in training greyhound on a lead by his side, again I just couldn't do it and guess what a few minutes later he went back down the hill and I still couldn't do it!  Walking down Bloomhouse Lane the old friend that is Emley Moor TV tower came into site something that I spent most of the cricket watching summer viewing but it was a shock today I didn't expect it, hello old friend.

STONE PLINTH AT THE APPROACH TO LONG ROW AND TOP ROW

With the ground at the junction of Woolley Colliery Rd it was time for a quick right to visit Woolley Colliery Village and its rows of terrace houses that would have served the pit just over the road, now a new modern housing settlement taking the name Woolley Grange.  At the approach to Low Row and Top Row is a memorial, a mini set of headstocks with a plaque to all the former miners of Woolley Colliery, a similar reminder is also situated in the Coop at Mapplewell for the miners of North Gawber Colliery.  Woolley Colliery though had two famous employees from leaving school in 1953 a 15 year old Arthur Scargill started working at the pit and for the next 20 years he advanced within the NUM before becoming President.  There is also a big sporting connection with Dorothy Hyman the Olympic runner from the 60's working as a tracer within the offices.  She retired at 24 but after releasing her autobiography 'sprint to fame' gave up her amateur status and when she decided to comeback could only compete at national level, a strange status when you look at todays athletes who seem to be sponsored to the hilt.

GAWBER KEEPER BUTCHER PUNCHES CLEAR

Back to the ground passing the former colliery site to our right and apart from the new settlement much of the land still lies in ruin after the pit closed n 1987, desolation to the mining communities still awaiting new employment or development on a large scale makes a sad show after 30 years the political decisions were made but the future was bleak.
As with most pits the sports ground was by the colliery and here Woolley Miners Welfare Cricket Club offer us a smart white building with changing rooms and atop these a bar offering a superb view of the cricket pitch.  The cricket club merge with Barnsley last season and now only the thirds and fourths play here plus the Sunday side.  The football pitch to the far end of the cricket was the former home of Woolley Colliery FC who up until 1990 were competing in the NCEL before folding an all too big a coincidence I guess that just after the pit was lost so too was the football club.

RENISHAW BENCH OVERVIEWED BY THE NORTH GAWBER CREW

Today though is a new era with North Gawber Colliery Fc moving to the ground which is fully railed off the near side has small paving to stand on but the grass is taking a hold around these.  The whole pitch is railed off although with some areas needing a trim people chose to stand within, on the near side is a small stand/shelter which I'm still not sure if its a the dug outs or for the watching supporters.  The best till last is a large stand with unseated concrete terrace steps with too the rear a bench seat across the back row, it's a typical NCB stand from the time of the pits with similar at Bentley and of course todays visitors Renishaw Rangers Kiveton Park ground.
The game today sees little information on the home side who seem to have no social media output at all which is a shame because they have a steady little set up and today produced a very entertaining game for the 32 spectators.

RENISHAW ATTACK THROUGH COLLEY

Renishaw took the lead after 5 minutes good work from Ryan Owen saw Ashmore fire home.  Karl Colley had two excellent chances to extend the lead first a save by Butcher and then the wrong side of the post kept the score line static.  North Gawber went as close as you can on 21 minutes when Liam Marsden struck a 25 yard free kick that flew back off the left upright.  Renishaw extended their lead on 25 minutes when Matt Morton set up Daniel Talbot to fire home.  By this stage Renishaw were comfortable and it looked as though North Gawber had still not come out of the changing rooms but slowly the home side got a foot hold into the game and pulled a valuable goal back before half time through Carey Welford.

NORTH GAWBER COLLIERY CLEARING THEIR DEFENCE

Renishaw started strongly with Chad Lake putting in a good cross that Butcher punched away well in the home goal.  The controversy followed shortly and it would be a game changer the home side keeper raced out to meet the advancing Ashmore 25 yards out firstly looked to have fouled him in the initial challenge and as the striker tapped the ball past the keeper to fire into an open net the Colliery number one tugged at his shoulder and the visiting player fell to the floor. Referee Taylor consulted with his assistant who was further away and after sorting out the free kick beckoned the keeper and rather leniently showed a yellow card.  The scores were level on 57 minutes a Matt Blakey corner off the left was inch perfect for Nicky Baxter to rise and power his header home.  The flow of the game seemed to be going towards the home side when referee Taylors assistant flagged for an innocuous looking challenge from Renishaw's Jason Markell on Callum Mackie protests aside it was still a penalty.  Up stepped Marsden with a delay midway in his run up but as the ball looked to be going goal bound visiting keeper Steven Booth guessed right and pulled off a smart save.  Back came Renishaw Jake Longley saw his effort cleared off the line by Jake Bedford, their was a feeling of two heavy weight boxers slugging it out now as the action moved from en to end. 
The home side took the lead for the first time on 77 minutes when Welford took the ball down and charged on to fire home for a lovely display of control.  With the visitors going to 3 up top Jack Farrow crashed a 25 yard effort off the underside of the bar and onto the line as the ball fell away Morton saw his effort saved by the home keepers leg.

BOOTH WATCHES ON AS RENISHAW CLEAR THEIR LINES

The simplest of goals on 88 minutes extended the home sides lead keeper Butcher cleared Welford headed on and Baxter drove home to make it 4-2.  Booth pulled off an excellent one handed save onto the bar from Marsden before tow goals in stoppage time.  First Mackie crossed for Welford to finish in front of goal for his hat trick and then the same partnership proved the further undoing of Renishaw Mackie stormed though looking a few yards off side but Welford kept his cool to fire home for his fourth.
A harsh score line on the visitors but this had been a tremendous battle with both sides contributing to a very entertaining game.  The time was right to leave back down Woolley Colliery Rd towards Darton station a few minutes away and for the first time in ages the blog was the only passenger to board.
Once again a County Cup game had produced a very entertaining afternoon, I really must change my views, and overall this had been an interesting visit spent north of Barnsley, pop along and take a look it comes recommended.

LATE SHOW FOR HEANOR IN COUNTY CUP

HEANOR TOWN 1 BORROWASH VICS 0
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP @ THE TOWN GROUND
7 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 7.45PM

THE SCENE IS SET AT THE TOWN GROUND

For the second game running Heanor were thankfully to Elliott Reeves being first fouled in the penalty box and then stepping up to took the spot kick away.  After the Westfields fixture on Saturday tonight's was as late as the final minute of the 90 upended in the box cutting in from the right angle he stepped up to save the watching 124 from penalties in this Derbyshire Cup tie.
Into the winter we go for night games after getting used to setting off in the dark tonight you could add to it the blustery wind thrown in with some of the wet stuff too.  With a change at Ripley early arrival in Heanor found the pitch looking in remarkably fine condition after the last few days of rain.
Tonight would be spent viewing with flag man Dave who was once again resplendent in Burnley hat/badge and England scarf and Bob L Hat, Mr L, of the Heage Parish.  The Lancashire clarets are doing exceptionally well and its always good to get a photo of Dave because he assures me viewing figures go up, mainly from female readers.  But he hasn't featured this year so its about time I featured Dave.

ONE FOR THE LADIES SO DAVE SAYS AND BURNLEY NEARLY TOP OF THE PREMIRSHIP

Usual visit to the snack bar made for delicacy from the ladies with free banter too!

TONIGHTS STAR PLAYER AT THE TOWN GROUND

Both sides tonight put out strong sides with Heanor in good form it looked to be a difficult game for EMCL side Vics but how wrong you can be.  Great effort from them to defend, pretty much like Aslockton at Eastwood last week, with a hope of scoring on the break or maybe winning on penalties.  Heanor struggled to break down the resolute defending work rate of the visitors and to be fair from a spectator point of view this was not the best advert for a night away from the sofa.  There were no notes made at all until Reeves was felled in the box, referee Constable blew and flew to point to the penalty spot that the ink ran from the nib onto folded parchment,  Borrowash must have felt disappointed to lose this so late but overall Heanor on possession alone deserved their trip in the next round to The Proact to play a Chesterfield eleven.
A further selection of spot kicks had been denied, thankfully, and it was off with Mr L to Ripley to allow a comfortable connection back to base with the required thanks for the courtesy lift.

WHALEY BRIDGE OVERCOME PINXTON TO PROGRESS

WHALEY BRIDGE ATHLETIC 3 PINXTON 1
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP @ HORWICH PK
4 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 1.30PM

DSC TIE WITH WHALEY BRIDGE ON THE ATTACK AT HORWICH PK

After falling behind to an early goal Whaley stormed back to take charge of this Derbyshire Senior cup tie that saw the Cheshire League side despatch their fellow step 7 visitors Pinxton from the CMFL.
With the usual eye on the weather, as all footy fans know the conditions always deteriorate the night before the game, there was a game selection to be made today and thanks to the Whaley secretary and todays referee confirmation was received that the overnight rains would not interfere with this fixture.  It had looked a mouth watering fixture with high flying Pinxton visiting Cheshire League leaders Whaley Bridge Athletic a team who had always had a strong reputation for being there or there abouts.
Todays blog was massively helped thanks to a courtesy lift from match referee Kelvin Wilson he even agreed to drop me in Whaley first for the obligatory tour and of course fish and chips!

CANAL BASIN AN TRANSHIPMENT WAREHOUSE

The busy A5004 Buxton Rd whistles cars through the town with the adjacent Manchester to Buxton rail line trundling past on a slightly higher level through the town but bustle of a busy Saturday in Whaley belies the treasures behind the façade.  First point was a visit to the canal basin and the grade 2 listed Transhipment Warehouse the photo op was fulfilled and now for the research.  As usual all good towns have a chippy and The Fryery came well recommended with a small wait for a freshly cooked fish things looked good and they were certainly a re visit next time would be a must.

NEVER TIRE OF RESEARCH

Delicacy in hand a quick look in the streets behind revealed the old Goyt Mills site which now has a wonderful old restored sign at the approach to the formers base running adjacent the old terrace mill houses.  A short walk past an antique shop brings the incline of the former Cromford and High Peak railway which you could follow the path back over the River Goyt towards the Transhipment Warehouse.  The amble back towards the main road saw the Jodrell Arms Hotel, former landlord Jack Bond Lancashire cricketer, pub under renovation the pub bearing the name of the former big wig family of the area.  Derbyshire claims Whaley Bridge of course but the area sits right on the Cheshire border with nearby Macclesfield offering a trip over that line plus Stockport being close by too, indeed Whaley's selection to the Cheshire League probably bears out its geographical position.

TODDBROOK RESERVOIR BY THE GROUND

Movement along the Buxton Road towards the ground sees a delightful selection of shops and with a sweet requirement this was solved by Trio for gingerbread person and millionaires shortcake, very nice too.  I did stop to look at the Town Hall which seemed to house a lot of local facilities and by the side the craftily name 'Pizza Hot'.  Curving under the railway line and without any unnecessary references The Cock, formerly The Cock Inn, which once saw Betty Driver of Betty Turpin Coronation St fame as its landlady.  With time approaching 1pm a right turn along the narrow and short Wheatsheaf Road was to take me a very short climb through the Memorial Park and onto a higher level which houses the ground and small 4g five a side pitch.  Before taking in the ground a quick walk past would take in the stunning Toddbrook Reservoir.  Turning around offered a wonderful vista of the hills that sit all around our High Peak town and the steep overflow for this water source.

IF ITS VIEWS YOU WANT

Whaley Bridge Athletic FC then and the pitch is completely encased with tubular style plastic barriers these were of the solid format not the wobbly type for want of a better descriptor.  The two dugouts a smartly situated and with no hard standing around the ground most spectator areas were quite muddy and clearly you could spot a regular with boots or wellingtons afoot.  The far end from our current position and by the Park Rd entrance houses the changing room and small café that offered tea and soup alongside the usual confectionary.  It was a friendly welcome and the set up a pleasant surprise the down side for the club is they cant take an admission but hopefully a majority were happy to contribute to the raffle.  Whaley have always come across as a good club to me in past research and the only thing really missing here is of course a programme that would top off what is a delightful ground that just keeps giving in the scenery stakes, although I'm wisely advised to try it in January!

WHALEY PLAYERS SURROUND PINXTONS STUBLEY

To the game and Pinxton were resplendent in day-glow orange a kit that worked really well in todays dark cloud that at regular intervals hid the sun from the afternoon.  The visitors started strongly with Nathan Benger setting up Jack Hawkins whose shot was pushed away by James Tattersall in the Whaley goal.  Pinxton were bossing the game and on 14 minutes took the lead again Benger was the threat his shot was parried into the path of Pete Stubley who swept the ball home.

PINXTON TAKE THE LEAD

Whaley were struggling to keep Pinxton at bay and non more so that a few moments later when Tattersall had to be alert again to save from Benger, worryingly the game I though would be very close was looking like a Pinxton stroll.  However hope was restored for Whaley on 27 minutes a Jamie Kay corner off the left was headed back into the business area and Joe Burgess fired the loose ball into the Pinxton goal to level it.

JOE BURGESS [7] LEVELS IT FOR WHALEY BRIDGE

The home side were right back in it now testing Pinxton who were ready for half time but it didn't come quick enough when Burgess [J] strode through on the inside right position to fire past Andrew Francis in the visitors goal.
A Half time lead was more than Whaley could probably have foreseen after 20 minutes but now we had a game on our hands.  After a refreshment stop and catch up with Mr R from the Buxton parish who had come along for a catch up and a local game for him, good to see you!

CELEBRATIONS AS WHALEY GO INTO THE LEAD

Second period saw Pinxton pushing hard for the equaliser but Whaley Bridge hitting back as the game went from end to end.  Chances were at a premium but George Burgess got in a superb twisting header that crashed back off the bar before at the other end Stubley saw his goal bound shot cleared just short of the goal line.

PENALTY WRAPS IT UP

As Pinxton tired there was time for a final goal from the penalty spot referee Wilson had no doubt when Jace Brown was grounded and Jack Gregory converted from the spot to make it 3-1.  Straight from the re start it was all over and probably the longest trip in the Derbyshire Senior Cup was sealed with Whaley booked to travel to Gresley Rovers in the south of the county.  No time to celebrate mind you as nets and posts were all taken down by the players and officials after a come back victory that further showed the strength of Whaley Bridge Athletic Fc.
With a trip to The Shepherds Arms after the game a further look at one of the many public houses finished off a pleasant trip to the Whaley and I cant wait to revisit next time for a Cheshire League fixture and further look around this superb little town.

TEVERSAL GO TOP WITH WIN AT HOLBROOK

HOLBROOK SPORTS 0 TEVERSAL 1
EMCL @ SHAW LANE
3 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 7.45PM

FRIDAY FOOTY AT HOLBROOK SPORTS

A solitary goal from Dave Cockerill was enough to send Teversal to the top of the East Midlands Counties League replacing hosts Holbrook Sports who could not break down the resolute visitors who saw the final 28 minutes out with just ten men.
Friday night footy well why not so the blog set off from base for the short trip to Kilburn which would see the phone torch light come into play for the twenty minute walk up the dark country lane that would finally bring me into the village of Holbrook at around 7.15pm.  Holbrook I believe was covered on the blog a few years ago but its a lovely village probably best admired in the daytime certainly public transport is a problem after 7pm and tonight I would be very grateful to avoid a taxi back to Ripley to Luke, Heanor Town TV's top man for a lift, thank you!
The ground at Shaw Lane is situated behind the Miners Welfare and associated bowling green the ground has a slope from the far goal back towards the welfare.  With the changing rooms to the rear of the welfare the walkway to the pitch is long but the club hope to build some new ones inside the boundary of the ground.  The snack bar is small and welcoming and used twice tonight after gaining admission and a steady little programme a meander around found little had changed but for some excellent painting of the perimeter fencing and smartening up behind the top goal.  The right hand side features two dug outs and the official viewing area ends at the, the cover here is to the left hand side touchline with a cycle stand converted with temporary seats and straddling the half way line a stand with rear terracing and seats to the front with a row and half of seats in place.  Overall a smart little set up that meets the needs of the club at this step level.

SPORTS MANAGER MARK WILSON OVERSEES HOLBROOK THROUGH THE NEARLY SQUARE WINDOW

In the close season Holbrook engaged Mark Wilson as manager and the success is following for this jack in a box manager who is a winner and clearly wants winners in his team although tonight they failed to break down a stubborn Teversal  his side will not be far off at the end of the season.  Teversal were battling away at the top of the table too following their transfer from the NCEFL in the close season with Dave Cockerill still showing off his sweet left foot a player consistent ability on my viewing of Teversal.
The game started apace for Sports with the visiting keeper Turton making two excellent saves to deny the Brookies.  With Teversal in this game for a big defend and the chance on the break was not taken although Bacon got a shot in that fell wide.  By half time Holbrook must have been a little bemused that their possession had not resulted in a goal but we arrived at the interval goal less.

THROUGH THE ENTRANCE AND INTO THE CAFE FOR A WARM DRINK

The half time period saw the chance to greet the blogs hairdresser who lives by the ground and is with the club while operating his businesses in two nearby town as we watched the second half by the goals I was relieved to have shampooed the wig that afternoon.
The ever reliable Cockerill nipped in on a intercepted Sports pass rounded Steve Smith in the home goal and from the tightest of angles slotted in an excellent finish past two tracking back defenders, 52 minutes.  Ten minutes later the task got harder when Radford was sent off for the visitors for his second bookable offence within a few minutes and Holbrook sensed their chance.  However the double bank of defenders that Teversal now secured in place managed to thwart and deny most of what Holbrook could throw at them and it was to prove one of those games for the leaders who were replaced at the top by Teversal thanks to a clinical finish.
As ever thankful to avoid the goal less game and made a note to get along to Holbrook for a day time game and take a look at this Holbrook team who had one of those games in football tonight but who will mount a very strong challenge I'm sure under manager Wilson.