FANS FLOWING BACK TO NEWARK FOOTBALL

NEWARK FLOWSERVE 4 WEST BRIDGFORD 1
EMCL @ LOWFIELDS
27 AUGUST 2018 --- 3PM
Football fans of Newark have cried out for a revival of the sport in the town and at last a club in the guise of Flowserve are giving them something to shout about and with an attendance of over 200 for this 4-1 victory it must be heart warming for all connected with the club from Chairman through the players to the volunteers and the added proof that develop a successful club and the people of Newark cant wait to become part of it.

SOLOMON MILLER GETS AWAY FRO NEWARK FLOWSERVE

The East Midlands Counties League beckoned for the second consecutive blog and after failing a few times last season to get to Flowserve mainly due to the wet stuff todays bank holiday fixture would be the next attempt.
To badly quote 'somebody' it is often said 'getting to your destination is not the point its the joy of getting there that makes it worthwhile' well clearly they have never travelled on public transport or the rail network of this country.  After Saturdays roaring rail success it was back to normality today with a late bus, delayed train that seriously put my connection in doubt at Nottingham, after hovering waiting the departure of the Nottingham bound train from Sheffield before purchasing tickets it was upon entering a queue of a handful of people with 15 minutes to spare that panic set in as the one window open finally served me as the train was about to be called.  Seat gained some seven minutes late and with a bit of speed there was time in Nottingham to get aboard the Newark Castle bound train, passing through Fiskerton and then two minutes later Rolleston it did bring to my thoughts that this could be the shortest distance between two main line stations but after research its probably only in the top 50!

FIRST VIEW OF LOWFIELDS

Departing on time after a relaxing second part of the journey to the sight of Newark Castle and this attractive town is always a joy and having covered it before for a Newark Town game, played at Collingham, I decided to avoid pictures but needless to say the town has more history and places of interest than you could probably shake two sticks at never mind one.
Travel to Newark Flowserve Fc would be on foot today and I was aware of no buses running this being a bank holiday although on a Saturday the number '3' passes close by.  Its a poor state of affairs the relatively new bus station was completely empty and its amazing in todays climate that all services stop in a town like this, especially as even for a public holiday the streets seemed awash with cars.

TODAYS THIRD TEAM LED OUT BY LEWIS MORGAN

So the 45 minutes brisk walk had been planned and took me along the former Newark to Bottesford railway line, closed 1955, from London Road and brought a sight of the driveway to Flowserve a short while later.  On route to the ground down the old line I'm told Newark Town should move onto a new site with a 4g pitch so bringing them back closer to the town centre.  Indeed although its great to see Newark sides back into the town technically Flowserve play in Balderton and this is a nice stretch out to the south east of the town.
The ground is to the left at the bottom of the driveway before the factory and are very much company grounds with the club formally under the names of Worthington and Simpsons previous monikers for the factory.  Through the ornate gates with bowling green to the right the pay cabin with full size turnstile await.  A warm welcome from the operator with admission and programme gained, the latter once again was a nice little effort of credit to the club.

CRAIG ROCHE JOINT MANAGER NEWARK FLOWSERVE DEVELOPING ON FIELD SUCCESS

Straight ahead of us is the large school room type Porta-cabin Jubilee Room and then a snack bar which led you to the clubhouse pavilion a very smart bar area unfolded and it was good to meet once again Mr Naylor from the Syston parish.
No circuit possible because for the second fixture running this is a two sided ground that was I guess hastily got through its ground grading with floodlights cable and ducting on show these should be installed in the next few weeks.  There is hard standing around the two sides of a good depth with dug outs on the far side a ornate wooden panelled stand I guess awaits the required seats and leaving some covered standing, hopefully any seats will be put at the end away from the dug outs or it will be a severely restricted view that is on offer.  So overall a work in progress which while things on the pitch, excellent condition by the way, continue apace the ground moves along to keep up with.
Alongside the programme there was a good public address system and a warm welcome from a few of the home club officials after refreshments in the clubhouse it was time for the big game with West Bridgford struggling and Newark on a roll it was to be hoped for a competitive game.
The teams came out to the 80's classic stand and deliver by Adam and The Ants which seemed a good mood song.

LIAM MORAN ON THE BALL FOR FLOWSERVE

Although the visitors were looking quite competent in the opening stages it was Newark who took the lead after 7 minutes when former Grantham Town player Jack Beckett fired home he proceeded to secure a second on 19 minutes firing home form a similar position and you feared the game was over.  When Sam Agar was upended in the box by visiting keeper Sam Clark he got up to fire home from the spot to make it 3-0 after 25 minutes.

AGAR HITS THE BAR BEFORE JOHN CONVERTS TO MAKE IT 4-0

After a period of stabilisation from the Nottingham side it all went wrong in the second minute of stoppage time when the lively Agar flew down the right and lobbed the approaching keeper from outside the box it looked inch perfect but the bar intervened however Mustapha John made no mistake to make it four.
The second half was a bit of an anti climax in fairness to West Bridgford they could have folded but didn't and came back with a consolation goal after 58 minutes when Edwin Towers finished sharply.  The visitors job was made harder when they were reduced to ten men with 22 minutes remaining when Ryan Plummer was shown a red card for a sharp challenge that took out a Newark player.
There was a feeling that Newark had done their job by half time and the foot was off the pedal a little which is a shame because there was clearly some great options in this side but I suppose energy was saved for another day it will certainly be interesting to see them in games against some of the high flyers non more so than in front of the large crowds being secured for games at Lowfields.

AGAR BROUGHT DOWN ON HIS TRAVELS

There was a bright closing moment when Flowserve very nearly finished with a fifth only to be denied by the crossbar when David Kolapo set up James Cullingworth who was fractions away from rustling the back of the net.

TWO GOAL JACK BECKETT INTERVIEWED BY RADIO NEWARK

Another three points in the bag for the home side on their transition into this new league and with a positive Chairman, volunteers and what's proving a great crowd who knows where this journey can take Newark Flowserve.
My afternoon finished on a relaxed note with a lift back to base thanks to Mr Wilson of the referees parish and another club whose results I shall look forward to following this season.

FIVE STAR SHOWING FOR PRIMS WHO OVERCOME IVANHOES

ASHBY IVANHOES 0 GRAHAM ST PRIMS 5
EMCL @ LWR PACKINGTON RD
25 AUGUST 2018 --- 3PM
A strange day indeed Graham ST Prims hit five goals without reply, the Derby based side were previously on my dour list never having seen a particularly good performance or a good game involving them but today they swept aside their Hosts and too top it all off two Cross Country trains with seats gained on both and the latter return journey arrived fourteen minutes early......strange days indeed.

HOMELY SET UP AT LOWER PACKINGTON RD

Todays game was a late dash that saw me arrive in Burton one hour after base station departure mainly due to the continuing closure of Derby station necessitating a diversion around the varying back routes before re-entering the main line at Willington.  Over the coming weeks, 5 to be told, Northern Rail will have strike action taking place and as Derby works continue until October the planning has to become more precise in public transport world.

BACK TOWARDS THE CLUBHOUSE AND BUSINESS END

A steady walk through the wonderfully historic town of Burton on Trent found me just outside the shopping centre in time for the 19 to Ashby De La Zouch after a tour around the edges of Staffordshire and Derbyshire we were soon, 40 minutes anyway, in the football hot bed of North West Leicestershire at 2.05pm and of course you guessed it the chippy shut at 2!
Ashby is somewhat typical of a midland England town shops either side of a busy main street offering up old and new buildings alike.  The lack of famous people from the arae was strange but I believe Foxes player Russell Hoult was an option, varying sources seemed to show cricket and rugby union in the town but no mention of the football club.  The town lost its train line to passenger transport in 1964 and attempts to reopen the Ivanhoe line - Leicester, Coalville, Ashby and Burton have so far not been successful.  Its always interesting to pop along to the tourist information centre but its amazing how on the times areas are likely to get visitors, Saturday afternoons and Sundays, they are closed things are no different in Ashby.

AFTER EARLY TENSION ON THE PRIMS BENCH IT SOON BECAME A RELAXING AFTERNOON

A sharp walk out by the adjacent footpath to the castle, which sadly offered up no photographic views, I later found out it was £6.50 to enter the grounds and ruins but I would not have time today or the inclination for a few photos at the price. 
The south edge of the town offered up The National Farmers Union Sports Ground and Ashby Ivanhoe Fc who have been situated here since 2012.  Entrance and programme paid in and the homely ground opened up, well two sides if it did.  Before moving onto the ground lets do the programme rant thing of clubs moaning about producing them but sometimes its about presenting an issue that represents your club and is something to be proud of and that is worth buying each week.  Well here at Ashby Ivanhoe they have just that a cracking production for just £1 offered up lots of information and all very professionally produced, well done!
The ground then well entering behind the goal to your immediate right is the clubhouse offering a warm welcome with snack bar and alcoholic bar all within an old building which had clearly had some attention to bring it up to spec.

BRAD SCARD CELEBRATES HIS OPENING GOAL

Behind the goal there is a media hut perched in a heightened position which produced a good public address system again just adds to the match experience a seated stand directly behind the goal with a covered terrace wooden stand that takes you to the corner flag.  The touchline running parallel to Lower Packington Road is the only full side open and first up is a lofted stand of an Atcost type which splits its depth with a disabled seating enclosure beyond this the dug outs as the concrete terrace stops at the far goal line.  Two sided grounds are always a little bit of a disappointment but needs must and other demands probably stop the club but overall its a smart little set up and they have been able to concentrate their efforts on the two sides available.
Having arrived with 25 minutes to kick off it all happened quickly with little time to spare however both teams had got off too a good start this season and I just didn't know what to expect especially as my previous Prims experiences had been to say the least challenging.
It had been a opening were both sides challenged one another to the full but on 27 minutes the visitors broke the deadlock when Brad Scard lashed an un-cleared corner into the roof of the net and worse was to follow just four minutes later.

AIETAN MAKES IT 2-0 TO PRIMS

Jake Conkay stopped a Prims attack illegally and was cautioned from the low free kick Bhunpinder Aietan flicked the ball home from close range.  It could have got even worse moments later when Mathew Harris struck the base of  the post for the Derby side.  At the other end Ashby needed something but they were denied when Prims keeper Andrew Fretwell pulled off a wonderful save from a powerful Kerr Horn header.

THE RACE IS ON

The home side went into half time shell shocked and I for one was struggling to see a way back for them but after a good old half time orange and a chat who knows what could happen.
After a promising opening minute we thought we might have a game on our hands Graham St put all that out of the window when Harris dashed through and calmly slotted past the home number one to make it 3-0 and game over on 47 minutes.
Two more goals were to follow more or less straight away Scard got his second and then on 57 minutes the fifth when Harris supplied a low cross for the impressive Dominic Wilkinson to convert.  The tempo went out of the game somewhat although Prims were a little disappointed for Scard who missed a sitter for what would have been his hat trick before sub Kurt Dallison failed to convert in the middle and on a day were all chances had gone in who knows where the score line may have travelled.

THE CHALLENGE IS ON

This was a bad day at the office for the home side who after the first goal looked off the pace and at times were muscled out of the game by a hardworking Graham ST Prims for whom I know have to re write my thoughts.
A steady walk back with nearly an hour for the service back to Burton saw Bath Gardens displaying some cricket but with food in mind I attempted the local chippy but was put off with small child playing in food prep area so I'm afraid dear fish and chip shop review reader there isn't one.
Reverse route on the Midland Classic which alongside its Routemaster has a modern fleet certainly if this journey was anything to go by a departure in Burton on time allowed a connection in Burton for the train to base which arrived 14 minutes early!  I know there is time built in at the moment but it was still quite remarkable and a seat into the bargain that is a blessing in modern day train travel.

THE NATIONAL FOREST STARTING AT PLATFORMS ONE AND TWO BURTON STATION

One thing though East Midland Trains take a look at your central platform 'garden' you may be taking the National Forest thing a bit too far.

LONG EATON HAVE TO SETTLE FOR A POINT

LONG EATON UNITED 0 HIGHGATE UNITED 0
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ GRANGE PARK
18 AUGUST 2018 --- 3PM

ZAC GOODSON COMES UP AGAINST A HIGHGATE UNITED WALL OF PINK

Offer Long Eaton a point before the start of the game against one of the early pacesetters Highgate United and they would have taken it but after a first half that saw 2 efforts strike the woodwork and another force an excellent save out of the visiting keeper they would have been disappointed not to take all three points.

THE STAR OF THE SHOW AT GRANGE PARK

Todays game had seen much flip-flopping with Grimethorpe not ready and much joy expected on the local trains due to the varying football fans travelling along my routes the selection of Long Eaton United saw me stay in county and complete the expedition on buses. 
It had been a while dear Long Eaton United since a game had been watched on the creditable facility that is Grange Park.  So with an 11am set off to Derby for the change arrival in the town was around 1245pm with the chance for a brief walk around the shopping area it always amazes me how other towns of this size have struggled but Long Eaton seems to keep a vibrant centre in comparison it may be due to its border town location.  With the town having a Nottingham postcode and same city phone code the fun of the fair is that its actually a Derbyshire town with two major supermarkets squaring up to one another over the main A6005 that runs through Long Eaton.
Its always difficult to describe towns fairly local to you whereby on your travels you can wax lyrically about stuff the locals don't care about.  Here though one of the former large employers is the Toton rail sidings just on the edge of the town and with the river Trent, Erewash canal and former mill buildings Long Eaton is an interesting proposition for a visit.

FIRST BEND INTO THE SECOND AT INVADERS FORMER STATION ROAD HOME

In a bit of continuity from the last blog that featured speedway the approach to the ground was through the recently built housing estate built on the former site of Long Eaton Invaders speedway track with the streets taking on varying names associated with the sport.  There was even a mini park area left grassed and with an inbuilt curve on the site of the first and second bend for added realism.
Over Station Road and along the approach drive way you nearly do a full exterior circuit of the ground before reaching the turnstiles.

SMALLER OF THE TWO STANDS AT GRANGE PARK

Age is clearly getting the better of my looks having been charged, including a programme, a cheap price I questioned if the programme had been charged for 'yes programme and concession rate' came the reply to which I offered up the additional £3 before anybody asks to bring things to a correct conclusion.
My last visit to Grange Park would probably have been around four years ago but since then it seems to have moved up a notch even though it was always a tidy little ground.  Having not blogged from here before a quick circuit and descriptor as we set off to our left.  Large deep concrete hard standing take us around by the back of the goals and to the fair side which houses two well separated dugouts and between these a old style concrete stand with a selection of seats added to what used to be a standing area coming around by the far goal its more uncovered standing before we come back to the business end.  First a newer covered standing area with a hospitality cabin separating us from the start of the ground the cantilever Big Jim stand, named after former chairman Jim Farley whose son of the same name undertakes that role in current days.

WOULD LONG EATON GET OFF TO A FLYING START

The whole edge of the pitch is separated with smart blue meshed fencing that added a professional touch to the stadium.  Behind the stand and by the turnstiles is the clubhouse this has seen an update since my last visit with a relocation of the bar alongside a selection of TV screens showing todays lunchtime action.  With time available to obtain a drink and a snack it was noteworthy of what a smart ground this was ably assisted by an excellent clubhouse.

LETS DISPEL THE RUMOUR THAT REFEREES OBSERVERS ARE HERE FOR THE SNAP....OH HELLO MALC

My observation skills were not well homed because I had failed to spot referees observer Malc Gratton with the officials pre match but just before kick off it was nice to re make his acquaintance and catch up with his season so far.
To the game then and after a cagey start good work from Zac Goodson set up Fabien Smith who saw his effort pushed over by Bradley Catlow in the visitors goal after 21 minutes. 
Most of the possession was coming from Long Eaton who were unlucky just over the half hour mark when a 25 yard effort from Tom Gamblen crashed back off the bar before half time Goodson hit the post.  By the whistle Long Eaton on a better day could have been three goals to the good and Highgate out of the game.

THE RACE IS ON

The second period proved to be a dour affair with even fewer chances than the first half probably the best fell to the visitors Lei Brown whose curling effort forced Scott Low into a one handed save.
The longer it went on the more you could see the 0-0 score line coming and the first one for well over a season was beckoning the referees whistle.

LETS GET PHYSICAL

A game full of endeavour and effort make no doubt but from a spectacle point of view there wasn't too much to get excited about.  In the end Highgate would go back with a point that kept them undefeated and Long Eaton can dream about what might have been had the first half efforts gone in.

POTTY ABOUT THE POTTERS AS STOKE RACE ON

STOKE POTTERS 29 COVENTRY BEES 29
NATIONAL LEAGUE @ LOOMER ROAD
11 AUGUST 2018 --- 7PM

LOOMER ROAD STADIUM

How does speedway continue to do it?  Well I guess here at Stoke you should ask promoter Dave Tattum and a merry band of helpers plus the small band of supporters who continue to turn up every Saturday but what is so clear from my short stay tonight is that speedway oozes out of every pore in their bodies.
This enticing visit to Loomer Road came about after a chance meeting at Wythenshaw Amateurs with Pete from home base, see previous blog, with a lift offered back to base via a Stoke Potters meeting that may not take place due to the rain and the words 'It's not like Owlerton you know'.  The latter being the home of Sheffield Tigers and destination for a couple of visits a season made often now too difficult by public transport restrictions.
Where too start well the bar at the clubs current stadium led me to old memorabilia and a memory trip of Hanley Potters who were based out of Sun St very close to what is now the centre of Hanley the shopping district of the five towns that make up Stoke On Trent.  While situated here the club regularly welcomed attendances in five figures but when the club departed and speedway was no more in the city in 1963 it took a further decade before a re-emergence at the current site.  Adjacent to the Holditch Colliery one of many in this area of Staffordshire there appeared to be an encouragement from the Coal Board for sporting development and being to the north west of the city in Chesterton the club added Potters to its new found base for one year before the current Stoke prefix took hold.  There they have remained save for a break in 1993 and a merger with homeless Cradley Heath for once season in 1996 before returning to their rightful title Stoke Potters.
The club dropped out of the Premier League in 2010 for operational and I guess increasing financial demands and have since traded in the third tier of Speedway, the National League, this season they are fighting a rear guard action being kept off the bottom spot by Buxton Hitmen who could break a record by being the only team to go through a speedway season without a win. 
The stadium previously incorporated greyhound meetings with the dog track being uniquely on the inside of the race track before re siting to the more normal practice of outside although the four legged meets finished here in the 90s, the track still nostalgically displays Chesterton Greyhound and Speedway above the rear of the stand.

ENTRANCE TERRACE AND STAND SIDE VIEW OF THE LOOMER ROAD STADIUM

Having arrived and turned round at Apedale Park, an interesting country park based on pit memorabilia and a miniature railway, just below the entrance to the stadium.  The rain hadn't arrived yet Pete was eager to get in to smell the methanol or is it Castrol oil?  The debate rages but there is nothing more telling that you are at speedway than this and the noise of a meeting, I opted for a walk around before plumping to pay my admission waiting on any rains that at 15 minutes before the start had not arrived.
Fifteen pound had gained me admission and a smart little programme and scorecard and a pleasant greeting ahead of entry through the car park to the stadium.  Grounds of character we love them and this is just that at any moment you expected Elvis, The Bay City Rollers or any other star of the 1970s to appear because Loomer Road is a blast back to the glory days that time left behind.  Sadly there has not been too much upgrading done to the structure but this just adds to the experience of visiting sports stadia how they used to be and of course with finances at a premium over such a large sight the main thing is the stadia is still seeing speedway action thanks to its promoter Mr Tattum.
Ground descriptor is not easy and as is customary a circuit of the circuit was undertaken taking an immediate right around the track side, behind large fences and up to the back straight which is banked and offers an excellent view for those who choose to park their cars their to watch from, a wise choice as the rain swept in at the start of the meeting.  Coming back round to the final bend the pits are located top of the bank with a sloped runway to trackside.  Viewing from the stand terrace is partially obstructed with earth bank built up on the former greyhound track I guess this is a protector from the stock car racing that also takes place here.
So the star of the show the stand and terracing the latter at our entry point continues past the curve of the first bend and takes on a straight line with some crush barriers in a nostalgic mode the far side of the stand offers a higher terrace giving an excellent view of the final bend and in between a terrace that is covered in front of the main stand which offers much more inside.

NO DOUBT WHO HE IS SUPPORTING SOME GREAT WEAR AT THE TRACK SHOP TOO

The lofty bar position, snack bar and excellent track shop are situated high above the track and to the front cafeteria type seats and tables that offer protection from the weather and an eagle eyed view of proceedings.  The walls are adorned with memories of the good old days and most of the patrons can remember those days I guess and have stuck with the team and sport through thick and a lot of thin.  Most of the bar area I suspect has seen little change since its opening in the 1970s and upon creaking into the toilet doors I was careful not to disturb a spiders web which I guess may also date from around the same time.  Humour apart the people involved in running Speedway at this level and its band of followers deserve a medal and to see these many regulars getting together on a Saturday night something they have clearly done for years should be an inspiration for many other sports.  Indeed Pete travels over from North Derbyshire on a regular basis and meets up with a few buddies and tonight the club collected another £15 you have his enthusiasm to thank for getting me along.
With a 5,000 capacity not tested tonight I guess around 200 were in attendance with a few followers from Coventry Bees and there in lies another story.  Homeless and out of their stadium they ride out of Beaumont Leys, Leicester and dream of a return to their Brandon home which by all accounts is under the new homes saga.
The rains came down on schedule at 7pm with drizzle to persistent sharp rain being the flavours on offer the meeting was a close affair as Pete had told me it might be and after a slightly delayed start the whole effort to get through 10 heats in just an hour, some going, produced a result at 29-29 and an abandonment before it got too dangerous but a result of sorts even though Bees take two points for an away win to Stoke a singular for the home win.

EARLY ACTION BEFORE THE RAINS CAME

Understandably in the conditions there were a few un-seatings and a few of the races were well spread out but the longer the meeting went on the better it got with heat ten being the most exciting.
To mix the metaphors heat 9 became a two horse race and Rob Shuttleworth secured three points for the Potters to make it 25-27 and so to heat 10.  Tom Perry lead from the start save for a brief interlude on the third lap on the final bend but the Potters rider recovered front spot more or less immediately to secure three race wins and with Bees Luke Ruddick second the point that Stoke gained From Adam Extance who came in third meant that the meeting was tied at 29 a piece.  At this point a decision was made by referee and riders that enough was enough and health and safety won the day in all honesty this meeting had been well moved through its heats and it was great to see a proactive move to at least get an hours interesting speedway on the books.
In conversation with some of the visiting Bees supporters and appreciating their hard times the general consensus that in three years time this level of speedway would not be around and like any sport this has to be sad times if this prediction comes to fruition for both the committed supporters and the hard working promoters and riders at this level that 'just love the sport' and want nothing more than a night out with the smell, noise and excitement of a speedway meeting.
From the blogs point of view a short meeting but fully enjoyed the experience of the chance to visit and see the Stoke Potters in action I shall watch their endeavours and hope for a return to the glory days for them soon.

AMMIES OPENING HOME WIN ON THEIR NEW ADVENTURE

WYTHENSHAWE AMATEURS 3 ABBEY HULTON UTD 2
NWCFL SOUTH @ HOLLYEDGE PARK
11 AUGUST 2018 ---- 3PM

COLIN MURRAY [RIGHT] WINS IT FOR WYTHENSHAWE AMATEURS IN STOPAGE TIME

A game that swung first one way then another saw home NWCFL debutants Wythenshawe Amateurs start as opening scorers and finish as winners in a game that included a penalty a collection of cards including two of the red variety for the Staffordshire visitors.
With the football versus cricket dilemma being won over by the amount of new clubs in The NWCFL since its extra league one has been split north and south in flavour, the chance to get along to Ammies a club many people around the area had been encouraging me to do was too much to miss on the Saturday morning.

NEW BIT OF KIT SOON TO BE SEATED

Public transport travel was going very well, surprisingly, that was until we arrived at Sheffield station when screaming kids, screaming mothers and the same family with a couple of dogs allocated themselves a seat close by within ten minutes I had re positioned myself to a drop down seat by the doors to escape this constant barrage.  Grumpy man syndrome is taking over but there does seem  complete lack of ability to control kids today and the rest of the carriage will suffer too is the parental skill adopted.

THE LONG SOCK BRIGADE OUR ON SHOW

Thankfully departure forty minutes later at Stockport had allowed a little time to visit a recommended chippy, thanks Sean, in the guise of 'Grandads' freshly prepared fish and while waiting the eat in side of the establishment was performing a brisk trade to the back drop of old black and white Stockport scenes.
The option to eat on the go was taken and the chance to have a look around Stockport, something I had not done for a while, found a town that from eye blink to eye blink that skipped from modern to run down to derelict and back again.  But its a fascinating town with its hat making history and railway viaduct the old buildings above eye level offer some fantastic look into the towns past glories non more so than the entrance to Robinsons Unicorn brewery.

DOMINIC LILLIE [7] GRABS THE OPENING HOME GOAL IN AMMIES DEBUT NWCFL SEASON

With plenty of time and regular buses by the ground and onto Wythenshawe I decided to take a look at the civic centre of todays named club which is in the Sharston district very close to Gatley on the eastern edge of the town the opposite side to the cross town rivals who bear the 'town' name.  One of the towns claim to fame is that when it was moved into Greater Manchester from Cheshire control and the area developed to allow housing outside the industrial centre of Manchester it was the biggest collection of council house estates in Europe.  However at the time nobody it appeared thought of putting in shops and a mobile van served the area, today though the smart and functional 70's style commercial centre is surrounded by a couple of large corporate stores.  Along side this the town is served by the excellent Metro-link tram and a new bus interchange which strangely on arrival sees the vehicles slow down to the maximum speed limit of 5 mph, the only problem being the small interchange can take a whole afternoon to get out of!  There are a raft of famous people brought up in or born in the area Harry H Corbett, Johnny Marr and more recently Marcus Rashford in an area that saw Channel four film Shameless around the tower blocks.
But all is smart today on a bright sunny afternoon it was time to re trace the wheels of the number 11 to the southern edge of Hollyedge Park where a pleasant walk through the park brought the ground into view.
WythenshaweAmateurs have had a somewhat nomadic existence around their successful times in The Manchester League and indeed moved into their new ground just over a year ago playing the first game there in September 2017 and only in May this year was the ground an smart new clubhouse officially opened by Man United legend Bryan Robson.

WATCHING YOU WYTHENSHAWEAMATEURS

Turning right out of the park into the car park I was directed towards the 'pay box' and welcomed at both points a brief chat after purchasing programme [£2] and £3 admission a bargain all round.  The paperwork is smart and professionally produced and does all and a little more than some clubs do so well done.  While walking through the small car park it was noticeable that the club had today well organised and had a plan at this point I was greeted by President John Walker with over 70 years at the club you could tell this was a proud day for him and of course the club, I hope you enjoy your season credit to you.
Ground descriptor then to the right we have a small enclosure on the half way line which apparently will be seated with standing accommodation cover to come behind the goal, walking round the far touchline and two smart dugouts are in situ we arrived back at the clubhouse and changing rooms which is behind the entrance goal, with a front terrace they offer a smart and new feel to proceedings.  With floodlight bases and ducting in the club are on course it would appear to get them in by the end of September deadline.  The ground on three sides is enclosed by high green meshed fencing which offer a clear view of the game from outside the ground something I know lots of step 6 clubs in the East Midlands have been told needs changing before they gained promotion.  Of course some grace has been given on this by the authorities with the amount of clubs coming into this new structure and of course Wythenshawe re more than moving along with their plans, I just hope they don't get the short arms long pockets brigade watching from outside certainly today they didn't with a crowd of 172 it was the top NWCFL crowd.
Surprisingly Chris from the Buxton Parish was in attendance so it was great to catch up with you wearing your old 'Ammies' badge and then out from his car popped Pete from the home parish, more of which later.

ABBEY HULTON IN CONTROL

League leaders Abbey Hulton arrived looking to sweep aside the league newcomers but after a nervous start the home side got into the game and took the lead on 20 minutes when Dominic Lillie swept the ball in from close range.  The advantage didn't last long with three further minutes elapsed when Angelo Errico converted from close range the competitive nature of the game from the visitors was coming to the fore with every decision questioned on and off the field with the 'tactic' appearing to be to unsettle the referee thankfully Ammies kept out of this game.  The visitors were reduced to ten men on 32 minutes when Jake Stribling was sent off and Abbey Hulton would now have to be careful in the second period.

KIERAN LAZENBY MAKES IT 2-1 TO THE VISITORS FROM THE PENALTY SPOT

But of course when that next 45 minutes came the usual happened a sharp challenge in the Wythenshawe box led to Kieran Lazenby being upended the offended against player got up and struck home the spot kick to give the ten men the lead.  Once again the advantage didn't last long as the goal of the game from Joel Aikenhead who crashed home a 25 yard drive to level it at two apiece.

AND RELAX THOSE NECK MUSCLES

The visitors tactics seemed to be continuing but referee Aran Hodgkinson was having non of it when on 82 minutes who reduced their total to nine with a straight red card for Sam Luke for a clash in front of the dug outs.
The home side now pushed on and sensed they might break down the visitors for a memorable victory cheered on by the home and neutral supporters.  The ninety minutes was up but after a host of 'talking too's' and stoppages there must be time to add on, indeed there was in the second minute of stoppage time Wythenshawe Amateurs remarkable day off with a wining goal.  Cutting into the box off the left James Green low cross found Colin Murray who lashed the ball home through a collection of players to send the home fans and players wild and the first home win was secured in their new league.
A nice welcoming club who I shall watch out for this season and one point to remember is that in their 72 year history Wythenshawe Amateurs have never been relegated, onward and upward.
The day wasn't over though as the next blog will tell Pete offered me a lift back to base but it would be via Stoke speedway something that he did not expect to take place with the precipitation forecast but whatever it would be a chance to talk sport or at best take in a new sports stadium.

TEVERSAL CONTINUE STRONG START WITH WIN AT VICS

BORROWASH VICS 0 TEVERSAL 2
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES LEAGUE @ ANDERSON ELECTRICAL ARENA
8 AUGUST 2018 --- 7.45PM

BORROWASH VICS ANDERSON ELECTRICAL ARENA

Teversal made it two wins from two outings confirming their poor pre season form mattered for nothing because its all about winning when the season starts and tonight Mathew Wilkinson and Joel Smith provided the finishing touches that showed that Teversal will be there or there about again this season against a resolute Vics.
An interesting first game of the 2018/19 football season would take me to Derby and for the first time since a few seasons ago when Derby County Ladies played at the ground and Sunday afternoons were spent watching the Rams.  Night games on public transport are becoming increasingly difficult with the loss of many services and tonight I was grateful to intrepid photographer Bill Wheatcroft for travel to and from the game to create an interesting first visit for the season.

THE JOE KELLOGG STAND WITH CLUBHOUSE

Based alongside Graham St Prims on The Asterdale Club site I have covered the surrounds and both grounds before so wont go big on them again except to say Borrowash are a resilient outfit who deserve some good fortune after ground problems with vandals and an expansive 'bowl' of a stadium that must be too time consuming to look after the club have fenced of some of the moor expansive areas.  But overall the volunteers do a remarkable job to keep on going against I guess the odds at many times during.  They now have a steady set of changing rooms, club house area and adjoining stand/terrace with the piece de resistance being the large cantilever stand which sits back a little from the pitch but is absolutely the selling point of the ground.

REFEREE LIAM VAYRO LEADS OUT THE TEAMS

Having paid our admission and gained a copy of the programmes there was time to obtain the teams and also greet a few of the Tevie officials who were enjoying the terrace area outside the clubhouse, as ever a pleasure and I look forward to a Carnarvon St visit soon.
The game started off at a pace with a hard and bobbly pitch, to be expected after the red hot weather of the last few months,  there was much endeavour and the home side were proving to have the upper hand but gradually Teversal got a foothold into the game and the home side were thankful to Lewis Soar for an excellent tip over the bar.  It was the number one who was called into action when he saved from Wilkinson but just three minutes before the break it was the same player who was put through and he chipped the kee to give the Nottinghamshire side the lead.

SOME EARLY MATCH ACTION

On the stroke of half time danger man Wilkinson crashed a header against the bar and Borrowash were relived to hear the half time whistle from referee Vayro.
Vics were giving this game a good old go but the more likely side looked like Teversal and so it proved on 75 minutes when a sharp move saw Joel Smith tap home a neat close range cross from Ben Cartwright doubled the visitors lead.  In the closing stages Wilkinson again found Soar in fine form between the sticks for Borrowash.
A close game at the final whistle but one that Teversal did enough to claim the three points Borrowash showed enough though that if they can keep that level of performance up they ought not to struggle at the wrong end this season.

LEMON SQUEEZES OUT ANOTHER VICTORY FOR MORTON

SOUTH WINGFIELD 200 FOR 9 MORTON 204 FOR 3
MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT LEAGUE SECTION 1 @ HOLME LANE
5 AUGUST 2018 1.30PM
In the battle of the two near neighbours attention switched to Sunday cricket after Saturdays abandonment a couple of weeks ago in The Derbyshire League but for Jordan Lemon it was a return to normal service as he hit 94 to steer Morton to victory alongside Daniel Caunt who carried his bat for 54 not out with nearly ten over to spare.

JORDAN LEMON GOES BIG FOR MORTON

The outcome may not have looked too good earlier on when South Wingfield had put on a century opening stand with both Alex Briggs [51] and Lee Radford [55 setting the home side up for a big score that never materialised apart from Kyle Mitchell who hit big for his 56.

A BRIEF VIEW OF THE GAME FOR THE EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS LONDON BOUND SERVICE

With the weather holding fine the opportunity arose to visit Holme Lane for the first time for a game although on a few occasions a look at the ground had taken place on local walks including a conversation with the grounds man so it was good to finally make a visit.

A PRETTY VIEW OF THE AFTERNOON AT SOUTH WINGFIELD

The away coach, ok service bus, was boarded to Alfreton and thanks to the lack of bus services, thanks Derbyshire County Council, the couple of miles to our destination was completed on foot on a blisteringly hot afternoon.

WINGFIELD MANOR OVERSEES ONE OF HARRY WILMOTT'S EARY BOUNDARIES

The ground sits just on the edge of the village and close by to Oakerthorpe and with the main Sheffield to London line bustling past on the adjacent embankment there would be additional interest for the train buffs.  I had also forgot the geographical placement of Wingfield Manor in the near distance which made for a good back drop to proceedings.  The Manor had been the 'home' of Mary Queen of Scots for a period of time during here being held at Her Majesty, Elizabeth l's pleasure during their rivalry nearly 500 years ago.

SAM EVANS FOR MORTON FROM THE PAVILION END

So the ground then is gated nicely with club references in the ironwork with to the left the changing rooms which look smart and functional moving further on the clubhouse is cosy and very warm today and beyond this a manual scoreboard and nets plus patio seated area.  The scoreboard is now redundant with a superb electronic effort at the far end of the ground which is just in the right place for games here.  Moving round the steep embankment leads to the main railway line and behind the bowlers arm at the far end is an additional ground for South Wingfield's 3rd team.  In the distance here in a lofty position is Wingfield Manor and as you continue around the boundary edge a view of South Wingfield also set on a ridge and then back towards the business end All Saints Parish Church which also sits slightly away from the village.  So quite a lot to view during any quieter moments in the cricket and a ground that even though I was aware of its placement surprised me.

THREE GENERATIONS OF THE WILMOTT FAMILY IN ATTENDANCE

To the action and after a stand of 104 for the opening wicket with Briggs and Radford completing half centuries it looked as though the home side could go big but apart from Mitchell [K] with a further half century it never materialised and the close of the innings came at just 200.  From the Morton point of view impressive bowling figures came for captain Blair Mathews with 3 for 5 and Jacob Truswell 3 for 25.

HARRY WILMOTT MISJUDGES ONE

In reply the visitors saw Harry Wilmott superbly drive the first two deliveries for four but when he fell with the score on 24 doubts could have set in.  But the calmness and stick-ability of Daniel Caunt who batted through for his 54 not out was complimented by Lemon who rolled onto 94 with some first cautious and then free flowing scoring a minor wobble occurred when he fell after the two had put on 138 and then Jack Talbot was out with just one run added to the score.

JORDAN LEMON TOP SCORES WITH 94 FOR MORTON

But Morton were to reach their target with no further scares with seven wickets and nearly ten overs in hand.
A pleasant afternoon at a pretty and well appointed ground which has to be worth a visit for any sporting hoppers.

KIRKBURTON PARTNERSHIP MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

GOLCAR 172 ALL OUT KIRKBURTON 211 FOR 8
HUDDERSFIELD CRICKET LEAGUE PREMIER @ SWALLOW LANE
4 AUGUST 2018 --- 1PM

GOLCAR CRICKET CLUB TOWARDS SCAPEGOAT HILL

The visitors were grateful for a partnership of 87 between Toby Booth [67] and Rohan Randhawa [54] which made the difference between a win and a loss today which saw Golcar fall shot of the four an over target thanks to frugal bowling from Alex Scholefield with 4 for 18.

TOBY BOOTH TOP MATCH SCORE FOR KIRKBURTON

Big decisions with the start of some non league football today it was the pull of the Huddersfield League that won the day hands down especially with some once more glorious weather.
The day could be placed into two pots dreadful and wonderful the latter will feature large in the blog a superbly set cricket ground and village, with the former the woes of public transport coming once again too the fore.
The journey started off with a late bus to base station followed by a delayed train all was well when boarding the Penistone Line at Sheffield until Barnsley when the train overloaded with standing throughout, apparently this was due to a food and drink fayre in Huddersfield.

WILL HINCHLIFFE PUTS IN THE EFFORT FOR GOLCAR

Upon arrival this was self evident placed in the square outside the station the whole site was packed with a wide and varied selection of food and drink to sample.  Time was tight of course and with a smart walk to the adjacent bus station a First Bus 301 was used for the journey three miles to the west of Huddersfield and our destination today.  The first challenge was local pronunciation for Golcar and luckily I got away with it 'return to Goker' a bargain at £3 and with Yorkshire Tiger seemingly in competition on the route it was a very well served destination that took you up hill down dale and around some tight streets until final departure in Golcar just short of 1230pm.

IF ITS YORKSHIRE ITS CRICKET WITH WHITEWASHED WALLS

Golcar sits in a lofty position in the Colne Valley with the village and ground offering fine views over to Emley TV mast, again, Holme Moss and into the valley below.  The village is not quite top of the hill though with a selection of views offered to the even more lofty Scapegoat Hill.  As with all these villages some of the small nooks and crannies offer 'last of the summer wine' references and with a scattering of former mills still in place the areas past is well represented.

EXCITEMENT IS HIGH AS GOLCAR APPEAL

As usual a Yorkshire village isn't a Yorkshire village without a Coop and Golcar is well catered for here with a smart store indeed three of its central buildings have coop stonework on their fascia.  Moving along Swallow Lane the short distance to The Commerical public house who in years gone by the club rented a smaller version of todays ground from you gain entry by a lane at the side.
With a driveway to the left that leads to a dour coloured clubhouse with a newer changing room block and smart scoreboard, which was very well operated today, beyond the business end a fine view down the valley and on to Holme Moss is there for all to enjoy.  White stonewashed walls well in evidence again today with to the right a double banked raised viewing area, much like Delph and Dobcross offering a fine view and a selection of raised bench seating, there clearly was more seating in the past but todays coverage is more than enough for the 50 or so who gathered during the afternoon.  The view beyond here is really what makes the setting the back yards of stone terraces that climb Swallow Lane towards Scapegoat Hill towering above the ground with its houses offering a view back over Gods own county.  The latter statement is something that constantly has me throwing objects at the TV when local BBC programme Look North describe Yorkshire, of course being from a neighbouring county, but today I have to relent alright it is!
Back to the clubhouse which is well operated and is a saving break for a couple of hefty soft drink refills during the afternoon and outside a friendly chat with a gentleman whose friends run 'cricket heritage' blog which is well worth a viewing, indeed much of the afternoon was spent passing the time with a friendly local bunch of spectators as another circuit was completed.

ALEX SCHOLEFIELD 10 WITH THE BAT BUT WATCH OUT WITH THE BALL

Kirkburton fancied a bat and when they fell to 9 for 2 and then 76 for 5 they maybe questioned the call but when Randhawa joined Booth in the middle the innings stabilised and then progressed Booth his 67 off 80 balls and the former 54 off 70 balls.

RANDHAWA MATCH WINNING PARTNERSHIP FOR KIRKBURTON

It wasn't looking easy to score runs too quickly and after the start made the visitors would be pleased with their final total.  For Golcar Australian Sam Mills took 4 for 58 and a few of the home side appeared happy with this score and suggested they would have taken that before the start and indeed it did look an achievable target.
Tea interval saw the one and only visit to the Coop and alongside the usual food culprits there was a chance to sample a Jones of Huddersfield pie something that I had not experienced since Denby Dale last year.  With the final crumbs mopped up the umpires were on their way back out to the middle.

SAM MILLS GOING ALONG WELL

It had a familiar start to the second innings of the day with openers Abdul Wahid and Staurt Whitwam back in the pavilion before the score could reach double figures, indeed the first run did not come until the fourth over and at 27 for 3 Golcar were in need of a Kirkburton stand.
It fell to Ifran Amjad [30] and Mills [32] who were gong along nicely and having put on 59 they looked to be developing the partnership that could get the home side close that was until the latter got a leading edge of the bowling of William Reeves to be caught by Andrew Smith.

IFRAN AMJAD PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP

Wickets fell at regular intervals and at 138 for 8 all looked lost and indeed it was when just shy of 7.45pm Will Hinchliffe was bowled by Alex Scholefield who returned with 4 for 18 in a tremendous effort.  There was a spirited effort from Liam Rothery [29*] at number 10 but it proved futile as Kirkburton wrapped up the victory by 39 runs.

JACOB MULHALL GOLCAR CC

The setting here made it one of those ground that you just didn't want to leave a superb afternoon and with one of the backdrops about to disappear, I'm told, with building of 17 houses in the adjoining field much of the view of the terraces rising up to Scapegoat Hill will be lost so if you fancy a trip get along now to take in a further unique ground in the Huddersfield league.
Back to the town centre and having squeezed through the masses at the food fayre who were now slightly the worse for wear there was enough time to board the train back to Sheffield and as the train became fuller at departure time the well oiled customers sang and shouted their way back down the Penistone line with strangely a more acceptable noise level being returned after departure from Barnsley.
Arrival back in Sheffield found the connecting train cancelled and when finally returned to base station  there was nearly an hour wait for a bus the visit to that famous fast food take way was undertaken before the final journey of the day, on time[!] saw arrival at base just after 11pm,.