SHERWOOD AND INGLES IN DRAW

SHERWOOD COLLIERY 1 INGLES 1
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES LEAGUE @DEBDALE
22 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

SHERWOOD COLLIERY V INGLES

A goal seven minutes from time from Ingles Jack Green allowed this top of the table clash to end with a point apiece which was a fair reflection on a game that from a neutral point of view failed to spring to life and lacked some of the football seen so far this season in The East Midlands Counties League.  Once Sherwood had taken an early second half lead through an own goal from Josh Bowley they ought to have moved on to secure the result however in both sides defence they claimed a loss of numerous key players.
After a nostalgic week of drifting into watching old clips of World of Sport presented by Dickie Davies and if the current public transport timetables are not chaotic enough a look back at 1970's ones in my local area today was also to be a trip down memory lane with a revisit.  Following Thursday and Fridays heavy raining and yes, already, flooding the decision not to travel far left a few options still not decided on until travelling locally via a change at Alfreton and Mansfield the final choice was settled on for a top of the table clash in The EMCL with two promoted step 7 clubs from The CMFL and The Leicestershire Senior League.

AN IMPRESSIVE WELCOME SIGN ONLY VIEWABLE FROM THE TRAIN STATION

With a regular bus service to Mansfield Woodhouse the home of Sherwood Colliery I opted for the irregular train service on the Robin Hood Line to complete the journey.  For the purpose of a great view of Mansfield and its town centre from the impressive span of the viaduct that dwarfs over the town.  By the time my backside had touched the seat it was time to rise again, the journey is all of three minutes, and with the handily placed station adjacent to Debdale Park its a great way of arriving.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE TREES

It would be the first visit for three seasons and last time the chosen method of arrival was also the train but this time I had an hour to play with so a quick wander in the opposite direction towards the town.  This area of Nottinghamshire was awash with pits of course and Mansfield never mind Mansfield Woodhouse prospered through them.  The Woodhouse variety of the Mansfield has some wonderful old stone buildings mixed with social housing estates however the town centre is a sad indictment to the closure of the former colliery's and now has many boarded up shops with a feeling of the good days being gone, a sad commentary on the industrial conflicts of the 80's, that affected both Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire towns in the end the same, coming home to roost.  But wait the good times are coming back with the progressive and rising Sherwood Colliery Fc just on the edge of the town.

EWAN ROBSON ON THE BALL FOR SHERWOOD

Time to set off back towards the ground via Gicho's Chippy for a mid table fayre and with an hour to go to kick off arrival at this old style former colliery sports complex was achieved.  With cricket and football pitches plus an all weather mini pitch alongside a large function room and bar area much of what you require for a visit is here.

THIS SYNCRONISED FOOTY MIGHT TAKE OFF NICE EFFORT LADS

Having covered the set up three years ago there is time for a quick update the ground sits below the former pit tip which now is already an eclectic shade of colour on its tree strewn side and as the seasons develop for any aboriculturist must be worth a visit a few times to view the wonderful colours.  Up the incline to the main pitch the ground has now been neatly fenced off with green meshed fencing on two sides that were previously open.  To the immediate right a no go area with behind the goals the mini 3g pitch along the main touchline a covered terrace stand with a few bench seats in the rear, I believe a new stand is on the way to meet their ground requirements.  Hard standing has now been added behind the far goal with again a wooded area here and so to the far touchline which offers the mentioned pit tip which is also concreted but strangely out of bounds and the two dug outs.  In fairness there is not much here but what they have added they have added well and with a care and attention and the ground has developed to a level required since I first went their probably around seven years ago.  The added involvement of a Chairman who was a lottery winner has clearly aided the set up with its progress and to be applauded that a local person has got involved in his 'local' club too.

EARLY DISCUSSION ABOUT WHICH WAY TO THE BAR WITH REFEREE REES OFFERING A SHORT CUT

Having paid in and gained a programme there was time to catch up with todays match official Rob Rees and his team.  Ingles have progressed to this level from The Leicestershire Senior League and they too have had a wonderful start to their new level and come up against top of the table Sherwood today in the Leagues 'match of the day'.
The pitch was looking superb if a little long however this was probably due to the terrible rain of the last few days but it was a credit to the club and I'm sure will benefit them as the season goes on.  The first half was to be fair a disappointment for me with a lack of quality although there were chances for Ingles Lloyd Tapper tested the home keeper Joe McCormack and it was the same player put through by Brice White who struck a post later in the half.  For table topping Sherwood Shaun Smith forced Jordan Allen into an excellent save after a long goal kick from the home sides number one McCormack.  It was Smith again who had an excellent opportunity after the visiting keeper slipped too miss kick his clearance but the Sherwood front man missed the opportunity.  Then just four minutes before the break it was Smith again with a good effort that struck the bar and we went into the interval goal less.

ON THE WHISTLE DOWN AND ITS TEN PRESS UPS

The deadlock was broken eight minutes into the second half when a right wing Sherwood corner saw Bowley head into his own goal under an aerial challenge from Jordan Harris, shortly afterwards the home side saw a further effort cleared off the line but they were looking comfortable without being convincing.  With twenty minutes to go Eden Homer the home sides number 2 was lucky to only receive a yellow from referee Rees in an incident were he tried to release the ball from an Ingles player who was on the floor but had the ball trapped between his legs and the effort to clear it shall we say got a little over excited.

JACK GREEN [ON FLOOR] LEVELS FOR INGLES

With seven minutes remaining it all went wrong for the home side who had failed to tie up the result when a swooping header from Jack Green beat McCormack in the Sherwood goal to secure a point for the visitors in what was probably a fair result but would probably leave the home sides management team somewhat frustrated at not securing all three points.
Probably better to view these two on a day when they have a fuller squad of players available with Wayne Savage at Sherwood a manager who normally gets the best out of his side you wouldn't back against his team being far off the top spot come the business end of the season but I cant help but feel Newark Flowserve are the ones too watch, should be a good game between these two.

CLOSE VASE GAME SEES SQUIRES GATE PROGRESS

WORSBROUGH BRIDGE ATHLETIC 0 SQUIRES GATE 2
FA VASE 2ND ROUND QUALIFYING @ PARK ROAD
16 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 3PM [ACTUAL 3.45PM]
'Left winger in superb strike sends Barnsley side through', the headline was already written but the script didn't fall into place.  With a visit to the birthplace and still home, just a long goal kick from the clubs Park Road ground, of former NUM leader Arthur Scargill I had the ultimate headline for a Worsbrough victory.  However Squires Gate had not read the script and after a delayed start due to an incident on the M62 we kicked off 45 minutes late and as so often happens poor preparation, crammed on a coach, uncomfortable all made absolutely no difference as the visitors secured entry into the next round of the FA Vase.

WORSBROUGH BRIDGE ATH V SQUIRES GATE

For just a second visit to this interesting little ground shared with the local cricket club, so necessitating a Sunday kick off, the frustrations of the weekend continued.  Saturday's early kick off at Ashover, see previous blog, was to see a couple of hours of cricket at Morton only on to arrive there with four runs needed and game over!  Sunday with the usual local league featuring saw a potential abandonment in the second minute of stoppage time for a serious injury before having to make a hasty dash to the station for the 1255 train.

MOST FORMER PIT VILLAGES HAVE THEM BUT HERE THERE ARE TWO CHAPS TO GREET YOU TOO

As per ever train travel is not made simple, ticket machines not taking cash, one travel advisor and after ten minutes the three of us in the queue had not moved as the customer at the desk booked a ticket for a journey for what looked like every remaining day of the year.  Train boarded and excuses made we were thankfully allowed to pay on the train and upon arrival in Barnsley an ever faster dash allowed a departure on the '2' to Worsbrough Bridge.  It was at this stage that after a Twitter check revealed there was a picture of Squires Gate stuck on the motorway with traffic going nowhere declaring 'think we are going to be late'.

AN EXPECTANT CROWD

Never mind this allowed chip cob eating time, a catch up with Alan [casual hopper], another hopper from just outside Stockport, Ian Cox referee and Dave Morrell from the NCEFL.  Having resisted the temptation to have another chip cob a few pictures were taken and programme and raffle tucked away.  The programme after quite a few good ones you would have to say was not one of the more interesting ones although it was paperwork from the game.

CRICKET AND FOOTBALL MEET PLUS SOME IMPRESSIVE FLOODLIGHT POLES

So with the time passing by in a variety of interesting conversations here is a quick descriptor and its a hard ground to describe with so many quirky features.  Entering down a slope and steps to behind the Park Road goal to the left takes you to a two stepped terrace and small covered terrace with crush barriers that stops two thirds of the way along for the cricket grounds outfield.  Behind the terrace runs the river Dove with long fishing net at hand for any water bound balls.  Coming back to our entrance point and turning right a raised terrace behind the sports association club which was closed but last time I remember the large collection of colliery plates adorning the walls and onto the raised hard standing area and the typical colliery style stand seen at many grounds around this area.

AN ATTENTIVE CROWD ON THE RIVER SIDE

The old cricket pavilion was the biggest change since my last visit now a stone pavilion with changing facilities and catering, all with a lovely balcony offering a superb view of proceedings.  For those of a football league disposition today was just a fiver to get in with chip cob, butty in this neck of the woods, and tea £2.50 can you afford not to give non league a try?  Needless to say at that price I did sample another at half time.

A PACKED SQUIRES GATE BOX IN THE FINAL MINUTE WITH WORSBROUGH KEEPER UP FOR THE CORNER

The first half was played out in a sharp drizzling rain and the side from south of Blackpool who ply their trade one step above todays hosts in The NWCFL Premier Division were very much in the ascendency.  As early as the third minute Ryan Charnley had crashed a free kick off the woodwork before Dean Ing saw his header saved by Aidan Tyas in the home goal.  Tyas was on hand again to deny Joseph Mullen at the back post before the inevitable lead came the visitors way two minutes before the break Brett Dawson broke through and slotted past the on coming Tyas to send Squires Gate into a deserved half time lead.

SECOND HALF GREETINGS ARE EXCHANGED

It looked hard to see a way back for Worsbrough but force their way into the game they did with an overwhelming second half possession but time after time they came up against the brick wall of the hardworking visitors defence Fidel Mhlolo was prominent with a shot turned away for a corner and then an assist that Kieran Hirst had in the back of the net only for an offside flag to deny him an equaliser.  Hirst turned supplier in the closing stages with substitute Connor Rollinson inches away from a touch at the back post that would surely have sent the game into extra time.  There was time for the two sides too make closer acquaintances when a kerfuffle occurred all sorted out nicely with three yellow cards.

THE THREE WISE MEN SORT OUT WHO IS UP FOR A GREETING CARD

With the game going into the seventh minute of stoppage time Worsbrough got a corner with everybody up including keeper Tyas the ball of course broke to the visitors and Richard Seear who raced away to slot home into an unguarded goal.  Cue referee MacLeod's whistle straight from the re start and Squires Gate could celebrate a hard earned victory and progress to the next round, slightly weirdly the visiting manager seemed to go over the top by reminding the Worsbrough players and officials of his sides victory and there were a few more close greetings undertaken!
Return journey took in a local service bus service, the 2 again, to Sheffield and having departed by the rail station a train within a few minutes saw arrival at base station just before 7.30pm.  A long day but an enjoyable re visit to a nice little club and ground with a solid performance from Squires Gate seeing them move to the next stage of the FA Vase.

34 YEARS IN THE HOT SEAT AND SUPREMO HAS NO BOUNDS TO HIS ENTHUSIASM

ASHOVER 1 CHAPEL TOWN 2
HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER @ MILKEN LANE
15 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 2PM
Arsene Wenger 22, Alex Ferguson 27, Donald Carline, 34 in a game of top trumps I would urge you to pick the latter for the numbers relate to their years in charge at Arsenal, Manchester United and Ashover and the added bonus is Carline is still going strong.  As an aside to the sleepy villages other attractions Carline must now be one of them as the longest serving current football manager in Europe and the world [?], unless of course you know differently.

ASHOVER FC MANAGER DON CARLINE 34 YEARS IN THE HOT SEAT

With a few former managers still to aim for as Ashover's supremo equals Bill Struth of Rangers he can aim for Willey Maley who completed 43 years in charge at Celtic and the amazing record of Guy Roux of Auxerre with an astonishing 44 years.
For Don its all about his enthusiasm for his own village side who after spells around a variety of leagues have in recent years moved from The Midland Regional Alliance to their current berth The Hope Valley League at around step 8 in the non league structure.  Having been asked by his dad, Roy, in 1985 while still playing to take on the managers role after his father suffered ill health there has been no looking back as his constant enthusiasm for 'the game' and his beloved Ashover.  Indeed 'Mr Ashover Fc' works tirelessly with a tiny band of helpers to keep the club in existence, as of course do so many non league sides.
Asked down to take a few team pictures then I would be there to pay homage to Don and watch the game of course to see what he had assembled in the playing stakes for the 2018/19 season.

ASHOVER FC 2018/19

The village I covered last season in the blog save to say for a brief recount its an attractive edge of the Peak District village with loads of history roundheads and cavaliers, former light railway, beauty spots, three pubs and a chocolate box collection of buildings making this an interesting visit for any visitor plus you get a game of football too.
The season is but a few weeks old but Ashover are unbeaten as are todays visitors Chapel Town, of the en-le-frith variety, and a competitive game was expected.

SLEEPY ASHOVER BUT ROUND THE CORNER THERE IS A TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

A quick bit of research shows the visitors ground smartly appointed for this level and one that has come onto the blogs radar for a future visit.  Fresh from a transfer from The Manchester League their anticipation must be high for a successful season and nothing today took that theory away.
With an early chance for Ashover you would have hoped for an open game and that is what we were to witness but after the miss Chapel Town scored more or less straight away with just 2 minutes on the clock when Matty Sherlock lashed home a 20 yard effort.

TIGHT SQUEEZE

Ashover were not deterred and live wire Perry Richards struck a post before the home side saw a lob going just over and then in the closing stages a back post header was held well by the visiting keeper.
During the proceedings it was interesting to meet up with Chesterfield legend Bob Newtons daughter, via her boyfriend appearing in the Ashover line up, who was this season appointed first aider by Carline and with a collection of locals passing through the grounds we had a steady crowd of around 20 watching the 'boss' walk and dance the touchline as he cajoled, encouraged and tried all methods to motivate his side back into the game.
Within nine minutes of the referee re commencing proceeding Ollie Rouse rose to power home a right wing corner and the scores were level, game on.

OLLIE ROUSE [PARTIALLY HIDDEN] TURNS TO CELEBRATE AFTER EQUALISING

Ashover now had the upper hand and powered forward with the importance of Richards recording high on the assessment sheet, the breakthrough though they could not find and as so often happens in this lovely game Chapel Town sensed it may be there day and so it was with just ten minutes remaining.  Ashover failed to clear their on lines and as the ball fell to Tyson Elwin he made time for himself before firing home past Will Mott in the home goal.

MORE ASHOVER PRESSURE

Chances taken sum up the team and Chapel Town secured the necessary goals to defeat Ashover in a cracking game that had the home side take theirs I believe they would have been well away.  A successful trip from Chapel En-Le-Frith who performed well today and from their touchline made a good representation of their town too.

PERRY RICHARDS A CONSTANT THREAT FOR ASHOVER

The three points return to the High Peak and Chapel wont be far off at the end of the season but if
Carline can find a Jamie Vardy don't back against Ashover joining them at the summit too.

ACTION FROM ASHOVER FC V CHAPEL TOWN FC

NEWARK FLOWSERVE RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

TEVERSAL 0 NEWARK FLOWSERVE 2
EMCL @ CARNARVON ST
8 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 3PM
On a blustery rain-swept afternoon Newark Flowserve returned to winning ways after tasting defeat in midweek at fellow high flyers Selston.  For a team unaccustomed to defeats recently their priority would have been to visit Carnarvon St this afternoon and get the bandwagon back on the road something they did with a regulatory win however its wasn't pretty to watch probably not helped by the weather condition but sometimes there is a need to win ugly and grind out the result.

SAM AGAR CELEBRATES FLOWSERVES OPENING GOAL IN THE RAIN

A well deserved rest from the perils of train travel beckoned and to be honest I had this fixture on the list all along as I look to establish the Derbyshire Newark Flowserve supporters foundation[!-haha] having seen the previous three Flowserve games which for the blog contained one sequence breaking game at Cheadle Heath Nomads last week.

ON ME HEAD SON

Teversal is fairly local and has been covered many times so I wont go into too much needless to say nothing has changed, which is a good thing, warm welcome, good food bar and for those of the alcoholic persuasion too, large television and cosy clubhouse it all adds up to a club I love visiting.  Situated in the 'white city' former coal board hosing part of the village and adjacent to the cricket and bowls club it had been my intention to highlight the old historical part of the village.  The wet stuff though had called off the photographic mission to the old Teversal village and Manor the latter was reputed to be Wragby Hall in Tevershall the main stay of D H Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover, that ground breaking novel banned for the use of a few naughty words that are now common play in todays society of course.

EARLY ACTION WITH TEVIE ON THE BALL

Anyway with persistent rain continuing there was a nice time available to sample a tea and catch up with Chairman Pete before finding a protected position for the afternoons proceedings.
Newark had new signings Callum Smith and Youhans Berak involved from Long Eaton United and Basford United respectfully.  The afternoon had not gone well for the visitors with a car accident involving three of their players with captain James Cullingworth ruled out following the incident.  Manager Craig Roche was also away on family duties but it was good to see Teversal manager Lee Cook back in the dug out. 
From a Teversal point of view the excitement ratio dropped as the evergreen Dave Cockerill was not on the team sheet always a pleasure to see his cultured left foot.

SERIOUS MOMENT FOR GREAVES AND COOK [R] IN THE TEVERSAL DUG OUT

The famous Tesco stands/trolly shelters were not offering too much protection for the lens so it was to the small characterful enclosure behind the dug outs that I headed for the start of proceedings which immediately saw Dan Meadows provide a cross which Smith could only head over, Agar then tried a trademark lob which went over before his next effort was blocked by Rio Alberry in the Tevie goal.
Teversal were sat deep trying to thwart the visitors but they did get a sniff of goal Mathew Wilkinson broke through but Yinka Adebowale in the Flowserve goal tidied things up.

KEEPER ALBERRY SAVES AGAR EFFORT

Just past the half hour mark Agar fired wide and then with five minutes to the tea break what appeared a soft penalty flagged for by the referees assistant saw the front man place the ball on the spot.  With moments of the miss on Wednesday night rattling around his head the ball flew towards the left hand side of the goal Alberry got a hand to it but this time Agar was not to be denied.
Teversal had time to threaten just on the whistle when Phillip Griffiths delivered the cross for Wilkinson's header but Adebowale was equal too it.
A dash through the rain to the snack bar for sustenance chip cob with mayo and tea gave us the energy to race back to the cover and for the first few minutes I risked the view from the top sided Tesco stand, right place right time.

YOUHANS BERAK ON DEBUT FOR NEWARK FLOWSERVE

In the second minute of the restart Jamie Lloyd hit a close range shot towards the Teversal goal and with Alberry in position the ball flew his wrists back and agonisingly its passage continued through his legs and over the line.  At the other end Flowserve number one Adebowale who suffered a similar fate in midweek must have had every empathy with the home custodian and hopefully they consoled one another after the game, who would be a keeper?
The rain became harder and Agar continued to lead a good line but as conditions became more challenging he appeared to extend his bad luck in front of goal on 55 minutes his effort was pushed round by Alberry he followed up with a header over the bar and another close effort that missed the target.  The radar will be on Agar because shortly he's going to return four or five goals in a game for the boys in tangerine by the time he more or less requested to come off I think the frustration was getting to him, but watch this space.

HONESTLY IT POURED IT DOWN IN THE SECOND HALF

In stoppage time former FC Cavaliers player David Kolapo fired inches wide with a cross goal shot.
In wet and windy conditions this game didn't live up too much for the viewing spectator but Newark will not worry too much about that a win is a win however achieved and for Teversal before the penalty they were thwarting one of the undoubted leaders in this league and may very well have gone on to achieve a point.

ANOTHER DEBUTANT CALLUM SMITH

Newark return home for a first game under light against Belper Town in midweek and for Teversal its a Sunday FA Vase trip to Belper United as the road to Wembley continues.

THRILLER AT THE PARISH HALL

SELSTON 2 NEWARK FLOWSERVE 1
EMCL @ THE PARISH HALL GROUND
5 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 7.45

THE WHISTLER STILL IN PRODUCTIONS AND SELSTON FC

Like any local amateur dramatic production this Parish Hall witnessed a night of drama on the football pitch, goals, red card, half a dozen yellow cards, two penalties and mid-week football under floodlights what more could any fan want?
Its always a pleasure to visit Selston a club that offers a warm welcome and just keeps doing things so well in their own little way and it pays dividends with a tremendous attendance of 176 tonight witnessing this feisty top of the table encounter.  Having fully enjoyed a recent visit to Flowserve tonight was a great opportunity to take another look at this forward looking club a little bit closer to home with a cross border trip into Nottinghamshire.
With both teams sniffing out the top of the league an intriguing encounter awaited with Selston showing five straight wins in the league returning home for their first fixture of the season on a ground they of course share with the cricket club.  As for Newark they also remain unbeaten but have one drawn game in their exciting start to higher step football.
The ground has now had a toilet block added which was much needed and the club have opened this tonight and it provides another improvement to the ground alongside the opening up of the snack bar as the club look to make the most of their base.
Great to catch up with and receive warm welcomes from many at Selston tonight and some of the officials at Newark who I had spoken to on Bank Holiday Monday, thanks it makes the visit a real pleasure.

SELSTON MANAGER CRAIG WESTON PRE MATCH

I don't normally do big match reports but this was too good not to record and with poor light meaning no match pictures here's a match report!
So onto the encounter and even at this stage of the season it was eagerly anticipated I did wonder how Newark would live up to a tougher game and we found out over the following 90 minutes.  As early as the eighth minute the visitors were awarded what looked a very debatable penalty when Sam Agar went over in the box with Rory Davis close by following the discussion Rhys Dolan was cautioned probably for a pull back in the build up.  One thing I noticed the other week Agar knows where the goal is and he did from the spot tonight a fine penalty but an even finer save from Alfie Smith-Eccles who spread all his limbs on his leftward dive and deflected the ball onto the post via his leg and to safety.  There seemed to be some justice in the world at that moment for Selston supporters.
Flowserve were starting to look irresistible that was until after a free kick on the halfway line was awarded Solomon Miller got involved in a spot of alleged head jostling and was shown a straight red card by referee George Enever.  With just 21 minutes on the clock this would leave the men in tangerine a tough task and when moments later James Cullingworth followed through Dolan in front of the dug outs all singing and dancing could have begun but was softened by a second yellow card this time for the Newark player.
Not for the feint hearted had this one been and as Selston tried to break down a now determined Newark there was one ray of hope just before the break, however Yinka Adebowale pulled off a remarkable save to deny Klarke Geenham.

DAVID KOLAPO [LEFT] THOUGHT HE HAD SCORED WITH HIS FIRST TOUCH

The opening stages of the second period showed the importance to the home side of the skilful Dolan dancing around the left hand side of the pitch but they would have to be careful for any break-aways that would involve the ever threatening strike partnership of Agar and John Mustapha.  Indeed it was a header across goal from Agar that set up Mustapha who saw his header superbly saved by Smith- Eccles. 
Selston took the lead with a glorious move the pace and skill of Dolan set up Greenham who from 20 yards out dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the Flowserve goal, 57 minutes.
It looked as though Newark would have to come out to play a little more and substitute David Kolapo had the ball in the net with his first touch but was given offside before Smith Eccles conceded a penalty with a mistimed tackle that earned him a caution and Newark a spot kick which was sweetly dispatched by Danny Meadows.  Shortly afterwards as the 'feist'ometer' rose to the next level Agar and Meadows were booked as this game could go either way.

YINKA ADEBOWALE NEWARK FLOWSERVE NUMBER 1

As the match entered the 90 minute mark the ball found Sean Gregory 25 yards out who fired goal-wards Adebowale hands were forced back standing and at full stretch the ball flopped backwards towards goal and at this moment all time went into slow motion as it dribbled its way over the line the keeper could only look agonisingly as the Selston celebrations began.  Earlier on in the game the visitors number one had pulled off an excellent save but the life of a goalkeeper is so that any misjudgement is magnified.
As we encountered what turned out to be around 8 minute stoppage time Lee Sutton was cautioned after being on the pitch a matter of seconds bringing the match total to half a dozen, a weird one as he just appeared to be tracking a Newark player as a free kick was about to be taken and walked his path too!
Referee Enever knew he had been in a game tonight, as did both sides, dugouts and a noisy enthusiastic crowd too. 
Before the game I guess both clubs would have settled for the draw that was unfolding at 89 minutes but that late winner for Selston was readily accepted by the home side in a game that could have had so many other different outcomes.

NOMADS SETTLING DOWN JUST FINE

CHEADLE HEATH NOMADS 3 FC OSWESTRY TOWN 0
NWCFL DIVISION 1 SOUTH @ THE PROSEAL STADIUM
1 SEPTEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

CHEADLE HEATH NOMADS V FC OSWESTRY AT THE PROSEAL

New league, smartly developing ground, a steady start to the new season on the pitch and Cheadle Heath Nomads are settling down just fine in their new environment since promotion from The Cheshire League.  Today proved a case in point against the much fancied border club Fc Oswestry the game was all but sealed when the Nomads were two goals to the good inside the opening nine minutes.
Third game running would see a exploration of something new with a visit back to the NWCFL with the input of a vast array of new clubs there will be plenty to go at when some of the rail chaos is sorted out around base and with the Northern Rail industrial action stops on a Saturday in another five weeks time.

CENTRAL ACCOMODATION AT THE GROUND

As ever the train experience was of a fairly full affair to Stockport and having set off early today arrival in 'hat town' was two and a half hours before kick which allowed a departure by the Edgeley exit to the aforementioned shopping centre and a visit to The Friary on Castle St after a referral from Sean of this said Parish.  Thankfully with County at home on the adjacent street the early arrival allowed a brief purchase wait and off down the Edgeley Road.  Veering off to the right to discover something about Cheadle Heath I didn't locate to much of interest save for the large Morrisions for a pastry and drink, interestingly though this was the site of the former Cheadle Heath station, sadly closed in 1967.
From here it was a good goal-kick through the dog legged back streets to The Proseal and approaching from the north Normanton Rd took us under the Stockport to Chester rail line whose embankment runs by the ground, although for train spotters the line is very well shielded by trees for any photo opportunities.

THE BUSINESS END WITH NEW FLOODLIGHTS

Comfort break gained in the clubhouse which is just outside the ground with entry via a gateway with pay box on the exterior.  Admission paid and a once again excellent professionally produced programme purchased, its been a very lucky few weeks with some attractive and informative paperwork that belies the clubs who want to halt their programme production just take a look at Nomads here today, Ashby Ivanhoe and Newark Flowserve to get some tips of how to do it well.
Walking along the adjacent netted 3g pitch the ground opens up with to one side a training pitch and the main pitch straight ahead.

1-0 NOMADS RICHARD TINDALL SLOTS HOME

The two sided grounds of recent weeks goes up to two and a half here with on or entrance side a half side complimented by the Welsh Harrison changing rooms, snack bar and soon to be added toilet block and hospitality section.  If the work is done as smartly as the initial building then it will look very nice especially with the added touch of 'Nomads' added within the brick work.  The far goal is at present out of bounds on the opposite side the two dug outs are separated by a small Atcost stand and base work half way down either half is in place for the terraced stands too be added very shortly.  The ground is very smartly railed off with the modern tough poly-tubing with additional fencing behind the goals and alongside concrete hard standing the job as been well done.  However I'm sure the clubs shining, quite literally, example of pride are their new floodlights freshly installed and commissioned this week.
With a smart little ground developed under the guidance of Chairman George Gibbons and a selection of volunteers the club is moving on apace off the field.  Having arrived early it was nice to be engaged in conversation by coach Damon Carroll and then catch up with an old mate Nev Pearson who has moved here as secretary from Knutsford and who I first caught up with when he was manager at Gamesley and myself at Clay Cross Town Fc.
Friendly welcomes go down a bundle in non-league and its one of the games selling points at this level and Cheadle Heath Nomads achieved that this afternoon.  Having craned my neck all afternoon and showed I was a foreigner in these parts it was finally time to avoid looking at every plane passing overhead on the flight path to Manchester Airport and watch the game!

STEPHEN KIRBY ABOUT TO FIRE HOME TO MAKE IT 2-0

Visitors FC Oswestry Town had got international clearance for a few players and I believe had a few TNS players in their squad but overall this looked a very young side.  Nomads now trading under their original name after a period with Linotype being to the fore whilst in The Cheshire League after a merger were looking to push on after a comfortable start.
This one couldn't have started much better clinical finishing saw them 2-0 up in just nine minutes with Richard Tindall opening the scoring after 5 minutes when he rounded visiting keeper Louie Mackin to slot home from a very tight angle and then the advantage was doubled when the ball fell out to the edge of the box Stephen Kirby lashed it back this time into the bottom right hand corner.
With this early onslaught you feared for the visitors who gradually got a foot hold back into the game and survived to half  time without any more breaches.

REFEREE TOM CASSIDY HAS A QUICK CATCH UP WITH OSWESTRY'S DAVID HOWARTH

The second period proved a bit of a non event with Oswestry having some control to the edge of the home sides penalty area but overall the young ones found Nomads just a little too strong for them today.  
Without threatening too much you just had the feeling that it would be Nomads if anybody who would score again and so it turned out to be mid way through the second half  when Kirby got his second when he made space on the edge of the box to again show he knows where the goals are, 3-0.

THE CHASE IS ON

A comfortable win for Cheadle Heath Nomads with a under par day at the coalface for Oswestry I suspect who will be keen to put this performance out of the way and get back to that winning feeling soon.
An enjoyable little visit too a club who are working hard to meet their challenges at this new level both on the pitch and off it, hope to catch up with Nev and the Nomads again soon.

GREAT KEEPERS KIT LOUIE MACKIN DOUBLES AS A SUPERHERO ON HIS DAYS OFF

Return journey back to Stockport saw a hoppers stop in the Coop before boarding a delayed Trans Pennine service to Sheffield, big mistake as ever all standing with suitcases all around before obtaining a quick connection back to base station with the luxury of a seat.