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.