OATCAKES AT THE ABBEY AS UNITED WIN

ABBEY HULTON UNITED 2 RYLANDS 0
NWCFL SOUTH @ DRAYTON BEAUMONT PARK
29 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ABBEY HULTON UNTED AND RYLANDS

A goal in each half from Lee Cropper and Jake Stribling sent Abbey Hulton joint top of the table after a battle royal against second placed Rylands who since mid October had not conceded a league goal.  But it was the Staffordshire side who got their noses in front and there they remained as they saw out an exciting victory.
Usual experiences today standing to Derby and then the bus on rails, one carriage effort, to Stoke on Trent.  A hop aboard the frequent buses from the station departed me in Hanley, the main shopping centre, for an hour and it was a good choice as my usual visit close by the station is the Uni Chippy which appeared to be shut for the holiday period.

THE BUSINESS END

Now Stoke many of you will know from past blogs is one of my favourite places with its fantastic architecture but of course the area has suffered terrible loss of industry and as a consequence the social fabric is threadbare, with the city centre very much showing this full on.  Once shop open one shop closed with a whole range of boarded up and derelict buildings the last few years have not been kind to this area.  The new bus station provided an option of services either to Birches Head, the Leek Road or as I opted for Abbey Hulton estate and a brisk ten minute walk via the Hulton Abbey to the ground.
Departure on the First Potteries, so much better than its previous moniker PMT, service 5 was close by the Northwood Stadium where Eastwood Hanley also had a home fixture today, just short of Bucknall a left turn took us into the estate.  Departure at Priory Sq for a visit to the Coop for a quick snack and I soon opted to make my retreat with kids bumping scooters off the pavement only topped off moments later when a police car left the estate to be followed by a car that at around 40 mph decided to do a handbrake turn for the delight of all street viewers.

DRAYTON BEAUMONT PARK

The Abbey by which the village gets its name is a partly uncovered set of rubble that from above gives a part view of its former build with much apparently remaining under the earth out of view.  Sadly it appears very run down as a park with little care and attention being given and the information board at the car park end appears to have been taken a walk.
Escape over the Leek Rd and within five minutes the joy of football to look forward to, having seen Abbey at Wythenshawe Amateurs at the start of the season I knew a little about them and opted to take in a trip as soon as possible and first impressions were of a smart little set up in their second year at this level after promotion from The Staffordshire County Senior League.

GREAT NETTED PROTECTION FOR THE OATCAKES

First things first some clubs wouldn't spot a welcome if it ran up to them an introduced itself but here at Abbey Hulton United this is certainly not the case they were a breath of fresh air throughout the visit.  A warm greeting external to the gate was followed by likewise when paying in and purchasing a programme, this was followed by the public address system guy spotting visitors asking their names and thanking them for visiting over the PA system just before the game an excellent touch.
He also recommended me to the Staffordshire Oatkcakes the snack bar did so without being rude I had to sample one didn't I?

SAY NO MORE STAFFS OATCAKE WITH CHEESE AND A TEA

The Abbey Café continued the excellent welcoming feel about this club with the ladies on duty all pleasant and chatty so oatcake with cheese and a tea was sampled and enjoyed it was all that good that I went back for a large chip cob at half time.  The whole feel around the food outlet seemed to be supported by what looked like a large amount of food being sampled by todays attendance of 188.
Here is the descriptor then entrance into a fairly sized car park and pay hut walks you down to on your right hand side the changing rooms followed by an elevated homely clubhouse.  To the left the playing surface looking in great condition is two sided for spectators the immediate goal has the business end and café with the far touch line two Atcost stands separated by the half way line.  The dug outs are on the far side and the grass banking is out of bounds.  Today on a dark and windy afternoon the floodlights were on before the start of the game and hence the lack of any action pictures it was probably the poorest light this season for capturing.

EARLY CARD FROM REFEREE ROBINSON

An interesting fixture awaits with Abbey sat in third spot and offering a wide selection of results including losing three times while conceding five goals or more, including a loss by half a dozen in the reverse game.  Whereas Ryalnds had not conceded a league goal since mid October and had a goal difference of plus 51.
A pacey start to this encounter with young referee Ben Robinson issuing a regular collection of yellows, seven in total, throughout proceedings keeping a lid on things as on a few occasions excitement levels threatened to spill over.  This was not a game with a variety of chances but it always remained of real interest and when Cropper drove home at the back post from a corner off the right on 21 minutes there was definitely a feeling of 'game on'.

CELEBRATIONS AS CROPPER [UNSIGHTED] MAKES IT 1-0

The second period saw Abbey Hulton strengthen their lead just seven minutes after the break when a swift move saw Cropper feed Stribling who fired into the bottom left hand corner to make it 2-0.  Shortly after Rylands looking to get back in the game went close when Jamie White forced Jacob Holding into an excellent save low down.  As temperaments were tested in the closing stages the sheer determination and willing on of the home side by their fellow players and the crowd got them comfortably over the line to record a very creditable victory that sees them go joint top on points but in second berth after goal difference.  For Rylands a third place is not as bad as it may seem with games in hand they are clearly the side to watch but with the top of The NWCFL South so tight every point will be vital in the chase for the title.

HEY LINO DO YOU WANT A SEAT

Back to the Leek Rd and at around 5.05 the '43' got me back to Hanley bus station for a swift change onto the '23' to Newcastle with departure five minutes later at the station we were leaving the Potteries at just after 5.30 with an arrival back at base station around 7pm.
A great visit facilitated by a superb club who showed a friendliness and welcome alongside a hospitable café that makes this a highly recommended visit, cant wait to go again if only for the oatkcakes.

SOUTH NORMANTON UPSET THE ODDS

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 3 ILKESTON TOWN 0
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ LEES LANE
26 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

LEFT LEG IN RIGHT LEG IN HANDS IN THE AIR STH NORMANTON V ILKESTON TOWN

South Normanton upset the league leaders Ilkeston Town's promotion bandwagon and although the wheels have not come off yet they look in need of re-alignment after this shock victory for the Shiners who before the start of play were sitting second from the bottom of the MFL.
Todays journey must give thanks to bus company Trent Barton who again decided to adopt a Sunday service on this Bank Holiday allowing the option to take in this mouth watering encounter and after a very convenient connection in nearby Alfreton arrival at The Common at around 1pm provided the first treat of the day.
The large petrol station, come mini market, had seen the addition of a new Greggs so it would have been rude not to sample a festive bake and a coffee for the short walk into the village centre, second course was completed at the Coop, the countrywide tour of the caring sharing goes on, with a hoppers delight.

A SAUSAGE ROLL AS BIG AS THE COOP

With a murky dark afternoon ahead pictures I'm afraid were at a premium but arrival with just an hour to kick off would allow time to take in the atmosphere, it turned out to be an official attendance of 235 one that before arrival I would have thought would have been nearer the 500 mark.  Lees Lane has been covered many times but needless to say its a more than adequate ground for this step of football and with a bar and café its well kitted out for any visitor.
Lee Fowler would take charge of his second game for Ilkeston today following his debut goal less draw at Coventry United and following the previous loss 4-0 at home to Coventry Sphinx the club although fairly comfortable at the top, at present, needed to arrest the blip in results.  Whereas South Normanton were in need of match practice after the Shiners last two games were postponed however recent improvements have suggested with the games in hand they may be able to pull away from their current precarious position.
The game started at a ferocious pace and there was a shock as early as the ninth minute when the home side took the lead John King fired home after the ball was flying around the Ilkeston box after Harry Wakefield had struck the bar in the build up.  There followed a bordering on serious problem that continued for most of the half as Ilkeston dissented and showed abuse towards the match officials over the decision to allow the goal and further appeals.  A few Ilkeston fans I spoke to were concerned by the players constant haranguing of the officials and had commented that former manager Steve Chettle would never have allowed this to happen and it did seem to do them no favours for a team that clearly has footballing talent. 
Much of the footballing side of the game today was not on show from both sides as sheer determination, effort and a ball that probably only touched the floor five times in the first half were to the fore.  Liam Mitchell in the visitors goal was on alert when he pulled off an excellent save from Dylan Garnett and the from the corner a superb point blank save from Wakefield denied South Normanton just before the break.

REFEREE CLEMENTS HAS A QUICK CATCH UP WITH STRZYZESWKI

Ilkeston started the second period as much of it continued camped in the home sides half, would the host tire was surely the question but they were producing little of danger and the impressive Marc Strzyzewski was repelling all attacks alongside his team mates determined efforts.  So it paid off when South Normanton doubled their lead on 70 minutes Garnett firing home at the back post after King had put in a low cross off the left.
Still you awaited the Ilson response and if a goal came you guessed they would overpower the Athletic defence but it never did and except for an effort from Chris Shaw it was looking increasingly comfortable for the home side.
With two minutes of the ninety remaining a free kick to Normanton on the right hand side looked to all intents and purposes to be going towards the corner flag to hold up the time but Garnett got a sniff of goal paced past the defender and lashed home the goal to add insult to injury for Ilkeston and make it 3-0.
The closing stages saw Jamie Walker put in a superb header for the visitors but Curtis Hall produced an excellent save to deny Ilkeston a consolation goal.
A question for each side for South Normanton if you can play with this tempo and determination against the league leaders there really should be no reason why you would be in the relegation zone and for Ilkeston how will you respond to this poor sequence of results for surely you have not become a bad team overnight.

HONOURS EVEN FOR CLIPPO AND TEVIE

CLIPSTONE 1 TEVERSAL 1
EMCFL @ THE LIDO
22 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

DERBY TUSSLE FOR CLIPSTONE AND TEVERSAL

Clipstone received an early Christmas present when Santa Rob Paling whipped in a free kick equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time to secure a point for the home side,
the first one for 8 games and close on two months.  Teversal had led through a clinical finish from Luke Walker in the second half and this close derby game would end with a point apiece.
As ever a trip to Clipstone even though a revisit, see previous blogged game August 2017 for a full descriptor, is always a welcome prospect and with Teversal another one of my favourites what was not too like.
A break in the blog last week saw a rain affected weekend end with me taking in the FA Trophy tie between Chesterfield and Basford and all that entails re reporting so after a straight forward victory for the former Football League side we fast forward to this derby game.  With both sides in disappointing positions and a collection of former players the extra spice was added with Clipstone's new manager Dean Short taking charge of his first game against his previous club.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THEM HEADSTOCKS

Usual triple bus service was generally full with festive shoppers but upon arrival in the former mining village you just have to pay homage to the old pit headstocks and needless to say take a few pictures.  Upon building they were the largest in Europe and tower above the village visible from the surrounding area and along the main street.  Sadly the UK mining industry is no more and that discussion has been had before so a call at the Coop for provisions led to an arrival at the ground around 2pm.

OH GO ON THEN ANOTHER SHOT FROM THE MAIN STREET

It was good to catch up with a collection of both clubs officials and thanks to Malc, Clipstone secretary, for his prompt response to pitch inspection enquiries in the morning.  But it is very rare there are any problems with water here, the pitch drains well.

THE LIDO HOME OF CLIPSTONE FC

The ground has changed little with the business end by our entrance containing changing rooms, one for the referee with the largest 'REF' sign imaginable mind you I guess its in case he's struggling with his eyesight!  Also behind this goal is a single row of seats to the right side a terrace and the dugout, the opposite side is nicely raised with covered standing and seating for 3/4's of the pitches length.  The far goal has no access behind it, adjacent is the cricket ground and the former Lido has long gone of course.
As ever and I make no apologies for repeating last seasons blog an excellent programme is produced by Daniel and the team here with a wide contribution element the issue is also in full colour.  It puts to shame the clubs who haven't produced this season or cant be bothered to make the effort and remains a further asset for Clipstone FC to be proud of along with its warm welcome.

TEVERSAL MANAGEMENT TEAM GREAVES AND COOK WONDER WHERE ARE THE AWAY DRESSING ROOMS

Pre match Bovril and mini tour found both sides out warming up and by the time kick off approached the familiar greetings had been made between former players and current ones from these two clubs that straddle the east and west of Mansfield.
The first half was a game of possession for Teversal with Daniel O'Donnell singing all the right songs in prompting their moves he was certainly hitting the right notes, I know move on!  Seriously though a dour half that even though the visitors had the upper hand there was little to cheer about for the neutral and so we went into the break goal less and I couldn't see a change.

CLIPSTONE MANAGER DEAN SHORT DEBUTS AGAINST HIS FORMER CLUB

With half time tea and chip cob sampled the second period started with Clipstone coming out of their shell and for the first ten minutes the possession balance had changed.  The first half caution of the home side was understandable with their need to tighten up and try to secure something for the points column. 
However the early second half pressure waned and Teversal took the lead on 64 minutes an excellent cross off the right dropped to Walker who controlled well and converted past substitute keeper Charlie Dando who had replaced the injured Dale Sheppard at half time.

AN EARLY AERIAL CHALLENGE

Walker was looking the danger man know for the Tevie but after his substitution there was hope for Clisptone and it came in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Paling whipped in a curling free kick that evaded everybody in the defence, attack and crashed into the top right hand corner.
With that Teversal manager Lee Cook was off fearful for his manners as he believed the referee had played too long injury time and to add further insult the whistle was blown immediately for full time.
In fairness to referee Hunter there had been an awful lot of stoppage time in the second half and after a fussy display which you can only assume was somewhat related to an observer assessing he did appear to get this one spot on.

EARLY STRICTLY CONTESTANTS FOR 2020

Scenes of joy for Clipstone left Teversal with that big deflated feeling much akin to receiving a knitted jumper from your favourite Auntie on Christmas Day.
This game to continue the Christmas references was about as appetising for the neutral as a turkey sandwich on boxing day with little in the way of chances.
Return journey was competed with a changes at Mansfield and Sutton with base reached a couple of hours after the final whistle.  As ever an enjoyable visit to Clipstone FC and if your a programme fan get along and support this excellent issue or maybe contact the club and get one sent out to yourself editors putting in this time and effort need our support.

NEWARK FLOW TO TOP OF THE TABLE

EASTWOOD CFC V NEWARK FLOWSERVE
EMCFL @ CHEWTON ST
8 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

SAM AGAR OPENS THE SCORING FOR NEWARK FLOWSERVE

A double strike from top scorer Sam Agar sent Newark Flowserve to the top of the table in this rain swept match, however the weather did not interfere with an highly entertaining encounter which thankfully had the benefit of the 4g surface and by the final whistle both sides could take credit for their efforts.
The winter weather had returned with a force this week with a collection of games lost to the increasing wet stuff making the life of hoppers one long planning of 4g standbys and personal relationships with the weather presenters of all channels.  Games had fallen foul to the weather today and with the travelling gamble avoided a selection of local encounters were settled and like the good old Its A Knockout TV programme of the 70's I decided to play my 'joker' for the first time and with any real menace select a 4g fixture due to the forecast.  How well this played out with the game played in constant driving rain the half time torrential downpour abandoned nearby games at Heanor, Kimberly, Selston and Ingles, without doubt if Eastwood had still been playing on grass the same end result would have ensued here.
Being a re visit I wont go through a ground descriptor needless to say the club of course displays its former glories in its size and facilities, although of course the levelling of the pitch has made some areas non viewable for anybody below 6ft 5in in height. 
The inclement weather made photos hard work today so there are just a few and as for the pre match amble forget it.  Eastwood is of course famous for DH Lawrence and his former home looked at in previous visits but I did discover a few hidden gems.  The former pub Man In Space by the ground which is now demolished and forms a Sainsbury's was used for filming 'Carry On At Your Convenience' rather appropriate given the size of the new store.  At the opposite end of town the large Eastwood Hall offers all sorts of hospitality facilities and accommodation and was the former HQ of British Coal.  Rather interestingly it offers two rooms amongst its 40 named MacGregor and Scargill apparently though the latters is to the left of the formers.

DAVE SURELY A BURNLEY FC BROCHURE APPROACH AWAITS HIM

Anyway I digress back to todays proceedings and it was good as ever to catch up with Malc and Kev the former author of the famous and to be recommended 'on the road blog' which keeps us all up to date with local proceedings.  Also in attendance was Burnley catalogue boy Dave who I'm sure you will agree would look resplendent in any clothes attire brochure for the man about town, Burnley, as ever a pleasure to spend time discussing the state of the game.
Having drifted towards the bar before the match for a warm drink it was as ever good to meet up with the Newark entourage and with the club battling for that top spot with Selston it would make for an intriguing game against fellow high flyers Eastwood Community.
Starting off in the way we mean to go on, rain, there were early chances for both sides Joe Butler and Chay Bettridge fired over from good positions for the home side and the pace of Newark with danger man Agar were making this an open game.  It was though Newark who took the lead on 20 minutes when a headed down cross off the right was met on the volley, as the ball came over his head, by Agar his shot was powerful enough to roll over the line even though Jack Walker made a brave attempt to halt its progress.

1-0 VERY SHORTLY AS AGAR WATCHES HIS SHOT DRIFT OVER THE LINE

In a first half that seemed littered with dissent amazingly the game did create excitement and one of those moments was the Eastwood equaliser from 25 yards out John Whitehurst lined is run up to perfection and fired home with a glorious strike after 40 minutes.
Back came Flowserve though and that man Agar found an attack repelled and the ball fell to his feet 20 yards out and thanks to a deflection on the way you know where it ended up, 2-1 to the visitors at the break.
Downpour followed and with games falling around to this precipitation of the heaviest kind the 4g held up nicely save for a small area that suffered from terrace run off, soon to be drained away though.

REFEREE STEPHEN DAVIES MAKES IT CLEAR HIS CHRISTMAS LIST CONTAINS JUST ONE REQUEST A WHISTLE

The second period became somewhat one way traffic with the pace and guile of the visitor to the fore however they should have scored more and put the game to bed with a one goal lead there was always the danger of a break away goal and much of the hard work could have been undone.  Its never quite clear whether to put this down to poor finishing or the sheer ability of The Highwaymen that actual gets them into a position in the first place that others wouldn't.
Anyway the chances came and went Elliott King shot blocked by Aaron Short, Tyrell Shannon-Lewis shot saved by Walker, same effect from a powerful Agar effort found home keeper still on top form and add to that further efforts from Agar and Dan Meadows on a couple of occasions the score line could have been more.  Credit though remains with Walker between the home sides posts for a superb display during the afternoon with some quality saves that kept Eastwood in the game to the final whistle.
Newark had secured three points and a victory that leaves the club top of the pile, albeit on goal difference and having played a game more than Selston.  But when your at the top somebody has to move you if they want to get there and who would bet against a superb run in for this seasons East Midlands Counties Football League title.

TOWN BEAT TOWN ITS WYTHENSHAWE IN THIS ONE

ALSAGER TOWN 1 WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 4
NWCFL 1 SOUTH @ WOOD PARK STADIUM
1 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

STEVEN YARWOOD BRINGS THE BALL AWAY FOR WYTHENSHAWE TOWN

It is the season to be jolly well if your a Wythenshawe Town fan it is anyway third successive away victory as the newbies to the NWCFL start the month in third position and their potential was backed up by this dominant win at Alsager Town.
Its not quite the season to be jolly for non league hoppers the start of the week saw this as plan A but by the time the heavy rain had appeared TNS in the Welsh Premier had become a fair choice a somewhere down the list but with 4g on hand. So what happened?  Well no blog would be complete with a transport story the good old XCountry service that would leave me with a 17 minute change in Birmingham got delayed to around 35 minutes late and the best laid plans etc.

WOOD PARK STADIUM HOME OF ALSAGER TOWN

After a prompt reply from Alsager to confirm no pitch problems its was back to the original choice with a change in Derby for the one carriage bus, train, awaiting on platform 3 heading through the
Potteries and just one stop short of Crewe arrival was shy of 1pm and would allow a nice time to have a quick meander around the Cheshire town.
The first impression is of 'well to do' houses and as the Lakeside chippy was sought out a quick look at The Mere, a large lake by which the food establishment had named itself I guess.
The expansive water apparently only has a couple of public viewing areas with the rest of its waters edge boundaries being associated to the private houses surrounding it.  Food sampled was good and a recommended visit before a brief look at the centre which is dominated by a medium sized Asda it was time to set off down the dubiously named Shady Grove and immediately the area changed into a social housing estate and the natural base for the working class game.

THE UNDERSTATED ENTRANCE TO ALSAGER TOWN FC

Looking down Woodland Court a small cul-de-sac with a circuitous road you could see the ground but the entrance was far from clear however much like Athersley Rec up in Barnsley the small track between two houses lead to the field of dreams that is Wood Park Stadium.
A warm greeting at the turnstile and you then got the full vista that the site was on three levels with our next drop down to the clubhouse and changing rooms from out immediate entrance and then the final level to take you pitch side, its certainly a unique entrance and adds to the quirky experience of Alsager Towns home ground.

THE DUG OUT SIDE

Having arrived pitch side there are plenty of time worn structures to keep you more than interested immediately at the front of you is a long stand featuring bucket seats, bench seats and old style slatted seats with sides I cant think of a better way of describing them and sadly failed to ask where they came from.  To the right the stairway from the middle level down which the players enter the pitch and behind the goal a hospitality cabin, snack bar, medical room and I guess grounds mans garage.
The far side had a deep covered terrace offering good cover before the dugouts lead to an uncovered walkway that leads behind the far goal and to our entrance side a further covered terrace below the initial multi seated stand.  A quirky ground but its definitely a ground of character that is worth visiting at different times of the year.

A WIDE SELECTION OF SEATS INCLUDING THESE FROM WHO KNOWS WHERE BET THEY CAN TELL A STORY OR TWO

Alsager go by The Bullets nickname which is related to the town employing 3,000 people in the ammunitions industry during the Second World War at Radway Green.  The club are just below mid way in the table and managed by Andy Turner working with the Port Vale Academy and formerly a Republic of Ireland U21 international alongside a domestic career including Tottenham, Portsmouth and Rotherham United.  The visitors today Wythenshawe Town are new to the NWCFL and are on a promising run away from home and sitting in third place with an immediate interest in promotion again.
Before the game it was nice to receive a nice greeting from not sure if it was the grounds man but a gentleman doing some work around the pitch side fencing always goes a long way thank you for your introduction to the club.

0-1 LEE GREGORY FAR LEFT BLUE CELEBRATES HIS GOAL

Onto the action and it was not a good start for the home side who were one down in seven minutes what looked a poor corner, but of course it could have been a training ground classic, was low to the near post evading everybody except for Lee Gregory who converted from close range.  Alsager went close to levelling the scores when Shane Williams fired a shot across the face of the visitors goal but the ball fell inches wide.  It was proving hard for Alsager to get a foothold in the game and the experience and tenacity of the Wythenshawe side was bossing the play and they increased their lead on 37 minutes with a lovely deflective header from Brad Byrne via a Justin Pickering cross.

GREAT BALL CONTROL MATTHEW LANDREGAN

The start of the second period saw Turner make two substitutions for Alsager and they needed some inspiration to get back into this game, that wasn't to be and Wythenshawe showed their intention when a lovely move just five minutes into the second period saw Pickering feed Byrne again but this time his effort scraped the post.
It was three nil on 58 minutes when the visitors player of the match Steven Yarwood get a deserved goal for his afternoons contributions 25 yards out he hit a nice shot which took a deflection to wrong foot Rhys Bills in the home goal.  It was a containment exercise now for the home side and it all went nicely until five minutes from time when Wythenshawe made it 4-0 thanks to Ben Steer who turned his defender on the edge of the box and strode on to fire past Bills.

ALSAGER PONDER THEIR MATCH

Alsager had a late flurry and got a consolation goal in the first minute of stoppage time thanks to Dom Smith before a powerful free kick from Ryan Goodwin stung the hands of Jake Aldred in the visitors goal.
A comfortable win for the Wythenshawe Town who continue their push for a second consecutive promotion and who would back against them?  They have the experience with a nice selection of handy players who will see them through many a game before the end of this season. 
A homely steady club to visit in a ground of interesting features and one of those grounds that has enough for any hopper who fancies a look at one of the more quirky grounds in The NWCFL.
Return to base had the luxury of two carriages to Derby, of which the lights went out for ten minutes after Blythe Bridge British spirit saw us all sit there waving our mobile phone lights about like big kids.  A well timed change saw an arrival back at base station just before 7pm.