WISPA IT QUIETLY ITS AN ENTERTAINING DRAW FOR CADBURY AND HINCKLEY

CADBURY ATHLETIC 2  HINCKLEY AFC 2
MFL 1 @ TRIPLEX GROUND
28 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 3PM

CADBURY ATHLETIC HOME THE TRIPLEX GROUND

The ninety minutes ended in a draw and overall Hinckley would be the more disappointed of the two sides as they looked to secure their third consecutive league win, sadly for them in the second period their strikers took quite a liking to the house behind the goal they were attacking.  For Cadbury their threat was on the counter attack for which they always looked like they could be the 'Heroes' and secure the points.
Usual mid day start for a trip to the West Midlands for the second week running, this time the planned 125 train was reduced to a five carriage make up and I enjoyed the obligatory one hour of standing to Birmingham but a prompt change allowed me to catch the local service towards Kings Norton todays ultimate destination.  Time built in for a cattle prod visit to Bournville departure at just after 1.30pm at Bournville station all painted in corporate colours of purple allowed for a more or less immediate approach to Cadburys factory complex, now under the guise of Mondalez the holding company for a stack of confectionery products.

THE PAVILION AND FORMER FIRST TEAM GROUND WITH CADBURYS FACTORY

On the approach for a visit to the village all the lampposts also had received the purple coating but it would be upon passing the large swimming baths built by the Cadbury family for all at the turn of the last century that I would start to realise the difference that this family provided grounded in its Quaker faith it believed in fairness, peace and looking after people, I guess a rounded social caring that is so missing in today's society.
George Cadbury, who had taken over from the original founder his farther John, moved the factory out of Birmingham to the newly named Bournville after the river Bourn which runs through the massive site but in the process of increasing staffing levels from around 250 to an eventual figure of just short of 7,000 he added social housing, amenities and schools, however being part of the temperance movement no public house would be within the village.

THE REST HOUSE AND BOURNVILLE GREEN

After passing the swimming baths the first port of call was the recreation ground with its wonderful pavilion for both football and cricket and I guess the spiritual home of todays home side but with facilities missing floodlights it is left to the reserves to play at this site and they had a 3pm kick off today.  Moving past Cadburys World and onto Bournville Green the experience of the buildings and row of neat shops with black and white frontages starts to bring home the nostalgia. The Rest House an octagonal type of building is situated on the sloping green now surrounded by trees, the whole area has become what I guess George Cadbury wanted at its inception.  The building was a gift from world wide employees to George and his wife for their silver wedding anniversary in 1914 and now remains restored and open.  To the top side of the Green is The Friends Meeting House obviously a focal point for the Quaker abiding Cadbury's and the building remains an exception to I believe all Meeting Houses in that it had installed an organ which is not normally the case.

THE BOURNVILLE CARILLION TOWER

Coming back towards the western edge of the Green and the large Carillion tower is linked to the school this was an idea spotted by George on his European travels and is a large tower containing in this case 48 varying size bells that are played from a keyboard and foot pedal instrument, this was a facility donated to the people of Bournville by the family.  Time was moving along and when the bells chimed for 2pm I knew I had to make my way on the twenty minute walk to the Triplex ground in Kings Norton.
Having found a short cut over the railway line and towards the ground its worth noting that this is the former home of PilkingtonXXX and with the Pilkington glass HQ behind the ground we had already located two large employers in this area of south Birmingham.

A PRE MATCH OBSERVATION OF THE TRIPLEX GROUND

With admission paid and handy little programme purchased there was time for a brief walk around the two sides of the ground that were officially open before nipping back out of the ground for a comfort break and upon return grabbing the teams from a Athletic official and the referee, thanks.
The ground then entering by the corner flag at the near side goal this has a three stepped terrace with banking to the rear with what looks like former factory units at the top and in the near corner the back of the social club which offers doors out on to proceedings.  One of the rear rooms offers a snack stall with cobs and drinks but sadly no chocolate today!  Moving around the mini terracing continues and we approach a stand that separates into seating and covered terrace, onwards and large dug outs offer plenty of head room around the other side the terracing and banking continues with behind this the station approach only partly visible.  The far goal again has a mini terracing but is out of bounds and the far side is grass only with no official entry, I guess this was probably a double up ground formerly with cricket, there is certainly a crown green bowling club on the approach also.

JAKE MARSDEN CLAIMS FOR CADBURY WITH ST NICHOLAS CHURCH IN THE BACKGROUND

Cadbury Athletic probably have one of the most intriguing kits with purple and white quarters and with Hinckley in an attractive red and blue it made for a good kit match up. 
Proceedings started as I thought they might with Hinckley on the attack and within three minutes Cadbury had cleared off their line from Lewis Commins.

AN EARLY AERIAL CHALLENGE

Strangely though it would be Athletic who would taste the sweet success of the first goal Anthony Fitzmaurice provided the tempting cross and at the back post Deon Colstock provided the touch that mattered just five minutes in.

DEON COLSTOCK GETS THE OPENER FOR CADBURY

Hinckley came straight back at their hosts Michael Wright showed blistering pace but his shot crashed back off the bar and Luke Richards could not get over the header and it looped over the bar.  Then just over the half hour mark the equaliser with what was a touch fortunate but deserved at this stage Isaac Cooper was pushed wide by the home keeper but he got his cross in and in the closeness of a couple of home defenders the ball struck Wright on the knee and bobbled over the line.
Hinckley sensed the breakthrough and Richards again used his head and this time only at the second attempt did the Cadbury keeper Jake Marsden claim it.  It was all AFC now and they struck the bar for a second time when Ash Gray saw his effort crash back off the woodwork.

IS THERE A SMARTER KIT THAN THE CADBURY ONE

With three minutes to the break and against the run of play Cadbury took the lead with a wonder strike from 25 yards out when Emmanuel Quartey took up possession looked for a moment for an option and then just though I might as well lash this one into the back of the net for 2-1.
Hinckley had not had the best of fortune in front of goal but within two minutes of the re start had clearly decided anything you can do we can do too and it was Richards with his feet this time who superbly lobbed Marsden to level the scores at 2 apiece.

HINCKLEY KEEPER TY BELFORD CLAIMS WELL

Hinckley hit the woodwork for the third time after and Wright with a follow up back heel flick saw his effort just miss the target.  Following this it became a game of Hinckley losing their radar with a whole collection of shots ended up in the neighbouring garden but Cadbury looking to hit the visitors on the break but the end of the ninety minutes it was to be a draw from an entertaining encounter.
Return journey like last week was delayed but this time a KFC at the end of the approach road would keep me busy for half an hour before departing in the 5.47 from Kings Norton and with an adjacent platform departure to spire town sat on its platform a hop on had arrival back at just after 7pm.
An educational visit fully enjoyed both the game and the history tour around Bournville something I should have allowed a little more time for, I will eat my chocolate bars more regularly and with a little more vigour from now on, if that is possible.

GOALS RED CARDS PENALTIES AND A GLORIOUS AFTERNOON IN COVENTRY

COVENTRY UNITED 6 SELSTON 0
MFL PREMIER @ BUTTS PARK ARENA
21 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 3PM

COVENTRY UNITED TAKE THE LEAD THROUGH CHRIS CAMWELL

A glorious afternoon in Coventry, there's something that you probably don't get in a sentence very often but this game produced nearly everything and most of it was crammed into the opening 45 minutes that threatened to boil over just before half time.  But by just short of five o'clock Coventry United had comfortably secured three points in a display that even with ten men they managed to double their tally and for Selston the little village side battling the odds against the big boys they know they are in a mini league with the bottom eight or so to secure step five status come next May.

MINI HISTORY TOUR OF SPON END

Sent to Coventry or there of my own accord?  Well it was the latter and although the city has been visited quite a few times the last time for football was a Sphinx game and the chance to revisit the old centre spot at Highfield Road this would be a first visit to see Coventry United.  A side formed out of the frustration of Coventry City's departure to play home games at Northampton and sadly after a brief spell back at The Ricoh they now find themselves back out of the area again at St Andrews the home of Birmingham City.  So it remains more important than ever that United keep on with their advancement that has seem them rise to step five status in a short and sensibly measured progression.
Having opted for the mid day '125' service to secure a seat to Birmingham just over an hour later the connection to Coventry was managed and arrival just before 1.45pm would allow for a brief look around.

2 FOR 1 THE IMPRESSIVE STAND AND THE EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE SELSTON MANAGEMENT

Having covered the delights of Lady Godiva, Coventry Cathedral and the shopping centre before I decided to make a brief sprint around Spon End an adjacent area to the city and the home of Butts Park Arena.
Formerly one of the major entrance roads into the city it was noted for its watchmaking industry and indeed 102 Spon End has a blue plaque displayed to W H Christie a former watch case and movement cap maker who lived in the property.  The Coventry ring road as very much split the area in half with the historical wooden beamed buildings mainly now on the city side.  Having started on this side on Spon Street while taking pictures I was approached by a tourist who in broken English informed me that The Old Windmill pub welcomed visitors inside to take pictures I did decline this kind offer otherwise I may have been in there for the afternoon and I had other plans!  Moving through the underpass and passing The Old Weavers House, now a museum, the road ended into the small shopping area and immediately over the road was Butts Park Arena.

THE NUNEATON TO COVENTRY SERVICE PASSES OVER THE SOVEREIGN ROAD VIADUCT

The home of Coventry Rugby Union and Bears Rugby League side also welcome today's hosts Coventry United and their associated sides.  Having purchased a small ticket to gain access and purchase a shiny smart programme the first thing I noticed was the new addition of 4G which apparently I'm informed just United's third game on the surface today.  The most striking piece of furniture about the ground is the 3,000 seated stand with large colourfully clad apartment blocks rising from behind.  The stand features all you could want with executive boxes, bar area and changing rooms.  The club have a club shop set up alongside the catering at the far end of the function room/bar area which is underneath the stand.
Moving around the ground there is a good view from all areas with hard standing around the other three sides with the far end and opposite touchline supported by a collection of rugby influenced temporary watering holes.  At the far corner of the ground a railway viaduct which carries the Coventry to Nuneaton line via The Ricoh sits proudly.  Overall it has the typical feel of a rugby union ground not a non league football ground but the facilities are superb and as long as its not too much of a strain on the football clubs resources then its a massive positive for Coventry as a city to have a senior football club within its boundaries.

UNITED KEEPER FRANCIS CLEARS WELL FROM A WESTON LONG THROW

It always adds interest to attend a game with a side not too far away from base on show as the visiting side and upon arrival it was a pleasure to be greeted by manager and assistant of Selston Craig and Richard, cheers guys.  During the afternoon it was also welcoming to strike up a chat with home club photographer Jeff Bennett who has some excellent pictures from the game on social media.
This season has comprised of some more local re visits and consequently today has produce a few notes on the area but the games notes are the most that have been jotted down so far this season, so hopefully I can be brief but the first half was full of chances and by the end of this game it really could have finished 15-5!

CHRIS CAMWELL HIS CONGRATULATED AFTER HIS WONDERFUL OPENER

Coventry started strongly Josh O'Grady fired over in the opening minutes, Tyler Haddow went cross goal with his effort that fell inches wide moments later and at the other end Sam Weston put in a long throw that the home keeper punched away.  The opening exchanges had seem referee Kiely seem to penalise the visitors on most occasions but by half time this would not be the opinion of United, watch this space.
The inevitable opener came when former Coventry City player Chris Camwell took a short tapped free kick and lashed home a glorious finish into the visitors net for 1-0.  Selston came back and Scott Taylor saw his shot well saved by Reece Francis in the United goal and from the corner Selston headed just over.

TYLER HADDOW RECEIVES A RED CARD JUST BEFORE HALF TIME

But it would be Coventry who doubled their lead with a lovely strike from O'Grady who made space for himself before despatching the ball into the bottom corner of the Selston goal.  Both Francis and Alfie-Smith Eccles pulled of good sides as both teams chased this open game but it was Selston who were looking susceptible and it was 3-0 ten minutes before the break when Smith-Eccles raced out to clear the ball it struck Haddow and Matt Gardner was on hand to slot home into the unguarded goal.  Still the chances flowed and O'Grady struck a post before but in the first minute of stoppage time the whole thing threatened to go up.
Kyle Hempshall and Haddow were side by side in the box with both attempting to reach the ball first Haddow went down referee Kiely pointed to the spot it looked soft and Hempshall probably told the Coventry striker so, Haddow rose to his feet and inexplicably head butted the defender who fell back to the floor clutching his head.  The referee had no option in the choice of a red card and as Coventry who were 3-0 up at this time and cruising looked to lose their heads their keeper had jogged 80 yards up the field of play to give his opinion. 
In this time Aaron Williams had anxiously waited to dispatch goal number four from the spot and when his moment came he fired it over the cross bar.  Play restarted with moments to go to the break but upon the ball going out of play the dug out side assistant referee was flagging and after a moments consultation Coventry assistant manager Luke Morton was also shown the red card.  Manager Terry Anderson and players protested and the home side were losing their cool which continued at the half time whistle as the officials were escorted off as a selection of home players and management team went on the pitch to question the decisions.
Wow what happened there and breathe.

ASSISTANT MANAGER LUKE MORTON [CENTRE] IS ALSO SHOWN A RED CARD

The fracas seemed to take a lot out of the game and although the second half produced still more action it wasn't as frantic as the first 45 minutes.  For the visitors Kenan Layton fired in a 20 yard shot that Francis pushed over.  But five minutes later any doubts were put to bed when Lewis Ison tapped home at the back stick while at the other end Kane Hempshall put a stooping header over the United bar but normal service was resumed on 85 minutes when a lovely strike from Joseph Cairns was hit well enough that even though Smith Eccles got a hand to it he could not deny Coventry their fifth.

COVENTRY UNITED RISING HIGHEST TODAY

To add the icing on the cake in the fourth minute of stoppage time O'Grady was brought down by Garren Haslam and Williams this time made no mistake to bring up the half a dozen.
A tremendous first half and even thought the second half was a little more off the pace Coventry United with ten men punished the visitors and on another day it could have been a demolition job with the chances created although probably not as many as their record 28-0 score.

MANAGER WESTON APPEALS SON SAM'S CAUTION ALL IN THE VIEW
OF THE COVENTRY UNITED FLAG SHIRT

Coventry continue to make some quality additions to their squad and you have to expect them to be right up there at the end of the season and I shall watch their progress with increased interest after this visit.  For Selston it just shows the vast difference moving up to this level with no budget and the players, management and staff that continue to put in a shift of never questionable effort deserve credit.
Having bid farewell to the ground the option of local chip shop or a half mile walk away from the city to the big yellow 'M's' and it would be the latter that won the day with the chance to eat on the former site of the Alvis car factory which of course is now a retail park, they all area aren't they[?], on the edge of Spon End all adding to an historical visit to Coventry that didn't even touch the city centre.
The extra time spent in the suburbs allowed for the shopping traffic to disappear or so I thought when I arrived back at Coventry station, which always feels like its taking me back to the seventies, there was a large gathering for the Virgin train.  Although these services offer many carriages it was full so along with a few others we performed a sit down protest in first class, power to the people.
Arrival in Birmingham allowed for a few on train provisions to be collected before departing on a standing 7pm service back to spire town.  It had been great to be back on the travels again and a really enjoyable afternoon in Spon End and with Coventry United.

LIONS WOLVES AND TIGERS

HEANOR TOWN 4 KIMBERLEY MW 1
EMCFL @ THE TOWN GROUND
18 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 7.45PM

THE SCENIC VIEWS OF THE TOWN GROUND

Lions, Wolves and Tigers it may sound like the start of a fairy tale or a trip to the local wildlife park, but here the capitalisation means its just over 24 hours in the mad world of a sporting blog and its two for the price of one.
First up on the Wednesday night is a trip to an old favourite Heanor Town and after a direct service to the nearby retail park saw me arrive in good time it allowed a catch up firstly with Lennie the Lion, club mascot, in somewhat of a state of undress!  You see he was in civilian clothes selling programmes and raffle through the gate I trust you to tell nobody else his identity.  A brief visit to see Mr John Smith who is very smooth allowed for a first chip cob and as the peas were not ready I opted to return to sample the full works mid way through the first half.  Once again good to catch up with Kim, Elaine and Colin who were on duty in this excellent non league snack bar one of the best!
There has been a return and a catch up with Tony who is back in situ on the P.A. and producing a very readable programme, plus social media exploits.  Along the evening quite a few other 'regulars' were in attendance including Malc Storer of the excellent On The Road blog which keeps us all informed of local fixtures and results in one place.  Also special mention to Mr Squires senior who hope is feeling better after being taken unwell on the evening.

FAIRLY CLEAR WHATS ON TONIGHT

Last season I did not make a visit to Mayfield Avenue but little has changed except for the departure of the cricket club and I believe the club have the lease for the whole site with a healthy crowd of 125 tonight for this local derby it is to be hoped that Heanor can start to climb up the step structure again, of course to a level they can cope with travel wise.
Football wise The Lions have only played three league games and sit below half way so look for a 'take off' of their season when their league schedule hits the rails.  As for Kimberley they looked a young side the other week versus Gedling and they are to close to the foot of the table for comfort but they are a steady bunch trying their best to keep football on a positive footing in their town too.
It didn't start too well for the visitors when after just three minutes Heanor took the lead Jon Jebbison floated over a corner and it was headed back at the far post for Jamie Sleigh to fire home.  The home side looked irresistible Samuel Birks saw his effort saved before Jesse Vowles hit a post.  It was two nil though on the quarter of an hour mark Vowles skipped past his defender and crossed low for Jebbison to slot home.

ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP AS HEANOR PLAYERS HOLD THE ADVERT BOARDS IN PLACE AFTER A STRONG GUST OF WIND

It was relentless during the half and Heanor were putting on a show Vowles hit the bar before Jebbison got his second and Heanor's third when he paced on to slot past Jake Wood in the Kimberley goal.
The second half saw the usual that so often happens Heanor stepped off the gas with some changes but also Kimberley got a grip of the game and pulled a goal back on 71 minutes Jack Wood converted a high ball neatly.  It had all turned a bit quiet after an excellent first half from Heanor but Sleigh sent the home fans away happy when he dropped one over the keeper from long distance in the first minute of stoppage time.
As ever an enjoyable visit great to catch up with some old friends at this club who always offer the blog a warm welcome.

GO ON THEN ONE MORE SCENIC SHOT

Once again this season there may not be many visits due to the withdrawal of late night buses and trains and tonight's journey was completed from Alfreton by a taxi but it had been made worth while by a more than entertaining encounter.
WARRINGTON WOLVES 12 CASTLFORD TIGERS 14
SUPER LEAGUE ELIMINATOR PLAY OFF @ THE HALLIWELL JONES STADIUM
19 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 7.45PM
Carrying on the animal theme this play off final from Super League rugby would sees the top five play a slightly convoluted selection of games to reach the Grand Final at Old Trafford in early October and tonight's game could not have been more tense and what looked nervous for the Challenge Cup holders Warrington who were favourites to progress.  With neither side in great form it showed and errors and a game of chess would have summed up the opening 70 minutes, although the last ten minutes was fantastic so much so that if the proceeding minutes had been to the same level I may not have survived the evening intact.
Thanks to Mr R of the platform one parish who is a Warringtonian [?] and into his rugby league the option of a return train at just after 10pm direct back to spire town had been mentioned.  It was in the memory bank and having never experienced Super League before the time arose to move on up from National Conference and the Championship with Sheffield Eagles.
Departing just before half past four with a seat all the way, in no go steady you have read it correctly, arrival was just a few minutes of the hour and a half traveling time down at Warrington Central.  From the station the ground is a full 5 minutes amble away and is an ideal option when running to a tight timetable, thankfully the new stadium is closer than the old Wilderspool ground which was on the south side of Warrington.  The old ground was sadly no more after demolition in 2014 and of course due to varying problems had become defunct so the nice shiny new Halliwell Jones Stadium was built on a site so close to the town it could almost have been the old days where clubs where based close to centre, not moved to a farmers field four miles out of town, upon which the club have played since 2004.
Sadly tonight I had opted to travel without camera due to concerns about taking pictures in the ground which is a real shame because I really enjoyed the visit and it would have been good to share the facilities at the ground.
On the far side is a large Tesco which thankfully added a few more club card points as I purchased tea.  Adjacent to the ground The Rodney was doing good trade and with Sky covering the game all manor of trucks were around the perimeter too.
The overall feel is of a functional ground a bit four boxes placed down but that's not to take away from it once inside.  Still outside there is a tribute to Warrington's Australian winger Brian Bevan who scored a world record 796 tries there is a statue and mosaic wall to remind todays generation and any uninitiated like me!
Having decided to stand on the terracing, yes I know football fans stand on a modern terracing[!], for hopefully the best experience £24 was handed over for entry to the south stand which runs along the touchline and once inside a full length history board with pictures and facts about 'The Wire' is on display .  Food and drink process are the usual £3 sausage roll and £2.30 for water and match day programmes at £3 were available but it did seem that rugby league fans didn't seem to bothered in the printed issue.
The ground then the south stand is a steep terrace to its eastern end it curves round to meet the seated east stand which ultimately adjoins the main, north, stand which features hospitality, changing rooms etc.  The west stand is again a large terrace area behind the sticks separated from both its neighbouring stands and tonight was used by the Castleford fans in the central block.
Two large screens for video replays were placed in the corners of the south stand making it a turn around to view although it does add to the excitement of video referee judgements as the spinning arrow seems to stick on no try before flicking to try and visa versa much giving one set of fans a momentary heart flutter.  Much debate in football about VAR is about the delay in decisions and the loss of  'the moment' I guess it is somewhat the same in rugby league and referees appear to go for the safe option when sometimes all seems clear cut.
Along this meandering article it was interesting to note that the sponsors logo is superimposed on TV screens and did not show at all on the pitch tonight, although last time I saw this at Bradford Bulls on the day before a game it was being sprayed onto the pitch.
A quick review of the action and approaching the half hour mark it looked like a nil nil in footballing terms all over it.  Cas were defending admirably and The Wire couldn't breakthrough.  The Wire by the way after the towns industrial past or wire making, interestingly I never head Wolves chanted and just occasionally Warrington but 'the wire' constantly.
Probably the most important first half action was Stefan Ratchford's penalty miss from wide on the right both touch judges signalled no try, although on the replay screens there was considerable disquiet on the terraces around me with the decision.
Tigers took the lead on that half hour mark Adam Milner flung himself over on the ball to allow Peter Mata'utia the chance to maximise the points and they went into the break at 6-0.
Warrington had seen talisman Blake Austin injured before the break and he did not return for the second half but his replacement Jake Mamo had an immediate impact going over the whitewash and the game was level with a lovely conversion from Ratchford.
Now could Warrington muster up something that had been missing in the first half?  No they couldn't as Jordan Rankin went over in the corner for Mata'utia to add the conversion just nine minutes into the second half.  This clearly took the steam out of the home sides efforts and they struggled and Mata'utia took it further away on 78 minutes when his penalty made it 14-6 to the visitors.
One last push for The Wire as the crowd tried their best to get them on the front foot again and when Chris Hill went over and Ratchford saw his conversion bring the scores within two the temperature levels rose further on this tense evening.
In the final minutes Ratchford opted to kick from the half way line but his penalty fell well short and even though Warrington pushed every sinew in those closing minutes it would not be enough to break down a resolute Castleford defence who had took their chances when presented and progress 14-12 to the next stage.
Thankfully a steady amble back saw arrival at platform one by 9.45pm and with just over a quarter of an hour to wait I clearly should have gone to the big 'T's' for some return journey supper.  The arriving train was two carriages not the expected four and had no catering, I have to say it seemed very strange being in Warrington at 10pm and hoping to get home!  But the goal was achieved the direct service which would terminate in Nottingham saw arrival at spire town a minute before midnight and thanks to a forecourt taxi return to base was shortly after and a tremendous sporting experience had been achieved with my first Super League game, up The Wire!

GLASSHOUGHTON THROUGH THANKS TO EARLY GOALS

HANDSWORTH 1 GLASSHOUGHTON WELFARE 2
FA VASE 2Q @ SANDY LANE
15 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 3PM

HANDSWORTH DEFEND A GLASSHOUGHTON ATTACK

Glasshoughton were two goals up in the opening five minutes in this super Sunday FA Vase fixture and much as Handsworth tried the patient build up they could not find a way back to either get their noses in front or force extra time and it would be the Castleford based side that would progress to the first round proper.
Midday start from spire town would see the just shy of 1 hour twenty five minute journey feel like every bit of it, sadly the normal double decker that offer a commanding view were replaced with single varieties so some of the anticipated viewings were missed.  After travelling through many of the former north Derbyshire pit villages the border was crossed once out of Hodthorpe and North Nottinghamshire was stamped on the passport.

MAIN STAND AT SANDY LANE

Arrival into the relatively new Worksop bus station would be a first for me since it is a good three or so years since I last visited the town and disappointingly it was shut, that's the bus station not the town!  It does amaze me in the days of asking people to use public transport that a smart facility is closed to the public still I guess that's the way it stops smart!

GLASSHOUGHTON RIPPLE THE NET

There was time to wander a round the streets of the town and it was somewhat disturbing at the unbelievable amount of shops closed and boarded up, indeed the main part of the town as seen M and S leave for a second time in recent years and you can still spot the former McDonalds that shut a good while back it was at one stage one of the few towns where a 'Macs' closed until I saw the former restaurant in Dewsbury suffer the same.  Thankfully there was though a wafting smell of freshly
baking bread from a Polish Bakery the smell of which just pulls you towards it while taking a look at the former Football ground of Worksop Town on Central Avenue which now just hosts cricket with the old ground closed in the late 80's before the club became tenants all over the surrounding area.
After a short walk out to the current base of Worksop, Sandy Lane where they are tenants of Handsworth Fc, formerly with the suffix Parramore.  Handsworth it looks likely will be moving back to their natural home at Oliver's Mount in February with the installation of their new 4g pitch and the club will be able to house all its events under one roof so to speak.

WE ALL FALL DOWN

For Worksop the push goes on I guess purchase the Sandy Lane site and at last have a ground to call theirs again they certainly need it and are a well supported club which hopefully the town will not lose to its boundaries again.
Sandy Lane has been described a few years ago but here is a brief overview it has a wonderful bar with balcony function room, smart narrow but deep standing running half of the road side of the pitch.  Behind the far goal a covered terrace with the side opposite the stand uncovered terracing backed up by a retail park.

BOTH MANAGERS LOOK CONCERNED BY THE LONG BALL TACTICS

Having paid in with programme purchased and after a circuit a much needed chip, pea cob was sampled from the pleasant ladies at the snack bar and it was onwards to grab hold of the team sheets which along the way provided an opportunity to catch up with Handsworth manager Russ Eagle who has done the rounds locally but I first met when he had a spell as physio and then manager at Alfreton Town FC.  As ever it was a warm welcome and a pleasure to catch up with Russ.
With a leagues difference in the NCEFL structure I did think Glasshoughton may put up a battle but ultimately would not succeed in turning over Handsworth, how wrong you can be.
Within the first five minutes I was having to re asses as the visitors took a two goal lead within two minutes Nathan Perks had superbly raced onto beat Ben Townsend in the home goal and then three minutes later Aaron Kitao lobbed the keeper to double their lead.  Shock of shocks game over or was it a goal fest in store?

SECOND HALF SOCIALISING

Handsworth struggled to get a foothold in the game as the visitors worked hard to deny them and their possession was coming to nothing as manager Eagle pulled his hair out and played every ball from his technical area.  Indeed it was Kitao and Franisco Matos who went closest for the visitors before the half time whistle came Townsend had to be alert to race out to clear another Glasshoughton threat.

GLASSHOUGHTON LOSE THE SIMON SAYS 'PUT YOUR RIGHT ARM IN' COMPETITION

Twenty minutes after the restart Leon Howarth picked the ball up 25 yards out and guided a superb low drive into the bottom corner of the visitors net and we waited for the storming come back.  Much as Handsworth probed the Glasshoughton defence held strong and you just couldn't see the equaliser coming.  Joe Thornton was denied by the visiting keeper and on another day he will get better luck after a couple of half chances came his way in the first half.  As we entered stoppage time a deep cross off the left came down towards the head of Thornton he watched it all the way got a firm head on the ball but it was the side netting that rippled only and Glasshoughton progressed to the next round moments later.

LATE GREETING CARD FROM REFEREE CAVANAGH

Return to the town centre allowed a gentle walk back and by just after 5.30pm the even smaller single decker was departing back to arrive at base town just shy of 7pm.  Worksop is not a town I visit to often hopefully it wont be too long before the next visit and I look forward to making a revisit to Oliver's Mount for the new facility in the new year

GRESLEY GO DOWN THE LANSDOWNE ROAD

GRESLEY 3 FC OSWESTRY TOWN 2
FA VASE 2Q @ THE MOAT GROUND
14 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 3PM

GRESLEY V FC OSWESTRY TOWN HANDS UP

A double strike from Gresley captain Albert Lansdowne secured the home sides passage to the next round of the FA Vase in a score line that made the event look closer than it really was.
It was a game of underwhelming quality although alongside the sharp finishes from Lansdowne the stand out moment was the superb 25 yard equaliser ffrom Mike O'Reilly for the visitors on the stroke of half time.
For the 50 year old, plus, hopper a Saturday at Frickley Athletic followed by Gresley the following has to be the ultimate in 'grounds as they should be' studies.  Non of your concrete grounds in a former field near the motorway junction with these two just honest old grounds.  It was three years since the last visit to the Moat Ground and this fixture was very nearly thwarted by late trains meaning missed connections.  However thankfully the Midland Classic 21 turned up at 1.55 in Burton and I was outside the ground just after 2.30pm. Forgive me for not describing the ground again hopefully a few of the pictures used will give a feel for this quirky loveable set up.  Amazingly the homely clubhouse is still standing and the tightness of the ground making a close to the action atmosphere self evident, it was also added to by an excellent public address system during the afternoon.
Programme admission, golden goal ticket, cash draw all purchased-although I have to admit to dodging the 'team card' draw it is clear they like their raffles here.  But that remains the positive thing about this club there seemed to be a wide selection of people all doing their bit to keep this old lady on track.

THE MOAT GROUND HOME OF GRESLEY FC

Now plying their trade at step 5 in the Midland League the glory days have dwindled away for Gresley they are still a proud club well worth taking a look at and would today have Dave
McDermott installed as their new manager for the first time.  For me there is the near Wales connection with Shropshire based FC Oswestry Town who are recently formed and now plying their trade in The NWCFL and basing themselves out of Burma Road home of The New Saints of Llansantfraid and Oswestry Town who are the owners of the ground and of course competing in The Cymru Premier League also sharing at the ground now are fellow NWCFL side St Martins.  Indeed Steve Evans Welsh international and TNS assistant manage is in the starting line up for FC today alongside a few other former Welsh Premier League players.  There is always a question of connection with TNS and I remain unsure but badges, kit manufacturer is similar and the same to the landlords and their is normally a selection of TNS training tops floating around.

MORE CLASSIC GROUND

On my one and only visit to Oswestry I enjoyed the town and although the previous club, which is combined into TNS, no longer has a visible ground due to the development of housing I do have a mates relative in Gary Simpson who used to play for them for a very short period of time when he moved from then league side Chester, so I have a bit of a soft spot for the area.

MURAL STILL INTACT WITH ELVIS PUTTING IN AN APPEARANCE

There would be, like last time, no sign of the best named mascot ever Elvis Gresley who has either broke his leash again or gone to the dog kennel in the sky as I didn't see him last time either.
Kicking up the slope it would be a great start for the home side when they took an eighth minute lead Joe Haines crashing a close range effort off the underside of the bar the flew up of the line and diverted in off the post.  It took the visitors a while to get into the game and coming from the step below you feared for them but slowly they got into the game but it was their keeper Mason Springthorpe who had to be alert to save from James Bennett-Tindall and Nehemia Zazi.

OPENING GOAL FOR GRESLEY FROM JOE HAINES [7]

We entered first half stoppage time when David Howarth was bundled over 25 yards out and the
quality moment of the game came when O'Reilly [M] struck home the sweetest of 25 yard efforts that beat Ben Allsop who was at full stretch in the home goal.

GOAL OF THE GAME O'REILLY [M] EQUALISER FOR FC OSWESTRY TOWN

The second half was all Gresley with FC looking when possible to break but on the goal line just past the hour mark an attempted cross struck Evans, who was booked, and from the resultant free kick the ball fell to Lansdowne who fired home a sharp finish.  Seven minutes later it was Lansdowne who settled the tie with an equally clinical finish that found the bottom corner of the Oswestry net.

TWO PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS OF THIS SOMEWHERE

From a neutral point of view this game had not contained the best game of flowing football I had seen this season but from a Gresley angle they were just happy to get the win after a struggling start to the season.  There was though a brief moment for concern when in the fifth minute of injury time they got in a mess at the back Allsop misjudged and Howarth picked up the lose ball and slotted home.
Panic would not be needed for long as shortly afterwards referee Gray blew the final whistle and Gresley had collected a home tie against Rugby Town which will be a very tough challenge for them.
As ever an enjoyable visit I need more time next time I didn't have time to sample this chippy near the ground on this occasion but this is visit that has to be worth it a tight ground in the middle of its community with a collection of people eager to keep it progressing and who knows if a Wembley visit await to back up their Vase appearance in 1991.

USE YOUR BRAIN

SELSTON 1 WORCESTER CITY 4
MFL PREM @ THE PARISH
8 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 1PM

SEAN BRAIN HAT TRICK ON DEBUT FOR WORCESTER CITY

Managers and coaches can often be heard from the side lines encouraging with phrases such as 'think about what your doing', 'use your head' well here the management team of Worcester City could be accused of using their Brain.  With fifteen minutes to go a change was made and on came debut boy Sean Brain, signed from Coleshill, to fire home a hat trick in that time to take City over the line against a resilient nine man Selston who were stubbornly holding out at one all.
A moment of Deja vu upon greeting the lady who was stewarding the car park because just over a week ago the Teversal FA Vase game had taken place today though it would be an earlier kick off at 1pm following Selston wedding celebrations yesterday this game was moved with the kind agreement of the visitors.  Travel to the game was all very comfortable with a change at Alfreton and arrival just over half an hour before kick off allowing time to obtain both teams, a programme and a sample of the sausage rolls here at The Parish Grounds.

AN EARLY AERIAL GET TOEGTHER

Ground descriptor and admiration for what Selston have done and achieved over the last few years is known to any regular reader and a little more can be viewed on last weeks blog.
The visitors would have had an early Sunday start to arrival in the East Midlands and of course their turbulent recent history is much documented having to now play away from 'home' in Bromsgrove during the day the travelling fans were in good spirit and I struck up conversation with one family who represented City well and as per any football fan of course it goes without saying they are wished all the best in securing a home back in Worcester.  For the time being though they are at Bromsgrove and have suffered a shaky start results wise and are nestling below half way in the table before this game started but although on paper it looked close I did fear a little for Selston.

WATCHING YOU

A crowd of over 200 had gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon indeed it could have almost been cricket weather but ninety minutes of the footy would follow in what turned out to be a strange encounter.
Selston were out of the traps at a pace and looked to get Worcester on the back foot in the opening exchanges, including a header just over the bar, but soon the boys in green came into their own and with what seemed like a fussy referee in the guise of Jamie Howe the game struggled to flow.  Gradually Worcester became in control with Selston struggling to get out of their half and on the thirty minute mark an error at the back allowed Demetri Brown to latch onto the ball and fire home a sharp finish to give City the lead.

HEAD TENNIS IS NEXT WEEK AT 10AM LADS

A tasty tackle from Sean Gregory in front of the home dug out lead to a gathering of players rushing in and when all was under control Gregory was booked for the challenge and the home sides Joe Naylor was shown a red card for his greetings in the kerfuffle.
Worcester had a goal disallowed for offside and saw their own caution for Luke English for a dive in the box but they went into the break fairly in the lead as both management teams questioned the referee on the walk back to the changing rooms.

HALF TIME DISCUSSIONS

Ten men would make it hard for Selston and Worcester should have punished them early on but they found home keeper Simon Baldwin in excellent form saving from Liam Lockett and Craig Jones and then with his legs from Jordan Harrison.
Somehow Selston got out of their half were awarded a corner on the right and the near post in swinger was met by Joe Hawkins who deflected his header into his own net to pull the scores level on 56 minutes.  Worcester looked edgy their fans said this was City all over they, should have been well away but hadn't been able to finish their chances.

SELSTON KEEPER BALDWIN STRETCHES TO CLEAR

Battle royal ensued as the home side looked to hang on for a valuable point all until 75 minutes when Gregory brought down Brain, who had just come on moments earlier, in the box.  The result saw Gregory shown a second yellow and Selston were down to nine men and as for Brain he calmly waited to fire Worcester into the lead from the spot.
Selston had nothing to lose and went for the equaliser but were always susceptible to the breakaway and of course it happened in the first minute of stoppage time English flew down the right with all intention of supplying Brain in the middle who slotted home to make it 3-1.

MORE HEROICS FROM BALDWIN TO DENY WORCESTER

As we entered the ninety fourth minute the best we had to wait for Brain found himself in space and fired confidently across Baldwin into the far corner to make it 4-1.  A score line that was slightly harsh on the efforts of Selston but the early second half chances for Worcester could have seen four arrived at earlier than it eventually was.

BIG CUDDLE FOR HAT TRICK HERO SEAN BRAIN [CENTRE]

For Worcester this was the result their supporters craved and will probably help them push on as for Selston they are well used to the battle and having to show heart in all their games today though the heart was beaten by the Brain.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

FRICKLEY ATH 1 ILKESTON TOWN 3
NPL SOUTH EAST @ WESTFIELD LANE
7 SEPTEMBER 2019 --- 3PM
Much like the BBC show that recounted the 'good old days' of the music hall in Britain these two clubs could be labelled in the same way with Frickley in a slide and the machinations of Ilkeston Town to many to enter into here.  Of course the former coalfield of South Elmsall, Moorthorpe and South Kirby are also desperately in search of the good old days too with some partial redevelopment taking place after of course decades of neglect following the destruction of the local mining industry.
Today would be a quick re visit in the revival tour of 2019/20, which takes in the more local grounds, with the last visit in January against Cleethorpes.

VIEW FROM THE PADDOCK AT FRICKELY ATHLETIC FC

The departure from spire town would need a change at Sheffield onto a Leeds bound service which miraculously contained three carriage of which I nearly had one to myself, with a departure at Moorthorpe just to the west of South Elmsall, it remains the best way to access the ground.

FORMER MOORTHORPE MINERS INSTITUTE WITH CARVING ABOVE THE ENTRANCE DOOR

On my previous visit I discovered a quirky fact that today would thankfully give me the chance to retell.  Within a few yards of the station is the martial arts centre that was formerly the Moorthorpe Miners Institute and above the entrance door can be seen a scene replicating a typical miners shift.  In its day you can but imagine the area being a buzz with industry and of course strife and in his short spell as Labour Party leader, 1932-35, George Lansbury visited the hall I guess to make a speech to the gathered crowd.  It appeared a non to popular surname so upon a little further research it was discovered that his granddaughter is non other than Angela Lansbury of Murder She Wrote fame and of course stage and theatre worldwide.
Moving down the terraces of Wesley Street and the short climb through the recreation ground I had to double take to see a group of young 'uns with bat, ball and stumps playing cricket, something I had not seen since my younger days but I suppose in Gods own country it should not be to amiss.
Passing the cricket ground situated over Westfield Lane and towards the turnstiles which now had a small queue of Ilkeston supporters who I guess made up half of the gate today and after purchasing a creditable programme and draw ticket the wonder appears before you.

TEAMSHEETS SUPERBLY MODELLED BY RUTH

The ground was described in the last blog so I wont bore again by going through it but its a classic old ground with its massive stand and paddock terrace and yes some parts have definitely have seen good service but this is football grounds as anybody over 50 remembers them.  Some of the visiting supporters had commented on the tenner entrance fee which would appear not to have been reduced since premier league days but this is a living breathing life study of a ground and to be honest you would probably pay that on a non match day just to come and breathe in the 'beauty' this ground holds.
Circuit completed and with the impressive public address system blasting out a selection of evocative scene setting music it was time to collect the chip butty with peas from the snack bar which is always a bonus on a visit to Frickley.

OPENER FOR ILKESTON IN THE FIRST FEW MINUTES

Team sheet was photographed and attractively modelled by secretary Ruth and here was another reason to visit Frickley and probably collect more than one team sheet.  Anyway back to business and with the home side having lost their opening four league games and Ilkeston on the edge of the top of the table I predicted a battle Frickley are a tough crowd and Ilkeston often find it hard to make themselves popular.

ILKESTON RETURNEE ROD ORLANDO YOUNG

It was all over by half time Derbyshire lead three nil, Frickley to be fair had been abject with little in the way of constructive football possibly this may have been due to the visitors superiority or their inability although the answer was probably as ever somewhere in the middle.
Inside seven minutes Conor Green had headed home a near post corner to give Ilkeston the best of starts, they would hit the bar before going two up with the break not far away which at this stage was looking the home sides best offer.  Good work down the left from Conor Green fed Jermaine Hollis who curled home an edge of the box finish and too add to this the games concluding goal in the first minute of stoppage time a mistake at the back saw Harrod lob the keeper to make it three.

JERMAINE HOLLIS [RIGHT] CURLS IN THE SECOND

The half time break was spent in the delightful company of an 82 year old ex miner who had been watching Athletic for 40 plus years and we chewed over the current state of politics and the feisty days at Westfield Lane especially in the old Alliance League when the southern softies came along the old terraced streets that often contained many flying hard objects that seemed to magnetically attach to glass coach windows allegedly,  I'm amazed some of them got off the coaches to play.  As with previous visits it was a pleasure to pass the time of day with so many friendly people its certainly a case that at many other grounds you visit they struggle to welcome people, I've never found that here.

MY HALF TIME CONVERSATIONALIST GRABS A CHAT WITH ATHLETIC CAPTAIN JACOB HAZEL

Just past the hour mark an improving Frickley pulled a goal back through Jack McMenemy whose crisp strike found the visitors net.  As Ilkeston probably took the foot off the pedal Frickley took advantage and talisman captain Jacob Hazel crashed the woodwork, had a penalty call waved away before in the final quarter of an hour Jack Currie forced Ross Durrant into a full length save for a corner.
Sadly Frickley had left it too late and it was too little by this stage as Ilkeston appeared to somewhat meander through the second half after a dominant first forty five minutes.

FIRST HALF CROSSBAR ACTION FOR ILKESTON

After the game Craig Spink resigned as manager of Frickley and the search goes on for another manager to try to break the fall towards NCEFL football and hopefully re instate a return to the good old days.  For Ilkeston even with the most recent doubts about the clubs future it all looks very bright with a capable squad that can more than hold its own and probably push on for a shot at promotion with their large following.
On the return to Moorthorpe the kids had gone in for the tea break or if they were matching the England side had probable collapsed before the interval and were already checking out of their hotel.  Train to Sheffield was delayed but amazingly had five carriages for a comfortable and seated journey.
Maybe I need to come to Frickley Athletic every home game!