CHUFFING SHIREBROOK

SHIREBROOK TOWN 1 TEVERSAL 2
EMCL @ LANGWITH ROAD
7 MARCH 2020 --- 3PM

REFEREE KARL BAINNBRIDGE IN THE MIDST OF THE ACTION

The undoubted highlight of this day was witnessing probably the final mainline running of the Union of South Africa as it steamed its way from Ealing to York on a excursion.  On a football front this was a game that was dire to say the least with Teversal gaining the three points and leapfrogging Shirebrook who dropped back into the relegation zone, but football there was little of it.

UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA ADDING TO THE DAY

Usual route via a brisk walk to Holmewood for a Pronto and then 23 at Pleasley saw arrival in the Market Place just after 1.30pm.  Today though there was a unique opportunity to see the Union of South Africa steam north off the Erewash line and along with a large collection of train spotters and interested locals take in this beauty.

KURTIS MORLEY RECEIVES CONGRATS FOR HIS EARLY GOAL

The last knockings of the market were winding down and after the obligatory visit to the Coop for pre match provisions it was off to Langwith Road this time by another route that brought me out above the ground on the edge of neighbouring village Langwith.  Being a little later today the whippets were just winding down and arrival for a circuit of the ground was shortly afterwards achieved.  It was good to catch up with many of the regulars and thanks to Sam for finding me out with the team sheet which was much appreciated.  We also had an interesting chat about the merits of pre match in the Coop and the Model Chippy.

JOSH TURNER GETS A SHOT AWAY FOR SHIREBROOK

The game got off to a superb start for Shirebrook when recent signing Kurtis Morley lashed home the ball from 20yards out to settle the early nerves after just twenty seconds, its here I guess that the home side would have willingly called an end to the proceedings and bagged all three points.
Shirebrook had chances to extend their lead but Josh Turner narrowly fired wide and then saw Cameron Barke save his one on one effort.  For Shirebrook it all went wrong on 34 minutes Teversal had been increasing their pressure without any real threat when the defence gifted the ball to Danny Fullwood who fired home from a tight angle.

MONTELLE KAMARA LOOKS FOR THE PASS

The second period saw the game gradually affected by a strengthening wind but there was still little constructive football being played as Shirebrook looked two yards off the pace and appeared unable to close down Teversal who became more dominant.  It was no surprise on the hour mark when they took the lead Liam Vardy powered through on the inside right and drove home a superb strike past Daniel Hartshorn in the home goal.

DANNY FULLWOOD FIRES HOME THE EQUALISER FOR TEVERSAL

Shirebrook could muster an effort from Morley that came back off the post but that was about it really as Teversal more than comfortably saw out the remaining time to secure a victory that would see them go clear on goal difference but with three games in hand it drops Shirebrook back into real trouble.  The early resurgence may now be over after two wins against Rainworth and Radford and narrow defeats away at Belper United and Sherwood they have failed to beat both of the sides around them in the relegation struggle.  Today they were not good enough and as so often happens sides seem up for it against higher placed teams but then cant do it against the teams they need to secure victory against.

TEVERSAL MANAGER LEE COOK EXPLAINS THE LAWS OF THE GAME TO REFEREE BAINBRIDGE

For Teversal who were just grateful to get a game on this is a massive victory that goes a long way towards trying to preserve their status and will give them the confidence to achieve the victories that will secure this.

SHIREBROOK BENCH WATCHES THE ACTION

Return was via the usual route but with a delayed Pronto at Pleasley I was immediately away after departing the 23 and back a little earlier to see the returning carriages from the morning excursion pulled by a diesel for its journey back.