TOO HOT FOR FOOTY?

RADFORD 2 BOURNE TOWN 1

UCL LEAGUE CUP AT SELHURST ST

9 SEPTEMBER 2023 --- 3PM

RADFORD ON THE ATTACK VERSUS BOURNE TOWN

Never go to a game in strong winds is always my comments after having gone to a game in strong winds because very very rarely is it of any good value as a match.  Here today after a late summer heat wave the temperature in Hyson Green, Nottingham was firmly placed at 30 degrees and purely walking round the perimeter of the pitch and taking a few pictures was enough to require a shower after half a lap, I don't think I have every watched in conditions so hot and humid.  That said these two sides give 100% in what must have been terrible conditions to play in.

In the re visit of old grounds season I wont go over Radford Fc's ground again but just back up with some distance match pictures the wonder of the place it really is one of mine and many others favourite local [ish] non league grounds.  Situated in Hyson Green and wedged tightly right into surrounds this ground is everything a football club should be.

Bourne make a fairly lengthy trip and probably a culture shock to for many as they look to move forward in the UCL League Cup which is at the preliminary round stage.  

It doesn't start well when after just ten minutes Harry Peasgood turned the ball into his own goal following a sharp cross from Jevin Seaton. 

Half time arrived at 3.55 after a three minute late start it had an ominous feeling about bus times after the game for me and when as ever the match officials took, fairly, their full fifteen minute break we re started at two minutes short of quarter past four.

Bourne were level on 58 minutes when Zak Munton swung in a low free kick off the left that evaded everybody and fell in at the far post and Radford were kicking themselves for some half chances they hadn't converted.  Thankfully the penalty option was pushed a little further away when ten minutes later Radford re took the lead.  A free kick just outside the box was laid in low and the ball lofted up for Joseph McLaughlin to head in.

There was a water break of a few minutes in each half with the weather oppressively hot and when after a few minor injury stoppages referee Everatt at 4.45 announced to an asking player that there was still 20 minutes left I knew then it would be a mad dash.

With penalties still looming Radford nearly scored again on 89 minutes when a header bounced back off the crossbar.  

After a few more stoppages in play the end time was obviously going back and like a few other hoppers at this game I also had to leave at five past five for the bus back to Alfreton.  The game finally came to an end at about ten past five and thankfully I missed no goals or penalties.

It does seem a shame games are taking longer with the added on time I was of course all for this at one stage but when the old public transport is involved its not the wonder it sometimes appears.

As the Radford interviewer commented in the after match video this 'felt like a game that was never going to end'.

As ever love visiting but next time I'm sure it will be cooler.