NINE CLEAR AT THE TOP

KIRTON BRICKWORKS 3 SLEETMOOR UNITED 0

CMA LEAGUE 1 EAST AT RADFORD HYMAS ACADEMY

21 DECEMBER 2023 --- 2PM

CLOSE UP ACTION IN KIRTON BRICKWORKS V SLEETMOOR UNITED

Kirton Brickworks went nine points clear at the top of the Central Midlands Alliance Division One East League table with this hard fought victory over bottom side Sleetmoor United.  A first half pre Christmas slumber saw the Brickies grateful for an opener from Connor Steel and then a brace from top scorer Jack March in the second half to secure a victory against a determined United side.

ACADEMY MAIN BUILDING

Another Saturday proceeded by buckets full of rain made many games at this level once again non starters but Kirton had enough sense to call on The Radford Hymas Academy for a bit of 3g pitch rental something they had done a few weeks ago and that would ultimately keep there successful season marching on at just shy of 3.45pm.

This week sees quite a few pictures featured so its just a hope I have enough content [waffle] to fill in around them haha. 

KIRTON BRICKWORKS MANAGER JAMIE BIRCH WITH ESSENTIAL WARM DRINK

Once again a cheeky taxi trip as soon as a nice price was arranged saw an arrival at Woburn Lane around 1.15pm for this two o'clock kick off.  Having seen on Full Time that this fixture had changed venue I opted for a change rather than re visit a current club from this season.  It would not be the first visit to the Radford/Hymas and its been commented on before of what a nice little facility this is and always seems to have availability on Saturday afternoons.  After a quickly replied to text by Kirton manager Jamie Birch any concerns about the information were calmed.

It was good to meet Jamie before the game and have brief chat and looking at his time at Kirton of over twenty years you get the idea the clubs means something to him as he now undertakes secretary and occasional player role alongside managers duties, clubman.

STEEL GETS A FOOT IN AS FINALY PASS HAS CONTROL

Thankfully the neutral venue was not too much of a downer because probably approaching ten years ago, too long I know, I had visited the unique ground at Kirton situated at the front of the brickworks.  With the yard then having brick laden waggons and stacks of stock piled up behind one goal it certainly brings to the fore the comment of 'we need to brick up the goal to keep them out' something that's certainly not the case currently.

The large canteen area was open on this day I think a pre season friendly fixture in better climate than the current one that has deemed the pitch unplayable.  

It did bring to mind the unusual nature of some of the old work sides and there grounds being positioned on factory sites indeed I remember watching one of the former Ripley Town sides in The CMFL days situated on the brickworks there. 

JACK MARCH BRINGS THE BALL AWAY

The formation of The Central Midlands Alliance last season has seen the former CMFL expand to a rather large set up with clubs coming in from the merged MRA, as in todays visitors Sleetmoor, and others moving inbound from The Nottinghamshire Senior League as in Kirton.  This also of course includes a few Hope Valley League sides too so it makes for an interesting set of new fixtures and visits for many clubs.

EMMERSON DRIVING INTO THE BOX

Sleetmoor have their own newly placed 3g and I guess are now using the facility unfortunately when I popped along a couple of season ago they had opted to use a grass pitch and a recent enquiry about a game this season received no response but maybe soon I will see their new carpet in action.  They arrive here in last place and its looked a disappointing season from a club that seemed to promise so much a few seasons ago for senior level football.

Kirton are romping away although over their shoulders are Blidworth with a few games in hand that will make the new year interesting as they try to return to former glories.  

FIRST HALF EFFORT FROM EMMERSON

The ground here is a little difficult for spectating as there is just 2/3rds of one side accessible and some of that is obstructed by high green fencing and caged in spare goals, there is though a corporate seated Mansfield Town Atcost stand.  Its a fairly open facility and as in the strong winds of today can be a little inclement.  On Mansfield games staged here there has been in the past a nice option to get a drink and snack from inside the academy today though understandably this is not available, with fifteen minutes before kick off just three spectators were in the ground, this did though swell to twenty for the match.

KIRTON SET OFF ON AN ATTACK

Kirton looked lively as early as the 7th minute when number 7 Aaron Emmerson flew down the right and under pressure from the Sleetmoor defender got a good shot away that Leon Baines in the visitors goal palmed away to safety.

QUICK SHIRT SWAP

The 'home' sides approach was looking laboured playing into the strong wind but I also believe playing on these surfaces, much as I don't mind them, does lead to overplaying the ball and encourages a lot of square passing when I just love to see players take one another on.

KEEPER AND DEFENDER DENY KIRTON

We were though treated to this again when Aaron Elis raced down the left cut into the box and as he reached a great position visiting keeper Baines imposed himself on the situation by racing out to claim the ball at the attackers feet.

As half time arrived that was about the total of it in a chances sense, it hadn't been the most entertaining of affairs but in fairness the visitors were playing well above their table position and Kirton looked to be suffering from pre Christmas or post Christmas celebrations.  Maybe though it was just the age old problem of top clubs playing the bottom side expecting it to be fairly easy but once again Sleetmoor dispelled this theory.

HENRY STANILAND WINS THE HEADER

Half time was spent pitch side for both sides, no faffing about returning to the changing rooms at this level.  There was chance for a team talk for both sides with Kirton manager Birch bringing the tactics board into play by the dug outs.

HENRY STANILAND RISES TO GET IN A HEADER FOR KIRTON

We were soon back underway again as the wind increased and the light faded on this winters afternoon and with the gusts now behind Brickworks backs maybe this would aid their attempt to break the deadlock.

STAR JUMPS SPECIAL AS SLEETMOOR DEFEND A CORNER

Thankfully for the game the deadlock was broken within just five minutes of the restart when Steel fired past Baines to relieve the leaders pressure.  This though did not dull the Sleetmoor efforts who came back at them with Morgan Snow racing through only for a last gasp joint tackle from keeper Reace Mills and Jacob March denying the equaliser.

WHOLE OF THE BALL 

A few minutes later Sleetmoor were again grateful to Mills who was quick off his line to claim the ball before Snow, again, could do any damage.

Just as it looked like Sleetmoor were going to find a way back into the game Kirton snapped up their second through the impressive and hard working March [Jack] who burst into box in a central position to fire home with ease after 70 minutes.

BRAD FLINN SHIELDS THE BALL FOR SLEETMOOR

It was March [Jack] who put the game beyond doubt with eight minutes remaining when a ball into the box off the left found him spare at the back with a moment to compose himself before lashing the ball high into the roof of the far corner of the net. 

For all intents and purposes that was game over and the wind was taken out of the visitors sterling efforts and the three points would go to Kirton who would take a nine point lead into the Christmas break.

AARON EMMERSON ATTEMPTS TO HEAD OVER KEEPER BAINES

There was time for a final bit of action with a superb push over by home keeper Mills from a Finlay Pass effort after a cross off the right and a clean sheet was achieved also when shortly afterwards experienced referee Andrew Harland called an end to the game.  

There was two cautions in the game a first half booking for Kieran Johnson and a stoppage time yellow for Scott Ricketts.

JACK MARCH IN CONTROL 

Kirton got there in the end and there was as an aside to Jack March some further impressive performances from Emerson and Ricketts but any man of the match award would go to Connor Steel always dominant and trying to drive forward with the ball to get Kirton over the line

JACK MARCH FIRES HOME HIS SECOND AND THE THIRD FOR KIRTON

Reverse journey was by a further cheeky taxi which arrived early, a blessing in this weather, and base was arrived at around 4.30pm.  

Whets my appetite to revisit Kirton Brickworks again and hopefully this can be achieved soon, a nice change this afternoon though.

JACK MARCH SEES HIS SHOT HIT THE NET

THREE VALUABLE POINTS

SELSTON 1 SAFFRON DYNAMO 0

UCL 1 AT THE PARISH

16 DECEMBER 2023 --- 3PM

SEAN GREGORY AND KYRAN TAYLOR IN SELSTON V SAFFRON DYNAMO

Selston received an early and much needed Christmas present courtesy of three points from the boot of Jacob Barrass, the game had been set in deadlock until this deciding breakthrough with seventeen minutes remaining.  The maximum points tally was enough to take Selston out of the relegation zone as well, more reasons for seasonal celebrations.

This game though was a classic 'all that's good about non league football' encounter the honest endeavour and commitment of both sides battled out an entertaining fixture that saw nothing less then 100% given.  All this wrapped up in the usual friendly atmosphere of Selston Fc and its officials.

HO HO HO AND A PRICE REDUCTION TOO AS SELSTON GO FESTIVE

Once again a crafty taxi there and back allowed a more relaxed arrival and with Selston not offering a chippy it was time to pop into you know where.  The Coop offered up a selection of pre-match pastries and there was even a few pence in 'divi' to be collected.  A short walk up to The Parish Ground while tucking into cheese and mac pasty trying not to leave any crumbs on the pavements that would have been better digested was the order of the day.

Selston had made the decision to reduce their admission prices to £4 and £2 for the remainder of the UCL season as a gestures to supporters old and new, as you will know from past blogs and hopefully this one there is always a comfy and friendly feel about the club so if you not experienced it now is the time to pop on by for a game.

As ever the welcome starts at the entrance and with today's gateman dressed in festive attire for the big day in just over a weeks time it was good moods all round.

THE PARISH WITH ITS NEWEST STAND TO THE FORE

An hour pre kick off can be too long at some grounds but it wasn't today with a tour around the three sided affair, cricket share, and the chance to take a few photos before catching up with Selston secretary Adam Gregory who as ever was ready for my team sheet photo question.  Selston use their social media platforms well and unlike some similar level local clubs had kept their followers up to date about this fixture.  The continuing wet pitches from the last few months rain had seen a collection of local games called off but thankfully the 'Parish' had recovered enough to be given the all clear.

SELSTON CAPTAIN LEE STEVENSON AND KEEPER LEWIS SCOTT PRE MATCH

The first half was a battling affair with little in free flowing football evident although under watch of an assessor referee Adam Alldridge popped four players, two from each side, into the book.  Yes there was some niggly stuff and he kept on top of it by using the yellow cards but you do wonder without the spy in the stand if there would have been more than a couple.  Indeed around the forty minute mark he pulled both captains together for a chat I guess he thought it was getting a little bit too keen although it never felt like it was going to boil over unlike some games.

SAFFRON START THEIR ATTACK FROM THE EDGE OF THEIR OWN BOX

On the action front Saffron had an effort cleared off the line by captain Lee Stevenson and there was little else barring a sharp save by visiting keeper Louis Harris three minutes before the break.

It did though set the game up for a grandstand second half while hoping what looked at one stage a goal less draw did not happen.

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE FROM RIOUAL BAKALA-KOUSSABA FOR SELSTON

Half time did not bring forward a move back to the pavilion and the time for the teams return was counted down on the small terrace on the lower half of the sloping pitch.

SELSTON OUT OF A TIGHT CORNER WITH JACOB BARRASS

With the floodlights on and shadows visible it was time to put away the camera and enjoy the action of the second half.

Saffron right back Harry Rawson who had been booked in the first five minutes questioned whether the referee was watching the game after what he felt was an infringement although the loud voicing of the question did include a fruity word.  Referee Alldridge I guess deemed it not to have been aggressive in intent to himself and although he produced a yellow card the pointing to the dug out signified a sin bin offence rather than totting up to a red card.  He may have been fortunate though because I think some referees may have shown a straight red.

THE SUN SHINES AS SELSTON BRING THE BALL AWAY

As the game went beyond the hour mark the pitch looked ok but I guess was heavy and energy sapping and it started to show as the gap from front to back opened up and we saw a game that may have been somewhat resembling a heavy weight boxing match as both sides gathered themselves to attack, defend and then attack in this fully committed match.

SELSTON BRING THE BALL FORWARD WITH JORDAN BLACK

With seventeen minutes remaining Selston got the ball into the danger zone with the Saffron keeper again pulling off a great save the ball bounced around with the visitors unable to clear it fell to Barrass who lashed the ball home from ten yards to break the deadlock.

Tension now would raise a notch for Selston who knew the importance of securing this victory indeed they hit the struck the bar with just over ten minutes remaining from a long range effort. 

REFEREE ALLDRIDGE AWAITS THE VAR DECISION

As the game entered the final five minutes the home side should have wrapped it up when a free kick from Sean Gregory found Jordan Black who just couldn't get the right connection to convert.

SAFFRON DYNAMO MANAGER JACOB STRAW IN BREAK IN PLAY DISCUSSION

Do not think for one moment Saffron had given this game up they were threatening at every opportunity and in the last minute of normal time looked odds on to equalise.  Bursting through on goal Jack Scott looked well set as the Selston keeper came out to meet him and for a heart in mouth few seconds you expected the visitors celebration to commence but Scott had other ideas pulling off a superb save at the feet of the Dynamo's player.

SELSTON MANAGER CRAIG WESTON PONDERS THE ACTION

Shortly after the nerves could be settled and Selston had bagged the three points from this very close fixture featuring two well matched sides who had contributed so much and again advertised the draw of non league football.  Devoid of numerous square balls and passing back to the keeper that the professional game passes off as entertainment, this offered just good honest effort that produced an enthralling game at The Parish this afternoon.

REFEREE ALLDRIDGE CALLS IN BOTH CAPTAINS FOR A QUICK CHAT

Once again finish time of the game fell just right for the early arrival of a booked taxi and base was achieved at around 5.30pm from one of if not the most enjoyable games of the season so far.

JORDAN BLACK SHIELDS THE BALL

SHIREBROOK TO SECOND

SHIREBROOK TOWN 4 RETFORD 1

NCEFL DIVISION ONE AT LANGWITH ROAD

9 DECEMBER 2023 ---3PM

LANGWITH ROAD FOR PRE MATCH SHIREBROOK TOWN V RETFORD

A comprehensive win for Shirebrook saw them march up to second in the NCEFL Division One table and with many games postponed they were able to set down a challenge to the clubs around them who have games in hand, but Town have the points.

The bore of Saturday's was once again placed on all non league fans as more of the wet stuff had fallen and non more so than this morning and with the afternoon forecast of strong winds it was an ominous match day in prospect.  The NCEFL suffered a complete grass wipe out barring this game at Langwith Rd which normally drains well but had received some nice attention from the grounds team to get the pitch ready for 3pm.

SHIREBROOK MINING MEMORIAL

Long time readers will know a trip to Shirebrook always whets my appetite, although I just wished The Model Chippy would move nearer the centre of town.  For the second week running a crafty taxi journey was booked for both trips after the 'game on' declaration was made.  With time built in for a five minute walk to the Market Place their would be an obligatory visit to the Coop for provisions.  Much like the Wetherspoons hoppers I fear I'm know counting Coops.

This seasons aim of local revisits leads to not trying to repeat things but for new viewers Shirebrook was a mining town with railway sidings adding to the pits employment total, but since closure in 1993 after just shy of 100 years the infrastructure as shall we say become a little worn.  Its hard to explain to people who are maybe not from industrialised areas how this affected towns and villages in this situation but needless to say the town in its good old days would have been a hive of self sufficient activity with most things being available within its parish boundaries.

Since closure the Sports Direct distribution centre came and expanded but its employment leaves a selection of things to be desired.  The market place is a sad looking place today certainly not helped by a winters afternoon but with large Christmas tree to the fore efforts were being made.

The most impressive part of the square and something I had completely forgotten about is the wonderfully evocative miners memorial statue by Peter Walker which sits aloft a large plinth.  Sat on this is a miner at work on the coalface with at the top his wife and child awaiting his return from the pit.  Something that sadly for some during the pits lifetime didn't happen and there is a special plate mentioning those lost attached to the plinth.  This very impressive statue was unveiled on April 30 of this year, 2023, on the thirtieth anniversary of the collieries closure and although a little difficult to take a photo of today is well worth a visit should you be in the area with the chance to stop and think about those glory but hard days sadly gone never to return.

HOME DEBUT FOR MARCUS DAY

Reminisce over and time to return up the incline to the ground and it was brightening up, although not for long, with entrance paid the chance to see the old stadium which I had not seen for a couple of years always reminds me of some of the tough games witnessed here in the past.  It is as you will know from my past waffling a ground that really should be at a higher level as is the club itself it really defines the term 'one of the sleeping giants' awaiting a return to success. 

So many dawns have come into sight for the club and not bore fruit currently the club have through their new chairman have invested heavily in players and this is starting to have an impact on their league position as things come together.  Before the game though there was muting's of him leaving and this would be really rough for the club and town who with increasing gates have started to dream again of what might be.

THE SHIREBROOK MANAGEMENT OF LEE NEEDHAM AND STEPHEN BODLE LOOKING RESPLENDENT IN MATCHING BOBBLE HATS

So it was all looking good until that is I tried to obtain a picture of the team sheets as I have done for years at non league so as to aid the report mainly because clubs do not always put their teams on social media or in a logical number order.  In my long time of non league outings the polite and courteous request has never been turned down that was until this afternoon when Sheffield and Hallamshire FA referee Lewis Pursglove stopped that in its tracks.  With 25 minutes to go to kick off as the officials came from their pre match warm up the request was made and he just referred me to the website with no budge.  So strange there seemed a complete disconnect, as you know this blog has always been friends of referees featuring nearly all and in a good light and on the back of it many referees have been warm and welcoming and many have become mates as you come across them later on in the season.  It is a shame because this is what non league football is about and its saving grace from the officialdom of the professional game.  Today though a different example was found.

EARLY SHIREBROOK ATTACK

I could not see the respective secretaries but while moving around the ground my mood improved with the chance of a catch up with many a non league fans friend Rudy Funk who has managed many a club around this area but certainly his most successful time was with Scarborough, whose fans still revere him now.  The man though is so friendly with supporters and this as previously mentioned is what non league football is all about, thanks Rudy for the 'cheer up'.  Just before leaving after our chat I checked both clubs social media and teams with numbers were listed, a saving grace.

TOWN ATTACK AS PHOTOGRAPHER RETREATS TO THE STAND

Visitors today Retford come into this game off the back of scoring nine and five goals against Swallownest and Clay Cross respectively so a stern test was expected for Shirebrook who give a home debut to new signing Marcus Day.

It wouldn't take long for the home side to open the scoring just five minutes in when Kieren Watson was put through and as the Retford keeper Ethan Cowan came out he slotted into the net with an ease.  Shirebrook continued to look dangerous but increasingly dangerous was the now howling wind that ratted the stand roofs much more than Benny Hill's Ernie's famous milk bottles and added to that was now driving rain and a darkness that at 3.20pm told you the depths of winter had arrived again on a match day.

Two minutes before the break the home side doubled their lead when debutant Day was clipped in the box by Liam Bennett it was Watson who also doubled his tally from the spot.

Retford moved up a gear after the break and for a twenty minute period had the better off Shirebrook first striking the bar and then pulling a goal back on 58 minutes when Bennett made amends with a back post finish and it was game on.

Shirebrook found a third though on 67 minutes and after that there was no way back for the Nottinghamshire visitors A J Greaves did the work to set up Day who fired sharply across the keeper into the far corner for a well taken home debut goal.  With five minutes to go the game was definitely beyond doubt when Town added a fourth a high bounce beat the Retford defender and allowed Kiyani Clayton down the left to supply Carlton Carty who finished with confidence, after Cowan had made a full length save from the original cross.  

The closing minutes saw Shirebrook go close to adding to their tally on a couple of occasions but overall they would be more than happy with the outcome on a wild, wet and windy Derbyshire afternoon in which both sides had put on an good game in the conditions. 

RETFORD NUMBER 1 ETHAN COWAN

Reverse journey via the luxury of a taxi saw arrival at base just after 5.30pm from an interesting afternoon that thankfully due to efforts at Shirebrook provided a game in a much decimated NCEFL fixture list.

REFEREE PURSGLOVE IN COMMANDING MODE

FREEZING AT THE WELFARE

STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE RES 3 AFC PHOENIX 0

CMA PREMIER NORTH AT INKERSALL ROAD

2 DECEMBER 2023 --- 3PM

PLACE YOUR COLD BEER HERE IN STAVELEY MW RES V AFC PHOENIX

On a bitterly cold afternoon with temperatures in the minus zone it was these two Central Midlands Alliance Premier South sides who put on a entertaining show but ultimately the pace of Staveley going forward was a deciding factor and on another day they would have secured more than the three goals that their efforts did this afternoon.

A BRIGHT LOOKING MAIN STAND

A very cold week with heavy frosts left a fixture list decimated and it always looked like 3g's as the only options and so it turned out to be with probably one of my first trips north this season, I say north about five miles north of base as the crow flies and a little to the east but overall it was close.  Not fancying a change over two journey bus trip to get to Inkersall Road and back I opted for a cheeky taxi there and back that saw the eight mile journey take just short of twenty minutes.  With arrival at the ground fifty minutes before kick off there was a chance to catch up on changes since my last visit which will be a fair few years ago.

INKERSALL ROAD TOWARDS THE BUSINESS END

This was always a ground developing and of course the major change that has been made is an excellent 3g playing surface to be made available to the community and of course supporting the first team, reserve side and u21's and today would see a game being able to be staged.

Behind both goals the raised covered terrace stands still hold firm with the old but always new looking main stand hugging the half way line.  The ever popular bar and food area is the hub of the ground with the expansive club shop now in a modern build at the side of this.  The tower bar and scoreboard are in close proximity, to the side of the terrace behind the corporate coloured frontage of this ground is a new toilet block.  In this corner is the large table tennis building and the new offering of an elderly and disabled covered enclosure with a double row of seats to the rear and a ramped access to the front of the stand.  So plenty going on here and a ground that really would grace step three without too many problems, it remains a shame that the club opted to ply their trade in The NCEFL First Division through a voluntary relegation they have a ground here to be proud of that shows the fantastic input that has taken place at Inkersall Road. 

HOW GOOD WAS THE JOKE WE MAY NEVER KNOW

Having popped round the ground I was still non the warmer and by this stage my camera hands were feeling the temperature and so much of the rest of the afternoon's pictures were limited to a few stills without the digits suffering any more.  Mind you it cannot be to cold as our weather judging postman is still in shorts, here though today most people were unrecognisable by the amount of layers and coverings they had on.

ANYONE FOR TABLE TENNIS

The three match officials today referee Mark Hilton, Simon Owen and Paul Holmes all ply their Sunday trade in the Chesterfield League.  Indeed Hilton today had a authoritative, calm non flustered approach to this game and overall this was a very impressive performance.

HASSAN DAUD ON THE BALL FOR PHOENIX

A healthy attendance of 105 slightly questionable individuals made the decision to stand out in these conditions to watch their weekly fix of football, very encouraging for Staveley and one that we were grateful to Staveley for, having the surface to get this game on.  There was a collection of referees at the game including a nice catch up with Mark Grayling and Chris Roberts the latter who decided to pose for a picture and then declared 'Something make me feels I'm going to regret this' why would you?  Mind you nice face Chris.  Staveley regular hopper, DCFA officer and Chesterfield Sunday League social media guru Dan Brown was also in attendance.  So the great and good were all here.

NO REGRETS FROM CHRIS ROBERTS AS DAN BROWN WATCHES ON

Staveley started off at a pace with a young looking side eager to get the upper hand and they were in the lead as soon as the tenth minute when the endeavour and pace of Jay Cutts down the left fed the ball into a charging in Ben Bailey who fired home a sharp low drive into the Phoenix goal.

Phoenix found a way back into the game possession wise and with better finishing should have been level but that early goal would see Staveley ahead at half time.

REFEREE HILTON KEEPS A CALM VIEW ON PROCEEDINGS

A walk round at half time brought to light the new facility ice cold tables to keep your beer cold pitch side, thanks today to the last few days frost indeed there were a few hardy souls partaking even bringing their liquid refreshments outside.  Most though opted for the tea and coffee with a selection of steaming hot food from the clubhouse to offer some warm comfort.

THE LARGE CROWD MEANT JOSH WRAGG COULDNT HEAR THE REFS WHISTLE WHEN PLAYING THE BALL AWAY

The second period was looking pretty well balanced but gradually the pace of some of the home side and including impressive substitutes gave the home Staveley faithful another two goals to cheer.  With fifteen minutes to go Charlie Bingham's cheeky little flick pass set away Cutts, provider of the first goal, to fire past visiting keeper Matt Dalton to double the score.

The result was put beyond doubt with ten minutes remaining when Bingham again turned on the assist mode with a superb back post cross for Oliver Moore to head home.

TRIPLE PICTURE SPECIAL FOR REFEREE HILTON AS HE POINTS OUT THE FREE KICK LOCATION

Phoenix were unable to come back from these two late goals but had put up a sterling effort on a cold afternoon but they make them tough in Rotherham as they do in North East Derbyshire and today it was the Inkersall Road side who would put on a fine performance to warm up the hardy customers, although most now still craved a warm radiator.

STAVELEY DEFENSIVE CLEARANCE

With warm radiators drifting through my mind it was time to make for the exit to be greeted by an already waiting warm taxi to whisk me back to base.

PHOENIX FEED THE BALL INSIDE

CMA football is what it is and by that I mean its mostly good honest football with full on effort and that was true here today with non too little skill added wonderfully to the mix by the Staveley side this afternoon.

SOLID PERFORMANCE FROM ZIAH MCCLAREN

Return taxi had me arrive back at base about twenty minutes after the final whistle and this afternoon had been a fantastic bonus when little else footballing wise took place.  Thankfully the option of a taxi replaced some horrible standing around in Chesterfield for a bus change and the radiator was embraced warmly sooner rather than leter.

PHOENIX MANAGEMENT HALF TIME BEVERAGES CREATE DISCUSSION