THEY ARE BACK

DRONFIELD TOWN 1 ATHERSLEY REC 2 

NCEFL 1 AT H E BARNES STADIUM

24 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 3PM

DRONFIELD TOWN V ATHERSLEY REC

They are back Dronfield Town that is a lovely club back on the blog again for the first time in a while.  They are back three points for Athersley Rec after five straight losses.

But more importantly fish and chips they are back on the blog from the delightful hidden away Jolly Friar.

Athersley Rec bossed Dronfield out of this game with a determined 100% performance that makes you wonder were that has been in their recent collection of defeats.  Today's victory clearly meant so much to them as a squad and the togetherness from bench to pitch was clear for all to see.  

THEY ARE BACK

Again another week of rain had led to many postponements but with the pitch playable and looking pretty good at Dronfield the taxi gamble was played and arrival just half a mile short of the ground saw the re emergence on the blog of the English take away delicacy.  The fish and chip review section has not featured for a few years now and was a staple part of the blurb from an away day to the more far flung visits so much so that some people only followed it for the food I'm sure.

Long time readers will know that the old Jolly Friar was run by a Sheff Weds fan and it was a hidden gem then before an upgrade and change of owner and then a fresh owner took over so this would be the first time to check out the latest offerings.  As ever a fine portion of chips, small, and large fish were at the top of the review table with the fish cooked fresh it was nice and hot and although I went for the large fish I'm not sure the size of the small fish.  Fish and chips is no longer a cheap meal but better to pay for quality than throw away half the food box.  I'm eeping a check on Dronfield's fixtures for a return visit to the Jolly Friar I'm looking forward to it now.

JAMES WOODHOUSE WITH THE OPENER FOR ATHERSLEY

As ever at Dronfield a friendly welcome on the gate and although not much as changed from my last visit probably 5 years ago now.  The great wall of Dronfield remains intact behind the goal, the ground is still three sided for spectators, the people here are still welcoming including the homely snack bar, however the pitch has improved.  The playing surface at one stage was a cause for concern and certainly today's game after all of the winters rain would not have been playable a few years back I believe drainage work and what looked like from my memory either a moving and shortening of its width had helped take out some of the problem area.

HEAD INJURIES SEE REFEREE ROSE CALL ON THE MEDICS

The game would feature a nice clash of kits to the eye with Dronfield's classic black and red stripes against the Yorkshire visitors in all over tangerine or dayglo orange you decide but it certainly brightened up proceedings.

THE CHASE IS ON

Before the game it was good to catch up with referee Andy Wood who had picked up a line today when his appointment in the middle in his north west pool was postponed, so a line beckoned and here he was at Frithwood Drive.  Today he would be part of a team headed up by Chris Rose and assistant Notts referee the experienced Graham Taylor who still loves the game, he must do as many appointments as anybody.

THE EYES HAVE IT

The early stages looked like a very competitive encounter would be the order of the day and so it turned out to be.  But it would be the visitors who would take the lead on the quarter of an hour mark when a move down the right saw the ball find its way to the back post for James Woodhouse to fire the ball home.

CLOSE UP IN THE VISITORS PENALTY BOX

Dronfield came back with a header that struck the bar and then Sam Bebbington brought a brilliant close range save out of visiting number one Ellis Pickard.  Athersley got a firm grip of the game after this home surge and the togetherness was the selling point from bench to player to touchline supporters this club looked so determined today.

At times it had to be said there was a fair bit of dissent from the visitors bench and on the pitch but referee Rose chose the leniency option and at half time the visitors were good value for their lead. 

SUB NICOLAS BENSON TAKES ON THE ATHERSLEY DEFENCE

Dronfield started the second period determined to get level and after a couple of substitutions it was one of these Owen Lester who lashed home a volley from 10 yards to bring parity to the score line on 68 minutes.  As Dronfield appeared to be gaining the upper hand fellow sub Nicolas Benson forced Pickard into another sharp save and then a superb salmon like save from the head of Billy Wright which had looked all the way like giving the Derbyshire side the lead.

Having weathered the storm Athersley broke away in a sweeping move that saw a great initial save from Lewis Naylor but Jack Briscoe wasn't to be denied and Athersley with that had collected all three poiints

REFEREE ROSE CAUTIONS HAKIM JOHNSON FOR ATHERSLEY

A tough, tough, tough old game really hard physical advert for the NCEFL in which I felt sorry for Dronfield who had performed well but the commitment from Athersley Rec had to be admired, but playing like this you have to ask why are they in their current struggling league position?

LAST MINUTE TACKLE

POWERFUL

TUPTON 93 CLEETHORPES 0

COUNTIES 3 MIDLANDS EAST [NORTH] AT NORTH SIDE

18 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 2.15PM

TUPTON V CLEETHORPES AT NORTH SIDE

[Score update was made on England Rugby site from 91-0 to 93-0 which was the the final score the blog calculated but went with the official declared 91-0 as explained in the blog, this has now been changed so the blog has been updated]

A totally dominant performance from Tupton with a points total to match saw them keep up the pressure on the top two in the table on a damp North Side pitch that thanks to the efforts of the club and its volunteers allowed this game to go ahead.

Yes after another week of rain and more rain the local sports fields were once again at the top of their water levels and with games called off on grass at the level of football the blog watches it was 3g again or a chance to revisit Tupton Rugby Union Football Club.  As Bob Curry told me at half time I'm only down here when the weather is bad and of course he his right, promise to make some nice weather rugby Bob, if there is any before the end of the season of course.

The short walk to the game is always a blessing no frustrating travel and a quick return at the end making it a delight I clearly should do more often.  Todays visitors are towards the wrong end of the table but have long journeys most weekends non more so than around an hour and a half today so you have applaud their fortitude.  Tupton meanwhile are having a wonderful season having just recently completed the double over neighbours Chesterfield Panthers.  Indeed the last time down at North Side was for the home fixture versus the Panthers in late October.

It was all very wet pitch side as well as the playing area but if you are not making use of the excellent clubhouse and viewing platform then you will probably know where to stand to avoid the worse of the underfoot conditions.

Since the last visit the horrendously wet winter forced the cancellation of the clubs fireworks night event which has happened for the last two season a major disappointment because like many things this club does they base their beliefs within the community they play in which make them a credit to Tupton.

During the game it was good to acknowledge two former junior school colleagues and get a lovely picture of my former teacher Roger Kench who was off to referee the seconds game on the adjacent pitch.  Of course you never forget teachers at school do you?  During the visit to the far side of the pitch it was also great to catch up with football mates and Nigel a regular down at the club.

It was around this time that I managed a chat with Mr Curry jacketed and with a beverage in hand, I don't think it was a coffee, always a pleasure and the Bristolian is always welcoming to visitors, shaking hands at the end with the match referee and Cleethropes captain but its what Rugby is all about.

Today also saw the club hosting the Old Tuptonian Tipple Club run by the vice president it did of course offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, I know its a surprise a rugby club and alcohol.  

So to the game and I'm not making a mess of describing all these point needless to say the visitors after the opening three minutes soon fell under the Tupton grasp with the first try and conversion coming as early as the fourth minute.  After this it was a steady stream of Tupton crossing the line and by half time they lead 47-0

The second half saw the onslaught continue with pace and breakaways to the forefront of the try's allowing many to be touched down behind the posts.  Added to this the sheer strength and powerful determination hopefully captured in the pictures allowed these to arrive.

By full time Tupton had notched up 91 points without reply, I even had it as 93 but must have given them a bonus conversion ha,ha.  [Update, the England Rugby site has now changed the final score to 93-0 so the blog has been amended].

Totalling out at fifteen try's and nine conversions from Sammy Cooper bringing the total to 93-0 as issued to the England Rugby website.

Lets take a minute to thank Cleethorpes a long journey to play a club clearly in form but they gave their all and were as ever in this game gracious in defeat, I hope somebody got them a drink afterwards.  But the spirit they showed is what this game is all about.  As one of their players commented as they lined up behind the posts in the first half waiting another Cooper conversion attempt 'were seeing this through were are not going anywhere'.

With the short walk back to base this had been an enjoyable afternoon, again, spent around this superb community club.

Time for me to shut up now and hopefully you can enjoy the further pictures from the game.

HONOURS EVEN

SLEETMOOR UNITED 3 ASHLAND ROVERS 3

CMA LEAGUE ONE EAST AT SLEETMOOR LANE

10 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 2PM

SLEETMOOR UNITED V ASHLAND ROVERS CMA LEAGUE ONE EAST

A brace for Ryan Butler for Ashland Rovers and Morgan Boyle of Sleetmoor in a game that saw a 92nd minute equaliser from the visitors would appear to be the highlights but that would miss out visiting keeper Sam Blair from the roll of honour.  Blair constantly denied the Sleetmoor attack and non more so than Boyle who could probably have had a double hat trick had it not been for the heroics of the number 1 who proved to be a superb shot stopper.

SLEETMOOR CAPTAIN CONNOR KERRY

A second visit to Sleetmoor having tried to cover their new 3g pitch just under two years ago for a fixture against Bargate and failed when it was played on grass today was the day to see a game on the facility.  Once again after a week of wet stuff we had three inches of snow in the surrounding area and as this melted thanks to heavy rain we had a weekend of inevitable grass roots postponements and the options of a 3g game were the saviour for the footy fan. 

CARD WITH A SMILE REFEREE HENLEY SHOWS THE YELLOW TO JUDE THOMPSON 

Arrival forty five minutes before kick off after a morning text response from United manager Adam Broadley confirmed the details and the game was on and playing on the 3g pitch.  It was a pleasure to meet Adam before kick off and have a brief chat about non league football and as ever I was very thankful for a quick response to my enquiry in the morning, it really is great when clubs respond like this and allows for the planning to be less stressful.

After a look at the pitch which is caged but with a 2/3rd viewing area down one side I made a journey back the 150 yards to the clubs changing room facilities passing the café and modern cabin toilet block including accessible toilet.  The reason as ever was to obtain the team sheet photo [names as per those listed to numbers] but before manager Broadley could return with these it was also good to catch up with Roger Kerry who will be 

known to many for his tremendous commitment to Sleetmoor United.  With over 400 registered players you will know that clubs like this often survive on a small band of helpers but today Roger was I guess spending another of his many days at the ground.  Having been there I could empathise he saw little of the game from locking up to opening up to allowing access to a substituted player to the changing rooms, he of course greeted referee Richard Henley.  Oh yea and when I lost him in the second half he was doing an outside of the 'cage' sortie in the trees to claim the match balls that had evaded the green mesh.  On the back of men like Roger does non league and grassroots football survive through match days and the many form filling, grant applications and administration, absolute stars.

RYAN BUTLER RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR HIS OPENING GOAL

The game today would pit the visitors who were flying high but off the points total of the leading two in League 1 East against Sleetmoor who were struggling at the wrong end of the table.  Having seen Kirton take on Sleetmoor just before Christmas they did not appear to be in a fair position and after today you would have to question why they are not further up the table.  Its a little while since I caught up with Ashland in a competitive game although I did see them play Glapwell in a pre season game at Holmewood a few years ago. 

ADAM BROADLEY SLEETMOOR MANAGER IN THOUGHTFUL MODE

Pitch side is difficult with 2/3rd open to spectators and no stand like at The Radford Hymas Academy which attracts people from pitch side its not always a clear view for photos with the 'benches' standing the same side as spectators.  But to the footpath end goal there was a clearer view for photos.  It was though a difficult day for them with drizzle to heavier rain all accompanied by poor light.

 ASHLAND ROVERS BRING THE BALL AWAY

There was a frantic start when Rovers took the lead from the penalty spot Butler was fouled but only after two efforts had gone in on goal one that flew back off the woodwork, although referee Henley awarded a penalty and cautioned Jude Thompson for the initial foul..  Butler brushed himself down and converted from the spot.

DAVE PHILLIPS PONTS THE WAY FORWARD WITH JOINT MANAGER JOE WALKER

You did wonder how Sleetmoor would respond and the answer came on twenty minutes when Boyle, who would prove a livewire and goal threat all afternoon, drove home a lovely low drive from 20 yards to level the scores on 20 minutes.

There was though disappointment for the home side when the visitors took the lead again eight minutes later when their own threat Butler got his second with a lovely finish across the keeper into the bottom right hand corner to make it 2-1 to the Nottinghamshire side.

MORGAN BOYLE TAKING ON THE ASHLAND DEFENCE

We arrived at half time unchanged score line wise there was some tentative stuff that got us their with keeping possession being the order of the day but not too much in the way of breaking through the defences being to the fore.

CONTEST FOR THE BALL

Both sides retreated the walk back to the changing rooms to re gather their efforts for the second half and with Ashland out early there was a little wait before referee Henley blew his whistle to bring our the home side for the continuation of the game.

THAT MAN BOYLE ABOUT TO GET ANOTHER EFFORT IN ON GOAL

The second half turned out to be the Boyle Blair encounter and the precedent was set when Boyle fired in two shots that the Ashland number one parried away to deny Sleetmoor.

Shortly after he was there again to push away an effort from Boyle and then to cap it off he denied Finlay Pass with the follow up from the lose ball.  

Finally just shy of the hour mark United levelled again Blair pushed away a Boyle strike but this time the ball was turned into the goal by Will Price.

BOYLE TACKLES THE ASHLAND DEFENCE

It got better on 68 minutes for Sleetmoor when awarded a free kick in a central position 25 yards out Boyle, who always fancies a shot, drove a superb low strike into the bottom right hand of the goal not to be denied this time by the dive of Blair for his second of the match.

3-2 SLEETMOOR

The closing stages would provide some of the best action of the game as the keeper striker encounter continued again Blair denied Boyle his hat trick with five minutes remaining the Ashland number one again got the upper hand, three minutes later he thwarted Connor Kerry as his heroics continued to keep the visitors in the game.

How vital these saves turned out to be when in the second minute of time added on Matt Cullen rose at the far post to head home a left wing cross to bring the scores level at 3-3.

You may have though the remarkable performance from Blair was over, well think again on 95 minutes he again pushed away a shot from hat trick seeker Boyle and immediately rose to his feet to save from Connor Kerry.

A few moment later referee Henley called an end to the game but it would be remembered for a remarkable battle between the Ashland keeper and front man of Sleetmoor, some fantastic shot stopping.

CONNOR KERRY DOWN THE RIGHT WING

An enjoyable game that avoided the blank Saturday scenario and a great chance to catch up with Sleetmoor who continue to work exceptionally hard to provide grassroots and non league football, well done to all.

GO ON THEN ONE MORE OF THE ATTACKING BOYLE

STAVELEY IN MAIN SHOW

STAVELEY MW RES 3 YORKSHIRE MAIN 0

CMA PREMIER NORTH AT INKERSALL ROAD

4 FEBRUARY 2024 --- 3PM

DANIEL BOULTON HEADS GOALWARDS IN STAVELEY V YORKSHIRE MAIN

Staveley aquired the winning habit as this game went on and finally sunk visitors Yorkshire Main with three goals without reply, but this could have been a different story had the visitors taken their first half chances.  They were more than competitive with both sides playing some lovely football on the carpet at Inkersall Road but after the break Staveley moved up a gear while Main seemed to lose their equity in the game.

YOU READY?

After a fairly dry week there was the threat of afternoon rain and with some of the local options on pitches that are suffering from this winters downpours a decision not to risk any late postponements was taken with a trip to see Staveley's second string taken with the safety of the 3g pitch coming into play.  So with cheeky taxi booked, again, it was a smooth and comfortable arrival forty minutes before kick off.

REFS REES AND GRAYLING SOLVE NET ISSUE

After a circuit of the ground taking a look at both sides warming up there was chance to obtain the teams from today's officials.  They are a cracking set of gentleman who conduct themselves in a way that is a credit to the game with man in the middle Rob Rees not seen for a fair while it was good to catch up with him.  Rob remains a dream to a photographer much like an active manager in the dug out he is always talking to the players and always offering a different expression as he looks to communicate his was through the game.  So apologies if there are a few ref pictures, a few more than normal anyway, it was a challenge which ones to leave out.  Joining Rob today are Mark Grayling who was on last weeks blog at Mansfield Hosiery Mills and Andy Gasgoigne who was also featured a few weeks back at South Normanton.  A pleasure to have a few minutes of their time, thanks fellas.

THE BIG GREETING

Today the visitors to North East Derbyshire were Yorkshire Main from the former pit village of Edlington.  Memories of a visit there I guess over a decade ago now so the usual tour around the village shops and I well remember the large Coop which I believe is sadly no more and then the biggest  mistake fish and chips from the first chip shop, which were fine but upon viewing the menu at the second shop I spotted battered black pudding on offer.  Note to self if there are two chippy's check them both out first.

There was time before the kick off to have a nice photographic chat with Richard Lightning about the fun of sports snapping, he had certainly undertook some superb team pictures processing for many sides he had assisted and all to raise further funds for the clubs.

The visitors looked resplendent in their somewhat retro kit, the shirts being particularly eye catching with the smart Yorkshire white rose badge.  Added to this Staveley's bold stripes made this a game featuring two attention grabbing kits.

TIME TO CLEAR

There was a small delay to the start while the net was secured at the changing room end and as usual it seems to be left to the match officials to sort the issue.  It did lead to the how many officials does it take to sort a net out question though, in fairness the height of referee Rees seemed to be the necessary requirement.

CLOSE MARKING DANIEL BOULTON AND ZIAH MCCLAREN

Having discussed the photographic problems Staveley turned the lights on just before kick off something that for us amateurs makes life hard but thankfully they didn't interfere until just before half time by which time the natural had deteriorated enough for them to be required, added to this it was now raining so time to get to the stand behind the goals for some protection.

MAIN WIN THE AERIAL CHALLENGE THANKS TO REGAN CONSTANTINE

The first half had been a competitive affair with the early plaudits going to the visitors and somehow they failed to take the lead with a couple of chances that looked goal bound.  Indeed this would be their undoing when Staveley scored two goals in five minutes firstly after 37 minutes when Callum Brown converted and then Jay Cutts slotted home from the penalty spot.

Two nil slightly flattered the home side but Main had not taken their chances and Staveley had, that was the difference.

LIAM HENDLEY DEFENDS THE STAVELEY BOX

By the time we got round to the restart the afternoon had really fallen away with a misty, dark and drizzly afternoon being to the fore for the second 45 minutes.

DANIEL BOULTON YORKSHIRE MAIN

The half was dominated by Staveley who although they could only add one goal a lashed home shot from Charlie Bingham just past the hour mark to make it 3-1.

Main seemed to have gone right off the boil now although they did have a fair chance again when Daniel Boulton beat the offside trap to race through the middle only to place his shot just wide.

The visitors were grateful to keeper Ralphie Smethurst who pulled off a superb acrobatic save via Harrison Lightning's effort.

BRANDON BURKE LOOKS FOR THE OPTION

Tom Reece collected his second yellow card and the inevitable red for a foul on the left hand side of the Staveley box as the visitors attacked.  So Staveley finished the game with ten men something they managed quite comfortably.

MID HALF SMILE FROM REFEREE REES

With the rain and murky Derbyshire night closing in the surreal sound of the chimes of an ice cream van on the neighbouring estate were only surpassed by referee Rees whistle for full time just after a quarter to five, anybody for a 99?

AERIAL CHALLENGE WITH BRAD MCFADDEN WINNING

An enjoyable afternoon of CMA football once again and a great chance to catch up with a Yorkshire Main side, for Staveley they were more than happy a win here and a win for the first time at Athersley Rec

CAUTION CHARLIE BINGHAM

Ready and waiting for the 'cheeky taxi' arrival, back at base around 5.30pm from a good game for the second weekend running its taken a while to see some entertaining games this season but in the non league world the whole visit is about so much more isn't it.

BIG HAND LITTLE HAND CHECK BY REFEREE REES