CARDS AND GOALS

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 0 HOLBROOK SPORTS 4

CMA LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 1 AT THE FIELDINGS

28 SEPTEMBER 2024 --- 3PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V HOLBROOK SPORTS LUKE SHAW SENT OFF IN STOPPAGE TIME

Some games are easy to write up and others hard work and then there is this one I'm not sure where to start three red cards a raft of yellows and four goals for visiting Holbrook Sports three of which while they were down to ten men.  With that fact alone its The Brookies who will enter round two of The CMA League Challenge Cup following this convincing victory.

The chippy option was relegated today for an early drop off in Huthwaite Market Place and the Coop for a few nibbles before walking towards The Fieldings for todays encounter.  These two had returned a league draw a few weeks ago and sat nestled by the side of one another in the Premier South table.  But of course its the cup so anything can happen and boy did it.

CAPTAIN TOM SUTER GETS UP CLOSE

Mills would rue a golden opportunity as early as the first minute and how different this game may have been had Matt Dickinson not headed over from an excellent position via a Ryan Hancock cross.  But it didn't happen and Sports took their chance when Mills failed to clear at the back post Billy Barnes fired the ball home for the lead on 8 minutes.

Mills came back with a fair old effort but were guilty of missing some good openings and that was the ultimate game conclusion missed chances and Sports clinically took theirs.  But that all really got lost in the collection of red and yellow cards.  The three red and eight, although it may have been seven, counted in the first half kerfuffle on the Mills bench with referee Michael Gilvarry set the ball rolling.

Mills manager Mark Turner queried the ten yards a Holbrook player advanced on a throw in with the referee coming over to quieten him as he walked away Turner continued and was cautioned.  At this point sadly assistant manager Paul Hutchinson added his thoughts and referee Gilvarry was back with another yellow card and as he walked away he received a clapping applause from the second in command and once again the referee trod the same path for a second yellow and a red card that followed.  A frustrating moment that was completely unnecessary from Mills point of view but maybe could have been better managed by the man in charge also.

STEF BROWN WITH BENCHES WATCHING ON

So we arrived at half time with a very level encounter showing Sports in the lead but it could have been so easily the other way around.  The half time walk off still found the home manager in discussion with the match official.

The second period would start with the cards appearing on the pitch with a coming together in the bottom far corner, Tom Torrington was fortunate to receive just a yellow but Sam Pipes was not so lucky having shaped a head butt he was shown red by referee Gilvarry after 58 minutes.

YELLOW FOR MARK TURNER

You felt the game may descend now although it hadn't been particularly dirty it was showing the potential for a few flash points.  

Just seven minutes later the ten men of Holbrook doubled their lead when Mike Birkinshaw powered home a close range header from a lovely cross off the right, even as a neutral it was one of theose goals that made you shout out 'great goal'.

CAUTION FOR PAUL HUTCHINSON

Mills went to three across the back in the hope of exploiting Sports reduced number but they worked hard and remained solid right across the pitch.

The shortage at the back led to the visitors third a ball overt he top found Birkinshaw who lobbed the ball over Matt Fowler in the home goal to make it three after 70 minutes.

AND A RED

As the game entered its final stages Mills went close when captain Tom Suter struck a curling 25 yard free kick against the cross bar and then shortly afterwards from the opposite side of the pitch a low curling set piece hit a defenders knee and denied Mills a consolation.

DISCUSSION BETWEEN ASSISTANT REFEREE MARK HILTON AND REFEREE MICHAEL GILVARRY ON A CHALLENGE

With five minutes of time remaining the visitors made it four through substitute Luke Stone who went on to celebrate by running away lowering his shorts to reveal burgundy briefs and lifting his shirt chest bound a strange celebration but one he managed to carry off without any problems.

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN CAPTION UP HERE

His joy turned to desolation five minutes into stoppage time when he broke from the half way line was tackled what looked like fairly by Hancock but for some reason, he will now why, took exception to something and we soon had a melee with three Mills players trying to stop his advances.  It wasnt pleasant and once again after it calmed down referee Gilvarry had no option but to produce the third red card of the game alongside two yellows for home players.

NO PICTURES LOOK AGAIN

Strange incidents that produced the crimson cards when there didn't seem any problems on the pitch or between the two benches except for these flash points.

All was peaceful as both sets of players and officials came off the pitch at then end although Mills did still fancy a little chat with referee Gilvarry.

SAM PIPES CANNOT BELIEVE HE IS SENT OFF

The inconsistency of Mills was there for all too see but frustratingly they had chances to score and on another day would have won this game but the reduced numbers of Sports held firm defending their lead and then managed to increase it with some attentive finishing something the home side could not manage.

YELLOW FOR TOM TORRINGTON

The old adage of concentrate on the league now for the home side and for Sports the chance to have a cup run with today's determination who knows how far it might just take them.

Lots of photo action and as ever the words have run short before the match pictures so hopefully you can enjoy the remaining ones below, thanks.

MIKE BIRKINSHAW QUIETLY CELEBRATES HIS GOAL

TED NEEDS NO HASSLE JUST A CHILL OUT WITH A WARM BLANKET

A SECOND CELEBRATION FOR BIRKINSHAW

THE FINAL BIT OF ACTION IN STOPPAGE TIME

COUPLE OF MILLS YELLOWS AFTER THE STOPPAGE TIME INCIDENT THE SPORTS RED IS THE LEAD PICTURE

MR ASHOVER 40 YEARS

ASHOVER 2 WIRKSWORTH IVANHOE RES 5

CMA DIVISION TWO AT MILKEN LANE

21 SEPTEMBER 2024 --- 3PM

ASHOVER V WIRKSWORTH IVANHOE RES

Ashover manager Don Carline has entered his 40th season in management in a mini celebration day that included the welcoming of club sponsors and team photo too they just could not find the victory his efforts so deserve against a very good Wirksworth Ivanhoe side.  The half time score line was level after a pulsating opening 45 minutes but in the second period the young guns from the Derbyshire Dales took command and in the end swept Ashover aside.

SPONSORS DAY WITH CAPTAIN AND MANAGER

With a cheeky taxi from base to ground arrival was early, 1.30pm, with the intention of a walk around the lovely village before the game.  But of course Don was already there brand new nets in situ freshly purchased from his own pocket of course and there was time for a brief catch up before a checking of the scene for the team photograph on what was a very bright afternoon.

ASHOVER FC 24/25

Walk completed and after a visit to Anna's Tuck Shop in the village, a must for all walkers or visitors, arrival back at the ground still had an hour to go to the kick off.  

Ashover had been kindly sponsored by two couples this season and as most people they appeared readily aware of the efforts Don puts in.  It is not unfair to call him Mr Ashover since the age of 22 when his father fell ill he has managed the team and experienced some lovely highs through the varying leagues, Hope Valley, Midland Regional Alliance, Central Midlands League and now its newly named Central Midlands Alliance guise.  The recent years have been more lean and its become a near one man operation and without him the village would not have a representative side, it remains a great shame more people do not amble down from the village to take 90 minutes of football in to support the side and of course Don's efforts.

REFEREE SYD ATWAL WITH DON CARLINE BEFORE THE GAME

With sponsors day photos done the team were super helpful in completing a proficient 24/25 team picture.  Before the game having mentioned to Derby based referee Syd Atwal Don's achievement he asked if he could say a few words and before kick off he gathered round both sides with their permission and the crowd to express what a great achievement forty years in charge is and added to that the benefits of football bringing people and communities together.  A great effort Syd well done!

DECLAN YOUNG GETS THE BALL AWAY

So after an almost TV build up to the game it was time for the action to commence and to be honest this was first 45 minutes was probably the most interesting  football I had seen this season.  With Ashover sat in a lowly position having conceded goals but also scored too it was set up for a tough encounter against high flying Ivanhoe.  Having seen Ivanhoe's first team quite a few times and this season twice in the last month you know they will always be up for the game.

YOUNG RACES ON WITH THE BALL

It was a physical and battling first half with both sides giving no quarter two early efforts go just wide with cross goal efforts one for each side.  It was looking as though the visitors would breakthrough but that didn't allow for Morgan Boyle who had a superb game and he would give Ashover the lead  on 25 minutes when he got through on goal and converted past Eion Gent in the visitors goal.  As Ashover gained more confidence from the goal just past the hour mark Joe Moss forced Gent into a save that he pushed away but Moss following up struck the ball goalwards only for the cross bar to intervene and as the ball fall away again Ashover had penalty appeals turned away as they had a player bundled over in the box.

JOE MOSS

Three minutes before the break it was somewhat of a shame for the underdogs to concede but probably only fair for Wirksworth's contribution to the first half.  A throw of the left flicked over to the back post where Harley Taylor headed home.

MORGAN BOYLE GETS A SHOT IN

All square at the break and as Ashover drifted into their changing room the visitors remained pitch side and with the weather holding fine and non of the forecast heavy showers arriving I was feeling over prepared with big coat and umbrella.

The half started poorly for Ashover the visitors were awarded a free kick on he half way line and right on the left touchline in the 53rd minute.  Defender Ben Paget launched a mighty kick to the far side of Mason Chapman's goal and agonisingly the keeper couldn't get to it as the ball dropped in just under the crossbar.  There was a deflated feeling about the home side now who seemed to have had the wind taken out of them and Wirksworth would go on to take advantage of this perceived weakness.

HIGH BALL FOR MOSS TO CONTROL

Three further quick fire goals put this game well and truly to bed on 68 minutes as Ashover failed to clear their lines close in Tom Donavan punished them by driving the ball over the line.  Two minutes later it was four as Ashover seemed now flat and right off the pace after that inspiring first half, Reece Marshall raced through to finish despite the best efforts of Chapman in goal who got a touch to the shot.

Then on 73 minutes the fifth Amazingly awarded a free kick in the same position as the second goal was scored from and audaciously Ben Paget tried the same again this time it didn't quite happen but it created enough chaos under the cross bar that allowed Donavan to pop home his second.

BOYLE RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE OPENING GOAL

There was time for the ever impressive Boyle to set up a second for Ashover with a superb central run weaving past the visiting defenders his shot from just inside the box deflected off one of the men in green and Moss slotted home.

Shortly afterwards referee Atwal brought and end to proceedings a stand out performance from an excellent Ivanhoe side who battled it out in the first half against a determined Ashover and took full advantage of their chances in the second period as Ashover drifted off the pace.

SOME THOUGHTS FROM MR CARLINE

Disappointing result for manager Carline and the Ashover side who had given so much to this game and they remain with just one solitary win but looking at the table their losses have been against mostly the top teams so far and if they can continue to replicate the first half performance the results will come they just have to stick at it. 

You know for sure one man will, oh yes first their and guess who was last out, well done Don happy 40th.

[as ever a few more pictures than words so hopefully you will scroll down to take a look at just a few more]

LUCAS BRAILSFORD ON THE BALL FOR ASHOVER

IVANHOE RISING HIGH

CARLINE SUPPORTED BY DANNY HOLLAND

A QUICK WORD LADS

BEN PAGET CELEBRATES A FIFTY YARDER

MOSS FEELS THE TACKLE

A WINS A WIN

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 3 WIRKSWORTH IVANHOE 2

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT LEES LANE

14 SEPTEMBER 2024 --- 3PM

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC V WIRKSWORTH IVANHOE SAM KELLY GET THE CONGRATULATIONS

South Normanton just about hung on here for the three points but they will take it as these elevated them to the top spot in The CMA Premier South League table, a place they aim to be occupying come May next Year.  Leading 3-0 at half time they did their best to disappear for large chunks of the second half and when the visitors pulled two quick goals back they were thankful for a late save from Ross Etheridge to keep a grip of the points.

CLEMMIE AND LILY SHOWING OFF THEIR NEW MERCHANDISE

The shock call was I decided to give the fish and chips a miss today and the call went out for a trip round the adjacent Coop for a few provisions.  With entrance fee paid it was nice to see the ground since its close season improvement looking resplendent again in bright sunshine and a the newly named snack bar Keith's Kiosk offering delicacies in the I'm in South Normanton get me out of hereeeeee challenge!!

Also new today were the official bandanas that Debbie and Kev's dogs Clemmie and Lilly were showing off.  Early attempts to get a photo were thwarted as they were more interested in the chairman's chips.  So after obtaining the teams a wander round to the stand produced ten minutes of trying to get these two to stand together with bandanas on straight, herding geese springs to mind.  Lovely pictures individually and then Debbie played the ace in the pack hold a treat up in the air out of camera shot and although slightly apart snap they were captured the little beauties proudly displaying their allegiances. 

Game wise Wirksworth Ivanhoe are always a tough opposition and last season in this game they went away with a win to put a dent in The Shiners promotion campaign.  This season though Normanton are storming the league and a good result could see them go top by 5 o'clock tonight. 

So at 3.45 and 3-0 up it was all going well.

South Normanton had looked sharp down both wings, the deadlock was broken on fourteen minutes when Josh Scully fed Sam Kelly who weaved his way into the box turning the defender and firing home past defender and keeper.

Ten minutes later the lead was doubled as Snell converted in the middle  and it was three nil just past the half hour mark as Kelly, who was on fire in this first half, weaved his way into the box and fired a sharp shot past the keeper it struck the far post and Snell was on hand to grab his second.

The second half well what can you say I stood at the end the home side were attacking and saw very little of the ball.  Whether this was physical or the old mental attitude of  '3-0 lads we've won this' who knows as at times you wanted to go and check the changing rooms to see if some of the team were locked in after the break.

You could see the goals coming and on 69 minutes Ivanhoe pulled the first one back from a low cross off the right that Jack Higton fired home and there was only five minutes to wait for the second that would give the home side an agonising run in.  It was Higton again who drove in with time and space on his side.

The Shiners had a brief spell of awakening to try to widen the goal advantage but to little avail and in the end they were so grateful to birthday boy Ross Etheridge who pulled off a superb parrying save in the third minute of stoppage time to deny Wirksworth an equaliser.

Referee David Hatfield's full time whistle was nearly matched in volume levels by the sighs of relief around Lees Lane as Normanton clung on to the three points.  A wins a win and they will all be important come the end of the season no matter how achieved

Strangely enough Normanton manager Dave Turners twin brother Mark at Mansfield Hosiery Mills had witnessed a role reversal comeback when Mills were 4 down at half time a few weeks back to Ivanhoe and they stormed back to lose by the odd goal in 7 when a late chance like here could so easily have levelled affairs for Mills on that day.