HISTORY MAKERS

CLAY CROSS TOWN 1 MELTON TOWN 0

FA VASE 3RD ROUND AT MILL LANE

14 DECEMBER 2024 --- 3PM

FA VASE CLAY CROSS TOWN V MELTON TOWN 

Clay Cross Town progressed to round four with this 1-0 victory thanks to Ross Duggan who three minutes after half time rippled the Melton net and in the process saw them way surpass anything the club had previously achieved at this level.  A wonderful effort once again coming out on top against a side from a level above them in the non league structure something they had been making a habit of in previous rounds and now into the last 32 in a national competition, just let that sink in for a moment.

Today would be a bright but very cold day with a fast disappearing light as is normal at this stage of the season and a reason why, getting my excuses in, the pictures are not a s sharp as normal.  That though is the case with 3pm kick offs in the mid winter.  

Cards on the table I as many will know spent some time here helping out this wonderful little club with the ultimate pinnacle of floodlights but all that is history as the club have recently go above and beyond.

The new container stands with one seated and one standing as added an extra option to the lovely old stand and of course the stand of character the former Queens Park cricket stand that had stood entwined in overgrowth for many a year at Bolsover Town's former ground.  But the recent developments of new Tunnel Cafe, rebuild and re siting of changing rooms alongside 'the cross bar' bringing a tremendous new era to the Mill Lane club.

A recent change in ownership with Ryan Smith bringing in his ability to improve the side and also work on what was a previously perfect playing surface that was wrecked in last seasons winter with flooding and constant downpours that seemed to effect the East Midlands worse than other parts of the country.  

Head groundsman and now also Chairman Lee Watson was as ever busy on the gate, pitch and backrooms hardly seeing the first half and former secretary Dave 'Nobby' Clark was also in attendance alongside many of the old crew in Lee Bagshaw and Mick Goulding.  So it was good to see a continuity but this club currently looks really exciting with some nice facilities all built close to the pitch side now.

A circuit of the ground found Mr W of the Woodseats parish in attendance with a proud displaying of his Clay Cross Town scarf built somebody getting him a CXTFC hat he was still in a Spireites one.  Local photographer Bill Wheatcroft a lovely chap who travels the non league scene remembering him from his days as a contributor to the excellent Crooked Spireite fanzine in the days gone by.  Other glitterati were there Ollie, Geordie Clive et al along with hardy band of regular Millers supporters.  Overall a lovely catch up with many non league supporters. 

Referee David Constable was a change from last weeks original fixture and it was good to catch up with hIm before the game with a chat about the last time had photographed him in The CMFL cup final at Alfreton probably 7 years ago.  He certainly had a very good game today along with his assistants who looked fit and up for keeping up with the on the pitch action.

Melton visited from UCL Premier North and were just outside the play off zone so a real challenge was on the cards, also with them were a nice band of supporters with the famous 'pork pie army' banner sadly they hadn't brought any samples.  But bringing samples was Jason from Andy Man club who were offering wrist bands to the supporters.

Game wise then and the first half was very much about Clay Cross pressure with the visitors defence holding strong and limiting the Millers to shots from around the edge of the box that all flashed wide of the posts but far enough not to worry the goal, the exciting Carlton Carty was always willing to make a run down the left and most importantly take on the defence.

The visitors were proving a counter attack threat with left winger Will Norcross challenging the defence and supplying a couple of low crosses that skipped across the goal mouth just needing a touch.  

The best chance of the half did fall to the visitors Kieran Hayes got through but Charlie Dando was out quickly to block but the ball fell back to Hayes who shot was heading goal bound until Liam Vardy swept in to clear the ball off the line.

With the temperature dropping many went to the excellent Tunnel Cafe and some popped in for a colder option in the Cross Bar.

The second half could not have started better for Clay Cross when after just three minutes they scored the goal that would win the tie through Ross Duggan who turned to create space and fired across the keeper to see the ball nestle in the far corner of the visitors goal.  Scenes of joy followed as the team and supporters celebrated but wait there was still nearly a full 2nd half to play.

The Millers settled down but slowly tiredness was creeping in as the clubs fixtures appeared to catch up with them, 1/4 finals in DFA Cup, League Cup and top of the table following a tough Wednesday night game at local rivals Staveley.

Melton were going to give this a go and Norcross again got in and his effort was blocked by Ash Grayson for a corner.  Next Hayes got in and Dando pushed the ball away with the follow up shot hitting the post.

Clay Cross were increasingly looking for the breakaway and Ahmed Tahar forced the keeper into a sharp save.

It was though the visitors who were pushing the home side back with Harry Wakefield forcing Dando into another save and as the ball fell lose he smothered Damien McCrory's effort. 

With nine minutes to go Melton hit the woodwork again this time the crossbar when Kalis Gore cut in off the left and hit a sweet shot that inches lower would have caused despair for Clay Cross.

The Millers were hanging on now but hang on they did last gasp tackles and battles all over the pitch in what was a sterling effort. 

Referee Constable blew for time after five minutes of added time and the history makers were through to the fourth round with a home tie against Midland League Premier side Whitchurch Alport in the new year.

Highly entertaining game but the second half was so edgy for Clay Cross as Melton who look a good side pushed them too the limit.

As ever a few more pictures than words follow below.