HALLAM BEATEN BY GOALS AFTER TWO MINUTES IN EACH HALF

HALLAM 0 V YORKSHIRE AMATEURS 2
NCEFL 1ST DIVISION--17 FEB 2015---7.45pm

THE IMPRESSIVE MAIN STAND AT HALLAM FC

Hallam somehow lost this game with early goals in each half, 2nd and 47th minutes, against a Yorkshire Amateurs side who defended with gusto has Hallam blustered their way through the 90 minutes.
A first visit under the guise of the blog but a re visit after years away from Sandygate the home, of course, of Hallam FC the oldest ground and second oldest club.  Having taken the 51 out through Crosspool and alighted just before the ground the blog arrived an hour before kick off and with entrance fee paid and £2 programme purchased, a little expensive, it was the usual ground tour.  Not a circuit here because the ground doubles as a cricket ground and subsequently its a three sided affair.

STAND BEHIND THE TOP GOAL

Behind the top goal as we enter is a shallow covered terrace looking down the famous slope.  If you walk straight on from the entrance you first arrive at the modern built 1860 function suite which in its entrance displays a few artefacts and then the bar and TV area.  Moving along the side of this facility you come to the modern and well positioned main stand with its blue and white tip up seats and to the side is the snack bar with a variety of foods and drinks on offer, the latter in very small cups.

VIEW FROM THE MAIN STAND

Below the stand are two porta-cabins the first of which houses club officials and the PA announcer.  You can walk down and around the bottom end goal which also houses some practice nets for the cricket club. The far side is railed off neatly  but save for ball boy this is a no standing area.  The dugouts are modern built affairs with around them and the stand warnings to watch your swearing gentlemen!
Once again there was a variety of representatives from other clubs including our usual friends from AFC Mansfield, including manager Rudi Funk, Brian Bradley and NCEL officials etc.
So to the game and after two minutes the visitors were in the lead when Craig Heard fired home a well guided 20 yard effort after a free lock that was blocked by the 'wall' found its way out to him.  The remainder of the half saw Hallam seeking an equaliser but at half time they had not restored the parity.
Hallam must have been slow out from the break because again within two minutes Yorkshire Amateurs doubled their lead when Harrison Blakey lashed home a vicious shot 10 yards.  We then saw a repeat of the first half with Hallam dominant but unable to break down the visitors resolute defence.  Steve Brammer struck a post from 20 yards, Vill Powell fired wide when it looked certain he would equalise and then a few moments later his head flew wide and you began to believe it would not be Hallam's day.

ENTRANCE TO THE 1860 SUITE

With its three sided ground and slope its a funny old ground to view on but with an excellent stand and the history associated with Hallam its a must for all football fans to visit and after not visiting for quite a few years this was an enjoyable evening out in South Yorkshire.
The blog would also like to thank fellow visitors Steve who once again assisted with a fantastically generous lift all the way back to base, thank you!  This was very much appreciated on an increasingly cold evening.
#non league family!
There is a nice touch on leaving the ground ta sign thanking you for coming to visit, always a nice touch.

ADVERTISING BOARD OUTSIDE THE GROUND PROMOTES THE CLUB

HILL OVERCOMES BUCKLEY RESISTANCE TO SECURE DRAW IN FLINTSHIRE DERBY

FFLINT TOWN UNITED 1 V BUCKLEY TOWN 1
HUWS GRAY CYMRU ALLIANCE 14 FEBRUARY 2015----2.30PM--CAE Y CASTELL

A free flowing move on 90 minutes saw John Hill convert a sweet cross from Joe Davies, right on cue,  to earn Fflint a well deserved draw.  It was a lovely free flowing move that belied much of the previous 89 minutes in this battling Flintshire derby and following the home sides manager Timmy Williams picking up the manager of the month for January the defeat that normally follows these awards so nearly did here, however this would have been an injustice though for his teams efforts.

THE CONCRETE TOWER BLOCKS OF FLINT

The day started a good few hours earlier once again with a trip to North Wales and our friends at Arriva trains once again supplied a train with no on board display or announcements being made.  Mind you the highlight was the refreshment trolly man who on each sweep of the carriages always added a little 'funny' to his speech, the last one just before arrival at Flint was 'soft drinks, hard drinks'! 
Anybody who has departed at or glimpsed the town of Flint from the train station will probably know Flint as the town with the three concrete 1970's tower blocks that command the town centre skyline.  Well generally that about sums it up there is a shopping street and the Holywell Road by the station, which has one of the warmest ticket booking halls I have come across.  Sadly Flint looks like many of the other North Wales coastal towns in need of some loving care but there are some hidden gems, the footplate monument by the station although this seems to be hidden away from prominent view, Flint Castle featuring many a battle with the English and of course just over the way Fflint Town Utd FC.

FLINT CASTLE FINE VIEWS OVER THE DEE

The castle is an interesting half an hour with some superb views over the Dee Estuary looking over to the Wirral and back further inland to Connahs Quay.
As a side line to this blog on Fflint my interest in Welsh football took me to taking a look at this weekends odds in The Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League, well having popped into the local branch of the leagues sponsoring bookmakers it always amazes me that they never feature the league on their fixed odds coupons.  Whether there is some licensing requirement I don't know but you would think they would be proud of their association.

FINE VIEW-FFLINT TOWN UTD FC

Upon leaving the castle over the tourist car park is the Fflint Town Utd Social Club which introduces you to a small road that takes you past the Fflint rugby ground to Cae Y Castell the home of our target for todays blog.  Entry is via a modern turnstile block and first impressions are of a tidy business like ground, to the left is the main stand nicely adorned in black and white tip up seats.  Also housed in this area is the snack bar from which I managed to sample a bacon cob [for research purposes of course-mind you cob still throws people out].  Moving round the ground their is plenty of space behind the hard standing in the the corner is a small astro mini football pitch.

THE MAIN STAND AT CAE Y CASTELL

Uncovered behind the goal that backs onto the Dee and then on the far side to our entry two new atocst stands which look smart and a TV gantry between both.  The highlight in the base of the TV gantry is a lengthy pub style booth seat for a comfortable view of proceedings.  The top goal with the town behind it is uncovered except for one small old style atcost stand which mysteriously is situated behind the corner flag.

SMART NEW ATCOST STANDS WITH TV GANTRY

Like all football grounds security is of the upmost and the whole of the ground is surrounded by concrete block fencing which is topped off with roating spiked security fencing.  It seems to do its job though as the ground looks good and is kept very tidy, a credit to the club.
In search of the teams I discover a lovely little directors room under the stand and after obtaining the names and numbers locate a superb picture on the wall showing the clubs former ground at Hollywell Rd before re location in 1993.  The other notable point is that the club has an audible and well operated public address system with half times from WPL and Cymru Alliance, well done!


GOOD PA ANNOUNCERS A MUST AT FOOTBALL

FFLINT MANAGER TIMMY WILLIAMS

Its always a mystery to if Flint should have two 'f's' or as at the station 'Y Flint' and if the football club has enough suffixes in Town and then United as well! 
So to the game and as usual its a 2.30pm start in Wales, well I say 2.30 it was 2.35 with the officials only coming out to warm up at 2.25-Fflint were out on the pitch before the officials went back in at 2.28.  Its a minor but with the referee not arriving until 1.45 and one linesman turning out in still muddy boots it doesn't create a good impression.  That said Mr Roszkowski had a good game and was courteous and passed the time of day with people during the afternoon.  It proably had something to do with my train departing Flint station at 4.31 that had me clock watching!
For any late comers it looked for a long time as if they would have missed the only goal of the game when Buckley Town took the lead after 4 minutes when Sean Killgannon turned in Corey Smith's cross.
Fflint were struggling to put any cohesive move together and for the remainder of the half Buckley seemed happy to sit back and defend in number with an admirably work rate although it didn't make for a flowing game.
The second period saw the home side noticeably up the tempo but Buckley were still happy to work hard and get number behind the ball to frustrate Fflint.  Typically in these cases it was the defenders who broke on a few occasions and nearly extended their lead if it was not for Elliott Powell.
With 15 minutes to go Shaun Beck got in a superb header which visitors keeper Ben Jones pushed over with excellent reflexes.
Both sides benches had been enthusiastic and encouraging although the Buckley bench looked to be increasingly over stepping the mark and on 78 minutes following a 'chat' just a minute earlier Wrexham referee Roszkowski had heard enough from Buckley manager Tommy Taylor who was dismissed from the dug outs.

THAT WAY PLEASE

By this time any neutral was probably willing on Fflint after their efforts in this game and with the clock starting to veer into injury time the best move of the game saw Davies supply a cross for John Hill to fire home convincingly from close range.  Scenes of joy followed as Hill came to celebrate with the 'bench' and fellow players an supporters exhaled a sigh of relief.  With a new gusto Fflint stormed forward but could not find a winner and the Flintshire derby ended with a point a piece.
As previously mentioned it is a tight schedule for the train back but the Arriva services, thanks only two carriages, was made and we were on our way away from North Wales again.
A functional visit to a tidy ground with a nice new stand, a steady little programme and if you fancy a ground close to the town, station and with a tourist interest this may be the 'hop' for you.
A tough game sensibly refereed with an enthusiastic crowd of around 120 in attendance.

ITS STILL THAT WAY!

BULLS CONVINCING WIN EVEN AFTER A STRING OF MISSED CHANCES

AFC MANSFIELD 2 V WORSBROUGH BRIDGE 1
NCEL 1ST DIVISIION 11 FEB 2015----7.45PM

BULLS ARENA

This game was a one sided affair that should have resulted in a larger margin of victory for the Bulls of AFC. Its always difficult to see how a manager will see this whether it was a cracking home performance or a sloppy one due to the number of missed chance for AFC from good scoring positions.
Dec Lycett had given Worsbrough the lead after 11 minutes thanks to good work at the back post and thats the way it stayed at half time even though Mansfield had applied constant pressure for the remainder of the half.

THE BULLS ON AN UPWARD CYCLE

The second period started in a very similar pattern and it was Mansfield who finally levelled when Dean Rick headed back towards goal from the back post and with the ball looking to be cleared on the line it was assistant referee Stephen Lazenby who bravely signalled the whole of the ball had crossed the line to give The Bulls an equaliser on 54 minutes.  The winning goal came on 65 minutes from ex Stag, Spireite and Hull City livewire Ryan Williams and after that apart from the odd break away from Worsbrough it remained a game in which AFC Mansfield were always the team with the upper hand indeed an exquisite move on 80 minutes saw the finish from Williams look goal bound but strike the bar from the edge of the box.

AFC MANAGER RUDI FUNK KEEPS AN EYE ON PROCEEDINGS

AFC move back up to fourth and the promotion push is on although tonight should have been more convincing those three points were bagged for the cause.
This was the first visit while doing the blog to the Forest Town Arena, even though I have made fair few previous visits.  The clue is there in the title of the ground with the former Forest Town from CMFL days having played here.  The Bulls have resided here for their short life and progress through The CMFL and now into the NCEL.  The club is a tremendous set up but of course separate to AFC.  The directors of AFC Mansfield have invested on the improved changing room facilities and the Bulls tea bar which always has a couple of welcoming ladies serving and tonight's 'bovril' was as good as any where this season so far.
Before the game it was good to catch up with an old mate from my ground travels Nigel who is Worsbrough Bridges goal keeping coach and Andrew Saunders director of AFC Mansfield for a quick footie chat.
The ground itself, club house aside, is disappointing for the fact that supporters are so far away from the game and viewing is poor.  Its effectively a three sided affair surrounded by an old style tarmac cambered cycle track with at points 4-5 foot high meshed fencing with down the main touchline the dug outs blocking the view at ground level.  There is a small atcost stand and to the side the steeped terrace which is split into standing and red tip up seats.  Behind these are a high view standing area in front of the club and conservatory which probably offer the best view of proceedings although by now you are probably 50-60 yards away from the near touchline.

THE BULLS COMMUNITY CLUB WITH A VARIETY OF AGE RANGED TEAMS

Still at the moment needs must and AFC are storming on towards a possible promotion to the premier division and with a steadily increasing attendance recently there was a further 74 here tonight for this midweek encounter.  Over the last few games I have seen AFC Mansfield play in it has been worth the effort just to see pocket dynamo Ryan Williams who continues to espouse a youthful enthusiasm for the game, a delight.

LEWIS SAVES ABERYSTWYTH AS WELLMEN NEARLY SINK PREM BOYS

HOLYWELL TOWN 0 V ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 0 [AFTER EXTRA TIME]
ABERYSTWYTH WIN 3-2 ON PENALTIES
FAW CUP 4TH ROUND 7 FEB 2015----2.30PM

THE REFEREE MARK PETCH BROTHERS MARK AND LIAM GRAY ALONGSIDE THE HOLYWELL CAPTAIN JOHN LEONARD AND ABER COUNTERPART STEWART JONES

The acrobatics of Mike Lewis in the Aber goal during the 120 minutes of this deadlocked FAW cup tie, and then in the resulting penalty shoot out, saved the premiership side from an exit at the hands of an impressive Holywell Town from the Welsh Alliance.
This game had everything, apart from goals in open play, plucky determination from the 'underdogs', a large crowd, a sending off and some quality saves as an aside to some lovely attacking play from the home side.
Firstly the build up so a relatively well conducted journey to North Wales via Manchester train change and then after a very small wait at Fflint an Arriva bus to Holywell a town that features one of the 'seven wonders of Wales', how close Holywell Town FC got today to making it 8!  Just off the town centre is St Winefride's well which is allegedly on a par with Lourdes in France.  Rather interestingly last weeks game at Oswestry the blog featured a picture of the old station which closed in 1966 exactly the same date as Holywell's former station was shut down.
The town centre is a mixture of old and new and although I did not have much time it did not come across as an attractive proposition this was probably did have something to do with a shiny superstore by you know who which I guess has affected the local shops, there is though a nice sized Wetherspoons if you have a little time to drift away.

HALYKYN RD THE HOME OF HOLYWELL TOWN

The blog wanted to get on down to Halkyn Rd early to take a look around so off we set and superbly we arrived within around 5 minutes from bus station.  The approach road is shared with the local new build community hospital and today with the ground gates wide open the club had decided to take admission monies at the top of the grounds entrance road. 

A GATHERING OF DUG OUTS, TV GANTRY AND A WINDMILL!

A warm greeting from the two officials who I wonder if at this stage knew what a busy afternoon they were going to be in for as 636 people it was later announced had flocked into see the game.  Handily I was advised programmes were on sale in the bar area today and off I ventured to locate a few.
The ground tour found a stadium with a spacious perimeter all around if any future development is needed with hard standing all around, three sides are uncovered with the side opposite the main stand featuring narrow Perspex dug outs including a mini one for the officials.  S4C's football programme Sgorio had been along in the week to install a scaffolding TV gantry positioned directly behind the dug outs.  So the buildings are all down the one side and it has to be said behind the stand is a very ample car park which is probably normally very sufficient but today soon filled up as the crowd kept coming in. 

GET OUT THE WELSH FLAG

On the right hand side as you enter the ground the first building is the bar which was already doing a brisk trade and then the covered stand with wooden bench seats there is a break for a mini tunnel which featured, a credit to the club, clean toilets.  Moving past the players entrance some permanent solid set seats were in place along side a further covered terrace offering a raised view of the proceedings.  Also within the main stand area is the public address system and The Wellmans Retreat which was operated by a pleasant couple of ladies serving teas and confectionery with food available in the bar.

 ABERYSTWYTH'S MANAGER IAN HUGHES

Today it was once again superb to see a club with a steady base of fans delighted to be welcoming so many visitors from their own town and surrounding area to 'their' club and having a real pride in their set up, it is to be hoped that they will continue to re visit with Holywell riding high and looking all set for promotion to The Cymru Alliance why wouldn't you?
The day was once again made a credit by the club officials and supporters at Halkyn Road who were a friendly and talkative bunch who were not only proud of their club but very welcoming.  I would like to add to this Steve Roberts the club secretary who I made an initial enquiry to late on Thursday in relation to the game being affected by the weather.  Well he returned my email efficiently with a friendly chatty nature that made me determined to make the visit it was nice to meet him before the game and he even found time to inform me later that evening of the official attendance.  Cheers Steve I hope you and your club enjoyed the day.

STEVE ROBERTS HOLYWELLS SECRETARY, ANOTHER BUSY GAME

Some clubs struggle to make this sort of effort but hopefully the clubs that do get the positives out of their efforts.
Before the game I caught up with fellow hopper Tony who was over from Crewe after a stop in Chester he had travelled on the same bus to the game and we as all hoppers do got taking of grounds and games attended.  Always an interest to here other peoples tales, cheers mate!

Todays match officials were interesting in that the two assistants were brothers in Mark and Liam Gray who are from a family of referees, following their dad and granddad.  The man in the middle, Mark Petch, today is turned out in old style black today more traditional than when I saw him last week officiate in tangerine at TNS.
My attempt to learn some Welsh over the last month or so was superbly aided by the bi lingual PA system and then have my 1-10 learned numbers well pronounced by said PA man for the team line ups.  I've just got to learn the other 30,000 words!
With Holywell Town unbeaten so far this season and the visitors Aberystwyth Town sitting proudly at the top of the Welsh Premier League we were looking forward to an intriguing game but after the first 10 minutes I was a little concerned for the home side as Aber started at a pace and The Wellmen seemed a little of the pace.  Not for long though as they forced their way into the game.

The game saw an early booking for prolific Aber front man Chris Venables who seemed to be on a constant moan at everything and his dissent finally saw referee Petch loose patience and issue a yellow card.  Notably as the game went on the Aberystwyth bench became more noisy screaming for every decision but maybe they were getting concerned at Holywells increasing confidence and feared an exit.

CHRIS VENABLES ABERS PROLIFIC SCORER

Both teams so action to the edge of their opponents box the meaningful shot was for the home side when Tony Roebuck saw his effort well saved by Mike Lewis.  So we arrived goal less at half time in the second half Phil Lloyd saw Lewis pull of a good save from his effort and it was Lewis again who went full length to deny Paul Williams any glory for the home side.  The game certainly opened up with the visitors reduced to ten men in the second half when Stephen Williams was sent off for a second caution following a foul on Matty Harvey which could easily have seen referee Petch show a straight red. 

SECOND YELLOW WITH RED TO FOLLOW FOR STEPHEN WILLIAMS

Extra time was called for and in the first period home stopper Mike Platt pulled off a wonder save from Mark Jones at very close range, this was probably the visitors clearest chance so far.
In the second period of extra time Kellaway scraped the cross bar with a lob before Holywell piled on the pressure in a do or die finish which in one move saw Lewis stretch to gather an aerial ball only to lose it in the six yard box and with Holywell's attack ready to pounce the ball agonisingly ran free.

TIME TO RE COUP SOME ENRGY AND STOP THE CRAMP

So with 120 minutes up the home sides tag line 'refuse to lose' was achieved in open play but in the lottery of penalties it was not to be with star man Lewis saving three of The Wellmens penalties against some quality strikes from the Premiership visitors who finally overcame the superb Holywell effort.

ITS GETTING TENSE IN THE CROWD

This had been a herculean effort from Holywell who for most of the game had kept Aberystwyth quiet and on another day better finishing and possible first half penalty would have provided a shock to match their semi final place last year.  Overall though this was a superb day for the club, its fans and officials and hopefully they will return to Halkyn Road regularly to sample the football and friendliness of this club.

MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE
HOLYWELL MANAGER JOHN HASELDIN FOR HIS TEAM

With a finish just after ten past five secured it was a mad dash to the local bus station and time to wave cheerio to a superb visit departing on the superbly lettered 11G back to Flint with time to visit the big 'M' for some tucker before leaving North Wales behind for a lengthy journey back home.
The other memorable feature today was following a close and competitive cup tie to see crowds of people flooding back into the surrounding streets and town it must have made it all the more worthwhile for the hardworking club officials.
Once again the blog had a good time in Wales and I would recommend a visit to Holywell with the addition of a good match day programme its makes the visit a must for all travelling footie fans.


NORMALY THE TRAIN STATION IS THE LAST PICTURE
THIS TIME ITS THE BUS STATION

BULLS GET FUNKY AS CHARGE UP THE TABLE CONTINUES

SHIREBROOK TOWN 2 V AFC MANSFIELD 3
NCEL 1  4 FEB 2015---7.45PM

KIERON WATSON GETS READY TO TAKE A FIRST HALF PENALTY

Cold nights mid season seem often to be spent at Langwith Rd, Shirebrook and tonight was no different bitterly cold and frost laden all around this was the only NCEL game to survive a pitch inspection and what a game the night served up.

FROST IS NOT A PROBLEM, HONESTLY

This Derbyshire v Nottinghamshire 'derby' was one that had been eagerly awaited with the home officials eager to get this match on and clearly by the turnout, 348, was much required by the local non league fans.  There was a wide selection of hoppers, other clubs officials and neutrals alongside the fans of the two clubs involved.
The blog covered a game before Christmas were you can see a description of the ground but I did stop off in the towns Market Place first were at close of business much was shuttered up save for the COOP and a few other shops.  It was a cold and dark place but the now hopefully the towns COOP can survive after the postponed development of town centre land for a big supermarket has been called off following their recent curtailment of further expansions of their network of stores.

AFC MANAGER RUDI FUNK AND HIS ASSISTANT
MICKY TAYLOR

On to the ground and it was as ever good to catch up with many hoppers and officials of both clubs.
The first half was a breath taking affair with AFC starting the first 20 minutes at a tremendous pace which saw Shirebrook struggling to thwart attack after attack.  However after a lead for AFC it was the referee Lee Freeman who gave cause for concern and after treatment he retired to a line to be completely replaced by watching referee Jamie O Connor at half time, his replacement in the middle Mehdi Najefi had a mobile game and kept a good grip on the proceedings.  One of his first acts was to award a penalty to Shirebrook but Jason White was on hand to pull of a superb double save from Kieron Watson.  But a few minutes later he was on hand to level the scores before Liam Morris made it 2-1 to Shirebrook with a lovely pacey run and strike home.  Not to be outdone though on the stroke of half time AFC levelled the scores and we went into the break level.

REFEREE LEE FREEMAN RECEIVES TREATMENT

The second half produced another pacey affair with probably slightly less in the way of chances but nevertheless a thoroughly engrossing affair and just as it looked like a share of the points would be the outcome AFC produced a stunner of a winning goal.  Referee Najefi awarded The Bulls a free kick 25 yards out with two minutes to go up stepped Glyn Cotton who swept home the sweetest of free kicks round the wall and into the Shirebrook goal to set off scenes of joy on the AFC bench.  Shirebrook pushed on again and even after around 9 minutes of stoppage time they could not find a way through and although the result was harsh on Shirebrook its The Bull who now charge into third spot.  Under the guidance of Rudi Funk they have a great chance at earning their second promotion in two seasons.  Before that though they have their biggest game of their short history this Saturday when Tadcaster Albion visit in the last 16 of the FA Vase.
As ever a good night in Shirebrook.

AFC FANS SPICE UP THE EVENING IN THE SID PEPPER STAND

JOY OF SIX AS TNS CRUISE PAST PORT TALBOT

THE NEW SAINTS 6 V PORT TALBOT TOWN 0
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE  31 JAN 2015---2.30PM

PARK HALL THE HOME OF TNS FC

They were certainly dancing in the street of TNS tonight as the Park Hall clubs anthem states following this domination of the visitors from South Wales, a supremacy that gained the current WPL Champions a victory by scoring 6 goals without reply.
The New Saints must be heading towards another Championship, its difficult to see who can stop them, after they controlled this game from the start to the finish against a Port Talbot side who have had a resurgence since the arrival of new manager Bernard McNally.
More on the game in a while but the day didn't start to early this time with a change at Birmingham first the journey was made more enjoyable by entering conversation with a lady who educated me on the art of bee keeping and honey production and secondly a seat was secured.  Following the change and arrival at Shrewsbury station there was four minutes to get to platform 3 for the train to Gobowen the train was in and as I flew down to the underpass only to be flumaxed as how to get to platform 3.  A panic enquiry to the ticket barrier inspector who let me through sharpish and advised me to leave the station turn left and left again up the first flight of stairs, breathless I fell into a seat to gather some composure.  Before to long we were in Gobowen and the station is a grand old affair and the nearest station now to TNS and their Park Hall ground.

OSWESTRY TRAIN STATION [CLOSED]

Off the tracks and with an hour or so to spare I decided to pick up an Arriva bus into Oswestry for a look around the town of Wilfred Owen famous war time poet.  The bus station appeared as far away from the town centre as Widnes train station from its centre [see Windes Fc blog], well nearly anyway.
The stroll around took in various highlights from church to guildhall and then the former Oswestry train station a real gem just begging for a revival.
On arrival at Burma Road an entrance point to the ground I passed the former HQ of Total Network Solutions, TNS owner and Chairman's successful company that was sold to BT and sadly now looks closed.
On arrival at the ground the large car park sits at the front of The Venue a fantastic leisure complex with gym, ten pin bowling, pool, darts, ball park and large function room with catering for snacks, warms drinks and a separate double fronted bar for a stronger tipple.  Chairman Mike Harris was busy welcoming and helping at the bar and talking of greetings it would be remiss of me not to mention Gilbert Woolley Media and Communications Officer for TNS who showed me a warm welcome and his assistance all afternoon, he also cleared me to take photos at todays game.  Thank you it was a great welcome and lovely to be received so well, credit to TNS.

THEY KNOW HOW TO DO TV's AT TNS

The TV in the Venue has to be mentioned its huge and is made up of 9 large televisions screens that would probably dwarf most living rooms!  The function room was in full swing with younger visitors and kids parties taking place and with a wide range of age groups being involved with the club TNS can clearly claim community club status alongside The TNS FC Foundation for getting all involved.  Indeed the club are now looking to develop some new five a side pitches at the Park Hall site to further enhance facilities.
A lot of the history of TNS gets a little complicated from a club now proudly representing the former teams of Oswestry Town and Llansantfraid through to a club that previously ran under the name of Total Network Solutions it now seems to have settled into its current title of The New Saints.  Many in the Welsh Premier League profess a less than favourable attitude to TNS but who in their right mind of these clubs would not like a Chairman like Mike Harris who has invested in the set up and players on show.  I did not get chance to speak to Mr Harris and I know like everybody he is eager for the media outlets to give better recognition to The Welsh Premier League and surely his commitment should see that happen.
As in Scotland with English club Berwick Rangers competing in the Scottish leagues there is probably a bit of Welsh resentment that the club is based in England in the Shropshire borders.  That said the whole Welsh situation is a bit of a mess with Colwyn Bay still playing in the English non league set up alongside Wrexham too.
Anyway back to the ground and to the left of The Venue is a small pathway that lead to a turnstile block featuring two entry points. 

TV GANTRY FOR GIANTS

The first thing that strikes you is probably the most impressive TV gantry you will ever see its massive and high, the second highlight of the gound is the large and commanding floodlights.  To the left of the turnstile is a uncovered walkway and the far touchline below the gantry is another uncovered walkway with the dugouts also housed on this side.  The border to the walkways are typical leisure centre meshed fencing.  Behind the far goal the stand just goes along half of the baseline with green tip up seats it was the home of the Port Talbot Town Ultras who kept the atmosphere at a slightly louder level with their usual drum accompaniment and vocal encouragement.

PORT TALBOT ULTRAS TOURING WALES AND SHROPSHIRE

Its a long journey for the lads and whereever you see Port Talbot they will be there representing the club and town.  Eight hour round trip great commitment lads well done!  Strangely the green tip up seats saw many devoid of their seats not sure if there's a good story there.  Coming round to the front of the venue and at the side of the behind goal stand is a red seated covered stand that always reminds me of a stand you might see at Burghley Horse Trails, not that I have blogged there yet! 

THE DERMA V10 STAND

MICHAEL WILDE WITH MICHAEL WILDE!

This continues to just short of the half way line where uncovered walkway continues only interrupted by a green pull out players tunnel.  Were back to the turnstiles now and a small burgee wagon is pulled to the side here serving a selection of eats.  You can gain access to the main Venue via a set of external stairs for a further wide range of snacks and meals that all looked very tasty.  Besides the other activities in the function room the wall is covered with professional produced wall art in recognition to TNS and their successes and community involvement, the approach corridors are covered with large player prints. 
At half time I managed to secure Michael Wilde to have his picture taken with a pop up advertisement that he also featured on. 
Michael is recovering from a fractured cheek bone and he will be out for a few more weeks yet, we wish him well in his recovery and return to action.

CONNAH MCFENTON TALBOTS KEEPER SAVES THIS ONE

Interestingly today TNS chose to play in their away shirts but had there home shorts on, maybe the laundry had a busy week following last Sundays Word Cup final victory and the midweek win over Carmarthen.
Todays encounter would mark the start of the second phase of the WPL which now splits the league into two for the remainder of the season.
So to the game and it was really all over you felt when TNS went two up inside the first 22 minutes the first on 8 minutes from Greg Draper was matched by a wonderfully placed strike from Scott Quigley and then the same played secured a second to make it 3-0 at half time.
The second half saw Port Talbot pack a secure double line of defenders and TNS were patient in trying to add to the score line it finally came through Connell Rawlinson which led to another two in quick succession Jamie Mullan hit a vicious drove from 12 yards out to make it 5 and then on the strike of time Draper added his second.

CHRIS MARIOTT TAKES ON DANIEL SHEEHAN

TNS were well worth their victory in a game they dominated from start to finish a little disappointing as I had expected Port Talbot to give a better showing although the early goal conceded made it very difficult for them to get back into the game.  The Ligaturf pitch certainly sees TNS playing football constantly on the floor and moving it around fast, although at times the determination not to play corners into the box and always look for a short corner takes away a little from the chance of delivering the ball into the danger
area.

But on the other side they wanted to score quality goals by pinging the ball around and 6-0 probably answers my statement.

CIESLEWICZ AND KERSHAW WARMING UP

 

OSWESTRY'S NEW PARKWAY STATION!

Well twenty past four arrived all too soon and it was time for me to take my leave of Park Hall and I had decided to make the walk back to Gobowen station.
Well its a good walk and I had estimated half an hour and that's a good timing for what needs to be a pacey walk.  Gobowen was arrived at with about 4 minutes to spare I think a taxi is a good idea for a return.
The train journey back to Birmingham, before the final stage, was superbly accompanied by Rob a fellow hopper who had also made his first TNS visit it was good to hear of his efforts to cover all clubs at league and conference clubs in The Football League/Premiership alongside all Scottish League and of course The Welsh Premier League.  I think Rob, like myself, had been impressed by the club and its friendliness something that I would recommend to any hopper considering a visit.
Hopefully it wont be too long before I get a revisit to TNS and also catch them on the road at a future away fixture and maybe even I can then be 'dancing in the street of TNS'!

THE FORMER OSWESTRY STATION PLATFORM NEXT TRAIN AT PLATFORM 1 2020?