WATTERS SENDS STAVELEY TO THE FINAL

SHEFFIELD FC U21 V STAVELEY MW U21  1-2
HKL NMU21 LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL AT INKERSALL RD [REVERSED VENUE]
12 MARCH 2015 7.45PM

A Ryan Watters strike 9 minutes from time sent Staveley through to the final of the HKL Under 21 cup final after the tightest of semi finals.
Following notification from the publicity machine that is Mr Waite at Staveley to advise the reversal of this fixture the blog decided on a bit of Thursday night football and what a pleasure it was too.  Two teams who were full of commitment, pace and ability put on an excellent show for an appreciative crowd of 114.
As usual Staveley did this game full justice non of your ground open and that's it like some clubs would have probably done.  There was Chairman Mr Damms behind the bar, the ladies operating a full snack bar [chip cob purchased to be civil of course!] and club shop open too.  It has, once again, to be said well done Staveley I love it when clubs operate like this it gives all involved the feeling of taking the game seriously.
The game was a ding dong end to end affair in the first half with Sheffield probably unlucky not too take the lead, even having an effort cleared off the line but as so often happens it was Staveley who took the lead when Greg Fitzpatrick fired them ahead from the penalty spot after 37 minutes.
The second half started at full pace with both teams playing some lovely football on the excellent Inkersall Rd playing surface.  It wasn't however until the 74 minutes when Sheffield deservedly got back onto level terms when Daniel Barnsley swept the ball home from close range.
With the possibility of extra time beckoning it was the weaving run of Matt Cowan down the right that supplied the low cross for Staveley captain Ryan Watters to drive the ball home to send them into the final with just 9 minutes remaining.
A game of high tempo and quality with a big credit going to both sides and for the 114 who came along to support this semi final.

HEANOR SO NEARLY RUE MISSED CHANCES IN ARMTHORPE VICTORY

HEANOR TOWN 2 V ARMTHORPE W 1
NCEL PREMIER 11 MARCH 2015 7.45PM @THE TOWN GROUND [att 140]

TOWN GROUND READY FOR ACTION

Two first half goals secured Heanor Town all three points in a game that saw them miss a catalogue of chances.  The home side dominated the opening 45 minutes and most of the second half but as opportunities went begging Armthorpe found a well shielded ability to come forward and following a pulled back goal they forced The Lions into a nervous final few minutes.
As ever a midweek trip to Heanor is always something to look forward to and I think as listed in previous Town Ground visits this season its a club that has made good strides both on and off the pitch.

HEANOR TOWN'S NATHAN BENGER LOOKING TO ADD TO HIS 127 GOALS FOR THE LIONS

Before the game there was time for a quick lemonade in the attractive bar and then into the ground for the ever beckoning chip cob with peas, no problems with the cob recognition here back up north!  The ladies always greet you with a bit of banter and as mentioned with St Neots on Saturday clubs should cherish people like this who make you feel welcome at their ground.

PRSS OFFICER BUSY AS EVER!

There was time to catch up with Tony Sqiures, Press Officer, before the match and compliment the club on their new HTTV venture which is packaging highlights together for their website.  As mentioned, earlier, things are coming together nicely and with an improving match programme too it all adds to a enjoyable visit.
The blog also caught up with Heanor front man, and scorer of 127 goals for The Lions, Nathan Benger who sadly after the blog secured a photo for the website did not add to his total tonight but led the line with his usual endeavour.
Onto the game and a more one sided first half I have yet too see this season Heanor could have been three up before they finally broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Greg Marriott supplied the cross that saw Jay Cooper power home a header to secure the lead.  Five minutes later it was deservedly two nil when Sean Gregory drilled a shot home from 14 yards after good play down the left from Cooper who turned assist after the opening goal.
Ten minutes before half time Richard Smith hooked the ball off the line when Samuel Jones looked likely to extend Heanor's lead to unassailable heights.

LEICESTERHIRE REF MICHAEL SCRIVEN PREPARES
HIS TEAM

The second half started at a blistering pace Sean Gregory set up Jay Cooper who at the back post with an open goal begging somehow blasted his effort against the upright and then almost immediately Kieran Debrouwer saw his effort well turned round the post by Armthorpe keeper Daniel Montgomery.  As Heanor powered forward the vital third goal just would not arrive and when Benger struck an superb effort from the edge of the box it was the crossbar that this time came to the rescue of Armthorpe.
From somewhere Armthorpe mounted probably only their second attack of the game and of course as so often is the case if you don't take your chances the opposition do Kieran Benson supplied the cross off the left and at the far post the ball was diverted over the line by, and you can take your pick here, Chris Shaw for an own goal or Armthorpes Simon Houlden depending on your view.  With 20 minutes to go this fired up the visitors and Benson so nearly levelled it but for a last gasp full length dive from Heanor's number one Ian Deakin who pushed the ball to safety.
The final minutes were a nervy affair with both sides looking to add to their tally but this was a game that Heanor should have had wrapped up by half time and a game that Armthorpe really failed to feature in as an attacking force until the last 20 minutes.
The usual all round enjoyable visit to Heanor well done guys.

ST NEOTS WARD OFF CIRENCESTER CHALLENGE

ST NEOTS TOWN 4 V CIRENCESTER TOWN 0
EVOSTIK SOUTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE @ THE COZY STADIUM 7 MARCH 2015 3PM

THE MAIN STAND AT THE COZY STADIUM

[A larger selection of pictures from today feature are on the 'we all stand together' Facebook page]
Two goals in each half from St Neots clinical finishing allowed the Cambridgeshire side to secure all three points in their onward push for a play off spot against a disappointing Cirencester side who so often lacked with the quality of the final ball letting them down.
For the second week running the blog was not heading to Wales and this time it headed south for only the second time this season, having taken a look at Rugby earlier this season St Neots had been on the 'to do list' for a while and today was the day.
With rail works at Grantham it was a round about journey with a change at Nottingham and then an unusual non stopping train to Peterborough via Melton Mowbray, mmm pies, and Stamford before changing for our final train to St Neots.
Last weeks Cleethorpes trip featured some of the most uninspiring views from the train this week was so different with small towns, churches and interesting scenery all the way.  Non more so than one farmer who had a whole field full of solar panels!
On arrival at the station a quick dash was made to visit the town for the first time and it can be added to Widnes and Rugby in the club of stations miles away from their town centres.  In fairness its about 1.5 miles away but it was a swift walk and it turned out to be a little bit of a let down, it not being the quaint town I had envisaged.

THE MODERN APPROACH

So after a quick circular tour of the town the blog made its way back past the station entrance road and under the east coast rail line and then left onto the new housing development that is Loves Farm.  Following a small walk along the part building site a small shopping arcade, with a little 'T's', at the far end was the curvaceous entrance to St Neots Town FC which runs parallel to the rail line.
There are some impressive modern style houses around the ground along side the ground are their 3G pitches and upon arrival we took a few pictures of the main entrance it was then that we were met by what proved to be a warm greeting of an afternoon. 

A FURTHER WARM WELCOME AT ST NEOTS

The club official on the door came out to welcome us and enquire where we were visiting from he informed us about the club and the ground, as ever it has to be said clubs you need people like this to make visitors feel welcome and following our entrance to the ground this welcome continued.  Programmes and 50/50 tickets purchased we got into a small conversation with the three sellers who also offered a warm welcome.
With a delayed start set for 3.15pm due to Cirencester being stuck on the A1 there was time for a circuit of the ground before popping along to 'Dianes Snack Court'.  As a northerner I must find the correct definition for a chip 'cob' the latter always being the problem anyway chips and cob [bap, roll, balm] was secured and it has to be said again via a very pleasant and well run snack bar.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE COZY STADIUM

So to the ground upon entry via the only turnstiles open today you are greeted with a superb glass sided sloping cover which I guess is for disabled supporters.  The ground has a narrow walkway all around with a smart perimeter green meshed fencing behind both goals are small covered terraced areas.

SNTV GANTRY

The far side is uncovered and houses a TV boxed gantry enclosure which his positioned high on the banking and is used by the excellent SNTV check out the clubs website for quality highlights, the dug outs are also housed on this side of the ground.  In the far corner there is also an impressive electronic scoreboard.  The opposite side and the side we entered on features the changing room, modern stand with PA box and at the top end two bar/function rooms the larger of which has a very large TV screen today showing the FA Cup game at Bradford City.
The only downside appeared to be a lack of a merchandise stall especially today with a fairly large crowd it does amaze me how clubs don't have items on display for sale most hoppers are souvenir purchasers too.

1,006 GAMES FOR PAUL BASTOCK TODAY

Before the game we managed to get a quick picture of ST Neots well known, ex Boston Utd, keeper Paul Bastock who is still going strong at 44 years young.  A few weeks ago Paul secured 1,000 games and today he made it 1,006 beating Peter Shiltons 1,005 appearances.  He may be a bit more bruised the next morning but his enthusiasm, pre match warm up and match performance belied any age  doubts.
The first half saw St Neots take a two nil half time lead Lee Clarke squeezed a cross goal shot in and then on the stroke of half time Tom Ward fired home his first goal for the club from 12 yards out into the bottom left hand corner.
The half featured an interesting participation exercise from the home supporters who flirted a chip onto the edge of the six yard box for the local seagull population to come down and claim their prize this happened on a few occasions and it created a bit of fun as sail seagull swooped to claim the food item. 

Ward added his second with a downward header on 87 minutes before a poor back pass let in substitute Nathan Frater who calmly rounded the Cirencester keeper Glyn Garner before slotting into the empty net.

It had appeared St Neots were happy to drift away to a 2-0 victory before the late goals but Cirencester had plenty of possession but their final ball this afternoon was really poor and let them down when with a better supply they would probably have pushed St Neots further.

CAREFUL

Following the delayed start the game finally came to a conclusion at just after 5.10pm and on referee Smiths final whistle St Neots were now only out of the play off zone on goal difference and they appear to be on the march with an excellent crowd of 428 at todays game.

PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR..
REF.JOSH [SMITH]SAYS

Handily upon exit the station is accessible from of Loves Farm and within 5 minutes you can get to your required platform from the railway station bridge.
While waiting for the slightly delayed train two East Coast non stopping services, one south and one north, flew through the station and I mean flew!  The station itself does not have many attributes and looks very much like a commuter build with little in the way of facilities accept for its close proximity to the football ground.
Arrival back to base was delayed due to all three trains boarded being late the last one nearly half an hour.
As a day though it was an enjoyable one with a new ground you often don't get character but this

EVERYONE WANTS A FERRARI, HERES LORENZO FERRARI

I don't think applies to St Neots.  The ground is developing character, the supporters and officials were welcoming and the club seem to have so many things right from good pa system to good food bar, from a well proportioned ground to off the field media sites. 
With that said its a must for a visit if you have not been along check out the fixture list for a visit.
As ever its a difficult challenge to select from a selection of picture to feature in the blog so a larger variety are featured on the 'we all stand together' Facebook page

FUNCTIONALITY AT ST NEOTS STATION

WONDER WALL ROCKS OLD BOYS WITH LATE WINNER

STAVELEY MW 3 V BARTON TOWN OLD BOYS 2
NCEL PREMIER @ INKERSALL RD 4 MARCH 2015 7.45PM

GOOD PROGRAMME, GOOD GROUND, GOOD HOSPITALITY WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT AT A GAME

This game gave so much over its 90 minutes non more so than man of the match Ellis Wall's superb late strike that secured Staveley all three points and Wall 5.9 for his celebratory somersault.
As ever Inkersall Rd has been covered in previous blogs so along with South Normanton mid week visits hopefully the blog features a few different shots.
There was a nice selection of local hoppers in attendance, a debut for the new Staveley MW FC beer blue stripe [4.3%] and the blog was allowed a quick photo opportunity from the 'tower'.  Mr Waite had once again popped out a cracking programme for enjoyment later on.  It was the Blue Stripe Bitters match day debut and it was receiving a regular sampling, the club also welcomed the ale producers Grafton Hotel and Brewing company along to the game.

ROZ IS BUSY PULLING YET ANOTHER BLUE STRIPE BITTER THE STAVELEY MWFC CORPORATE BEER

Having sampled a chip cob, purely for research purposes of course, the blog caught up with a few of the hoppers and league official Ian Cox who was in off duty attendance tonight.
The home side took the lead just past the quarter of an hour mark when Kurtis Morley took the ball down well in a challenge with Old Boys central defender before skipping the ball past a defender and smashing home from the edge of the penalty box.  The game continued apace and the visitor had a golden opportunity from the penalty spot on 27 minutes but Ashley Lattimore saw his effort saved by Steve Hernandez diving to his right.  They were not to be denied though when Barton captain Ashley Dexter turned in the box and fired the sweetest of strikes past the out coming Hernandez.
Staveley took the lead on 33 minutes when Lee Whittington converted from the inside right edge of the box with a superb strike with a lovely free flowing move started by Ellis Wall with his superbly fed pass.
That's how it remained at half time.
The opening 10 minutes of the second half started with an amazing sequence of Staveley play hitting the bar twice and missing two more equally good chances to put the game behind the visitors reach.  This was the signal that galvanised Old Boys as they powered back at Staveley looking for the equaliser.
Probably the best passing move of the game saw the visitors pull it back to 2-2 when the towering Scott Phillips struck a glorious shot past Hernandez after a five man move.
Both sides were going full on for the three points and then on 90 minutes heartbreak for Barton Town when Wall struck that excellent winner.
Amazingly there was still time for Barton to look for an equaliser and it was Phillips who saw his effort cleared off the line and somehow scrambled away to safety.
This game had most things and was often a paradox the ball often played from back to front as fast and direct as possible and then the sweetest of free flowing moves on the ground, the large amount of missed chances along side the sweetest of finishes, added to this it was played at 100 miles and hour with full commitment from both sides and a referee who allowed the game to flow freely well done Mr Meredith and both teams.
The attendance of 124 was once again a plus side for Staveley at a midweek game and we were witness to an excellent game.

ADDED HEIGHT FROM THE TOWER

EAST COAST DERBY SEES CLEETHORPES AND BRID SHARE THE POINTS

CLEETHORPES TOWN 1 V BRIDLINGTON TOWN 1
NCEL PREMIER 28 FEB 2015---3PM
@BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

THE MAIN VIEW OF THE BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

Both teams goals in the latter stages of the first half produced what was probably the correct result with Cleethorpes shading the first half and the visitors Bridlington gaining the upper hand in the second period in this well fought east coast derby.
As ever before the match the day started with a train journey and for the first time in a few weeks we were heading east and not west into North Wales.  Having never visited the centre of Grimsby before and only twice made a trip to Blundell Park home of Grimsby Town I was looking forward to this visit.  As most footy fans learnt as school kids Grimsby Town don't even play in the town but just over the border in neighbouring Cleethorpes, well today here is Cleethorpes Town who play in Grimsby, well the small hamlet of Bradley to be exact just short of 3 miles out of the town.  Grimsby Town are looking at a new ground as I believe are Cleethorpes Town in what is to be hoped a move to their home town.
Anyway the journey past Doncaster has very little of interest and was probably one for a nap with little noteworthy views save for the large proliferation of wind farms and the massive expanse of Scunthorpe steel works.

GRIMSBYS 200FT DOCK TOWER

The run into Grimsby was probably one of the dourest journeys this season but on arrival at Grimsby Town station, something that every time its was announced I couldn't help but add 'one'. You are greeted by a highlighted approach road paved in three forms of grey paving bricks and the massive Yarborough Hotel which is now a Wetherspoons.
Having arrived early we had the intent of taking in the air of the docks, after a walk by the Fish Heritage Centre and swing bridge[now lifting bridge] it was time to take a look at the fish docks.  With camera out security were quick to advise me photos could not be taken but we could walk down towards the Grimsby Dock Tower, 200ft high.  We decided against this and popped back to the flyover to try to get a shot over viewing the docks thankfully one side of the flyover was closed for road works and aided this effort.
We ambled back through a shopping area close to the docks that one can only imagine in its day was a thriving business community but sadly now Freeman Street is a run down area striving to revisit the glory days.  The walk back to town continued via busy road intersections and cuttings and we finally arrived at Ice Barque a Lloyds No1 bar in the Wetherspoon chain for a sit down and some luncheon.
The central highlight of Grimsby's shopping centre has to be its indoor precinct Freshney Place which must be the longest shopping mall in a straights line I have come across.  Overall though I did not find myself warming to Grimsby it seems a town in decline and in real need of a reorganization and tidy up.

SMILE!

We headed back to find bus service number 3 to Bradley crossroads and then a short walk to the ground, the bus deviates off around the very large Nunsthorpe estate which at our entry point has  large greeting posts welcoming you to the estate.

WANTED THIS TO BE SIMPLES BUS
FOR MEERKATS TRAVELLING

Its always interesting to take local bus travel in the town of the selected game as you are never quite sure you are on the correct bus or going the right way, however thanks to the gps on most phones there is always a degree of satisfaction when you do get it right and thankfully today we soon arrived at our point of intention in Bradley Road crossroads.
On arrival at the Bradley Community facility, also used by Grimsby Borough FC, there are surrounding grounds on grass and 3g with games starting and finishing as we arrived.  Entrance for us today is via a single turnstile block to the right of the main entrance.
Behind the far goal is a small Atcost stand for covered standing which is postioned directly behind the goal.  To the right is a larger Atcost stand with seated accommodation, something that is already well occupied by the teenage followers of Bridlington Town who seemed today to be the main reason why there was any atmosphere. 

ENTRANCE FOR THE GROUND AT BRADLEY COMMUNITY STADIUM

MAIN ATCOST STAND

Behind the entrance goal, as elsewhere, was hard standing of a good depth.  Straight on leads you to the left hand side which features the building that serves the whole complex with toilets, changing rooms and cafe area.  The latter has a nice inside area to keep warm before and at half time with a large TV projector screen to keep you up to date with the scores.  The players enter the pitch via a nice size extending tunnel,  The meshed green fencing around the ground gives the usual effect of being on a leisure centre complex however the first half of this is nicely blocked off with wooden fencing that gives protection from non paying spectators.

The ground sadly lacks a public address system or not one in operation today and this along with the general feel about the ground made it give the impression of being rather soulless, except for the young followers from Bridlington who added some, rather fruity at times, atmosphere by there singing and support something that was appreciated by the visiting players at the end of the game.
So to the game and after constant pressure from Cleethorpes the inevitable happened Bridlington scored a cross from the right finally found Will Waudby who slotted home after 37 minutes. 

BRIDS JAMES HITCHCOCK

Home debut keeper Liam Higton had to be alert three minutes later when he pulled off excellent saves from Lewis Poucher and Chris Adams.  Cleethorpes deservedly pulled back level on 42 minutes when Jack Richardson weaved his way to he edge of the box before striking home a glorious drive into the bottom right hand corner of the visitors goal.  This goal galvanized Cleethorpes and they so nearly took the lead a minute later when Marc Cooper unleashed a vicious drive that Brid keeper James Hitchock pushed the effort onto his bar and over.

 

The second half was a workmanlike affair with this time Bridlington being in the ascendancy and creating the clearer chances.  However when referee Matt McGrath blew the final whistle at 4.50pm the 1-1 draw was the correct result for both teams efforts over 90 minutes.
Following the reverse journey on the number 3 to Grimsby town center we had an hour to wait for the train and following a small walk around the shopping streets it was time to decamp into the Yarbourgh Hotel for a warm and refreshment on what was becoming an increasingly cold evening.

BRID BENCH PREPARING FOR THE KICK OFF

Train departure secured from Grimsby it was a slow and meandering journey back to the Sheffield connection and base was arrived at around 9pm.
A new visit however I look forward to seeing Cleethorpes in a new ground and hope they can enjoy that soon the plus side of the visit today was an excellent programme along with their ever productive publicity machine via twitter/website all of which are a credit to their club.


AS EVER THE END PHOTO TODAYS STATION AT GRIMSBY TOWN [ONE!]

IVANHOE AND SAUNDERS SECURE VICTORY AT LEES LANE

SOUTH NORMANTON ATH 1 V ASHBY IVANHOE 2
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES 26 FEB 2015----7.45pm

THE THREE MUSKETEERS, MICK, NEIL AND STEVE IN PRE MATCH CONVERSATION

Ivanhoe secured a well bossed victory in Derbyshire by controlling this game from start to finish, even a late goal from The Shiners could not see them mount a much expected late surge for an equaliser.
South Normanton's ground has been described in an earlier blog this season needless to say it always looks nice and bright when you arrive at pitch side after you have got through the darkness of the approach to the turnstile.
Sadly tonight's game had no programme issued for it and as usual a few of us hoppers were disappointed.  Certainly when the Lees Lane programme has become such a good addition to a visit to South Normanton this season with a good read normally forthcoming.
The plus side was that on arrival non league aficionados Neil and Steve were in attendance and there was a superb catch up with travel tips and club information, is there anywhere these two guys have not been?  Its always good to swap stories of travels and there were some crackers tonight, cheers guys.

A WET SECOND HALF VIEW

Tonights game was one I never really got into and for me it failed to raise too much interest and as the driving rain started just before half time and continued to the end of the game it did little to improve my mood.

The first half had seen the most blatant penalty you will ever see denied by the referee the home keeper pulling and wrestling the Ashby player to the floor after 13 minutes.  There seemed not to be one person in the ground who did not think this was a penalty, even the Shiners supporters around me could not believe it.  Sth Normanton went on to hit the bar but it was Ashby who took the lead into half time following a deflective headed own goal.

A BREAK IN PLAY

The visitors extended the lead on 54 minutes in an amazing move that saw two long range efforts from Ashbys number 11 strike the woodwork the first off the bar the second off the right hand upright as the passage of play moved on Chris Saunders hit a vicious effort from 18 yards that went in, amazingly off the underside of the bar!
On 84 minutes South Normanton looked to have created a way back into the game when a super goal by the home side 11 saw him weave past 3 players before slotting home a low drive into the far left of the goal.  The fight back did not come though as the visitors held on to secure the hard earned three points.
I really must visit South Normanton on a warm day to watch a game!

JUNCTIONS TROPHY BID HITS THE BUFFERS THANKS TO ABER'S TWIN DOUBLE STRIKE

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION 1 V ABERGAVENNY TOWN 4
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES TROPHY QUARTER FINAL 22 FEB 2015 2PM
@ THE FLYOVER ARRIVA GROUND

DAN JENKINS GIVES ABERGAVENNY THE LEAD IN THE FIRST MINUTE

[Check out the we all stand together Facebook page for some more pictures]
A double strike from Dan Jenkins and Craig Norman secured a FAW Trophy semi final spot for Gwent County side Abergavenny Town in a keenly contested affair at The Flyover the Arriva sponsored home of Llandudno Junction.
The end score line with two late goals was harsh on Llandudno Junction who had started to get a real foothold into the game in the second period before Town snatched the lead back and then went onto finish clinically to secure a 4-1 victory.

THE VIEWING GANTRY IS NOW OPEN

More on an exciting game shortly but once again a trip to North Wales meant an early start and having followed the home clubs twitter feed it was slightly worrying when leaving Manchester Piccadilly to see 'ground very wet following heavy overnight rain but match on'.  To many of the hopping fraternity who have turned up only to have games called off at the last minute this signalled a nervy continuation of the journey.  But with standbys at Conwy, Gap, Rhyl and Airbus I decided to complete the visit I had planned and looked forward to all week.  As the weather changed from sun to dark cloud and then back to sun again the train pulled into Llandudno Junction and my spirits were raised and with no more worrying tweets I departed from the station.

WHY USE FOUR WORDS WHEN YOU CAN USE SEVEN

 Now there is not a lot to 'Junction' as I could see except for some lovely hilly views and a town that seems to be surrounded by main roads and edged off by the proverbial big store with a 't', cinema and Mac D's. 

TO THE RIGHT THE LINE GOES TO LLANDUDNO AND THE ARRIVA GROUND,
TO THE LEFT CONWY AND BANGOR

I decided not to go to the latter as time was approaching 1230pm and I wanted to obtain a programme and do a few photos around the ground.
The Arriva sponsored ground is within five minutes of the station and the one recent element of my visits to Wales has been the proximity of the grounds to the transport hubs.
The ground is approached by a trackway that is sided by a play area and open field plus a training area.  Its quite an open feel to the ground but on approach to the entrance are two cabins in Arriva corporate colours which house a small sit down café are which was sampled for a drink and a few chocolate bars all looked quite nice in there. 

COME ON WE CAN KEEP THIS FENCE UP, LEAN

The second cabin is for the players and officials for changing in.  As you approach the second cabin the walkway splits into two with spectators channelled down the left hand side to a pay area that has a closed gate which is meticulously opened as every paying spectator enters.
Having arrived early I did a circuit before coming back to pay and too the right is a small toilet block.  As you turn up this first touchline the concrete walkway has a small drop away to a stream that runs along the back half way down are the two dug outs and situated between both a stand for around 50 people which appears to be closed after the game with a metal framework I guess to close it up when not in use. 

LEFT LEG IN LEFT LEG OUT

From the top side of the latter, home, dug out you get a commanding view of nearby Conwy Castle over the estuary.  The top goal is really in accessible to watch the game but behind the net we see the stream get closer to the pitch as we reach the far touchline.  The far side has hard standing its full length and behind it a meshed fence that backs onto a footpath accessed field.  It has to be said that disappointingly 4-5 people watched the game from the other side of the fence for the whole 90 minutes for free, good grief guys your home town team are in the FAW Trophy quarter finals and its just £3 come and support your club!

GROUND WITH A VIEW, CONWY CASTLE

As we come to back to the entrance there is a modern wooden stand running half of the distance behind this goal.
Abergavenny were now coming out to do what looked a professional warm up with over an hour to go to kick off, indeed some of the Llandudno lads were only just turning up and the referee's arrived just before 1pm which always seems late for an important game like this.  My arrival had been way too early with most of the spectators strolling along with it must be said added excitement at about 1.50pm.

FOUR MEN AND A DOG

The one thing that was obvious was the cracking condition of the pitch I had no doubts about the game when it was viewed on arrival I guess it may have suffered if there had been two more hours of rain but it looked and played superbly well, a credit to Junction.
Before looking at the game it was amazing within the early minutes of the game to meet Ian a fellow hopper from Buxton who was a widely travelled and knowledgeable footy fan, it never ceases to amaze me the people I meet at matches and where they have journey from to visit todays host club.
To the game and Llandudno Junctions eagerly anticipated tie looked to have fallen into disarray when after just one minute the visitors took the lead when Dan Jenkins coolly headed home a cross off the right and heads sunk in the home supporters. 

But gradually they started to get back in the game and it was all square on 20 minutes when Jamie Jones collected the ball wide on the right hand side of the penalty box and as the goal line took the angle to the narrowest of opportunities the number 3 unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew in at the far post.  Five minutes later Morgan hit one from 20 yards with the ball striking the bar and as it flew out Jenkins launched himself into a header that  amazingly also struck the bar.
Half time arrived with scores level and the home side had to do something to stem what looked an ever increasing confidence from the visitors.  Well the team talk at half time seemed to have worked the opening 20 minutes saw Llandudno Junction gain the upper hand in the game without scoring and of course the inevitable happened when Abergavenny took advantage of their chance on 65 minutes.

Jamie Laurent supplied a tempting corner off the left and rising high unmarked on the edge of the six yard box was Craig Norman who powered home the header.
Llandudno came back and in one move Abergavenny's Jac Evans headed an effort off the line and onto the bar with the ball angling away to safety with the home players claiming the ball had crossed the line.
Hope remained but then two late harsh goals saw Abergavenny over the line with a comfortable score line on 85 minutes Jenkins was alert to a defensive error and he swept the lose ball home for his second of the game.  Then two minutes later Jenkins grabbed his second when he drove past Gwydion Owen in the home goal to send the travelling fans into scenes of wild joy.

REFEREE TOM WILLIAMS HAS A QUICK SMILE

A few minutes later referee Tom Williams, assistant referee in the WPL, brought what had been a cracking game to an end.  Both teams were a credit to their leagues and put on a superb show its always a shame to see any team lose when they have put so much into the game.  A mention for the official, Tom Williams, who as a young referee officiated this game with a good common sense approach showing some good situation management.
With an hour to pass before the haul back to first change in Manchester it was time for some food from the superstore beginning with an 'A' and then onto the station to further improve my Welsh.  All the announcements were made in Welsh and then in English and it was good to further test my numbers! 

A NICE TOUCH ON DEPARTURE FROM THE ARRIVA, FLYOVER GROUND

The station has some smart little views from either end of the station platforms, Llandudno Junction is a funny station in that you cross the footbridge and drop to platforms 1,2 and 3and at the bottom of the stairs the ticket office is situated their not at the front of the station which is now home to Rogers taxis.  The station café was an inviting place for a warm drink and before long the two carriage, again!, Arriva train was whisking me away with some stunning views back down the coastline with the Great Orme standing proud in the distance.
Once again an enjoyable day out and I shall take an interest in both clubs progression Llandudno in their high flying second spot on the Welsh Alliance and Abergavenny unbeaten in the Gwent County League and of course now the semi final of the FAW Trophy
[Check out some more pictures at the we all stand together Facebook page, with thanks to Barry Dyke for his superb work on Fb]


AND FINALLY THE TRAIN STATION PICTURE RETURNS