SHARKS BITE HARD TO DEFEAT THE TRAILBLAZERS

DERBY TRAILBLAZERS 67 V SHEFFIELD SHARKS 84
BBL TROPHY ROUND 1 @ THE CLARENCE WIGGINS SPORTS HALL DERBY
10 JANUARY 2016 --- 2.15PM TIP OFF

HIGH FLYING ACTION BETWEEN DERBY TRAILBLAZERS AND SHEFFIELD SHARKS

Upsets are part of sport and its not always a given that the underdog wont come out on top but this afternoons BBL Trophy encounter did not supply any shock result.  The higher league opposition of Sheffield Sharks just proved too much after half time as they pulled away from a valiant Derby Trailblazers of the NBL Division 1.  Sharks had lead at the end of first, second and third quarters even though in the first two periods Blazers had matched their illustrious visitors, indeed having some nice looking leads on more than one occasion.  But after the half time break the result never looked in doubt as Sheffield were always in control even though you had to admire the challenge of the young pretenders from Derby, their efforts were admirable.

POP UP BLAZERS ADVERT

Well the blog is always on the look out to cover a different sport and having last seen any basketball about three years ago the time was right and convenient to take in this BBL Trophy game at The Clarence Wiggins Sports Hall on the Derwent Site of Noel Baker situated in the Alvaston suburbs of Derby. The start from base today was by bus to Derby at just before 1130 and on arrival the blog hopped onto an Arriva service number 1 for a trip around the suburbs of Alvaston to finally depart our aquamarine special just as the Shark's team coach pulled into the sports complex.
A light jog got me to the coach out of breath and grappling to get the camera into position to take a few shots of the Sheffield lads departing their massive and very plush vehicle.
The sports hall bears the name in memory of a man that I could find only very nice things said about him, Clarence Wiggins, who had been a PE teacher at the school and a former basketball player and coach with Derby.  There were some touching thoughts from his former pupils about how caring and thoughtful this man was and today his hall was by tip off time packed with around 250-300 people who had come in anticipation of a cracking game of basketball the game he loved.

PICK YOUR GAME IF YOU FANCY A LOOK AT THE BLAZERS

Derby in their previous guises had come across Sheffield Sharks as Derby Storm but at that stage the visitors were playing to large crowds at the steel city's arena when basketball seemed to be on an upward spiral and they were at the top of the tree.  Currently Derby ply their trade in the NBL Division 1 Men's league and have received an invitation along with three other clubs to enter the BBL Trophy.
Having paid the £5 entrance fee and received an excellent programme put together in an attractive and readable format, there was also a smart match day ticket too.

Upon entering the hall there was a juniors game just finishing and there was time for a drink and confectionery bar.  Sadly there was no merchandise stall as far as I could see which was a little disappointing because with a large crowd and enthusiastic crowd there seemed a good market for a few purchases.
With benched stepped seating set back on one side behind the players and officials and pa tables a good view was offered from many positions and as ever at Basketball a good announcer and musical pa system is required and Derby more than supplied this.  A good selection of music before and during the game alongside informative announcements throughout were a plus.  Indeed upon arrival I thought I recognised what were the dulcet tones of Nigel Cash who had previously interviewed me for Radio Derby at the famous The Devil Made Me Do It Tattoo Studio Ground home of Clay Cross Town Fc when the clubs famous sponsorship raffle came up with the most unique name you could have ever dreamt of and probably the longest!

After lengthy limbering up from both sides the clock had finally arrived at 2.15pm and tip off time was reached.  The first quarter had seen Derby lead but by the end were narrowly behind 18-21, indeed this 10 minutes gave the home support that a shock could be on the cards.  The second period produced a similar effort from Derby were they were a little unlucky to go in to the half time break down 36-44.
The third and fourth quarter saw Sheffield take control of the game with the third period ending Blazers 55 Sharks 68.  The final period saw the home side starting to miss their openings and as Sharks hooped at the other end you hoped that the separation would not prove embarrassingly to large for all the tremendous effort that Derby had put into this match. 

REFEREES LIQUID BREAK

Thankfully it didn't when time ran down it was Blazers 67 Sharks 84 and the very healthy crowd was appreciative of both sides efforts.

From the blogs point of view it was an enjoyable out that was well run by the club and although Blazers normally play on a Saturday evening so negating attendance I shall watch out for their results with interest.

SHARKS COACH ATIBA LYONS PASSING ON INSTRUCTIONS IN A TIME OUT

One of the most amazing things about basketball is the height of the players and walking in with some of the players at around 6ft 7" and 6ft 9" makes you feel very small.  The agility and speed of the players is phenomenal and if you have never attended a match I would urge you to go along and like all sport its really best to watch it live you will get so much from the experience and basketball is no exception.

FINAL SCOREBOARD

Walking away from the sports hall just before 4pm the crowd mainly drove away and I was soon taken back to the city by the regular number 1 and after a 3/4 of an hour wander around the city it was time to hop on board the bus back to the north of the county to recount the takes of a very entertaining game of basketball.

COMFORTABLE ARRIVAL ON THIS TRIPLE AXELD BEAUTY FOR THE SHARKS

GRIFFIN FLIES AWAY WITH THE POINTS FOR CIRENCESTER TOWN

BEDWORTH UTD 0 V CIRENCESTER TOWN 1
EVOSTIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE OVAL
9 JANUARY 2016 --- 3PM

A CIRENCESTER FANS VIEW OF THE OVAL

A goal seven minutes into this Premier League encounter from Charlie Griffin was enough to secure all three points for the visitors, Cirencester Town, a draw may have been a fair result but the visitors number 9 was in the right place at the right time.
The first few paragraphs of the blog have shown the same sentiment for the last 7 weeks or so as the rain continued to fall for another week and it was of course forecast for Saturday, day of the match!  Today was no different and so this weeks 3g game was sought at The Oval home of Bedworth Utd a club who the blog had featured in March last year in their home game with Beaconsfield SYCOB.

BEDWORTH MANAGER STUART STORER LOOKING SMART

Promotion last season has seen Stuart Storer's side take on the heights of Premier League football in the Evostik Southern League, it is a big leap and sadly they are at present at the wrong end of the table along with todays visitors from The Cotswolds.

TRANSPORT PIC MAKES MAIN BLOG, AGAIN, DIRECT RAIL SET
AT LEICESTER

The build up to the game is normally spent watching the weather forecast and checking out clubs social media output sadly this week of the seven games the blog was considering 5 of the clubs by late Friday early Saturday morning were not showing any clues of their fixtures or any guidance of pitch inspections.  During the close season I have also mentioned Rugby League National Conference clubs and their poor use of social media they have a great advert as do our many non league football clubs but you have to wonder why some clubs then ask the question why don't more people attend our games?




THE '48' ARRIVING AT BEDWORTH FROM NUNEATON

Depart from base station was to Leicester were when we departed we had many friends from Leicester Tigers who were welcoming Northampton to Welford Rd.  The blog had a twenty minute wait for our next train which would take us to Nuneaton, the station boards were declaring a two minute delay.  But at just after 1 o clock the delay was getting longer and we started to make plans for a debut visit to St Andrews FC were a pitch inspection had been passed.
With the connecting train at Nuneaton now out of our time slot the midweek planning for buses to Bedworth was looking to be time well spent.  We just avoided the cut off time when we departed nearly half an hour down from Leicester on a train that had arrived in very full, once again with Tigers fans.  Departure from Nuneaton station saw a quick sprint to the bus station and a stripey boys 48, destination Coventry. which dropped us by All Saints Square at just short of 2pm.
The journey took us on a direct route but managed to drop by Bermuda[!], the places we call by always amaze us. 

EARLY TRAINING FOR BEDWORTH GUIDED BY SUPERMAN

Having covered the ground and town on the blog in March I wont go over them in too much detail again needless to say the Alms houses in the town centre are an excellent feature.  The town centre was really on big wind down mode and by the time we passed the Church there was a big shortage of potential customers for The Greenbacks game.

MATT LIDDIARD WARMING UP FOR CIRENCESTER

Entry via the ornate gates and walkway to the town end turnstile we arrived just after 2pm and opted to get out food ordered straight away from Hayley's Hut and then go on a circuit after eating.  As on the blogs previous visit this is a ground situated on the edge of The Miners Park and is immaculate looking smart and well ordered.  The club has a pleasant bar and hospitality area with a presidents club room on the roof offering a commanding view of the proceedings. 
The 3g pitch now into its second season is looking good and I'm sure proving a valuable asset to the club.  The main stand is a smart high rising affair in corporate green livery with just a few yellow seats to add a diversion.
The teams were out warming up and Bedworth were doing some full on preparation to set them up for the forthcoming 90 minutes.  The third team lead by match referee Andrew Hendley were also going through their paces.

REFEREE HENDLEY REPLAYS LAST WEEKS GREAT ADVANTAGE PLAYED

My travelling companion had not had too much conversation with anybody today which is unusual as the blog normally looses him as he gets in conversation with so many interesting people. 

THIS WEEKS ARTISTIC POSE
VISITORS NUMBER 1

Mind you by kick off time we had got into conversation with the Cirencester coach driver and I guess the kit man.  Very friendly chat and we even invited ourselves for an overnight stay in a Cirencester bus shelter to take in a game, just when we thought our luck was in for accommodation the coach driver offered us...................a complimentary cardboard box.  A nice friendly duo thanks guys, as the teams were filing out onto the pitch for the respect handshake we realised we recognised the visitors manager when we last saw them on an away trip to St Neots last season.
This game was played at a pace all afternoon but overall produced little in front of goal and it was that strike after 7 minutes from Griffin that proved to be the winner.  On loan keeper Raajan Gill could only push away a powerful shot from Zak Kotwica and as the keeper went to challenge Mark Pritchett the ball skewed across to Griffin who exquisitely drove the ball home from close range into the unguarded goal.  The home side tried their best to get back into the game but had really just an Andy Westwood goal bound shot to their tally but that was blocked by a visiting defender close in.
So we arrived at half time and had caught up with a welcoming gentleman from Bedworth who told us about the positive things the club are trying to do and following an interesting conversation we popped off to get something to drink from Debz shed.  Looking at two Bovril's Debz then offered Mick a 'Beduff Broth' and he changed his mind to go for the local delicacy

Rain had never been far away from the day and with a dark afternoon I'm afraid the pictures are not as good as I would have liked. 

GRIFFIN HITS THE WINNER FOR CIRENCESTER

By 4.15 the joys of the last few weeks were upon us again as the sky's opened up with heavy rain gave the 3g and us a watering.  Retirement to the lofted stand was required although for the last ten minutes a return to pitch side, wet viewing was to be demanded.

BEDWORTH ON LOAN NUMBER 1 RAJAAN GILL

With seven minutes of normal time remaining a superb deep cross off the left from Cirencester substitute Ollie Knight found Griffin who had time to pull the ball down and shoot and double the visitors lead, sadly his effort was well hit but flew over the Bedworth crossbar.
The miss could have proved costly when I the third minute of time added on Daniel Dubidat nearly levelled the scores with a superb twisting header that just missed the target.
A tight game with a lack of goalmouth action but no shortage of effort from both sides who gave 100% to their respective causes.
With an hour to clear before the train back to Nuneaton we opted for a lemonade stop at the towns 'Spoons' The Bear and Ragged Staff. 

CIRENCESTER'S MANAGEMENT TEAM IN DEEP THOUGHT

The short walk to the station saw us arrive for the five minute journey at a desolate empty station [platform] for the two carriage London Midland City train.  Once again at Nuneaton station departure to Leicester is from platform 7 which tantalisingly overlooks a KFC with no thought or funding yet from Network Rail to put a bridge in to the take away, I will get a visit in their sometime soon!
Back at Leicester we met up with may of our rugby union friends many of whom were still enjoying beer out of Tigers emblazoned baking jugs some signed but most still with beer swilling in them!
Base station was arrived at just after 7.30pm on an increasingly cold and windy evening.

A QUIET [!] BEDWORTH STATION

BAGULEY WONDER STRIKE SEALS 3-1 VICTORY FOR THE ROBINS

ASHTON UTD 3 V BUXTON 1
EVOSTIK PREMIER LEAGUE @ HURST CROSS
2 JANUARY 2016 --- 3PM

HURST CROSS HOME OF ASHTON UTD FC

Two goals in 2 second half minutes including a superb free kick from Chris Baguley tied up this victory for Evostik December club of the month Ashton Utd.  Following the Hurst Cross based clubs award there is always a fear of an immediate loss but this was not to be after a half time lead was cancelled out by Greg Young's header for Buxton The Robins marched on after the introduction of an inspiring cameo performance by substitute Martin Pilkington.

TURNSTILE ENTRANCE 'READ ALL ABOUT IT'

The evening before saw planning surround, once again, the weather and the blog had to echo one NWCL sides twitter feed that simply read 'not again', yes heavy rain had again brought an hourly check of the BBC weather forecast.  Amazingly the Manchester area was showing a lot drier forecast than the east side of the country so with Ashton Utd being a new ground and a club I had endeavoured to visit since our encounter with them in a pre season friendly at Brighouse the decision was made.
We opted to leave base station and with a change in Sheffield for the all stopping service and a departure of bumpy train at Bredbury by The Rising Sun, somewhere we have failed to visit yet this season.  The back up was a second visit to the 3g at Stockport Town but when we set off this morning Ashton Utd's excellent Twitter feed, other clubs take note, signalled 'game on'. 

BUMPY TRAIN 142 PACER UNIT PROBABLY RELATED TO BUMPY DOG OF NODDY FAME

The blog had craftily built in an hour to the day and having arrived in Bredbury we discussed the option of an hour round Ashton Under Lyne or a nip up to Woodley for a Taylors fish and chip restaurant sample!  Guess which one won..............................Ashton town centre looked nice on arrival especially after a plate full of Taylors which was as ever excellent will served by the fantastic staff!

TAYLORS FISH AND CHIPS MORE ON THE BLOG THAN THE FOOTY

Stagecoach 330 took us to Ashton via Hyde and Dukinfield before we alighted to drop onto a First Bus to Hurst Cross, the 331 is a town service but the bus ticket had an interesting start and end destination of Ashton all for £1.50, needless to say we did move.
Onwards then on a mini tour of the streets and estates of Ashton Under Lyne and its suburbs and as soon as I was comfortable we were going the right way I could relax for the last 100 yards of the journey!

EXTERNAL VIEW OF THE THEATRE OF DREAMS THAT IS HURST CROSS

Departing just after a busy crossroads we made a quick departure to check out Bradley's Pie shop which will sadly have to wait for another day they were still shut following the Christmas holidays, they reputedly do some cracking pork pies a return to sample will be a must.

BACK OF THE NET

As the environs of Surrey St offered up Ashton Utd we entered the social club for a small lemonade and friendly chat outside with a taxi company owner following Buxton ensued.  The club house is a snug, warm and relaxing area a fantastic asset for the local area. 

CLUB CREST AT THE SOCIAL CLUB

Just after 2pm the turnstiles were open and we received a friendly greeting before purchasing our match day programmes.  We were inside the theatre of dreams for The Robins how the heck do you describe a ground like this?  Proper ground, providing proper football with more character than you could shake many a stick at!

THE ALL IMPORTANT SNACK BAR TERRACE

The blog normally offers a description but this may not do it justice as you probably have to visit there are so many nooks and crannies and anomalies in this ground its just wonderful and cannot be done justice here.  But here goes with the blogs effort to the right of out entry is a raised crush barrier terrace with snack bar that was already well in business, to the side a toilet block and tucked up at the side of the stand the club shop pleasantly operated today and Mick made sure he obtained a few gifts.  The main stand is next just creeping either side of the half way line but with depth to it, to the front are the two dug outs.  There is a small scoreboard above the tunnel and as we pass through to the far side the social club has an enclosed terrace before raising to a decked area with hospitality at the rear. 

CLEAR VIEW OF HARTSHEAD PIKE, TODAY

To get to behind the far goal which offers, beyond it, a fine view of the South Pennines and Hartshead Pike and its tower.  Here we have a terrace that is raised but slopes away to the far corner to descend to pitch level, a small stand at the rear is in the form of an inflated bike stand.  The far corner offers an old fashioned 'soak away' gents toilet of which their is another one at the end of the next stand.  We did sample the facilities to avoid half time queues at the main WC, handily the wall is fairly low that you can still watch the game and have a visit, although the wall is not as low as that at Ossett Albion were modesty nearly comes into question.

STANDING PROUD 4 IN A ROW THE FAR SIDE STAND AND FLOODLIGHTS

This far touchline stand is a 3/4 length covered stepped terrace and then as we move to behind the entrance goal a steep terrace with small cover to the rear offers a commanding view of proceedings.  I would want to visit here many more times if the opportunity arises as I was spoilt for choice in places to view the game from there really are that many interesting spots all offering good views.  Add to this the wonderful old style floodlights with 4 down either side and a collection of lights on each.

ARTISTICALLY[?] POSED FOR, MRS WRIGHT AND MR HERE TO SUPPORT SON MYLES

The first people we met were Buxton's goalkeeper, sub today, Myles Wright's parents who we had previously met while he was with Chesterfields Academy FC when they used Clay Cross Town FC's Mill Lane ground.  Thanks to them today for coming up and having a chat I would have hated to have not acknowledged them, it was good to see you again and hope to see you soon hopefully Myles will continue to progress well!

A VIEW OF THE TOWN END TERRACING

Mick had gone off to make some new friends from Ashton Utd and Buxton and later announced what a friendly lot they were and he had enjoyed meeting, including Phil Brennan from the excellent non league magazine.  So we arrived at kick off and with a slightly late arrival by the officials and players onto the pitch we then had a further delay when referee Gooch advised the home side he needed more tape on the town end nets, I'm never sure why they don't do a little check of these things when they esteemed officials are warming up before the encounter.

Buxton started the game well and were pushing Ashton back and on 14 minutes Bradley Barraclough fed Liam Hardy whose shot was straight at the well positioned Paul Phillips in the home goal.  It was Ashton who took the lead four minutes later with Chris Baguley floating in a corner for Jason Gorton to ghost in unmarked to put a powerful header past Matthew Glennon in the Buxton goal.

Ashton really should have extended their lead to 3-0 before half time with both chances falling to Eddie Toner first an open goal that saw a defender get a diving interception to stop his shot and then a first tome effort in a good position 10 yards out that flashed wide.

PAUL PHILLIPS, ASHTON KEEPER, 'IT'S MINE'

Half time arrived with the narrowest of leads for Ashton and they would have to be alert in the second half a Niall Doran effort came back off a post on 64 minutes for The Robins before Buxton equalised a minute later when Greg Young, Buxton captain, powered in a header similar to his counterpart for Ashton in the first half.

All square and all to play for just, before the goal centre forward Martin Pilkington was introduced to the game and straight away his pacey runs were proving a threat to the Buxton defence non more so that a rasping shot from the edge of the box that Glennon did well to push over.  He had given the home side an extra impetuous and so it was when two goals in a minute wrapped the game up for The Robins. 

On 69 minutes a corner off the right was headed in by Stephen Mason with the visiting keeper looking as though he had been fouled and then a superb winner worth the admission money alone a free kick 25 yards out slightly to the right saw Baguley curl in an exquisite strike into the left hand top corner.  A wonderful goal that knocked the stuffing out of the Buxton challenge who could probably count themselves a little unlucky to be two goals adrift.


NIALL DORAN ON THE ATTACK FOR BUXTON

Time was played out without any further problems for both keepers and on the final whistle a small dash to the bus stop 100 yards away soon had us on board the 231 back to Ashton bus station before a quick connection, again, onto the 330 to Bredbury station.  It was a relief to say the service was on time and we had just a ten minute wait for the train which was a blessing in so far as we would be at base station at 7.30pm, so once again The Rising Sun would have to wait for a visit this season.

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION

A packed train emitted travellers at varying stops through the peak district including many Man Utd fans who had won bust missed an excellent day out at Hurst Cross that saw the home side drive on in their Evostik Premier League challenge.

TODAYS NON LEAGUE DOG [BUXTON FC] IS NOT REALLY BOTHERED ABOUT THE GAME HE
 IS JUST OUT FOR THE FRESH AIR

A cracking day with a steady game of football in a ground full of character and characters, thoroughly enjoyed.

ASHTON UTD FANS ENGROSSED IN PROCEEDINGS

 

CLINCAL DYNAMO GAIN ALL THREE POINTS AT HEANOR

HEANOR TOWN 2 V SHEPSHED DYANMO 3
MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ THE TOWN GROUND
1 JANUARY 2016 --- 3PM

THE TOWN GROUND  WITH A HEALTHY ATTENDANCE

Two goals in 5 second half minutes gave Shepshed the upper hand in this entertaining new years day fixture at The Town Ground.  Shepshed had taken a first half lead before Heanor pulled level after 51 minutes though Jay Cooper.  It was time for clinical finishing from the visitors Read and Langham pushing them to a two goal advantage before a penalty and then a sending off for Heanor gave the game an entertaining finish.

ITS UP THAT HILL!

The chance of some new years day football was not to be turned down and with no buses but a full train service the blog was grateful for a lift to base station today.  It would be a pleasure to travel like this on a normal Saturday I have never seen the station this quiet for ages and seats seemed to be available on the trains in this area today, although I guess very busy in some parts of the country.  The short hop to Langley Mill for a 1 mile walk to Heanor received the welcome accompaniment of Mark Thorpe of Alfreton Town's programme shop and as we climbed the hill towards Heanor with the parish church guiding us towards the town and the nearby pub beckoning Mark.

ROARING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH HEANOR MASCOT LENNIE

Upon arrival in Heanor most of the shops were of course closed but there was time for a little look around before making our way to Mayfield Avenue for the game.

MAN IN FUNNY CLOTHES [BURNLEY SCARF] AND THEN
THERE'S LENNIE THE LION, CHEERS DAVE!

Having re acquainted myself with Heanor mascot Lennie the Lion there was time to catch up with many of todays visitors and hoppers who were out in force a tremendous vote of confidence on Heanor selecting this game for a new years day kick off, indeed if the queue for the snack bar and bar was anything to go by a profitable afternoon for the club.

BILL AND JANE. WITH JANE JUST ABOUT VISIBLE!

Quick name check paragraph here good to catch up with Malcolm from Castleford who we first met a few years ago at Widnes, Dave the former Glapwell kit man [and flag man] was there as was Michael a Chesterfield hopper.  By this time Heanor pa man Tony was arriving readying to open up the shop which was taking a great deal of interest from the passing supporters.  Moving around the ground it appeared Mark Grayling was in attendance but I failed to spot him in the large crowd of 403.  There was time before kick off to have a chat with Ben Sheffield FC's photographer and Bill Wheatcroft and Jane the former previously of The Crooked Spireite probably one of the best fanzines ever!
As regular blog readers will know Heanor has become a midweek regular for a visit so it was good to do an afternoon game but having featured a ground description before I wont revisit it today, it was though great to see a crowd of over 400 streaming in to The Town Ground.

A GATHERING AROUND THE TEAM LINE UPS BOARD

An enterprising start from both sides saw the visitors take the lead after 23 minutes when Niall Prenderville drove an edge of the box effort goal bound via what looked like a deflection and as it struck the post the Heanor defender Jordan Simpson failed to keep the ball from rolling over the line.

REFEREE CONCERNED BY HEANOR NUMBER 9'S HEADGEAR

Heanor responded and Joe Naylor shot wide when he should have hit the target before Jamie Clarke beat Jack Hartopp in the visitors goal only to see the ball hit the left hand post.
Shepshed lead at half time but it was Heanor who showed first one minute into the second period when Kieran Debrouwer had a shot blocked just in front of the Shepshed goal line.  The lions did equalise though on 51 minutes when Cooper took the ball around Hartopp to slot into the unguarded goal.
Shepshed seemed to fire themselves up now and clinical finishing was to be the marked difference between the sides with those 2 goals in 5 minutes.  Superb work down the left saw Michael Reeve provided an inch perfect cross to Liam Read who finished with a sharp strike, 63 minutes.  Shepshed's third goal was superbly dispatched by number 9 Matt Langham who took the ball down beautifully on the edge of the box before firing home a sweet finish to make it 3-1.

HEANOR ATTACK REPELLED

Heanor went in search of trying to recover something from the game and when Debrouwer hit a free kick towards the Shepshed goal it struck a hand and the referee gave the penalty.  Then the controversy started Clarke dispatched the kick to the left and with Hartopp so nearly stopping it the visitors number 1 was a little unlucky.  With Heanor hoping to re start quickly there became a melee in the goal mouth Clark tried to retrieve the ball but as so often the opposition in these situations were non to keen for this too happen.  There are two option to what happened now and as you may guess Heanor will see one option as the favoured as Shepshed will see the direct opposite.  Having spoken to hoppers who were at the correct end, I wasn't, they had differing opinions too.  OPTION 1  Clarke allegedly left a foot in on the keeper as he went to re claim the ball  OPTION 2 The keeper was getting up from the save and the coming together was accidental.  Anyway about 4 minutes after the kerfuffle Referee Justice Jacobs made his judgement with a straight red card for Clarke.

REFEREES JACOBS [MIDDLE], LEDWIDGE AND BEVINS

As the game threatened to boil over Ashleigh Lynch was on the receiving end of a lenient judgement from the referee when he was awarded a yellow for what looked like a red card challenge which would have left the home side with 9 men.
Heanor decided to throw the kitchen sink at the game and with Shepshed threatening we had an enthralling final 10 minutes.  The final minutes saw the visiting keeper cautioned for either time wasting or I believe bringing the ball out of the area resulting in a drop ball not sure what happened there [Footnote here a refereeing friend advises me that timewasting by the keeper is punishable by a yellow card and a drop ball, so there is probably the answer].  Amazingly with two lengthy stoppages and substitutions referee Jacobs only played 4 minutes added time when double this appeared appropriate, but maybe by this stage I was enjoying it too much and didn't want the game to end.
A good old battle which was slightly unfortunate on Heanor but Shepshed provided the finishing touch today that the home side could not find consistently during the 90 minutes.
With the rain now teeming down the return journey to Langley Mill station was thankfully downhill with a stream of fellow hoppers all planning there travels for tomorrow when once again they will have to become amateur weather forecasters with rain again in the offing.
The return journey was spent in the interesting company of a Sheffield Wednesday and Reading season ticket holder who both take in non league games when their league clubs fixture list allows.  It was nice to be back in earlier than normal today but one felt for our friend the Reading season ticket hold who would not be back home until after 9pm tonight.

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE A 158 AND HST