RADCLIFFE AND HOLWELL SERVE UP STALMATE

RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC 0 V HOLWELL SPORTS 0
EAST MIDLAND COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE @ WHARF LNE
26 MARCH 2016 --- 3PM

RADCLIFFE OLYMPICS WHARF LANE GROUND

This goal less encounter was affected by a strong wind blowing the full length of the Recreation Ground pitch and although some nil nil games can be classics this one was not.  The game had few chances although there was plenty of effort from both sides and the home team struck the woodwork twice.
More of the game later and for a change we made an all bus blog from base with the holiday period upon us and once again heavy rain forecast we headed east and on this occasion to the east of Nottingham.  Radcliffe Olympic would be a new visit and although my past experience of The EMCFL has not always been favourable the research was done and we opted for a mid morning start with The Comet landing us in Derby at just before 1130 we headed to the landing strip of The Red Arrow.  This Trent Barton service is now served by triple axle coaches at around £250,000 a piece with Nottingham achieved at just after mid day we moved onto the Rushcliffe Mainline service which is also served by Trent Barton and after a change of buses in the Broadmarsh Centre we were soon passing Notts County's and Forest's grounds before the wonderful Trent Bridge home of Notts cricket.

THE RED ARROW RESTING OVER IN NOTTINGHAM VICTORIA BUS STATION

We departed in Radcliffe on Trent at around 1pm to some annoying light drizzle and set off on a walk around the village centre in places it is a quite boutique centre although thankfully for us there was a Coop and a chippy.  Fellow traveller Mick opted for the latter and I made the mistake of deciding to hunt a sandwich in the Coop on the way back.  Now hunt was probably the correct word about 3 lonely desolate packs of fillings I didn't fancy so the ground but I wasn't rescued there today with just crisps and confectionery available.

ST MARYS CHURCH SEEN FROM THE RECREATION GROUND

The Parish church of St Mary's sits well in the village with a weird church column no spire, we wandered out towards The Chestnut pub which seemed to be a place to visit for eats on any future visits to the area.
Back then to Wharf Lane were we approached the Wharf Lane Recreation ground the ground is down a bank and can be seen from the top of the grass knoll or road side we continued to walk towards the railway bridge which supports the line from Nottingham to Grantham and got into conversation with a guy looking to see a rare freight engine which was due.
With the time approaching 2.3opm and Mick already in the ground I made the break to the entrance and paid my admission fee to gateman Michael who offered a warm welcome.  Sadly today there was no programme produced and hopefully any players not spelt correctly are pulled from the team sheet.

CHANGING ROOMS AT WHARF LANE

Immediately straight on and behind the goal are the brick built changing rooms with snack bar serving drinks/crisps etc to the side of a committee room.  The whole ground has the obligatory hard standing walkway around it and so we move onto the far side touchline which in the top half has a single bench seated stand with the dug outs situated by the half way line.  Behind this touchline is a sectioned of field which houses the local livery with a selection of horses.

MAIN STAND FEATURING SOME PROTECTION FROM THE WIND

The far goal had a high raised bank which services the afore mentioned railway line which sees infrequent services passing during the afternoon.  The touchline that leads us back to the main facilities area is at the bottom of the bank and is separated from the rest of the recreation ground by screened Herres fencing, well over 30 panels which I'm told is put in place before every game.  The ground is generally smart apart from a little graffiti which must annoy the club but is something beyond their control with a ground open to the public with footpaths passing through.
The former Chancellor Ken Clarke is the local MP and also President of Radcliffe Olympic and although I couldn't see him being in attendance for a photo I have sat in the same block as him at the cricket at Derbyshire County Cricket Club before, sadly he didn't attend so no photo for the blog!

DERBYSHIRE REF REECE DAVIES SHAKES ON IT WITH ANDREW HARLAND TO THE LEFT
EAGER TO SHAKE TOO

The wind today is blustery without being gale force but is blowing away from the changing rooms and something that Radcliffe have to their backs in the first half as they attack the railway end.  Holwell Sports needing the points to pull away from the wrong end of the table are up against it in the first half with Radcliffe dominant but the only real effort of note came from Ryan Perkins swinging free kick off the left which crashed back off the bar three minutes before half time for the home side

FIRST HALF ACTION WITH HOLWELL ON THE BALL

During the interval we made acquaintances of two hoppers who had made the trip from Chester for this encounter.

RADCLIFFE ATTACK IN THE FIRST HALF

The second half saw Holwell with the wind at their backs and it proved to be their second half with again much pressure resulting in little of note.  Indeed the home side struck the post for the second time after 85 minutes when Jan Yeomans struck the left upright with a free kick off the right hand side of the pitch from 25 yards.  Following a late start at nearly ten past four we finally wrapped up here just 2 minutes short of 5 o clock and it was the blogs second goal less game on the run.
Within a few minutes we were back on the Rushcliff Mainline service to Nottingham and as the skies opened up the rain we had been promised came to fruition.  A rain soaked dash for The Red Arrow to Derby saw us connect with the already landed Comet back to base at just shy of 7pm.

VIEW FROM THE RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC BENCH

LIONS FRUSTRATED BY RESOLUTE WULFRUNIANS

HEANOR TOWN 0 V AFC WULFRUNIANS 0
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE TOWN GROUND
24 MARCH 2016 --- 7.45PM

A goal less game produced an excellent first half with Heanor seeing efforts cleared off the line, off the woodwork and then there was visiting keeper Josh Moreton who was also in fine form to deny The Lions.  The second period saw little change in terms of possession but the visitors defence became even more determined and in an impressive performance especially against the likes of home live wire Karl Demidh they earned a point with this clean sheet.
At last a return to Heanor for a mid week game visits to the town ground often feel like that comfy pair of slippers or the chance to recline in that all encompassing armchair, it just feels right.  It was the blogs last visit since the 'big one' on New Years Day against Shepshed Dynamo and The Lions have seen some personnel changes and a slight fading away in the form stakes.  As ever mid week games make match pictures a non starter so the blog has a few pictures from the evening and after a steady journey through Alfreton we arrived at the ground in enough time to see the lovely catering ladies turning up to unlock the excellent snack bar.  One of the highlights of any trip to Heanor has I'm sure I have mentioned before is a trip to said establishment and tonight was no different.  The feature picture tonight is of Kim Clarence, Heanor manager Glen's mum, preparing one of our two chip pea cobs.

STAR PLAYER KIM CLARENCE WITH CHIP PEA COB FOR THE BLOG

It was good to see a small following from Wolverhampton with tonight's visitors and there was even an appearance for a smart AFC Wulfrunians flag.  Having described this ground on many occasions I will not repeat the exercise and so tonight's blog will be a little bit shorter than normal needless to say though there was a nice collection of friendly faces to greet and even Lennie the Lion costume less!  When he was in situ I finally resisted to the temptation to take his picture for the first time this season!
The clubhouse was the first call for a glass of lemonade and a few savouries and then off for an early walk around the ground which was looking smart as ever and finally at 7.15 the shutters rose and we made a mad dash for the food hatch!
The match itself was a fair paced encounter in the opening 45 minutes but it was much about Heanor trying to break down a determined visiting defence but the chances came and went and you began to feel as though it may not be the home sides night.  First to try was Simeon Oshoboke whose shot was scrambled off the line before Matt Harris saw Moreton pull off an excellent save between the visitors posts.  There had been some tantalising little runs from Demidh on the left and he saw an effort also cleared off the line before on the stroke of half time Oshoboke crashed a header off the underside of the bar and the visiting defence cleared the ball to safety.

We entered the second half with a little bit of positive play from Wulfrunians bit it was not long before the side pressing was Heanor but this time they were not getting many chances away as the visitors defence held strong in a convincing display.  Probably Heanor's best chance of the half came when Demidh hit a sharp shot from 14 yards that Moreton was equal to again. 
The inevitable was happening a 0-0 game after many high scoring games for the blog but there was just one last chance in the 7th minute of stoppage time Wufrunians broke down the left and Joe McCormack in the home goal had to be alert to block Kyle Brady's sharp effort.
The usual 3 bus journey on return was hair raising with a ten minute late departure from Heanor to Ripley putting our connections and the possibilities of a taxi into the equation.  Thankfully the connecting bus was running late and as we pulled in our bus pull in directly at the front of the 'nine' allowing us enough time to make a dash for it and we were soon on board for the final connection out to Alfreton which was made with around 10 minutes to spare.
Disappointing to see a 0-0 game but Heanor put on a good show against a very determined Wulfrunian side who had come to do a job, one that they carried out successfully.

WALSALL WOOD GET 'MAX' POINTS THANKS TO A LATE WINNER

WALSALL WOOD 2 V COVENTRY SPHINX 1
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE ML SAFETY STADIUM - OAK PK
19 MARCH 2016 --- 3PM

WALSALL WOOD FC

LOUIS HARRIS WALSALL WOODS OPENING SCORER

A goal five minutes from time from substitute Max Black secured all three points for the 'Wood' in a close fought encounter with Sphinx who had looked likely to take a point back to Coventry as the clock wound down.  The game had entered the break at 1-1 with the home side scoring first through Louis Harris before an equaliser for the visitors from Zuhayb Abdirahman shortly afterwards.
As ever more on the game later but first a little look at the day and the journey.  Thankfully the weather seems to be allowing football to be played again but its still difficult to select a game from a long list and going into Friday night there we were down to five fixtures to select from.  The blog tracked all clubs Twitter feeds and surprisingly none of the clubs were advertising their clubs home game by the end of the evening.  A bit of research had followed on a few clubs and by this stage the favourite was coming out as Walsall Wood a club we had seen last season play in the FA Vase against Shaw Lane at a neutral venue, Sandy Lane in Worksop and fellow travel guru Mick had engaged some Walsall Wood players in conversation at Khalsa a few weeks ago.  There was also the chance to see Coventry Sphinx a club I had last seen in an FA Vase game at Teversal quite a few years ago at Carnarfon St.
The decision was taken to make this public transport journey a little more complicated, why? [I know], and come to Walsall Wood from the north and not travel into Birmingham and out through Walsall.  Here we go then start from base station was fairly standard wedging ourselves in the doorway as far as Derby who were at home against local rivals Nottm Forest with a 1230 kick off.  Our next train for Tamworth came in from Nottingham and was of course rammed to the gills with Forest fans and a selection of alcoholic beverages who were disembarking.  As we departed Derby the train manager started his announcement with a sigh and 'aaah normal service can now resume'.  With a table seat gained we were soon up and on the move again at Tamworth getting ourselves to the lower level station for the next train to Lichfield Trent Valley and thankfully a prompt arrival gave us 25 minutes for the fair old stretch to the bus station were within a few minutes of our arrival we departed on the number 35 Arriva Bus to Walsall which would serve the 'wood' first.  One annoying point here is Arriva operating buses with hopper fare collectors so as long as you pay the fare if you do not have the correct money you can pay anything above the fare which they happily keep.  One poor chap in front of us paid £5 for a £2.80 fare!  In todays customer service savvy world this can not be good for any company indeed on the return journey I managed to put a £2 coin in by mistake and proceeded to overpay by £1.40.

FORMER KENNING CAR AND VAN RENTAL BRANCH

We departed at the Chester Rd crossroads and here dear blog reader you may have to indulge me for a minute for here is the site of the former Kenning Car & Van Rental branch a company based in the blogs home town.  The branch was unique in that it had a double listing in its tariff as both Walsall Wood and Brownhills, being on the border of both.  While researching this visit I found a Walsall Woods programme for an FA Cup game v Raunds Town were the then manager of Kennings Mr Robin Warley had sponsored the match ball.
Ok back to normal service and as we walked towards the ground about half a mile away we passed the local educational establishment Shire Oak Academy with its principal Mr Beech, 'tremendous'!  Just short of the ground we had a decision to make with two hours to kick off would we eat at the KFC or the Chippy.  Having taken a look at the latter entitled Aldridge Chippy 2 it won 2 votes and in we went for sustenance, interestingly the KFC is situated to the front of the ground and the leisure centre and opposite a private gym, so you can pile it on and then work it all off next door!
Food devoured we made a walk towards the High St in Walsall Wood with a little while still until kick off.  We observed the site of the former Walsall Wood railway station were the cutting for the line can clearly be seen the station sadly closed way back in 1930 and after the pit closed in 1964 the line was lost altogether.  To the top end of the cutting is a monument to the pit which opened in 1874 and this structure can clearly be seen from the ground.

COPPICE RD CROSSROADS STREET FURNITURE

At the Coppice Road cross roads the first of three iron street structures featuring characters from old are on show this first one is the most impressive with a group of people all emblazoned with their stories of tales of old Walsall Wood.

NOT SURE HOW MANY THE DUCKS DRUNK

As we meandered past the local shops there was time for a picture of the beautifully named pub The Drunken Duck!  Onwards to the bridge which took the road over the Daw End canal we viewed a further iron structure a fisherman high up on a pole bas fishing in the canal and telling his story too.

JUST MISSING A NARROW BOAT ON THE CANAL

Turning back to walk to the ground the final local 'iron' we encountered was the miner with his greyhound dog.  Passing St Johns Church we were soon at the perimeter of the ground passing by the chapel that gave the football club its first working title 'Walsall Wood Ebenezer Primitive Methodists FC'.
Oak Park or to give it its new commercial title ML Safety Stadium is neatly sided by the leisure centre and we are offered a warm welcome from Rex who is operating the turnstile today.  Its always good to get a friendly greeting and we had a chat about the club and of course some of the things we had seen on our mini tour, Rex promised a local historian would be here later and would be of much interest.

Time then to do the tour and to the left hard standing behind the goal was immediately fenced by 'Herres' fencing which provided a separation for players and officials cars.  This fencing continued onto the far touchline and separated much of the extra waste ground from the main stadium area.  The feature of the far side is the 1930's built stand which bares the name of Geoff Woodward which contains a deep set of benched seats with the dugouts well apart either side of the stand.

WALSALL WOOD PIT MONUMENT OVERSEES THE MATCH ACTION

Moving towards the far end goal the pit monument is clearly in view and behind this goal is hard standing with a grassed area to the rear.  There is no access to complete a full circle and indeed in the near touchline as you entered access is to just short of the half way line with the changing rooms beyond being part of the clubhouse which is a modern and light affair.  Immediately before the clubhouse is a portable snack wagon from which the ladies kept us supplied with hot beverages through this increasingly cold afternoon.

DAVID EVANS CAPTURES A FEW PICTURES FOR
HISTORICAL PURPOSES

As I completed the tour via a crafty walk back up the touchline Rex was waving me over because David Evans had arrived and it was a pleasure to meet this informative gentleman who told me many a interesting story about the town and the football club including his claim to fame that the fisherman statue was modelled on him.  We discussed the pit, the station, the unusual statues and the appearance of the stand at the ground and how bricks just appeared in those early days!  A very interesting chat was enjoyed by the blog and I thank David for his time.
After our recent games featuring a glut of goals there was a concern that a 0-0 game would not be far away but this was not to be today, thankfully, when Walsall Wood opened the scoring after 21 minutes.

HAND, ARM, SHOULDER SPHINX DISCUSS IT WITH REFEREE FAUNCH

Sphinx disputed the free kick awarded for handball midway into their half on the left and they felt more aggrieved when Woods captain Harry Harris, great name, floated in the kick for Louis Harris to head home from 8 yards.

LOUIS HARRIS OPENS THE SCORING FOR WALSAL WOOD

The game was all square though and with Garfield Robinson posing a threat down the right for the visitors the home side had to be alert but they made a defensive slip on 33 minutes which allowed Abdirahman to nip in and coolly fire pass Adam Jenkins in the home goal.
Half time had seen Mick visit the snack van to secure another beverage which got us through the interval and the teams were soon returning to the pitch for an intriguing second half.

The game was generally breaking down on the edge of the visitors box as Walsall Wood had much possession but the visitors remained resolute in defence.  So often in games like this the team defending hare up to the other end and score well barring a fantastic last gasp clearance off the line from Ricardo Ricketts from a Mitch Thomson clip round the keeper on 77 minutes that's just what Sphinx would have done.
Great last gasp clearance at one end saw home substitute Black slot home at the far post on 85 minutes to give high flying Wood the lead and ultimately all three point in what had been a close encounter.

A game of few chances but one that was always in the balance until Black popped up to secure the three points.
A short dash back towards the bus stop for the number 35 back to Lichfield was secured in good time only to find out on the journey back that our train from Lichfield had been cancelled and with a 1 hour wait for the next service we managed to locate an express bus service to Tamworth.  With only £2.50 in change panic was heightened that this might mean entering a fiver into the 'hopper'.  Thankfully this Arriva bus gave change and the fare was £2.50, result.
A sharp walk through Tamworth saw arrival at the town station with a 20 minute wait for a direct train to base which was arrived at just after 7pm with a seat secured on a X Country train, a further result.
A cracking little day out always interesting to visit new clubs and towns with some enthralling subjects of historical interest in Walsall Wood.  The blog has visited many a town but this one was up their with its industrial heritage and a football match as well to add to the entertainment.

A MATCH VIEW FROM THE HOME TECHNICAL AREA

HARBOROUGH BUZZING AFTER THREE SECOND HALF GOALS SECURES COMEBACK

HARBOROUGH TOWN 3 V PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR 2
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ BOWDENS PK
12 MARCH 2016 --- 3PM

BOWDENS PARK HOME OF HARBOROUGH TOWN FC

A powerhouse second half comeback from Harborough Town saw them score 3 goals in 20 minutes to overturn the visitors half time 2-0 lead.  Peterborough Northern Star [PNS] were looking comfortable at the break 2 goals to the good and with the home side looking out of the match.  But as somebody once said football is a 'funny old game' and the young Harborough side put in a 'full on' second half performance which was graced by a brace from Ryan Watkin and the winner from a sweet strike by Barnes Gladman.  You had to feel a little sorry for PNS the home sides whirlwind second half performance had secured them all three point in a game they looked out of at half time.

MARKET HARBOROUGH STATION

The day started with a confidence that the weather would not interfere with plans, today at last we had seen two days of dry weather and we were planning a trip to see Holywell v Holyhead Hotspur in the Cymru Alliance.  That was until just after 7am when a quick check of the rail enquiries site showed track side cable problems were delaying Manchester trains and then half an hour later it got worse with Sheffield signalling broken with trains backed up all over the place by 8.30am.  So we had got rid of the rain and now the transport network was creating todays problem upon arrival at base station there were a few semi stranded people with a XCountry Edinburgh bound train parked up on platform 3 with nowhere to go north with the line backlogged and we had a decision to make.
One of this weeks games had been a previously researched trip to south Leicestershire and Market Harborough for Bowdens Pk the home of the towns football club.  We came to the conclusion that London bound trains were least affected by the chaos and purchased tickets only then to realise Sheffield Wednesday fans were going via Derby to their game at Forest and England rugby fans were also off to Twickenham.  The slightly delayed service saw us in a nice standing position by the doors, as is becoming the norm.  We managed to take up a seat from Derby and got chatting to a nice couple who were off to see their daughter in London and as usual even though they had got on in Sheffield the gentleman's home town was Alfreton and we had a small chat about The Reds from the 1950's reformation.  We were soon departing in Leciester for the following train that performs the all stopping train to London and within 15 minutes a departure at Market Harborough for a visit to a new ground and also a new town that had never come on my radar before.

ST DIONYSIUS AND IN THE FOREGROUND
GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHURCH

Following a steady walk into the town it soon become clear that the centre is a bottleneck for traffic but the shopping area was smart with a fair degree of boutique type shops.  Wetherspoon's was soon located and for the second Saturday running a 'spoons' was found with downstairs toilets!  The Sugar Loaf is a smart pub and very busy today the food was ok but a little sparse they appeared to have counted out the peas and chips today and any that approached double figures were taken back off the plate.
With a good couple of hours to kick off we walked away from the Northampton Rd that leads to todays venue for a visit to the Union Canal wharf a brisk 15 minute walk from the town centre.

UNION CANAL WHARF

A pleasant experience and there was time for a little look around the basin and catch up with a few people their we very nearly enlisted as crew on one narrow boat.  The time arrived for the walk back to town and having passed by the all seeing parish church, St Dionysius, and Grammar school church.
There was even time to walk down the quaintly named Adam and Eve St formally the home for a few years of Thomas Cook the Derbyshire born travel agent.

WOULD YOU ADAM AND EVE IT?   FORMER HOME OF THOMAS COOK

The time had arrived to set off for the game and off we travelled down Northampton Rd to the end of the town and overlapping one would guess the towns boundary we arrived after about 20 minutes at the leisure centre site which featured numerous facilities.  Walking to the rear we see the local rugby club and behind this the football clubs impressive headquarters comes into view.  To the right is a selection of 3g pitches and further beyond many grass pitches for the clubs 47 sides, yes 47!

CHANGING ROOMS, CLUB HOUSE, FUNCTION ROOM AND SNACK BAR ALL IN ONE BUILDING

With entrance paid and usual purchases a quick tour was made of the ground and although basic it is smart and well looked after immediately to the right is the club house with a lawn terraced area with entrance to the changing rooms and to the side toilets an a further entrance to the clubhouse, private function room and snack bar which was looking smart and presentable as is the norm at Bowdens Park.

ATCOST STANDS LOOKING SMART IN CORPORATE COLOURS

The far side has two smart 50 seater Atcost stands in corporate amber and black livery to the top corner is a weird deep covered area which would offer rain shelter but is positioned in the corner behind the corner flag.  The top goal offers uncovered standing and that's were it ends the ground is three sided and as the dug outs beckon down the touchline you cannot enter this area and it remains grassed up to the external fenced area that surrounds the whole of the arena.  Its quite a shame this because there is always a lot of activity around the dug outs and it does take a little away not being able to hear the banter from the benches.
We had some friendly conversations with the local supporters with whom its was a pleasure to catch up with and a couple of PNS followers who had made the trip too, nice to meet you all.  Moving back inside we were sold the club by Pauline who gave the blog a full run down on the club and her enthusiasm shone out brightly for a club with numerous, 47, teams and potential for further developments with the hope of a 3g pitch soon.  We also met Andy at the same time and the enthusiasm of people like Andy and Pauline are a real necessity for non league football to continue, well done more strength to you!
Thanks to Pauline the teams were secured and by this time Mick was off in conversation again catching up with some Bees fans outside.

The game pitched two teams just below mid table but with little to worry about in terms of relegation and after a smart start from PNS it was Harborough who seemed to get on top that was until 21 minutes when the visitors were handed a penalty which Callum Maddigan converted to the right.  Things went from bad to worse 8 minutes later when PNS made it 2-0 when Luke Smith headed in at the far post from a left wing corner.
The Cambridgeshire visitors were looking comfortable at half time and you could not see the home side getting much back from the game.  As we all re gathered for the second half one home fan made it clear they were now kicking to their favourite end, I added that a couple of quick goals and it would be an interesting finish.  How right we both were and with the HTFC 'barmy army' in situ behind the goal we were about to experience a remarkable second half comeback.

1-2 AFTER 56 MINUTES

After 56 minutes belief returned when a floated ball into the box saw visiting keeper fly from his line and in the process collide in an aerial challenge with home captain Ben Williams and as the ball flew further cross the line Watkin headed home.  Moments later home custodian Glen Giles kept Harborough in the game with a save from Chris Jones and this proved all to the good when on 64 minutes the scores were level.

WATKINS MAKES IT 2-2

A looping corner off the right was met by the rising colossus that is Watkins who powered home a cracking header that sent him wheeling away in delight with his team mates in hot pursuit.

LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN

The ultimate in comebacks arrived on 76 minutes with Mason Thomas holding the ball up well with his back to goal before laying into the path of Gladwin who drove home from 14 yards out inside the visiting keepers right hand post to make it 3-2.  Pure scenes of joy as the side went over to celebrate with the home dug outs.

3-2 THE CELBRATION CONTINUE

Make no doubts though PNS contributed to this second half and continued to try to play attractive football so much so that Harborough had to remain alert right up to the final whistle.  When the final whistle did arrive it was clearly something that brought much joy to the players officials and it has to be said supporters of Harborough Town who were more than appreciative of this young sides efforts.  The blog would certainly echo these sentiments a real battling performance which showed great character.
Time to say goodbye to Bowdens Park and Harborough Town after a very enjoyable game for a fiver as per usual it would be great if more local football supporters would pop along to non league games you may just see a cracking game, like today, and get the chance to be part of a smart little set up like Harborough Town.

THE BEES COME OFF AS A TEAM

The reverse journey was made via a parallel to the main road footpath that saw arrival back at the station with about 10 minutes to spare before departing on the Leicester bound train.  Word of warning here don't get caught at the station building end of the platform the train pulls well through the station and we had a small sprint to complete to board!  A couple of minutes for our connecting train back to base saw us get a seat for the whole of our two return journeys, things are looking up.
A new town, new ground for the blog and an enjoyable afternoon and one that I look forward to visiting again soon.

2-2 AND WATKIN [16] SEES HIS HEADER NESTLE IN THE GOAL

BANNISTER AND HEATH ACCOUNT FOR DOUBLE WONDER GOALS

KHALSA AND GARDENERS SERVE UP GOAL OF SEASON CONTENDERS
@ THE ASPRAY24 ARENA AND SHARLEY PARK

GARDENERS SEAN HEATH [5] LASHES HOME A GOAL OF THE SEASON CONTENDER

Sounding like a pair of accountants Bannister and Heath were certainly putting entries on the credit side of their respective clubs goal tallies last weekend never mind the quality of the goals.
There was around 20 hours separating two of the blogs contenders for goals of the season never mind the miles between Willenhall based Sporting Khalsa who took on Highgate Utd in a Midland League Premier game at step 5 and Gardeners Fc of Clay Cross competing in The Chesterfield and District Sunday League Division 5 against Dronfield Wanderers.
Readers of Saturdays blog will no doubt have read about the wonderful goal from Khalsa's ex Hinckley AFC and Rushall Olympic striker Craig Bannister, a screamer.  With an entertaining top of the table battle with Highgate Utd locked at 2-2 Bannister first scored his 37th goal of the season to make it 3-2 before he pulled the 38th out of the top drawer moments later.
Picking the ball up on the right hand angle of the penalty box he floated a looping effort over the, by now, stranded visiting keeper into the far left hand corner of the net to make it 4-2 and even the blog allowed itself a moment to shout 'what a goal'!

CRAIG BANNISTER LOOPES HOME A GOAL OF THE SEASON CONTENDER

The following morning with a loose connection being the number 5 for step 5, yesterday, and Division 5 today the Gardeners Fc number 5 central defender Sean Heath added a wonderful goal, very rarely seen at this level, to that goal of the season shortlist.  In unfamiliar territory Heath picked the ball up 30 yards out before taking 2 strides forward and lashing home an unstoppable right foot effort into the top right hand corner with the visiting keeper at full stretch unable to stop it.

SEAN HEATH UNLEASHES A TOP CORNER EFFORT

This goal visited a game that was battling away at 1-1 when most players were entering the 'wished we hadn't gone out the night before' zone and the small crowd plus the Gardeners players celebrated and congratulated with equal measure.  Once again for the second time in under 24 hours the blog was able to scream out 'what a goal'.
Two fantastic goals to add to the credit side of the footballing balance sheet step forward Bannister and Heath.

BANNISTER DOUBLE SEES KHALSA TO 3 POINTS

SPORTING KHALSA 5 V HIGHGATE UTD 2
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE ASPRAY24 ARENA
5 MARCH 2016 ---3PM

THE MAIN STAND AT THE ASPRAY 24 ARENA

A double strike from Craig Bannister in a 9 minute spell just after half time sent Sporting Khalsa on their way to three points after a tight and full on first half had ended all square at 2 apiece.  A late goal from David Meese made the goal difference 3 to finish the score line 5-2 against fellow high flyers Highgate Utd.
As usual the last few days had been spent playing Michael Fish with weather checks on the hour and after last weeks trip east in better weather negated any checks todays game was a return to normal service!  Thanks to Khalsa secretary Andy the night before this game he gave the blog a positive answer of 'no planned inspections' so off we went mid morning for a trip from base to station to Wolverhampton.

MOLINEUX LOOKING SMART



Morning saw us greeted by Sarah our regular and friendly ticket clerk who presented us today with a complimentary cake with apparently 600 calories, thanks Sarah!  X Country supplied the usual 4 carriage cattle class service to Brum with standing all around.  We managed to secure a couple of positions in the cycle rack area mind you one guy was flat out in the luggage rack having a sleep with his partner perched on the edge of the racks, come on X Country take a look at the capacity its increasingly ridiculous and does stop people travelling to the West Midlands.
Fast change at New St saw us depart on a nice Virgin West Coast main line electric unit to arrive in Wolverhampton at 1245.  Its a few years since I was last in the town and some things have changed with a nice spruce up but with 3/4 of an hour built in the choice was either Willenhall town centre or a perimeter visit to Molineux a ground I last watched a game at in the 1980s, the dark old days of division 4.  The ground is a wowzer it looks superb from my strained views around the various vantage spots and although the blog doesn't attend many professional games I really want to pop along to re visit the Molineux for a game.  Mick had found his way into the superstore which was well stocked behind the Stan Cullis statue.  We left by the Billy Wright bronze on Waterloo Rd which is a fantastic site on the way into the town.

STANDING PROUD BILLY WRIGHT

Back to the bus station just to see the 529 service departing from the stand but luckily within 10 minutes the next one turned up and we scrambled for the upstairs front seats like excited 8 year olds.  Ten minutes elapsed crossing Neachells Lane for a departure at Noose Lane home of Sporting Khalsa, well a further 15 minutes down the road would find us there anyway.

WE ARE THERE

Approach to the ground through new and established houses saw the clubs ground sponsors Aspray24 on the right and over the road The Aspray24 Arena resplendent with its 4 4 2 lounge and bar surrounded by 5 a side 3 g pitches with to the rear of the club the main pitch.  Entrance was a bit tricky with the main section fenced off with Herras fencing we finally saw a walkway to the far left of the 3g pitches that allowed us to gain access.  It would appear that this is due to the players having hanging rooms just away from the pitch side and the obvious need for separation from the entrance.  The club I believe are looking at new changing rooms so this should change soon and create a more obvious entrance. 

EXTERNAL FRONTAGE AT THE ASPRAY24 ARENA

The ground is of course the former home of Willenhall which was purchased by Khalsa when the former club got into difficulties however it is to the current owners credit that they have spent a lot of money upgrading the ground and external facilities for community use and gaining a regular income flow.  The ground is cavernous and apparently had a massive pitch which has been taken in and shortened and when you see the floodlight positioning you can clearly see its previous size.
Usual entrance plus programmes purchased Mick went in search of curry, although we ended us with the inside ground catering and went for chips and tea, and I went off on a circuit.  The first thing that strikes you about the ground is the space around the back of the stands and the far goal allowing plenty of future room for development or maybe some more 3g mini pitches which apparently are being well used.  The turnstile entrance brings you in behind the near goals with most club activities in this area including snack bar, toilets, hospitality and tunnel entrance to the pitch.  Moving down the immediate touchline is a smart refurbished stand featuring yellow and blue seats with 'Sporting Khalsa' embossed on the front fascia.

TERRACED STAND

Walking round to the far goal the club have installed a paving brick walkway and to the opposite side of the ground we have a small covered stand which is set back along way from the pitch again I guess this is to do with the former pitch side.  Another interesting feature is the shortage of dug outs however the technical area is a massive space again made up of paving bricks with to the rear a section of the stands seats allocated as dug outs, a different touch.
Before the game we made a courtesy visit to match day secretary Andy, plus and thanks to the Highgate Utd secretary for help with the teams.

JAMES PEMBERTON SPORTING KHALSA KEEPER

 The blog had previously come across Khalsa at Heanor in a League Cup tie and met Sporting's keeper James Pemberton's dad and thankfully at about 2.30 I managed to recognise the gentleman again and we made re acquaintances before catching up with James, ex Derby County trainee, thanks guys good to catch up with you all.  I got a kindly invite into hospitality at half time and managed to sample some cake, an ice bun and a hot coffee-thank you for your kind invite.
Just before kick off I passed a greeting to the professional photographer and after a while we got into conversation when I realised I had met Gary before through another top notch photographer Barry Dyke, it was good to catch up and I look forward to seeing his quality shots, Gary also does the programme at The Aspray24 which is a nice effort too.

FREE KICK FOR HIGHGATE'S ELLIS

Sporting Khalsa are flying high in 5th spot with Highgate Utd just one place behind with both clubs looking to haul in the gap between themselves and Hereford.  Khalsa have had a remarkable rise since their formation in 1991 and find themselves in Willenhall from their previous home at their former Bloxwich ground.  The club have developed a community ethos which they are clearly developing at their base which is also undergoing an upgrade too and its a ground that I will look to visiting again to check out these developments.
To the game then and after a good start from Highgate it was the home side that took a 5th minute lead when Simeon Townsend lashed the ball home from 14 yards.  Highgate were straight back at Khalsa when Curvin Ellis hit the outside of the post but the visitors were level on 10 minutes when a Tom Lacey free kick off the right was met by a powerful header from Aaron Brown.

REFEREE GLAZZARD TIP TOES THROUGH THE GRASS

Referee Glazzard was having to be alert and although at times he seemed a little over fussy I think the longer the half went on the blog realised he had to keep a firm grip on this game and he did just that with a collection of cautions and a couple of interventions from his stand side assistant.

A QUIET WORD MR ROWE

The game was full on with some sharp challenges and lots of contesting of decisions.  But the goals were soon flowing again when Brendan Murphy put Highgate in front with a lovely lob from just inside of the box but not to be outdone Khalsa pulled it back to 2-2 when Marvin Nisbett fed the ball into the box after a jinking run down the left it was cleared back out to him14 yards out and he drove the ball past Brad Catlow in the visitors goal.

MARVIN NISBETT APPROACHES FOR THE EQUALISER AT 2-2

Break time and cakes and coffee plus 15 minutes saw this intriguing game ready to re start and we entered a 9 minute period that really wrapped the game up for Sporting.  Just two minutes into the second half the ball fall to Banister who fired home a sweet low shot into the bottom right hand corner to put the home side 3-2 to the good and then the goal of the game, season[?].  It was a double for Bannister on the right angled edge of the penalty box he floated a dipping shot over Catlow into the far corner of the net, a superb strike that was worth the admission money alone.

BANNISTER[HALF IN VIEW ON THE ANGLE OF THE BOX] WONDER GOAL MAKES IT 4-2

These two quick strikes took the wind out of Highgate who must have been shocked because the first half has been so evenly contested the consequently struggled to force their way back into the game although had they have got one back we would have been in for a cracker of a finish to this game.  the game was still in need of a sharp refereeing performance and Mr Glazzard overall showed well in a game that must have been testing of him.

Khalsa wrapped the game up with a fifth three minutes from the end of time when David Meese fired home a shot that Trevor Edwards despairing dive just could not keep out of the net.
Late in the second half a bit more work was created for the club when a sharp clearance crashed into the Sporting Khalsa fascia  of the stand and shattered the 'h', unbelievable had you tried to have done it you probably couldn't have.
A superb little match for the neutral, Highgate would be disappointed as the final score line was probably a little harsh on them but Khalsa had taken their chances well and secured the three points with some lovely goals.

GIVE US A 'H' A STARY CLEARANCE ALSO CLEARS OUT THE 'H'

We departed via the appropriately named 4 4 2 lounge which we had not seen on our arrival and with an impressive selection of TV screens its worth arriving early at the Aspray24 Arena.
Retracing our steps to the main road we arrived at the bus stop just as a '529' turned up and we soon pulled up at Wolverhampton bus station.  A short walk to the train station saw a departure at 1745 on a Euston bound train to Birmingham although it was slightly disconcerting that the external displays showed Glasgow!   Just time in New St to obtain a snack and jump aboard our X Country service back to base station seats gained for the journey, I take it all back, we were able to settle down for the journey back and discuss what had been an enjoyable day and first visit to Sporting Khalsa.  A nice friendly club helped along the way by some friendly supporters who hopefully will increase in numbers for this forward looking club.