WHALEY BRIDGE OVERCOME PINXTON TO PROGRESS

WHALEY BRIDGE ATHLETIC 3 PINXTON 1
DERBYSHIRE SENIOR CUP @ HORWICH PK
4 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 1.30PM

DSC TIE WITH WHALEY BRIDGE ON THE ATTACK AT HORWICH PK

After falling behind to an early goal Whaley stormed back to take charge of this Derbyshire Senior cup tie that saw the Cheshire League side despatch their fellow step 7 visitors Pinxton from the CMFL.
With the usual eye on the weather, as all footy fans know the conditions always deteriorate the night before the game, there was a game selection to be made today and thanks to the Whaley secretary and todays referee confirmation was received that the overnight rains would not interfere with this fixture.  It had looked a mouth watering fixture with high flying Pinxton visiting Cheshire League leaders Whaley Bridge Athletic a team who had always had a strong reputation for being there or there abouts.
Todays blog was massively helped thanks to a courtesy lift from match referee Kelvin Wilson he even agreed to drop me in Whaley first for the obligatory tour and of course fish and chips!

CANAL BASIN AN TRANSHIPMENT WAREHOUSE

The busy A5004 Buxton Rd whistles cars through the town with the adjacent Manchester to Buxton rail line trundling past on a slightly higher level through the town but bustle of a busy Saturday in Whaley belies the treasures behind the façade.  First point was a visit to the canal basin and the grade 2 listed Transhipment Warehouse the photo op was fulfilled and now for the research.  As usual all good towns have a chippy and The Fryery came well recommended with a small wait for a freshly cooked fish things looked good and they were certainly a re visit next time would be a must.

NEVER TIRE OF RESEARCH

Delicacy in hand a quick look in the streets behind revealed the old Goyt Mills site which now has a wonderful old restored sign at the approach to the formers base running adjacent the old terrace mill houses.  A short walk past an antique shop brings the incline of the former Cromford and High Peak railway which you could follow the path back over the River Goyt towards the Transhipment Warehouse.  The amble back towards the main road saw the Jodrell Arms Hotel, former landlord Jack Bond Lancashire cricketer, pub under renovation the pub bearing the name of the former big wig family of the area.  Derbyshire claims Whaley Bridge of course but the area sits right on the Cheshire border with nearby Macclesfield offering a trip over that line plus Stockport being close by too, indeed Whaley's selection to the Cheshire League probably bears out its geographical position.

TODDBROOK RESERVOIR BY THE GROUND

Movement along the Buxton Road towards the ground sees a delightful selection of shops and with a sweet requirement this was solved by Trio for gingerbread person and millionaires shortcake, very nice too.  I did stop to look at the Town Hall which seemed to house a lot of local facilities and by the side the craftily name 'Pizza Hot'.  Curving under the railway line and without any unnecessary references The Cock, formerly The Cock Inn, which once saw Betty Driver of Betty Turpin Coronation St fame as its landlady.  With time approaching 1pm a right turn along the narrow and short Wheatsheaf Road was to take me a very short climb through the Memorial Park and onto a higher level which houses the ground and small 4g five a side pitch.  Before taking in the ground a quick walk past would take in the stunning Toddbrook Reservoir.  Turning around offered a wonderful vista of the hills that sit all around our High Peak town and the steep overflow for this water source.

IF ITS VIEWS YOU WANT

Whaley Bridge Athletic FC then and the pitch is completely encased with tubular style plastic barriers these were of the solid format not the wobbly type for want of a better descriptor.  The two dugouts a smartly situated and with no hard standing around the ground most spectator areas were quite muddy and clearly you could spot a regular with boots or wellingtons afoot.  The far end from our current position and by the Park Rd entrance houses the changing room and small café that offered tea and soup alongside the usual confectionary.  It was a friendly welcome and the set up a pleasant surprise the down side for the club is they cant take an admission but hopefully a majority were happy to contribute to the raffle.  Whaley have always come across as a good club to me in past research and the only thing really missing here is of course a programme that would top off what is a delightful ground that just keeps giving in the scenery stakes, although I'm wisely advised to try it in January!

WHALEY PLAYERS SURROUND PINXTONS STUBLEY

To the game and Pinxton were resplendent in day-glow orange a kit that worked really well in todays dark cloud that at regular intervals hid the sun from the afternoon.  The visitors started strongly with Nathan Benger setting up Jack Hawkins whose shot was pushed away by James Tattersall in the Whaley goal.  Pinxton were bossing the game and on 14 minutes took the lead again Benger was the threat his shot was parried into the path of Pete Stubley who swept the ball home.

PINXTON TAKE THE LEAD

Whaley were struggling to keep Pinxton at bay and non more so that a few moments later when Tattersall had to be alert again to save from Benger, worryingly the game I though would be very close was looking like a Pinxton stroll.  However hope was restored for Whaley on 27 minutes a Jamie Kay corner off the left was headed back into the business area and Joe Burgess fired the loose ball into the Pinxton goal to level it.

JOE BURGESS [7] LEVELS IT FOR WHALEY BRIDGE

The home side were right back in it now testing Pinxton who were ready for half time but it didn't come quick enough when Burgess [J] strode through on the inside right position to fire past Andrew Francis in the visitors goal.
A Half time lead was more than Whaley could probably have foreseen after 20 minutes but now we had a game on our hands.  After a refreshment stop and catch up with Mr R from the Buxton parish who had come along for a catch up and a local game for him, good to see you!

CELEBRATIONS AS WHALEY GO INTO THE LEAD

Second period saw Pinxton pushing hard for the equaliser but Whaley Bridge hitting back as the game went from end to end.  Chances were at a premium but George Burgess got in a superb twisting header that crashed back off the bar before at the other end Stubley saw his goal bound shot cleared just short of the goal line.

PENALTY WRAPS IT UP

As Pinxton tired there was time for a final goal from the penalty spot referee Wilson had no doubt when Jace Brown was grounded and Jack Gregory converted from the spot to make it 3-1.  Straight from the re start it was all over and probably the longest trip in the Derbyshire Senior Cup was sealed with Whaley booked to travel to Gresley Rovers in the south of the county.  No time to celebrate mind you as nets and posts were all taken down by the players and officials after a come back victory that further showed the strength of Whaley Bridge Athletic Fc.
With a trip to The Shepherds Arms after the game a further look at one of the many public houses finished off a pleasant trip to the Whaley and I cant wait to revisit next time for a Cheshire League fixture and further look around this superb little town.

TEVERSAL GO TOP WITH WIN AT HOLBROOK

HOLBROOK SPORTS 0 TEVERSAL 1
EMCL @ SHAW LANE
3 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 7.45PM

FRIDAY FOOTY AT HOLBROOK SPORTS

A solitary goal from Dave Cockerill was enough to send Teversal to the top of the East Midlands Counties League replacing hosts Holbrook Sports who could not break down the resolute visitors who saw the final 28 minutes out with just ten men.
Friday night footy well why not so the blog set off from base for the short trip to Kilburn which would see the phone torch light come into play for the twenty minute walk up the dark country lane that would finally bring me into the village of Holbrook at around 7.15pm.  Holbrook I believe was covered on the blog a few years ago but its a lovely village probably best admired in the daytime certainly public transport is a problem after 7pm and tonight I would be very grateful to avoid a taxi back to Ripley to Luke, Heanor Town TV's top man for a lift, thank you!
The ground at Shaw Lane is situated behind the Miners Welfare and associated bowling green the ground has a slope from the far goal back towards the welfare.  With the changing rooms to the rear of the welfare the walkway to the pitch is long but the club hope to build some new ones inside the boundary of the ground.  The snack bar is small and welcoming and used twice tonight after gaining admission and a steady little programme a meander around found little had changed but for some excellent painting of the perimeter fencing and smartening up behind the top goal.  The right hand side features two dug outs and the official viewing area ends at the, the cover here is to the left hand side touchline with a cycle stand converted with temporary seats and straddling the half way line a stand with rear terracing and seats to the front with a row and half of seats in place.  Overall a smart little set up that meets the needs of the club at this step level.

SPORTS MANAGER MARK WILSON OVERSEES HOLBROOK THROUGH THE NEARLY SQUARE WINDOW

In the close season Holbrook engaged Mark Wilson as manager and the success is following for this jack in a box manager who is a winner and clearly wants winners in his team although tonight they failed to break down a stubborn Teversal  his side will not be far off at the end of the season.  Teversal were battling away at the top of the table too following their transfer from the NCEFL in the close season with Dave Cockerill still showing off his sweet left foot a player consistent ability on my viewing of Teversal.
The game started apace for Sports with the visiting keeper Turton making two excellent saves to deny the Brookies.  With Teversal in this game for a big defend and the chance on the break was not taken although Bacon got a shot in that fell wide.  By half time Holbrook must have been a little bemused that their possession had not resulted in a goal but we arrived at the interval goal less.

THROUGH THE ENTRANCE AND INTO THE CAFE FOR A WARM DRINK

The half time period saw the chance to greet the blogs hairdresser who lives by the ground and is with the club while operating his businesses in two nearby town as we watched the second half by the goals I was relieved to have shampooed the wig that afternoon.
The ever reliable Cockerill nipped in on a intercepted Sports pass rounded Steve Smith in the home goal and from the tightest of angles slotted in an excellent finish past two tracking back defenders, 52 minutes.  Ten minutes later the task got harder when Radford was sent off for the visitors for his second bookable offence within a few minutes and Holbrook sensed their chance.  However the double bank of defenders that Teversal now secured in place managed to thwart and deny most of what Holbrook could throw at them and it was to prove one of those games for the leaders who were replaced at the top by Teversal thanks to a clinical finish.
As ever thankful to avoid the goal less game and made a note to get along to Holbrook for a day time game and take a look at this Holbrook team who had one of those games in football tonight but who will mount a very strong challenge I'm sure under manager Wilson.

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY PROGRESS IN LEAGUE CUP

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY 2 ASLOCKTON AND ORSTON 1
CMFL LEAGUE CUP @ CHEWTON ST
1 NOVEMBER 2017 --- 7.45PM

EVENING FOOTBALL RETURNS AND ITS EASTWOOD COMM FC

Eastwood Community dominated this League Cup tie but the sheer determination and hard work of the visitors made the victory a hard fought struggle and with a late goal 3 minutes from time there was even the possibility of a late leveller.
First game this season of going out in the dark with fleece under jacket has winter arrived early or has my advancing maturity [?!] just made me question why the heck we do this in the evening especially by public transport.  Still after the first charabanc was late and saw me miss two potential connections I opted to alight in Ripley and finally arrive at the former Coronation Park at just short of 7.30pm.  Having paid a warm greeting to Lennie The Lion of Heanor fame, unfrocked tonight of course and Mr Berezai of CMFL Fixture fame amongst other attributes in the non league world there was time for a circuit.  The ground has been described on previous visits but since its move to 4g the barriers have received a corporate colour pain and the set up looks fairly tidy.  The only down side is although the pitch is now flat without a slope the fire station end is not really for viewing with at 6 foot wall and fencing denying good viewing and this continues half way around the park side of the ground.  This is not massively detrimental while crowds are of course were they are currently at.

NEWLY PAINTED BARRIERS AT THE CHEWTON ST END

Upon completion of the circuit referee Melissa Burgin and her colleagues , who it must be said had a good game tonight, were just out to warm up at around 7.35 and by the time they'd departed back to the changing rooms it was clear kick off would be late.  I know its my old man moan again but with evening public transport scarce it would be great if games kicked off at 7.45 everybody seemed to be there and I.m not sure why they don't after all we don't see 3pm Saturday games kick off late when all parties are their.  Just saying because it does limit game choices in midweek and I guess most league would rather see bigger crowds than smaller ones?
Eastwood in their new Community guise have been looked at before on here so it was a good chance to familiarise with new league entrants for 2017/18 Aslockton and Orston whose Spa Lane ground is in the latter hamlet and is probably one of the most inaccessible grounds by public transport with the village station having about 2 trains a day and what looks like one commuter bus a day too.  The nearby Aslockton offers a slightly better service but a very challenge country lane walk to Orston would be the option, hopefully the blog can make a visit.  Their introduction as been a tester for the club with a position near to the bottom of the table being currently a reflector of the small amount of points gained so far and tonight's fixture against high flying Eastwood would be a real challenge and how well they made it their challenge.

PROCEEDINGS VIEWED FROM THE HOME DUG OUT

Eastwood started kick up what was the former slope to Chewton St and Jack James got in an early header that saw the visiting keeper James Elliot turn the ball round for a corner.  The developing play of the home side was featuring some lovely link up play down the left from Jamie Thomas and Patrick Webb but it was Jack Smith who would next test Elliott in the visitors goal once again he was equal to the effort.  Three minutes before the break Webb found the Aslockton number 1 still in fine form when he denied the number 9's effort.  The half had seen Aslockton defend deep with a fine display of commitment and look to hit Eastwood on the break and just as it looked like being goal less at half time Webb controlled the ball on the edge of the box before switching feet to fire home to break the deadlock.
Half time showed winter had arrived with Bovril drink, as anybody ever drunk one of these without burning their tongue?  This interval was a major success for the blog when Postman Pete popped up and kindly undertook a first class delivery of blogger back to base at the end something which resulted in my stamp of approval, I know there's too many puns in there but thanks it was a fantastic help that saved and early departure.

EASTWOODS  ENTRY FOR THE MY FLAGS HIGHER THAN YOURS COMPETITION 2017

The second half started in the same mode with Eastwood attacking and they looked to have wrapped the occasion up with a second on 68 minutes thanks to a back post header from Rory Smith.  With the final throes of the game upon us Aslockton and Orston threatened to blow and early evening departure apart when a floated free kick from James Hallam was guided in by Josh Asuman with three minutes remaining of the ninety.
It wasn't enough and made the game closer than it probably should have been on possession but it was also you felt a deserved effort for the visitors who knew they were up against it tonight but put up a sterling hard working effort against a very good Eastwood.

PRESTATYN BLOWN AWAY BY ABERYSTWYTH

PRESTATYN TOWN 1 ABERYSTWYTH TOWN 2
JD WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE @ MOTION FINANCE STADIUM BASTION GARDENS
28 OCTOBER 2017 --- 2.30PM

BASTION GARDENS HOME OF PRESTATYN TOWN

On a blustery North Wales coastline day the visitors from Ceredigion swept The Seasiders away with 2 goals in 4 minutes which was enough to earn Aber only their second league win of the season, both of these on the road.
Having secured a constant passing glance that as the week wore on became a stare at this fixture it finally came down to being my Welsh debut for this season at Bastion Gardens home of Prestatyn Town a club I first visited a few seasons ago but always had down for a revisit.  Their form this season with a young set of lads, that gained promotion from The Huws Gray League last season as champions, has been inconsistent but following a fantastic 4-2 victory in their last outing versus Bangor the enthusiasm grew.  The overall feeling was that a Welsh trip would do me good and the only down side was the weather was forecasting strong winds there was that alright and on arrival at just short of 1.30pm it was raining sharply too.  Time was tight today so there was to be no re visit/climb to the excellent viewing point at Gwaenysgor well worth a walk up but don't forget the defib and oxygen.  Equally there was no time or point really visiting the seafront which is about 200 yards away from the ground, being a fairly low slung ground protected by little from behind one goal to a small shallow stand pitch length on one side we would suffer with the wind all afternoon!

GREETINGS FROM A WET PRESTATYN

Travel today was nothing short of a major stress just four trains all of which were late and 75% had standing the full length of the carriage and although I managed a seat for the majority of the journey it wasn't without somebody else's body hovering around my face.  The journey to Manchester was unpleasant with this effect rammed to the rafters with one lady and her 2 children, pre booked, failing to board the proceeding train getting on this and then the Llandudno train that I would also board just before noon, that was when I had managed to clamber off the first train and even then gain access to a crowded platform.  Arrival in Prestatyn was just a few minutes down and we were greeted by darkness, rain and of course that wind all three features would prove a problem for the camera during this afternoons game so not too many good pics to select from.

BASTION GARDENS SIDE

The ground is a very short 5 minute walk from the station and has changed little since my last visit there was however a warm welcome, a readily available team sheet and a general feeling of a community club especially after the area chipped in to pay monies owed that in the end preserved the club for this new 2017/18 season.  Having paid admission and purchased a programme the obligatory circuit was undertaken with the blue seated of varying shades low stand shielding the pitch from the winds and the Prestatyn Cricket Club to the rear.

FULL TOUCHLINE STAND WITH ABER KEEPER CHRIS MULLOCH WARMING UP

The far goal is open and bar from a concrete blocked wall and recreation ground would runs straight onto Bastion Rd.  Coming back down the touchline we have an open area with dugouts, police viewing box topped off with S4C television gantry, a pleasure to be up there today!  Back to our entrance point and the general feel is off a selection of low club buildings many of the cabin type but the main concern now was a chip cob or I think bap was the selected local terminology in these neck of the woods.

JACK KENNY LEADS THE PRE MATCH ROUTINE

Having restricted myself to Sgorio on Channel 4 Wales for most of this season so far it was good to see some of the names including of course todays managers Neil Gibson, Prestatyn and Nev Powell of Aber.

A LARGE POLICE PRESCENCE WAS REQUIRED FOR TODAYS GAME, THERE ALL IN THE BOX KEEPING WARM

The weather would play a major factor in this game with the wind whistling straight down the pitch towards the Pontin's end, famous for the 'On The Buses' film recording, and this was the end Aber would kick towards but after a strong start it was Prestatyn who took the lead after 7 minutes when Michael Parker, making his 200th Seasiders appearance swept the ball home at the far post.  The visitors tried to utilise the wind and indeed home custodian Carl Jones did well in the conditions to save from Mathew Jones and Ryan Wollacott just before half time, previous to that Aber had hit the bar through Craig Hobson.

JACK LEWIS LAUNCHES ONE

So the first half had seen the leaders go against the wind and secure the advantage the early stages of the second period looked to be going evenly with Ryan Wade seeing his effort saved by Jones for Aber and then his opposite number Chris Mulloch pushing away an effort from Zyaac Edwards.  The latter one of three brothers at the club Noah who was in the starting line up also and Zebb who was on the bench.

SOME CONFUSION

The four minutes that ultimately lost Prestatyn this game started on 72 when Jones saved from Ashley Young only for John Owen to fire home the loose ball.  It was all wrapped up on 75 minutes when Declan Walker turned the ball home to turn around the score line in a short time.  Much as Prestatyn tried to mount some pressure in response Aber had grown strong and confident with these two goals and they bossed the remainder of the game, it may just be the kick start their season needed.  Overall this was a difficult game to assess either sides prowess in a encounter that was of course controlled by the wind but mention must go to Aberystwyth captain Ashley Young who had a commanding afternoon and was involved in most things good for the visitors, while Prestatyn have a young squad with Jack Kenny always looking a threat up front.

ABERYSTWYTH CAPTAIN ASHLEY YOUNG

Back to green bridge station, the line divides the town from the sea front and for foot passengers you can transverse the lines by a sloped or very steep staircase to get to the other side or depart at its height to a central platform station.  Turn of Arriva train to add to the earlier performance of East Midlands Trains by running the 1647 about 15 minutes late so much so that my return connections of Chester, Crewe and Stockport would be tight so the option was taken to wait another ten minutes or so and travel back direct to Manchester.  Packed train stood full length again late arrival and after a 40 minute wait in and increasingly inclement Oxford Rd station the direct train back to base would be you guessed it rammed the rafters and 20 minutes late back at base station just after 9pm.

JACK KENNY GIVES UP AND ACCEPTS DEFEAT AGAINST THE WIND

I had forgot about the joys of public transport recently but our younger travellers early had not when questioned by stressed mum with "would you rather travel by train or car"?  The first replied "when I grow up mum can I be a train driver" and the second just said "train".  Give it a few more years experience and the young and all that. 
Not an enjoyable day on the trains today but as ever a pleasure to visit The Welsh Premier League and Prestatyn Town.

NOTTS DERBY GOES TO RADFORD

GEDLING MWFC 2 RADFORD 3
EAST MIDLANDS COUNTIES LEAGUE @ PLAINS RD
21 OCTOBER 2017 --- 3PM

GAME CHANGING MOMENT AS GEDLING ARE REDUCED TO TEN MEN

Sometimes an opening paragraph cannot sum up a game well but here goes in simple terms Radford won this derby by 3 goals to 2, but Gedling very nearly came back from 2 down to secure something from this card fest.  In blustery conditions this game was constantly on the boil and Derbyshire referee Scott Spering kept the heat on producing 9 yellows alongside 2 dismissals and a penalty.
With the usual watch on the weather storm Brian was happening with the poorest condition to the west the blog headed east, just, to Gedling MW in the Nottingham suburbs of Mapperley.  There are always a handful of local grounds that seem to constantly appear on a list of  'I really must visit this ground' and todays hosts were one of them.  Having received some good reports from the Burnley fan, Dave, the many route options were planned and in the end it was a short journey to Alfreton with a connection for the all stopping service to Nottingham.

MORE RESEARCH

A day ticket on Nottingham City Transport saw me depart Upper Parliament St to arrive in Mapperley appropriately right outside Plains Fish Bar which today I opted to sit inside with a severe danger of flying chips outside with a takeaway.

ITS ALL VERY SMART AT PLAINS RD HOME OF GELDING MW FC

Upon re-emergence from the chip premises there was a little time to meander along the wide variety of shops sat adjacent to the busy 4 carriageway way Woodborough Rd.  A short walk away and Gedling MWFC was easy to spot snuggled along side a social club, fitness club and too the rear a cricket ground and all weather pitch made this an active site for sport.  Today though the football ground would take precedence having arrived early there was time to catch up with the referee and his assistants alongside obtaining the teams time came to pop back to the entrance to pay the £5 admission plus purchase of a neat little programme.

ITS ALL BLUE AND TIDY

Ground wise the first thing that springs to mind her is 'smart' its all well appointed and nicely thought out with the ground fully encased in blue kick boards its fully concreted paved all the way around with very neat and tidy netting behind both goals.  The stands are all low in height but well maintained the road side has a well kept area behind it but viewing offers a superb elevated position, behind both goals its uncovered but the opposite side to our entrance offers a similar low roofed stand with one row of seats elevated on a wooden casement once again offering a good view of proceedings.  This side also houses the dug outs and entrance to the snack bar, toilets and social room space where the changing rooms are housed.  The snack bar is a pleasant affair with a variety of refreshments available plus some excellent signs including a photocopy of Lionel Ritchie's famous hit 'Is it tea your looking for'?  In the hospitality area the corridors have some excellent articles displayed of former club Gedling Collieries FA Amateur Cup game with Bishop Auckland in 56/57 when 10,000 people packed in the ground and the game was played on a snow frosted pitch that today would have brought streaks of health and safety rules to the fore today.

THE REFEREE MAKES AN EARLY CALL WITH RADFORD IN DESPAIR

Gedling's recent league status as seen them in the Notts Alliance, Central Midlands and now the East Midlands Counties from its inception in 2009.  Its history is clearly associated with the colliery but sadly this was too close in 1991 and although formerly sat a small goal kick away it is now of course a country park.

NICK HAWKINS CHECKS A DECISION WITH THE REF

So an impressive set up one that was backed up with not only smartness but a nice selection of litter bins, you just new this was a nice place when the toilet hand wash was honey and mandarin!
With Radford making the short hop over from the north west side of the city and Gedling sitting nicely in the top half of the table I wasn't sure what challenge Radford would offer but this was derby and even though the wind was strong you could but hope for an exciting encounter.

SIMON HORE GIVES RADFORD THE LEAD FROM THE SPOT

The opening 25 minutes featured referee Spering setting a marker with cautions after 8, 15 and 22 minutes for Kenny Reeves and Kevin Spriggs for Radford and Jack Jepson for the home side.  On 25 minutes it was time for Mr Spering to award the visitors a just penalty when Ryan Perkins had his legs taken from under him, Simon Hore converting from the spot.  There was time for a caution for Joe Meakin for Gedling on 34 minutes and with the referee maybe needing a bit of assistance it was good to see Nick Hawkins, on loan from Long Eaton, being able to offer it!  It has to be said overall he had a superb game for the visitors and played a significant part in their victory today.  Gedling made it 2-0 on 39 minutes when a floated free kick off the left was met by a sweet volley at the back post by Reeves.

TIME TO CATCH UP ON THE LATEST SCORES

So a heated half was bubbling up and with the Radford bench excitable who knows what Gedling could produce in the form of a comeback with the wind at their backs in the second half.
The game changing moment came on 47 minutes and it was a massive call for the referee Jepson was on the attack on the left side of the penalty box he turned his defender and as the player was rolled he went to ground.  The referee spotted simulation and without to much thought produced a second yellow and the ultimate red card, moments later Gedling's joint manager Chris Marks was dismissed from the bench for his comments.  The game seemed to enter a quiet stage as Gedling tried to re organise with a man down but it was to be Radford who went 3 up on 64 minutes with Stephen Brett turning the ball into his own goal under pressure from Reeves.

RYAN PLUMMER PULLS ONE BACK FOR THE HOME SIDE

Game over?  Well no there was time for a potential comeback and of course some more cards.  The first goal back saw Ryan Plummer, son of ex Forest and Chesterfield player Calvin, guide in a corner of the right after 77 minutes.  The cards continued with Jay knight cautioned on 80 minutes by this time one player was heard to shout 'ref don't know how you sleep at night'!  With Gedling looking to push home the consolation goal into something more sturdy there was still time for referee Spering to pop out to Clintons for a few more cards Jimmy Spiers and Carl Westcarr in the same incident and then Stephen Brett moments later who almost appeared to thank the referee for not leaving him out of his greeting card list.

AND THE FINAL CARD OF THE DAY GOES TOO.........GEDLINGS STEPHEN BRETT

As the game entered the first minute of stoppage time Westcarr got a second for Gedling and could they do it with a further nine minutes added on and a finish at 5pm the chance was there but Radford held strong for an encouraging Nottingham derby victory.
This was a highly interesting affair with the referee adding to the fun of the fair which as a neutral you often see differently to a dedicated fan something which today I was able to observe rather than be sat in the camp of one side or the other and feel the frustrations. 
It took too long to visit Gedling but if the games are all like this there really is no reason in waiting so long to re visit a fully enjoyable trip which culminated with a missed connection on the return via Derby saw a final base arrival at 8pm.

GRIMETHORPE BEAT DENABY UNITED BY ODD GOAL IN FIVE

DENABY UTD 2 GRIMETHORPE SPORTS 3
PETES PATISSERIE SHEFFIELD COUNTY SENIOR LEAGUE PREMIER AT OLD LANE
14 OCT 2017 --- 3PM

DENABY UTD V GRIMETHORPE SPORTS AT OLD RD

Two good old South Yorkshire names battled out this Sheffield County Senior Premier League game with Grimethorpe taking the three points by the odd goal.  The visitors were never behind and over the 90 minutes were probably the stronger side but a late goal reduced the deficit and gave Denaby hope of a point that wasn't quite to be.
Last season the blog visited Mexborough for Swinton Athletic's home game versus Denaby Utd and with the chance again of catching up with the famous old club at their Oak Lane home the opportunity was taken with the opposition being of similar non league stature Grimethorpe [Sports].  Last season United were away in Balby Carr due to toilet problems at their pavilion but with these fixed they are back a large goal kick away from the their spiritual home of Denaby Main just over the border in Conisbrough.

DENABY MAIN AND GRAYS CRT SHOPS

This game pitted 5th versus 2nd so with a competitive match on the cards and after some early communication from the home club a departure to allow local viewing time saw arrival 15 minutes late on the Scunthorpe bound train at Conisbrough station just after 1pm.  Last seasons blog in October covers much about the area but it welcomed me into my early non league wanderings that I cant help look at some of the history to the village again.  Walking into the village and its all too self evident that much of the area is still under development after of course the loss of the pit industry in the 1980's and the bitter battles with the powers that were at the time.  There is of course a down to earth homeliness about the place but also a feel of sadness for what has happened to all former mining areas.  The local shopping arcade has a new hot chocolate café enterprise and the shops now look onto a developing mural on the side of the discount store.  Moving through The Salvation Army Hall looks out onto a steel stalled market which is in turn overlooked by the now redundant library, new one joined onto doctors and chemist 100 yards away.

TICKHILL SQ FORMER HOME OF DENABY UTD LOOKING TOWARDS THE WELFARE

Walking up the incline towards the clubs former home at Tickhill Sq all seems vary quite and of course the machinations of their eviction in 2002 are long gone but I fear still hold a bitter place in many peoples heart at what befell the club that saw them fold and never appear back in their home village, apart from now twice a season when they currently play Denaby Main Fc, in league fixtures, who now use the old ground.  With the intentions to climb the footpath up the 'crags' to Conisbrough the hike saw a few regular stops to admire the views and try to gain some heady pictures of Tickhill Sq and beyond.

TICKHILL SQ AND BEYOND FROM THE CRAGS

Having arrived in the ultimate destination a little time had been set aside to take an external look at the castle sadly not enough was available today to do the full tour.  Conisbrough itself at castle and village level seems out of place with the mining areas that surround it although as you climb out of the business district up Old Road you soon see the area change in its outlook and once again the feel of its mining heritage comes to the fore.

CONISBROUGH CASTLE

Arriving at the ground just before 2.30pm I had been aware that there would not be too much furniture to view as the ground is basically one of four pitches on a Doncaster Council recreation area with the changing rooms nearest to the pitch having within its walls a nice bar/snack bar area with a small lounge to enjoy your refreshments.  The pitch has now had a lease granted to the club and hopefully they will be able to develop around it to gain some sort of facility the replicates a step 7 ground with at present the pitch being roped off to allow a space for the club officials and space for the match officials to view the line.

THE IMPRESSIVE DENABY UTD FC PROGRAMME FOR TODAYS GAME

The big selling point at Denaby Utd has been the clubs desire to continue to produce a match day programme something I believe that no other club does in this league so before the game it was good to catch up with James Benfold who is responsible for the fantastic effort amidst many other things along with a small band of club officials.
Although the horse has bolted out of the stable long ago and I must leave it there it still does amaze me the difference required from step 7 Central Midlands League to this Sheffield County Senior League offered the same step status which sometimes only has one referee on the game, normally no programme and no admission.

CAMERAS EVERYWHERE FOR DENABY UTD V GRIMETHORPE

A brief look at the two clubs sees Denaby Utd first reformed in 2011 in the Doncaster and District Senior League and after a champions performance the club moved into the Sheffield County Senior League with promotion at the end of 2015/16 season from division 1 to the premier league which they now enjoy competing in for the second season.  The previous Denaby had a chequered but at times illustrious past competing in the former Yorkshire League as well as the Midland League plus latterly the Northern Counties East League.
Grimethorpe Sports had formed when the village was again without a team after its former side had competed in similar leagues to Deanby until dissolving in 2000 from the CMFL.  Grimethorpe reformed for a season in the Sheffield County Senior League for the 2004/5 season before disappearing again.  Sadly the new 'Sports' entitled club have previously played at Shafton not being able to use the Cemetery Rd ground in the village that became famous for Brassed Off the film and of course the colliery and its band which of course gave birth to the film starring Ewan McGregor, Tara Fitgerald and Pete Postlethwaite.

DENABY UTD IN CONTROL

Last season Worsbrough Bridge Fc had a spell at the ground but the home club were playing their games at nearby Shafton, I guess due to the costs of rental.  After promotion from league 1 last season they are sitting pretty in second spot in this seasons premier league but once again the club have now moved to share Athersley Recs facilities at Sheerian Park something which as also seen them link up with the NCEFL club.  With much training gear showing Atherlsey Rec loyalties there is also a change to the badge upon the players shirts now stating 'Grimethorpe and Athersley Sports' something of which I believe the club will be known by next season.  So once again poor old Grimethorpe has no club and nobody playing in the village so todays game really has nomads versus nomads written across it a sad state of affairs in a formerly strong footballing area of South Yorkshire.  But practicalities must and its no longer a game for the dreamers in the midst of course.
The game started strongly with Denaby pushing Grimethorpe with Sam Hutton testing the visitors number 1 Craig Soar.  But on 19 minutes the visitors struck with James Thompson providing the cross for Joe Jackson to fire into the roof of the net after his initial effort was blocked by Ben Priestley in the home goal.  The match was level on 41 minutes and deservedly so when Steve Ellor superbly chipped Soar from 20 yards out and at the half time whistle Denaby were right back in the encounter.

AGAR [9] AND ELLOR CELEBRATE THE FIRST DENABY GOAL

The second half started strongly for the visitors and they retook the lead after 63 minutes when substitute Joe Oliver turned the ball in at the back post at the other end Ellor again tried an audacious lob and although his effort beat the visiting keeper it fell just the wrong side of the upright.  Grimethorpe looked to have taken the wind out of the Denaby sail with 8 minutes to go when they increased their lead and went 3-1 up when Steven Bennett lashed the ball home from the edge of the box.  The Deanby heads dropped and it looked all over until Ainsley Finney provided a sharp finish from an Ellor assist on 89 minutes to pull it back to 2-3 and hope of a point in stoppage time came to the fore but sadly not enough steam could be mustered to find the equaliser and it was Grimethorpe who would take the points home from Old Road.

THE NEW TITLING PACER

A gentle meander back into Consibrough and a further viewing of the castle and local supermarket for hoppers provisions there was still time to admire some of the former industrial buildings and large sized public houses before boarding the 5.31pm to Sheffield for a leisurely connection to base station with an arrival back at base just short of 7.30pm.  Always an enjoyable trip to this part of South Yorkshire and I can only but hope that some of the former glory days can return to Denaby Utd and the villages and towns of the neighbouring areas.

REEVES HAT TRICK SENDS HEANOR TO SEVEN

HEANOR TOWN 7 NUNEATON GRIFF 0
PPLC CUP @ THE TOWN GROUND
10 OCTOBER 2017 7.45PM

THE TOWN GROUND IS READY

Heanor showed little mercy to Nuneaton Griff from League 1 and following some wonderful free flowing football with added pace they had swept aside the struggling visitors by 7 goals without reply at the  end of 90 minutes.  Although there was a good league between these 2 sides it was a sorry sight to see Griff clearly finding the going hard so much so that during the 90 minutes they didn't get a shot away with any intent on the Heanor goal.  Its a shame for the Nuneaton side that only a few years ago reached the latter stages of the FA Vase to be now fighting a rear guard action but from a Heanor point of view so often these ties can be banana skins and you have to beat what is at the front of you.  With a performance of classy football aided by some wonderful pace it was once again the threat if Elliott Reeves that helped The Lions secure entry to the next round of the League Cup.
A short midweek journey then undertaken this time by the triple bus return which so often has seen me getting out the running shoes for the late connection in Ripley.  It didn't start to well with the change being made in Ripley after tracking the Alfreton change 25 minutes late but arrival was in good enough time to sample the excellent bar at the ground before the delicacy of you've guessed it chip pea cob ably served by the Town Ground snack bar ladies!

EXTENSIVE PRE MATCH RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN AGAIN AT HEANOR TOWN FC

Heanor were in the lead after just 2 minutes when slick work from Danny Gordon allowed Sam Vickers to fire home and after further home pressure it was 2-0 when a superb long ball out of defence from Shaun Roulston saw Reeves skip away to cross for Alex Brown to guide the ball home at the back post after 13 minutes.
The onslaught didn't stop for Nuneaton when 4 minutes later Heanor secured their third with a quality strike from Reeves who cut in off the left before curling a superb edge of the box strike just inside the right hand upright to extend The Lions lead.  It was 4 on 20 minutes when Reeves and Joshua Craddock combined gloriously to Vickers to get his second and so we went into half time.  Often fearing a dour second half Heanor proved me wrong with a determined second half showing adding three more goals to their tally great work by the marauding Gregg Marriott up the right set up Reeves to turn home his second and Heanor's fifth.  It was Marriott who again turn provider putting Kyle Daley away whose initial effort was saved by James Barber before he slotted home the rebound on 69 minutes.  Heanor wrapped the scoring up on 75 minutes when Reeves completed his hat trick with Marriott completing his hat trick of assists providing the cross that allowed the number 9 to head home this time to make it seven.

HEANOR TOWN FC TOWN GROUND

A quality performance against a struggling visiting side but you still have to do the business something that Heanor did tonight with a superb showing and with the pace on display they should remain a threat throughout this competition.
The triple journeyed return had me following the progress of all option and having checked the bus option was selected and after a late wobble all changes were secured with an arrival at base just short of 11pm following a wonderful display of football under the lights at Heanor with did I mention it some good footy food too!