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TANSLEY 4 BASLOW 4

HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER AT FETE FIELD

10 OCTOBER 2020 --- 2PM

BASLOW CLEAR FROM A TANSLEY ATTACK

The end of the week had seem some major disgust from football fans that Premier League sides, barring one Leicester, had agreed with broadcasters to show all games for an additional £14.95 a match, well let me say here was a game with a set of lads who played open and attacking football in it that would question any need to even think twice about that resistible offer.

So although for the two managers they will probably have been up all night dwelling on their defensive performances this for the neutral football loving fan had it all eight goals and two penalties, both saved, that left a good feeling about the game at its grassroots source.

OGSTON RESERVOIR LOOKING MOODY AND THREATENING RAIN

Thanks again to Tansley manager Tom who kept me up to date with a 'no problems' text before I set off on the hike, I would also like to thank Baslow manager for his evening confirmation of players names, regular readers will now its a fifteen mile round trip but an enjoyable relief to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Ashover but there is plenty of up hill and down dale and then up hill again.  The seasons  are clearly changing with autumnal tints all over the place and with a forecast of constant showers the decision to travel without an umbrella was a risky one but with a moderate breeze over the tops it would be a little redundant.  Dropping through Littlemoor into the first dale in the form of Dalebank the signs are out for Pumpkins for sale and as I move along the narrow lanes towards Ashover Hay the remoteness of the properties is supported by these being the sort of narrow lanes where there is often an increasing amount of grass growing out of the tarmac.  Passing the stand alone Primitive Methodist Church and out along the ridge of the Hay the hardest part of the journey to the summit and Butterley Hill Farm is achieved without too many clashes with speed challenged drivers on this steep and tight lane where the last thing they expect to see is somebody walking never mind a mad ground hopper.

GREAT TO WALK DOWN BUT REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO CLIMB BACK OUT OF TANSLEY

Holestone Gate Moor and the moderate breeze which wasn't too bad today although the farm half way along entitled Four Winds does rather give it away.  Descending down into Tansley the wide variety of farm animals are well on show through pigs to geese and horned black sheep to highland cattle.  As Riber castle switches and moving position upon approach it is of course me that's moving around the dominant building on the adjacent hillside.  So before this degenerates into a Claire Balding Radio 4 rambling programme again Tansley is arrived at entering in close proximity to The Gate which is doing a good trade in meals.  I have half an hour to spare so opt for a little roundabout walk around the streets at the top end of the village and further realise what a pretty little place this is, for me it just misses a shop and a chippy the latter of which I know only too well has become sadly redundant from this blog currently.

FIRST OUTING FOR ME FOR THE GREY KIT

Football then, at last I hear you cry, for the third time this season its a home game for Tansley I may have joined the supporters club by default but the walks and the clubs communication has been a big plus and I know when the dark evenings arrive soon it will probably be a distant following so I decided to grab the opportunity while I can.  

Baslow the visitors have had a challenging start with no points in the bag yet and Tanlsey although with a good start since their promotion have yet to record a home victory but on the road are more than performing with a 5-0 win at Youlgreave last weekend.

Today resplendent in their white and grey kit they set off looking to right the wrong with a lead after four minutes good work from Dale Hill saw the visiting defender get the ball stuck under his feet and the impressive Steve Wood was on hand to fire home.  But Baslow had not read the script when within a minute they equalised through Matt Megson who would be a torment for Tansley all afternoon.  It got worse for Tansley when the visitors took the lead on the quarter of an hour mark and after a long throw created doubt in the defence Tom Elliott popped the ball into the back of the net.  Moments later Matt Wilkinson had the chance to level from a good position but he miscued so Tansley would have to wait until 35 minutes and it was a role reversal of the first.  It was Wood who weaved in a cross to the back post for Hill to make no mistake.

EVERYBODY DECIDED THIS WAS NOT A PENALTY

A quiet approach to half time beckoned, no way not in this action packed affair it was double penalty time firstly on forty minutes for Tansley after the visitors Joe Pilkington fouled Wood.  But The Fete Field side saw the continuation of their failure from the penalty spot when Jake Wright saw his effort well saved by Baslow number one Chris Wood.  Woolley Moor referee Dr Mike Douglass got his second penalty right too when a foul on Megson saw Lewis Talbot given the chance to send the visitors into the break ahead but Jak Thornley made a superb save to his left to deny Baslow.

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW

After a breather were we ready to start again who knows because the notes continued to flow as did the chances.  The early stages saw Chris Wood get in a mess in the Baslow goal and the ball was scrambled away off the line but it would be time just shy of the hour mark for Tansley to retake the lead when Hill got into a good position but with the keeper looking to have the upper hand the Tansley man somehow squeezed his shot inside the keepers near post.  The topsy turvey nature of the game continued again after 69 minutes when Baslow levelled the home defence was caught flat footed and a superb strike from Adam Briggs did the job.  

By now with Tansley playing four up front the game had becoming unbelievable open and stretched.  Megson went close for Baslow who looked the most likely now to score and when substitute Chris Drabble was put through with just the keeper to beat it looked odds on the lead would change hands again but his effort was agonisingly wide.  At the other end it was Wood again who was proving a threat but his namesake in the visitors goal was equal to his effort.

CHRIS DRABBLE RECEIVES CONGRATULATIONS FOR WHAT BASLOW THOUGHT WAS THE WINNING GOAL

Entering the last two minutes this game still continued to give and Baslow were delirious when substitute Drabble smashed home after the visitors initial effort from Scott Austin who had weaved his way into the box and saw his shot crash back off the bar with Thornley beaten.  This although being a debut win of the 20/21 season for the visitors would have been a harsh result to take for Tansley.

But on the stroke of time Matt Wilkinson who had a quiet afternoon proved his worth when he struck home from the edge of the box and from my vantage point behind the shot you could see it going in all the way and we were back level at four apiece.  At that referee Douglass signaled he had seen enough and honours were very fairly shared in what had once again been a superb advert for Hope Valley League football and credit to both sides must be given.

STEVE WOOD FOR TANSLEY

The steep climb out of the village awaited me but after this game there was a fresh stride on my step and returning in just over two hours of foot slogging again back to base and passing the 'Tap' beverage establishment the only tap the beckoned me was the one that dispensed some clear 'council pop' after a superb afternoon of football and walking.

PILSLEY AND DARLEY DALE PRODUCE THRILLER IN DREADFUL CONDITIONS

PILSLEY COMMUNITY 3 DARLEY DALE LIONS 3

HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE A DIVISION AT RUPERT ST

3 OCTOBER 2020 --- 2PM

PILSLEY COMMUNITY V DARLEY DALE LIONS ON A WET AFTERNOON

On a day of constant rain the afternoon would deliver the heaviest of the downpour during the game and it would have been so easy to stop in and watch the sports menu on the television, but its games like this that prove you should make the effort and accept a little inconvenience on the dampness scale.  The first forty five minutes served up half a dozen goals in a superbly entertaining game the second half was goalless but it remains a mystery how.

With a late start to the cricket season and undertaking just local fixtures this has continued into the football calendar with the highlight of the Hope Valley League being discovered on a more wide scale than the normal occasional Ashover FC visit.  So as travelling remains limited the constant wet stuff would entail a forty five minute walk with umbrella aloft to the Pilsley Sports Ground.  Regular viewers here will know that I was privileged to meet the cricket club this season and the football pitch shares the facility as was referred to a few weeks ago in 'A Pilsley sporting weekend' when the Sunday variety of todays hosts played a pre-season friendly.  

FORMER CLAY CROSS TOWN PLAYER ARRON LARGE IN GREEN AND WHITE

As ever a good response was received from both clubs and I would like to thank Andy from Pilsley for his advice that the game was all good to go and along with Mathew from Darley Dale for his late evening phone request for players names.  Today would also be not only a challenge to walk to the game and watch the proceedings under an umbrella but the added battle of trying to take pictures and make some notes under very wet conditions leads to some shots not being as clear as normal but boy was it wet.

Pilsley I have reviewed many times in the summer but a quick re visit shows it to be a mining village with the old pit being adjacent to the ground which also contained the now defunct former welfare on the edge of the ground.  Close by was Parkhouse Colliery in the land between Danesmoor and Lower Pilsley, the best reminder of this is a previously featured front garden on Rupert Street which has two coal tubs and memorials to the former pits.  Today it is a 'former' mining village as are so many around these parts and relies heavily on new industries and services that are away from the village unlike the 'old days' when bus and commercial body builders Reeve Burgess were based right in the centre.

ITS CLOSE CALL TO WHO IS IN CONTROL HERE

Darley Dale sits of the A6 between Matlock and Bakewell and the club play in Whitworth Park behind the institute and are situated in a lovely setting as are so many clubs within this league.  Like their hosts they were not setting the league alight with just one point so far but what was to follow showed they may be about to rise up the league with a little more conversion of chances.

LARGE ON THE RUN FOR PILSLEY

An enterprising start from both sides seemed to hit Pilsley harshly when they fell two down in the same amount of minutes just before the quarter of an hour mark firstly a deep cross off the right was headed home by Jack Stephenson and the advantage was doubled thanks to a cracking strike from 20 yards by Dan Ward.  Pilsley pulled a goal back from the penalty spot thanks to Gareth Lewin after 21 minutes but the game seemed to be being rather harsh on them although they did survive a penalty miss by Jonathon Cooper who fired over the bar but he made amends converting just over the half hour mark to re-establish the visitors two goal lead.

DARLEY DALE BRING THE BALL AWAY IN THE FIRST HALF

But as the game swung from end to end Dale Hegarty found a smart finish on the turn to again pull Pilsley right back into the game on 34 minutes and then with seven minutes to go to the break they levelled Darley Dale saw their keeper pull off a cracking save which pushed the ball away from the goal line but not the close in players and as they struggled to clear their penalty box Kian Barlow made no mistake and the game was all square.  Pilsley were in the ascendancy now and Aaron Large tested the visiting keeper while at the other end the home defence were clearing off their own goal line.  It had been a breathless first half besides a very wet one.

IS IT STILL RAINING OUT THERE

The second period was as frantic as the first half with Pilsley trying to force their way into the second period that was increasingly showing The Lions gain the upper hand in the chances count.  Home keeper Thomas Mourbey was proving vital with a couple of late saves one just before the ninety minutes were up resulted in appeals for a penalty from the visitors but was waved away by referee Ryan Handbury.  

In time added on keeper Mourbey came out and was injured when a visiting forward slid in and in the wet conditions was unable to stop.  Still as we entered double figures on the stoppage time clock another chance came and this time the Pilsley stand in keeper pulled off a superb stop from a close range shot after The Lions attacker had skipped past two defenders in the penalty box.

UMBRELLAS TO THE FORE BUT PILSLEY AND DARLEY DALE ARE IN FULL STRIDE

Moments later referee Handbury would blow his whistle to signal the end to proceedings but there was little care of how wet I now was and the constant camera lens cleaning as this had been one heck of a game supplied by two teams who lets remember had no use of changing rooms and facilities currently.  I think they had made the decision they were wet through after their warm ups and might as well go for it and so they did creating a great advert for the Hope Valley League.  I look forward to revisiting on a dry afternoon.

GREAT ADVERT FOR THE HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE TODAY

HIGH LANE PUNISH TEN MEN TANSLEY

TANSLEY 2 HIGH LANE 3

HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER AT FETE FIELD

26 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM

THE RACE IS ON FOR TANSLEY AGAINST HIGH LANE

This game more than any of the opening three for Tansley probably welcomed them to life into the Premier Division of The Hope Valley League.  After an opening day draw and last weeks big win today they took an early lead before falling behind to High Lane which although the visitors were getting an upper hand in the game was not helped by a very harsh red card just before half time for the home side.

This strange season that is seeing local visits galore and with a selection of around seven grounds on the radar on this non travelling agenda the furthest being the fifteen mile round walk or should that be hike to Tansley.  Having enjoyed the visit a couple of weeks ago and the forecast today being fine but windy a chance to get the boots on for a good old bit of aerobic exercise was just what was ordered.  With a different route planned out via Ashover Hay and just after with little diversions possible the hardest part of the walk featured road closure signs, thankfully the ability to get around the road spanning tree cutting equipment allowed continuation to turn along Holestone Moor.  This road is fairly exposed and lets put it this way I don't want to be on here when its windy.  Apart from this blog becoming like Claire Balding's rambling programme on Radio Four its also becoming an expert in all sorts of farm animals of which there are a fine variety along the route most of them fairly inquisitive.

RIBER CASTLE FROM THE FETE FIELD

Approaching Tansley via the descent of Allen Lane and then Whitelea Lane the previously featured Riber Castle comes into view and although its tree shielded surrounds often makes it difficult to eye spy today would see a chance to capture it from different angles.  As per the previous visit approach was opposite one of the clubs sponsors The Gate Inn along the short Green Lane and just over two hours after departure arrival was achieved.

THE HIGH LANE CAPTAIN APPEARS SURROUNDED

The surrounds this week looked a whole lot quieter than the premier league debut game two Saturday's ago but with Autumn arriving it was a darker day, with a cool wind and the feel of football season weather was well upon us.

The visitors from High Lane, a village in the Stockport Borough but the county of Greater Manchester, play out of Disley which by comparison to the previous unitary authorities is in Cheshire this sees the club as the most northerly in The Hope Valley League.  They have a good pedigree and are always there or thereabouts so today would definitely be a challenge for the new boys who had secured an 8-0 victory away at Dronfield Woodhouse  to add to their excellent opening day draw with Chapel Town.

THE CLASSIC CROSS

It was the brightest of starts for Tansley when they took the lead after just five minutes as High Lane failed to clear their lines Josh Raybould made them pay with the opening goal of the game.  But as the visitors came more into the game they got away a procession of edge of the box shots that could easily have seen them level and numerical amount of chances probably given them the lead.  They did though level on 38 minutes when Jake Miller beat the offside trap drew the home keeper and calmly slotted into the back of the net.

MATT WILKINSON HEADS JUST WIDE FOR TANSLEY

The big turning point though came with four minutes to go to the break when Mark Sayles handled the ball around forty five yards out in fairness the visiting player would probably had a run in on goal but it was a long way out and whether it was a clear opportunity is open for debate but all that mattered was that referee Rob Neale believed it was and showed the Tansley player a red card.  

High Lane would go into the break in the lead when on the stroke of half time George Noon unleashed a shot from 25 yards out that flew into the top left hand corner a goal good enough to grace a game at any level, wow.

GEORGE NOON RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR HIS WONDER GOAL

The game was effectively over within eight minutes of the restart when former Manchester City youth and Barnsley player Logan Jeffs fired home as Tansley failed to clear the ball from around their penalty box, a sharp finish from a player of quality.  Noon saw an effort well saved by the Tansley number one as the ten men fought to stay in the game but there was a light at the end of the tunnel with seven minutes remaining when they pulled a goal back through Matt Wilkinson.  A few doubts crept into the visitors as confidence rose in the Tansley side to seek out an equaliser which ultimately would not come but as referee Neale signaled the final whistle at just after 3.30pm the three points went to the side who had the most on the day, although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened with a full compliment of players for the ninety minutes for the home side.

LOGAN JEFFS FORMER MANCHESTER CITY AND BARNSLEY SCORER OF THE THIRD GOAL FOR HIGH LANE

An enjoyable afternoon again with Tansley Fc hopefully one I can visit on further occasions soon if the weather holds up and alongside the superb scenery that attaches this walk from base it made for a superb day.  The journey back again was just ten minutes over two hours and was a direct retrace of the outward journey witnessing many of the breathtaking views the other way round.

THESE LADIES WERE ENJOYING THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF OGSTON RESERVOIR

FURNESS ON FIRE IN DEFENSE OF TITLE

ASHOVER 1 FURNESS VALE 5

HVL PREMIER AT MILKEN LANE

19 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM

THE OBLIGATORY BACKDROP PICTURE AT ASHOVER FC

Defending champions Furness Vale came and conquered in North East Derbyshire against a depleted Ashover side they showed no mercy as they put the Milken Lane side to the sword in a dominant second half.  Top of the table last season continues after two games this season and who would back against their pedigree for the campaign.

As ever the local stuff continues and the foot slogging this timetakes in a slight deviation in the walk from base to visit Eastwood Old Hall within the Ashover Parish but nearer to the hamlet of Littlemoor.  An amazing hall that was put to ruin in the English civil war in the 1600's when the occupant the local minister showed no favour to either side and the Roundheads took issue with him and allegedly proceeded to make his base a ruin.  In some quarters the minister did claim the house was hit by cannon balls from the nearby ridge but this appears to be untrue.  Having sat in ruin for hundreds of years the building is now covered in ivy and foliage and previously sections of it climbed to five storeys high.  To the side is the old cottage which is joined onto this now forest of a ruin, its a strange local landmark but as a listed building its going nowhere its just that we cant see where it is going.

EASTWOOD OLD HALL ITS IN THERE SOMEWHERE

Re-tracing my steps to arrive via the more favourite Milken Lane and the furry ones who still aren't speaking but all three of the alpacas were seated in the late summer sun.  Arriving at the parish grounds about ten minutes short of kick off was ample time with still no chasing of team sheets I'm grateful to Furness Vale for their scorers received the evening after the game.  

ASHOVER FALLING OVER THEMSELVES

Ashover's start to the season saw a narrow loss at Dove Holes whereas the visitors gained a narrow victory by the odd goal in seven against Baslow at Yeardsley Lane.  Long term home manager Don Carline would have a fair collection of first choice players unavailable certainly a position you would not want to be in against the boys from up the A6.

The opening encounters were pretty evenly matched and it looked like Ashover may be able to compete although confidence drained after twenty minutes when they failed to clear a corner off the left and as the ball was reclaimed by the visitors it found its way to Ben Lomas who drove home to secure the advantage.

ASHOVER CLEAR THEIR LINES

The early confidence in Ashover was renewed when the number 9 broke past the keeper and was brought down by him but the initial shot dribbled over the line and the visiting number one received a caution from referee Brown but importantly the home side were level within a minute.  It was though the visitors who would apply the pressure eight minutes before the break when Lomas would this time turn provider setting up Tom Scorer who slotted past the keeper.  In the closing minutes of the half  Scorer nearly added to the total but the home keeper reached up to palm down a ball that looked to be dropping over him into the net.

FURNESS VALE IN CHARGE

It all appeared set up for a close second half but what unfolded showed either the abilities of the champions or the weaknesses of the Ashover side on this specific afternoon, I guess somewhere in the middle would be a good call.  But make no doubt about it the Milken Lane based outfit only got out of their half with any intent on a couple of occasions and had Furness Vale been more ruthless they could probably have ended up with more than five.

SOLITARY ACTION FOR THE VISITORS

Goals three and four came courtesy of back post headers the first from Jimmy Wood who nodded the ball in as it dropped down at the back post on 65 minutes and then George Seddon also at the far post headed in from a floated free kick off the left.  With three minutes later the icing was put on the cake with a sweet little move that ended with Scorer finding the back of the net for his second goal by this stage though Ashover were a well beaten side.

ASHOVER COME UNDER ATTACK WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE VILLAGE IN THE BACKGROUND

From a neutral point of view the second period had been a disappointment with Ashover a well beaten side and the normally vociferous touchline encouragement of manager Carline muted completely.  He is long serving enough to know that tomorrow is a another day and he continues to battle to not only keep football in Ashover but create a side that can compete in the top section of the league, this one would hurt for a man who loves the game.

For the visitors Furness Vale the defence of their league title could not have got off to a better start with two straight wins and their confidence grew throughout the game and although last weeks teams Tansley and Chapel Town looked strong and both secured wins the champions are the ones they will have to knock off their perch after this performance.

GEORGE SEDDON MAKES IT FOUR FOR FURNESS VALE

A fast departure would see the day once again enhanced by a walk out of the village, that as previous readers will know is exquisite, via its very impressive high roads offering excellent views over the valley and surrounding area.  Today departure would be via the former zoo accessing it by Moor Road and Chapel Hill there would be no former England cricketer to encounter but on the finest and clearest of day there was plenty of 'wow' views to be taken in.  Passing behind The Fabric and Ashover Rock a drop back down again to Littlemoor for a scenic view of Ogston Resevoir with its sailing boats cutting up the water.  Dropping back down to base forty five minutes later it had been another interesting day walking, taking in a Hope Valley game and a little bit of local history to add to the mix.

Eastwood Old Hall may be a ruin beyond repair but make no doubts Furness Vale may very well ruin a few sides goals against column this season in their chase for the retention of the title of league champions.

AFTER MATCH ENTERTAINMENT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

TANSLEY DENIED BY LATE CHAPEL EQUALISER

TANSLEY 2 CHAPEL TOWN 2

HOPE VALLEY LEAGUE PREMIER AT FETE FIELD

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2.30PM

KIERAN LUGSDEN CELEBRATES HIS EQUALISER FOR CHAPEL TOWN

A debut premier league appearance for Tansley looked to be resulting in three points against their Chapel en le Frith based opponents that was until the visitors captain Kieran Lugsden swept home a sweet finish with seven minutes remaining.  But the securing of a point against an always strong outfit in Chapel Town would have to be seen as a plus even though it must have felt like a heart breaker for the home side.

With the current restrictions limiting my options the pre-season has seen an appearance for some superb little clubs who have been a pleasure to cover.  During the week a Hope Valley game closer to base was selected but by Thursday I was flirting with Tansley Fc a side I had tried to pop along to last season but the weather and early curtailment did not allow this to happen.  By the start of this season though they had found themselves rewarded with a promotion to the Hope Valley Premier League and their opening day fixture would be against one of the strongest teams in the league in Chapel Town.

THE FETE FIELD HOME OF TANSLEY FC

Public transport is still off the agenda and with some nice walking around Ashover over the last few weeks taking in seven miles the option on a nice day with no rain forecast and the light to walk back in a one way journey would take just over that.  To badly parody The Proclaimer's 'I would walk fifteen miles just to be the man who watches a Tansley game and I would walk fifteen more............., well maybe that second parts going a bit far.

With a later kick off by half an hour to the rest of the league due to junior games on the sports ground a departure from base at noon would see some wonderful views of Ogston reservoir forty minutes in and by the time I had bypassed Ashover and left Milltown one hour and a quarter had been clocked up.  The hardest part climbing the steep, narrow and winding road towards the superbly named Lickpenny Lane.  It was all down hill now to Tansley with an ETA of 2pm at the ground their was time to call Chesterfield Sunday League social media guru Dan who had already arrived and kindly offered to sign me into 'the book'.

STEVE WOOD DENIED BY A LAST GASP CHAPEL TACKLE

Tansley is often seen as a selection of properties either side of the Matlock to Alfreton road or more appropriately Nottingham Road by its given name but the village itself accessed by the turn in the dip of the road offers up a lovely little community away from the hustle and bustle of the busy main road.  The former shop has gone but the Post Office now serves from the Methodist Church a lovely building in itself with the stone building extending into I guess the ministers house which is attached to the main building.  Moving through the village Holy Trinity Church sees progression made to the village green with a neat row of stone cottages to the rear here is the main entry point to the ground on Spout Lane.  But wandering around towards one of the clubs sponsors is the re modeled Gate Inn and directly opposite Green lane an attractive way to approach via a short footpath which brings you into the ground.

NO QUARTER GIVEN

The grounds are supported by a modern changing room block with full length windows and glass door to the front more of which I cannot tell you due to the restrictions, to the front a collection of cleaning fluids for use and a one way system around the building.  The club had clearly done their best to support the requirements and even delayed kick off so as not to clash with earlier junior games.

The ground is of course a village recreation area but these type of sports facilities in the Derbyshire Dales and Hope Valley are never just recreation grounds they offer up many lovely views.  A small selection of seats around the ground and a superbly positioned one behind the far corner flag add to the ambiance, the club had roped off three sides of the ground with the far split into two player bubbles.  From that side though the best views can be seen with the nearby folly of Riber Castle much photographed from Causeway Lane home of Matlock Town.   Here though with the sun out it was not as easy spot and offered a side on view of the unique landmark.

DALE HILL RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR THE OPENING TANLSEY GOAL

It was on one of these seats that Pete from Chesterfield sat on and when I finally recognised his wave from afar we had a socially distanced chat, like myself he had undertaken to watch more games at this level and we both commented on the enjoyment of doing it so far, although when its thrashing it down in winter with little or no cover we may not be so keen.

Anyway to the game Tansley looked resplendent in their salmon shirts with black shorts and Chapel in their regular yellow and blue stripes created probably two of the best kits to match up in a game for a little while.  Chapel are always a strong outfit and Tansley although feeling excited for their debut in the top echelon must have felt some anxiety in their management team of what to expect.

TANSLEY WING WORK

Any confusion with the blue pitch markings seemed not to affect the players but only me as the 'where is the penalty box' question was raised a few times.  But we were off at a fair old pace and by 35 minutes Tanlsey were two goals up and loving this Premier League lark.  It was Dale Hill who would take the accolade for first goal at the top level but the assist was a credit to Steve Wood and when former Teversal striker Matt Wilkinson rose to head in a right wing corner to double the advantage the lads in salmon were enjoying this.  However lets not make it look that easy this was an end to end encounter with Chapel feeling aggrieved when a floated free kick was diverted into the net by one of their players knee only for the flag to go up for offside.  They did though find a goal at a vital time just a minute before half time when Ryan Jones drove home a lovely low drive from the edge of the box that crept inside home keeper Jak Thornley left hand post.

THE SCENIC SIDE WITH RIBER CASTLE TO THE LEFT OF THE TREE

As the second half developed it became clear that Tansley were getting the whole team behind the ball and would rely on a breakaway goal this would be a risky game because the more Chapel knocked at the door you feared it would open and maybe even they would take over the house if they got in.  Strangely though that chance did come for Tansley referee Chris Brown awarded a penalty for one of those modern day handballs, after a visiting player had been sin binned for his comments up stepped Wilkinson knowing a finish here would more than likely put the game beyond Chapel.  Cometh the hour cometh former New Mills keeper Toby Emmett who took off to his left to palm away the ball and give the visitors extra vigor now as they powered forward in search of an equaliser.

CHAPEL PRESSURE MOUNTS IN THE SECOND HALF

As the pressure mounted an edge of the box shot crashed down off the underside of the Tansley bar but it appeared not over the line although to the growing frustrations of the Chapel side it looked like the goal would not come and referee Brown had to sin bin a visiting substitute for his comments.  But they need not have worried with just seven minutes left on the clock captain Lugsden swept into the box drew the home keeper and slotted home the sweetest of finishes across the home number one.  Would there be enough time for a winner or from a Tansley point of view could they hang on the answer was yes somehow with moments left the ball fell to Lugsden who from close range agonisingly lifted the ball over the bar and you could feel the sigh of relief from Tansley team.

Chapel will probably refer to a few incidents in the game that would have seen them win and their performance was very strong but you could not deny that Tansley had a fixture that would be the toughest introduction to top flight football and it would have been cruel to deny them a point from their sterling efforts.

CHAPEL KEEPER EMMETT DENIES WILKINSON AND TANSLEY

Upon the final whistle the return walk dawned on me and no point in dawdling around a determination to get on with it was summoned up and the climb out of Tansley back towards Ashover parish would see an extension through the beautiful valley that surrounds the Ashover Hay district alongside the Primitive Methodist Church, more or less built in a field, formerly serving the hamlet of Milltown.  Pulling out of the valley and tracing my steps back towards Littlemoor as per the outward route, a further hour would see arrival back at base.

A lovely visit to a club who appear on the crest of a wave with a walk that was challenging but offered up so much picturesque countryside but the main event, the game, was a credit to both clubs and The Hope Valley League with a special mention for one its better referees Chris Brown who looks every bit the part.

BAMFORD CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF GOAL AND THE ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL

ASHOVER FC 0 V BAMFORD FC 2

PSF AT MILKEN LANE

5 SEPTEMBER 2020 --- 2PM

ASHOVER ON THE ATTACK WITH PERRY RICHARDS

Bamford taught Ashover a lesson in finishing after the Milken Lane based side had the bulk of possession in the ninety minutes but could not find the back of the net thanks to some good goalkeeping from the visitors number one and a shyness in front of goal.  Bamford had certainly been banging the goals in along their pre-season journey and the regular appearances of Christy McCorry and James Gregory on the score sheet was echoed again here.

That time of the year has arrived when cricket is winding down after its much truncated season and football has started its season or is in the last call of its warm up games.  The dilemma of which sport to cover was sort of made up by a cold afternoon and the chance of seeing Bamford a side I had not covered before.  So with both these sides looking to feature in the top echelons of The Hope Valley Premier Division it would appear a good chance to catch up with the pedigree of the challengers for the 20/21 season.

STILL NO COMMUNICATION

A gentle amble would still see a 3 mile walk to the village take just over an hour and I need to mention the alpacas of course, purely for those who are interested in their welfare, they have returned but I have to report were still non communicative much as I tried.  Ashover manager Don Carline is still in situ and has now past the mid thirties in consecutive years in charge age though has not dampened his enthusiasm from the sidelines and he can be regularly heard offering his pearls of wisdom to his troops ably assisted by Chris Sharman.  Don has he tells me assembled a good squad this season that when all players are available is a very strong outfit it will as ever be of interest to see how this serves a man committed to football in Ashover.

BAMFORD KEEPER IN FINE FORM AS ASHOVER PILE ON THE PRESSURE

As ever there is of course little chance of obtaining teams and my only source of information to confirm the visitors is their Facebook page but whether the two scorers are in the correct order so I will hedge my bets by naming both in the report.

DERRICK MILLER SEES A CHANCE FOR ASHOVER

The early stages saw Ashover start at a pace with free flowing attacks being well repelled by the visitors defence and the confident keeping of their number one with Ashover's Perry Richards assisted by the promtping of Tom Torrington they looked comfortable.  The superb dead ball ability of Luke Knightley with some excellent corners was testing Bamford but the man between the sticks was flying about with a confidence.  A good start but no ball in the back of the net fell apart just short of the quarter of an hour mark when McCrorry/Gregory slotted home with ease as the home defence turned off for the briefest of moments to give Bamford the lead.

THE CHASE IS ON

The second period would see Ashover to the fore as early as the forty eighth minute when Torrington nipping in on the back post saw his stooping header saved by the visitors number one and then it would be the woodwork that denied the same player along with a tantalising mix to corners from Knightley that Bamford continued to repel it would appear it wasn't the home sides day.  This was a proved theory with twenty minutes remaining when a corner off the right was lofted back in and Gregory/McCrorry met the cross with a sharp unmarked header that nestled in the back of the Ashover net to double the visitors lead.

TOM TORRINGTON JUGGLING SKILLS

As the watch of referee Archie Anderson ticked away Bamford became more confident of the win and were denied by the Ashover keeper in the closing stages when he saved well from number 15 in a one on one situation.  

THE BAMFORD WALL DOES ITS JOB AGAINST A TORRINGTON FREE KICK

At the final whistle the Facebook page for Bamford summed this up as a great win against a team who will be right up there this season, but I wouldn't bet against both of them challenging if the visitors keep their top scorers in fine form it is though something that Ashover needed today somebody to rustle the back of the net, sometimes they appeared over elaborate and in need of getting a shot away early rather than over play it.

BAMFORD NUMBER ONE CLAIMS A KNIGHTLEY CORNER TO DENY MILLER

With time to take a trip back up Malthouse Lane and a different climb out of the village it would give a chance to take a view in from the edge of the former Ashover Zoo that fine Victorian house that previous readers will remember was mentioned in a cricket blog just a few weeks ago.  This was a property purchased from the closing zoo owner and is now the most wonderful property with commanding views.  The afternoon was enhanced when the current owners were on the forecourt of their property and a wonderful ten minutes spent discuss our family friend Stuart who they knew had tried before his money ran out to renovate the property in the 70's and they explained the previous owners had lived their over twenty years as was the case with their ownership.  The property and its surrounds had also been used for filming in the ITV series Peak Practice which spent many a time around the villages of the area.  A very interesting and illuminating conversation upon leaving and about to take a right at the junction would see me saying 'hello' and then when looking up adding 'Geoff' as I encountered former England cricketer Geoff Miller, something later supported by a cricketing friend who lives in the village which is also the residence of the former all rounder.

THE VIEW FROM THE ZOO WITH THE FOOTBALL GROUND IN SIGHT

Walking back along the ridge that offers some superb views of the village and as far away as Nottingham and the power station at Ratcliffe I encountered a weekender stopping in a holiday cottage and enjoying the area and then a selection of animals from stubborn horses refusing to come to their owners and then the usual inquisitive cows who seem more than happy to pose for pictures with scenic backdrops.  A different drop back towards base was down the steep Alton hill and I spent a moment looking at its converted old style phone box now a community defibrillator which replaced the former telecoms equipment well remembered for its former press 'A' or 'B' buttons in one of the prototype early phone box designs.

For Ashover for now they just need to call up the goals most of their other play looks spot on.