BELPER WIN FOR NEW MANAGEMENT AS DAVENTRY LOSE TO 2 LATE STRIKES

BELPER TOWN 2 V DAVENTRY TOWN 0
EVOSTIK LEAGUE 1 SOUTH @ CHRISTCHURCH MEADOWS, THE MARSTON STADIUM----10 OCTOBER 2015 3PM

MAIN STAND AT THE MARSTON'S STADIUM

Belper's new management team of Charlie Palmer and Lee Barrow saw their side wrestle three points away from their mid table visitors thanks to 2 goals in the last 15 minutes in an otherwise rather uninspiring contest.  However from a Belper point of view this was three points that raised them from that bottom four position in the league and much welcomed at the referees final whistle. The blog made the short trip to Belper for what would be a first entry for The Nailers but having popped along to Christchurch Meadow in the past it was a friendly know what to expect feel that greeted me on arrival in the town.
Varying changes of plans had to be made today with the original game AFC Rushden and Diamonds becoming impossible to get to I made a quick call to fellow hopper Neil Laughlin of the Belper parish and whose dad Dave is well known as the clubs former secretary and now company secretary to see if he would be at the game.  Upon answering the call he informed me he was on a bus travelling to Belfast to see Carrick Rangers this after watching Derry City the previous evening.  Once again an interesting conversation ensued and I wished him well on his travels and said I would look up his dad on arrival.

THE MUCH PHOTOGRAPHED VIEW AT CHRISTCHURCH MEADOW, CHURCH AND MILL

Belper often seems to receive little of the attention of the likes of Matlock and Bakewell but its a missed gem if you by pass the town.  With the towering Strutt's East Mill surrounded by the lovely river gardens being one of the highlights, the town centre is an attractive proposition with the main rail line to Derby cutting right through and under the centre and for me the most interesting parts are the superb buildings.  There are attractive Churches, old mill building and the superb workers sloping terrace houses of Long Row opposite the football ground entrance and adjacent to the old mill.  You can of course read much more about the town elsewhere should you wish but if you visit Belper consider giving it a couple of hours spare time for a look around there is a good fish and chip shop near the ground and should you wish a Macs too.

DAVE LAUGHLIN COMPANY SECRETARY ON THE TERRACES

Entrance to Christchurch Meadows is via a tight lane at the side of Christ Church and to the left you go around the perimeter of the football club to see the open space of the Belper Cricket Club, Tennis Club and also Hockey Club.  The latter which today has some games on the all weather pitch.
Back around to the turnstiles and a friendly greeting saw us obtain a nice shiny programme with a good column from Dave Laughlin with some good reading material within his allocated space.  We purchased a couple of goalden goal tickets and popped a little bit of change into the charity tub.  Pockets lighter we hopped off on a tour of the ground with the ultimate aim of sampling the snack bar.
The ground is dominated by the mill and Christ Church which at the required regular intervals rings its bell to signal the requisite time.
Marching straight on through the turnstile we come to The Reg Walker Stand which is topped off with a massive clock with a clear face that is visible all around the ground.  This stand is a little back from the pitch so at times offers a slightly obstructed view.  Towards the end of the stand is a small club shop which as left its wooden hut and gone into a breeze blocked building, its a tiny affair but offers a selection of scarves, hats and mugs etc.  This side also features the dugouts and as we move round the far goal its hard standing with grass further behind.  Coming around to the main stand this runs 3/4 of the length of the pitch and is something the club is rightfully proud, its an excellent viewing point and very smart.  Behind the stand are the changing rooms, club officials area and a lovely club house adorned with an attractive bar and large drop down TV screen.  Back outside and to the top end of the stand and behind it is the snack bar which is where we stopped to sample a very reasonably priced chip cob once again as good as any we have tested this season.  From the stand the ground offers the much photographed view of the Church, Reg Walker Stand and the mill. 

OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN STAND WITH WELL 'BULBED' FLOODLIGHTS

But this ground offers many a pretty view and as we move around to behind the goals near our original entrance a section here as a raised step terrace and from this area the view to the far goal is of a raising bank and the autumnal tree colours have a selection of well appointed houses nestled within them.
Before kick off their was time to have a catch up with Dave Laughlin as mentioned earlier and Ian Wright who is now secretary and I remember first from my days at Alfreton Town, nice to catch up with you today thanks for the welcome.

JOE CURTIS OF DAVENTRY TOWN FC

So to the game and I have to be fair and say as a neutral I found the game uninspiring, indeed the first half saw me take no notes at all.  We did pass comment on the attractive kit of both clubs The Purple Army kit of the visitors Daventry and the home sides kit with their badge emblazoned within the material fully on one side.
The second half seemed to follow much the same pattern and I was struggling to muster up much interest it wasn't that the players were not trying and giving 100% just that the chances were relatively non existent.
On the hour mark Belper nearly took the lead substitute and debutant Isaac Minott tested visiting keeper Ben Heath who for down well to push the ball away for a corner.
With 15 minutes to go the deadlock was broken a bit of pace and willingness to take a player on saw Evan Garnett get past his marker to fire past Heath for the opener.  Thankfully we were to see another goal on 87 minutes when Minott used his strength to hold off an edge of the box challenge and fire home into the bottom left corner of the goal from 12 yards.

That was about it from the game point of view and a successful start for the home sides new management team and three vital points for the fans to celebrate which of course for the loyal supporters is all that matters.

The return journey was a fairly smooth reverse of the outbound journey arriving back at base with just a small stop over in Ripley.
Overall Belper is a lovely club with some excellent facilities to enjoy in a beautiful setting, today the blog was probably unlucky with the game but if you have never taken a look at the town and its football club pop it on your to do list.

REFEREE PETER SPORNE SORTS IT ALL OUT

CHURCH SHOCK AFC MANSFIELD

AFC MANSFIELD 1 V PENISTONE CHURCH 2
NCEL 1 @ FOREST TOWN ARENA
7 OCTOBER 2015 7.45PM

VIEW FROM THE TERRACE PLUS NEWLY ADORNED DUG OUTS

Church made it 9 undefeated with this shock second half comeback against league leaders AFC who have been storming the league in recent weeks.
The blog was on the way last Saturday to take in AFC at Hull Utd in a game that was called off late and having caught up with manager Rudy Funk at our standby game at Westella it was good tonight to be able to take a look at the The Bulls.

The trip was an uneventful peak time travel from base and upon arrival at the Forest Town Arena newly logoed and with a smart new fixture board for The Bulls there was time to have little walk along the main street by the village shops.  An early arrival saw us decamp into the massive club and sample the usual non alcoholic lemonade with a bar of spicy coated peanuts.

AFC GROUNDSTAFF PREPARE THE PITCH

The ground here has been described before in lasts seasons blogs and after some heavy rain in the last few days once again the pitch had drained well to look in excellent condition.  As usual and more relevant than ever tonight, as you will find out later, I'm not a fan of tracks around football pitches.  In this case of course it is a cycle track and by the time dug outs are taken into account on the stand side there are few clear views.  The better is from the lofted terrace position by the clubs conservatory area.
As ever the club officials offered a warm welcome and it was good to catch up with Chairman Andrew Saunders, secretary Peter Craggs and manager Rudy Funk.  While moving round to the 'office area' which is situated behind the right hand goals there is always a method as we honed in on Bullys snack bar which as ever offered a cracking chip cob and warm drink all for a reasonable price.  We purchased a couple of goalden goal tickets, of which more later!

HOPPERS DELIGHT A GOOD SNACK BAR

Referee's assessor tonight was former Alfreton Town player Matt Walsh a player the blog saw many times and then on quite a few occasions as a referee there was time to guide him to the correct areas as this was his first visit. 
As we approached kick off the usual shuffling around was to gain the best position and we settled for a position behind the corner flag to the right hand side, closest to the pitch but quite away from the far goals which was to prove embarrassing.
The first half had seen Ollie Fearon, Andy Ring and Andy Barlow all look threatening for the visitors while Mansfield had also been prominent and with both teams missing chances it looked guaranteed that we would receive goals soon.  The blog thought this had happened on 32 minutes and this was to remain the case until checking the website on the way back half an hour after the game and of course resulted in an embarrassing error in the score line initially given as a 2-2 draw!  A bouncing ball on the edge of the 6 yard box was met by Dean Rick for AFC and visiting keeper Adam Rhodes the former got their first and poked the ball over the line.  Mansfield players wheeled away to celebrate, the referee signalled to the halfway line and the public address system announced the goalden goal winner was 32 minutes.  Fellow hopper Mick thought he had it he scrambled away to find the ticket I checked for mine and by the time we both realised neither of us had the correct ticket the game was underway again.  It would later transpire that this goal did not count but in future I will be taking pictures of every re start!! 
The bulls did open the scoring, or get the second depending on your view of things[!], on 38 minutes when Craig Mitchell rose to head home at the back post.

A LOOK AT THE TERRACING AT THE ARENA

Penistone were unlucky to be behind but they made amends in the second half when after 63 minutes Ollie Fearon guided the ball home after his first effort had bounced back off the post.  The game continued to flow from end to end but it was Penistone who took the lead after 74 minutes when Andy Barlow turned on the ball to fire home from 20 yards.
In the latter stages their was still time for the resolute Brett Lovell to see his header cleared off the line and as the home side looked for the equaliser keeper Jason White came up for a corner and fired the ball over from just inside the box.
An open game with lots of chances missed by both sides a draw would probably have been a fair result however much credit must go to Church who came and played an attacking game when many would have come to defend.

ROBINS OF SELBY FLY INTO NEXT ROUND OF VASE WITH WESTELLA WIN

WESTELLA VIP 1 V SELBY TOWN 3
FA VASE 2Q ROUND @ EURNONICS GROUND BARTON TOWN OLD BOYS
3 OCTOBER 2015---3PM

Westella saw their FA Vase journey come to an end early in this game when Selby stormed into a two goal lead inside the first ten minutes of the first half.  Despite a second half goal the home side couldn't pull level and it was the ever threatening visitors who extended their lead again when with 15 minutes remaining Will Ramsey secured the next round spot for The Robins.
A near mid morning for base station start saw the blog off to Hull with the top of the table clash in the NCEL in our sights and a chance to see Hull Utd take on free scoring AFC Mansfield in the village of Dunswell.  An early change saw us depart on a Bridlington bound Northern Rail service the peaceful start to the morning was soon to come to an abrupt end at Meadowhall not due to noisy shoppers but some loud Barnsley fans who made the train rock.  Thankfully they were joined on their journey to Doncaster by Transport Police and on departure from here normality was returned.  A close meander past the Victoria Pleasure Ground of Goole FC allowed us a look into the ground and further added to the thoughts of a 'must do' ground soon before we stopped at the towns station.  As we approached Hull there was time to pass North Ferriby Utd another for the list and then after passing the Humber Bridge we slowed down on our approach to Hull's Paragon station and had a view of the smart looking KC Stadium.

WELCOME TO HULL!

Along the way there was today no reading of papers or other literature as we looked up the news around todays chosen game only to find out just after 11am that the game had been called off.  Thankfully we had two other choices before venturing into the Humber League possibilities and we opted to take a look at Westella VIP who since their move from Bishop Burton College ground share at Barton Town on the Lincolnshire side of the Humber.  This was a nice way to catch up with a club who I had previously encountered with Clay Cross Town and after a few years of effort had finally got their chance to progress following their CMFL promotion last season and are doing nicely in their inaugural NCEL season.
Following a small dash around Hull city centre we made our way back to the bus station which is superbly placed adjacent to the train station.  Just after 1pm we boarded the 350 service to Scunthorpe which would take us past the KC Stadium then Hull City's old ground at Boothferry now built on by town houses and onwards over the remarkable Humber Bridge with its misty views all round today.  As soon as we departed the bridge the bus dropped us into Barton Market Place.  The town is a cracking little place to visit with some lovely old historical buildings and churches but todays first point of call was the Market St Chippy for a very good selection of fish and chips.  As time was going past 2pm we made the walk out to the ground via Marsh Lane and the blog wished their had been a little more time to have a look around but sadly this was not to be the case with time pressing.

THE HUMBER BRIDGE MAKES AN APPEARANCE

The approach to The Euronics Ground is via a road headed up by Barton Cricket Club and just before you reach the railway line that serves Barton station a few yards further up the track you turn right into a large car park and in through a smart turnstile block with the clubhouse on the right hand side.
It was a first visit for the blog to the ground and first impressions are once again of a smart ground which is completed enclosed by wooden fencing with a pitch perimeter of painted breeze blocked wall topped off by a varnished wooden shelf.  The goal by our entrance is hard standing and uncovered and over to the far side a large three rowed Atcost stand stands proudly.

Behind the far goal are two small terraced Atcost stands well positioned to either side of the goals.  Back along the dug outs side and the club house contains a very tidy bar and snack bar area along side toilets and the changing rooms for the teams.  The dugouts are smart and of metal construction with some neat swans, the landlords nickname, stencilled into the Astroturf at the front of them.

RUDY FUNK FINDS THE BLOG A LAUGH!

Having settled down with a beverage, non alcoholic, we spotted AFC Mansfield manager Rudy Funk who once again had popped along to see a couple of teams in his league to run the rule over them.  As ever it is always pleasant to catch up with Rudy and it seemed that much of the estimated crowd of 65 knew him!  Included in this was a couple of Scarborough fans, one of his former clubs, who were delighted to catch up with him one of them even had a Rudy Funk t-shirt on much to the AFC mangers delight.

WESTELLA CLEAR THEIR LINES

To the action and within 10 minutes Selby were clinical in the finishing department and found themselves two up and it looked like game over.   In the first minute Craig Muirhead angled one across the home keeper Nathan Otley and into the far corner of the goal.  Then on ten minutes the second arrived Danny Bunch fed Jamie Forrester and Dane Mortimer drilled the ball in at the back post. 
Just before half time Westella did have an effort cleared off the line but it had been a comfortable first half for the visitors.
The second half started much the same way but this time in the first minute Otley pulled off a great save to deny the Robins.

REFEREE O'LEARY ISSUS THE FIRST CARD OF THE AFTERNOON

The game was re invigorated on 51 minutes Alex Wood saw his shot well parried by Ciaran Gibson but as the ball flew up into the air Wood followed up to head into an empty net.
Selby then had an effort cleared from off the line before they returned to a two goal margin on 75 minutes Chris Jackson laid off to Will Ramsey who fired past the out coming home keeper.
The remaining minutes saw the visitors hit the woodwork twice as they looked to extend their lead further.

WESTELLA JAMES ATKINSON AND TOM CHAMBERLAIN OF SELBY

A steady little game and a match that Selby would have been annoyed had they not have won with the chances they created.  For Westella they have a first league season in the NCEL to concentrate on something they are doing well so far since their move up to step 6.
The reverse journey on the 350 to Hull was luxury and got us back into Paragon station with half an hour to spare for the express train back to Sheffield this time journeying via Selby another ground that needs to go onto our 'to do list'

A FIRST TRAINS HULL 180 AWAITS DEPARTURE

LATE BIRMINGHAM WINNER DEFEATS NOTTS COUNTY

NOTTS COUNTY LADIES FC 0 V BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES FC 1
WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE @ MEADOW LANE
27 SEPTEMBER 2015 5PM

As this game looked to be petering out to a goal less draw up popped Kerys Harrop to nod home the winner with just two minutes of the ninety remaining to thwart Notts chances of a final home game victory.
With a chance of taking in another WSL game and following an enjoyable afternoon out at Meadow Lane earlier in the season when The Pies took on Liverpool now was a good time to catch up with them again but this time it would be the last game of their season, before an away fixture at Manchester City next week.
The blog would have covered Nottingham Rugby Union also today before coming along to this game but the rugby union club moved their 3pm kick off was moved to 3.30pm meaning a finish at Lady Bay just as this WSL game would kick off!

I THOUGH IT WAS 1/2 A MILE TO MEADOW LANE



A comfortable journey from base and with Notts ground being within ten minutes of the station the blog was soon at todays venue.  However confusing it may seem the sign saying ten miles close to the ground was not for me but the mornings Nottingham Marathon.
The club shop has to be one of the best in the Football League its is packed full of merchandise and well worth a visit if you are in the area with all sorts of gifts on offer.

NOTTS COUNTY CLUB SHOP A QUALITY DISPLAY OF GIFTS

Upon departing with the programme the turnstiles were just about to open it being one hour to kick off.  Following a little look at the ground which always amazes me as a superb looking ground and one that I have seen develop since its old days of the spion kop with old style lettered scoreboards from a-z, remember those days before electronic ones.
It was time to sample todays food fayre and the joy of a chicken balti pie at the home off the Pies and pleased to say with a coffee this came in at £4.60, take a look Derbyshire Cricket Club after your price of £5 for a bacon cob and coffee last week.
The crowd at WSL is a relaxed family affair with lost of people attired in their clubs colours and a fair following from todays visitors too.  The crowd was building up nicely and the atmosphere generating drum was now in situ all adding nicely to the official attendance of 1,337. 

NOTTS COUNTY WARMING UP ON A SUNNY MEADOW LANE AFERNOON

Notts do a good job of profiling their ladies team firstly by using their main ground and not an outpost stadia, plus the match day experience is very similar to the Football League side with a great PA system also playing some good current music.

ELLEN WHITE & ALEX GREENWOOD

It was good to see Ellen White playing whom we met a few years back at an England international at Burton against Japan she is such a hard working player who covers most of the pitch in her running game.  Jess Clarke was also in the starting line up on the right wing and with Laura Bassett at the back along with keeper Carly Telford their are plenty of names in the home line up.  Birmingham captain Karen Carney was also on show for todays visitors.
The first half was an enterprising affair with the woodwork denying both sides twice stopping Notts from scoring and once stopping Birmingham getting off the mark.  For The Pies it was Alex Greenwood who crashed one off the underside of the bar before Jess Clarke fired one in from 20 yards only for the bar to deny the home side again.  Just before half time Birmingham also hit the bar when from a 20 yard free kick Carney shook the whole goal with a vicious effort.

PIES RACHEL WILLIAMS HOLDS OFF CITY'S REMI ALLEN

Half time was arrived at without a score and really we had witnessed a steady game just lacking a goal.  The second half though fell away with a nil nil result looking a cert until 88 minutes.  A right wing corner to the near post from Jo Potter was met by the rising Harrop who headed into the back of the home net to send the travelling City support into scenes of joy and deny Notts County the chance to send their fans home happy with a victory at the last home game of the 2015 season.
Return journey was a bust student packed train but base station was arrived at on time and the blog had enjoyed another afternoon watching Notts County Ladies FC.

REFEREE IAN DUDLEY CONSULTS HIS ASSISTANT

NORTHERN STAR SHINE BRIGHT THANKS TO LATE WINNER OVER HARBOROUGH

PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR 1 V HARBOROUGH TOWN O
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ BRANCH BROS STADIUM
26 SEPTEMBER 2015---3PM  [ATT45 EST]

THE ENTRANCE ON CHESTNUT AVE

A goal two minutes from time from Declan Rogers rescued this dour affair from the dreaded 0-0 result.  It was slightly harsh on the young Harborough side who had battled hard and deserved to take something from the game.
Today's journey from base was very much affected by avoiding the busy trains to Leeds and Birmingham which when we arrived platform side were looking well stocked with rugby union fans off to the world cup games in the two cities.  So for a change we made the trip to the 'deep south', for us anyway, and to Peterborough.  The advantage today was of a straight through journey to Cambridgeshire and with the prospect of a little time in the city and a chance to take a very quick look at the wonderful cathedral which is resplendent in the centre of the shopping area.
An uneventful journey deposited us in Peterborough just after 1230 and more by luck than judgement we came across the local 'spoons' in The Drapers Arms and with a seat secured we sampled a lunch time meal before a mini tour and back through the shopping centre to catch the number 5 to Dogsthorpe. 

DOGSTHORPE SHOPPING CENTRE

Having departed just around the corner from the main drag of shops it was a case of trying to rescue the businesses from their caged prison with major re design works going on and a lot of shops closed, probably with it being Saturday afternoon, the area was relatively quiet. Just a short stride down Chestnut Avenue and we were at the newly named Branch Bros Stadium home of Peterborough Northern Star.  The exterior of the ground has a community centre and appears to advertise some excellently priced breakfasts.  The two turnstiled entrance is to the side of the centre and is a smart and good early impression of what turns out to be a tidy ground and complex.
With programmes purchased and admission gained immediately to the right is the bar which is a large cavernous room with bar and TV of the big variety!


SMART VIEW OF THE DUG OUT SIDE

A quick look at the ground and we enter behind the goal and set off to the left the whole surround is slab hard standing and the boundary railings have now been added to by the much appearing green meshed fencing to add a smart finish.  Taking the first corner we reach a small Atcost stand with blue tip up seats and then the adjoined brick dug outs which again are smart and tidy which appears to be the constant for this ground.  Below the dugouts are another small stand which mirrors the one to the top side.  The far goal is uncovered hard standing as is the side opposite the dug outs until we reach the corner which has a deep covered stand clad but of a scaffolding type.

THE BUSINESS END OF THE GROUND

So we arrive back at the entrance goal and first is a toilet block again smart and clean followed by The Star Snack Bar which is a mobile van in type pulled to the terrace side.  The players entrance as a nice corporate coloured vinyl curtain to separate the players from the spectators.  Behind the goal we have a small covered standing area and the secretaries cabin which has the hoppers required touch of the teams displayed outside it.  To both sides of the pitch are more pitches in mini and full size which gives much green space to this area.  The playing surface is looking good and as previously mentioned the ground looks tidy and smart and is clearly well cared for.

NORTHERN STAR LOOKING SMART IN THEIR BLACK AND
WHITE STRIPES

Northern Star was a team I had looked at visiting a few years ago and having done a little research were formed from the two nearby brock works of Northam and Star.  After playing as Eye in the village of the same name which is adjacent to Dogsthorpe the club moved to its current ground to allow non league step procession and the club took on the name of Peterborough and for its history added the two brickwork names to continue the connection.
This would prove to be the blogs and mine first United Counties League game, previously having covered the league cup final at Yaxley at the end of last season.
So to the game and both sides looked very young in age especially the visitors Harborough Town.
It was a lovely bright day which with winter months coming soon we planned on enjoying with some football.

The first half was a truly forgettable affair with little in the way of chances a defensive mix up ricochet resulted in Harborough's bar being struck and just before half time home keeper Dan George pulled off a good save from Joel Konteh and I'm afraid that summed it up.
The second half didn't get much better there was little free flowing football as both sides struggled to forge any chances.  Just as the game looked certain to go to 0-0, much as it looked like from about ten minutes in, a goal arrived!  With two minutes remaining and following some good possession play on the edge of the visitors box saw the ball fed through to Declan Rogers who fired home with a conviction that had been missing in the previous 87 minutes.


DAN GEORGE IN THE NORTHERN STAR GOAL REACHES HIGH

You had to feel a little sorry for Harborough whose young bunch of players had worked hard to get something from this game but thankfully for the blog at least a long day would produce a goal for memory of the day out.
Leaving the ground at 4.50 and following a quick walk from the bus station in Peterborough it was great to be back on the train in half an hour from leaving Dogsthorpe and back to base at just after 7pm.
Overview, although not the best of games this is a nice little ground and is well appointed for its step 5 status.  Also a quick mention with regards to the programme which is a steady little affair if you like your photos this is the one for you with a superb collection all in colour from a variety of recent games more than complimenting the £1 purchase price.  The ground is in a large housing area and once again its just a shame that local people don't come out to support the club, in bigger numbers, who as with all non league clubs are trying their hardest to provide local football.

A DRINKS BREAK FOR HARBOROUGH TOWN

BOTTOM 2 IN DERBYSHIRE & LEICESTERSHIRE BATTLE IT OUT

DERBYSHIRE V LEICESTERSHIRE
LV COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2 @ THE 3AAA COUNTY GROUND
DAY 3---24 SEPTEMBER 2015 1030 START.

3AA COUNTY GROUND WITH TOM KNIGHT PATROLLING THE BOUNDARY FOR DCCC

The day started with Derbyshire still trailing but a sturdy rear guard action gave them a lead of 23 40 minutes before lunch but by the close of play Leicestershire had a firm grip on the game as they reached 307 for 7 at the close a lead of 284.
The penultimate day of the English cricket season and it was a chance to catch up with a little bit of cricket following on from an excellent day at Trent Bridge a few weeks ago, which I decided not to cover and then wished I had taken the camera as it turned out to be a superb game versus Durham.
Today had another reason behind it with a football connection more of this in a few paragraphs.
A steady travel to The 3aaa county ground and first point of call was to take a few pictures and then snap a bacon cob and a coffee as play started, amazingly though this cost £5 which is grossly over priced you would probably expect it at a test match but not for county cricket. 
Finally settled is situ in front of the newly used pavilion/Gateway centre and the bright day was being deceived by a cold wind that did not improve through the day and by the close I was really feeling the autumnal season approaching.

MARTIN BODENHAM MATCH UMPIRE AND FORMER FOOTBALL REFEREE

So before the game after a few player photos I managed to take one of half of todays umpiring team, Martin Bodenham who is the first person to umpire at first class county cricket and also referee at Football league, Premier League and FIFA official.  Indeed I well remember in my league football watching days seeing Mr Bodenham with his home town of [Looe] listed in the match day programme.  He seemed a pleasant gentleman on greeting him for a second this morning as he made his way out onto the pitch.  I believe this is his last county game and penultimate day in the first class game as he reached 65 at the start of this season. 

When he retired at the require age of 48 in 1998 from football he followed his cricketing passion and progressed well to the first class game for a remarkable achievement this footballing cricket mix adds to many players of old who used to play both sports famously of course Phil Neale of Lincoln City and Worcestershire.

BOLLY GODLEMAN 2015 SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Just before lunch Leicestershire were batting again and by the time we made lunch there was another photo opportunity with billy Godleman being presented with the supporters player of the year trophy.  The club, through Graeme Welch Elite Director, also took the opportunity to present Godleman with his county cap and in a nice touch all his team mates delayed their lunch to join him at the presentation and add their congratulations.

GREAME WELCH PRESENTS BILLY GODLEMAN WITH HIS COUNTY CAP

The afternoon session was spent in the large Falcons stand and it just got colder as the wind swept across the county ground.  But for Leicestershire the lead just went on increasing thanks to a century from Mark Cosgrove who was still their at the end.

You have to love county cricket its out on its own and although these two are holding up the league the small gathering of fans are ever expectant.  Today for me the game never sparked probably end of season feel but also the cold wind kept me a little less excited than normal on a visit to the cricket.
Sadly that will be the end of this seasons cricket for the blog and hopefully next season will be a better one for a season that this time around promised so much but gave up little to warm the loyal fans.

THE OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION TO BILLY GODLEMAN

PENISTONE CHURCH SEE OFF 10 MAN ECCLESHILL

PENISTONE CHURCH 3 V ECCLESHILL UTD 0
NCEL 1 @ THE MEMORIAL GROUND
23 SEPTEMBER 2015---7.45PM

THE MEMORIAL GROUND PENISTONE CHURCH FC

Ten man Eccleshill were lost out to Penistone after being reduced in numbers just before half time but a dominant second half from the home side should have resulted in more than one goal.  Thanks to some super saves from Utd's keeper Joe Stead and some poor finishing the score line was kept to respectable levels when on another night 7 or 8 could have been the end result.
The chance to catch up with the 'esteemed' Mr W and make a joint trip to the lovely Penistone which is not the first time but the first blog feature.  As we drove past the edge of Stocksbridge towards our ultimate destination the feel of Yorkshire was all around with old pubs signs displaying 'Wards Bitter' and shops showing of 'Ben Shaws soft drinks' adverts.  As we drove towards the centre of the town the impressive Paramount independent cinema was in fully display readying in to welcome tonight's cinema goers.  The town is a different proposition for an evening game after a previous visit in the day time when Church were still in the Sheffield County Senior League and the took on Rossington Main in am FA Vase encounter.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PENISTONE

We arrived with enough time to park up and take a look around the small town which has an impressive high wooden roofed covered market, a small selection of shops and of course for the railway enthusiast the part were the former electrified line split to take on the Woodhead and Dunford Bridge to Manchester section.  We tracked the line and I guess sidings in the town by a mini roundabout that now forms the entrance to a 'T's' store.
With a little time to spare and Mr W not having visited Penistone station we popped along to view the former station building and the now overgrown platform for the Manchester section of the route still slightly visible and further on the former line becomes a cycle and walking route.
At this point Mr W requested a picture on the station platform and he jostled around in front of the station sign as though getting into position for a defensive wall I struggled to understand but if you look at the picture you may guess the bounder had other ideas.

THE ESTEEMED MR W AT PENISTONE STATION!

Believe this or the other story may be the one that provides the revealing tale, the photographer was the one working himself into position for the best shot.  Which is it?  You decide.
Men never grow up we wont be the first and we wont be the last!

EXCELLENT CLUB HOUSE AT PENISTONE CHURCH FC

Anyway on to the game and on arrival we found ourselves decamped into the excellent club house nice comfortable facility with excellent toilets that were clean too.  Alongside two TV's, a bar and the snack bar there was a nicely labelled vip area with a pop up advert display.  The snack bar produced an excellent chip cob which once again threw the young ladies into trying to interpret the foreign language and I quickly realised I was in Yorkshire and corrected myself to 'butty' to receive the super fayre.
Having secured a table the blog then spotted Neil Laughlin of the Belper parish and of course it was a pleasure to catch up with his travels especially his journeys to Wales something we both have a passion for.

MR LAUGHLIN SAMPLES THE SNACK BAR FAYRE

The ground then from the entry pay point to the left is a lovely stand that journeys to the half way line with seats and terracing under cover this leads to the dug outs and then  beyond and behind the top goal there is no spectator access.  The far side is quite tight but has hard standing and behind the goal to were we entered the ground were we have the changing rooms, grounds mans building and the clubhouse.
Having visited the ground previously in the daylight I can say its a lovely setting, especially in the warmer weather, with views if the towns church and Emley Moor TV mast.  Evening games offer a different perspective but if you come here for a first time you may wish to take in the area in the lighter conditions to enjoy the beauty.
So to the game and first out of the traps were Penistone who took a 17th minute lead when Andy Ring slotted past the out coming Stead with confidence.  The lead doubled on 35 minutes Mario Battaglia deflected a close range effort into the back of the visitors goal.
Controversy came on 43 minutes a penalty box challenge by Jermaine Springer saw referee Tiernay signal the player had taken the ball as at the same time the linesman started to flag for a penalty before quickly putting his flag down.  The referee picked up on the signal and changed his mind to award a penalty and then to add harshness to the decision showed Springer his second yellow card and he had the long walk to the changing rooms to undertake.  A little bit of fortune fell Eccleshill's way when Ollie Fealon missed the penalty kick.
It would be a difficult second half and but for Stead's saves and some very poor finishing it could have been a large score line for Penistone against the 10 men of Eccleshill.  As it was the home supporters had to make do with a second for Ring after 67 minutes when he beat the out running Stead to steer the ball home from 25 yards.
An enjoyable visit to, I think, a club that is on many hoppers favourites list and a nice little trip out to a pretty little town.