WELBECK WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WELBECK WELFARE 3 V DINNINGTON TOWN 1
CENTRAL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE NORTH @ ELKESLEY RD
5 DECEMBER 2015 --- 2PM

WELBECK SECRETARY GRAHAM AWAITS A FEW MORE PAYING SPECTATORS

This bottom of the table clash saw a Robbie Savage[!] double set Welbeck on their way to all three points against fellow strugglers Dinnington Town.  The battle of the basement was played in gusting winds that made consistent play difficult indeed one first half free kick from just short of the half way line flew straight back over the takers head and out for a corner.  A third goal from Daniel Fisher made the home side a little more comfortable until a late penalty from Shawn Edwards created a few moments of doubt.
As is becoming the normal Saturday requirement it was weather watch time and this time the rain was not the major issue but gale force winds and with train travel already disrupted a local trip was the favoured option.  Over the last few weeks Welbeck Welfare had featured on the fixture list mainly because I like the effort the officials put in to keep this club on the rails and also to see a game on their new pitch, following the transfer from down the banking to the raised level by the new changing room block.
So a start that was not too early saw a change in Alfreton followed by Mansfield and then a stripey boys number 11 to Meden Vale the home village of Welbeck Welfare.  Indeed the village way called Welbeck Colliery Village until the 60's before a name change to the current one which takes on the relevance of the River Meden travelling through the area.

OBLIGATORY PIT TUB FLORAL DISPLAYS IN ANY FORMER MINING AREA

A 20 minute journey saw us arrive in the village which is very much out on a limb, the bus route passes through a superb little main road side village called Spion Kop, great for a football fan but named after a Boar War battle and the Market Warsop which is a small little town with a small selection of shops.  Having turned off the main road 3/4 of a mile later and you are in Meden Vale a former mining village for Welbeck Colliery which was opened in 1912 but sadly closed in 2010 and there in lies a difficulty as with all villages around the area so much of what went on at the pit supported the village and surrounding businesses. 

ENTRANCE TO THE FORMER WELBECK COLLIERY

The most noticeable new addition is  the Welbeck Solar Farm on the pit hillside that overlooks the village and to the side of our ultimate destination.  I'm reliably informed there are 40,000 solar panels in situ and it is one heck of sight they really have taken over the view as you enter Meden Vale. 
We departed early for a little walk around the streets something that we kept to a brief amble due to the ever increasing gusts of wind.  A small walk down to the pit gates led to a nostalgic memory jerker about the pits that provided prosperity for Nottinghamshire and indeed Derbyshire and Yorkshire the nearby mining areas.  The site is still under some sort of reclamation with concrete waggons and pumping cranes in action all afternoon.  By the old pit entrance is the pitch that Welbeck were gracing on my previous visits here and with a fresh cut received to the grass I guess still very much in use for some of their selection of sides.

FORMER WELBECK PITCH LOOKING TOWARDS THE OLD COLLIERY SITE

Back up to the entrance to the new pitch and the one thing Welbeck miss is an obvious entrance to the site but we managed to navigate some serious road works and enter at a level negating the normal climb up a grass back from the Welfare, something that we noticed had disappeared completely.  Sadly it would appear that it was no longer viable and had been demolished around 6 months ago, the former village hall still remains though minus its roof as has been the case for the last few years.

NOW THE WELFARE AS GONE TOO

Having arrived at the ground the whole of the perimeter is protected with spiked grey metal fencing similar to school boundaries.  Once inside by the pitch is the 'new' changing room blocks which have been in use for a while now even when the bottom ground was in use. 

The building also houses a small snack bar well run today by Elaine who was doing bacon/sausage cobs and drinks with a supply of chocolate bars.  Having secured the teams before kick off and purchased a couple of programmes, the latter is a steady effort and something that must be credited to the club and secretary Graham Hall when so many clubs with a better support than Welbeck don't seem to bother.  There was time before the game to have a quick chat with Dinnington secretary Wendy and discuss their fortunes and the hard working their few officials put in to keep the club going.  Along side Wendy I also got the chance to catch up with Graham, both of who I became acquainted with while at Clay Cross, for a little chat as he took up his position in the pay booth just before kick off and as with the Dinnington officials it has to be said these people are the salt of the earth working their tripe out to keep their clubs going for very little reward.

MICK CAPTURES FELLOW HOPPER PETE FOR A PHOTO OP

Both clubs have poor records with some heavy defeats and indeed Welbeck are the perennial bottom club, but although I will mention this in the game build up I also want to develop my earlier point.  However Graham and Wendy continue with the enthusiasm and motivation to keep their respective clubs going I do not know not only regular defeats but sometimes lack of cooperation from players and the league must put their continued commitment in jeopardy.  It really would do the Premier League prima doners and FA officials the power of good to spend a few months with these guys.  Following the game I did manage to get a few words with both Wendy and Graham to say 'well done', I salute them!
To the game and it would be remise of the blog not to mention the form of the two clubs Welbeck go into the game with a draw but following a called off game and a points deduction they sit on -1 points and the visitors from Dinnington have amassed 1 point from a draw too.  The goal difference before todays game for both sides amassed -130.  So with both teams well secured into the bottom two spots the immediate challenge was to see if either side could get their first victory.

The ground has, at present, no cover and also is just grass surround standing although a nice sturdy metal railing barrier is in place all around the pitch.  There is a slope down from the changing rooms and the wind is blowing strongly away from here towards the old pitch.  The club have two nicely raised dugouts on the far side of the pitch and a nice little pay booth for Graham to shelter in.  A steady little crowd of 20 with probably 14 or so paying attendees was encouraging on a rough day.
The first half saw Dinnington with the wind at their backs and but for a start performance from home keeper Andrew Sipson they would have been well ahead, Sipson pulled off 5 cracking saves to deny visitors.  But it was Welbeck who took advantage with the famously named Robbie Savage taking advantage of some Dinnington defensive apprehension and pick up a loose ball before firing past keeper Gary Hudson from 8 yards into the roof of the net.

ROBBIE SAVAGE GIVES WELBECK THE LEAD

After a retreat for soup to the snack bar it was time to brave the winds and ever darkening day at Elkesley Rd for the second half.
With the wind now at their backs Welbeck started out strongly looking to extend their lead and on 61 minutes that's what happened with Savage getting his second as h broke through he rounded the out coming Hudson and slotted home from a tight angle as a visiting defender tried to manoeuvre him further wide.

CRAIG TAYLOR, WELBECK, ON THE BALL

Welbeck had a head of steam up and some of the passing had been badly affected by the wind with shots going well adrift but this was not the case on 67 minutes when they made it 3-0.   A partially cleared attack fell to Daniel fisher who from 25 yards lashed the ball home well under control and past Hudson in the Dinnington goal.

REFEREE SEWARD TRIES HIS STAN LAUREL IMPRESSION OUT ON THE NON TO AMUSED PLAYERS

The lead was very nearly increased when a left hand sided corner from Josh Fletcher was wind assisted over the keeper and back to safety of the inside of the far post.
The visitors did pull a goal back with 7 minutes remaining a shirt pull in the box was an easy penalty decision for referee Seward and Edwards converted for Dinnington to finally beat home custodian Sipson.  Another quick goal now would have lead to a few jitters I'm sure for Welbeck but it did not come and the home side recorded their first win of the season, overall since February, a victory that was enough to take Welbeck off the bottom of the table, there is something that you haven't heard much in recent years in the CMFL.

SIPSON SAVES ANOTHER FOR WELBECK WELFARE FC

The final whistle arrived on an ever darkening evening and with the wind still gathering pace it was time to reverse our journey through Meden Vale and back to Mansfield after an enjoyable afternoon.  A bottom of the table clash it may have been but it had been a good effort from both sides in very trying conditions. The only shame ever at Welbeck is that the locals do not get behind their football team and for £3 and £1 its a good afternoon out that with a little more encouragement may just see the team rise to new heights.

Following a quick change in Mansfield there was just a little time to waste half an hour as the bus driver at my next connection completely ignored the passengers at the diversionary bus stop, cheers! Something which meant us catching the opposite direction bus on the same route to catch the following up bus back to where we had tried to catch the last one in service, confused sometimes you need a degree to use public transport!

THE LONELY LIFE OF A GOALKEEPER

BULLS CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP TO KNARESBOROUGH

AFC MANSFIELD 1 V KNARESBOROUGH TOWN 2
NCEL LEAGUE CUP ROUND 3 @ FOREST TOWN ARENA
2 DECEMBER 2015 --- 7.45PM

FOREST TOWN ARENA BEFORE THE GAMES COMMENCMENT

A defiant Knaresborough put AFC Mansfield in this often feisty League Cup tie, a result that has seen The Bulls also lose in the league to fellow title challengers AFC Emley and in the vase to Alsager all in the space of a week.  This games further hampered their efforts with two sending's off in a bad tempered second period.
A poor week of weather had put this game in doubt but thankfully the good drainage that's normally part of the Forest Town Arena came to the fore and with no major downpour on the day it was safe for Knaresborough to make the long mid week rush hour trip to Nottinghamshire.  The blog will not re-cover the ground etc as a few visits over the last few seasons including last month have covered the intricacies of the arena. 

WAITING FOR A START TO THE ACTION THE MAIN STAND

A busy rush hour journey by public transport finished at Forest Town with the chance to say hi to home secretary Pete Craggs who was taking up the same option of arrival.  Early arrival allowed time for a visit to Bullys Snack Bar for a chip cob with peas, back to cob territory here.  The placed order was soon ready but allowed me the chance to take a few pictures of which I have to say its getting harder to cover any original ones having featured the ground so many times, so apologies if I have still missed a good one out.  Before the game there was also the chance to have a quick catch up with the ever amiable Bulls manager Rudy Funk.  Team line ups gathered the blog made its way around to the entrance to pay up and purchase tonight's programme and also to catch up with home Chairman Andrew Saunders.  Alongside a few hoppers was Mr Blog man himself 'The 66 POW' and while the quick greeting was undertaken the blog also met Paul a Leeds Utd home and away supporter and now ground collector in the non league scene.  As ever it is always great to have a chat with a fellow hopper and having spent the game swapping stories the blog picked up some good tips with regards to grounds it had not visited including The Northern League.
A small crowd of 59 had gathered for this game and the good side it was probably a few more than the home officials expected and included a nice little following from North Yorkshire, well done guys your efforts proved worthwhile.
The first half was and entertaining affair viewed from the terraced decking area and on 39 minutes it was the visitors who shocked AFC when Will Lenehan headed home and thats the way we went into the break.
Around the start of the second half it was time to book the taxi for a short journey back to local bus stop to pick up the late night special back to base .
The second half went wrong for Mansfield inside 4 minutes when a far post cross from Daniel McDaid was met by Gary Collier and home defender Luke Jeffs who was adjudged to have got the final touch to send the ball into The Bulls goal.
This was a big shock to AFC and the game then seemed to develop a tetchiness and with a fair bit of dissent aimed towards the referee it was looking a safe bet that a red card would be produced.  Two were to follow in quick succession and indeed a third could also have happened when home keeper Jason White collided into a break away Knaresborough attacker.  The referee saw it as a equal clash something that saved the game from teetering on a potential abandonment.
To the sending's off and Craig Mitchell had notched a goal to give Mansfield a chance but was then dismissed a few minutes later for a second yellow for dissent.  AFC were further reduced in stock when Perry Marriott took away George Eustance's legs as he was about to fire home, White pulled off a good save to his right from the offended players spot kick but Marriott continued his protest and referee Ashley Guest showed a second yellow followed of course by a red card.
In the closing minutes Ryan Williams went close to and equaliser for the home side that would have forced the game into extra time. 
Disappointing loss for Mansfield who with a full compliment on the pitch may well have won this encounter however that takes nothing away from Knaresborough who will be more than satisfied with this midweek cup victory however I'm sure they will hope for a home draw in the next round!

THE LONELY LIFE OF A HOPPER NIGHTIME SUBURBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT
FOR THE TRANSPORT END PICTURE

TOWEY DOUBLE SENDS BARNTON INTO NEXT ROUND

STOCKPORT TOWN 1 V BARNTON FC 3
MEN UNITED CUP ROUND 3 @ STOCKPORT SPORTS VILLAGE
28 NOVEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

OVERVIEW OF SSV STOCKPORT TOWN V BARNTON

A double strike from the games star man Kevin Towey saw Barnton progress to the next round of the NWCFL League Cup in a game played in terrible afternoon of winter weather.  Much as Stockport tried to mount a second half come back the half time deficit could not be rescued especially with an early extension of the visitors lead.

BARNTON MANAGER LEON KNIGHT PRE MATCH

For the third week running the blog was left to perform its best Michael Fish impression with this Saturdays heavy rain downpour arriving at kick off time and for the duration of most matches we decided not to push our luck and pulled out the 3g card at Stockport Sports Village [SSV] for this cup fixture.  The blog has taken in a few games at the venue which previously housed Woodley Sports and then Stockport Sports.  The current team gracing the artificial turf are Stockport Town who made an immediate appearance at step 6 level this season and have been performing well in the league alongside todays cup and the Reusch Cup for the first division teams.  Barnton arrive in top position under the guidance of Leon Knight former Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea player.
With a mid morning departure from base station a change was made at Sheffield for the all stopping Manchester service, always good to take a little more leisurely look at the beautiful peak district villages.  Upon arrival at Bredbury station we said a quick hi to The Rising Sun which is by the entrance but made an immediate move to Woodley with no stop allowed.

THE RISING SUN BY BREDBURY STATION

Upon arrival at Woodley shopping precinct the highlight of past visits was re engaged as we decamped in Taylors fish and chip restaurant.  As you can see when we arrived at our chosen table Christmas decorations greeted us so I advised Mick that this was the blogs staff outing for the festive season.

BEST PICTURE OF THE DAY AT THE BLOGS CHRISTMAS 'DO'

Needless to say the fish and chips were of the usual high quality standard with the as always friendly staff making this a pleasant visit to be much recommended if you are in the area.  Mick went for a cob, here we finally arrived at the correct name for said item in this area and it is...... muffin.  So we can add that to the long list which of course includes roll, batch, cob, breadcake, balm, butty, etc.
The weather was starting to take a turn for the worse now and following a little look around the precinct we made hopped off to the ground situated in The Stockport Sporting Village which is a lesuire centre type of venue with numerous outdoor courts made up of 3g pitches and I believe from past visits tennis courts.

The general feeling of the place is grey which today matched the day too, its probably a little unfortunate that we only seem to visit on bad weather days. 
A quick ground descriptor then to the left of the trunstiles behind the near goal is an Atocst stand with seats directly behind the goal and too either side a three stepped terracing.  Moving around then, hard standing continues around the whole pitch and the dug outs are of standard type the far goal is just hard standing also.

ATCOST TYPE COVERED TERRACING AND SEATING

STOCKPORT TOWN IN WARM UP MODE

Back to the main side of operations at The SSV and we have a main stand with a nice selection of steep set seats and too the rear a hospitality room with good window views.  The main leisure centre building then opens up to show the gym on the top level and the level below offers for todays spectators, I'm afraid just 29-with a paying attendance of I guess much lower, a snack bar run by the centre-there is also an inside café too.

BARNTON'S MICHALE BURKE OFFERS TO HOLD UP THE FENCING IN THE STRONG WINDS

The obligatory circuit of the pitch was made in constant rain, something that would not leave us until about ten minutes before the end of the game, but a few pictures were managed which hopefully gives a feel for the day, wet and windy!
Due to the poor weather sadly there are no action shots of the game it was just too wet and dark a bit of a shame but hopefully a few before the game started make up for these.
During the afternoon it was good to catch up with a few fellow hoppers of which we learned a lot including a little bit more on Cheadle Town a club we need to visit soon.

BARNTON, ALSO IN WARM UP MODE

Teams were obtained relatively easily, with thanks too Stockport for this and as the rain came down harder the game was eager to get under way we welcomed the home side looking resplendent in their Athletico Madrid type kit and Barnton in a brightening orange strip.

CAN YOU WORK THIS ONE OUT?

The first 45 minutes saw Barnton do enough to really wrap this game up indeed after 5 minutes they nearly took a shock lead Towy saw his short parried by home keeper Aaron Ashley but with Barnton captain Kevin Pollard looking odds on to score the ball escaped his finish.

TUNNEL APPEARANCE FROM STOCKPORT TOWN

The visitors didn't have to wait too long for the lead though when on 23 minutes Towey whipped in a cross off the right for Jason McShane to head home.  It was 2-0 five minutes later when a bouncing ball was helped by the wind over the Stockport defence and Towey ran onto the ball, his initial shot was blocked by McShane but he steered home the lose ball to extend Barnton's lead.
With half time there was time for a quick tea and a shelter by 'The Hatch' and a chat a nice little chat about Cheadle Town with a fellow visitor to Woodley this afternoon.

STOCKPORT TOWN V BARNTON

The restart saw Barnton start at a pace and when Towey got his second and Barnton's third you knew it was 'game over'.  The number 7 broke through with the ball and with confidence rounded McShane in the home goal to slot the ball home into an undefended goal.
Stockport tried their best to get back into the game but Barnton were well marshalled and looked more than comfortable.  The home side did pull a goal back in the 4th minute of stoppage time and it was a lovely strike from a free kick 20 yards out Reuben Abreu curled the ball over the wall into the top left hand corner of the Barnton goal.  It was too late though as moment after the re start referee Bamber blew his whistle for full time and Barnton were into the hat for the quarter finals.

THE CROWD [MOST SHELTERING IN THE STAND ON THE RIGHT]

A well paced game in very difficult conditions made playable by the 3g facility when others in the area were being postponed or abandoned due to horrendous weather.
We had lined up a visit to The Rising Sun while we waited for the train but this sadly never happened because the 5pm train was running late and we managed to hop aboard this which gave us a convenient change in Sheffield before a return to base just before 7pm.
As previously mentioned SSV normally ends up with a visit when the weather is bad and we really must visit in the good weather still as long as Taylors is open the blog would happily visit at any time of the year!

150 NORTHERN RAIL ARRIVING FOR ITS DEPARTURE TO BREDBURY

MANSFIELD LEFT FRUSTRATED BY EXETER

MANSFIELD TOWN 0 V EXETER CITY 2
LEAGUE 2 AT FIELD MILL-ONE CALL STADIUM
24 NOVEMBER 2015 --- 7.45PM

A frustrating night for the home side after a resilient and determined Exeter City side controlled much of this game despite Mansfield having most of the second half in possession as they tried to come back from a 2-0 half time deficit.
The blog settled for one of its occasional dalliances with league football and Field Mill is always a good visit.  In the bygone days with the main stand roofed from Southwell Racecourse I witnessed many a challenging game in the days of Staurt Boam's leadership often with a sparse crowd of 1,800 or so.  The view from the stand was always good and even with the old wooden seats challenging the comfort levels there was always a commanding view of the surrounding area if things were not so good on the pitch.  Of course The Ian Greaves stand its two tiered replacement offers even better views from near the back of the structure and much of the ground as received a development that brought the ground up to date, although Field Mill always offered a good view from all terraces I felt.  Later on in the evening there was even time to back track further and remembered the old lettered half time scoreboard which graced the Quarry Lane terrace.  Tonight I managed to capture a nice view of the former double set of steps that approached the turnstiles for this away terracing but now give access to the home stand.

ENTRANCE FROM QUARRY LANE

Before the game time was spent in the nearby KFC as the hoards of hungry fans came along it was looking like a nice attendance, somewhat disappointingly for Mansfield who were well positioned in the play off zone before the start of the game it was just 2,435 with a note worthy 140 making the lengthy journey from Exeter.
Ticket purchased earlier along with a commendable programme it was time to make the way to the ground, sadly early on I missed a good photo op when I completely failed to recognise former Tottenham star Steve Perryman who is now Director of Football with The Grecians.
As previously mentioned its always a wow factor feeling as you come down the gangway on the upper tier and survey all around you. 
Having failed to see Mr W of The 66 POW blog apparently he was still consuming pudding[s] at just gone 7.30pm and would be residing in the comfortable seat zone.  Having sent out a match update to a few people it was a pleasant surprise to receive one back from flag man Dave formerly of the Glapwell parish to say he was also in the ground.  Within a few minutes he appeared and as you can see he didn't deny a photo op for the blog. 
Dave is a Burnley fan as regular readers will know and he was here tonight to mainly witness the Mansfield Towns Danish keeper Brian Jensen who had spent 10 years at Turf Moor.

DAVE'S IN THE BLOG AGAIN!

The first half saw two well taken goals from the visitors shock Mansfield Town firstly after 6 minutes Joel Grant fired Lee Holmes cross into the roof of the net.  The second goal 4 minutes before half time was a reversal of the first as Grant turned supplier for Holmes to seep the ball home with confidence from 14 yards out.  Two well taking goals and Mansfield had little in reply as move after move seemed to break down under a double bank of Exeter players sat deep frustrated.
The second half continued much the same way with Mansfield having a lot of possession but doing little with it and Exeter breaking down most of the Stags forays, indeed in the second half Jensen only had two minor saves to make.  The game was spent in the enjoyable company of Dave and three regular Mansfield fans who were full of some excellent banter as they re created Waldorf and Statler of The Muppets....... brilliant its what football is all about.  The night though was poor for Mansfield but they seemed off the pace and lacking confidence at times, but frustration would be the summing up of the encounter from a home supporters point of view.  An interesting match stat summed up the encounter from a neutral point of view just 7 efforts on target in the whole 94 minutes from both sides.

THE IAN GREAVES STAND TOWERS HIGH FROM PORTLAND WAY

Overall the blog always enjoys its irregular journey back into league football and with a £22 ticket price sadly it will remain that way.  One disappointing aspect of that lovely stand though is why the club do not jet wash the stand and the seats which were filthy.
Upon leaving the ground it was interesting to see so few people walking back into town I well remember some big crowds at Field Mill when supporters were enjoying banter about the proceeding 90 minutes with their fellow travellers.
Mansfield manager Adam Murray clearly has had the side well tuned this season with their league position and I guess this was just a bad day at the office but I'm sure he will demand a response at Barnet on Saturday.

NO LARKIN AROUND AS HAT TRICK HERO COLIN SEALS SUNDERLAND VASE PROGRESS

HEMSWORTH MWFC 1 V SUNDERLAND RCA 5
FA VASE ROUND 2 @ THE MDC STADIUM
21 NOVEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

HAVE YOU SEEN SMARTER DUG OUTS?

A clinical Colin Larkin hat trick sent Sunderland RCA into round three of the FA Vase with a barnstorming performance in West Yorkshire.  Although the talk and the headlines will be made by the former football league player Larkin will no doubt admit this was a team display that screamed out with 100% commitment and no little ability in some of the play from the north easterners. 
The day started with a wait for an early pitch inspection at Hemsworth and after overnight snow there was a little doubt in the blogs mind.  But a departure from base station allowed a few possible routes for this journey with Rotherham at Leeds I opted to avoid a busy train up to Fitzwilliam and on arrival in Sheffield the 265 bus was boarded for the one hour journey to Barnsley.  With a quick trip that any sprinter would have been pleased with we made the about to depart number 28 which ultimately ends its journey in Pontefract.  This journey was of interest because it would take us through many of the former mining villages surrounding Barnsley and also allow us to depart with an hour to spend in Hemsworth and thanks to the 'explorer' ticket it was all included in the price.
Departure soon had us into the surrounds of Barnsley with Cudworth, Birdwell, Shafton and then Grimethorpe all evoking memories of the bygone pit days.  Grimethorpe was one that I had wanted to visit with the former CMFL club no longer gracing the league the ground remains and has just accepted Worsbrough Bridge Athletic as tenants and is on th 'to do list'.  The village was also base for the film Brassed Off set around the villages famous brass band around the time of the 84/85 strike.
Upon arrival at Hemsworth the bus station is adjacent to the big 'T' store amazingly you felt Metro had rejected the chance to position it in aisle 1!

KINSLEY GREYHOUND STADIUM

Hemsworth has a nice and what looked relatively new 'Spoons' in the form of The Blue Bell well refurbished from a former nightclub and a warm welcome today on a cold day was guaranteed.  A relaxing half an hour was gained with a good meal and after a small break we elected to continue the rest of the journey via foot.
Its a straight route to Fitzwilliam the nearby village that stages the home ground of Hemsworth MWFC with the former pit of Fitzwilliam Main, to become Hemsworth Colliery and then Kinsley drift, this would appear to be a good enough connection.  The way to Fitzwilliam is met along the road by Kinsley a village that until last season had its own CMFL club and directly over the road from this a superb looking greyhound track, The Kinsley Stadium is a superb facility and this area with Hemsworth MWFC has a nice selection of sports grounds add to this the cricket grounds and you have a sports keen area which was probably past aided by the National Coal Board helping out in making sport a positive in an areas lifestyle.  As we left Kinsley and entered Fitzwilliam we crossed over the railway line and the station, which we would use for our journey back later in the evening.

THE FORMER HOME OF AN ENGLAND GREAT BEING BUILT OVER

Fitzwilliam as with most of the villages around was a mining village and when the pits went how the villages and the areas surrounding them suffered.  On my previous visit here a few years ago for a NCEL ground hop game the back to back rows of terraced housing behind the remaining Railway Terrace had been demolished readying new builds. 
Here in is the next story and my last visit I had explored were number 45 Milton Terrace was and today as I sought it out for a picture I found the builders had moved in big style.  You see on Milton Terrace you would have found the person we are about to declares Uncle Algy, his grandma scoring a 100 with a stick of rhubarb and his mum catching the ball in her pinny.  Yes it was the birthplace of one Geoffrey Boycott Yorkshire and England cricketer I had hoped to get a shot of the ground where is house once was but today I could only get a picture of houses going up over the site.  The picture shows in the back ground on the left the large roof of the massive miners welfare.  Sadly Geoff hadn't come back to visit memory lane today so it was time to make our way the remaining 100 yards or should I say cover drive to the entrance to The MDC.  Just before we do its also very much worth mentioning this villages sporting pedigree was further enhanced by the footballing brothers of Cyril and Peter Knowles, the former a glittering career including Tottenham and the latter at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

THE ENTRANCE TO THE MDC AT HEMSWORTH MWFC

The entrance to the ground previously had been via an approach road at the side of the cricket ground which fronts up the football ground but now its a little diversion through the first road that enters the newly built estate.
From my one previous visit not too much appeared to have altered at the ground with the social club and changing rooms being the main building. The spectator entrance is to the right hand side of this building and having paid the entrance fee a little step across a grassed area secured a programme from a portacabin window.  Thankfully we arrived at 1345 and secured the said item because within 5 minutes the window was closed up and all 30 programmes produced had been sold.  A little disappointing here for many travelling and home fans, surely most clubs would have predicted a large gate for this 2nd round tie especially with a club from the north east being involved.

A BUSY ENCLOSURE PROTECTING ITSELF FROM THE BITING WIND

The ground as previously discovered is a neat and tidy affair with a nice display of conifer trees bordering a good portion of the boundary.  Turning to the right we have hard standing all around the perimeter with the immediate goal backed by the conifer trees.  The far side has the Keepmoat Stand something I guess is now sponsored by the developing company of the adjacent upcoming estate.  Just before this smart tip up seat occupied stand we have the dug outs which are as smart as anything I have seen outside some football league grounds!  The far goal is concrete panelled off from the cricket ground and into the corner its large scoreboard, as we come back around we reach the bar area,  This is already packed out and with little room to move I decided to retreat with the snack bar in the same area today it was disappointing not to be able to sample anything.  Although todays game saw a larger than normal crowd in attendance I did hear the club was looking at extending the area something that would certainly have gained the club a few more quid from the blog today in purchases.

FA VASE ROUND THREE QUALIFIERS SUNDERLAND RCA FC

In the build up to and during, the game it was cracking to catch up with some of the RCA fans who we had met a few weeks back in the first round game at Silsden, once again their friendliness was a credit to the club.  Thankfully there was time to snap an impromptu track suited team gathering.  Thanks to Hemsworth officials the blog also managed to get a quick snap of the team sheets for reference.  The build up to the game went very quickly with some interesting conversations with not visiting fans but quite a few from Hemsworth and the surrounding areas who had opted to some and look at this attractive fixture.
So too the game and with Sunderland looking to continues their recent fine form they would expect to face a tough challenge form the leaders of the NCEL division 1 Hemsworth MWFC.  But the home side got off on the wrong foot within 30 seconds when ex Chesterfield front man Larkin was up to full steam straight away driving home a flowing move that caught out the home defence.

NO LARKIN ABOUT AS COLIN SCORES INSIDE THE FIRST MINUTE

Hemsworth were shocked but they responded well forcing visiting keeper Jordan Harkess into a couple of good saves, before Luke Proctor rattled the bar for the visitors from the edge of the box.
The pace was intense and with Sunderland looking a constant threat Hemsworth were finding it hard to take advantage of any openings they did work in the game and it got even harder on 37 minutes when Larkin got his second lovely work by Stephen Callen and Kevin Gordon set up the number 9 who converted with comfort from 8 yards out.
Again Hemsworth looked for a comeback goal but they met Harkess in fine form when he turned Jason Yates shot onto the post at full stretch.  A few moments later Callen stretched for the visitors while trying to convert but his effort flew wide.  He wasn't to be denied though on 45 minutes when his pace took him into the box and rounded the home keeper Chris Snaith to slot home from a tight angle to make it 3-0.

The second half started at the same 100 mile an hour pace and on the hour mark Sunderland RCA further extended their lead with a sweeping move that saw Gordon race on into the box and fire into the bottom left hand corner as Snaith came racing out.
Fifteen minutes later Hemsworth pulled a goal back when Samuel Jones lashed the ball home from the edge of the box to make it 1-4 this encouraged the home side into their best period of play in the tie so far and they were pushing the visitors back.  Indeed Jones could have got a second with ten minutes remaining but his unmarked header scraped just the wrong side of the post.

KEEPING CALM ON THE RCA BENCH

Then a sublime moment when Larkin completed his hat trick and made victory secure as the visitors went 5-1 to the good.  A cross off the left by Ross McNab looked to be travelling out of play deep at the far post but somehow Larkin took the ball down under control and in the blink of an eye lashed the ball home past a shocked home defence.  A fantastic goal to round of a fantastic afternoon for the side from the north east, Larkin would of course be delighted with his contribution but the overall commitment from the whole of his teammates I'm sure is something he would acknowledge.  As for Hemsworth they gave it a good go and with some better finishing would probably have been in this game for a lot longer than the score line suggests.  But the game overview would have to declare some clinical finishing alongside unbelievable work rate for the cause from Sunderland RCA.
The return short walk to the station was made by terraces overlong the railway line and
the former Milton Terrace and as the weather was closing in to freezing we were glad to see the slightly delayed Pacer unit pull into Fitzwilliam station for the departure to Sheffield before a quick change decamped us back at base station just before 7pm.
Not a long journey today but a tremendous game with a good historical look around the former pit heartlands of Yorkshire and overall a enjoyable day out.

ARRIVAL INTO HEMSWORTH INTERCHANGE

ROMULUS 'KEEN TO HOLTE' GOOLE

GOOLE AFC 2 V ROMULUS 3
EVOSTIK NPL SOUTH @ THE VICTORIA PLEASURE GROUND
14 NOVEMBER 2015 --- 3PM

THE VICTORIA PLEASURE GROUND

Romulus took away all three points from Goole with two lovely strikes from Luke Keen and Liam Holte effort after being two down to their hosts.  A remarkable comeback one that saw the roles reversed for Goole who last week had put Sheffield FC through the same emotions.
A wet weekend in Goole at The Victoria Pleasure Grounds [The VPL]..............................yes please.  With the weather once again being a concern for all hoppers it was a spot of Michael Fish meteorological work plus transport planning for a few games, I know pretty much the same as last weeks blog introduction!  Here again today the blog was further aided by Goole AFC who after an early text were straight back with the prospects and with a twitter feed always up to date it does give you an added confidence when visiting clubs like The Vikings.

GOOLE TOWN CENTRE OVERVIEW

A later than normal start would not leave time to take in the local 'spoons' but we arrived in our destination the inland port town of Goole at just after 1.30pm.  It was already drizzling but not bad enough to give too much concern and as research had shown, backed up by comments from Goole officials, its very rare a game is called off for waterlogging at The VPG.
The station is a smart little affair that seems pretty well used but with an uninspiring waiting room and entrance.  The station seems to divide the town into two with a nice precinct the opposite way to the ground and a small indoor market.  The shops on the way to the ground appear to be of the smaller and more local variety and are the other side of the 'divide'.  Overall though the town seems to be functional and have a fair selection of shops.  The two water towers literally peer over Goole from varying vistas around the surrounding streets an with Associated British Ports buildings also overseeing the town the areas history is not too difficult to work out.

GOOLE STATION A 'STANDARD' WELCOME

After a small tourist trail around we set off for The VPL and having gone back past the railway station we were on our way into the tight terraced back to back houses that welcome you on the approach to Goole's homestead.  There is a surprisingly 'old' football ground feel about the positioning of the ground which is really nice for us old uns and even when we turn the corner to see the turnstile block and entrance this theory is not dispelled.

ENTRANCE TO THE VICTORIA PLEASURE GROUND

A warm welcome was obtained from our first contact with the clubs officials around the turnstile, they are clearly well organised and by the time we had made ten yards through the gate we had been able to purchase a programme, raffle ticket and goalden goal ticket.  All clubs need proactive officials like todays purveyors of all things fund raising for the club and a good job they did too, sadly they did not sell us a winner.
With the wet stuff still coming down the blog set off on a circuit while Mick entertained the biggest meat pie chips and peas I have seen at a ground.

HERES A SMALL PORTION!

The club has a reputation for the local butchers speciality and today plenty of people were arriving early to make sure they got their weekly supply from John who was doing a pleasant job of serving.

THE PIES AT GOOLE GO DOWN WELL

All portions were generous indeed my chip butty, I did try cob but soon found out its butty here in the East Riding of Yorkshire, was massive well done Goole supporting the theory of well priced generous non league food.
Off to the right as we enter the ground and of course you will have noticed the ground is surrounded by a  normal size running track that on both ends goes down to 4 lanes, apparently the local athletics club still train at The VPL.  As with all running track surrounded grounds its never ideal but overall today I have to say it did not affect my enjoyment of the game that some other examples have. 

COVERED STANDING

The far side offers a stepped covered concrete terrace which straddles the half way line.  This area offers a superb view of the two water towers and for the train enthusiast a view of the Doncaster to Hull line with regular passenger and freight services offering a distraction from the proceedings on the pitch.  Behind the far goal you really are a distance away from the action but its hard standing all the way round to the far side were all the main club activities are based first up is a small derelict terrace with grass overgrowing, followed by a current uncovered small terrace.

FORMER TERRACING

Just before the stand to the rear is The Vikings Bar a small but comfortable purveyor of ales, coming back to the stand to the rear is the PA announcers box.  The announcements it has to be said were clear and good all around the ground a real change from some of the poor systems at some grounds, another plus for Goole.  The stand is made up of a mixture of bench and red tip up seats with to the rear a small enclosed hospitality area.  The players tunnel is a caged affair and joined onto the stand is the main steeped covered terraced area which offers a good vantage point, although this does have a few support posts to peer around.

MAIN STAND LOOKING TOWARDS THE ENTRANCE

Back now to the main entrance which following entry as a wide open tarmac area.  Attached to the turnstile block is the club shop and relaxing hospitality area.  In this area is the snack bar and ground toilets and there you have The VPL.
So to the game and it was Goole keeper Thomas Beaurepaire who was remarkably in early punching action on at least three occasions when he was spotted flying through the air like a certain comic book hero.

THE CLASSIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT GOOLE AFC

The visitors from the West Midlands were looking very sharp and all but odds on to take the lead, of course you know what happens don't you?
Goole took the lead after 22 minutes Mathew Semley was quick to nip in on hesitation in the visitors defence and although pushed wide he finished from a tight angle and it was 2-0 after 33 minutes.  Referee Burgess played a good advantage allowing Nick Guest to confidently slot past Romulus keeper Chris Gemmell.
Romulus gave themselves a chance on 39 minutes when a sharp finish from Holte reduced the arrears.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

The second half started brightly for the visitors and the equalised on 52 minutes when Keen fired home well from just inside the box.  Twenty minutes later the comeback was complete when  Keen got his second and the third for Romulus with another edge of the box finish that finished up in the bottom right hand corner of the Goole net.
The closing stages could have seen either side add to their tally Alex Varley saw his shot go across the face of the goal and for the visitors Jordan Francis saw his effort cleared off the line by Joshua Wright.  Before in the second minute of stoppage time Goole captain Sam Colbear rose majestically at the far post but his header was over the bar when Goole probably should have seen this as an equaliser.
An entertaining game in some wet conditions which produced some neat finishing from both sides.  Football is a funny old game, so somebody said [!] Goole last week came back from 2-0 down against Sheffield FC to wind but today the roles were reversed by Romulus who would have enjoyed their long journey back home with three points secured.

LEAVING THE VPL BACK ONTO THE DARK WET STREETS OF GOOLE

Plenty of time to get back to the station for the 1725 return to base with a quick change at Sheffield. 
A welcome afternoon at the match further enhanced by some friendly people from both clubs.
Having passed The VPL a few times this season and had Goole on the 'to do list' for a while it was an enjoyable experience with hopes of a quick return on a slightly more weather welcoming afternoon to allow a better look around the town.

GBRF FREIGHT WORKINGS BY THE VPL