RENISHAW BATTLE ON AS FROD TAKE THE POINTS

RENISHAW RANGERS 0 APPLEBY FRODINGHAM 7
CMFL NORTH @ STONE CLOSE
23 SPETMEBER 2017 ---3PM

TEAMS PREPARE FOR KICK OFF AS THE 1502 TO LINCOLN PASSES BY KIVETON PARK

A further heavy defeat for league new boys Renishaw belied some encouraging first half signs that had chances been taken could have seen the home side in a far healthier position than the 3-0 half time deficit.  A very open first 45 minutes saw chances at both ends squandered and by the time the second half domination by high flyers Appleby Frodingham had added another 4 goals to their first half total they were also left counting their missed chances that should really have seen them hit the double figure mark.

THE FORMER COLLIERY OFFICES

This was a chance to revisit Kiveton Park and their former ground at the previously titled Hard Lane which certainly prepares you for life in the Central Midlands and this area of Yorkshire.  With successful Sunday and junior outfits representing Renishaw under the Rangers banner the club decided to upgrade themselves from The Sheffield County Senior League 2 to the CMFL for the 2017/18 season under the Chairmanship of Martin Baxter the club have experienced local manager Wayne Burgin in charge.  It has been a struggle from the word go with an early loss of players the club has had a re grouping policy in place and are now slowly playing catch up with an encouraging selection of youth players who are learning all the time.  Todays loss to Appleby Frodingham was probably to be expected but the enthusing signs are that they may soon take points from teams in the bottom half of the table which must be Rangers ultimate goal now this season with a goal deficit of minus 74 after todays game it will be a challenge to avoid the tag of perennial strugglers like now second bottom Welbeck Lions.

RENISHAW CHAIRMAN MARTIN BAXTER WITH PET POOCH ONE FOR THE NON LEAGUE DOGS PARADE

So Renishaw a village renowned for the Sitwell family, iron masters and Renishaw Hall in the Northern edge of the populace.  Frustratingly the club did not have the facilities to stop in the town which would have been easier for my travels with their adopted base being the former Kiveton Park ground its a quarter an hour away for most locals. 
Todays journey was via a delayed everything bus to base station train to Sheffield and then train to Kiveton Bridge through the former industrial hot beds of South Yorkshire by passing the former site of the Orgreave Coking Works picture of industrial strife of the 80s.  Through Woodhouse station the disused rail could not hide the former activities of heavy industry and so to Kiveton Park at just after 2pm.  A good old mining village whose pit which closed in 1990 formerly employed over 1,700 people the pit offices still stand as a testimony to those times now taken up by small businesses and with an adjacent sports park too.  At the end of Colliery Lane the pit site has now been turned into a county park and woodland with all remnants of the villages proud past swept away.

MAIN STAND AT KIVETON SOON TO BE SRPUCED UP WITH FORMER YORKSHIRE CCC SEATS

After a visit for some hoppers fodder, pastry and fizzy, at the Coop the brief walk went via the above mentioned area and through the country park, you could only but imagine the past on this industrial site, anyway out onto Hard Lane with a view from the railway bridge of the ground, side pitch and in the distance the cricket clubs HQ.
Kiveton Park had a reputation for producing many good footballers of old but its most famous son was Herbert Chapman who went on to become more noted for his managerial abilities from Huddersfield Town to Arsenal where in the 30's they became a dominant force under his guidance.
A brief cut through the housing estate brings you to Stone Close and sweeping by the cricket club to the gate with admission and programme paid there was time to take a few pictures before wandering off to the changing rooms which are beyond the minor pitch and a catch up with Sharon the Chairman's wife who is running todays catering.

CHANGING ROOMS PLUS THE ALL IMPORTANT REFRESHMENT AREA

The main ground then is overseen by the impressive stand which will look even more so when the club install the 80 white bucket seats just collected from Yorkshire CCC's Headingley stadium.  The dugouts to the front will be demolished and the already in situ dug outs opposite the stand will also be kitted out with modern seating.  Although much of the hard standing areas have become somewhat overgrown it is still there to give a feel of Kiveton's successful past.  Behind the entrance goal offers an elevated area to view the game from but the only covered area remains the stand.  The pitch is looking in good condition and has apparently taken a lot of time to get to this shape so a well done to those involved.

RENISHAW MANAGER WAYNE BURGIN ADVISES THE TEAM FROM THE TOUCHLINE

Todays game would see an experienced non league outfit in Appleby Frodingham take on the new boys in what was never going to be an easy match for the struggling home side. However the early stages produced Rangers with chances an excellent one on one opportunity for Brandon Ashmore went untaken and then Daniel Talbot forced the visiting keeper Jordan Quibell into a sharp save. Rather harshly in what was a fantastic first half of open football it was the visitors who took a lead after 7 minutes when Connor Purdue drove in from the edge of the box Renishaw keeper Stephen Booth got a hand to it but could not keep it out.  It was Steeper's turn to miss a good chance for the visitors before Ashomore saw his effort saved by the Frod number 1.

FIRST HALF ACTION

Halfway through the first half it was 2-0 to the visitors when Nathan Watson slotted past Booth.  Home keeper Booth denied Watson moments later and very soon he was in action again to thwart Daniel Own.

THE PLAYERS CANT WATCH REFEREE TRINDERS BALL SKILLS

The visitors went in 3 to the good thanks to a Watson back post effort ably assisted by Steeper.
The half time break was taken up walking to the tea bar for refreshments and it has to be said again conversation with home and away supporters which sum up the friendly nature of non league a pleasure to catch up with quite a view from both sides.

ITS CLOSE BUT EVERYBODIES WATCHING

A strange stoppage 4 minutes into the second half when referee Trinder blew a halt while a set of keys were taken off the pitch, assumedly a half time subs track suit had lost its pocket contents.  Tom Dent saw his shot saved by home keeper Booth before it was 4-0 to Appleby Frodingham on 53 minutes with Watson completing his hat trick.  The total became 5 when Own slotted home the penalty following a foul by keeper Booth.  With 20 minutes remaining Purdue set up Steeper for the total to reach half a dozen without reply. 
In the closing stages Quibell again denied Ashmore for Renishaw who on a better day may have had a hat trick for the home side.  All that was left was for Watson to get his fourth and the visitors seventh moments before the referee blew the final whistle.

PRUDUE ON THE BALL FOR APPLEBY FRODINGHAM

A sharp walk to the station allowed the 5.02pm departure to be caught and with an equally sharp change in Sheffield and at base station a return home just 1 hour 10 minutes later was achieved at base.
An enjoyable visit to see Renishaw at Kiveton a very agreeable afternoon all round, including the friendly club officials from both teams, with some encouraging signs from an enthusiastic home club who hopefully will start to turn the corner soon.  Looking forward to a revisit soon.

ASHOVER MISS OUT TO CLINICAL BUXTON

ASHOVER 0 BUXTON TOWN 3
HOPE VALLEY AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER @ THE PARK
16 SEPTEMBER --- 2PM

ASHOVER V BUXTON TOWN

For the most of this ninety minutes Ashover had the bulk of play but the clinical finishing and resolute defending of newly promoted Buxton saw the three points return north to the Peak District as the home side were given a harsh lesson in finishing.
A short blog visit to the delights of Ashover and although it is always difficult to cover somewhere so well known this delightful village is not hard to describe, indeed its often a case of what to leave out before it becomes like the old travel show 'Wish You Where Here'.
Aboard the direct Hulley's bus service we soon depart the former mining town of Clay Cross and embark on the countryside beauty around the hamlets of Handley and Woolley Moor its in this stage that we get our first view of the boats on Ogston reservoir.  The area really is a breath of fresh air and the rolling hills around the valley that Ashover sits in declares to the east side the Fabrick, locally known as Ashover Rock, a grit stone boulder atop the a ridge that offers commanding views towards Lincoln and the other way a birds eye view over our destination today.  This viewing area is in land formerly owned by the Bassett sisters relatives of the famous Liquorice Allsorts family.

HOPPERS LUNCH STOP YE OLD TUCK SHOP

Upon departure in the village which was featured in the ITV series Peak Practice we find the local butcher, Post Office and Tuck Shop the latter would today supply me with a warm sausage roll, water and chocolate the nearly normal hoppers delight all supplied by Anna who has served the village and its visitors from her premises for many a year now.  The village today was very busy due to a wedding taking place in the church so the intention of taking some pictures of the wonderful variety of stone buildings was slightly disturbed due to the amount of cars parked in any available road space.  There was time to recline outside one of the three pubs in the village The Crispin, the others being The Old Poets and The Black Swan.

THE HISTORIC CRISPIN INN

The Crispin and its historic building features in a battle between the Roundheads and the Royalists in the 17th century but today my lemonade was only disturbed by a distant town crier dashing into the church with his bell ringing behind him.  Although no chippy in a village like Ashover there is something for the rail enthusiast with the village being the former running ground of The Ashover Light Railway running a circuitous route from the Butts Quarry on the edge of the village to Clay Cross Works with its produce from 1925 until its closure in the 50's, some of the embankments can be seen still around the village.  The village is also famous for its yearly agricultural show and on a different note the nationwide former Kenning Motor Group where its founder lived latterly in a large hall on the edge of the village.  There are lots of other quirky attributes to the village but its worth a visit for the wide array of interesting buildings, its 3 pubs, railway history and unique Tuck Shop oh yes and the football!

ASHOVER FC SQUAD VERSUS BUXTON TOWN

The gentle two minute walk back to Milken Lane finds the car park filling up around the Parish Hall the site also features a tennis court and cricket ground with the outfield overlapping onto the football pitch indeed the touchline is snuggly nestling up to the square.  With the changing rooms to the rear it was good to catch up with Mr Ashover Fc manager Don Carline who probably holds the record for the longest serving football manager 33 years and counting.  If he doesn't he probably should because he enthuses football and more importantly Ashover Fc a club that means so much to him.

ASHOVER MANAGER DON CARLINE [L] AND HIS ASSISTANT MANAGER CHRIS SHARMAN

As far as records show the club have always played on The Park ground and in the latter years have hosted Midlands Regional Alliance Football and now for a short while Hope Valley encounters.  The changing rooms are to the rear and are smart and clean affairs as you would expect in a village of this character, the pitch side has little of furniture except for one park seat and a small sheltered seat at the front of the facilities.  There are some lovely views through the valley but not as expansive as a few years ago with the growth of greenery on the ever growing foliage.

REFEREE BASKERVILLE DISPLAYS HIS CHA CHA FOR NEXT YEARS STRICLTY

The purpose of the visit and referee Bruce 'The Bruce' Baskerville gets us underway at exactly 2pm a rare change these days.  The early stages see Ashover looking dominant and hoping to improve on their goalless draw last week at Bakewell firstly Mark Needham saw his effort pushed over by Mark Harris in the visitors goal before Tristan Brown saw his header also saved by the visiting number one.

ANOTHER ASHOVER ATTACK BUT NO GOAL

It was a matter of time before the game saw a goal of course you would of thought for Ashover but as so often happens football doesn't work that way when Buxton took the lead.  Andy Topham saved with his legs from Dom Taylor and from the resultant corner Lewis Shuker rose to head home.  The home side came back and it was Needham again testing Harris who won the through for the visitors.

NEAR POST ACTION FOR THE HOME SIDE

Town doubled their lead when Taylor flew down the right and unleashed a superb edge of the box shot that flew in at the near post to put Ashover in a difficult half time position.
After the oranges in the changing room, probably more like the hair dryer from Don, they started strongly when on 54 minutes Luke Carline shielded the ball well on the edge of the box, turned well and fired his shot inches wide.  The moment you knew it was not going to be the home sides day came shortly after when Steve Mansell hit a sharp shot just inside the box that keeper Harris kept out superbly to deny any potential comeback.  You could almost sense the players with the same feelings and yet another sucker punch arrived with 15 minutes remaining when Taylor got his second and the third for Buxton when he beat the out coming Topham to slot the ball home.

PERRY RICHARDS TRIES TO RESCUE IT FOR ASHOVER

A hard working defensive job from Buxton but more importantly a lesson in finishing for Ashover who showed enough not to be too worried by this frustrating result.
With a sharp return from the nearby bus stop there was just time for a car to come down the road with hand bell ringing out of the back door window as the car pulled up our friend from earlier the town crier, a recognisable local barber, spotted me and declared "just another normal day in Ashover" and with that he drove off with his back seat passenger ringing their bell merrily into the beautiful distant valley.

MELTON MARCH ON IN THE VASE

SOUTH NORMANTON 2 MELTON TOWN 3
FA VASE FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING @ MJ ROBINSON ARENA
9 SEPT 2017 --- 3PM

JOSH CLARK SEND MELTON INTO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE FA VASE

The odd goal in 5 supplied by Melton substitute Josh Clark sent the pork pie army through to the next round of the FA Vase in a game that the visitors should have been 2 clear at half time but that South Normanton were never out of until the final whistle of referee Ghent.
So football is back and so is the unreliable weather with August only just waved goodbye too we are back checking the weather and with a local game in the offing today there was early panic when Mr R of the Peak Parish advised that it was torrential with games being postponed in Manchester and Cheshire and guess what its coming over the tops to blog county.  The selected game came down to one of 2 and even then changed on the way as the ever consulted BBC Weather showed heavy rain in a late change at the selected game, so it was off to South Normanton again after a previous visit to see Athletic in the Midland League.  Of course today would provide a visit to The Frying Squad and although a steady lunch this was not as good as the previous visit just a few weeks back with the sample being slightly on the luke warm side.

MORE RESEARCH

No repeat of a ground descriptor as Lees Lane as been covered last season and there are a few ground pictures a few weeks ago from the Athletic v Heanor game.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE GROUND AND MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Todays game pitted Melton Town from the famous Melton Mowbray town of pork pies of the same name and residents in The United Counties League a step above South Normanton FC of step 7 ratings and plying their trade in the Central Midlands Football League South.  It had been a pleasure to visit Melton Mowbray last season and sample one of the famous Dickinson and White Pies and I see the club are trying to get their new stand sponsored possibly by the company, what a great opportunity especially as the travelling fans are now going by the name of 'pork pie army' hopefully they will be successful in this aim of two groups that highlight the town working together on this project.

FAIR ENOUGH

From the South Normanton point of view I took the club as a second team for Athletic but I'm not sure with the club previously carrying the addition 'town' now dropped to plain South Normanton FC but still carrying the town flag on the front of the programme, which went on to explain the history of Athletic and use the Athletic badge to advertise South Normanton FC's next fixture.  I remain a touch confused to the overall identity, anyway on the positive its great to see Athletic of Midland League variety really starting to get some results together I was pleased to see them accept late promotion because they have been there or there about for a few seasons.

DERBYSHIRE HILLS IN THE DISTANCE

Both sides, I believe, were making their FA Vase debut today so it was new territory all round and after 5 minutes it looked to be going very well for Normanton when Sacha Markelic fired in at the back post.  Melton fought back and were level on 15 minutes when Liam Ambrose saw his shot blocked by the home keeper for a corner from it Ambrose floated the ball in for Ben Lapworth to head home.

LAPWORTH WHELS AWAY IN CELEBRATION

As Melton pushed on looking for the next goal George Coser missed and unbelievable chance in front of goal on 19 minutes when he fired over in front of an unguarded goal after great work from Matt Hendey.  Moments later Coser was in the right place again but put a harder over the bar as the ball bounced high at the front of him.

MIDFIELDD ACTION WITH MELTON ON THE BALL

In the approach to half time both sides looked to have good claims for a penalty but neither got them and we arrived at the turn round all square at one a piece.

SOUTH NORMANTON CELEBRATE THEIR OPENER

Within 7 minutes Coser created a goal with a turn on the edge of the box he fired low into the corner of the home goal to which one of his fellow players shouted, jokingly, "at last"!  The game turned on its head again when within a minute South Normanton equalised when Tim Perry drove into the right hand side of the box to fire past Jamie Witham in the Melton goal.
Extra time could have threatened but thankfully on 64 minutes Melton found the winning goal thanks to a lovely move involving Coser and Mike Hendey with the ball played into the box it was Clark who finished at the second attempt.

PAST 1 OFF WE GO

In the closing 15 minutes Melton looked to wobble as the home side got their confidence up and started testing the visitors goal indeed with 7 minutes to go their best chance of an equaliser as Perry set up Sam Chambers whose effort was well saved by Melton keeper Witham to deny us all the joy [?] of another half an hour.
Melton Town march on, on a stomach full of pies probably, to the next round and a further team from Derbyshire awaits them in a few weeks time.

KNARESBOROUGH REMAIN UNBEATEN

SWALLOWNEST 1 KNARESBOROUGH 2
NCEFL 1 AT ROTHERHAM RD
2 SEPTEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

STEPHEN BROMLEY DIVES IN FOR THE KNARESBOROUGH WINNER

A steady victory for the home side against the unbeaten league leaders looked on the cards until it all went wrong in the final stages with the visitors equalising from the penalty spot before snatching a late winner, mingled in amongst this Swallownest somehow managed to get 2 players sent off in the space of three minutes.
Local journey today with the massive help of a chauffeur the amiable Mr W assisting and the chance to see a game at newly promoted Swallownest, its a ground I had taken a look at before but not on match days and then only a brief browse.

LOOK WHATS COME IN ON THE OCEAN BREEZE

As ever the blog managed to wangle a delicacy in and its was a visit to Ocean Fish Bar just 3/4 of a mile down the Rotherham Rd in Aughton.  The large fish certainly allowed me to undertake a small portion of cone size chips and all registered towards the top end of the burgeoning, much like my stomach, fish and chip league table.  Upon entry the said premises Mr W had mentioned rissole I had miss heard and had proceeded to shush him thinking he was off an insulting rant of somebody, not that he ever would!  Any way the rissole followed me to an appropriately positioned seat adjacent to Ocean establishment.  At this point with the sun in my eyes and a glaring look through the haze it was then that I asked Mr W "you know who you look like don't you"?  Having gone through the dictionary of names he thought I would call him I relented and told him your looking more like Brian Clough, I think it was the green top with red collar appearing out of the knitwear just as the great manager wore.  Anyway you decide but don't be too harsh.

MR BRIAN CLOUGH  ITS THE KNITWEAR OR... YOU DECIDE

Back towards the ground and parking spot allocated we entered by the side of the miners welfare by the much photographed impressive turnstile area, the first disappointment of the day was that there was no 'public' for sale programmes available.  In fairness the club did have a supply of former paperwork offered for free.  The positives here are a music p.a. and what looked a good food area.

OVERVIEW OF SWALLOWNEST FC

Unfortunately the ground is just 2 sided with the immediate behind the goal area and right hand side touchline accessible there is only a very small standing area, behind the goal, for probably 50 with no seats, the toilet facilities are tucked away in the clubhouse accessed by a gangway walked that end with the bypassing of snooker tables.  I have previously observed that it seems amazing that some clubs have to jump through hoop after hoop after hoop to get their ground grading and that some promotions from step 7 leagues are not equal.  As an example the CMFL has 3 officials, an admission fee and a programme as a standard requirement whereas the Pete's Patisserie League does not and also has around 5 teams less, anyway maybe this will be levelled out in the re organisation about to take place.
A quick description then to the right upon entry are the changing rooms and the far touchline as a concrete standing pathway with all the pitch railed off there is also about 14 yards space between viewing area and the pitch the far goal is not accessible and this applied to the opposite touchline which has remnants of a former mini terrace.  To the left on entry the snack bar and then the small covered shelter before the expanse of the welfare in the corner.

EARLY SWALLOWNEST ACTION

The game saw an early shock when the home side took the lead after 17 minutes when Ashley Burbeary fired across the visiting keeper and gave Swallownest the lead and to be honest that's about were it ended with not too much of a threat posed by the high flying visitors.

WHOSE LOOKING AT YA

The second period was following the same vein and Swallownest were coasting to three points or so it looked until on 77 minutes a push in the box led to referee Woodburn pointing to the spot and Tom Hesketh doing the honours.

LETS DANCE

It all went pear shaped for the home side then with a straight red for Daniel White for an altercation in the box on 83 minutes and the ultimate insult was added a minute later when Stephen Bromley worked his way in unnoticed at the back post to place his diving header into the back of the Swallownest net.  Could it get any worse for the home side?  Yes it could when on 85 minutes a further coming together on the far touchline saw Mitch Ward also shown the red card. 
Its not clear what Swallonest did here because they had this game wrapped up and probably should have held on for a point even after the equaliser but then the red mist descended.

CELEBRATION TIME FOR STEPHEN BROMLEY AND KNARESBOROUGH

The game was spent in the company at varying times of a hopper friend from Garforth, plus Dave from Chessie and the inimitable Mr 66pow.
Return journey with Mr Clough was comfortably completed and we were back over the border before the hours of darkness fell upon South Yorkshire.

SMOOTH FINAL WIN FOR ELVASTON

LANGLEY MILL UTD 153 ELVASTON 159 FOR 5
MARSTON'S SMOOTH TROPHY FINAL AT STAINSBY HALL CC
28 AUGUST 2017 --- 11.30PM

NICK BRIARS ON HIS WAY TO A MAN OF THE MATCH PERFORMANCE

A man of the match winning performance from opener Nick Briars, 56, saw Elvaston to victory over their division 2 challengers Langley Mill Utd who had earlier posted 153 all out.  The 'Mill' had been in trouble early on at 2 for 2 but Joshua Lacey remained resolute for his 37 and a late flurry from Jack Scott, 27, saw them reach a total that for a long time looked a distant hope.  It really wasn't enough and after a blistering start from Simon Cusden, 33, the show was set up for Briars contribution to see the silverware visiting the Elvaston trophy cabinet.

BANK HOLIDAY CRICKET IN FINE WEATHER

Bank Holiday Monday and a red hot day, hardly a cloud in the sky and no threat of rain what was going on?  An early start from base again with a change at Ripley onto a quiet Heanor and a short connecting service to Smalley home of Stainsby Hall Cricket Club.  On previous walking expeditions around the locality I had completed a circuit of this well appointed ground and always looked at a visit and today like last weeks trip to the nearby Shipley Hall CC the opportunity arose from this Marston's Smooth Trophy final.

STAINSBY HALL CC SET FAIR TO HOST TODAYS FINAL

Arrival at the ground 15 minutes before the start allowed enough time to catch up with the scorers and Chris from the league and by now there was a healthy crowd gathering around the boundary for the encounter with local side Langley Mill having a majority of the support.  Having approached the ground by St Johns Rd entry was by the pavilion and an impressive affair it is with changing rooms and scorers box on the top of this double storey building with below a smart bar area which also offers a comfortable view of on the field proceedings for the colder days.  To the side is the umpires changing rooms going around to the right a few properties offer a view of the ground and out into the countryside and I guess Holbrook on the hills beyond.  Behind the bowlers arm is a tennis court and bowls club before we come around the expansive viewing boundary just the sort of sight that makes cricket a pleasure to watch.  Then heading back towards the business end we have the new Stainsby House/Hall over the boundary edge.  Just behind this was the former Stainsby House from which of course the club takes its name following the house falling into disrepair it was knocked down in 1974.  The new build is a Spanish style sprawling building with not a single corner in the build it was originally built for Robert Morley of Alida Packaging, Heanor.  When a few years later it was put up for sale the asking price was £450,000 a substantial ask in the 70's allegedly viewing interest came from Cilla Black and my favourite Telly Savalas the laconic singer of 'if' I say singing because take a look he just speaks all the way through, but of course famous for his portrayal of TV cop Kojak, "who loves ya baby"?

JOSH LACEY SEND ONE OF INTO THE VIEWS FOR LANGLEY MILL

During the early part of the day it was good to catch up with League Chariman David Allsopp and my chauffer of last week Michael thanks for the welcome again and also time to talk sport with John Whitaker from Stainsby Hall CC who I had also met last week, so once again a really friendly greeting at this final, thank you.

BATSMANS VIEW

The coin toss was won by Langley Mill and they elected to bat it looked a challenging decision and when they were 0 for 1 and then 2 for 2 by the second over and more worryingly 31 for 3 not long after it was not looking good.  Thankfully though Lacey [J] steadied the ship from his opening berth with 37 from 69 balls and although it was now slow going for Langley Mill they needed to hold the innings together.

LANCE HUMPHREY LANGLEY MILL UTD

He was joined in his endeavour by South African overseas player Lance Humphrey who was out for 21 caught and bowled by Harry Allen just as the tempo was being increased.  With just 72 on the board things were looking ominous and the target of setting a challenge was far away but the tail wagged with valuable contributions from Daniel Hanson, 14, Mathew Heafield, 15, Simon Lacey, 17, and a lovely cameo from Jack Scott of 27 including 3 fours and one maximum that saw Langley Mill post 153 all out with 22 balls still left.

HUMPHREY CAUGHT AND BOWLED HARRY ALLEN

The total looked probably 50 runs short of a par score but credit to Langley Mill they stuck at it and in the late order posted a total that looked a long way off for most of the innings.  For Elvaston Allen took 4 for 28 from his 10 overs and South African David Jacobs returned 3 for 21.

DAVID JACOBS 3 FOR 21 FOR ELVASTON

Having completed a few circuits of the ground I decided to have a small amble around the village in the break between innings and visit the local shop.  In this task I had not been to observant upon entering Smalley earlier in the day as the local Premier was now permanently closed!  So back to the pavilion for more hoppers food, crisps and pop.  Here it has to be said although Stainsby Hall were fine hosts they missed a treat by not selling food or having a BBQ set up with a large crowd this was a revenue stream the club would have undoubtedly benefited from.

A MIGHTY STRIKE FROM CUSDEN

So to Elvaston's reply and as ever a bludgeoning start from Cusden who hit 33 from 19 balls with 4 fours and 2 maximums it was just the start Langley Mill didn't want but how it put Elvaston on their way.  By the time this entertainment was over in the fourth over the score was 34 for 1 with Cusden contributing all bar one of the runs!  Proceedings slowed down considerably now but for the Mill this was all about bowling out their challengers and with a solid effort from Briars and his partner Elliott Lawley, 26, the score had reached 101 before the latter fell for the second wicket.  With Ben Wright third out when the score was 135 a couple of late wickets saw Elvaston finish with 5 down for 159 with Fraser Smith finishing proceedings with a boundary clearing effort to claim the trophy.  In the bowling stakes Josh Lacey returned 3 for 27 which added to his 37 saw him contribute well to Langley Mill's performance.

ELVASTON CC MARSTONS SMOOTH TROPHY WINNERS 2017

All that remained was for Martin Alssopp to invite Sean Collins from Marstons to present the Trophy to Elvaston Cricket Club and the silverware was held aloft again by a celebrating team something that has been done since its inauguration in 1903.
Return journey all ran smoothly, rather aptly today, and base was arrived at around 7pm from an enjoyable day out in Smalley and Stainsby Hall Cricket Club. 

HAT TRICK HERO DENIES CLIPSTONE

CLIPSTONE 2 PICKERING TOWN 4
NCEFL PREMIER @ THE LIDO/WORKSOP VAN HIRE STADIUM
26 AUGUST 2017 --- 3PM

CLIPSTONE FC

Clipstone went into this game as underdogs against many peoples title favourites Pickering Town but after a first half performance that had seen them lead 2-1 at the interval they would have felt desperately unlucky to still be in search of their first point.  The visitors had Ryan Blott with a strikers hat trick to thank alongside a foul in the build up to their third goal but as time wore on it was clear that the visitors were just too strong for the Nottinghamshire side in the final quarter of this encounter.
Local travel today and with a lot of indecision a move towards Mansfield via a change in Alfreton was made and although the journey was stilted by Farmer Giles deciding to take his combine harvester with trailer 5 miles down the A61 at 10 mph a small gap was still there to connect for Stag town.  On route I had made up my mind and Clipstone it would be with a chance to re acquaint myself with the village and the club the latter I had not visited for a good few years.

COMMANDING SITE OF CLIPSTONE HEADSTOCKS

Upon arrival in Mansfield bus station an adjacent bay had a stripey boys bus ready to depart for said village and the biscuit was taken as we went on another circuitous route to enter the Garibaldi estate, I know its a bad pun but I couldn't resist it.  Ignoring the early departure for ground and village to depart at the far end of Mansfield Rd there is a need to photograph the headstocks from the former pit.  The headstocks on completion, 1953, were the largest in Europe.  Indeed on the journey I got talking to a chap from South Wales who had made his home around the area since the 1970's and he informed me of the modern pulley system in operation at the pit in its hey days.  Sadly like the whole area the NCB closed the pit before UK Coal took over for a short period only to final cease operation in 2003.  Now the village as the remnants of the pit towering over the village some locals want them gone as a derelict reminder of the past while others are eager to develop a future adventure park around them as a unique attraction.  As with all projects like this it takes time and things seem to be at a standstill but hopefully the Heras fencing can come down soon and Clipstone's heritage be put to good use.  Walking back into the village the massive welfare and houses all give away this villages past, like many of its kind a now derelict cinema that's tried bingo and night club re launches lies in ruins.  The unique street naming doesn't take too much working out from First Avenue to Second Avenue and our ultimate destination the nearby Seventh Avenue time gone by never to return but the village lives on and like all former mining villages are enhanced by the local Coop which provided hopper delight pop and Ginsters roll.

CLIPSTONE WELFARE CC

With an nearly two hours to kick off I decided to wander the streets only to realise right behind the football club is Clipstone Welfare Cricket Club who were at home today in the Bassetlaw Championship to Cuckney 2nd's.  Again days gone by showed what would have been a wonderful pavilion in the pit years and two sides coming to the end of their season, it was good to walk the boundary and enjoy some of the views and of course get into conversation.  Today it was a pleasure to speak to Cuckney's Justin Joseph who was making the transition to the seconds and by the close of play was on the winning side as the visitors bowled Clipstone out cheaply while the blog was away watching the football.
Clipstone FC is situated adjacent to the main Mansfield Rd and by the side of the former Lido another sign of the activities of old in this village but now its just cricket and football that remain so no bathing today.

RUNNING REPAIRS FOR MR CLIPSTONE BARRY CLARKE

The business end of the ground is all behind the goal were you enter the ground to the right a small stand with low former Mansfield Town seats and the hospitality cabin named after Mr Clipstone, Mr Barry Clarke a man whose life as been associated with the club and can be found performing a variety of duties for Clipstone FC.  To the left of entry are the changing rooms, toilets and snack bar/bar area.  Proceeding on down the touchline is a semi lofted covered terrace that continues into a seated area and then falls away into uncovered standing this section has the cricket at a slightly higher level behind.  The opposite touchline is uncovered hard standing with both dug outs housed in this area, the far goal is out of bounds making the ground 3 sided.

QUALITY PROGRAMME AT CLIPSTONE FC

Having purchased raffle, eats and some water[!] its time to force the needle of the record and say 'programmes' many clubs are bemoaning having to do programmes and they don't sell etc.  Years ago I used to make a final selection of a game on the quality of the programme, youth eh, good programmes are few and far between and take massive amounts of work and thankless hours of effort and they need then to be promoted on the day to spectators.  Let me say here £1.50 for this production in what is one of the best efforts I've seen around my visits for a few years deserves nothing but applause to the editors, take a bow, full colour lots to read plus quality pictures for the neutral or the regular.  So if you are wondering where to go this season get yourself down to Clipstone pick up a good programme, take a look at their social media with excellent pictures and match highlights too and if your a local and your not buying one why not?

CRAFTY LOOK AT THE CRICKET

The game then and the North Yorkshire visitors were already off too a good start and looking to add 3 more points against the hosts who were on zero and most think will be a long hard season but money talks and times last season became hard for Clipstone who thankfully to a band of dedicated helpers have seen their way through those times to commit to a community football club and more importantly a community still with a football club, well done!

A UNIQUE OPENING GOAL CELEBRATION FOR PICKERING

An more entertaining start you wont see with three goals in the first 11 minutes and although there was a slackness about them it didn't matter because the underdogs were 2-1 to the good at the end of the passage of play.  It started badly for the hosts after 3 minutes when Blott picked up on a defensive error and drove on to fire home from just inside the box.  Within in minutes it was all square Tim Gregory crossed off he right and Eddy Birch turned the ball into his own goal, but it was delirium for Clipstone when they went into the lead Jermaine Jatau broke through and put a superb lob over the stranded visitors keeper Harry Andrews.

PICKERING ON THE ATTACK GREAT KIT

Entertainment continued at a pace with Gregory supplying Jatau who probably should have finished but just missed the target then Pickering hit the post before the visitors Russell Parker was felled in the penalty box and Lewis Taylor stepped up to the mark but Liam Kerry saved the home side with a save to his right to protect the home sides lead at the interval.

HANDS UP

The second period would be hard work for Clipstone and the ball hold up facility of front man Jatau was lost when he went off injured.  Within 5 minutes of the restart it was all square with George Bissett rising well to head home Taylor's right had side corner.   Controversy came with 19 minutes to go what looked like a push on a Clisptone defender on the edge of his own box went unpunished and Blott got his second to give Pickering the advantage.  The visitors were now well in the ascendancy and Blott completed his hat trick and made it 4-2 to the visitors when he head home at the back post.  In the closing minutes Pickering could have extended their lead but for some last gasp defending but this would have been harsh on a Clipstone side who put in so much effort but in the latter stages tired after trying to keep Pickering out.

SECOND HALF PICKERING FREE KICK

Nice to do a fairly local trip and catch up with Clipstone a fully enjoyable visit much assisted by the friendly nature of the club and that quality programme long may their enthusiasm and hard work continue.
Return connections went well with time for more hoppers food to be consumed and base return fell in at around 7pm thanks to 2 smooth connections.