IN TRAINING

IN TRAINING
The inevitable happened when all non league fixtures were called off and what will certainly be the end of the football season for the vast majority has taken place.  My season end would appear to be a dour encounter between Shirebrook and Teversal just under two weeks ago.  For a season that had been disrupted by the wet weather this pales into insignificance as we face our latest challenge and it just goes to show the community binding of all sports.


THE NOISE OF A 37 HERE HEADING SOUTH WITH NETWORK RAIL TEST CARRIAGES

As events gradually closed down I had taken to TV sport with horse racing from Uttoxeter, BBL
Basketball National Trophy and then boxing eliminators for the Olympics.  Horse racing remained behind close doors and then that option fell through and there was to be no sport even on the goggle box.  The big shame here is that the national free to air broadcaster have not taken to showing any classic games of the past in football or even a repeat of some of the recent English cricket success which may just boost morale.

NOT ONE BUT FOUR 20S ON THE WAY SOUTH FROM BARROW HILL

Non league fans are looking for snippets of football on twitter accounts and some have kept this
going as well as they can Matlock Town being very active alongside Malcom Storer who is now featuring some on this day blogs and yes Malc people are reading them and enjoying them keep up the good work.  Added to this was the blog from Nick Palmer about his trip north of the border which say his game called off but turned into a lovely little mini tour of Edinburgh.  Keep them coming guys.

THE NEW OVERGROUND SET BEING DRAGGED BACK TO WORKSOP

Over the last few days I had taken to a few brief visits to the local junction to take some of the wide
selection of engines that pass along the Midland Main line and Erewash.  There aren't many men not interested in trains I guess and the services of passengers trains, especially with using them, has always been of interest.

EMR MERIDIAN HEADING TO SHEFFIELD

However I never quite understood the idea of photographing freight but over the last few weeks with help my knowledge has built up thanks to the assistance of Dave L and Barry D who have kept me up to date with anything of interest.

A BEAUTIFULLY TURNED OUT 31 ON ITS WAY TO BARROW HILL EX BURTON WETMORE

Having always followed the tracker system while travelling I struggled with the signal system
that allows you to track a service but all of a sudden it slotted into place what was happening and now I have to learn a bit more lingo, so apologies if I name something wrong or use a wrong title.

TESCO TRAIN FROM TEES TO DAVENTRY DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

But in this time of no sport I thought I would share these pictures.  The highlights have been many undoubtedly at the top was the Union of South Africa which featured on the Shirebrook blog as it steamed north bound to York.

NOTTINGHAM TO LEEDS NEW NORTHERN 3 CAR 195

Thanks to all bloggers, twitter accounts and football and sports fans who are keeping things going with topics of interest or back in the days articles it really is encouraging.  Hopefully we can get underway again next season and in the meantime here is sending you all very best wishes.

EMR DOUBLE SET HEADING NORTH TO SHEFFIELD

CHUFFING SHIREBROOK

SHIREBROOK TOWN 1 TEVERSAL 2
EMCL @ LANGWITH ROAD
7 MARCH 2020 --- 3PM

REFEREE KARL BAINNBRIDGE IN THE MIDST OF THE ACTION

The undoubted highlight of this day was witnessing probably the final mainline running of the Union of South Africa as it steamed its way from Ealing to York on a excursion.  On a football front this was a game that was dire to say the least with Teversal gaining the three points and leapfrogging Shirebrook who dropped back into the relegation zone, but football there was little of it.

UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA ADDING TO THE DAY

Usual route via a brisk walk to Holmewood for a Pronto and then 23 at Pleasley saw arrival in the Market Place just after 1.30pm.  Today though there was a unique opportunity to see the Union of South Africa steam north off the Erewash line and along with a large collection of train spotters and interested locals take in this beauty.

KURTIS MORLEY RECEIVES CONGRATS FOR HIS EARLY GOAL

The last knockings of the market were winding down and after the obligatory visit to the Coop for pre match provisions it was off to Langwith Road this time by another route that brought me out above the ground on the edge of neighbouring village Langwith.  Being a little later today the whippets were just winding down and arrival for a circuit of the ground was shortly afterwards achieved.  It was good to catch up with many of the regulars and thanks to Sam for finding me out with the team sheet which was much appreciated.  We also had an interesting chat about the merits of pre match in the Coop and the Model Chippy.

JOSH TURNER GETS A SHOT AWAY FOR SHIREBROOK

The game got off to a superb start for Shirebrook when recent signing Kurtis Morley lashed home the ball from 20yards out to settle the early nerves after just twenty seconds, its here I guess that the home side would have willingly called an end to the proceedings and bagged all three points.
Shirebrook had chances to extend their lead but Josh Turner narrowly fired wide and then saw Cameron Barke save his one on one effort.  For Shirebrook it all went wrong on 34 minutes Teversal had been increasing their pressure without any real threat when the defence gifted the ball to Danny Fullwood who fired home from a tight angle.

MONTELLE KAMARA LOOKS FOR THE PASS

The second period saw the game gradually affected by a strengthening wind but there was still little constructive football being played as Shirebrook looked two yards off the pace and appeared unable to close down Teversal who became more dominant.  It was no surprise on the hour mark when they took the lead Liam Vardy powered through on the inside right and drove home a superb strike past Daniel Hartshorn in the home goal.

DANNY FULLWOOD FIRES HOME THE EQUALISER FOR TEVERSAL

Shirebrook could muster an effort from Morley that came back off the post but that was about it really as Teversal more than comfortably saw out the remaining time to secure a victory that would see them go clear on goal difference but with three games in hand it drops Shirebrook back into real trouble.  The early resurgence may now be over after two wins against Rainworth and Radford and narrow defeats away at Belper United and Sherwood they have failed to beat both of the sides around them in the relegation struggle.  Today they were not good enough and as so often happens sides seem up for it against higher placed teams but then cant do it against the teams they need to secure victory against.

TEVERSAL MANAGER LEE COOK EXPLAINS THE LAWS OF THE GAME TO REFEREE BAINBRIDGE

For Teversal who were just grateful to get a game on this is a massive victory that goes a long way towards trying to preserve their status and will give them the confidence to achieve the victories that will secure this.

SHIREBROOK BENCH WATCHES THE ACTION

Return was via the usual route but with a delayed Pronto at Pleasley I was immediately away after departing the 23 and back a little earlier to see the returning carriages from the morning excursion pulled by a diesel for its journey back.

3.35 AT DONCASTER

SELSTON RES 3 WAKEFIELD AFC RES 5
CMFL DIV 1 NORTH @ RH ACADEMY PLEASLEY
29 FEBRUARY 2020 --- 3PM

SELSTON V WAKEFIELD AFC SOMEHOW THIS ONE GOT AWAY

A couple of weeks ago the continuing horrendous weather that's summed up this season saw an afternoon of TV sport replace football and once again I was asking myself would it not have been better to have watched the 3.35 from Doncaster.  With no disrespect to these two sides who served up a goal fest the journey and afternoon was once again wrecked by the weather that just will not leave this football season.  You can ask Selston who have an amount of games as a first team that shortly means they will be playing eight games in a week but today the reserves had made an excellent call and switched their game to the Mansfield Town Academy in Pleasley and the asset of a 3g pitch was called upon.

PLEASLEY PIT AND COUNTRY PARK LOOK OUT TOWARDS MANSFIELD

All non league fans know this has been a wet, wet, wet season and with postponements littering the fixtures since October the last few weeks have added to the damp stuff storms which conveniently arrive on a Saturday.  This week would be no different and after the end of week downpours there remained very little on but thanks to Malc Storer for the excellent blog this game was discovered late and about as far as I wanted to journey out.  Games are made more trying by the use of public transport and today wold be very much a early repeat of last weeks Shirebrook trip.

WE HAD HOME SOME WATER IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AGAIN

Starting out to walk the three miles to Holmewood to pick up the Pronto service to Pleasley it looked all fine but a mile in I was sheltering from the first of the hail and sleet storms, arriving in time for the bus the wonders of technology the Stagecoach tracker advised me the bus was a few minutes away.  Ten minutes later the system said the bus was well passed my stop but a big purple double decker had clearly not gone through as I sheltered from the second hail storm.  The decision to walk on a few stops to move time on before the next service provided the usual response when 100 yards away up the bus turned up thankfully the driver was a kindly chap and within ten minutes or so the arrival in Pleasley was with us.

RH ACADEMY MANSFIELD TOWN FC

Pleasley is an obscure place to describe the north of the River Meden which divides the village is in Derbyshire while to the south its Nottinghamshire.  Pleasley Vale is a hidden gem with mills by the river in its own wonderful gorge which was a pleasure to walk through a few years ago but the older part of the village has been split by the small dual carriageway section that is the A617.  Alighting at Pit Lane in fine weather the former pit which is now saved with its 2 headstocks and more importantly the engine house this after the collieries closure in 1986.  The former industrial site now forms part of an impressive country park which offers some excellent views of Mansfield just a few miles down the road.
Departure saw the arrival of the third hail and sleet storm this time the longest of the day lasting all the way along the mile or so walk to the ground which was undertaken by the small mill and wharf in the village towards the back streets of Pleasley Hill before coming back out onto the A617 which will be noticeably to many as the former pit terrace houses that hugged this road for a mile on the west side.

EARLY MATCH ACTION FOR SCOTT TAYLOR

The Radford Hymas Academy was arrived at just after 2.30pm and although I had seen a game or two before I don't think they were blogged.  The Mansfield Chairman John Radford and fellow director Steve Hymas have invested well in this site and it is a credit to the club.  A main building is backed up by 'the barn' a smart conversion offering a gym and further changing rooms with the 3g caged pitch and a excellent grass pitch which was part waterlogged today there are also mini pitches.  The kitchen was open as normal when I have attended although I did not use it today onward to the caged area with a small Atcost stand on the half way line the only down side is only one side is open to spectators and then its on 2/3rds.
Today I didn't bother with team sheets but thankfully Selston provided a Twitter feed and Wakefield a confirmation of scorers which was excellent well done to both.

ARRON DARCH STRIKES A POSE

The first half started in nice weather but with a strong wind and in fairness produced little to excite, it was though Selston who started to get the upper hand with Josh Bullock and Scott Taylor testing the visiting keeper.  But then the game turned on its head with the visitors scoring three times in seven minutes opening the scoring on 38 minutes when take your pick here as I do not have a list
Napoleon Petridis or Owen Kirman [debut] raced through to score either way it was the number 7.  The lead was doubled through when Jake Ashton saw his strength beat the defender and his shot beat the home keeper and then on the stroke of half time he got his second when he converted a sweeping cross off the left wing.

BOOTS TO MATCH THE KIT

Selston started a revival with two goals in 48 minutes and 53 minutes Oliver Roome saw his shot blocked and Josh Bullock converted and secondly Roome finished well at the back post to reduce the arrears further.  On the hour mark it looked like Selston had equalised when Scott Taylor headed in but referee Ollie Thornhill ruled it out for a push.  Wakefield responded by hitting a post and as the wind increased and the afternoon became ever colder their was a warming moment for Ashton as he made it 4-2 to the visitors and secured his hat trick by whipping home a 20 yard free kick on the hour mark.

CLOSE FIRST HALF ACTION AT THE RH

Still Selston came back and it as danger man Rome who forced the ball home from just inside the box to pull another goal back but at the other end Wakefield were not finished with scoring when following a cross off the left Petridis/Kirman [see earlier] finished the chance in the middle.  In the closing stages Taylor forced the visiting keeper into an excellent full length save and keep the score line 3-5 to Wakefield.  An entertaining encounter which would have been better with a calmer afternoon and a large radiator.
Oh yes the 3.35 at Doncaster winner Captain Chaos which just about sums up this weather affected football season.

SHIREBROOK HEROICS

SHIREBROOK TOWN 2 RADFORD 0
EMCFL @ LANGWITH ROAD
22 FEBRUARY 2020 --- 3PM

2-0 TO THE SHIREBROOK AS OWEN RYAN RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS

Frantically looking for something new to use for yet another blog on Shirebrook the word 'hideous'
came to mind, steady, you see the famous writer D H Lawrence used the 'h' word to describe the town in a postcard in 1911.  But today I prefer another 'h' word heroes as the recently added crop of players and new management team battle to save this proud club from the threat of relegation to what effectively will be a county league next season.  Today with a goal in each half they not only battled a side Radford in seventh place in The EMCFL but an onslaught of a constant gale that whistled around Langwith Road and gave the club its second home league win of the season.

THE THEATRE OF DREAMS IN THE DISTANCE

My enjoyment of visits to Shirebrook astounds many but I like the place and more over the club who now have a fighting chance under its new chairman, management team and expanding crop of
players after their previous victory a few weeks ago versus Rainworth the loyal regulars could see the
improvements and after two narrow single goal away defeats the victory today further reiterated the terrace comments of how things are improving on the pitch.

ALL SHINY AND NEW PRONTO AS STAGECOACH TAKE OVERALL CONTROL

Travel was via the convoluted route a fifty minute march to Holmewood to pick up a Pronto operated by a brand new version since Stagecoach have taken over the whole route from their partnership with Trent Barton with a brief connection at Pleasley on the Shirebrook bound 23 I decided to depart at the Summit estate to try to gain a panoramic view of the ground.  Thankfully I achieved this from a highly placed footpath although the lack of bright paint around the Langwith Road ground makes it hard to spot.  Moving in to town via Carter Lane and past The Summit Go Local shop and former pub which still has its signs adjoined to its exterior I dropped across to Main Street passing The Old Barn venue where a collection of young ladies of the district were all gathered enjoying the comfort of a cigarette outside the celebration.  A lot of Main Street has a frightening amount of business closures along with Bolsover Council offices permanently closed and shuttered up with the strap line 'Bolsover a beautiful place to grow' clearly they may not have thought so.  Onwards to the Market Place and the obligatory visit to the Coop for pre match provisions and a slightly different walk along Thickley Close and the climb through the OAP bungalows to come out onto Langwith Road opposite the ground.

THERE IS NO TRUTH THAT SHIREBROOK HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

One of the attractions of an early arrival is the chance to witness The Shirebrook Staff Whippet racing Club in full training with the four legged speedsters appearing from all over as one trial ends more dogs turn up.  All this taking place outside the ground and I learned more about their big meets during the year and hopefully can get along to maybe even blog one.

A STUDIOUS SHIREBROOK MANAGER STEVE BATES

To the football then and having covered the ground on numerous occasions this season lets just say its still mightily impressive as a venue and after constant downpours the surface looked nearly dry the current problem would be the wind.  As ever it was good to catch up with the regulars around the club and meet up with the new Chairman today who looked further resplendent in his purchased Shirebrook Town hat.  The managers wife and previous 50/50 winner was in attendance as was the international man of mystery which was excellent to see.

CORPORATE HEADGEAR FOR MR CHAIRMAN

Seventh placed Radford arrived as a real threat to the current improvement in form of Shirebrook after their victory over Rainworth a couple of weeks ago narrow one goal losses at Belper United and champions elect Sherwood Colliery were excellent returns but points are the main requirement now.

EARLY ATTACK FROM LUKE MANLOVE

The early chances fell to Josh Turner who found himself in two one on one situations with visiting keeper Warren Squires who came off the better.  Visiting forward Akim Akimbinu met the wrath of the home supporters when he seemed to crumble in the penalty box although Radford viewed this a penalty but referee Ian Jenkins waived away the claim.  The half hour mark settled home sides nerves as Radford had come back into the game after a storming early start from Shirebrook it was Luke Manlove who raced up the left hand side before unleashing a lovely strike into the visitors goal.

THE STAND SWAYED  AS GEORGE SIMPSON STORMED FORWARD

The second period saw a newly purposed Radford with the winds at their backs but slowly 'Brook' took the wind out of their sails with Turner forcing Squires into a sharp save and then winger Luke Manlove cut in to dink the ball over the visiting number one only to see his effort fall just wide of the goal.  If anything now the wind was increasing in strength and the chances of quality football non existent but the work rate and effort of both sides was to the fore.  With that in mind Shirebrook were gaining the upper hand and doubled their lead on 64 minutes when a first touch for substitute Montelle Kamara saw his shot strike the post and Owen Ryan was on hand to fire home the loose ball to double the home sides lead.

SECOND HALF SHIREBROOK ATTACK

With twenty minutes to go captain Will Dodds received a harsh second yellow card and Shirebrook were down to ten men.  To this end there had been half a dozen cautions and a red on shown which made it look a naughty game something it wasn't and I suspect without an assessor, observer, in attendance would probably have contained just two yellows, their influence continues.

SQUIRES MAKES A SHARP SAVE TO DENY SHIREBROOK

The home side would now have to work even harder as Radford sensed their opportunity and on 88 minutes an attack that seemed certain to produce a goal was repelled, Conor Moore whipped in a swirling cross off the left that caught the wind and struck the bar the ball fell into the box and two shots were repelled one by a defenders chest and after five minutes stoppage time Shirebrook had seen a hard working victory secured.
Three points were and will continue to be valuable and a requirement for the remainder of the season if Shirebrook Town are to survive at this level for next season but do you know there is now tremendous hope around Langwith Road on a Saturday afternoon as a crowd of just over 100 appreciatively applauded their side off after a tremendous effort in trying conditions.

BLANKETY BLANK

HORSE RACING, INDOOR ATHLETICS, BALA 1 TNS 1
ALL OVER THE PLACE @ INDOORS
15 FEBRUARY 2020 --- 1PM

MAES TEGID HOME OF BALA TOWN ANY EXCUSE TO SHOW THIS GORGEOUS SETTING

By 1pm I was frantically flicking through the TV channels with dire cries of where is 'World of Sport come on Dickie Davies' if I don't find you in a minute I'm off to watch Grandstand on the BBC.  You see it had been that long since a Saturday for me had not featured some live sport and after last weeks rescue act by Tupton RUFC in the imminent threat of an arriving storm today it would be storm
Dennis just seven days later that would scupper all efforts.  This week had even seen a few train pictures taken in the calm couple of hours and that is the excuse for dropping them in here because there certainly isn't any sports ones.

THE GORGEOUS NORTHERN BELLE ON FRIDAY NAVIGATING DERBYSHIRE

So the strong winds and rain would make any chances of a game a lottery and if I had been going in a car I would have risked 3g games at Pleasley for the switched Sherwood v Shirebrook game where there is little protection and only limited spectator access.  You could have added Wollaton Ressies game moved to Basford to that list but with both games requiring double decker travel I thought
50mph plus winds may not be conducive to a relaxing day on the top deck and the likelihood of the service being suspended was high, bearing in mind many rail lines and roads were blocked last weekend.

THE BADGE OF THE CHAMPIONS TNS FC

Reality finally struck home I was not going anywhere, surely it wasn't that bad from a comfy chair behind a double glazed window and with a radiator in close proximity it seemed almost balmy outside.  Pre match meal was tomato soup just to get into the ground hopper swing of things.
Horse racing from Ascot and Haydock Park passed a little while with some great fortitude showed by jockey and beast alike in the conditions and if like me and Mr R from the Buxton Parish we still haven't got a clue to where the heck Kempton actually is.
Indoor athletics from Glasgow passed a few more minutes and with the rain appearing to abate and no sign of Kent Walton introducing the wrestling the option of a pie and confectionary selection from the local shop came to the fore.  Downhill saw a bemoaning of the fact that I had been a northern softy it wasn't bad out here at all but by the time I had remerged with a fantastic Jones of Huddersfield pie, something I had discovered in the Huddersfield Cricket League a few years ago, plus additions it was blowing a gale and the rain was striking my face with the threat of serious damage to ones good looks.  So 'half time' over and suitably re stocked I still had last nights Welsh Premier league game to watch featuring Bala and reigning champions TNS it all ended relatively tamely in a one all draw but it did allow Connahs Quay who secured a 4-0 victory to go top of the table by one point with the two protagonists meeting next week.
End conclusion sees me thinking I could do this every week.........alright no I definitely could not, now what time is Blankety Blank on.

A FORMER EMR NOW EMT MERIDIAN HEADING SOUTH

IS THERE A BAR

TUPTON RUFC 17 NORTH HYKEHAM 12
MIDLANDS 4 EAST NORTH DIVISION @ THE RECREATION GROUND
8 FEBRUARY 2020 --- 2.15PM

TUPTON RUFC V NORTH HYKEHAM

The regular gravitation towards the bar seems a contant occurrence in both codes of this game and I guess all around the sporting scene but the answer here today was yes a mini beer festival, VP and sponsors day and the England International RUFC to follow on the big screen.  It was probably summed up by an associated post I saw from somebody connected to the club that read 'Weekend forecast rugby with a chance of drinking'.

TOP OF THE TABLE NEW TUPTON FISH BAR

About three years ago I paid the club a visit for a game versus Skegness when their new clubhouse was in the final stages of being built so it was time to revisit but I have to be honest it came about by default.  Waiting for an Alfreton bound bus, any of three would have done, non showed and it appeared their start point of Chesterfield was gridlocked and as time drifted away I was left with just a couple of options and I grabbed the bull by the horns and decided to do the return trip to rugby union.  The other code I cover in the summer but I have to say I struggle with union but its all about educating yourself and I probably need to do some intensive studying of the fine game.

A CROSS COUNTRY SERVICE SPEEDS NORTHBOUND

So a brief walk through Tupton a village around 4 miles south of Chesterfield shows up a functional community with a couple of shops, café, church and pubs but undoubtedly its star attraction is New Tupton Fish Bar.  The blog nearly always features pre/post match food and I don't think its introduced this eatery which is always right at the top of the fish and chips league and remains so today after a mini fish special for just over £4 it would be rude not to try one.  The village was the birthplace of darts player John Lowe, former MP Dennis Skinner went to school here and ex England cricketer Cliff Gladwin resided here in his retirement.  The former roman road Ryknield Street runs through the village adjacent to the A61, the village now stages a regular carnival, Christmas celebration and is the hosts of a collection of community groups as it expands in size.

SOME EARLY LINE OUT ACTION

Walking down to the 'rec' you notice that Tupton RUFC now have their own brown tourist directional sign for motor travellers but for foot passengers a walkway between St Johns Church and the 'club' will take you over North Side to the theatre of dreams.  The clubhouse is a wonderful asset to the club and hospitality for its VP and sponsors was in full swing with a well stocked bar and snack hatch area they cater for most things on a match day and the whole area was very busy pre match today.

SAM CURRY ONE CONVERSION TODAY

A quick tour of the pitch showed lots of sand and soil trying to cover the muddy experience this was going to be for the players most football clubs probably would not be playing for another year on this but rugby lads are made of harder stuff of course.  A cricket square, additional rugby pitch and football pitch are all overseen by The Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve and the nearby running mainline train line into Chesterfield alongside this the village of Grassmoor sits on the hill to the east and the encroaching new builds of Adlingtons estate approach the recreation ground.  The club have also added some additional floodlights for training down one side of the pitch as they look to drive their facilities forward.  Slightly to the west of the site is a field which has been reclaimed by New Tupton Ivanhoe who are looking to bring their Hope Valley League side back into the village as soon as possible.

JAMES BLAKEY SECURES THE FIRST OF HIS TWO TRIES

The game then and before the forecast stormy weather we had a nice bright afternoon which saw the home side going down the slight slope.  Sam Curry saw his penalty kick float just wide in the strong breeze and then on nine minutes Cain Holmes got through down the left to open the scoring.
Three minutes before the half hour mark James Blakey just short of the line spun and forced the ball over the whitewash to make it 10-0.  Tupton went in 17-0 to the good when eight minutes before the break Blakey got his second try forcing the ball over after a close in scrum had got the home side close to the line this time Curry did convert in the testing conditions.

OBLIGATORY SCRUM PICTURE

A more than fair reflection on the proceedings but the proverbial football 'game of two halves' came to the fore when North Hykeham pulled back a try on 68 minutes and right on time a further try and conversion reduced the arrears to just five points leaving for a nervous couple of minutes.  The referees whistle came as a fair reflection for Tupton but both sides deserve tremendous credit for a full hearted game of rugby in very heavy conditions, free flowing it wasn't but determination with these lads you can never doubt.

GO ON THEN ANOTHER LINE OUT PICTURE

Everybody was off to the bar, being teetotal, I made my way back to base there was a moments thought of a chippy re visit but I opted for the obligatory hoppers pop and chocolate bar for the short walk.  Not the afternoon I had expected but thankfully Tupton RUFC saved this Saturday from being devoid of any live sport, maybe I should do this more often.

BATES FAMILY DAY OUT AS SHIREBROOK BREAK HOME LEAGUE DUCK

SHIREBROOK TOWN 2 RAINWORTH MW 1
EMCL @ LANGWITH ROAD
1 FEBRUARY 2020 --- 3PM

A FIRST HOME LEAGUE WIN FOR SHIREBROOK

Something just told you this was going to be Shirebrook's day when Liz Bates the wife of joint manager Steve had the winning 50/50 half time draw ticket and it was all backed up by son Ryan opening the scoring from the penalty spot and husband and dad saw his management partnership with Simon Dixon secure Town their first home league victory of the season, which saw the irony not lost on the PA operator at the end of the game who blasted out 'another one bites the dust'.

LOOKING LOVELY BUT IT WAS A BITTERLY COLD DAY

So another visit to one of my favourites as regular readers will know this time via a more convoluted route from base to Holmewood then taking the Pronto to Pleasley and finally a 23 to Shirebrook Market Place where the stalls were just winding up, there was plenty of time to visit the Coop for a few provisions before ambling up to Langwith Road in the gusting wind, two steps forward one step back.
Arriving over an hour before kick off and there was time to watch a few greyhound practice races which take place outside the ground if you are lucky enough to see them on a visit.  So having covered the ground and the club enough this season lets get straight into the business end and the difficulties Shirebrook are in second bottom of the league and with Borrowash approaching fast the side continue to suffer heavy defeats despite the sterling efforts of previous manager Jordan Johnson and his hardworking players it just wasn't happening.  Out of the blue this week a change in the hierarchy of the club allowed for the bringing in of the new management team of Bates and Dixon and with it a whole raft of players from Renishaw Rangers with the hope of stabilising the club and pulling away from the bottom two because make no mistake if Shirebrook go down it could spell a very serious doubt about their future.  As the new managers have had one training session the chance to merge the players was taken for todays game and I would guess others will be given a chance in the next few games however there will undoubtedly need to be a use of a small budget to bring in a few players to strengthen the side.

MORE THAN FAST NEW JOINT MANAGER STEVE BATES

Before the game there was a chance to meet and greet the good of Rainworth who I had not seen for ages Les, Paul and of course Gordon Foster well known from his reporting days for The Chad and the excellent organ playing 47 years and counting for Rainworth Parish Church.  As ever Ian Oxley was on hand to warmly greet me and he looked well attired in his corporate Shirebrook Town clothing.
An excellent crowd approaching 120 had gathered to see what was going to be served up after a week of speculation some of it surprising in its tone especially after the heavy losses the side had suffered this season and the worry about where the club would go in the coming months, but as ever at Shirebrook put out a side that battles and ultimately wins and the people of the town will come along a wonderful credit to the area.

EARLY DEFENDING FOR SHIREBROOK

Rainworth had recently signed goal scorer Nathan Benger who assisted their 2-0 win at Ingles last week whereas it was all change for Shirebrook to much to mention following last weekends heavy home loss to Barrow Town.

RYAN BATES GIVES SHIREBROOK THE LEAD FROM THE PENALTY SPOT

The encounter started encouragingly for Shirebrook but the best chance fell to Lewis Weaver for the visitors but Daniel Hartshorn was on hand to save well.  Thankfully Town put that behind them and were awarded a penalty when Alex Sennett took down George Simpson and Ryan Bates fired home a low spot kick that sent keeper Josh Hollis the wrong way after 17 minutes.  Confidence rose for the boys in red and Nathan Jessop broke through down the inside left and fired just wide with only Hollis to beat.  However on 22 minutes there was bordering on, alright there was delirium as Shirebrook went two up Craig Purcell saw his edge of the box shot hit a defender and Kyle Lilley was able to gather the ball and fire home past the Rainworth keeper.  Within five minutes though caution was thrown into the mix when Aiden Harris held the ball up close in for the visitors and turned to bundle the it over the line to reduce the arrears.

2-0 CELEBRATIONS

The second period started with Jessop clearly the danger man on the left for Shirebrook and with the hard work and holding up of frontman Lilley the threat was always there however the home side drifted into a defensive roll as they struggled to clear their own half for a good fifteen minutes and were grateful to a wonderful full length save by Hartshorn to keep them ahead after 68 minutes.  As the final quarter of an hour came upon us Jessop weaved is way into a good position to put in an excellent cross that just missed the head of captain William Dodds at the far post.  It was now the turn of Shirebrook to get back into the ascendancy and they looked a threat however in the closing moments Kieran Darby found himself in an excellent position but could not get his shot away quickly enough and Shirebrook blocked his effort.

HAT TRICK FOR THE BATES FAMILY AS LIZ PICKS UP HER 50/50 WINNINGS FROM
DRAW MASTER IAN OXLEY

Cue the leaving the pitch music and Shirebrook had done it a home victory in front of a appreciative crowd many of whom stopped behind to applaud the players off for their efforts. One swallow doesn't make a summer but over the last week the clubs social media presence has become more prominent, the public address system was used at the ground and overall there may well be dancing in the streets of Shirebrook tonight.

NO REFEREE PICTURE OH GO ON THEN HERE IS KARL BAINBRIDGE ADMINISTERING A CARD TO RAINWORTH SUB CAMERON DAVIDSON

One word of caution though todays success will not be as easily achievable against many of the stronger teams in the league and the management will need to look out for some late signings to strengthen the squad for the battle ahead but for now enjoy a superb victory and the smile it brought to the face of the long suffering Shirebrook supporters who left Langwith Road with an extra skip in their step, a new dawn you can but hope.