TURNER TWINS DERBY

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 2 SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 2

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE FIELDINGS

16 APRIL 2024 --- 7.45PM

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS V SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC TWIN BROTHERLY LOVE MARK AND DAVE TURNER

Luke Crosby hit a wonder goal in the third minute of stoppage time to level the scores and subsequently put a major dent in the title hopes of South Normanton Athletic who until this point still had the aspirations for top spot in their own hands.

Just occasionally games that receive a big billing actually produce the goods and this was one of those fixtures that warmed all on a chilly evening in Nottinghamshire.

JOSH SCULLY SET PIECES WOULD PROVE VITAL

The initial highlight of this fixture in the 23/24 season calendar was the pitting of wits of the two managers twin brothers Mark Turner of Mansfield Hosiery Mills and Dave of South Normanton Athletic.  But as the season has stuttered its way through rain interruption after rain interruption the visitors had found themselves with a collection of games to play to catch up on current leaders Pinxton but if they could win all of their remaining fixtures the result would be a guaranteed title.  With that in mind never mind the connections between the players on show this all added up to a must see game.

PRE MATCH WARM UP FOR ATHLETICS CHARLIE CLAYTON

More or less straight into the action then with no Coop or chippy visit with arrival just short of an hour before kick off to secure some photos in the light before match shots become impossible.  As ever a nice greeting from all at The Fieldings who were also welcoming a hopper from Selby for his first visit.

There was a good collection of the glitterati of the local non league scene and it was good to catch up with many of them.

Are you ready for some match action?  Hold onto your hats here goes. 

MILLS FRONT MAN MATT FOWLER

South Normanton started off in one of the strongest opening I have seen from them this season although they were looking to put behind them the 2-2 draw at Derby Singh Brothers on Saturday.  To that end Mills keeper Ryan Barson was alert to push over a free kick before Josh Parfitt placed a ball around the keeper but also inches wide of the post.

Mills were holding it together but were having to work as hard as and were limited to a George Simpson effort who having worked himself into a good position saw his shot blocked out by a visitors defender.  

As the game approached the half hour mark a sign of what was to come when Crosby latched onto a ball to crash an edge of the box effort off Charlie Clayton's crossbar.

MARK TURNER SEEKS MORE ENERGY

Just as it looked like half time would be reached with the scores level up stepped the silky delivery of Josh Scully with an in swinging corner that found Ryan Hadley rise salmon like to power home a header past defender and keeper on the line to break the deadlock, 37 minutes.  A wonderful goal that Mills had been aware of with the set piece delivery but it didn't stop them from going in behind at the break. 

SOUTH NOMRMANTON MANAGEMENT DAVE TURNER, KEV RENSHAW, LEE FLETCHER

Team talks completed and we were soon underway again and within four minutes Athletic doubled their advantage and again it was a set piece that undid the home defence.  Needless to say Scully on the free kick on the left delivered a sweet ball to the edge of the box Hadley, again, rose and headed down for the stretching Parfitt who diverted the ball past Barson.  At this stage there was a chance of me thinking it was now game over but once again how football can prove you wrong.

PAUL HUTCHINSON ON THE HUNT TO SEE IF HE CAN POSSIBLY CARRY ANYTHING ELSE

The visitors were looking to turn the screw now and with Ty Macaskill a constant danger they had to be on their guard to not lose any chance of a recovery in the remaining minutes.  Indeed Reece Shaw went close cutting inside and fired just over as the visitors confidence looked sky high.

Mills were now trying frantically to get a foothold back in the game and there were some edgy challenges going in a foul on the edge of the home box saw Tom Torrington become the second Mills player cautioned alongside Luke Smithson but more importantly that man Scully would be on duty again.  As is expected when the South Normanton number 9 steps up its normally good and this time his strike was well pushed over by Barson to keep the comeback achievable for Mansfield.

MILLS MANAGEMENT TEAM MARK TURNER AND PAUL HUTCHINSON

Mills captain Tom Suter who once again put in a man of the match performance at the back overstretched on the half way line and he saw yellow as the dug out hugging Athletic crowd were baying for a red card.

Mills were still under threat but their defensive resolve was still strong and it took three defenders to block out a patient Parfitt who with the ball at his feet was hunting down a shooting chance, but the men in blue were not allowing it and gradually worked the ball away to safety, 62 minutes.  

REFEREE GARY SLATER LEADS OUT THE TEAMS

Slowly but surely Mills got themselves back into the game and on 68 minutes they were most definitely back in contention when The Shiners failed to clear close in and Suter forced the ball over the line and this was now game on.  You could see the confidence it gave the home side and the doubts started to show in the Normanton side who had hung onto a lead against Arnold the last time I had seen them and then on Saturday succumbed to a 2-2 against Derby Singh Brothers.

LUKE CROSBY SOON TO PLAY A DECISIVE PART IN THIS GAME

With ten minutes to go and during a substitution there was a coming together around the dug out area with supporters gathered by it.  Referere Gary Slater calmly dealt with the incident but it took over five minutes to reduce the tension.

With four minutes remaining Clayton denied Mills an equaliser but he couldn't do the same in the third minute of stoppage time.  A half way line free kick was launched forward by Torrington and with the ball taken down on the right edge of the box it was fed across to Crosby who with his back to goal turned and made space before unleashing a superb 20 yard shot that flew into the Normanton goal to remarkably level the scores.

MATT FOWLER MOVES FORWARD

We were to see eleven minutes of stoppage time and either side could have still secured a victory once again home keeper Barson who had a superb game with some great saves and safe handling was there to palm away off the head of Sam Allcock.

But the moment of saving South Normanton from drawing a points blank in this game came in the 99th minute when keeper Clayton managed to pull off a low full length save as Mills so nearly won it at the end.

On the final whistle of referee Slater Mills were elated and the Athletic players looked shattered and with a few dropping to the floor they knew the importance of this result to their season, there is though still a way to go and there yet may be more twists and turns.

JOSH PARFITT TO SECURE THE SOUTH NORMANTON SECOND GOAL

The draw was probably a fair result it allowed twin brotherly love to remain intact but ultimately the game for the Dave variety and South Normanton it was the dropping of two points that will hurt as they now have to rely on Pinxton failing to gain maximum points.  But with Derby Singh Brothers the Wharf Lane sides hosts on Saturday who knows and whisper it quietly Mansfield Hosiery Mills the visitors next week Dave may not be too unhappy to see his brother win this one. 

Mills have games in hand to finish in a top half of the table position and the aim for the Mark variety is not to see his team drift away from this big match performance in achieving that aim.

Performance wise South Normanton looked good for large parts of this game with Ty Macaskill a constant threat added to this the presence of Hadley and undoubtedly the skill of Scully they performed well as a unit but tonight came up against a side who fought hard to match them and in the closing stages probably looked the most likely to get over the line.  The home sides defence held strong with Suter, as previously mentioned, oustanding, Torrington is a revelation since moving to the back, keeper Barson had a great night and up front Matt Fowler and Crosby complement one another to create a threat to any defence.

BROTHERLY ACTION IN THE DUG OUTS

Wow probably the match I have enjoyed the most this season with thanks to both sets of players for providing a game of full commitment and some superb goals and with the South Normanton home game against Mills scheduled for 9 May can you afford not to be there?

LUKE GREAVES PREPARES TO CROSS

SPRING DERBY

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY 2 KIMBERLEY MW 0

UCL PREMIER NORTH AT CORONATION PARK

13 APRIL 2024 --- 3PM

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY V KIMBERLEY MW SPRING DERBY

The A610 derby was a strange affair producing a 2-0 victory for Eastwood against their neighbours Kimberley MW but it was a game that although in the second half had the 'end of season' feel about it yet produced enough chances for three or four games.  So much so that Kimberley missed enough to have led at half time and in the end probably have won a collection of matches.

LYNDON JOYCE CLOSELY MARKED

Arrival was on time and a usual pre match Coop visit allowed for the provision collection because you see it was Saturday again and with a threat of some rain it meant a fourth trip to Eastwood in two weeks and I'm starting to get a feel for the place, don't tell anyone.

This derby encounter had seen the Red Badgers out of the play offs by a few weeks and Kimberley safe for another season at step five so with little to play for except local bragging rights.

As ever I was grateful to referee David Kennedy for the team line up and we were ready to go. 

TERRY ATEM GETS THE CONGRATULATIONS

Eastwood looked lively and indeed were two goals to the good within 27 minutes the first on fourteen minutes when Terry Atem whipped in a sharp cross that Josh Timpson deflected into his own goal trying to clear at the near post.  The Eastwood frontman could readily claim the second after Aaron O'Connor saw his edge of the box shot blocked away to Atem who cut inside and curled a lovely shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner of the visitors goal.  This seemed to wake up Kimberley who had a collection of chances in a ten minute spell that could easily have seen them at least level.

But seven minutes before half time Eastwood thought they had a third when the ball fell to the back post and Alex Troke converted with confidence.  There were then it seemed from nowhere shouts of handball in the build up and referee Kennedy consulted with his assistant Brett Hovey who had not flagged in the move and the decision was taken by the man in the middle to chalk off the goal.

ONLY ONE I CAPTURE OF COURSE  IS THE DISALLOWED ALEX TROKE GOAL

We arrived at half time with Eastwood looking the sharper and two goals to the good and with the chances missed by the visitors you got that feeling it was not to be their day something that would be further supported in the second forty five minutes.

ASSISTANT REFEREE HOVEY AND REFEREE KENNEDY RULE OUT GOAL NUMBER THREE

Just five minutes into the second half Kimberley were awarded a free kick twenty yards out and Tom Eccleshall stepped up and hit a beauty that was just not low enough as it came crashing back off the bar before in the follow up move the visitors hit the bar again with another effort.  At this stage you know its definitely not going to be your afternoon.

AARON O'CONNOR TAKES ON THE DEFENCE

The game appeared to disappear into a slumber now although it was Kimberley pushing for the goal the best chance fell five minutes from time to O'Connor who saw his diving header saved by Thomas Smith in the Kimberley goal.

On the final whistle Eastwood had the upper hand result wise on their neighbours as they closed their home 23/24 season but strangely Kimberley would have been disappointed with the result, it though came down to finishing and the threat of Terry Atem.

JACK MESSOM STOPS ON HIS FEET

There was time for a brief  'afters' from the aforementioned shop and a thanks to Eastwood Com Fc and their ground for providing a nice selection of games over the last few weeks of weather interrupted fixtures.

After the game Graham Furnell the Kimberley MW manager announced he was to stand down.  A big blow for the The Stag ground side where he has overseen their superb success of recent seasons, big shoes to fill.

EASTWOOD JOINT MANAGER DARYLL THOMAS

Usual cheeky taxi return saw arrival back at base within thirty minutes of pick up and an enjoyable afternoon at the footy was once again completed.

EASTWOOD NUMBER ONE SAM WILSON

PAY THE PENALTY

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 2 ARNOLD TOWN 1

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT CORONATION PARK EASTWOOD

6 APRIL 2024 --- 3PM

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC V ARNOLD TOWN

South Normanton staggered over the line with a much needed three points against Arnold Town in a game played at Eastwood Community FC's Coronation Parkin in an attempt to catch up on some of their backlog of games.  But much of the game settled around a weird collection of incidents in the fourth minute that ultimately left Arnold feeling a little aggrieved.  But for South Normanton they battled through to show their desire for the title in The CMA Premier South.

PENALTY NUMBER ONE CLAYTON OFF LINE

Its the same old story with rain, rain and more of the stuff this week there were a collection of games at this level once again called off but having heard of this venue switch in the week I settled on the game early on.  It would also add a nice twist of seeing three games at Coronation Park in the space of 8 days all featuring different 'home sides'.

Cheeky taxi ride saw arrival this Saturday nicely on time for a collection of team sheet news and to catch up with a few people pitch side. 

Today would be a game played in strong blustery winds making conditions non too good for the beautiful game.

If Normanton win all their remaining games they win the league but that will be no easy task with Pinxton currently top keeping the pressure on.

OFF THE LINE BUT SAVED

It all happened in the fourth minute with the collection of penalties around this write up being very relevant to the game.  Trem Lindo looked to be breaking away just short of the penalty box and appeared to be bundled over by Tommy Goodwin referee Glynn Owen was having non of it waving the appeals away.  Had the decision gone the way of Arnold of course it would have been highly likely Normanton would have been down to ten men.  However as the ball rolled away it was picked up by Dan Chambers who was brought down in the box by Shiners debut keeper Charlie Clayton, penalty.

RETAKE OFF THE LINE AGAIN

Cue more controversy Chambers stepped up and Clayton saved it but referee Owen said he was off his line before the spot kick was taken and the picture supports that, so we had a retake.

Unbelievably Clayton pulled off a fantastic save from Chambers again but the picture shows he was as far of his line as the first time but this time the referee allowed the save to stand.

BUT SAVED AND THIS TIME THE REFEREE ALLOWED THIS WITH NO RE TAKE

Arnold continued to look threatening and as in a lot of games I have seen South Normanton this season they seem slow off the mark but normally come good in the end.  Slowly they got into the game with Mark Bright heading fractionally wide and then they looked to be denied a penalty when Ty McCaskill looked oto have been pulled back in the penalty box.

REECE SHAW BREAKS FREE

South Normanton were though to get a penalty of their own on 25 minutes and Josh Scully, of course, made no mistake dispatching the spot kick into the bottom left of the goal to settle the nerves.

It all calmed down even further eight minutes before half time when Josh Parfitt fed McCaskill whose shot was blocked across goal to Elliott Bland who slotted home to take Athletic into the break two goals to the good.

The whole feel of the game had changed now with the only downside being the injury to McCaskill who was replaced before half time by Sam Jackson.

JOSH DEVEROUX BRINGS THE BALL AWAY FOR NORMANTON

Memories of a few visits too Arnold Town's old ground right in the centre of the town were brought to life by the older gentleman kitted out in scarf and hat in his clubs colours, it really was a club right in its community.  But for a few reasons of course the club have now moved to Eagle Valley a venue I have been to I think just once it really is though a very inaccessible place to the public transport using supporter.  Good to see the gentleman follow them just up the road today and proudly wearing the colours.

CLASSIC ARNOLD TOWN ATTIRE

With no public address system and cafe open it turned into a lack lustre half time break and to be fair that's pretty much how most of the second half went too.

SKULLY OPENS THE SCORING FROM THE SPOT

Josh Scully would receive a booking seven minutes into the second half for refusing to retreat at a free kick and the game wasn't offering much more than that.  

Having spotted 'Meg' the collie who was following every ball in pre match warm ups something she also does during the game there was time to take a few pictures of her.  Her owner says the 10 year old has a better attention span than himself!  She watches every movement of  ball re positioning the paws for were the ball is on the pitch and believe me doesn't miss a thing.  I took her picture about five years ago at Mansfield Hosiery Mills were she stood the whole game on back legs with front paws on the pitch side wall.  This season I caught up with her at Pinxton and then again last Tuesday at Teversal.  Is she the most travelled ground hopping dog? 

BLAND MAKES IT TWO

Anyway back to the football and moving position behind the goal did not have much affect on proceedings.

We did finally get some action on 77 minutes when Clayton pulled off a superb save to deny visitors.  

But with eight minutes to go he could not deny Chambers who lashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range.  Wobbles were active now and Athletic looked decidedly vulnerable as Arnold sensed their chance of getting back on levels terms. 

DERBYSHIRE REFEREE OWEN 

It very nearly happened when in stoppage time Curtis Rigley wide right in the penalty box had a one on one with keeper Clayton but fired across goal and just wide of the far post.

Shortly afterwards referee Owen signalled the end of play and South Normanton were a relieved side.

LEE FLETCHER IN THE HOT SEAT TODAY FOR ATHLETIC

All that matters though is three points and they had secured them and move on now to a midweek game versus Teversal to be played at Ilkeston's New Manor Ground.  For Arnold they will be disappointed to have a lost a game they could be said to have paid the penalty for right at the start of the match.

YELLOW FOR JOSH SKULLY

Two very small cakes from the nearby Coop were all that happened after this game on the eats front, oh mind you did I forget to mention the bar of chocolate as well, ha,ha. 

NOTHING GETS PASSED MEG

FIRST NIGHT

BAKEWELL TOWN 2 TEVERSAL 4

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT CARNARVON ST

3 APRIL 2024 --- 7.45PM

BAKEWELL TOWN V TEVERSAL A REVERSED FIXTURE

Thankfully another highly entertaining game played in constant rain saw Teversal pull away for a 4-2 victory over a Bakewell side who were slow to start but when they did looked to threaten the home sides early dominance.

First night game of the season as we enter silly season which with the still continuing rain has probably this year become sillier season.  Three of the four local games were already off  but Teversal had got this one on and in fairness even with the persistent rain the pitch held up well, ultimately though this was a home fixture for Bakewell with a reversal accepted by all to get the game played.

The match had referee Andy Wood in the middle who it was good to catch up with before the game alongside the much travelled Stuart Walker as one of his assistants and Chris Smith the other.

Night games are never any use for match photos so its a little ground atmosphere catch up in the few pictures used.

STAND OF CHARACTER AT CARNARVON STREET

Teversal were quick out of the traps with two goal in the opening nine minutes firstly after four it was Thomas Widdowson with a sharp finish from just inside the box.  This was surpassed by a superb curler from the edge of the box by Ethan Glaves to shock the home side/visitors, take your pick here.

Thankfully for the sake of the game from a neutral point of view Bakewell arrived to the party and just short of the half hour mark pulled a goal back thanks to James Handley who finished from close range moments later Teversal survived a near equaliser thanks to a goal line clearance.  

On the stroke of half time Teversal extended their lead when Widdowson got his second this time from the penalty spot after the Bakewell keeper Dean Dranfield had felled Leon Bartle wide in the box.

As the rain continued apace in the second half the entertainment just got better in what was proving a great advert for The CMA and Bakewell reduced the deficit to just one goal on 68 minutes when curler became the word of the night this time when Handley made space for himself 25 yards out and placed one tantalisingly just inside the Teversal post for his second and Bakewell's third.

But just seven minutes later Teversal had restored their two goal lead in a game of great strikes this one probably took the biscuit when Arthur Pashley saw his weaving run find him in the box he skipped round the defender before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner.

A short write up but a highly entertaining encounter with credit to both sides for putting on a good show on another horrible evening weather wise and producing some superb goals.

NICE NET SUPPORTS AS TEVERSAL HAVE SHORTENED THEIR PITCH

CONFIDENT WIN

BELPER UNITED 3 MELTON TOWN 0

UCL PREMIER NORTH AT CORONATION PARK

1 APRIL 2024 --- 3PM

BELPER UNITED V MELTON TOWN 

An afternoon when the Belper management team were so happy everything came together three goals, a clean sheet, some slick moves, a first touch goal for the manager after 14 months out oh yes and they nullified play off qualifiers Melton Town out of this game.  So all in all a good afternoon for the Derbyshire sides final 'home' game of the season at their Nottinghamshire base.

NO PRE MATCH FOOD FOR ME AND THEN THIS 

For the blog after a rainy, surprise, start to the day the option of a deja vu of just 48 hours later taking in a game at Eastwood came to the front of the queue again with 3g being the saviour with many games again falling to the wet stuff.  Saturday's game featuring Eastwood was a cracking affair and was my first viewing of them this season this though would be my third of Belper and second time at Coronation Park and it would not disappoint.

Although it nearly got close with the cheeky taxi being 35 minutes late, I did arrive twenty minutes before kick off which denied me the chance of continuing the healthy diet at The Coop you know the stuff by now pasty and cake.  If that wasn't enough I spent the whole afternoon looking at a giant pork pie on the visiting supporters flag in deference to their towns famous product. 

JACOB FERDINAND TAKES ON TWO FOR BELPER

Thankfully the referee George Younger was great in allowing me to obtain the teams and there was also a greeting from United assistant manager Aaron Hayer.  As we approached kick off the sun burst through and with some warmth on the back it turned into a very pleasant afternoon for a change.

ANOTHER MAZY RUN FROM THABANG DUBE

Melton arrived having already qualified for the play offs but suggestions were that they would like to get some wins in the final games to secure a home tie and for Belper mid table safety looked like it didn't leave much on the menu, how different it turned out to be. 

LETS DANCE

Early on in the season when Manager Alex Steadman and Hayer took over there was a requirement to clearly try the younger element of footballer to the team and of course consistency will always be a problem but today they looked so good and were a pleasure to watch for the spectator and you can only imagine it was the same with a little bit more joy for the management team.

THE JOY AS SURAFEL TEFERA MAKES IT 2-0

The opening exchanges were tentative but the build up from Belper was looking encouraging against a more laboured Melton and so it proved with a sharp ball into the pathway of Paul Johnson who drove into the box before firing past Bill Harrison in the visitors goal to give Belper the lead on 28 minutes.

That's how we arrived at half time despite the weaving runs of Thabang Lethabo Dube Melton were not really threatening the home defence. 

SURAFEL TEFERA CELEBRATES HIS GOAL

Half time was spent taking in the sun readily aware that within a few hours it would be throwing down the wet weather again.

Melton had to turn up for this game and in the opening exchanges of the second half they did appear to get up a head of steam which saw Belper on their mettle defensively to deny the visitors.

CATCH UP WITH THE BELPER CAPTAIN

But that bit of good luck required fell the way of Belper when captain Surafel Tefera fancied his chances and tried a shot from 20 yards, Harrison looked to have got it covered but the ball bounced at the front of him as he was down to save and proceeded to fumble over the prostrate keeper and the home side had doubled their lead with Tefera absolutely delighted on 52 minutes.

REFEREE GETS THE WALL BACK

Melton looked deflated now but credit must go to Belper to the way they were tackling this game for many clubs an end of season game would have been a stroll and often boredom for the fans but this was so far from it with Belper looking to push home their advantage.  

A few minutes later Kalis Gore cleared off the line for Melton as Belper threatened more goals.

The pictures surrounding this are from a strong but what looked superb ball winning tackle by the Melton defender and was something that both assistant referee and the man in the middle were telling the Belper players who were asking the question.  When you take a look at the left leg and foot of  Johnson its not surprising that even after some extensive physio he was substituted shortly afterwards. 

The third goal would be a little special with manager Steadman returning to action after fourteen months he replaced captain Tefera after 82 minutes and within 30 seconds had score with his first touch hence joyful wheel away to be congratulated by his players.  A lovely ball nipped through close in and he guided the it past the Melton keeper from ten yards.

There was still time left for Belper to attempt to get a fourth but in time added on they were denied by an excellent save from Harrison moments later referee Younger blew for time and the final home game of the season had brought much to look forward to in this Belper squad if it can stop together for next 24/25.

BELPER QUESTION REFEREE YOUNGER

It was a small crowd of 89 while Belper search for a return to base but there were a good 20 or 30 from Leicestershire which brought a snack bar side atmosphere to proceedings but overall they must have been disappointed in their sides showing. 

To the credit of Belper United they continue to produce a match day programme and operate a public address system which all adds to the match experience.

PAUL JOHNSON RECEIVES TREATMENT FROM PHYSIO IMOGEN BAILEY

On the footballing side if Belper continued to play football like that, which I hope they do I could certainly watch it, this afternoon was a thoroughly enjoyable game and performance. 

PACKED MELTON GOALMOUTHS LOOKS TO REPEL BELPER

Taxi back to base was on time, thanks Jack and and an enjoyable footy chat during the journey, there had also been the chance to grab a crafty sausage roll and cake from The Coop, after match healthy eating now.

The words have run out before the pictures again so please enjoy the remaining action from the afternoon.

EYES ON THE BALL

ALEX STEADMAN MAKES IT THREE

MANAGER STEADMAN CELEBRATES HIS GOAL