ON THE ROAD 2009-2010

Caribbean Cavaliers 2-2 Huck Rolls Leisure

2010-05-20T22:54:00.021+01:00

Thursday 20th May 2010 -- NSL Senior Cup Final - Cavs win 4-3 on penalties after exta time.

Our final game of the season - the short journey to the Eagle Valley home of Arnold Town FC, to see Caribbean Cavaliers take on Hucknall Rolls Leisure in the NSL Senior Cup Final.

Turned out to be a very good evening, even though it was extended due to the teams needing extra time and penalties to seperate them, and I was feeling a bit rough....

Full match report from Hucknall Dispatch

For me and Kev this was more of a social occasion, and we spent a lot of the game in the company of friends we have made over the last few years.

Referee Rob Townsend, Notts F.A's Mick Kilbee, Hucknall Town Chairman Dave Gamble, fellow bloggist Adam Barlow, 2 x Peter Craggs, "wanderer" Richard Lane, physio Fred Kirk, journalist Brian Dennett, Linby CW striker Jonny Scott and former Hucknall Town, now Worksop Town midfielder Deon Meikle. We have known Deon for a few years now, since his days with the Eastwood Town Academy. Many thanks for the photo opportunity Deon!!

Yours truly and Deon Meikle

I also finally took possession of Roger Rann's two books " Kings Of The Recs" and "When Mary's Were Kings"......books charting the history of football in Arnold - looking forward to reading these over the next few football free weeks!

Most of the Rolls players were just back from a short break in Benidorm, and for a while it showed! They looked a little sluggish and offered little up front. Rolls were lucky that Referee Colin White waved away what looked like a certain penalty for Cavs on 34, but when Mr. White awarded Cavs a free-kick five minutes later, Tom Simpson smashed the ball goalwards. With Rolls keeper Neil Waters seemingly well position to save, the ball deflected off the head of defender Richard Harrison, hit the inside of the post and nestled in the back of the net! H-T 1-0

Rolls had struggled with just Andy Start up top, but the introduction of 19 year-old Harry Allen as his strike partner changed the game dramatically. The youngster levelled the scores on 80 after the ball fell kindly to him six yards out. F-T 1-1

Cavs sub Ryan Perkins lit up the game in the 98th minute, rounding Waters before taking his time to line up a shot that dissected the two defenders who were covering the line. With full time looming it was that man Allen again who once again levelled the scores, latching on to a long punt forward before chipping Cav keeper Dave Martt from the edge of the box. F-T 2-2

Although Harrison missed Rolls' first spot kick, they went 3-2 up and just needed skipper Jonathan Wass to convert to give them the trophy. He missed and Perkins stepped up to make it 3-3. Jonathan Dakers then missed for Rolls, but Cavs Robert Bolton smashed home his kick to give them the victory.

Admission £3 ( inc programme)

Attendance - given out as 190 + children

Season tally -- games 109 with goals 393 at an average of 3.6055 per game

On The Road will be back next season - blog already sorted !!

Carlton Tn Academy 4-1 Newark Flowserve Academy

2010-05-19T21:54:00.007+01:00

Wednesday 19th May 2010 --- NSL Reserve League Cup Final

Played at Calverton MW FC, pleasant setting, pleasant company and a mild evening. Much better game than the Tuesday night effort ... and a decent turn-out - we reckon over 150 present.

Met up with Richard "Wanderer" Lane - he'd been at Trent Bridge all day and just made Calverton for the kick off. Also in the company of evergreen Brian Dennett... mind you he didn't stay with us long - I think he went and had a talk to every single person in the ground !!!

The first three goals were all down to poor goal-keeping ...the first in the 8th minute saw Newark's keeper parry a shot he ought to have held - presenting the Carlton no.7 with a simple tap in from close range. Newark levelled on 27 when Carlton keeper Ross Cherry missed his kick giving the Flowserve 11 jacket an open goal to run the ball in to.

I really don't know whether the Carlton second goal should be put down to a goal-keeping error - but when Carlton's Matt Wilkinson flighted the ball goalwards from 40 yards out on 31, the Newark keeper was way off his line, and even though he back-tracked he failed to stop the ball entering the net. Goal-keeping error? May be a bit harsh H-T 2-1

The second half was full of flowing football, but chances were at a bit of a premium. Two great saves by the Newark keeper in the 72nd minute kept his team in the game, but when Carlton's no.9 played in his strike partner on 79, there was little the keeper could do other than watch as the ball was stroked into the net. Carlton were awarded a penalty right on full time that their 11 shirt fired home. F-T 4-1

This was the second time we have seen Carlton win a trophy after their epic game with Coronation in April

Admission £2

H/C 150

Thursday -- More NSL -- Senior Cup Final at Arnold Town kick off 7:30pm

Kimberley MW 3-0 Caribbean Cavaliers

2010-05-18T20:52:00.012+01:00

Tuesday 18th May 2010 -- NSL Senior Division

I think I've seen worse games than this, but not many come to mind! Still, end of season, nothing to play for and Cavs resting their 1st team so they are fresh for their NSL Cup Final on Thursday, what did I expect?

Took a few arty-farty pics, and was poised to take a few of the game, but after 20 minutes I put the camera away and had a chat with Brian Dennett. He made a few predictions about which Carlton Town players will follow Tommy Brookbanks to Hucknall - I will keep the list and check it out prior to the new season starting.

Ought to have known what was to come when the Cavs manager said "if you don't beat us tonight, you never will " to the Welfare manager! It looked a good shout as after 10 minutes the home team were 2-0 up through their no. 9 Jake Fisher, and no. 11 Reece Bertram.

No. 11 ready to pounce on the loose ball to net the second goal

Should have been 3-0 on 18 when the Cavs keeper bundled the Bertram over in the box. Straight forward? No ! The ball was passed from the spot (!!) to Bertram who blazed it hopelessly high, wide and not very handsome from 8 yards out!

Here you go buddy -- just kick it into the net!!! Ooopps!

2-0 at the break - went for a sit down and endured a further 27 minutes without a goal until sub Ryan Docherty tapped in from close range after the Cavs defence failed to deal with a corner played into the six-yard box. F-T 3-0

Luckily, no-one had blocked me in so first out of the ground and home 10 minutes after the final whistle.

Admission - no gate

H/C 35

Weds - Cartlon Tn Academy v Newark F'serve Academy at Calverton MW ko 7:30pm

Next season -- tentative allocations

2010-05-17T18:13:00.001+01:00

http://nln24.com/news/story/league-allocations-for-201011

Looks like great news for Rainworth MW.. well done to all at Kirklington Road.

Saturday 15th May 2010

2010-05-15T17:56:00.004+01:00

There were a couple of games we could have gone to, but as Kev was busy and I like to watch the F.A. Cup final coverage on TV, we gave them a miss even though this was effectively the last Saturday of the 2009-2010 season.

Three possible games next week, all in the Notts Senior League. Reading Rob Waite's excellent the66pow blog, it appears he is taking in Doncaster Senior League games. The NSL and DSL seem to be running a lot later than other leagues. I can only assume that the majority of the teams in these leagues have no floodlights, and the volume of games lost due to the crap winter can't be played mid-week, leaving the leagues no alternative other than to extend their seasons.

Hope to call it a day with "On The Road 2009-2010" towards the end of May .... already set up "On The Road 2010-2011" and we will be back in July as we take in some of the local pre-season games.

Hope to write a "best of / worst of" within the next couple of weeks, but after that, a few weeks off will be most welcome!

Nottm Forest Ladies 5-0 Hucknall Rolls Ladies

2010-05-13T22:29:00.011+01:00

Thursday 13th May 2010 -- Notts F.A. Womens County Cup Final

Getting towards the end of a third season on "On The Road", with just three probable games left before I hang up my pen for a few weeks.

The Ladies County Cup game is the last Notts F.A. Cup final of the season, and on this occasion it was played at the Welfare ground home of Forest Town FC. Full circle for Notts F.A. as the first final was also at Forest Town.

Greeted at the gate by F.A. Officials Mick Kilbee and Malcolm Fox. A nice gesture by Mr.Kilbee to let me and Daft Lad into the ground as their guests, as we apparently have been at more Notts F.A. finals than have their Committee members!! Much appreciated.

Grabbed a word or two with Forest Town's Pete Craggs who appeared to be enjoying his burger and chips, followed by a pint of Magners....

Also had a chat with Clifton a player I managed at youth level, Mike Banister. He's had a good season with Clifton, who secured the Notts Senior League Senior Division Championship last weekend.

The teams line up.......

....and are presented to the Notts F.A. representatives

Forest Ladies took the lead in the 8th minute - a sweet well placed free-kick from 22 yards by CAROLINE LAWSON easily beating diminutive Rolls keeper Hayley Wilson.

The ball on it's way into the net

Justine Turley had the Rolls best effort on 19, her shot from fully 35 yards just flying over the Forest crossbar. KATIE WADDELL added Forest's second with 29 minutes played, the pocket sized no. 11 jinked her way into the box before slotting past Wilson. On 36 SUZANNE DAVIES battled her way into the box before hitting the ball between Wilson and her near post. Seconds later the game was effectively over as NATALIE CLARKE crashed the ball through a ruck of players from 6 yards. H-T 4-0

The second half saw Rolls perform much better, and they had a couple of decent chances to reduce their arrears, but Forest keeper Claire Wallhead remained alert after having a fairly quiet first half. It took Forest until the 75th minute to add their fifth and final goal. SUZANNE DAVIES had seconds earlier hit a tame effort at Wilson, but the striker made no mistake when presented with the ball 12 yards from goal, fairly lashing the ball home. F-T 5-0

Tough tackling Ellie Gilliat - received the games only yellow card

Too cold to stay for the Trophy presentation!! Where is this global warming they keep talking about???

Admission : Notts F.A. guests

H/C 80+

Saturday - no game

Monday - hoping to get to Digby Street to see Caribbean Cav play Kimberley MW

Eastwood Town 4-3 Retford Utd

2010-05-10T22:38:00.021+01:00

Monday 10th May 2010 -- Notts Senior Cup Final

Venue : Very, very cold Meadow Lane.

Admission £5

Programme £2 .... worst value for money ever! Who the hell decided that effort is worth £2 can't be right in the head. 12 pages of nothing!!!

Conference North v UniBond Premier. Turned out to be quite a poor game, but there were a couple of cracking goals. Kev behind the wheel for this one - he is the numero uno for City Centre driving.

Arrived at Meadow Lane with time to spare and bought a programme expecting something akin to Andy Cope's superb effort last season. Felt thoroughly ripped off when I was handed the thing.

Had a quick chat to Aggedor on the way to our seats, and then the public address system came on.... and stayed on throughout the game --- a constant hisssssssssss that was enough to drive you crackers! On a scale of 1 -10 for annoying this was a definate12!

Eastwood : Danby, Markel Bailey , Riley, D'Laryea, Mat Bailey, Cooke, Meikle, Foster, Holmes, Holland, Duncum. Subs: S Brown, D. Brown, Whitehurst, Gardner.

Retford: Lindley, Ludlum, Thompson, Smith, Ellis, Simkpins, Bettney, Ellender, Thomas, Harvey, Marrison. Subs: Mayman, Leggitt, Stephenson.

The teams were presented to the Notts FA's elite, and we settled back for the anticipated football feast. Soon got bored - the first decent chance not created until the 10th minute when Marquin Smith volleyed just wide. From the goal-kick the ball was collected by Duncum who dribbled his way into the box before firing wide of the goal.

Meikle looked to be Struggling for Town, but his mazy run and cross on 12 gave DANNY HOLLAND a chance from close range and he duly slotted past Lindley. Meikle was eventually replaced on 27 by Simon Brown, and he told me at the break it was a hamstring injury that ended his participation.

Mat Bailey had a header well saved by Lindley in the 32nd minute, but it was United who scored the games next goal. COLIN MARRISON looping a header from a free-kick over Danby after he was left unmarked some 12 yards from goal. H-T 1-1

Grabbed a word or two with Notts F.A. Secretary Mick Kilby during the interval. He related how he allocated Tuesday 11th May as the date for the Notts F.A. Junior Cup final and that as a mad keen Forest fan he was shattered when he realised the play-off second leg between Forest and Blackpool is to be played on the same date! Having only missed half-a-dozen Forest home games in 45 years, you have to feel for Mick, but duty calls and he has to be at the Cup final!

The second half was poor and for the first 20 minutes we were watching the cricket on the TV situated in the "posh" area. Our attention was drawn back to the game when Anton Foster made a darting run at the United defence. After racing across the goal area he played the ball to Mat Bailey who steered it towards the goal where David Brown flicked on for DANNY HOLLAND to tap in.

Not much else to add to the regulation time, but when Referee Stuart Richardson allocated three minutes of added time, we had a feeling we were going to be out late - and would you believe it in the 93rd minute DARYL THOMAS crashed home a terrific shot that sent us into extra-time. F-T 2-2

It was so cold that we debated about whether to stay on or not, but as it happened we are pleased we did.

Retford were awarded a free-kick 20 odd yards from goal, and Chris Bettney fired in a great effort than Town keeper did well to tip over for a corner. From the corner though, MARQUIN SMITH rose like a salmon to power home a superb header and give Retford the lead for the first time in the game. 6 minutes later Retford committed defensive suicide - keeper and defenders not on the same wavelength allowing DAVID BROWN to nip in and roll home the equaliser.

We were still hoping upon hope that one team would break the deadlock before we went to penalties, when with just 90 seconds to play MAT BAILEY curled a fantastic shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. Wonderful goal - although Eastwood barely deserved their victory, that goal was well worth the entry fee. F-T 4-3

Didn't stay for the presentations, it was too bloody cold - so a quick hot foot to the car and heater on full!!

Attendance ... not yet published

Thursday - Nottm Forest Ladies v Hucknall Rolls Ladies in the Notts F.A. Womens Cup final at Forest Town FC, kick off 7:30pm

Linby CW 0-4 Bilborough Pelican

2010-05-08T17:23:00.012+01:00

Saturday 8th May 2010 -- NSL Senior Division

More pics

Not been to Linby since the pre-season " Battle Of Church Lane" pre-season. This was not our original game of choice, but watching the Florists on the telly meant we had to find a very, very local game to make a 3pm kick off. I say "we" - Kev was busy with car repairs so couldn't make the game.

Linby have just parted company with their management team and for this game they fielded an under strength team - Linby secured their position in the Senior Division last week, and are now looking to get a new face at the helm. I spent the second half in the company of one of the hopefuls - he was only at the game because he had just been interviewed for the job. Can't name him - he is with another team at the moment and they still have games to play.

Not the best facilities, but adequate

Nice setting though

Managed to get the last parking place - right next to the gate.

Tony Boulton and David Udoh get the game under way

Got to the ground at 2:50pm and it was throwing it down. Just before kick off the rain stopped and the sun came out - and it was quite warm for a while! Brought out about a million gnats, but not for long though because the sun was quickly covered by rolling black clouds and the rain soon returned. Not much cover at Linby took so the trusty brolly pitchside, and it was needed!

Linby keeper Craig Lear made a couple of early saves, but his best were after 20 minutes had been played - two cracking point blank saves from David Udoh. Linby's first chance fell to right back Richard Pell on 25, but he blazed his effort into the side netting. From the goal-kick, the ball found TONY BOULTON just inside the box - he made no mistake slotting past Lear with ease. H-T 0-1

Went to the car at the break to get out of the biting wind - had a little time to ponder what Forest Town have let themselves in for next season. No gate, basic facilities, very ordinary officiating, poor standard of football -- and the game had to be stopped two minutes into the second half so some dog crap could be removed from the pitch. The CMFL might have it's knockers, but Linby used to play in the CMFL, and dropping into the NSL seems to have done nothing at all to improve the club....

Lear made another couple of good stops early in the second half - more point blank stuff, but on the hour mark he could do nothing as a fierce 16 yards DANNY BLANCHARD bullet flew past him into the net. 10 minutes later DANNY CHAPLIN prodded home from close range and as the rain got heavier near the end, IAN FOSS added the visitors fourth - tapping in from about a foot after the defenders had all stopped, expecting an offside flag that never materialised!! F-T 0-4

Admission - no gate

No programme

No nothing really......

H/C 25

Monday - Notts F.A. Senior Cup Final at Meadow Lane. Eastwood Tn v Redford Utd

Blidworth W Res 0-6 Belper Town Res

2010-05-07T22:05:00.003+01:00

Friday 7th May 2010 - CML Reserve Supreme Division

Five games on 5 consecutive weekdays !! First time ever! It has to be said though, that we have seen a few poor games this week, but this was a good 'un...

Belper Town Reserves were crowned League Champions after last weeks demolition of Forest Town Ressies, while Blidworth have ended the season bottom of the league. The difference in class was not noticable in the first half, but one class header from MICKY HARCOURT put the Nailers ahead on 39. Prior to the goal, Blid were unlucky when a snap shot crashed off the Belper crossbar, and Tom Pressman was alert enough to block the shot that came in from the rebound.

H-T 0-1

Classic moment 1) As the Blid team exited the ground for a half time cuppa, one of the subs was asked " which foot are you? " the reply from the player "any" the response "ok you're left back"... brill !

Blidworth kept their illustrious opponents at bay for the first 20 minutes of ther second period. Then they subbed a defender for the linesman ( club linesmen at this level), and Belper promptly added their second through TOM COOPER-RICHARDS, a neat side-foot that went under keeper Jason Fisher to nestle in the back of the net. Seconds later SAM JOHNSON ran through the Blid defence and hammered the ball past Fisher to make it 3-0. This goal showed the value of linesmen checking the net before kick-off. Obviously club linesmen don't perform this task, and only those with keen eyesight noticed the ball had entered the net before exiting through the side of the net....

SAM JOHNSON had a simple tap in on 75, and then with four to play former Eastwood player Rob Palin, who looked good through out the game, found the Belper no.14 with a pinpoint cross from the right and the sub calmly fired home. JOHNSON netted again in the last minute to complete his hat-trick. F-T 0-6

Classic moment 2) The linesman who was subbed calling to his team-mates " it was only 0-1 when I came off!" Magic!

You have to tip your hat to these players... where should they be on a Friday night? Playing a meaningless game in the pouring rain, in freezing temperatures, or in the pub with their mates?

Admission - collared by a certain Mr. Rob Hornby £2

Attendance -- H/C 25 ( more than were at Kimberley v Harworth !)

Saturday -- Linby CW v Bilborough Pelican

Kimberley Town 0-2 Harworth CI

2010-05-06T22:02:00.007+01:00

Thursday 6th May 2010 -- CML Supreme Division

The aim this week was to try and get a game a day......so far, so good - even if it has meant watching some poor matches. Apart from the Louth v Newark cup final on Monday the games have been poor. This was no exception - a dour game that never really took off.

Harworth scored a goal in each half - and had a penalty saved, but in all honesty they could have had 6 or 7 - only a combination of poor finishing and decent keeping kept the score respectable for Kimberley.

The first goal came on 35 - GARY SIDES flicking the ball over Lycett from 12 yards after the ball was played into the box. Ryan Paczkowski saw his weak penalty saved by Lycett in the 53rd minute - the striker had been brought down by the keeper who was lucky to only receive a yellow for the offence. DAVE REEVE netted again on 90, and thankfully the Referee added only a couple of minutes on - a quick race to the car to try and get warm -- it was another bitterly cold night and the football offered did nothing to warm us up. F-T 0-2

Admission £3
H/C 23

Friday - Blidworth Welfare Ressies v Belper Town Ressies

Saturday - change of plan -- we were due to go the Radcliffe Olympic, but with the Tricky Trees on t'telly we have opted for a game 5 minutes down the road -- Linby CW v Bilborough Pelican.

Calverton MW Res 1-2 South Normanton Res

2010-05-05T22:19:00.003+01:00

Wednesday 5th May 2010 -- CML Presidents Cup Final

Another trip to the Lido home of Clipstone Welfare for this cup final. My turn behind the wheel and wouldn't you know it, there were no parking places near to the ground. I had one look, then turned around for a second look, then had to drive back around the big roundabout before making my mind up to park on the grass verge some 50 yards up the road from the actual Stadium. I'll never live it down -- Kev ALWAYS poxes a place....always!

The game was nothing to write home about - Normo went ahead in the 24th minute when their no. 10 dribbled delightfully into the box before firing past the Calvo keeper. Calvo had a shot from their no. 7 crash off the bar on 26, then the same player volleyed just wide a few minutes later. H-T 0-1

South Normanton had the ball in the net again 3 minutes into the second half, this time the no. 7 slotting home at the far post after latching onto a superb ball in from the left. With just 5 to play, Calverton reduced the arrears when their 9 shirt fired past the keeper after a great run down the right from George Lutaaya. Normo were pegged back in their half for the remaining 6 minutes, but despite a few jittery moments they managed to hang on to their lead to become CML President's cup winners 2009-10. F-T 1-2

Spent the game in the company of "wanderer" Richard Lane - always a pleasure to watch a game with Richard - a proper non-league football fan ..

Admission £3

Programme £1

H/C 90+

Thursday - Kimberley Tn v Harworth CI

Basford United 1-2 Hucknall Rolls

2010-05-04T22:11:00.006+01:00

Tuesday 4th May 2010 -- NSL Cup 1/2 final

Played at Carlton Town's Bill Stokeld Stadium, this was a tale of bad tempers, bad officiating and some truly awful "supporters". I use the word "supporter" loosely - and I am sure Basford will want to distance themselves from one certain person. He was so unhappy at an offside decision that wiped out a goal that would have brought Basford back into the game at 2-1, that he climbed over the perimeter fencing and went eye-ball to eye-ball with the Assistant Referee who was perfectly positioned to make the ruling. We were behind the goal and the Basford no. 10 was clearly offside when he prodded the ball home. Just the keeper between him and the goal.

Not a moment for Basford or the NSL to be proud of and surely there will be repercussions. The Referee had a poor game, and never appeared to be in control. No team sheets and no idea who the Ref was, so I have no personal axe to grind. He will probably reflect on his performance and know he could have handled this game a lot better.

Basford started the game looking a decent attacking force with Richard Liburd looking good, but the Rolls back four were solid enough and were marshalled superbly by former Eastwood favourite Lee Soar. Despite all the pressure, Rolls took the lead against the run of play on 18 when their no. 9 shirt Andy Start, nipped in to lift the ball past the United keeper after it was deflected into his path. H-T 0-1

Basford almost levelled on 51, but their no. 9 was not so assured with his finishing, powering a header wide from only 6 yards out. Jonathan Wass fired home a cracking drive on 73 to make it 2-0 to Rolls and ease some nerves, but then came the controversy. The whole incident was somewhat unsavoury and culminated with the United no. 11 being given his marching orders. They were down to 10 men, but Basford did score with 5 to go ... a corner from the right headed onto the bar, and the no. 3 Tobias Richardson on hand to nod home the rebound. 4 minutes of added time were played before the Referee called time on this game. F-T 1-2

Admission:free

No programme, no team sheet.

H/C 40 +

Weds : Calverton MW Res v South Normo Res at Clipstone Welfare

Pics from Louth v Newark...

2010-05-03T21:35:00.001+01:00

Too many to upload here.

PHOTOBUCKET link

Louth Tn 4-4 Newark Tn (aet Newark 3-1 on penalties)

2010-05-03T18:25:00.013+01:00

Monday 3rd May 2010 -- CML Cup Final

Exhausted from just watching this, but you have to feel for Louth Town. The Supreme Division champions and Floodlight Cup winners could have done without extra time as they have another cup final at Glandford Park on Tuesday. If only they could have held on -- but it was not to be as Newark levelled right on full time.

This was a fabulous game played at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena, and although I took copious notes and over 80 pics, I don't think my ramblings can possibly do this game justice.

Louth line-up : Wherry, Trestrail, Appleby, Martin, Dalton, Reeson, Hyland, Armstrong, Watts, Hallam, Leverett. Subs Crossley, Smith, Wood

Newark : Lamb, Wade, Carty, O'Looney, Wilson, Trentini, Wilford S, Issott, Fraser, Greenfield, Ellison M. Subs Brooks, Turtle, Parsons

After the usual presentation and the customary National Anthem(!), the game kicked of in glorious sunshine, but it was a little deceptive because let me tell you, it was bloody cold.

Louth took the lead on 16 when CARL MARTIN dived to head home Leverett's free kick

Leverett's free-kick headed home by Martin

4 minutes later Leverett was again provider, sliding the ball into the 6 yard box where MIKE ARMSTRONG was wating to slot home. Newark came back strongly and in the 24th minute they were celebrating their first of the game - a cracking chip by CALLUM FRASER beating keeper Wherry.

Frazer levels for Newark

The scores were level on 37, Newark skipper SIMON GREENFIELD powering home a header from a free-kick. Louth had a great chance to go in leading at the break, but Watts effort crashed off the bar and Leverett hit the loose ball at goal, it was hacked off the line. H-T 2-2

Greenfield heads home for Newark to make it 2-2

Newark took the early initiative in the second half, and it looked like Ellison had scored on 47, but his shot had only rippled the side netting. Louth were back in front on 69 - and although KURT CROSSLEY fired home well from 18 yards, he appeared to have handled the ball when it was played to him from midfield.

Just as we were getting set to go home, Newark were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. The ball was fired into the 6 yard box where LUKE PARSONS rose to head home. F-T 3-3

Parsons heads home on 90 to make it 3-3

The game went into extra time, and Wilford almost gave Newark a dream start, but his terrific drive crashed off the upright with Wherry well beaten. Louth went ahead yet again a minute into the second period of extra-time, PAUL WATTS diving full-length to head home. Newark could have lost the will to live, but they didn't and they were awared a penalty in the114th minute that STEVE CARTY calmly fired past Wherry. F-T 4-4

Carty makes it 4-4 from the spot

Penalties it was, and the chance for someone to gain hero status..... Newark keeper Craig Lamb duly oblidged saving the first three Louth spot-kicks.

Kicks as follows:

Louth - Watts - saved

Newark - Carty - scored

Louth - Martin - saved

Newark - Brooks - scored

Louth - Armstrong - saved

Newark - Greenfield - saved

Louth - Smith - scored

Newark - Wilson - scored

Wilson hits the winning penalty - Newark win 3-1 on pens

Greenfield lifts the cup....

Excellent game, but who ordered the bloody weather? It was freezing!!!

Admission £4

Programme £2

Attendance 194

Kirkby Town 0-2 Forest Town

2010-05-01T17:49:00.026+01:00

Saturday 1st May 2010 -- CML Supreme Division

Thursday saw both of us waxing lyrical about a minor cup game, then we get this! Under strength teams who are just playing out the season - Kirkby only had one sub, and although Forest Town named two, they were both suffering from injuries!

Kirkby : Whittingham, Leversidge, Thorpe, Walters, Simpson, Taylor, Collier, Hollingsworth, Prentice, Watson N, Watson B. ( Rowley).

Forest Town: Johnson, Castledine, Gregory, Sondhi, Elliott, Holmes, Burgess, Starbuck, McDonald ( Woodcock), Croucher, Mackay. Sub not used: Tighe

Johnson gifted the ball to Nathan Watson on 8, but striker failed to take advantage and blazed wide of the target. In the 11th minute Croucher did well to find McDonald 12 yards from goal, but again the effort flew wide.

McDonald fires wide

Watson managed to get his head to a Hollingsworth cross on 38, but his header failed to trouble Johnson in the Foggo goal. H-T 0-0 -- it was something of a relief to leave the ground to get a cuppa.

Second half had to be better and it was, although not much!

Kirkby no. 4 "Butch" Walters had a great chance to break the deadlock, racing in one-on-one with Johnson in the 49th minute, but the keeper advanced and blocked well. Sondhi had a try from 18 yards soon after, but the effort was tame and didn't overly trouble Whittingham in the home goal. Elliott volleyed over from Castledine's cross on 51 as Forest Town gradually took control of the game.

Hollingsworth's free-kick after 55 was met well in the area by Nat Watson, but again the effort was off target. On the hour mark, Foggo defender Ryan Gregory ran more or less the full length of the pitch before toe-poking a shot just over.

Watson goes close

The visitors pressure paid off in the 79th minute when DOMONIC ELLIOTT fired home from 15 yards after latching onto a ball in from the left.

Elliott celebrates after opening the scoring

With one minute to go, Mackay was upended in the box, and Referee Mr. James Bateman duly pointed to the spot. GARY CASTLEDINE stepped up and slotted home, making the points safe. F-T 0-2

By this time it was starting to rain a little, but halfway home it chucked it down - hail, rain etc .....but when we got back to Hucknall, no trace of any precipitation at all.....strange........

Admission £3

Programme £2

Raffle £1 ( I assume I didn't win!)

Tea £0.75 - a large styrofoam cup that received a big thumbs up from Kev.

H/C 40

Saturday 1st May - local non-league results

2010-04-30T06:45:00.006+01:00

NP1S play-off
Chasetown 1-0 Glapwell

NCELP
Long Eaton United 2-0 Bridlington Town
Scarborough Athletic 5-1 Arnold Town

EMCL
Borrowash Victoria 0-2 Gresley FC
Gedling MW 1-1 Barrow Town
Gedling Town 2-2 Ellistown
Greenwood Meadows 0-1 Graham St. Prims
Hinckley Downes 4-2 Heanor Town
Radcliffe Olympic 1-2 Dunkirk (champions)

CMLS
Grantham Rangers 0-1Blidworth W
Harworth CI 3-3 Clipstone W
Kirkby Town 0-2 Forest Town
Newark Town 4-0 Nettleham
Ollerton Town 2-1 Kimberley Town
Pinxton FC 2-2 Kinsley Boys
Southwell City 4-3 Westella & Willerby
Sutton Town AFC 4-3 Parramore Sports

CMLP
Dronfield 2-0 South Normanton Athletic
Yorkshire Main 3-0 Bulwell Town

Carlton Tn Academy 5-4 Coronation FC

2010-04-29T21:43:00.012+01:00

Thursday 29th April 2010 -- Notts F.A. Saturday Minor Cup Final

Played at the Watnall Road home of Hucknall Town - Carlton Town Academy have finished mid-table in the NSL 2nd Division, while Coronation FC from Kirkby were recently crownded champions of M.A.A 1st Division. The teams had scored 194 goal collectively this season ( 111 to Coronation and 83 to Carlton), so this never looked like being a 0-0 draw!

Arrived at the ground in the middle of a tropical downpour, and the first person I spoke to was good friend and ex-Hucknall Town boss Danny Bryant. He was at Watnall Road to hand over his mobile phone and keys to the Town Chairman Dave Gamble. The next person I met up with was Kev... he had been enjoying a late dinner, so arrived a few seconds after the kick off.

Carlton went ahead in the 7th minute - no. 11 TOM HUBBARD beating Coro keeper Luke Maloney to the ball and firing home. 90 seconds later ROSS MARRIOTT added the Millers' second, cutting in from the right before lashing the ball across Maloney and into the net. This was real end to end stuff - Carlton hanging on to their lead and Coronation pressing hard to get back into the game.

The young Carlton lads held out until the 30th minute when Alex Wright tried a speculative drive from 15 yards that was going well wide until JOE PARKER stuck a leg out and diverted the ball past Hadlee Dunn in the Town goal. 10 minutes later it was all square - this time Parker the provider, keeping the ball live at the far post before palying a neat reverse pass to JAMES WHITMORE who calmly drilled home from 12 yards. H-T 2-2 Breathless first half - action packed and leaving us wanting more. Had a chat with Fredkirkbytown - will meet him again on Saturday as we visit the Summit Centre to see Kirby Town entertain Forest Town.

Coronation started the second half as they finished the first, pressing forward straight from the restart. They had to thank their opposition though for handing them the lead on 56. A ball through the middle was chased down by Whitmore - and when Carlton centre-half Josh Stones went to pass the ball back to Dunn, he found his keeper was only a couple of yards away from him!! Dunn had charged out of his area to clear and the defenders pass flew past him leaving Whitmore with an open goal - he duly hit the post - but fortunately JOE PARKER had followed his run and had a simple tap in.

ROSS MARRIOTT produced a spectacular 20 yard volley on 74 that looped over Maloney to level the scores, but they weren't level for too long. Alex Wright "won" a penalty on 77 that JOE PARKER put away superbly to complete his hat-trick.

Agian, Coronation failed to hold on - and Carlton sub JOSE ALFONSO hit another belting volley past Maloney to make it 4-4. With a couple of minutes to play, Carlton went for the winner, and after a sustained period of pressure it was fitting that their skipper JOSH HENRY grabbed what proved to be the decider - crashing the ball through a crowded area after the Coro defence failed to clear a corner. F-T 5-4

What a gem of a game -- well done to both sets of players -- 90 minutes of football at Watnall Road that we enjoyed from start to finish.

Carlton starting eleven :

Dunn, Henry, Crisp, Wilkinson, Stones, Earnshaw, Marriott, Randall, Longdon, Bartlett, Hubbard

Coronation starting eleven :

Maloney, Hogg, Golding L, Marsh, Taylor, Bottomore, Golding S, Wright, Whitmore, Parker, Golding J.

Admission £2 ( inc leaflet)

Attendance H/C well over 100

Saturday - Kirkby Town v Forest Town

End of season draws nigh...

2010-04-28T07:51:00.005+01:00

....and I reckon some teams can't wait!

Saturday 24th April -- NCEL Premier
Scarborough Athletic 13 -0 Brodsworth Welfare

Tuesday 27th April -- CML Reserve Supreme Div
Mickleover Sports Reserves 15-0 Shirebrook Town Reserves

Proper thrashings - but you have to feel for the Brodsworth and Shirebrook players.....

Gedling Southbank 0-1 Retford Town

2010-04-27T22:09:00.011+01:00

Tuesday 27th April -- Notts F.A. Intermediate Challenge Cup Final

Having seen nothing of either of these teams prior to this game we were unsure what to expect. Gedling were favourites apparently and to be fair they had enough chances to win this game over and over again. Only some last ditch defending and hacks off the line kept Town in the game.

Not a bad game on the whole, but it was more a gathering of the great and the good - or not so good in some cases!! Cast list : Brian Reece, Vice Chairman of Rainworth MW FC - I mentioned that the pen he gave me the other season was out of ink, and "hey presto" a brand new one is now in my proud posession! Rob "the66pow" Waite was on hand to support Retford. Adam " the Mind Of An Imp" also present - first time we have seen Adam this season, I think?

Gordon Foster, Rainworth's announcer, reporter, programme editor - always a pleasure to see Gordon at work. Mark Connor, formerly manager of Greenwood Meadows and before that Gedling Southbank. Mike Kilby and John Waterall ( Notts F.A.) both had a few words before the game.

Peter Craggs, press officer at Forest Town - on hand to watch son Pete run a line. Stayed with Pete for most of the game - always worth listening to what he has to say - talks a lot of sense. Rob Townsend was 4th official, but never got a chance to speak to him.

So a cast of many and the players gave a good performance - the only goal slid in at the far post by DANIEL LAW on 31 minutes. More a social evening than a serious blog night - more of the same please on Thursday at Hucknall Town's Watnall Road ground - Carlton Tn Academy take on Coronation in the Notts F.A. Minor Cup final.

One sad note - two GSB players were badly injured during the game : from NSL forum " GSB suffered a cup final defeat this evening losing out 0-1 to Retford Town. In a game that GSB dominated, but just couldn't put their chances away. More importantly GSB suffered more injury woes, after Terry Guerbaouy dislocated his ankle and Nicky Labbate badly broke his right arm. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to both lads " As do ours.

Danny Bryant relieved of duties

2010-04-27T17:50:00.008+01:00

Hucknall Town have told Danny Bryant that he will not be in charge of the club next season.

I suppose that with the recent string of results that this was inevitable. Previous Hucknall boss Bryan Chambers left the club because he was threatened with legal action for revealing details of the club's financial turmoil to the press. Danny Bryant was Chambers' assistant at the time and he was asked to step in until the end of the season.

A section of the Hucknall Town faithful have been unhappy with the teams recent form - to the extent that Danny's car was vandalised in the club carpark after the Bradford game at the weekend.

Link to local paper

I know nothing of the club's finances, but having to let players like T.J. Nightingale, Luke Shiels and Lee Whittington leave must have been for financial reasons. You would try very hard to keep this calibre of player.

The replacements for these departed players were drawn from the local CML / EMCL and although capable in their own right, the UniBond for some, may have been a step too far, too soon.

I am sure Danny will be back in local football soon - both Kev and I wish him all the best.

Stags 3-3 Kidderminster Harriers

2010-04-24T18:21:00.017+01:00

Saturday 24th April 2010 -- BSP

Jake Speight 3 Kiddy Harriers 0

Ooops....

Ooops......

Oh f***

Just about sums up the season....started off ok then screwed it up big-time. A poor first half between two teams with nothing to do but play another 90 minutes before jetting off to Marbella, or wherever the fashionable holday destination is now.

Kiddy looked a decent passing team first half - until they got to the 18 yard box, then they ran out of ideas. Stags were quite content to absorb the pressure and play on the counter. JAKE SPEIGHT grabbed his first of three on 17, latching onto a pass from Gary Mills before firing high across Dean Coleman in the Harriers net. SPEIGHT'S second followed 7 minutes later - this time all his own work - the striker running into the box and slotting home. Seconds before the break, Duffy's flick was helped goalwards by SPEIGHT and although Coleman appeared to have stopped the shot, he somehow let the ball squirm from his grasp and into the net. H-T 3-0

The Stags conceded on 50, a BYRNE heading home after being left unmarked in the area. 3 minutes later KNIGHTS hit a great drive that Marriott never saw. On 73, McPhee unleashed a volley from 25 yards that flew into the top corner. F-T 3-3 Full report in Mansfield Chad

McPhee with arm raised watches the ball fly into the top corner

Main hightlight for me was the eyeful I got in the car-park before we walked to the Mill -- the lady in question needs to be more careful when bending forward -- mind you, she made this old bugger happy!!

Jake Speight - hat-trick before half-time

Admission ; season ticket

Attendance 2734 (144)

What made this even worse? All six goals were scored in the North Stand goal.....well over 100 yards from where we sit. These old, myopic eyes ( even with me specs on) can barely see that far..!!

Anyway, thank goodness that the season ticket ordeal is now over - seemed a really good idea at the time, and I love going to Field Mill, but pre-seaon what was a time of real optimism qucikly turned into Mr. Holdsworth bringing in all sorts of no-hopers and other clubs' rejects.. and ending up playing over 30 different players over the season.

Time for us to concentrate on the myriad non-league cup finals coming up.

Tuesday :Gedling Southbank v Retford Town at Rainworth MW ko 7:30pm

Saturday 24th April -- local non-league results

2010-04-23T17:25:00.008+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Town 3-3 Kidderminster Harriers ( 3-0 and they mucked it up)

BSN
Eastwood Town 0-3 Southport ( 1,147 see Southport crowned champions)

NPP
Hucknall Town 0-5 Bradford Park Avenue
Worksop Town 0-1 Kendal

NP1S
Belper Town 3-0 Cammell Laird
Brigg Town 2-4 Glapwell
Willenhall 0-1 Carlton Town

NCELP
Hall Road Rangers 3-0 Arnold Town
Long Eaton United 1-2 Liversedge
Rainworth MW 4-1 Dinnington Town

NCEL1
Teversal 4-1 Askern Villa

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 0-1 Gedling Town
Barrow Town 1-5 Borrowash Victoria
Dunkirk 5-0 Graham St. Prims
Greenwood Meadows 1-3 Gresley FC
Heanor Town 1-1 Radcliffe Olympic
Hinckley Downes 3-2 Radford
St. Andrews 2-1 Blackwell MW

CMLS
Calverton MW 0-2 Harworth CI
Grantham Rangers 2-2 Clipstone W
Ollerton Town 2-1 Forest Town
Westella and Willerby 2-0 Kimberley Town

CMLP
Bulwell Town 2-0 Thoresby CW
Welbeck W p-p South Normanton Athletic

Plumtree 1-4 Vine Inn United

2010-04-22T22:08:00.008+01:00

Thursday 22nd April 2010 -- Notts F.A. Sunday Minor Cup Final

Another Notts F.A. Cup final, and as it turned out, a decent game in front of a decent turn out -- not bad for Sunday Footie. Plumtree play in EMPAL Division 3 - Vine Inn United are members of the Gainsborough Sunday Football League Divison 2.

Vine Inn took the lead on 34 after poor defending by Plumtree gave no. 12 shirt Daryl Hewitt space to run at goal and tap the ball past the keeper. Five minutes later Hewitt created the second goal for Vine, turning his marker before finding top scorer Daniel House in the box - the Vine hitman made no mistake from 10 yards. H-T 0-2

The second half was played at a little slower pace than the first - the Plumtree lads looked knackered and hardly troubled the Vine defence. It was the Gainsborough side that showed more going forward and House grabbed their third after 78 minutes. This was quickly followed by Hewitt's second, a simple near post header. Plumtree managed to plunder a goal from close range right at the death, but it finished 4-1 to Vine.

Special mention for Referee Mr. Harry Hawkins ... did really well handling this game. Harry is only 17 and not the biggest of Referees you will see, but he controlled this superbly was never far away from where the action was taking place. Definately one for the future.

Admission £2

H/C over 100

Kev managed to grab THE prime parking spot.... just inside the gates of the ground -- meant we were first out again and home before 10pm - magic!

Worksop Town 0-1 Burscough

2010-04-21T22:18:00.007+01:00

Wednesday 21st April - UniBond Premier Division

Met Brian Dennett, met Rob Waite and his better half. Had a natter about this and that .....saw Worksop sub Kevin Sanasy hit the bar on 76 and also saw Burscoughs Craig Mahon slot home the winner on 92. I took a few pics, but they were all rubbish.

Came home.

Admission £8
Attendance 131

You have to feel for the reporter from the Worksop Guardian - he has to write a full page report about this game.....poor sod!

Thursday - off to see some Sunday football !! Plumtree and Vine Inn United go head to head in the Notts F.A. Sunday Minor Cup final at Clipstone Welfare.

Tuesday 20th April - local non-league results

2010-04-21T09:53:00.003+01:00

BSN
Eastwood Town 0-3 Ilkeston Town

NPP
Ossett Town 2-2 Hucknall Town

NP1S
Glapwell 3-1 Loughborough Dynamo

DERBYSHIRE F.A. SENIOR CUP FINAL
Matlock Town 2-0 Belper Town

NCELP
Rainworth MW 3-0 Scarborough Athletic

NCEL PRESIDENTS CUP FINAL
Arnold Town 1-3 Winterton Rangers

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 0-3 Barrow Town
Ellistown 0-4 Gedling Town
Graham St Prims 0-5 Gresley FC
Gedling MW 0-1 Radcliffe Olympic
Holwell Sports 0-2 Dunkirk

Gedling MW 0-1 Radcliffe Olympic

2010-04-20T22:15:00.013+01:00

Tuesday 20th April 2010 -- EMCL

So endeth our recent goal glut... just the one tonight, and that was from the penalty spot. It's always a pleasure to visit Plains Road, and being offered a hot drink from hospitality made it even better. Team sheets are always welcome, and Gedling produce a colour version - this along with the excellent programme, highlight the level of work put in at Plains Road to ensure your visit is enjoyable. On the playing side, the Welfare have been struggling of late, but should be ok for a top ten finish. Remaining fixtures do not look too intimidating - Barrow at home, St. Andrews and Graham Street Prims away.

Radcliffe have had a superb 1st season in the EMCL, currently lying fifth in the table - remarkable when it seems that quite a lot of their players lining up for this game were at the club in the CML last season. A case of "if it's not broke, dont' mend it" ?

Alex Haughton is a tall, sppedy winger and in the 7th minute he flew down the left flank leaving all in his wake, before crossing to Craig Anderson who hit a powerful drive the was well saved by Lance Walker in the Welfare goal.

Gedling's first chance came 3 minutes later, a Ramadam header deflected for a corner. Nothing came from the set-piece, but the clearance to Haughton saw the winger force a corner at the other end. From the kick, Anderson did well to pick out Massingam, but the hit-mans powerful shot flew just over the bar. In the 14th minute, Massingam was put through on goal only to be hacked down by just outside the box by Walker. The keeper was duly booked, but on another day and with a different Referee he could so easily have walked.

Massingham fired wide on 26 as the visitors conitues to apply pressure, and 5 minutes later the striker was tripped in the box. Strange one this -- from where we were sitting it looked a penalty, but Referee Mr. P. Dixon waved the Radcliffe appeals away, and actually appeared to be going for a card to book Massingham for "simulation"! Common sense eventually ruled when Mr. Dixon noticed that his Assistant on this side had flagged for the penalty, which skipper CRAIG ANDERSON duly despatched.

Well it was a fair distance away, and it was getting dark..

Chris Ison fired over as Gedling tried to get back into the game, but they were leaving room at the back and Carl Westcarr almost made them pay just before the break - his shot crashing against the post after being deflected by the keeper. H-T 0-1

Bumped into blog maestro "Sticky Palms" at half-time. Both "On The Road" and "The Groundhopper" blog were featured in the match programme . "The Grounhopper" is aways a good read, and as we have not seen Nick this season, it was nice to have a bit of a chat about this and that....

Kev opted for a tea at the break, and gave it a big thumbs up. Leaving the warmth of the Welfare club-house was a bit of a wrench - it was a bitterly cold night, and in some ways I am pleased the second half was somewhat uninspring - this meant that the trusty note pad could stay in my pocket along with my hands!!

Gedling had a decent chance to level on 68, but Ison dragged his shot just wide. Radcliffe could have, and should have put the game safe in the 82nd minute, but sub Matt Turner somehow contrived to propel Massingham's inch perfect cross over the goal and over the retaining fencing at the back of the goal - Kev's remark summed the effort up fairly well "two yards out and 20 yards over"!!

Soon after, Hawkes also missed from two yards out, but these misses were not to prove costly - the Referee ending proceedings after three minutes of added time. F-T 0-1

Back to the car, heating on full -- and had Colin Slater on the radio adding to the hot-air - he goes on and on about Notts Count-eh, and although he jangles the nerves, always interupting his guests and spouting about Le-use and his gurls - you just have to listen in case you miss the one occasion that he comes up with someting interesting......... ( oops -- my Stags head took over there - sorry!)

Admission £4

Tea £0.60

Programme £1.50

Attendance 64

MOM Craig Anderson

Other EMCL results

Anstey Nomads 0-3 Barrow Town

Ellistown 0-4 Gedling Town

Graham St Prims 0-5 Gresley FC

Holwell Sports 0-2 Dunkirk

Seem the title is Dunkirk's to throw away....

League table

Weds -- Worksop Tn v Burscough

Calverton MW U19 2-3 Long Eaton Utd U19

2010-04-19T22:10:00.008+01:00

Monday 19th April 2010 - North Midlands U19's Football League Div 2

Always a pleasure to watch U19 football -- played by honest players, most with a desire to learn the game. It is to be hoped that Referee Mr. Townsend enjoyed this game as much as I did ... it was a treat to watch and although Long Eaton edged it, a draw would probably have been a fair result.

Calverton had the first 10 minutes or so and it looked like United hadn't played together before. When their manager reminded them before the kick off that they need to remember that they were playing in yellow, I thought he was joking!

The visitors did get their game together after 15 minutes or so, and after taking the upper hand, deservedly went ahead on 23 through the no.8 shirt.

This is an age for learning and United will have to learn that they cannot switch off when they go in front ... they did and were punished 6 minutes later when the Calvo no.9 rounded the keeper after being played in by no. 3 shirt "Dobbo".

Right on half-time United went back in front when their 7 jacket fired home a low 18 yard drive through a ruck of players with the keeper unsighted. H-T 1-2

Unfortunately Mr. Townsend had occasion to caution three players in quick succession in the second half, one for a tackle from behind, the other two for having a bit of a confrontation. Still, the lads got on with the game after Rob had taken the necessary action and had calmed them down.

Calverton were pressing for an equaliser, but they left too much room at the back and when the Long Eaton no. 8 played the ball into the box on 82, the no. 6 chipped delicately over the Calvo keeper.

All over? Not on your Nelly. Calverton kept looking to score and they did manage a second on 90, but with just one minute of added time there was to be no dramatic come-back. F-T 2-3

Thouroughly enjoyable game - this is the third Calverton U19 game I've been to this season, and they have lost the lot, although not for the want of trying, it has to be said.

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C 32 --- that's 8 more than were at our game on Saturday!

Tuesday - Gedling MW v Radcliffe Olympic

Nottinghamshire F.A. - Upcoming County Cup finals

2010-04-18T11:24:00.008+01:00

Sometimes get a little confusing around April/May to pinpoint the Notts F.A. County Cup finals.

In date order :

Thursday 22nd April / Sunday Minor -- Plumtree v Vine Inn Utd at Clipstone W ko 7:30pm

Tuesday 27th April / Saturday Intermediate -- Gedling Southbank v Retford Town at Rainworth MW ko 7:30pm

Thursday 29th April / Saturday Minor -- Carlton Tn Acad v Coronation at Hucknall Town ko 7:30pm

Wednesday 5th May / Sunday Junior -- Arnold Cross Keys v Punjab Colts at Carlton Town ko 7:30pm

Monday 10th May / Saturday Senior -- Eastwood Town v Retford United at Notts County ko 7:30pm

Tuesday 11th May / Saturday Junior -- Awsworth Villa Res v Burton Joyce (Sat) at Dunkirk FC ko 7:30pm

Thursday 13th May / Womens County Cup -- Nottm Forest Ladies v Hucknall RR at Forest Town FC ko 7:30pm

Greenwood Meadows 5-3 Ellistown

2010-04-17T17:57:00.035+01:00

Saturday 17th April 2010 -- EMCL

A glorious sunny day and a feast of goals served up by the teams - just a pity that Greenwood cannot raise their profile and attract a few more through the turnstile. Just 24 paying customers at this game.

We arrived at the ground a little early, so nipped next door to Pelican to catch a few minutes of a youth game that was taking place there. Saw a fantastic fre-kick from one of the kids, curled into the net from 20 yards....good start to the days proceedings!

Rob Townsend was in the middle for this game, and as a Referee, they don't come much better. Again, it's just a pity that there were so few present to see Rob in action, because he is one of the more knowledgeable and sensible Referees we have come across on our travels.

Rob Townsend in a hurry!!

Rob's first action though, after leading the teams onto the pitch, was to run back to the changing rooms. Rob, we know why you went back, but that will stay between us.. !!

Ellistown looked to have the bare 11 players, while Meadows had gaffer Nev Silcock on the bench to make up their numbers.

Greenwood line-up: Colton, Branson, Harrison, Pollard, Walker, Stephens, Francis, Robinson, Bignall, Atkins, Durrant. Subs: Meakin, Blair, Silcock

Ellistown line-up not known.

Greenwood should have gone ahead in the third minute, but Atkins headed straight into keeper Paul Madely's arms with the goal at his mercy. It was the visitors, though, who opened the scoring on 11. A corner from the left headed powerfully home by RICH LEWIS. It was almost 2-0 seconds later - Rory Francis gave the ball away, and the Ellistown no. 10 shirt tried an effort from 45 yards that only just crept over the bar.

Rich Lewis rises to head Ellistown in front

Close, but no cigar!

On 21, Atkins again had a great chance to level the scores, but Madeley again saved when the striker tried to clip the ball past him.

Atkins foiled

In the 24th minute, PHIL BIGNALL made no mistake when he was played in - the big man delicately lobbing Madeley from 16 yards to level the scores.

Bignall watches as the ball heads towards goal

10 minutes later the home team were ahead, Rory Francis firing a shot from the left that somehow rolled under Madeley at his near post.

Francis is congratulated after scoring

It was 3-1 with one minute to go before the break, KRISTIAN STEPHENS this time lifting the ball over Madeley after successfully beating the Ellistown offside trap. H-T 3-1

Kristian Stephens

Meadows set off right from the start of the second period looking to extend their lead, and Bignall was unlucky to see his shot blocked by the keeper after he latched onto a superb through ball from Craig Meakin. Nat Robinson hit a fierce drive wide on 56, then Meakin played in Francis who found Bignall at the far post - unfortunately for the home team, the striker's effort was well off target.

On 70, Colton did well to beat Ellistown's giant to the ball as the away team attempted to force their way back into the game, but when the ball was played out of defence, Bignall oicked out CHRIS ATKINS who sold his marker a dummy before slotting past Madeley.

Colton holds on well

Ellistown found a way through the Greenwood defence after 83, RICH LEWIS finding space to drill past Colton. Straight from the restart, the visitors won a free-kick and even though the ball hit the bar, it was quite clearly called indirect by Mr. Townsend and would not have counted even if it had been slighly lower.

Lewis fires past Colton to make it 4-2

Free-kick crashes off the bar

With just a couple of minutes to play, PHIL BIGNALL found himself all alone at the far post and when the ball was played to him, he cracked a stunning right foot shot into the net. The scoring was not over though, as TOM HIATT rose well to head home a corner from the right. F-T 5-3

Tom Hiatt ( no.5) heads Ellistown's third

Great entertainment for £4.00. We've been marvelling this week at the quantity of goals scored -- and how strange that Tuesday it was 5, Thursday it was 6, Friday it was 7 and Saturday we had 8.....26 goals in 4 games - magic!

Lenton Lane is slightly off the beaten track, the players ought to be playing in larger crowds than 24. Come on you greens!

Admission £4
Programme £0.50
Attendance 24

Monday - off to see Calverton U19 v Long Eaton U19

Saturday 20th April 2010 - local results

2010-04-17T10:02:00.006+01:00

BSP
Oxford United 2-0 Mansfield Town

BSN
Stalybridge Celtic 1-0 Eastwood Town

NPP
Nantwich Town 4-1 Hucknall Town
North Ferriby United 1-0 Worksop Town

NP1S
Carlton Town 5-3 Market Drayton Town
Glapwell 1-0 Willenhall
Loughborough Dynamo 2-1 Belper Town

NCELP
Arnold Town 4-1 Hallam
Nostell MW 0-4 Rainworth MW
Shirebrook Town 0-4 Long Eaton United

NCEL1
Teversal 3-3 Glasshoughton W

EMCL
Bardon Hill Sports 1-5 Dunkirk
Barrow Town p-p Gedling Town
Blackwell MW 1-1 Borrowash Victoria
Gedling MW 2-0 Anstey Nomads
Graham St Prims 1-5 Heanor Town
Greenwood Meadows 5-3 Ellistown
Radcliffe Olympic 5-0 Hinckley Downes
Radford 1-4 Gresley

CML Cup 1/4 final
Kirkby Town 1-4 Calverton Town

CMLS
Forest Town 2-0 Kinsley Boys
Harworth CI 4-0 Grantham Rangers
Newark Town 4-1 Pinxton
Southwell City 0-6 Clipstone W
Sutton Tn AFC 3-1 Kimberley Town

CMLP
Bulwell Town 1-2 Easington United
South Normanton Athletic 0-3 Kiveton Park

AFC South Wingfield 4-3 FC Welfare 1925

2010-04-16T22:07:00.015+01:00

Friday 16th April 2010 -- Dick Windle Shield Final

Friday night footy again - an obscure Sunday League Final played at South Normanton Athletics Exchem ground. We had no idea of the standard of football we could expect, but knew that it would be a fairly decent game between unbeated Div 2 side FC Welfare 1925 from Heanor, and Div 1 outfit AFC South Wingfield 93.

Started out as a lovely, balmy spring evening but we were glad of the big coats as the night wore on. There were plenty of lads wearing just T-shirts, but as the beer flowed, they seemed insensitive to the plummeting temperature!! Very impressed with what Mr. Phill Bailey and friends have done with the Exchem ground - it looks a picture. South Wingfield took to the pitch in yellow shirts with black bands, while Welfare wore a more traditional red / black strip.

Wingfield opened the scoring on 10 when Welfare full back Liam Bagguley made a hash of clearing the ball, allowing gangly 6 ft + striker JAY MILES to control the ball and fire past keeper Liam Coupland. Not much happened in the rest of the half, and no notes were taken. H-T 1-0

Jay Miles opens the scoring for Wingfield

Welfare came out looking to level from the off, and their constant pressure paid off in the 57th minute when no. 9 MATT HUNT rolled home after a defender muffed his clearance. The teams tried hard to find another goal, but even though Referee Tim Walker added on 9 minutes of stoppage time, we were to face the dreaded extra-time. F-T 1-1

3 goal Matt Hunt ( no. 9)

4 goal Jay Miles

Now - we were contemplating leaving at this point, but decided that we may as well see the game out - and are we pleased we did! JAY MILES scored his second just four minutes into the 1st period of extra-time. After being released down the left, he cut in and fired a cracking right foot drive across Coupland that flew into the net before the keeper could react.

Two minutes from the break, MATT HUNT volleyed home from close range to bring the scores level. Seconds later MILES completed his hat-trick, this time a powerful header from just inside the 6 yard box. I have to mention the cross in from the right - it was perfect... right height, right weight, right place - excellent. The no. 14 shirt crossed the ball, unfortunately I didn't get his name. H-T ET 3-2

MILES added his and Wingfield's fourth goal with 5 to go - capitalising on an error by keeper Coupland and rolling the ball home. Coupland is usually a battling midfield player, but has been keeping for the past few Welfare games - he did ok, but did make one or two unforced errors - the last one punished big-time by Miles.

Still one more goal to come and yet another hat-trick! MATT HUNT heading home with what turned out to be the last action of the game. F-T ET 4-3

Not a bad standard overall, and the extra-time itself was worth the £3 entrance fee.....

Admission £3 - included programme with lucky number..

Attendance -- too many to count, but we reckon there were well over 200 present.

Saturday - Greenwood Meadows v Ellistown

FC Welfare 1925 v AFC South Wingfield

2010-04-16T06:37:00.003+01:00

16th April -- Another Friday night out!!

Alfreton Insurance Services Sunday League

This is the Dick Windle Cup final. To be played between AFC South Wingfield who are currently 2nd in Division one, and FC Welfare 1925 who, having played 13 and won 13, are top of division 2.

Div 1

Div 2

Venue : Exchem ground, South Normanton - kick off 7:15pm

Kimberley Town 2-4 Kirkby Town

2010-04-15T22:05:00.012+01:00

Thursday 15th April 2010 -- CML Supreme Division

Updating this blog is now getting tedious! Games every night more or less, and staying up till stupid o'clock to keep this up to date is getting to be less than enjoyable. But on the road again, but this time only a couple of miles up the road to the Stag Ground in Kimberley

Met up with Brian Dennett, Richard Lane and Fredkirkbytown, and as is becoming the norm lately, the banter was better than the game

The first half was a very scrappy affair, but the pitch played a big part in that -- plenty of grass on it, but it must be one of the bobbliest playing surfaces around. Kimberley went ahead through RUDGE on 38 - a simple close range tap in after keeper Whittingham had failed to hold onto a powerful drive from the egde of the box. H-T 1-0

With the second half just a minute old, Kirkby front man Sam Bailey was held down in the box, and the Ref duly awarded a spot-kick. BAILEY calmly slotted the ball to the left of keeper Lycett to bring the scores level. They weren't level for long though because on 53, BAILEY tried his luck from 18 yards and peeled away in delight as the ball squirmed under Lycett's ample frame to nestle in the back of the net. 2-1 became 2-2 seconds later - RUDGE again on the mark, this time carrying the ball into the box before firing past Whittingham from an acute angle.

Those three goals were all scored while Kev was on the phone - and as soon as he finished his call, the goals dried up. Thankfully not for too long though - on 65, MARC "BUTCH" WALTERS slid home from a yard out to put the visitors back in front after Kimberley had failed to clear their lines .

The icing on the cake was the Kirkby fourth goal in the final minute of the game, scored by BAILEY, completing his hat-trick. Another penalty, after McParland was brought down in the box as he raced towards the goal. Straight red for the Kimberley no. 14 shirt. The penalty took me back to the Millenium Stadium - Stags v Huddersfield 2003-04 -- Liam Lawrence chipping against the bar from the spot....arrrggghhhhh!!!!

I mentioned earlier the ample frame of the home keeper - I should have mentioned that he is over 6ft tall as well. Bailey aimed the ball just under the bar and just over his hands to complete his triple, receiving well deserved applause from the few hardy souls who braved the chilly evening F-T 2-4

Admission £3
Attendance h/c 32 ( Fred)

Friday -- a trip into unknown territory as FC Welfare 1925 take on South Wingfield FC in some cup final or other.....

Stags 3-2 Rushden and Diamonds

2010-04-13T22:29:00.008+01:00

Tuesday 13th April 2010 -- BSP -- tales of the scarf kiss, the 5 goal thriller and the last gasp penalty.......

THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!

Not been feeling too well of late, so needed cheering up a bit......but for most of the first half it was the Mansfield go slow show again..it was a fairly tedious first half - and got even worse when Stags old boy AARON O'CONNOR gave the visitors the lead on 15 with a superb drive from the edge of the box that left Marriott for dead. Busy sending and receiving texts from the66pow bliddy blogger Rob Waite.. not realising the be-scarved one was actually in the same stand as we were. There were plenty of empty seats around us, but I never spotted him. H-T 0-1

A few seats spare!!

Anyway, met up with Rob during the break and he was a little worried that someone had been stalking him and wanted to get a bit closer than is healthy...... (more of that later)

Back to our seats for the second half and straight away the Stags began attacking - causing former Eastwood Town keeper Dale Roberts a few problems. Roberts was actually at fault for the Stags leveller on 48, failing to clear and allowing Kyle Perry to square to JAKE SPEIGHT who rifled home from 18 yards. SAM SMITH put Rushden ahead in the 72nd minute, firing home after leaving Scott Garner in his wake. It was all square after 77. When Stags keeper Alan Marriott lumped the ball upfield after a Stags attack had broken down and the ball had been passed back to him, JAKE SPEIGHT got the better of his marker before calmly hoisting the ball over Roberts and into the net.

Rushden's former Stags striker Jefferson Louis was sent off for two yellows, but try as they might, the Stags failed to capitalise -- until (dah-dah-daaaahhh) Kyle Nix "won" a penalty in the final minute! After missing two on Saturday, we feared the worst, but up stepped ROB DUFFY to gently roll the ball into the corner and seal the points for the Stags. F-T 3-2

Caught up with Rob on the way out of the ground, and he told us that he failed to hold off the stalker and he had been got at -- the"lady" having actually grabbed him and planted a smacker on the scarf that was covering his face. I reckon Rob will save that scarf for ever - and look upon it wistfully whenever the world seems a bad place and remember that kiss.... ahhhhhhh !!!!!

Report from Stags official website.....

Duffy nets the winner

Admission : season ticket

Attendance : 2031 (178)

Thursday : Kimberley Tn v Kirkby Tn

Zoomed in......

2010-04-12T17:39:00.014+01:00

A few of Kev's excellent pics cropped. Click them to enlarge.

Ball hitting the net - literally!

Most of the pics below feature AFC Wimbledon keeper Seb Brown. He was in action for most of the second half as the Stags piled on pressure - and his two penalty saves were superb.

One happy chappy, one not so happy chappy !!!!

Worksop Town 1-1 Hucknall Town

2010-04-11T17:57:00.008+01:00

Sunday 11th April 2010 -- UniBond Premier Division

Colin Daniel and Lindon Meikle in attendance

Saturday was sunny and warm -- Sunday it was windy and cold. Don't you love the English climate!! This was big coat, scarf and gloves weather, but unfortunately they had all been left at home! Met up with Brian Dennett in the car-park, and managed to grab a few words with blogger extaordinaire Rob Waite, Eastwood Town's Lindon Meikle and Macclesfield Town midfielder Colin Daniel. Also grabbed a few words with our good friend Rob Townsend, who was running a line. Sat and had a chat for 10 minutes or so with one of my former Mansfield Town favourites Andy White, White, White - now playing for Long Eaton United.

Hucknall keeper Danny Haystead well beaten as the ball crashes against the post

The game did nothing to warm the 237 hardy souls present at the New Manor Ground. A goal in each half and that was your lot. A very niggly game with the Referee's whistle to the fore -- and corners? I reckon there were at least 20 - but most of the deliveries in were poor.

Hopefully Rob Waite will do a good write up on his excellent 66pow blog, because I can't be bothered! Worksop saw Adrian Hawes clear off the line on 8, then the post saved Hucknall two minutes later. The Tigers took the lead on 28, when RYAN MALLON powered home at the far post after Ben Tomlinson had fired the ball across the face of the goal. H-T 1-0

Ryan Mallon (11) wheels way after firing past Haystead

LIAM GARNER brought Hucknall level on 46, heading powerfully home from Keiren Debrower cross. After that, we may as well have gone for a Sunday afternoon kip ....there were a few chances, but none that had anyone too excited. F-T 1-1

Debrower leaps well

This last gasp header flew just over the bar

Admission £8
Attendance 237

Tuesday - Stags v Rushden and Diamonds

Saturday 10th April 2010

2010-04-11T08:08:00.002+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Town 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

BSN
Eastwood Town 2-1 Solihull Moors

NP1S
Carlton Town 2-4 Belper Town
Glapwell 0-0 Quorn

EMCL
Dunkirk 4-0 Barrow Town
Ellistown 1-5 Radcliffe Olympic
Gedling Town 1-1 Bardon Hill Sports
Greenwood Meadows 1-0 Gedling Miners Welfare
Heanor Town 0-0 Gresley FC
Hinckley Downes 5-3 Graham St Prims
Holbrook Miners Welfare 1-0 Borrowash Victoria
Holwell Sports 2-0 Blackwell Miners Welfare
Radford 0-2 St Andrews

NCELP
Long Eaton United 0-3 Arnold Town
Rainworth MW 4-2 Maltby Main
Scarborough Ath 6-0 Shirebrook Town

NCEL 1
Teversal 1-0 Grismby Borough

CMLS
Calverton M W 0-3 Sutton Town AFC
Clipstone Welfare 1-5 Ollerton Town
Harworth C I 2-2 Louth Town
Kimberley Town 3-3 Kinsley Boys
Nettleham 0-1 Forest Town
Parramore Sports 5-3 Kirkby Town
Westella & Willerby 3-0 Grantham Rangers

CMLP
F C Brimington 4-0 Bulwell Town
Thorne Colliery 1-1 South Normanton Ath.

Stags 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

2010-04-10T18:02:00.022+01:00

Saturday 10th April 2010 -- BSP

The Stags played much better than in recent games, and really deserved at least a point. Chances galore, but great defending and outstanding keeping ensured that the Dons went home with all three points - the goal conceded on 10 after Luke Foster allowed Danny Kedwell to knock him off the ball and fire past Marriott.

Danny Kedwell out fought Luke Foster before slotting home

then celebrates....

no comment....

Some of the so-called Stags fans had a right old pop at the players after the game, but they had just played their best home game for ages and quite rightly "had a few words" with the "fans". I tell you, if the fans were unhappy at watching this game, they should maybe try watching a few CML or NCEL games. There was absolutely no need for such hostility from the fans, this was a very good game.

Great to see a lady Assistant Referee - she attracted the lenses of the press photographers - not to mention Kev getting in a few snaps as well!

Richard Parkes takes a snap of Sarah Garrett

as does Kev

as does Dan Westwell

Kev gets a close-up shot

Report from Mansfield Chad

More from Chad

Seb Brown saves from Jake Speight.....

and from Kyle Perry

Derek Duncan takes the walk of shame

Mansfield were given a lift when Derek Duncan was sent off for elbowing Kyle Perry on 57 minutes, but despite their best efforts the game finished 0-1

For the first time in a long time, we didn't leave Field Mill feeling we had been cheated after the game -- we knew the Stags had given everything they had... they hit the bar, had shots well blocked, shots well saved, and failed to convert two penalties thanks to the brilliance of a 19 year-old keeper.

Admission : season ticket ( 2 more to go!)
Attendance : 2470 ( 305 from Wimbledon)

Sunday : Werksup Tn v Hucknall Tn

Blidworth W 0-0 Pinxton

2010-04-09T22:04:00.009+01:00

Friday 9th April 2010 -- CMLS

Kev back in tow, and it was a pleasure to get out on a Friday night. The game could have been better though! A poor display from both teams - and in front of a decent turnout too.

After Blid had shipped 15 goals in their previous two outings, we thought there may be a chance of the odd one or two, but even after Welfares Tom Robley was sent off for two bookables, Pinxton showed little or nothing. F-T 0-0

Head counts varied .... I counted 56 just after the kick off, then 10 minutes later I counted 70. Richard Lane was present again, he counted 65 - so all in all, a very good attendance. May make a few teams wonder if playing Friday nights occasionally may prove to be a nice little earner.

Starting line-ups:

Blidworth Welfare : Davies, Voller, Whitworth, Tagg, Robley, Shortt, Marsh, Fisher, Best, Martin. Subs : not known.

Pinxton: McCormack, Parker, Newman, Shinfield, Robinson, Renshaw, Cooke, Riley, Cooper, DeBrouwer, Senior. Subs: Bacon, Jones, Evans.

Admission £3

Programme £1

Saturday : Stags v AFC Wimbledon

Saturday 10th April + Sunday 11th April 2010

2010-04-09T17:22:00.006+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Town v AFC Wimbledon

BSN
Eastwood Town v Solihull Moors

NPP
Worksop Town v Hucknall Town ( Sunday 11th)

NP1S
Carlton Town v Belper Town
Glapwell v Quorn

EMCL
Dunkirk v Barrow Town
Ellistown v Radcliffe Olympic
Gedling Town v Bardon Hill Sports
Greenwood Meadows v Gedling Miners Welfare
Heanor Town v Gresley FC
Hinckley Downes v Graham St Prims
Holbrook Miners Welfare v Borrowash Victoria
Holwell Sports v Blackwell Miners Welfare
Radford v St Andrews

NCELP
Long Eaton United v Arnold Town
Rainworth MW v Maltby Main
Scarborough Ath v Shirebrook Town

NCEL 1
Teversal v Grismby Borough

CMLS
Calverton M W v Sutton Town AFC
Clipstone Welfare v Ollerton Town
Harworth C I v Louth Town
Kimberley Town v Kinsley Boys
Nettleham v Forest Town
Parramore Sports v Kirkby Town
Westella & Willerby v Grantham Rangers

CMLP
F C Brimington v Bulwell Town
Thorne Colliery v South Normanton Ath.

Chilwell 3-2 Newark Town ( Sunday)

2010-04-08T22:03:00.006+01:00

Thursday 8th April 2010 - Notts F.A. Sunday Intermediate Challenge Cup Final

Played at Forest Town FC

Got a message on facebook from Rob Townsend telling me this game was being played. I was all set to go to Eastwood v Corby. Thank goodness I didn't. I phoned Brian Dennett up during the break at Forest Town and he informed me there had been a delay to the ko at Coronation Park and they had kicked off about an hour late!
No report for this game - it was supposed to be a blog free evening. Spent the game in the company of Peter Craggs Jnr as well as Richard Lane and son Rick who had just driven back after spending a few days in Blackpool.

Newark play in the Newark Alliance Senior Division, while Chilwell are in Long Eaton Sunday League Division 2.

Newark had enough chances in the first half to win TWO games but the scoring went as follows:

Newark 1-0 on 30 ( Mark Ellison)
Chilwell 1-1on 44 ( Arron Hall)
H-T 1-1
Chilwell on 46 ( no. 7)
Chilwell on 56 ( no. 7)
Newark on 79 ( Wilford)

Not the most skillful game - but again I was in great company and it was a fine evening weather wise!

Friday - Blidworth W v Pinxton

Hucknall Town 1-4 Boston United

2010-04-05T17:45:00.021+01:00

Monday 5th April 2010 -- UniBond Premier Division

Nice to see a queue at Watnall Road

Hucknall went into this game without a win in nine previous outings, while Boston are chasing for promotion to the Conference North. The Yellows are struggling financially at the moment, and have recently had to let high profile players go and the replacements brought in from lower divisions (CML / EMCL) are going to take a while to gel.

Teams:
Hucknall Town : Haystead, Walters, Smith, Garner, Peel, Hawes, Wiggins-Thomas, O'Brien, Hatfield, Hopkinson, Meikle. Subs : Hawkridge, Boafo, Smedley, Williams

Boston UTd : Evans, Cullingworth, Bird, Church, Pearson, Wood, Semple, Davies, Davidson, Weir-Daley, Newsham. Subs: Camm, Sneath, Yates, Suarez, Butcher.

Customary handshakes

To begin with, the home team looked like they could handle the attacking force of Newsham, Davidson and Weir-Daley, but their early efforts were undone on 13 when Weir-Daley was allowed to cross from the left. The ball reached the edge of the box and was fired low towards the goal. Haystead did well to parry the effort, but MARC NEWSHAM was on hand to slot home the loose ball.

Town forced a series of corners as they fought to shake of the effects of going a goal down, but the United defence was solid and protected keeper Evans very effectively. On 23, Weir-Daley had a golden chance to increase the visitors lead. He was left in acres of space as Hucknall pressed forward, and when the ball was played to him out of defence, he controlled well enough but keeper Haystead approached at speed, and the striker tried a lob that flew way off target. H-T 0-1

The second half was only three minutes old when the Pilgrims netted their second. Again MARC NEWSHAM was the scorer, finding room again at the far post after Semple had driven a ball across goal from the right wing.

Hucknall thought they had reduced the arrears on the hour when Tim Hopkinson glanced home a Walters cross. Unfortunately the Forest loanee had strayed offside and the effort was disallowed.

Davidson was proving a handful to Town full back Luke Smith, and when he went on a mazy run down the right, Smith was left standing - luckily the big strikers shot flew just wide of the post.

Danny Davidson runs Luke Smith ragged

Newsham had a great chance to grab his third in the 65th minute after Walters decided to try and dribble out of defence. The young defender was dispossessed by Newsham and went one-on-one with Haystead only to fire way over the bar.

Newsham 1 on 1 with Haystead .

One minute later though, DANNY DAVIDSON shrugged off a challenge from Brett Peel, turned and fired home from 6 yards out to put the game out of the home team.

Davidson uses his strength to ease Brett Peel off the ball and fire past Haystead

Credit to Hucknall though, their heads didn't drop and they scored on 79, courtesy of a fine header from ADRIAN HAWES from a corner.

Adrian Hawes heads home the Yellows consolation

With four to go, SPENCER WEIR-DALEY stroked home from close range. F-T 1-4

Weir-Daley nets the fourth

Strange as this may seem, Kev had predicted 4-1 to Boston before kick-off, and I'd said the crowd was 500. (It was actually 501). Rushed (!) out of the ground at full time to try and exit the packed car-park without having to queue, and full marks to Kev - we were third out and back home by 5pm!

Admission £8

Attendance 501 ( much needed revenue for the home team)

Programme - poor 28 page effort for £2.00

Pics on myspace

Friday night out this week - Blidworth W v Pinxton. Blidworth have conceded 15 goals in their last two home games, so this can't end up 0-0, can it?

Bank Holday Monday local results

2010-04-04T11:17:00.005+01:00

BSP
Cambridge Utd 3-2 Mansfield Tn

BSN
Eastwood Tn 1-0 Gainsborough Trinity

NPP
Hucknall Tn 1-4 Boston Utd

NP1S
Belper Tn 0-2 Chasetown
Sheffield FC 0-0 Glapwell
Shepshed Dyn 0-0 Carlton Tn

EMCL
Blackwell MW 1-2 Gedling MW
Dunkirk 4-0 Greenwood Meadows
Graham St Prims 1-3 Borrowash Vics
Gresley 2-0 Ellistown
Heanor Tn 0-4 Holbrook MW
Radcliffe Oly 0-3 Bardon Hill Sp
Radford 0-3 Gedling Tn ( 12noon)

NCELP
Pickering Tn 0-3 Arnold Tn
Scarborough Ath 2-0 Long Eaton Utd

CML Cup
Westella & Willerby 1-0 Forest Tn

CMLS
Blidworth W 1-7 Parramore Sports
Kimberley Tn 0-2 Pinxton
Kirkby Tn 2-1 Grantham Rngs

CMLP
Bulwell Tn 1-0 Bentley Colliery

Good Friday/Easter Saturday local results

2010-04-04T10:50:00.003+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Tn 0-1 Wrexham

BSN
Hinckley Utd p-p Eastwood Tn

NPP
Matlock Tn 5-1 Hucknall Tn

NP1S
Carlton Tn 3-1 Spalding Utd
Glapwell 1-0 Shepshed Dynamo
Grantham Tn 4-2 Belper Tn

NCELP
Bridlington Tn 1-1 Long Eaton Utd
Brodsworth W 0-9 Rainworth MW
Shirebrook Tn 1-4 Winterton Rngs

NCEL 1
Teversal 1-1 Hemsworth MW

EMCL
Bardon Hill Sports 0-5 Gresley FC
Blackwell MW 0-2 Barrow Tn
Borrowash Vics 6-1 Radford
Dunkirk 1-2 Radcliffe Oly
Ellistown 0-5 Heanor Tn
Gedling MW 0-1 Gedling Tn
Graham St Prims 2-6 Holbrook MW

CMLS
Blidworth W 0-8 Westella & Willerby
Calverton MW 2-3 Kimberley Tn
Louth Tn 1-0 Kirkby Tn
Newark Tn 3-1 Clipstone W
Ollerton Tn 1-1 Sutton Tn AFC
Pinxton 2-0 Harworth CI
Southwell City 4-0 Kinsley Boys

CML P
Bulwell Tn 2-1 Thorne Colliery

More pics from Stags v Wrexham 03/04/10

2010-04-03T21:40:00.009+01:00

Courtesy Kev Goodman

Mansfield Town 0-1 Wrexham

2010-04-03T18:08:00.013+01:00

Saturday 3rd April 2010 -- BSP

Back to Field Mill for the 20th league game of season 2009-2010 season. Thank the Lord there are only three more games left!

Report from Mansfield Chad

The Chad report intimates that the Stags dominated the first 45 minutes...I can say that the first ten minutes were good, a spell of passing the ball on the floor, but then the team seemed to lose the plot again and never looked like troubling Chris Maxwell in the Wrexham goal.

Mark Jones firing home the winner

Mark Jones fired the visitors into the lead on 42, but the Reds were extremely fortunate not to concede on several occasions as the Stags grew some balls and applied pressure all through the seond period. Still lost though, and we were not really surprised to hear chants of "Holdsworth out" at full time.

Less than 2400 home fans at Field Mill, and people giving the Mill a miss is very understandable when the football offered week in, week out, is of such a poor standard.

Admission : season ticket

Attendance : 2520 (152)

Just AFC Wimbledon, Rushden and Diamonds and Kiddy Harriers to go before the season ticket is consigned to the bin !!

Monday : Hucknall Town v Boston United

Carlton Town 3-1 Spalding United

2010-04-02T19:19:00.016+01:00

Friday 2nd April 2010 -- UniBond League Division 1 South

I wonder, every time we get to Easter, why the holidays are still not fixed. I have Friday/Monday, but some people, Kev included, have Monday/Tuesday. I also wonder, knowing this, why there are games scheduled for Good Friday afternoon with a fair percentage the country at work!

Carlton v Spalding attracted only 68 paying guests and although not a top tier fixture, you would have thought that it would have brought in a few more than that. Yes, it was a nasty afternoon weather wise, but there were no other local games being played. Usually at Stoke Lane, it is a bit of a squeeze to get in the car park, but on this occasion there were so few cars present, I actually phoned Brian Dennett in the ground to see if the game was still on!!

Huge turnout!

I thought I'd stand on the far side of the ground, but as the steady drizzle slowly turned into heavy rain, I opted for a covered seat behind the goal. Wise choice because the rain never ceased throughout the whole game. The pitch was not looking at it's best, but this didn't seem to bother the players overmuch and they managed to keep the sparse crowd entertained.

KARL SLACK opened the scoring for Carlton in the 7th minute, latching onto a through ball before running at goal and slotting past Michael Emery in the Spalding net.

Slack wheels away after netting the first of his treble

On 35, Slack had a great chance to increase the Millers lead when Emery mis-kicked the ball straight to the striker. Slack hesitated just long enough for Emery to recover, and the stopper manage to block the eventual shot. Costly miss - because as the ball was cleared downfield, MATTY EVANS tried his luck from the edge of the box, and was delighted when his effort flicked off Daniel Fletcher before looping over Whalin. This was my big opportunity to get the "money-shot" - but as I fumbled with my camera, the ball entered the net just a few yards in front of me -- all I ended up with was a pic of Carlton skipper Grant Brindley looking on as the ball entered the net. DAMN! H-T 1-1

Had a little chuckle to myself while watching the Spalding subs at half time .... curb your enthusiasm lads!!!

Dean Gent should have put Carlton back in front on 50, but his powerful header from Whitmans pinpoint cross fizzed just past the outside of the post. The home team were back in front 10 minutes later though, KARL SLACK this time tapping in to an empty net after Whitman had left Emery on his back before firing the ball across the goal.

Out of shot, Slack waits to tap in

8 minutes later the game was effectively over - Matthew Peberday found CARL SLACK who controlled well before firing to the left of Emery to complete his hat-trick. F-T 3-1

Slack nets his, and Carlton's third

I spent the game in the company of Arnold Town legendary striker turned author, Roger Rann. We were chewing the fat about the MOM, and I said I though Whitman had been excellent and was my MOM .. Roger reckoned that anyone scoring a hat-trick should be MOM.....he thought that when a player grabs a hat-trick they would be a bit miffed if they WEREN'T named MOM. Roger recalled how he once scored 5 for Arnold as they beat Eastwood 6-0 -- there were no such things as MOM back in the day, but Roger said that if the local press had have focussed on any other player, he would have been ever so slightly upset!!!!

Line ups

Carlton : Whalin, Ball, Fletcher, Hayes, Brindley (c), Breach, Whitman, Gent, Slack, Peberday, Griffith. Subs: Jenkins, Martin, Mitchell, Simmons, Norris)

Spalding : Emery, Evans, Wetton, Cox, Backwill, Bodie, Forbes, Toyne (c), Fitzgerald, Oliver, Scott. Subs: Field, Smith, Chagger, Schulberg

Admission £7

Programme £1.50

Tea £0.60 -- I didn't bother, but Roger gave this brew a huge thumbs up.

Attendance 68

Saturday - Stags v Wrexham

Mansfield Town Season Tickets 2010-2011

2010-04-01T18:11:00.013+01:00

The lead article on the Stags website is a video of skipper Luke Foster saying that the Stags can still achieve a play-off place -- if other teams slip up....

It seems the official line is a little more realistic -- see the final paragraph of this article!

"We are delighted to announce our new season ticket prices for 2010/11 and once again great savings can be made by taking advantage of our Early Bird discount scheme. Savings of up to 37% can be made by simply renewing or purchasing your ticket by Friday April 30th 2010.

Another incentive to cheer on the Stags next season is that all under seven's will gain free admission on matchdays, when accompanied by a paying adult.The amazing prices really do offer value for money, as an adult season ticket in the Quarry Lane Stand is just £230.00

A seat in the Ian Greaves stand for an adult start from just as little as £240.00. For concessions and Under 16's it is just £150.00 and £70.00 respectively, irrespective of which stand you sit in. The Board of Directors would like to thank your continued support and are excited to share the upcoming season with you.

"It is that time of the year when all football fans await the prices of the new season tickets. Our fans are no different from those around the country and expect value for money and honesty.

"Football has had a big wake-up call this year with the demise of several clubs, most notably Chester City in our own division and has to become more accountable for its own destiny.

"Last season the club offered a fantastic offer to the people of Mansfield with the lowest priced tickets we have seen in years. This was well received by the fans and we have averaged gates over 3000. However, due to the increased overheads and the loss of TV revenue, it left the club short of matchday revenue and us, as owners, have had to dig deep to pay the bills.

"With this in mind, it has been decided that prices had to rise in order to sustain a professional club in this town. There are still, however, great savings to be made on matchday prices and a chance to secure your regular seat with the early bird prices that are on offer until the end of April. These prices offer an average saving of up to 30% and are still good value for money and makes a great day out for all the family.

"On this point we now have a section in the lower Ian Greaves Stand that will only be available for those that want a family environment. This again is a small stride the club are making to improve the experience at Field Mill. We have also made the Quarry Lane End the cheapest stand in the stadium and this could end up being the New Kop End, where fans traditionally gather to cheer on the team.

"The club has come a long way in the last two years and we are working hard to achieve the ultimate goal of rising back into the Football League. We ask the fans to give us the same backing as they did last year and together we can rise from the ashes and continue to support our club.

"We need you to play your part in the ongoing success of our football club so tell your mates, family, neighbours and work colleagues to take advantage of these discounted prices as we try and fill Field Mill next season to roar the lads on to gaining promotion to the Football League."

See the article in full at the Stags official website - click here

Clipstone Welfare 0-2 Kirkby Town

2010-03-30T22:18:00.005+01:00

Tuesday 30th March 2010 -- CML Supreme Division

Another very damp night, but full credit to both teams for giving us a decent game of football in the pouring rain - and it was bloody cold as well!!

Spent the game in great company -- always a pleasure to chew the fat with Fredkirkbytown, the Wanderer, his Son Rick and Rob Hornby, but as well as these esteemed football people, we had the pleasure of spending the second half in the company of serial hopper Chapeltom. Tom had made the trip into deepest, darkest Nottinghamshire from Chapel-On-Le-Frith - this was his first taste of CML football and I think he enjoyed it, although Rob did monopolise him for the majoity of the time!!

Last time we went to Clipstone they lost 0-2 to Kinsley Boys. After suffering defeat by the same score again, I suspect the Clippo faithful won't want us to go back there in a hurry!!

Kirkby are more or less a brand new team, only Nathan Hollingworth and Gavin Short remaining after the other players followed Brett Marshall out of the club recently. The game was only 4 minutes old when they took the lead. Clippo centre-half Dean Short tripped McParland in the box giving Referee Mr. Des Nutting no choice other than to award a penalty. SAM BAILEY stepped up and fired the ball past the Clipstone keeper Dale Shepherd.

Clipstone looked to be well out of sorts and anyone who didn't know different would have said it was they who hadn't been together long, not their visitors. The back four of Kirkby were well drilled and disciplined, giving away few chances - and when the back line was breached, they had young keeper Whittingham on hand to mop up.

Kirkby added a second on the half-hour when a hopeful shot from the edge of the box by Bailey was met by the outstretched boot of MARK WALTERS who steered the ball home from just 6 yards out. F-T 0-2

Clipstone were better in the second half, but they couldn't have worse in all honesty. They created little though, and as mentioned previously the Kirkby back four of Hollingworth, Simpson, Short and Leversedge were rarely troubled. F-T 0-2

Short report again ... it really was too cold and wet to make the effort to take notes!!

Admission £3

H/C approx 40

Programme £1

Company : priceless

Friday : Carlton Tn v Spalding Utd

Monday 29th March 2010

2010-03-29T22:01:00.013+01:00

Arnold Town U19 4-1 Calverton MW U19 -- North Midland U19's League Division 2

With Kev opting to stay in and watch the Trees/Toon game, I was undecided about whether to go to this game, but not fancying the TV game I made the short trip to Eagle Valley - a place previously noted for being prone to waterlogging. No worries on this occasion though, and it was a very damp night!

Paid my £2 to get in and on entering the ground, noticed that there was some standing water visible around the centre circle, but the pitch looked in fairly good nick and well done to the match officials and Arnold Town for ensuring this game went ahead. Mind you - a victory for the young Eagles would confirm them as League Champions, so I imagine it would have needed to be a lot worse than it was for this game to be called off!

The teams were evenly matched for the first half hour or so, although Arnold had the better of the chances. The home team went ahead on 32, when their left winger cut inside, played a neat 1-2 before curling a left foot shot into the top corner. 3 minutes later Arnold's no. 10 shirt CURLTY MARTIN-WYATT made it 2-0 , slipping the ball past the Calverton keeper after latching onto a great through ball by no.8. H-T 2-0

The game was effectively over as a contest with just 4 minutes of the second half played, Calverton's 13 jacket guilty of a fouling no.8 inside the area. He got up, composed himself and fair hammered the spot kick past the Calvo keeper.

With 10 to go, the rain developed into a bit of a downpour, but the lads kept battling on. It was 4-0 on 38 when the MARTIN-WYATT added his second after great wing play by his team mate in the 16 shirt. Calverton did manage to score in added time through their no.7, but it was Arnold's night and I left the ground to the sound of "campiones, campiones" etc etc..... F-T 4-1 Sorry, but no name for the shirts..... I wasn't even going to take notes, but old habits die hard!

Admission £2

Attendance h/c 50

Noticed on the back of the match programme that Arnold listed a squad of 28 players.... I wonder how many medals the league gives out?

Teversal 2-0 Leeds Carnegie

2010-03-27T17:50:00.027Z

Saturday 27th March 2010 -- NCEL Div 1

Bit of a shock result this one - Carnegie are third in NCEL Division 1, while Teversal have struggled to find any form lately and were a modest 13th in the table before kick off. The result was a real kick in the goolies for Carnegie, because while leaders Brighouse were losing at home to Pontefract Colls, second placed Tadcaster gave Eccleshill 4-0 drubbing at Ings Lane, increasing the gap between 2nd and 3rd to 4 points.

Our first chance to see the Carnegie team, and on looking at the player profiles in the matchday programme, it seems that their players are mostly in the 18-22 year old age group, and most are students at the University.

Always enjoy going to Teversal - we arrived slightly early so decided to have a walk through the Teversal Nature Park to get a few pics of the ground from a new angle.

The gatemen convinced me to part with £3 for a badge - and I don't even collect badges! Great salesmen! We were met by Mr. Keith Parnill as we entered the ground. He reunited me with a note pad I left in a puddle in the car park the last time we visited Teversal. The pad was a bit wrinkly, but perfectly usuable....thanks Keith!

The visitors took to the field in a striking purple kit, and began the game playing some neat free-flowing football, giving the home defence a few heart fluttering moments early doors. After just 5 minutes, the Leeds 7 shirt, Matt Chilton was given a chance to put his team ahead, but after being gifted the ball on the edge of the area, he fired just wide of Tevie keeper Jono Wilson's post.

No. 7 Matt Chilton

It was Chilton who created the next opening for Leeds, crossing in from the right for his centre-forward Chib Chliaka - but Wilson was able to smother the ball before the no.9 could react.

Chib Chilaka

Tevie took the lead from the penalty spot on 21. After Ross Henshaw had failed to convert a cross in from the right, he was upended giving Referee Mr. Godwin no option but to award a penalty. Mr. Godwin blew his whistle for the kick to be taken, even though it appeared Leeds keeper Jacob Giles was not ready. COLIN COCKERILL took full advantage of this and fired the ball into the side of the goal Giles had left completely open.

Colin Cockerill converts, much to the keepers surprise!

Tevie no. 11 Dave Cockerill hit a fierce drive on 25 that Giles was able to dive and tip out for a corner. The visitors were almost level on 35 when Chilton broke into the area and looped a decent effort against the Tevie bar with Wilson well beaten.

Right on the stroke of half-time Leeds should had a glorious chance to score after a mistake by Tevie's Danny Plumbe. The right back was disposessed in his own area and when Kyle Hawthorne hit the ball across the six-yard line, Chilaka had the simple task of tapping home. Unfortunately for the striker, he completely missed the ball allowing it to run between his legs and away to safety. Bad miss. H-T 1-0

We were walking to get a hot drink when Teversal Secretary Mr. Kev Newton stopped us to say hello. Kev is a keen reader of this blog, and told me that since our last visit when I mentioned the fact that at £0.75p I thought the drinks were a bit expensive, the club had a look at their pricing policy and has since reduced the drinks to £0.60p. I had coffee, Kev had tea and they were both excellent. Well done Tevie, and thanks for reading Mr. Newton!

As we took up our positions for the second period, we managed to grab a word with Tevie keeper Wilson. He reckoned that his team had been poor for the past few weeks, and warned us to expect them to collapse if Leeds applied severe pressure.

Jono Wilson

Well, Leeds did apply pressure , but Wilson's defence played out of their skin to keep their high flying visitors at bay. The pressure became even more intense when Leeds introduced subs John Hardy and Tom Leaver. These players are rapid, and when Hardy was through on goal on 77, good defensive pressure by Plumbe ensured the no. 12 hit his shot just wide.

2 minutes later, Tevie left back Jamie "Budgie" Goodacre clearly handled the ball at the nearpost - luckily for the home team Mr. Godwin's view was blocked by three of four players and nothing was given. If the Ref had have had our viewpoint, it would have been a penalty and probably a red card as well. Wilson had to be alert on 82, pushing away a terrific 18 yard drive from Chilaka.

With just one minute left to play, Tevie were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Leeds box. We were debating which of the Cockerill 's would take it when COLIN stepped up and lashed the ball into the top corner. A belting free-kick that was hit keepers side, but there was no chance that Giles was going to get anywhere near it. F-T 2-0

Admission £4

Attendance 81

Tea/coffee £0.60

Programme £1

Badge £3

Monday : Arnold U19 v Calverton MW U 19

Tuesday : Clipstone W v Kirkby Tn

Saturday 27th March - local non-league

2010-03-26T19:10:00.003Z

BSP
Kettering Tn 2-2 Mansfield Tn

NPP
Buxton 1-0 Worksop Tn
Kendal Tn 3-1 Hucknall Tn

NP1S
Belper Tn 3-2 Witton Albion
Cammell Laird 1-1 Carlton Tn
Market Drayton Tn 2-1 Glapwell

NCELP
Lincoln Moorlands Railway 1-0 Shirebrook Tn
Long Eaton Utd 0-3 Thackley
Rainworth MW 3-0 Liversedge
Winterton Rangers 4-1 Arnold Tn

NCEL1
Teversal 2-0 Leeds Carnegie

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 1-10 (ten) Dunkirk
Ellistown 2-4 Borrowash Victoria
Gedling Miners Welfare 1-2 Hinckley Downes
Graham St Prims 3-4 Blackwell Miners Welfare
Gresley FC 2-1 Greenwood Meadows
Heanor Town 4-3 Barrow Town
Holbrook Miners Welfare 2-1 Bardon Hill Sports
Holwell Sports 0-2 Radcliffe Olympic
Radford 1-2 Ibstock United
St Andrews 1-7 Gedling Town

CML Cup 1/4 finals
Louth Tn 3-0 Thoresby CW
Bentley Coll 1-3 Newark Tn
Calverton MW 1-1 Kirkby Tn
Forest Tn 0-0 Westella & Willerby

CMLS
Blidworth W 0-4 Clipstone W
Grantham Rangers 1-4 Pinkstone
Nettleham 1-0 Kimberley Tn
Ollerton Tn 1-0 Southwell City
Sutton Tn AFC 3-1 Harworth CI

CMLP
Bulwell Tn 1-3 South Normanton Athletic

Mansfield Town 1-1 Altrincham

2010-03-23T22:16:00.005Z

Tuesday 23rd March 2010 -- BSP

Yet another poor performance by the home team, and only a 94th minute strike by JAKE SPIEGHT saved the Stags blushes. Yes, the weather was crap, yes the pitch was awful, but the visiting team seem to cope alright. Alty had two 6' 12" defenders, yet the Stags continued to fire ball after ball over the top - and were at times amazed when every one was cleared with consumate ease!! Special mention for the Alty no. 6 Shaun Densmore - he was superb.

One of the defenders, GREG YOUNG, headed Altrincham in front on 70, and only then did the Stags decide to play some half-decent football. The reward was the late strike by Spieght, but on reflection, the visitors will be disappointed that they couldn't hold out for another 30 seconds....F-T 1-1

Admission - season ticket

Attendance : 2364 ( 65)

Other results:

BSN

Ilkeston Tn 1-0 Eastwood Tn

UniBond Div 1 South

Belper Tn 1-0 Mickleover

Carlton Tn 2-1 Shepshed Dyn

Glapwell 1-1 Sheffield FC

NCEL Premier

Arnold Tn 6-0 Brodsworth W

EMCL

Blackwell MW 3-3 Ibstock Utd

Gedling MW 2-2 Ellistown

Hinckley Downes 3-6 Radcliffe Oly

Holwell Sports 1-4 Greenwood Meadows

St. Andrews 2-0 Graham St Prims

CML Floodlit Cup

Clipstone W 2-1 Pinxton

Down by the Riverside...it rained

2010-03-21T12:15:00.014Z

Safely undercover

--- well, some of us were!!

Gedling Town keeper Scott Miles

Not really a day for wearing a white kit!!!!

Gedling Town 3-0 Gedling MW

2010-03-20T18:32:00.031Z

Saturday 20th March 2010 - EMCL

The company that employs Kev is, at the moment, in the somwhat envious position of having too much work on their books. This means that he is putting in overtime on Saturdays, leaving yours truly as "Billy No Mates" again. I had a nice, quiet uneventful drive to the Riverside, and there were plenty of parking spaces in the Ferryboat car-park. So far, so good.

Entered the ground, took up a decent position - then it rained. At first a bit of drizzle, then it fair tipped it down!! I soon re-located to one of the covered areas - where I was joined by Gedling MW programme editor/photographer Tony Hay. I have to say a bit of size envy went on -- his is much bigger than mine - what a nice, big camera he has...

Town striker GRAHAM EPPS opened the scoring in the fifth minute, although he has to say a big thank you to Welfare keeper Lance Walker who let the no. 9's effort fly from his grasp giving the striker a second chance to fire into the net.

Epps is far right, and the ball is visible just behind the defender on the post...

The keeper made amends later in the half though, diving to tip Epps' ferocious goal-bound drive around the post. Welfare's Chris Hall had their best chance on 40, forcing Town stopper Scott Miles into a great save - and although the ball ran loose from the save, no-one was on hand to accept a tap in.

Cory Nightingale upended Ayokunie Abbis in the box just before the break conceding a penalty, but according to Gedling Town chairman Roland Ash, the Referee got this wrong - it seems that Nightingale won the ball and the player jumped over his leg. From where I was standing it looked to be as clear a stone-wall penalty as you will ever see! Aaron Large failed to beat Walker from the spot, the keeper diving to his left to push away. From the corner though, ASHLEY DICE headed home to double the home teams lead. H-T 2-0

Walker saves from Large

It was 3-0 to the home team on 53 when Epps picked out RYAN KING with a pinpoint pass - the no.7 didn't even have to break stride, calmly slotting the ball past Walker.

Referee Mr Craig Cox had booked several players in the first half, and he carried on brandishing cards on regular intervals throughout the second. He also had occasion to show a red card to Town left-back James Jepson and Welfare midfielder Chris Ison. When Jepson had his ankle stepped on by Craig Boulton, he kicked out at the Welfare sub, and was given a straight red. Ison was guilty of raising an arm, again a straight red card. What I missed was the fact that there was a third red card - this was for Welfare Manager Graham Walker - dismissed for foul and abusive language aimed at Assistant Referee Eddie Pidduck.

So, umpteen yellows, 3 reds.... sounds like a nasty game? Far from it. The conditions were awful, and the sendings off may have been justified, but Mr. Cox failed to take the conditions into account and there will be a fair few fines to pay in the near future!

Gedling Town are just getting their act together now under new Management duo of Mick Galloway and Martin McArdle. Welfare seem to be on a bit of a slide recently, and losing top scorer Warren Hatfield to Hucknall Town won't help. The Plains Road outfit looked really toothless again in this game, and you have to wonder where their next goal will come from. F-T 3-0

More images - click here

Admission £4

Programme £1

Attendance 87

Coming up:

Tuesday - Stags v Atltrincham

Weds - Worksop Tn v North Ferriby

Thurs - Kimberley Tn v Harworth CI

Saturday 20th March 2010 - local games

2010-03-19T18:20:00.006Z

BSP
Histon 0-5 Mansfield Town

BSN
Eastwood Town 1-2 Workington Town

UniBond Premier
FC United of Manchester 2-0 Hucknall Town
Worksop Town 1-2 Stocksbridge Park Steels

UniBond Div 1 South
Carlton Town 0-2 Chasetown
Glapwell p-p Loughborough Dynamos
Stamford 2-1 Belper Town

NCEL Premier
Arnold Town 2-3 Lincoln Moorlands Railway
Selby Town p-p Long Eaton United

NCEL Div 1
Eccleshill Utd 2-0 Teversal

EMCL
Borrowash Victoria 1-6 Heanor Town
Dunkirk 4-1 Gresley FC
Ellistown 2-1 Blackwell MW
Gedling Town 3-0 Gedling MW
Graham St Prims 1-2 Barrow Town
Greenwood Meadows 6-1 Hinckley Downes
Radcliffe Olympic 4-2 Radford

CML Supreme
Forest Town 2-0 Blidworth Welfare
Grantham Rangers 1-5 Sutton Tn AFC
Kimberley Town 1-7 Louth Town
Kirkby Town 2-5 Westella & Willerby
Nettleham 2-2 Clipstone Welfare
Newark Town 3-0 Harworth CI
Pinkstone p-p Kinsley Boys
Southwell City 5-4 Parramore Sports

CML Premier
Bulwell Town 0-1 Parkhouse
South Normanton Athletic 3-0 Welbeck Welfare

Mansfield Town 0-1 York City

2010-03-16T22:15:00.004Z

Tuesday 16th March 2010 -- BSP

The big decision today was whether to go to this game or not - well, season ticket dictated and off to the Mill we went again. Arrived in plenty of time and immeditely noticed that there were a lot of empty seats around the ground, far more than usual. Turned out to be less than 2400 Stags fans but thankfully for the home bank balance, there were 290 visiting fans.......

The game was a lot better than Saturday's effort, but that was more due to the fact that York are a classy team and outplayed their hosts big-time. Stags were second best in every department, and to be honest, never looked like bothering a City defence in which former Stags centre-half Luke Graham played a starring role. Why the Stags let Luke go is beyond me - mind you there have been quite a lot of strange decisions made by Manager David Holdsworth this season...not many of them good either!

Match report from the Stags Official website can be found here , but after a goal-less first half Courtney Pitt scored a blinder for the Minstermen on 61. Thr midfielder was left alone in space, and when picked out by a cross field ball he cut inside and unleashed a terrific drive that two keepers wouldn't have stopped.....great goal. Well worth looking for on you-tube!

Stags gave away a penalty soon after,but although Richard Brodie hit it well enough, Stags keeper Alan Marriott dived to his right to tip the effort away for a corner. Stags skipper Luke Foster was booked for protesting the decision, and when he took out Michael Rankine on 82, the Referee had no other choice than to show a 2nd yellow followed quickly by a red. F-T 0-1

Poor showing again by the Stags, but York were as good as anything we have seen at the Mill this season. Will we be going to the Stags v Altrincham game next Tuesday? Probably.....

Admission : Season ticket
Attendance : 2638 ( 290)

Sponsors MOM : Alan Marriott
On The Road MOM : Gary Silk

Chance of a bonus game on Wedsnesday - Chesterfield Arms v Calverton Cherry Tree -- Notts Sunday League Majestic Trophies Cup semi-final at Greenwood Meadows.....kick off 7:30pm

Mansfield Town 0-0 Tamworth

2010-03-13T19:46:00.009Z

Saturday 13th March 2010 -- BSP

My turn to drive - and wouldn't you know it - trouble! Just got past the Badger Box pub when the traffic stopped......and as we approached the lights at Shoulder of Mutton Hill there was a police car diverting traffic through Kirkby. There had been an accident and Derby Road was closed. By the time we got chance to turn around and try to get to our game in time for the kick off, it was already 2:30pm.

A quick fly back to Hucknall, a neat divert through Linby, then onto the A60 into Mansfield, and as usual when you are in a hurry, hitting every traffic light on red! We parked up as usual in the Odeon car park and a brisk walk later we arrived at the Mill. Time? 2:59pm!

We thought it was great as we emerged from the tunnel into the Quarry Lane end - the crowd all stood up and applauded. On taking a quick glance to our left though, we realised that the applause was directed at the teams who were just entering the playing area and not to us for our efforts in getting to the ground on time.

Some men kicked a ball about for 90 odd minutes, some people shouted abuse, some chanted "what a load rubbish", some booed - then we came home.

Admission : season ticket
Attendance : 2953 (93)

Tuesday -- Mansfield Town v York ( I don't bleedin think so!)

Saturday 13th March - local non-league games

2010-03-12T19:57:00.006Z

BSP
Mansfield Town 0-0 Tamworth

BSN
Droylesden 0-1 Eastwood Town

NPP
Bradford PA 1-0 Worksop Town
Hucknall Town 0-1 Guiseley

NP1S
Carlton Town 2-0 Goole AFC
Glapwell 2-0 Rushall Olympic

NP Presidents Cup 1/2 final
Skelmersdale Utd 2-3 Belper Town

NCELP
Long Eaton Utd 1-4 Pickering Town
Rainworth MW 1-1 Arnold Town
Shirebrook Tn 1-2 Selby

NCEL1
Teversal 3-4 AFC Emley

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 0-4 Graham St Prims
Bardon Hill Sports 2-1 Heanor Town
Barrow Town 2-1 Dunkirk
Blackwell MW 0-2 Radcliffe Olympic
Borrowash Vic 3-2 Holwell Sports
Ellistown 1-1 Radford
Gedling Town 1-0 Ibstock Utd
Greenwood Meadows 1-0 St. Andrews
Holbrook MW 3-2Gedling MW

CMLS
Blidworth W 0-6 Louth Town
Clipstone W 1-1 Harworth CI
Forest Town 2-1 Newark Town
Grantham Rangers 1-1 Calverton MW
Kimberley Town v Ollerton Town
Sutton Town AFC 4-0 Southwell City
Westella & Willerby 1-0 Pinkstone

CMLP
Bulwell Town 1-4 Church Warsop MW

Kimberley Town 4-4 Southwell City

2010-03-11T22:04:00.010Z

Thursday 11th March 2010 -- CML Supreme Division

Third game in three days -- Mrs. Kev will be looking at serving divorce papers at this rate, and I will soon be experiencing brain meltdown keeping this blog up to date...!!

Another game where most people are known to each other -- the list included Rob Hornby, Richard Lane, Danny Staley, Simon Matters, Neil Smith, Brian Dennett and "the tall lad", who advised us his name is Chris, but he likes "the tall lad" nickname, so hopefully it will stick.....

After the first 10 minutes in which there was little football played, we began to wonder if my prediction of a goal-fest was somewhat optimistic. Kimberley had a few new faces on show and they took a while gettling down, but the home team did take the lead on 15 when evergreen Roy Sharpe played in STEVE RUDGE who beat off a challenge before drilling the ball past the Southwell keeper.

Another spell of huffing and puffing followed, but then on the half-hour, both teams switched off defensively - first Town's Marvin Wilson let the ball go past him, allowing ADAM MEAKIN to hook the ball over keeper Lycett, then straight from the restart, City won a corner that the home defence failed to clear leaving a tap in at the near post. Kimberley were soon level though, this time ROY SHARPE hammering home after being played in by Rudge. H-T 2-2

The half-time bevvies were served up by Kimbo Chairman Graeme Critchley - and very nice they were too.

Seemed a very short interval, but we were out in the chill again in time to see Kimberley take the lead on 47 through RYAN BOWEN - a fierce drive from 12 yards that flew past the City keeper. ANTHONY "FRENCHIE" CANDELLA increased the home teams lead soon after, crashing the ball into the roof of the net after some decent approach play and more poor defending. Kimberley's lead was reduced from the kick off when the home defence left a Southwell player unmarked on the edge of the box and he hammered the ball arrow straight past Lycett.

The game went into a bit of a lull and after having seen 6 goals in a mad 25 minute spell, we had to wait until the 78th minute for the next goal - it fell to Southwell who took advantage of yet more slack defending to make it 4-4. This ended the scoring, but with just five minutes to go, the Referee decided to dish out bookings to a couple of the Town players when a quiet word would have been sufficient. He'd had a decent game up until then - but like Mr. Jackson last night, Mr. Hunt seemed to lose the plot late on..... F-T 4-4

Admission £3

Attendance : H/C 32

Tea/coffee : £0.75 - a bit expensive, but hot, hot, hot!!

Saturday : Stags v Tamworth.........

Heanor Town 2-2 Dunkirk

2010-03-10T22:14:00.008Z

Wednesday 10th March 2010 -- EMCL

Great to be out and about on a Wednesday, and it was a very pleasant evening spent at the Town ground. Decent game, really good company, cracking coffee - the only downer was the performance of Sutton-In-Ashfield Referee Mr. Robert Jackson late in the game. Don't misunderstand, he had been having a fair game until the final 5 minutes or so... then he lost the plot a little....but more of that later.

Kev drove again.. and he found a parking space just a few hundred yards down the road from the ground. It was something of a relief to get out of the car - the car radio was tuned to Radio 1, and I couldn't understand any of what was being broadcast....

Re-tuned to Radio Derby on the way home to hear a very, very dismal commentary on Reading v Derby - mind you it was 4-1 to Reading, but I hope someone checks on the commentator tonight to ensure he hasn't topped himself... blimey was he ever depressed......!!

Enjoy going to Heanor - pay at a table -- no luxuries like turnstiles here, but they do issue a ticket. Met up with good buddy Brian Dennett inside the ground, and he informed us that Steve "The Bank Manager" Reading was in the club. Steve works in Ripley and was decked out in suit and tie, having driven to Heanor straight from work.....nice shiny shoes too!!

Also joined by a good friend from our Eastwood days... strange but after all these years we don't even know his name, so I hereby bestow on him the nickname of "the tall lad". He reads this blog and will hopefully be at our next game at Kimberley - so maybe we can sort this out then!!!!

I was looking forward to seeing the Dunkirk front pairing of Channon Grant and Lee Day again, and it was DAY who opened the scoring on 7 after latching onto a through ball by Grant. The Dunkirk no. 10 remained calm and steadied himself before firing the ball past Sam Ogrizevic in the Town goal.

The lead lasted barely 8 minutes though - GARY WEBSTER hitting a fine drive from 18 yards that flew past Dunkirk keeper Nick Ivanov. Both teams were fully committed and one or two tasty challenges went in, but nothing malicious. H-T 1-1

Decided to grab a hot drink during the interval, and was pleasantly surprised when "the tall lad" offered to pay. The coffee was hot - very hot.....they must have a thermo nuclear device hidden somewhere in the Heanor kitchen. Very nice drink, and the only failing was that the cup was one of the smaller styrofoam efforts....would maybe have been a 10/10 apart from the fact that the cup was a bit diddy..... anyway, thanks "tall lad"!

Heanor took the lead on 54, and it was real route one stuff. A clearance by keeper Ogrizevic saw GRAHAM WELLS win the race and get the better of Dunkirk defender Dwaine Soar before stroking the ball past Ivanov. It stayed at 2-1 until the 42 minute when Mr. Jackson came into his own. For some unknown reason he awarded a corner to Dunkirk when all the Reds' players were seemingly marching towards the half way line to prepare to fight for the ball from a goal-kick. Wouldn't you know it, not only did the corner bring the equalising goal, it was a terrific, well placed headed flick by the Heanor no. 8 who was guarding the near post. As Steve R said, he couldn't have placed it better. It fairly flew past the keeper who had no chance of making a save.

Then Mr. Jackson went a little silly. The Heanor players were guilty of surrounding him and protesting, and even at this level players should know the Ref is not going to change his mind. Obviously the Heanor players were well pissed off, and one was dismissed, then after consulting his Assistant on the dugout side, Mr. Jackson duly sent of Heanor Joint Manager Craig Hopkins. All a bit of a farce really, and only Mr. Jackson knows why he awarded the corner in the first place. It has to be said though that the ball into the near post was a peach - and the headed own goal, although unfortunate, was a beauty. F-T 2-2

Admission £4

Attendance 75

Coffee £0.60 - almost perfect.

Next up -- Kimberley Tn v Southwell City.....

Gedling MW 1-2 Forest Town

2010-03-09T22:22:00.006Z

Tuesday 9th March 2010 -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final

Two of our favourite clubs went head to head with the prize of a home semi final tie with Eastwood Town.

Gedling MW are currently lying 3rd in the East Midlands Counties League (step 6), while Forest Town are 6th in the Central Midlands Supreme Division (step 7), so this result is a bit of a shock.

Arrived at the ground with 15 minutes spare, and struggled to find a parking space - apparently the Fitness Centre gets a bit busy on Tuesday nights.......

Entered the ground expecting quite a few people to be present, but there were only half-a-dozen or so souls to be seen. Surprised that at kick off time there were over 70 present - but I have to say, I have absolutely no idea where they were all hiding!!

We were handed a team sheet - a great idea that more teams should take on board. After deciding to stand up to watch the game ( we usually sit at Plains Road, but Kev's back is a bit dodgy), we were both anticipating a cut and thrust encounter with no quarter asked and no quarter given. There were a few meaty challenges early doors, and although Gedling looked a yard faster than their visitors, as an attacking force they lacked a little bite. Welfare left winger Shaun Clarke fired a fierce drive wide of the Forest Town goal on 20, then in the 35th minute his free-kick from 20 odd yards rattled the bar - apart from that Jason Johnson in the Foggy goal had a fairly quiet first half. Mind you, Lance Walker in the home goal wasn't exactly over-worked either. H-T 0-0

Plenty of well known faces in attendance tonight, and we had a chat with local Referees Rob Townsend and Dave Plowright during the break. Spent the second half in the company of former Greenwood Meadows Manager Mark Connor - what he doesn't know about the local game isn't worth knowing!

Gedling opened the scoring on the hour when WARREN HATFIELD pounced on a loose ball in the box before spinning and volleying home. We thought the floodgates would open, but Forest Town pulled up their socks and began passing the ball about - and when Castedine's 73rd minute through ball fell into the path of striker ANDY WOODCOCK, the former Teversal striker ran on and fired hard into the net. Walker managed to get a hand to the effort, but it was very well hit and the keeper did really well to even get near it!

10 minutes later Forest Town were awarded a penalty for handball .. looked a bit soft - I didn't think it was even in the area, but my eyes were watering by this time as the temperature dropped...... anyway, Danny Tighe stepped up and fired the spot-kick home, and although Welfare did step up their game for the final minutes, the Forest Town defence stood firm and will now face Eastwood at home. Scheduled for Tuesday April 6th, but I can't see that happening...Eastwood play Gainsborough on Monday 5th.... F-T 1-2

Admission £4
Programme £1.50
Attendance 62

Heanor Tn v Dunkirk next....

Manfield Town 4-2 Salisbury City

2010-03-06T17:39:00.011Z

Saturday 6th March 2010 -- BSP

As the teams lined up, the Mansfield Town Chaplain gave a moving tribute to Mr. Keith Alexander who sadly passed away on Wednesday. A minutes round of applause followed - I think this is a much better option than the usual minutes silence......and credit to everyone present for keeping the up volume of the applause throughout the whole minute.

After 29 minutes, we were lamenting about how the Stags were failing to impress, and looked like screwing with our goals per game average again -- then bang - two goals and the smile back on our faces! I had just told Kev that if things didn't improve, I would be looking at alternatives for next Saturday, when JON CHALLINOR hit a 16 yard effort that deflected under visiting keeper James Bittner. JOHN SHAW hammered the second on 37, a Williams cross field ball that found Briscoe who beat his man and crossed into the box where JON SHAW was waiting to head powerfully home.

Two minutes later the visitors pulled one back - after the ball flicked up into the air from a free-kick, Marriott did well to push the ball onto his post, but was left on his backside as REECE CONNOLLY tapped home the loose ball from a yard out. We later learned that a spectator had thrown his season ticket at Stags boss David Holdsworth as he walked off the pitch at the break.... I know it's been bad at the Mill recently, and I've been tempted not to go, but I've never thought of chucking in my season ticket!! Shame that Holdsworth threw his dummy out of the pram at full time though by refusing to talk to the media - apparently he was still fuming about the incident!! Grow up lad, please, you're a big boy now. H-T 2-1

Kyle Nix is one of my favourite Stags players at the moment, and when Jon Challinor went of injured at half-time, he teamed up with Gary Mills. What a midfield pairing that is! With those two playing well, and Louis Briscoe having his best game all season (his words, not mine), the Stags looked very classy second half. It took until the 75th minute for the Stags to increase their lead - Gary Mills capitalising on a loose ball and running some 50 yards before crossing into the area where KYLE PERRY was on hand to steer home.

Four minutes were to be added, and when Ben Adelsbury hit a drive from distance that flew past Marriott, there were a few worried faces both on and off the pitch.

ROB DUFFY eased those worries when he fired home the Stags fourth in the 5th minute of stoppage time - extra extra time added because of a an horrendous challenge by Stuart Anderson on Gary Mills that saw the midfielder get only a yellow, when the tackle looked to warrant a straight red. Referee Mr. Khatib may have got that wrong, but then when he looked to be about to blow for full time, allowing Briscoe to play on and find Duffy was a great decision. F-T 4-2

Admission : season ticket ( still in my possession!)

Attendance : 2842 ( 38 from Salisbury)

Tuesday : Two of our favourite teams go head to head as Gedling MW take on Forest Town in a Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final.

Saturday 6th March 2020 - local non-league games

2010-03-05T20:13:00.008Z

One more chance for the Stags to impress - if they fail, I may be taking a look at alternative games in the future weeks.... (THEY DIDN'T FAIL!!)

BSP

Mansfield Town 4-2 Salisbury City

BSN

Eastwood Town 0-0 Stafford Rangers

NPP

Marine 2-1 Hucknall Town

Worksop Town 3-0 Ossett Town

NP1S

Belper Town 1-3 Rushall Olympic

Chasetown 2-1 Glapwell

Witton Albion 0-3 Carlton Town

NCELP

Arnold Town 5-3 Nostell MW

Bridlington Town 1-0 Rainworth MW

Parkgate 0-1 Long Eaton United

NCEL1

Ponefract Colls 1-2 Teversal

EMCL

Bardon Hill Sports 1-1 Greenwood Meadows

Blackwell MW 1-1 Radford

Gedling Town 7-0 Anstey Nomads

Gresley FC A-A Borrowash Victoria (abandoned after 12 minutes - spectator collapse)

Heanor Town 0-1 Hinckley Downes

Holbrook MW 1-1 Dunkirk

Holwell Sports 2-3 Graham St Prims

Ibstock United 4-2 Gedling MW

St Andrews 0-2 Radcliffe Olympic

CMLS

Blidworth W 6-2 Kimberley Town

Calverton MW 2-3 Pinxton

Harworth CI 1-1 Forest Town

Kinsley Boys 4-2 Clipstone W

Southwell City 0-2 Ollerton Town

Sutton Town AFC 2-2 Newark Town

CMLP

Bulwell Town 0-3 Dronfield

FC05 0-3 South Normanton Athletic

Kimberley Town 1-6 Pinxton FC

2010-03-04T22:18:00.014Z

Thursday 4th March 2010 - CML Floodlit Cup 1/4 final

Well, after all the recent postponed games, finally a Thursday night game at the Stag Ground ... and this only went ahead after Pinxton right back Josh Parker made a running repair to the floodlight electrics! Mind you, although Kimberley Chairman Graeme Critchley was pleased at the time that the game was to go ahead, I suspect he may now be having second thoughts!!

Travelled the 3 miles to Kimberley on my own - Kev was having his back manipulated by top physiotherapist Fred Kirk ...and it's just his luck to miss a goal-fest! Thanks for fixing my car though, buddy!

Met up with good friends Danny Staley and Brian Dennett inside the ground and had plenty of time for a chin-wag as the kick off was put back to 8pm - the extra time needed for the lights to get up to full strength.

Pinxton took the lead from a corner in just the 4th minute ...DAVE ROBINSON sliding home after the home defence failed to clear as the ball was fired across the goal.

Another corner on 34 saw the visitors double their lead ..this time the ball was headed back across goal to where AARON BRADY was on hand to tap in from close range. H-T 0-2

Headed for the warmth of the clubhouse to where, shock horror, Brian PURCHASED the beverages. Very nice it was too ... just how I like it -- strong enough to keep you awake all night..... smashing cup - thanks Brian.

Kimberley reduced their arrears 6 minutes into the second period - but they have to thank Pinxton keeper Dave McCarthy who completely fluffed a one-on-one challege with ROY SHARPE leaving the striker free to steer the ball into the empty net.

That was as good as it got for the home team though. Yet another corner on 70 saw home keeper Lycett make a hash of collecting DAVE ROBINSON'S near post header, allowing the ball to slip though his arms and into the back of the net. AARON BRADY had a tap in on 82, and this was followed a minute later by a KEIRON DEBROUER strike from the edge of the box that gave Lycett no chance.

The final act of the game came, inevitably from a Pinxton corner. This time JAMIE RENSHAW capitalising from 6 yards after more inept defending. F-T 1-6

Admission £3

Programme £1.50

Attendance H/C 40?

Coffee - £0.75 ( thanks Brian) - one of the better ones tried this season......

Saturday - Stags v Salisbury City .... oh noooooo.....

Tuesday 2nd March - local non-league results

2010-03-03T06:54:00.004Z

BSP
Mansfield Town 0-0 Luton Town

Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 finals
Kirkby Town 0-6 Eastwood Town ( played at Eastwood)
Rainworth MW 2-4 Dunkirk
Retford Utd 3-1 Southwell City

UniBond Premier
Nantwich Town 3-2 Worksop Town

UniBond Div 1 South
Glapwell 1-1 Witton Albion

EMCL
Borrowash Vics 0-2 Radcliffe Olympic
Graham St. Prims 3-5 St. Andrews

NCEL Div 1
Teversal 1-2 Tadcaster Albion

CML Floodlit Cup
Sutton Tn AFC 4-2 Calverton MW

Mansfield Town 0-0 Luton Town

2010-03-02T22:21:00.003Z

Tuesday 2nd March 2010 -- Blue Square Premier Division

The Stags man of the match was awarded to Louis Briscoe, and I can only imagine it was for his wild slide tackle on team mate Gary Mills halfway through the first period. Unless the sponsors picked a name out of a hat of course!!

Interesting to hear the views of Tony Delahunty and guests on Mansfield Radio - they could not have been at the same game as we were....."battled hard, defended from the front, showed some decent skills".... err,,sorry, no - this was a freezing Tuesday night bore-draw and the Luton players were stronger, showed more ability and easily coped with whatever the light-weight home team had to offer.

Admission : season ticket - I will persevere, but the games coming up v Salisbury and Tamworth need to be better than this to keep my eyes from wandering over other fixtures.....

Attendance : 3407 ( 474 from Luton)

Off to see some proper football on Thursday - Kimberley Town v Pinkstone in the CML floodlit cup....

Hucknall Town 2-2 Frickley Athletic

2010-02-27T17:43:00.020Z

Saturday 27th February 2010 -- UniBond Premier Division

HTFC management duo Tony Cox and Danny Bryant

Hucknall entertained a Frickley side that looked to be struggling in the league, but they played some decent football and battled for every ball. With the departure of assistant manager Pablo Grossett, Danny Bryant was quick to appoint former Calverton MW boss Tony Cox to the post.

Danny Bryant has been known to be a bit vocal at times, but his oppsite number Billy Heath never shut up all throughout the game......and complain? He could complain for England!! His verbals certainly got to the Referee, and the Assistant Ref near the dugouts was completely taken in. He commented after Heath had made a remark about Hucknall's no.7 Terry Hawkridge, quote " he is a bit of a nutter - the no.7". Surely that can't be condoned... Hawkridge had been booked for his part in a bit of "handbags", but the comment made it seem that the Hucknall players card was now marked. We mentioned this to Bryant and when he confronted the linesman, he denied it at first - but then admitted it, commenting "yeah, yeah" ......

Probably regrets his comment now.....

Frickley boss Billy Heath

The game was ok though -- the first real chance fell to Laurie Wilson on 9, his free-kick tipped over the bar by Frickley keeper Adam Nicklin. The home team did go ahead on 14, and although T.J. NIGHTINGALE will be credited with the goal, Reuben Wiggins-Thomas was the creator. He received the ball on the half way line and skipped over one challenge like a hurdler, then skipped over another lunge before firing the ball in to the box to where Nightingale was waiting. The striker failed with his first attempt, but hesitant defending gave him a second chance to turn, and he made no mistake from 10 yards.

The lead lasted only 4 minutes - a free-kick in from Chris White was not cleared, and although Town keeper Haystead made a great block, he succeeded only in finding Frickley no. 9 ADAM LEE, who was on hand to tap in at the far post. H-T 1-1

Called Brian "Evening Post" Dennett up at half-time ... he had been to the Kirkby / Pinxton 2pm game, but left at half time to go to Sutton v Clipstone. Had a word with Anton Lancashire - seems happy with the progress his team is making at the moment...(Kirby ended 0-0 while Sutton won 2-1).

Nightingale had a firece drive well saved in the first minute of the second period, but the home team went behind in the 56th minute when ADAM LEE cut in from the left and hammered a right foot belter into the net from 22 yards. Haystead made a despairing dive, but in all honesty never got anywhere near the effort, it was struck so well.

To their credit, Hucknall never let heads drop and pressed hard for the equaliser. Nightingale looked favourite to level on 70 when he was played in by Hawkridge, but the striked mis-controlled 6 yards from goal and the chance was lost. Left back Cashel Walters tried his luck from 20 yards soon after, but the shot flew just past the post with Nicklin well beaten. Hawkridge and Wiggins-Thomas were replaced by Lee Whittington and Theo Smith, and it was Smith who grabbed the equaliser on 82.

Nicklin made a decent save from Nightingale, but when the loose ball fell kindly to THEO SMITH, he remained calm and slotted home from 12 yards. F-T 2-2

On the whole a fair result - Frickley were a difficult team to break down and with the likes of Ben Chapman and Danny Walsh have a some really decent players.

Images here

Admission £8
Attendance 206

Impressed by the never say die attitude shown by the young Yellows -- and also impressed with the substitutions made by Bryant - kept his unbeaten record going!! Since taking charge, Town are 5 without defeat.

Tuesday - Stags v Loo-un

On The Road, but not for long!!

2010-02-27T17:19:00.002Z

Sat 27th Feb -- short trip for us again - in fact as I walked in the house, the score was on t'telly.....

Hucknall Tn 2-2 Frickley Athletic

More details soon...

Saturday 27th February 2010 - local games

2010-02-26T19:17:00.011Z

Missed out midweek - and it has to be said, missed out big-time. Tuesday's game was off, as was Thursdays -- Brian Dennett phoned me to see if we were going to Blackwell on Wednesday. Unfortunately I have been working late recently and would have struggled to get to Blackwell anyway....... BUT IT FINISHED Blackwell MW 6-4 St. Andrews !!!! arrrggghhhh...

Now we have some crap weather again, so who knows which of these games will go ahead....looks like it's a Saturday AM spent website watching again....we are due to go to Watnall Road to see HTFC take on Frickley Athletic.

BSP

Hayes & Yeading 1-1 Mansfield Town

BSN

Solihull Moors 2-1Eastwood Town

NPP

Hucknall Town 2-2 Frickley Athletic

Marine 1-1 Worksop Town

NP1S

Carlton Town p-p Kidsgrove Athletic

Glapwell 0-2 Grantham Town

Leek Town 2-1 Belper Town

NCELP

Brodsworth MW 1-2 Shirebrook Town

Maltby Main 0-3 Arnold Town

Rainworth MW 1-5 Thackley

NCEL1

Teversal 0-3 Barton Town Old Boys

EMCL

Bardon Hill Sports p-p Radford

Blackwell MW p-p Ibstock Utd

Dunkirk 2-2 Holwell Sports

Graham St Prims p-p Gedling MW

Heanor Town 1-0 Borrowash Vics

Hinckley Downes p-p Gedling Town

Radcliffe Olympic p-p Greenwood Meadows

CMLS

Forest Town 5-1 Southwell City

Harworth CI 2-2 Kinsley Boys

Kirkby Town 0-0 Pinkstone

Newark Town 2-2 Kimberley Town

Ollerton Town 2-0 Calverton MW

Sutton Town AFC 2-1 Clipstone W

Westella & Willerby p-p Blidworth W

CMLP

Bulwell Town 2-1 Phoenix Sports

South Normanton Ath p-p Dronfield

Bloomin 'eck!

2010-02-24T20:15:00.008Z

Missed our scheduled game on Tuesday because of the frost/snow etc.

I couldn't get to a game on Wednesday due to work commitments, and wouldn't you know it, our Thursday nights game at Kimberley is off as well!!!

65 games done this season so far, but I can't see us doing the 100 as we did last season....10 weeks to go means over three games a week...struggling to do one at the moment, so 85 might be a bit more realistic. Mind you, there are always the cup finals to do at the end of the season, so could pull one or two more in. Only time will tell. Still - there's always something to do whilst watching the footie on the telly....(hic)!

Next game - Saturday 27th Feb at Watnall Road - Hucknall Tn v Frickley Athletic

More images from Blidworth W v Kirkby Tn

2010-02-21T10:26:00.015Z

Click on images for full size version..

Blidworth Welfare 0-3 Kirkby Town

2010-02-20T17:38:00.034Z

Saturday 20th February 2010 -- Central Midlands League Supreme Division

Spent most of the morning keeping an eye on possible postponed games - little realising that our scheduled game Stags v Rushden was off!! Alerted by a text from good buddy and top photographer Dan Westwell - he ended up at Dunkirk v Ibstock Utd after his games of choice at Eastwood and Mansfield both went...

Looked at the games on offer and plumped for Blidworth W v Kirkby Town..... not a bad choice really - and it's always a pleasure to spend some time the company "Fredkirkytown"...

Hand-shakes

Daft lad tunes in to Radio Nottingham

Pulled up to the Welfare with 10 minutes to spare and as we walked towards the ground, we noticed that the old changing rooms had been demolished. Ambitious plans are in the pipeline for Blid, and removing the old building is the first stage of the planned re-development.

The diggers are in!

You gotta put the demolition material somewhere!

Surprised that there were only 30 odd present... Kirkby are flying high in the CML Supreme division at the moment and in Carl Haslam have one of the most exciting players around at this level.

No programme, no team sheet - no idea of most of the players' names..... Fred helped with the Kirkby line-up, but apart from keeper Jason Fisher, the identities of the Blidworth players will remain a mystery!!

For the first 20 minutes or so, the home team were not over-awed by their high-flying visitors and we were wondering which team was third top and which was third bottom. The home team almost took the lead on 15 when the no. 7 shirt latched onto a ball from the right and hammered it against the bar, with keeper McCormack well beaten.

Kirkby shook off their early malaise and on 29, after a corner was cleared by the home defence, they somehow allowed Nathan "Reg" Hollingworth to play the ball back into the box where CARL HASLAM was on hand to fire home left footed from 12 yards.

Carl Haslam

The white kit is not very flattering Reg!!

Seconds later, Lee Wilson tried his luck from 18 yards, and it took a great diving save by Fisher to keep the ball out of the net. McCormick was the victim of a poor, lunging challenge by the Blidworth no. 9 in the 40th minute - the Referee had a word but issued no card - this is worth a mention because the same player was sent off in the 89th minute just for telling the linesman to "f*** off"...a phrase used hundreds of times during any game...... why this occasion warranted a straight red, I have no idea. H-T 0-1

The vistors increased their lead on 50, after Lee Wilson looked to have been awarded a "soft" penalty - couldn't give him anymore than 5 or 6 on the dive-o-meter.!! Up stepped HASLAM to rifle the spot kick into the net, giving the keeper no chance.

Blidworth tried to make a game of it, but with 10 to go, Kirkby added their 3rd, effectively ending the game as a contest. As a free kick was cleared out of the home penalty area, it fell to HASLAM who controlled well before running into the box and drilling a low shot past Fisher to complete his hat-trick and take his total goals tally this season to 25.

Then came the sending off -- a straight red for foul and abusive I presume, but as the players tried to point out, none of the other players wanted this outcome.......F-T 0-3

Potty mouth / early bath!!

Admission £3
No programme
Raffle £1
Coffee / tea £0.60 - wet and warm is about all you can say about it - not the best....
MOM -- Kirkby's Lee Wilson ( selected by Kev)

Tuesday ( weather permitting) Carlton Town v Shepshed Dynamo