Mansfield Town 1-1 Histon FC

Saturday 31st October 2009 -- BSP

Two things stood out at this game - and if the beautiful young lady keeps them uncovered throughout the winter, she will catch her death!!! Spotted this beauty selling poppies as we went into Field Mill, but when she came and sat just behind us and kept leaning forward, there were times when we were pleased the game wasn't good enough to distract us. Stunning....

The game was poor and not worth writing about. Histon went ahead from the spot on 84 after Stags keeper Alan Marriott was adjudged to have brought down John Kennedy. JOSH SIMPSON stepped up and hammered home the penalty, sending Marriott the wrong way.

The game had entered it's fourth minute of added time when RYAN WILLIAMS smashed the ball home to give the Stags a share of the points. Link to match report from Stags official website

Although the game was hardly worth mentioning, it was great to see soldiers from the Mercian Regiment introduced to the crowd before the kick off - and getting richly deserved applause for the job they are doing in Afghanistan. They have just returned from a 6 month tour of duty.

Some of the soldiers came and sat in front of us in the Quarry Lane end and when you see them in the flesh you realise that they aren't TV stars off a Ross Kemp documentary - they are actually real people - some of whom will die in the service of Queen and Country.

NO CAMERAS --- please.

There are a few photos to be published on here later, but they are only from the 1st half - Kev's camera was spotted by the same "crowd safety" bloke who had me previously and he was advised that he shouldn't be taking pictures because of copyright issues..... again - I think this a is a big bag of boll***s. Fans have free reign at such places as the Camp Nou and Old Trafford to take pics -- why the hell is Field Mill so different? Are the official "press" photographers worried that Kev's pics will outshine theirs? With a £60 camera? Come on........we are talking non-league football here -the fifth tier of the game. Sour taste in the mouth -- add to this the fact that the game was poor, this was not the best Saturday afternoon we have spent watching footie this season..

Attendance 3162

Tuesday -- Carlton Tn v Lincoln United --- cameras welcome!!

Saturday 31st October -- local games

BSP
Mansfield Town 1-1Histon FC

BSN
Southport FC 5-1 Eastwood Town

UniBond Premier
Hucknall Town 1-4 Retford United

FA Trophy
AFC Fylde 2-1 Glapwell FC
Carlton Tn 0-3 North Ferriby Utd

EMCL
Blackwell MW 5-2 Hinckley Downes
Borrowash Vics 2-2 Gedling Town
Gedling MW 3-5 Dunkirk FC
Greenwood Meadows 1-2 Heanor Town
Holbrook MW 4-2 Radcliffe Olympic

NCEL Premier
Long Eaton Utd 1-1 Selby Town
Lincoln Moorlands 0-1 Arnold Town
Rainworth MW 1-0 Shirebrook Town

NCEL Div 1
Teversal FC 1-3 Pontefract Colls

CMLS
Blidworth W 3-4 Kinsley Boys
Kimberley Town 0-2 Newark Town
Kirkby Town 3-2 Louth Utd
Pinkstone FC 3-3 Parramore FC
Southwell City 0-2 Forest Town
Sutton Town AFC 2-1 Calverton MW
Westella & Willerby 2-0 Clipstone W

Worksop Town 0-3 Matlock Town

Wednesday 28th October 2009 -- UniBond Premier Division

Admission £8.00
Attendance 253

Matlock have had a poor season so far - before kick off they were second bottom of the UniBond Premier Division. Worksop's plight has been well documented, and their player exodus continued this week with Ali Asher the lastest big name player to leave. Due to ilnees, the Tigers could only name three subs for this game, veteran Mick Galloway among them. Former Hucknall Town manager Galloway has designs on the manager's position at another Nottinghamshire club, so it may be that his stay at Worksop may be soon over as well.

There will be adequate match reports on the clubs' websites and I'm sure Worksop die-hard Rob Waite will have a lot to say on his "THE66POW" blog!!

The first incident of the game came as early as the 5th minute when a bad challenge in the Worksop area went unpunished - should have been a penalty, but the Ref waved play on.

NATHAN BENGER gave the visitors the lead on 32 with a sweel lob over Worksop keeper Jon Kennedy. Former Belper Town favourite ROSS HANNAH doubled the Gladiators lead six mintes later, forcing a powerful drive between Kennedy and his near post from an acute angle. H-T 0-2

Had a chat with the Matlock Town webmaster Phil Mumby at half-time. Phil is a work colleague of Kev's and is one of those people who dedicate themselves to their particular cause with a passion, Phil is one of the unpaid, unsung heroes who help keep non-league football alive. Most non-league clubs have a "Phil", and it is hard to imagine where the non-league game would be if they didn't exist!!

Second half was a bit less hectic than the first - Worksop had a few chances and Matt Glass was unlucky to see Matlock stopper Adam Sollitt save his goalbound header. A series of four corners follwed, but the Tigers failed to make any of them pay.

As we were thinking about wending our way to the car park, DENE CROPPER nodded home the third for Matlock - a real soft header from about a yard out...... F-T 3-0

Link to Matlock site

Link to Worksop site

Saturday - the mighty Stags are at home to Histon .....

Hucknall Rolls U16 0-0 Football Far North Coast

Tuesday 27th October 2009 -- friendly tour match

Not seen much youth football since my son's playing days, so I had no idea what to expect from this game - it turned out to be a very refreshing encounter. No abuse of the Referee, who was himself only 17, no cursing and swearing, no bad feelings - just a nice friendly U16's game. The game was 40 minutes each way - we were back home before 9:00pm!!

The visitors come from the Northern part of New South Wales, and from what I could make out, the trip was partially funded by the boys' parents..... what a great experience at 15 years-old - flying 12,000 miles to play the beautiful game. Finished 0-0 but there were plenty of chances created. The visiting keeper made a couple of decent saves - one punch out from a free-kick went miles!!

About 50 turned up to watch, although I suspect most of them were mums/dads/grandads of the Rolls players. Decent enough game and I have no doubts that the young Australians will make plenty of friends during their tour of the UK. F-T 0-0

Only found out about this game recently, and with our planned game between Bilborough and Clifton removed from the NSL schedule we were undecided whether or not to bother with a Tuesday night game. Pleased we did - no notebook, no camera - just a pleasure to watch a civilised game between two decent sets of lads.

We have our main midweek game on Wednesday - Worksop Tn v Matlock Tn at the NMG .......

Tuesday 27th October 2009

Hucknall Rolls U16's v Football Far North Coast.

Not exactly spoiled for choice - the plan was to either stop in and watch footie on the telly, or go to either Eastwood v Hyde or Long Eaton Utd v Armthorpe Welfare......

Then I noticed that a group of young Aussies from New South Wales are to play at Hucknall Rolls and thought this might be worth watching. Both me and Kev have past history in youth football, but have not seen an Under 16 game for years.....

So, all being well, we'll be at the Rolls Sports ground for the 7:30 pm kick off.

Then Wednesday we'll be off to the New Manor Ground to see Worksop Tn take on Matlock Town in the UniBond Premier Division. Hope to catch up with Rob Waite, creator of the excellent THE66POW blog......

Arnold Town 1-2 Rainworth MW

Saturday 24th October 2009 -- NCEL Premier Division

I went to Eagle Valley on my own - Kev had taken his grand-kids to the seaside. He wants to thank himself lucky he missed this one. The windy conditions did the players no favours, but at this level you'd think that the more experienced players would have coped better than they did. Mind you, I struggled to keep my hat on - and one one occasion had to retrieve it from under the stand!!

Got to the ground with 10 minutes to spare, but spent 5 of them trying to find somewhere to park. The car park is big at the Eagle Valley, but with three of the outer pitches in use, parking spaces were at a premium. I ended up parking near the road, but at least I was able to make a very swift exit and was back home by ten minutes past five.

Last time we went to Arnold, former Forest favourite Nigel Jemson was playing in the purple kit of the home team - this time he was in the all white of Rainworth.

"Jemmo" is now 40 years old ....and to be perfectly frank, he plays like a 40 year old ... no pace, not much enthusiasm and not a deal left in the tank. A bit harsh? Maybe, but he was on the pitch for 75 minutes and did little or nothing, much to the annoyance of some of the Wrens' fans who were wondering why the very lively, much younger Julian Topliss was on the bench....

The game started slowly, and only occasionally spluttered into life. After 10 minutes Arnold front man Tony Law ran at Rainworth keeper Mark Hales, but the giant stopper got down well to block. The Arnold striker then ran into the box from the right and was tripped by Matt Draper - penalty. After picking himself up, TONY LAW calmly fired the spot kick past Hales to give the home team the lead.

It took Rainworth until the 30th minute to draw level. After a hopeful punt upfield and a flick on by McDonald that the home defence failed to intercept, the ball fell kindly to ANT LYMAN who ran at Lee Broster in the Arnold net and he made no mistake firing under the keeper. H-T 1-1

The second period was very stale until Julian Topliss entered the field. The Rainworth sub almost scored within seconds of coming on - cutting inside and unleashing a curler that Broster did well to save. He then forced an error that gave Lynam a shooting chance. Broster was again up to the challenge and for a big lad, he got down well to push the ball away.

He could do nothing about the winner though. With the clock on 90+2, Lynam's ball into the box was only partially cleared. It fell straight to right back CAMERON FEARON lurking 20 yards out - he lashed it into the top corner to the delight of the travelling few, and the chagrin of the home faithful.

The ball was hit so sweetly into the top corner, that although Broster got a slight touch, he was never going to keep it out. Much too good a goal for this game - it really didn't deserve a finish like that!! F-T 1-2

Link to Gordon foster's report on Wrens' website

Admission £5.00

Attendance 133

Never saw a programme

Pictures? I was too busy holding onto my hat to bother with writing notes and taking pictures.... took a few in the second half but not really much of interest to photograph.....

Lynam went close with this effort

Hales collects well

Local games -- Saturday 24th October 2009

FA Cup
Mansfield Tn 3-0 Altrincham

BSN
Eastwood Tn 2-1 Droylsden

CMLS
Calverton MW 3-1Grantham Rangers
Clipstone W 0-0 Newark Tn
Forest Tn 2-1 Kimberley
Harworth CI 0-1 Blidworth
Kirkby Tn 6-0 Nettleham
Pinkstone 3-2 Ollerton Tn
Sutton Tn AFC 1-0 Kinsley Boys

CMLP
Bulwell Tn 1-2 Yorkshire Main

NCELP
Arnold Tn 1-2Rainworth MW
Pickering Tn 4-6 Long Eaton Utd

NCEL1
Barton Tn Old Boys 2-1 Teversal

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 1-2 Borrowash Vics
Blackwell MW 1-3 Greenwood Meadows
Dunkirk 1-0 Holbrook MW.
Gedling Tn 1-2 Gresley FC
Heanor Tn 4-1 Holwell Sports
Radcliffe Oly v4-2 Gedling MW
Radford 0-3 Hinckley Downes

NPP
Frickley 4-2Hucknall Tn
Burscough 3-0 Worksop Tn

NPS1
Carlton Tn 5-2 Leek Tn
Glapwell 0-0 Mickleover Sports
Kidsgrove 2-1 Belper Tn

Worksop Tn 4-4 North Ferriby Utd ---- more

With Kev working late, I was undecided whether to actually go to this game - and halfway to the ground I realised I had forgotten my mobile. I almost turned around with the thoughts of Real Madrid v Athletico and a couple of G & T's going through my mind.......fortunately I decided, along with 126 others to visit the NMG for this FA Trophy 1st Round replay - it was a belter!!!!

As I pulled up to the ground it was transparently obvious that it was going to be a low gate - no cars parked on the grass verges outside the ground and plenty of room in the main car park...

I paid my £1 to park, £8 to get in and £2 for a programme, before taking up station just in front of the club shop. I was joined by a recently aquired serial hopper friend who I will call "The Bank Manager". Seriously, SteveR is a real fanatical sport fan -- loves speedway with a passion and has been to more football games than I've had hot dinners - and he is off to Wembley on Sunday to see Tampa Bay take on New England in the now traditional annual London NFL game.

Also bumped into Aggedor - not seen him for a while - he asked why I had dropped of the Tony Kempster forum - I've not posted on there this season. I think it seems a bit of a fraud calling myself a hopper when you see what some of those guys on there get up to ......still, it's nice to be missed.....he's off to watch Hayes and Yeading v Staines on Saturday while I'll either be at Field Mill to see the Stags take on Altrincham in the FA Cup or at Eagle Valley to see Arnold v Rainworth -- I don't travel well .......

The game itself was action packed from start to finish, even though the finish was around10:20pm!!

Not much point writing a report, I have added links to the Worksop and Ferriby sites at the foot of this blog entry, they tell the story of the game. I will take this opportunity to praise little Gary Bradshaw, the Ferriby striker wearing the no. 10 shirt.

His hat-trick was superb - the first was in just the 8th minute and was a wonder strike from 25 yards that flew over Worksop keeper Jon Kennedy. His second was on 37 - a towering header from a corner from the right. A fine header, and when you realise that Bradshaw is only 5ft and change, for him to reach the ball between two 6ft plus defenders was nothing short of remarkable. The third was in the 96th minute and was a real solo effort. After collecting the ball out wide, Bradshaw raced away and skipped a couple of challenges before running into the box and firing across Kennedy - brilliant!

The other Ferriby goal was also a fine effort. A corner from the right in the 10th minute was played out to COLIN HUNTER who was lurking on the edge of the box - the no.11 hit the ball crisply through a ruck of players.

So, 0-3 at the break and no chance of a comeback? Don't you believe it. Just 14 minutes into the half RYAN HINDLEY fired home a 20 yard free-kickfor Worksop, then 10 minutes later DANNY BACON tapped home after a goalmouth scramble. With 10 to go, the comeback was complete when TOM JONES rose like a salmon to head home a corner. F-T 3-3.

Then came the Bradshaw hat-trick goal - a goal that seemed to really upset Jones because he appeared to drop the striker on the edge of the box, and was quite rightly dismissed. So 3-4 down and down to 10 men - and your truly saying that there will be no further goals.......err what do I know?

Just as we had thoughts of who can get out of the car park quickest , MATT GLASS tapped home from close range after the Ferriby defence failed to clear a corner. AET 4-4

The first 9 penalties were all superbly struck, and with Ferriby 5-4 up, it was down to, irony of all ironies, Matt Glass...... Ferriby keeper Steve Wilson dived to his left and saved!!! So no "Matt" finish after all..That was the Bank Manager with the classic pun - not me!!!

All in all, well worth making the effort - and I can't praise the Worksop faithful enough -- although not many Town fans were in attendance, a 60 mile round trip on a Wednesday night is not really attractive.

From Worksop website

North Ferriby website

Attendance 127

Admission £8

Programme £2

Coffee £0.80 -- we had two cups - the clever caterers stayed open in anticipation of the extra time... nice cuppa with full fat milk -- lovely......

Saturday - probably Arnold v Rainworth -- Kev's off to Yarmouth for a few days - so I'll be "Billy No-mates " again.....

Worksop Town 4-4 North Ferriby United

Wednesday 21st October 2009 -- FA Trophy 1st Round replay

Venue : New Manor Ground, Ilkeston.


Attendance 127

Ryan Hindley 59 Daniel Bacon 68 Thomas Jones 80 Matthew Glass 120 for Worksop

Gary Bradshaw 8 Gary Bradshaw 10 Colin Hunter 36 Gary Bradshaw 96 for Ferriby

North Ferriby win 5-4 on penalties

Hat-trick, sending off, 8 goals, extra time, penalties - and only 127 there to watch this spectacle.

Odd fact 1.... all 8 goals were scored in the car-park end of the ground, and the penalties were taken at that end as well.....so a total of 17 "goals" in the one net!

Odd fact 2 ... Matt Glass took the game into penalties with his 120th minute goal for Worksop - then missed the penalty that sent Ferriby through to the next round!

More when I can put it all into perspective......

Clipstone Welfare 0-2 Kinsley Boys

Tuesday 20th October 2009 -- CMLS

This was our first "combined" visit to the Lido - I have before to watch Mansfield play pre-season games, and Kev has seen a youth game there, but this was our first visit together....

We had our brollies to hand, but as one side of the ground is covered, we didn't need them even though it rained throughout the game. Tricky to park at this venue.... ended up parking on a grass verge outside the ground.

£3 to get in and £1 for a programme - but no P.A. system so I have no idea who was playing for either team....as it happens this game was awful and that, combined with the rain meant the pen and paper stayed more or less in the pocket.

The few details worth remembering were jotted down - the goals were in the 8th minute - Kinsley's no.9 Todd Wood found space before running into the box and chipping Welfare keeper Dale Sheppard, and in the 39th minute, when the Kinsley no.8 (named "Tick" apparently), switched from right foot to left and fired past Sheppard from 18 yards out.

Apart from the goals there were a few chances, but the players constant complaining and the referees over-worked whistle made this game instantly forgettable. We spent most of the game in the company of the Referees Assessor and he was as bad as us for wanting the game to end as soon as possible so we could go home......F-T 0-2

Sorry about the short report, but this was as poor a game as we have seen all season - and with these teams are both in the top six of the CML Supreme Division we did expect better..... oh well... can't win 'em all.

Admission £3

Programme £1

Attendance -- h/c 50

Wednesday -- Worksop Tn v North Ferriby at Ilkeston Tn.....

Midweek games......

Tuesday 20th October

UniBond Div 1 South
Belper Town v Brigg Tn
Rushall Oly v Carlton Tn

FA Trophy
Hucknall Tn v Nuneaton Tn

NCEL Premier
Armthorpe W v Rainworth MW

EMCL
Radcliffe Oly v Borrowash Vics

CMLS
Clipstone W v Kinsley Boys
Harworth CI v Calverton MW
Ollerton Tn v Blidworth W
Westella and Willerby v Kirkby Tn

Wednesday 21st October

FA Trophy
Worksop Tn v North Ferriby Utd

Saturday 17th October results

CML Cup
Blidworth W 1-2 Thoresby CW
Calverton MW 3-1 Bulwell Tn
Church Warsop 3-1 Sutton Tn AFC
Harworth CI 2-4 Kirkby Tn
Kiverton 2-1 Kimberley Tn
South Normanton 3-5 Southwell City
Welbeck W 1-1 Forest Tn

FA Trophy
Nuneaton Tn 1-1 Hucknall Tn
North Ferriby Utd 1-1 Worksop Tn
Stocksbridge PS 1-2 Glapwell
Rushall Olym 0-1 Carlton Tn

EMCL Cup
Blackwell MW 0-2 Gedling Tn
Dunkirk 2-1 Hinckley Downes
Greenwood Mds 3-1 Bardon Hill
Holwell 2-4 Borrowash Vics
Radcliffe Olyp 3-3 Gresley

EMCL
Gedling MW 1-0 Radford
Heanor Tn v Anstey Nomads

NCEL Prem
Nostell MW 0-0 Arnold Tn
Rainworth MW 3-1 Bridlington

NCEL 1
Teversal 1-2 Staveley MW

BSP
Eastbourne Boro 1-2 Mansfield Tn

BSN
Vauxhall Motors 3-2 Eastwood Tn

Teversal 1-2 Staveley MW

Saturday 17th October 2009 -- NCEL Division 1

Arrived at the Grange in plenty of time and happily paid our £4.00 - and you have to hand it to the guys on the turnstile - they tried their best to sell me a badge. Then, when unsuccesful at that, they tried me with a bottle opener with a free bottle of Magners. They failed again with their attempt - not that I'm tight, but I don't collect badges and I hate cider!! D'oh!

I did buy a programme though - and we had a couple of quid on the 50-50 draw - although we have no idea if we won or not -- maybe someone from Tevie could enlighten us? (TeversalFC on Twitter has reported that it was claimed)!!

As it turned out the £4 admission fee was well worth it - both teams put on a great display of football - a fantastic advert for the Northern Counties East League, (step 6 in the non-league pyramid) and also for the semi-pro game as a whole.

Staveley went into the game unbeaten in the league and having scored 23 goals in 6 games. Teversal have struggled in the league a little, but for the first 20 minutes or so they more than held their own. If they continue playing the attractive football just witnessed, then they won't struggle for long.

Pleasant afternoon in very pleasant surroundings - and as the game progressed, the home team saw a Michael Lyall free-kick deflected over the bar on 8, then a free kick from the left was flicked on to Marc Rathbone who volleyed home, but was in an offside position when the ball was played to him.


Lyall's free-kick was deflected over the bar


Rathbone ( on the floor and hiddden) was offside when he put the ball into the net!

Staveley were awarded a free-kick after 12 minutes after a poor challenge by Jamie Goodacre, but Andrew Fox hammered the ball just wide of the goal. The visitors went ahead on 22 when JOEL BIRKS made a mazy run and played a great one-two with Scott Bates before firing past Tevie keeper Danny Herring.


Joel Birks ( hidden) fires past Herring

Seconds later Birks again had the ball in the net, but was given offside by the lino. Looked a tight decision, and when we had a chat to Herring later, he said it was a perfectly good goal, and Tevie should have been 2-0 down.

It maybe should have been 2-0, but a few minutes later it was 1-1.... MICHAEL LYALL volleying home after Rathbone had played the ball into his path. H-T 1-1


Michael Lyall calmly steers the ball past Dinnigan

Wherever we go on our limited travels, we always like a bit of banter and if a player wants a chat we will always oblige. As mentioned earlier, we had a bit of a chat to Tevie keeper Danny Herring before the second half started - very polite man. He knew how good Staveley have been so far this season and he hoped that his defence would be able to cope for the next 45 minutes....as it turned out they coped very well and it was a wonder strike that eventually gave the visitors the points.

The teams swapped corners and free-kicks early in the second half, and then Staveley had a decent penalty shout turned down on 64 by Referee James Douglas - Fox appeared to have been brought down ,but Mr. Douglas was in a better position to make the call. In the 68th minute, Bates fired in a superb cross from the right and looked amazed as both his strikers missed the ball completely. He was even more amazed when Teversal's skipper Colin Cockerill did connect at the far stick, but while we were all thinking "own goal", the ball fizzed past the post and out for a corner...

Cockerill was lucky not to have scored an own goal!

The winning goal came after 79 minutes had been played. Started with a throw in from the right from Scott Wharton - this was flicked across the area and JOEL BIRKS hammered the ball into the net from 15 yards giving Herring no chance. A great goal, and difficult to aportion blame on anyone - there was plenty of defensive cover ( see pic below) but when these goals are scored, whether defender or keeper, you just have to applaud the finish.

Joel Birks (in yellow) had just blasted the ball into the net...

The home team never gave up and in the 5 extra minutes added by Mr. Douglas, they had a couple of decent chances - and Andy Woodcock (no. 14) maybe should have scored after he ran onto a flicked header from Cockerill's corner, but headed just wide. F-T 1-2

Headed on - but no. 14 Woodcock ran on to head just wide

Kev reckoned that Jamie Goodacre was the Teversal MOM, and who am I to disagree? The left back had a solid game. For Staveley, Scott Bates takes the honour.

Admission £4

Attendance 84

First out of the car park and home just in time to see the Florist's beat the Geordies....

Great afternoon's entertainment.....a big thank you to all involved. Thanks to Kev for the pics ---- more available here

Tuesday - off to the Lido to see Clipstone take on Kinsley Boys in the CMLS

Hucknall Town 1-6 Stourbridge

Tuesday 13th October 2009 -- FA Cup 3rd QR replay

What a game this turned out to be after a 0-0 encounter at Stourbridge on Saturday.

It all started so well for the home team who outplayed their visitors from the off - and were then handed a penalty on 15 minutes after Stourbridge keeper Stuart Brock pulled back Rueben Wiggins-Thomas. LAURIE WILSON stepped up and hammered the spot kick to Brock's right to give Town the lead.

Striker TJ Nightingale then missed a glorious chance to double the lead from close range, heading just over when it looked easier to score. Wiggins-Thomas had a terrific drive well blocked by Brock, and Wilson saw his free-kick fly over the angle of bar and post - but after getting over the disappointment of conceding, Stourbridge gradually took hold of the game half-way through the half.

It seemed it would be only a matter of time before Stourbridge scored and just as we were thinking of where to go and stand for the second half, the ball was fired into the Hucknall box where SEAN EVANS was on hand to tap home. That was in the 45th minute - it was 1-2 seconds later when a mix up between Town defender McCormack and keeper Haystead let RYAN ROWE in, and the striker made no mistake from 12 yards. H-T 1-2

For the first 20 minutes of the second half we were cursing having decided to move behind the Salterford Road goal as Hucknall battered against a stubborn Glassboy defence at the other end of the ground. Fabien Smith let fly a beauty from 25 yards in the 62nd minute - a great effort from the Town right back, but it smashed off the bar and went safe.

Three minutes later the visitors hit with a classic counter attack. With Town pushing forward, the ball was played out of defence and fell kindly to SEAN EVANS who, after runnning into the area, calmly slotted past Haystead.

Our decision to stay behind the Salterford Road goal was proving to be a good one, because from a corner SAM SMITH leaped above everyone else to head powerfully home and put the game to bed.

Shell-shocked Town went further behind on 73 when SEAN EVANS slid home from close range after Rowe had left his marker for dead, leaving him time and space to fire an easy ball across the goal to set up the no.11's hat-trick goal.

The sixth was a simple tap in from a few yards out by sub LINDEN DOVEY, again the Town defence nowhere to be seen.

All in all one of the best games we have seen so far this season. Must have been 30 - odd chances throughout the 90 minutes, and although the Yellows looked good for periods of the game, defensive lapses cost them dear. F-T 1-6

5 minutes after the final whistle we were home -- not quite an epic "On The Road" journey, but well worth the £8.00 admission fee - although the majority of the 324 in attendance probably wouldn't agree............

Saturday -- Teversal v Staveley.....

Some images from Belper v Spalding game

Ouch -- Spalding's Danny George lands awkwardly!!


No. 11 Andy Rushbury wheels away after crashing home the opener


Anthony Wilson runs into the box.......


gets tripped.....penalty!!


Adam Burley takes the spot kick

No. 10 Ben Walker has just added the Nailers' third


Ogden tips over

Luke Fedorenko (facing) hits the fourth


I wondered who this belonged to.....

66 images -- Kev enjoys taking pics......

Local results Saturday 10th October 2009

CMLS
Blidworth MW 1-1 Sutton Tn AFC
Kimberley Tn 3-1 Nettleham
Kirkby Tn 7-2 Clipstone W
Newark Tn 0-3 Forest Tn
Pinxton 4-1 Grantham Rangers
Southwell City 0-0 Calverton MW

EMCL
Borrowash Vics 3-2 Blackwell MW
Dunkirk 1-0 Bardon Hill
Gedling MW 4-0 Ibstock
Gedling Tn 2-3 Hinckley Downes
Gresley 1-1 Radcliffe Olympic
Heanor Town 6-0 St. Andrews
Radford 0-2 Greenwood Meadows

NCELP
Arnold Tn 4-0 Maltby Main
Armthorpe W 1-1 Long Eaton Utd
Thackley 2-3 Rainworth MW

NCEL1
Worsborough Bridge 1-2 Teversal

UniBond P
Durham 0-5 Worksop Tn
Ossett Tn 1-2 Retford Utd

UniBond 1South
Belper Tn 4-0 Spalding Utd
Loughbro Dyn 0-3 Carlton Tn
Stamford 1-2 Glapwell

Notts FA Senior Cup
Basford Utd 1-0 Ollerton Tn

FA Cup
Ilkeston Tn 1-1 Eastwood Tn (replay Tuesday)
Stourbridge 0-0 Hucknall Tn (replay Tuesday)

BSP
Altricham 1-2 Mansfield Town

Belper Town 4-0 Spalding United

Saturday 10th October 2009 -- UniBond Division 1 South

I really didn't fancy going this game - but I am pleased that Kev persuaded me otherwise!!

Arrived as the teams were coming out onto the pitch - normally you get to park inside the ground, but on this occasion that option was not available and we parked in the rugby club car park next to the ground. Only one turnstile was open, so we had to queue for a minute or so - but we still had time to get pie and peas before the game actually kicked off. No sign of the usually excellent pork and stuffing cobs, but the pie and peas were very nice indeed.

Belper hadn't been playing well, according to Club Photographer Tim Harrison, but the Nailers have only lost once in the league so far this season, while Spalding were getting a few put past them every week.

Belper took the game to Spalding from the off, and had the ball in the net in the 9th minute - but centre forward Anthony Wilson was a couple of yards offside when he received the ball. Wilson was unlucky a minute later when Spalding keeper Norris just beat him to a neat ball played into the area.

On 21, Stevenson played a great ball into the Spalding box, and Ben Walker met the ball well but his header flew just over the bar.

The Nailers went ahead on the half-hour, when a fantastic clearing header from just inside the Belper half fell to ANDY RUSHBURY who volleyed it straight past Norris from 20 yards out. Wonderful strike from a player just getting back to full match fitness after taking some time out to tour Australia.

It was 2-0 two minutes later. Anthony Wilson ran into the Tulips' box and was tripped by centre half David Hone. ADAM BURLEY stepped up to fire the ball past Norris after sending the keeper the wrong way. As the half ended, Stevenson saw his corner headed goalwards by Wilson - this time the keeper parried the effort and the loose ball was hacked away off the line. H-T 2-0

The second half saw no let up for the Tulips defence, and just 3 minutes in Rushbury was unlucky to see his fierce drive cannon off the angle of post and bar. The Nailers effectively put the game to bed on 54 - a BEN WALKER power header from Stevenson's cross beat Norris all ends up. A great header from the smallest player on the pitch, but the cross from the right was inch perfect.

Spalding had a rare chance on the hour - but Luke Walker's header was tipped over the bar by Belper stopper Adam Ogden.

Belper added their fourth on 79 - this time Stevenson played the ball in from the left - Wilson's flick found LUKE FEDORENKO who fired past Norris from just inside the box.

Second out of the car-park, back on the road with commentary of Stags at Altrincham on the radio ....they won away!!!!!!

Admission £7.00

Attendance 207

Snap -- pie and peas absolutely great ...no idea of how much, Kev paid!!!

I really enjoy going to Christchurch Meadows and I have no idea why I didn't fancy it on this occasion........

Tuesday -- was to be Hucknall Tn v North Ferriby, but is now Hucknall Town v Stourbridge -- they drew 0-0 in the F.A. Cup.

Local games Saturday 10th October 2009

CMLS
Blidworth MW v Sutton Tn AFC
Kimberley Tn v Nettleham
Kirkby Tn v Clipstone W
Newark Tn v Forest Tn
Pinxton v Grantham Rangers
Southwell City v Calverton MW

EMCL
Borrowash Vics v Blackwell MW
Dunkirk v Bardon Hill
Gedling MW v Ibstock
Gedling Tn v Hinckley Downes
Gresley v Radcliffe Olympic
Heanor Town v St. Andrews
Radford v Greenwood Meadows

NCELP
Arnold Tn v Maltby Main
Armthorpe W v Long Eaton Utd
Thackley v Rainworth MW

NCEL1
Worsborough Bridge v Teversal

UniBond P
Durham v Worksop Tn
Ossett Tn v Retford Utd

UniBond 1S
Belper Tn v Spalding Utd
Loughbro Dyn v Carlton Tn
Stamford v Glapwell

Notts FA Senior Cup
Basford Utd v Ollerton

FA Cup
Ilkeston Tn 1-1 Eastwood Tn ( replay Tuesday)
Stourbridge v Hucknall Tn

BSP
Altricham v Mansfield Town

Forest Town 2-3 Kirkby Town

Tuesday 6th October 2009 -- CMLS

A bit of a damp night at the Academy, but despite the conditions both teams put on a decent game for the few hardy souls who turned out for this local derby.

The evening began dry enough, but just after kick off, the heavens opened and it rained on and off throughout the game. It has to be said that the pitch, although far from being the best in the league, held up remarkably well.

There is little in the way of cover at The Academy, so the first half was spent with hood and brolly - we went for the "veranda" cover for the second period, but we found all the other spectators had already taken up the prime spots, so we had a bit of a restricted view, but it was very cosy!!

We have bumped into local author and football fanatic Roger Rann on several occasions and he was present at this match. What Roger doesn't know about the history of the local game isn't worth knowing, and the two books he has written look to be well worth purchasing. I know Roger reads this blog and is always very complimentary. We will be at the Arnold v Rainworth game, so hope to be able pick up our copies then. I know the first volume is officially sold out, but I believe a few, "less than pristine" copies are still available. Proceeds all go the the MS society.

Got the Kirkby team starting eleven from "fredkirkbytown" and the Forest Town line-up from "Petcra".

Forest Town
1. Johnson 2. Jackson 3. Tighe 4. Taylor 5. Jenkins 6. Holmes 7. Hall 8. Burgess 9. Castledine 10. Batty 11. Robinson

Kirkby Town
1. Stanhope 2. Seymour 3. Pilmore 4. Lynk 5. Bowler 6. Hudson 7. Edwards 8. Fletcher 9. Bramwell 10. Ludlow 11. Haslam

Kirkby had the first real opportunity in the 8th minute when a great ball from Bramwell found Haslam who cut inside his marker but fired just wide. After 20 minutes, Forest Town took the lead somewhat against the run of play - Castledine's corner from the right steered home by PAUL BURGESS after the defence failed to clear. The lead lasted barely two minutes though, DAVE BRAMWELL hitting a 20 yard effort that skipped off the wet turf before flying over Johnson.

On 28, Kirkby took a desreved lead - CARL HASLAM ran into the box, beat two defenders and slotted the ball to Johnson's right, just inside the post. Johnson looked slightly bemused and made no effort to get to the ball - I can only assume he thought it was going wide. H-T 1-2

We took our leave from a resigned looking Mr. Craggs after deciding to try and get some cover at the break. As it transpired we still needed hood and brolly, because we gave up with the restricted view and moved into the open.

Forest Town were back on level terms on 55 - this time the corner from the right headed powerfully home by ADIE HALL. Simple goal, but a bit of naive defending from a corner again - lessons to be learned for the visitors maybe?

Kirkby were struggling a little to match the fitness of the home team, but after an intercepted Castledine pass was pumped forward, Haslam raced in one-on-one with Johnson. The keeper did well to block and the loose ball was cleared.

Former Foggo favourite Lee Bowler thought he had put Kirkby ahead on 82, but his effort from a corner was hacked off the line. With just one minute on the clock, Kirkby grabbed the goal that secured all three points. This time Haslam, who looked suspiciously off-side when he received the ball, ran at Johnson and hit a tremendous shot that the keeper did well to parry. Unluckily for Forest Town, the nearest player to the loose ball was DAVE BRAMWELL who had the simple task of tapping home from close range.

The home team almost salvaged something at the death, but could only watch as Elliott's neat shot across goal rolled agonisingly wide of the post. F-T 2-3

Great entertainment considering the conditions - well done to all involved.

Admission £3

Attendance - no idea, but I estimate it at around 50-60

Saturday. Looks like a trip into deepest darkest Derbyshire .... Belper Tn v Spalding Utd. I like going to Christchurch Meadows...the snap is great and the football is usually pretty good too!!

Other local results for Saturday 3rd October

FA VASE
Arnold Tn 0-1 Long Eaton Utd
Rainworth MW 2-1 Deeping Rangers
Dunkirk 2-0 Winterton Rangers.
Borrowash Vics 0-3 Gedling Tn

Notts F.A. Senior Cup
Bilborough Pelican 5-5 Wollaton
Boots Athletic 2-1 Sutton Tn AFC
Keyworth Utd1-3 Kirkby Tn
Kimberley Tn 2-1 Kimberley MW
Magdala 2-3 Greenwood Meadows
Teversal 2-0 Cotgrave
Radford 0-2 Southwell City

FA TROPHY
Clitheroe 1-1 Belper Tn
Glapwell 2-2 Grantham Tn
Wakefield Tn 1-1 Carlton Tn

BSN
Corby Tn 1-1 Eastwood Tn

UNIBOND Premier
Hucknall Tn 2-0 Whitby Tn
Retford Utd 0-1 Marine
Guiseley 1-2 Worksop Tn

EMCL
Gedling MW 0-3 St. Andrews
Heanor Tn 2-1 Ellistown
Radcliffe Oly 1-3 Blackwell MW

CMLS
Clipstone W 2-0 Calverton MW
Forest Tn 3-1 Pinxton

CMLP
Bulwell Tn 3-3 Kiveton

Mansfield Town 1-0 Forest Green Rovers

Saturday 3rd October 2009 -- BSP

This was always going to be a difficult game - Forest Green have improved recently and had recorded two consecutive wins. Add to that the really difficult playing conditions and this game was a good one for the Stags to sneak a scrappy one-nonner......

Kev forgot his camera, but not to worry, he had the presence of mind to capture Rob Duffy netting the games only goal from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.




After our previous visits to Field Mill wearing just a tee-shirt or similar, this was a day for wearing a big coat, and neither myself or Kev were in a big coat!! Consequently we were both frozen by the end of the game....

Entering the car park we had a chat to Stags fanatic Craig Priest - this young man writes a blog for the Chad, writes reports for stagsnet.net, hosts a Stags facebook page and also takes time pre-game to help man the car-park. Craig also co-commentated on the mid week game at Barrow for Mansfield Radio. Dedicated young man, and hopefully the Stags' admin folk will snap him up sometime in the near future.

The game itself was fairly predictable. Mansfield creating all the chances with the wind first half, and Rovers creating them all with the wind in the second.

The only goal of the game was scored by ROB DUFFY. He lost the ball to his marker then as he won it back he was challlenged and he collapsed onto his knees like Willem Defoe in Platoon. The Referee immediately pointed to the spot and Duffy stepped up and calmly slotted past Burton in the Rovers goal. Bit of a soft penalty, but gratefully accepted!

The Stags' best move of the half saw Ryan Williams find Daryl Clare, who in turn found Duffy, who laid the ball into the path of Blair Sturrock - he lashed the ball goalwards forcing Burton to tip over for a corner. Sturrock was getting a bit of stick from some of the home fans, but we were both of the opinion that he was playing well, although he could have done with a little more support. Gary Silk tried to back Sturrock up whenever he could, but the Scot needed more help from the central midfield duo of Gary Mills and Kyle Nix. H-T 1-0

The half was spoiled by the wind, but what upset Kev more that the game being poor was the out-pourings of inane, mindless commentary we were forced to endure from a "supporter" seated directly behind us. I use the term "supporter" loosely - there was no support at all from this party - just needless negative comments on every ball kicked and every decision that went against the Stags....... fair drives you mad! Kev later had a right rant on facebook, but felt much better afterwards....

The second half saw Rovers pour forward looking for the equaliser and Stags keeper Alan Marriott twice made superb saves - once palming over from a 25 yard fierce drive, then diving to clear another long range effort. Although Rovers had most of the possession in the second half, the home defence kept them at bay and the game ended 1-0 to the Stags.

Not pretty, but a result that takes Mansfield up to 4th place in the table.

Strange, but the fixtures mean we will not be going to Field Mill again until 31st October.......

MOM went to Gary Silk.

Tuesday -- off to Forest Town to see them take on Kirkby Town ....