Arnold Town 0-2 Parkgate

Saturday 29th January 2011 -- NCEL Premier Division

With our scheduled game falling foul of the freeze, our second choice game likewise and games being called off left, right and centre, I decided to play it safe and go to where I knew the game was definitely on. Kev wasn't too sure about going to Eagle Valley again, but as it happened the game was a fairly open affair and another £20 was handed over in donations for APTCOO.

Thanks go to John Ramshaw who is an avid reader of "On The Road" and big thanks also to Rob & Caroline Whitehead, along with Son, James and Grand-daughter, Ellie Mae. We were in their company for a while and as usual we consider this to be time well spent.

Come on Tony!

Shake

The home team are struggling to get a full squad together, naming only three subs for this game. Parkgate are flying high in second spot - but had to be content to grind out a result against the Eagles, who played well enough but failed to take advantage of the chances they created.

The first quarter of an hour saw the home team apply a considerable amount of pressure to the Parkgate back line, and were unlucky when, after a series of corners, Hannity was on hand to clear after Jenkinson had failed to collect.

Hannity ready on the post

Parkgate gradually took control of the game, and right back Dan Cardwell was raiding well. He has a terrific long-throw - and it was from one of these that the visitors took the lead on 41, skipper WILLIAM SENIOR leaping to head over Walker in the Arnold goal. The keeper made a despairing effort to get the ball, but it was right in the top corner and in reality Walker had no chance.



 In-coming!!

Cardwell ( no. 2) launches a throw into the box.... Arnold had a great opportunity to level in the 44th minute when Tony Law was tripped in the area. The striker took the spot kick and probably wished he'd have given the responsibility to someone else as he struck the ball some 10 yards over the bar. H-T 0-1



The ball is between Law (no.9) and Hannity (no.11) - you can imagine it's trajectory from this image!!

 
 Jenkinson collects well from Francis' free-kick. 

Didn't take any notes in the second half - it was several degrees too cold to get the notepad out of the pocket! As it turned out, Parkgate doubled their lead on 57 - Ashley Worsfold's shot deflecting into the air to KEIR HANNITY who headed the loose ball into the net. A lucky goal, but that's how it goes when you are struggling. Arnold had a few chances late in the game, but again poor finishing meant that they ended up on the wrong end of a 0-2 scoreline.

Admission £5

Programme £1.20

Attendance 110

Saturday 29th January - games

BSP Mansfield Town 2-3 Wrexham FC BSN Corby Town 1-6 Eastwood Town ( Knox hat-trick 80,82,90) NPP Hucknall Town P-P Whitby Town NP1S Belper Town 0-1 Kidsgrove Athletic Glapwell P-P Barwell Rainworth MW P-P Brigg Town Stamford P-P Carlton Town NCELP Arnold Town 0-2 Parkgate Tadcaster Albion P-P Long Eaton United NCEL1 Glasshoughton W P-P Shirebrook Town Teversal P-P Pontefract Colls MFA Heath Hayes P-P Dunkirk EMCL Borrowash Victoria 1-1 St. Andrews Gedling MW P-P Heanor Town Graham St Prims 1-2 Blackwell MW Greenwood Meadows P-P Bardon Hill Thurnby Nirvana 3-0 Gedling Town CMLS Blidworth W P-P Dronfield Town Calverton MW P-P Westella & Willerby Church Warsop S & SC P-P Nettleham Clipstone W P-P Harworth CI Kinsley Boys P-P Kirkby Town Newark Town 1-2 Parkhouse Ollerton Town 2-5 Pinxton Southwell City 1-2Sheffield Parramore Sutton Town AFC P-P Kimberley Town CMLP Nottingham United 3-0 AFC Hucknall NSL Awsworth Villa P-P Gedling Southbank Bilborough Pelican 1-1 Boots Athletic Bulwell 3-1 Keyworth United F C Cavaliers 4-2 Clifton FC Hucknall Rolls Leisure P-P Kimberley MW Linby CW 3-0 Basford United

Heanor Town 8-1 Holwell Sports

Wednesday 26th January 2011 - EMCL


 

Never expected this scoreline - and after Holwell scored first, I suspect they didn't expect it either! Must admit, we are chuffed to bits to have chosen this game .. it was an almost perfect Heanor performance, we were in good company, the Charity netted a few bob, and we met a lovely groundhopping couple from Leicestershire who had nothing but praise for the "On The Road" blog. I'm taking this opportunity to say thank you very much - we will visit Loughborough Dynamo some time in the future, if only to meet up with you again! Spent most of the match in the company of Tony Squires along with Heanor full back James Whiteheads' parents, Rob and Caroline.

The donation from Tony and another chunk of cash from Kev and yours truly, takes the APTCOO total to over £440. I reckon the revised target of £500 may have to be revised again!!

Heanor striker Dan Williams netted five times - I can't remember the last time we saw a player score five....if ever!

Right from the kick off Heanor looked like they were hungry for the win that would consolidate top spot - and only good keeping from Richard Craggs kept out Lee Askham and Dan Williams. A series of corners followed, culminating with a poor effort from Williams that flew high, wide and not very handsome. Askham fired wide in the 11th minute, but on 20 and totally against the run of play, Holwell took the lead. GRAHAM KEAST took full advantage of a few yards of space he was given on the edge of the box, firing left footed past Heanor keeper Mark Frost.

The Lions were only behind for 3 minutes though, mainly due to some terrier like battling in the midfield by right back Lee Stevenson. Only playing due to injury to regular right back James Whitehead, Stevenson won the ball and laid it out to Williams on the right. He fired the ball across the goal to where strike partner NATHAN BENGER was waiting to accept the simplest of tap-ins.

Heanor were relentless in their pursuit of the lead, but they had to wait until 2 minutes before the break before netting again. Stevenson found Benger who slotted across the goal to give DAN WILLIAMS a close range tap in. Just before the half-time whistle, Heanor added to their tally when a Phil Austin corner from the right was headed powerfully home by WILLIAMS. H-T 3-1

WILLIAMS should have had his 3rd on 47, but dragged his shot wide. The striker didn't have to wait too long though before completing his personal treble, a deflected effort from 18 yards completely wrong footing Craggs.

ASHLEY GRAYSON nodded home the 5th on 68, after Phil Austin's superb cross from the left picked him out at the far post.. Grayson had been out of the Lions team due to a long-term injury, and judging by the welcome he received when he went on to replace Benger, he is a real crowd favourite.

On 74, WILLIAMS grabbed his 4th of the game, firing home from 25 yards after being given acres of room to set his sights. The keeper could probably have done better, but the shot was placed well enough and he didn't get much help from his defence. Sub TOM NORRIS was the next name on the score sheet, finishing well at the far post. WILLIAMS rounded off a superb Heanor display with seconds to play - adding the finishing touch to a neat passing move. F-T 8-1

Smiles all the way home - both of us agreeing that the home team's performance was one of the best we have seen this season - anywhere......

Special mention for mifdfield duo Jimmy Gee-Pemberton and Ryan Cancellara. They went quietly about their business, but controlled everything - a very impressive, undemonstrative pairing.

Admission £5

Attendance 79

Next -- ..............................

Arnold Town U19 1-1 Sheffield Club

Monday 24th January 2011 -- North Mids U19 League Division 1

Pinxton FC A-A Nettleham FC

Saturday 22nd January 2011 -- CML Supreme Division

Pinxton FC (click to enlarge, double click to supersize!)

A cracking game that was sadly ended early due to an injury to Pinxton keeper Joey McCormack. I am sure that Kev will join me in wishing the young man a speedy recovery.

 Shake

 

 Match officials

 

Kick off

Leaders Pinxton entertained 6th bottom Nettleham in which, on paper at least, should have been a "gimme". Unfortunately for Pinxton, Nettleham had other ideas and took the game to their host right from the off. The Lincs outfit took the lead in the 6th minute, when left back BUCKLEY fired in a corner from the right that eluded both keeper McCormack and James Senior at the far post.

 

Goal from the corner kick

They should have doubled the lead on 12, but McCormack did well to block from Lee Beesley after the striker had been picked out and Liam Collins had failed to stop the shot.


 
No.9 Lee Beesley foiled



Beesley (no.9) nods home, but this effort was ruled out - there was an offence somewhere....

Pinxton had a great shout for a penalty soon after, the ball clearly striking a defenders arm - however, Referee Mr. Thomas Hawkins and his Assistant both missed the offence and waved play on.


 
Penalty ref ! Not given....

The home team pulled level on 15 after Nettleham veteran keeper Daniels charged out of goal, but missed his kick when put under pressure by Wayne Cooke. The loose ball ran to JAY COOPER who calmly slotted into the empty net from the corner of the box. Just before the break, Nettleham re-took the lead after a great pass from Beesley found SZENDREY and the no. 11 controlled well before firing the ball across McCormack and into the back of the net. H-T 1-2

Spent most of the half in the company of Blidworth's Brett Marshall and Dave Bramwell. Their game at Kirkby had been called off due to the pitch being frozen - they were informed of this while they were in the changing rooms getting ready for the game!

The league leaders were on level terms within just 2 minutes of the restart - JAMIE RENSHAW doing really well to slide in and prod home from 6 yards after the ball had been played into his path. Or - if you want Jamie's version - a 30 yard screamer into the top corner! They were in front five minutes later after Arron Brady went for an overhead kick on 51, but was fouled in the act, according to Mr. Hawkins. I think most people in attendance were slightly amazed at this decision, but FRASER THOMAS didn't care as he smashed the ball past 43 year old Daniels.

Nettleham were not too put off by this latest decision by Mr. Hawkins, and kept pressing the home defence. They were rewarded on 72 when BOWDEN netted from close range after a mix up in the Pinxton defence.

Then came the incident that ultimately saw the game abandoned. McCormack jumped to collect a ball in from the left and appeared to have fumbled the ball allowing LEE BEESLEY a simple tap in. It transpired though, that the keeper had fallen badly on his ankle as he landed, the injury causing him to release the ball.

Ben Newman was ready to take McCormack's place in goal, but no-one seemed to want to take responsibility for moving the stricken player, who was sitting on the cold ground in the goalmouth. After a 30-odd minute wait for an ambulance to turn up, Mr. Hawkins decided that the game would be abandoned. Sad end to a great game - Nettleham were well worth the win, but now the outcome of the game rests with the CML committee. If the game has to be replayed, I hope we can get to it!

Strange to see the ambulance struggling to get up the Pinxton slope - well, it struggled until several people (including Kev) gave it a shove!

Admission £2

H/C 35

Next up -- Under 19's at Arnold on 24th ...

Saturday 22nd January - local teams in action

BSP Mansfield Town 1-0 Histon BSN Eastwood Town P-P Droylsden NPP FC United of Manchester 4-1 Hucknall Town NP1S Carlton Town 4-5 Goole AFC Lincoln United 3-2 Glapwell Romulus P-P Rainworth MW Spalding United 0-1 Belper Town NCELP Long Eaton United 2-2 Winterton Rangers Scarborough Athletic 1-0 Arnold Town NCEL1 Grimsby Borough 1-2 Shirebrook Town Louth Town 1-0 Teversal EMCL Anstey Nomads P-P Graham St Prims Barrow Town P-P Gedling MW Gedling Town 4-2 Ibstock United Hinckley FC P-P Borrowash Victoria Holwell Sports P-P Blackwell MW Radford FC 0-3 Heanor Town St. Andrews 1-1 Greenwood Meadows Thurnby Nirvana 2-2 Radcliffe Olympic MFA Dunkirk 1-0 Coleshill Town CMLS Dronfield Town 4-0 Sutton Town AFC Harworth CI 0-1 Newark Town Kimberley Town 2-2 Southwell City Kinsley Boys 4-1 Calverton MW Kirkby Town P-P Blidworth Welfare Pinxton A-A Nettleham Sheffield Parramore 6-1 Church Warsop C & SC Westella & Willerby 3-2 Clipstone Welfare CMLP Bulwell Town 3-1 AFC Hucknall FC 05 Bilsthorpe 0-6 South Normanton Athletic Nottingham United 0-8 Bentley Colliery NSL Senior Division Attenborough P-P Kimberley MW Bilborough Pelican 5-3 Linby CW Notts Police 0-3 Clifton FC

Carlton Town 2-2 Grantham Town

Wednesday 19th January 2011 -- Evo-Stik League Division 1 South

 

 This was our fifth game in five days, and that isn't going to happen again in a hurry. Not only is it a bit draining on the finances, another marathon like this may well end Kev's marriage!!


Anyway, first mention to the car-park steward at Stoke Lane - when we arrived there was not a lot of room to park, but the steward allowed us to park just outside the entrance and allayed any fears of us being blocked in. If only all the high-vis men were as decent as this one!! Grabbed a team-sheet from Mr. Dennett - over the past few seasons Brian has become a real friend of "On The Road" and it's always a pleasure to be in the man's company. Brian is also the latest to donate to the APTCOO charity fund - much appreciated buddy!


Carlton had Deon Meikle on debut - the former Eastwood Town man had signed for the Millers from Worksop after the Hucknall game on Tuesday. He was to have a decent game in midfield, but unfortunately he didn't quite last the 90 minutes - not through fatigue - two yellow cards followed by a red ended his involvement in the game in the 83rd minute.

Carlton were without regulars Joe Naylor, Ashley Kitchen, and Nick Hall, then lost Josh Thornton just before half-time through injury. The game was a bit dull early doors, and the first real chance came on 20 - keeper Neil West fluffed his kick and presented Carchedi with an open goal - the diminutive winger struck the ball well enough at goal, but it crashed off the post saving the keepers blushes.

Grantham looked to have opened the scoring after 33, but Referee Mr. Carratt ruled that West had been fouled, much to the dismay of the Grantham fans that were standing right behind the goal. The home team took the lead with one minute of the half left, and it has to be said totally against the run of play.

Journeyman striker NEIL GRAYSON had showed very little during the half, but his sublime dink over Murray into the top corner from 18 yards was a real masterpiece. H-T 1-0

Grantham were level on the hour mark after Ben Saunders' speculative cross/shot from the right wing dropped over the head of Millers' keeper Neil West. Surprised everyone, none more than Saunders!

The game was by this time becoming a bit of a physical affair, with one or two rash challenges going in. Bonnick and Meikle were both shown yellow by Mr. Carratt as Carlton tried to regain a foothold in the game. On 79, Alistair Asher missed his kick as the ball was played out of the Carlton defence, allowing Bonnick a clear run at goal. The striker could have tried his luck, but saw that TERRY HAWKRIDGE was in a far better position and when the winger received the ball he stayed calm and slammed it past keeper Murray.

The home team were only ahead for two minutes - GIO CARCHEDI lashing home from the edge of the box after good approach play by Grantham. Then Meikle received his second yellow, leaving his colleagues to battle out the remaining time a man down. Credit the home team though - battle they did and managed to hang on for a point. F-T 2-2

Grantham were arguably the better team on the night, but full marks to under-strength Carlton for a gutsy performance.

Admission £7

Attendance 124

A rest now until Saturday - then we're off to Pinxton

Ash Wakelin Memorial Charity Football Match - update

Press Release dated 18th January 2011.

ASHLEY WAKELIN MEMORIAL CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH

16TH JANUARY 2011 @ EASTWOOD TOWN FC

A Memorial Charity Football Match was played on 16th January 2011 at Coronation Park, the home of Eastwood Town Football Club in memory of Ashley Wakelin who died tragically, aged 21, in a car accident at Plumtree on 12th October 2010. Over 450 people attended.

The football match featured three teams; one made up of Ashley’s friends called ‘Wakelin’s Raver Babies’, one from Bilborough United FC (the team Ashley played for) and a ‘Legends’ side which featured former Nottingham Forest favourites; Gary Charles, Brynn Gunn, Nigel Jemson, Darren Heyes and Laurie Duffield. They were joined by Eastwood Town legends; Paul Gould, Richard Smith, Gary Breach and Kelvin Mushambi, Alfreton Town’s Laurie Wilson, Retford United’s Lee Whittington and Heanor Town’s Mark Frost . At the start of the match a minute’s applause filled the air, with Ashley’s family in the centre circle of Coronation Park, surrounded by Ashley’s friends and football legends.

The legends then gave a superb demonstration of controlled football and there were some superb goals notably from Laurie Duffield, Kelvin Mushambi and Nigel Jemson. Football fans were given a real treat seeing the legends show that they still had the magic and local Eastwood fans turned out too to see players from the past.

At the half time interval the ‘Ashley Wakelin Memorial Shield’ for ‘endeavour and commitment’ was presented by Ashley’s friends and work colleagues from DHL Express to Bilborough United FC. The shield will be presented each season to a player at Bilborough United who has shown those qualities. A poem dedicated to Ashley from friends at DHL was then read out and it was announced that DHL had also named a room after Ashley at their East Midlands Airport headquarters.

In the second half, Bilborough United replaced the ‘legends’ and showed why they are becoming a force in local football but Wakelin’s Raver Babies fought back and showed the sort of fighting spirit that Ashley was known for. Afterwards in the Eastwood Town Social bar a raffle took place with over 30 prizes and then a charity memorabilia auction, with the highlight being a signed boxing glove, kindly donated by World Champion Carl Froch fetching £220 and which was won by Ashley’s mum.

On the day a total of £2,557.08 was raised and will be split between contributions towards Ashley’s memorial bench on Wollaton Park and the charities; The Compassionate Friends and Cruse Bereavement Trust. Presentations of these contributions will take place shortly. Further donations made after the money is distributed will be split 50/50 between both charities.

In addition, Ashley’s Grandma, Margaret Wakelin also made a donation of £500 towards the cost of two trees to be planted on Wollaton Park; one in memory of Ashley, and the other for his brother Dillon.

Special thanks go to Eastwood Town, all of those people involved with making this event a success and thanks to Councillor Graham Chapman who helped Ashley’s family in getting permission for Ashley’s bench.

There are still a few Memorial Programmes left and if anyone would like one please contact Wayne Smith.

If you would like further information or an interview please contact Wayne Smith on 07554016996 or wayno_smith7@hotmail.com.

Hucknall Town 2-0 Worksop Town

Tuesday 18th January 2011 - Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup R3

Blimey - got Kev out for the fourth day on the trot - Mrs. Goodman is fast becoming a football widow!! Mind you, this was one of the occasions when we both wished we hadn't have bothered....poor game played between two teams of players who looked like they couldn't be bothered either.

Hucknall went in front half way through the first period, skipper MARTIN BALL jumping well to head home from a free-kick played in from the right. H-T 1-0

The home team added their second after 20 minutes of the second half had dragged by - David Baofo picking out T J NIGHTINGALE some 12 yards from goal and the striker hammered the ball home giving the Worksop keeper no chance. There were huge sighs of relief all around, as this goal almost certainly ended the possibility of the game going into extra-time. F-T 2-0

Admission £8 ( too much for a League Cup game )

Programme £2 ( didn't bother)

Attendance 110

Next up - Carlton Tn v Grantham Tn ---- game number 80 of the season and five on the spin for Mr. Goodman - has to be a record, as well as a half decent reason for Mrs. Goodman to file for divorce!!

Unity F.P 4-0 Southwell City U19

Monday 17th January 2011 - North Mids U19 League Division 2

After last weeks Unity v Long Eaton cracker, we decided to take in another Unity game, and were treated to yet another great game. The first half was all one-way, and Unity went in 4-0 up at the break. Southwell were far more composed in the second period and restricted the League leaders to just a few chances, while creating quite a few of their own.

BLAIR ANDERSON opened the scoring in the 7th minute, crashing home from 10 yards after the Southwell defence had failed to clear a corner from the right. Anderson turned creator on 20, jinking his way into the box before picking out strike partner ELLIOT ATKIN who rose well to nod home.

A couple of floodlight bulbs blew after about 25 minutes, but the match officials decided that the game could carry on. We were standing in the corner where the floodlight failed and it looked playable from where we stood. A bit dark, but I've seen worse!

The third goal on 37 was a peach..... and there is no way I can do it justice! Seems simple enough! Diminutive winger Reece Jeffries cut in from the left and raced at the Southwell defence before slotting the ball into the path of TYRELL SHANNON-LEWIS - the no.6 didn't have to break stride as he guided the inch perfect pass past the Southwell keeper from 12 yards. Superb...absolutely superb. One of the best goals of the season we have seen so far - and we've seen a few!!!

The fourth Unity goal came after a short corner routine paid dividends - the ball was played out to the edge of the box by Jeffries, then when it was played back to him, he crossed low into the box where ELLIOT ATKIN was on hand to prod home from 6 yards out. Marvelous display of attacking football by Unity. H-T 4-0

Southwell made more of a game of it second half, and were arguably the better side - but a combination of poor finishing and solid keeping by James Elliot thwarted the visitors on several occasions. Not many notes taken second half, the gloves were on and the notepad consigned to the coat pocket....F-T 4-0

Admission £2

Attendance ( H/C) 25 Next up - hope to catch up with Rob "the66pow" Waite at Hucknall Town as they entertain Werksop in the Evo-Stik league cup.

Ashley Wakelin Memorial Charity Football Match

Sunday 16th January at Eastwood Town FC Wakelin's Raver Babies v Eastwood/Forest Legends / Bilborough United

 

Well publicised Charity event - unfortunately our visit was cut short due to my head-cold not enjoying the torrential downpour that began as the second 45 minute game kicked off.

Admission was a donation of £3 - this was to go towards a memorial bench at Wollaton Park, with any remainder going towards charities of Ashley's Mum and Dad's choice - Cruse Bereavement Trust and Compassionate Friends.

The line-ups were kindly supplied by Simon Matters ( Radford FC) and although only a handful of ex-Forest stars turned out, they blended well with the ex-Eastwood legends and gave the Raver Babies a fair old runaround!

Forest/Eastwood : Mark Frost ( Darren Hayes), Lee Whittington, Laurie Wilson, Kelvin Mushambi, Gary Breach, Paul Gould, Gary Charles, Richard Smith, Nigel Jemson, Bryn Gunn, Laurie Duffield.

Wakelin's Raver Babies : Richard Kelly ( Danny Bryant), Dave Seymour, Adam Sadler, Ant Watkinson, Sam Barker, Robert Robertson, Wayne Smith, Eddie Ball, Ryan McKeag, Rob Ormsby, Sam Cresswell. Subs: Joe Morley, Ben Greenhalgh, Lee Stevenson, Neil McKay, James Kingswood, Craig Wakelin.

Bilborough United : John Tuckwood, Gary Richardson, Keith Ashton, John Harrison, Patrick McShane, Alex Bamford, Ben Waplington, Robert Poku, Brian Wheeldon, Ervin Wallace, Grant Hughes. Subs: Paul Manning, Dean Seymour

There was a minutes applause in before kick off in Ashley's memory, then Ash's mum and dad were presented with Ashley's no. 6 Bilborough United shirt, United having retired the number as a tribute to Ashley.

TV cameras were present, along with all sorts of press photographers and other snappers ... going to be a fair few pics on facebook later, no doubt!

The legends had too much for their opponents and were ahead after only five minutes had been played. Gary Breach picking out NIGEL JEMSON who controlled superbly before volleying past Kelley. LAURIE DUFFIELD added the second on 12, firing home from the edge of the box. An attempted pass back to Kelley after 26 was intercepted by LEE WHITTINGTON and the striker made no mistake with his placement. It was 4-0 after 32 minutes, Jemson picking out KELVIN MUSHAMBI a couple of yards from goal, and "Mushie" is not going to miss from there!

DUFFIELD was on the mark again on the half hour, again Jemson the provider. Duffield returned the favour with one minute of the half remaining, JEMSON delicately lobbing Kelley to make the final score of this part of the proceedings 6-0.

With the rainfall increasing, we moved to the Chewton Street end, and had the pleasure of seeing Danny Bryant between the Coronation Park sticks again. Brought back a few memories, as did the superb tip over just a few minutes into the half. Unfortunately from the resultant corner, the Bilborough no.17 flicked the ball home at the near post.

Eastwood's No.1 !!

Goal !!

After this goal was scored, the heavens really opened and we decided to call it a day. Great tribute to Ashley - and the turnout was superb.

Heanor Town 3-2 Bardon Hill

Saturday 15th January 2011 -- EMCL


Programme

 
A bit windy!!

 
Get the names down,,,


 Shake

 
Kick off

Nice, steady drive to the Town Ground, arriving with plenty of time to spare. Gave us a chance to have a chat to "Tall-Lad" Chris Dent for the first time in ages - also invited to a look at the team sheets by Stan Wilton, the Heanor Town 1st team match secretary..

Decided to take up a position in the main stand - it was a bit windy, and with me suffering a bout of "man-flu" it seemed that keeping out of the draught was the sensible thing to do. We were a bit worried that the conditions and very heavy pitch may spoil this match-up between two of the EMCL top clubs, but not a bit of it...both teams played exceptionally well and gave us a cracker of a game. Heanor almost took the lead after just 6 minutes had been played, but Ryan Cancellara's effort was well blocked by Hill keeper Ryan Murphy.


Good block by Ryan Murphy from Cancellara's shot

Two minutes later Bardon went close when Dean Partner fired into the side netting after being played in by a great back-heel from Jake Duffy. The visitors looked dangerous at times, and went ahead on the half-hour mark - Jason Hardy tried to run the ball out of defence, but was robbed by ALEX BOLT and the midfielder ran into the box before firing past Heanor keeper Mark Frost. The home team were soon on level terms though, a shot from the left from Lee Askham was well blocked by Murphy but NATHAN BENGER was on hand to slot the rebound home from 6 yards. H-T 1-1


 
Benger on hand to finish...

Couldn't be bothered to queue for a bevvie at half-time, so spent the time trying to connect my BlackBerry to facebook and twitter, only to fail miserably.

The Lions went in front on 50 when a comedy of defensive errors gave JASON HARDY a chance to lob Murphy from just inside the box - and the youngster did really well to convert the difficult chance. Poor defending - ultimate price paid!

Hardy had the ball in the back of the net again after 64, but even though he was the meat in a two defender sandwich when he fired past Murphy, Referee Mr. Adrian Seward ruled the the striker had committed an offence and the goal was disallowed. Cracking finish, and how the Ref came to his decision, only he knows
.

As it was, Bardon we next to score - and Heanor can only blame themselves. A Bardon player was penned in near the corner flag by two defenders. He was allowed to escape and picked out CARL BENSON who was lurking at the corner of the box - the no. 11 unleashed a fierce shot that flew across Frost before bulging the net.

As the game entered stoppage time, we decided to have a potter towards the exit gate, when Dan Williams was upended just outside the Bardon box. For some reason or other, Kev decided to take a video of the free-kick taken by NATHAN BENGER - and although it is a bit grainy ( we were 80 yards from goal !), the winning goal was captured by the trusty Nokia. That was the final kick of the game, and it was difficult not to feel for Bardon Hill, who on reflection, deserved at least a point from the game. F-T 3-2

Nathan Benger hits the winner in stoppage time...


Two goal hero, Nathan Benger

Teams:

Lions : Frost, Whitehead, Austin, Cancellara, Peel, Kay, Webster, Gee-Pemberton, Benger, Hardy, Askham. Subs : Stevenson, Wells, Gill, Williams, Norris.

Bardon : Murphy, Clifford, Carton, Fletcher, Schulz, Bolt, Partner, Duffy, Fox, Sheldon, Benson. Subs: Hawker, O'Callaghan, Whalin, Ottley, Corrigan

Admission £5

Programme £1

Attendance 107

MOM - Brett Peel ( a rock in the Lions defensive line).

More U19 football next up... Unity take on Southwell on Monday night at Calverton MW

Saturday 15th January 2011 - matches

F.A. TROPHY R2 AFC Telford 1-0 Eastwood Town Mansfield Town 4-2 Newport County NPP Hucknall Town 0-2 Northwich Victoria NP1S Glapwell 1-0 Carlton Town Loughbrorough Dynamo 5-4 Belper Town Sheffield FC 1-4 Rainworth MW NCELP Arnold Town P-P Dinnington Town Maltby Main 1-1 Long Eaton United NCEL1 Shirebrook Town P-P Pontefract Colliery Teversal 1-0 Barton Town Old Boys EMCL Blackwell MW 1-2 Hinckley FC Ellistown 3-1 Borrowash Victoria Gedling MW 4-3 Radcliffe Olympic Greenwood Meadows 0-2 Anstey Nomads Heanor Town 3-2 Bardon Hill Radford FC 5-2 Graham St Prims St. Andrews 2-1 Gedling Town MFA Dunkirk 3-3 Highgate United CMLS Blidworth W P-P Kinsley Boys Calverton MW 1-2Ollerton Town Kirkby Town 1-1 Sheffield Parramore Nettleham 4-1 Kimberley Town Newark Town 0-1 Pinxton Southwell City 1-2 Harworth CI Sutton Town AFC 0-2 Clipstone Welfare CMLP Bentley Colliery 2-1 South Normanton Athletic Whatton United P-P Bulwell Town NSL Senior Division Attenborough 0-6 Bilborough Pelican Bulwell FC 0-3 Basford United Clifton FC 3-0 Cotgrave Welfare F.C. Cavaliers 3-3 Gedling Southbank Forest Town 1-6 Awsworth Villa Keyworth United 3-0 Linby CW Kimberley MW 2-3 Wollaton Notts Police 1-2 Hucknall Rolls Leisure

New pic from Unity v Long Eaton Utd U19 game

Two of the Unity F.P. players, Bernardo Alves and Roberto Labbate pictured after presenting "On The Road" with their APTCOO donation - thanks Kev for the fantastic pics...

Bernardo and Roberto along with yours truly - click on the pics for full screen....

Roberto with team Manager Alan Avery and a beardy bloke!!

Midweek results

Tuesday 11th January 2011 BSP Mansfield Town 2-5 Fleetwood Town F.A. Trophy Eastwood Town 4-3 Rushden & Diamond (AET) NPP Brigg Town 1-0 Carlton Town Rainworth MW 2-2 Stamford NCELP Arnold Town 3-3 Lincoln Moorlands Railway EMCL Gedling MW 2-1 Anstey Nomads Greenwood Meadows 4-1 Gedling Town MFA Dunkirk 1-3 Loughborough University Wednesday 12th January 2011 NPP Glapwell 3-0 Goole AFC NCEL1 Shirebrook Town 1-3 Staveley MW EMCL Holbrook Sports 0-1 Borrowash Vics CML Floodlit Cup South Sutton Town AFC 1-3 Southwell City

Gedling MW 2-1 Anstey Nomads

Tuesday 11th January 2011 -- EMCL Yes. We went to Plains Road and witnessed a home victory!! The "On The Road" jinx well and truly broken, although Welfare made really hard work of it !! To cap it all, Welfare went to the top of the table with this win.....

 

We last saw Anstey at Heanor where they got a 9-0 battering - they never looked like being hammered as this game settled down - in fact it was difficult to tell who was high flying and who was in mid-table.....

Gedling had drafted in a local keeper, Sean Reddington, as Ross Cherry had work commitments. Reddington was, apparently, Woodborough United's keeper, and he found the step up a little to much. He made a very nervous start, and did little to inspire confidence in his back four.

To be quite blunt, the first half was poor, with only the two goals giving me anything to write about - pleased really, because it was flaming cold and gloves were the order of the day.

Stefan Joyce in the Nomads goal had looked confident enough, but after 40 minutes play, Barry Payne ran at him at the near post, Joyce upended the big midfielder giving Referee Mr. Swain no option other than to award a penalty. PAYNE picked himself up, dusted himself off and fired the ball home to give Gedling the lead. The lead lasted only 4 minutes though - Nomads no. 11 WESLEY YORK tried his luck from 25 yards out and was as surprised as anyone when the ball slid under Reddington and flew into the net. H-T 1-1

Decided to grab a cuppa at half-time, and had a tot of whisky added to it - very warming, and as Kev was driving there was no problem....very nice brew - hic!!

The half time interval for Gedling was all of 8 minutes - they came out early for a bit of a kick about before the second half began. The main reason seemed to be that Reddington had been replaced in goal by centre-half Hasham Ramadam, and he wanted some shot saving practice - Danny Roberts dropped into defence with Ben Horton coming on in midfield.

Anstey hit the post in just the 1st minute of the second period, but luck was on the home teams side and the rebound was cleared to safety. The winning goal was scored in the 59th minute - BAZ PAYNE stretching out a long leg to steer home Dave Marlow's left wing cross. That made it 10 for the season so far for Payne - taking him above striker Ben Greenhalgh who missed this game through injury.

Welfare were made to sweat for the final half-hour - or as Kev quaintly puts it - " squeeky bum-time!!" The Plains Road outfit held on with Ramadam keeping a clean sheet, and for a couple of days at least can sing " we are top of the league, say we are top of the league!!"....

Admission £4

Programme £1

Attendance 72

Off to watch 2nd placed Heanor on Saturday - the take on Bardon Hill in 6th .. should be a cracker!

Ashley Wakelin Memorial Charity Football Match

Press release from Wayne Smith...
 
Press Release dated 10 January 2011. ASHLEY WAKELIN MEMORIAL CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH 16TH JANUARY 2011 @ EASTWOOD TOWN FC
  A Memorial Charity Football Match has been organised for 16th January 2011 at Coronation Park, the home of Eastwood Town Football Club in memory of Ashley Wakelin who died tragically, aged 21, in a car accident at Plumtree on 12th October 2010. Kick off will be 2pm.

The football match will feature three teams. The first half will see a ‘legends’ side made up of former Nottingham Forest and Eastwood Town veterans. This team will play Ashley’s friends; the ‘Wakelin’s Raver Babies’. In the second half Bilborough United FC (the team who Ashley played for this season) will play against ‘Wakelin’s Raver Babies’.

Former Forest players; Gary Charles, Brynn Gunn, Laurie Duffield, Darren Wassall, Craig Armstrong, Darren Heyes, Paul Evans, Jason Lee and Nigel Jemson have so far kindly agreed to feature, along with former Eastwood favourites Gary Breach, Kelvin Mushambi, Paul Gould and Richard Smith. More players will confirm later this week.

A separate raffle and memorabilia auction will be held afterwards in the Eastwood Town Social Club where over 20 exciting prizes can be won including a signed Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst photograph, a signed Carl Froch glove, family tour of Leicester City FC, signed Manchester United shirt (with certificate), Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Portsmouth FC shirts, signed Burton Albion football, Derby County tickets and signed football, England shirt signed by Terry Butcher, a meal for two at Alea Casino, Broadway cinema tickets, £25 voucher for Flaming Dragon, two free Ghost walk tickets, whiskey, wine, biscuits and Ashley’s favourite, a box of Doritios!

A £3 donation on the gate will allow admission to the match, a memorial colour programme and entry into the raffle.

All money raised will be split between a contributions towards Ashley’s memorial bench on Wollaton Park and the charities; The Compassionate Friends and Cruse Bereavement Trust. If you would like further information or an interview please contact Wayne Smith on 07554016996 or wayno_smith7@hotmail.com.

Unity F.P 3-0 Long Eaton United U19's

Monday 10th January 2011 -- North Midlands U19's League Div 2

 

U19 football is fast becoming a firm favourite with "On The Road" -- this was Kev's introduction to Unity F.P, and what a game he and I were treated to! It was a pity the rain kept on throughout the game, but the players didn't seem to mind, and both teams served up some cracking football.



 Shake


 Kick off

 
Roberto Labbate, Alan Avery and some bearded bloke!!

 
 Unity players celebrate Conor Croft's goal


No. 6 Conor Croft

Before kick off, Unity team manager Alan Avery along with players Berardo Alves and Roberto Labbate handed over their promised APTCOO donation. On New Years Eve, Alan said he would match the APTCOO fund total as of midnight. The fund stood at that time at £185.00, and true to his word, this sum was handed to me before the game - I am lost for words at times, but this has left me gob-smacked! How many times can I say thank you?? Not enough!!

Unity and Long Eaton are 1st and 2nd respectively in their league, and watching them, you can see why. Both teams play the game in the right way, and both teams have players who you would say could have a bright future in the game.

Home keeper James Elliott did well to tip a well placed shot over the bar in just the 3rd minute, but 60 seconds later his team went ahead after an almightly scramble in the goal mouth culminated with centre-back RICHARD DEAN hammering the ball home from close range.

CONOR CROFT doubled the Unity lead in the 13th minute when his 25 yard fee-kick from an acute angle deceived United keeper Scott Webb and sailed straight into the back of the net. H-T 2-0

Long Eaton almost pulled a goal back on 51, but whereas Unity's first half mad scramble ended with the ball in the net, the ball this time slammed off the Unity crossbar before bouncing away to safety. The visitors were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes when Richard Dean tripped a Long Eaton striker as he went through on goal. A clear goal-scoring opportunity? Referee Mr. Fryer thought so, and Dean duly saw red. Kev thought this a bit harsh, but letter of the law etc.. and Mr Fryer was being watched by an assessor so he really had little choice other than to dismiss Dean. Keeper James Elliott saved the kick, and rather than the score being 2-1, it was 3-0 just 10 minutes later when BLAIR ANDERSON converted from the spot after a Long Eaton defender had clearly handled the ball as he tried to break up a Unity attack.

Long Eaton never gave up, but the home defence, marshalled well by skipper Mario Lopez, never looked seriously troubled and the Nottingham outfit claimed all three points. F-T 3-0

The scoreline is a bit harsh on LEU, who tried in vain to get back into the game, especially after Unity went a man down - on another day they would have at least secured a point, but on this occasion it was not to be their night.

Admission £2 inc programme

Attendance - H/C 30

MOM - Conor Croft - given a role second half in the centre of midfield and never stopped running and tackling and generally controlled the centre of the park brilliantly. What an engine this boy has -- tired me out just watching him!!

Next up -- Gedling MW v Anstey Nomads ... if it stops raining!!!