Pinxton 3-2 Nettleham

Saturday 30th April 2011 -- CML Supreme Division

We had three reasons to revisit Pinxton for this game…

1) We were at the original fixture that was abandoned earlier in the season.

2) We thought there might be the odd goal or two, and we were looking for our 600th goal of the season.

3) Pinxton skipper Jamie Renshaw had promised a donation to APTCOO.

Arrived with 20 minutes to spare, and wondered if there was a game on – there were only a dozen or so cars parked outside the Welfare. As it turned out, it was spectators who were missing – only about 20 turned out for this game.

Had a chat to Pinxton’s Ben Newman before the game – told me about a game next Sunday at South Normanton…. his White Swan Bolsover team are playing Hasland Devonshire in the Derbys F.A. Sunday Senior Cup final. I’ll be there, Benjamin!

We didn’t have to wait long for our landmark 600th goal, in just the 3rd minute, MARTIN JONES blasted a sweet volley past the Nettleham keeper from 20 yards out.

Not a lot of football played in a gusty wind, but Jones had the chance to increase the home teams lead when Watson Charlesworth was tripped in the box. Unfortunately for Jones, he fired the effort wide of the post.

  

Joe Riley had a classic air-shot that Kev caught on camera....sorry, Joe... I have to use it!!

Pinxton keeper Dave McCarthy made a cracking save from a Lee Beesley effort on 39, diving to tip the ball over the bar. H-T 1-0

Went and had a sit in the stand at half-time, but didn’t stay too long – it was a bit chilly once you were out of the sun.

As the players returned after the break, Renshaw handed me his charity donation – thanks Jammer ….. much appreciated and I hope you like the pics.



Pinxton doubled their lead on 50 when Jay Cooper played the ball to Jones, who inturn crossed into the box to where JAMES SENIOR was on hand to slide the ball home.

Jones had a shot well saved by the visiting keeper, and when Jay Cooper pounced on the loose ball, the big stopper blocked well again.

The next goal though was scored by Nettleham’s no. 4 JOSHUA BOWDEN who was left alone in the centre of the goal and fired past McCarthy with the home defence all over the shop…..

Jones missed a sitter on 77 –  he blazed well over after, in Kev’s words “the centre-halves tackled each other and presented the ball to him on a plate” -- !!

The home team did find the back of the net again four minutes later – Cooper finding space to cross from the right, giving WATSON CHARLESWORTH a simple side-foot tap in.

Nettleham kept going though as Pinxton appeared to tire as the game entered it final few minutes, and their no. 10 made the scoreline a little more respectable, tapping past McCarthy on 44. F-T 3-2

The Nettleham keeper had a great game...

Admission  £2

Programme £1

H/C 20

Sunday -- RRVA v Trentside

APTCOO -- Spring newsletter available to download

Link to Spring newsletter

                                                                                   

New logo...

Season update --as we head into the last two weeks of the season

So far -- as we head into May....

Games -  140
Goals - 599
Average - 4.279

Charity - total so far £762.70
Donations = £579.00

"On The Road"  599 goals @ £0.30 per goal £179.70 plus 4 goal-less @ £1.00 = £183.70

Average "On The Road" donation 4.279 x £0.30 = £1.284 per game

Been fun, but also hard work getting all those games in --  but we have made some great new friends as well as strengthening relationships with old friends -- two weeks to go, and I for one, am ready for a rest -- trust me!

Total venues 30

Most visits

Heanor Town 13

Eagle Valley 12

Hollinwood Lane 11

Blidworth W 10

Watnall Road 9

Stoke Lane 8

Stag Ground 8

Pinxton 7

Fieldings 6

Plains Road 6

Kirklington Road 6

Saturday 30th April -- games

BSP
Bath City 2-0 Mansfield Town

BSN
Guiseley 2-2 Eastwood Town

MFA
Dunkirk 2-2 Westfields

NCEL Premier
Nostell MW 0-2 Long Eaton United

NCEL1
Shirebrook Town 1-3 Handsworth

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 1-3 Greenwood Meadows
Borrowash Victoria 1-0 Ellistown
Gedling Town 1-3 Gresley FC
Hinckley FC 4-2 Blackwell MW
Radford FC 2-0 Radcliffe Olympic
St. Andrews 0-7 Heanor Town

CMLS
Church Warsop S & SC 2-1 Calverton MW
Dronfield Town 2-2 Newark Town
Kinsley Boys 3-1 Clipstone Welfare
Kirkby Town 3-0 Kimberley Town
Parkhouse 0-6 Blidworth Welfare
Pinxton 3-2 Nettleham
Westella & Willerby A-A Sutton Town AFC

CMLP
Bentley Colliery 4-1 Bulwell Town
Hutton Cranswick United 3-1 AFC Hucknall
Nottingham United 1-1 FC 05 Bilsthorpe
Phoenix P-P Welbeck Welfare

NCS Senior Cup 1/2 final
Hucknall Rolls Leisure 3-2 F.C. Cavaliers (AET)

NSL Senior Div
Basford United 6-0 Linby CW
Gedling SB 5-1 Cotgrave Welfare
Notts Police 0-7 Attenborough

Charlton Arms 1-3 Notts Medics

Thursday 28th April 2011 -- Notts F.A. Sunday Junior Cup final

Didn't know too much known about these clubs – except that Charlton Arms play in Long Eaton Sunday League Division 1, while opponents Notts Medics are in the EMPAL Division 2.

Had a chat with Mr. Notts F.A. Mick Kilbee before the game started, then stood with Referees Rob Townsend and Declan Bourne for the first half, before spending the second half as a real “Billy No-mates” – I reckon I’ll have to change my deodorant !!

The game kicked off 10 minutes behind schedule as some of the Medics were held up in traffic, but they were quickly out of the traps and the game was only 3 minutes old when they took the lead. No real build up to the goal, the ball just seemed to land at the feet of OLIVER LACEY on the edge of the box, and he smashed it past Tom Geary in the Arms’ goal.

Arms had a great chance to level after 23 minutes, but Danny Prance was foiled by Medics keeper Ben Tschobotko, who blocked well. The keeper was at fault on 38 though, failing to get to a Danny Webster ball into the box, and although the angle was tight, DANNY PRANCE slotted the ball into the open goal. A great finish from the former Eastwood Town Academy player. H-T 1-1

Everyone piled into the clubhouse at the break – it was so cold no-one was interested in a cuppa or chips, they just needed to be indoors…..blimey it was cold!!!!

With 20 minutes or so gone in the second half, Webster had three half decent chances to put Charlton in front, but Tschobotko was able to block and maintain parity.

On 73, Medics went back in front after a superb ball into the box by James Franklin was controlled well by KYLE McBEATH, and the striker made no mistake firing past Geary. Charlton tried their hardest to break down a stubborn Medics defence, but it was the Medics who rounded off the scoring in the 2nd minute of added time, McBEATH again on the spot – going one-on-one with Geary and slotting home to secure the trophy. F-T 1-3

Very good game – two good footballing sides who played the game in the right spirit giving Referee Pat O’Dowd a relatively trouble and incident free game. Well done all!

Admission £2 inc programme

H/C 80

Chesterfield Arms 2-1 Clumber

Wednesday 27th April 2011  -- Notts F.A. Senior Sunday Cup final

This was not a very exciting game .. after half an hour, even Chesterfield Arms keeper Curtis McDonald said he was sorry the game was so boring! 

Attended the game as a guest of Referee Rob Townsend - thanks for that Rob.  I'll pop another couple of quid into the APTCOO pot.....

A few handshake pics -- then the light went and my camera went into my pocket.

Clumber opened the scoring on 41, JAYLEE HODGSON sliding in to poke the ball under Armstrong's body, but the lead lasted barely 60 seconds - the old adage "you are at your most vulnerable when you've just scored" coming true yet again.  As Clumber were still celebrating, MAREK VIPOND found acres of space in the goal area and had the simple task of side footing home a ball played in from the left.  H-T 1-1

I actually took NO notes at all second half...Clumber had a couple of decent chances well block by the large frame of keeper Armstrong, but prolific strike duo Aswaan Allen and Hodgson were both guilty of missing gilt-edged chances.  They were made to pay with just 3 minutes to go.  We were watching Mick  Kilbee setting up the trophies, and praying that someone would score - it was a bit chilly and we were dreading another 30 minutes - when up stepped LUKE ATTENBOROUGH to fire home from 15 yards to secure the trophy for Chesterfield Arms. F-T 2-1

Admission - Rob Townsend's guest
Programme included
H/C 88

Thursday -- Notts Medics v Charlton Arms at Eagle Valley

Arnold Town 2-1 Hallam

Tuesday 26th April 2011 -- NCEL Premier Division

Real relegation showdown game..both teams were on 27 points before kick off, but Arnold had a far superior goal difference.  So Hallam had to win, Arnold just needed a draw.

No programmes on sale at the turnstile, apparently they were selling them in the club. Of course once you've entered the ground you can't get into the club!!  I knew Brian Dennett would be in there, so I called him to see if he would pick me up a copy - but none were available.

Nice to see former Long Eaton player and work collegue Adam Holmes - he was at Eagle Valley to watch his brother Richie play for Arnold.  Spent the game in the company of former Eastwood physio Fred T. Kirk  -we were joined second half by a couple of strange individuals.. one was an Eagles fan of 50 years, but he never stopped moaning about how bad this was, and how poor that player is and what a bad pass that was ....you know the type... thinks he knows everything, but in reality knows sod all.......one classic comment -- "Tony Law never scores" - you guessed - he scored both the Arno goals that kept them in the Premier Division of the NCEL.

Hallam powered forward from the kick off, and had a couple of decent chances as the Arnold defensive nerves took hold!  It was the home team that opened the scoring on 12 though, a Luke Smith corner from the left deflected by Richie Holmes to the far post where it hit TONY LAW on the head and nestled in the back of the net.  

Hallam were level five minutes later when MATT SYKES launched a screamer from 30 yards that was past Arnold keeper Lance Walker before he could react.  Terrific strike - some people around us thought Walker could have done better, but I have my doubts - it looked a goal as soon as the no.11 hit it.  H-T 1-1

Cold night at Eagle Valley again, and the snap shed was doing a great trade in beverages and chip cobs....

The winning goal came on the hour mark, and was a bit of a scrambled effort, but they all count as they say.  A corner from the right was allowed to bobble about in the area, and TONY LAW somehow managed to prod the ball home to restore the Eagles lead. Walker was forced into making some great saves, tipping one effort over the bar and then diving full length to tip the ball round the post. F-T 2-1

Walker tips over

Short report, no pics worth mentioning.....just have to say that I am pleased Arnold survived - after Hucknall's demise on Easter Monday, the last thing Nottinghamshire football needed is another relegated team...

Admission £5

No programme

Attendance TBC 

Heanor Town 2-1 Holbrook Sports

Monday 24th April 2011 -- EMCL

Kev’s taking a well earned holiday with his family, leaving me as “Billy No-Mates” for the next few games. Heanor Town have more or less blown their chances of claiming the EMCL title, but this game v Holbrook Sports was their final home game of the season and as we have been to the Town Ground on numerous occasions this season, missing the final home game wasn’t an option.

Heanor were in top spot and looking favourite to win the title with 9 games to play, but their last seven games have yielded only 7 points. The other title challengers took full advantage, with Borrowash, Gresley and Gedling MW all going above the Lions.

Heanor keeper Mark Frost had “fined” himself £5 for his errors that cost the Lions so dearly in their last home game with Barrow Town - he kindly donated this £5 to the APTCOO charity fund. This was Mark’s second contribution of the season – but after one save he made in this game to keep Heanor in front, I felt like giving it back to him!!  A superb save, Frost diving to his left to block a rasping drive that looked in all the way as soon as it was struck…

After the usual handshakes, the game kicked off in glorious sunshine, but Heanor once again looked a pale imitation of the team both me and Kev have come to admire so much throughout the season.

Holbrook looked the far more dangerous team, and after a series of corners, LEE MITCHELL was given too much room and carried the ball into the box before firing past Frost. Heanor’s best effort came with 5 minutes of the first half remaining, when Lee Askham hit a fierce drive, that ‘Brook keeper did well to tip round the post. H-T 0-1

Heanor replaced Ryan Cancellara and Lee Askham at half time, their replacements Nathan Benger and Jimmy Gee-Pemberton. This made no immediate impact, as Holbrook kept up the pressure on an over-worked Heanor back four.

Entering the final five minutes of the game with thoughts of another home defeat in the mind, Lee Stevenson hit a free kick into the area that eventually fell to the trusty boot of NATHAN BENGER and he duly slotted home.

  
Heanor equalise through Benger..... binocular eyes needed .. come back, Kev!!!!

With seconds of the regular 90 minutes left to play, Heanor were awarded a penalty that JAMES WHITEHEAD smashed home to give the home team an undeserved lead.

Holbrook powered forward and Frost made a couple of fine stops before pulling off his wonder save in added time. F-T 2-1

No idea how Heanor won this, Holbrook were by far the better team on the day. The Lions actually showed some of the fight that was present in spades early in the season, and the result moves them to second place in the table.

Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance 82

Easter Monday games

BSP
Mansfield Town 3-2 Gateshead

BSN
Eastwood Town 2-1 Solihull Moors

NPP
Buxton 1-3 Matlock Town
Worksop Town 2-0 Hucknall Town (Hucknall relegated)

NP1S
Belper Town 3-5 Leek Town
Rainworth MW 1-1 Glapwell
Spalding Town 0-4 Carlton Town

MFA
Loughborough University 4-1 Dunkirk

NCELP
Pickering Town 2-1 Long Eaton United

EMCL
Blackwell MW 1-3 Radford FC
Gedling MW 2-0 Gedling Town
Graham St. Prims 0-0 Borrowash Victoria
Greenwood Meadows 0-0 Radcliffe Olympic
Heanor Town 2-1 Holbrook Sports

CML Cup 1/2 final
KIrkby Town 2-6 Kinsley Boys ( at South Normanton Athletic)

CMLS
Calverton MW 2-1 Westella & Willerby
Church Warsop S & SC 3-3 Nettleham
Ollerton Town 1-2 Kimberley Town

CMLP
Bulwell Town 2-2 South Normanton Athletic
FC 05 Bilsthorpe 5-1 Nottingham United

Rolls Royce Leisure Athletic 1-5 Clumber

Sunday 24th April 2011 – Notts Senior League Premier Premier

This was the last game for basement team Rolls Leisure Athletic, who will now cease to exist. Clumber needed a win to stay top, and keep the pressure on rivals Trentside.

Jaylee Hodgson came to have a chat before kick off – he was a little dubious about playing due to a slight groin twinge – he also has an injured arm that he hoped to protect – sill managed one flying overhead kick though!

Congratulations are in order for the striker – he has just been selected for the Montserrat Nation squad….well done Jaylee.

Anyway, Brian Dennett turned up as the game kicked off, and spent few minutes identifying the players on duty for Clumber. Well known locally : Cashell Walters, Theo Smith, Jarrod Westcarr – these along with Zeke Jenkins and Jaylee make Clumber a very strong, skillful outfit. Add Deon Meikle and Wes Burke and it’s easy to see why they are league leaders, Sunday Cup winners and Notts F.A. Sunday Senior Cup finalists.

Not too many notes, but the visitors opened the scoring on 7, Walters crossing in from the left giving JASON BARRETT a simple close range tap in. 10 minutes later, Westcarr played a superb pass into the path of ASWAAN ALLEN and the no. 9 hammered the ball past the Rolls keeper with aplomb.

Rolls reduced their arrears after 28 minutes, when no.10 “Rico” bundled home from a couple of yards after a ball into the box had rebounded off the post. H-T 1-2

A peach of a goal from ASWAAN ALLEN restored the two goal cushion for Clumber – the no.9 curling a beauty from 25 yards that the keeper could only watch and admire!

On 80, Hodgson played a neat ball “round the corner” straight into the path of ZEKE JENKINS, and the full back chipped the keeper to make the points safe.

There was still time for JAYLEE HODGSON to notch up his 70th goal of the season, a fabulous far post header from Allen’s corner on 87. F-T 1-5

Nice and sunny, without being too hot….but the sunshine football from Clumber would have lit up a dull day anyway!

Can’t wait for the next Clumber game – the Senior Cup final at Carlton Town on Wednesday….

No admission
Attendance 10

Teversal 2-3 Eccleshill United

Saturday 23rd April 2011 -- NCEL Div 1

No particular reason for going to Teversal again, other than the fact it's a nice club to visit - sometimes it's not the best football you'll ever see, but there's always plenty of friendly banter and always a warm welcome. This game was an typical end of season encounter, played on a dust-bowl of a pitch - but another 5 goals chalked up, another £1.50 to the APTCOO pot --- making the total hit the £750.00 mark !

Arrived slightly early hoping to catch a little cricket - but as we walked to the cricket pitch, the players walked off - must have seen us coming!! 

A glorious, hot spring afternoon saw the home subs strip off to soak up a few rays, but the Referee was having none of it and they were soon asked to sit in their dugout.

Eccleshill striker Marcus Edwards had chalked up 34 goals before the game began - Tevie’s top marksman Mitch Slawson, had 18 to his name.

















United had their first effort on goal after just 42 seconds – Andy Howland dinking a shot onto the roof of the net, then 60 seconds later, Hoyland volleyed over with keeper Jono Wilson well beaten.

So, two minutes in and two decent chances for Eccleshill – but it was the home team who scored the games first goal on 11. Danny Pearson found Jamie Goodacre, and even though the full back mis-cued his pass, it fell to kindly to JOEL SMITH who remained calm after his first shot was saved, and rifled the loose ball past Tahj Bell in the United goal.

Tevie had a great chance to increase the lead after 18 minutes when a superb cross in was handled by a defender. Cockerill opted to take the kick, even though the call went out to give it to Goodacre. The Tevie no.7 hammered the kick off the foot of the post – and when it fell to Scott Price, and the visitors no. 5 cleared the danger.

Wilson had to save from Edwards on 23 after Ollie Banks had played him in, then Edwards fizzed a shot past the post on 36. The scores were level in the second minute of added time, that man MARCUS EDWARDS volleying home from 12 yards. H-T

Had a wander into the refreshment area at half-time – despite the hot weather, the chips seemed to be going down well !!!

Straight from the re-start, Eccleshill took the lead, a great mazy run by Edwards ending with him crossing from the right to where OLIVER BANKS was waiting at the far post to slot home.

Pearson hit a fierce drive after 49 that Bell did well to hold on to as United looked to add to their tally. Slawson had a couple of efforts in the 73rd minute, but both flew past the outside of the post, then two minutes later Will Harcourt headed wide from a corner when it looked easier to score.

With 5 minutes to play, it was all square – MITCH SLAWSON crashing home a pile-driver in side the post that Bell could only wave bye-bye.

Thoughts of a well deserved point evaporated just 60 seconds later when SCOTT PRICE was played in by Edwards, and he made no mistake from close range. Edwards appeared to have handled the ball before he played the ball to Price, but Referee Mr. Adam Smith ignored the Tevie shouts, and the goal stood. F-T 2-3

Admission £4
Programme £1
Attendance 63

More Sunday football next up .... Rolls Royce Leisure Athletic v Clumber

Good Friday - Easter Saturday

Friday 22nd April

BSP
AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Mansfield Town

Saturday 23rd April

BSN
Worcester City 1-1 Eastwood Town

NPP
Hucknall Town 0-1 Colwyn Bay
Matlock Town 1-2 FC United of Manchester

NP1S
Carlton Town 1-2 Brigg Town
Glapwell 0-3 Belper Town
Stamford 0-0 Rainworth MW

MFA
Dunkirk 2-2 Studley

NCELP
Arnold Town 1-3 Tadcaster Albion
Long Eaton United 0-0 Brighouse Town

NCEL1
Rossington Main 1-2 Shirebrook Town
Teversal 2-3 Eccleshill United

EMCL
Bardon Hill 2-1 Radford FC
Blackwell MW 1-2 Ellistown
Gedling MW 3-2 Barrow Town
Gresley FC 5-1 Graham St Prims
Ibstock United 0-4 Borrowash Victoria
Radcliffe Olympic 2-2 Heanor Town

CMLS
Calverton MW 2-2 Kirkby Town
Church Warsop S & SC 1-4 Southwell City
Clipstone Welfare 3-1 Nettleham
Dronfield Town 1-3 Harworth CI
Kinsley Boys 1-0 Pinxton
Newark Town 1-3 Westella & Willerby
Parkhouse 1-0 Ollerton Town
Sheffield Parramore A-A  Blidworth Welfare ( 1-1 at half-time -- abandoned due to flooded pitch!)
Sutton Town AFC 1-3 Kimberley Town

CMLP
Bentley Colliery 4-0 Nottingham United
Bulwell Town 2-3 Kiveton Park
Easington United P-P Welbeck Welfare ( Welbeck unable to field a team)

NSL Senior Div
Attenborough P-P Keyworth United
Awsworth Villa 4-3 Notts Police
Clifton FC 1-1 F C Cavaliers
Gedling Southbank 1-6 Basford United
Hucknall Rolls Leisure 8-1 Linby Colliery Welfare
Kimberley MW 1-1 Bilborough Pelican
Wollaton 5-2 Bulwell

Kimberley Town 2-1 Church Warsop S & SC

Thursday 21st April 2011 -- CML Supreme Division 



Went to the Stag ground with thoughts that Kimberley had a chance of winning this encounter – and win it they duly did! Kev also recorded the penalty – I bet there aren’t many video clips of KTFC goals around the Interweb!!

An attendance of 14, including me and Kev, Mr. Mac and Mr. Dennett ( still in 7th heaven after his beloved Carlton Town beat Hucknall Town to reach the final of the Notts. F.A. Senior Cup) – goodness knows how clubs manage to keep going with gates of this size. The gate money wouldn’t even cover the Officials’ fees.

Mind you, Referee Mr. Buck earned £40 for Notts. F.A. by issuing four yellows for fairly trivial offences – this was meaningless end of season fayre, and not only have the four lads made the effort to get to the game, they now have to pay a tenner each in fines. Common sense Ref, common sense…..

Had a good chinwag with Mr. Mac – mostly about the plight of Eastwood Town who have been put up for sale for £1, following the resignations of Directors Rob Yong and Tony Minnis. The Conference and Broxtowe council take a bow for sticking the boot in, just when the Badgers had got their act together and fought hard to gain a play-off place.. Link to ETFC website

Warsop took the lead halfway through the first period, when LEE EASOM launched a speculative 35 yard volley that cleared keeper Simon Dye and flew under the bar.

Kimberley played some fairly decent stuff and were back in the game when their right back was tripped in the box on 32 – LEON AIKIAM firing home from 12 yards. It got even better for the home team three minutes later when no. 11 JACK HARRISON steered the ball home from close range after latching onto a loose ball. H-T 2-1

Aikiam nets from the spot

Not a lot to say about the second half – Warsop had a few decent efforts, but Tye was up to the task and made a couple of good saves, helping Kimberley to only their second win of the season. F-T 2-1

Admission £3

H/C 14

Saturday -- off to see our friends at Teversal ...

APTCOO - thanks to all who have donated

As is now well known, we both donate £0.15 to APTCOO for every goal we notch up on our travels this season.  So far, we have seen 572 goal in 133 matches, along with 4 nil nil draws. 

By a strange coincidence,  572 goals, and the total received from other donations after Mrs. Tall-Lad's contribution is £572.00 !  So we began by promising £0.15 per goal, but aside from our humble efforts, other donations work out at £1.00 per goal.! Thanks everyone - we now know that the charity will benefit by £800.00 ! Brilliant!

Heanor Town 1-3 Barrow Town

Wednesday 20th April 2011 -- EMCL

After watching free-scoring Heanor Town on several occasions this season, it was something of a surprise to see them fail to perform when they really needed to.  Keeper Mark Frost had a particularly poor game, but in reality, none of the Heanor players seemed up for this at all.  Heanor knew they had a tough run in at the end of the season - but one win, three draws and two defeats in their last 6 outings has virtually ended the Lions title hopes.

On entering the ground, we were greeted by "Tall-Lad" Chris Dent, who promptly handed over a bag of coils his good lady wife has been collecting for the APTCOO charity. Another £10 to add to the fund. Very, many thanks, Sharon..

Chris asked me to mention a new recruit to the blog readership.  Rob Nix is the groundsman at the Town Ground, and when Chris told him how me and Kev had praised the condition of the pitch, especially after the awful weather early in the year, he is now an avid reader of "On The Road" !

Heanor joint Manager Glenn Kirkwood came over and complimented Kev on his photographic prowess - ironic then that none of the pics from this game were usable - nothing to do with Kev, it's was a very strange light at the TG and not very conducive to picture taking.

Barrow dominated the proceedings early on, and deservedly went ahead on 17, MICHAEL PAPAROZZI running into the box and firing past Frost after he was played in by a cracking pass from midfield.


Heanor levelled on the half-hour - Dan Williams carried the ball into the box and somehow squeezed it to the edge of the area to NATHAN BENGER, who hit a tame effort that crept past Barrow keeper Adam Wilcox with the help of a deflection.

4 minutes before the break, Barrow re-took the lead, PAPAROZZI again on the spot to lash home across Frost after the home defence failed to clear. H -T 1-2

Went and had a chat to the Tall-Lad during the break – the chat mostly about how the Conference had screwed Eastwood Town’s season up – big time. Apparently Coronation Park is acceptable for BSN games, but not for end-of-season play-offs. The F.A. rejected Eastwood’s appeal, so all the hard work over the last couple of weeks by the Eastwood team has been for nothing. The Badgers have clawed their way from being relegation fodder to 5th place after a superb run – all in vain.

15 minutes in to the second period, Barrow added their third. Frost slid out to collect a ball that was played into the box, but the keeper allowed the ball to slip from his grasp, giving REUBEN JOSEPH-WALKER the simplest of tap ins.

The Lions struggled to get back into the game, and looked nothing like the Town we have come to know over the season. Tony Squires left me a message on facebook, saying that after the final whistle, he felt as if Heanor had been relegated. They now have to rely on other clubs helping them out – but they also need to ensure that the remaining three games are all won. F-T 1-3

Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance 108

Thursday - Kimberley Tn v Church Warsop

Wednesday 20th April -- games

Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/2 final
Carlton Town 3-2 Hucknall Town

NP1S
Market Drayton Town 2-4 Belper Town

EMCL
Gedling Town 1-2 Hinckley FC
Heanor Town 1-3 Barrow Town

CML Cup 1/2 final
Pinxton 0-2 Yorkshire Main (at Harworth CI )

CML Supreme
Parkhouse 1-3 Dronfield Town
Sutton Town 3-5 Ollerton Town

CML Premier
AFC Hucknall 5-1 Nottingham United

Notts Sunday League Cup final
Clumber 4-0 Crusader (at Greenwood Meadows)

Arnold Town 3-4 Scarborough Athletic

Tuesday 19th April 2011 -- NCEL Premier Division

What a cracking game this was, and we almost didn't go! I was thinking of the U19 final at Long Eaton, but when asked, Mrs. Kev said we ought to go to Arnold..... good call, Sue!!

This visit to Eagle Valley gave us a chance to catch up with our friend Rudy Funk. Scarborough are his third club this season, having been at Rainworth and Shirebrook earlier in the season.  We have now seen him in action for all three!

Arnold are struggling at the wrong end of the table, but a win at home against Hallam next Tuesday should see them survive the drop.  Boro are in transition - new Manager, the Chairman has just resigned -  but the fans are really optomistic about the future. They are treating this period of the season as a sort of pre-season, and according to "Seadogfan" Neil,  Rudy has been an instant hit with them.  Nice to have met Neil and put a face to a name - Neil's a fellow Kempster poster.

Arnold more than matched Boro early doors, but on 16, RYAN BLOTT headed past Lance Walker after the Arnold keeper had blocked his initial effort.  Lewis Kearney thought he had levelled soon after, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Kearney slots home, but is offside

The Eagles were level on 38 though when Luke Smithson was played in on goal. As Boro keeper Tom Woodhead came out to challenge the midfielder, Smithson calmly played the ball across the goal to where MARK SMITH was waiting to prod home. H-T 1-1

Scarborough went back in front 10 minutes into the second half - and it was a strange goal by RYAN BLOTT.  Walker punched away a corner, but only found Blott on the left. His cross went straight into the goal, although Gary Hepples might try to claim it! Kev caught this on video.....

Ryan Blott cross/shot goes into the net with Walker beaten

After 67 minutes had been played, Boro were on the mark again - this time Walker failed to hold on to a drive from outside the box, and JAMES WEBB raced in to slam home the loose ball. Walker was having, by his own admission, a real "mare".

Arnold were back in it 3 minutes later when sub CARL SPENCER latched onto a ball played into the Boro area, and delicately chipped Woodhead.  The home team were level on 73,  LUKE SMITHSON rounding Woodhead to fire home after Walkers long kick had been flicked into the area by Martin Carruthers.

The Eagles' celebrations were short-lived, because after just two minutes of parity, RYAN BLOTT was on hand again as a long ball found him with a clear path to goal. Walker rushed out to try and block, but the no. 9 simply lifted the ball over him to complete his personal treble. ( athough the NCEL website accredits Hepples with the second Boro goal).  That was the end of the scoring and although Arnold gave their all on the night, it was just not quite enough. F-T 3-4

Great game, action packed -- and what an easy night for the officials. 

Admission £5

Programme - sold out

Attendance 131

Weds -- Heanor Tn v Barrow Tn.